Thursday July 22, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 87

And it will be said of Zion, “This one and that one were born in her.” The Most High Himself will establish her.

Psalm 87:5

Reflection: The city of Zion, also known as Jerusalem, is the site of much of the LORD’s wondrous workings throughout time. Theologian David Guzik wrote of Jerusalem,

“There Melchezidek, king and priest of God Most High, reigned and served. There Abraham was willing to offer Isaac on the mount of the LORD where His perfect sacrifice would be provided. There David, Israel’s greatest earthly king, reigned and made it the kingdom’s capital. There the tabernacle of God found its fulfillment and permanence in the great temple David designed and Solomon built. There the institutions of sacrifice, worship, and priestly service were established for centuries. There Jesus recognized and honored the city and observed the feasts and temple rituals. There Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. There the Church was born in a day at Pentecost. There the apostles served and sent out the Gospel.”

The LORD has indeed done great things in, around, and through Jerusalem. He has promised also to one day establish a new Kingdom of His own at the site of this holy City. A New Jerusalem will one day be established, where God will rule over and dwell with His people. Who will be qualified to be a part of His new Kingdom on earth? The LORD says that He will be the One to establish it. His invitation is extended to both the Jew and the Gentile, and He will consider all who know Him inheritors of the citizenship. Even people of surrounding nations, former enemies of Israel – Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush – all who have come to know and love the LORD will find their home there with Him. “This one and that one were born in Jerusalem,” will be God’s decree. The one born again in faith will find new life within the City and will have claim to it forever.

Citizenship will be determined not by birth, but by belief. All inhabitants of the New Jerusalem will be united not only in location, but in allegiance to the One True God. Rejoice then, believer, as you encounter members of the Family of God on earth. For by the LORD’s grace, one day you will dwell together with them in His glorious Kingdom.

Prayer: Sovereign King, we adore You. We give You the utmost praise from our hearts as we recount all that You have done for Your people in the Holy City. Praise You, LORD for Your continued grace upon us that has unfolded throughout time in Jerusalem. Thank You for exhibiting Your mercy. Thank You for extending to us Your kindness. I look forward to living with You in eternity, LORD, along with my brothers and sisters in the faith. I wait in joyful hope to be welcomed into Your glorious City one day. Please keep my eyes up to towards the promise of Your dwelling place, that I would be encouraged everyday to seek You and Your Kingdom first. All these things I pray in Jesus’ Wonderful Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): John 20:1-18; 2 Chronicles 31; Psalm 87