“The Lord loves the gates of Zion More than all the dwellings of Jacob (Israel). Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God [Jerusalem]. Selah. The singers as well as the players of flutes will say, “All my springs and sources of joy are in you [Jerusalem, city of God].””
Psalms 87:2-3, 7 AMP
Oh Jerusalem. There’s no place on earth as beautiful or as inspiring to me.
While meditating this morning I was struck by the verses above. I’ve heard in various teachings that “Zion” and the phrase to be “born of Zion” is the journey of becoming a worshipper since Zion was the place the people would gather to bring offerings.
While I don’t know about all of that, I can attest to the fact that there is something special about Jerusalem and passing through the Zion Gate. To stand before the Western Wall – the closest place physically to where His presence dwelt in the Tabernacle – is a Holy experience. To walk through the Land and touch things spoken of in the Torah, to see Absalom’s tomb, to cross the Sea of Galilee, to sit where the woman would have been as she touched the hem of His garment, to walk the streets of Jerusalem – all of it and more make me say like the Psalmist, “Glorious things are spoken of you, O City of G-d.”
It grieves me that there is a heretical teaching of “replacement theology” or supersessionism in various denominations today which is in direct opposition to G-d. Nothing could be further from the truth! G-d loves the Jewish people, and His covenant with them is irrevocable.
As a Believer in G-d, it is my duty, responsibility, and honor to pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem, of Israel, and for the Jewish people. Jerusalem is His Holy City and the Jewish people are His Chosen people. The scriptures make it abundantly clear.
As the season of Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread draws to a close, I’m reminded of the customary declaration at the end of the Passover meal in which everyone exclaims with great passion and great joy: NEXT YEAR, IN JERUSALEM!!
As I read His Word again today, a love for Jerusalem, His Holy City, was stirred in my heart once again – the longing to return to the Land. Oh Jerusalem, may I speak glorious things of you.
Father, thank You for the opportunities I’ve been given to stand within the gates of Jerusalem and walk in Your Holy City. Stir in me and in your Church a love for Your city and Your chosen people. May peace be within the gates and borders of Jerusalem and Israel today. Bless Your people with Your presence. Cause Your face and Your favor to shine on them today and always. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Psalms 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87