Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

Every generation must experience the miraculous intervention of the Lord Almighty on behalf of their lives and their church. It is wonderful to read about the great deliverance of Jehoshaphat but God is still writing history and the centerpiece of his love story is his bride, his people, the church. The ‘city’ is men- tioned repeatedly in this psalm as an intended emphasis; its glory and safety are assured by the pres- ence of the great King!

IV THE INSPIRATIONAL CITY - (9-11)

“ O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.” (9)

The scene changes from the ‘whole earth’, from the battlefield of Tekoa, from the city of God to the Temple: “ They (Jehoshaphat and the army) marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets and proceeded to the Temple of the Lord.” (2 Chron. 20:28) In that intimate place of worship they meditated on four things that gave them the victory over their enemies: 1. The Love of God- “ …we meditate on your unfailing love… ” Love was the very theme of the song that brought defeat to their enemies: “ This is what they sang:’ Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!’” (2 Chron. 20:21) God’s love triumphs over evil.

2. The Name of God- “ As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth.”(10) The meditations of worship in the temple turn into worldwide explosions of praise.

3. The Hand of God- “ Your strong right hand is filled with victory.” (10) The church will always be a place of victory for his people.

4. The Judgment of God- “ Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice. Let the towns of Judah be glad, for your judgments are just.” (11) The meditations on his judgments are converted into expressions of rejoicing reaching all the towns of Judah. Victory is not just for the large congregations (represented by the capitol city Jerusalem) but for smaller congregations as well (represented by the ‘towns’.)

V THE INSPECTION OF THE CITY - (12-14)

“ Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem.” (12)

The inhabitants of the city are now invited to take a tour of their city: • “ Walk around and count the many towers.”(12) The Lord is a tower of protection for his church. • “ Take note of the fortified walls…” (13) The Lord is a wall of salvation for his people. • “ …and tour all the citadels (palaces),” (13) Jesus assures us: “ There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you.” (Jn. 14:2) The city is not only built for de- fense but for living a full life. “ …that you may describe them to future generations.” (13)

It is the responsibility of the present generation to encourage the next one to become inhabitants of the church, to live in an active relationship with his people.

“ For that is what God is like.” (14)

God is like his city, strong, indestructible and full of love, victory and praise!

“ He is our God forever and ever, and he will be our guide until we die.” (14)

Again Jesus assures us of a warm welcome in the Father’s city, in the Father’s home: “ When every- thing is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (Jn. 14:3) This is what our God is truly like.

1 Spurgeon

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