Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

When the Jewish nation rejected Jesus as the Messiah, the earthly city of Jerusalem lost its foun- dation: “But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry. ‘I wish today you would find the way of peace…you have rejected the opportunity God offered you.’” (Lk. 19:41,42,44) but the prophets have foretold of a glorious day when a portion of Israel will return to their God and Jerusalem will again resound with Messiah’s praises: “This is what the Lord almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘ When I bring them back again, the people of Judah and its cities will again say, ‘The Lord bless you–O righteous home, O holy mountain!” (Jer. 31:23) The glory of God that was once spoken of in the city of David is now being displayed world wide as Christ is glorified in his church. God’s love for the nation of Israel and his church made of Jew and Gentile finds its climax as believers in Christ enter the eternal city in heaven. “I will record Egypt (Rahab) and Babylon among those who know me–also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia (Cush). They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!” [ and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’ NIV] (4) The Gentile nations become citizens of Zion/Jerusalem by means of the spiritual re-birth taught by Jesus, “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again…So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’” (John 3:7,8 NIV) The scriptures mention four nations and one city-state that were ri- vals of Israel that have become joyful citizens of Zion. • Egypt (Rahab) – Rahab means pride and arrogance and is a term that was used to refer to Egypt, yet God has determined to show them his mercy. “In that day the lord will make himself known to the Egyptians. Yes, they will know the Lord and will give their sacrifices and offerings to him… (Isa- iah 19:21) • Babylon- This nation along with Egypt, inherited the great Assyrian empire and eventually con- quered Judah and carried them to exile. The City of Babylon is the direct opposite of the City of Zion and represents a worldwide spiritual, financial and moral evil that will receive God’s judgment in the last of time: “Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down as violently as I have thrown away this stone, and she will disappear forever…She is the one who slaughtered God’s people all over the world.” (Rev. 18:21,24) Though they were the oppressors of Judah they are included in the nations that will become spiritual cit- izens of Zion. • Philistia – The Philistines have been the bitter enemies of Judah yet God is reaching out to them through his Son and including them in his family: “All the surviving Philistines will worship our God and be adopted as a new clan in Judah.” (Zechariah 9:7) • Tyre- This city-state on the southern-coast of Lebanon was the richest city in the days of Hezekiah, King of Judah. Though it suffered severe judgments from God, the inhabitants were very re- ceptive to the coming of Jesus centuries later. “Jesus and his disciples went out to the lake, followed by a huge crowd from all over Galilee, Judea, …even from as far away as Tyre and Sideon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him for them- selves.”(Mrk. 3:7,8) Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman whose daughter was demon-possessed took place in the region of Tyre: “I was sent only to help the people of Israel–…” Her faith was rewarded when she said these famous words: “…even dogs are permitted to eat crumbs that fall beneath their master’s table.”(Mt. 15:21-28) • Ethiopia – (Cush) The conversion of the treasurer of Ethiopia in Acts 8:26-39 partially fulfills this prophecy of Ethiopia being ‘born in Zion’! “…the eunuch said, ‘Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?’” (Acts 8:36) “And it will be said of Jerusalem, (Zion) ‘Everyone has become a citizen here.’ And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, ‘This one has become a citizen of Jerusalem. Interlude” (5,6) The New Testament teaching that Gentiles are included in God’s plan of redemption has deep roots in the words of this psalm. Three times the phrase: “were born in her” or “have become citizens” points to the spiritual nature of this citizenship. Paul explains it in his letters: “So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.”(Eph. 2:19) II CITIZENS OF ZION - 4-6

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