Praising Scripture - Dec 23

Annual Bible Reading Plan:

ZEC.1-2
ROM.7

2024 Praising Month Day 23：

Praise “The City of God” (Psalm 87:1-7)
(Memory verses 1-3)

1 On the holy mount stands the city He founded;
2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her;
for the Most High Himself will establish her.”
6 The Lord records, as He registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in You.”

Reflection：
This is a psalm written by the descendants of Korah, a song exalting Zion, the holy city of God. Asaph also praises Zion in the Psalms, calling her “the perfection of beauty” (Psalm 50:2). Zion is so beautiful and glorious that she is worthy of praise because she was founded and built by God Himself, and is uniquely loved by Him. “The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob,” for Zion is the place where God reigns, where His throne is established, and where His will is carried out. The “glorious things” spoken of her highlight her divine significance.
These “glorious things” point to God’s eternal purpose: through the sacrificial love of His Son Jesus Christ, salvation has been accomplished. God is gathering a people for Zion, building a glorious church to become His eternal dwelling place. This people of Zion includes not only the chosen Israelites but also people from Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush. Each one is chosen, known by God, and born anew through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! We, who were once strangers to God’s glory, are now made citizens of Zion. We can sing, dance, and joyfully proclaim: “All my springs are in You!” Let us join in singing a song of Zion, expressing true worship and praise, longing for God’s presence, and willingly allowing Him to reign in our lives. May His will be done in us, and may we become His eternal dwelling place!