Our Reading: Psalm 48 and Romans 10:8-10
Zion means “fortification”. It is mentioned in the Old and New Testament over 150 times. It has multiple references which include the city of David, the city of Jerusalem, the Jewish nation on Earth, and the future heavenly Jerusalem.
The first mention of Zion in the Bible is 2 Samuel 5:7: “David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.” David was made King of Israel at this time. In this Psalm, the emphasis is not on David as the mighty ruler who makes the nation great, but rather that the city is a mighty fortress because of the presence of God. It is a place where the people can rejoice because God personally inhabits and provides all the resources they need.
“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.” Psalm 48:1-3
David was God’s kingly representative on Earth for a time. He was the foreshadowing of Christ becoming the ultimate King of Israel. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our hearts become God’s temple and dwelling place. Because of Jesus, we can have the joy of Zion in our hearts.
“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
John 14:23
We have the privilege of God’s Spirit to strengthen and fortify us daily as we travel in this earthly realm. But, we also get to look forward to a future Zion where we will have the ultimate blessing of God’s eternal, holy presence with us.
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:22-24
What a wonderful, magnificent place to be in. What rejoicing and festivity we will get to enjoy and share in fellowship with each other. As we reflect upon the amazing privilege of having access to God’s presence and his fortification of our lives, it should encourage us to share with others “….that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.” Psalm 48:13-14
Reflection:
- Do you think about being the temple of God and having the privilege of His indwelling presence? How does that impact your life?
- Do you allow God to fortify your life by spending time developing your relationship with Him?
- Do you pass on the abundant blessings of God by sharing with future generations?
Prayer: Father, how grateful we are that You have made it possible for us to have such intimate access to You! We are blessed to have Your Presence with us wherever we go. You are the source of our strength and You fortify us against the enemy. May we rejoice to join You some day in the future Zion where Your holy Presence will be the ultimate display of love and happiness and where evil will be no more.