You Are Not the Only One

Psalm Chapter 87 

Context:

The psalmist praises God by narrating the glorious things spoken about Zion, the City of God.

The place where God made his presence known in the world. For other psalms about zion see Pss 46, 48, 76, 84, 122, 137. The psalmist foresees the day when not only Israel but all the nations of the world, will find their spiritual home in Zion. For the title, see the Introduction.

1 His foundation is in the holy mountains. ² The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

David calls the mountain holy because God’s presence was on Mount Zion. That is where the temple was housed.  He could call these mountains Moriah or Zion, it doesn’t matter, the mountains are holy. We know that Jerusalem existed before David became king. But God determined that Jerusalem would be the place where he would live when he supported Solomon in the building of the temple (2 Samuel 5:6-10).. 

Today we look to a firm and everlasting foundation. Paul says in Ephesians 2:20 that Jesus is called “the cornerstone.” What’s the significance of that?  Afterall there are other stones in the foundation, right?  Look here to see why the cornerstone is essential. The entire foundation of any and every building rests upon the correct placement and security of the cornerstone. So, in Christianity, the solid foundation on which the church is built is Jesus Christ. He is holy, infallible, never makes mistakes.  Then come the prophets and apostles (Eph. 2:18-21). They were called to lay down the foundation of the dissemination of the truth of the Gospel. To secure the foundation walls of “The Way/The Church.

So what do the people think about Zion?

³ Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. They looked look at the physical Zion and saw it’s beauty, glory, splendor and talked about it. Not just the people of Israel. People came from all over the world to see the temple that Solomon built.

⁴ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. A metaphor for all of the heathen nations who will come to know Christ. This appears to be referencing the Book of Life. In that book will be the names of all people form all nations who have worshipped and served The Lord. It will not just be about Israel. (See Psalm 86:1-10; Psalm 69:28). 

⁵ And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. Just look at the posibilities for the gentiles who accept Christ. They will be allowed to called citizens of Zion. (see Exod. 32:32; Pss 40:7; 56:8; 69:27– 28; 109:13– 15; Isa. 4:3; 56:5; Ezek. 13:9; Mal. 3:16– 18) ⁶ The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.  Only those born of God through Jesus Christ can be included in this count. To have one’s name written in the Lamb’s book of life, requires them to be born of Him. Born into the church. Just imagine that all Christians who are living or have ever lived, is in that count. The count of the people who are citizens of that holy city of God. Galatians 3:29 tells us that we have that right.  “And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Adoption gives us the same rights as the original members of the family. GLORY!

We are going to have some serious worshipping going on in the City of God! Musicians, we will be jamming in the City of God. Singers, we will be making a glorious noise unto the Lord in that day. Wait a minute now – there will be no excuses then. EVERYONE will have fabulous voices there. Can you imagine? Glorrrrrry! Are you looking forward to that day? You don’t know? Just choose life. Choosing life means that you have chosen Jesus.

When we choose all of these things, we are choosing life with Him forever.