Aug 31 - Psalm 87:3

Glorious things

are said of you,

city of God

Psalm 87:3

Jerusalem -- Zion -- was (and is) God's holy city. It was the focal point of God's presence on earth. 

When Israel was in the wilderness, the Holy of Holies was in the tabernacle, and God would sit upon the mercy seat upon the ark of the covenant. Yes, God was (and is) everywhere, always, but he allowed this to be the focal point of his presence, the place where he allowed fragile humans to meet him. 

When Israel made it to the Promised Land, it was eventually David who carried the ark up to Jerusalem, dancing as he went. And it was Solomon who built the Temple, complete with the new Holy of Holies. Again, this was the focal point of his presence, the place God allowed fragile humans to meet him. 

This was good news. 

This was also bad news. 

How? God is holy. Having him close shine a very bright light on us. Like under an unflattering light in a doctor's office, every imperfection is exposed. 

Being God's Chosen People was as much of a responsibility and burden as it was a blessing. They were chosen to represent God. And God had (and has) high standards. 

Through the years, God blessed Israel tremendously. He watched over them, protected them, and showered them with blessings. The focal point of the universe was on this hilly little city. God was with them. 

But like a good parent, he didn't allow them to get away with selfishness, wantoness, and pride. He corrected them. Often letting them suffer the consequences of their own sin. He let them learn from their mistakes. But at the end of the day (and remember ... for God, a year can be up to a thousand years in length) ... at the end of the day, God would always welcome Israel home. He would rap them in his arms. He would tuck them in. Read Romans 9-10. They would (and will) always be his people. Read Revelation; the focal point of the universe will ultimately rest on Jerusalem again. 

Glorious things are said of you, city of God. Amen. 

In Christ's Love,

a guy who writes these

several weeks ahead, meaning ...

I don't know when this may come out.

But I may literally be in Jerusalem

on the day you read this.

Glorious things are said of you,

city of God." Amen.

God