Topic: A City Without Parallel [December 28, 2016]
Text: Psalm 87:1-7
Key Verse: “The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God” (Psalm 87:2,3).
Lance Lambert described Jerusalem as “a city located among mountains which present a breath- taking view. It can be seen at sunset when the colours of her stone glows with ethereal light. But the real beauty of Jerusalem is of the spiritual ideal, a thought out of the mind of God crystallised in stone and history”. Jerusalem is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world; it is the melting pot of culture and religion.
The psalm for our consideration today was written in praise of Zion, the city of God. The psalmist presents Zion as a unique city without parallel. Other cities like Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia are mentioned, but none equaled in status with Zion the very dwelling place of God. The psalmist believes and sees a future Jerusalem that will be a capital city where all nations of the earth will gladly associate and identify with. Jerusalem or Zion is significant in many ways. David chose Jerusalem for his capital city (2 Samuel 5:6-10), and the Lord confirmed and validated it by putting His temple there. Jesus died and rose again outside the walls of Jerusalem.
The Holy Spirit descended on the church meeting in Jerusalem at Pentecost. It was from Jerusalem that the early Jewish believers scattered to carry the gospel to other nations. The city is significant in its future. It will be the capital city of the Antichrist’s regime and the citadel of Christ’s millennial Kingdom. Even so, the new heaven and earth, the eternal abode of all saints is referred to as the New Jerusalem. The question then is, which Jerusalem are you preparing for? The one of the Antichrist during his diabolical short reign or the New Jerusalem that will descend from above? The choice is entirely yours.
Thought for the day: A man’s decision will eventually determine his destiny
Bible Reading in one Year: Revelation 12-14
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
