July 19, 2023 — Psalm 87 

“On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia— “This one was born there,” they say. And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in it”; for the Most High himself will establish it. The Lord records, as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.” Psalm 87 

The city of our G-d – Jerusalem. Jerusalem was where Melchizedek reigned as king and priest. Jerusalem was the seat of leadership through earthly kings and their kingdoms. Solomon built the Temple there, where sacrifice, worship, and priestly duties were fulfilled. Jesus lamented over this city, the city that killed the prophets and stoned those sent to her. Jesus also honored the city often with his presence — through the feasts He attended, like the Passover celebration. He was accused, sentenced, condemned and crucified here in Jerusalem. He rose on the third day and was seen throughout the city. The church was established in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.  The apostles were energized by the Spirit of God through their initial ministry right there. In other words, G-d’s work was established and set in motion through the chosen people — in their chosen place.   

Psalm 87 is a short glimpse as to what G-d would do through His Son. It is a foretaste of what was to come. It is the place where “Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God”. It is this Holy City of our G-d that will come, the New Jerusalem, redeemed by G-d through Jesus Christ for all eternity. It will be the continued picture of a beautiful community where we will all dwell with G-d. 

Prayer 

Compassionate God, your Son wept over Jerusalem, and he established the new Jerusalem firmly upon rock and made it the mother of the faithful. Make us rejoice in your church, and grant that all people may be reborn into the freedom of your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 

Amen.