Chapter 479 of 1163

PSALM 48

Like Psalm 46, this psalm celebrates God’s deliverance of Jerusalem from an invading army (vv. 4–7). To Christian believers, Jerusalem and Mount Zion speak of “the Jerusalem above” (Gal. 4:26) and the heavenly Zion (Heb. 12:18–24) where their citizenship is recorded (Phil. 3:20).

Look at the city (1–8). It is the city of God, the Holy City, beautiful and joyful. But to the enemy who do not know the Lord, it is an awesome place that speaks of judgment. Ponder your heavenly destiny so that you may live a happier and holier life.

Enjoy the city (9–11). It is a place of God’s loving-kindness and righteousness, where His name is praised and His people rejoice. You are not in the heavenly city yet, but you can still enjoy “the powers of the age to come” (Heb. 6:5). “Little faith will take your soul to heaven,” said Charles Spurgeon, “but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.”

Celebrate the city (12–14). Tell others what God has prepared for His people and invite them to become citizens of Zion by faith in Christ (Luke 10:20). To know the God of glory is to know a faithful Guide who will care for you in life and take you to Mount Zion when you die. What more could you want?

“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

C. S. Lewis

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