Chapter 518 of 1163

PSALM 87

The earthly Mount Zion is a figure of the heavenly Zion, the city of God and God’s redeemed people (Gal. 4:21–31; Heb. 12:18–24). As you ponder this psalm, take inventory of your spiritual life.

On what are you building (1–3)? Are you building your life on God’s foundation (1 Cor. 3:11)? “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22), for God’s gracious work in this world came through Israel (Gen. 12:1–3). Your Bible is a Jewish book, and the Savior came from the tribe of Judah. When the church was born, the Holy Spirit came on Jewish believers in the temple in Jerusalem. To obey Him is to build on an unfailing foundation (Matt. 7:21–29).

Where is your citizenship (4–6)? Some people like to boast about the place of their birth, but the “once-born” do not have the blessings of the “twice-born.” Through faith in Christ, God’s children are enrolled in the heavenly Zion (Luke 10:20; Phil. 3:20; 4:3)—and will live with the Father forever.

What are your joys (7)? Jerusalem is one of the few ancient cities that is not built by a river. The psalmist found all his joys in Jerusalem, and he wanted nothing more. By faith, you can drink of the river of His pleasures (Pss. 36:8; 46:4) and be satisfied.

“What man needs is not a boost from below but a birth from above.”

Vance Havner

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