Psalm 87:1-7 / A City for God’s People
📘 Scripture
1. He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
2. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.
3. Glorious things are said of you, city of God:
4. “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
5. Indeed, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.”
6. The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.”
7. As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”
📖 Scripture Summary
The Lord has founded the city of Zion on the holy mountain, and He loves it more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of the city of God. Nations like Babylon, Philistia, and Cush are recorded by the Lord as born in Zion. As they make music, they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”
💬 Reflection
God Founded a City (87:1–3)
Zion is the city that God Himself founded on His holy mountain. It is His city, and He loves it more than any other place. It is not surprising that the city is magnificent, and glorious things are said about it. That is the kind of city we would expect from our great and powerful God. In this psalm’s description of Zion, the city that God established for His people, we get a glimpse of what God intends for us. We are meant to reside in a beautiful city that reflects God’s glory. When we remember this, it changes the way we live now: we can live with joyful anticipation, less worries about our struggles, and greater assurance that God has a glorious plan for us.
Reflection question: Reflect on the truth that God has built a city for His people. What difference does the founding of this city make for your present life?
Born in Zion (87:4–7)
Some may be surprised to see nations that were former enemies of God’s people recorded in Zion. Although they are from different places, they will be registered as born in the city. They will have the full rights and privileges of citizens of Zion. The people will sing and make music, celebrating the refreshment they experience there. Sometimes, we focus on the differences between people, which causes division and strife. God does not hold such prejudices. He does not relegate other nations to a second-class status when they willingly acknowledge Him. Likewise, may we mirror God’s heart as we invite people into His kingdom. Let us not focus on our differences but instead recognize our fellow citizens of Zion.
Reflection question: What prejudices do you hold against others? Confess these to God and ask for His heart as you invite others into His kingdom.
🙏 Prayer
Dear God, no city can compare to the glory and magnificence of Zion. Through Your Spirit, guide me in inviting others into Your kingdom without any prejudice so that all of Your people may worship together in Your city. In Jesus’ name, amen.
✍ Essay
A Beautiful City
Cambridge is a beautiful city. The historic brick buildings, the cobblestone streets, and the serene river are an ideal setting for the contemplation that marks the prestigious institution it holds. Brilliant scientists including Isaac Newton, Watson and Crick who discovered the structure of DNA, and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking are just some of the people who did their research in the city.
Dozens of nations are also represented among the many who study and work in Cambridge. It is common to hear multiple languages spoken among the conversations that permeate the city. However, occasionally, prejudices based on gender, race, ethnicity, or religion do affect the relationships—and, subsequently, the research—that take place. Sometimes, these prejudices can even escalate into violence. This is a detriment not only to the Cambridge community but also to those who would benefit from the research produced.
How much more of a detriment would it be to us to hold prejudices against those who could be invited into the kingdom of God? We should not allow superficialities to cause division, strife, or even worse, apathy among God’s people. We should see these differences as beautiful reflections of God’s creative hand. May we not allow any physical or cultural barrier to prevent us from seeing more of God’s people in the city of Zion. May we share the gospel freely to all without hesitation because the Spirit often moves in the most unexpected places.
Written by Ahreum Kim
💬 Today’s Inspiration
“Profound growth happens when we learn and study with those from multiple generations and walks of faith.”
– Katie Polski