City living

 

Today we begin our study of Psalm 48.

Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

 Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. 

 God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. 

 When the kings joined forces, when they advanced together, 

 they saw her and were astounded; they fled in terror. 

 Trembling seized them there, pain like that of a woman in labor. 

 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind. 

 As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. 

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. 

 Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. 

 Mount Zion rejoices, the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments. 

 Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, 

 consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. 

 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48

In today's world, we often hear people talk about getting away from the city. They speak of going "off-grid." They like the thoughts of clear well water, solar panels for electricity, raising their own food, and being self-sufficient.

In the Bible, cities are actually the desirable places to live. If you are not within the walls of a city, you are more vulnerable to bandits, invading enemies, and even marauding wild animals. You need more shelter to battle the elements. You need to travel for your commerce, your relationships with neighbors, and for community support. In ancient times the thought would have been, "Why would anyone want to move out of the city and live in the wilderness?"

Here in America, there is a huge cultural tendency towards individualism. Many of us still prize the liberty and the ruggedness of independent thought and living. As American Christians, we are correct to emphasize having our personal relationship with Christ, but sometimes we forget to also emphasize that the Christian life is more than just "me and the Lord." We are a part of His body -- the church. We are a member of His household. We are citizens of His city.

In fact, God describes heaven as a city! Heaven is said to be the New Jerusalem. So, I guess if we are going to spend eternity in heaven, I had better get used to city living! 

Psalm 48 is a beautiful song of praises for the city of Zion, the city of the great King. It's really a companion song to Psalms 46 and 47, since they also proclaim God's victory over His enemies. 

I'd like to suggest that we read this psalm several times to gain familiarity with it, in preparation for our study. I hope you will join me. These words are so uplifting! 
See you next time!