Today’s reading:
Psalm 102: 1-17
“You will arise and have mercy on Zion: for the time to favour her, Yes, the set time has come.”
(v. 13)
Many will wonder why we should be concerned with or be connected with asking God to have mercy and show favour to Zion! Also, what does it mean that the set time has come, as said in our Today’s reading in verse 13? It is educative and instructive to trace the origin of “Zion” and to link it with the Zion of today, and of the future.
Severally in the Old Testament books, especially in the Psalms and books of the Prophets, mention is made of Zion. In Ps 48:1-3, the Psalmist describes Zion as the city of our God, his holy mountain, the joy of the whole earth, beautiful in elevation, and located on the side of the north (of Jerusalem). It is said that God is in her palace and He is known as her refuge. Many of the Psalmists and others recorded that God dwelt on Mount Zion (Ps. 74:2; Is. 8:18, Ps. 132:13). Prophets like Joel said of Zion - “God’s holy mountain”. He even quoted God in Joel 3:17-21 as saying that He dwells in Zion, his holy mountain. Prophet Isaiah in Is. 12:6 encouraged the inhabitants of Zion to cry and shout to God, the Holy One of Israel, who lived in their midst. He also confirmed in Is 8:18 that God dwells in Mount Zion. David the king and Psalmist considered Zion as the seat of God on earth (Ps. 65:1, 128:5). No wonder Zion is called the ‘City of God’, a place He loves (Ps. 87:2) and which is used as a symbol of his presence among his people on earth. It is said in Ps 133:3 that God descended on Mount Zion and there He commanded the blessing – Life forevermore. Also, He pronounced his blessings out of Zion (Ps. 128:5).
Historically, Zion is referred to as the “City of David” apart from the “City of God”. This is because, as David went against the Jebusites who were occupying part of the Promised Land, he took the stronghold of Zion and lived there, building all around it (2 Sam. 5:1-10, 2 Chr. 5:2). Later, he became king over the entire Israel and moved to Jerusalem. So, Zion was then called the “City of David”. Furthermore, David built a citadel for God in Zion, where the people called on God. Later when King Solomon built the Temple on Mount Moriah, it was said that it became known as Mount Zion, which encompassed all of Jerusalem. Over time, Zion became known and called “Jerusalem”. Mount Zion stands for Jerusalem literally. What is the ultimate significance of Zion and why should God have mercy and favour on it? The reason is for the sake of saints, who are believers and who will reign with Jesus Christ shortly. Prophecies in the Old and New Testaments point out that after the second coming of Jesus to the earth, He would come down to the earth for a millennial reign (1,000 years), together with victorious saints (Rev. 20:4; Zech 14:4-5). The location of this reign is “Jerusalem – Zion” (Zech 14:8-9, Micah 4:1-2). Given that we are already witnessing the signs of the last days (end of time/age) as prophesied and also spoken by Jesus (Matt. 24; Mk13) the second coming of Jesus is very near (Acts 1:11; Matt 24:33).
The revelation given to John in Rev. 14:1 further strengthens the significance of Zion, in which it is recorded that in the future, Jesus, the Lamb of God will be standing on Mount Zion, with his one hundred and forty-four thousand. Interestingly, the writer of the book of Hebrews in Heb. 12:22 mentioned that the saints (believers in Christ) have come to Mount Zion, the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and to …… the general assembly and church of the firstborn (Jesus), registered in heaven and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant.
Summarily, Zion is a special place to God where his people have been gathered and will continue to be gathered in the future for his glory. Therefore, as believers, we must pray to God to arise and have mercy on Zion and favour it, for our sake. The time set is now, as we are in the last days. It is to be noted that only those who are God’s, that is, believers in Christ, are citizens of Zion, now and in future (Ps. 87:5-6). It is important, therefore, that you accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour so that you can be one of the believers to be in Zion with him.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord.” Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the gift of Zion, Your dwelling place in the past and future.
Oh Lord, thank you for giving us citizenship of Zion, by your sacrifice that makes us believers.
Oh Father, let it please you to have mercy on Zion and favour it now.
Oh Lord, please stir the church up to pray for the good of Zion for its sake.
Father, send revival to our nation so that souls will be won in large numbers, as you make them citizens of Zion.
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