Day 286: Psalm 48- God's City

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. 3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress. 4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. 5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded;  they were in panic; they took to flight.

6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. 7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah
 
9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. 10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. 11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments! 12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, 13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation 14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
 
Meditation
The defining characteristic of a great city is the citizens, Ancient Jerusalem was the greatest city of it’s day because our great God made it His dwelling place. Our cities can find their full potential for greatness the more Christ’s rule and reign are extended through His people, our practices, and the priorities of our city. May His Kingdom come in our cities as it is in Heaven.
 
“Our great God”, the “joy of all the earth”, our “fortress” (1-3) made His home in Jerusalem. The “city of our God” hosted kings and powers from around the world (4-8). The historic reality draws a foretaste of eschatological hope; God’s city will be established “forever” (8), “forever and ever” (14).
 
To think upon the steadfast love of God in His home (9) is to participate in furthering His praises in all the earth (10), the joy of His righteous rule (11). To walk around God’s city (12) compels us to tell the next generation of the greatness of God (13). God’s greatness is contagious for those who encounter Him.
 
Through Christ the city of God can be manifest in our city, your city. His Kingdom comes when His presence, His glory, fills the hearts of His people and our neighborhoods.  The promise of His glory covering the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14) can be tangible in His people today. The historic reality of ancient Jerusalem gives us eschatological hope in the future grace of God and present purpose for the Kingdom of God.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What do you love about the citizens of your city? How does the greatness of citizens lead to a great city?
 
-God’s city is ancient Jerusalem and this Psalm of Zion celebrates the historic reality of God’s presence with His people as it anticipates the eternal hope we have in the New Jerusalem. What part of this Psalm stands out to you? Why?
 
-How can you create space for glory, God’s presence, His Kingdom to come in your city? Do you believe the greatness of your city will be directly correlated to the presence of the King and His kingdom?
 
Key Verse
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.