Day 520: Psalm 87- Glorious Things Are Spoken

On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2     the Lord loves the gates of Zion
    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
    O city of God. Selah
 
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush--
    “This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her”;
    for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples,
    “This one was born there.” Selah
 
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
    “All my springs are in you.”
 
Meditation
God wants to satisfy your soul with the glory of His promises totally fulfilled. John Newton wrote a classic hymn based from this Psalm with this truth. In Galatians 4:25 the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of this Psalm to give substance to the freedom we have as children of God, promises totally fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The “glorious things” spoken of for the future are intended to give you satisfaction today.
 
God is the architect of the glorious city that is to come, the New Jerusalem. God loves the city and will dwell with His people in the city. These glorious truths should offer present hope (1-3).
 
The city is a home city for all who believe, converted enemies and peoples from the ends of the earth (4-6). The names of those born into the promise should catch us off guard- Rahab is Egypt, former oppressors of Israel, Babylon destroyed the country and carried Israel into exile, Tyre is an old business partner and Cush is Ethiopia, representing countries from the ends of the earth. The glorious promises of God are for all born of faith, enemies who are converted, and peoples from the ends of the earth!
 
The springs of Living Water flow from the glorious city of God. The waters will revive, restore, renew, and refresh. Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:14) who promises living water for all who trust in Him (John 7:38).
 
Richly Dwelling
-Does the glory of God’s promise for His future plans form you today? Should they? How?
 
-The promises of God are for all who believe, all born by faith are welcomed into the eternal presence of God. The glory of His promises are NOT accessed by anything BUT faith.
 
-Jesus is the fullness of God’s promises, the glory of God incarnate. Ask Him to increase your faith in Him so you can grow in being shaped by the sure promises of God.
 
Key Verse
3 Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.