SCRIPTURE: PSALM 48
MEMORY VERSES:
“Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise; in the city of our God, his holy mountain.” (Psalm 48:1)
“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.” (Psalm 48:9-10)
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” (Psalm 48:14)
This Psalm celebrates God’s deliverance of Jerusalem from an invading army. The Psalmist mentioned about the city of God, his holy Mount Zion which is the joy of the whole earth. It is also the city of the Great king with God being its fortress in her citadels. When the enemies saw Him, they were astounded and fled in terror. They trembled with pain like that of a woman in labor because He destroyed them like sheep of Tarshish shattered by an east wind,. God has made His city secured forever.
The Holy Temple is a place of God’s loving kindness and righteousness where people come to meditate, sing praises, tell of His wonders and rejoice. We also have to come to His presence by going to the church to worship, sing praises and give thanks to Him. We have the responsibility to tell others what God has prepared for His people and invite them to become citizens of Zion by faith in Christ.
WHAT THE ISRAELITES DID AFTER THE ENEMIES WERE DEFEATED:
- They walk about Zion. (v. 12a)
- They go around her. (v. 12b)
- They count her towers. (v. 12c)
- They consider well her ramparts. (v. 13a)
- They view her citadels. (v. 13b)
- They tell of them to the next generation. (v. 13c)
THOUGHTS:
Mount Zion – Jerusalem – is called the city of the Great King. It is viewed as the center of God’s presence in the world. Though it has been destroyed several times, the Bible tells us that God will make Jerusalem safe forever when God will judge all nations and bring justice in the land.
After the enemies were defeated, the Israelites made a tour of the city inspecting its defenses and praising God for the protection. Likewise, after God has brought us through some great trials, aside from praising Him, we ought to inspect our defenses to make sure that the foundations – faith in God, knowledge of his Word and the fellowship and prayers of the body of believers – remain strong.
Map serves as a guide for us when we travel. In life, we also need Bible as our map. Through His Word and the Holy Spirit, we have a constant companion to guide and lead us travel on our life’s journey.