Does Zion picture a humble God, our eternal hope, our rebirth, our true citizenship, the springs of our heavenly blessings? Let’s begin in Psalm 87.
A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song. (WEB)
Why did God choose Zion, a humble hill, to love more than the highest mountains? Are we born from Zion above, our heavenly city?
He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God: [Selah] (Ps 87:1-3 NIV)
Will sinners and former enemies one day be reborn in heavenly Zion?
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’ (Ps 87:4 NKJV)
Is there an eternal citizenship far more valuable than any worldly citizenship we may have?
Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude (Ps 87:5-6 NLT)
Are the springs of all our blessings in heavenly Jerusalem?
Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.” (Ps 87:7 WEB)
How did the writer of Hebrews use Zion as a symbol of our hope?
But you have drawn near to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, to countless angels in a festival gathering, to the assembly of God’s firstborn children who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel’s blood. (Heb 12:22-24 CEB)
Does Zion picture a humble God, our eternal hope, our rebirth, our true citizenship, the springs of our heavenly blessings? You decide!
Protect Me (Psalm 86)
In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? Let’s begin in Psalm 86.
A Prayer by David. (WEB)
Do we recognize how poor and helpless we are in reality? Do we recognize that God is our only real protection?
Please listen, Lord, and answer my prayer! I am poor and helpless. Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you. Be kind to me! I pray to you all day. Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere. (Ps 86:1-4 CEV)
Will an evil world protect us, or do we trust the One who is truly good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love?
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Ps 86:5-7 ESV)
In a world of stupid wars, senseless oppression of the poor, and corruption at the highest levels, is there anyone like God?
Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours. All the nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name. For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. (Ps 86:8-10 HCSB)
Have we spent years being indoctrinated by people highly educated in the ways of the world, but none of it has solved our troubles? What if we spent time learning the truth of God’s ways instead?
Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth; let me wholeheartedly revere your name. (Ps 86:11 ISV)
Do we praise politicians, theologians, celebrities, the wealthy, the powerful or God?
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Ps 86:12-13 KJV)
Do we live in a world where ruthless people try to scam us, steal from us, cheat us or hurt us in other ways, and do we need divine protection from their schemes?
O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, And a band of ruthless men have sought my life, And they have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Turn to me, and be gracious to me; Oh grant Your strength to Your slave, And save the son of Your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O Yahweh, have helped me and comforted me. (Ps 86:14-17 LSB)
In a dangerous world, should we be anxious, or pray, learn to trust God, and let His peace guard our hearts and minds?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NASB)
In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? You decide!
A Prayer by David. (WEB)
Do we recognize how poor and helpless we are in reality? Do we recognize that God is our only real protection?
Please listen, Lord, and answer my prayer! I am poor and helpless. Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you. Be kind to me! I pray to you all day. Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere. (Ps 86:1-4 CEV)
Will an evil world protect us, or do we trust the One who is truly good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love?
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Ps 86:5-7 ESV)
In a world of stupid wars, senseless oppression of the poor, and corruption at the highest levels, is there anyone like God?
Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours. All the nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name. For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. (Ps 86:8-10 HCSB)
Have we spent years being indoctrinated by people highly educated in the ways of the world, but none of it has solved our troubles? What if we spent time learning the truth of God’s ways instead?
Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth; let me wholeheartedly revere your name. (Ps 86:11 ISV)
Do we praise politicians, theologians, celebrities, the wealthy, the powerful or God?
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Ps 86:12-13 KJV)
Do we live in a world where ruthless people try to scam us, steal from us, cheat us or hurt us in other ways, and do we need divine protection from their schemes?
O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, And a band of ruthless men have sought my life, And they have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Turn to me, and be gracious to me; Oh grant Your strength to Your slave, And save the son of Your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O Yahweh, have helped me and comforted me. (Ps 86:14-17 LSB)
In a dangerous world, should we be anxious, or pray, learn to trust God, and let His peace guard our hearts and minds?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NASB)
In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? You decide!
Restore Us (Psalm 85)
As God favored Israel and forgave them, can He restore us? What are His conditions? Let’s look at Psalm 85.
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. (WEB)
Did God show favor to His land and forgive His people?
You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. (Ps 85:1-3 NIV)
Do we pray for God to restore us in His mercy and grant us both salvation from earthly troubles and eternal salvation?
Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, And grant us Your salvation. (Ps 85:4-7 NKJV)
Are faithfulness and fear of God two conditions for God’s salvation?
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. (Ps 85:8-9 NLT)
Are mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace characteristics of God?
Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven. Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase. Righteousness goes before him, and prepares the way for his steps. (Ps 85:10-13 WEB)
Though all kinds of men have wanted to lead us, have we returned to the true shepherd of our souls?
Though you were like straying sheep, you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your lives. (1 Peter 2:25 CEB)
As God favored Israel and forgave them, can He restore us? What are His conditions? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. (WEB)
Did God show favor to His land and forgive His people?
You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. (Ps 85:1-3 NIV)
Do we pray for God to restore us in His mercy and grant us both salvation from earthly troubles and eternal salvation?
Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, And grant us Your salvation. (Ps 85:4-7 NKJV)
Are faithfulness and fear of God two conditions for God’s salvation?
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. (Ps 85:8-9 NLT)
Are mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace characteristics of God?
Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven. Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase. Righteousness goes before him, and prepares the way for his steps. (Ps 85:10-13 WEB)
Though all kinds of men have wanted to lead us, have we returned to the true shepherd of our souls?
Though you were like straying sheep, you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your lives. (1 Peter 2:25 CEB)
As God favored Israel and forgave them, can He restore us? What are His conditions? You decide!
Your Dwelling Place (Psalm 84)
Where is God’s presence today? Do we desire to be there where He dwells? Let’s look at Psalm 84.
For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. (WEB)
Though God is omnipresent, was His presence once focused on the Temple? Does He dwell in us today? If so, do we love being among those in whom God dwells?
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (Ps 84:1-2 ESV)
Do we love fellowshipping with God’s people, where He dwells today, or are we loners? Is our home among fellow Christians?
Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young—near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise You continually. Selah (Ps 84:3-4 HCSB)
Will those whose heart is on God’s path be given water in a spiritual desert, like the Baca Valley?
How happy are those whose strength is in you, whose heart is on your path. They will pass through the Baca Valley where he will prepare a spring for them; even the early rain will cover it with blessings. They will walk from strength to strength; each will appear before God in Zion. (Ps 84:5-7 ISV)
In our pilgrimage how important is prayer throughout the day?
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. (Ps 84:8 KJV)
How do we view the assembly of the saints? Do we see beyond the faulty humanity in our assemblies and trust in God?
See our shield, O God, And look upon the face of Your anointed. For better is a day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would choose to stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For Yahweh God is a sun and shield; Yahweh gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk blamelessly. O Yahweh of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Ps 84:9-12 LSB)
Where is God’s temple today? Do we have a zeal to be there among those in whom God’s Spirit dwells?
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16 NASB)
Where is God’s presence today? Do we desire to be there where He dwells? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. (WEB)
Though God is omnipresent, was His presence once focused on the Temple? Does He dwell in us today? If so, do we love being among those in whom God dwells?
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (Ps 84:1-2 ESV)
Do we love fellowshipping with God’s people, where He dwells today, or are we loners? Is our home among fellow Christians?
Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young—near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise You continually. Selah (Ps 84:3-4 HCSB)
Will those whose heart is on God’s path be given water in a spiritual desert, like the Baca Valley?
How happy are those whose strength is in you, whose heart is on your path. They will pass through the Baca Valley where he will prepare a spring for them; even the early rain will cover it with blessings. They will walk from strength to strength; each will appear before God in Zion. (Ps 84:5-7 ISV)
In our pilgrimage how important is prayer throughout the day?
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. (Ps 84:8 KJV)
How do we view the assembly of the saints? Do we see beyond the faulty humanity in our assemblies and trust in God?
See our shield, O God, And look upon the face of Your anointed. For better is a day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would choose to stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For Yahweh God is a sun and shield; Yahweh gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk blamelessly. O Yahweh of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Ps 84:9-12 LSB)
Where is God’s temple today? Do we have a zeal to be there among those in whom God’s Spirit dwells?
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16 NASB)
Where is God’s presence today? Do we desire to be there where He dwells? You decide!
Do Not Keep Silent (Psalm 83)
If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? Let’s look at Psalm 83.
A song. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Does it sometimes seem like God is silent or still, when enemies attack?
Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” (Ps 83:1-4 NKJV)
Who are our Edomites and Ishmaelites who are allied against us? Are they really against God?
Yes, this was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you—these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 83:5-8 NLT)
As God has protected His people in the past, will He again, if we are faithful?
Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon; who perished at Endor, who became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let’s take possession of God’s pasture lands.” (Ps 83:9-12 WEB)
Do we recognize and look forward to God’s justice on His enemies? Is the purpose of divine punishment shame, motivation to seek God’s name?
My God, make them like tumbleweeds, like chaff blown by wind. Just like a fire consumes a forest, just like flames set mountains ablaze, pursue them with your storm, terrify them with your hurricane. Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they might seek your name. Let them be shamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace. Let them know that you—your name is the Lord!—you alone are Most High over all the earth. (Ps 83:13-18 CEB)
Is God’s motive of repentance behind His punishment also mentioned by Peter?
The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Pet 3:9 CEV)
If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? You decide!
A song. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Does it sometimes seem like God is silent or still, when enemies attack?
Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” (Ps 83:1-4 NKJV)
Who are our Edomites and Ishmaelites who are allied against us? Are they really against God?
Yes, this was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you—these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 83:5-8 NLT)
As God has protected His people in the past, will He again, if we are faithful?
Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon; who perished at Endor, who became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let’s take possession of God’s pasture lands.” (Ps 83:9-12 WEB)
Do we recognize and look forward to God’s justice on His enemies? Is the purpose of divine punishment shame, motivation to seek God’s name?
My God, make them like tumbleweeds, like chaff blown by wind. Just like a fire consumes a forest, just like flames set mountains ablaze, pursue them with your storm, terrify them with your hurricane. Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they might seek your name. Let them be shamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace. Let them know that you—your name is the Lord!—you alone are Most High over all the earth. (Ps 83:13-18 CEB)
Is God’s motive of repentance behind His punishment also mentioned by Peter?
The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Pet 3:9 CEV)
If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? You decide!
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