Does God have plans for a future that will astound the nations and bless them all? Let’s begin in Psalm 48.
While Zion is literally a small hill in Jerusalem, is it lofty as a mountain in reputation, because it is at the center of God’s city?
Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. (Ps 48:1-3 NIV)
When the nations realize who they are dealing with, God who created them, will fear take hold of them?
For behold, the kings assembled, They passed by together. They saw it, and so they marveled; They were troubled, they hastened away. Fear took hold of them there, And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs, As when You break the ships of Tarshish With an east wind. (Ps 48:4-7 NKJV)
What will the nations say of the city of God once they see it?
We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves—the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 48:8 NLT)
Once the nations realize how good God really is, will they praise Him and rejoice?
We have thought about your loving kindness, God, in the middle of your temple. As is your name, God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments. (Ps 48:9-11 WEB)
Were the nations then encouraged to tour Zion and see how wonderful God truly is?
Walk around Zion; go all the way around it; count its towers. Examine its defenses closely; tour its fortifications so that you may tell future generations: “This is God, our God, forever and always! He is the one who will lead us even to the very end.” (Ps 48:12-14 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have its ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem?
Then I saw New Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God in heaven. It was like a bride dressed in her wedding gown and ready to meet her husband. (Rev 21:2 CEV)
Does God have plans for a future that will astound the nations and bless them all? You decide!
