A PLACE TO DESIRE

"The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God" (PSALM 87:2, 3).

In a 2019 ranking, Paris, the capital of France, was voted the most beautiful city in the world by travel experts. The city is also known as one that never sleeps. As beautiful and magnificent as the city appears, the psalmist in our text, describes Zion as the glorious city of God, founded on the holy mountains, a most delightful city, which God delights in.

The Lord loves her gates more than all places where the Israelites lived, because He specifically chose Zion as His worship centre. Glorious things are spoken of this city because at that place, God met His people in praise and offerings. This chosen physical worship centre was desirable to all the true worshippers of God.

Elsewhere in the Psalms, the psalmist says, "I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the LORD." The Church, the elect of God, should be looking forward to that glorious New Jerusalem that comes from God out of heaven; the wall of the city has twelve foundations garnished with all manner of precious stones (Revelation 21:14, 19).

The Builder and Maker is God, and there will be everlasting fellowship with Him over there. This new city is incomparable in beauty and glory to any glorious city on earth.

Therefore, it is not a city to be exchanged for any country of this world. Salvation is the visa and consistent holy living is the boarding pass for the flight to that heavenly and glorious "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."