Joy Gems

Joy over Jerusalem

Psalm 48:1-2 "Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth."

Somehow I thought this referred to the physical beauty of Jerusalem in the eyes of the Jews who made pilgrimage to it. My Berkeley version says it is the beauty of God's church.

In any case, it is to give joy to the whole earth, and so now I'm convinced this refers to the millennium, when Jesus will reign from Jerusalem, and we truly will see peace on earth for a thousand years.

Actually, it has a double meaning. To the Israelites, especially living at the time this Psalm was written, it does refer to their beloved Jerusalem. But I don't know how to take out a personal application, unless it also means (for us believers of all ages), the Holy City of Heaven, which, too, is referred to as Jerusalem in some Bible passages.

Now it is much easier to see how this applies to all of us. We can worship our Great God, and anticipate that glorious city of His where we will live with Him one day. Since we can't go there to experience it before we die, we have to take the Bible's word for it, that it is truly beautiful.

It is totally by faith that we get to know the Lord God, and love Him, so we can praise Him for who He is, and also marvel at that great Holy City He is preparing for us.

PRAYER: Yes, You are the LORD, and most worthy of praise. I'm sure Your Heaven is as beautiful as You say it is! Jerusalem - the New city, or the city You have cleansed for the millennium is also going to be very beautiful. I'm taking Your word for it.

Any God planning ahead for us like that would be great, I know You are the One True and Only God, and You are flawless in Your Greatness and love towards us. Ah-h! What a comfort!

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