Reading the list of nations in Psalm 87 my thoughts turn to all the ways they fought against God's people, yet now the Psalmist is declaring them to be citizens of Jerusalem.
"Egypt and Babylon, both monstrous political powers, have been adopted. Philistines, constant enemies of Israel, are now countrymen. Tyre, who at best are fickle trading partners, is now a native. And even the faraway people of Ethiopia are included in God's new city. People from all over the world are now brothers, united by a shared allegiance to God's city, Jerusalem. And while there is no uniform ethnicity or nationality, all people in God's city have this in common: God's census has claimed them to be true children of Zion. And everyone in the city praises God for being their common source, like a fountain spring branching off into many rivers."
Does sit shock us that enemies of God's people are included as citizens in God's city? If we were to replace, the list of nations with names of some of the evilest people in history, knowing they had been welcomed into God's Kingdom, how would we react? Often our hearts can resist seeing those whose lives have been so corrupt, be accepted and forgiven. We would rather they receive judgement and punishment for their actions. Oh, but for the grace of God we would each be like one of those we are quick to despise. Let us consider those within Christ's circle of influence.
"Jesus came to create a new nation (Matthew 4:17); not an earthly nation bound by geographic features, but a heavenly Kingdom inclusive of all tribes, nations, and languages (John 18:36). While Jesus lived, His followers included not just Israelites, but citizens of enemy nations. Roman centurions, Samaritans, and Greeks all followed Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13; John 4:1-42, 12:20-36), not to mention the moral-outsiders like Roman-sympathizing Jews, prostitutes, and sinners that Jesus accepted as part of His company (Matthew 9:9-12). In His life, Jesus demonstrated that He was building a nation not based on geography, language, or even moral virtue but by His people's shared allegiance to Him. The deep love God has for Jerusalem in this psalm was shown when God sent Jesus to the world, so that all who believe in Him will live with God in His city forever (John 12:32; Philippians 3:20)."
All who believe. Every single one. The "Saul's" of this world who openly object the message of the Gospel are not outside the reach of God's hand or the arms of His welcome. As God declares, they can be counted "among those who know Me." That breathes such hope as we watch oppressive people, leaders, and governments maliciously attacking all who stand for Biblical truth. It is not impossible for their hearts to change.
"While it's true that Jesus came to make all people citizens of His one final Kingdom, it's just as common for the Bible to describe this reality as adoption (Hebrews 2:10-11; Galatians 4:4-5). We are members of Jesus' family because He came and died to make us so (John 1:12-13). Where there used to be division between God's people and the rest of the world, Jesus tears those barriers down and forms a new humanity, a new nation, and a new city of God (Ephesians 2:14-18). And the best news is that even rebellious and disobedient enemies of God are invited to join. When we pledge ourselves to Jesus, He secures not just our forgiveness or citizenship, but our inclusion as full members of God's family (Romans 5:7-8)."
Did you see that? "Rebellious and disobedient enemies of God are invited to join." Was that not each one of us before our eyes were open to the truth of salvation? If we know the Lord has our personal Saviour our citizenship forever is secure. Thank You Lord for saving even me.
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