IN THE OLD TESTAMENT Many theological ideas are attached to the Zion theme as it develops throughout the history of Israel’s redemption. The dominant idea of Zion as the dwelling place of God, the place where God is in the midst of his people, is joined to the larger theme of Immanuel, “God in our midst.” In the same way that the pillar of fire and cloud stood above the tabernacle during Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Deuteronomy 12:5-14), God would dwell in the place which He has chosen to be called Zion for the spiritual Israelites with His full glory. When Jerusalem became David’s capital and Solomon had completed the temple, the cloud of God’s glory filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10 and 2 Chronicles 5:13-14) and Jerusalem became the dwelling place of God (Psalms 74:2; 76:2, 135:21, Isaiah 8:18 and Joel 3:17-21). The Lord loved and chose Zion (Psalm 78:68 and Psalms 132:13). His glorious presence was there, and he would speak from there, being a place set out for the perfection of saint in righteousness of God (Psalms 50:1-2). His fire was in Zion and his furnace was in Jerusalem (Isaiah 31:8-9). In Zion, he was enthroned above the angels (Psalms 9:11 and 99:1-2), and he ruled over his people and the nations (Isaiah 24:23). God’s chosen king ruled from that holy hill (Psalms 2:6; 48:1).Though the size of ancient Jerusalem was not particularly impressive, for the writer of the Psalms; Zion is God’s holy hill (Psalm 99:9). The prophets describe it as “chief among the mountains, raised above the hills” (Isaiah 2:2 and Micah 4:1). The Canaanite idol, Baal, was thought to dwell on a great mountain to the north, Mt. Zaphon, so the writer of the Psalms describes Zion as “beautiful in its loftiness, like the utmost heights of Mt. Zaphon” (Psalm 48:1-2). God’s sanctuary is “like the high mountains” (Psalm 78:68 and Ezekiel 40:2). An adequate water supply has been a problem for Jerusalem throughout its history. During the Old Testament period, the city’s water came from one small spring. But in the eyes of the poets and prophets, Zion is blessed by a great river that brings life wherever it flows (Psalms 46:4, Ezekiel 47:1-12, Joel 3:18, Zechariah 13:1, 14:8 and Revelation 22:1-2). The threatening waters of chaos cannot shake the city of God (Psalms 46:1-3). Because Zion is the city of God, it is the destination of pilgrims, Jew and Gentile alike, who long to be in the presence of God (Psalms 42:1-2; 63:1). The pilgrim psalms give a vivid expression of their desire (84, 122 and 125-128). All humanity will come to God in Zion (65:1-4). The Gentiles will make annual pilgrimages bringing gifts (Psalm 76; Isaiah 18:7 and Zephaniah 3:9-10). Even former enemies will be thought of as native-born citizens of Zion (Psalm 87:1, Isaiah 60:14 and Zechariah 14:21). The nations will stream into Jerusalem to begin an era of peace (Isaiah 2:1-5 and Micah 4:1-8). Year after year the festivals of Israel will be celebrated by Gentiles in Zion (Zechariah 14:16-19). God has chosen a place on earth where all this promises will be fulfilled on the sake of Gentile’s last grace, before the coming millennium reign of Christ which willinvolve both Jew and Gentiles together. Therefore, remove yourself from Babylon centres, escape for your life, for now is the time of God’s judgement on earth. It is written in 1peter2:6-8, ‘’Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed”. Move to any Apostolic faith church nearest to you and obtain the truth for your freedom in this time of Jacob’s trouble set for Gentiles, for she has been delivered by judgement in fulfilment of the word of God. Isaiah1:27, “Zion shall be redeemed with judgment and her converts with righteousness”. Go now for God want to redeem you in His righteousness according to His word.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Jan 2014 09:23:46 +0000
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