May 9, 2017

WORSHIP THE TRUE GOD NEXT TO YOUR WORST ENEMY. IS IT POSSIBLE?

Psalm 87

Lucy Chang
Tuesday's Devo

May 9, 2017

Tuesday's Devo

May 9, 2017

Central Truth

In the end, people from all nations, even those who were enemies of God, will worship Him together. You could be standing next to one of them. Take heart and be encouraged!

Key Verse | Psalm 87:5

And of Zion it shall be said,
"This one and that one were born in her";
for the Most High himself will establish her.
(Psalm 87:5) 

Psalm 87

Glorious Things of You Are Spoken

A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song.

On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
    the LORD loves the gates of Zion
    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
Glorious things of you are spoken,
    O city of God. Selah

Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush 1 87:4 Probably Nubia
    “This one was born there,” they say.
And of Zion it shall be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her”;
    for the Most High himself will establish her.
The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
    “This one was born there.” Selah

Singers and dancers alike say,
    “All my springs are in you.”

Footnotes

[1] 87:4 Probably Nubia

Dive Deeper | Psalm 87

Imagine your worst enemy. This could be a difficult person in your life or someone who has committed an atrocious act or grave injustice. Your gut reaction may be that this person deserves justice and should never be in the presence of the Lord.

This psalm begins on Mount Zion, upon which stands Jerusalem, the glorious city of God. From there, it quickly takes an interesting turn. The Lord speaks of those who “know me” (Psalm 36:10), but continues with a surprising list of Gentile nations: Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush. Rahab symbolizes Egypt (Isaiah 30:7). Tyre represents the Canaanites, a notorious enemy of Israel in the Old Testament. All of these nations have historically been opposed to Israel and Yahweh. And yet they are listed here as being “born in her” (i.e., Zion, the city of God). While they were not physically born of Zion, they are now spiritually born in her, considered among the redeemed, worshiping the same Heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:22-24). Indeed, these Gentile nations will ultimately worship the Lord in Jerusalem (see, e.g., Isaiah 14:28-32, 18:1-7).

Can you imagine what the Israelites might have thought if they knew one day they would be worshiping alongside brothers and sisters from Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, and Canaan? I would be deeply indignant! I wonder if this is what Jonah felt like when he was asked to preach the good news to the Ninevites in Assyria (Jonah 1:1-3). But we know the Lord wants all to be saved and come to a knowledge of Him (1 Timothy 2:3-4). He is patient with everyone, not wishing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). The reality is that we all were enemies of God before being reconciled to Him through Jesus' work on the cross (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21).

Before our hearts harden against those who are currently enemies of God, let us have compassion like the Lord had compassion on us. Then we can rejoice, knowing even some who are far away from God will one day worship Him! 

Discussion Questions

1. Consider the list of the five Gentile nations named in verse 4 (i.e. Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush). Now write down your own list of five people in your life who are either far from the Lord or with whom you have a fractured relationship. What is your attitude toward them? Take a moment to pray for each person.

2. When Jonah was asked to share the good news with the Ninevites in Assyria, he wanted nothing to do with the task. As you consider the five on your list, what is keeping you from sharing Christ or reconciling your relationship with them? What could happen? Is there anything you're afraid of?

3. Take a moment to imagine worshiping alongside each of them in the presence of the Lord. Remember that there is no more pain, division, conflict, hatred, or tears between them and the Lord and between them and you. This is worth rejoicing over! Write down one specific action you can take to reach out to them, either for reconciliation to you or to Christ. Tell someone about this so they can hold you accountable, encourage you, and pray for you in this courageous endeavor!