The Gates of Zion

.

The Gates of Zion

If we’re going  to go  through a gate,  we should know  where it leads to.     Psalm 87 speaks of the “gates of Zion”,  which are worth thinking about.    Psalm 87:1-3 says,

His foundation is  in the holy mountains.    
The LORD  loves  the gates  of Zion
More than all the other dwelling places  of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken  of you,
O city  of God.

“Zion” is another name  for Jerusalem,  which is a city  King David conquered.     The Temple  that was built there  is situated  in an area  of several hills.    The Temple was situated  on the hill Zion.    Throughout the Bible,  when Zion is mentioned,  it could refer  to that specific area,  to the city  of Jerusalem,  or  to the gathering  of all of God’s people,  who worship Him.

Does any  of this information  matter?     Yes.

The Hebrew meaning of “Zion” is:    conspicuousness;   a monumental  or guiding pillar;   a sign or waymark.      So, the “place” of rightful worship  —  the worship of our Creator,   Sustainer,  and Redeemer  —  is loved by the LORD,  simply because  it is facing the truth  of our being.

When deep down  in our hearts,  we go through the gate  of rightfully acknowledging  the LORD  as God Almighty  and our Savior,  God loves us  for seeing the great big guiding pillar  of all His marvelous works  down through the ages  —  and recognizing that,  “Wow!     God’s creation, and all of His word  in the Bible,  and the gift  of salvation  really are for real.”

And then  we give honor  where honor is due.

Consider this.     The Bible is very conspicuous  in this world.     Everybody knows about it,  but few bother  to open it up  and find out  where it can lead  our lives to.

The Bible is a monumental  or guiding pillar  that shows us  the truth  of the meaning  of our lives  here on earth  and how we should understand life.     The truths  in the Bible  open up the gates  of our way  to salvation.     That’s a gate we really should enter.

The Bible is a sign  or waymark  that people know  they should pay attention to,  but often get distracted  by the glitter  in this world.     But,  when people do pay attention  to the great big signs  that God puts  in our lives,  God loves it.

Let us look  at the conspicuous,  guiding pillars  that God puts  in our lives  and go through the “gates of Zion”  and get into fellowship with our Creator  and Redeemer.     God loves it  when we get eternal life  in Him.

            1 John 2:28 wants us  to not only  go through the “gates of Zion”  but to abide there.

And now,  little children,  abide in Him,  so that when He appears,  we may have confidence  and not shrink away  from Him  in shame  at His coming.

As we go through the “gates of Zion” and see the awesome beauty  of God’s majesty,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  You are ever faithful  in showing us  the right way.”

Love,
Margaret

.

A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods

Pray for our country.

The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.

Psalm 118:24

 

 

The word of the LORD is tried;

He is a shield to all who take refuge  in Him.

Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy  in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming  to the upright.

Psalm 33:1

  

  

How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!

They are ever praising Thee.

Psalm 84:4

 

 

Just as a father  has compassion  on his children,

So the LORD has compassion  on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13

 

 

Oh give thanks  to the LORD,  for He is good;

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Psalm 107:1

Glory in His holy name;

Let the heart  of those who seek the LORD  be glad.

Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it,  or have already become perfect,  but I press on  in order that

I may lay hold  of that  for which also I was laid hold of  by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12

.

.

.

.