Jerusalem Forever
King David is “getting his house in
order.” As he nears the end of his life, David, like many people do, begins arranging
his affairs. He appoints his son, Solomon, to take over the kingdom. He takes a
census of the people and arranges them in divisions. He organizes those who
will serve in the ministry to the Lord. He appoints those who will be in charge
of the worship services. He arranges for the Levites to assist the priests in
the care and maintenance of the house of the Lord. He appoints those who were
to stand at the Tent of Meeting every morning and evening to offer thanksgiving
and praise to the Lord.
As David goes about arranging his
affairs, he declares that “the Lord God of Israel dwells in Jerusalem forever”
(V25). David knew that of all the places on the Earth, the Lord had chosen the city
of Jerusalem as His dwelling place. The Bible makes nearly 800 references to Jerusalem
(also called ‘Zion’) as God’s chosen city. The prophet Daniel declared that
Jerusalem was the city that is called by God’s name (Daniel 9:19). Jesus
referred to Jerusalem as “the city of the Great King” (Matthew 5:35). God, of course,
is omnipresent. He is not confined to one city or any geographic location. But,
God chose Jerusalem as the place from which His name and majesty and glory
would be declared to all the Earth.
But, why did God choose Jerusalem
over all the cities of the world to put His name and call His home? From
a human standpoint, King David had some practical reasons for choosing Jerusalem
as the capital city of Israel. For instance, its natural defense system, its
fresh water supply, and its central location. But these aren’t the reasons God
chose the city. God chose Jerusalem for divine reasons.
In reality, the Lord has not revealed His reasons for
choosing Jerusalem as His dwelling place. (Nor has He revealed His reasons for
choosing Israel as the Promised Land or the Jews as His chosen people.) The
Lord is sovereign and makes His choices for divine reasons which are often unknown
to us. One day, perhaps, we will understand His choices. But for now, we accept
God’s truth and His sovereign choice: Jerusalem is His city – He dwells there
forever!
Over the centuries, many have attempted to expel the Jews and
God from Jerusalem. Many have sought to “kick God out” of His city. In fact,
the city is currently occupied by both Jews and Gentiles and the Holy Temple in
the heart of the city is merely a remnant. But we know with great certainty
that the Lord is there and we look longingly for that day when “the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him... On
that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem
on the east!” (Zechariah 14:4-5). Jerusalem is the Lord’s city. Forever. Even
so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
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