Wednesday March, 10 2021 Devotional

"May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!" - Psalm‬ ‭129:5‬

This verse has implications both for Israel and for the Body of Christ.

Zion is one of the biblical names for Jerusalem. The particular peak of the mountain of Moriah on which David’s fortress was built was called mount Zion, and the fortress and the Temple sat together at the center of the city of Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem was the capital of Israel under David and Solomon, and of Judah after them, the name Zion became synonymous with the people of God.

Since Messiah Jesus came and opened the door for the Gentiles to be grafted into the tree of believing Israel by faith in Him, the name Zion continues to refer to the Holy People of God. It includes the Church, the invisible, universal Body of Christ. So all the promises and prophecies regarding Zion refer at once to Israel and to the Church.

Zion (in both senses of the word) will suffer persecution, as the first part of this Psalm says: “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me.” - Psalm 129:2

But all who hate Zion (both the nation of Israel and the faithful Body of Believers in Christ, Jewish and Gentile) will be put to shame and turned back from their evil plans. God will keep His promise, and keep us the hollow of His hand.

Thank You, Lord, for including me with your chosen people. When trouble comes, I will trust You. When peace prevails, I will trust You. Keep my eyes on You and keep me close. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles