Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King (Psa. 149:2b).

The word Zion occurs over 150 times in the Bible. It basically means fortification. The first time Zion is mentioned is in 2 Samuel 5 where it is stated that David took the stronghold of Zion (vs. 7). Originally, Zion was an ancient Jebusite fortress in the city of Jerusalem. After king David's conquest, Jerusalem became a possession of Israel, and eventually, the royal palace was built on it's hill (2 Chron. 3:1). Thus Zion (Jerusalem) became the seat of power in Israel's kingdom. Zion is described in the Bible both as the city of David and the city of God. Let's consider the latter, specifically as it relates to the church, and see what lessons we can learn.

​

In the New Testament, the Hebrew writer was inspired to contrast two mountains, Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. To the Hebrew Christians he wrote, But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22a). Note the language, you have come. These Christians were already there! Through obedience to the gospel, they had already come into (1) a heavenly setting; the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Without a doubt, the writer is referencing here the New Testament church, which he calls the heavenly Jerusalem and Mt. Zion, represented under the image of a city. It is in this city, the church, that the writer says the God of the living has taken up His divine residence. It is in the church, that God's people will find Him ruling, guiding, sanctifying, reassuring, comforting and dwelling. But there's more! These Christians had also come into (2) a heavenly society, and note the unparalleled company in verses 22-24.

​

==>  To an innumerable company of angels
==>  To the general assembly and church of the first-born
==>  To God the Judge of all
==>  To the spirits of just men made perfect
==>  To Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel.

 

Amazing! Yet listen to the subsequent warning: See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven (Heb. 12:25). Dear reader, Listen to the King!

​

Robert Moore