12/08/2023 - ZION IS OUR HOME

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For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Isaiah 30.19

King David went to Jerusalem after reigning seven years in Hebron (2 Samuel 2.11). He moved to the city of the great king, when all the tribes of Israel came to lay down their arms before him, saying that from then on, they would serve him (2 Samuel 5.1-5). It is good to always let the Lord open the doors. You see, everything that starts hastily, in the end, has no good result. There was no fighting, because the commanders of the forces of Israel asked David to put the country in order, and he did so right away.

In Jerusalem, there is a hill called Zion, where several biblical examples took place. There, David created his fortress, which was used to protect himself and to go out to new battles. After he had fought and won, for he never lost a single war, the king would return to his stronghold and give thanks for the victories, preparing himself for others. He was greatly used by the Lord, which is why, even today, that place is called the City of David.

In those days, the Jebusites lived in Jerusalem and told David that he would never go there, but they forgot about the anointing on this servant of God and his contact with the Lord. Read the biblical account: But the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You shall not come in here!” Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David). (1 Chronicles 11.5). David entered without the slightest problem, making only one promise, which we will see now.

Hearing that the Jebusites were opposing and challenging him, David simply decreed that whoever took that territory would be chief and captain. Then Joab was the victor: Now David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief. Then David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it the City of David. Do not fear the threats of the enemy, because the Word of the Most High will always prevail. Take possession of the blessing that the Bible says is yours!

We, the people of God, must dwell in Zion. This does not mean moving to that part of the world. In fact, in this context, Zion means the understanding of the Word given by the Lord. Our attitude must be to settle where the promises are fulfilled, even if we physically live at the ends of the Earth. The purpose is to supply ourselves with the things that the Scriptures guarantee to be ours (Psalm 110.2). We have to go all the way to see God’s deliverance!

We need to stop mourning. The Lord said that His people will weep no more. So, cry out to Him without screaming, showing inner contrition and believing in the divine promises. By praying, you will know that you have been heard, and therefore God will extend His compassion to you. Open your heart to the presence of the Father, and He will have mercy on you, hearing your voice (Psalm 56.8; 30.5).

The highlighted verse assures us that when the Lord hears us, He answers us. Therefore, be wise and don’t keep repeating prayers of weeping and wailing, nor be like the religious people with the appearance of repentance. With the strength of your faith, pray, give thanks for the victory conquered. Hallelujah!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares