"The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob." Psalm 87:2 NIV
In old Israel, the city gates are the entrance into the city. They were also the place where the elders, Judges and even sometimes the King seats officially. It connotes citizen rights, a place of social interaction, a meeting place of citizens, commerce and justice and the space inside the gate of the city.
(Mount) Zion signifies the city of David i.e. Jerusalem. However, it is often used figuratively of the place where God dwells or is manifest. It is also used in reference to the heavenly Jerusalem i.e. God's kingdom which includes us - the body of believers in Jesus.
"But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly," Hebrews 12:22
The gates of Zion are the places of our gatherings, meetings and entrances (i.e events/crusades where all are encouraged into his kingdom). (2Samuel 5:7, Micah 4:2)
The Lord loves Zion’s gates more than all of Jacob’s (Israel's) houses combined. (CEB)
Jesus loves the gatherings and meeting places of his family (followers of the Messiah) more than anywhere else.
There we:
1. Meet and socialize,
2. Urge and welcome the nations (unsaved) to go through our gates to become members of our Kingdom. By crying
"Pass through, pass through the gates!"
(we,)
"Prepare the way for the people.
Build up, build up the highway (access to God through Jesus), clear it from stones (obstacles)."
(And as we love, develop and equip ourselves, we)
Lift up a standard for the people (nations)."
(Isaiah 62:10 NIV/KJV/YLT).
3. At these gates, we as kings and priests gather to make decrees that spiritually order our world using the keys of our kingdom. (Matthew16:18-19, 18:17 -19). We bring order to the nations, settle disputes and reign in righteousness through our prayers, inspired plans and actions.
4. Here, the Lord's presence is most manifest. And as he interacts and socialises with us - his family, he blesses us with his anointing and life (Psalm 133).
"For where two or three gather in my (Jesus) name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20.
5. And we worship and praise our King - Jesus. Psalm 9:14
Dear Zion, your gates are loved. Your meeting places are my delight. Your courts are my habitation.
You will no longer be called Abandoned, and your land will no longer be called Deserted.
Instead, you will be called 'My Delight Is in Her', and your land, 'Married'. Because the Lord delights in you, your land will be cared for once again. As a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you. With the joy of a bridegroom because of his bride, so your God will rejoice because of you.
Take comfort in this says the Lord who has mercy on you dear Israel, and embrace my rain.
Amen.
(Isaiah 62:4 -5 CEB)
..................
Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy hill.
Let all who live in the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming.
Joel 2:12, “Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
15 "Blow the trumpet in Zion,
declare a holy fast,
call a sacred assembly."
Joel 2:19, The Lord replied to them:
“I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil,
enough to satisfy you fully;
never again will I make you
an object of scorn to the nations.
23 Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil."
Please it is very important to notice the sequence of events in these verses. This shows the process of this prophecy and packs so much more than I have written.
#gather #cherishourmeetings #lent #laterandformerrain #thegoodshepherd #beloved #teamJesus #onechurch #onefaith #onebaptism #jesusatthecenter #everymanabiblestudent #transmute #transform #theLordcomes #gotoChurch
Published Mar 16, 2022.Edited 31/01/2023
In writing to leaders, I write with the hope it will inspire further study and revelations which in turn will spark insights to be shared in the Forum for mutual edification.
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