Psalm 87
This is a beautiful song about Zion—the holy city of God. Who wouldn’t want to be a citizen of that place? Who wouldn’t want to come from that country? Throughout the ages, there have been many people who asked how one could call Zion their homeland. How inclusive would God be? Would He let just anybody in the door?
Actually, everybody is already in the door. From God’s perspective, you don’t have to become a citizen of Zion; you already are a citizen of Zion. Did you notice this verse? “I will record Rahab [Egypt] and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” (vs 4)
Photo © Unsplash/Blake Guidry
Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush… these were some of the famous enemy countries of Israel. They didn’t count the God of heaven and earth as their God, but God counted them as His children. Here, He declared that they didn’t have to immigrate to Zion; if they wanted to live there, they were entitled to permanent residency!
The citizen’s register for Zion is the Book of Life. Nobody’s names are written into the Book of Life. Everybody’s names are already in the Book of Life. Names don’t get added; they get removed upon request. Everyone becomes a citizen of Zion at birth; they may renounce that citizenship if they choose.
Photo © Unsplash/Jaredd Craig
God has a book, and you’re in it. Right now, unless you have chosen otherwise, you are a citizen of God’s country; your name is written in the Book of Life. As far as God is concerned, you are His child. You were born in Zion. He will never deport you!