On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you! I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me – also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem! Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” The people will play flutes and sing, “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!” Psalm 87 NLT

From where does the source of your life spring?

For the psalmist, the source of life sprung from Jerusalem. In fact, Jerusalem was so enticing that even natives of their traditional enemies wanted to become citizens. But this wasn't because the city was well-placed or well-planned. The city was not important because of its ancient history or where it was on the map.

Jerusalem was important because that was where God was. The Temple was in Jerusalem. God was in the temple. For the psalmist, God was only in that one place.

Folks wanted to become citizens of Jerusalem because they wanted to be followers of God. Jerusalem was the source of life because God was the psalmist's source of life.

You and I know that God is not just in one city or place. God is everywhere. If God is truly our source of life, can we say we are being good citizens?

God, you are my source of life. Please forgive me when I don't act like it and place money, career, family, home and friends in higher priority than you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims