To know God is a special privilege & comes only to those who have had a spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-7). Psalm 87 identifies those who can trace their spiritual heritage back to Zion (Jerusalem) (1). What amazes me about this psalm is the mention of Gentiles – enemies of Israel & God – that can trace their birth back to Jerusalem (4-6). Rahab refers to Egypt (Isaiah 30:7). She, along with Babylon, opposed Israel often. Philistia, Tyre & Cush, though neighbors, were likewise unfriendly & hostile at times. Yet the LORD registered these people as born in Jerusalem. This is an incredible early reference to God’s “Plan A” when all nations will worship him as we saw yesterday in Psalm 86:9. The new birth among non-Jews began when the Church was born on the Day of Pentecost and the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Even though I am a foreigner to Israel, I am a fellow-citizen of Zion (Ephesians 2:19). Knowing God and being registered as belonging to him fills me with joy & rejoicing, and I can truly say to God with the “singers & dancers,” “All my springs are in YOU!” (7). Pardon me while I dance!
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