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Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his website www.aneelaranha.com.

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Psalm 87 — A Heavenly City

July 13, 2023 • Aneel Aranha • Season 3 • Episode 87

0:00 | 3:22

As we reflect on being citizens of the heavenly Zion, may our lives reflect the glorious things spoken of his city, both now and for eternity.

Psalm 87 — A Heavenly City — Aneel Aranha

He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
The LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
city of God:
“I will record Rahab and Babylon
among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—
and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
“This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her.”
The LORD will write in the register of the peoples:
“This one was born in Zion.”
As they make music they will sing,
“All my fountains are in you.”

Zion holds a prominent role in the history and theology of the Old Testament. It was the city where the Temple stood. The Temple was considered the dwelling place of God among his people. It was a symbol of God's presence and the center of worship. The psalmist celebrates Zion as the city where God's faithfulness and love are manifested.

In the New Testament, we find a deeper spiritual meaning associated with Zion. The author of the letter to the Hebrews writes: "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" (Hebrews 12:22-23).

Here, Zion is not just an earthly city, but it represents the heavenly Jerusalem, the spiritual dwelling place of God's people. It is home to the community of believers who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and have received citizenship in the Kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul writes: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household" (Ephesians 2:19). Through faith in Christ, we become fellow citizens with God's people, united in the family of God and partakers of the heavenly inheritance.

And the apostle Peter writes: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). As citizens of heaven, we are called to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes and empowered to proclaim his praises and reflect his glory.

Let us enjoy being citizens of heaven.

And may the blessings of Zion be upon you.