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Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 125:1-2)
Holy Scripture uses different words to describe those who trust in the promises of God and believe in Christ Jesus. These descriptions illustrate the relationship that God has established with us. For example, Jesus is the life-giving true Vine and we are the branches that receive life from Him. We grow in Christ and bear the fruit of good works to the glory of God (see John 15:1-8). The church is the Bride of Christ, cleansed by the washing of water with the Word of God (see Ephesians 5:25-26). Through that water and the Word of Baptism, we have been adopted as God’s precious sons and daughters. We are members of His household and heirs of eternal life (see Romans 6:5-11).
All who trust in Christ Jesus are described as His body. Acting as His heart and hands, we carry out His loving work among others, serving them through the gifts the Spirit grants to us (see 1 Corinthians 12:27). God calls us “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.” He called us out of darkness into His light and gave us the task of proclaiming His majesty (see 1 Peter 2:9). We are “children of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5b). As living stones we are built up into a holy temple, a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are built on the solid foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Himself is our Cornerstone (see Ephesians 2:20-21).
The psalmist also uses the image of a solid foundation to describe the people of God. Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, the great city of Jerusalem, an immovable fortress in the Judean hills. We, as the people of God, are like that immovable fortress. The Lord surrounds us with His loving care just as the mountains surround Jerusalem. When we face trouble and trials, we find hope and encouragement in the Word of the Lord. He reminds us who we are—His Bride, His body, His children, and His temple. Like the fortress of Mount Zion, we are surrounded by God’s love and no trouble can separate us from Him. Now and forever, God’s love sustains us. Holy Scripture provides a blessed vision of our future, with two of these descriptions, the strong city and the Bride of Christ, blended into one image. The people of God are described as the “holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2b). One day that vision will be fulfilled. We will live in our Lord’s presence, surrounded by His love “from this time forth and forevermore.”
WE PRAY: Lord, I trust in You. I am surrounded by Your love, now and forever. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
- What comfort would the psalmist’s audience have taken from hearing that “the Lord surrounds His people”? What was Israel’s constant concern with the populations and rulers nearby?
- Supply some adjectives that describe the intimate relationship Christians have with Jesus. Consider the idea of branch to vine, bride to bridegroom, and stones to a temple in your answer.
- In what ways does God and His love surround us today?
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