Zion hears and rejoices. Psalm 97:8
The Hebrew word Zion means fortress and is synonymous with Jerusalem. In its deepest sense it represents God’s chosen people, Israel. Genesis 12:3 reminds us God will bless whoever blesses Israel and curse whoever curses Israel. And since we Christians were grafted onto the root of Israel (Romans 11), Zion represents us also.
The theme of Psalm 97 is “The Lord reigns.” It speaks about two groups of people, one who reject God and are put to shame, and another group who hear God’s words and rejoice. It is the overarching theme throughout all history of our great choice to trust the eternal God or trust in ourselves. Zion rejoices because they listen to and hear God’s words of protection. They take joy in the fortress of His protection. They rejoice because He delivers them from wickedness and shines light into their hearts. When Zion rejoices we should rejoice because our God reigns!
We can rejoice that God reigns because we have been given a vision of eternity. We know that evil is tolerated in this world ‘for a time’ until the gospel reaches all people and all have made their choice. There will come an end to evil when His judgment comes with a consuming fire, the heavens proclaim His righteousness, and the people see His glory (v 2-6).
In the presence of terrorists who brazenly kill innocent people, the tragedies of natural disasters, the threat of disease and starvation, you might ask, “Does God really reign?” The deeper question might be does He reign over your personal struggles, your finances, your job, your marriage and other relationships? Does He reign over the frustrations you face on a daily basis?
C. H. Spurgeon told the story of a man named Whitelock, who was Oliver Cromwell’s envoy to Sweden in 1653. One night as he was waiting to sail, he was so distracted by the troubles of the nation that he could not sleep. His assistant, in an adjacent bed, finally said to him, “Sir, may I ask you a question?” “Of course,” said Whitelock.
“Sir, do you think God governed the world very well before you came into it?”
“Undoubtedly.”
“And sir, do you think that He will govern it quite as well when you are gone out of it?”
“Certainly.”
“Then, sir, excuse me, but do you not think you may trust him to govern it quite as well while you are living?”
Whitelock had no answer to this question, but he rolled over and soon went to sleep.
Having trusted Him with your eternal hope, can you trust Him also for this present trial you face? Do you believe that the Lord reigns, not only over the world, but also over your life? If so, rejoice in Him with Zion and enjoy His peace!