He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; 2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are said of you, O city of God: Selah 4 "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.'" 5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her." 6 The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: "This one was born in Zion." Selah 7 As they make music they will sing, "All my fountains are in you."

The Psalmist extols the virtues and privileges of being from Zion, the city of God. By extension, the protection and love that God has for his city, he also has for his people. While this is wonderful, we have even more reason to rejoice as a part of the spiritual Zion, the chosen people of God, the church. In Hebrews 12:22-23a we read: But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.

There are those who belittle the importance of the church. Many have said they can be just as close to God and worship him without being a part of a church. They ignore the fact that God places importance on the church. The church of Christ is referred to as his body and his bride. He says that he gave his life blood for the church. The church is referred to as the special people of God, as a holy nation and as a royal priesthood. The church is the family of God. Being in the church of God is being in the heavenly places with Christ. The church is the extension of heaven eternal on this earth. But the church is people. People who have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus, forgiven of all sin but still people. This means that the church is made up of people who are not perfect, people who do wrong, people who sin against God and against one another. While we cannot condone or encourage the sin we must always respect, love and encourage one another to live for God. The more we become like God now, the closer we are to heaven and the more we see God’s people as the foretaste of heaven here on earth. Praise God for his infinite wisdom thru Jesus Christ!

O God, please help me to love you by loving others. Forgive me when I fail to see your wisdom in your church. Help me to not be critical but to be a constant encouragement to others who are serving you. Open my heart so I can relish the fellowship of others who have also been forgiven by the blood of Jesus. In the name of Jesus my Lord I pray.

May God bless each of us as we serve him in unity and peace.