On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the LORD. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you! I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem! Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the LORD registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” The people will play flutes and sing, “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!” [Psalm 87]
As Israel represents the Church, Jerusalem represents the place God meets with man - the human heart - the Kingdom of God.
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. [Luke 17.21 KJV]
Although there remain those who believe God is concerned only with the nation of Israel (descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), Psalm 87, and Jesus' words confirm otherwise.
And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. [Matthew 8.11]
The Kingdom of God is however, exclusive. Only those who desire citizenship in Jerusalem and meet the requirements of its King will enjoy the rights of that citizenship. While God loves the world, citizenship in His Kingdom "Jerusalem" is limited to only those who love Him back in the God-pleasing obedience of faith in Jesus Christ Who imparts the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who believe.
Yes.
Father, may my life demonstrate to the world that Your Kingdom (Your realm, "Jerusalem") works in and through my heart by faith in the work of Jesus Christ on my behalf. May the world see me on my cross in demonstration of Jesus on His Cross, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
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