Psalm 48 is “A song. A psalm of the sons of Korah” that highlights the beauty of ancient Jerusalem, “city of the LORD of hosts.”
Walk about Zion, go around her,
number her towers,
consider well her ramparts,
go through her citadels… (48:12-13)
As the sons of Korah lead God’s people in a reflective walkabout, all the talk of this beautiful city, the temple in its midst, and Mount Zion on which it was built really revolves around this idea:
We have thought on your steadfast love, O God… (48:9)
Ours is a different setting and context, but what a great thought for the start of this new God-given week. Open your eyes. Look around with intention. The blue sky. The warm sunlight. The colorful flowers. The shelter, clothing, and food you have. The brothers and sisters in Christ. Follow the lead of Psalm 48:9. “All of it leads me to think on your steadfast love, O God.”
That’s precisely what disciples of Jesus are doing throughout the world on this best day of the week: in song, in prayer, in observance of the Lord’s Supper, in the preaching of the word–thinking together about God and his steadfast love, and Psalm 48 is a 3,000 year old reminder of his worthiness.
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised… (48:1)
…God has made himself known as a fortress. (48:3)
As your name, O God,
so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness. (48:10)
You see, the real point of Psalm 48 wasn’t to draw attention to walls, towers, ramparts, and citadels. The original audience was being encouraged to notice and reflect on those tangible things for a much larger, more significant reason.
Walk about… go around…
number…
consider well…
go through…
…that you may tell the next generation
that this is God, our God forever and ever.
He will guide us forever. (48:12-14)
That’s still the perspective we need today. The point isn’t the building in which we’ll assemble with other disciples or the people who will lead our hearts and minds in worship. The point isn’t us, anything we’re able to build, accumulate, or advertise. The point is, “this is God, our God forever and ever. He is great and greatly to be praised.”
Happy Lord’s day.