What is the city listed on your heavenly Birth Certificate? It will be Zion, the City of God.
When we first read Psalm 87, we think, “I can tell this psalm has some wonderful things to say—if I can understand it!” The author begins, “His foundation is in the holy mountains” (Ps 87:1). To whom is he referring? This reminds me of Mary’s conversation in the garden with the One she didn’t recognize: “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away” ( Jn 20:15). She just assumed that Jesus was on everyone’s mind! And since the rest of the psalm is all about the Lord and His earthly capital, Jerusalem, we can safely assume that the foundations of God’s vast kingdom are set there. The “holy mountains” include Moriah, where Christ was dedicated and later had significant ministry; Zion, where the Upper Room is thought to have been; Calvary, where He gave His life; and Olivet, the place from which He left and where He will return. But He not only lays its foundations, He also “loves the gates” (v 2). Out of those gates He was taken to die as the people shouted, “Crucify!” But can you also hear the coming cry, “Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in” (24:9)! It’s almost an understatement to say that “Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God!” (v 3). But what is this repeated statement, “This one was born there” (87:4, 6, see v 5)? Is citizenship in the Celestial City being offered to those from Egypt (code name Rahab), Babylon, and other one-time foes of Israel? It seems to be. God Himself will sign the register for those from all “the peoples [or nations]” (v 6). Doesn’t this sound like the Jerusalem above (Gal 4:26)? No wonder the singers and musicians overflow with praise (Ps 87:7)!