He has founded his city on the holy mountain. – Psalm 87:1

Today’s Scripture Reading (June 27, 2019): Psalm 87 & 88

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. The mountain rises to 52 peaks and dives into several deep gorges. The highest of the peaks is named Mytikas, and it is Mytikas, which means nose, that is thought to be the dwelling place of the Greek gods. And it is precisely the mountains height and majesty that likely first drew worshippers toward the mountain and the conclusion that the gods must live there. Mytikas rises to an elevation of 2,919 meters or 9,577 feet. It was a fitting place to be the home of the gods.

In contrast, the highest point on Mount Zion was 765 meters or 2,510 feet. The Holy Mountain of God was not God’s because of its majesty. Zion was holy because of God’s presence, and not because of the majesty of the mountain itself. It just seemed to the people that God kept on returning to this place on the earth for significant moments in the history of the nation. 

Just consider then following:

            It was the place where Melchezidek, the king and priest of God reigned and served.

It has here that Abraham proved his dedication to God by being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, and it was here that God provided an alternate, perfect sacrifice instead.

David took the mountain and made it is his city.

The tabernacle would eventually be brought here.

Two temples dedicated to God would stand in this city.

During Jesus’s ministry, he honored the mountain by observing the feasts and rituals that would take place there.

It was here that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again from the dead.

Pentecost happened in an upper room on this mountain.

And God has promised that this mountain would be the center of his kingdom when he comes again.

Zion is not as physically impressive as some other mountains, even in the general area of Zion. But God has chosen the mountain to be significant in our experience with him. And so it is his holy mountain.   

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 50

Personal Note: Happy 60^th Wedding Anniversary to my parents, Duane and Shirley. I am looking forward to getting together with you to celebrate this weekend.