King David Series: The City of God

Message 28 February 2016 King David Series # The City of God

Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion: the same is the city of David. 2 Samuel 5:7

David had a heart after that of God. He established Jerusalem as the capital and  center of worship by fulfilling a long dreaded assignment. The promise and instruction of God in Deuteronomy 7:1 was to cast out nations hostile to God including the Jebusites and possess all the land God had given. This was despite the nations having been mightier than the people of God. Later in Judges 1:21 and Joshua 15:16 we read that while some land had been possessed the Jebusites  that inhabited Jerusalem were not driven out. They occupied a naturally  fortified place being on a mountain and  surrounded by hills.   The Jebusites therefore managed to resist attempts to capture the city. At the time David challenged them they mocked the children of Israel claiming that even their blind and lame could defeat the Israelite army (2 Sam 5:6-10).

David however occupied Jerusalem through a stealth approach where they advanced against the Jebusites through a gutter or water tunnel and attacking the city from inside. That way David captured the fortress of Zion. He built in it together with a house for himself.  From it he continued to grow great because the Lord was with him. David loved the city of God. To him loving the city was more than loving the people. It was to bring to it the rule of God and influence its authority structures, systems, symbols, culture and character.   Cities were associated with something. In the early church for example,  Athens was associated with wisdom, Rome known for military power and Venice for its trade and wealth. David changed Jerusalem and established it as a spiritual center for God with significance from antiquity to eternity. A foreshadow of the eternal city of God in the book of Revelation. It was known as the city of God - the seat of God’s throne and presence among his people and the eternal center of God’s rule. ).  It was the city hosting the house of God whose construction David initiated as well as the ark of God that David brought back to the center of the nation’s life.

The name Jerusalem (teaching of peace) comes  from Salem (peace) or shalem (peaceful). The Bible has earlier references of the King of Salem in Genesis 14:18. Also, Abraham lived in tents longing for an eternal city(Hebrews 11:10).  Jerusalem became known also as Zion because it was built on Mount Zion. Zion grew to signify the highest. David also named it as the city of David for his part in conquering it from Jebusites. A city the nation of Israel associated with their victory. It was the city from which divine help was found therefore a city of ‘no more need’.   Losing the city later to the Babylonians was a catastrophe of immense proportions. It was the singular longing of the people of God (Isaiah 52, Psalm 126).

Historically the city has not always enjoyed peace. Apparently it has been more Zion (parched place) one dried out from heat. The city enjoyed peace and prosperity until it was destroyed by the Babylonians and its people were taken into captivity. It was rebuilt through Ezra and Nehemiah. Again Jerusalem was destroyed and had to be rebuilt during the Roman Empire. After which it was destroyed again  in 70 AD and its people were scattered without a nation. Attempts to make some cities such as Rome the city of God have failed and will fail in the end. Today Jerusalem has become the symbol of religion for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The question of whose it is fuels the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. The current city will be destroyed and  finally most resilient city to exist will rise again with the second coming of Christ as the New Jerusalem that never passes away.

Jerusalem is more than just a geographical location. It is an eternal principle that lifts up God's people into greatness. Augustine distinguished between the eternal City of God and the temporal City of Man. The following highlights three ways in which Jerusalem is spiritually significant. Jerusalem has a fulfilment a belonging  and a longing. 

 >> An ideal reality. Jerusalem is not only a place in the Middle East but a position in Christ,  the hope of glory. Jerusalem  is symbolic of the people of God at their best. Jerusalem is fulfilled as a current reality in Christ. A place and concept where people of God live with Him. A place were the son of David is king and provides freedom from bondages (Luke 4:18). The church is the ultimate community of all Gods people. Jerusalem means the church in its ideal state, in its destined glory and glamor. It is a symbol of the highest aspirations of Gods people. It represents God’s dreams and wishes for his people. It is the habitation of those highly favoured by God. Those who enjoy His ultimate blessing. That is what puts songs of Zion on the heart of all believers truly hungry for God. In Psalm 126 they wept when they remembered Zion but Jesus came so that we can sing and rejoice  when we remember Zion.

>> A belonging, an identity. Jerusalem is a way of thinking and engaging life . It is something you can experience – putting God first before everything else. It is a kingdom mentality. Knowing that this world is not home. You belong to God’s domain and are His possession. The city is Gods dwelling place.  It is His city and all who live in it are His. He brings peace and order into their lives. He protects and provides for them. A place for God and the redeemed living together. In Jerusalem God rules and the redeemed rejoice. They experience the heavenly Jerusalem on earth. God is the center of power and all. His desire fulfilled - that they be with him and enjoy his presence.  That they be righteous. Being so close to Him  that the city of God becomes the city of the redeemed. That they lack no good thing. That they enjoy peace and wellbeing. That they be powerful and resilient. That they no more shed tears of sorrow and suffer shame. That his promises to them be fully fulfilled.

>> A longing. In a future sense Jerusalem is destiny longed for (Revelation 21:1-2). It inspires hope as the heavenly city the eternal new Jerusalem where God rules. It is a type of Christ not in a manger not on the cross but on the throne. Everything has knees and every knee shall bow. The city that Abraham was looking for. The city which has foundations whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). John caught a glimpse of it (Revelation). It was the capital of the universe. It will be the beautiful place where God not only live with his people but in his people. For the city was the bride (church) adorned for her husband (1 John 3:2).

Exhortation

Which city will you belong to? It’s a choice you cannot avoid. The city of God or that of the world.  The city of God’ is populated by people who know Jesus Christ as their saviour and hope for the New Jerusalem. It is time to take over the strongholds. Your place is occupied and you have to dislodge the enemy. As we engage life we need to be stirred inside that Jerusalem belongs to us not the Jebusites.   David took the remaining stronghold. As a believer you have had conquests, but there is a lot still remaining to be conquered and many promises yet to be fulfilled. If you have a heart for God as David you cannot be complacent. You cannot afford to settle. You are not satisfied until you take over what remains. What remains is often the most fortified yet the most significant. The best is what the enemy holds on to the longest. As believers we have the Spirit of Christ. We live in the Davidic order and the same stronghold capturing anointing David enjoyed is available to us. It might seem like there is no way but with God all things are possible. With Him we know no defeat. With God there is a water tunnel with which to conquer. ‘Nevertheless David took the stronghold’ (2 Samuel 5:7). In other words he did so against all the odds he faced – they looked formidable. David’s secret was God’s presence. ‘And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.’ (2 Samuel 5:6, 7, 9, 10).

God will come through for us He will show you today the gutter or water tunnel to use for the impossible to happen. He will strengthen your faith and wisdom.

May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children— peace be with you and family. Psalm 128:5-6

Pray for the Zion effect over your life and family 

Pray for the Zion effect over your church

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

 Johannesburg,

South Africa