Looking Around Zion

When was the last time you received an invitation? I gave a few to people this week, telling them about  "Back To Church" Sunday. In itself, that theme doesn't enthuse me. But if our lives are inviting, and our God is inviting, then people are drawn to look closer at what stands out and shines.

This week I read an invitation written over 2,700 years ago, and it was an invitation to take an inside tour of the "City of David", and to see the strength and scope of that citadel. Hordes of battle-hardened invaders had come against those walls, and had to turn back and go home. So with that history behind them, Psalm 48:12-13 was written. 

"Walk about Zion, go around her, 

count her towers, consider well her ramparts, 

view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation."

Some time later armies would breach those walls. They were not invincible, after all. Thanks to archaeologists, and virtual modeling, you can take a virtual tour at http://www.cityofdavid.org.il/en and get a feel for what might have been there. IF you happen to be a bit of a history buff.

It's at least a challenge to me that this psalmist could say, let me show you what we've got. Take the tour. We don't just show them the fine old architecture that speaks our rich and long-standing church traditions. We don't just show them drawings, and give our own "virtual tour" of how it's going to look when all is perfectly put together. People look for enduring quality and stability that comes from a proven relationship with God. A grand-event at church is great. But how do these people serve others? How do friendships thrive? How do broken hopes find healing? How are people joying in the Presence and love of the living God?  We want to live in a place that God has made His place. That was the vision. That is The Church Jesus meant when he promised to build it.