The New Towers

God himself is in Jerusalem’s towers, revealing himself as its defender. The kings of the earth joined forces and advanced against the city. But when they saw it, they were stunned; they were terrified and ran away. They were gripped with terror and writhed in pain like a woman in labor.  You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish shattered by a powerful east wind. We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves – the city of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever...

Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.

Psalm 48:1-8, 12-14 (NLT) (emphasis mine)

I ran across this passage yesterday.  It vaulted off the page, having words in common with those I’ve seen on Yahoo over the last few days:  Towers, city, terror. 

However, its tone is different; it speaks of fortification, safety, and defense.

And the story is different too.

The Psalmist was telling of a victory in which God protected Jerusalem from its enemies.

In Hebrew, "Jerusalem" is “Mount Zion”.  Mount Zion is a hill that slopes down into the city of Jerusalem. It is where Jesus will reign when he comes back to rule on earth. 

Mount Zion also refers to Christ’s church – the heavenly Jerusalem. The passage is describing what we have to look forward to when He returns to restore order, peace, and safety to this world which has gone horribly, horribly amok.

I was not in the twin towers on 9/11/01, nor do I know anyone who was. To say that I am able to keenly empathize with those that have tasted this horror is folly.

I have, however, had my security buckle from beneath me in a matter of moments. What I thought I could count was stripped away almost instantaneously.

What was a moment ago

now

isn't.

It feels like your blood is being feloniously siphoned out; the air around you abruptly turns so thin you gasp for breath.  It’s terrifying and disillusioning.

We are a people starved for security. It’s a blessing to live in a country that values it, and in which some of its greatest heroes labor to provide it for us. But 100% fool-proof security in this broken world is unattainable.

It’s unattainable,

until,

Jesus comes back to rule in the new city of Jerusalem. I know, it sounds like an idea contrived by someone smoking dope. But, the Bible says over and over that it will happen, my friend, and since the Bible has been right so far about what it speaks of over and over, it's folly not to believe it.

When it happens, we will finally be safe. No more security check points, no more CIA, no more sophisticated alarm systems.

And no more fearing what might crumble underneath you - whatever it is you fear would render you unable to cope with life any longer – what would really do you in for good.

We will live in a place that God himself defends, and where evil will be enchained.

It will be safe,

forever,

"For this is what God is like".

We will be able to roam the city, count the towers, and marvel at their invulnerability. We will walk city streets aplomb, gaping at its citadels.

We will know how to love others perfectly and will know what it feels like to be loved by others perfectly. To be known, and understood. Security is inherent in perfect love; the fact that we are secure will probably not even cross our minds.

We, the generation of 9/11, will be the ones to describe the atrocities to the next generation. When we tell the story; the story of the horror, the heroes, and the healing; let’s not forget to tell them about the new city, where the towers will tower forever.---alg