And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary [Golgotha], there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:33

A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. Psalm 48:1-3

Jerusalem is called the Holy City. It was home to the beautiful Jewish Temple. The Jews would travel for many miles to participate in the activities at the Temple, especially during the Jewish festivals. It was also home to many teachers of the Old Testament. Students would come to Jerusalem to be trained in the Law. Saul, who is later known as Paul, studied in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was home to the most important religious and political leaders.

The nation of Israel was ruled from Jerusalem by the high priest and the Sanhedrin (70 leaders). Their rule also affected Jews the world over.

The King of Kings and LORD of LORDS was crucified in one of the most religious cities in the world. It is ironic that Jesus was crucified in His own city, as it was the ‘City of the great King.’ It was God’s chosen city. Acts 26:26c “… for this thing was not done in a corner.” If any city should have received Christ, it was Jerusalem. God gave Nineveh forty days to repent, and the whole city repented. God gave Jerusalem forty years to repent, and yet the city didn’t repent. The Romans destroyed the city in 70 AD.

There is a heavenly Jerusalem for us. We are not ruled from a city in Israel. Jesus is head over the church, and he rules from the heavenly Jerusalem. As we see the Psalmist rejoice, so should we rejoice as we serve God. Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

We have a heavenly Jerusalem that is truly holy and righteous. We are to submit to God’s rule in true spiritual worship and affection. As we are strangers and pilgrims in this world, we live under the heavenly rule of Christ. We are His ambassadors.

Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry