On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you! Interlude I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem! Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city. When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude The people will play flutes and sing, “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!”
Psalms 87:1-7 NLT
This is an incredible vision of an incredible future when all the nations gather and worship our one true God. This psalm speaks of the surrounding nations being counted as citizens of Jerusalem; they are God’s people. These nations had historically been enemies of the Lord’s people; yet the wrongs have been forgiven and the people have been reconciled. Jesus has destroyed the walls that divide human beings (Eph 2:14), so that all who love Him are one and united (Gal 3:28).
It is not enough to end division; you must create unity. People will always find reasons to divide—over race, class, age, finances, and more. The solution only comes when there is unity around something; the sacrificial love of Christ changes how humans can understand and use power. He is both our example and our center of unity. Christians have not been perfect, but Christianity has (at times) created peace through serving, sacrifice, and unity in Christ. For most humans, the only path to peace is through dominant power—crushing all who oppose your cause. This is not the way of Christ. Christians are invited to fulfill the vision of this psalm by following the way of Christ.
When you are in a situation of conflict, how could you follow the example of Christ? What are practical ways you can work for unity in the world? What does it really take to create unity—between races, sexes, ages, etc.?
