"Zion, God's City"

Psalms 48: [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." (verse 1) First off, I usually don't do things this way, but I just feel that this completes yesterday's post, and continues the flow towards that direction; because quite honestly, I could have spent several more days being stuck on 46:9; which reminds me, there is a verse 10 out there somewhere, it's just when I found it, I could not understand what language it was in. Again, I am totally convinced that these Psalms are not randomly placed in the order that they are listed; having said that at least a dozen times, I honestly believe that it is so. Not only do I truly believe it, but I am also convinced that Ezra is the one who assembled the Psalms in the order that they are in, but that's something for another day; much like the question of who wrote the book of Hebrews, or whether Jesus ever physically was here before He was born here; personally, I think Luke wrote Hebrews with Paul, while he was with Paul in Rome; and as to whether of not Jesus was here upon this earth prior to His birth, that's absolutely certain! (John 8:56-58) As we left off yesterday, the thought was towards God being greatly exalted as King, and not just any King, but King of the place where His love dwells; which is not just anyplace, but is only found in the love of God, for His love is the only love that is truly unconditional. Just reading this first verse without a pause between it and 46:9, they simply flow together; and usually the last verse will complete and be a summary of the entire Psalm, but verse nine of the last Psalm kind of kept us wanting, as if there should be more to be said. Which brings me to my point about Luke, who was not a Jew, yet he had a heart for the Jewish people; just reading the Gospel of Luke should make you aware that his heart was that they would come to an understanding of who Jesus was, and how important as a nation that they are to God. Luke was with Paul all the way up to the very end, and Paul's heart broke for his people; and Luke, even though he was not born a Jew, was a dedicated child of Abraham; having been grafted into Israel by his faith in Jesus Christ, he was passionate about reaching his new found people with the truth. If you know anything about Luke's writing style and his attention to detail, then you can just imagine him and Paul sitting there as Luke drills Paul for every sort of information, and every detail in the creation and growth of Israel, God's chosen people; with Paul adding to the message as they spelled out together the Hope of Israel... "Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-25)