IS MY NAME THERE?

From the earliest days of man’s civilization, rank and privilege have been reckoned as greatly important. To belong to the right place and to be regarded among the right people are vital. In studying the ways of man in the Bible, it is interesting to note where things began. It was Cain who built the first city, Gen. 4. 17. Among the many cities that were built after that, the pride of Judah was the city of Zion. This was God’s dwelling place where He placed His Name. It was a bulwark of strength and a centre of beauty, Psa. 48. 1-2. According to the prophecies that relate to the future of Israel, it will be the metropolis of the earth, to which all nations will make their way, and into which they will pour their wealth; cf. Mic. 4. 15. It is the place from which Christ will reign as King of kings during His millennial reign.

Following the thoughts of the dwelling place of God in Zion, verses 4-6 speak of the citizens of the city, and the privilege that comes from its birthright. Some commentators suggest that this is a psalm that illustrates the energies of Jewish proselytism—the wish that all should come under the polity of the city. So “The Lord shall count” indicates a register of those who had found their way under its shadow and protection; “this man was born there”. The franchise of the city was of great importance and a great blessing.

What can we learn from this? For the Christian today, there is privilege greater than citizenship in even the greatest of earth’s cities. When the disciples came back to the Lord Jesus and told Him that they saw the effects of their preaching and teaching, even to demons being subject to them, He answered them in a strange way. He told them not to rejoice so much that these things had happened. We can be sure that He was as pleased as they were. But “rather rejoice”, said He, that “your names are written in heaven”, Luke 10. 17-20. So it is that all believers have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life. They are granted the franchise of heaven, Rev. 20. 15.

Thus it is that citizenship in heaven belongs to every redeemed soul. How lovely to know that He reckons us in this way. This man, this woman—the dignity and privilege of it! Not a colony of Rome, but a colony of heaven!, Phil. 3. 20.