For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem;
he has desired it for his home.
“This is my resting place forever,” he said.
“I will live here, for this is the home I desired.

Psalm 132:13-14

The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold,
shaped by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak,
and eyes but cannot see.
They have ears but cannot hear,
and mouths but cannot breathe.
And those who make idols are just like them,
as are all who trust in them.
Psalm 135:15-18

• This Psalm is a "Song of Ascents," often sung by pilgrims as they made their way up to Jerusalem.
• It's a prayer recalling God's promises to David, particularly regarding the Temple and a lasting dynasty.
• Our focus today is on two powerful verses, 13 and 14, where we see God's profound statement about Jerusalem (Zion) – His chosen dwelling place. We'll explore its historical significance and its remarkable future fulfillment.
• "Chosen Jerusalem": This isn't an arbitrary choice; it's part of God's redemptive plan.
• Abraham's Offering (Genesis 22): The very mountain range where Jerusalem would eventually sit (Moriah) is where Abraham was called to sacrifice Isaac. This foreshadows a place of ultimate sacrifice and divine provision.
• David's Conquest (2 Samuel 5): Jerusalem (then called Jebus) was a strong Canaanite city. David conquered it and made it his capital, renaming it the City of David (Zion). This united the tribes of Israel under one king and one central location.
• Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6): David brought the Ark of the Covenant, the physical symbol of God's presence, to Jerusalem. This made Jerusalem not just the political capital, but the spiritual capital.
• Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6-8): God confirmed His choice by allowing Solomon to build the Temple in Jerusalem, making it the permanent dwelling place for His presence among His people.
• "He has desired it as his home": This speaks to God's affection and intent. It wasn't just a strategic location; it was a place where God desired to meet with His people.
• While God is omnipresent, He chose specific places to manifest His presence powerfully for His people, and Jerusalem became that central point for Israel's worship and national identity.
• "Resting place forever": This speaks to the permanence of God's choice and His commitment to this city. It's not a temporary stop.
• This promise endured through centuries, through the destruction of the first Temple, the exile, and the rebuilding of the second Temple. Despite all challenges, Jerusalem remained the focal point of Jewish identity and worship.
• While the physical Temple was destroyed, God's promise about His "resting place" and dwelling in Zion points to a deeper, more enduring reality.
• Jesus came to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11), ministered there, and was crucified just outside its walls.
• He taught in its Temple courts. His death and resurrection in or near Jerusalem are central to our faith.
• Jesus prophesied the destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:2) but also spoke of a future time of His return to Jerusalem.
• In the New Testament, believers are called to "Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" (Hebrews 12:22).
• While Jerusalem is a physical place, the concept of God dwelling among His people extends to the Church, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). God now desires to make His home in the hearts of believers.
• Prophecy indicates that when Jesus returns, His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4).
• He will reign from Jerusalem during a future millennial kingdom (Isaiah 2:2-4, Zechariah 8:3). This is where the prophecy of God's "resting place forever" finds its ultimate earthly fulfillment.
• The ultimate fulfillment is the New Jerusalem, a city coming down from heaven, where God will dwell with humanity forever.
• "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God" (Revelation 21:3 ESV). This is the culmination of God's desire for a "home."
• God chose Jerusalem according to His divine plan. Similarly, He sovereignly chooses us for salvation and purpose (Ephesians 1:4). 
• Historically, God dwelt in the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, through the Holy Spirit, He dwells in believers and in the Church (1 Corinthians 6:19). Ultimately, He will dwell with us in the New Jerusalem.
• The enduring promise of God's choice of Jerusalem, culminating in the New Jerusalem, gives us incredible hope for a future where God's presence is fully manifested and His justice reigns.
• Psalm 132:13-14 reveals God's eternal desire to dwell among His people. 
• From ancient Jerusalem… to the indwelling Spirit… to the future millennial reign and the New Jerusalem, His commitment to making His home with us is unwavering. 

Each day is one day closer to the day He will step on the Mount of Olives in the City of Promise.

Long for His appearing. 

Pray for revival. 

Tell others that He keeps His promises…the Bible is the record of promises kept…and He will keep this one too!