Mercy for the Persecutors: Psalm 87


Psalm 87

 

A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song.

1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
    O city of God. Selah


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4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
    “This one was born there,” they say.

5 And of Zion it shall be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her”;
    for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples,
    “This one was born there.” Selah

7 Singers and dancers alike say,
    “All my springs are in you.”

  

Great Things…for God’s Enemies?

This psalm is a hymn of praise to Zion, the holy mountain of the Lord, a place beloved by the Lord. God established a foundation on Mount Zion, and glorious things are about to happen.

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“Every one of these enemies of Israel are known to the Lord and described as those who were born in Zion. On the day when the book of life is opened, the Lord will call each one of them by their name. But how is this beautiful vision to be achieved? It will be fulfilled by Christ, the living stone himself.

In the first two verses of this psalm, the poet praises the foundations of Zion. He does not explain in detail what this foundation is, but the prophet Isaiah states it further: “therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’”

Later, in the New Testament, the apostle Peter directly clarifies that the precious cornerstone that was placed in Zion is the Lord Jesus. Peter says: “you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.”

In verses 3-6, the psalmist shows us an incredible picture. He describes Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre and Cush. For thousands of years these groups never ceased destroying, besieging, exploiting, and oppressing Israel. In Psalm 87, all this destruction is reversed. Every one of these enemies of Israel are known to the Lord and described as those who were born in Zion. On the day when the book of life is opened, the Lord will call each one of them by their name. But how is this beautiful vision to be achieved? It will be fulfilled by Christ, the living stone himself, the one whom the Lord has established as the foundation in Zion.

In verse 7, the tears once shed by the singers and dancers of Zion are replaced by something they long hoped for: a bubbling spring. Previously, when they sat by the rivers of Babylon and remembered Zion, tears “stream[ed] down like a torrent day and night.” But through the prophet Zechariah, the Lord promised something besides tears to his people: “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.”

Those Who Imprison Us Receive God’s Mercy

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“We know that we ourselves have received mercy, but do we also look forward to the vision of this psalm? Do we long for the day when those who persecute us, those who accuse us without reason, and those who put us in prison also receive the mercy of God?

These verses were written by “the Sons of Korah.” Who was Korah? And who are these descendants of Korah? When Israel went out from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness, Korah led a party of men who openly slandered Moses and attacked the Lord. In response, God split the earth and swallowed up Korah and his party. However, the sons of Korah did not die. Korah himself was rebellious and faced the judgment of God, yet his descendants were saved from death by the mercy of God. Their lives were preserved, so they sang God’s praises.

We, too, are descendants of Korah and sons of destruction. But like the sons of Korah, God has preserved our lives and granted us salvation. He has done this so that we may return to Mount Zion, to his own kingdom.

We know that we ourselves have received mercy, but do we also look forward to the vision of this psalm? Do we long for the day when those who persecute us, those who accuse us without reason, and those who put us in prison also receive the mercy of God?

He Kewang is a pseudonym for a ministry leader in southeast China who has a heart for prayer.

 

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father,

I thank you for setting up your precious and only begotten Son as your foundation in Zion. He is the cornerstone of salvation, so that we, the sons of destruction, who were your enemies, may be saved. We may joyfully draw water from the fountain of your salvation, singing and praising you! Have mercy on those who persecute us, on the policemen, prosecutors, and judges who put your children in prison. Just as you have mercy on us, so have mercy on those who hate us for no reason. In the name of Jesus, amen!

   


We are using the Psalms to guide our prayers for China

In 2022, our prayer movement is turning to the scriptural prayers found in the Psalms as we pray for the Chinese church. When you join our prayer movement, you will receive weekly prayer emails and a monthly newsletter so that you too can pray for our brothers and sisters in China.

  

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Further Reading

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Moses in the Wilderness 3: Making Visible the Invisible
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Chengdu: Discipleship in Difficult Times
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Moses in the Wilderness 2: A Reflection of Christ
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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