Living in Jerusalem: A Spiritual Journey from David to the Son of David
Believer in Christ, as we embark on a spiritual exploration of Jerusalem, we find ourselves in a unique position. We stand at the crossroads of history, gazing upon a city that has been both the heart of ancient Israel under King David and a symbol of the New Jerusalem in Jesus Christ. Join me on this profound journey as we delve into the significance of these two Jerusalems, guided by the wisdom of the Bible.
**Jerusalem – City of David:**
Our journey begins in the Jerusalem of old, the City of David, where the historical and spiritual roots of the Bible run deep. In 2 Samuel 5:7 (KJV), we read, “Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.” This city represents the earthly, historical Jerusalem, established by King David as the capital of Israel. It was a place of triumphs and tribulations, where God’s presence dwelt within the Holy of Holies in the Temple.
In this earthly Jerusalem, we see the fulfillment of God’s promises to David, as described in 2 Samuel 7:16 (KJV), “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever.” This promise extends to the lineage of David, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ.
**Jerusalem – City of the Son of David:**
Now, let’s shift our gaze to the spiritual realm, to the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the eternal city that transcends earthly boundaries. Revelation 21:2 (KJV) paints a vivid picture, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” This New Jerusalem represents the consummation of God’s redemptive plan in Christ.
As believers in Christ, we are citizens of this heavenly Jerusalem, as stated in Galatians 4:26 (KJV), “But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” It’s a city where righteousness dwells, where there is no more sorrow or death, as described in Revelation 21:4-5 (KJV).
**Living in Both Jerusalems:**
So, believer in Christ, where do we find ourselves today? We live in the tension of these two Jerusalems. We reside in the earthly Jerusalem, navigating the complexities of life, but our hearts and hopes are firmly anchored in the New Jerusalem in Jesus Christ.
In this dichotomy, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in John 18:36 (KJV), “My kingdom is not of this world.” We live in the world, but we are not of it. Our citizenship is in the heavenly Jerusalem, where Christ reigns eternally as the Son of David (Rev 22:16).
It’s essential to clarify that our true home as Christians is in the New Jerusalem, which is a spiritual reality (Christ living in us), rather than the physical Jerusalem associated with the law and Judaism. The distinction is profound and rooted in the teachings of the Bible.
In Galatians 4:24-26 (KJV), the Apostle Paul provides a clear distinction between the two Jerusalems: “Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”
Paul highlights that the physical Jerusalem, associated with Mount Sinai, represents the old covenant and the law, which could not bring ultimate freedom and salvation. However, he contrasts this with the Jerusalem above, which is free and the mother of all believers. This heavenly Jerusalem represents the new covenant in Jesus Christ, where we find our true spiritual freedom.
Moreover, in Hebrews 12:22-24 (KJV), it is beautifully expressed, “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.”
Here, we are reminded that as believers, we have come to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. Our fellowship is with God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the spirits of the righteous. It is a spiritual reality that transcends the physical constraints of earthly Jerusalem.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to emphasize that our identity and citizenship are rooted in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city of God, where we experience the fullness of God’s grace through the new covenant in Jesus Christ. While we respect the historical and cultural significance of physical Jerusalem, our ultimate faith lie in the spiritual Jerusalem, where we walk in the freedom and love of Christ.
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THE PROMISED LAND
Hebrews 11:8-10 KJV
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:13-16 KJV
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
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By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, and he went out without understanding where he was going. By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land as though it were a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with firm foundations, whose architect and builder is God. These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16 NET