He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God: “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’ “
Indeed, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.” The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”
Christians and Jews, the people of God, are vilified in many parts of the world today. Even though Bob Dylan advised against it, people still criticize what they don’t understand. (I guess the times they weren’t a-changin’ after all.)
But Dylan was right about one thing in his classic protest song. “The first ones now will later be last.” People who don’t know our Creator don’t understand that this world, the one we can see, is temporary, of no more significance than a single grain of sand on the endless shores of eternity. Its only purpose is to provide us an opportunity to learn of His love for us and accept His pardon, purchased at the cross.
It’s the unseen world that’s permanent. And there, things will be different. All the illusory gains so fiercely fought for and achieved in this life will only have served to blind unbelievers to the real riches of the next, where blessings without number and wealth without measure await those who have acknowledged Him.
At that time, those of Rahab (Egypt) a type of the world, and Babylon, Philistia, and Cush, models of the people of God’s enemy, will bow before the Lord and His Bride before entering their eternity of shame and deprivation. For at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in Heaven and on Earth and under the Earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, (Phil. 2:10-11). And He’s promised us, “I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” (Rev 3:9)
Not that we’re to be deprived here while we await the Kingdom promised us. Concerning our material comforts He said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt 6:33) But it’s clear that our priorities are to be different from those of the unbelieving world. We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:18) And our reward for this is the effortless acquisition of all we’ve ever dreamed of and more.
So what’s the best advice I can give you today? Well, it’s not from one of Bob Dylan’s songs but from one of David’s. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)