READ: Ps. 48:1-15: … is a joy of the whole earth … the city of the great King … God will establish her forever … Your temple … her towers … this God is our God …
This Psalm sings of the glory of the LORD as it becomes visible in His house, His temple, and His church. God’s glory first comes forth in His victory over enemies. They came from all sides, also from over the sea, toward the place where the LORD dwells in holiness. But only the sight of the LORD of hosts was already sufficient to make them retreat.
Again and again the LORD gives the church proof of His protection. However great the superiority of the enemy may seem to be and however many allies take part in that battle, He continues, as the LORD of hosts, to preserve His Church..
The Lord Jesus also points His disciples to this when, upon Peter’s confession of faith, He declares concerning the church that confesses Him: “and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). In verse 9 the poet rejoices: “God will establish her forever.”
The lovingkindness, that is God’s grace, faithfulness, and favor, is especially remembered and experienced in God’s house. It is in the church where the service of reconciliation takes place and the songs of praise arise. Yet everywhere in the world there is reason to honor, worship, and praise God because of His great deeds (vs.11).
In verses 13-15 the poet directs himself especially to the house where God dwells. In the Old Testament this is in the temple,, in the New Testament, it is the church. He asks attention for all her aspects, as can be seen in a walk around it: walls, palaces, and towers with their watchmen, who must warn in danger.
In everything it appears that the temple city is strong and safe, beautiful and prosperous. But the most important thing is that God dwells there. Also now it comes down to looking at the church in this way. Not as a matter of men but of God who in His Son gathers, protects, and preserves His own in the communion of saints in His house. He does this unto our eternal salvation and unto His glory.
Do we see that the Lord fights for His church?
Singing: Ps. 48:3,4