What Does It Mean to Be a Citizen of God's City? (Psalm 87) | Daily Devotional & Bible Study

Citizenship in the Bible meant something a little different than it does today. Today we study Psalm 87 and what it means to be counted as a citizen of the city of God. I pray it both encourages and challenges you as you think about where you truly belong.

"Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God." (Psalm 87:3)

Questions this episode answers

What is Psalm 87 about?

Psalm 87 celebrates Zion, the city of God, and describes people from many nations being counted as born there (Psalm 87:4-6). It is a picture of God gathering people from every nation into His family. That hope is fulfilled in the gospel.

What does it mean that our citizenship is in heaven?

Philippians 3:20 says believers are citizens of heaven, waiting for our Savior. Our deepest belonging is with God, not with any earthly nation. That shapes how we live, love, and hold on to this world.

Can people from any nation belong to God?

Yes. Psalm 87 names even former enemies of Israel among those counted in Zion. In Christ, people from every tribe and nation become citizens together with the saints (Ephesians 2:19).

Links

Paul knew a lot about citizenship as a Roman citizen, and on our November Bible Study Live trip to Rome we study his letters in the city he longed to reach with the gospel.

Bible Study Live is a small-group Bible study trip with Rachael Groll. Study Scripture where it happened in Rome, or slow down for a contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui. Dates and details at BibleStudyLive.org

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