You will arise and have mercy on Zion. For the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come. For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and show favor to her dust. (Psalm 102:13-14)
Each time I’ve traveled to the land of Israel with a group, there is always a few people who make a point of gathering dirt and rocks from key locations including, of course, Jerusalem. Actually I’ve done it myself, and over the years, have assembled a collection of rocks, stones and pottery shards from different spots from the Galilee down to the Negev. To some degree, I and others have participated in fulfilling the prophecy that says, “your servants take pleasure in her stones, and show favor to her dust.” What other place on earth would people go to the trouble of packing a bunch of rocks in their suitcase and then carry them halfway around the world?
Several years ago, a friend and I sat at the edge of the Sea of Galilee taking in the vistas and contemplating the wonder of being in the land of the Bible. During that conversation we discussed how the Bible came to life and how we were witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy. At some point in the conversation he said, “There is just something special in the dirt.” His point was that, being in the land — walking it and touching it — made a spiritual impact upon a person. It is also obvious that when the people of God are there, something begins to transpire in the land. In short, there is a unique connection between the land and the people to whom the land was promised.
All of this is to say that, long ago, David prophesied that at the appointed time to favor Zion, God’s people would begin to realize what He was doing in the earth and would respond. As He began to favor Zion, the people called by His Name would begin to favor her as well. Does that mean that we will agree with everything the current government of Israel undertakes? Of course not, but it is obvious to me that the Lord has embedded a connection to the land within those who have come into covenant with Him. How could it be otherwise? You cannot separate the land of the covenant from the covenant; the two go hand in glove.
Still, why should this be of importance to us who live outside of the land? Because it is determined by the Creator that, one day, the Lord will restore the kingdom to Israel and He will rule and reign from Jerusalem. The stones of the city will be sanctified by His Presence; the very dust will be considered holy ground. And as it is written, we who are His people will say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths” (Isaiah 2:3). What a glorious day it will be.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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