Read Isaiah 33:17-24

“Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts; Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet home, A tabernacle that will not be taken down; Not one of its stakes will ever be removed, Nor will any of its cords be broken. But there the majestic LORD will be for us…” (Isaiah 33:20–21)

In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah cries out against the enemies of Israel who were plundering the city of Jerusalem and dealing treacherously with God’s people (see Isaiah 33:1). The enemy here is not specifically named, though it is likely the Assyrians and other nations who had allied themselves for Israel’s destruction (see Isaiah 33:3-9).

Yet, in the midst of such terror where defeat was seemingly inevitable, Isaiah reminds Israel of God’s grace and eternal promise for Jerusalem (see Isaiah 33:2). Even more, the prophet speaks confidently of the future King of Jerusalem — the Messiah — to whom all nations would eventually submit (see Isaiah 33:5, 10, 17). No matter how many times the enemy set up a standard against Jerusalem, God’s promise was that the city would forever remain the capital of Israel’s people — an eternal city of worldwide influence.

“Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.” (Psalm 125:1–2)

*What does this have to do with us, Christ's church? Everything! For the Messiah, which Isaiah speaks of in this chapter, is our very Savior, Christ the Lord. He once humbly entered Jerusalem on a donkey to which the people of Israel cried out, "Hosanna to the Son of David!"* (see Matthew 21:9). And as certain as He entered the first time, He shall certainly enter a second time to save Israel from their enemy once and for all — but this time as a Majestic King to rule and reign forever.

“Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east… Thus the LORD my God will come, And all the saints with You… And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be “The LORD is one,” And His name one. The people shall dwell in it; And no longer shall there be utter destruction, But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.” (Zechariah 14:3–5, 9, 11)

What of us? We shall be with Him in Jerusalem serving as kings and priests for His glory! (see Revelation 1:6; 5:10) What a day that shall be — a soon day we must look forward to — when we shall proclaim as Isaiah did, “The Majestic LORD will be for us."

Beloved, if the Scriptures foretell of such glorious promises, we must apply them with certainty today. First, we should always pray for Israel that they would come to saving faith in their true Messiah, Jesus Christ. God has not cast off His people, and nor should we! (see Romans 11:2). Second, we should pray for Jerusalem, that God would protect it and continue to reveal His glory to the nations through it. And finally, we should be humbled to know that we, the Gentile church, have become part of God’s plan for Israel as grafted in branches of God’s Kingdom (see Romans 11:17-18, 33).

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9–10)

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