He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, 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.”

Sometimes it is easy to do the “if only” game in life. If only I was born into wealth …; if only I was not handicapped …; if only I had a different home situation …; if only I hadn’t lost my job, etc. I think people in Philistia, Cush, and Tyre might have said the same things, being born in evil and mostly godless cities.  The Jews who were captives in Babylon could have played the “if only” game. Rahab the prostitute could have done this too.

But God’s Word here in Psalms, written by the Sons of Korah, says that we don’t have to play the “if only” game in life. It clearly tells us that God’s holy city will be a place where followers of all tribes and nations are welcome.

How awesome is it to be recognized by the Lord in this way: “This one was born in Zion.”  This means we were born again into God’s holy kingdom. Rahab was “grafted into” the Jewish faith. So were godly members of these other nations who decided to follow God.  And since Jesus died on the cross for our sins, all are able to believe in him and be counted as born in Zion”.

Furthermore, not only can we be grafted into, or reborn into, Zion, God’s holy city. It says that he “establishes” his people. He rears them up, trains them like a master gardener trains his vines and trees. He works on us and in us to make us like him.

What an incredible journey I am on! I belong to the King, the God of the universe. And he establishes me by his divine will!

Lord, thank you that I matter to you; not because of my heritage or my wealth or significance, but merely because you created me in your image and grafted me into your family. May I remember whose I am and always be loyal to you.