Delight in Zion
Why Delight in Zion?
WHY DELIGHT IN ZION?
The simple answer is that God’s ultimate purpose for Israel, expressed in His Word, is that He will delight in her:
"You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
But you shall be called Hephzibah [literally “My Delight is in her”], and your land Beulah;
For the Lord delights in you,
And your land shall be married."
—Isaiah 62:4
Delight is such a rich concept - the Lord Himself will be deeply satisfied and filled with joy when He beholds Zion. Her righteousness and justice will shine forth like the sun, bringing light to the world and reflecting God’s own character.
This picture of Israel may look like a ridiculous parody in light of realities on the ground today. The bitter, seemingly endless conflicts. The hatred between racial groups. The wars and devastating loss of life. The terrorism.
We’re not trying to be super-spiritual or ignore these dark and painful realities when we refer to Israel as a source of delight. Nor are we suggesting there’s no need to tackle heavy issues—to take a stand against anti-Semitism, to speak truth in the face of racism and prejudice, to acknowledge wrongdoing carried out both by Israel and her enemies, to have hearts of compassion for those whose lives have been torn apart by war and terror in the region.
However, we are saying that these emphases are not goals in themselves.
It’s so easy to lose focus in matters regarding Israel—to become caught up with politics or prejudice against one racial group or another, to idolize Israel or seek answers in Rabbinical Judaism, to get swept up in the Palestinian cause.
That’s why it’s paramount to keep our gaze fixed in the right place—the author and creator of our faith who has Himself chosen Zion to reveal His glory:
“…but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.” - Deuteronomy 11:11-12
“I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off;
My salvation shall not linger.
And I will place salvation in Zion,
For Israel My glory.” - Isaiah 46:13
God’s character is the very heartbeat of Israel, and the story of Israel is the story of the Cross:
God creating a people who He loves passionately and longs to be in relationship with.
His forgiveness and grace in the face of numerous betrayals.
God’s heartbreak as His people experience the consequences of their own sin and suffer exile and destruction.
God’s promise to bring redemption and restoration.
His ultimate act of love and sacrifice—sending His own Son, the Messiah of Israel to rescue His people from their sin.
The hope of a glorious future when God’s people will be regathered to their land, sanctified and finally live in a kingdom ruled by their own Messiah.
This is the story of Israel. The acts of creation, forgiveness, grace and restoration are an expression of God’s own character.
Sewn into this epic love story is an amazing mystery that some of the ancient prophets foresaw:
“…that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” —Ephesians 3:6
The powerful tidal wave of forgiveness and salvation set in motion by Israel’s Messiah as He died and rose again had effects beyond just the restoration of Israel. It opened the way for non-Jews to enter the kingdom of God.
This picture of a saved and restored Israel bringing blessing to both Jews and non-Jews alike is one that brings delight to God’s heart:
“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
Many people shall come and 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.’
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
- Isaiah 2:2-3
There is no racism in this picture. No lies or distortions. No war or terror. No more tears. This is the vision of Zion we must hold in our hearts: a redeemed Jerusalem that knows its own Messiah and brings revelation to the world. This is the glory of God. This is Delight in Zion.
