Psalms 87:1-7
There is a complete contrast between Zion, the holy city founded by God Himself, and the powerful empires of the world: Egypt, Babylon, Tyre . . . , empires built up by men for their own glory. The time comes when "The LORD shall count when he writeth up the people" and when He will give each one the right of citizenship (v. 6).
Two beginnings, two citizenships are so to speak recognisable in men, according to whether or not they have experienced the new birth. That of the believer is in the heavens (Philippians 3:20). He is for eternal ages a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem, and God considers him as born in it (v. 5). The other citizenship is that of the world. It is a passing phase, for the fashion of the world passes away, while "the foundation of God standeth sure" (1 Corinthians 7:31; 2 Timothy 2:19). Moreover, it will be said of the man of the world, including the most illustrious: "this man was born there" (v. 4).
"All my springs are in thee" sing the redeemed (v. 7). We who are through grace citizens of heaven, should we go to draw our joys from the springs of this world? Should we not rather be able to sing to the Lord in very truth:
"Whom have we, Lord, but Thee,
Soul thirst to satisfy?
Exhaustless spring! The waters free!
All other streams are dry."