How to treat an enemy

Leigh Ann Hicks

Central Truth

Even though we could be compared to Israel's historical enemies, God loved us enough to provide a way for us to become citizens of Zion.

I mention Rahab and Babylon to my followers.
Here are Philistia and Tyre, along with Ethiopia.
It is said of them, “This one was born there.”
(Psalm 87:4)

Glorious Things of You Are Spoken

A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song.

1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2     the LORD loves the gates of Zion
    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
    O city of God. Selah

4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush^{1

87:4
Probably Nubia} —
    “This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her”;
    for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
    “This one was born there.” Selah

7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”

Footnotes

[1] 87:4 Probably Nubia

When I was a girl in Little Rock, I loved to visit Dallas. It was like visiting Mecca! Wonderful shopping malls to thrill a girl's heart, great places to eat, and best of all, Six Flags Over Texas (technically in Arlington, but in my mind, it was Dallas). No wonder I moved here right after college. As the bumper sticker says, "I wasn't born here, but I got here as quick as I could!"

As I studied this passage, I read it in several different versions. My favorite is the New Living Translation: "I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!" This is the only psalm that prophesies the gathering of Gentiles along with Israel into God's heavenly city of Zion.

But looking closer at this passage, the Gentile places listed aren't just any nations. These are the historical enemies of Israel: Egypt, Babylon, Philistine, and Tyre.

Wait a minute. I'm not an enemy of God. Am I?

To be honest, not every word or action of mine qualifies me for citizenship in heaven. I am, simply put, a sinner: an enemy of God. No better than a Philistine! “[F]or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Ever had an enemy? Someone you didn’t like? I’ll bet you weren’t too eager to do them any favors. Yet, God reminds us that He’s not like us. He loves with an unearthly love, an unfailing love that's big enough to include even His enemies: " . . . [O]ur friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies." (Romans 5:10a, NLT)
I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was a young girl, but truly began living as his follower just a few years ago. As an adopted Gentile daughter of the King, I’m excited to look ahead to being a citizen of heaven. I have a feeling it’s going to be way better than Dallas!

1. God loved His enemies enough to send His Son to die for them so that they could be reconciled with Him. Jesus told us, "You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" (Matthew 5:43-44, NLT) Do you love your enemies and pray for them?

2. There are so many descriptions of heaven (a/k/a the city of Zion, as in this passage) in the Bible. Jesus says it's going to be like a wedding celebration! Do you know for certain that you will be at that party?