Zion: God’s Presence

Last Sunday’s sermon was preached by Pastor Harry with the title “Zion: God’s Presence” (Hebrews 12:22-25 and 13:14-15). The sermon and the whole service can be watched on our WIC YouTube Channel.


Last Tuesday Brother Pablo shared with me his vision for the leaders of Bible-based churches like ours to come together to pray and bring Jesus to all the churches and people of Poland. What I didn’t mention to Pablo was that I’d had a similar vision in a dream that was repeated for two consecutive nights. I saw a group springing up simultaneously in many churches, composed of people totally on fire for JESUS ALONE. This movement was called “Zion” in my dream. A Jesus-filled group springing up in every church!

 

Zion refers to a hill on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Originally there was just a fortress there, which was captured by King David from a people called the Jebusites, who were the original inhabitants of that area. David made the fortress his home, renamed it the City of David, and then extended the city from there. That’s how Jerusalem came into being – from a fortress called Zion.

 

David’s son Solomon, as you know, built a great Temple to the Lord on another nearby hill, and the name Zion became identified with the Temple grounds: the place where God’s Presence was found. Then the name was applied to the whole of Jerusalem: Zion, the holy city. And next, it came to mean all of Israel – God’s holy, chosen people, among whom God was present.

 

In the New Testament, the word “Zion” takes on a new meaning. In our reading from Hebrews, the believers are told that they’ve already come to “Mount Zion” and to the heavenly Jerusalem. In other words, we as truly believing Christians are already part of God’s heavenly kingdom – because His Presence is with us, when we are “born again”. So we are the new Zion! And of course, we look forward to heaven after our death – the eternal “city” of Zion is our destination, where we shall enjoy God’s Presence forever. So as you can see, the common denominator in all these various meanings of Zion is the Presence of God Himself. That’s the vision that Pablo and I have too: a “Zion group” of Spirit-filled believers in every church in Poland. Believers who are totally on fire for Jesus.

 

The Zion Christian wants only to worship and glorify JESUS. Jesus is God. Jesus is the Saviour. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus takes away your sins and washes you clean. Jesus opens your spiritual eyes and heals you. Jesus leads you safely to heaven. Jesus is your all in all. Fill your heart and mind with JESUS alone.

 

You may ask: How can I do this? How can I have more of God’s Presence in my life? I’ll tell you – never through intellectual knowledge. There’s only one way to get closer to God: OBEDIENCE to Jesus’ teachings. If Jesus says “don’t sin”, and you keep on sinning, you won’t grow in Him. If He says “believe and trust in Me”, and you doubt, you won’t grow in Him. Obedience is the only way.

 

Many of you remember our wonderful American missionaries who came over each summer: Ken and Jennifer Campbell. They brought sunshine and love to everyone they met. “Zion Christians” – totally on fire for Jesus. Jennifer was disabled, but her whole life was her way of saying thanks to Jesus for giving her life – because when she was born, her heart didn’t beat. Her parents could only think of repeating one short prayer: “Jesus help”. And after a few minutes, her heart starting beating.

 

Several months ago, Ken fell over and suffered bleeding in his brain. This has left him in a care home, unable to look after himself, and with his memory gone. And the other week, our lovely friend Jennifer passed away, so very unexpectedly.

 

Yes, we are shocked. But what stands out is not their incapacity or death, but what they did with their life while they could be active; and the thousands of people they helped to lead to Jesus.

 

Dear Friend, seek to be part of the invisible Zion group in this church, while you can. Let Jesus’ Presence shine through you and fill you. Let Him guide you constantly. Let Him be on your lips and in your heart, every day. And let Him lead you safely to heaven too. Amen.

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