The Time To Favour Zion.

THE TIME TO FAVOUR ZION.

Psalm 102:12-17.

Man in his affliction may feel that his days are racing away from him (cf. Psalm 102:11). Yet, before our legitimate prayer (cf. Psalm 102:1) disintegrates into despair, it is well to remind ourselves that “thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever, and thy remembrance unto all generations” (PSALM 102:12). And that “thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, the set time, is come” (PSALM 102:13).

The Jews “took pleasure in” the stones of Zion, and “favoured the dust thereof” (PSALM 102:14). This is out of reverence for the place where the LORD was worshipped. In like manner, ministers of the Gospel take pleasure in nurturing converts to Christianity, ‘as lively stones, built up a spiritual house… acceptable to God by Jesus Christ’ (cf. 1 Peter 2:5). “Dust” could stand for the multitudes of Abraham’s spiritual sons (cf. Galatians 3:7).

So this anticipates more than the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It anticipates the gospel age, when "the nations shall fear the name of the LORD, and all kings of the earth thy glory" (PSALM 102:15; cf. Psalm 72:19; Revelation 11:15).

It also anticipates the glorious coming of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ (PSALM 102:16; cf. Titus 2:13).

All this is in answer to the prayers of His people (PSALM 102:17).

This should encourage us to keep on praying. ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ (cf. Psalm 122:6). Pray that ‘the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea’ (cf. Habakkuk 2:14). Pray for revival (cf. Psalm 85:6).