Mile High Photographer (A Bubble in Gold)
Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,043 words, 6 minutes read time
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Revival, Restoration, and the Glory of Zion
Section 1: Psalm 85 – A Prayer for Revival and Restoration
Overview
Psalm 85 reflects the heart of a people who have experienced God’s forgiveness and restoration but long for a fuller renewal of His blessing. The psalmist recalls God’s past mercy toward Israel and then pleads for renewed spiritual revival. The psalm moves from remembering God’s forgiveness, to seeking His restoration, and finally to expressing confidence that God will bring peace, righteousness, and blessing to His people. It teaches that true revival begins with God’s mercy and results in a renewed relationship with Him.
Theological Themes
- God’s Forgiveness and Restoration
- Revival and Spiritual Renewal
- The Relationship Between Mercy and Truth
- God’s Covenant Faithfulness
- Peace Through Righteousness
Key Verse
Psalm 85:6 – “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”
Discussion Questions with Answers
1. Why does the psalmist ask God to revive His people again?
Answer: The psalmist recognizes that although God has shown mercy in the past, the people still need spiritual renewal. Revival is not merely emotional excitement but a restoration of fellowship with God. The request acknowledges human weakness and dependence upon God’s grace. True joy comes when God’s people are spiritually renewed and walking closely with Him.
2. What does Psalm 85 teach about God’s character?
Answer: The psalm reveals God as forgiving, merciful, faithful, and righteous. He removes sin, restores His people, and remains faithful to His covenant promises. God’s mercy does not compromise His holiness; rather, mercy and truth work together in His redemptive plan.
3. What is the significance of mercy and truth meeting together in verse 10?
Answer: This beautiful image demonstrates the harmony of God’s attributes. Mercy does not ignore truth, and righteousness does not eliminate peace. Ultimately, these qualities meet perfectly in God’s plan of redemption. Christians see their fullest expression in Jesus Christ, where God’s justice against sin and mercy toward sinners are perfectly united.ople into the blessing of His presence.
Section 2: Psalm 86 – A Prayer of Trust in God’s Mercy
Overview
Psalm 86 is a heartfelt prayer of David during a time of distress. David acknowledges his need, appeals to God’s mercy, praises God’s greatness, and seeks divine protection from his enemies. Throughout the psalm, confidence in God’s character becomes the foundation for prayer. David knows that God is compassionate, gracious, and willing to hear those who call upon Him. This psalm serves as a model for believers who face difficulties and need to place their complete trust in the Lord.
Theological Themes
- Dependence Upon God in Prayer
- God’s Mercy and Compassion
- Trust During Affliction
- The Greatness of God Among the Nations
- Guidance in Truth and Faithfulness
Key Verse
Psalm 86:5 – “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
Discussion Questions with Answers
1. What makes David confident that God will answer his prayer?
Answer: David’s confidence is rooted not in his own worthiness but in God’s character. He knows that God is good, forgiving, merciful, and faithful. This teaches believers that effective prayer rests upon who God is rather than upon human merit.
2. How does David balance humility and confidence in this psalm?
Answer: David openly acknowledges his poverty, need, and weakness before God. At the same time, he boldly asks for help because he trusts God’s mercy. Biblical humility is not self-doubt but honest dependence upon God combined with confidence in His promises.
3. What does verse 11 teach about spiritual growth?
Answer: David prays, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Spiritual growth involves learning God’s ways, walking in obedience, and developing a wholehearted devotion to Him. David desires a heart free from divided loyalties and fully committed to God’s will.
Section 3: Psalm 87 – The Glory of God’s Holy City
Overview
Psalm 87 celebrates Zion, the city chosen by God as His dwelling place. The psalm looks beyond Israel and envisions people from many nations being counted among the citizens of Zion. This remarkable prophecy anticipates God’s global plan of salvation, where people from every nation become part of His kingdom. The psalm emphasizes the privilege of belonging to God’s people and points forward to the gathering of all believers into God’s eternal city.
Theological Themes
- God’s Choice of Zion
- The Universal Scope of Salvation
- Inclusion of the Nations
- Citizenship in God’s Kingdom
- Joy in God’s Presence
Key Verse
Psalm 87:6 – “The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there.”
Discussion Questions with Answers
1. Why is Zion so important in this psalm?
Answer: Zion represents God’s chosen dwelling place among His people. It symbolizes His kingdom, His presence, and His covenant relationship with those who belong to Him. In the broader biblical story, Zion points toward God’s eternal kingdom and the heavenly Jerusalem.
2. What is significant about the nations mentioned in Psalm 87?
Answer: Nations such as Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia were often viewed as foreign or even hostile to Israel. Yet God declares that individuals from these nations will be counted among His people. This reveals God’s plan to extend salvation beyond Israel to all nations.
3. How does Psalm 87 point forward to the New Testament?
Answer: The psalm anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s family through faith. The New Testament reveals that people from every tribe, tongue, and nation are united in Christ and become fellow citizens of God’s kingdom. Psalm 87 foreshadows the worldwide church and the ultimate gathering of believers in God’s eternal presence.
Summary
These three psalms present a beautiful progression of faith. Psalm 85 teaches us to seek God’s revival and restoration. Psalm 86 demonstrates how believers should pray with humility and confidence in God’s mercy. Psalm 87 lifts our eyes to God’s global plan of redemption, celebrating the day when people from every nation will be gathered into His eternal kingdom. Together they reveal a God who restores, hears, saves, and welcomes all who come to Him in faith.
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