Terra firma. Solid ground. That’s where we stand when we trust in Christ.

Before the beginning of time, God had his heart set on establishing humankind on solid ground. The creation account of Genesis 1 illustrates this well. As the waters are separated and dry ground emerges, life in all forms springs forth in preparation for humanity’s climactic entry onto the scene. All of God’s work aims to bring people into a space where they can flourish under his benevolent, powerful and abundant rule.

This purpose continues to pattern its way throughout the Bible’s story, despite the devastating dislocation sin wrought on the world soon after creation. God promises a space, terra firma, on which all of life, indeed eternal life, can find an unshakeable footing.

Zion represents that space: the fortress city of David, the dwelling place of the King. It’s a place so remarkable that people are compelled to speak of its vitality; a place so fertile that life abounds in it from one generation to the next (“This one and that one”); a home so safe because “the Lord on high himself will establish it”. How good is it to have a home? How relieving is it to have God’s protection? But how amazing is it to know the absolute guarantee of this in Jesus? To recognise and confess him as the Christ is the rock on which God establishes his people (Matt 16:18). His words are the terra firma for life (Matt 7:24-25). In him, the kingdom of God has come near, and the beautiful city descends (Rev 21:2).  How good it is to stand in that safety.