February 2

They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten. — Jer 50:5 BSB

Zion is the source of all gospel blessings. In it, the “precious cornerstone” is laid (Isaiah 28:16); in it, salvation for Israel is placed (Isaiah 46:13); the Lamb of God stands upon it (Revelation 14:1); and mercy, redemption, pardon, comfort, strength, deliverance, and glory flow from it. Turning our faces toward Zion symbolizes seeking these gospel blessings. The redeemed are described as seeking the Lord their God, who is only found in Zion, His dwelling place, where praise is offered to Him (Psalm 65:1).

But this is not done lightly or carelessly. They do not presume they will reach Zion easily. They must ask for guidance at every step, often doubting and fearing whether they are on the right path. Having been deceived so many times before, they no longer trust their own hearts but instead beg the Lord to show them the way. They can no longer blindly follow any presumptuous guide; they cry out to the Lord Himself to lead and direct them.

As they go, they weep. They mourn their backslidings, the wrongs they have committed, the frivolous thoughts they’ve entertained, their worldliness, pride, presumption, hypocrisy, carnality, carelessness, and stubbornness. Their tears are not evidence of their salvation, but they weep because they seek the Lord. They long for His mercy, the light of His favor, and a revelation of the love of Jesus. They are not trying to establish their own righteousness or win the approval of others. They seek the Lord alone, crying out day and night for His grace, mercy, love, and presence. They wrestle with God, refusing to give up until they experience Him as their covenant God who heals all their backslidings.