"Jerusalem"

As I attempt to describe to you the importance of Jerusalem, I find myself in tears.  A few years ago I had the amazing opportunity to visit the city of Jerusalem.  God opened my eyes to see the beauty and importance of this city, and my life has never been the same. 

The Bible comes alive in the city of Jerusalem.  The stones really do cry out.  Being there stirred up in me passion and compassion at the very same time.  I have a passion for the scriptures and a fresh encounter with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and a compassion for the Jewish people who are still looking for the Messiah, yet fail to see He has already come to that very place.

Even now I fail to find the words that would best describe my heart for the city of Jerusalem, God’s city.  This is the city which God chose to display Himself from and through.  If an American citizen fails to show proper love and respect for his country in honor of its founding Fathers, heritage, and history, we call it unpatriotic.  If a believer fails to show proper love and respect for the city of Jerusalem in honor of its heritage, history, and founding Father, I call it unbiblical.

Please read the verses below and allow God to soften your heart for Jerusalem.  Remember we don’t worship the city of Jerusalem, or the Jewish people who brought us the Word of God, we worship God alone!  We are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the salvation of the Jewish people.  Learning of, and loving Jerusalem, will only broaden your understanding of the love of God and His desire to see every nation come into His Kingdom.  --Pastor John

Psalm 122:1-2 (NKJV)

  “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’ Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem,”

Psalm 122:6-7 (NKJV)

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.
"May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.’ ”

Psalm 137:5-6 (NAS)

 “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.
May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you,
if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.”

Psalm 102 (NAS)

“Surely Your servants find pleasure in her stones
and feel pity for her dust.”