Jerusalem is an amazing city. It is Israel’s capital, seat of its government and its largest city in both population and area. The altitude of the Old City is 2,500 feet, and valleys and dry riverbeds surround the whole of Jerusalem. It is located in the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern tip of the Dead Sea. For nearly 3,000 years, Jerusalem experienced the pain of existing under foreign rule. That changed when Israel became a sovereign nation in 1948.
Jerusalem has been called the “City of David” because of David’s heroic feats. He chased the Jebusites out and claimed the city for God. David’s “Psalms of Ascent” (Psalms 120-134) give rise to the love he had for this city. Pastor Jack referred to the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook!
- “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1, 2, NIV)
- “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you be secure.” (Psalm 122:6, NIV)
- “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 125: 2, NIV)
- “Arise, O Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.” (Psalm 132:8, NIV)
Even if you are walking through a deep valley or traversing through a dry riverbed, “lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.” (Psalm 134: 2, 3, NIV). Let’s continue to climb the hill and keep our eyes on the eastern gate. Any day it’s going to swing wide open, and the King of Glory will come marching through in all of His splendor!
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
