Jerusalem
Now Think On This
Steve Martin
“After He had said these things, He was going on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.” (Luke 19:28, NAS)
Jerusalem, my favorite city in the world. And I am not even a Jew. Imagine that.
I find it fascinating when American Jews ask me why I go to Jerusalem so much. I have made 15 trips from the USA since 1987 to the land of Israel. In these later years, I have tried to make it an annual event, as we are committed to doing this. Supporting Israel is especially the main objective for us, to keep a firm stand with them, through the work of Love For His People.
Why does a Gentile, goyim (Hebrew), former Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Charismatic Christian, white Caucasian, Southern 63-year-old male from Cedar Falls, Iowa, born in Minnesota (any more descriptions I need to include?) want to go to Jerusalem so much?
Because those who live there are continually in the Lord’s heart (Jesus, Yeshua), and thus being a disciple and believer in Him, Jerusalem, and His People are also in my heart.
It was in Jerusalem where He came to earth, having been sent there from His Father and Holy Spirit; where He lived, was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. And from Jerusalem He then instructed His apostles, messengers, to take His Gospel, the Good News, to the ends of the earth, before He returns for the second time.
And thus this capitol, eternal city of Israel since the days of King David, is very important to the King of all kings, Who is my King too.
“Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. "You are witnesses of these things. "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:44-49, NASU)
Having established Jewish friends now in the Land, it surely makes my prayer life and desire for protection over them even more fervent. When you have family, you care more. At least that is how I was raised by my good mother and father. Israel is like family to me. The Jews are my friends, and I stand with them at all times.
While in Jerusalem, walking in the footsteps of Jesus is a big deal, even if the actual street level is 15-20 feet down below the current level. Centuries of ruin and captivity have layered the city. Archeological digs all over have proven this city has been the city of the Jews.
In 1917, when the Balfour Declaration was written, the homeland for the Jews once again began to be re-establish. In 1948 the Jews once again proclaimed Israel as their rightful, biblical state; and in 1967 they once again recaptured Jerusalem, never to lose it ever again. Prophetic words, spoken by Messiah Himself, had come to pass. Jerusalem is now eternally in the hands of the Chosen People. His prophesied return is thus getting real close.
“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthews 24:3-14, NKJV)
Jerusalem is the center of the world. It is the focus of all attention, whether some like that or not. It will continue to be in the headlines, news clips, social media sites, and all airwaves. The Living God of Israel has chosen to make Himself known among the nations, and Israel, especially Jerusalem, is His main concentration point. His Name will be held in high esteem, as He shows Himself strong on their behalf.
Watch the Jews. Watch Israel. And especially watch Jerusalem. That is where it all will happen in the end. This is where it will all be fulfilled, the completion of His work, the ingathering of the Jews to establish His purposes and ultimate plans.
His eternal destinies will be accomplished and established. No one or nothing will stop Him. Jerusalem – where the King will reside on His Holy Mountain.
Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).
Now think on this,
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
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Now Think On This - in the Year of our Lord 11.03.17 - #328 – “Jerusalem”, Friday, 4:10 pm
