“I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there…” (2 Chronicles 6:6, NASU)
On December 6, 2017, President Donald Trump of the United States declared that America would officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. That was a very good decision, being the Creator of the Universe, Jesus Christ Himself, feels the same way. He chose Jerusalem as the place where His name would be.
It is a good thing to be on the side of God Almighty. We are glad you are, Mr. President.
Jerusalem is the place where both Jews and Christians have had numerous holy sites, for centuries, situated on the mountains and hills surrounding God's city. Nations have fought over it; millions have died because of it; the Savior of mankind brought His message of love and hope to its very ancient streets.
The very first time I came into the holy city, in the late 1980’s, wasn’t on foot, horseback, a donkey or camel, as the Jews have done beginning centuries ago. It was in an air-conditioned tour bus, with 40 people, at night time, climbing up the highway from the east, beyond the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The city was aglow with the glimmering lights shining forth into the October sky. It was an amazing site.
The tour guide then began playing on the bus sound system the song Holy City, Jerusalem (here is a version by John Starnes on YouTube: Holy City, Jerusalem.) I could feel my spirit welling up inside me. Listening to the words, I could sense the very real presence of the Lord overtake myself and those who had come to this Land, this Holy City, the place where Jesus (Yeshua) walked. The very place where He will soon return to again.
During that first tour we visited the Old City, including the Western Wall, the Upper Room, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We also went to The Church of All Nations, Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb. Each step of the way we witnessed spiritual and historical locations that pilgrims from all over the world wait a lifetime to come and walk within and upon.
To imagine that this is the very place where the Messiah chose to bring His eternal word, in the flesh, to first the Jews, and then through them, had it taken from here to the very ends of the earth. The Good News of redemption, salvation, and freedom from sin came forth from His Holy City, Jerusalem.
While on staff with Derek Prince Ministries, I once heard that Bible teacher Derek had spoken these words. "You do not choose Jerusalem. Jerusalem chooses you." For some time, I did not understand that.