Psalm 87:1-2:
1 ON THE holy hill stands the city [of Jerusalem and the temple] God founded. 2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion [through which the crowds of pilgrims enter from all the nations], more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Israel).
It doesn't matter what any person or nation in the entire world thinks or says, GOD owns Jerusalem! it is HIS city and the city of HIS people! We saw the different gates when we visited Israel last year. We were most interested in the Golden Gate, also known as the Beautiful Gate. Below are two pictures of the gate that stands there now:
This gate was sealed by Suleiman I in 1541 to prevent the Messiah from returning here. Do YOU think that would stop Him? What this picture does not show is the original gate from the Second Temple, which was the Temple there at the time of the earthly ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. This gate has been found below ground! The present gate was built over the top of the original! What do YOU think will happen when Messiah Yeshua touches His feet down on the mount of Olives at His Second Coming? My thought is that the accompanying earthquake will destroy the present gate and reveal the original that he will walk through TRIUMPHANTLY! Soon and very soon! AMEN!
Romans 15:4-6 is exactly what we need in order to walk in unity with all believers in Jesus of Nazareth!
4 For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope. 5 Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. 6 That together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Messiah).
As we said yesterday, we will not likely all agree on doctrine in this life, but we CAN all agree that JESUS IS LORD! Let's present a united force for the world to see, recognize and understand that they are personal sinners who have already been provided with a personal Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth! God is perfectly capable of taking care of the rest for those who really WANT to know the Truth! Our prayer should be verse 13:
13 May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
That hope is what 1 Peter 3:15 says will cause people to ask us about HIM!
15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.
Be ready!
In Numbers 17 we see God giving the Israelites physical evidence, once and for all, that He had called and appointed Aaron as the first High Priest. Let's be those whom Jesus said are blessed for believing WITHOUT having seen (John 20:29). Believe the WORD! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
