We thought our GPS had misled us because it didn’t look like we were on the main road to Jerusalem, but then God had me look up and helped me capture this view of the beloved city. God is good!
In a couple of weeks we will celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This city was, and it still is, dear to God’s heart, but sadly, it took the divine presence for granted. Listen to Jesus’ words over Jerusalem:
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”‘ (Luke 19:41-44)
Matthew adds the following words of Jesus over Jerusalem in his Gospel:
“And now you’re so desolate, nothing but a ghost town. What is there left to say? Only this: I’m out of here soon. The next time you see me you’ll say, ‘Oh, God has blessed him! He’s come, bringing God’s rule!’” (Matthew 23:38 MSG)
Ironically, the “City of Peace” is devoid of peace because it didn’t recognize its true Source of Peace. Our lives without our true King are desolate and peaceless too. We need Him now more than ever. And when we seek Him, we will find Him, but we must do so while He may still be found (Isaiah 55:6)!
