July 21, 2003 (36)JERUSALEM. Whatever the source of its original name and meaning it came to be labeled with a number of interpretations, all of which have significance. It has been taken to mean, The City of Peace, the foundation of Peace, the possession of Peace. The scriptures apply a number of good and even bad qualities. It was called, the city of righteousness, the faithful city. Isa. 1:26 The holy city. Isa. 4:2 Then to the other extreme it is stated that it was a city full of bloody crimes and full of violence. Eze. 7:23 There is no question as to what the will of the Lord had been concerning the city, but as always man corrupted the purpose of the Lord by their disobedience.
JERUSALEM, PHYSICAL OR SPIRITUAL. Honestly, what really counts with the Lord? The only good way to reach an understanding of the attitude of the Lord toward the material is to see what He had to say about it. Jesus wept over the religious zeal and hateful attitude of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Most of which was inspired by a religious hierarchy which feared loosing the grip of their leadership. These are His words. Jesus said, If thou hadst known. Could they but have comprehended that it was their day and time of the visitation of their King and Redeemer. The season of the fulfillment of the prophecies of their prophets who had prophesied for over four thousand years of the coming of the Messiah. Every spiritual utterance concerning His coming was being fulfilled before their very eyes, yet they would not see with understanding. The King of Peace was visiting them with a ministry of peace but they were in opposition. Luke 19:41-44Jesus spoke a prophetic Word of the impending judgment which was to be total and absolute as far as the old Jerusalem and its in habitants were concerned. Without one stone being left upon another it is impossible today to visit any of the buildings which were standing in that day. The people likewise were to be destroyed. All because they would not acknowledge the day of their visitation. Again Jesus warned them that their house, or religious order and followers was to be left desolate, empty, deserted of the Lord. Leaving but a shell and religious practices that were meaningless. Mt. 23:38 Though this city, Jerusalem, as a representative of the religion and the people was noted for its mistreatment of the prophets, the compassionate heart and spirit of the Lord Jesus is displayed in His Words to the city. How often, have I longed (NIV) to gather your children. Mt. 23:37 How often, how many times, certainly daily and perhaps many times daily. Longed, with a love and compassion that only the Lord can know. That agape love. He would have brought them under the wings of the Almighty. The secret place of the Most High. Blessed wonderful refuge and hiding place in the storms of life. An area and time of sweet blessed personal communion with the Lord Jesus. A place like none other in this life, in the glory of His presence under the precious influence of the Holy Spirit. Glorious and marvelous refuge. Ps. 91:4 How different even the history of this world would have been had they heeded His invitation.