Next year in Jerusalem
It's Tea Time for Your Soul from Jerusalem. I am literally writing to you from Zion. I'm fighting internet connections and the clock to fulfill my weekly commitment to share a spiritual thought God has given me that week.
Spending one week in Israel has given me more spiritual lessons than I could ever write. I tried to blog each day (http://www.soulsistertime.blogspot.com/), but it is so difficult to put into words what I am learning about God's love by coming here.
I've thought about Moses quite a bit, especially yesterday when we were recommitting our baptism vows at the Jordan River. Moses never came here while he was alive, but he spent his whole life leading people here. That is not a bad life!
We stood at the place that Joshua led the Israelites out of slavery and into this land of milk and honey. It is the same place that Jesus began His ministry by being baptized by John. Through Jesus' life, death and resurrection, those who believe in Him are led into the promises of God and eternal life.
This is the best way to come to Israel. Beginning in the desert strengthens you and gives you what you need to fully enter the land of promise. You've got to know that the Israelites had finally put their trust in God's promises as they passed through the Jordan and conquered Jericho. Though the land just over the ridge is lush and beautiful, when you first come through it is arid and dry.
Immediately after his baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert. Making my decision to come to Jerusalem at this time was a desert experience for me. What I have discovered is that the desert is a rich and beautiful place. The vast, barren wasteland is all you see at first. If the Holy Spirit leads you here, it means that He will show you the rich beauty and strength that a desert experience will grant to a soul.
If the Holy Spirit ever leads you here, be prepared to realize His glory manifesting in you in a richer and fuller way.
At the end of Passover everyone raises a glass and states "Next year in Jerusalem." Whether you ever go there physcialy, you will go there one day if you put your faith in Jesus and receive His gift of salvation. The new Jerusalem will be everything God has planned. You can read about it in Revelation 21.
I've loved reading your blog about Israel. My husband & I were there in 1997. It was a life changing experience. The Word became so much more real as I could read and see at the same time the things I'd read about for years. To understand a bit more of this eastern world from a western girl's experience opened my mind, eyes & heart in ways I had not imagined. I get excited about Israel every time I think about our time there. It is an amazing place. It draws me. One day we will all return with our Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for all your writings. I look forward to the weekly Tea Time for Your Soul.
Psalm 122:6 "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure."
Annie
Annie: Thanks for following the posts. I feel the same way as you. I see the Bible in a whole new light. Yes, let's pray for the peace of Jerusalem-- a constant prayer.
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