The Joy of Jerusalem

The long awaited day had arrived. We were going up to Jerusalem!

We set out from our hotel around 7:30 AM with our guide and bus driver. We began with beautiful views of the Mount of Olives, photos of our group and some scripture reading. Next, we headed on to the Ophel Archaeological Park where, with the help of our guide, we gained insight into some of the history of the excavations of the Temple Mount. We spent time viewing the southern steps of the Temple, while considering their significance in the days when Yeshua walked the land.

Then it was on to view and spend time at the Western wall. We also had the opportunity to stroll some of the streets of Jerusalem and enjoy the sites and sounds of the city, prior to shops beginning to close in preparation for Shabbat.

In the afternoon, we visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and then the Garden Tomb, where we enjoyed communion together and sang and reflected on the goodness of our great God and Savior, our Messiah Yeshua.

For the believer in Yeshua, going up to Jerusalem is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one, as well. Yeshua wept over Jerusalem. It was here that He endured the cross, was buried, resurrected and then lastly ascended into heaven from Jerusalem.

We have the promise that one day our Lord will return to Jerusalem. The promised Millennial kingdom will provide the fulfillment of all God's promises to Israel, followed by the New Jerusalem spoken of in Revelation 21:2.

There is so much in scripture written about the significance of Jerusalem, but I was reminded today about God's word found in Isaiah 62:1, "For Zion's sake, I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning."
May we be zealous to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the return of the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Savior, Messiah Yeshua!

Shalom and blessings from Jerusalem!
Lisa Ronco