JERUSALEM

As we came out of a tunnel on our way from touring the Dead Sea area, looking across toward Mt. Nebo where Moses died and God buried him, climbing Masada, and walking up the valley of En-Gedi where David dwelt, we looked to our right and viewed a brilliant sight, the City of Jerusalem.

Just as we exited the tunnel and looked toward the City of David the song "Jerusalem" began playing loudly on our tour bus. I don't think there was a dry eye on the bus. I know mine were not.

Moriah was bought by David from the Jebusites we are told. Before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. a magnificent temple was built by Herod on the peak of Moriah. I believe our tour guide told us this temple was about 22 stories high. Today as one comes out of that tunnel one can view vividly the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim temple on the sight where the temples of Solomon and Herod stood. The Muslim temple is not nearly as gigantic and brilliant.

Jesus will come back and there will be another destruction of another temple. Peter tells us when that will happen. "...the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (II Peter 3:10)

I do not profess to understand everything about this great city of Jerusalem now and forever. All I know is that the Bible speaks graphically about the city of Jerusalem. May I give you just a few notations? John speaks of "...the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." (Rev. 1:10) Revelations 3:12 refers to "...New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God...". John saw "...the holy city, New Jerusalem..." (Rev. 21:2)

Thank the Lord Paul said "...the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all...". (Gal. 4:26). Then he said in Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,..."

Peter said that we should look for "...new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (II Peter 3:13)

Is it any wonder that the writer of the song 'Jerusalem' would pen the following:

"John saw a city that could not be hid.

John saw the city, O yes, he did.

John caught a glimpse of the golden throne.

Tell me all about it, go right on.

Around the throne he saw a crystal sea.

There's got to be more, what will it be?

I want to go to that city he saw, New Jerusalem."

So what do we know about this place? The important thing is that John says "...He will dwell with them and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God."

"and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Rev. 21:3-4)