Jerusalem, Jerusalem

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37). These words of Jesus betray how much He loved this city. Just think of how significant this ancient city is. It has had several names such as Salem, Jebus, "The City of David," "The Holy City," Ariel, Aelia Capitolina, and El Kuds. The name Jerusalem is a combination of the names Jebus and Salem. However, I would like to look at three reasons this city is significant to us today.

First, it is significant because of the history that surrounds it. It was first mentioned in Genesis 14:18 as Salem, and later conquered by David (2 Samuel 5:6).Nebuchadnezzar attack and conquered the city three times which ultimately resulted in the Babylonian captivity. Cyrus, king of the Medo-Persian empire issued a decree that allowed the Jews to return to and rebuild Jerusalem. Yet, the greatest period of history for Jerusalem was during the time of Jesus. From the time He went to the temple at the age of 12 till the resurrection, Jesus periodically walked it's streets. Nevertheless, it was destroyed by Titus in A.D. 70.

Second, it is significant because the Lord established His Church there. It was prophesied that this would be done (Isaiah 2:2,3; Zechariah 1:16). Before His ascension, Jesus gave instructions to the apostles concerning upcoming events that would take place there (Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8,12). Then on the day of Pentecost, the Church of Christ was established (Acts 2:1-47).

Finally, the greatest reason for the significance of Jerusalem is what it symbolizes for God's people today. Some people still call it a "Holy City," but it is no more holy than any other city. Yet, Christians still sing songs like "On Zion's Glorious Summit," or "We're Marching To Zion." Paul spoke of the "Jerusalem which is above" (Galatians 4:26). The Hebrew writer said, "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). Also, let us not forget the Revelation in which John saw the heavenly city (Revelation 21).

Friends, the new Jerusalem means a great deal to everyone who wants to go to heaven!