Why Jerusalem?

Having lived there for fifteen years, I consider Jerusalem to be home. There is no place on Earth that I would rather be, and I would be there now, if I could.

But, I don’t really understand why.

There are more beautiful places. More pleasant places. There are certainly easier places. But, there are no places like Jerusalem. And, God has His focus on Jerusalem.

And, I don’t understand that, either.

Why would God consider Jerusalem, above any other place on Earth?

I don’t know, and no one else does, either. Really. No one knows, and the ones who think they know, are by definition, wrong.

————————————–

Subscribe to The Shock Letter and receive my articles in your inbox:

http://theshockletter.com/

————————————–

Why Jerusalem?

When the wheels hit the runway at Ben Gurion Airport, I always feel this sense of relief to be home. I never feel this way about arriving anywhere else in the world – except, to a lesser degree, Taipei. I certainly don’t feel like I’m coming home when I need to fly back to the US, even though that’s the place of my birth.

I don’t have a good explanation for that, except to point out the rapid moral decline of America and my love for a good shawarma. Outside of that, I can only say that there’s something inside of me that says, “Jerusalem is THE PLACE.”

The Bible Says Jerusalem Is The Place

Of course, the Bible says that Jerusalem is THE PLACE, too. In fact, Jerusalem is mentioned 764 times in the Bible. But, it’s not the number of times that it’s mentioned that is important. It’s what is said that stands out.

Adonizedek – Lord Of Righteousness

For instance, Jerusalem was first mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Joshua – which didn’t exist at that time. Of course, I find the Book of Joshua’s eight references to Jerusalem to be interesting. Here’s one:

Wherefore Adonizedec king of Jerusalem, sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,Joshua 10:3

It’s fascinating that the name of the King of Yevus (Jebus) – which would one day be Jerusalem – would be called Adonizedec, or Lord of Righteousness. He clearly wasn’t righteous, so I wonder that maybe the place where that city resided was known to be special – which could be why the leaders of that city would have had such a unique name.

Of course, I’m speculating.

But, there is plenty else to say about Jerusalem, without needing to speculate.

The Promise Of The Coming Of Jesus Christ

At Jerusalem, Abraham bound his son Isaac to an altar, to offer him to God, as he was commanded. God stopped him from sacrificing Isaac, and – because Abraham did not withhold his son from God – God said:

That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.Genesis 22:17-18

And, when Paul was speaking of that moment, he said this:

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.Galatians 3:16

So, the promise of the coming of Jesus Christ was made there – at Jerusalem.

The Timing Of The Coming Of Jesus Christ

When Gabriel, the angel, came to tell Daniel WHEN Jesus Christ would come, he said this:

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.Daniel 9:25

And no, Gabriel did NOT mention the building of the temple. It was the city, Jerusalem, that was the point.

The Timing Of The Return Of Jesus Christ

Then, when Jesus spoke of His return, He gave what I believe to be the only sure signpost that we have, that the Last Days have begun:

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.Luke 21:24

Jesus was telling us that the Last Days would begin when the Gentiles no longer controlled Jerusalem.

Did He mention the Temple Mount?

No.

In that verse, did He mention ANYTHING about a Temple?

No.

Jesus just said, “Jerusalem.”

Jesus then went on to describe the rest of the Last Days, which would end with His return.

And, what are the Last Days all about?

The return of Jesus Christ.

I know that I’ve been focusing on the death and destruction that will happen between now and then, but that’s because I want you to serve God for as long as you can. That doesn’t change the fact that the focus of the Last Days, is Jesus.

Not the Antichrist.

Not Satan.

Not anything else.

The focus of the Last Days is the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. THAT is the focus.

So, is it any wonder that the first signpost of His coming is Jerusalem?

No, it’s no wonder at all.

Miss Jerusalem – Miss The Timing

The problem is that if you don’t understand the importance of Jerusalem, then you miss the signpost – which means that you are unable to truly see the lateness of the hour.

Why?

The Generation Clock

Because, Jesus went on to say this:

So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.Luke 21:31-32

So, it was 47 years ago, when that generation clock started ticking.

How much time is left on the clock?

Not much. Not much at all…

…which means that there’s about to be a whole lotta’ shakin’ goin’ on.

I truly hope that you’ll be ready for this
(That’s a link. There’s not much time left.)

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.Proverbs 22:3

——————-

If you find a flaw in my reasoning, have a question, or wish to add your own viewpoint, leave a comment on the website. Your input is truly welcome.

————————————–

Click the following link and SHOCK your inbox with The Shock Letter:

http://theshockletter.com/

————————————–