JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM!
SHE IS BEAUTIFUL IN ELEVATION!
ON MANY OF THE HOLY LAND TOURS,
WHEN THE TOUR BUS APPROACHES JERUSALEM,
THIS SONG IS PLAYED, FILLING HEARTS WITH ANTICIPATION AND AWE.
BUT THIS SONG, AND PSALM 48 ITSELF, SEEM TO SPEAK OF A DIFFERENT JERUSALEM THAN THE ONE WE KNOW.
INSTEAD OF WAR TORN,
SHE IS THE “JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH.”
INSTEAD OF BEING SITUATED IN THE SOUTH,
SHE IS IN “THE FAR NORTH.”
INSTEAD OF RESISTING JESUS, CAUSING HIM SORROW,
SHE IS REJOICING IN HER GOD.
WHAT’S GOING ON? WHO IS THIS JERUSALEM?
A HINT.
SHE IS A CITY, AND YET, SHE IS A BRIDE.
SUCH A MIXED METAPHOR, AND YET EXACTLY THE ONE WE SAW IN
THE SONG OF SONGS.
REMEMBER?
SOMETIMES WHEN HE DESCRIBES HER WE SEE A WOMAN’S BEAUTIFUL BODY — BUT BLINK, AND WE SEE THE LAND OF ISRAEL.
CONSIDER:
Your neck is like the tower of David
We imagine a woman with a model-like neck:
but blink and we see Jerusalem’s famous tower:
THIS MIXED METAPHOR IS ALSO THE VISION GOD GAVE JOHN IN REVELATION:
THIS IS THE NEW JERUSALEM,
AS AUGUSTINE PUT IT,
THE CITY OF GOD
IN CONTRAST
TO THE CITY OF MAN.
THIS IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST,
PEOPLES MADE UP OF EVERY TRIBE AND NATION.
THIS IS YOU, MY BLOG SISTERS, WHO LOVE HIM!
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN ELEVATION,
THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH.
THIS IS US AS WE WILL BE,
WHEN WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED,
AND LIVE TOGETHER IN
“THE CITY OF OUR GOD WHICH GOD WILL ESTABLISH FOREVER.”
(PSALM 48:8)
Next week, we will finish these Songs of Korah that have gone from Psalm 42 through 49, and also consider how they inspired Saint Augustine, often considered the most influential Christian in history. I have some rich resources for you. I think it will be a wonderful closure to this section and the summer.
On this Monday I covet your prayers for a beautiful evening as four new adult Christians will be baptized at the lake outside my house — I’ve written about Lyle, Debbie, and Ron — and also there will be Billy, a young man who mows my lawn. So exciting! Right now it is cold, windy, and whitecaps are rolling in. I just took this picture so you could see and pray that Jesus would calm the waves and bring the sun out!
Pray also for these new Christians, that God would quicken them as they share and us as we listen. Thank you!
P. S. My dear friend Ann is a silent blogger and wrote this after reading this week’s blog — I thought you might all like to see what she wrote:
I loved your post this week — and you know how Howie (her husband) and I have had a love affair with Jerusalem.
Entering Jerusalem is amazing, especially when you first see it. They usually take you in on the regular highway, then up the Mount of Olives for that famous view. You don’t need any music. It is pure drama.
The first time our bus of 30 people just stared in awe. No music played or needed. On our second trip the bus driver put on the song you had about Jerusalem. I have to admit that, though the song is lovely, it felt pretty cheesy to heighten the drama with the song. It was meant to enrich the experience. But for some reason, I felt it took away from the experience for me.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday-Thursday Bible Study
2. Read all of Psalm 48, with the understanding that this is the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the city of our God — and share anything that quickens you.This is a good time to introduce questions as well, questions that I hope you will be able to answer yourself as you continue to study.
3. Read Psalm 48:1-3
A. What descriptions do you find, and how does this seem to point to a different Jerusalem than the one that either existed In Jesus day or in our day?
B. Look at a Bible map and find Jerusalem. Is it in the far north of Israel, as Psalm 48:2 says? Now, compare this with Isaiah 14:13. Derek Kidner writes: “the far north” in Scripture is associated with God’s royal seat.
“It is equivalent to heaven.” What insight does this give you into the “new Jerusalem?”
C. Read Psalm 48:3-8. What is happening?
D. This is much more sweeping, Kidner says, than any attack on Jerusalem in the Old Testament. This is what was prophesied by Ezekiel 27:26. Find it and share what you see.
E. This is symbolic of the world’s end. Compare this to Revelation 18:16-17 What do you see?
4. But though the end of this world as we know it will be hard, that is not the end. Read Psalm 48:9-14 and describe how God is going to replace the “City of Man,” as Augustine put it, with the “City of God.”
5. What perspective and hope does this give you?
Friday: WATCH THIS ON AUGUSTINE’S “CITY OF MAN” — NEXT WEEK, AS PART OF THIS PSALM STUDY, WE WILL CONSIDER AUGUSTINE’S “CITY OF GOD,” WHICH IS THE NEW JERUSALEM! PRAY FOR ME, I WANT TO FINISH WELL.
6. Comments?
Saturday
7. What is your take-a-way and why?
151 comments
Laura, I’m unable to reply above, and I don’t know if this helps, coming from me, as I surely don’t have the wisdom of Jackie or the others here! …but I just want to encourage you not to be discouraged! Just this morning, before coming here, I was praying to understand better this week’s lesson and just in general, often feeling so unable to grasp the deeper truths myself…I have a hunger to understand the Old Testament better, but I so easily get overwhelmed by all the connections…I felt like I “wasted” hours Monday, consumed with the “east wind”, and I didn’t really get anywhere “deep”! But sometimes, I think what we are experiencing, is the enemy’s attack. How he must fear, watching all of us here, giving our time to studying God’s Word. Satan wants us to be confused and discouraged, but we can take heart knowing the Lord loves to have us here, studying together, searching His Word…and we each bring something unique. Like last week, your sand picture, is still with me–that was profound, and only you could bring that! So we glean from each other… “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Lizzy, you are kind! I need to go back and read the comments about your east wind. I’m sure it is something that we can all understand more from because it’s coming from you ?. And you are right, we do all help one another and satan probably hates that! Ha ha!
Jackie (no replies left above!)–you always manage to encourage! Your own journey is one I need to continually remember–such a vivid, BEAUTIFUL life modeled before me that exemplifies His glorious rescue! love you Jackie!
C. Read Psalm 48:3-8. What is happening? In these verse Gods enemies are being defeated. The kings of this world are looking on in shame. I can’t believe the pridefulness of man. These men are actually trying to advance against Gods City a city that is going to be seen coming from heaven. I feel this great sadness for humanity. I think of all the hardhearted people who I tried to share the Lord with. I feel such a need to pray for the loss today and to pray for the body of Christ to rise up with boldness. It’s hard to be rejected by the people around us but it’s going to be a lot more painful to see them stand and be judged.
D & E. I can’t believe how identical these to passages are. To be honest I feel a little embarrassed I haven’t found this connection before. So I have to thank you Dee for taking me deeper today. I’m really loving this study.
Nicole — I agree with Lizzy — a joy to have you here.
Nicole–I couldn’t reply above, but here is the Spurgeon sermon: http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols28-30/chs1693.pdf
And I just want to say again what a GIFT it is to have you with us Nicole! You are bringing such depth and wisdom–it is encouraging and inspiring! SO hope you’ll stay with us!
C. Read Psalm 48:3-8. What is happening?
God is protecting Jerusalem from kings who are trying to ruin it.
D. This is much more sweeping, Kidner says, than any attack on Jerusalem in the Old Testament. This is what was prophesied by Ezekiel 27:26. Find it and share what you see.
The attack in Ezekiel is on a city named Tyre. The city is a maritime one that does trade with many other cities/countries. Apparently, it is prideful and needs some “rearranging.” The text says it will be taken out to sea and an east wind will “break it to pieces.” Not sure how this has to do with Jerusalem though.
E. This is symbolic of the world’s end. Compare this to Revelation 18:16-17 What do you see?
When you say “this” in this question, are you referring to Psalm 48 3-8? I don’t see how those verses portray the worlds end at all! How does anyone get that of them? The city is on the hill and kings come to attack, and it is protected by God. How is that the worlds end?? Ugh, I just don’t get it. I read the resource Jackie gave me and it was interesting (about satan). I really don’t understand how people take the bible and find the things they do looking at “layers” as Jackie says.
The revelation passage also refers to ships and the great city. I guess you just are supposed to know that when Jerusalem burns that means the world has ended? The ships and sailors are off the coast looking back at Jerusalem and lamenting in its burning. It had been a city of greatness; much wealth and commerce. That’s what I see.
4. But though the end of this world as we know it will be hard, that is not the end. Read Psalm 48:9-14 and describe how God is going to replace the “City of Man,” as Augustine put it, with the “City of God.”
God walks through the great city and becomes part of it. He is infused throughout the place.
5. What perspective and hope does this give you?
I suppose this means God is with us at the end and beyond? He is in charge of us. That is hopeful; that He will prevail over all.
Laura, Good point about the symbolism. I wonder if I sometimes see the end times (or whatever) because I’ve been programmed that that’s the Christian thing to do. But in my programming, I suspect that some of these passages are prophecies that were fulfilled before … and also point to the end times. I think there was a term for that??
I think you have a point about being “programmed” Renee. I never thought of that! I might be “programmed” in some other way; like, Jesus looks like me! Think about all those old paintings/pictures where He is a white guy, right? He most likely wasn’t like that at all.
Oh Laura — I sense your frustration. You life is so challenging and now I give you this challenging study and you say “Ugh.” I get it. I want it to bring you hope.
These prophesies were in part fulfilled in 70 AD when Jerusalem was burned to the ground. Remember when Jesus said not one stone would be left. In the great fire the gold melted between the bricks and so the soldiers pryed up every brick to get the gold. Amazing how God saw all this coming. But it is a double mountain top prophecy, for a day is coming when the Old Jerusalem, the bebuilt Jerusalem, will pass away and its place will be the New Jersuasalem, a place of beauty, peace, and the presence of the King — a place for His Bride to live together in harmony forever — and it will huge.
I long for that to give you hope.
Thanks Dee! That helps a lot and does give me hope. Don’t feel bad; I’m not as educated in this content as others and I feel inadequate a lot ?. I have not spent too much time in reading the bible over the course of my life and now have to catch up! That’s pretty sad when you consider I have gone to church since I was born 52.5 years ago! I desperately want to know more, but it’s hard at the same time.
BTW, the young woman who pushed me in the direction of really knowing Jesus came to visit yesterday on her way back to Africa (she is a missionary and I used to teach with her). Such a sweet time to spend with her and her daughter who is now 8 years old (She was a baby when they left). Please pray for my friend and her family to have a safe trip back and to be successful in their mission of teaching the people she is with about Jesus just as she taught me years ago.
oh Laura! Your sharing about your missionary friend and how she pushed you to really know Jesus made my heart do such a happy dance! Oh how God had her right where He wanted her to be when he placed her in your path as your co-worker!!!
6. Comments? (on video) VERY WELL DONE! It’s both depressing and hopeful. Though the video shows the ugliness of sin, it does put the craziness of the current time in context. I like the quotes at the end that point to true justice in God and to the City of God. I am reassured by the video; viewing current time and cultures in the context of time since creation reminds me that GOD KNOWS.
3A. Read Psalm 48:1-3. What descriptions do you find, and how does this seem to point to a different Jerusalem than the one that either existed in Jesus day or in our day?
The Lord is greatly praised in this Jerusalem in Psalm 48….and is the “joy of all the earth”. He is known, praised and has “made himself known as a fortress.” The righteousness of God reigns in beauty, joy and security.
Both now and in Jesus day…..Jerusalem is a very “religious” city indeed. Jesus described the leaders of the Jewish religion in his day like this: “They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.” (Matt 23:4, NLT). And there He was – Messiah!! In all His beauty walking among the people…..as you have turned our eyes to these words of Jesus in response Dee….”O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matt 23:37, ESV). LIterally, the contrast here is between Life and death. And today? Jerusalem remains “religious” indeed….adding the “new” Muslim religion to the mix. But the praise of God and the resulting peace, joy and security there? Not to be found. Is our present day Jerusalem “the joy of all the earth” that Psalm 48 speaks of? No, rather it is hated and so many in the world desire to see it wiped off the map!
3B. “It is equivalent to heaven.” What insight does this give you into the “new Jerusalem?”
Evidently it’s not a leap of imagination to see that the New Jerusalem IS heaven. In reading Revelation 21 & 22 it’s hard to come to any other conclusion! Elyse Fitzpatrick has written a recent book entitled “Home How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy our Deepest Longings”. Chapter 5 is entitled “Seeing the City Abraham Saw”. It is a wonderful read – I earmarked almost every page of that chapter and highly recommend it as another resource.
Thanks for the endorsement of Elyse’s book!
3. Read Psalm 48:1-3
A. What descriptions do you find, and how does this seem to point to a different Jerusalem than the one that either existed In Jesus day or in our day?
Wow – I am starting late, and I am having a terrible time getting going in the right direction on this study. I find descriptions: God’s holy mountain, beautiful, lofty, joy of the whole earth. God is present. However, I am seemingly unable to detect that it points to the New Jerusalem. I think it lifts the hope that God was with his people in the past, is now, and ever will be. Jerusalem was where the temple was located, which was seen as the center of God’s presence in the world. Isaiah 2:2 says “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.”
B. Look at a Bible map and find Jerusalem. Is it in the far north of Israel, as Psalm 48:2 says? Now, compare this with Isaiah 14:13. Derek Kidner writes: “the far north” in Scripture is associated with God’s royal seat.
No, Jeruslem is not seated in the north of Israel. It was in Judah which was the Southern Kingdom in Old Testament times. My NIV version doesn’t say anything about “north” or “northern” except in a footnote in the Isaiah passage.
C. Read Psalm 48:3-8. What is happening?
It sounds as if multiple kings attempted to conquer Jerusalem, but they became fearful and retreated – perhaps because God placed that fear in their hearts so they wouldn’t attack after all.
D. This is much more sweeping, Kidner says, than any attack on Jerusalem in the Old Testament. This is what was prophesied by Ezekiel 27:26. Find it and share what you see.
I’m wondering if there was some time in history (that I have not been aware of) when some ships from Tarshish came to a very bad end. The reference in Ezekial 27:26 and the one in Psalm 48:7 would seem to be referring to the same shipwrecks. All of it blamed on the terrible “east wind.” What leaped out to me in the Ezekiel passage was that they had rowed out under their own power into the sea, and then they were broken up and wrecked by the east wind, against which they had no defense. So evidently the “east wind” was feared. Is this similar to our feelings about a “noreaster” storm?
E. This is symbolic of the world’s end. Compare this to Revelation 18:16-17 What do you see?
Both in the Ezekiel passage and in the Revelation passage, people stood and watched in horror at the devastation of the great city or of the ships. In each case, not only is life lost, but great wealth. The people had come to depend upon the wealth. Now life as they knew it is over!
4. But though the end of this world as we know it will be hard, that is not the end. Read Psalm 48:9-14 and describe how God is going to replace the “City of Man,” as Augustine put it, with the “City of God.”
This passage in Psalm 48: 9-14 sounds like the people are actually walking around, taking a tour, and making an inventory of how God has safely brought them through a great crisis. They tour the city, inspecting its defenses and praising God for the protection he had given. They have also been delivered from the trappings of the world (City of Man), which they can no longer depend upon. Now God is going to establish the City of God, where everything needed is provided by God, and no one stores up wealth like in the “Old Jerusalem.”
5. What perspective and hope does this give you?
It gives me hope that, no matter what happens in the coming of the end of the world as we know it, God will get us through it, and He will deliver us into something far better – beyond our imagination!
6. The City of Man video–OH. I did not expect this to move me like it did. For me, this is one of the most powerful things I have watched. I don’t know if it is just where I am–but oh, I cried at 22 seconds in: “the city of man began with Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God”. How I grieve Him with my sin, that He could be sorry for making man–I know this truth, but how little do I let it sink in, honestly? And yet, His grief is over-powered by His love for me, His longing for the work of His hands.
The music, with the words, so powerful. The City of Man– responsible for the killing of its Savior, “the Romans actually worshiped and believed in Grotesque and frightening gods and creatures” and we have different desires but “equally as sinful”…exhibiting our total depravity.
“True justice is not to be found unless its Founder and Ruler is Jesus Christ”.
Thank you Dee for this, I am going to share this with others. It pierced a deadened part of my heart anew with the depths of my sin and the pain it causes my Father. I know His grace, but it is also good for me to be reminded of my own depravity.
Lizzy — your opinion matters so — so thank you!
Lizzy – your last paragraph is golden to me. 🙂 I too will be sharing this video. “It pierced a deadened part of my heart anew with the depths of my sin and the pain it causes my Father….” I long to be more like you in allowing His arrows to pierce the deepest nooks and crannies of my heart…..you spur me on so with your tender heart, your great welcome for the Lord’s conviction of sin and your quick repentance! Thank you sister. I love you!
6. Comments?
The video was heart wrenching for me; especially the falling of the World Trade Center buildings. It brought back memories of that day and made me tear up. I’m so glad the “Freedom” Tower stands in the place where this all happened; it is beautiful. Man can be beautiful too; we aren’t all so ugly. But yes, that vanity and ugliness does exist and it makes me cringe. I had a hard time looking at the awful pictures/video of the holocaust. So terrible. I’m one of those people who can’t visit the holocaust museum or watch a movie about it. It makes me think of what is happening today over there right now. Man can be ugly for sure. Although I have not personally been one to enact any of these horrific events, I have hate in my heart at times. I pray to learn to be more like Jesus and less like man. I am a slow learner, but He is growing in me more and more each day.
Dee, you would be proud of me…I made my first visit ever to a prison the other day to see a friend of my daughters. It was hard for me, but there I sat, chatting and encouraging him. Small steps.
Laura-a visit to a prison! WOW. That has long been on my heart to do, I’d love to go with Linda Storm’s team. I’m really inspired by you!
Laura — that’s wonderful. I am proud of you!
Laura – It’s not hard at all to envision you chatting away with a prisoner ….SO thankful you took that hard step. For those living on the other side of the bars, visits are HUGE. Jesus is continually tenderizing your heart in about a zillion different ways isn’t He?? How marvelous. 🙂
I’m very grateful that my friend Jestina literally dragged me to the Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C. several years ago. You might want to reconsider! It was the QUIETEST Museum I have ever been in. For the obvious reasons. It is insanely painful to acknowledge what dwells in the unredeemed heart of man and how that plays out in the lives of innocent victims. It makes me think more of such things as the New Jerusalem that we are studying this week…..come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Laura, I want to add my encouragement and praise along with the others. So proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone to minister to someone in prison. I have contributed money toward that end, but have not actually given my presence to it yet. Your experience is softening me!
It was actually pretty strange Deanna; it is a video visit so you don’t see the person, in person. You are not allowed to bring anything at all with you to give them, not even a bible. That makes me sad. I wanted to give him a book called God’s Sacrifice for You by Billy Graham and Max Lucado but I was not allowed to. Instead, I have to order it and have it mailed. I would not have ever done this, but my daughter really cares for this person and I want her to be happy. I am trying to be kind like Jesus would be; not judgmental, which is my nature ?.
4. But though the end of this world as we know it will be hard, that is not the end. Read Psalm 48:9-14 and describe how God is going to replace the “City of Man”, as Augustine put it, with the “City of God.”
It’s so interesting to me that there is a whole lot of reflection going on in the hearts of the redeemed. Walking around and observing the “visual aids”, if you will! Realizing like never before more of the fullness of God’s faithfulness, His steadfast love, His tender mercies to His children…..and OH!….the praise to God and the rejoicing together free of, as Rebecca so often puts it “the Baals” that blind and hinder us here on our sojourn on earth. I can’t help but think of 1 Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” It’s just so achingly INVITATIONAL….”…walk about….go around her….number her towers….consider well her ramparts…go through her citadels….” – OH MY. I loved Deanna’s expression that we have been “delivered from the trappings of the world (City of Man)…” so”HOW does God replace the “City of Man” with the “City of God”? Well, technically that question is WAY beyond me! But clearly, He does say “Come and see, reflect, rejoice, praise, celebrate!” to His children! I love seeing that as the kickoff…or maybe a Heavenly Housewarming?? 🙂
5. What perspective and hope does this give you?
I KNOW that one day I will look back on this vale of tears that can seem so upside down with shock and awe – and I do mean AWE – at the wondrous work and plan and righteous perfection of my God! I think of the well worn “Footprints” poem that I look past as a bit corny most of the time. But really? “…He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart..” (Isaiah 40:11). There will finally be a settled knowing of this truth…I cannot even imagine!
6. Comments?
The video was so well done and very powerful. Words feel inadequate. I loved the scope of this video, reminding us that we might sometimes despair over the sin in our present day world in a way that’s really not right – as though we are somehow enduring a season on earth that is more horror filled than our brothers and sisters have lived through from the moment that Eve took the forbidden fruit and shared it with Adam. Think of it. Cain murdered Abel. The true fruit of sin became tangibly costly to Adam and Eve in the kind of suffering we can only imagine. All of the video’s visuals were stunning. The history of humankind without Christ is surely not a pretty picture – Ecclesiastes and the hopelessness of it all come to mind. But oh, the rest of the story! God’s story. God’s city. Sooooo thankful that we will get to ponder that more next week! I am praying this morning for the peace of God to overflow in your heart Dee, as you prepare to lead us in our final Psalms study of the summer. 🙂
7. What is your take-away and why?
My take away is that at some point during this week’s study, I found myself repeatedly saying to the Lord: “Oh, how I love Your Word! Oh, how I long to just rest my soul here in Your Word, to extend the hours that I am able to study, to meditate upon Your Word!”. I know that sound so elemental, so simplistic….but it has fueled my HOPE in amazing ways! I do believe there was a direct connect for me with spending time looking at the New Jerusalem, things unseen as opposed to things seen! Sometimes I find myself saying to others “Better days ahead, my friend”…..well, this week’s study blew the lid off that thought – that is an understatement! Oh how this leads me to Jesus’ tender, tender words to his fear struck, confused disciples on his last night on earth with them before his death….John 14:3 quotes Jesus as saying: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also.” (ESV). Oh Sovereign, Mighty God. I pray in this moment for my dear, dear sisters here. May this be the deepest passion and longing and desire of each one of our hearts – that He is coming for us!! That where He is, we will be. Forever. Amen.
Jackie — you are such a jewel here — “paying attention” to individuals, the Word, and articulating thoughts so beautifully
Yes Jackie! Thank you for knowing what to say at the right time, in the right way, with appropriate scripture attached. It helps so much ?!
The video was very well done indeed! My first thought was that I wanted this shown at the church. However, on second thought I wasn’t sure if, without the rest of the study we have had, they would get it as much. With the proper preparation we have had, the video impacted me deeply. However, without that preparation, would I have just thought it was a rather wild and extreme video? I can’t step far enough out of my experience now to discern what impact it might have on others without preparation.
I am very grateful for having seen the video myself. Am I starting to sound like some kind of gnostic? Hope not!
I just wanted to come on here for a minute to thank you ladies who have prayed for me this week. I just got back from spending the day with my sister and step-mom sorting and packing. It went well, though my step mom wears out quickly. I had a few brief minutes to talk privately with my sister about some tensions that have arisen over the last couple of weeks. We had a good talk and hopefully misunderstandings are cleared up. She is a very special sister (my only sister) and I want our relationship to grow rather than have barriers put up. Thank you for your caring concern.
We have one more week before our stepmom’s big move back to western New York State. I expect to go to help packing at least a couple of times this week. I am emotionally and mentally very tired. I would appreciate continued prayers for stamina for me and for my stepmom.
Diane–so thankful to hear you and your sister were able to talk–praying for continued open communication and peace. And praying now especially for renewed strength for you and your stepmom, His covering over you all.
What an amazing study this week has been. I’ve been so blessed by everyone’s comments. I love how tender you all are towards each other. I’ve been reading through everyone’s comments all week but haven’t had an opportunity to respond.
LIZZY- Thank you for posting the link on Spurgeon’s sermon. I was able to read through a lot of it this week.
LAURA- I hope I didn’t discourage you with my comment. My intention was to share how I came to the conclusion I did about the verse.
DEANNA- I love your answer on #4; That was exactly how I seen the verse but thought my answer sounded silly. Thank you for the confirmation and the picture I seen in my mind of the day of the Lord became more clear.
The video on the city of man and the contrast of the city God made me feel very close to the end. Our world is so lost and Jesus has to be coming soon. The culture is deceived and I think a big portion of the American church with it. We live in a scary times. I pray that God will continue to draw me and my family to His word. That my desire will stay with Him and that the worries of this life won’t take me off the straight and narrow path. I am really so blessed to have found this study. Thank you Dee
My take-away for this week was how God’s way is “opposite world” thinking. In Psalm 48 I saw how the kings of the world thought they could destroy Jerusalem because to them it was unimpressive and instead they ended up being astounded, terrified and destroyed by God. In Revelation it showed the destruction of Babylon. Babylon appeared to the world as beautiful and strong, yet God destroyed it in one hour. God takes the weak who love Him and makes them strong and takes those who are apart from Him and think they have no need of God and makes them weak. What hope that gives in our current culture….God will make all things right in the end!
Hello, please when you make such clues like: “prophetic Jerusalem not the old Jerusalem” remember that Jerusalem is the city of God and as such resembles the eternal nature of God The Eternal One. So called “New” Jerusalem is a matter of vision and current one is eternally of the dwelling place of the Lord Himself: (Scripture makes it clear that Jerusalem is where God abides—where His footstool and throne are found. Like the loving Father that He is, He makes known to his children that His heart’s desire is to dwell in their midst forever!
“For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: ‘This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.’”—Psalm 132.13-14
“…this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever.”—Ezekiel 43.7
“So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy… For the Lord dwells in Zion.”—Joel 3.17-21).
As for the quote on Isaiah 14:13, please NOTE the words “I will sit ALSO”, which speak about infiltration and twisting actions inspired by Satan and by practices of those who were sitting at councils and meetings in Jerusalem for centuries. In the same way He is sitting at the councils and meetings of other religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam etc). But still his plan is to establish his throne “into heaven … above the stars”. I guess by this reason many Christians today do plan to be placed “in heavens” and to dwell there being seduced and confused by satanic presence at their meetings. Their theology is far from being based strictly on the biblical base. Thank you for reading my note 🙂