JERUSALEM: Where the Divine Presence Always Rests

This is written on the sign that welcomes us to the Western Wall Plaza.  The western wall is believed to be the sole remnant of the Temple and considered a permanent place of worship.

People from all over the world come to this plaza area, to this wall to pray, to read their scriptures and pray some more.  There is an air of reverence here.  Modest clothing, heads covered, conversations subdued.  Even the school children I saw were quiet and respectful.

Prayers are often written out and stuffed in the cracks between the stones. 

Entering this large open air place of worship, was quite an experience.  People coming, maybe for once in a lifetime, like me, or as part of their daily routine, each seeking to feel a nearness of God and leaving with the hope that He cared and had heard their hearfelt prayers.

You may never have the opportunity to pray at the western wall.  Yet we must remember that drawing near to God isn’t so much about a location but the condition of our heart.

…since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession….let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4: 14, 16

MOUNT OF OLIVES:The End is Coming!

It was 6:30 AM, we could see the sun shining on the “Old City”  across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives where we sat.  As Kay taught from Matthew 24,  I pictured the scene as Jesus and His disciples were here talking more then 2,000 years ago.

As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “…what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”  Matthew 24:3

When is the end coming?  When is Jesus coming again?  Questions we still want answered today.  Although Jesus spoke of signs, He warned them…

“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”  Matthew 24:13

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”  Matthew 24:42

“For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” Matthew 24:44

I wonder if we should be less concerned about signs and more concerned with being alert and ready.