July 7,2019 Fourth Sunday of Pentecost

“10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem, And be glad with her, all you who love her; Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her; 11 That you may feed and be satisfied With the consolation of her bosom, That you may drink deeply and be delighted With the abundance of her glory.” 12 For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees. 12 For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. And His indignation to His enemies.” (Isaiah 66:10-14 NKJV)

The Tower of Babel is a warning of the destruction and division which comes from trying to unite without God. Babel, or Babylon is another fall with humanity not just cut off from God but each other. Today Babylon is more the dwelling place of historians and archaeologists than a vibrant city.

In this Psalm we are called to come together united in God as we rejoice because Jerusalem is we receive hope and salvation. Meditate on this amazing list of all that flows from Jerusalem. How many of these blessings do you see Jesus in?

Jews and Gentiles will come together! 12 For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.

Because of this

“Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees.”

But evil still strives to destroy and devour! “And His indignation to His enemies.” In Jerusalem the power of evil is destroyed. Jesus conquered death and the wall between God and people is ripped apart as the veil of the Temple was. Jesus is the door to God! Those who do not go through that “door” either choose to reject God or accept death. (Is there a difference?)

Why Jerusalem? Because in Jerusalem the arms of Jesus upon the cross extend to all of time and offered to all. Like those crucified with Jesus some will find paradise through the forgiveness of God and others will in anger, despair and fear seek to find their own salvation.

In Jerusalem the resurrection of Jesus destroys the power of death and Jesus even descends to conquer hell! Hope overcomes despair, faith blossoms forth into life and love is the fruit which nourishes and plants seed for others to discover hope in God’s love!

God promises peace, to bring the gentiles to Him and provide all we need. The fullness of the love of God flows from Jerusalem bringing salvation to reunite us with God and each other. From Jerusalem God’s grace and love flows through the temporary animal sacrifices until Jesus, the eternal sacrifice is offered!

God shows us the wonderful and wondrous picture of our being able to sit in His lap like a scared and weary child! On God’s lap the weariness of our sin and the horror of this world are lost and we are so comforted our legs dangle in love and rest. Our weariness does not need to destroy us but can even deepen our relationship with God!

Education prepares you for the game show Jeopardy but learning

prepares you for life. RWR