Jerusalem

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 18-20

POETRY: Psalm 122

NEW TESTAMENT: John 1:1-18

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a sneak attack on Israel.  Nearly 1200 Israelis were killed.  251 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive and held hostage by Hamas.

This was not the first time Israel had been the victim of an attack and taken captive by enemies.  They were enslaved by the Egyptians thousands of years ago.  They were taken into exile by the Babylonians nearly 3000 years ago.  They were attacked and occupied by the Romans and their Temple was destroyed and they went into the diaspora almost 2000 years ago.  They were victims of the Holocaust nearly 100 years ago when nearly 6 million Jews were murdered in gas chambers.

Psalm 122 was one of many Psalms that were prayed by the Jewish people during many of these numerous times of attack and war.   

Psalm 122. A song of ascents. Of David.

1 

I rejoiced with those who said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

2 

Our feet are standing
    in your gates, Jerusalem.

3 

Jerusalem is built like a city
    that is closely compacted together.

4 

That is where the tribes go up—
    the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord
    according to the statute given to Israel.

5 

There stand the thrones for judgment,
    the thrones of the house of David.

6 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.

7 

May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”

8 

For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”

9 

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

This Psalm is a prayer for peace in Jerusalem.  It is a prayer that God’s people will live in security and protection.  Today we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.  True and lasting peace will not come to Jerusalem until the Messiah, God’s anointed King, our savior Jesus Christ returns.  When Jesus returns there will be Peace in Jerusalem and eventually Peace on earth in God’s Kingdom.

Let us continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  Let us pray for the release of those being held captive.

Pastor Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

1. Compare and contrast Jerusalem, including it’s history and current situation, to that of the New Jerusalem we recently read about in the final chapters of Revelation. What causes the differences and the similarities?
2. How often do you pray for the peace of Jerusalem? Would adding a visual reminder to your home or device help you remember?
3. How might you be able to seek the good and prosperity of Jerusalem?
4. How often do you pray for the coming of the New Jerusalem and pray for its occupants, that those you know will be ready – recognized as the people of God, wearing white and not left outside?