FEBRUARY 15

OUR PERSONAL PROMISES

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Psalm 125:2

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.”

2 Chronicles 7:16

“For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”

Matthew 23:37

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”   (He wants to gather and lovingly hold all His children)

Psalm 61:4

“I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah”

Psalm 63:7

“Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.”

Psalm 68:15-16

“A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan;

A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.

Why do you fume with envy, you mountains of many peaks?

This is the mountain which God desires to dwell in;

Yes, the Lord will dwell in it forever.”

Isaiah 65:18

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy.

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Our book for this month  is called “100 NAMES OF GOD”  written by Christopher D. Hudson.  Each day we’ll take one Hebrew name for God as given in the Bible to study and relate to.

ELAH YERUSHALEM

GOD OF JERUSALEM

“Deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God.” Ezra 7:19

There are so many great cities in the world:  important political capitals, sprawling metropolises, fascinating melting pots of race and culture, bustling centers of commerce, urban hubs pulsing with beauty, history and art.

As great cities go, Jerusalem surely isn’t massive either in population or area.  Nor is it especially strategic.  But it is doubtful any city has ever been more symbolic.  In the Bible, Jerusalem is mentioned more than 800 times, and not because it was the political capital of ancient Israel, but because Jerusalem is the place God Himself chose to dwell!

It’s in Jerusalem that Solomon built the first temple.  At that massive, ornate, centralized “house of prayer,” people approached God.  The temple in Jerusalem was where God localized His presence, where sacrifices were made continually and where national festivals were held.  Jerusalem was the place where  sins were atoned for, God’s ways were taught and discussed, and the nation and individuals sought guidance. 

The citizens of this nation journeyed annually to Jerusalem in order to express and renew their love and commitment to God, and to celebrate His presence and blessings.  You have to wonder if any people anywhere ever had more pride in a place.

Much more than a physical city, JERUSALEM IS A PLACE OF ETERNAL, SPIRITUAL HOPE.  As the Bible repeatedly tells us, it is here that God has chosen to place His name:  “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.”  (Psalm 132:13-14).

Jerusalem’s rich and tumultuous history proves and symbolizes God’s relentless desire to have a relationship with humankind – and to forgive even when they go the wrong way.  We see this most vividly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all of which took place in Jerusalem.  It’s because all these things are part of Jerusalem’s history that the God of Jerusalem is able to offer us such a hopeful future.

So when we worship the “God of Jerusalem,’ we remember that God wanted to dwell with us, not just the God of the universe, but a God who wants to live with His people.

God wants to be with His people, not just rule over them.  He wants to live with you.

Where do you meet with God?  —your church, your bedroom, out in nature?

PRAYER

God, the picture of steadfast love You’ve shown your people in Jerusalem is an inspiring revelation of love you have for all your people.  Please help me to live in that love.  Amen

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