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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.

Jerusalem is the city of God here on earth. It is the place that symbolizes God’s Love for Israelites and the place where he sent his Son to die for our sins so all people would know his love. It is a holy place where all our lives have been sanctified by Jesus’s death and resurrection.

So, as I contemplate these verses, I am in awe of how Jerusalem has been a part of my growth of faith. For a thousand five hundred years Jerusalem has been the center of Christian faith. For thousands of years before Christ, Jerusalem stood as a beacon for the Israelites so that they would know that their God loved them.

Each of us must find a place to start our walk of faith. This walk and recognition of God’s love is enhanced by our understanding of how God has led our ancestors. The history of Jerusalem shows that God gave this city to his followers, when they fell away, he drove them out, but his love always allowed them to come back because God will never forsake us.

Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, we give you thanks and praise. Help us to stay centered on you, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as we grow our faith. Amen.

Robert Carrothers