Glory: magnificence or great beauty
How do you describe Israel? The heart of the world, the promise land, a land under occupation. I won’t take sides in this argument, but let me paint you a picture:
It’s the promise land. The land flows with richness, the vegetation thrives. The finest olive oils come from ancient trees that rise from the rich soil. The hills roll gently. The country side is sweet. Refreshing air fills your lungs as sunshine pours down from above. Anointed.
Walking up the hill to Jerusalem you see a magnificent city. It stands on top of the hill, clearly seen from a distance. The walls stand strong and resilient. History flows through the very veins of this place. While modern, the atmosphere still carries a sense of ancient culture and steadiness. People dwell and live in peace. God’s blessing rests here. When walking through Jerusalem I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful white masonry. The walls are a light yellow, a smooth stone, not rough nor dark. The very city glows. The structures are carefully placed and built. A sense of calm and peace rushed forth from simply touching the trees and walls as I walked by. The people are rich with character and life.
The Glory of God: His holy land, His city, His love, His creation. A great blessing to the Nations.
A land torn by human pride.
Over and over, walls have been torn down. Again, and again, new walls built up. Palestinian’s live under occupation by the Israelis. Places all over the earth still endure war, injustice, and hatred causing division. As we drove the streets we would pass through checkpoints and gates whose only intention was to stop the free flow of people from place to place. People were gated in, separated by fences. Some could not leave their homes or villages because they were not allowed to travel across borders. Others, cannot travel without being routinely stopped and checked, and only then, with permission. Israel itself only echoed strife. As I stood on top of the hill looking out over Jerusalem, I could feel the words radiating upward from it’s home’s. Pain, hurt, war, strife, struggle. These things have come and will still come to this land.
Walking the steps of Christ, we saw churches, mosques, synagogues. Religions all claiming the same land. Each religion practicing its own traditions and shouting, though without words, “come, we are the truth, we have the real blessing.” Everyone has a claim. All have built their walls to keep others out.
The Glory of Man: Division, greed, pride, and strife. A great blessing to the Nations.
We have over looked the greatest blessing of all: The love of our neighbors. We care more for stone structures, ownership of property, our name’s above holy places, or our own control over the world, than we do for our brothers and sisters interest.
God created us for each other. He created us for community with him and with each other. Our great story is that we have continually wrecked both.
His great story is He continues to REDEEM both.
In Israel, I walked the same places Jesus walked. I stayed in Bethlehem where He was born. I saw the sea on which He walked. I touched the stones where He lived. I walked in His footsteps. I visited the place of His death. I am proof of His resurrection. I saw His Glory.
In Israel, I passed through borders separating people. I walked the streets of the Crusade and Muslim conquests. I spoke with people on both sides of the fence who both alike have contempt for each other. I listened as Christians disagreed on the location of Christs actions, death, or burial. I stood in lines of people impatiently pushing each other out of the way to touch a holy rock. I remember the weight of injustice in the world. I felt man’s Glory.
Through History it has been our story. When will we stop our ways. When we will seek His ways. I see even now the Hope before us. I see even now a change across the whole earth. I see even now His Kingdom coming. But here, in the heart of the world, I am yet reminded His Kingdom has not yet come in full. His glory expressed in part yet still waiting for His return.
With Faith, Hope, and Love
Nathan
