Jerusalem, the City of the Great King
Israel celebrates Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day. Jerusalem is a unique city, three thousand years old, a city contested by the nations, but chosen by God. With all due respect to the UN, the great Western powers or the modern rewritings of history: Jerusalem is "the capital of Israel, eternal and indivisible". It was so in King David's day, it is still so today, and it will remain so tomorrow.
In 1917, British General Edmund Allenby entered Jerusalem and ended centuries of Ottoman rule. Then, 50 years later, in June 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel regained the Old City of Jerusalem after the Jordanian occupation, when Israeli paratroopers liberated it. The words spoken by Motta Gur still resonate in history: "Har Ha'Bayit Beyadeinu - The Temple Mount is in our hands"
For centuries, scattered among the nations, the Jewish people have never ceased to turn their eyes to Jerusalem. On every Pesach, on every Yom Kippur, the same hope has been passed down through the generations: "Next year in Jerusalem." Because Jerusalem is not just a city. It is a memory, a promise and a hope.
The Psalms say (Psalm 137): “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand lose its skill! Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my highest joy!”
And again: "Jerusalem, you are built as a city that forms a united whole" (Ps 122). It is in fact a united city, not divided according to the will of men, but gathered together according to God's plan.
After the destruction of the Temple by the Romans, Rabbi Akiva saw foxes roaming the ruins of Jerusalem (Lam 5:18). Where others cried, he rejoiced. For, he said, if the prophecies of destruction had been fulfilled, then those of the restoration of Israel would also be fulfilled. And so they were.
In June 1967, at the very moment when Israel was waging an existential battle, Pastor Claude Duvernoy testified that he had seen around Jerusalem this the ‘wall of fire’ spoken of by the prophet Zechariah (1:14-2:6): "I am moved by a great jealousy for Jerusalem, and for Zion... I, saith the Lord, will be a wall of fire all around her."
Even today, in the midst of tensions, wars and threats, Jerusalem remains. For this city carries a destiny that goes beyond the nations. Here the prophets walked, here King David established his capital, here, according to the Scriptures, the Messiah-King will come to reign over the world. Jerusalem is called in the Bible "the city of the great King". And despite international resolutions, despite pressures, despite conflicts, biblical history continues to be written before our eyes.
On this day of celebration, let us bless Jerusalem, let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, we do not forget you.
" Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.
May those who love you prosper! " - Psalm 122
Pastor Gérald and Sophie Fruhinsholz have been living in Israel since 2005. In 2000, during the Intifada and faced with a wave of attacks in Israel, Gérald began writing to denounce this violence. Author of several books and publications, he addresses topics related to Israel and the Church. Through their organization "Shalom Israel," created in 1996 and in partnership with several Israeli organizations, they actively support the country through awareness-raising activities. In addition, Sophie and Gérald publish weekly videos of Bible teachings, reinforcing their spiritual and educational commitment.
https://www.shalom-israel.info/
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