Nehemiah 12

Neh 12:43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.

The ultimate result of true ministry is that the glory of God is shown through the lives of the people. This is one of the few verses where we read of Jerusalem actually fulfilling what it was appointed to do. Jerusalem was to be a light to the rest of the world. Before there were the great evangelist and even the great commission, there was Jerusalem. Its job was to spread the glory of God and shine in a world wrought with sin.

As we have been watching the Sunday night videos it becomes more and more apparent that Jerusalem is the focal point, or epicenter, of the world. Jerusalem can either bless those around it or curse those. The city is identified spiritually as the city of peace. Yet, when you read throughout history you will not find any other city which has gone through more disaster and still exists today. Like the people of Israel, there is no possible way to explain the preserved nature of this city except it be by God.

The ultimate fulfillment of Jerusalem was Jesus' death and resurrection. This is why it is truly that city of peace. The Prince of Peace made atonement for us, in Jerusalem. You are going to heaven because 2000 years ago, in Jerusalem, Jesus died and rose again.

Therefore, pray for Jerusalem. It is still God's city. Pray for the leaders there. Pray for the Jews there. Pray for the Muslims there. Pray that it will return to that place of worshipping the One true God. We know this will happen during the millenial reign, but nevertheless, pray for a revival in Jesus, in the city of peace.