Both "Jerusalems" Are on His Heart

"....The present city of Jerusalem...is in slavery with her children.  But the Jerusalem that is above is free...." (Galatians 4:25, 26) 

 

The Holy Spirit here is contrasting a salvation by self energized works and the Salvation which is in obedience to Jesus Christ.  "The present city of Jerusalem," in our text refers to the Jews who have rejected Messiah Jesus.  "The Jerusalem above," represents the Church, the People of the Redeemed in Jesus Christ. 

 

As I thought of our text this morning, however, I realized that Jesus loves both.  He has not given up on, "the present city of Jerusalem," and all it represents in our text.  His cry, "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!", is still ringing in the corridors of The Throne Room of Heaven, "where He always lives to make intercession for them" (and us).  This is the Savior's love manifested, His love for the Jews and His, "City of the Great King."  This, "O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem," also reflects the constant intercession of Jesus for all humanity.  What joy, what comfort for you and me that our Lord Jesus Christ is right now in the Heavenly Throne Room interceding for you, for me, for His Church, and the global community. 

 

Make no mistake; much of the Church today is also, "in slavery with her children."  But Jesus just continues His Work, "where He always lives to make intercession for them."  Frankly, without Christ's intercession, I have no hope.  With Christ's intercession, I have nothing but hope.

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for both "Jerusalems".  Amen

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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2