JERUSALEM

I took this photo near our hotel in Jerusalem in 2014. I am not certain but believe this to be the temporary location of the U.S. Embassy, effective today, in its move from Tel Aviv.

In fall of 2014 I had the thrill of spending 10 days in Israel. I have never been the same since. I will never be the same in the future.

Today, Israel is on my mind and in my heart in a special way. It's the 70th anniversary today in terms of world governments and recognition. But it is the eternal city of God. And today, the U.S. Embassy is newly located in Israel's capital, Jerusalem.

So many moments, images, sights and sites, sounds and sound bites come to mind when I think of this most unique country of Israel and its Holy City and capital of Jerusalem. Here's one moment. Our group, about 35 of us with my Ovid Community Church, walked along together toward our next stop in Jerusalem. In the opposite direction some Jewish men walked by. One man's eyes met mine and with neither of us stopping or even slowing down, he called out, "Where you from?" I said "U.S.A." His response?

"God bless the U.S.A. and Israel, together."

And that is where we are in a special way today.

Carrying bread in the old city.

We don't get too far into the Bible before we read this in Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." NIV

Indeed, Jesus came through the Jewish people ... the whole earth blessed by Him.

Is there any place on planet earth more important to so many as this spot? It is calledThe Wailing Wall, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount. This wall is part of the mount, or platform, that once held two Jewish Temples before they were destroyed. Jews pray here and leave notes in the wall. See the temporary fence at left with the women looking over it? This is where many Jewish boys have their Bar Mitzvah.

Psalms 132:13-14: For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it." NIV.

A busy street scene in old Jerusalem. Lots of complex entrances, buildings, people, marketplaces, and ancient gates -- and ways.

A T-shirt. And a little humor.

Israel is the size of New Jersey. Everywhere (EVERY-WHERE) you step, you are walking on history. In fact, I best describe this experience as one where someone dropped me into a Bible and allowed me to walk around there. Events of both Old and New Testaments merge and mingle.

Whereas the Bible was once in black and white, it is now in living color.

Steps that once led up to the Temple. Also, our guide says it is believed that this is where the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. Talk about a merger of Old and New Testaments.

The building is not the same as in Jesus' day, but this is the site of where it is believed Jesus and the disciples had The Last Supper.

Being at The Temple Mount with my buddies: priceless. I still can hardly believe it.

Psalm 122:6: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure. (NIV).

Standing on The Mount of Olives overlooking the Holy City of Jerusalem. Jesus looked out over the city from The Mount of Olives and wept for Jerusalem. This is where He will return.

This image means so much to me. It was taken not in Jerusalem but in Tiberias on The Sea of Galilee. The first thing the crew did when we boarded the boat was to raise the U.S. flag with Israel's flag next to it. Then they played "The National Anthem."

As the man said in the crowd in the heart of Jerusalem,
"God bless the U.S.A. and Israel, together."

Amen.