Greetings from Jerusalem. As I write this it is almost midnight Wednesday which means it is almost 5pm back home. I am simply trying to think through an incredibly long and inspiring day here in Israel.
I am grateful for this opportunity and for the learning. I am grateful to be able to walk in some of the same places that Scripture speaks about and where Jesus walked and taught. That would be places like the upper room where the last supper took place and a few other powerful places inside the old city of Jerusalem.
This morning our group of more than 1,000 pastors and church leaders gathered where the attaches of October 7, 2023 took place. That day there was a music festival going on out in a rural area when Hamas began to bomb and terrorists did unspeakable things. More than 360 people died at the festival that day. We then went to a small town not far away where terrorists also attached. A police officer led us through the streets as he recounted the story of that day and his and other’s efforts to keep people safe and to remove the terrorists. More than 60 people died in that village. On that day more than 1,300 people were killed.
But what continues to hurt my heart are the stories of survivors that were taken captive that day. More than 400 people were taken hostage and taken to Gaza where many were kept in underground tunnels and treated in horrible, inhuman ways. We heard their stories, and the gratitude of how they were released. Fighting has now stopped.
I will share more later, but as I work back through the day in my mind I am struck by something that several people shared tonight at the Ambassadors Summit of the Friends of Zion, the group that I am in Israel with. Mike Evans and one of the released hostages reminded us of their purpose, and that is to speak up and help provide justice for those who cannot stand for themselves.
That is much like the call that God has placed on my life. To help people who are hurting. To lift people who are in poverty. To help people know their value and that every human has worth and is important. God says that. I believe it. I know you do as well.
That is why I challenge you as I head off to bed in two ways. First, speak up when you have the opportunity. This is showing love for God and for others. Second, pray for Jerusalem.
Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. 9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
Another important step. Yesterday I reminded us that Step One is to GO. Today, perhaps the second step is to speak up for others.
Psalm 122:6 NLT
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.
Pray for Jerusalem and the Jewish people. God says we will prosper if we do this.
I will share more later. Thank you for allowing me to share these e-devotions with you. Have a great day!
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