A PLACE WITHIN HER WALLS

Photo by: Ariel Jerozolimski

Rejoice on Jerusalem Day

By ISI LEIBLER
11/05/2010 21:21

It should be a day in which we pledge that the city must never be divided.

Jerusalem, referred to over 600 times in the Bible, has represented the cornerstone of our Jewish identity for more than three millennia since it became the capital of King David’s Israelite monarchy. It remained at the core of our spiritual longings following the second dispersion when for 2,000 years our forefathers faced Jerusalem in their daily prayers, yearning for a return to their ancestral homeland. Moreover, even throughout their exile, Jews retained a significant presence in their Holy City and since the 1840s have constituted the largest group inhabiting the city.

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This article made me start to think about the place called Jerusalem. Why is everyone fighting over this little SPACE of REAL ESTATE? How does this PLACE I love apply to me?

The place designated for the resting spot of G-d should be reviewed. The writer of the article went into great depth to describe the city and its emerging history. Jerusalem has long been the place designated to be the CITY of our G-d. What is this city really like? Let's take an INTERIOR VIEW. Pretend it is not so much a location but an interior state or SPACE.

The war in all of us is how to find the RESTING PLACE, A PLACE WHERE HIS PRESENCE DWELLS. To me, having done a study on the names of G-d in the Hebrew, Jehovah Shammah resonated. This name implies " JEHOVAH is there." Listen to what the BIBLE has to say about such a city: "...and the name of the city from that day shall be, the LORD is there" (Ezekiel 48:35)

It is understood that the LORD will be with His people in this PLACE. The prophet Ezekiel went on to say that "the presence of the LORD will be there." He spoke while the people were in captivity in Babylon because the people were in gross sin. The situation was rather grim. They wanted out of the PHYSICAL PLACE they were residing. Sound familiar?

He went on to describe a new place, and temple.

As a designer I understand room frustrations. New places and plans are put on the paper of our minds. We all dislike where we are at times and wonder how can we escape. Imagination and strength are drained. How do I feel settled when everything around me is shaken? I am in a strange new place. I must find HIM in this place. He is my RESTING PLACE. HE IS THERE.

Just like the Israelites of old that were shaken in the strange land, they threw in the towel so to speak. They laid down their HARPS. This was their VOICE of TRIUMPH.

This was said so well in Psalm 137:5,6. A true love for beloved JERUSALEM was heard. They were voicing where they wanted to BE. Joy was drained.

"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem,let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief JOY."

I believe Jerusalem's voice today is being heard. I also know JEHOVAH'S pledge of HIS PRESENCE. He will remain. He is not going to leave HIS PEOPLE. They have in 62 year's truly risen like the Phoenix out of the ashes. This city is important to the Jewish people. My hope is that they will discover the PLACE WITHIN HER WALLS WHERE HE IS. FRIEND SHIP and INTIMACY.

We must remind ourselves to not throw down "our harps." May we echo a voice of triumph and refrain not our prayers in rejoicing for the CITY OF OUR GREAT KING!

As we enter into a new season after the COUNTING OF THE OMER let us reflect on what has been given to us. May this Shavuot be a time of EXPECTANCY. May we believe change is on the way.

Just like in a room renovation let's put the whole process in perspective. Take time.

We are all so obsessed with having the perfect house and dwelling. The PLACE is not as essential as who occupies the SPACE. Will my family and guests feel welcome.

I am in the midst of repainting my family room now. A brighter hue on the walls will lift the drab dated tone. I am looking for that perfect solution to make my room brighter. Paint alone cannot make my space come alive.

When I hear His gentle whisper I light up. He talked to Adam in the cool of the night, just walking in the garden. They were hanging out! Be expectant that He wants to just "hang out" with you. I have to make my room HIS space.

He always feels welcome to come into my family room when I move over on the sofa. Lot's of time I have to stop what I am doing . Move the junk on the floor so He can sit awhile . The closer He is to me the easier to hear HIS VOICE. I love it when HE IS THERE next to me.

I anticipate that this has helped you find your place within her walls. This is my view on JEHOVAH SHAMMAH and the parallel to Jerusalem. A cozy spot in my family room where HE IS. HE BECOMES like FRESH PAINT IN MY ROOM. He walls me in with HIS BRIGHTNESS.