Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

I well remember my first trip to the Middle East nearly 20 years ago. I listened to every word the guides spoke. I asked questions. When I came back I took books out of the library to study and learn about the complexities there.

The most volitale 600 acres on earth is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Here Solomon's Temple stood and later the second temple. The Temple Mount is Judaism's holiest site as the ancient compound where the two Jewish Temples stood, and is Islam's third holiest site after Mecca and Medina.

Yesterday it was the scene of demonstrations by the Muslims. The Jews are planning to rebuild the temple. It is now a national project in Israel (http://www.templeinstitute.org/). Orthodox Jewish teenagers can opt to serve in the Temple Mount Institute in leiu of mandatory military service (Yes Israel requires all young people to serve in the army or some branch of the military, boys for three years, girls for 2 beginning at age 18).

The last time I was there I spoke to some of the young people working on the Temple Project. Right now it is all about the restoration of the things needed to carry out service in it, but when I asked if they would be able to use these things in the new temple the reponse was, "but of course!"

This is the picture listed on the Temple Mount Site with the word, "Tomorrow".

Below is a diagram that John Foster suggested I place here.

Maranatha!

The Old Damascus Gate
It is believed Jesus came through this gate on His way to be crucified.

The Eastern Gate, The Gate called Beautiful
Jesus rode through this gate on His way into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday
It is shut up but one day will be opened when He comes again.
(Ezekiel 44.1-3)

The steps leading up to the Temple
Jesus walked up these steps on His visits to Jerusalem.

The beginning of the Sabbath in Jerusalem.

The Yeshiva students coming to the Western Wall at the beginning of the Sabbath,
singing the Songs of Zion.

Me and a Yeshiva student in Jerusalem.
We discussed Jesus several times that week.