Psalm 102:14

Psalm 102:14

Moved to pity

As I write, it is 17th October 2023, Hamas unleashed a night of atrocities against Israel on Saturday 7th and the world is still recoiling from this, and the rights and wrongs of the territorial struggles in that land. I watched a video filmed by someone walking the deserted streets of Jerusalem a few days after the events and it tugged at my heartstrings, familiar places and sights empty of people and the usual busyness. The Western Wall, the Temple ruins, the Mount of Olives, the Hurva Synagogue and the Menorah in the square outside; the list is a long one, but I felt the anguish of that place and I am just an English tourist! Imagine how Jewish people have felt over the centuries as they visited their homeland, the places built and frequented by their ancestors. Why, even Jesus lamented as He surveyed the city and foresaw its destruction. “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!  See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37-39.

The stones of Jerusalem somehow tug at the heartstrings of all who have visited or who have an allegiance with the city and its people, and yes, we feel pity just as Jesus felt it. Why have those people been so stiff-necked and disobedient against the Lord? Why have they constantly rebelled and ignored His covenants? Why can they not see, even today, how much they are loved and protected by their God? 

Thank God for Paul’s words in Romans 11:25-29. “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

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