This is the first time I have chosen to write after reflecting. I usually write during my travels, and you (the reader) are forced to struggle with me through all of the mess of learning. The process is exciting, but perhaps it is wise to clean off the gems before presenting them to the crowd. That being said, I’d like to tell you about Israel.
JERUSALEM
My first day in Jerusalem was a bit traumatic. I will not go into too much detail, but I want you to understand the city’s condition.
Upon my immediate arrival to the holy city, I was given three male invitations to spend the night “for free.” Middle Eastern men are not taught to be respectful with their eyes, comments, or “invitations” for that matter. They want passports, and foreigners want companionship. Both want sex. An American woman who stayed in my hostel that first night walked straight into a trap. Willingly. I was unfortunate enough to hear some of it. I was very thankful for my i-pod that day. God gave me two Bible verses for her, but she didn’t head His warning. My heart broke for her. She didn’t want to see. She wanted her fantasy. In all honesty, that first day I could not find God anywhere in the city...and so I cried for Him that night.
As I laid in my bed, I cried for Jerusalem. I cried because I hated her sin. The racism, the hatred, the lust, the greed, the self-righteousness... It was a bit overwhelming. I cried because her people were sick and stained. Much like people everywhere. Her streets were dirty and she refused to turn to God and let Him heal her. I cried because she also refused to reach out to the nations that surrounded her. I cried for the woman in the next room. I saw a vision of her falling down a large staircase. I pray panicked. When she reached the last stair both of her legs were broken at a disturbing angle. Before she fell into the nothingness below, she cried out to the Lord and He gave her wings. He said she would cry out to Him right before she fell completely and that He would be merciful to save her. He will heal all her brokeness and she will become His servant. He will give her the gift of flight, prophesy, and than He will call her to office. That was when I began to see the light in the darkness. Hope in a faithful God who is passionately in love with unfaithful people. Never underestimate your power as an intercessor, your cries and tears are noticed by ‘The Creator of the Universe.’ No matter how dark it is, remember the authority we have as sons and daughters of the Kingdom. Authority in Christ to bring His light and presence into the world around us. Do it for those who won’t do it themselves. Love them. Ask Daddy.
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