First View of the Holy City

We make the long drive up to Jerusalem. When they talk about "going up to Jerusalem" it makes a whole lot more sense to me now. It's a 4000 foot climb from the lowest point on earth to the most significant city on earth. No wonder there is a whole section in the psalms titled "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134) which recount going up to Jerusalem and the temple to worship God.

After going through a checkpoint with armed guards, we arive in the Holy City.



We drive up to Mt Scopus and this is the gorgeous scene before us:

Our guide breaks out the wine and leads us through a brief ceremony performed when one arrives in the Holy City. Kind of like communion. But no bread, and definitely no Jesus. Though when I look at the famous city for the first time, I can't help but think primarily of Him. We say a few Hebrew phrases. And look out on the city with awe.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
(Psalm 125:1,2 - A song of Ascents)