Where the Patriarchs Served

RON HAMILTON, CCCC CONFERENCE MINISTER

I had the wonderful privilege to travel to Israel last month with a group of evangelical leaders. There were opportunities to visit places where the patriarchs served and worshipped. For example, our group witnessed a place near Jerusalem that an archaeologist called Temple Zero because the site dated back to the time of Abraham and Melchizedek. We also visited many of the places near the Sea of Galilee where Jesus began his ministry. Our group shared lessons from the Bible and worshipped the Lord together in these spots. We spent several days around Jerusalem and walked the Via Dolorosa. While there is much debate over whether this is exactly where Jesus walked to the cross, I was again touched by the great love and sacrifice involved in Jesus’ death for our sins.

A special moment of the trip was standing on the Mt. of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem. I recognized that the eschatology of that group was varied but we all share a common hope. Jesus, the Messiah, is coming again. We are encouraged by this teaching from Revelation.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)

We share a common belief about Jesus and “His personal return in power and glory.” We are people of hope and this hope encourages us every day. Jesus is coming again and “we will be with the Lord forever.”