Father and Son

City of Jerusalem, Israel


I'm writing this blog today on Sunday, June 17, 2012 --- Father's Day in America -- and a special Father's Day for me, as it is also the birthday of my oldest son, Rusty.  I'm thinking about my early Father's Day gift this year (in March)-- an opportunity to travel with Rusty to Israel, along with others in a group, led by Dr. Mark Rutland (President of ORU).

What a time we had, traveling by bus up and down the highways and byways of the "Holy Land" -- seeing sites that are recorded in the Bible -- witnessing first-hand the tension of the area, between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Nothing is more beautiful to see - the highlight of every tour to Israel - the "Holy City" -- Jerusalem.  As you can see in the photo taken above, it's a crowded city -- buildings and people everywhere -- people from various backgrounds and religions.  One thing you see most is an abundance of churches and "holy sites".  In the heart of the city is a Muslim temple -- the Gold-Dome building, built over the top of a huge rock, which the Muslims believe that Abraham was to sacrifice his son, Ishmael -- and the Jews believe on this site, Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, and they believe that in the end-times, this is the location where the Messiah will place his feet (the temple mount).

When I visited Israel back in 1985, we were allow to enter that temple, and I saw the Rock.  This year, were were NOT allowed to get near that temple.  Times have changed!

This is the city that Jesus wept over!  I'm thinking today of the Father's Heart that is grieved over the world He sent His only begotten Son into -- a world that hates one another - a world that kills it's unborn - that discards the elderly and other people not deemed to be "of worth" - a world that is divided and so lost!


It did my heart so good to be with my first-born son, in the land of Jesus.  But I think how it must do the heart of God the Father good to see whenever His Son, Jesus is honored.


Have you honored the Son, Jesus Christ, in your life?
If not, why not?  
Honor the Son Today -- Make the Father's Heart GLAD!