As I awoke this very day to expectations of bellowing world news of USA opening the American Embassy in Jerusalem with flag waving Trump support what looks like from my perch a new Trump Tower. Seems we are told the government of the US have flown evangelical leaders there to pray aloud and applaud Trump. I have not a clue why this is needful or why we lose lives. I am left with a few thoughts, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Psalms 122:6 and “…overcome evil with good.” Romans 12 :21
Do we have some readers that can nicely explain the Biblical why of the importance of a Trump Tower American Embassy relocation that calls for evangelicals showing up to pray on tax payer dollars? Is America the Good Samaritan in this story told by Jesus?
I just read headlines; “16 Palestinians killed in Gaza protests ahead of embassy opening.”
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26“What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”
27He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’c and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.”
29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.
31Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side.
33But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’
36Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37“The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law.
Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10
thedailylily.com 
100’s wounded and 40 plus dead in the Gaga strip. This is only an hour or so since I published this. Does John 3:16 fit for those dying in the street. “For God so loved the world…”
This is all so political, religious cause and many opinions. Again, I’m praying for the peace of Jerusalem, and above all Hope for all.
I agree with your prayer, Sara.
I agree in prayer also.🙏
Seeing the death toll in Gaza rise by the hour is heartbreaking!
“Do we have some readers that can nicely explain the Biblical why of the importance of a Trump Tower American Embassy relocation that calls for evangelicals showing up to pray on tax payer dollars? ”
I am not one of the readers that can explain the Biblical why. Trump Tower looks more like an un-Biblical, political money-move to me with evangelicals showing up to ‘prey’ “on tax payer dollars.”
The parable of the good Samaritin seems nowhere to be found in the killing fields today.
No, Sara, I do not think “For God so loved the world…” is on display today, May 14.
By mid-day when I checked the news, Israeli gunfire had killed 52 at the border.
All lives matter!
An opinion…https://www-m.cnn.com/2017/12/08/opinions/jerusalem-israel-evangelicals-end-times-butler-bass-opinion/index.html
Today, there will be a great burial of what is believed to be 60 lives including an 8 mon old baby. I wonder as we hold our children dear to us how we feel about a new office building for the lives of 60 souls and thousands injured.
Now, up front I am not debating political agenda unless it falls in the category of The Lord’s Prayer…thou will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the day our daily bread…forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive others.
My little tag song from Methodist Sunday School class, Jesus loves the little children of the 🌎…has either shown me that is was a useless thing to be involved in SS which seems likely or it was real and I’m truly believing Jesus truly loves all humans as well as animals. I enjoyed the opinion of Diana Butler Bass, (link given above) as she stated a belief clearly giving me an open mind to want to review my beliefs. I find this a good thing for me because I do Not want to pray amidst. (James 4:3)
Sara, your words above including, “I wonder as we hold our children dear to us how we feel about a new office building for the lives of 60 souls and thousands injured” have a way of putting things in very clear perspective.
To me, it shows no consideration or compassion for human life. It is like trampling John 3:16 in the mud.
Genesis 9:16 “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
I just heard there were 8 children killed yesterday among the 60. Hope I see the beauty of a rainbow, trees, flowers and trees the way God sees them.
I have heard what Diane Butler Bass reported in her article on ehmoving the American Embassy to Jerusalem as fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. I have also heard the Temple will be rebuilt and then Jesus will come. So I do think that the evangelicals who came probably came due to their belief that it was a fulfillment of prophecy and due to that I would believe they paid their own way maybe.
On Jesus’ return –
The only thing I can truly believe is Matthew 24: 36 “But about that day or hour no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
Matthew 7: 21NRS “Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven”
I also know the song , “Jesus Loves the little Children of the World”. And Children are still singing “Jesus loves Me”
We would hope that one day that all would come to knowing Jesus with their whole heart but we know the Word says only a remnant will come. God loves all , those who live in Palistine and Israel.
People of the nations have NOT the heart of God as God is LOVE – not hate, killing.
Rena, have you also heard this part as mentioned in the article? “…the Jews would experience a great religious rebirth and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. This would spark a series of cataclysmic events that would culminate in the Battle of Armageddon, the last war of humanity.”
If I’m reading correctly she writes in her opinion piece that this particular belief is, The Battle of Armageddon? Do you think this latest slaughter of humans is that battle? If not, what will that battle look like? When will it happen?
No temple yet, right? Is the American Embassy the temple or, is the Embassy the cash pig? When does the rapture happen?
The Embassy is believed to be a step to the End of Times. The temple will be built after this. Then immediately Jesus will return.
Many believe President Trump is like unto Cyrus. Isaiah 44: 28 When I say of Cyrus, “He is my Shepherd,’ he will certainly do as I say. He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’; he will say, ‘ Restore the temple.” Isaiah 45: 4-5 And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not even know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant. Isaiah 45: 2 I will raise us Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions.”
The Battle of Armageddon will come some time after this. It was not the battling with the Palestinians and Israel with the establishment of the Embassy. It will be a War to end all wars described in Chapter 16 of Revelations.
The rapture is believed to come before the tribulation for the pre-tribulationist, mid-tribulationist during the midpoint and post-tribulationist after the tribulation period. The Rapture is Ist Thessalonians 4: 13- 18 says believers 1st who have died and 2nd who are alive on earth will be caught up in the sky with Jesus and live eternally with Him. Paul in chapter 5: 9 says For God chose us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. (Based on this- my opinion would be they leave earth before the tribulation.)
There is so so much more on this. That’s why books have been written on this – not just a paragraph or two) (I’d say for those who want to know more go for some deep digging) for all keep your lamp full of oil ready for Jesus at any moment, for a moment too late willl throw you through a door you don’t want to go. “Take the door marked JESUS you will thus thank God for eternity.
I believe there are at least three opinions all different. I think the article stated war before return. Did you read that?
Yes I thought it did as one opinion. I’ve read a lot about the end this morning and the greatest one is https://www.charismamag.com/anniversary/pages-from-our-past/24133-billy-graham-what-does-god-have-in-store-for-the-grand-finale
It is uplifting and mentions the Gaither’s song- The King is Coming – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBNhNffsNMo.
Also the best is to come. Be ready and hold fast to Jesus no matter the situation or different opinions of others on His return. Keep looking up.
Trump/Cyrus is a belief as Rena mentioned. And you can buy a mint giving eyes and $’s a boost.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-trump-coin-honours-recognition-jerusalem-as-capital/
Oh I forgot to say as my Dad would say, Keep on Trucking” for Jesus. Or in other words do what God has called you to do. You won’t regret it and someone out there needs the hope of Jesus in their lives, so “Go be the Light”.!
We have shared a lot of info here from various sources on a very hotly debated topic from the religious/political forum. We live in what some have referred to, “as information overload.” At times it seems impossible to know truth and can become stressful to me.
I would like to suggest a destressor that has worked wonders for me. I find old faithful,✝️ the claimed number one best seller book, The Bible, and start by reading the Book of John. I’m sharing a few of my favorite verses 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Well, the whole little big book becomes my favorite. Hope you enjoy my recommended book read ❤️❤️❤️
The Promise of the Holy Spirit given by Jesus
👍🏻“…when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. 14) He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you.” John 16:13
👍🏻John 14:17 “the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.”
👍🏻John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
Yes, you, me or other that truly seek God will surely find Him. Hope we enjoy our studies by others as they give their opinion but go on a truth seeking journey allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal The Truth to us. Hope we find Peace.
Thank you for suggesting this ‘destressor’ Sara to make apart of our “truth seeking journey”. It sure is an anchor, and the scriptures from your read are encouraging as well as comforting.
Today many around the globe watched from their pivitol spot The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and an American icon, Megan….I must say as I watched via live TV I was deeply heart moved by the sermon given by an American black Bishop on love.
Bishop Curry, from Chicago, spoke passionately about the power of love, quoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
He said, “There’s power in love, don’t underestimate it,” and he gave the source of love. “We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love, and when we do that, we will make of this old world a new world,” Curry said, “Love can help and heal when nothing else can. There’s power in love to lift up and liberate when nothing else will.”
Of course there was much more…but, I want to pause and apply these fire 🔥 power truths to the subject of this ancient dialogue going on even on this blog. Peace in the world among our brothers and sisters.
I thought Megan and Harry made some bold moves today in tearing down walls of injustice, racial, ethnic and social behavior. Love in word is thrown around like a beach ball in American culture it seems. But redemptive power comes but an old rugged cross stained with blood and a crown of thorns worn by The King of Kings.
Adding to my above comment….Bishop Curry addressed the audience as “brothers and sisters”.
“When love is the way, we will let justice roll down like a mighty stream and righteousness like an ever-flowing brook,” he said, quoting the bible and raising his arms.
“When love is the way, poverty will become history. When love is the way, the Earth will be a sanctuary.”
He continued, referencing the African-American spiritual song Down by the Riverside, which was sung by slaves: “When love is the way, we will lay down our swords and shields down by the riverside to study war no more.
“When love is the way, there’s plenty good room, plenty good room for all of God’s children.
“Because when love is the way, we actually treat each other, well, like we’re actually family.”
“… I want to pause and apply these fire 🔥 power truths to the subject of this ancient dialogue going on even on this blog. Peace in the world among our brothers and sisters.”
Thank you for your pause. Thank you for your listening ear that, for me, demonstrates the three scriptures you gave from John and your goal of a “truth seeking journey”. I think your sharing example of the Bishop’s moving sermon correlates so effectively, clearly and timely where your whole blog started…”“Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Psalms 122:6 and “…overcome evil with good.” Romans 12 :21″ as well as it’s ending exhortation, “Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10”
I stand in awe of, “go and do likewise.” Wonder if I even understand what that means”
Another very interesting article.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/may/21/christian-religious-left-william-barber-poor-peoples-campaign
Thanks for sharing, Sara. Encouraging to read that a US clergyman “led a moment of silence for the 60 Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers.”
I also appreciated his seeming compassion as indicated by, “There is only a moral center. And the scripture is very clear about where you have to be to be in the moral center – you have to be on the side of the poor, the working, the sick, the immigrant.”
I agree Debi…talk love and writing love, emoji ❤️ Dosent quite equate love. The prophet Isaiah gave an active description of love……5)”Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD? 6″Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? 7″Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?…Isaiah 58
This takes me back to the Good Samaritan parable. I find so often we read, smile and pass on by. “But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.”
Oh my I’m scratching my head to find my attitude and hands -on in this story. Writing my little story seems pretty bleak when paralleled. with the ones Jesus takes notice of.