Pioneer Christian Monthly - April, 1998

Next Year In Jerusalem
Robert Anes

JERUSALEM

Easter. The time on the Christian calendar when our thoughts go back to the events that took place there almost 2000 years ago. I had the privilege of standing on the Mount of Olives, just East of Jerusalem. The morning sun had just climbed over the hills behind me and was casting a golden hue on the walls of Jerusalem and on the Dome of the Rock just inside the walls. A little to the right, as part of the wall, is the Golden Gate, which is cemented closed and will not be opened until Jesus returns. (Ezekiel 44).

We hear about the crucifixion and the resurrection at this time of year in church. But rather than cover the same ground and reflect on the past, I would like to write something about the significance of Jerusalem today and in the future. I can think of no better way to do that than to go back to November 8, 1997, when we attended a memorial concert in Cambridge, Ontario, for the late Pieter Vos.

PIETER VOS

Pieter was well known in Southern Ontario. We heard him preach a number of times in our church, and I don't think I ever saw him without a smile. This was confirmed by the picture of a smiling Pieter on the back of the program. Pieter loved the Lord, the Jewish people, and the Holy Land. He had prayed that when his time came, the Lord would call him home from Jerusalem. His prayer was answered. While visiting Israel in the spring of '97, on April 10th, he was singing praises to his Lord in Jerusalem, and a moment later he was in God's presence! I could not help thinking: What a way to go!

MEMORIAL CONCERT

For anybody who was at the memorial concert, it was an event they will long remember. Led by two Israeli flags, a choir of about a hundred people entered the sanctuary. It was a combination of RCA church choirs in the area, conducted by Ray Tuinhof of Brantford. And a second choir, the Men of Praise, almost 70 Christian men of various denominations in the Woodstock area, conducted by John Oosterink. Between the hymns, which all related to Jerusalem or the Holy Land, Rev. James Reese, a long time friend of Pieter Vos, read short, related, and prophetic scripture references.

Also participating were Pieter and Johanna's sons, John, Pieter Jr., Daniel, and Terry, who sang "What a day that will be" accompanied by their sister Jane on the piano. Jane had already said a few words about the significance of the Jewish people and Israel today and the importance of making a generous donation to the United Israel Appeal, an organization that helps Jewish people migrate from East Bloc countries to the nation of Israel. In Isaiah 43:5-6, the return of the Jewish people from all over the earth to Israel is prophesied. After a period of almost 2000 years, during which very few Jews lived in what we now call Israel, this prophesy is being fulfilled. Since the end of WWII, Jews from all over the world have been returning to Israel, which became a state in 1948.

In Zechariah 12 we read about the restoration of Jerusalem. Zechariah also speaks about Jerusalem being a burdensome stone, and we know about the constant bickering about the status of Jerusalem between Jews and Arabs. There is no greater authority on the end times then Jesus, and He speaks of the hard times facing Jerusalem and Israel in Matthew 24 and 25. The prophet Isaiah, in Chapters 60-63 prophesies about the salvation of Zion, and the day of vengeance.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE

There are many Christians who never think about the Jewish people. Frankly, although being very sympathetic to the Jews (probably as a result of the war), I did not much either. But when Jerusalem was captured by Israeli forces in 1967, my spirit felt this was right. More than 10 years after that, my wife and I started to become aware of the treasure we have in the Jewish heritage, and it made us understand many things we had always wondered about. Our spiritual life has been enriched tremendously. Many of the prophesies, which had been complete mysteries to us, now started to mean something, and proved to us that, no matter what, God is in control. We sometimes exchange meaningful glances when we read something in the daily paper or see something on the TV news that relates to Israel and another prophesy is falling into place.

I am well aware of the fact that this may not fit with the theology of everyone reading this and that some may have different ideas. I am not trying to sell you anything, neither am I looking for a theological argument. Theologians far more learned than I am have not been able to agree on this for centuries,and I'm sure my two cents worth will not make much difference. Is what I am writing biblical? Definitely. Is it Christian? Absolutely. To us that's all that matters. God has deepened our faith and understanding by leaps and bounds since we discovered these things. If this is not for you, no problem. We can still be brothers and sisters in Christ, and that's the main thing. It has nothing to do with salvation, but I call it value added in this life. God promised blessings on those who love Abram's seed in Genesis 12:3, and He has blessed and still is blessing us far beyond our imagination. If your curiosity has been raised, do some searching. I'm sure it will be a rewarding experience in more ways than one.

IS GOD FINISHED WITH THE JEWISH PEOPLE ?

For those who subscribe to the theory that God was finished with Israel 2000 years ago, read what Paul writes in Romans 10 and 11. "Has God cast away His people? God forbid." (Romans 11:1.) And in vs. 2 "God has not cast away his people." Vs 26 "All Israel shall be saved."

When Jesus ascended to heaven, two angels appeared to the disciples and told them that Jesus would return. He will descend on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. If the nation of Israel and the Jewish people were no longer important, why would Jesus go there? I can think of a number of places that would be much more suitable. The first one that comes to mind would be Rome, where The Pope and a number of cardinals, representing a world wide church are residing.

For those who do not like that idea and feel that with the Reformation Rome lost that claim, how about Wittenberg, where Martin Luther posted his 95 points. Or the Wartburg, where he resided after that. Or maybe Geneva, where John Calvin lived. How about Edinburgh, Scotland, where John Knox led the reformation in that country. Many of the people reading this came form the Netherlands. Maybe Kampen with the theological High School or Amsterdam with the Free University, founded by Abraham Kuyper. And if Jesus really wanted to do it big, why not come to one of the most powerful nations in the world, with instant communications to all the capitals? May I suggest Grand Rapids, which is sometimes called the Jerusalem of the Reformed faith? But no, the Bible states Jesus will return to Jerusalem, and will descend on the Mount of Olives. Too bad for Grand Rapids, but to the best of my knowledge, that city can not claim a Mount of Olives.

Robert Anes is a member of The Pioneer Editorial Committee.

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