A Holy Day in Israel

Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) started yesterday evening in Jerusalem, and I had planned to go with my friends and their boys to a worship watch (http://www.succathallel.com/) from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. As I walked up to King George to meet them, I felt like I had stepped into the twilight zone. No cars or buses or taxis were running and people were milling around in the streets. The stoplights were not even working. It seems that Yom Kippur is the one holy day the all Jewish people in Israel observe, whether religious or not.

There are also lots of little extra rules on this day, like you can't wear leather. You should wear white. You're supposed to fast -- from everything -- even bathing! Being the good little Christian Gentile girl that I am, I didn't know all these things, so after a nice long shower and then some spaghetti for dinner, I donned my favorite black Old Navy t-shirt and jeans and headed out the door with my leather Bible in hand. I really wasn't trying to be offensive, and no one threw anything at me, so maybe they didn't even notice.

Anyway, it took about 25 minutes to walk to the Mt. Zion Hotel, where Christians from all over the world come together in two hour time slots to worship and intercede for Jerusalem and the nations 24/7. The worship room overlooks the Ben Hinnom Valley, where in Biblical times, children were sacrificed to the very unholy god Molech (the reason I can't bring myself to say "holy Moley" ever again). It's such a strange feeling to look out over that valley to the walls of the Old City. I can't describe it--just knowing that Jesus walked in this very place, that this was the place God chose to let His Presence dwell in His Temple, the place where King David lived and worshiped.... What can I say? Words just seem so insufficient in the presence of this reality.

So there I was singing "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus" and looking out the window toward the east, probably not even a mile from the place where that blood was actually poured out for me. Then I read the following verse: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.” Deuteronomy 32:43, and I just began to pray that the people's eyes would be open to the atonement He has already provided through His Son. As Jon Mark began singing and praying about God purifying His bride, I asked the Lord to spread the corner of His robe over us like Ruth did to Boaz, asking him to be her kinsman redeemer. After I found myself praying that, I remembered in Revelation where it talks about Jesus coming on a white horse and his robe is dipped in blood.... and then I understood more than ever the connection--not only is He taking us for His bride, He is covering us with His blood. What a beautiful picture of true redemption, total acceptance, total committment. There is not even a shadow of turning away from His promises.

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God." Revelation 19:11-13

"He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Revelation 22:20-21