{"id":68611,"date":"2020-01-14T19:00:25","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T17:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/?p=68611"},"modified":"2023-08-08T11:46:33","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T08:46:33","slug":"the-city-of-the-lord","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/en\/the-city-of-the-lord\/","title":{"rendered":"The City of the Lord"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From the historical record: Journal entry, visitor to the City of the Lord, date unknown<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

My first impression as I approached the City was light. It was everywhere, shining out of everything and nothing. It seemed to emanate from the very stones of the buildings, from the dust on the roadway. But when I would try to look at it, it was as if it was coming out of everywhere <\/span>but<\/span><\/i> the place where I was looking.<\/span><\/p>\n

From a distance, it seemed like there were many people on the way to the City. As we got closer, the real nature of the crowds became apparent: uncountable multitudes, from innumerable places, from all walks of life, all bringing gifts and sacrifices and riches. As I joined the throngs of people passing through the gates, I gazed backwards and saw nothing but people. The road was so full and busy, surely these gates would be open all day and night! The princely gate-wardens smiled at everyone as we passed through, directing us into the City with kindness and grace.<\/span><\/p>\n

As I proceeded down the road, my destination appeared over the roofs: the shining, glorious Sanctuary. If before the light was dazzling and brilliant, the light shining from the Sanctuary was even more glorious. Even from a distance, the gold and bronze and carved wood and stone astounded me, moved me almost to tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

And the light. I said it was even more glorious than before, but words cannot truly capture its majesty. The brilliantly lit City around me seemed to dim in comparison. There seemed to be no other light in the universe other than that emanating from the Sanctuary.<\/span><\/p>\n

I was able to tear my eyes away from the Sanctuary\u2019s beauty and glory for long enough to appreciate the inhabitants of the City, who lined the streets to welcome us to their City. Never have seen people so proud and gracious, righteous and humble. The light that shone out of the stones around them shone out of them too. It is clear to me that they are blessed.<\/span><\/p>\n

I understand now why this place is called the City of the Lord. It is not because of the Sanctuary, or the people, but because of the light the fills all of them. It calls to all of us, all human beings, as if it is saying \u201cArise, shine, for your light has dawned; The Presence of the Lord has shone upon you!\u201d. The darkness and foolishness of the past, the violence and \u201cwrack and ruin\u201d of yesteryear, all falls away in this light. There is only the Lord, there only ever was, and only ever will be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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