Favorite Places

We all have favorite cities—the beautiful but quirky Portland, the iconic San Francisco, the bustling New York City. But did you know God has a favorite city, too? For his own reasons, he favors Jerusalem. And I can’t disagree with him—it’s pretty amazing. I hope you will get to go. It is absolutely breathtaking—physically and spiritually! And one day, Jesus will physically, literally reign there in his full glory—and the entire world will come to worship in the city of the Great King. And you will be there, too. As will I. So here’s the deal: Between now and then, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6) Develop a passion for it, since God is so passionate about it. Start reading up on it. Plan a trip there before you leave Planet Earth. And just remember this: As spectacular as the view of the holy city is from this side of eternity; it ain’t nothing compared to what Jerusalem will be like when King Jesus lives there!

There are certain cities that I just love. I’ll bet you have favorite places, too. I think San Francisco, for all its weirdness, has to be one of the most spectacular cities of all. The Golden Gate Bridge to the north, the Bay Bridge to the East, Alcatraz in between; North Beach, Fisherman’s Warf, the amazing skyline, the outstanding restaurants. What a cool city!

Denver is a great city in my book. The drama created by the Great Plains abruptly crashing into the snow-capped Rocky Mountains; the majestic front-range all the way from Pike’s Peak in the south to Long’s Peak to the north is nothing short of a never-ending Kodak moment. The spectacular panoramic view Denverites get every single day is second to none.

Portland is at the top of my list as well. There is nothing like the Great Northwest. The fall colors are every bit as wonderful as New England’s. The summers are indescribable. The fragrant blossoms on a spring day can almost make you forget the rainy winter you’ve just endured. The rivers, bridges, verdant hills, lush canopy and view of Mt. Hood will take your breath away, guaranteed. I am so blessed to live here.

And then there are cities I don’t like. I won’t mention any names, but, for instance, the initials of one such disliked city is, “L.A.” You figure it out. What were the city planners thinking when they laid that one out?

God has a favorite city, too. Did you know that? He has his reasons, and I am not entirely sure what they are, but I can’t disagree with him. Jerusalem is pretty amazing. I hope you will get to go there if you haven’t already. One of my favorite views of any city in the world is the one you get coming up over the Mount of Olives, and looking westward over the Kidron Valley, getting a glimpse for the first time of the Temple Mount of the holy city, Jerusalem. Breathtaking! Absolutely breathtaking!

God loves Jerusalem, and one day, when Jesus reigns in his full glory, the entire world will come to worship there. Even Israel’s mortal enemies will bow the knee in wonder in the city of God. And you will worship there, too. As will I.

So here’s the deal: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6) Develop a passion for it, since God is so passionate about it. Start reading up on it. Check out the brochures. Plan a trip there before you leave Planet Earth. And just remember this: As spectacular as the view of the holy city is from this side of eternity; it ain’t nothing compared to what Jerusalem will be like when King Jesus lives there!