Jesus is the best…

Yes, I know this almost sounds trite, because I am stating the obvious. But after being in Jerusalem for these last two months, this is what reverberates in my heart over and over again. HE is the best, the absolute best. Nothing compares to Him. HE is incomparable.

It has been an absolute treat to be here. Every day is a gift.

This week has been extra special. Pilgrims from all over the world have descended upon this city. For the Jews, it’s to celebrate Pesach (Passover). For Christians, it’s Holy week (or at least that’s how they refer to it here in Jerusalem).

Maybe it is because of the fact 4 out of 5 people in this country call themselves Jews (and the majority of that last 5th is Muslim), that I so appreciate all the Christian pilgrims this week.

I have a new-found appreciation for my brothers and sisters in Christ who come from all walks of life, from all over the globe, and they come with diverse expressions of worship (let’s just say very few would call themselves protestant). But, from what I can tell, they are here because in their heart they believe that Jesus is Lord. They are here because they sincerely believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to this world to die for sins, and by God’s power, was resurrected from the dead.

All of this has reminded me that I am part of something huge.

On Palm Sunday, our family joined thousands of believers to walk the path Jesus took into Jerusalem that day He saddled a donkey starting in Bethany and going all the all the way to Temple Mount.

It broke me.

It was my first real taste of Revelation 5 – people from every tongue and tribe celebrating Christ the King. People were fired up. The crowd was filled with palm branches, and singing and dancing as we processed shoulder to shoulder down the Mount of Olives. Of course, it was a group of African Christians with their singing and dancing that energized the whole crowd.

Nothing breaks down racial and social barriers like Jesus. We are all one in Him.

He is the best.

As I was walking, a guy came up to me and introduced himself (this was going on all day). His name was Khalid. I asked him where he was from. He said he was from the Mount of Olives. Immediately after I introduced myself and Gabe and Bennett who were walking with me, he asked me – do you want to know my story? He was a young man in his 20s. I said – sure. He went on to tell me He was a Muslim, but that 2 years ago he was diagnosed with a serious case of cancer. Somehow after the diagnosis he came into contact with a group of Christians just before he had to go in for surgery. He told me how they prayed over him – specifically that Christ would heal him. When he went in for his surgery, the surgeon was mystified because the cancer was completely gone. Soon thereafter, He gave his life to Christ. He is now a worship leader in his church. I asked him his favorite song. Without even thinking about it, he said – How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. Then he started singing that song. He was one of the happiest Christians I have ever met.

Again, Jesus is the best.

As we were walking, I asked him what his parent’s thought about him being a Christian. His face got real sober and he said – if my family ever found out I became a Christian, they would kill me. He meant it. I looked at my boys… their eyes showed me that they were listening.

Pray for Khalid.

Our procession led us to St Anne’s, this old Crusader Church next to temple mount. There in the courtyard were thousands, literally singing and dancing. What a sight to see nuns, orthodox priests, American collegians, Africans, both old and young, Easterner and Westerner, locked arm and arm, singing and dancing because of our King.

Jesus is the best.

And may I humbly add… so are God’s people.

Palm Sunday Processional

Palm Sunday Processional

Dancing at St. Anne’s

Cate and Me

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