With an Eye on Jerusalem...

As many of you know, I've spent a number of years studying and observing what's happening among the Jews. Each Sunday and Wednesday as I travel to and from church, I pass a conservative Jewish synagogue and a Torah Studies facility located right across the street. I'm intrigued by those making their way on foot to and from various meetings. Fathers and sons, old men and young, young preteen girls, and mothers and fathers with baby strollers; they converge from all directions.

Some walk alone, seemingly deep in thought, others are deep in conversation with hands gesturing. None of them seem to notice that I'm noticing. By and large, the men are dressed in black suits, the women and girls are dressed modestly, many carry books and/or tablets. I've indulged in a lot of wondering as I've watched over time. The synagogue is not huge, but a steady stream of men and women, boys and girls make their way there each week. The Torah Studies building is a converted house, but the parking lot is full of cars as Jewish men actively pursue their studies.

I own a fair-sized number of Judaica-related books and have read the writings of many of their orthodox and conservative rabbis. In addition, I keep an eye on an internet site which relates to this portion of Judaism. I read articles and study material as I come across them, particularly as I find some link to Scriptural teaching. Here's the picture I see coming together...

1. 2007 marks 40 years since the Jews took possession of Jerusalem in 1967's 6-day war. This "posession" of Jerusalem initiated a notable surge in interest in the Torah and the God of their fathers and in what He has to say about all these things.
2. A general move among the Jews to return to their roots emerged. Study centers like the one I've described have sprung up in many metropolitan areas. With a sense of urgency, Jewish men in particular, who have in the past been at best, secular, and at worst, outright non-believers, are coming together and studying the Torah. Often, when I travel back home after church on Wednesdays, there are still cars in the parking lot as Jewish men from my area dig into these things.
3. I'm seeing a greater awareness of spiritual matters. Previously agnostic or athieistic Jews are coming to a sense of God's presence in the world in general and in their lives in particular. Even observant Jews are deepening their commitments and seeking to understand in a greater way.
4. Many Jews are more willing to openly discuss these matters among themselves and with others. This leads to teaching opportunities; rabbi to congregation, father to son, mother to daughter, and one on one.
5. Not only are they discussing them in conversation - but there is a corresponding rise in written material as former doubters express wonder at how God is making Himself known, "though He be not far from every one of us."
6. As the Jews investigate their heritage and wrestle with the thorny issues surrounding the nation of Israel, the city of Jerusalem, the Temple, and so forth - they become intrigued by a sense of what they feel God is doing in their midst. With that intrigue comes a hunger to know more. Even secular Jews consider this rising tide of spirituality a force to be reckoned with and tread lightly where their road and this tide converge.
7. Archeological digs and excavations under the Wailing Wall and it's environs breathe a sense of excitement and anticipation as they discover new routes leading them ever closer to the truth we all know awaits when their "blindness in part" is lifted.

For some, that "blindness in part" has already lifted and they have embraced a life of fulfillment like none they ever before imagined. For many others the journey is just beginning. In all these things we see that we are living in wondrous' times. That God is at work is evident, that His plan and purpose, which was foreordained before the world began, is on time and on target.

2008 is fast upon us and with it more and greater evidence of the kindness and forebearance of the Lord - Who "is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance!"

Sources: www.aish.com This website is full of information. Investigate and enjoy. Links to specific articles are listed below. Note - Be sure to follow the complete tunnel tour for a wonderful surprise as you come to the exit!
http://www.aish.com/seminars/tunneltours/
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/prayer/A_Relationship_with_God.asp
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/growth/The_Good_Bed.asp