Sumter pastor Joey Durham: Great blessings await Jerusalem
Today, I want to look at this thought, "Jerusalem, a Burdensome Stone." My text is Zechariah 12:1-3, where we see, "The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it." (KJV)
In addition to being called "a cup of trembling," Jerusalem is also described as "a burdensome stone." This represents a heavy rock that is rough with sharp, jagged edges. Such a stone, if attempted to be moved, its weight would cause it to slip through one's grip, cutting or shredding the hands of those who would make such an effort, as our text states, "all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces."
The question is, "Who would be concerned about Jerusalem to such an extent?" The Word of God states that "all the people of the earth" will be gathered together against it. When will that condition exist on this earth? God through Zechariah tells us "in that day," which is referring to the final three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation Period, which is specifically referred to as Great Tribulation. During this time, the Antichrist will turn from protecting Israel to persecuting Israel and will use the military might of this world's nations that are under his control and dominion to attack Jerusalem. The future of Jerusalem is certainly bright during the Millennial Kingdom reign of Jesus Christ on this earth, but during the Church Age, which we are currently in, tension and turmoil will grow worse for Israel and Jerusalem as the Rapture of the Church and the Tribulation approach, culminating in a time described by the Prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 30:7, "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." (KJV) The day is indeed coming when great blessings await Jerusalem as King Jesus returns and establishes His reign in that very city. Then, she will take her rightful position on planet earth as His City, the place of David's throne, to be occupied by his son, Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace!
Joey Durham is pastor at Open Bible Baptist Church at 180 Old Manning Road in Sumter. You can contact Pastor Durham at durham.joey@yahoo.com or call the church office at (803) 481-9315.