Jerusalem - City of Peace?

Sunday 14th July 2024

Text: 2 Samuel 5: 1-10

A love that never ceases
A creativity that designed the universe,
A hope that cannot be quenched,
A pursuit of reconciliation no matter the cost:
These are the things that are of God
 
Today, as a dreadful war rages in and around Israel, we look back to the establishment of Jerusalem as David’s city – David is confirmed as King of Israel and makes his base, his capital city, Jerusalem. This sermon seeks to look back, look at the present, and look forward in terms of this troubled city and the place of Israel in the history, present and future of the world. It has been for so long, and certainly is today, a pivotal place in human affairs.

Firstly, a disclaimer: this is complicated and confusing. The more I looked into this, the more I realised I did not know! This topic lends itself more to a conversation than a sermon – so I will put out there my thoughts and definitely invite engagement from you, the listeners.
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Watch the recorded sermon here: https://youtu.be/Knm3e4egpeY

O God of peace, you established Jerusalem as the Lord's House and a place of peace, and you have called on all who live there to love you and prosper. Instil in her inhabitants – Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Christians and Muslims - a hunger for justice and dignity and a resolve to end the distrust that culminates in violence.
Let us burn incense, not children. Let us break bread, not bodies.
Let us plant olive groves, not cemeteries.
We beg for love and compassion to prevail
on all your holy mountains.