Where Christ is the Center

“Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” (Isa 60:18 AV)

We know this prophecy concerns Jerusalem.  There is coming a day when the LORD returns to set up His kingdom upon this earth.  His government will be centered in Jerusalem.  Gentile nations throughout the world will be subject to the reign of the Messiah and be required to observe His throne in the midst of this holy city.  What should stick the saint as truly astounding is the description above.  This seat of government will have as its central pillars, salvation and praise.  There will be no destruction, violence, crime, wickedness, etc.  No more armies seeking to overthrow it.  No need of taxes.  Our Savior will tend to the needs of all.  There will be no tyranny.  He will rule with a rod of iron, but the motive is salvation and praise.  Within the borders of the city of Jerusalem, the human race we realize all for which it sought yet come woefully short.  It will realize the peace she wanted but sought it in law.  She we realize the pleasure she craved yet sought it in sin.  She will realize the joy she sought, yet sought it in conquest.  She will realize it in the person and government of the LORD Jesus Christ in the midst of His city – Jerusalem.

This reminds me a bit of what the church should be like.  It should be a respite from the cruelty of the world.  It should be a place where we leave the world outside, come together without any person agenda or self-interest, and unite in praise to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  It should be a place of salvation.  A place where those who come into her custody can hear the wonderful news of liberty.  Liberty from our own wickedness.  Salvation that results in conversion from evil to righteousness. Salvation that results in the harm of the old life abandoned for the blessedness of a new one.  Salvation that will eventually end in glory, eternally at peace and in the presence of our Savior.  Church should be a place where we do not want to leave.  A place whence we are not preoccupied with the clock.  A place that is coveted.  A place that is special.

When the LORD is the center of what we are, where we are, and what we do, then it is a special place.  A place that compares to no other.  The church which I pastor is unique.  It is common for God’s people to linger after a service is over.  This is a common trait of God’s people.  This has been the case of many of the churches in which I have served.  My current church takes this to an extreme.  It is not uncommon for this congregation to linger, at the minimum, an hour after the service has concluded.  It is amazing.  They do not want to leave the fellowship they share one with another.  The have found a place of salvation and praise.  This is what our churches should be like.  This is what Jerusalem will be like.  This is what heaven is like!