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The Bible reports of many cities that were important. But none was comparable to Jerusalem, which means “Inheritance of peace.” There alone the Almighty God dwelled and revealed himself. There alone a true sacrificial offering was rendered. The tribes of Israel came together there to thank the Lord.

In the heavenly Jerusalem of today (Hebrews 12: 22 – 23) “But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,” which is God’s work of redemption, we are being prepared to receive the ‘inheritance of the saints’.   Here the Lord reveals himself through word and sacrament, here is the true offering of sacrifice, and here we find peace and comfort. Therefore, when the Lord calls, let us always come together at the altar in the temple of the new covenant!

What makes the city of God so distinguished? It is surrounded by the wall of the ministers of the Church of Christ. And he who walks through the doors preached by Apostles reaches the sanctuary. Many strangers are invited to come out of ‘other cities’ where one cannot find what the Jerusalem has to offer.

Let us compare Jerusalem with some other cities of that time which had great names: For instance Jericho, the city of palms, Herod had his summer residence there. Surely, people came together there too, but mainly to celebrate lavish feast. And nobody became blest and redeemed there either. Perhaps the Jericho of today celebrates a few more feasts too. However, nothing of lasting value is offered to the souls.

Babylon was a mighty city. Even to this day historians are raving about its long vanished splendor. Early in its time the building of the tower was begun, and not completed! Of all the wonders only a heap of rubble has remained. The children of Israel were not happy there either (of Psalm 137: 1 – 6). They longed to be back to in Jerusalem. In the “Babylon” of today are still many inhabitants that must be led out. Brother, Sister, help along!

Also Sodom and Nineveh were well known cities. Their inhabitants bear blame for godless behavior, pagan vices. In a figurative way, there are people in those places also today, who are ensnared in the same sins. As long as there is time of grace, a way of return is open to them either through repentance as in Nineveh or through God’s helping intervention as with lot in Sodom.

In Athens Apostle Paul found an Altar with the inscription ‘To the unknown God’ (Acts 17:23). And he declared this God unto the people of Athens. Even though many only mocked, there were some who believed. And in Corinth there the Apostle wanted to carry on right away, as there was great mob in the city. But the Apostle Paul heard the Lord speak in a vision: “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace… For I have much people in this city.” (Acts 18: 9-10).

Also today the love God wants to still bring people into the city of God. When the last one in Jerusalem then the completed bridal souls will enter the heavenly Jerusalem, into the eternal fellowship with the Father and the Son.