One week until the Abode of Peace!

In a week from right now I'll be en route to Jerusalem. In Hebrew Jerusalem means "Abode of Peace." In Arabic, it means "The Holy Sanctuary." Yet, when I tell people I'm going they ask if it's safe. During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. It is now divided into four quarters--Armenian, Muslim, Jewish and Christian. Jerusalem is now in the middle of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  I wouldn't say this describes a Zion-like, unified "abode of peace."

Yet, isn't everything holy being attacked in the latter days? You can almost look at whatever is being persecuted, whatever is being degraded, whatever is being cast to the side, and realize that it is an important thing. Are families being destroyed? Yes, and it just so happens that they are central to God's plan. Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints persecuted? Yes, and it is the gospel that could cure the world. Thus I think it is with Jerusalem. It is currently going through a little turmoil, yet it has the promise of a peaceful future as a dwelling place for the Lord and His Saints during His great millennial reign.

Hurrah for Israel!