Magi's Journal--Entry 19

Fleeing Jerusalem

We made our way out of the city with much less fanfare than on our arrival. Passing Herod’s Temple, I was reminded of the glory days of the Hebrews, the time of King David. His son, King Solomon built a glorious temple dedicated to their God.

Our soldiers raided the temple and stole its holy relics. Beltheshazzar, or Daniel, was taken from his family and brought to live with our ancestors. He taught our people about the God of the Hebrew’s and their way of worship.

“The rituals of their faith are very complicated,” Zedekiah mused, almost reading my thoughts. “People are weeded out. Gentiles, women, and men with physical imperfections must worship separate from the Hebrew men. Only a priest may pass behind the curtain of the Holy of Holies, once a year, after a ritual of purification. Only they may stand before the presence of God.”

“The holy God is hidden behind the curtain,” I mused as I gazed at this entrance of this 2nd temple. “The prophecies say that one day there will not be a curtain, or barrier, that separates Jehovah from his people. Some day the Creator will, once again, move among his creation.”

The city left me with wonderment. Imagine, a God walking among men?

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Scripture Meditation:
2 Corinthians 6:16