Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. It is one of my favorite times of the year. With the Holy week ahead of us it is a time of preparation and memorial of the Sacrifice of Remembrance, Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us! It is believed that it was through the Eastern Gate that Christ rode on a donkey and was hailed as king by all of His followers. You will notice it is sealed up. Evidently, in 1517 when the Turks conquered Jerusalem under the leadership of Suleiman the Magnificent, he ordered all the walls of the ancient city to be rebuilt. During this this rebuild project it is said he also ordered that the Eastern Gate be enclosed by stones effectively sealing it from entry.
A similar Eastern Gate is also the subject of future prophecy when we shall see the Shekinah glory of God enter into the future rebuilt Millennial temple through a New gate that faces east. Just after The Glory of God enters the Holy Place that Gate will also be closed up, (Ezekiel 44:1-3). (Note: Some Scholars believe this gate is that future gate)
Ezekiel 43:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east.
2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.
3 It was like the appearance of the vision which I saw--like the vision which I saw when I came to destroy the city. The visions were like the vision which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face.
4 And the glory of the LORD came into the temple by way of the gate which faces toward the east.
5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
1 Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east.
2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.
3 It was like the appearance of the vision which I saw--like the vision which I saw when I came to destroy the city. The visions were like the vision which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face.
4 And the glory of the LORD came into the temple by way of the gate which faces toward the east.
5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
This day as you prepare to worship the Lord, remember that as you see or hear of Him entering those streets of Jerusalem to be hailed as King and Lord, that it is not the final time He will enter them. His coming is soon and it is sure. All the saints will come with Him and there will be a glorious time of celebration, worship, and praise on earth such as the world has never seen!
The Lord is asking you to celebrate as well. You can be part of that glorious second advent and millennial celebration if you desire. No one is stopping you except yourself. Be strong, and say no to all other temptations to shy away from Him who loved you so dearly. Be strong, and say yes, I will serve Jesus, He is my Lord and my Savior, my King!
Trust Him today on the Palm Sunday. Sing with all believers, Hosanna in the Highest!
God Bless you all richly!
Bro Mike
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