These clear words from Isaiah 62:10 become more and more prominent: People of Jerusalem, open your gates! Prepare the way, and take out the stones. I am convinced that repairing the road and clearing it of stones is emphasized. If we look back, it appears that “Christians” have done the opposite: instead of repairing the road and clearing it of stones, we have placed enormous stones on the path of the Jews. I only have to point at those ‘stones’ of the inquisition, Russian pogroms where Christians chased the Jews, raped them and killed them, because they (the Jews) had crucified the Messiah. And think about the crusades when Christian armies moved from Europe to Jerusalem, drove the Jews in their synagogues and set the synagogue on fire. They raised their crosses and sang spiritual hymns while the Jews were screaming. And what to think of this theory where “Israel” was simply replaced by “church”. With the exception of those parts in which Israel was punished and cursed. Then, the word “Israel” kept its original meaning.

To this day, many churches still have these basic ideas. And I don’t have to say anything about the holocaust that was able to take place in “Christian” Europe. There are enormous stones in the way, on our path. Still. There’s work to do! We get a second chance. This is the time that we as Christians, can get going. We can prepare the road and clear it of stones. A very special mission. “Ah well”, I can hear some people moan, “we can’t continue asking the Jews for forgiveness… we have done this enough now, haven’t we”. It is exactly this proud attitude that reveals its true character. Walk along with us and experience how this pain is firmly-rooted. Each time we admit our wrongs, to Jewish passers-by and Jewish people who walk along with us upon the walls, their eyes fill with tears. There is a lot of hurt and distrust. You can’t just take that away with a meeting of reconciliation. Even though people mean well. In fact, this could be the most important task of the church today. In Luke 3:4 the words from Isaiah apply to John the Baptist’s mission. Like he had the task to pave the way as a pioneer in preparation of Yeshua’s (Jesus’ real name) coming, the church can carry out the same task. We are on the verge of the apotheosis in history. We are longing for the Messiah’s return. If you listen carefully, you can hear the bridegroom’s footsteps. Another ‘messenger’ is called to pave the way for His coming. We, God’s children, are called to carry out this task. I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;

They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the highway! Take out the stones, (Isaiah 62:6, 7, 10) we live in critical days. This is the time of restoration, this is the hour. (Psalms 102:14) This is the season that the wise girls will distinguish themselves from the foolish girls. (Matthew 25:1-12) A young generation will stand up and fill their stone bottles with oil. A generation that is filled with God’s compassion and love. Proclaim the words of restoration and consolation for Israel! (You can download a great number of proclamations at www.neverbesilent.org).