Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
In the last few years, the Medieval Order known as the Templars have become very visible in Pop Culture. Various TV series, such as "Unearthed in America" and "The Oak Island Mystery", speculative fiction by Dan Brown, The "National Treasure" movies, and the new series called "Knightfall" are revisiting the ancient order of Knights from the time of the Crusades, attempting to make connections with the architecture of Washington DC, the Founding of America, current Fraternal Organizations, religions, and governments. Sometimes the speculation has a little ring of truth, and other times, it's just off-the-wall crazy! In any case, I find it interesting, have been to Oak Island and saw the digging first-hand (back in 1973 on my HONEYMOON! hahaha), and enjoy the TV shows without getting too wound up about it. It's Entertainment, that's all.
One of the themes that continue to pop up, whether in a stone structure in Newport R.I., a carving on Oak Island, or even the sails of Columbus's three ships, is the symbol of the Templar Cross. It is a red, equidistant cross with flared ends forming eight points. This symbol is so ubiquitous, that it lends credence to many of the TV shows cockamamie theories.
The Symbol was that which appeared on the shields of the Crusader Knights whose job it was to protect pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. The Templars also devised a primitive form of "Travelers' Checks" so that the Pilgrims could deposit money in Europe, and cash the check when they got to the Holy Land, thus making them less vulnerable while traveling. These transactions were conducted at a special "Bench" at either end of the journey. The French word for "bench" is "banc", and it is the beginning of the world's Banking System which exists to this day. Travelers knew that when they saw that red, eight-pointed cross, that they were protected. The Shield" was their assurance.
In this Passage of Scripture, God calls HIMSELF the "Shield of Abraham". This Beautiful Name appears in the Hebrew Liturgy, and says so much. A look back at the History of the Holy Land gives us some amazing examples of how God has shielded His People, even when it looked very dark for them. It seems that, no matter what the enemy throws at them The Spirit of Israel LIVES.
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS