Zion. Just the word itself, the sound of it, the look of it, the feel of it, evokes mysteries and questions that leave us hungry for answers and revelation. What is it? Where did it come from? What does it mean? What does it stand for, both to God and to man? Where is it? Can I go there? Is it a physical place? A state of mind? A state of being? A spiritual, heavenly reality only, or is there a natural, earthly parallel or counterpart? Does it have anything to do with government and the kingdom of God? Why is it so important and why has so much blood been spilled because of it? What is at stake with understanding what it is and what it means? Is it just too deep for any of us, and we should live our lives not bothered or concerned with these questions?

“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up (makes arrogant), but love edifies (builds up). And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” I Corinthians 8:1-3

I want to make it crystal clear from the beginning of the journey (of this blog), that concerning Zion I know nothing as I ought to know. But by God’s own grace and mercy I love Him, and I am known by Him, and there is knowledge and wisdom that I have obtained from Him, His Spirit and His Word. I am just like any of you reading this, I am a pilgrim and a stranger sojourning through this world of woe. But I am a curious fellow. I am hungry. I want knowledge, insight, prudence, discretion, revelation, all of it thoroughly drenched with love in my heart for God and for every human being. Guess what I want to know most of all? I WANT TO KNOW WHAT GOD KNOWS AND THINKS AND FEELS ABOUT EVERYTHING. There, I said it. Specifically, for our present focus and purposes, I want to know what He means by creating and desiring Zion. The subheading up top from the prophet Zechariah makes it clear that whatever Zion is, God wants it. Very badly. With heat. With fervor. With passion. With great zeal. So it is very simple. If the God of Israel wants it badly, with everything in His being, I want it too. Very, very much.

“For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place (home): ‘This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.” Psalm 132:13-14

My name is Mark Klafter and I welcome you. The articles, testimonies, observations, thoughts, videos and maybe even music that I share here are all intended to bless you, and to give unabashed glory to the God of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is also the Father of the Messiah Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah. I owe everything to Him, and I want to make Him and you joyful in your journey searching for the truth of His salvation.