Harold S. Paisley
Many who have never seen Olivet nor walked upon its side, have visualized in their thoughts sacred happenings associated with the Lord Jesus. The things spoken about this hill in God's word are most interesting being full of instruction and providing a rich meditation for hope. They are all "things concerning Himself."
The first mention presents a touching description of David's flight from this city and his ascent of Mount Olivet weeping upon its slopes (2 Sam. 15:30). He, a father, was caused to flee on account of a rebel son. Deep sorrows were connected with this day of distress, but in it he was not alone. Many people shared his anguish and walked beside him on his exodus from Jerusalem's throne.
How different the scene near the same spot a thousand years after when the obedient Son of His Father, crossed the brook Kedron to Olivet to show His absolute submission to God's will. Near the place, He too wept where David wept, but those who accompanied Him did not share His grief. They slept! (Matt. 26:40).
A few days before His visit to Gethsemane's garden where He fell on His face and prayed (Matthew 26:29) He had sat upon Olivet (Matt. 24:3). On that occasion, His grandest and most minute prophecy was given. The events that should transpire before His coming back to Olivet, the signs which would immediately precede it, the manner of His return and what would follow were all clearly set forth.
Following the garden scene, the trials, the sufferings upon the tree, the grave and the rising again, as He was about to leave our world, we find Him again at Olivet. From this spot, He will part with His loved disciples. He rose from Olivet blessing as He ascended to His home above and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Two men now joined the disciples, their white apparel and sudden appearance revealing their heavenly origin as angelic beings. The message was clear at Olivet that day: "This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven" (Acts 1: 1 1). Their word will be finally fulfilled and then shall another more ancient prophecy be made good. "His feet shall stand upon the Mount of Olives" (Zech. 14:4-8). That will be the day when the glorified Christ will return to earth, with His heavenly bride already by His side having been raptured years before. He will set up His universal reign, Israel will be blessed, Jerusalem will be delivered and peace throughout the world will be its happy ending. Well might we who love the Saviour of the world delight in Olivet. And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one (Zech. 14:9).
We delight in the words of the hymn:
Bethlehem, Calvary, Olivet
tell,
0, what a Saviour is mine!