It was on this day in the year 70 AD that the Romans completed the construction of embankments around the city of Jerusalem as they prepared for their final assault on the city. Two thousand years later, not a whole lot has changed. Through other means, the nations of the world are, nevertheless, preparing for their final assault on the city of Jerusalem. For decades these nations, predominately western powers (which would correspond to Rome), have systematically have schemed and plotted, through political posturing and policy determinations, in an effort to isolate Israel from the world. For instance, the U.N. has continually pressured Israel into giving more lands to the Palestinians and has already concluded what the final status of Jerusalem should be – a divided city under international (read UN) control. 

It is no secret that the majority of the member nations in the UN see Israel as an oppressive power. Considering the inclination of international powers to get involved with the internal affairs of nations they deem to be a global threat and deserving of regime change, such as we saw in Libya, at what point might the UN take action against Israel? In other words, if international powers are willing to take military action and change a nation like Libya into something they find more palatable, how long will it be before they decide to do something like that where Israel is concerned? Mark it down: it won’t be too long before the UN and other powers officially declare Israel to be an oppressive regime that threatens global stability. In fact, not too many years ago, a former Secretary of State of the US described the nation of Israel using the word “apartheid.” 

And while nations demand that Israel surrender the so-called West Bank, we must keep in mind that the real objective is Jerusalem. We say that because that’s the objective of the adversary. If you believe, as I do, that Israel and, specifically, Jerusalem was once the Garden of Eden, then you can begin to understand why the adversary wants Jerusalem. Why Jerusalem? Because that’s where the Creator has set His name and where He determined to dwell among His people. He’s always sought to possess that which rightfully belongs to God and to God’s people. This is hinted at in Isaiah.

How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart:“I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14)

Because he has always sought to possess what rightfully belongs to God, and because he has no rights to it, he has always been a saboteur. He continually seeks to undermine the purposes of the Creator through plotting, scheming and sabotage. Throughout the history of the world he has not changed his tactics, nor his goal. We should also take note of the fact that this strategy is how he comes against God’s people. If the Creator has determined to something in our lives or through our lives, you can rest assured the adversary will try his best to sabotage it and bring it to a halt. But if we are steadfast and faithful, he will fail at this just as surely as the nations are going to fail where Jerusalem is concerned and here’s why: because the Lion of the tribe of Judah will prevail. He will save those who love his appearing and will, once and for all, deliver Jerusalem from her enemies. That is going to be a glorious day. 

So, today, rest assured that if you are in Him and He is in you, you will prevail over your enemies.

Shalom.