It was on this day in 1948 that the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was besieged by Arabs and, consequently, cutting off those Jews from communities in the more modern sections of Jerusalem. This occurred, interestingly, just before the announcement of an Israeli State in May, 1948. This aggression provided a preview of what was to come later, the War of Independence.
After that war, most of the eastern sections of the Old City were completely cut off from Jewish access, including the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, making Jerusalem a divided city. It remained that way until June, 1967, and the Six-Day War. Some argue that, even today, Jerusalem remains a divided city, though not divided by barbed wire and locked gates. It’s divided along philosophical and religious lines. Furthermore, there are those among the nations who would seek to divide Jerusalem further, labeling it an international city. All of this brings to mind what Messiah had to say of Jerusalem:
“And Jerusalem will be trampled by gentiles until the times of the gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24)
There are those prophecy teachers who believe that June, 1967 and the liberation of the Old City was the fulfillment of the times of the gentiles. I’m not so sure about that because the prophets have more to say about Jerusalem in the end of days. Zechariah said:
“And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:3)
Considering all of the chatter among the nations about dividing Jerusalem compared with the Israelis determination to hold onto Jerusalem, we can conclude that the contest to finalize the status of Jerusalem has not yet run its course. A showdown of sorts is fast approaching. In the end, though, the nations will fail and Israel’s King will establish Jerusalem as a praise in the earth. In that day, the nations will no longer seek to divide her but will come to worship the King.
“Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:3-4)
The Creator ordained that Jerusalem would be the place where He would set His name and from where He would rule His people. He declared that, from Jerusalem, His word would go forth into the nations. In response to the Almighty’s plan, the adversary has done everything within his power to try and disrupt that plan. Obviously, the Adversary’s attacks will eventually be squelched and God’s purposes will go forward. But the point is that, for all these many centuries, Jerusalem has been Satan’s primary target. If you were to examine the walls of Jerusalem, you will discover that they are scarred and pitted. These scars are evidence of the many battles that have been fought around her, in her and because of her. And yet, Jerusalem still stands, waiting for the King of Glory to enter into her gates.
Now let’s consider this concept on a personal level. Each of us have dealt with (or are dealing with) trials and tests, sometimes brought on by those who oppose us and our faith. As the result of this struggle, perhaps we, too, are scarred, worn and weary. But, with His help, like Jerusalem, we will continue to stand and will be ready to receive Him when He comes. Until then, we continue to contend for the faith and declare the word of the Lord. Just as He has not forsaken Jerusalem, He will not forsake you and me. Be encouraged.
Shalom.
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