It was on this day, in 1967, that Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem, uniting the city for the first time since the dawning of the modern state of Israel. It was also on this day that the huge bulge of the country of Jordan that lay on the “West Bank” of the Jordan River came under Israeli control. Ever since that day, nations of the world have conspired to divide the city once again and have pressured Israel to retreat from the land won during this war.
Today, the United Nations, the Vatican, the European Union, and many other groups and organizations believe that Jerusalem should be an international city and that it should be divided among the major religions of the world. In 2009 when President Barack Obama traveled to the Middle East, he went to Cairo and made this statement:
“All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children group up without fear … when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed … joined in prayer.”
Here is my interpretation of the former President’s words, based on his actions and philosophy. He said that we all need to think in terms of tolerance and co-existence and agree to mingle these diverse philosophies, ideologies, faiths, and religions for the sake of the world’s people. He also hinted, at the very least, that Jerusalem – which is important to so many people in the world -should be a divided city so that there can be true peace. Based on these statements and understanding prophecies we see in the Scripture, it is fascinating that the world would like to divide the city of Jerusalem. The book of Revelation describes how a great city will one day be divided into thirds as a result of a great earthquake. Now, there are varying opinions as to whether that great city is Jerusalem or Babylon, but if it is Jerusalem, that would be very interesting, considering that the nations would like to divide Jerusalem into thirds – Jewish, Christian and Muslim.
Furthermore, Zechariah prophesied of a time when Jerusalem would experience a great earthquake and suffer great devastation with two-thirds of the population being destroyed. Only one-third of the people would survive this terrible catastrophe. While this is all very interesting, the most important aspect of this is, there will be no true peace in Jerusalem until the Prince of Peace returns and sits upon the throne of His father, David, ruling the nations with a rod of iron. Until then, according to Zechariah 12:2-3, Jerusalem is destined to be a burdensome stone and a cup of trembling for the nations. In fact, the climactic battle of the ages that people refer to as Armageddon, doesn’t take place in a valley in the Galilee. it takes place in and around Jerusalem. In other words, Jerusalem is going to see everything but peace until Jerusalem’s King returns to rule, and then there will be peace. Therefore, let us remember the words of the psalmist:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.” (Psalm 122:6-7)
Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem because, in reality, when we pray in that manner, we are praying, “Even so, come Lord Yeshua.”
Shalom.
I miss your teaching! When I taught a Hebrew Roots Class, I subscribed. I unsubscribed when the class was no longer allowed. That was a mistake. There is no where close to me to fellowship with like-minded believers in Yeshua who love the appointed times. Thanks for filling the need, Rav Bill!