THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM
In order to understand more about this topic, we have to follow what is happening in the Middle East in today's world. When you study the history of Israel and God's dealings with the Jewish people, you'll grasp the historical facts about the events in the Middle-East during the past century and of course, today. Hence, I consider the peace of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel as a sign that the prophecies spoken by the prophets of old are being fulfilled in our days.
Reference: Psalm 122:6-9 New International Version (NIV) 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.'
From the very beginning, God promised blessings on those who bless Israel and curses on those who curse her (see Genesis 12:3) and since Jerusalem is symbolic of the centre of Jewish life, anyone who supports and prays for her peace and security will experience peace with prosperity as well.
The nation of Israel has been surrounded by many enemies, yet she's been under God's help and eyes of protection (see Isaiah 41:14). Even though they rejected Jesus as their Messiah, God has never rejected them (1 Samuel 12:22 NIV). So it is just impossible to destroy the people of Israel or work against them successfully. Therefore we were instructed in the Scriptures as the body of Christ to pray for the people who live in the Middle East today, whether they are Jews or of other ethnicities and to support the nation of Israel. That's the reason Psalm 122:6 reads, 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.' Today, when we observe the current events in the light of Bible prophecy, there can be no doubt that peace is gradually established.
In Jeremiah 29:14, God said concerning Israel, 'I will be found by you and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.' God did not only fulfil their scattering into all lands exactly as He declared, He also prophesied of a future regathering of Israel, which would happen at the end of the age. From events going on in the world today, the rebirth of the nation of Israel is intimately coupled with the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 62:6-7 (NIV) says, 'I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.' The peace of Jerusalem and its prophecy are significantly relevant today as nations in the Middle East have begun to restart stalled peace negotiations. Until now Israel has had no diplomatic relations with Gulf Arab countries and according to recent development, the Palestinian leaders were reportedly taken by surprise. However Isaiah 32:17-18 (NLT) says, 'And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest.'
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9 NKJV). This also includes praying for peace and living in peace. In the midst of all, every born again Christian should be eagerly prepared, awaiting Christ's return which is very much at hand.
Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 33:10-12; Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 68:11.
Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for establishing the peace of your own people in this present world. By your Spirit, continue to draw men to your everlasting Kingdom according to your sovereign plan. As I pray for the current leaders in Israel and in all the nations of the world, strengthen them and let the Palestinian Arabs come to faith in Christ and embrace God's end-time purpose for Israel. Thank you for sending forth labourers to bring an appointed harvest from the whole Middle East and the rest of the world in Jesus' Name, Amen!
