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About Jesus - Steve Sweetman Praying For Jerusalem
President Trump's
public proclamation that America
recognizes Jerusalem
to be the capital of Israel
has irritated much of the international community.
Of course, the international community fails to recognize that God
chose Jerusalem
for Himself centuries ago (2 Chronicles 6:6, 1 Kings 11:36).
The city belongs to Him to do as He wishes.
For this reason many Evangelical Christians are thrilled to death
with President Trump's decision. It is amazing that
something that was written centuries ago is so relevant for us today, as
Psalm 122:6 is. The Psalm
tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for good reason.
Jerusalem
has been inflicted with strife for centuries.
Praying for its peace seems quite reasonable.
Here's the question. Should
we expect President Trump's declaration to facilitate lasting peace Psalm
122:6 asks us to pray for? Zechariah,
especially the last few chapters, gives us a glimpse into the future of
Israel
and Jerusalem. In context Zechariah 14:1
and 2 speak to a time of horrific distress for Jerusalem. "A day of the Lord is
coming for Jerusalem
when your possessions will be plundered and divided up within your very
walls. I will gather all the
nations to Jerusalem
to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, the
women raped ..." Zechariah
13:8 says two thirds of Israelis will be killed during what I believe is
the time of tribulation of the last days.
Jeremiah 30:7 calls it "the time of Jacob's trouble."
The horrific events described above and elsewhere are God's doing.
They are meant to bring the one third of Jews who survive the
tribulation to their knees. Then
once humbled, they will be saved (Romans 11:26) as God pours out a spirit
of grace and supplication on them (Zechariah 12:10).
Then and only then will Jesus stand on Will
President Trump's declaration bring peace to Jerusalem? I don't think so.
It might spur on the horrific events that will befall
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