Is Peace Possible for Jerusalem?
God’s Word is clear, we are to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” It’s not a suggestion. It’s a command. King David added his own prayer to this prayer for Jerusalem, “May those who love you be secure.” (Psalm 122:6)
However, here is the question: how would we recognize this peace we are commanded to pray for? What are we to look for in this time in which we live? Does it mean complete absence of war or violence? Must we see proverbial lions actually lie down with lambs? Not likely in our era. As a matter of fact, Jesus himself said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (Matthew 24:6). More to the point Jesus declared, “Do not suppose I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34).
The ultimate peace believers pray for will obviously come only when Messiah rules and reigns from Jerusalem when “out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter.” (Revelation 19:15). Only then will those who love Jerusalem really be secure. But can there be any semblance of peace in Jerusalem until Messiah comes?
I believe there can be. However, it would require fundamental changes in the strategy and tactics of dealing with Israel’s enemies--enemies hell-bent on destroying her. These are changes that apparently neither the Bush nor Olmert administrations are willing to make. Those changes mean a new, committed leadership in both the United States and Israel. Even more than leadership, Israel would have to make the tough choice of attacking Palestinian Jihadists, Hizbollah and even the coming nuclear arsenal of Iran. Even though ultimate peace will come only when Messiah comes, an interim peace must contain and restrain Palestinian Jihadists by destroying their evil terrorist capacity.
The Jihadist’s Goal
The recent massacre of eight teenagers in a Jerusalem seminary by an Arab with Israeli citizenship should prove the point. Unfortunately, until now this kind of atrocity has only proven the failure of the “Land for Peace” policy. In continued efforts to appease Palestinian Jihadists, the “Road Map to Peace” with its “two-state solution” has served only to embolden Jihadist barbarism. Which brings to mind Einstein’s definition of insanity - repeating the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.
Of course, what would we expect? The goal of Palestinian Jihadists was never peace. Their stated goal was always the destruction of the Jews and the state of Israel. It’s right there in their charter documents. Let’s take them at their word, rather than continue to live in denial of Jihadist’s stated purposes. Many actually continue to mouth the myth that Palestinians want peace with Israel. Will we continue to drink this kool-aid?
How then should we pray?
Consider the stated goals of Palestinian Jihadists and Hizbollah. Add the threat of Iran to “wipe Israel off the map.” Add the Biblical fact that until Messiah comes, the best anyone can hope for is a peace resulting from restraining Israel’s enemies. With these in mind, how then should we “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem?” Let me suggest the following:
* Pray that the next President of the United States will see the failure of the “Road map to Peace” and seek a new plan aligned with God’s covenant promises regarding Israel.
* Pray that as an alternative to the “Road Map to Peace,” Rabbi Benny Elon’s “Israeli Initiative,” will be given serious consideration in the U.S. and Israel.
* Pray that God will grant Israel elected leaders who will disavow the “Land for Peace” policies that “The Road Map to Peace” requires and stand on the covenant promises of God regarding the land.
* Pray that Israel will take preemptive measures to defeat, disarm and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure of Palestinian Jihadists and then put into place sufficient military forces to restrain further terrorist attacks.
* Pray that Christian Zionists, especially in America, will be moved to engage local, state and national elected officials regarding their Biblical support for Israel.
God bless you and keep you and give you His peace,
Rev. James M. Hutchens, Ph.D., President
Chaplain (Brigadier General) US Army (Ret.)
The Jerusalem Connection, International
P.O. Box 20295 Washington, D.C. 20041
703-707-0014 | TJCI Home
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Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:22 am