ISRAEL AGAINST THE WORLD

Once again, Israel is confronted with a new kind of strength-building challenges. Right after the declaration of US President Donald Trump last week, recognizing Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel, hundreds of protesters from among neighboring Arab countries expressed their blatant refusal of the pronouncement.

Most of us knew that Israel is not unfamiliar with these kind of experiences. Since the beginning of their liberation in 1948 up until now, many of us knew of all the struggles they went through and that how they continue to emerge and remain as the triumphant few in spite of the ordeals.

Many ancient Bible prophecies concerning Israel and Jerusalem have already come to pass in previous decades, including the foretold restoration of the Jewish state and the Jewish rule over Jerusalem. The still remaining prophecies lead to an international confrontation over Jerusalem that will cater to something you surely wouldn't like to happen.

According to this prophesy, Jerusalem would become a problem for the whole world. Then, the nations would unite in an attempt to enforce a remedy:

"Jerusalem will be a heavy stone burdening the world... all nations of the earth unite in an attempt to move her..." - Zechariah 12:3 TLB

The Scripture makes it clear that the restoration of Jewish control over Israel and Jerusalem would lead up to a military action against Israel by the rest of the nations. The ancient prophet Joel quoted God as saying, "'At that time, when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem,' says the Lord, 'I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat - a certain location in Israel.'" - Joel 3:1-2 NLT

I don't want to be presumptuous here as to what would really might happen on the next several weeks or months ahead. Neither do I want to become complacent especially during this season where this unfolding event is apparently leading us into something different- maybe preparation and purification of our spirit, soul, and body is wise to be adhered into. But one thing is sure here; I don't intend to instill fear among the brethren. The Bible reminds us that, "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Tim. 1:7

Moreover, while the initial international clamor was that the said declaration is premature - citing that it may inhibit the success of the ongoing peace process among neighboring disputes - Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Jewish people hailed the decision.

We may not know yet what would be the ultimate implication of this unprecedented development in Israel, but one thing is sure: Their Arab neighbors shall in no way sit on the table to allow one of Israel's dream to come into fruition - that is - to absolutely guarantee that 'Jerusalem' will be their's as its official capital. I could just imagine the neighboring Arabs saying, in effect, "Touch everything in us, but never touch Jerusalem... that would be equivalent to something in which we are more than willing to bet our very lives with."

Adding to Israel's ordeal is the international outcry that the decision is not right and untimely. Though there are few countries who rejoiced with Israel - including my own country, hopefully - it appears that majority of nations are unconvinced.

Meanwhile, what would then be our part on this changes? What would be our role then as Kingdom citizens? Are we merely going to be indifferent, remain as spectators, and just succumb to a wait and see kinda attitude?

The Book of Isaiah timely reminds us by saying, "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch." - Isa. 62:1 NIV

Can I ask you a favor? I hope I would not be taking much from you if - as the Spirit leads us - we could just include Jerusalem, Israel, the Arab nations, and the rest of the world, in our daily time of prayers. This is very significant, especially during this time, for the leaders of nations to gain Godly wisdom in making the right choices concerning international affairs, particularly about Israel. Pray also that your own nation would take side on what is right, fair, just, and pleasing to the Lord.

Could it be that the culmination of the Kingdom of God is drawing nigh?

"Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is near." - Matt. 4:17

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." - Ps. 122:6 NIV