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The Burden That Is Jerusalem

Some of you may need to extend a bit of extra grace to me on this subject.  I have certain presuppositional leanings towards a particular view of end-time prophecy that shows through in this article.

Of late there has been a world wide push to divide Israel into two; half for Israel, and half for Palestine.  It’s known as “the two state solution.”  For some nations the two state solution includes dividing Jerusalem in half as well.  "Some" media outlets are reporting that President Obama is considering dividing Jerusalem as part of his two state solution.  Some commentators are also suggesting that Obama's recent speech in Egypt "might" suggest this as well.  I personally don’t think this will work, but my thinking doesn’t count.  What our Lord thinks is what really matters here.    

Here are a few thoughts our Lord has on this subject.  I’ve only seen these comments in the Bible and in Christian publications.  The international news media hasn’t reported on these comments as yet.  Someday they will.  Zechariah 14:2 says, “I will gather all nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured …”   I know some of the history around this issue.  I know about Alexander the Great, Antiochus Epiphanes, and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D..  I also know about the anti-christ and the final attempt to destroy Jerusalem at the end of this age. 

As Israel continues to say no to the two state solution, she becomes more alienated from the nations of the world.  One man will finally emerge with a Middle East  solution that everyone will eagerly agree to.  Peace will seemingly come when Israel itself finally caves in to this man's solution, that is until it falls apart.  At that point the burden that is Jerusalem is finally dealt with as the nations of this world surrounds her on all sides.   

Zechariah 12:2 and 3 says, “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all surrounding peoples reeling.  Judah will be sieged as well as Jerusalem.  On that day, when all the nations on the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.  All who try to move it will injure themselves.”   Our Lord’s thinking is made clear by what He says here.  The nations of the world may want a divided Jerusalem, but they better consider this passage of scripture before they force Israel to divide.  I know they won’t.  They’ll go ahead with their plans anyway, and “injure themselves” in the process.  The decision to move against Israel and Jerusalem was predicted centuries ago.  It’s too bad our international media wouldn’t report on these events before they happen.      

Here’s another thought from the lips of our Lord.  In Zechariah 12:9 He says, “on that day I will set out to destroy all nations that attack Jerusalem.”  That makes it clear.  I wonder if President Obama or any other world leader understands that their fight is not merely against Israel, but ultimately against God.  I suspect they have no clue about this.     

Look at another comment our Lord makes.  In Joel 3:1 and 2 He states, “in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem , I will gather all nations to bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.  There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel.  For they scattered my people among the nations and divided my land.”  Note the words “they divided my land.”  That’s sounds a lot like the two state solution to me.    After reading Joel 3:1 and 2, do you think God is in favour of a two state solution?  I don’t think so.  

It’s clear to me that a two state solution is what the nations of the world will demand of Israel.  It’s also clear to me that our Lord is not in favour of this solution. I don’t see the two state solution working for various reasons.  Why can’t our leaders see it won’t work?  Paul tells us why.   He says that “God will send a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.” (2 Thessalonians 2:11 NIV)   This powerful delusion will mark the end of this age.  Many people, even our political leaders will believe lies from satan. I guess that’s why the news media isn’t reporting what God says either.  They’re believing a lie. 

God will judge the nations of the world for the actions they take against Israel and Jerusalem.  He’ll also use these judgments to bring Israel to her knees in repentance because she is as far removed from God as the nations who attack her are.  When it’s all over, and when Israel finds true repentance, “Israel’s fortunes will be restored to her.”  This can’t be far off.             

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