Keeping Your Head In The Game

I don’t see how you can be any more specific about our actions, in this case, prayer; and the content of that prayer, the peace of Jerusalem.  (Ps.120:6) says, “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.”  It’s been said before that Israel is “God’s Timeclock To The Nations.”  This means if you want to really know what’s going on in the world, especially prophetically, then keep your eyes on Israel and events in the Middle East.

The purpose of this posting is not an exhaustive Biblical and prophetic treatise on Israel and last days events. No, it comes from Joel Rosenberg’s blog www.flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com and an article entitled “The Palestinians could have been celebrating the 65^th anniversary of their state today.  What happened?” The article highlights specific and detailed opportunities for peace, which were road blocked or outright denied by the Arabs.  It is worth reading the entire article from the link above.

The context that inspired me was an article in today’s Wall Street Journal by Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Ron Proser.  This was provoked by the U.N. vote yesterday (11-29-12) where 138 nations declared a “State of Palestine” (41 nations abstained from voting, while only 9 nations voted against the resolution, among them the U.S., Israel, Canada etc.).  While being careful to say the right things the Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas also praised the terrorists who died in the war against Israel last week in Gaza, calling them “beloved martyrs.”

Mr. Rosenburg went on to mention the speech given by Mr. Proser.  He responds to the question, “Exactly what kind of state are we voting for?”  Here is an excerpt of what he wrote:

The Palestinian people still live in pain and poverty. Last week, the Palestinian leaders in Gaza started a war with Israel and committed more than 3,000 war crimes. Today, they want the world to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state, rather than sitting down and negotiating with the Israeli government and people.

A state with no control over its territory — The Palestinian Authority has zero authority in Gaza today. Out of concern for his personal safety, President Abbas has not even seen this area with binoculars since 2007, when the Hamas terrorist organization seized control of it in a bloody coup. Demonstrating their affection for Mr. Abbas, Hamas threw members of his political party off 12-story rooftops. While members of the U.S. Congress visit their constituents on a weekly basis, President Abbas hasn’t laid eyes on almost half of the Palestinian population for six years.

A terrorist state — States recognized by the U.N. must pledge to be “peace-loving.” This month, Hamas showed its commitment to peace and love in Gaza by firing more than 1,200 rockets into Israeli cities.

An undemocratic state — Hamas has imposed brutal tyranny in Gaza, and Palestinian democracy in the West Bank is also far from Jeffersonian. President Abbas’s mandate to rule expired three years ago. He continues to personally extend it without elections or consultation from his people.

A bankrupt state — Palestinian Authority institutions remain completely dependent on foreign aid, limping from crisis to crisis. Yet this year, as the PA threatened to delay payroll for many employees, it tripled payments to convicted terrorists. Today the PA devotes 6% of its annual budget to payments for imprisoned terrorists and the families of suicide bombers, and less than 1% to higher education.

Every President in my memory has tried to tackle the problems in the Middle East in attempts at bringing about “peace.”   All of them have been unsuccessful.  Prophetically, the Bible identifies the Anti-Christ as the one finally able (on the surface) to bring about a managed peace.  At the halfway point of this 7 year treaty he himself will violate it, turning on the people of Israel. “The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him."  (Dan.9:27) Ultimately, the Middle East problem will only be resolved by the “Prince of Peace,” or Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Until then, saints, our support for Israel (besides going on a tour!) is to PRAY.  This was part of the songs sung by the pilgrims who would make their way up to Jerusalem on specific Feast Days.  “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.  O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.  For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,  "May you have peace."  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.”