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Why Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem? |
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Shomair Yisrael Messianic Congregation Messianic Rabbi: H. Michael Weiner Worship Location: Knoxville Christian Center, 818 N. Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, TN. Time: 10:30 A.M. Shabbat Phone: 865-414-4527; Fax: 865-689-1011; Email: weinerm@attglobal.net
By Raymond Finney, Shomair Yisrael, Prophecy Teacher
This article is not about prophecy, but it poses a question I have found
difficult to answer. I offer the question to you for your thoughts.
Of the many Scriptures I could quote, consider the following four passages:
Isaiah 46:9-10: "Remember the former
things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is
none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times
things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do
My pleasure....'"
Psalm 122:6a:
Pray for the
peace of Jerusalem....
Zechariah 12:2-3: [Says the LORD] "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a
cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against
Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make
Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will
surely be cut to pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against
it."
Luke
21:20-22, 24b): [Yeshua said] "But when you see Jerusalem
surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those in
Judea flee to the mountains.... For these are the days of vengeance, that all
things that are written may be fulfilled.... And Jerusalem will be trampled by
Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
My brother and sister-in-law ate dinner with Linda and me at our home
approximately two years ago. For some reason, the conversation turned to the
Middle East. My sister-in-law asked me: If God already knows Jerusalem's
future and that future is one of war and suffering, why are we commanded to
pray for the peace of Jerusalem?
Her question irritated me somewhat, mainly because I did not have a good
answer. I believe that God sees the future. I believe His Word, when He tells
us that war and conflict will center around Jerusalem until the times of the
Gentiles are fulfilled-- which cannot occur until after the rapture of
Yeshua's church and the playing out of the Tribulation (Jacob's trouble,
Israel's trouble). The wars of Gog and Magog and Armageddon are in Israel's
future. I do not believe God will change His Word and the future, no matter
how hard I might pray.
I have occasionally thought about my sister-in-law's question. I do not know
the answer with certainty, although I think I may have an answer. I pose her
question for you to consider. If you have a better answer, I would appreciate
knowing your thoughts.I believe that peace for Israel can never be achieved through man's efforts,
whether through the current "roadmap to peace," the Antichrist's affirmation
of a seven-year peace pact, or any other initiative.
Only when "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26) can peace come to
Jerusalem. This peace will not come until Yeshua HaMashiach returns to earth
as King of kings and Lord of lords (His Glorious Appearance or the Second
Coming).
Could it be that when we are commanded to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem"
that we are really being told to pray for the coming of HaMashiach, the Prince
of Peace? Could Psalm 122:6 be a forerunner of Revelation 22:20b:
...Even so, come, Lord Yeshua! which was John's short prayer for His
beloved Savior to return to bring peace to all mankind?
Raymond Finney - 2119 Middlewood Dr. - Maryville, TN 37803-6375 (865) 984-1424 zip378036375@yahoo.com AND www.abortion-and-bible.com, www.prophecyfulfillment.com, www.prolifetoolkit.com, www.christ-seeker.com, www.ywwf.org
SHOMAIR YISRAEL WORSHIPS AT Knoxville Christian Center Is Located At 818 Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, Tn. (Click Here For Interactive Map To Congregation)
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