Why Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem

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.

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....'"

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?