Glimpses of Israel - Jerusalem

Jerusalem bares the scars of wars and conflict, yet the city is destined for greatness. The Gentiles have repeatedly plundered Jerusalem throughout the centuries, leaving it in ruins. On one occasion, the Romans attempted to wipe out all Jewish connection to the city by rebuilding it and changing its name to Aelia Capitolina. Jerusalem's decline continued under Gentile control, through the Byzantine, the Crusades, and Ottoman rule, and then, the British Mandate period. Finally, Jerusalem was subdued, quietly sleeping, like any other insignificant town, in a desolate place.

Suddenly, in June 1967, Jerusalem awoke, and without human design; miraculously Jewish control and administration was restored. Like the dawning of a new day, Jerusalem began to warm and glow with new life. The transformation was immediate; Jerusalem out-grew every other city in the State of Israel. The prophet, Zechariah, foretold of these events, saying, "Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it." (Zechariah 2:4)

Unfortunately, the days of trouble are not yet over for Jerusalem. The prophet, Zechariah, foretold that the Lord " . . . will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples . . . " (Zechariah 12:3). Likewise, the prophet, Daniel, spoke of this time when he spoke of the false messiah who will come confirming an existing agreement with Israel, which will last for seven years. The agreement will involve the most controversial piece of real estate, the Temple Mount. According to Daniel, after three and a half years, the false messiah will break the agreement with Israel, by profaning the Temple and ending sacrifices. The Messiah also prophesied of these days, saying, "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place whoever reads let him understand, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains . . . " (Matthew 24:15-16) A description of these tragic events is recorded in Zechariah chapter fourteen. The outcome is the return of the Messiah. "Thus the LORD my God will come . . . " (14:5)

Many who love and pray for the peace of Jerusalem look forward to those glory days, when Jerusalem will be the city of the great King and the joy of the whole earth. In those days, the Messiah will reign in righteousness, and His people, Israel, with live in peace.