As the latest Israel/Gaza conflict appears to have entered a more stable ceasefire it seems only inevitable that peace will not last. History shows this is only the latest in a long list conflicts surrounding Israel – whether you are for them or against, there is something about this tiny land that causes emotions to run high! Ever since the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948 there has been a steady growth of animosity towards the land and the Jewish people. Is this really only about the land or is there another battle raging in Jerusalem?
There are groups that aggressively promote the boycotting of Israeli goods to harm Israel’s image and economy. Groups and organisations like this are on the rise, becoming ever more vocal with their agendas and propaganda against Israel and enjoying growing popularity. It is bizarre that the only land with a democracy in the Middle East receives the most opposition, while this groups don’t appear to have any issue with the surrounding dictatorship’s who commit all kinds of human right’s violations! There has to be something more to this!
Then there is Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, the most contested real estate on earth. It has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times, at least according to Wikipedia. Even this alone demonstrates there is something special about this land, but why? We can see from the Bible, with Israel being mentioned over 2000 times, Jerusalem over 750, that this is an important place for God which in turn makes it essential for Bible believing Christians. But what about those other groups of people who attack Israel or aim to capture Jerusalem?
This video is very revealing from a Muslim perspective and how they view Jerusalem:
So why are Muslim groups seeking to control Jerusalem, or at least Temple Mount, when Jerusalem is not even mentioned in the Koran? The video shows they have no regard for the place or their dome.
What we are witnessing with all of this uprising is a battle, but this battle is a spiritual one! This has been raging for thousands of years but we are now visibly witnessing its affects. The spiritual battle going on is bigger and more powerful than we can possibly imagine. For Bible believing Christians this should be no surprise as we know the outcome and who has the final victory!
To start with, we know from Scripture that Jerusalem will become “a burdensome stone for all people”:
The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (Zechariah 12:1-3, emphasis added)
There can be no doubt that Jerusalem is troublesome to many people even if they have no historical ties to the land. This is all part of the spiritual battle which is rapidly moving to a climax. The climax is that Jerusalem is where Jesus Christ is returning, the Mount of Olives to be more specific. Jesus’ return As Acts 1:9-12 says, Jesus is coming back in the same way as He ascended, Zechariah confirms the location of His return:
Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. (Zechariah 14:1-4)
Satan knows this (he can read the Bible!) and he will do all he can to sabotage the return of Jesus by attempting to take control of the location Jesus will return to! This is obviously a pointless endeavour, but for the Christian, knowing this can help put this conflict into a Biblical context.
God has taken one nation, Israel, to show His glory. Jerusalem is where God will be glorified on this earth when Jesus Christ will rule! Satan is stepping up his spiritual battle as he knows time is short, if Satan prevent one Bible prophecy from being fulfilled he would make God a liar! This is why we are witnessing a growing animosity against Israel, which is only going to get worse, but shows that the end times are here!
With the demonic spiritual battle raging it is crucial that every follower of Christ stays as close to God as possible by daily reading the Word and being lead by the Holy Spirit. Also, as we take our daily walk in this world, we need to put on the complete armour of God everywhere we go:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10-18, emphasis added)
The prophecies are clear, we have a coming King, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He is coming to take up His throne in Jerusalem! There is nothing Satan can do to stop this, but he will do all he can to prevent you obtaining salvation. Neither Satan, or his following army, have a rulebook – they know that time is short and their strategy is simply to destroy and they will do anything and everything to keep you away from the truth. But the evidence is clear, follow this with a repentant heart and you will find the truth! If you do not know the coming King as you personal Saviour, seriously consider giving your life to Him today!
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