A TIMELY PRAYER
Psalms 122:6-7 NKJV
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls,
Prosperity within your palaces.”
With the conflict Israel is currently facing as I write this devotional, praying for the peace of Israel is even more important.
I am amazed at the anti-Israel sentiment in our nation and around the world. For a small country of only about nine million people, the animosity they face is rather remarkable. From the pogroms of Europe to the Holocaust, the only thing that can explain the hatred for the nation of Israel is Satan himself. The bias against Israel is so blatant that the only realistic answer is this hatred is fueled by satanic forces. Paul talked about not wrestling with flesh and blood in the sixth chapter of Ephesians. He was warning the Ephesian church to put on the armor of God because we are in a spiritual battle. In verse 11, Paul mentions the rulers of the darkness of this world. And even though we like to think of ourselves as a forward-thinking, educated society, spiritual realities do not disappear just because we went to college.
I have never positioned myself as anything close to being an expert on end-time events. But one thing I am sure of. When all is said and done, the nation of Israel will still be standing. The 21st chapter of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem descending out of heaven. Because God has chosen Israel and Israel is heavily involved in the culmination of the age, I am sticking with Israel. And sticking with Israel is the safest place to be. Throughout history, we have witnessed God’s protection on that nation. The miracle of God bringing His people back to create a homeland in 1948 is an absolute modern sign and wonder. If God has designated Israel to stand, then it will stand regardless of the opposition and negative world opinion.
So pray for peace in Israel. As a church, we support a church there and a ministry that is reaching the Jewish people for Jesus. We are for Israel and pray that Israel is protected and continues to prosper. And as the Psalm says, may they prosper who love Israel.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I pray for the peace of Israel. Protect Your nation and prosper Your people. Give the leaders wisdom and bless their efforts. And may the witness of Jesus as Messiah continue to grow in the nation.