Peace Jerusalem

"Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper" (Psalm 122:6).

I wonder how many of us every gave a thought for Jerusalem, let alone pray for peace in Jerusalem. There is a promise of prosperity for those who love the city of Jerusalem but it's not for blessings sake that I pray for Jerusalem's peace almost on a daily basis. I pray because I love God who love Israel and who had established Jerusalem as His holy city. I pray because of the plight of God's people and for the reconciliation of God and His beloved. I pray because God said to pray for peace in Jerusalem. But what do we understand by "peace in Jerusalem"? Is it for Jerusalem to return to its former glory? For the restoration of the holy Temple? For living at peace with its neighbors? While you may speculate or formulate your preferences, reading the entire chapter of Psalms 122 will help you understand the truth about peace in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is at peace when God's people are walking right and in obedience to God. Jerusalem is at peace when God's people have not abandoned their God and serve idols. Jerusalem is at peace when God's people bring sacrifices of praise before the Jehovah of Jerusalem.

In other words, peace in Jerusalem is not about the temple restoration or when Israel occupies Jerusalem or when her armies are strong and mighty. Jerusalem is at peace when God's people are at peace with God. Is Jerusalem today at peace? Israel had gone through four wars since the British left in 1948. Today Israel is still standing tall and strong amidst its warring neighbors. But is Israel at peace? Far be it! Jerusalem will never be at peace when more than ninety percent of Israel's population are godless. To pray for peace in Jerusalem is to pray for Israel's repentance. In prophecy, God will turn away the ungodliness of Israel when the numbers of the Gentiles are accounted for (Rom. 11:26)

Let's pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Only when Israel return to God will Jerusalem experience peace. Looking at the history of Israel, we can see a pattern. In sequence, there's the blessings, the disobedience, the judgement, the repentance and then the restoration. When more than ninety percent of its people have turned away from God, we need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Why? Why not?

Shalom