“Within her citadels God
has made himself known as a fortress.
For behold, the kings assembled;
they came on together.”
– Psalm 48:3-4
In this season of horrific violence, it’s good to periodically remember that Jerusalem (the subject of these verses), and her wellbeing, is extremely important to God. Jerusalem is a particular focus of God’s love and attention. He defends it against the gathered armies of the world. That doesn’t mean He turns a blind eye to injustices committed by those living within the city or surrounding country. It simply means that Jerusalem is on God’s mind, it’s near to His heart, and it’s important to His plan.
As followers of Jesus, we too should be concerned for the fate of Jerusalem and Israel. The climactic events leading up to the return of Jesus will occur in and around Jerusalem. When Jesus returns, it will be on the Mount of Olives just east of Jerusalem. The Bible tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and we should likewise be praying for the salvation of her residents (all of them).
The political issues surrounding Israel and Jerusalem are rooted in the deep history and profound spiritual realities of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. This is why they defy the simplistic solutions offered, shouted, chanted, or demanded by “experts”, “leaders”, or “influencers”. Don’t fall in love with simplistic, worldly solutions, no matter who’s offering them. Such solutions are utterly irrelevant, a distraction at best, a deception at worst. Pray, learn, pray some more, learn some more, support, speak up, and ultimately, trust God!