Just a few months ago, Israel faced yet another round of fighting in our constant struggle for peace. This war was very hard for me due to the fact that not only close friends were in danger, but also my direct family. Due to the work of Hope for Israel, I am also in close relationship with many people who live on the border of Gaza, which makes the war even more personal whenever it breaks out.

Do I want peace? Do I believe that peace is possible? Do I hope and look forward to the day that we will have peace? Do I pray for peace? The answer to all of these questions is simply, “Yes”. Many of you are familiar with my life’s story, and that I suffered the loss of many friends to war and terrorism in my twenties. So peace in Israel is one of my strongest desires. However, I understand something that I believe each person who loves Israel must also understand when praying for the peace of Jerusalem.

The dark reality in the Middle East is the result of a spiritual battle by Satan, who seeks to destroy Israel, thereby also destroying God’s ultimate plan of redemption, which will come through her. The root of hatred and bitterness between the Israelis and the Muslims is simply sin. People from both sides have lost their loved ones, their homes, businesses and security due to the conflict. People are being blinded to the truth, and so far, all of the peace talks ignore the heart of the issue, which is of course, Jerusalem.

As we studied in part one of praying for the peace of Jerusalem, Jerusalem is not just any city; it is God’s city, the city that God chose for Himself, the city on which God chose to put His name, and therefore, one needs to understand that God’s enemy (Satan) will do whatever he can to destroy anything connected to Jerusalem.

Man-made peace in Israel is not, nor will it ever be, possible! While, according to Scripture, we will experience peace for a period of time, this will only be a temporary and false peace. This will be a conditional peace for a short period of time.

So, will there ever be peace? Do I believe that peace is possible? Yes, I do, but we can’t look to men to bring peace, but rather we have to look to God.

God’s Word promises us of a day where there will no longer be the sound of weeping and crying in His city, a day of great gladness, a day when He will make a new heaven and earth… the day when He returns to establish His Kingdom on Earth:

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. “But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing, and her people for gladness. “I will also rejoice in Jerusalem, and be glad in My people; And there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying.” Isaiah 65:17-19

Until that day, let us continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, that those who in habit her will know true peace in Messiah Yeshua until He comes again.

Moran