By Mali Rozen
It’s been said that Jerusalem is the epicenter of the world.
Scripture foretells of a time when all nations will gather against Jerusalem to engage her in battle (Zechariah 14:2). Although we do not know the exact order of events that will unfold leading up to this pivotal battle, we can connect Israel becoming a sovereign nation in May 1948, after 2,500 years in exile to the “speeding up” of such events. The re-gathering of the Jewish people back to their ancient homeland was a direct fulfillment of prophecies made thousands of years ago (Isaiah 11:12,66:8; Ezekiel 36:1,8,24; Ezekiel 37:21).
Israel is the key to understanding where we are in God’s timeline, which will ultimately usher in the return of the Messiah; what happens in and around Israel today foretells what is coming tomorrow.
Not only was Israel’s re-gathering as a sovereign nation a significant step in this timeline, but also was the re-taking of Jerusalem in 1967. For over two thousand years, the Jewish people longed for the day when all of Jerusalem would one day be back in their hands. After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem after the Jewish-Roman War in 70 CE, most of the Jewish people were exiled from the Land. And while there was always a Jewish presence in the region, the land underwent several occupations throughout the millennia. So, when Israel liberated the Temple Mount and subsequently, all of Jerusalem in 1967, it was a truly amazing fulfilment of prophecy.
While the prophetic Scriptures speak of the time that Israel would once again exist as a unified nation, the ultimate “sign of the times” has to do with Jerusalem. The fact that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel – although most of the world refuses to recognize it as such – is supremely significant in biblical prophecy. Jerusalem will be the ultimate “cup that causes reeling” (Zechariah 12:2) and the “heavy stone for all the peoples” (Zechariah 12:3). She is the ultimate “prize” …
One of the key signs we need to look for in this timeline of events is Israel’s isolation from the nations of the world. Once Israel becomes totally isolated, then so will Jerusalem. Israel must become friendless amongst the nations because the final showdown, so to speak, will be Israel VS the world:
For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished, and half of the city exiled… Zechariah 14:2a
Although in recent years Israel has increased diplomatic ties with Gulf nations (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and even Saudi Arabia to a limited extent), Israel’s political allies are quite limited. More concerning are recent reversals of foreign policy concerning Israel, such as Australia’s recent reversal of its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Also of great concern is the rising popularity of Israel boycotts throughout the world, especially within academic institutions, NGOs, and even the UN. This has led to levels of anti-Semitism in Western countries that we have not seen since World War II. Most notably, American rapper Kanye (Ye) West spewed numerous tweets and comments against the Jewish people, which has ironically emboldened White Supremacist groups such as the Goyim Defense League.
So, what can we say about these events? One of the primary purposes of prophecy is for us to know the character, faithfulness, & sovereignty of the Creator, and to ready ourselves for when His plan will unfold. As we witness Israel’s increasing isolation among the nations, it would be foolish for us not to ask, “What does this mean for me?” God, in His awesome mercy, has given us numerous opportunities to align ourselves with His plan for redemption through His Son, so that we may endure the coming trials and tribulation that He has foretold. As we witness the birth pangs – wars, famines, earthquakes, and other unprecedented natural disasters – we would be wise and prudent to recognize that time is running quickly, gird ourselves with His Word, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we see more and more anti-Semitism being spread, we will also see more and more Jewish people returning to the Land of Promise, Israel. This, too, must take place to fulfill God’s Word!
Would you commit to praying for Israel and the Jewish people in these difficult times? Please pray that we will seek the LORD with all our hearts, and not fall prey to fear. Please pray that Israel will continue to be a light to the nations, and that many will be blessed through Israel and the Jewish people. Lastly, please pray that as Israel, and ultimately Jerusalem, become isolated, that those individuals from the nations who chose to stand with Israel will be strengthened and blessed. May we know the LORD’s peace in our hearts no matter what comes! And may we love what He loves…
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I cease to remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my chief joy. Psalm 137:5-6 (TLV)
2 Comments on “Jerusalem, A Cup of Reeling”
Right on sister !!!. Proverb 3:5,6
Thank you for your insight into what is taking place and what is to come. My husband and I continue to pray for and with you and the nation of Israel.