Jerusalem, Jerusalem.  Epicenter of the Middle East. Navel of the earth. The place over which debates ensue and neck hairs bristle, while discussing the so-called fine points of controlling its’ sacred turf. Her name is bantered about in press rooms and periodicals across the globe from every tongue and tribe. Yet, tragically Jerusalem’s hotly contested ownership has also become the fodder for terrorists and extremists.

For those, who examine Jerusalem through the prism of Holy Writ, there can be no doubt as to the Owner of the Land.  According to the Bible, the city of Jerusalem has been claimed by none other than the Creator of the Universe… The Great I Am.  More than 500 years before Moses, God stopped Abraham, with whom He made an everlasting covenant, from offering his “only son” Isaac on Mount Moriah on the site of what would become Jerusalem.  A thousand years later, God called David of the tribe of Judah to establish the city as His own.  Also in covenant, the Lord promised ownership of the land and the throne to David forever. It was in Jerusalem, that God told David’s son Solomon to build His Temple.

But sadly today, Jerusalem is close to fulfilling a tragic prophecy given in the Word. She is becoming a “cup of drunkenness,” for all of the nations which surround her. She is far more than a bone of contention... she is a battle ground.

One need not be surprised that those who believe and trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are commanded in Scripture to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” In fact, throughout history, the Chosen People have not only prayed for Jerusalem, but prayed toward Jerusalem.  It was the place where the Most High put His name and His Glory.  At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon petitioned God to hear the prayers of His People when they prayed towards that place in repentance.  And pray towards Jerusalem, they did. Even in captivity Jews chose to pray while facing Jerusalem.  Remember Daniel?  In Babylon, he was thrown into a den of lions for praying aloud toward the Holy City. 

Throughout the years, archaeological discoveries have revealed that both ancient synagogues and churches were built facing Jerusalem.  Initially the “church” was almost exclusively made up of Jewish people who trusted in Jesus (Yeshua) as the Jewish Messiah meeting in the Temple or in synagogues.  However, as the Gospel flourished, more and more Gentiles became “grafted in” and the Jewish roots of the faith began to erode.  By the early fourth century AD, the “church” lost her Hebrew moorings and became entrenched in the Greco-Roman world.  Unfortunately, at that point, the Christianity which once looked towards Jerusalem in prayer soon focused on statues and religious icons. 

As many believers are once again rooted and grounded in the truths of God’s Word perhaps now is the time for her to arise from slumber and face the Holy City once again.  Jerusalem flickers as a spark in the midst of a tinderbox… surrounded by enemies and pummeled by so-called nations of good will.  In fact, in a few weeks she will once again be on the table in the United Nations as a bargaining chip.

What a golden opportunity awaits the people of God!  A time to rekindle the flame of loving prayer toward and for the City of the Great King.  A time to seek His face, to plead for the hearts and souls of the people in His Land.  Let us pledge to pitch our prayer tents and look to the Holy City watching for His return. May those of us who love Him unite with the Psalmist crying out in our personal prayers...

“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!  If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth-- If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.” Psalm 137:5-6 

Blessed be the Name of the LORD!