Jerusalem, if I forget you...

Wearing my 'watchmen on the wall' necklace every day lately in hopes that it may remind me to pray for Israel. 

My heart aches and my belly feels sick the more I hear about what's going on in the Middle East. 

There is so much unrest, and believe it or not, the nation of Israel is in someway linked to most of it. 

The devil hates everything that is dearest to God, and His chosen people are at the center of his rage.

I don't pretend to have a perfect revelation of God's heart for Israel.

I feel the temptation to be swayed by the current of the culture/media which is quick to point an unforgiving finger at this tiny nation. 

But I do know that God has wrapped up His very character and name in this people by making an everlasting covenant with them. 

I do know that we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

I do know that my invitation into the promises of God are only because of their waywardness.

I do know that the land matters to God and that He will have a Jewish king sitting on a throne in Jerusalem. 

I do know that their repentance will mean life from the dead (literally, the resurrection)

I do know that it is a dangerous thing to be apathetic about the things God is zealous for.

Isaiah 62:1, 6-7

For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace,

And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,

Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,

And her salvation as a lamp that burns.

I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;

They shall never hold their peace day or night.

You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,

And give Him no rest till He establishes

And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Check out this message that Jake did this past Tuesday night at our House of Prayer's equipping service. I feel like it's a very clear call to understand the "mystery of Israel" and what our response should be. 

I am in no way saying that Israel as a political entity is perfect, or even should be wholeheartedly supported. 

My heart is that I would be burdened like Paul who said he would choose to be accursed if it meant his brethren might be saved, or like Jesus who wept over the hardened hearts in Jerusalem, or like Moses who was willing to put his own life on the line for his people. 

We as believers are forever linked to this people because our savior will forever be a Jewish man. 

Lord we pray that the people walking in darkness would see a great light! We pray that you would magnify Jesus, their long awaited Messiah and King! Bring your everlasting peace to Jerusalem and establish her with a government that will know no end! Come Lord Jesus! (Isaiah 9)