The city of Jerusalem in Israel, a place of profound spiritual significance, is one of the most contentious cities in the world today. It is the convergence point of three major religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Over the centuries, it has been the focus of many world empires, including the Babylonian Empire (modern-day Iraq), the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran), the Greek Empire (with Alexander the Great—Greece), the Roman Empire (modern-day Italy), and the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). Muslims and Christians fought for Jerusalem for 120 years during the Crusades. Now, it is Muslims and Jews are fighting for the land. Regardless of the history of Jerusalem, Jesus will come a day when He will return and reign in Jerusalem for 1000 years, and He will restore Jerusalem then. The temple that the Roman Empire destroyed in 70 AD will be rebuilt again, and our Lord Jesus will sit on the throne, and every nation will go to Jerusalem to worship Him (Zechariah 1:16-17). Psalm 87:1-3 says, "On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!"
The fighting in Israel right now has displaced and destroyed many lives, and the fighting has no near solutions to stop it. Both Israel and Palestinians are fighting for the land and peace. When Jesus comes, Israel will occupy all the land that God has promised to Abraham, which includes all the Arab territories, such as Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon and Syrian territories (Genesis 15:18-21). Our Lord Jesus will bring peace to the land, and He will rule and judge in righteousness for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-6). All nations will come to Jerusalem to worship Him. Let us be encouraged today that our hope is in our Lord Jesus. He will return to this earth again and will restore everything. During that time, international wars and conflicts will stop because Jesus will reign as King on this earth (Isaiah 2:4). Every knee will bow down before Him and confess that He is the Lord of all.
Jesus is our hope. He is coming back again and will reign in Jerusalem as the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. No one knows when He will return, but our Heavenly Father told us that He will return when we do not expect it, so let us continue to trust and live for Him as we wait for our Lord Jesus' return.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What happens when Jesus returns? How should I live my life, knowing that Jesus will return to this earth? Where do I put my hope and trust today?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, you are my hope. Lord Jesus, when you return to this earth again, you will reign as the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and every knee will bow down before you and confess that you are Lord. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem as the conflict rages on. I pray that the conflict will stop soon so that the people can go back to their homes and begin rebuilding. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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