Jerusalem

Abraham's Tomb

This Map Shows Jerusalem As The Center of The World

These are trying times for Jerusalem. This weekend Mitt Romney caught hell from the media and politicians for saying Jerusalem was the Jewish capital.  Why all the fuss? God says in Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
Because of all the places on Earth God could have selected, God chose Jerusalem for His eternal home.
(2 Chron. 6:5-6) And since that time the enemy has known that until he has possession of Jerusalem, he doesn’t really have possession of Earth. This is why the final battle for control of Earth will be fought over Jerusalem.
Stop to think about it. Jerusalem has no natural harbor. It isn’t situated astride any major trade route. Nor is it a gateway city. It’s not a banking, industrial, commercial or medical center. It has no natural resources. While it’s too hilly for an airport it doesn’t command any strategic high ground. It has nothing at all to commend it except for the fact the God chose it for Himself. And to some that makes it the most coveted piece of real estate on the planet.
Probably for just that reason, God commanded us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, so that there would be peace within its walls. He knows well enough how few days like that there have been in its 3000-year history.
When Abraham came there with Isaac to act out the prophecy that God would fulfill in Jesus, he named the place Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide. “On the Mount of the Lord it will be provided,” the people said. At that time the city was named Salem, Shalom in Hebrew. The City of Peace.
The Holy Bloodshed there on the cross has brought us peace in the eternal sense, but alas there’s been no peace for Jerusalem. Its very existence inspires thoughts of war in the hearts of its enemies. Until the Lord returns there will be no peace in the City of Peace. Oh, human beings think they’ve found it a several times, but as Christians know when there is “no Jesus, there is no peace.” So when you pray for the peace of Jerusalem, you’re really praying for the Lord’s return. Something He also wants.