Jerusalem ‒ a poisoned chalice.

‘In that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people’ Zechariah 12:3.

 In 1947 the United Nations agreed to adopt the Balfour declaration concerning Israel. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had come through the Nazi extermination program and had the sympathy of the Nations. From among the nations the remnant arose and returned to the land long denied to them. Ezekiel’s imagery of the scattered bones coming together is so graphic in its application to a Nation being regathered. The prophet was commanded to say: “Behold, O my people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel” (Ezekiel 37:12).

Christians and the Jewish people saw this as a miracle foretold and now performed. Arab nations reacted with anger and threats of war. This they set in motion on the day, May 14 1948 when Israel was proclaimed a sovereign nation. Against overwhelming odds and certain countries embargoes, the fledgling nation fought and won. It could be credited to the bravery and tenacity of many, Jew and sympathetic Gentiles. To those who knew the Scriptures the following statement stood out: ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper’ (Isaiah 54:17). God being the unchanging and unchangeable One stood stands by the promise. He still does.

Have the nations learnt from their constant defeat in trying to eliminate this Israel? Unfortunately no! Unreasoning animosity is a moral and spiritual indictment upon those who reject Israel’s right to exist. Behind the words and acts of force by the various Nations lurks Lucifer who covets the city of Zion and the right to rule from there. (Isaiah 14:12-15. Ezekiel 28:12-19). Jerusalem is now ‘a very heavy stone’ for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut to pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it’ (Zechariah 12:3).

 There is another image presented by the prophet of Jerusalem’s effect upon the World. Zechariah 12:2 ‘Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem.’ With any addiction there are consequences. The above verse outlines one. Wanting to destroy the people and place God claims as His own is futile. Reason is unfortunately drowned in the mind inebriated by hate. Lusting after Zion causes her enemies to act foolishly and to suffer the consequences.

 

What is often forgotten, by friend and foe of Israel, the special affection the Lord God has for Jerusalem. He has put His name over and upon it. His presence has made itself known there. His desire is to dwell there and be in the midst of His people. Zechariah’s words both explain God’s heart and issues a warning: ‘He who touches you touches the apple of His eye’ (Zechariah 2:8). He is that sensitive! In the affliction of Israel the Lord feels their pain. Even at those times when His judgement has fallen upon them to turn their hearts back to Himself. Certain Gentile nations, used as His whip had taken the opportunity to dispossess and extinguish the nation. They went beyond Yahweh’s boundaries and ‘stuck their finger in His eye.’ God will only take so much ‘poking’ before His wrath rises and judgement falls.

 

The word of God is unequivocal in its plain language that in a day known only to Him He will make Jerusalem the praise of the whole earth. Those who try and thwart this will drink a bitter cup. Those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem will know the pleasure of the Lord who loves that city.

Next week. Jerusalem, redeemed and crowned.