“At that time, they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it.” Jeremiah 3:17
War is the waging of armed conflict against an enemy. Jesus told us “…and you shall hear (learn of, find out about and be informed) of wars and rumors (reports and accounts) of wars: see (see to it) that you are not troubled (anxious, concerned, or worried): for all these things (all these events) must come to pass (they must happen and take place) but (quite the opposite) the end (the finish, the conclusion) is not yet!”. (Matthew 24)* The setting up of a kingdom lies behind many of today’s wars in the Middle East. We have wars between people groups of the same religion (Islam), revolutions in Iran, violence in Gaza, upheavals and lawlessness in Syria and Lebanon and one Islamic group pitted against another. It is true we have had wars and conflicts around the world, and in Israel, for centuries. But why? The only answer is a spiritual response. Men do not fight wars just with guns on the ground anymore. Today the most sophisticated warfare of all time exists run by fingers touching keys on high tech instruments and machines in war rooms.
It all began when the Lord’s Disciples asked a question of Him, recorded in Acts 1:6. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”. “And He said unto them, “it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” Jesus did not deny the Kingdom would be set up, He just told them not to burden themselves with the timing. The time is coming when the “Lion shall lie down with the lamb”. (Isaiah 11:6). Jesus also said, “My Kingdom is not of this world…”. (John 18:36). The prophet Isaiah tells us “…of the increase of His Government there will be no end…” (Isaiah 9:7) and “…the moon shall be confounded and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shall reign in Mt. Zion…”. (Isaiah 24:23). It is indeed a spiritual war behind the scenes.
A Kingdom has been on its way to being established since the disciples first asked that question of Jesus (Yeshua). In the book of Samuel, we read that Samuel told the people “let’s go to Gilgal and renew the Kingdom there”. Israel had always been given the charge to be in command of the Kingdom.
Satan Trying to Set up His Own Kingdom
From the time of Lucifer’s fall to earth in Isaiah 14:12, and his failure to take over the Heavenly throne of God Almighty, the devil has been trying to set up his own kingdom, on earth. Because Jerusalem is the choice of God for His Kingdom on this planet, Satan is trying to prevent Jesus from taking up His Throne and ruling over Jerusalem for one thousand years.
We must all be prepared for the difficult days ahead of us because it will be similar to “the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). Jesus will come quickly, business as usual will be the order of the day but…and we must be ready. When we hear of “wars and rumors of wars” we should not be troubled but know that He is Coming Back! Jerusalem is in a fight for her life but God Himself will defend her (Zechariah 12:8) and the whole world will see the Hand of Almighty God and “…the Kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 21.
When He taught His Disciples the Lord’s Prayer, the Lord was teaching us about His Kingdom coming to the earth.” “…thy kingdom come…thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”. (Matthew 6:10). All the wars we are fighting in the Middle East is because Satan wants to usurp the throne of the Lord. That is why Islamic fanatics are fulfilling Psalm 83:12 “…let us take to ourselves the houses of God into our possession”. (Psalm 83:12). The devil uses them in their attempts to seize God’s earthly Temple Mount where God’s throne will sit. This is the reason for war.
If Islam were to destroy tiny Israel, and the Jewish people lose Jerusalem, it would mean that Jesus would never come back. He will never return to bow to a Palestinian flag flying over His Father’s City. The coming kingdom will be the Lord’s Kingdom where His Temple will be built, and the nations will flock to Jerusalem to hear about the God of Israel. When we hear of wars, and more reports of wars, let us not be troubled but look up and remember this is all a part of the coming glorious day when God will rule and reign in Jerusalem. A Kingdom is on its way.
*emphasis mine
“Now, when I hear that Christians are getting together in order to defend the people of Israel, of course it brings joy to my heart. And it simply says, look, people have learned from history.” Elie Wiesel
Watching for His Return,
Sharon Sanders