The Peace of Jerusalem

Every day, the future of Jerusalem is debated by world leaders. It is the hottest spot on the planet—a city considered holy by Christians, Jews, and Muslims, where conflicts seem certain and no final resolution seems possible. Today, more than ever, we need to remember that God has a prophetic plan for Jerusalem, the city He calls “the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8).

Perhaps no Bible passage expresses the uniqueness of Jerusalem more than Psalm 137, a psalm written by an unnamed man in exile in Babylon. We can sense the emotions that must have been felt by other Jews as well.

Just thinking about Jerusalem brought tears to this exiled man: “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.” Yet their captors exploited these emotions to humiliate the Jews: “Upon the willows in the midst of it we hung our harps. For there our captors demanded of us songs, and our tormentors mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion.’”

This request was intolerable, as the writer wondered, “How can we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?” Jerusalem was precious to him: “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget her skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.” Throughout history, some have wanted to destroy Jerusalem, but God has been faithful to preserve this holy city.

Today, allow God’s Spirit to move you with concern for Jerusalem. Pray for its peace. Pray for Israel. Keep your eyes on Bible prophecies, remembering that God has a plan! Make sure you are ready and focused on His Kingdom.