I am sitting in my rented flat in central Jerusalem this morning, working on my blog. The door to my second story balcony is open to the warm spring air and sunshine. Suddenly, the sound of birds calling to one another is replaced by the deafening thunder of Israeli fighter jets, flying directly overhead. For a few seconds, I couldn’t decide whether to run out to film them or hide under my bed. My journalistic spirit beat out my cowardly lion, and I hastened out with my IPad in hand.
My bravery was rewarded with a front row seat to the astounding aerobatics of the Israeli Defense Forces, going through their maneuvers. Although my arms were still a bit wobbly, I managed to capture some pretty good video. I couldn’t help but marvel at the Israelis passing by in the street below. They were totally unfazed; I didn’t see a single person look up. I spoke with a friend a short while later, who had also witnessed the air show from her rooftop flat on Jaffa St. about a mile away. We both remarked on how precise the maneuvers were- almost an exhibition of military prowess.
I couldn’t help but think that this country is always on the brink of war and that this may have been a dress rehearsal. Although this morning’s activity unnerved me a bit, I’m beginning to understand what it feels like to live in a war zone. You really have to adopt a nonchalant attitude. If it happens, it happens. You can’t live your life on edge all the time. The Israeli people have been through so much, and it’s in their DNA to be thick-skinned and unafraid. Although they are extremely prickly (think cacti!) on the outside, they have soft centers. It amazes me that you can be locked in combat over the price of a cab or a kilo of dates at the shuk, and then you’re BFFs once price and terms are agreed upon.
PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good
When we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are praying for the end of terror and missile attacks, the end of the hostility that exists between Israelis and Palestinians, and the return of the Messiah. Perhaps most importantly, we are asking for the Lord to bring personal peace to those who live in the Holy Land by accepting the Prince of Peace Yeshua as their Messiah and Lord. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).
If we bless Israel then we are participating in bringing God’s promises to the Jewish people, which directly impacts the Gentiles, as Israel was chosen to bless the Gentiles – to be a bridge of redemption to a broken and sinful world.
When we bless rather than curse the Jewish people, we are engaged with God’s plan for world redemption. Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is, in reality, praying for Jesus to return, as the penultimate peace we long for will only come when He takes His rightful throne in Jerusalem and reigns forever (Matt 23:37, Romans 11:11-29, Rev. 11:15).
Amazing display of air power….