A Pastors Perspective, Jerusalem, The Capital Of Israel?
By: Mike Upchurch
Jerusalem, the Capital of Israel?
In the first week of December, President Trump made a decision that set the liberal world ablaze with angry columns, protests, clashes, and riots. He simply stated that the United States would recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel, and would move the U.S. Embassy there. Trump in effect gave the City to the Jews, and took it away from the Palestinians who occupy East Jerusalem. He chose a side. Israel’s side. And God’s side. That was all it took for the liberals and the Muslim nations to oppose it. He sided with the Jews. A bold move politically and one which will ensure his unpopularity forever which foreign nations who oppose Jews and Christianity. Turkey has already announced they are moving their Embassy to East Jerusalem in support of the Palestinians. We’ll not address all the political turmoil surrounding the announcement, there are far brighter people analyzing the pros and cons of that move and the ramifications. We’ll just look at the move from God’s perspective.
As we mentioned, east Jerusalem is occupied by Palestinians, who claim it is their Capital. In saying Jerusalem is the Capital of Israel, Trump voted to evict the Palestinians and strip them of that claimed Capital. But consider God in this issue. The LORD God. The One who deeply loves His people, the Israeli Nation, who are the descendants of Abraham through Issac. God had already chosen the Jews as His cherished own, and had given THEM that City. (Remember, we are just discussing this from the Lord’s perspective, not the legal or political arguments being made). Enter the Palestinians. They, and the entire Nation of Islam, are descendants of Ishmael not Issac. In God’s eyes they remain squatters. They are occupying land He never gave them. Yes, He loves ALL people. That is His nature. However, the Lord chose Issac’s descendants as His very own, and THEY are the apple of His eye, and therefore are hated among all descendants of Ishmael. The Arab nations have been at war with Israel and the Jewish people ever since they formed. But the scriptures are clear; at the center of His heart are His beloved, the Jews, and also we as Christians, who are grafted in through Christ.
Whether Trump is a Christian is debatable among many, but one thing is clear…..he is on the Lord’s side with this one, and that SHOULD have the Christians applauding. Remember King David’s words…..
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. “May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces.” For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, “May peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.”
Psalms 122, 6-9 NASB
He wasn’t talking about the Palestinians who are now occupying the City, but rather his own people, the Jews.
Not sure who’s side to be on? Don’t like Trump? Opposed to his decision because you just don’t like him? I’d be careful if I were you. I’d choose the side of the Lord, standing with Trump at least on this issue. He’s done something no other President dared do; openly support the Jewish Nation by moving the Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and thus clearly taking sides against the enemies of Israel.
It remains to be seen what will become of the City during Trump’s tenure. Most feel he is political toast for being so brazen, but as for me, I stand with the President. Give the land and the city to God’s own betrothed. He will have His way in the end anyway. Read His prophetic warning through His prophet….
“On that day the Lord will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the Lord who goes before them! For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on Me whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for Him as for a firstborn son who has died.”
Zechariah 12:8-10 NLT
Feeling like I’m in a small group of people with this one, but I’m in the LORD’s Army, and that’s the way I see it!
Pastor Mike
