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Jerusalem The Burdensome Stone
by Donald Mehl Zechariah 12:2-3 NASB Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it. Zechariah 12:2-3 KJV Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. Zechariah 12:2-3 NIV I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. From almost any Bible translation you might prefer to use, the message is clear. The Lord God is warning through His prophet Zechariah that in the last days just before Jesus' return, Jerusalem would be the center of attention and conflict for all who would attempt to control that great city, the apple of God's eye. One cannot listen to the news broadcasts or read the printed media today without learning of some new treaty proposal, on-going terrorist actions, high-level meetings between world leaders, military threats, economic sanctions, matters of occupation, etc. The list goes on and on - and the battle over Jerusalem is intensifying with each passing week. The nations involved, including the USA, seem to be obsessed in their efforts to divide Jerusalem, with many determined to destroy Israel as a people and nation. The intensity of those efforts was hardly news worthy just a few years ago, but now they dominate the news headlines everywhere. Oh, how rapidly prophecy is being fulfilled! Yes...Jerusalem has now become the burdensome stone the prophet Zechariah wrote about almost 2500 years ago. From those Scriptures, we also know that God has promised to destroy the nations attempting to go against Israel. I personally believe that Jerusalem is God's "line in the sand", and when crossed, His fierce wrath and judgment will be unleashed on the unbelieving world. The struggle over Jerusalem is a final sign indicating Jesus' soon return. The Bible promises that on that day every eye will see Him...every knee will bow before Him...and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. That event will strike indescribable fear in the hearts of the many who have cast Him aside. But, for the few who truly know Him...oh, what a glorious day that will be! Our Lord came here the first time...exactly as the Scriptures said He would. Jesus is sure to return a second time as King of kings and Lord of lords...exactly as the Scriptures say He will. We are clearly living in the last days. His return is imminent. You must be absolutely certain you are ready to meet Him face to face. It will happen soon! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up! Donald Mehl Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |