“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.’ For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” (Psalm 122:6-8)
With my whole heart I believe we should be praying for the peace of Jerusalem; even more so in these tumultuous 
times in which we all live. In case you were not aware, the nation of Israel is surrounded by twenty-two (22) hostile Arab/Islamic dictatorships that want nothing more than to eradicate the Jews from the planet. Can you even see Israel on the map?
Frankly, praying for their peace is the least we can do. But let’s be clear about one thing — when Christians are praying for the peace of Israel, we’re praying for the Messiah of Israel. More precisely, that Israel (collectively) would come to know and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
This is the only way a true and lasting peace will be achieved.
How can this be?
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Because Jesus is the Prince of Peace! Any other kind of peace is a false and temporary peace.
It might help us to understand if we break it down. The Hebrew word for peace is ‘shalowm’ (shalom) and in its purest form, the meaning is divine. Shalom is described by these terms: completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, prosperity, quiet, tranquility, and contentment. As we peel back the layers, let’s scrutinize each one of these words in accordance with their perfect tense.
In this sublime light, how are these qualities attained, or more accurately, who is the provider?
Let’s see…
- In regard to completeness, who was it that declared, “It is finished“?
- As to soundness, who said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life”?
- Of welfare, who is spoken of in, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches”?
- In respect to safety, who proclaimed, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”?
- And health, of whom is it written, “Be attentive to my words…For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh”?
- And when it was recorded, “It is He who gives you power to get wealth,” who provides the prosperity?
- Concerning quietness, who promises, “You will find rest for your souls”?
- Pertaining to tranquility, who “Gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control“?
- And finally, as to contentment, who told us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”?
Did you answer Jesus Christ?
I hope so, because if you’re praying for anyone else to provide these things for Israel (or unsaved gentiles 
for that matter), your prayers are in vain.
If I were to offer a paraphrase of our opening Psalm, it would surely read, “Pray for the (Jesus) of Jerusalem…(Jesus) be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.’ For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Jesus be within you.”
Jesus is the only solution for Israel and for the world. Christians know that they will see soon, but wouldn’t it be nice if they would all see now.
Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous. (Psalm 146:3-8)
- What is God telling us in these passages?
- What is our best response?
These articles may or may not relate to this blog:
- Perfect Peace (livinginhisgrace.wordpress.com)
- Jesus Christ Is Standing At the Door Of Our Hearts (bummyla.wordpress.com)
- Personal Encounter with Jesus: ground for discipleship (junjunfaithbook.com)
- The Early Church Believed in the Restoration (lynleahz.com)
- WITH MIDEAST IN FLAMES, LIVE “EPICENTER” WEBCAST BEGINS @ 9PM EASTERN: Pray for peace, but prepare for war. (lynleahz.com)
- Always pray for those who are in authority (bummyla.wordpress.com)
- Morning Prayer ~ September 16, 2012 (ronpogue.typepad.com)
- STATE OF THE EPICENTER, 2012: “A great darkness is descending on the people of the Middle East. War is coming.” (flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com)
- How to Have Perfect Peace (jesuscarriesme.com)
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He Dwells -- The B'log in My Eye 