Peace in the Middle East- Really?

Everyday you hear more and more news from the Middle East about conflicts and terrorism. You also hear folks talking about the fact that they would love to see peace come to this region. But the longer it goes the more violence and unrest that comes out of this area. The US government always like to think that it can bring the different factions to the peace table and walk away with some lasting peace accord. Sadly this something that we will ever see happen. Not yet anyway! There will be only person that will bring peace to this region! That is Jesus Christ!


As Americans we are naïve to think that we can bring these different groups to a peace conference and walk away smiling holding some kind of a peace agreement. Many times we have thought that we were successful in doing just that only to find that the peace didn't last very long. The groups were soon back to their fighting. Just look at the war between Israel and Hamas several weeks ago. They would agree to a ceasefire but in no time at all Hamas was firing rockets back into Israel. The whole problem in the Middle East is not just a political issue but is more importantly a spiritual issue. These groups have been at odds for thousands of years. It started Isaac and Ishmael. It was carried on by Jacob and Esau. This is not something new. The truth is that there will be conflict there until Christ returns and comes to rule and reign from Jerusalem. When He does, He will rule with righteousness and justice. The nations will have no choice but to serve and obey Him. After the church is raptured and the Antichrist gains his power, there will be a false peace in the Middle East. But as with as everything man does, it will be broken and God's judgments will fall on this world. When the 7 years are over, this world will see Jesus return to take His place as the rightful King of the world. What an awesome thought! For once this world will see and experience true peace not just in Israel but in the whole world for 1000 years. Once the nations revolt and Christ triumphs over them, then will this world finally enjoy true peace. Oh to see that day come!


Until that time comes, we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We need to pray for the nation of Israel and also for the nations around her. We need to pray for the Muslim people that they would come to know the true God and come to Christ. This spiritual problem will only be solved when God's Holy Spirit draws them into a personal relationship with Christ. So until all these things come to pass as the Scriptures have foretold, lets continue to pray for the peace that the angel announced to the shepherds so many years ago in a field outside of Bethlehem. Glory to God in the highest and on earth Peace and goodwill toward men!