God’s Grand Plan

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 65:17-25)

Isaiah 67:17-25 paints a poetic picture, describing a future where all the junk and pain and problems from the past are forgotten. Take a moment and picture the city as Isaiah described it - Jerusalem, filled with joy as the people there seem to live in a constant state of celebration.

God Himself even gets in on the excitement, rejoicing over His people! Beyond the celebratory nature of what life will be like, there is also a change in what to expect. Isaiah said there will be no more crying or weeping. All the drama has been silenced. People will enjoy life without sweat and toil. This isn’t some childish fantasy or fairy tale. It’s God’s plan. If you’re going through some difficulties today, let Isaiah’s imagery remind you that this is your future. Regardless of how bad it may get, know that God’s future for you is only good!

Practical Application

When you are going through difficult moments, remember that this is only temporary. God has planned on you enjoying eternity with Him!

Micah 4:3; Psalm 50:15

The Real Enemy

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (Isaiah 14:11-17)

The first fall happened when Lucifer, the anointed cherub, full of pride and greed tried to take on God Himself. Can you imagine the angel with all the musical instruments suddenly silenced by the sound of a crashing chaos as he fell to the earth like lightning?

This isn’t just Lucifer’s story. Human history is littered with tales of pride and greed that ended in decimation and desolation. Amid tensions between nations, groups, and individuals on the earth, Isaiah nudges us to see beyond the surface. Our true enemy isn't a specific nationality or political stance. Our enemy is not an Arab or Israeli. Our enemy is not Palestinians or Syrians or Americans. Our enemy is clear if we understand the truth of Scripture. Our enemy is Satan himself. He is the one that sows the seeds of rebellion, greed, and destruction.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our enemy is not made of flesh and blood like a man. Our enemies are the powers of darkness that strive to manipulate and use mankind as puppets for their purpose of rebelling against God’s Word, God’s way, and God’s people.

Practical Application

When people frustrate you or you get angered by a political group or nationality, remind yourself who the real enemy is. Pray that God opens the eyes of those who are being used by the devil and that Satan’s hands would be taken off them.

Luke 10:18; Ezekiel 28:13

Understanding the Heart of the Conflict

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (Psalm 122:3-6)

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is not a suggestion. It’s a command. Christians should take the time to understand what is happening in Israel and stand in prayer and faith for the conflict there to end. To comprehend the ongoing struggles in the region, we must delve into its history. In 1948, the establishment of the Jewish state led to immediate tensions with Arab nations, sparking a conflict that has endured for decades. The intricate web of religious beliefs adds complexity to the geopolitical landscape. Islam, born in the seventh century, challenges the Christian faith, rejecting the Lordship of Jesus and condemning Jesus' followers in the Quran. Israel's victory in 1967’s Six-Day War resulted in the acquisition of important territories. Calls to revert to the 1967 borders have continued to be raised, which is saying to Israel: “Although you were attacked, and even though you defeated all your enemies, you still must give your land back.” However, that land belongs to them.

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 put the Ayatollah in power. Not only is the Ayatollah one of the largest benefactors of terrorism, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups fighting against Israel; He also hates both Israel - which he calls the little Satan–and the United States, whom he calls the big Satan. The recent outbreak of violence in Israel underscores the deep-rooted tensions Muslims have about Israel. Surveys of different Muslim groups in the area say a significant percentage support armed attacks against Israel. A two-state solution is simply not possible when one group wants the complete annihilation of the other. When Israel gave up the Gaza Strip in 2007, there was an election. Hamas won that election, and there has never been another election.

Practical Application

How do we respond to these complexities? First, recognize the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem. Second, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, aligning our hearts with God's desire for peace and prosperity for the Jewish people.

Psalm 51:18; Jeremiah 29:7