Pray for Israel

Israel

1 There is no one like you, LORD, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 21 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth whose God went out to redeem a people for himself, and to make a name for yourself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? 22 You made your people Israel your very own forever, and you, LORD, have become their God. 1 Chronicles 17 NIV

I have not understood the relationship between Israel and the United States. During the past year I have learned more about Israel-U.S. relations than I have ever known. I better understand why many people in the world view the U.S. and Israel as one and the same. We have been very close allies. I admit to being a greenhorn when it comes to Israeli/Palestinian relations. However, it has come to my attention that the United Nations is being asked to vote on whether or not the State of Palestine is ready to be officially acknowledged as its own nation-separate from Israel. This vote is to take place in September 2011.


“In August, the Palestinian Authority would complete the implementation of the two-year state-building programme launched by Prime Minister Fayyad, he said, adding: “We have fulfilled our responsibilities and are ready to govern ourselves; the only remaining obstacle is Israel’s 44-year military occupation.”

Yet, the Palestinian people had legitimate hopes and demands, he said. “A new process has been set in motion, a process awakened by the failings of a 20-year peace process […] the time for change is now; there is no justification for the denial of the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.” They would, therefore, continue to appeal for recognition of a State based on the pre-1967 borders, adding that United Nations actions, whether in the Security Council or the General Assembly, could contribute to achieving “the peace we all seek”. That would not be a unilateral action, he stressed. On the contrary, it would be multilateral, and the consecration of a two-State solution in bold resolutions – including recognition of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital on the basis of the pre-1967 borders and admission as a full member of the Organization — would help make a two-State solution inevitable. “This is a decisive measure that could finally convince Israel […] that its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people is completely rejected by the world, and that it must abandon its destructive course,” he said. “Why should the Palestinian people be forced to languish yet another year — or even one more day — under foreign occupation?” he asked, declaring: “This is the time for Palestine’s independence. This is the time for Palestine and Israel to live side by side in peace and security, and this is the time for a new Middle East.”

July 26, 2011 United Nations, Security Council 10340,
Viability of Two-State at Risk without Credible Way Out
of Deadlock in Israel/Palestinian peace process.

The Israelis are very concerned as the proposal they have been working on requires that Jerusalem be divided into East and West Jerusalem with East Jerusalem being the capital of the new nation-state. It also requires Israel to concede land they occupied during the War of 1967. Palestinians already populate the area and there are concerns that the new nation-state could not keep its population within its own borders for long. The United Nations wants Israel to cede enough land for the growth of the proposed State of Palestine.

My big question is “How does one stop the population growth of a nation?” China has tried the one-child per family law to no avail. The population continues to grow. So, ultimately, how much land will Israel really have to cede? First this bit then that bit and soon Israel will disappear.

I know I am over simplifying this situation and I ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies. I started out writing this just to help all of us prayer warriors to realize this is a critical time in the history of Israel. The Bible calls us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I extend that plea to you. Below you will find some of a prayer from the book, “Prayers that Avail Much” (Vol. 1) by Germaine Copeland of Word Ministries, Inc.

Please pray as September draws near. I believe there is going to be a major move of the Holy Spirit in Israel this September. God wants peace in Jerusalem.

“I pray that You, Lord, will be a refuge and a stronghold to the children of Israel. Father, Your Word says” multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision” and whoever calls upon Your name shall be delivered and saved. Have mercy upon Israel and be gracious to them, O Lord, and consider that they fight for their land to be restored. You, Lord, are their strength and stronghold in their day of trouble. We pray that they are righteous before You and that You will make even their enemies to be at peace with them. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper that love you in the Holy City!” Peace be within your walls and prosperity within your palaces. (123-124 pg.)

For a better picture of what is happening go to http://www.seekingtruth.co.uk/palestinian_problem.htm
This is a good summary of the history of Palestinian/Israeli relations from a Christian perspective.