Dear friends of Israel:

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians seems to head towards a two-state solution. Quite a few Christians, think that this development is contradictory to Bible prophecy and must therefore be stopped through prayer. However, the proponents of this view overlook the fact that according to the Bible this conflict will be only resolved when Jesus Christ will return in power and glory.

The Bible tells us that prior to this event the Middle East Conflict will apparently be solved. In chapter 38 of his book the prophet Ezekiel mentions three times that Israel will live in tranquility and security. Since the Jews have started to return to their homeland, politicians have tried to work out such a temporary peace. Until now they have not succeeded in finding a permanent solution of the problem. Now the United Nations are obviously convinced that the two-state solution will lead to the longed-for peace. This belief is mainly promoted by the nations, not by Israel. However, it is obvious that Israel is being pushed in this direction, even from inside. Even the new government is affected by this, although it is trying to prevent such a development.

According to the prophet Joel (3:2) God will also judge the nations because they have parted the land. Although verses 3 through 6 in Joel 3 have already been fulfilled in ancient times, it is evident in the second part of the chapter (from verse 9) that these statements also have an eschatological aspect because they refer to the time when God will settle His account with the nations at the return of the Messiah. It is interesting that verse 4 mentions Tyre, Sidon and all regions of Philistia as those who try to resist the ways of God. Today the two radical Islamic terror organizations Hezbullah and Hamas are located in these regions. Both groups have sworn that they will never accept the existence of Israel, not even 1,000 years later, as the leader of Hezbullah, Hassan Nasrallah, said. His statement is unintentionally “prophetic” because he implied that Israel will continue to exist 1,000 years later.

The unerring Word of God also tells us that Israel’s enemies will cease to exist. This is why the prophet Isaiah says: “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all” (Isaiah 41:11-12). Sharing with you the assurance that the threats of Israel’s and God’s enemies will come to nothing and His true Word will be fulfilled, I am sending you a warm Shalom.

Fredi Winkler