Isaiah 60
"Your gates shall be open continually. Day and night they shall not be shut, that people may bring to you [the remnant of Israel] the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish. Those nations shall be utterly laid waste. The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary [in Jerusalem], and I will make the place of my feet glorious. The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet. They shall call you the City of Yahweh, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel." - Isaiah 60:11-14
In this chapter, Isaiah prophesies of the future light that will come upon Israel (vv. 1, 20). God himself, brighter than the noonday sun, will rise upon her. At that time, the believing remnant of Israel will live in total peace and security. The nations will bring their wealth to Jerusalem, and all world leaders will pay homage to the King of Israel. Any nation that chooses not to serve Israel will be destroyed. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with the best possible building materials so that the capital city of the King is beautiful and glorious. The children of Israel's former enemies will realise the wrong they have done and humble themselves. They will recognise publicly that Jerusalem is the City of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This will happen in the future, at Jesus' second coming. Jesus is the King who will reign from Jerusalem.
The struggle between Israel and Hamas today is part of a grand plan. It is not surprising, and we should not be shocked by it. Israel and her neighbours have been locked in this struggle for centuries. It will only finally be resolved by the Messiah. The State of Israel today is not the Israel of the future messianic kingdom. Many things have to happen in between. But we can be sure that ultimately, Messiah and the remnant of Israel will stand on top, secure and at peace with her neighbours. It is very wise to recognise Israel's special status in relation to the God of the universe. Those who bless her will be blessed. Those who curse her will be cursed (Genesis 12:3).
Father, look after your chosen nation Israel and also after all the people in the region who you have made in your own image. Thank you that out of love you sent your one and only Son to die for all people, including both Israelis and Palestinians. We pray for peace but understand there must at times be war, until Messiah comes. So, Father, work out your purposes and your will according to your plan. We trust in you. Thank you for your prophetic promises. In the name of the King, amen.
- Jeff Coleman