the peace of Jerusalem

I went to church this past Sunday and they handed me a card with a picture of the old city on the front and an inscription on the inside reading: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Psalm 122" So, I look up that verse in my Bible. Coincidence of all coincidences, I had read that chapter 2 days before I got this card. And I marked it and dated it noting that I was in Jerusalem when I read it. I won't quote it all here because you would might just skip over this post if I quoted a whole chapter of scripture- but it is basically a prayer of David, seeking the good of the city. Something has been coming on quite slowly for me, and being shown in a hundred different ways- the importance of what's going on here, in Jerusalem. It's in the news, it's in the streets, it's in people's minds and hearts. Now, I am not a Zionist and I don't really put a lot of stress on the actual importance of the buildings and the locale of Jerusalem, but after everything that has occurred here, I think it is important to take a step back and really ponder it all.

I have a few different angles on this, so bear with me...

Today, I was taking the twins on a walk when I guy semi-accosted me, singing his praises to the twin's beauty...or something (he was talking in another language). I didn't really know what to do. He had stunned me into hesitation, and then I couldn't just ignore him. So he just started talking. He talked about Netanyahu (Israeli leader) & Abbas (Palestinian leader) and the Palestinian state. He talked about his 5 family members that were killed by the Hamas (Palestinian Islamic political party that governs the Gaza strip). He talked about how the Palestinians don't want peace and Abbas won't negotiate, etc, etc. And he wasn't speaking English very well, and I don't really have a strong opinion on either side, so I just let him go. But, as I was standing there with the twins in the pram, I was struck by his convictions. I had heard so many people speak so strongly about the different sides to the Palestinian-Israel issue, but I hadn't really heard it directly from the heart of someone who cares like he did. He cares so much that he feels the need to share his feelings with a random American girl he passes in the street. And I can't argue with him. I don't know what it feels like to have family members blown up in bus bombs. I don't know what it feels like when someone wants to take your home away from you. But, the truth is, there is probably one Palestinian who would share there woes for every Israeli. There is so much hurt in this nation, just in this one tiny city...and to think, 3000 years ago, David had already started praying for peace here.

I live in West Jerusalem- the Jewish side of the city. A few blocks away there is a tram road that separates West Jerusalem from East Jerusalem- the Arabic side. At midday I can hear the Muslim prayers rising up from East Jerusalem. In this place, religion is everywhere...and the effects of religious (and thereby political) differences are blaring. Jews live in the Jewish neighborhoods and Muslims live in Islamic neighborhoods. There are Jewish buses and Arabic buses. There is Arabic and Hebrew on every sign. It is literally two different worlds waring with each other. And it is all so convoluted and confusing, that there truly isn't a right side and a wrong side. Everyone is to be pitied and everyone is to be blamed.

So, I was thinking through all of this as I was walking down the street one day. I was thinking about how impossible it all seemed. I know some people can right off one side or another in favor of Biblical prophesy, but that doesn't actually solve anything. In my mind I go through all the things that would have to change for their to be peace. I think about all the compromises that would have to be made or the lives that would be ruined. I think about all the fear their is here. It's not just a matter of politics, it is a matter of lives. It feels like such a lost cause. I pray for the peace of the city, but I don't really see any way it can come about. And then, I was reminded of the power of God. There isn't anything I can do, or Abbas can do, or Netanyahu can do, or anyone can do. It's impossible. But, cliche or not, nothing is impossible for God. No one is outside His will. And that gives me hope for this country. I can pray in faith, knowing that the Lord's will will be done, that his plan is greater than anything I could ever imagine. He has not forgotten his people.

I prayed at the Western Wall last night. As I stood there, I felt engulfed by the pain and hope that had been brought to that place for thousands of years. It made me feel sorrow for what's happened and renewed faith in God's almighty power.

It's the first day of the New Year today (Rosh Hashana), so here's to a new year and a renewed hope!