The 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act

Today’s announcement by President Donald Trump identifies Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and in keeping with his campaign promise, intends to move the United States embassy to the holy city. This decision was made 22 years ago by Congress but has not been implemented until now.

The president made it clear that Israel has the right to make a decision on its own capital.

This news met with a mixed response and just as expected, protests ensued. This does not surprise us. As believers in the Jewish Messiah, we understand that lasting peace will not come to Israel until the day the Prince of Peace, Jesus, sits on His rightful throne. We will still hope for and work toward peace in the days ahead – especially between Jews and Palestinians who are dedicated to Jesus the Messiah.

What can we do in the meantime? We can pray for the peace of Jerusalem! As David writes in Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you prosper.’” Won’t you join with me in prayer today?

We can also align ourselves with what the Bible teaches about Jerusalem by thinking and praying for the holy city.

Consider these few brief points from the Scriptures that will help guide you as you pray for the peace of Jerusalem today.

• The Bible teaches that Jerusalem existed as a city in biblical and secular history (Joshua 10:1, Genesis 14:18) and belongs primarily to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Josh. 15:7-8, 2 Chr. 3:1, Neh. 2:11-15).
• Since the days of King David, Jerusalem has been the capital city of Israel (1 Chr. 11:4-8, 2 Chr. 6:5-6), situated within the biblical boundaries outlined for the nation of Israel in the Book of Genesis (Gen. 15:18-20).
• The Jewish people were unwillingly displaced many times, but the hope of Zion was nurtured and cherished in the worship and souls of the Jewish people.
• The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to Jerusalem and will establish His kingdom from that city (Acts 1:11-12, cf. Zech. 14:4, Mat. 23:39).
• According to the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, there will never be a time when Jerusalem is not the capital – either when the Jewish people are in the land or outside (Zech. 1:17, 2 Kings 21:7, Psa. 48:1-3).
• The Bible encourages the Jewish people to be kind to the “stranger” and to share the Promised Land with others who are not Jewish (Ex. 22:21, 23:9, Lev. 19:33-34, Deut. 10:18-19).

We will continue to pray for the peace of all those who live in Jerusalem and within Israel. Please join us!