"Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem"

The title verse from Psalm 122:6 is very familiar for all those who love and support Israel. Most commonly it is interpreted that we should pray for God's hand of protection over Israel and the Jewish people world wide. This certainly is a correct interpretation but I have learned the "Hebrew" interpretation is much broader. The Hebrew definition of peace in this verse encompasses all aspects of a Jewish person's life to include their moral, spiritual, emotional wellbeing in addition to their physical safety.

An intriguing headline in the news last week quoted Governor Eddie Calvo of Guam as his island country has become part of the nuclear threat from North Korea. Governor Calvo said, "Like Israel, we have had a lot of practice here."

Governor Calvo's comment was illustrating that Israel lives everyday with constant threats from enemies surrounding them and living in Israel. These constant threats have caused Israel to build a wall in Jerusalem to prevent Palestinian terrorists from entering Jerusalem from the West Bank. Also, an underground wall is now under construction along Israel's border with Gaza to prevent Hamas terrorists from entering Israel through tunnels. The Israeli military and police are always on high alert and plane passengers traveling to Israel are questioned thoroughly about their reason to visit Israel and their itineraries. 

Well, how do Israelis respond to living with the constant threat of their enemies? Overall, and this might surprise you, they respond with love and generosity to those who are hurting around them even their enemies. Through "Operation Good Neighbor" the Israeli Defense Forces have extended humanitarian aid to Syrians including medication, clothes, fuel and food. Since August, 2016 more than 110 aid operations of various kinds have been conducted.

Israel even reached out and granted political asylum to an Iranian journalist facing the death penalty. Neda Amin had the boldness to write a column for an Israeli media web-site. As a result, she was facing the death penalty for co-operating with Israel in Iran. Amin said, "I was in danger and the State of Israel saved me."

These examples illustrate how important it is for all of us to "Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem" each day for the total well being of all Israelis. Bless His Holy Name!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank