Author: Ofer Amitai, Messianic pastor Jerusalem and Director of Israel Prayer Centre

Jerusalem Day

Every Jerusalem Day, I cannot help but reflect on the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967 and Israel’s victory parade on Independence Day in 1968.

I had a front-row seat view of it, as it were; my father was in charge of it. My father, who was the commander of one of the three brigades that reunited the city, was put in charge of the planning and carrying out the parade.

I will never forget, as a 16-year-old, the ride in my dad’s army car preceded by motorcycles, taking us to our sitting place. Quite heady for a teenager.

But more than the personal recollection, I remember the electrifying atmosphere of those days and that day in particular. It is hard to describe the awe, and wonder, history, and above all, the sense of fulfillment in the air. “We were like those who dream.” We were part of the fulfillment of two thousand years of history.

Many years have passed since then, and we have gone through much trouble. Several wars, intifadas, other terror attacks. Strong resistance of the nations to what I now know as a believer, to be God’s plan for Israel.

But this is not our greatest difficulty. There is another war, much more ferocious than all other wars, being fought over Israel’s future — her restoration to God, through His Son. If you don’t believe me, just read the book of Daniel, regarding the war in the heavenlies for Israel’s restoration.

There, you will find that all hell is pitted against Israel’s restoration to God. Not that it is in doubt, but we are in a war, a great war against God and Israel. Her restoration is a great hinge on which history turns.

As believers, we have no less a calling to this war than Israeli soldiers fighting for physical security.

It is here, though, that I feel the most profound concern. Christians readily understand and connect with Israel’s physical restoration, but understand very little, the enormity of the battle for her spiritual restoration.

That restoration is no longer a war between Israel and the nations, but a controversy between Israel and God!

And while indeed prayer for Israel’s protection, politics, and place among the nations is important, it should not set aside the primary battle: prayer for her reconciliation to God through Messiah. There seems to be little understanding of the magnitude of the resistance to Israel’s reconciliation, both from within the land and without.

The unification of Jerusalem to God is more fundamental to the reunification of all her parts. Don’t forget, Jerusalem is the City of the Great King, not just the capital of Israel. It is now called in the book of Revelation “Sodom” (Rev. 11:8), but it will be called “The Lord our Righteousness.” Jer. 33:16

I was there at Jerusalem’s first unification, I long and pray and battle for her second, with her Savior and God.

“When He shall call, from earth’s remotest corners,

All who have stood triumphant in His might,

O to be worthy then to stand beside them,

And in that morn to walk with Him in white!” (1)

[Whenever we sing this hymn, I feel that we were standing at attention as soldiers being reviewed by our King, Yeshua.]

(1) “When He Shall Come” Almeda Pearce

Blessings in Messiah,

Ofer

Title: Jerusalem Day by Ofer Amitai
Author: Ofer Amitai, Messianic pastor Jerusalem and Director of Israel Prayer Centre
Date: 23.05.2020