As the Jewish people marked the Feast of Trumpets the nations of the world gathered at the United Nations. France and Saudi Arabia convened a high-level conference on the Palestinian question and several Western nations moved to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood. To most of the world it was just another round of diplomatic theater. But in the eyes of God’s Word the timing of this moment could not be more significant.
A Feast, a Reading and a Warning
During Rosh Hashanah Jewish communities read Genesis 21 and 22. Genesis 21 recounts the miraculous birth of Isaac and the expulsion of Ishmael, a story of contention within Abraham’s family. Genesis 22 tells of Abraham’s ultimate test when God asked him to offer his son Isaac on Mount Moriah later known as the Temple Mount.
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Rabbi Jason Sobel drew a striking parallel: “On the same day the United Nations made this resolution, which I also believe was harmful towards Israel, we were reading about Ishmael harming Isaac. It was like Ishmael saying I’m going to get Isaac back, mocking, and in a sense encouraging violence towards the Jewish people.”
Jerusalem: The Test of the Nations
Sobel explained that Jerusalem is more than a political debate. “Jerusalem itself is a test. How one treats Abraham’s covenant city, the place where he offered Isaac, reveals the posture of one’s heart towards the God of Abraham.”
He reminded his listeners of the prophetic words in Zechariah 12:3: “Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone. Nations that lift it will injure themselves.” Sobel tied this directly to the UN’s declaration about East Jerusalem, calling it “a replaying of the Genesis 22 drama on the world stage.”
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A Psalm 2 Moment
Psalm 2 says the nations will take their stand against the Lord and His anointed. Sobel said, “On the same day that we enthroned God, the nations held court. It was like heaven and earth were aligned in a divine summons. And the world is being asked, ‘Whose king will you enthrone?’”
He continued, “The nations may pass resolutions, but God has written and made his own declaration. I have set my king on Mount Zion.”
The Call for Believers
Rabbi Sobel emphasized that this moment is not just about land. It is about lordship. Who is King in Zion? Is it the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob revealed in Jesus or is it the rulers of this world? Every nation and every individual is standing in the valley of decision.
Our response must be clear. We are called to:
- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6)
- Proclaim God’s promises which outweigh any UN resolution
- Prepare our lives by aligning with God’s Word and covenant purposes
Passing the Test
If God’s promises to Israel are not eternal then none of His promises are trustworthy. But because He is a covenant-keeping God we can be confident that His Word stands. The dividing of Jerusalem is not just a political issue. It is the ultimate test of faith for the nations.
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Now is the time to discern the signs of the times. Jerusalem has once again become the burdensome stone. The world is watching, heaven is weighing and the valley of decision lies open before us. The question is simple: Whose King will we enthrone?
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
