City of the Future

Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. Isaiah 60:1 (NLT). The original Jerusalem was established by David 3000 years ago. Built high in the hills of Israel this beautiful city of history was chosen by God as the center of the earth. However the nations of the world have fought and conquered this city more than 20 times. At the end of human history the city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt as the capital of the whole world. 

The New Testament contains more of Isaiah’s prophecies than any other Old Testament writer. The well known prophet Isaiah lived and worked for God in Jerusalem. He loved to write about the great future that was coming for Jerusalem his home town. The Scriptures say: Though you were once despised and hated, with no one traveling through you, I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations. Isaiah 60:15 (NLT). 

This is the reason that Israel has become a nation again after 2600 years of dispersion all over the globe. May 14, 1948 Israel was reborn by the order of the United Nations. In 1967 Jerusalem was recaptured in a war with the Arabs and was later made into the Jewish capital again. In this struggle to rebuild Israel again the Temple of God will soon be rebuilt. And in the future when Jesus returns to earth, He will have Jerusalem built as His capital city.

Many prophecies have been fulfilled but many more are about happen. For example we are told: I have returned to show mercy to Jerusalem. My Temple will be rebuilt, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and measurements will be taken for the reconstruction of Jerusalem. Zech 1:16 (NLT). Everything that is happening today is part of God’s plan for the end of human history. Jesus will soon return to rule the whole earth in righteousness. 

There are Christians who say that Jerusalem had its chance in the past and that its place in history is over. But our God does as He pleases. The prophecy says: Foreigners will come to rebuild your towns. and their kings will serve you. For though I have destroyed you in my anger, I will now have mercy on you through my grace. Isaiah 60:10 (NLT). Yes, God was angry with Israel in the past but decided to grant them His grace at the end. 

God chose Jerusalem to be His possession from its beginning. He does not give up on His plans because people are sinners. The prophet says that someday: All your people will be righteous. They will possess their land forever, for I will plant them there with my own hands in order to bring myself glory…  At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:21-22 (NLT). Christians know that God has a plan for everything. 

When God was talking to Isaac many years ago He gave this prophecy: I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Gen 26:3-4 (NLT). It is very exciting to see God in the process of fulfilling the promises He made thousands of years ago. 

Today Israel is a world leader in medical, military and internet technology. They have developed missile defense, AOL and agricultural equipment used in America. The Jewish people have the most Nobel laureate’s. Many well know men like Einstein, Freud and Marx were Jews. God has a great future for Israel and the world will someday know God through the Jewish nation. The city of Jerusalem will become the center of everyone’s future.