"True Peace"

“True Peace”

As we approached Jerusalem the most prominent structure visible was the Dome of the Rock, the Islamic shrine on the Temple Mount built at the traditional site of the Jewish Temple which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. It’s the most sacred place in Islam because it houses the rock from which (according to its belief) Mohammed began his journey to Heaven. It’s also Judaism’s holiest spot as the location of the Temple in which God dwelt. The Temple Mount was called Moriah in Genesis 22:2 and is the place Abraham went at God’s command to offer Isaac. (The Qur’an/Koran doesn’t name the son but Muslim teaching holds it was Ishmael, not Isaac.) So the area is venerated by both Islam and Judaism. And herein lies a major conflict between the two religions.

According to biblical prophecy, “…The man of lawlessness (called Antichrist elsewhere)…will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God…so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, emphasis added). So the Temple will be rebuilt in the future. (We saw the large gold menorah which will be placed inside it.) But what about the Dome of the Rock? Schlomo, our knowledgeable Jewish guide, thinks the Temple Mount will be split, the Dome destroyed and the Temple built on that spot.  However, some believe the actual site of the Jewish Temple is north of the Dome’s location so it would be possible for both buildings to stand on the Temple Mount. Given the historical and present animosity between Arabs and Jews how could this be?

As members of our group discussed this question we came up with a possible answer. Daniel 9:27 (NASB) reads, “…He (i.e. Antichrist) will make a firm covenant with the many for one week….” (Most evangelicals believe this to be the seven year period we call the tribulation.) So he’ll emerge as a man of peace. What greater achievement could he make than brokering an end to the centuries-old Middle East struggle? And what greater example could there be than the two holy houses of worship standing side-by-side? But then he’ll show his true colors by demanding worship (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 above) and the horrors will begin.

Is there hope for true peace in the future? Yes—in “…Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). He alone is the “…Prince of Peace….” (Isaiah 9:6) and can bring us peace with God (see Romans 5:1). God’s invitation is open (“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”—Romans 10:13) but our response is needed. What will it be?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan