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A statement to be announced by the Middle East Quartet regarding the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority has been delayed due to a disagreement on the issue between the United States of America and the European Union. President Mahmoud Abbas of the PA has previously remarked that he has been under intense pressure to recommence direct negotiations with Israel, which were suspended last year following the end of the Hamas cease fire. Both the US and the EU have threatened to pull the plug on aid to the Palestinian Authority unless movement in the peace process is forthcoming. Over the past number of months, Abbas has been using the settlement issue as an excuse to circumvent direct negotiations, with the goal of prompting the international community to impose a 'just solution' on the Middle East. The PA has been pressing the international community to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, regardless of what Israel may say, and without having to make peace with the Jews. The EU has up until now been making favourable statements to this end, calling for the peace process to last no more than two years at the most, and the solution to be based on the territories captured during the Six Day War. Thus Abbas has been pressuring Israel and the Quartet into accepting this statement as a precondition to the direct talks, thereby ensuring the Palestinian Authority will get a state within two years whether they negotiate in good faith or not. Just a few days ago the Israeli government rightly rejected these demands, and so far the US is in agreement. But it seems that the EU is yet to be persuaded... Quote: ""The EU has agreed to the Palestinian stipulations of the talks leading to the creation of a Palestinian state based on pre- 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital within one year, but the Americans have not accepted these preconditions. Since they couldn't come to terms. It will probably take a few more days," the official said. The Scriptures indicate that this peace process will continue up until the Second Coming of Christ. The prophecy of Zechariah predicted that during the time of the end, the status of Jerusalem would become such a flashpoint of contention, that one day the whole world would be gathered together in battle against it (Zechariah 12:2-3). The Middle East conflict truly has become a "burdensome stone" and a "cup of trembling" to all the nations that are round about. To the Western nations, a burdensome stone that cuts them in pieces when they try to grapple with it. And to the Islamic nations that surround Israel, a cup of drunkenness, which they have become intoxicated with in trying to destroy it. Psalm 2 asks the question, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" You may be wondering, why is there such a conflict over a tiny piece of land, not more than a few hundred miles long? Is it really just a conflict over land? Or is it all about religion? The answer to both these questions is no. Yes, it is partly about land, but what are the real motives behind the desire for a Palestinian state? Is it purely territorial? Then why didn't Jordan offer to create a Palestinian state when they controlled the territory? Yes, it is partly about which religion controls the Temple Mount, but again, what are the motives? After all, there are many Arab Muslims who are more than willing to live in peace with the Jews. The real reason behind the conflict is given for us in verses 2-3. "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us". The word 'anointed' in the Hebrew literally says 'Meshiach' or Christ. The conflict over the Temple Mount is less about land and religion, and more about preventing the return of Christ to set up His Kingdom upon earth. Even as Christ is returning out of heaven at the Second Coming, Satan will direct the armies of earth to make war against Him who sits upon the white horse (Revelation 19:19). But again, Psalm 2:6 assures us that God is in complete control of the situation. "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion". As you can see, the events we are witnessing in the world today are indeed leading up to those described in the book of Revelation. Christ is coming back, for His church, and again to set up His Millennial Kingdom. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, there can be no doubt about that. But is He your King? When Pilate presented Jesus Christ to the people of Jerusalem on that day, he said, "Behold your King!" And they beheld one who was to suffer and die for their sins. Many of the Jews said, "We have no king but Caesar", John 19:15. But in just a short while, their 'king' to whom they pledged allegiance so bravely, would be responsible for the complete destruction of the city Jerusalem as prophesied by the Lord (Luke 21:20). But some of them did own the Lord Jesus as their King. One of the thieves who was crucified with Jesus would later say to Him, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom", Luke 23:42. His prayer was answered immediately. Yours can be too. You can be with the Lord when He comes in His Kingdom. In humility and sincerity, acknowledge to God that you are a sinner, and thank Jesus Christ for giving His life for you. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. Luke 18:17
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Source Jerusalem Post
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