Welcome back friends…and thanks for stopping by.  This week looms large in the Middle East as Israelis go to the polls, world powers resume negotiations with Iran, and leaders talk about resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.  The prophet Ezekiel tells us that Israel is the center of the world (Ezekiel 5:5, Ezekiel 38:12), so is it any wonder that world events seem to constantly swirl around her?  Such will be the case in the last days.

On Tuesday, Israelis will elect their next government.  Two parties (Likud and Zionist Union) are in a tight race for the majority of Knesset seats.  Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party is behind in the polls, but is likely working with other right-wing parties to develop a coalition that could allow Netanyahu to retain his position of Prime Minister.  Opposition parties are likely doing the same, hoping they can thwart Netanyahu’s bid to hold his position.  All of that, of course, is up to the voters.

Regardless of which parties or individuals come out “winners,” let’s pray that God will grant wisdom (and leaders will receive it!)  in order to lead Israel through very perilous times.

Some of that peril is closely related to agreements that are made regarding Iran’s nuclear capability.  The Obama administration continues to press for a nuclear deal with Iran and John Kerry is currently in Switzerland to lead negotiations toward such a deal.  The deadline for reaching a framework agreement is said to be the end of March.  Despite opposition from Israel and from a large portion of the US Congress, Kerry and the US delegation continue to push for a deal that would all too soon remove sanctions on Iran, would allow them to continue operating far too many centrifuges, and would ultimately allow Iran virtually unimpeded opportunity for nuclear weapons.  It is a bad deal for Israel, and ultimately a bad deal for the US.  Again, let’s pray for wisdom for world leaders as they engage in negotiations.

On his way to Switzerland, Secretary of State John Kerry stopped off in Egypt, where he met with Egyptian President al-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah, and Palestinian President Abbas to discuss re-opening Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.  The Palestinian Authority is still in unity government with Hamas, a known terrorist group whose charter clearly states their goal of destroying Israel.  Yet, in what appears to be hell-bent efforts to leave a “legacy of peace,” the Obama administration continues to press Israel to acquiesce to regimes who intend nothing but destruction upon Israel.  It is a very complicated issue, and one in which only the wisdom of our Lord can resolve.  Let’s ask Him to grant wisdom to leaders involved in those negotiations also.

Friends, there is no shortage in the need for prayer!  Psalm 122 commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  There is no more opportune time than now.  Will you join me?