Column: Hastening the coming of Jesus

15 juni 2010

Column by Gilbert Lammerts van Bueren
The Bible tells of, and also prophesies, many wars against Israel. Christians who pray for the coming of God's Kingdom are sometimes confused as how to interpret these wars. Praying against violence and threats seems to thwart Gods purposes. Related to this, many Palestinian Christians believe that Christian Zionists only support Israel in order to try to hasten the coming of Jesus! In the midst of political conflict and fear of wars, we must listen to the Scriptures.
Clearly, Biblical prophecy is given either to encourage believers or to correct them. God is in control and always has been. This however does not mean that there is some kind of fixed divine computer program which is running and which we can speed up or slow down by our deeds and prayers. The God who is in control is a loving God, longing to relate to His people in truth and righteousness. The heart of God towards Israel can be seen in Ezekiel 33 v11, so we can pray 'Lord have mercy', against war and injustice.
As for hastening the coming of Jesus, there is one text in the Bible suggesting how we can do this; "You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming", 2 Peter 3 v12. It is all about sanctification in our daily lives. Supporting Israel is not mentioned here and as such does not speed up His coming. Support for Israel is all to do with our identity. We are related to Israel whether we like it or not. Everything we value in our faith belongs first to the Jews. For God chose to bless the nations through them. Through our faith in Jesus we are grafted into Israel .
Hastening the coming of Jesus is above all about praying as the Holy Spirit does: "Come Lord Jesus!"