The collective memory of Jerusalem has echoed down through many generations of the Israelite peoples. This applies to the Jews in particular (the descendants of the ancient kingdom of Judah), as they view Jerusalem as their eternal capital.

During their captivity in King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon the Jews longingly lamented the loss of their sacred city. "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion . . . How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy" (Psalm 137:1, 4-6, New International Version throughout, emphasis added).

But the passage of time and God's interventions eventually overcame sorrow. Several million Jews now reside in the Holy Land. Psalm 147:2 reflects on what the Creator has accomplished: "The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel." (The intriguing account of how God gathered many Jews to form the nation of Israel during the 20th century is described in "Israel's Amazing Story: Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy" beginning on page 11.)

Yet national resettlement has not prevented conflict in the state of Israel. In addition to unending territorial disputes with the Palestinians, the Israelis have serious problems of their own making.

In the book of Revelation the Bible frankly depicts much-less-than-ideal conditions in Jerusalem and the land of Israel. In fact, the comparison is with ancient "Sodom and Egypt" (Revelation 11:8).

Nonetheless, God long ago chose Jerusalem for a special purpose in fulfilling His plan for humanity. His Word assures us that "the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God" (Psalm 87:2-3).

Current domestic difficulties, international conflicts and terrorist bombings will all cease with the return of Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals that Jerusalem has the brightest of futures beyond the present troubles.

Many of the Psalms are prophetic and describe this wonderful future. For instance, Psalm 93:1 speaks of a future when "the Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty . . . and is armed with strength." Christ's divine leadership is going to solve the stubborn, intractable problems of this troubled, chaotic earth.

At that time peace and justice will spread its wings from Jerusalem. "Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations" (Psalm 99:2). Further: "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores [faraway nations] rejoice . . . Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne" (Psalm 97:1-2).

These majestic millennial conditions stand in sharp contrast to today's uncertain world of widespread conflict and injustice. Thankfully, God will bring us this new age and with it a new way of life where the knowledge of God will overlay the earth as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," wrote King David some 3,000 years ago (Psalm 122:6). That prayer will yet be answered! GN