Jerusalem and Judah Will Become a Burdensome Stone to the World....
The bible prophesied that, in the last days, Jerusalem and Judah would become a burden to the world. In fact, they would become irresistible targets to neighboring nations who would send their armies to besiege and conquer:
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” Zechariah 12:2-3 (KJV)
This prophecy is being fulfilled right before our eyes. Since 1948, the nation of Israel has been besieged, at one time or another, by every neighboring nation in its geographic vicinity. Against great odds, the modern state of Israel has fought and survived four major wars – in 1948, 1956, 1967, and 1973 – as well as numerous violent conflicts. Today, the City of Jerusalem, and Israel itself, are the epicenter of world attention.
The Arab threat of war over Jewish possession of Israel and Jerusalem is a constant threat to world peace and international stability, making this geographic area a heavy burden on the world’s leaders.
The idea that this is simply “business as usual” or that “everything has remained the same” since Christ first appeared is utterly ridiculous. Despite its historical prominence, Jerusalem has never been “a burden for the world” until our generation.
Almost 2,000 years ago, the apostle Peter prophesied that in the last days scoffers would appear, arguing against the possibility of Christ’s return. The very argument he said they would use is today one of the most common among skeptics:
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4 (KJV