The headlines ask will Iran sign a peace agreement? If you are south of 90 years of age this headline will seem quite deja vu like in nature. Why, because almost every administration of the United States has strived to secure peace in the Middle East since the nation of Israel had become recognized by the world. So why is there always a need for peace, why don't all the treaties and agreements end the conflict in the cradle of humanity?

       The Holy Scriptures predict the lack of cohesive peace in this part of the world for centuries. In fact, the prophetic books of the Old Testament have demonstrated quite accurately this truth in regards to the ending of hostilities.  You might be surprised to find that two brothers arguing over a bowl of soup led to war in this region. Must have been quite a bowl of soup! 

       Isaac's twin sons Jacob and Esau were at odds since their birth and it came to head when Esau returned home famished after a long hunt and did the unimaginable. He promised to give up his blessing and birthright as the eldest son for a bowl of soup to which Jacob gladly accepted. The appetite of Esau would lead to a division in the family, the same family by which a future Messiah would come. 

        The descendants of the two boys continued the feud with Esau's own grandson Amalek becoming a father of a nation consumed by anger with God's chosen people of Israel and the descendants of Jacob. For centuries this has been the pattern, Israel has been at odds with people groups that align with the Devil against the "seed" of Eve and the coming Messiah.  Hot stew was a flashpoint in human history. Israel has always been at war to survive with all the nations around her. In fact it is predicted that even the most ardent supporter of Israel on the global scene in America will withdraw her support of the Jewish People. Just a few years ago, France and England and many other nations supported Israel, that time is over. 

       How do we know that peace will not ever come in the Middle East? Though there might be moments of calm or quiet, centuries of hate, spiritual warfare, and distrust will not be erased with a treaty. Lasting structural peace for Israel and the Middle East will only arrive with the coming of the Lord. The Book of Revelation confirms the world will come against Israel and the Lord Himself will destroy all the combatants that come against the remnant of the nation God set aside so many centuries ago. Whatever ceasing of hostilities, including the promises of an anti-Christ, will not change the path of history and God's eternal plan. Should we seek peace absolutely but there is only one Prince of Peace.