When Jerusalem Becomes a Burdensome Stone

I am deeply troubled by what I see happening in Israel, Gaza, and throughout the Middle East. This concern is not rooted in hatred for the Jewish people. I do not hold ordinary Jewish men, women, and children responsible for decisions made by Israel’s political and military leaders. Neither do I hold every Palestinian responsible for the actions of Hamas.

My concern is that present events appear to be moving the world toward an end-time confrontation that human governments will be unable to resolve. According to Scripture, it will require the direct intervention of the LORD.

The prophet Zechariah wrote:

“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 12:3, KJV

Notice that the prophecy says Jerusalem will become a “burdensome stone for all people.” Today, Jerusalem and the nation of Israel stand at the center of an expanding international crisis. Governments argue over Israel. Political parties divide over Israel. Churches separate over Israel. Wars are fought, alliances are changing, and nations are being drawn into an increasingly dangerous confrontation.

I am not setting a date for the fulfillment of prophecy, nor am I claiming that every present event is the final fulfillment of Zechariah. Nevertheless, I believe we are witnessing the development of conditions that could move the nations toward the event the prophet described.

When Hatred Overtakes Compassion

Before nations will unite to destroy a people, those people must first be dehumanized. Compassion must disappear. Individuals must no longer be seen as fathers, mothers, children and neighbors. They become nothing more than members of a hated group.

We are already witnessing this process.

Palestinian civilians are frequently treated as though every one of them is a member of Hamas. Their suffering is dismissed as an unfortunate but necessary consequence of war. At the same time, many people are beginning to treat every Jewish person as though he or she personally supports every action of the Israeli government.

Both forms of collective judgment are wrong.

A Palestinian child is not Hamas. A Jewish child is not the Israeli government. An ordinary Jewish family living in America or Europe has no control over the decisions made by Israel’s prime minister, cabinet or military commanders.

Yet perception often becomes reality in the minds of angry people. When Israeli leaders use dehumanizing language, defend collective punishment or appear indifferent to civilian suffering, the resulting anger is frequently directed against Jewish people everywhere. That transfer of guilt is unjust, but it is also foreseeable.

This is why I cannot understand the continued recklessness of Israel’s leadership. Do they not recognize the danger their actions are creating for Jewish communities throughout the world? Do they not see that every cruel statement and every image of civilian suffering provides additional fuel for those who already hate the Jews?

I cannot prove that Israeli leaders intend to destroy the Jewish people. I do not claim to know their secret motives. However, I believe their present policies are placing Jewish people throughout the world in increasing danger. Political survival, nationalism, territorial ambition and military power appear to have become more important than compassion, justice and long-term security.

Prophecy Does Not Excuse Injustice

Some Christians believe that because Israel occupies an important place in Bible prophecy, they must defend everything its government does. I do not accept that position.

The prophets of Israel repeatedly condemned Israel’s leaders when they practiced injustice, oppressed the weak or shed innocent blood. Biblical Israel was never placed beyond moral accountability. God’s covenant purposes did not give its rulers permission to do evil.

Isaiah declared:

“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
—Isaiah 1:17, KJV

Jeremiah warned:

“Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor.”
—Jeremiah 22:3, KJV

If the ancient kings of Israel were accountable to God, the present government of Israel is also accountable. Prophecy does not turn wrongdoing into righteousness.

At the same time, Israel’s sins cannot justify hatred toward all Jews or a campaign to destroy them. The nations will also be judged for their hatred, violence and desire for destruction. One side’s sin does not make the other side innocent.

A Crisis Humanity Cannot Resolve

The Middle East has experienced peace conferences, ceasefires, treaties, negotiations and military interventions. Yet hatred continues to grow. Every act of violence becomes the justification for another. Every bombing produces another generation of wounded, angry and grieving people.

Political leaders promise peace while preparing for war. Nations speak of security while building larger arsenals. Religious groups claim righteousness while losing compassion for human suffering.

Humanity does not possess the wisdom or moral strength to resolve this crisis. The problem is no longer merely political. It is spiritual.

Hatred has blinded the nations. Pride prevents repentance. Fear overrules compassion. Revenge is called justice, and violence is presented as the only path to security. These are signs of a world moving toward judgment.

Zechariah tells us that when the nations gather against Jerusalem, the final answer will not come from the United Nations, the United States, NATO, Russia, China or any other earthly power. The LORD Himself will intervene.

“Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.”
—Zechariah 14:3, KJV

The same prophecy also points toward mourning, repentance and spiritual recognition:

“And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him.”
—Zechariah 12:10, KJV

The ultimate answer is not military conquest. It is the revelation and reign of Jesus Christ.

The Responsibility of the Church

Christians should not rejoice as the world moves toward destruction. Prophecy was not given so that we might celebrate suffering or cheer for war. It was given so that we might remain awake, faithful and prepared.

Our responsibility is to speak truth without surrendering to hatred. We must condemn the killing of innocent Palestinians without becoming enemies of the Jewish people. We must oppose antisemitism without excusing injustice committed by Israel’s government. We must recognize every person—Jew, Muslim, Christian, Israeli and Palestinian—as a soul for whom Christ died.

Jesus said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
—Matthew 5:9, KJV

The world is moving toward an event that only the LORD can resolve. Jerusalem is becoming a burdensome stone, the nations are increasingly divided, and compassion is being replaced by collective hatred.

This is not a time for the Church to join the shouting of the nations. It is a time to warn, pray, preach the Gospel and demonstrate the compassion of Christ.

Our confidence must not be placed in political leaders, military power or international agreements. Our hope is in the LORD alone.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
—Psalm 122:6, KJV

Let us pray for Jerusalem. Let us pray for the Jewish people. Let us pray for Palestinians, including the suffering Christian communities of the Holy Land. Let us pray for repentance among political and military leaders. Above all, let us pray that souls will turn to Jesus Christ before hatred brings the nations to a conflict from which only the LORD can deliver them.

The Hidden Church of Somalia: Faith Beneath the Sword

 While much of the world watches the wars in the Middle East and Europe, a small and nearly invisible body of believers is suffering in Somalia. These Christians seldom appear on television. We do not know all their names, see their faces or hear their testimonies. Most cannot speak publicly without placing themselves and their families in danger.

Yet the Church of Jesus Christ is present in Somalia.

Somalia is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world to follow Christ. Open Doors ranked it second only to North Korea on its 2026 World Watch List. The exact number of Somali Christians cannot be established because most believers must conceal their faith. Estimates suggest that only hundreds—or perhaps a very small number beyond that—live there.

These believers are not hiding because they are ashamed of Jesus. They are hiding because discovery can mean rejection, imprisonment or death.

Persecuted by Extremists, Families and Clans

Al-Shabaab, an Islamist terrorist organization affiliated with al-Qaeda, openly seeks to eliminate Christianity from Somalia. It regards Muslims who accept Jesus Christ as apostates and has threatened to execute people suspected of converting.

The danger does not come from militants alone. Somalia is a clan-centered society in which family connections provide protection, employment and social standing. When a Somali becomes a Christian, that decision may be treated as betrayal of the family, clan and nation.

A believer may be disowned, driven from home, threatened or assaulted. Some converts have reportedly been betrayed by members of their own families. Without clan protection, a person can be left with nowhere to live and no safe place to turn.

Jesus warned His disciples:

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
—Matthew 10:22, KJV

For Christians in Somalia, these words are not merely part of a Sunday sermon. They describe everyday life.

A Church Without Buildings

There are few, if any, openly functioning Somali Christian congregations where converts can worship safely. Believers cannot freely build churches, preach publicly, distribute Bibles or announce that they have accepted Christ.

They meet secretly in homes or communicate quietly with trusted believers. Some may worship entirely alone because contacting another Christian could expose both of them.

Imagine possessing a Bible that you cannot allow your family to see. Imagine being unable to sing a hymn aloud, tell your neighbor about Jesus or ask publicly for prayer. Imagine wondering whether someone you trust might report you to your family, the authorities or a militant organization.

That is the reality facing many Somali Christians.

Nevertheless, Jesus promised:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
—Matthew 18:20, KJV

The Church is not defined by a building, a sign or a large congregation. Even when two frightened believers meet quietly behind a closed door, Christ is present.

Almost No Legal Protection

Somalia’s Constitution declares Islam the state religion and prohibits the propagation of another religion. Although the Constitution contains language concerning individual rights, Christians—especially converts from Islam—have little meaningful protection in practice.

The danger exists not only in territory controlled by Al-Shabaab. Christians living in areas governed by federal or regional authorities can still face surveillance, intimidation and intense social pressure. The authorities may be unable or unwilling to protect someone accused of leaving Islam.

In May 2026, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom warned that Al-Shabaab’s expansion was increasing the danger to Christian converts and others who reject its violent ideology.

Somali Christians therefore find themselves surrounded by danger. Extremists threaten them, society rejects them, and the government often cannot protect them.

Hunger Added to Persecution

Somalia is also suffering from armed conflict, severe drought, displacement and widespread hunger. Millions of Somalis face food insecurity, and nearly 1.9 million children were projected to suffer acute malnutrition during 2026.

This suffering affects Muslims and Christians alike. We must care about every hungry child and suffering family, regardless of religion.

However, Christian converts may be especially vulnerable because they can be separated from the family and clan networks upon which Somali people commonly depend for food, shelter and security. A person rejected for accepting Christ may have difficulty obtaining help without exposing his or her faith.

These believers are carrying both the burden of national suffering and the cross of religious persecution.

We Must Not Condemn All Muslims

Al-Shabaab commits its violence in the name of an extreme interpretation of Islam, but Christians must not respond by hating every Muslim. Many Somali Muslims are themselves victims of Al-Shabaab’s violence, forced rule and terrorism.

We must distinguish between terrorists and ordinary people just as we insist that others distinguish between a government’s actions and the people it claims to represent.

The Christian response to persecution is not hatred. It is truth, prayer, courageous witness and love for both the persecuted and the persecutor.

Jesus said:

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
—Matthew 5:44, KJV

We condemn persecution without surrendering to hatred. We oppose the spirit of Antichrist while remembering that those deceived by that spirit are souls who need salvation.

Why Is the Western Church Silent?

Churches in America often become consumed with politics, personalities, buildings and programs. Meanwhile, believers in Somalia risk their lives simply to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

We argue about inconveniences while they face possible execution. We complain when worship does not suit our preferences while they cannot worship publicly at all. We debate how comfortable the church should be while they ask whether they will live through another day.

Their suffering should bring us to repentance.

Paul wrote:

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
—Hebrews 13:3, KJV

To remember persecuted believers means more than briefly mentioning them. It means carrying their burden in prayer, telling their story and supporting trustworthy ministries that serve them without needlessly exposing their identities.

The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail

From a human perspective, Christianity should have disappeared from Somalia. Believers possess little political influence, no military protection and almost no public visibility.

Yet the Church remains.

Every secret prayer, hidden Bible and whispered testimony declares that Al-Shabaab has failed. Governments may restrict the Gospel, families may reject converts, and extremists may kill believers, but they cannot destroy the Church of Jesus Christ.

Our Lord promised:

“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
—Matthew 16:18, KJV

Let us remember the hidden Church of Somalia. Let us pray for protection, courage and fellowship for its believers. Let us pray that those who persecute them will encounter Jesus Christ and be transformed as Saul of Tarsus was transformed.

The world may not know their names, but God knows every one of them. Their tears are not forgotten, their prayers are not unheard, and their faithfulness will not go unrewarded.

A Prayer for Somalia

Our heavenly Father, we come before Thee on behalf of Thy persecuted children in Somalia. Thou knowest every believer who must worship in secret and every convert who fears discovery.

Protect those who are being hunted. Provide shelter for those rejected by their families. Bring isolated believers into safe fellowship with one another. Give pastors, evangelists and Bible teachers wisdom as they minister under dangerous conditions.

Restrain the violence of Al-Shabaab and open the eyes of those who persecute Thy Church. Let Muslims throughout Somalia hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ—not through hatred or force, but through the faithful witness and sacrificial love of Thy people.

Remember the hungry, the displaced, the widows and the suffering children of Somalia. Send food, water, medical assistance and faithful laborers. Preserve Thy Church beneath the shadow of persecution and remind every hidden believer that he or she is never hidden from Thee.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

Sources consulted: Open Doors, 2026 World Watch List and Somalia country profile; U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, “Religious Freedom in Somalia,” May 2026; U.S. Department of State, International Religious Freedom reporting on Somalia; United Nations and Associated Press reporting on Somalia’s 2026 humanitarian crisis.