Peace Now, a left wing organization that opposes Israel's presence in east Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, is planning to distribute a flyer claiming that Israeli settlements will lead to the destruction of Zionism and ultimately the destruction of the Third Temple. The poster is to be distributed on Tisha b'Av, the anniversary of the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. It is likely to stir up controversy, for Peace Now would most certainly not support the rebuilding of a Jewish Temple on what they consider to be Palestinian land. The poster claims that the Jewish people were responsible for the destruction of their First and Second Temples, and predicts that Israel's eagerness to settle 'Palestinian land' will result in the destruction of the Third Temple. It also claims that Israeli settlement policy is to blame for the Middle East conflict.

Quote: "The poster, that is certain to stir up controversy in the capital, reads: "Why was the First Temple destroyed? Because of three things – idolatry, incest and bloodshed. Why was the Second Temple destroyed? Because there was unfounded hatred. And what, heaven forbid, will lead to the destruction of the Third Temple? The settlements, fanaticism and occupation." "For this I mourn," the poster continues," for the settlements that were built in the heart of Palestinian territory and that keep peace and quiet from our land. For the settlements that were built, with or without permit, and that turn us into the loathsome scum among the nations. "For the outposts that were built by deception and by turning blind eyes. For Jerusalem, the joy of the land, that has been turned into a city of strife and quarrel. For the continued investment and construction in the settlements, that will ultimately lead to one state for two people – and thus put an end to the Zionist enterprise." The poster was signed, "Seek peace, and pursue it. Not Obama's, not the world's. The settlements are our problem."

Of course what Peace Now fail to point out is that Arab and Islamic refusal to recognize Israel's existence is what brought about the conflict in the first place. Nor do they disclose the fact that Palestinian terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Fatah still refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist period. And no amount of concessions or 'land for peace' deals are going to change that. Nor do they explain why there was no peace from 1948 to 1967, when Israel was in possession of none of the lands now contested by the Palestinian Authority. In reality Israeli settlements are not an obstacle to peace. Rather it is Israel's existence that is the obstacle. Unfortunately the international community has chosen to take the side of the Palestinians, despite them having no political, historical or religious claim to the land. But the poster does make a few interesting statements concerning the destruction of the First and Second Temples. It is true that it was idolatry which led to the destruction of the First Temple at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 25). It is also true that it was unfounded hatred which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple by the armies of Titus in 70AD. And there can be no greater an unfounded hatred than that which was showed the Son of God. Forty years after His rejection as the Messiah of Israel, the Roman armies surrounded the city of Jerusalem and commenced what we know today as the Diaspora. Christ accurately predicted the destruction of the Second Temple, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people into all the nations of the world.

Luke 19:41-44
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Luke 21:20-24
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Unfortunately it will not be the settlements, fanaticism and occupation that will lead to the destruction or desolation of the Third Temple. Rather it will be the continuing refusal of the nation of Israel to recognize their own Messiah as Lord and Saviour. As the Lord Jesus Christ prophesied, He came in His Father's Name and they refused Him, but there is one who is coming in his own name who they will accept (John 5:43). But praise God that the Stone which the builders rejected will soon become the Chief Corner Stone (Psalm 118:22). It is sad to say that Israel as a nation has still not reached that point of recognizing their Messiah. It will take a great calamity to occur in the land before that will happen. But many individuals are accepting Him as their Lord and Saviour today. And you can accept Him too. The Bible says that "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name", John 1:12. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Source YNet News