The Living God of Abraham and Isaac named Jacob “Israel.” As Jacob was wrestling with God, the Lord said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28). Israel, despite his sins, was commended by God as a fighter who prevails. Modern day Israel today is a fighter, surrounded by enemies, prevailing. God’s blessing continues! He “keeps” Israel, and us, not allowing our foot to be moved, neither slumbering nor sleeping, preserving us from all evil, preserving our soul, ”from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:3-8)
As we take time to repent on these global days of repentance the Holy Spirit is strengthened in each of us. His Word replaces old sin strongholds, cleansing us. We learn the unique calling the Lord has for each of us to advance His Kingdom in these end times. We become more like Jacob, one who struggles with God and men and prevails.
The Living God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, in the Lord’s perfect timing, in fulfillment of Scriptures, blessed all humanity with Yeshua’s birth in Bethlehem. His first Word as He preached (Matthew 4:17) was “Repent; for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He now as the Risen Christ calls us to cleanse as His Bride (Ephesians 5: 25-27) and to be zealous to repent, to dine with Him, to become overcomers to sit with Him on His throne as He overcame and sat on His Abba Father’s throne. (Revelation 3:19-21).
Israel is unique among nations, the apple of His eye. Yes, God’s heart and strategy touches all nations. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have life everlasting!” (John 3:16). At the same time, YHVH proclaims that He has a special strategic priority and heart for the Jewish people. They are His firstborn nation: “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says YHVH, “Israel is My son, My firstborn” (Exodus 4:22).
This firstborn status is explained in the Bible (Deuteronomy 21:15-18; Romans 1:16; 9:1-5; 11:28-29) as being a continuing priority in the outworking of God’s kingdom. Though all are created by Him – red and yellow, black and white – God draws a redemptive plumb line through mankind: on one side are the Jewish people, and on the other are all the nations (the Gentiles). Replacement theology and the spirit of anti-semitism has sought to hide this Truth.
PRAYER POINTS:
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Ask Yahweh to reveal His heart of love for the Jewish people
One prayer point for intercessors focusing on Israel this July 29-30 is to pray for God’s revelation to be given to believers worldwide regarding God’s unswerving heart for Israel.
2. Ask Yahweh to pour out His Spirit upon the Jewish people
Another prayer point is for YHVH to pour His Spirit out on the Jewish people, including His heart and strategy for His people Israel, including Yeshua as Messiah. This is extremely timely given the threats Israel faces today: threats of war from nations all around Israel; a resurgent COVID19 crisis; a possible two-State solution contrary to YHVH’s plan, if portions of the West Bank are declared sovereign Israeli territory.
3. Focus prayers of mourning for what Israel has endured during the 9th of Av over the centuries
July 29-30 is even more timely for intercession for Israel; those dates represent the 9th of Av, Tisha B’Av. Jews spend that day mourning, reading the book of Lamentations. Both holy temples were destroyed on that date. On that date, and despite Caleb’s bold statement that “ Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” the spies sent into the Promised Land returned with a bad report, causing that generation to defame Yahweh’s delivering Hand; they died in the desert. On the 9th of Av in 1290 the Jews were expelled from England. On the 9th of Av in 1492 Jews were exiled from Spain. In World War I and II, key events, connected to the Holocaust, took place on the 9th of Av.
4. Repent of our own anti-semistism -- as Gentiles -- toward God's chosen people
What better time for you and me to confess our own or our nations’ sins of anti-semitism and to repent of our anti-semitism? What better time after repentance, as your Holy Spirit soars, to intercede to bring Yeshua’s Hope and Life into Jewish minds and hearts?
5. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the Lord to protect the people and the nation of Israel from enemy attacks and war during this time of crisis.
6. Pray that, during this time of crisis, Israelis would seek the LORD
Pray that Israelis would seek the Lord and His help during this time of illness, vulnerability, stress and turmoil.