Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.
Isaiah 62:6-7 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, 7 And give Him no rest till He establishes And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
This past weekend saw an unprecedented assault on Israel by Iran; 185 drones, 36 cruise missiles, and 110 surface-to-surface missiles were launched in successive waves from the eastern enemy nation devoted to the destruction of the Jewish homeland. More than 99% of these objects were intercepted by Israel and her allies. Israel’s military is extraordinarily capable and her allies’ support significant, yet I believe there is a bit more to the story.
A study of the history of wars reveals that God has intervened in military conflicts, and not just in biblical accounts of war.
The war of 1812 is one example, when the fledgling American nation was facing a devastating challenge from the British. Francis Scott Key peered across the harbor in Baltimore at the siege of Fort McHenry, witnessing the scene that would inspire the words in his national anthem, and wondering would the young nation survive “the bombs bursting in air”; would we find that “our flag was still there”? As the war progressed, British troops marched into Washington D.C. capturing the city as American forces retreated, and finding the dinner table set, sat down to dine before setting the White House ablaze, while First Lady Dolly Madison fled her presidential home by carriage, taking with her the rolled-up portrait of George Washington. The British troops continuing their destructive spree, entered the Capitol building, where they mockingly held a vote in the lawmaker’s chamber to decide whether to burn it down. Then they torched the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Navy Yard, and other significant public buildings.
However, soon afterward, the sky darkened and fierce winds began to howl, a hurricane and tornado unleashed chaos in Washington, D.C. The storm’s ferocity threw British soldiers from their horses, killed others with flying debris, and sent cannons airborne. Torrential rain extinguished the raging fires across the city as a tornado swept down Constitution Avenue. The tempest forced two British ships ashore and prompted a retreat. Overwhelmed, a British admiral exclaimed to an American woman, “Great God, Madam! Is this the kind of storm to which you are accustomed in this infernal country?” Her response underscored the storm’s timely intervention against the invaders: “No, Sir, this is a special interposition of Providence to drive our enemies from our city.” Someone must have been praying; perhaps we’ll eventually find out who….
According to a British historian, “More British soldiers were killed by this stroke of nature than by all the arms the Americans could muster in the feeble defense of their Capitol.” It was shortly thereafter that President James Madison, recognizing the hand of God in saving his nation, declared a ‘Day of Fasting and Prayer.’
While many in Israel may attribute its survival against a barrage of missiles to its military defenses and allies, the unfolding conflict had mobilized millions of saints around the world to pray for the “Peace of Jerusalem”, doubtless invoking the aid of powerful angels in whatever ways their divinely guided activity impacts the course of missiles and weapons of war.
Never underestimate the effectual prayer of the saints as it works in the affairs of men! Let the recent conflict in Israel serve as a testament to the efficacy of spiritual warfare, and that God’s intervention works in tandem, fulfilling His purposes in earthly affairs, and protecting all that belong to Him. Let us continue to pray and stand in faith as this Middle East conflict develops, praying for the salvation of Israel and her enemies, as He desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. The gospel will reconcile even the bitterest of enemies, until Yeshua (Jesus) returns to finally bring peace on Earth.
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]As we continue to celebrate the God-ordained Feast of Tabernacles — this is a prophetic feast, and one which will be kept by all the people of the world in the coming age. In resurrected bodies, we will be celebrating this feast, year to year in Jerusalem during the millennial reign of Yeshua (Jesus)! Can you imagine it — celebrating with the King of Kings! If that’s not something to anticipate, I’m not sure what is!
The Lord is quoted in this scripture in Matthew. It contains an important principle which believers sometimes tend to overlook. Many believe and even teach that if you’re blessed, your life will be filled with material prosperity, and that if you are undergoing extreme trial, it must be because you have sinned or that you lack faith. The Lord says that the sun rises and the rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous alike.
Abraham’s rescue of Lot and his household from the four Mesopotamian Kings in the middle of the night was an act of holy chutzpah! Israel’s first patriarch demonstrated great faith, courage, family loyalty, and military strategy during this successful rescue operation.
This Sunday night people from around the world will celebrate Yom Kippur. In Israel, nothing, absolutely nothing is open — no radio, television or cable, even the street lights don’t work!
On Monday, we talked about “tashlich” — the traditional Jewish ceremony occurring between Rosh ha Shana and Yom Kippur, which involves casting bread crumbs into a river while confessing our sins and watching them be swept downstream. In this passage, however, we read about the importance of casting our crowns. These elders fell down before the Lord, casted their golden crowns and gave God the glory and honor He deserves. How much more should we do the same today?
When my family and I were re-deployed to the United States during the Covid outbreak, all my plans were wrecked. I had planned becoming a licensed tour guide in Israel, allowing the ministry to continue while my kids would serve in the Israeli army for three years. Instead, I’m looking back at 150,000 miles of cross country driving throughout the US, and 350 speaking/ministry engagements. “…Man plans his way…” but, stuff happens, and sometimes we simply need to adjust. So, the adventure continues…
The Bible seems virtually redundant on the theme of courage. More than 125 exhortations for God’s people facing overwhelming trials and dilemmas, resound against fear, notwithstanding how natural that response may seem. Courage based on faith is the universal attitude for saints in all situations. Our omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere) Father says, and repeats, “Fear not! Be of good courage! Be strong and courageous!”