Knowing God’s Ways

Knowing God’s Ways

by Merrill Bolender

“He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.”
– Psalm 103:7 NKJV

When we understand God’s ways, we won’t fear or complain like the children of Israel did in the wilderness. God wants us—His people in these last days—to know His ways so we can be involved in what He is doing.  

As Christians, during these times of “shaking of everything that can be shaken,” we need to understand God’s ways. The difference between knowing God’s works and knowing His ways is like the difference between peace and panic, involvement and passivity.

“…The sons of Issachar understood the times, they also knew what they should do…” 1 Chronicles 12:32 (paraphrased).

Now, as God is shaking every facet of society worldwide, He is orchestrating His purposes and fulfilling prophecies of the restoration of all things, as spoken by all the prophets. Israel’s restoration is taking place in our lifetime.

2020 proved to be a year of earth-shaking times. If we don’t understand God’s ways, it can be a time when, “Men’s hearts are failing them from fear and the expectation of those things, which are coming on the earth…” Luke 21:26a NKJV.

I believe the Lord God wants His people to understand the times and know what He wants to accomplish during this worldwide shaking. Each of us lives for a time, with a very limited perspective, but God sees the completed picture. 

To know God’s will, we must know God’s ways. It takes “revelation.” “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” Proverbs 29:18a. If God’s people have no revelation of what God is doing, they don’t know what to do, don’t do anything, or just do as they wish. Paul told the Gentile Roman believers, “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery (of Israel), brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited…” Romans 11:25a NIV. Ignorance leads to pride, which is spiritual blindness.

God is looking for laborers with whom He can share His purposes. Have we caught the vision? If we have the vision and begin to feel God’s heart, no sacrifice is too great for our involvement. 

Dear Lord, open my understanding of the mystery of Israel’s restoration. In these last days, as You are planting Your people back in the Land with all Your heart and soul, help us to feel that love and desire to partner with You in this miraculous, holy work of Aliyah.

 

Article originally published in “The Season of the Lord’s Roar is Upon Us”, OEUSA Newsletter Issue 1/2021
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The Deep Roar of Compassion

The Deep Roar of Compassion

by Quay Messner

“My heart is torn within me and my compassion overflows.”
– Hosea 11:8b NLT

In prayer we connect with the heart of the LORD. Hosea 11:8 reveals the extraordinary depths of His love for His people in exile. In verse 10 we are shown His motivation for the roar: compassion. His people have been unfaithful to Him, disobedient, rebellious, and unwilling to repent, yet His compassion overflows.

The Tree of Life Version expresses another facet of His love and compassion: “My heart is turning over within Me. My compassions are kindled.” The love in His heart causes compassion that flows like water but also burns like holy fire, eliciting His roar from an unfathomably deep place in His heart. It is an awesome honor to be filled with—and flow in—His compassion as it fuels our prayers.

In context, His people had been unfaithful to Him—comparable in human terms to an adulterous wife. Any human heart would have given up on them and given them over to their deserved consequences. But He says, “No, I will not unleash my fierce anger…for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you…” Hosea 11:9 NLT.

Combine this deep eternal love and holy compassion with royal authority and power, and the result is: “For someday the people will follow me. I the LORD, will roar like a lion.” Hosea 11:10a NLT. The LORD who is roaring is the Lion of Judah! Jacob prophesied, “Judah, my son, is a young lion…The scepter will not depart from Judah…” Genesis 49:9-10 NLT. The book of Revelation confirms: “…Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has won the victory.” Revelation 5:5 NLT.

This roar is compassionate beyond human comprehension; it is also authoritative above all human authority. It is a royal roar that will not fail in its purpose. “And when I roar, my people will come trembling from the west.” Hosea 11:10b NLT. He is simultaneously calling His people out of exile from the west with compassion and authority, plus confusing and paralyzing every enemy attempt to stop the Aliyah.

Why are His people trembling as they return? Perhaps the answer is as deep as the roar itself and beyond human comprehension. The Jewish people are responding to a call that is inexplicable. Although the days are dark and very compatible with ungodly fear, we perceive His people are responding to something else—to the roar of The Holy One of Israel (Hosea 11:9)—an unmistakable signal in the depths of their hearts and a powerful release to return to Him from exile.

We invite you to join us as we join the LORD in compassionate, authoritative intercession for the Aliyah. 
Please visit our Get Involved page or call 716.681.6300 to find out how you can help today.

Article originally published in “The Season of the Lord’s Roar is Upon Us”, OEUSA Newsletter Issue 1/2021
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Revelation of Aliyah

The revelation of Aliyah

The Revelation of Aliyah

by Matthew Grim

Before I stepped into Operation Exodus USA’s national office for the first time, I didn’t know much about the work done here. I was aware of the promises that God made the Jewish people thousands of years ago. Still, I had never given much thought to what those promises could mean today. I didn’t even know what the term “Aliyah” meant. As I imagine in the case of most Gentiles (Christians) in America, I saw myself as outside the original covenant made with Israel, so I never thought it would be important in my walk with Christ. I can confidently say now that I was wrong about that.

That first visit catalyzed a spiritual journey that I am still traveling as I seek to better understand God’s heart for Israel in this day and age. I realized that God is still working in His chosen people and that His promises are still being fulfilled today. I was encouraged by this revelation of Aliyah and decided I wanted to learn all I could about Operation Exodus USA’s calling to fulfill God’s promises by helping the Jewish people and Aliyah.

So what exactly is Aliyah?

Aliyah is a Hebrew word used to refer to the act of moving to Israel. It was used for generations even before Israel was reformed after WWII but wasn’t a formal legal term until 1948. In 1948, Israel passed the Law of Return, which gives any Jewish person worldwide the right to settle in Israel and become an Israeli citizen. On paper, it seems like that’s the end of the story, but I learned very quickly that it certainly was not. To the Jewish people, Aliyah isn’t just a legal term and a right – it gives them hope.

Aliyah is the hope that our God keeps His word and that He will fulfill His promises. Throughout scripture, the Lord promises to “gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them” (Jeremiah 23:3 ESV) back to the Promised Land, to Israel, and in my time here, it’s become quite evident that He still is fulfilling those promises to this day. I’ve learned that to the Jewish people, the hope of Aliyah brings with it the hope that all of God’s promises will be fulfilled, and those hopes are realized when His people are brought home.

The Revelation of Aliyah

In my time here I have also realized that Aliyah is the heart of the story of God and His people. From the beginning of time to the modern-day, the story of our existence has always been about God’s longing to be with His people. Time and time again, the Jewish people have been torn from their land only to be brought back because of God’s love for them. While there were times that God punished Israel for their disobedience, He always made it clear that “I will not remove from him [Israel] my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips” (Psalm 89: 33-34 ESV). The story of the Lord and His people is a beautiful picture of reunion and reconciliation; I see it as a reminder of God’s love for all of His creation.

Why is this work important?

As I learned more about Aliyah and the Jewish people’s desire to return to the land of Israel, I became more unsure of what to do with this information. As a Gentile I couldn’t see at the time what my role could even be in God’s plan for the Jewish people. I was aware of God’s promises to Israel in the past, and I believed God still had plans for the Jewish people. Still, I had never considered that those plans were in motion today. I decided to accept that God wanted me to serve His people through Operation Exodus USA and to answer a vital question I know many others have asked: Why, as a Gentile, should I spend my days helping the Jewish people?

The answer was simple – I serve the God of Israel.

The Revelation of Aliyah

The God that I worship, praise, and seek to serve is the same God that brought the Jewish people out of Egypt and the same God who said He would gather His people from across the world back to the Promised Land. Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord has called upon the Gentiles to “prepare the way for the people…” (Isaiah 62:10 ESV) so that His chosen people might return to the land He promised them. I have spent my life pursuing God and wanting to serve Him wherever He would have me, and I believe He is calling me to help the Jewish people return home.

Ultimately, I choose to help the Jewish people to bring glory to our God. Time and time again, when the Lord has brought His people back to the Promised Land, it was done for His glory. Making the way for the Jewish people to return to Israel will reveal the glory of God, and as a result of this great Aliyah, “…the nations will know that I am the Lord…” (Ezekiel 36:23 ESV). I want to serve the Lord and His chosen people to that end, for His name’s sake.

The journey of discovery and understanding I started at the end of last year has not ended. I am still praying and seeking the Lord to understand His purposes and His eternal plan better. Still, I am confident that this great regathering of the Jewish people is a part of God’s will. I praise God for this revelation and for allowing me to contribute towards fulfilling the promises He made to His people. If you’re new to all of this like I am, I encourage you to pray and seek God for understanding and revelation. The further you travel on this journey, the deeper your understanding of God’s heart will become.

Let all glory and honor and praise be to our Lord! He is a faithful and loving God who will not abandon His people!

The Revelation of Aliyah
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Purim – Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

Purim - Celebration of God's Faithfulness

Purim – Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

February 25 – February 26, 2021

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

Psalm 126:2 NIV

From Thursday evening at Sunset until Friday evening at sunset, Purim will be celebrated. 

This holiday is a reminder to our Jewish friends and fellow Christians that no matter how difficult things seem, especially through the uncertainty of these difficult times, that our God is there to carry us through it all. 

As we read through the book of Esther, a beautiful tapestry emerges as we see glimpses of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness. Throughout the events taking place, we see how intractably involved God is—although behind the scenes—reversing the murderous plots of the enemy of His people. His desire is always to rescue, deliver, and save His chosen people. 

Esther, a young Jewish orphan girl was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. He raised and esteemed her as his own daughter. Under Mordecai’s care, she was well-loved and protected and grew up to be an obedient girl with great beauty. Through a series of events, she became crowned queen (wife) of King Xerxes of Persia. It is clear and evident that the favor of God was upon her life—positioning her at the royal courts for a higher purpose. She was hand-picked by the Providence of Almighty God to rescue her people.

Mordecai had forbidden Esther to reveal her Jewish roots in the king’s courts, and she obeyed his instructions just as she did throughout her childhood. Mordecai set at the king’s gates—uncovering a conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes. He told Queen Esther about the plot, and she in turn reported it to the king. This plot was investigated and found to be true, and it was all recorded in the presence of the king. 

 As we read on, we learn of Haman the Agagite’s plot to destroy all Jewish people living in every province of the kingdom. Haman held the highest seat of honor over all other royal officials in the courts of the king. As commanded by the king, all other officials and people knelt down and paid honor to him. Haman was told of Mordecai, the Jew, who refused to show him honor. Mordecai’s refusal to kneel before Haman enraged him, filling him with great hatred not only for Mordecai but for all Jewish people. He devised a murderous plot and got permission from the king to issue a decree to destroy all Jews.  

When Mordecai learned of Haman’s plot and the king’s decree, he tore his clothes, and went into mourning, crying loudly throughout the city. Queen Esther was informed of what was happening with Mordecai and was greatly distressed. Mordecai instructed her to go to the king and plead for mercy for her people. Queen Esther was very reluctant to go before the king without being summoned by the king first as it was against the law and punishable by death. In the verses below, you will read the exchange of communications between them during a time of extreme danger to them personally and to all the Jewish people of their day.

“…Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.
Esther 4:13-17 NIV

We know how the story ends. God’s reversal of the enemy’s plan was brought about by the actions of two people.

Mordecai lived an honorable life. He was used by God to raise Esther, preparing her to accomplish her Godly purpose and destiny. He exposed the wicked plans to murder the king and would not bow down to Haman, the Hagagite, and the enemy of the Jews.

Esther grew into a beautiful young woman with a humble spirit, kind, obedient, and very courageous! She was loved by all in the courts of the king. She gained the king’s favor and love. She stood ALONE before the king, at great peril to herself, on behalf of her people!

Because of their actions, they were mightily used by the Hand of God to put an end to the enemy’s plan to destroy His people. God’s faithfulness and mercy were displayed in such a magnificent and powerful act of deliverance for His people of the day! The enemy was utterly exposed, humiliated, and destroyed! 

The story of Esther—the celebration of Purim is a great reminder to Jew and Gentile that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is faithful. He is a God who keeps His covenant with His ancient people. He is a mighty deliverer!

In 2021, this holiday is an opportunity for all of us to remember and celebrate the faithfulness of our God, especially as we live through these uncertain times. To know that He cares about us, that He is intimately involved in our lives, that He has a plan for us, to teach us, and to help us through every plot of the enemy against us. Our God is with us, especially in the moments when we don’t see or feel Him nearby. What can be more meaningful, bring us more joy and shalom than a reminder that our God is always there? He is a faithful, loving Father!

Purim is also a celebration of God’s protection and promise to deliver His covenant people. God’s faithfulness is with His children, no matter where they are. We witness this as our dear Olim go through the challenging process of preparing to make Aliyah. 

Let us pray and ask the LORD to give us boldness and courage to take our posts, to STAND with our Jewish brothers and sisters. May each of us be ready to respond in obedience to our God as He calls us to play our role in bringing about the fulfillment of His purposes for His holy work of Aliyah. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. We appreciate and value your prayers and your giving as a blessing to our Jewish friends making Aliyah from our nation. 

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Prophecy and the End Times

Prophecy and end times

PROPHECY AND THE END TIMES

Israel & the Nations

by Daniel Ioannides
National Coordinator Cyprus, Ebenezer Operation Exodus International

It seems that twenty-first-century man has forgotten what God remembers. God made an ancient promise to the Jewish people that He intends to keep:

“Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that they shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them.’ And they shall dwell in their own land.” Jeremiah 23:7-8, NKJV

Many Christians have concluded that the Jewish people and the modern state of Israel play no role in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. God’s dealings with the children of Israel involve His faithfulness more than their faithfulness. We should carefully examine God’s promises concerning the Jewish people on the basis of who made those promises, not on whether or not the recipients deserve them.

No one deserves the mercy and grace of God, but He extends them to His children anyway. God keeps His covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. He remembers His covenant forever. (Deut. 7:9, Ps 105:8). He made many promises to the Jewish people, some of which have yet to come to pass.

The Lord in the Midst of His People as They Return

A year or so ago, I was reading Psalms 114 and 77 when I saw in a deeper way, the Presence and Power of God in His deliverance of the children of Israel.

“When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion. The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs. What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back? O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of waters.” Ps 114:1-8

“The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; the depths also trembled……Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known.” Ps 77:16-19

The Red Sea trembled and fled, the Jordan turned back, the waters saw the Lord and they were afraid, the depths also trembled! The Lord was in the midst of His people as they came out of Egypt chased by the formidable Egyptian army. Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever”. (Ex. 14:13). The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, in order to journey by day and night.

Prophecy and end times

It is evident from the prophetic scriptures that the last great exodus of the Jewish people from the nations will eclipse the first exodus from Egypt in magnitude and in greater miraculous signs and wonders. Already some 6 million Jewish people have returned from the nations since Israel became a modern state in May 1948. There are still some 8 million in the nations. Aliyah remains a constantly flowing stream and is gaining momentum since the beginning of this year with the onset of COVID-19 and increasing antisemitism in the nations, which is expected to trigger the release of many hunters “… and afterwards I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and every hill and from the clefts of the rocks” (Jer. 16:16).

As with the first exodus from Egypt, the Lord will be in the midst of His people as they return from the nations in the last great Aliyah. He will go before them and He will be their rear guard. We can confidently expect to see signs, wonders, miracles, and every means of transportation and provision which the Lord will richly supply.

“Therefore behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that it shall no more be said, ‘The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them’. For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers.” Jer. 16:14-15

Understanding the Last Days in the Light of Prophesy

Undoubtedly, we live in the end times and it is vitally important for us as God’s people to know how to order our lives rightly as we see the unfolding of His plan. It is crucial, in understanding the last days, to immerse our lives in God’s purpose. Every revelation we receive must be in alignment with the Word of God. We know that the Holy Spirit is the Author of the Scripture through chosen men who were inspired by God. (2 Tim. 3:16).

Prophecy and end times

The prophets of Israel were people of insight and foresight, by the Holy Spirit. They knew the terms of the Mosaic covenant with Israel, and that violation of that covenant would lead to judgment and Israel’s scattering. The prophets actually lived through periods of devastation and yet, they saw and spoke of Israel’s future restoration to the land of Israel and to God Himself. They looked forward to an age in which the purpose of God would be fulfilled concerning their land. They foresaw a time in which God’s glory would cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. (Isa 11:9).

Isaiah prophesied: “He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11:12). The prophet foresaw Israel’s restoration to the land, bringing about the establishment of God’s Kingdom, His law, and justice over all the earth.

The heart of God, spoken through the prophets, is that Israel, His firstborn nation was chosen to bring the whole world to the knowledge of God. The veil will be removed from all nations and the Kingdom will come in fullness.

Prophecy and end times

Excerpt from “Prophecy and the End Times – Israel & the Nations” by Daniel Ioannides, L’HITAMEK 7th Edition, 2020

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Fixing our Gaze

FIXING OUR GAZE

FIXING OUR GAZE

Dick Leggatt

In these current times of unprecedented upheaval, where are we to place our focus? If we look around us, the world seems to be in crisis at almost every level. Perhaps you and I need to fix our gaze elsewhere.

When Enemies Gather

In these uncertain days, I have turned often to one of my favorite passages: 2 Chronicles 20. In this chapter of the Bible, an amazing story unfolds regarding the children of Israel under Jehoshaphat’s leadership.

At the beginning of the chapter, the King of Judah receives notification that the armies of three countries are mustering against his little nation. We can all understand how this information might strike fear in his heart. Even so, Jehoshaphat set all of Judah to corporate fasting to seek the Lord together. 

Then, he himself stepped forward to lead his subjects in prayer—first declaring God’s power and might, then recounting the many acts of divine faithfulness. Next came his reminder to God of what He Himself had directed His people to do: in times of disaster and crisis, they were to come to His holy temple and cry out to Him for help.

The Cry and the Response

Jehoshaphat’s discourse ends with these words from verse 12: “For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Their determination to gaze at the One who had promised to deliver them from disaster resulted in an outpouring of prophetic encouragement and direction. 

They heard words like, “Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” They heard, “You will not need to fight in this battle.”, followed by specific prophetic instruction as to what action they should take.

In the end, a looming disaster turned into a dramatic deliverance.

Our Focus in Hard Times

Where are we to turn our eyes when everything in the world seems to be aligning itself against us? We gaze upon the One who alone is able to help us, rescue us, and deliver us—by His power, not ours.

A New Testament counterpart to what Jehoshaphat modeled in this story is Hebrews 12:2, which in the New American Standard version begins with these words: “fixing our eyes.” The original Greek translation of that phrase means this: “to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something.” 

In desperate times, we intentionally turn our eyes from everything that might cause us to shrink back in fear. Instead, we look confidently at the One who can help us, and we focus solely on Him.

A Time for Aliyah

How do all these examples about fixing our gaze on the Lord relate to the role and necessity of Aliyah in these turbulent times? 
One fact is undeniable from world history. National crises tend to place our Jewish brothers and sisters in heightened peril. Enemies of God’s chosen people tend to coalesce in such times to target them specifically and increasingly.

With eyes fixed on the One who is able to prevail by His great might, let us trust Him to open the way, fight the battle, and accomplish a great deliverance.

A cry like that of Jehoshaphat could understandably go up from his modern-day brothers and sisters: “For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

With eyes fixed on the One who is able to prevail by His great might, let us trust Him to open the way, fight the battle, and accomplish a great deliverance.

Dick Leggatt
President
Derek Prince Ministries-USA

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ONE NATION HOLDS THE KEY TO THE DESTINY OF MANKIND

THE KEY TO THE MIDDLE EAST

Discovering the Future of Israel in Biblical Prophecy

by Derek Prince

 

Operation Exodus USA highly recommends that you make time to read this book in the coming days. It brings a wealth of revelation to what God is doing in the earth and particularly in the Middle East. Our generation has a unique opportunity and privilege to honor God by praying for Israel and the Jewish people. You will discover God’s will as it is revealed in Scripture. Let us align ourselves with His purposes, especially during current events taking place around us. The uncertainty of our times requires our total obedience and dependence upon God — it will bring stability and strength to our lives. One thing is for certain — nothing can stop the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan to restore the land of Israel and restore His people to Himself.

This book will enrich and bless you. We encourage you to please call our National Office (716.681.6300); we will mail it to you for a donation to support the work of Aliyah. You can also obtain the book directly from Derek Prince Ministries:  https://www.derekprince.org/

Yom HaAliyah

Operation Exodus USA is a Christian Ministry that helps Jewish people go home (making Aliyah) to Israel. Article - Yom HaAliyah - A Day to Celebrate Aliyah

Yom HaAliyah (Hebrew: יום העליה) is a national, modern-day holiday celebrated in Israel for many years; it was officially made into law in 2016. This year it begins at sundown on Saturday, October 24, 2020, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, October 25, 2020. The Yom HaAliyah holiday was specifically chosen to be celebrated on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the biblical date on which Joshua led the Jewish people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. Deut 27:2-3 NIV

Aliyah is honored in the modern state of Israel for the vast contributions of the millions of Olim (immigrants) who have returned from the nations to make Israel their home. The Israeli Declaration of Independence document makes a profound opening statement, which reads in part:

The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and national identity was formed. Here they achieved independence and created a culture of national and universal significance. Here they wrote and gave the Bible to the world. After being forcibly exiled from their Land, the People kept faith with it throughout their dispersion and never ceased to pray and hope for their return to it and for the restoration in it of their national freedom. Impelled by this historic association, Jews strove throughout the centuries to go back to the land of their fathers and regain statehood. In recent decades, they returned in their masses. They reclaimed a wilderness, revived their language, built cities and villages, and established a vigorous and ever-growing community, with its own economic and cultural life. They sought peace, yet were ever prepared to defend themselves. They brought blessings of progress to all inhabitants of the country.

Aliyah is a prayer in the heart of Jewish people. The profound prayer below is prayed on Shabbat, on Jewish holidays, in Israel and throughout synagogues all over the world.

…Remember our brethren, the whole house of Israel, in all the lands of their dispersion. Speedily bring them to Zion your city, to Jerusalem, dwelling of your name, as it is written in the Torah of your servant Moses: ‘Even if your exiles are at the end of the heavens, the Lord, your God, will gather you from there, and He will take you from there. And the Lord, your God, will bring you to the land which your forefathers possessed, and you too will take possession of it, and He will do good to you, and He will make you more numerous than your forefathers.

Let us join our Jewish brothers and sisters as they honor and celebrate the Olim (immigrants) who have showed such courage and commitment to return to Israel. Let us also continue to pray for the many millions who still need to make that crossing into the Promised Land, the Land God gave to their forefathers. 

This year, I’m sure this celebration will look very different, compared to what it has been in years past, but celebrate they will. The Land and the people of Israel demonstrate the love and faithfulness of the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Aliyah is a modern-day miracle happening now as God continues to gather His people home to Israel. Nothing can stop the miracle of the greater Aliyah that is coming.

Pictured below is one of the hundreds of people that we have had the honor to assist make Aliyah this year. They are now part of the fabric of Jewish life in the land of milk and honey.

Mathew and family:  “Israel is our history, both familial and as a people. Our roots are planted there, and our future will blossom there.”

Israel is not a land you escape to; it’s a homecoming! Let’s rejoice with millions who are now living in the Land. We have hundreds of people going through the Aliyah process who need our prayers and our support. Please help us to continue to bless our Jewish brothers and sisters; it’s your prayers and your giving that enable us to continue to provide much-needed assistance for the task at hand. Will you pray about making a special contribution for the Aliyah that is continuing to build?

During these unprecedented and critical days, we stand together in prayer for our nation and for the peace of Jerusalem.

John Prosser
President & CEO

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“My heart’s desire is to make you into a great nation, to bless you, to make your name great so that you may be a blessing. My desire is to bless those who bless you, but whoever curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Gen. 12:2-3 TLV

Please download our Scripture Brochure, Promises for Israel.
What the Bible teaches about the Jewish people and their return to the Promised Land.

Understanding Prophecy

Understanding prophecy

UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY

Understanding prophecyI have in my possession Webster’s New International Dictionary printed in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, in 1926. It is a big volume with 2,600 pages in small print on India paper, weighing almost 3.5 kg. It came to me when my aunt passed away in 1991. She spent several years in southern California as a companion and caregiver to an elderly artistic lady.

On page 1718 I find the entry for the word, prophecy: “1. The work, function or vocation of a prophet; a. inspired declaration or revelation of the divine will, including moral teaching by warning, consoling, exhorting, giving an example of fellowship with God; b. A declaration of something to come; a foretelling; a prediction; c. The power of prophesying, or foretelling the future.”

I am pleased that the definition is so broad and not limited to just foretelling the future. There are many people who have such a narrow understanding of the concept, and it seems to me that many Christians do as well. A statement on the internet claims that one third of the Bible is prophecy in this sense.

But if we use the full definition from Webster’s Dictionary above we can definitely say that the Bible as a whole is prophecy: inspired revelation of the divine will, including moral teaching by warning, consoling, exhorting, giving an example of fellowship with God. And some parts of the Bible deal with future events and the Lord’s plans, purposes and actions for the coming days as part of the broader understanding.

We read in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

This broader understanding of prophecy and the Bible will also serve as a protection against unfruitful speculation regarding the future. The Lord wants us to walk in fellowship with Him, humble, doing His will. Dead works displease Him – how could we serve the living God with dead works? No, the blood of the Messiah cleanses our conscience from dead works. He has made us alive together with the Messiah. He has saved us by grace through faith – it is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works (so that we could boast).  But we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua “for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:5-10).

There are, however, a great number of passages in the Bible where the Lord speaks through His prophets regarding the future. But how does He do it?

We find a clue in Hebrews 9:11 – “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.”   I understand this to mean that when Yeshua gave His life for us on the cross, as the perfect Lamb of God, something of eternal importance took place simultaneously in a tabernacle not of this creation, i.e. entirely outside our time and space. This makes me believe that the Lord in His eternal dwelling, eternally present, sees the past, present and the future of mankind all at once!

So from His perspective the Lord simultaneously sees events that for us will happen tomorrow, a year’s time, a hundred years, or three thousand years into the future. And He not only sees the events, He moves and acts, sending His angels to help and intervene in countless ways. He prepares good works beforehand so that we as His children can walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

From time to time He reveals some of His intentions and plans for an individual, a family, Israel, or the entire world: “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). These revelations are very accurate!

Prime examples are all the prophetic words concerning the Messiah: His birth, life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. The Gospels abound with expressions like “for thus it is written by the prophet”.

Another area of major importance is aliyah, the return of the Jewish people and the restoration of Israel. We find numerous scriptures throughout the Tanakh where the Lord not only foretells the return of the Jews but also brings consolation, comfort, hope and encouragement.

The Lord does not limit Himself to speaking through the prophets and the Scriptures; He speaks through His servants today as well. During our international conference in Jerusalem on 23 January 2016 the Lord gave a word through Paul Clark regarding the burden to bring the aliyah message to the Church. Here is part of the message:

“Commission My faithful servants and anoint them for the work of Aliyah.  Time is short and there is much to be done. In 48 months the world will be a very different place! In this period of grace My church needs to hear that it has a calling to help with the mass Aliyah that is on the horizon … In four years it will be very different and My church has to hear about Aliyah. … there will be great challenges but My grace will be enough …”

Exactly 48 months later, on 23 January 2020, the Chinese government placed the entire city of Wuhan in quarantine.

“Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).

“… he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” (1 Corinthians 14:3).

“Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10).

Let us continue to bring the aliyah message to the Church!

Philip Holmberg
Board Member
Operation Exodus International

Then God brought Abraham outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Genesis 15:5

If you would like to make a donation to Operation Exodus USA to assist Jewish people moving to Israel, please click the donate button below. On behalf of Operation Exodus USA, thank you!

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wave of Aliyah

Aliyah to Israel Becomes the Journey to Safety in the Midst of COVID-19

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I Jehovah, will hasten it in its time. Isaiah 60:22 (ASV)

Listen, … the alarm clock of Aliyah is ringing. It is announcing that a wave of Aliyah is coming, and it is coming soon. God says that there is an appointed time for when the alarm clock has been set, and at that certain time it will go off. When the alarm goes off, it is time to go—time for our Jewish friends to go from Hope to Home. Now is the time for them to hear the ringing of the alarm clock. It is also time for us to hear it. Jews and Gentiles need to be ready to arise at the sound of the alarm clock going off.

The whole chapter of Isaiah 60 is a message of great hope for Israel. What especially gets my attention is verse 22, which says that God is going to take Israel, which is a small nation, and increase it to become a strong nation. One way I believe this will happen is by a big wave of Aliyah. The timing for that wave is now. Suddenly, the one thing the world is focused on is COVID-19. The virus has brought a pause to the nations. COVID-19 has become the reason why many Jewish people understand that Israel is their safe haven. Suddenly they no longer feel safe outside of Israel.

For years, we have all prayed and wondered what the green light will be for the Jewish people to know that they know that now is the time to go home to Eretz (Land) Israel, where their safety will be guaranteed. During these challenging days of COVID-19, our Jewish friends understand that the anchors that were keeping them out of Israel are no longer strong enough to keep them grounded in the diaspora. A shaking has taken place. The roots that have kept them in the diaspora are no longer strong enough to keep them there. They are hearing the alarm clock go off, and they are getting up and going home to Eretz Israel.

“And there is hope for your future —declares Hashem: Your children shall return to their country.” Jeremiah 31:16 (The Israel Bible)

Shirley Lawrenson
Aliyah Director

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Please download our Scripture Brochure, God’s Purposes of Aliyah.
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From 1945 to COVID-19 Global Pandemic

From 1945 to COVID-19 Global Pandemic

With the miracle of Israel’s rebirth in its ancient homeland in May 1948, a new period in biblical prophecy and geopolitical actuality started. Over 70 per cent of the Jewish Holocaust survivors eventually reached Eretz Israel, their ancient new homeland. In Europe, and one could argue in the Western world, the end of WWII began a Golden Age of unprecedented political freedom, religious liberty, and economic progress. Since the Holocaust, anti-Semitism has become taboo, and Jews in the Western world have enjoyed the same stable conditions as have their fellow citizens.

The anti-Semitism of the past two decades is a troubling and growing phenomenon. The scale suggests Jews of today may have to face the same choices their grandparents faced. Anti-Semitism has become reality on university campuses and in media, NGOs, and some churches. The hatred comes from every political group and brings together people and ideas that otherwise have nothing in common. Verbal violence has escalated to vandalism against Jewish targets and murderous attacks against Jewish worshipers. Synagogues and community centers in Europe and the USA have been spray-painted with ugly slogans.

Dr. Susanna Kokkonen has her degree in Holocaust Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She worked as the Director of Christian Friends of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem    between 2008 – 2018.

She frequently travels around the world speaking about anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, and persecution of Christians. Her book ‘Journey to the   Holocaust: Anti-Semitism, the Bible, and History’ is now available on Amazon.

Her website is: www.susannakokkonen.com

During COVID-19, anti-Semitism has spread like wildfire in the social media. Iran’s leaders and media have accused Israel of spreading the virus. In social media across Europe and the USA, the virus is sometimes drawn with a Jewish face. In the USA, various writers instructed anti-Jewish activists who have tested positive to enter synagogues—this to spread the virus into Jewish communities. Israeli deaths are being celebrated online. Finally, as researchers around the world are struggling to find a COVID-19 cure, one thing is evident: if Israeli scientists are the first to succeed, this will be seen as a Jewish effort to benefit from the crisis.

Thus, anti-Semitism is very much alive and part of current societal discourse. In the anti-Semitic worldview, Jews and Israel are to be hated. Nothing they can do or say can change this.

What are we to do? We must stand against hatred. My advice is to pray and act. I am thankful that ministries such as Operation Exodus USA have taken a strong stand against anti-Semitism, and they support and stand with Israel while encouraging and materially supporting those who wish to make Aliyah.

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