God Keeps Covenant Day 3

THE LAND IS INTEGRAL TO THE COVENANT

by Wendy D. Beckett

A Thirty-Day Study on God’s Love for Israel

“The Lord said to Abram ‘…look… north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will
give to you and your offspring forever.’” (Genesis 13:14 & 15) NLT

God Keep Covenant Day 3

Without smog, Abraham could see a very long way from the mountains of Israel! In the Genesis 17 passage we studied on Day 2, the Lord continues in v.8, “The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you.”

This is confirmed to Jacob. “I am God Almighty…The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and…to your descendants.” (Genesis 35:12)

The book of Deuteronomy describes the Lord’s comments and final instructions before Israel entered the land after their forty years of wandering in the desert. The Lord is very forthright: “It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land;” (Deuteronomy 9:5) in fact, He says in chapter 31:21, “I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.”

We know from history that Israel rebelled against God until finally He sent them into exile. The first exile was for seventy years to Babylon, and the second has lasted for almost 2,000 years – beginning 40 years after Jesus wept over them and warned them of what was coming.

But even before they entered the land the first time, Moses’ words to them provide us with a glimpse of the Lord’s future plan.

“When all these blessings and curses (see Deuteronomy 28 & 29) come upon you…wherever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the Lord…God will…have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations. …God…will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take possession of it.” (Deuteronomy 30:1-5)

This covenant is not void! It is indeed forever! And it includes the land, a portion of which we again see in Israel’s possession today.

Have all those Israelis who are now back in the land “returned to the Lord”? (Deuteronomy 30:2) No. But many have. Others are coming to Him as they settle in their ancient towns and cities. Congregations are springing up everywhere, and Israeli friends tell us that there are now more followers of Yeshua (Jesus) in the land than there have been since the first century AD.

There are also many godly Orthodox Jews who trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with all their hearts, who are waiting for Messiah to be revealed.

Lord, we join the many Jewish people in the land who are praying these words of David: “Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!” (Psalm 53:6 ESV)

Aliyah Covenant

Why Israel Chapter 1

Why Israel? Chapter 1

by Derek Prince

God’s Heart for a People, His Plan for a Nation

If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124 NIV

INTRODUCTION

As we begin our teaching on this very important subject of Why Israel, let’s start by asking a question of ourselves: On what basis are we praying for Israel? The simplest answer is that “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). As Christians, we need to acknowledge our unfathomable debt to Israel and to always pray on the basis of that total indebtedness.

In my booklet, Our Debt to Israel, I make the following statements:
Without the Jews, we would have no patriarchs, no prophets, no apostles, no Bible and no Savior! Deprived of all these, how much salvation would we have left to us? None!

The nations of the earth owe all that is most precious in their spiritual inheritance to the Jews. This is true of all of us – whether we be Arabs, Africans, Asians, Europeans, Russians, Americans or Chinese. We all owe a spiritual debt to the Jews that cannot be calculated.

One of the best ways we can begin to repay that debt of love is by prayer and intercession. As our awareness of Israel’s place in God’s plans grows, let’s open the Scriptures to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of the land and the people of Israel. To pray effectively for Israel and the Jews, we need to be informed about them. The information we need does not come from the world’s perspective or from the media. It comes from God’s viewpoint, which we find in the Bible.

Why Israel? Chapter 1

The Uniqueness of Israel

There is no other nation like the nation of Israel. The Holy Scriptures make this abundantly clear.

The name Israel describes the nation descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Remember that Jacob was renamed Israel, and from his twelve sons are derived the twelve tribes of Israel. Later on, the people of Israel were called Jews. So really, Jews and Israel today are synonymous.

In the New Testament, the name Israel occurs seventy-seven times, and these references are never, never applied to the Church. Please hear that again very clearly—the name Israel occurs seventy-seven times in the New Testament and never once is it a description of the Church. The word “Jew” occurs seventy-five times in the Old Testament and one hundred eighty-eight times in the New Testament. On the other hand, the term “Christian” occurs only three times in the New Testament. These numbers indicate the significance the Lord has placed on the people and nation of Israel.

A Unique People

I want to emphasize in this first chapter that Israel is a unique people. There is no one else like Israel. As we consider the uniqueness of Israel, let’s begin by examining what is stated by David in 1 Chronicles 17:21. Praying to the Lord, David says:

Who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people—to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds, by driving out nations from before Your people whom You redeemed from Egypt?

In this prayer, David is saying there is no other nation whom God set out to redeem. He portrays Israel as a nation set apart from other nations. One unchallengeable fact emerges from this text: Israel is unique. The remarkable fact is that Israel did not choose this uniqueness; God chose it. This means if we pray for them just like we pray for any other nation, we are not praying with insight or understanding. In other words, we would not be praying in line with Scripture.

Let us look at the previous verse, verse 20, which states the uniqueness of Israel. I realized for the first time in a recent study how directly verse 21 relates to the previous verse. It is important to recognize that the uniqueness of Israel springs out of the uniqueness of God.

Verse 20 says,
“O Lord, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people.”

We cannot pray effectively for Israel if we classify them with other nations. They are a unique people with a unique destiny expressing the uniqueness of their God. We cannot pray effectively if we pray a general prayer for all nations, including Israel. The facts of Scripture bear out their uniqueness.

Aliyah Covenant

God Keeps Covenant Day 2

A FOREVER COVENANT

God Keeps Covenant

Day 2

by Wendy D. Beckett

“I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.” (Genesis 17:7) people, his treasured possession… because the Lord loved you.”

(Deuteronomy 7:6 & 8)

Day 5 of God Keeps Covenant: A FOREVER COVENANT

In ancient times, a covenant was the most binding contract one could make with another – far more serious than anything we can understand today. Modern society has nothing that comes close to its equivalent. The possibility of breaking covenant was unthinkable.

In the passage above, Almighty God Himself was making a covenant with Abraham that was to last forever. He renewed that everlasting covenant with Isaac, (Genesis 26:3 & 4) and then with Jacob. (Genesis 28:13-15) By the Lord’s sovereign choice, He was setting His attention on a man, Abraham, and specific descendants of his, Isaac and Jacob, and their posterity.

In this age of egalitarianism, the Lord’s Sovereign choice is a difficult concept. Perhaps it helps to look at this choice as a difference in function. God was calling Israel – the name first given to Jacob and by extension, to his descendants – to a specific purpose in history. In the midst of a totally pagan world that had no remembrance of the one, true God, He injected Himself into the life of a man and his family to make a covenant with them that was designed to go on forever, in order to accomplish His will on the earth.

The word “forever” is used numerous times throughout Genesis and other Scriptures regarding this covenant. In spite of Israel’s rebellion, the Lord declared in Judges 2:1, “I will never break my covenant with you.”
In Psalm 89:34 the Lord vowed: “I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.”

King David reminded his nation the day he brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem: “He (the Lord) remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded to a thousand generations.” (Psalms 105:8 & I Chronicles 16:15)

In light of these declarations by the Lord God, can we doubt that He will keep His covenant with His ancient people? “God is not a man, that he should lie.” (Numbers 23:19) If the Lord does not keep Covenant with Israel, what assurance do we Christians have that He will be faithful to us, the Church?

Lord, we’re at Day 2 in this study, and we’re already being stretched as we try to grasp these challenging concepts. We acknowledge that we need Your help. Speak to our hearts so that we can understand this special covenant relationship You have with Your ancient people, Israel.

May we know that Your keeping covenant with them is visible proof that You will also keep covenant with the Church You bought with Your own blood.

Aliyah Covenant

KRISTALLNACHT REMEMBRANCE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. Psalm 130:7 ESV

Kristallnacht, also known as the “November Pogroms” or the “Night of Broken Glass,” was a shocking act of anti-Semitic violence against Jewish people that occurred during the lead-up to the Holocaust in World War II. This violent event unfolded on the night of November 9–10, 1938, in Nazi Germany. This was a well-organized attack orchestrated by Nazi paramilitary forces and civilians targeting Jewish people.

The name “Kristallnacht” originated from the widespread shattering of glass from windows in Jewish-owned establishments, synagogues and residences during this hateful event. The violence was instigated and sanctioned by the Nazi regime, which had been escalating its anti-Semitic policies and propaganda since taking power in 1933. This resulted in the death of at least 91 Jewish people, thousands more were arrested, and countless Jewish owned properties were destroyed.

This event served as a turning point in the history of the Holocaust, signifying a shift from anti-Semitic legislation and discrimination to violent, organized attacks on the Jewish population. It foreshadowed the horrors that would unfold during the Holocaust, including the systematic murder of six million Jewish people. Kristallnacht stands as a solemn reminder of the consequences that can arise when a society remains silent in the face of unchecked hatred and acts of violence against Jewish people.

On October 7, 2023, we witnessed the deadliest day in Israel and Jewish history since the Holocaust. Today, we continue to witness an alarming and dangerous escalation of anti-Semitism since that horrific attack in Israel. It is shocking and deeply disturbing to see the level of hatred and rage that has erupted in our nation and around the world against our Jewish brothers and sisters.

As Christians, we bear a tremendous responsibility before God to be our brothers’ keepers. We are those whom the LORD has called to carry His sons and daughters back to their God-given land, Israel (Isa. 49:22). We owe the Jewish people a profound debt; therefore, let us remain steadfast in our prayers, love, and support for Israel, all Jewish people in the land, and those in the diaspora. We cannot stand by silently at this critical crossroads for Israel, its people, and the nations. Let us persevere, building ourselves up in our most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in God’s love as we wait upon Him to bring about the fullness of His redemptive plan for Israel and all the nations. For His Holy Name’s Sake!

We will continue to stand strong in our commitment to support Israel and her people. Your generosity, both in prayer and financial support, is the driving force that enables us to offer crucial assistance to Jewish people returning to Israel. The challenges ahead are significant, and we must make provision for their safety and meet all their needs as they navigate the many challenges and dangers they may encounter on their Aliyah journey. Please prayerfully consider making a gift to bless our Jewish brothers and sisters. Thank you!

To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept for Yeshua the Messiah: May mercy, love and shalom be yours in full measure. Now, to the one who can keep you from falling and set you without defect and full of joy in the presence of his Sh’khinah —to God alone, our Deliverer, through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord — be glory, majesty, power and authority before all time, now and forever. Jude 1-2, 24-25 CJB

In God We Trust!

John Prosser

Israel

The Restoration of All Things

Authored by Merrill Bolender

THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS

“For He (Jesus) must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through His holy prophets.”

Acts 3:21 NLT

It is important to have a clear understanding of the place Israel has in God’s plan of redemptive history. Without a revelation of Israel’s prophetic role, it is impossible to understand rightly, what the Bible says about the present and future—including the return of Jesus Christ, the triumph of His Kingdom on earth and the culmination of God’s plan for the ages.

“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Luke 21:29-33 ESV

Numerous Bible scholars interpret the fig tree in this parable, also found in Matthew 24:32-33, as the nation of Israel. The fact that it is budding represents being in the Land – being restored as a nation.

Today, the miracle of Israel’s restoration is taking place right before our very eyes. Millions of Jews have returned to the land God promised them thousands of years ago. A slow trickle of Jews “making Aliyah,” the modern term for a Jewish person living in the nations who immigrates to Israel, began in the late 1800s, but the flow of new immigrants has increased dramatically since Israel was declared a nation in 1948. This is in fulfillment of countless prophecies throughout the Old Testament and confirmed by the words of Jesus recorded in Luke and Matthew. (See Scripture references listed on pages 14-16.)

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Romans 11:25 ESV

The Apostle Paul taught that ignorance concerning God’s plans and promises for Israel would lead the Gentiles to be wise in their own opinions. We truly need to understand the “mystery of Israel” — past, present, and future.

In Romans 11, Paul teaches that God is not finished with national Israel. Promises made to Abraham are yet to be fulfilled. There are major threads of biblical prophecy tied to Israel. Understanding this theme, woven throughout all of Scripture, is essential to having a right understanding of where history is headed.

Chapters 9-11 of Romans is often overlooked by modern teachers and preachers. *Art Katz said, “Untold numbers of ministers have gone their whole lifetime never having preached from these texts (Romans chapters 9–11).

*Art Katz was an American author, preacher, and teacher who passed away in 2007. He was known for his writings on Christianity, Jewish roots, and end-time prophecy. He had a unique perspective on Israel and the Church, emphasizing the significance of Israel in God’s redemptive plan and the need for the Church to understand its Hebraic roots. His writing often challenge readers to consider their own spiritual journey and the importance of a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.

God Keeps Covenant Day 1

Blog - God Keeps Covenant by Wendy Beckett - tells a 4,000-year-old love story between the Sovereign Lord and the Jewish people.

God Keeps Covenant Day 1

by Wendy D. Beckett

A Thirty-Day Study on God’s Love for Israel

A LOVE STORY

“His love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:2)

“…give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.” (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)

“The Lord your God has chosen you … to be his people, his treasured possession… because the Lord loved you.”

(Deuteronomy 7:6 & 8)

From the first pages of Genesis, we see the holy, just and righteous God wanting fellowship with human beings. In fact, He created them for that purpose. He delighted in their company in the cool of the day. Then, by preferring their own way to His, they lost that close companionship.

There were exceptions. Genesis chapters 5 & 6 record that Enoch and Noah walked with God. But after the flood and before Noah’s death, mankind had already returned to violent, evil ways.

Then the Lord set His focus on Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as well as the nation that grew out of this family. We watch this love story unfold throughout the rest of the Old Testament. In the passage above from Deuteronomy, the Lord was assuring the people of Israel of His “unfailing love” for them. He spoke to Israel at times as a father but even more often as a lover and husband longing for them to return the love He felt for them.

When God found a tender heart like David’s, He expressed with immense delight, “I have found David…a man after my own heart.” (Acts 13:22) He even exclaimed to Israel, “I will sing for the one I love.” (Isaiah 5:1)

When the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, God’s love for His people was so evident to her, she asserted, “Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel…” (1 Kings 10:9)

Even when Israel turned away from the Lord, His love for her remained. Hear His tender, deep lament in Hosea 11:8, “How can I give you up…?”

The heavenly Father calls His Hebrew people, “My beloved,” (Jeremiah 11:15) and “the one I love.” (Jeremiah 12:7) He declares, “You are precious… in my sight…I love you,” (Isaiah 43:4) “my unfailing love for you will not be shaken.” (Isaiah 54:10)

The love of the Lord Jesus for His people, Israel, is never more poignant than on the day of His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. “As he approached… the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace.’” (Luke 19:41 & 42)

Even though the apostle Paul was sent to the Gentiles, the Lord gave him such a love for “his brothers…the people of Israel” that he states he could wish himself cut off from the Lord if it would mean that they would come to Him. (Romans 9:3)

——————-

Lord, we thank You for such extraordinary and eternal love for this people, Israel. We do not understand all the reasons why You chose to set Your love on a particular people but we trust You, our just, wise and faithful God. Your plan is perfect! You will reveal to us what You want us to know.

SHAKING OF ALL THINGS – Merrill Bolender

SHAKING OF ALL THINGS

Merrill Bolender – Revised March 2020

I believe the Lord God wants His people to understand the times and know what He wants to accomplish during this world-wide shaking.

The sons of Issachar understood the times, they also understood the spiritual and political times. The sons of Issachar could discern what God was doing and when He was doing it. They knew when one move of God was ending and another one was beginning. 1 Chronicles 12:32 (Paraphrased)

“Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken— that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. (The only thing that cannot be shaken is the Kingdom of God.) Hebrews 12:23b NIV

God’s Shaking Is Including “Every Facet Of Society” World-Wide

Social world – distancing – quarantine
Business world: Economy, stock market
Educational world
Sports world
Entertainment world
International and cruise ship travel
Medical world overwhelmed
Religious world
Church world

Things God Wants To Accomplish During This Shaking

Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. Isaiah 26:26:21 NIV

I believe God wants to wean His people from our idols of mammon, entertainment, pleasure and earthy securities.

The love of the world has crowded out the love of God. Some of the pleasures and entertainment of the world can be all right if kept in moderation, but our priorities need to put God and His Kingdom first place.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” 1 John 2:15 NIV

We need to take this time of isolation from the distractions of the world and have a personal revival where our focus is the only thing that matters, Jesus and His Kingdom.

Change our priorities from seeking and living the American dream to

“…seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness

and then all these things will be added unto us.”

Matthew 6:33

Cleanse His church:

“Be you holy as I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 It’s a family trait.

“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways (repentance), then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

During this time, just like the plagues of Egypt when God sent plagues that touched their idols of everything they worshipped, God has taken away everything we worship. Is God saying,

“You want to worship athletes, I’ll shut down your stadiums.”
“You want to worship musicians, I’ll shut down the Civic Centers.”
“You want to worship actors, I’ll shut down the theaters.”
“You want to worship mammon, I’ll shut down the economy.”

Today this invisible plague has touched, worldwide, the idols of mammon (economy), entertainment, pleasure, hedonism, as every facet of society has been affected. Most of these things are OK when kept in moderation, but for many, they have become a priority focus.

The American Dream can be an idol if the love of the world crowds out God’s first command, to love the Lord with all our soul, mind, and strength. God is shaking every facet of society worldwide preparing the way for the great harvest and latter rain. Pentecost was the former rain that precipitated a harvest. The latter rain will bring on the final harvest…then will the end come…!

God Wants Us To Stretch Our Thinking To the Restoration of All Things… (Acts 3:20-21) Let’s focus on the church world and the shaking of all things. I feel that the Lord is moving the churches from large man-made denominational organizations, mega-churches, large gatherings and even conferences to small groups. The early church began in homes and small groups and in these “last days” will return to the homes scattered among the neighborhoods in the cities and rural areas.

Years ago, I heard a speaker make a statement that challenged my thinking as a minister. He said, “Sunday morning preaching and teaching can be informational and inspirational but not necessarily life changing except in the context of small groups where there is commitment, transparency, accountability, practical caring for one another and evangelism.

It appears to me that what we are experiencing may be Phase 1 of this happening. We need to pray and fast for discernment, direction and flexibility. We need to encourage and strengthen the small groups. Phase 1 still allows us to be together corporately by Streaming”. Phase 2 might be when our utilities and electronics may be cut off making our corporate meetings impossible. Phase 3 when meeting is no longer legal. The church will need to go underground.

This happened in China, when the churches were torn down, pastors and leaders of the flock were killed or imprisoned, Bibles were taken and burned, and hymnals were burned along with teaching materials. The church leadership fell into laymen’s hands meeting secretly. Here in the West when no news was coming out of China, we thought the church had died. Only decades later, we learned the church has multiplied rapidly, with a unity never before experienced in China. Evangelism exploded with many miracles, signs and wonders confirming the Word of God. In small group necessity and concept, the church in China grew from approximately 3 million to 100+ million in a few short decades.

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27

I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18b

The early church flourished and multiplied faster under persecution than when it was safely living in Jerusalem. When persecution began, starting with Stephen’s martyrdom, it spread in Judea, Samaria and then to the uttermost parts of the world.

Could this be the time…?

“For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.”

Romans 9:28 NKJV

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS

God is orchestrating the affairs of men and nations accomplishing His purposes, working through unrighteous as well as the righteous people.

When it looks like everything is falling apart…in God’s plans and purposes, they are all falling into place during the consummation of this age and preparation for His return. The stage is being set for seemingly worst-case scenario, when it looks like all is lost.

Let me say, up front, I believe the Lord is far more interested in completing the harvest, the restoration of Israel and the preparing of His Bride more than our enjoying the American Dream with our freedoms, our liberty, our peace and prosperity.

What the church is experiencing here in North America with our liberty, freedom, prosperity, and pleasure; it is going to be taken away, as much as we enjoy it. It is not normal church life as compared to the teachings of Jesus and the example of the early church.

He (the Father) may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive (will retain) until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:20-21 NKJV

This final harvest will prepare the way for Jesus Christ’s return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

“God’s ways are not our ways!”

If you would like a Hard Copy of this book – please call the National Office at 716.681.6300.

You can download Merrill’s Book FREE, When the CROSS becomes a SWORD here.

Offering Hope in an Age of Genocide

“I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 12:3 NKJV

In August, we had the privilege of hosting a zoom conference call with Dr. Susanna Kokkonen. She spoke to us about “Offering Hope in an Age of Genocide”; a message we all need to hear. Especioally in the face of rising anti-Semitism worldwide.

Dr. Kokkonen has her degree in Holocaust Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and worked as the Director of Christian Friends of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem from 2008 to 2018. She frequently travels around the world speaking about anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, and the persecution of Christians.

The word brought to us by Dr. Kokkonen gave hope to everyone on the call that night, including our team here at Operation Exodus USA. We have made this call available for you to watch online so you may be encouraged and blessed by this word of hope.

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.

Prophecy and the 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.

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).

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.

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

God Keeps Covenant Day 3

THE LAND IS INTEGRAL TO THE COVENANT

by Wendy D. Beckett

A Thirty-Day Study on God’s Love for Israel

Why Israel? Chapter 1

by Derek Prince

God’s Heart for a People, His Plan for a Nation

INTRODUCTION

Why Israel? Chapter 1

The Uniqueness of Israel

A FOREVER COVENANT

God Keeps Covenant

Day 2

KRISTALLNACHT REMEMBRANCE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

The Restoration of All Things

Authored by Merrill Bolender

THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS

God Keeps Covenant Day 1

by Wendy D. Beckett

A Thirty-Day Study on God’s Love for Israel

A LOVE STORY

SHAKING OF ALL THINGS

God’s Shaking Is Including “Every Facet Of Society” World-Wide

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS

“God’s ways are not our ways!”

Offering Hope in an Age of Genocide

Purim – Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

February 25 – February 26, 2021

PROPHECY AND THE END TIMES

Israel & the Nations

The Lord in the Midst of His People as They Return

Understanding the Last Days in the Light of Prophesy

QUICK LINKS

For all inquiries for Aliyah applications, please do not fill out this form. Applications can be found at AliyahUSA.com