Thank God for temporary calm and a return to “normalcy”, which for us here in Israel means always being under some measure of stress and uncertainties. And we as a people have learned to cope with that in amazing ways. But, apart from the sure promises of God, there is no hope for lasting peace with those who are determined in their hatred to wipe away Israel as a nation.
It was a sad day in Beer Sheva for how this war with Iran was made to cease, and then listen to President Trump grossly castigate Israel totally misinformed., but we suffered a direct and deadly hit by a ballistic missile (among a number of others that were shot down) after the cease-fire had supposedly begun into an apartment building killing five persons, mostly from one family. Members of our own congregation suffered damages resulting from the shock waves of the huge blast. They live across the street. Praise the Lord for protecting them!
The last days of the war against Iran directly (and not through its proxies like Hamas in Gaza; and that is still not over, and the hostages are still not released!), named “A People Like a Lioness Rising” (Num 23:24), targeted Beer Sheva three times within five days, causing great damage to the hospital, which received a direct hit; to an apartment building in the high-tech park near the hospital and university; damage to many buildings of the university, and destruction of some of the research laboratories; 60 families evacuated from that apartment building; and 700 people evacuated from the apartment building which “ended” the war, Israel not being allowed to respond to the breach of the cease-fire brokered by President Trump.
The enemy thinks it won by not being defeated, and still demands that any agreement satisfies its own wounded honor. What are the terms of the cease-fire?: Why aren’t the hostages all being released as a condition, without any release of terrorist prisoners?!; Why isn’t a condition that the Houthis and Hezbollah and Hamas all stop firing rockets and missiles and rockets immediately!?
The 12 days of this historic war with amazing achievements by the Israeli political and military and intelligence principals all working together in unity has also opened up many opportunities for us as believers in the only good news/gospel there is to share our faith and through good works in Yeshua’s name. Many more Jewish Israelis are turning towards God, even if they are not sure who He really is, or who His Son is. (Prov 30:4) We do know, and want to be able and willing to tell them.
I want to commend very much the group of volunteers from the congregation, and from elsewhere around the city, who responded to the urgent needs of the evacuees, the first responders and rescue units, the police and other city workers, and even to other volunteer groups. We were the only ones who were providing not drinks only, but also fruit and snacks items. I was very surprised by that. There were many gestures of appreciation by those being served, and with some who asked we had opportunities to speak openly about who we were, and even about Nachalat Yeshua. Not all wanted to listen afterwards, but some did. We will let the Holy Spirit do His work in all who “heard” (the parable of the sower).
Our hope cannot be in men of position, in strength and abilities, in horses or in missiles, in the military or in spy intelligence: The LORD has proclaimed: not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit! Wars are a necessary evil in this world of war. The rebellion which the angel Lucifer/Helel Ben-Shachar (“Light of the Dawn”; Is 14:12-17) brought to mankind will be fully stopped by the Seed of the Woman, Yeshua the Messiah, the Son of God, but only after a total defeat of the antichrist and of those who side with the devil against the sovereign righteousness and holiness of the Creator of all. There have been many cease-fires through history. Even victories and defeats have not brought permanent peace and security to the world. Sinful man is incapable of achieving lasting peace. And for all who have desired it, but have since died.
Messiah Yeshua/Jesus Christ rose from the dead, so that all who have believed in the Word and promises of the Creator will enjoy with Him the fruit of His sacrificial death for our sins, and for the sin of the world. (Gen 3:14-15; Is 53:8-11; Heb 11:39-40)
The spirit of rebellion and of hatred against the Creator — who also calls Himself the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob; and, the God of Israel; and is the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ — is gaining strength in the world. This is also true within Israel and within the Church. Only YHVH saves and forgives sins; and only He raises the dead to either everlasting life, or else to everlasting condemnation. Under Heaven His name is Yeshua/Jesus. He is the Savior of all persons, but especially of those who believe in Him. (1Tim 4:9-11)
Prophecies are being fulfilled in our generation that many have waited for thousands of years to see. But until, as Yeshua has told us, that every jot and tittle of the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled, then there is more to go until that is manifested for all to see.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
