Jerusalem, Israel
MAY 2017 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
As summer
approaches, a study has been done which concludes that high temperatures result
in disproportionate increases in terrorism and warfare. The EU study suggests
that warm weather triggers violence because of physical discomforts, which then
leads to increased acts of aggression. Ramadan is coming up this month. There
was a “Ramadan Rage” in July 2014 because of long hot and sunny days, while
Moslems fasted. There are more people on the streets during the summer, which
also means more human interaction, resulting in potential conflicts and
terrorism. Israeli analysts have concluded that some wars and terrorism waves
take place during hot summer months, including the Gaza War with Hamas in 2014.
But, the main factors are geopolitical tensions in the region.
There have
been recent warnings from several Israeli and American leaders that a war is
inevitable in the next few months between Israel and Hamas.
·
Intercede
for the Lord to constrain Israel’s enemies this spring and summer. Pray that He
will cool tensions, especially during the Moslem month of Ramadan. Ask the Lord
to increase awareness among Israeli Police officers and IDF soldiers during
heightened security times. When it is an obvious time of high security, pray
that the Israeli public will be vigilant, and much more aware of their
surroundings. Intercede for an extra measure of protection around Israel’s
urban areas, especially Jerusalem, and on Israel’s northern and southern borders. (Isaiah 62:6-7).
Isaiah 21:8: “Then the lookout
called, ‘O Lord, I stand continually by day on the watchtower. And, I am
stationed every night at my guard post.’ ”
There have been strained relations between the Israeli
and German governments. Along with this, there are statistics that 40% of the
German population have adopted an attitude of modern anti-Semitism, engaging in
Israel bashing (which leads to Jew-hatred). Solidarity with Israel is
declining. Recently, German Chancellor Angela Merkel cancelled high level
meetings between government cabinets. Then, this month, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled an appointment with the German Foreign Minister
because he insisted in meeting with liberal-leftist NGO’s in Israel that work
against the Jewish State. These Israeli organizations, who sympathize with
Palestinian causes, gather false and inaccurate testimonies from IDF soldiers,
and accuse Israeli leaders of illegal settlement activity.
While Germany officials have shown sympathy for the
Holocaust, and have been remorseful in their statements, there is a new German
attitude emerging within the population. It is one that exempts the nation’s
citizens from past guilt regarding the Holocaust. They want to move forward,
and some are targeting Israel in their anger and frustration. The problem is
that it is resulting in an unsympathetic attitude towards Israel, with
pro-Palestinian leanings among Germany citizens. This includes support for the
BDS (Boycott-Divestment and Sanctions) movement against Israel, which
contributes to actions that hurt Israel’s economy. Furthermore, Israel related
anti-Semitism in Germany has become respectable in society.
·
Pray for the
Lord to deal with Israelis who work against the Jewish State, bringing
confusion to their anti-governmental activities, and rendering their current
activities useless. Ask the Lord to raise-up Israelis who are proud of their
nation and can lead with strength and dignity, depending on God for wisdom and
direction.
1 Peter 2:13-14: “Submit yourselves
for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the
supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to
punish evildoers and praise well-doers. For it is God’s will that by
doing good, you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Pray for attitudes among Germans to change towards Israel, as the
population is educated in truth and accuracy about Israel’s biblical place
among the nations. Pray that German hearts are touched by the Lord with a
greater love and concern for the Jewish People… God’s Chosen Ones!
There are approximately 200,000+ Israelis living in Germany today.
Intercede for them to be a “light” to the German nation. Ask the Lord to also
bring them back to their homeland soon! (Ezekiel 36:8)
Zechariah 2:8: “For thus says the
Lord of Hosts, ‘After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder
you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.’ ”
U.S. President Donald Trump is embarking on a Middle East
trip this month, with plans to visit Saudi Arabia, Israel and Rome. There is a
sense that he wants to be the U.S. president who successfully was able to make
a deal -- finalize a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians. He,
reportedly, thinks he can also forge a peace agreement between Israel and Arab
states in the region… beyond the current peace treaties between Israel and
Egypt and Jordan. Trump is further seeking to internationalize peace between
religions, and there is a sense he is looking to encourage a new world order
that brings peace through solidarity between Jews, Moslems and Christians. This
is particularly concerning for born-again Christians who are not interested in
the concept of all religions coming together in world peace under one religious
banner.
·
Pray that
Trump’s visit will result in God’s agenda being accomplished, not man’s.
Intercede for the Lord to constrain man’s attempt to bring a false peace to
Israel and the region.
John 14:27: “Peace I leave with
you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
·
Ask the
Lord to block any attempt by the enemy to create an environment of a new
religious world order. Pray for God to give wisdom to Israeli leaders who seek
truth and biblical understanding of Israel’s place among the nations; that
their eyes will be open to the one true God our Father, and Yeshua, His Son.
1 Timothy 2:5-6: “For there is one
God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Messiah Jesus, who gave
Himself as a ransom for all – the testimony that was given at just the right
time.”