Jerusalem, Israel
March 22, 2024 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the Nations
GPW News and Prayer
Update
The battlefront for Israel’s security and sovereignty over
its own land, “eretz Israel,” now extends to several battlegrounds: The
spiritual battleground, the military battleground, the political and diplomatic
battlegrounds, and the social battleground in society.
SPIRITUAL BATTLEGROUND:
To the degree that prophetic watchmen and intercessors
focus on the heavenly realms through consistent, entreating prayer, touching
the heart of God… His will is carried forth. The Lord is
providing an open portal, for those who are rising into the Spirit realm and
entering in…
According to 2 Corinthians 10:4, our weapons of
warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God, for the pulling down of strongholds.
These are not weapons of the world. Instead, these weapons have divine
power to demolish these strongholds.
Watchmen are called to use that divine power towards
the knocking down of these spiritual strongholds in heavenly
places.
What Israel cannot do, in the natural to defeat the enemy,
the Lord is using watchmen and intercessors to do, in destroying enemy
fortresses, by the power and Spirit of the living God!
Today, as in other times in the modern history of Israel,
what is at stake is the security, sovereignty, and survival of
the Jewish State. We all know that God will preserve His land and His people,
but at what cost?
There is, currently, a move of the Lord in Israel, to pull
down enemy forces in spiritual realms that are causing Israelis to choose
idolatry over the God of Israel. Believers are praying that Israelis will come
out of a spiritual death, as well as, praying to prevent more deaths in this
war that is being fought in the south and in the north of Israel.
This takes a greater measure on the part of watchmen and
intercessors to entreat the Lord in consistent prayer.
Israel is facing a formidable enemy. It is a battle that
Satan is driving against the Lord, Himself. Yet, the LORD is
victorious!
The majority of the Jewish People, currently, walk in
blindness; their eyes veiled in idolatry and sin.
Recently, we saw a united effort at the Western Wall, to
seek God, in the only way the people of Israel know how… through the
“Shema.” This is the most important prayer
in all of Judaism. “Here O Israel, the
Lord our God, the Lord is One.” (Shema
Israel, Adonai Elohenu, Adonai Echad).
To say the Lord is “One,” but to seek after idols, is contrary,
confusing, false, and deceptive. The
bottom line: Israel needs to be
grounded in Yeshua… Jesus, the Messiah!
As we prepare the way of the Lord; for a time when “All
Israel Will Be Saved” (Romans 11:25-26); as God turns our focus to
bringing Jews into His saving grace, the enemy will continue to try to stir up:
calamity, chaos, death, and destruction.
But, God’s people, the Body of Messiah, are rising up to
stop this, through the governmental anointing. There will be no end of the
increase of His government, to order it and establish it with judgement and
justice, according to Isaiah 9:6-7.
THE GUARDIAN OF ISRAEL:
The Lord is looking for those who are willing to rebuild
that wall of righteousness that guards the land and the people. Are you one of
those “shomrim" (guards)? This is a priority in
this Esther and Mordechai season for global watchmen… to be a “shomer” (a
guard) in the Household of God… for the House
of Israel.
Esther, with the help of Mordechai, and with the approval
of her king, was able to get a new decree, signed and sealed with the king’s
signet ring, to give the Jews a way to defend themselves, after Haman’s wicked
plot to annihilate them. It worked! Yet, it is not a one-time deal! The
Fast of Esther, the Feast of Purim, this year, is perhaps one of the
most vulnerable times in modern history for the Jewish People. During
this Convergence Season, we need the Esther’s and Mordechai’s, going
before the King of Kings, seeking in prayer, for much greater protection over the
Jews.
Carry this with the Lord! He is
the ultimate "Shomer,” the “Keeper”, the “Guard” of Israel. But, we
have our place in this, as we guard over His territory that He has given us,
in the Spirit realm; looking out from our watchtowers.
Psalm 121 (in “God’s Word Translation”):
“I look up toward the mountains. Where can I find help? My
help comes from the Lord, the
Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let you fall. Your guardian will not fall asleep. Indeed, the Guardian of Israel never rests or sleeps. The Lord is
your Guardian. The Lord is
the shade over your right hand. The sun will not beat down on you during the
day, nor will the moon at night. The Lord guards you from every evil. He guards your life. The Lord guards you as you come and go, now and forever.”
It's still a spiritual battleground!
Nehemiah rebuilt the Wall
and gates of Jerusalem that were laying in ruins, and vulnerable to attack. He
closed the gaps. He faced great opposition.
(Nehemiah 2:20; 4:7-9).
David had the courage to stand up against the enemy, with
boldness! After Goliath threatened David, he was able to kill the giant,
miraculously…. defying Goliath’s threats. David did it “in the name of the
Lord!”
1 Samuel 17:45: “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come
against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the
name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, the LORD of
Heaven’s Armies – whom you have defiled.’ ”
As watchmen and intercessors these are the days to call on
the LORD of HOSTS! It is a charge, a command, for
those engaged in God’s heavenly army, on the spiritual battle lines for
Israel… It is for you, to be released and sent into action!
During the time that the Israelites were wandering in the
desert and forgot the miracles God had done for them, the Lord wanted to
destroy the people for their disobedience. It was Moses entreating
the LORD for the people.
Psalm 106:23 states that He (the Lord),
said He would destroy the people. (And, He would have done so), had not Moses,
His chosen one, stepped into the gap, and stood before Him in the breach, to
turn away His wrath.
There are other incidents of God sparing the Israelites,
when they should have been judged for their unrighteousness, but the Lord
listened to the prayers of Godly watchmen and intercessors who were steady, consistent, and stationed
at their post. Watching, guarding… the “Shomrim!” The “guardians,” the “keepers,”
the “protectors” of Israel!
THE MILITARY BATTLEGROUND:
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given the
IDF the approval to go into Rafah and defeat Hamas, regardless of all
opposition, including political and diplomatic pressure from outside the
country. A majority of Israelis still believe this goal is possible… to defeat
Hamas. Yet, the nations roar! On March 22, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State,
Anthony Blinken, met with Netanyahu, in his sixth visit to Israel. Reports
indicate it was another time of challenge and pressure on the prime minister to
explain Israel’s battle plans.
As we stand in the gap, we lift up the arms of this
current prime minister, so the battle is won, and the victory prevails. (See
how Aaron and Hur did this for Moses in Exodus 17:11-13). It’s praying for those in authority over us, according
to 1 Timothy 2:2.
Our intercessory prayer efforts must go towards Israelis
being able to stand in unity and shared purpose at this time,
even in the face of great opposition from individual nations, as well as from
the corporate expression of the nations (in the UN, the EU, the international
courts, etc.) This is a primary prayer focus!
Israel still faces future military battles, especially in
the north. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant recently declared that 2024
will be a year of war.
Certain things much happen before war ends in Israel… In Ecclesiastes 3:8, the word speaks
of a time of war and a time of peace. In Israel, we are in a time of war and not
a time of peace. And, we should not push for peace now, except, the peace of our
“Sar Shalom” … Prince of Peace. (John 14:27).
WHAT IS OUR PART IN THE HEAVENLY BATTLE?
Watchmen and Intercessors should be pushing the enemy back from
the borders of Israel, in prayer. Reports
indicate that there are now 100,000 Israelis who have been displaced from their
homes in the north of the country. There are thousands more that are displaced
from their homes in the south of the country. In both cases, civilians can’t go back to
their homes and villages until their enemies are no longer a threat to their
lives.
SPIRITUAL MAPPERS:
This is a clarion call for “Spiritual Mappers” to come
forth! Prepare a decisive plan! See where the lines
of demarcation should be, that gives Israel back its necessary
territory, so its people can be protected in border towns, and return to
their homes in safety and security. Define, in
the Spirit realm, based on the Lord’s direction, how, where, when,
and what the demilitarized zones in both the south and the
north should look like. Map Out That Territory!
Remember: “We have not, because we ask not!” Ask
God, on Israel’s behalf, to define what Israel must have, in terms
of land… at this time, in this season, to guard and protect
His people, for their return. Let the land covenants in the
Word guide you.
This is part of the repairing of the land and of the
lives of Israeli citizens, providing a restored dwelling place for them,
so that they can receive from the LORD… restoration, renewal, and
healing…
THE POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC BATTLEGROUNDS:
While there are times when international leaders have
interfered in Israeli politics, when has it been so public and so blunt as now?
When in the history of this nation has
Israel been pushed and shoved by outside forces to go to new elections in the
middle of a two-front war?
This outspoken opposition and disregard for the current prime
minister… this kind of interference… is meant to not only humiliate and
defeat Israel’s war plans, but to weaken and control its leaders… so that
future decisions (like pressure to accept peace treaties; and a two-state
solution), will be made for Israel, not by Israel
-- controlled by outside political and diplomatic forces. But…
GOD!!
Our focus needs to be a hedge of protection around the
prime minister, in the Spirit realm, and his cabinets, and his government. Yes,
“for such a time as this,” so that he is not subject to the curses and cunning
plans of the nations.
While the nations rage, and try to cause disunity in
Israel; to enlarge the divisions among the people; we need to come together,
to close the breach. And,
with our armor on, stop the enemy from advancing. Israel’s
destiny is in the hands of the Lord God Almighty, not mere men!
In Psalm 2:1-2, the psalmist wonders: Why are the
nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
Why are they in an uproar (in turmoil against God), and why do the people
devise a vain and hopeless plot?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot
against the LORD and against His anointed One. Yes, they take their stand. And,
the rulers conspire together.
In Psalm 83:2, we get some answers in
the word about another such battle: Look, Your enemies are in an uproar.
Those who hate you hold their heads high.
Psalm 83:3: With cunning, and
schemes, they lay crafty and shrewd plans against Your people. They consult,
and they conspire against Your precious, cherished, sheltered ones.
(This is where the scriptures show wicked forces in nations
pinpointing Israel).
Psalm 83:4: ‘Come,’ they say,
‘let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.’
Psalm 83:5: With one mind they plot
together; they form an alliance. They conspire in one accord, in a unanimous
decision. They consult and they make a covenant together. It’s a confederation
that is, ultimately, against the LORD!
Psalm 83 focuses on specific
nations in the Middle East region, but it is still a type and shadow of
other nations that are rising-up against the Lord, and against Israel, even at
this time.
The attitude of the nations will become more and more of a
focus, as the enemy begins to take over governments, and causes these
governments to turn against the Lord, and against His People Israel. The Nations Are God’s Testing Ground!
THE SOCIAL BATTLEGROUND OF ISRAELI SOCIETY:
The more the Body of Messiah comes together in repentance,
praying for its own purification, remembering 2 Chronicles 7:14,
the more the Lord is hearing our prayers, forgiving the sins in our hearts, and
healing our land.
The healing that is taking place is bringing Israel’s sins
as a nation to the surface. Israel is displaying its idolatry. Every sin
against the Lord is coming forth.
“All we like sheep have gone astray. Each one of us has
turned to our own way. And, the Lord has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6).
The enemy would like to use the sin and the rebellion of
the House of Israel, to bring greater accusations. It’s a toxic and lethal
strategy to try and keep Israel from being able to fully prepare to fulfill its
calling and destiny on the earth, as a “light to the nations.”
In prayer, we must declare the Lord’s Word over Israel,
that this nation will stay united, under God, in relationship to Him and to one
another; with contrite hearts before the Lord. During this season we pray for full repentance
in Israel, and hearts radically changed for the Glory of God.
A FEW OF GOD’S PROMISES TOWARDS ISRAEL IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:
Isaiah 49:3: He said to
Me, ‘You are My Servant Israel, in whom I will display My splendor, My glory.’
Isaiah 62:1: For Zion’s sake I will not
keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake, I will not remain quiet, till her
vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a
blazing torch.
Isaiah 62:6-7: I have set watchmen on
your walls, O Jerusalem. They shall never hold their peace, day, or night. You
who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent. And, give Him no rest till He
establishes. And, till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
(Source: Global Prayer Watch News and Prayer Update, March 22, 2024)