SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 149

Jerusalem, Israel

FEBRUARY 2020 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

There are so many opinions on U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace deal for Israel and the Palestinians. Israeli leaders have embraced the plan, along with some of the Arab Gulf States.

Since, to-date, the Palestinians have declined to participate in the plan, there is no reason to believe that negotiations will get underway in the next four years (Trump’s deadline for the Palestinians to accept the “Deal of the Century”). In fact, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to cut off ties with Israel and the United States, and the Arab League has rejected the plan. This could lead to another Palestinian Intifada (Uprising). 

Meanwhile, we were asked what we would write in a letter to President Trump, which we have included here. This, by no means, will be sent to him. It is just a way of expressing what we see as a biblical opinion on the matter at hand:

“Thank you, Mr. President, for your gesture to Israel, to confirm her biblical right before the God of Israel, that Jerusalem was and is her Capitol city forever.

Thank you for moving the U.S. Embassy to West Jerusalem, in reverence to God, whose beloved city is Zion, the city of our Great Lord and King Jesus. You mentioned that you did this for Israel, and we welcome your kind offering, knowing that the Lord claimed Jerusalem for Himself thousands of years ago. And, He has given the Jewish People stewardship over the city. 

We pray that the second American embassy you mention, to be built in East Jerusalem, will give glory to the Lord, and be recognized as an extension of your West Jerusalem embassy. This confirms, once again, Israel’s Capitol is undivided, as you have claimed, and is over both West and East Jerusalem. This includes the holy sites such as the Temple Mount and Western Wall, which should be under Israel’s jurisdiction and sovereignty, until the Lord’s return when He sets up His throne in the Holy city. (See Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 2:3).  

Thank you for recognizing Israel’s sovereignty, not only over her Capitol city Jerusalem, but also over all Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). It is the heartland of the biblical ancient homeland of the Jewish People, and of the modern state of Israel.

We pray that you will recognize the Covenant plan of the Lord, Himself, and endorse that plan… which is His promise to Israel… a territory that stretches from the Euphrates River to the Great Sea.  (See Joshua 1:4). 

We also pray that you will recognize that to divide a portion of Israel’s land and give it to another tribe and people group, especially those that want to harm the Jewish State, is neither biblical nor just. (See Ezekiel 36:1-12; Zechariah 12:3-9).

We pray that you will not look at your plan, with a desire to prove that you have succeeded where others have failed. But, that you will embrace Jesus and His plan and purposes for Israel and the Chosen People (the Apple of God’s Eye). Also, that you will understand and acknowledge the Lord’s plan for the nations of the world, which includes America.” (See Psalm 2:8; Psalm 22:27; Psalm 72:8).

Isaiah 9:6-7:  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And, He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace, there will be no end. On the throne of David, and over His Kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it, with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 148

Jerusalem, Israel

JANUARY 15, 2020 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

MIDDLE EAST INSTABILITY:

A U.S. airstrike killing Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani, near Bagdad’s Iraqi airport on Friday, January, 3, 2020, was a Middle East game changer. U.S. President Donald Trump was responding to Iran’s attack on both a U.S. military base in Iraq (which killed a U.S. worker), and Iran’s damaging of the U.S. embassy in Iraq. It was also a way of letting Iran know that it could not continue its aggressive behavior and control in the region without a strong response from the West. 

Soleimani was the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, and the architect of Iran’s Middle East military policies, under the direction of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As an arch terrorist, Soleimani was feared by many in the region, as he attempted to advance his goals of establishing and strengthening a land corridor from Iran, to Iraq, to Syria, to Lebanon, in an effort to surround Israel from the north. Iran has been set on building military bases along the corridor (also called the Shia Crescent), as well as sending Israel’s enemies advanced weapons shipments. 

After the killing of Soleimani which sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East, Iran responded by, again, targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq, which caused damages, but no personnel killed. In the midst of the heightened tensions in the region, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard, “accidentally” shot down a Ukrainian commercial jet liner, killing all passengers on board, including Ukrainians, Canadians, and Iranian nationals.

Iranian citizens were already protesting against their government, frustrated by rising prices, due to U.S. sanctions. Their protests continued after the jetliner was shot down, accusing their own government of hiding the fact that it was an Iranian Revolutionary Guard who, “mistakenly”, targeted the plane.  

Iran also stopped adhering to the JCPOA nuclear agreement, threatening the West that it was stepping up its nuclear program. This caused European leaders, most notably, Britain, France, and Germany, to issue a formal complaint against Iran for not complying with the agreement.

In mid-January, Israel allegedly took advantage of the chaos in Iran, reportedly striking the Syrian T-4 military base near Damascus… known for its Iranian Revolutionary Guard presence. (The Iranians continue to aggressively build at that base. Israel, from time to time, has responded by conducting air strikes in order to stop Iran’s advanced military operations there).  Now, Israel waits to see if there will be any response from Iran or from its proxies.

A high alert continues in Israel due to the instability in the region, with the uncertainty of how Iran will respond diplomatically and militarily towards Israel and Western interests. It is also unclear how Iranian leaders will react politically and financially in Iran due to the continued public protests. In the past, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards cracked down on protestors, fiercely, under the direction of Soleimani. 

Several Middle East countries hope that the U.S. will assist the Iranian protesters with the means to resist future Iranian government crackdowns. This might involve American intelligence services helping protestors to keep a clear and open channel of public communications, despite Iranian efforts to shut down the Internet and all social networking.

PRAYER POINTS:

Israel’s strong military and diplomatic presence in the Middle East has helped to deepen alliances with Arab countries in the region who are looking to Israel for assurances when threatened by Iran. 

PRAY that these alliances will serve to solidify a wall of resistance against Iran; with the goal of deterring Iran’s hegemonic aspirations in the region. 

THANK THE LORD that the killing of Soleimani, and several other high-level terrorists along with him, has delayed Iran’s goal of surrounding Israel with an alliance of armies all along Israel’s northern border. (See Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39). 

For those who think that the world is on the verge of fulfilling this Ezekiel prophecy, study Ezekiel 38:11, which firmly states when this war will occur. The enemies of Israel have tried to bring the war before its time, but the Lord, Himself, as the Commander of the armies of heaven, delayed it. (See Joshua 5:14; Joel 2:11; Joel 3:16; Isaiah 13:4).

ISRAEL’S UPCOMING ELECTIONS:

Israel’s third national election in one year proves to be as challenging as the first and second elections. Israeli politicians have failed, so far, to bring together a coalition government. And, it is unsure they will be able to do so, after failing twice already.

Without much money in the coffers to promote their campaigns, and an Israeli public that is frustrated with their lack of unity, the goal of the two major Israeli political parties (Likud and Blue and White) has been to strengthen their political bases.

One way of doing this has been for Blue and White leaders to convince those left-wing parties they are aligned with, to form a solid left-wing liberal block. And, for Likud leaders to convince those right-wing parties they are aligned with, to form a solid right-wing conservative block. As of this writing, the left-wing parties are responding, but the right-wing parties have been less successful. 

What is needed in Israeli politics is a change in the electoral system that would emphasize a two-party system, and remove the obstacles of small controlling parties that are self-serving. The public wants to see a unity government formed, of both the Likud and Blue and White -- one that is not serving the extreme left or the extreme right in Israel.

PRAYER POINTS:

In the land of the Bible, where Jerusalem is the city of God (His beloved Zion), we can call on the Lord to put Godly leaders at the head of Israel’s government, until the time that Jesus sets up His Kingdom on the earth. (Isaiah 9:6-7). 

As in the time of some of the great kings of Israel (especially David and Solomon), God can give wisdom, understanding and knowledge to the leaders of this great nation. He can put in their hearts the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 25:12-14; Psalm 111:10; Psalm 112:1).

PRAY AND DECLARE that the Lord reigns over Zion, and He will fulfill the destiny of this nation through establishing Godly order and principles. PRAY that political leaders in Israel will turn to the Lord, their God, for direction as they lead this nation in 2020 and beyond. 

SEEK THE LORD to bring together those politicians He wants to form a Godly alliance in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace; those men and women who truly desire to serve Him in caring for the people of Israel.

PRAY that the next Israeli government is one that upholds justice and righteousness. Intercede for God to bring the light of His Glory into the darkness of this nation. 

THANK HIM for enlarging the nation and increasing its joy. Declare that the people will rejoice before Him, trusting in the name of the Lord, and relying on their God. (Isaiah 50:10).

“Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:4).

“He said to me, ‘You are My servant, Israel, in who I will display My glory.’ ” (Isaiah 49:3).

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 147

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2019 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

RUMORS OF WAR:

On November 1, 2019, terrorist groups in Gaza launched rockets into Israeli southern towns in what appears to be a new escalation in attacks on Israel. 

This follows days of Israeli leaders warning of imminent war… on both Israel’s southern and northern borders. 

Israel has issued an emergency air alert, upgrading its air defenses, because of recent aggressive moves on the part of Iran. Iranian ballistic missiles have increased in precision and now pose an immediate threat to Israel, especially from Yemen. 

It is possible that Israel could launch a pre-emptive strike because the upgraded Iranian missiles threaten the balance of power in the Middle East, as does Iran’s continued efforts in advancing its nuclear program. Israel must retain a Qualitative Military Edge (QME) over its enemies.

Intercession is crucial at this time with the continued fighting going on between Turkey and the Kurds in NE Syria (due to the promise of U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from that part of the Middle East region). Turkey claims it is creating a safe zone, but the results could end up being a land corridor that helps Iran get advanced weapons systems into Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon….. in order to surround Israel. 

Israel will not allow that kind of military aggression, and there is the likelihood of a future conflict, where Israel would take action from the Syrian Golan Heights into Lebanon. Israel will look to knock out precision missiles already pointed at Israel by Hezbollah. 

A further need to pray at this time is because Israel continues to have a lame duck government; negotiations for a new government are at a standstill; we could be looking at a third round of Israeli elections. This creates an environment where the enemy may see Israel as weak and try to strike. These are vulnerable times for this nation. Your prayers make a difference!

PRAYER POINTS:

Pray that the Commander of the Armies of Israel, the Lord Himself, defends Israel’s borders and the home-front from any surprise attacks. Declare 1 Peter 5:8 over Israel:  “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  

Proclaim over the Israeli people, James 4:7:  “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Also, speak the word over the land, and its leaders, according to Isaiah 54:17:  “No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you….”

Israeli leaders need to walk in humility and consider serving the nation above their own egos. According to Mark 3:25, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”  Israel is vulnerable to attacks, at this time, while politicians bicker, and cannot come into harmony and unity in order to form a new coalition government. Pray that the Lord intervenes, and does something supernatural to bring Israeli politicians together to benefit the people of Israel.

“Am Israel Chai!” The nation of Israel lives!