Jerusalem, Israel
JUNE 25, 2023
PRAYER UPDATE
Israel and the
Nations
UPHEAVAL IN RUSSIA:
The Russian regime, headed up by President Vladimir Putin
appears to be in a crisis. Yevgeny Prigozhin, who commands the Wagner Group (a
mercenary army in Russia), has confronted the Russian army and Putin’s
leadership. This crisis could cause missteps beyond what has already occurred
in Russia’s war with Ukraine. Currently, there is a challenge to Putin’s power.
The Russian air force has been acting aggressively towards
U.S. fighter jets over eastern Syria. The U.S. air force has sent its best and
most superior fighter jets, the F-22 Raptors, to cause the Russian pilots to
back off from “dog fights” with American forces. The U.S Pentagon has said they
want to see Russia return to the air force protocol among the coalition of forces
that are over eastern Syria.
PRAYER POINTS:
Because Israel must deal with Russia’s military over the
southern part of Syria, this could become a problem for Israel. The protocols over Syria are stated in
Israel’s de-confliction policy with Russia, which has worked so far, in Syria’s
air space. This could change if Putin falls from power; or, any other
circumstances that threaten Israel’s ability to defend that border.
To-date, with Russia’s tacit approval, Israel can strike
Iranian military bases in Syria, as well as stop the delivery of advanced
weapons systems to Hezbollah, through Syria. However, this could all change in
the future.
We must pray that a new war in the Middle East is not
ignited because of the shift in power, and the threat and confusion of whoever will
take the reins of power in Russia in the future.
This move by the Wagner Group also brings instability to the
immigration process of Russian Jews who want to live in Israel. Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has first, urged Israeli Russian Jews to refrain
from travel to Russia at this time. And, he is looking to help prepare the Jews
in Russia who want to leave immediately. There are around 500,000 Jews living
in Russia who could return to Israel if they wanted to. There are another 60-70,000
Israelis who are visiting Russia; or doing business there; or, have decided to
return there to live.
Psalm 118:8-10: It
is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take
refuge in the LORD than to trust in nobles. All the nations surrounded me, but
in the name of the LORD, I cut them off!
Psalm 18:39-40: You have armed me with strength for battle.
You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.
Isaiah 43:6: I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and
to the south, 'Do not hold them back!' Bring My sons from afar, and My
daughters from the ends of the earth—
Lord, it is You and You alone that can align Russia with
Your purposes. It is You and You alone that can stop this war in the Ukraine,
and repair and restore Your people there. Bring justice into this situation, in
Russia and Ukraine. God, we pray for the Jewish People who are still living in
the Russian Diaspora and need to come home!
May You keep them safe, in the palms of Your hands. We pray that the antisemitism
against Russia’s Jews will diminish in the name of the Lord. If this is an
opportunity to bring more of Your Chosen People home, then release them from
the stronghold of Russia, and give them faith and courage to immigrate to
Israel. Let the authorities in Israel treat them with kindness and compassion.
And, help them settle in this Promised Land, in Yeshua’s name.
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The IDF recently announced that they found six border
crossing tunnels. While they are not explaining what this means, exactly,
Israelis living in the north are worried there are more of these underground
structures. Looking at the pattern of the Second Lebanon War, these tunnels are
where Hezbollah hides until they are ready to surprise Israelis.
The Alma organization has studied this threat, and Sarit
Zehavi reports, “In our opinion, explosive-filled terror tunnels are one of the
threats and “surprises” that might be expected in a future confrontation with
Hezbollah… These tunnels are packed with explosives that run beneath a community,
security facility, or geographical location where an explosion might harm the
enemy. The tunnel is filled with tons of explosives and is sealed and activated
at a determined moment. Using these tunnels causes significant destruction. Due
to their immense force and underground location, explosive charges in tunnels
of this type, unlike bombs or missiles from the air, have the effect of an
earthquake rather than a bomb and can thus destroy a community or an entire
facility.
CRAFTED PRAYER: We
thank You Lord for Your protection over Israel. Nothing formed against this
nation that is evil can prosper. He who watches over Israel, neither slumbers
nor sleeps. That is You Lord. You care for Your Chosen ones. They are the Apple
of Your Eye. Their watchtowers; their military positions; the military
defensive posture against Israel’s enemies – all of it is commanded by You!
You are the Commander of the Armies of Israel, and all
heaven and earth is ultimately under Your dominion. It is Your Kingdom that
reigns over all other kingdoms. You will now allow Your people to get hurt by
these tunnels. We trust in Your divine protection according to Psalm 91. Today,
we put on the whole armor of God and stand steadfast for Israel especially in
the north.
Yours is the Kingdom; Yours is the power; Yours is the
glory forever Amen!
You shall reign over all the earth. What concerns Israel,
concerns You. Your promises for this land and people never fail.
1 Chronicles 29:11: Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the
power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven
and earth is Yours. Yours, LORD, is the Kingdom; You are exalted as head overall.
2 Chronicles 20:6: (Jehoshaphat). He prayed, “O LORD, God of our ancestors, you
alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the
earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against You!
Deuteronomy 4:39: Know therefore this day and take to
heart that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no
other.