The Common-Wealth
by Donna Diorio
Disturbing news was in wait on Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 21st and
it came in the way of a new Bible translation into the language of Denmark, not
the Bible pictured below.
Photo credit: James Stelluto/Museum of the Bible: The 1,000-year-old Hebrew Bible unveiled at the Museum of the Bible on November 8, 2019.
Photo credit: James Stelluto/Museum of the Bible: The 1,000-year-old Hebrew Bible unveiled at the Museum of the Bible on November 8, 2019.
We have been witnessing the undeniable rising tide of anti-Semitism sweeping
through the nations around the globe. Now it is occurring frequently in Western
nations where such things were unthinkable. In Europe this has been linked to
the mass migration of Middle Eastern and African Muslims. Americans believed
erroneously that such anti-Semitism could not rise here, but Muslims aligning
themselves with Leftist activism on our university campuses has spilled out
into the public at large.
Many liberal Jews and Jewish organizations in the USA are pointing a
finger at "Right Wing" conservative extremism as the root cause of
the American rise in anti-Semitism. That is not a truthful reckoning of the
rise. Surely there is a minor percentage of conservative anti-Semitism, but the
influence of groups like the Klan, Aryan Nations, etc. is not great among the
vast majority of American conservatives, and does not account for the deep
animosity against Jews that is being nurtured among Leftist groups.
The blindness of Jewish organizations who exist to protect the rights and
safety of Jewish in the United States is jaw dropping incredible, what's more
is that so many in Israel believe what has become a major blind spot in the
American Jewish community. That is an ugly truth that will impact anti-Semitism
in the future because of the activism of Jews working against the very people
who are actively working to protect Jews from anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.
More about this later.
Clearly there is a demonic tide of
global hatred for the Jewish people that is reaching its own pandemic levels.
We will see even more surges increasing in the years ahead. It is up to
Christians who know better to stand and fight against this plague of Jew
hatred, yet Christianity itself in many quarters is still in the grip of its
own Christian version of anti-Semitism which is mostly not an outward and
obvious hatred, but more of a religious pride and arrogance that fails to see
how Israel and the Jewish people are still central to the plan of God for the
ages.
For example, in its first translation of the Bible into Danish in more than 20 years, the Danish Bible Society has stripped out 60 direct references to the land of Israel in the New Testament. According to Danish Bible and Israel supporter, Jan Frost, who has read the new edition, "the word ‘Israel’ is either replaced with ‘Jews’, or ‘the land of the Jews‘ and in other places references to Israel were replaced with non-Israel specific terms. For example, in Psalm 121:1 "he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" now reads, "he who watches over us will neither slumber nor sleep".
For example, in its first translation of the Bible into Danish in more than 20 years, the Danish Bible Society has stripped out 60 direct references to the land of Israel in the New Testament. According to Danish Bible and Israel supporter, Jan Frost, who has read the new edition, "the word ‘Israel’ is either replaced with ‘Jews’, or ‘the land of the Jews‘ and in other places references to Israel were replaced with non-Israel specific terms. For example, in Psalm 121:1 "he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" now reads, "he who watches over us will neither slumber nor sleep".
Frost says that the Bible Society spokespeople explained the decision was
made to avoid confusing the Land of Israel of the Bible with the modern State
of Israel. And that, folks, is classic Replacement theology as it is converted
for use politically. Making this claim enables many anti-Zionists to deny they
are anti-Semitic, which of course they are. Anti-Zionism is the new
Anti-Semitism. It is for political use but it also betrays a spiritual failure
to understand God's Word.
Not only has God not thrown off
His choice of the Jewish people who are described in the New Testament "
concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the patriarchs."
Furthermore, their continued "election" by God is manifest in the
modern state of Israel! As promised in Scripture, God that has returned the
Jewish people to a 'resurrected' modern State of Israel. This was promised in both
the Hebrew and the New Testament scriptures.
If a Christian is missing that, he is truly missing the very heart of
God. Why? What could blind so many Christians to the truth? The apostle Paul
warned us in Romans 10-11 that not to be guilty of this through our own pride
and arrogance against the Jewish people. How is it that so many Christians skip
right over that warning?
Any Bible that cuts out Israel in any way, literally removing the name
Israel or by spiritual thievery attempting to claim Christians are the
replacement inheritors of what is written in the Bible as Israel's promises
(inheritance), it is like cutting the very heart of God out of the Bible! You do not know God's heart if you do not
know God still has a great heart and a great plan for the salvation of all
Israel. It is written and clear to see if you will put away the pride that is
blinding your own heart to see.
Is there any remedy to such blindness? Yes, but some will come to see the
truth and others will remain blind. This is what the coming years are going to
flesh out: will those still-blinded Christians respond to the Jews according to
God's Word, or will they dig in deeper as the other part of the Romans 11:28
becomes more and more visible: "Regarding
the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are
loved on account of the patriarchs. For God’s gifts and His call are
irrevocable."
In the United States it doesn't take a lot of spiritual depth to see that
the majority of American Jews are in the Liberal camp. The same camp that demonizes
conservatives politically, suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome, consider
Christians to be ignorant and morally inferior...and, by the way, do not let
concern for Israel be a dominant theme in their political voting
considerations.
I know some people will think I am being too political here, but truly
the warning I am trying to express is that liberal Jews in America are really
going to be a huge challenge to Christians in the days ahead and we really have
to take hold of the point Paul was making in Romans about how we are to view
and act toward Jews who are more and more acting themselves like
"enemies" of the gospel.
Listen. If your faith is real and true to God's heart, I hope you realize
that to be worth your salt, you must rise to defense of the Jewish people in
the days ahead. Even those Leftist Jewish
who are clearly political enemies because they too have a spiritual
awakening awaiting them as the world continues its slide into the abyss of
renewed anti-Semitism.
There are many instances of anti-Semitic activities being highlighted on
social media, from children's books demonizing Jews to violent attacks on
Hasidic Jews in New York city, from the crazy accusations that Jews are behind
the Coronavirus pandemic to the anti-Semities carrying protest signs against
"rat" Jews. Here is reality: every 'ism' and hate group in the world
contains some element of Jew hatred. That is a demonic conspiracy, it is not
merely a man-made conspiracy. It is because the Jewish people are central to the
heart and plan of God. Yesterday, Today and Forever.
We Christians must see rightly where we are in all this that is
unfolding. Without Israel's Messiah, Ephesians 2:12 tells us that we were
"aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having not hope, and without God in the world." But we were
brought into the Commonwealth of Israel, even as 'for your sakes' many of the
Jewish people were set aside by God. That doesn't mean God built a new kingdom
from scratch, but rather as the Romans 11:28-29 passage points out God's call
is irrevocable. The Commonwealth of Israel has included us Christians.
Our Common-wealth is accepting God's purpose in making of two one new man in Messiah.
Our Common-wealth is accepting God's purpose in making of two one new man in Messiah.
Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
This week we begin with an appeal from the HaTikva Project which is led
by Evan Levine in Jerusalem. You may remember that HaTikva helps Israeli
believers and non-believers in many ways including low cost dental clinics,
adoption and foster care, and straight up helping those in financial crisis.
Obviously there is a lot of financial crisis in Israel right now as they have
been on lock down with the Coronavirus. To help HaTikvah provide essentials
like money for food, rent, and medicine to Israeli believers, you can designate your donation to HaTikva Aid here.
The April issue of Israel's
Restoration is out in PDF format, with articles by Terry Morey The Corona Virus, Guy
Cohen Passover
and Provision, Shavei Tzion Talents
and more.
Chuck
Cohen sends the Friday Prayer Points 4/17/2020 with one
prayer focus on Aliyah & Antisemitism: "Jews are being blamed for developing and spreading
this virus! As there is nothing new under the sun, Jews will continue to be the
world's scapegoats – until Messiah's return. And if Israel develops a vaccine,
Jews will be accused of doing this just to make money. Will those who think
this be bold enough to refuse to take the cure! No way, as the leader of the
global Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions anti-Israel, anti-Semitic movement
has already told his followers that if Israel develops a vaccine, they can take
it. This blatant hypocrisy is very upsetting especially as parts of the Western
Church go along with it."
From Revive Israel Asher does a teaching article & a video
Hannah to Hannah, plus Revive goes
live from Jerusalem with Praise Prophecy Prayer Preaching & because
"18" means life in Hebrew, a fund called Covid-18
collecting donations of $18 for Israelis in difficult circumstances
during the Corona crisis.
Tikkun Cares gives an elaboration on the COVID-18.org as Tikkun-related
ministries suspend normal fundraising appeals in order to raise funds to help
fellow Israelis struggling with lack because of the extra financial strains of
the Coronavirus lock downs. Ron Cantor writes, " I sensed God saying that
this was a test for us—to see if we would respond with sacrifice or
selfishness. The human tendency during a crisis like this is to hoard. But the
Yeshua-tendency is to give from our own need to help our fellow man.... To be
clear, these funds are not for ministry expenses, but exclusively to help
Israeli believers and even unbelievers in this crisis. Your gift of $18 is a
powerful way to say, “I am with Israel!”
Eli Ben-Moshe (Chopinsky) of the Ashira Projects sends this musical
encouragement recording from Ashira artist Eli Haitov, Bou
Elav (Come to Him). It is based on Matthew 11 " Remember, God is our
Father and He IS a loving Father. Go before Yeshua with your burdens and allow
Him to take them upon Himself!"
Daniel and Shirya Yahav of the Tiberias Peniel Fellowship also send the
beautiful worship channel that their congregant Yelena started for blessing
their congregation with daily worship (you can subscribe too). Here are four
sessions on YouTube: #1, #2, #3 and #4
Marianna
Gol of Afikim BaNegev, a ministry serving widows and orphans , announces a new
branch of their ministry which has been initiated by their newest volunteer,
Anna who finished her mandatory military service last year. Because of the
difficulties she experienced personally, Anna is in contact with currently
serving soldiers and has a long prayer list of specific soldier prayer
requests. "... some of the soldiers on the list know the Lord but are presently not
walking with Him. There are also those who are angry with God. I am asking you
to pray first of all for their spiritual well-being before we lift up their
physical struggles in the army!" For more information, fill out the contact form on their website.
From Elisheva Damkani (for Daniel) and the Trumpet of Salvation Team, a
new forum you can participate in to give and find encouragement in these times.
Called Grow in Grace it is on the Telegram
messaging app which is easy to download on your cellphone, tablet or desktop computer.
The Heart of G-d ministry of Carolyn & Richard Hyde - like all of us
seniors, we are more stuck inside during quarantine than younger people but the
Hydes are grateful for the technology that allows them to stay in communication
with family and friends. Carolyn send the release of a new lyric video In These Last Days. They are praying
Pslam 40:4 over their supporters, to keep our "focus on the L-rd G-d
of Israel and draw so near to Him that you can hear His heart beat for you!"
Israel Pochtar of the Ashdod Beit Hallel congregation writes about
Holocaust Remembrance day. " There are currently about 189,000 Holocaust
survivors living in Israel. Over 800 of them are more than 100 years old. In
the past year 15,170 of the survivors have died.... Every day there are less
and less of them left. We are running out of time. Today is the day they need
our help, especially in these challenging times of COVID-19 lockdowns, when
they are the most vulnerable and the most needy."
To help: Donate and then email for a free e-book for your donation "Bells of Memory"
To help: Donate and then email for a free e-book for your donation "Bells of Memory"
Tikkun Global's Ron Cantor also wrote about Holocaust
Memorial Day "the strangest one since I have moved to Israel." No
large memorial services, but many shed tears in the privacy of their own homes
this year because of the "inhumane horrors unleashed against the Jewish
people." Ron asks us to reflect on this and "ask God what you can do
to show the Jewish people His love."
Ron
also wrote " I don't think I have cried this much in years. Everyday there
is another heartbreaking story. Today, it was the story
of Youval Carni. He owns a falafel restaurant."
Also these articles from Tikkun ministers: Netanyahu survives as PM; Forms Unity Government with Benny Gantz by Dan Juster | Are "The Jews" responsible for COVID-19? by Ron Cantor | Who is Scared of Honesty, Authenticity, Vulnerability? by Tal Haroni | Yeshua of Revelation One: Jehovah, Jesus and Judgment by Asher Intrater
Also these articles from Tikkun ministers: Netanyahu survives as PM; Forms Unity Government with Benny Gantz by Dan Juster | Are "The Jews" responsible for COVID-19? by Ron Cantor | Who is Scared of Honesty, Authenticity, Vulnerability? by Tal Haroni | Yeshua of Revelation One: Jehovah, Jesus and Judgment by Asher Intrater
Tiferet Yeshua lead pastor Gil Afriat sends these updates, their Moti
with Feed Tel Aviv offers a
peek into his outreach during Covid-19 WATCH | Tiferet Yeshua team member Olga
writes Crisis, Spiritual Hunger and a Prophetic Dream from
20 Years Ago | In the season of counting the omer, an excellent
resource from Ari Sorko-Ram, Tiferet Yeshua founder Ari's 2008 booklet called "To the Jew
First"
Arni Klein writes about the confusion of "facts" surrounding
the corona virus & how to deal with it, but point us to something that is even
more critical in this hour - the acceptance of Yeshua but the rejection of
Israel. How could God bless such a stand? He couldn't. How can the church still
be so asleep to the incompatibility of such a central relationship between God,
Yeshua and Israel? “For to him who has,
more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even
what he has will be taken away from him.”
(Mat.13:11-12)
Tents of Mercy' Avi Tekle sends out this A day of
Remembrance video . They are also rejoicing about Israel finally
have a unity government agreement. Wow! long time coming.: "we also pray that God will
supernaturally unite the hearts of those who will be working together in the
coming months." In the congregation, they are recording their Shabbat so
their members can access online and are "and meeting together in virtual
groups during the week. Somehow we feel more connected and continue to be
strengthened in our faith."
Jackie Santoro writes about "a difficult month in Israel and
throughout the world" due to coronavirus (it has been difficult for her
too, so soon after Eddie's passing to be home alone and away from people. Yet
God is giving grace and teaching her to keep her eyes focused on the heavenly
perspective. View a powerful
testimony of a young soldier in honor of Holocaust
Memorial Day. Coming up soon, the Memorial Day for soldiers and then Israel's
Independence Day celebrations...another holiday that will be spent with strict
and difficult restrictions. But there is more to rejoice in as an 18-month
deadlock has been broken with the announcement of a new unity government with
Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. " Pray for a miracle that these
leaders would act in wisdom and humility and lead this country forward in every
area. These are such critical times!" Indeed, as Jackie noted, "Anti-Semitism
is on the rise and even more so today as Jews are being blamed for whatever is
happening. One accusation being spoken is that Jews caused this situation so
they may profit from it, even by developing a vaccine!" But the Jerusalem
congregation is getting help, and some from the generous donations to support
Santoro's Zion's Glory ministry. Many who have lost jobs are being aided.
Everywhere you look, in your own neighborhood to the nations of the
world, this Corona virus has tremendously harmed not only the health, but also
the livelihood of the world. I appeal to you to read Acts 11:27-30 and see if
it doesn't speak to you as it spoke to me many years ago (becoming a foundation
of this ministry) of the need of worldwide Christianity - in the face of
"famine" or lack as we all are experiencing today - to prioritize
stepping up to help the Messianic believers in Israel as within our ability to
do so:
Acts 11: 27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the entire Roman world. (This happened under Claudius.) 29 So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11: 27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the entire Roman world. (This happened under Claudius.) 29 So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.
Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is
in the power of the tongue
Please keep in prayer these Israeli ministry leaders
and believers with urgent health needs
URGENT PRAYER NEED from Ronit Bender whose cardiologist told her that her irregular heartbeat is SEVERE, and is suggesting further tests. Please intercede for Ronit: No weapon formed against her shall prosper! | Olga Bikas severe back pain has kept her in "quarantine" for the past 4 years or so! Please pray for God to do a miracle of healing for Olga. | Please pray for Rachel Netanel's brother who is in dire health | Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear wife, Elisheva | Continue please to pray for Ruth Nessim Critical prayer need she is losing sight! Prayers for a miracle for Ruth.| Pray for Rania Sayegh who asks for prayer of restoration of strength, energy, and complete healing.
URGENT PRAYER NEED from Ronit Bender whose cardiologist told her that her irregular heartbeat is SEVERE, and is suggesting further tests. Please intercede for Ronit: No weapon formed against her shall prosper! | Olga Bikas severe back pain has kept her in "quarantine" for the past 4 years or so! Please pray for God to do a miracle of healing for Olga. | Please pray for Rachel Netanel's brother who is in dire health | Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear wife, Elisheva | Continue please to pray for Ruth Nessim Critical prayer need she is losing sight! Prayers for a miracle for Ruth.| Pray for Rania Sayegh who asks for prayer of restoration of strength, energy, and complete healing.
Recommended Reading
When I have more space I want
to elaborate on this excellent book by my friend Jim Melnick, called Jewish
Giftedness and World Redemption. If you think that is just going to
be laundry list of the exceptional impact of Jews in terms of scientific breakthroughs,
etc. that is not it.
Jim digs deep into God's purposes in gifting Jews with brilliance and even genius. There is Divine purpose and it is important! That is the World Redemption part — God's calling on Israel.
Jim digs deep into God's purposes in gifting Jews with brilliance and even genius. There is Divine purpose and it is important! That is the World Redemption part — God's calling on Israel.
This is a fascinating
subject written by a man whose career was spent in military intelligence with
specialty in Russian. Listen to this podcast
interview with Jim & be prepared to be blessed why what you hear.
Donna Diorio donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
Donations appreciated | on PayPal donna@israelprayer.com
P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006 |
I do not have tax exempt
status.
