The Common-Wealth Arrows from Zion 4/23/2020

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.

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".

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.

Arrows from Zion
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"

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

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. 

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.

 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.

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.

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Donna Diorio  donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
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