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Bella Davidov

The Last Hour

January 19, 2021 By Bella Davidov Leave a Comment

Is This Goodbye or See You Again?

O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:2

“What is truth?” asked Pilate when Yeshua/Jesus said to him:
“For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the TRUTH. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”

When we seek the truth, we seek Him with all of our hearts and soul, and we will find Him (Deut. 4: 29.) Yeshua said to Pilate, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the life! No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6.).

We must abandon our own agenda, opinions, and what others – even those we most admire – think. It is fundamental that we seek Him personally, and not rely upon the relationship of anyone else, neither Pastors, Rabbis nor Imams.

Yeshua said that we, His sheep, know His voice; we know the TRUTH because we know Him personally. But how can we know what is true and what is false in this world?

What is happening in America?
In the government?
Are they seeking the truth?

  • Is it true that the election was stolen from President Trump and the Republicans?
  • Is it true that Trump instigated the riot in DC and therefore is rightfully being punished?
  • What about the impeachment? Will they succeed in removing Trump once and for all and disqualifying him from ever running for office again?

If the answer to all these questions is negative, will God execute justice in the last hour, and will the real truth be exposed, thereby saving President Trump and restoring him to the presidency?

President Trump is being accused of unpatriotism and inciting violence. However, Trump simply wanted to expose any fraudulence in the 2020 presidential election, believing that he had won.

When President Trump called for Georgia’s officials to verify voter signatures and that all voters were legal residents of the state, his request was denied. Former President Ronald Reagan advocated the practice of “trust but verify.” In the wake of a global pandemic and this most problematic election, one can reasonably legitimize President Trump’s reluctance to trust, and certainly his persistent call to verify.

According to the mainstream media and the Democrats, President Trump had no right to challenge the results of the unorthodox 2020 election practices.

The Democrats only won by a small number of votes. Despite a tidal wave of Trump-hatred, almost half the country believes that they were cheated. Meanwhile, the other side criticizes President Trump for challenging the outcome of the election.

January 6th

His appeal on January 6th to his supporters didn’t go so well. His statements were deliberately misconstrued by his enemies in the mainstream media, Congress, and even by some in the Republican party who were quick to distort his appeal as proof of his unworthiness for the Presidency.

The vast majority of the many thousands at the Capitol were there to show their strong and peaceful support for the President. (We have received reports from some who were actually there, confirming that 95 percent of the pro-Trump demonstrators were peaceful.) A small minority, however, expressed their anger in the form of violence and trespassing into the Capitol building despite the President’s loud and clear call for a peaceful protest. Despite significantly less destruction than during the “Summer of George Floyd,” nevertheless there were five deaths and the trespassers were undoubtedly in the wrong. Somehow, the Democrats, mainstream media, big tech, and the violent Left turned a blind eye to the perpetrators of violence.

Hypocrisy

Months earlier, racism was the excuse for the demolition of national statues, and although such actions were criminal and morally wrong, the democratic congressmen ignored the whole escapade. Now, as the focus has shifted to the DC violence, the purpose of discovering the truth of the 2020 election has been lost in the shuffle. As far as the anti-Trump crowd is concerned, the issue has been firmly settled.

Sadly, an honest and comprehensive forensic investigation into the 2020 election and the real cause for the riots on the Capitol may never take place. Until such trustworthy investigations occur, there will be no verification and therefore no; truth will appear not to matter, until and if God intervenes and supernaturally exposes the truth.

The Left which prides itself on its democracy is the first to suppress free speech, citing the January 6th riots as the need to do so. Ironically, during the last year’s summer violence, the Democrats aided the unlawful rioters by establishing bail funds. Furthermore, the leftist prosecutors refused to charge the rioters but are now quick to prosecute several pro-Trump demonstrators.
There were reports that several Black Lives Matter and Antifa members were masquerading as Trump supporters and inflamed the demonstration creating chaos. Sadly, the blame for the chaos is falling upon President Trump.

It remains to be seen if the truth behind the January 6 events will ever be known, and just how much truth, if any, will matter in American politics in the future.

January 17, 2021, in Washington, DC.

After the riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President.

PRAY

However, to us as believers in Yeshua, Who is the Truth, truth does matter. Let’s pray that God reveals the hidden things behind the American current events before we believe the various opinions and biased news. We are praying for America, especially for the January 20th gathering in Washington DC. There are many police and military men and there is the danger of violence and even death.

Filed Under: From the Newsletter, MainStoryWidget, US Tagged With: Antifa, BLM, inauguration, President Trump, US Capitol

Israel Favors Trump for President

October 31, 2020 By Bella Davidov Leave a Comment

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1

Living in Israel, we mostly experience relative peace that enables Israel to develop and grow. However, this peace is periodically interrupted by terror attacks and even wars. Even in times of apparent peace, Israel’s enemies are in a constant level of warfare.

Recently in the south, the Israeli army uncovered yet another “terror tunnel” stretching from Gaza into Israel. Hamas in Gaza never stops building tunnels. Fortunately, the Israeli army has been able to destroy or seal dozens of them over the years.

President Obama – a Legacy of Enablement of Israel’s Enemies

In Gaza’s early phase of tunnel-building, Israel restricted the importation of building materials that could be used for tunnels. But the Obama administration blocked Israel’s restrictive measures, believing the materials were used for housing, schools, and buildings.

Inevitably, Hamas did use hundreds of thousands of tons of cement to build a maze of underground tunnels, bunkers, command posts, and shelters for its leaders, fighters, and rockets. Now Israel has to suffer and deal with the consequences of the Obama administration’s error.

Obama also forced Israel to accept a 10-month freeze on any building of Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria (known as the West Bank) to encourage the Palestinians to negotiate. The Palestinians never did after all.

Under the Obama administration, Vice President Joe Biden objected vehemently to Israel’s plans to build in a religious neighborhood of Jerusalem. Israel claimed that it has the right to build anywhere in its capital.

President Obama insisted that Israel accept moving back to the “1967 borders.” This would endanger Israel’s security, eliminate defensible borders, and put Israel’s security in the hands of the United Nations and Israel’s Arab enemies. Furthermore, Obama allowed the U.N. Security Council to pass its infamous Resolution 2334—opposed by almost every Democratic senator—which encourages a boycott against any Israeli presence in Judea and Samaria.

On the northern Israel-Lebanon border, Hezbollah has transformed itself, from a minor terror organization into a full-scale army, and is now a major threat. With Iranian backing, Hezbollah has accumulated an estimated 150,000 missiles. The IDF (Israeli Defense Force) has conducted recently a massive military exercises with both regular troops and reservists, involving the air force, navy, and ground forces, as well as the intelligence, technology, and logistics, teleprocessing, and cyber defense directorates in order to deal with the Hezbollah threat.

In 2006, in response to international criticism and pressure, Israel stopped acting against Hezbollah. Furthermore, the United Nations Security Council promises to keep southern Lebanon out of the terrorists’ control were never kept. This is a recurring cycle – Israel defends itself, the world protests and Israel relents in exchange for empty promises.

Obama gave Iran in the “deal” billions of dollars that were ultimately used to support terrorists throughout the Middle East, and in effect hindered Israeli defense against Iranian targets. Under Obama, Israeli attacks against Iranian proxies in Syria which threatened Israel’s security were off-limits. He wouldn’t compromise his Iran Nuclear Deal.

President Trump – a True Friend

Contrary to Obama, President Trump went to work on behalf of Israel immediately. He recognized the unified city of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, opening the door for other countries to follow suit. Israel’s sovereignty over the Western Wall and Temple Mount is now more secure than ever.

Next, President Trump announced recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the strategically vital territory of the Golan Heights, ensuring that it will not fall into the hands of Iranian proxies.

The Trump administration has also clearly stated that Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, so-called settlements, are not illegal and are part of Israel’s Jewish heritage.

Under President Trump, Israel has launched numerous uninterrupted attacks against Iranian proxies in Syria. A series of unexplained explosions at Iranian nuclear and industrial facilities, attributed to Israel, have significantly hindered Iran’s weaponry program.

Just recently, President Trump coordinated with PM Netanyahu the historically successful Middle East peace effort called “The Abraham Accords”, opening formal relations between Israel and Arab Muslim Gulf States, and even with the former enemy African state of Sudan, which now prefers relations with Israel than with Iran. These normalizations with former enemy nations are truly amazing, which PM Netanyahu calls, “Peace for Peace” instead of “Land for Peace.”

Many left-wing leaders, including President Obama, were convinced that Israel could never achieve peace with Arab states without giving away vital territory to the Palestinians. Trump and Netanyahu have proven that Israel need not give away land or expel Jews from their homes to achieve peace.

All those achievements have made President Trump a great leader in favor of Israel and its security. During the Obama years, Israel was under constant diplomatic attack from the European Union with many expecting Israel to become isolated. This perception gave way to an international rise of the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions – solely against Israel) and anti-Israel protests around the globe. Now, thanks to US President Trump working closely with Israel’s PM Netanyahu, Israel is being sought after by many counties who shunned it just a short time ago.

President Trump and PM Netanyahu have produced a historic period that has transformed Israel’s international position and increased its state security. No wonder most Israelis favor Trump over Obama’s former vice-president Biden. Indeed, all of Trump’s initiatives, from recognizing Jerusalem to “The Abraham Accords” have had overwhelming support from politicians of all major Israeli parties.

Israelis fear Biden becoming president and undoing Trump’s accomplishments. They don’t want to go back to Obama’s days.

Pray … Pray … Pray

The Bible commands us to pray for those who are in leadership (I Timothy 2:1-4). This includes those who are contending to become leaders.

According to Scripture, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). The selection of leaders who understand and lead according to God’s righteous standards can bring great blessing to a nation.

Let the Holy Spirit lead you in your prayers of intercession for the United States. As believers, may we have faith to believe that our votes do make a difference. The United States of America was founded on the basis of voting for a candidate with a Godly reputation, according to what is best for the nation. Much prayer is needed for this critical process. Pray for discernment and clarity between truth and falsehood. Pray for physical protection for the candidates and their families, a hedge of protection around the different states, and the whole nation during this time of elections.

Let us focus our hearts on the Kingdom of God. Pray that the purposes of God be accomplished in the U.S. elections. Pray that the results of the elections will please the Lord and release His blessing.

Filed Under: From the Newsletter, MainStoryWidget, US Tagged With: 2020, Biden, Obama, President Trump, US Elections

RETURN TO ZION – the Miracle of Modern Israel

September 25, 2020 By Bella Davidov Leave a Comment

The destruction of Jerusalem and the second temple by the Romans in 70 CE and the banishment of the Jewish people to the far corners of the Roman Empire ended the Jewish nation and the sovereignty of the Jewish people of Judah for almost 2,000 years. During the following centuries, until the 19th century, whenever a Jewish population attempted to settle and gather in the suburbs of Jerusalem, they were warned off by the reigning empire—frequently by force. After the decree of Rome banishing the Jewish people from the city of Jerusalem and the region, the Roman government renamed the land “Palestine.”

Thereafter, the Jewish people suffered prejudice and persecution as a people. There ceased to be a Jewish nation – neither Israel nor Judah. As the Lord warned through the biblical prophets, the people of Israel were scattered around the earth. However, the Jewish people stayed together as a people wherever they lived throughout the world, observing the Sabbath and celebrating the Jewish (biblical) holidays. During the Passover Seder (meal), they recited the story of deliverance from slavery in Egypt, and at the end, they proclaimed: “Next year in Jerusalem!”

The land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem were never forgotten. In the latter19th century, events began to transpire that would eventually give birth, after almost two millennia, to the modern Jewish state of Israel.

The “Aliyah Movement”

The literal meaning of the Hebrew word, “Aliyah” is “to go up.” In other words, no matter where a Jewish immigrant is coming from to Jerusalem or the Land of Israel, he is going up. It is also the term for calling a member of a Jewish synagogue to “come up” to read the weekly portion from the Holy Torah scroll.

The Aliyah movement was a response to the historic and repeated persecution of European Jews. It swept young Jewish adults of Eastern Europe in an almost spontaneous burst of passion for the Land.

The First Aliyah in 1881 to 1882 – a reaction to pogroms (an organized massacre) in Czarist Russia would eventually include almost 35,000 Jewish pioneers, a generation of Jewish young adults determined to leave their countries of origin and “go up” to the land of their forefathers, now called Palestine. Their passion was to rebuild their families and the land. These pioneers frequently overcame monumental obstacles to reach the historic lands of Judah and Israel, at that time known as “Palestine,” in an attempt to build a new life for themselves and the Jewish people.

The First Zionist Congress – The second significant event in the latter 19th century was the emergence of Zionism under the initial inspiration and leadership of Theodor Herzl, a successful secular Jewish journalist from Vienna, who was shocked by the deadly anti-Semitism, prejudice, and persecution of the European Jews at the hand of the gentiles, and was convinced that they were a continual threat. The solution, according to Herzl, was a Jewish homeland in Zion, the ancient land of the Jewish people. To this end, he organized the First Zionist Congress, held in Basel, Switzerland, in 1897 with about 200 Jewish delegates in attendance from different nations.

During the 19th century, as the First Aliyah began to unfold, and the First Zionist Conference was held, Christian leaders were of mixed opinions as to the significance of these matters. Some read the prophecies in the scriptures and were certain the nation of Israel had to be reborn. Others, believing in the replacement theology, were just as certain Israel and the Jews were rejected by God and replaced by the “Church.” Depending on the denomination, churches were for or against, (moral) support to the Zionist cause.

This debate continued right up until the UN voted in 1948 to make a way for a Jewish homeland, and continues to rage to the present day. Is it Prophetic or Political? Whether it is a Russian diplomat acting on behalf of the Czar; or a U.S. President, or the U.S. State, religious and/or political beliefs lie beneath the surface of action or inaction. Even today, beliefs, as well as self-interest and necessities, right or wrong, specifically affect individuals’ and nations’ positions on the events taking place in the Middle East.

Following the death of Herzl in July 1904, the banner for a Jewish state was carried by a new generation of secular, humanist, European Jews. Chaim Weizmann and David Ben-Gurion were the most notable. The motivating force behind the struggle for the creation of a Jewish homeland was driven by these men who were liberal, even socialist in their beliefs and politics.

Religious Judaism was not significantly represented among the early leaders of what became the first Israeli politicians. They were not motivated at all by a historical/biblical longing for the return to the land of their fathers. Their motivation was nationalistic; to the extent that they were convinced, there could never be peace for Jews in any non-Jewish country.

Internationally, and under all circumstances, whenever events turned negative—be they political, economic, or even climate change—the Jews were always the convenient scapegoats for blame. Even in the USA, it was widely held among the general population that “the Jews were behind the banking crisis and the Great Depression.”

The early Zionist founders were Jews but had no real connection to the Jewish religion or traditions. Some barely believed in God, or not at all. In fact, religious Judaism was skeptical of any effort to create a new Jewish state. Many Orthodox rabbis spoke openly against it, even maintaining it was up to the Messiah, when He comes, to reestablish the nation. Many went so far as to say working for a (secular) Jewish state was blasphemous.

The Balfour Declaration – Britain’s Lord Balfour’s declaration was a public statement issued on November 2, 1917, by the British government and published on November 9, 1917. It declared support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, (which was at that time a Muslim Ottoman Empire region with a small minority Jewish population.) 

It seemed to satisfy the vision Herzl had for a Jewish home in their homeland. However, its implementation met with opposition within the British government because England was dependent upon the expanding crude oil development of the Middle East, which necessitated good relations and support of the Arab populations and states that apparently controlled the crude reserves.

At the conclusion of WWI, the victorious Allies, at the encouragement of Great Britain, made several modifications to the map of the Middle East that was previously the undivided Turkish Ottoman Empire. They divided up much of that territory to create a new map. Included in this innovative map-making was the creation of several new countries that had never existed before, such as Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and others. The “Great Nations” behind this new map of the Middle East were Great Britain, France, and, to some extent, Russia.

A New Map

With all of this “new country creation,” the Zionists had realistic expectations, in light of the Balfour Declaration, that Great Britain would only allow for a sliver of land in Palestine for the first Jewish homeland in two millennia.

Unfortunately, even this did not happen at that time, as the national security voices within the British Foreign Office prevailed with the argument that the vast Arab majority of the Middle East, where the largest concentration of future crude oil was certain to be located, would not permit the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine, no matter how small.

The League of Nations (later to become the United Nations) gave Great Britain the mandate over the Palestine area, which included the area that is now Jordan. The British were supposed to be there until the Jews would be able to rule their new state. They were also supposed to keep the peace in this troubled spot. This enabled the British to maintain British dominance in this strategic region.

But, due to England’s growing prejudice and hostility toward world Jewry and their religion, as the 20th Century progressed, it became clear to the Zionists that a Jewish homeland in Palestine might never be achieved. With hostility increasing all over Europe toward the Jews and British policy limiting the immigration of Jews to Palestine, Jews began to resort to “illegal” means to enter and settle in Palestine.

Nowhere to go

Even as Hitler’s final solution to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe progressed, Great Britain continued to forbid entry of additional European Jews refugees to Palestine. Once Hitler was finally defeated, Europe found itself with millions of DPs, (Displaced Persons,) of which the majorities were Jewish survivors of the Hitler extermination machine. These Jewish Holocaust survivors soon discovered they were not even welcome to return to their former European homes or cities. When a few brave ones attempted, they were greeted not as survivors of Hitler, but as “the cause of the war.”

A significant number of those who survived Hitler were killed by angry anti-Semite mobs when they attempted to return to their homes which had been confiscated (among them were Bella’s father’s family.) In Poland, returning survivors were attacked with shouts of, “Hitler should have finished the job! Why aren’t you dead?” The Allies decided it was too risky to allow these Jewish survivors to “just run loose.” So, the Allied Occupation Command decided to convert many of Hitler’s “death” camps to “DP camps,” camps for displaced persons (Bella was born in a DP camp in 1947). Once again, the Jews were locked up!

Although pressure was mounting on Britain to let some of these Holocaust survivors enter Palestine, the British government feared it would provoke an Arab violent reaction, as it saw itself as the only peacekeeping force in Palestine between the Arab population and the growing Jewish one.

By the fall of 1947, the pressure upon the British had grown almost intolerable, with U.S. President Harry Truman leading the way, finally, Great Britain agreed to an option of ending the mandate (trusteeship) submitted to a vote by the newly created United Nations general assembly. Britain lobbied on behalf of a proposal, calling for the simultaneous creation of an Arab state and a Jewish state, dividing the previously undivided Palestine.

However, with the growing aspirations of the Soviet Union in the Middle East and the desire to reduce the influence of Great Britain in the region, the Soviet Union, with all of their vassal states, voted for the end of the mandate and the creation of an independent Jewish state.

The U.N. vote on November 29, 1947, ended the British mandate in the region, as well as the blockade of the European-Jews, immigrated to Palestine.

Declaration of the State of Israel

Immediately upon the withdrawal of the last British troops from Palestine, Ben-Gurion, the leader of the Jewish population in the land declared the independence and statehood of the Jewish nation, calling the new Jewish state and the land – “Israel.” In fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 66:8, on May 14, 1948, a nation, the Nation of Israel was truly born in a day.

Once the U.N. voted to end the mandate, and cleared the way for a Jewish state, it began to establish the permissible, likely borders. Also, it was envisioned that an additional Arab/Palestinian state would simultaneously be created in the former British Mandate Palestine.

The neighboring and existing (Islamic) Arab nations in the region opposed the idea of a Jewish state ever emerging in the Middle East, no matter how small. At the core of the Arab opposition was a fundamental Islamic inviolable precept that “Once a land or territory has been conquered by Islam, from that time that land is Islamic! All true followers of Islam are committed to going to war, and even dying, to enforce this Islamic dictum!” (Israel was conquered by Islam in the 7th century and reconquered in the 11th century)

The Miracle

This is the mantra of organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah as well as nations like Iran. To the secular nations, including the emerging secular leadership of the (then) proposed Jewish state, it seemed impossible to reason with such religious dogma. It appeared war would be the only solution. Jihad (Islam Holy War) was the only honorable response prescribed by Islam.

The outnumbered, outgunned Jews of the new state were seen as having no chance to survive such an attack from the surrounding enormous enemy armies. It was widely believed the Jewish state that was born in one day would not survive even one day. Miraculously, Israel defeated these enemies and God’s word of a reborn Jewish state prevailed.

Filed Under: Aliyah, From the Newsletter, History, MainStoryWidget-left, Our People Tagged With: aliyah, History, immigration

End Time Warnings and Assurances

August 31, 2020 By Bella Davidov Leave a Comment

My good friend, sister in the Lord, and prayer and ministry partner, Joan Lipis, – A gifted teacher and evangelist to Jews and Israelis – has an English website for prayer for Israel: Lunch Time Prayer For Israel. God has called her to do a series on End Time events that we see happening around the world. I (Bella) have been doing the Hebrew translations for the site since 2012. I would like to incorporate some of her insights in this letter, especially for the purpose of prayer and seeking the Lord in these crucial times.*

In approximately 20 BC, King Herod began rebuilding the second Holy Temple that had been built earlier by the Jews who came back from the Babylonian captivity more than 400 years earlier. It took him 46 years to complete it.

In 70 CE (AD), the second temple was destroyed (as Yeshua prophesied 40 years earlier.)

Sixty years after the destruction of the second temple and massacre of hundreds of thousands of Jews by the Romans, there was another uprising by the Jews against Rome, called the Bar Kochba Revolt. Rome crushed the revolt and expelled the Jews from Jerusalem. The majority of the Jewish population of the land were killed, enslaved, or exiled. Thus began the 2000-year dispersion (diaspora) from their covenant land.

“And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations.” Luke 21:24a

The Jewish people would not regain their national independence until the Zionist era and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 CE.

Yeshua’s warnings

The Temple and the city of Jerusalem distinguished Israel as a people and a land, having a unique relationship with God as His presence was visible and tangible through His Holy Spirit. It is important to remember that the issue and the conflict of the Temple Mount today is a spiritual one and not political. It is the center of God’s activities on the earth and the epicenter of the conflict between the Lord, the God of Israel and His Arch-enemy, Satan. Not surprisingly it was, is, and will remain (until the New Jerusalem) the world’s most disputed property on earth.

At the time Yeshua was on earth in Israel and Jerusalem, the Temple was the center of Jewish life; spiritual, worship, and communal. Although the apostles had been in the temple many times, they still marveled at its magnificent beauty. Now Yeshua prophesied that it would soon be destroyed that not one stone would remain on top of another. (Mark 13:1-2)

When they heard Yeshua prophesy its destruction, the apostles must have been shocked. They all had the same question in mind and asked: “When will these things be?” Yeshua spoke about the signs of “These Things” as well as His second coming and the end of the age. (Luke 21:7, Matthew 24:3) Matthew, like the Jewish people then and still today longed for a Messiah who would bring in the glorious Messianic Kingdom of worldwide peace. He would reign in Jerusalem where all nations would come to hear Him: “from Zion will go forth the Torah and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2) but… “When will these things be?”

In 70 CE (AD), 40 years after Yeshua’s prophecy about the destruction of the second temple, it was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed the magnificent second temple. Other things Yeshua warned in His prophecy happened, are happening, and will happen in the future.

These ‘signs’ would apply to the world, to those who believe in Him, and to the Jewish people.

Firstly, Yeshua warned against deception: 

And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many” Matthew 24:4

In Luke 21:8 He adds that the deceivers will claim that the ‘time has drawn near,’ so He said not to follow them. Yeshua’s warning was fulfilled shortly after He left the earth, as men rose up claiming to be the Messiah (Acts 5:34-39.)

Ultimately, in the end time, another imposter will succeed in seducing many by using flattery and even signs and wonders, especially by bringing false peace to the world. Discerning between the real Messiah Yeshua and the Imposter will be crucial; it will be a matter of life or death.

We must also be aware of false prophets and teachers who change the literal meaning of God’s word for interpretations that make us feel good rather than challenge, exhort, and encourage us to seek God’s righteousness.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” 2 Peter 2:1-2

This apostasy is one of the most prevalent and dangerous signs of the end times today. (see also 1Timothy 4:1-5)

The credential of a true prophet comes from the Word of God in the Torah:

“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.” Deuteronomy 18: 18-20

Yeshua’s word warned that there will come a false prophet who will be the spokesperson for the coming false messiah. This false prophet will lure the unsuspecting away from God’s truth and ultimately demand the world worship that false messiah. Those who will follow him will lose their lives in God’s final judgment.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

There were, and still are great wars around the world, but most have come and gone. However, here in Israel, war, acts of belligerence, terror attacks, and rumors of war occur all the time. Yeshua assures us that when we hear of wars and even when they happen, while the rest of the world is in fear and despair, He is sovereign and we need not fear, but have faith and trust in Him.

 “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass…” Matthew 24:6

“…but the end is not yet.”

In Luke 21:9 He uses the word “uprisings.” A synonym for the Greek word is ‘disorder’.
“But when you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

As we reflect on these warnings and descriptions of what is to come, it’s obvious that we are standing on the brink of these “End Times.” Not only are wars and rumors of wars increasing, but so are uprisings and disorder. There is an increasing loss of respect for authority as protests and demonstrations turn into violent and deadly riots, as seen in the news broadcasts.

Faith in Yeshua is the only source of hope and peace in these days and the days to come.

Nation against Nation, Kingdom against Kingdom 

Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Luke 21:10

Yeshua warned His disciples that “these things” were in their future…but for us, they are also here! We must be prepared and prepare others.

Lately, in Israel, there has been a kind of peace with the occasional outbursts of hostilities. Although they caused property damage, Israelis recognize that God is protecting lives. They are calling those events “miracles” or “luck,” for, despite the rockets against us, there are no casualties, even though there are some close calls.

Famine, Pestilence, Earthquakes

“And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” Mark 13:8

When any of these events happen, our immediate reaction is fear and hopelessness. In just the last fifty years, cities and entire nations have been devastated and almost completely destroyed.

In our days, famine rages throughout Africa as unprecedented swarms of locusts destroy crops. Earthquakes lead to tsunamis that ravish the prepared and unsuspecting alike. The Indian Ocean earthquake/tsunami in 2004 devastated Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia with a death toll of close to 230,000.

And now, this year the “Corona-19” virus has shut down the entire world in varying degrees.

Great signs from heaven

In Luke 21:11 He adds that there will be fearful events and…”great signs from heaven.”

Although this is another sign of the Tribulation, it was part of Yeshua’s prophetic warnings to the Apostles.

The Hebrew prophet Joel warned about these great signs, but also about God’s promise to save all those who call upon Him in faith.

And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood,

Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said,
among the remnant whom the Lord calls.” Joel 2:30-32

The words of Joel’s prophecy were repeated by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:19-21, which reveals God’s heart of mercy and grace to continually warn Israel of the impending doom. It is likewise a warning to us for whom the Day of the Lord is so much closer.

An asteroid?

Recently there was a scare about an asteroid that could hit Earth this November 2, just two days before the American election.

However, NASA just announced that even though this particular asteroid is estimated to come within 4,994.76 kilometers of Earth – which is very close in space terms – it is very small and doesn’t pose a threat to our planet. Even should it hit Earth, the overwhelming odds are that it still won’t hurt anyone since it is about the size of a car.

NASA can’t promise that a bigger asteroid won’t hit us in the future; they did promise that they are making progress in detecting those ‘near-earth objects’ with the hope of one day even deflecting them.

The Beginning of Sorrows

Yeshua’s warning that these were only the “beginning of sorrows” probably struck terror in the hearts of the Apostles. The word translated as “sorrows” can be described as “intolerable anguish, consuming grief, pain, travail.” In other words, there is that much worse to come.

“All these are the beginning of sorrow.” Matthew 24:8

The Psalmist expresses the same kind of fear and pain, but he is comforted in the Lord:
“The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.” Psalm 16:5-6

The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night, but fear not.
“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

As Yeshua told His disciples not to fear, we also should not fear. We have His supernatural protection as He has promised:“But not a hair of your head will perish.” Luke 21:18

For us, His children, death is not the end, for we will be alive with Him through all eternity.

We, who believe in Yeshua, by God’s grace, have been redeemed and reconciled to Him. We will never perish but have eternal life in His presence (John 3:16.)

Even in the midst of the most horrible situations, God never forsakes His people.Isaiah 43:1-3a
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

…”HALLELUYAH!

*(Lunchtime Prayer for Israel is a daily blog in both text and a slightly expanded video that helps Believers pray God’s promises to Israel and the nations. With the short commentary on the predominately Old Testament Scriptures, people have a greater understanding of God’s unique relationship with Israel. The new “End Times” series is written not just for the committed pray-er, but also for the growing interest among non-believing Israelis.
          Text:
https://lunchtimeprayer.com

          Video:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1cs4SLVgY3zHGadXXcJFQ

Filed Under: End-time Prophecy, History, MainStoryWidget

The Counting of the Omer

May 10, 2020 By Bella Davidov Leave a Comment

“You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the Omer sheaf (sheaf) of the wave offering. You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord.” (Leviticus 23:15-16)

the omer and a sicle

In Jewish tradition, the Omer is considered to be a bridge that connects the Exodus from Egypt from slavery to freedom, to the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai seven weeks later, on the holiday of Shavuot (Pentecost.) Passover and Shavuot are two of the three pilgrimage festivals when the people of Israel went up to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to come before the Lord.

God commanded the Israelites: “Three times a year shall all your men appear before the Lord your God in the place that God will choose [God chose Jerusalem as His dwelling place], on the festivals of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), and the Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot). They shall not appear empty-handed. Each shall bring his own gift, appropriate to the blessing which the Lord your God has given you.” (Deuteronomy 16:16)

The Lord wants to bless His people with abundance, but He wants them to come to Him with the first Omer of their crop, and He will give the increase.

The three festivals are joyous times of anticipation for God’s blessings on their offerings. The time between Passover and Shavuot is truly a happy event, seven weeks of joyous celebration, believing God for a great harvest.

However, since the destruction of the Temple and the Jews dispersed to nations all around the world, the counting of the Omer has become a tradition of strict laws set by the rabbis.

Jews in the Diaspora developed laws regarding what to say and what to do. For example, one stands when counting the Omer, and begins by reciting the blessing in Hebrew translated: “Blessed are you, Lord our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to count the Omer.” After the blessing, one states the appropriate day of the count, like: today is the 28-day of the Omer, and so forth for each day. He also states the week, because the biblical text instructs, “you shall count 50 days.”

Furthermore, the text also says to “count seven complete weeks.” Therefore the tradition commands to count both days and weeks with the appropriate blessings as they appear in the prayer books for the evening service. However, if a person forgets to count the Omer on a particular evening, he may count the next morning for the previous day but without reciting the blessing, and then may continue counting, as usual, that evening with the blessing.

If, however, one forgets to count the Omer at night and also forgets to count in the morning, one should still count the Omer on every subsequent night, but should no longer recite a blessing before counting.

In Judaism, the days of the counting of the Omer have become a solemn time of partial mourning. In different Jewish communities, there are different traditions regarding how much of the Omer period is spent in mourning, and what restrictions apply, for at least some portion of the days of the counting of the Omer. Behavior such as listening to live music, celebrating weddings and Bar Mitzvahs, shaving, and getting haircuts are generally forbidden. There is just one day, the 33rd day of the Omer, Lag Ba’Omer, that is a joyous day, which is treated as a minor holiday with singing, dancing, (hair cuts are allowed), and gathering around lit bonfires.

According to the Talmud (Oral Law), the reason for the mourning during the counting of the Omer is to commemorate a terrible plague that killed 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva’s students during the Omer period (a famous rabbi who lived in Israel in the 130’s CE and is considered to be one of the greatest rabbinic sages.) The Talmud explains that this horrible tragedy was a punishment because the followers of Rabbi Akiva did not respect one another. The followers were extremely learned men who devoted their lives to the Torah, mainly the Oral Law; but their lack of respect for one another caused the devastation. Jewish tradition puts great emphasis on the treatment of people one to the other. It is not enough to learn Torah and be right with God without being kind and doing good to our fellow men.

Holding the Omer

Rabbi Akiva also proclaimed Bar-Kochba as the Messiah (a false one) which led to the rebellion against the Romans in AD 132, a rebellion that failed.

As followers of Yeshua/Jesus, the True Messiah, we lift up our attention and focus on God’s Eternal Kingdom. (Colossians 3:2)

During these 50 days of counting the Omer we look forward to Shavuot (Pentecost) and pray for Spiritual Awakening with the promise of God to pour His Spirit on all people. (Joel 2:28)

Filed Under: History, Holidays, MainStoryWidget-left

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