Watchmen Holding Our Posts - Sharon Sanders - www.cfijerusalem.org
Yeshua taught us from his own example that at times he would have been found "...crying aloud and shedding tears..." (Hebrews 5:7)
During His life on earth, Yeshua was a true Intercessor, always standing in the gap. He still intercedes in Heaven for His beloved servants. "The word "intercede" comes from the Latin "inter" meaning "between" and "ced" meaning "go". So it literally means "go between". The Hebrew word for intercede is "hifgia". Yuval Shomron from Jerusalem says, "The root behind the Hebrew "hifgia", or intercede, is "paga", which means "touched". The same root is in used "pigua" which is the Hebrew word for a terrorist attack. The only way someone can actually intercede is to lay their lives down for someone else. When we intercede for one another, our chief purpose is to fill in those gaps (for Israel) and hold up (Israel) so the enemy can't gain an advantage over them. Likewise, when we fail to intercede for one another, we're virtually giving the key to that person's spiritual house to his/her enemies for them to wreak havoc.
Just as we wouldn't build a brick wall and intentionally leave gaping holes in the cement joints, I would go so far as to say it's malicious for us to not "go between" / "stand in the gap" for our brothers, sisters, and our religious and political leaders. Jesus said, "By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another" (John 13:35). How can we say we love... and not pray...? It's a contradiction. There was no greater example for us than Yeshua. Think of a brick wall, in particular, the mortar in the joints between the bricks. That mortar "goes between", or "intercedes", between the bricks to bind them together and strengthen them. Without the mortar "going between" the bricks, the wall would collapse. If you want to break down that wall, the easiest way is to start where there are gaps in the mortar. You start chopping and chipping at those sections and soon the entire wall will lack the support it needs and will give way." (Rev. Linda Smallwood).
Intercession as Watchmen today cannot be just "when we feel like it"... (I am also having to overcome busyness)... because Israel is in a dangerous situation right now-more dangerous than before. They are hearing cries of terror and of fear and not of peace (Jeremiah 30:5, Complete Jewish Bible, Stern). Even if this Scripture reference is still yet future, the sounds of terror and symptoms of danger are all around her. God is at work today in Israel and He is returning Yaacov's descendants to their tents (Jeremiah 30:18, Stern CJB). The many cities which are still being built are being built on the sites of Bible history. Those of us who live here, hear the sounds of celebration at the Feasts of the Lord throughout the Land during the year and God continues to increase the number of new immigrants continually. The purpose of God's Heart is to plant Israel in her Land where she will never be removed and to claim this part of the earth for His Coming Kingdom where in the future, "...the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea beds" (Habakkuk 2:14). Our cry as Watchmen should join the Watchmen on Mt. Ephraim and say "Come, let's go up to Zion, to Adonai our God" (Jeremiah 31:5-6).
Terrorism is all over the world but it truly surrounds the tiny nation of Israel. The word in Hebrew for "violence" is Hamas. Since the foundation of the State of Israel terrorism and violence have existed and continue until this day. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently said "Mahmoud Abbas is not a "partner" in the war on terror and instead of calming the situation he inflames it. Israel's Prime Minister continues to assure everyone in Israel that all security measures and forces are in place to protect Israelis and anyone visiting here. Our prayer is that Christians will not stop visiting Israel, because there is a campaign against Israel to try to scare away visitors and pilgrims. Now is the time when we need to come and show solidarity more than ever before and not fall for the ploys of the enemy.
By using terror they are trying to uproot the Jewish people from all parts of the country. From a terrorist's point of view, Israel does not need to be in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Gush Etzion or anywhere else. They wish to set the land on fire and cause a religious war, but it will not succeed. God says "With all my heart and soul I will faithfully plant them in this land. ... and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul." (Jeremiah 32:41). These Islamic terrorists, many home-grown from the Gaza Strip, are going totally against the Will of the Almighty of Israel. (Jeremiah 32:41). The harsh punishment for those who fall into the hands of an angry God is severe, but they are making their own choices. Any choice to try to set Israel on fire will end up igniting the entire Middle East. We need to pray as never before.
Israel is NOT leading Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) or the terrorists into a religious war... this is a false assumption. Israel has stretched out the hand of peace for years only to have it chopped off by terrorists and extremists who hate deeply, seeking revenge. Their desire is to seize Israel's capital for their own. This is not new to God. Please read all of Psalm 83.
Security has been stepped up in Judea and Samaria. Israeli patrols are being tightened along the roads in the region. Forces have been redeployed farther south as well. IDF Central Command is taking no chances in case of a sudden escalation of further violence. All Christians must know that the Islamic State (ISIS) has announced that the Sinai Peninsula is now a Caliphate (which is ruled by a supreme religious and political leader known as a Caliph, or a successor to Mohammed. Reports around the Arab world are claiming that the establishment of a Caliphate in the Sinai is the first step toward its "advance on Jerusalem" to show the world that Allah's rule must be enforced. Obviously, Islamic jihadists, terrorists and extremists are not reading God's Word, the Bible! For the Lord God of Israel says, ""In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem...." (Zechariah 12:8). One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised" (Joshua 23:10). Yes, it will be a fearful thing when the enemies of Israel fall into the Hands of the Living God! Much prayer is needed to carry Israel through on the wings of prayer. As Abbas feeds the flames on the Temple Mount and as Days of Rage have been called for by Fatah fighters and masses of Palestinian people we need an awakening to shock many into the reality that THE GOD OF ISRAEL LIVES-and He will defend His people!
One more point: The Islamic State (ISIS) regularly puts out a glossy propaganda magazine aimed at recruiting jihadists from the West. It is sophisticated, slick, beautifully produced and printed in several languages including English. It portrays the Islamic State as they see themselves: boasting of their victories and painting a romantic image of the restoration of an Islamic golden age and the heralding of a glorious new Caliphate. Their new magazine is called "Dabiq," after a place in Syria that is supposed to be the location for one of the final battles-according to certain Muslim myths about a final apocalypse. Choosing such a name highlights their goals.
Let's Go to the Throne Room Together Around the World Wherever We Are:
* Pray that the revival of slavery through ISIS and the Islamic warriors will die before it gets any further. If as Christians we blindly think and hope that the Islamists will come to their senses, then it might just be wishful thinking. We must pray yes, but something must be done. We must pray for this. It is reported that Europe has already abandoned its faith and could face the same fate as the Yazidis of Iraq. The Islamic state actually takes pride in commanding their followers to "kill the idolaters wherever you find them. That means Jews and Christians...Warnings have also come for the "crusader" of America and Europe. Their cry is "We will conquer your Rome, break your crosses...you will be defeated...for our Lord...". This is the promise from "another lord"--not the LORD of Jews and Christians! Let us be aware of this - our Lord is not the same as Islam's. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD" (Deuteronomy 6;4) and "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5).
* Intercede that the chains of terrorism, bloodshed and war be snapped and broken so that Israel is no longer captive to chains of darkness hunting her down wherever she is.
* Thank God that He will intervene and that those who follow militant and extreme Islam will no longer enslave Israel or any other nation under their lord's banner. "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3).
* Praise God for raising up Yeshua (Jesus) to come and deliver Israel, bring her Redemption and save many in the world. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:3).
* Begin to implore the Lord "Come Lord Jesus...come."
* Pray fervently against fear in the Land among Israelis. Red Alerts and alarms bring a moment of intenseness to even veterans of war. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10).
* Thank God the Ingathering of the Jewish People will continue even from faraway lands. "Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock" (Jeremiah 31:10).
* Pray for deliverance from sin in Israel in areas of the population where discipline to follow the Lord's ways is needed, especially in Tel Aviv where the gay population thrives. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
* Thank God He has plans for Israel and a good end. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 21:11).
Thank you to each one who prays for Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem. We all need your prayers to remain faithful and productive in the Land. Also, I ask for personal prayer for myself and my son-in-law (Kevin Howard) from November 27th until December 4th when we travel to Mexico for teaching. Please keep us lifted before the throne for safety, security, Divine health and much fruit to be born.
Looking Up Until He Comes,
Sharon Sanders
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY ALL NEW PROPHECY AND CREATION DESIGN WEBSITES. THERE IS A LOT TO SEE AND DO..........
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.