“The LORD shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16
“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Revelation 5:5
Dear Intercessors for Israel:
Greetings from Jerusalem! Marylois and I after a brief interlude in the United States have once again returned to this beloved Land and people. Roy and Cindy Key were there at the House of Peace to greet us. There is nothing more precious than sweet fellowship, good soup, and entering into the rest after a long journey.
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
I begin this prayer letter with two biblical verses highlighting the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ. I have been meditating on these verses during the past week. He is our Messiah, the government is on His shoulder and He is the prophesied lawgiver.
The patriarch Jacob in biblical times prophesied over each of his 12 sons, giving a word (Gen. 49:1-28). Yet he came to Judah the fourth son and said that he would be the ruler, a young lion, and a lawgiver (vs. 8-10). From him would come the future promised Messiah: (Shiloh or “to whom kingship belongs” also interpreted as peaceful). 670 years then passed by, until David, the son of Jesse, became king over a united Israel. Solomon succeeded him and yet by the time of Rehoboam, the tribes had separated. The line of David and the scepter was no more when Jeremiah lived (Jer. 22:30). Yet, from this dead stump of line of David, a tender shoot sprang up from the root: Jesus Christ, the rightful heir to the line of David, through adoption by Joseph and Spiritually through his Father the LORD God. Jesus is the true root and offspring of David (Is. 11:1,10). He as the sovereign anointed eternal king who is soon returning as the rightful heir to Jerusalem.
The Roar
It is said that the roar of a lion can be heard up to five miles away. Other animals upon hearing it either freeze or flee. A lion roars when it is about to seize it prey, or cries out in victory over its slain foe. A lion also roars to protect its territory, and to call its cubs.
Jesus, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, roars for He has defeated the evil one through His eternal sacrifice on the cross. His roar is the voice of victory. Death and the grave are defeated. His roar causes devils and demons to tremble and flee. Jesus, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, roars in us. His voice through His word defeats the foe. The Lord also roars from Zion and utters His voice from Jerusalem. His call draws his people closer and encourages and protects them. The roar of the Lion of the tribe of Judah displays His mighty power. His word from Jerusalem continues to spread to the farthest most remote corners of the earth. His roar looses his judgments upon those who promote evil and embrace darkness.
Lord, we pray you continue to roar over this city! Roar over your people. Let your presence be known. Let your word thunder from Jerusalem. Let your roar sound in us, Jesus. Anoint us, your disciples, Lord, to be as “bold as a lion.” May we be strong and courageous against those who threaten or speak evil of us.
Satan and every follower of darkness cannot withstand this roar of eternal victory. They tremble at the sound. They are defeated and their time is short. Jesus, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is worthy of our praise for His Kingdom will know no end.
Israel-Lebanese Sea Borders
The nation of Lebanon is continuing to pressure Israel. Tenders or contracts to carry out oil development in ocean areas claimed by Israel were approved by the Lebanese government last week. Licensing was granted to a consortium representing France, Italy, and Russia for off shore oil and gas development, and is expected to be signed by February 9th. The gas field lies within Israel’s maritime borders. Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman called these actions “very provocative.”
Lebanon and Israel border the Levant Basin in the eastern Mediterranean. Here a number of large sub-sea gas fields have been discovered since 2009. These fields are located in Israeli waters that Lebanon now claims. Pray that Asher be allowed to dip his foot in his own oil. Pray that these “provocative” actions by Lebanon cease. Pray that these illegal contracts to steal Israel’s oil/gas be made null and void.
Threats of Missile Attacks
The nation of Iran is continually supplying Lebanon with state of the art GPS missiles, which can easily target Israel. Hezbollah and other terrorist groups now possess an estimated arsenal of over 130,000 rockets and missiles which are able to reach central Israel. During a state visit to Moscow this week, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke to Russian President Putin and said that, “If Iran is not stopped, then Israel will stop it” (www.jpost.com 2/1/18). Pray that Iran’s strategies, plans, and plots against Israel are disrupted. Pray that these missiles and rockets are contained. Pray, “Lion of the tribe of Judah, rise up and defend your people Israel.” Pray, “Lion of the tribe of Judah, roar and consume those who seek to slay your people Israel.”
Palestinian Authority Purchases Private Jet
In the midst of threatened funding cuts, the Palestinian Authority purchased a 54-million-dollar private jet for its president Mahmoud Abbas. 20 million dollars was taken from the annual P.A. budget, while the rest came from the Palestinian national fund. When US President Donald Trump originally threatened to cut aid earlier this month, PLO official Saeb Erekat said it would lead to starvation among Palestinian refugee children (www.timesofisrael.com). The new jet will be based at Jordan’s Queen Alia airport, ready for Abbas’ use. The P.A. itself does not have any airports within its territories. Israel’s prime minister does not have and has never had a private plane.
Israel’s Need for a Foreign Minister
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is one of the most important ministries in the Israeli government. The ministry’s role is to implement Israel’s foreign policy, and promote economic, cultural, and scientific relations with other countries. The position of Israel’s Foreign Minister was held by Lieberman Avigdor until his resignation in May of 2015. Since then Israel has been without a Foreign Minister. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been unable to find a suitable candidate.
In addition to his duties as Israel’s Prime Minister, Netanyahu now also oversees the following: diplomatic relations with 159 countries, the operation of 77 embassies and 19 consulates-general, and five special missions to the United Nations. Yet another task of the Foreign Minister is overseeing the functions of the Ambassador to the European Union (in Brussels).
Problems arise when another mind, heart, or opinion is needed to broaden the perspective, to present key pieces of international diplomatic information, and to add various points to the discussions in the Israeli cabinet. It’s also problematic because Prime Minister Netanyahu cannot attend all the international roundtables and meetings that a Foreign Minister needs to do, in order to interconnect with other nations, sharing Israel’s thoughts or stance on issues. On all sides, the absence of a Foreign Minister in Israel is a detriment. The pressure needs to be lessened on the Prime Minister and Israel needs to see that he will share authority for the benefit of the country, and to maintain vital connections in diplomatic relationships abroad. (Insight for Intercessors).
Pray that the Lord would speak to Prime Minister Netanyahu, revealing to him His choice for Foreign Minister. Pray that the chosen person will be quickly received and supported by the Knesset, by the rest of the cabinet, and by the people. Pray that there are not any key items of information, or vital contacts being missed because of the lack of a separate Foreign Minister. Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu to have wise and trustworthy advisors to help him make this change.
Winter Rains
Last week was one of the rainiest recorded in Israel in the past few years, but the country’s water situation is still dire. Israel’s national water company Mekorot said the cumulative deficit in the country’s natural water reserves was at a ten-year low, whereas the sweet water Sea of Galilee was still more than a meter below the red line. Israel has been adding water to the lake from its desalination plants in order to avert a natural disaster from increasing salinity levels. Pray for rain! Pray for the five year drought that has afflicted Israel to end. Pray for clouds the size of a man’s hand to appear (I Kgs. 18:44). Pray from Joel 3:16: Lion of the tribe of Judah “shake the heavens and the earth. Be the hope of your people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”
House of Peace Healing and Soaking meetings
In addition to our weekly intercessory prayer meeting, Roy and Cindy have started a Thursday night healing and soaking meeting. We have a good response and better yet, the LORD has been in the house, touching and healing His people. This week Marylois spoke on “Healing the Broken You.” Many local believers were in attendance, and Roy and Cindy prayed for those in need of a special touch. We just praise the Lord for being among us. Come and be blessed.
Shabbat Shalom,
Gene and Marylois/House of Peace