It is my prayer that you’ll take time to consider what the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit means to you, to the success of your local church and your mandate to impact the world with the Good News. Begin now to make preparations to celebrate Pentecost Sunday—it’s the birthday of the church!
Shavuot as described in the New Testament book of Acts marks the birthday of the church. Without the historical background, however, you may be surprised to learn that the festival was inaugurated by Moses and is still joyfully celebrated in Israel some 3,500 years later.
Two decades and three administrations have passed since Public Law 104–45—Nov. 8, 1995 was approved by Congress. Every six months, presidents have routinely postponed the U.S. Embassy move via waiver for fear of antagonizing Israel’s enemies—a strategy that failed to achieve the objective.
For people of faith living in the 21st century, the prophetic implications are staggering. More than 2700 years ago, the prophet Isaiah urged us to rejoice with Jerusalem!
Ezekiel prophesied that when Gentiles “hallow”—revere, respect and bless—the Jewish people, God would return them to their ancient homeland. Are you familiar enough with God’s Word to grasp the significance of the times in which we live?
Evil men may attempt to intimidate, but Israel’s enemies never intimidate God. In spite of calculated attempts to destroy the Jewish people throughout history, God has kept His promise to preserve His Chosen People.
That Yom Hazikaron is symbolically linked to the celebration of Yom Haatzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) 24 hours later is no coincidence. The timing underscores the extreme courage and valor of the Jewish people who now enjoy freedom rebirthed through sacrifice.
While David eloquently acknowledges God’s preservation of the Jewish people, the prophet Isaiah assures that God is aware of all they have had to endure.
Set an alarm to pause in a moment of silent solidarity with our Jewish friends, neighbors and co-workers. Then, determine to use Yom HaShoah to counter those who attempt to diminish and co-opt the memory of the Holocaust.
They were puzzled. It didn’t make sense. Was it a riddle? In a little while they wouldn’t see Him, but in a little while they would see Him again because He was going to His Father? The disciples were confused.
