Either Way, Don’t Forget Them

Dateline: Israel – What do we call this – a praise report, or a prayer request?  Maybe both.  The Messianic Jewish congregation in Beersheva who took their persecutors to court, only to lose their trial and be forced to pay the defendants’ costs, has made the decision not to appeal the judge’s decision.  What would you call for – prayer or praise?

Heavily on the praise report side is that this decision wasn’t arrived at lightly, or without many counselors.  After much prayer, the pastor of this congregation concluded that it wasn’t God’s will to pursue this any further in the courts.  We praise God for His will, even when it’s contrary to our thoughts.  Further, as mentioned in the article in Compass Direct News, when Jesus was falsely accused and would have been within his “rights” to answer all the unjust charges against Him, He chose to do the will of God.  The final outcome was so much better than if they had ruled “in His favor.”  He trusted God.  So, let’s join our praises to God for this small congregation in Israel choosing to trust God and His way.  This is a bright light in the darkness!

On the prayer request side, there are many additional issues that could be on the horizon because the believers “backed down” in the eyes of their persecutors and others in the land.  Without even a hand slap for the acquitted, they might be emboldened to continue or increase the harassment and violence.  This can spill over to other Messianic believers and congregations.  Some might think Yeshua’s Inheritance Church accepted the judge’s decision because of no appeal, causing even more negativity publicity and action.  All of these issues need to be covered in prayer, not only for Yeshua’s Inheritance, but for all the Messianic congregations in Israel.  Threats and actions against them are on the rise, and this case could just be added fuel to the fire.

Remember to praise the Lord for His mighty outpouring toward this congregation and others already planted in Israel – those who trust Him, no matter what it looks like.  It will be His intervention that shows unbelievers that Jesus Christ is Lord, that He already came once and is coming again very soon!  In the midst of your praises, remember to intercede for these precious ones who have chosen to shine the Light of Christ in the midst of increasing persecution.  However you pray and praise, don’t forget our brethren in Israel!