Shavuot (SHAH-voo-ote) is the last of the Spring Feasts. It was one of three pilgrimage Feasts of the Jewish year when all physically able Jewish men were to bring to Jerusalem the first of their harvest as an offering to the Lord. Along with the harvest offering, Shavuot observance also included a Sabbath in which no work was to be done, a holy gathering of the people and sacrifices.

It is also a time when Jewish people commemorate God giving the Torah (TORE-ah) to His people. The Torah consists of the first five books of the Bible in particular and God’s collective instructions to the Nation of Israel. When God gave them the Torah, He revealed Himself further to the Jewish people and called them into a closer relationship with Himself. His Word highlighted His holiness and provided instruction for righteous living. God’s Law further set apart the Jewish people as His chosen ones. Today, Shavuot commemorates both God’s provision of food and the gift of His Word.

The date of Shavuot is tied to Passover. God’s instructions for setting the date for this Feast were to count seven weeks from the Sabbath after Passover. The Hebrew word Shavuot alludes to this. It is translated as “weeks,” which gives the holy day another name: the Feast of Weeks. Shavuot has one other name – Pentecost – because it occurs on the 50th day, the Greek word for 50.

“Then you are to count from the morrow after the Shabbat … seven complete Shabbatot. Until the morrow after the seventh Shabbat you are to count fifty days, and then present a new grain offering to Adonai.”

―Leviticus 23:15–16

 

In Shavuot, as with all the Feasts, we see a picture of a future event within God’s plan of redemption. God gave the Torah at Shavuot to instruct His people. Centuries after God gave the Law on Mount Sinai, He promised there would come a day when He would write His law on the hearts of His people. At Pentecost, after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to Heaven, God fulfilled that promise when He gave the Holy Spirit to indwell all who place their faith in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus).

 

“’This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days,’ it is a declaration of Adonai, ‘I will put My Torah within them. Yes, I will write it on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be My people.’”

―Jeremiah 31:32

 

“When the day of Shavuot had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And tongues like fire spreading out appeared to them and settled on each one of them. They were all filled with the Ruach ha-Kodesh (ROO-akh Ha-koh-DESH) and began to speak in other tongues as the Ruach enabled them to speak out.”

―Acts 2:1–4

At Shavuot after Yeshua’s resurrection, Jewish people from all over the region were in Jerusalem making their harvest offerings. Thousands heard the Good News preached in their own distinct languages as the Ruach (Holy Spirit) descended on the disciples and caused them to speak in tongues they had not previously known. God planned the gift of the Holy Spirit to coincide with the pilgrimage Feast of Shavuot. Thousands came to faith in Yeshua that day.

Today, Messianic Jews observe Shavuot with this insight. It is a time to offer our first fruits to the Lord, to recommit ourselves to His Word, and to celebrate the gift of His presence in each Believer through His Holy Spirit. It is a time to rejoice in fulfilled prophecy and to hold dear the rich Jewish roots of our faith in Yeshua.

May you have a blessed Shavuot as you celebrate the astounding gifts of the Torah, God’s Word and His presence through the Holy Spirit.

The nation no one thought would last celebrates her 70th anniversary

On May 14, 1948, the fledgling nation of Israel declared her independence. The United Nations granted the Jewish people a national homeland in the Palestinian region of the Middle East. Israel was encompassed by Arab neighbors determined to see her fall, and governments around the world wondered how the tiny nation-state would fare.

Immediately, surrounding Arab countries attacked, confident they’d quickly overpower Israel. But the Jewish State emerged stronger than expected, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of Israel’s rebirth.

The number seven and its multiples figure prominently in the Scriptures. Seven indicates completeness, as God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. The number 70 bears prophetic significance throughout the Bible: Israel’s 70-year captivity in Babylon, Daniel’s prophecy of 70 weeks, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Many believe the 70th anniversary of Israel holds prophetic meaning as well.

Interestingly, there are two days each year that celebrate Israel’s independence. May 14, 1948 was the date on the Gregorian calendar on which Israel became a sovereign nation. On the Hebrew calendar, the date was the 5th of Iyar, which falls in late April or early May each year.

Israel primarily celebrates her Independence Day – Yom HaAtzmaut (YOHM Ha-AHTZ-mah-OOT) – according to the Hebrew calendar and enjoys such festivities as parades, flags, free public shows, and a torch-lighting ceremony. Families gather for picnics and outdoor recreation, the president delivers a speech, and the prestigious “The Israel Prize” is awarded. This award recognizes individual Israelis who have uniquely contributed to the country’s culture, science, arts, and humanities. In 2018, Yom HaAzmaut was April 19th.

You often hear that Israel became a nation “overnight.” It’s true. However, there was much going on in the decades before May 14, 1948, that prepared the soil for the “instant appearance” of the state. For instance:

1897 – The First Zionist Congress met in Basel, Switzerland, organized by Theodore Herzl. The assembly served to unify a previously fragmented movement aiming to establish a Jewish homeland. After the congress, Herzl wrote in his diary, “At Basle [sic], I founded the Jewish state … If not in five years, then certainly in fifty, everyone will realize it” (Jewish Virtual Library).

1917 – The Balfour Declaration was a British statement of support for establishing in the Palestinian region a national homeland for Jewish people. Arthur Balfour, the British foreign secretary, made the declaration in a letter to Lionel Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community.

1937 – The Peel Commission sought to resolve the opposing aims of Jewish and Arab people in the area. Both sides had objections to the proposal – the Jewish people because it allotted them significantly less land than originally considered, and the Arabs thought it would make some of their people subject to Jewish “domination.” “Nevertheless, the Zionists decided to negotiate with the British, while the Arabs refused to consider any compromises” (Jewish Virtual Library).

1947 – Since 1922, the British had been charged with governing the Palestinian region and helping establish a Jewish homeland there. Their attempts to reach an agreement suitable to both Jews and Arabs had failed. In February 1947, they turned the matter over to the United Nations. A delegation to the region discovered that the conflicting goals of each party could not be reconciled, and voted to recommend two separate states, Jewish and Arab. In November, the U.N. announced the approval of its Partition Plan giving land to the Jews for a new state. Arab protestors responded almost immediately initiated with a violent backlash.

May 14, 1948 – On the date that the British governance of the Palestinian region expired, Israel proclaimed its independence as a sovereign nation-state. David Ben-Gurion wrote the Israeli Declaration of Independence and read it aloud that Friday afternoon during a short ceremony.

 

With trust in Almighty God, we set our hand to this Declaration, at this Session of the Provisional State Council, in the city of Tel Aviv, on this Sabbath eve, the fifth of Iyar, 5708, the fourteenth day of May, 1948.

 From Israel’s Declaration of Independence (PBS.org)

People danced in the streets because it “was one of the most remarkable, inspiring achievements in human history: A people which had been exiled from its homeland 2,000 years before … but which had refused to relinquish its identity … was returning home as sovereign citizens in their own independent state” (New Essays on Zionism, “Ben-Gurion and the Return to Jewish Power,” Michael B. Oren).

Israel as a nation is a miracle. In fulfillment of Bible prophecy, God brought His people back into the Land He gave them so long ago. We celebrate with Israel the joyous occasion of her return to the Land and independence as a free nation. Happy 70th Anniversary, Israel! Happy Independence Day!

Just hours after midnight in Israel this morning, 20 rockets were fired at Israeli military bases by Iranian forces in southern Syria. The Times of Israel was among the first news outlets to report the attack.

An army spokesperson said limited damage was caused to Israeli military bases, but there were no reports of Israeli casualties in the attack.

Meanwhile, those of us on the Jewish Voice Israel Tour, spending the night in Tiberias at the Sea of Galilee, were treated to an unexpected light show and a sonic boom at our hotel at 3 a.m. Israel time.

The Iron Dome system intercepted four of the 20 rockets fired on Israel; the remaining 16 landed in unpopulated areas near the Israeli-Syria border. Within minutes, the Israeli Air Force sent fighters racing into Syrian airspace to destroy the launch sites. 

Syrian newspapers are reporting mass panic in Israel, but we have seen no alarm. Children are even in classes today at schools near the Syrian border. 

The IDF has been on high alert as attacks were expected to coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary and the relocation of America’s embassy to Jerusalem in the next week.

Earlier, reports of the impending attack had included confessions by a nabbed Hezbollah militant. He admitted awaiting orders to fire ground-to-ground missiles into northern Israel. Israeli intelligence additionally showed movement inside Syria for advanced targeting of Israeli military sites.

This activity comes in the wake of a televised presentation in late April, when Benjamin Netanyahu pulled back a curtain to display captured Iranian documents. The evidence proved Iran lied about its nuclear weapons program before signing the 2015 nuclear deal brokered by the former secretary of state John Kerry. Iran has maintained its nuclear technology and has since established several air bases near Israel in Syria.

Trump Nixes the Nuclear Deal

President Trump had until May 12 to make a final decision, but he didn’t wait, announcing Tuesday that he would withdraw from what he called the “one-sided” Iran nuclear deal. Some analysts believe Netanyahu’s presentation justifies the President’s decision to pull out. Others say backing out of the agreement will push Israel and Iran even closer to war.

Regarding Israel’s haul of intelligence from Iran, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, “There are thousands of new documents and new information. We're still going through it. There’s still a lot of work to do to figure out precisely the scope and scale of it.”

Pompeo said he plans to consult with European allies and other nations regarding next steps. “Now that the world knows Iran has lied and is still lying, it is time to revisit the question of whether Iran can be trusted to enrich or control any nuclear material,” he said.

Israel is Prepared

No one wants war between Israel and Iran. Many major players would be pulled in, including the U.S. and Russia. Analysts considered Netanyahu’s speech a warning for Iran to back off.

Netanyahu made it clear what the consequences of an attack would be. “We are determined to stop Iran's aggression in its early stages, even if this involves a conflict,” he said. “Better now than later. Nations that were unprepared to take timely action against murderous aggression paid much heavier prices afterward. We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario,” he said.

What’s next? The missiles fired in the far north this morning are roughly equivalent to a proverbial shot across the bow. Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman described how Israel would respond during April meetings in Washington. “If Iran attacks Tel Aviv, Israel will strike Tehran and destroy every Iranian military facility in Syria that threatens Israel,” he said.

Will Saber Rattling Become War Drums?

It is clear that Iran wants to eliminate Israel and has taken steps toward an attack. Equally clear, Israel is ready and will respond with massive force. Your prayers for Israel are urgently needed!
 

How You Can Pray

The Lord wants us all to remain alert and on our knees. As things unfold between Israel, Iran and other power players in the Middle East, this is a critical moment in world history. Israel’s intercessors must stand in the gap and fervently cry out to the Lord for her peace, safety, and – most of all – her salvation.

• Give thanks for the superior intelligence abilities that alerted Israel to impending attacks and for the lack of casualties
• Pray for young people in the Israeli military: for their safety, discernment and their salvation
• Pray for the peace of Israel.

Stand With Israel Now
Your support for Israel has never been more important. Won’t you give your best gift today to help Jewish Voice stand with the Land, to provide help for her most vulnerable residents, to encourage and share hope with those serving in the Israeli military, and to assist with our efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation for Israel and her neighbors.

In the Gondar region of Ethiopia lie the ruins of castles from centuries ago. The rulers and their kingdoms are largely forgotten, but the remains of their majestic palaces have earned the district the nickname of “the Camelot of Ethiopia.”

Just about an hour from Gondar is Enfranz, site of Jewish Voice Ministries’ next Medical Clinic. It’s our first clinic in this location, and we pray that a different kingdom will be manifested here, the kingdom of the Son of David and Son of God, Yeshua. May His kingdom come to Enfranz and create a spiritual habitation in and through the people of God that impacts generations for eternity!

Would you please help us welcome the King of Kings into Enfranz by praying through these daily prayer points for this first-time Medical Clinic? We also urge you to sign up on our Outreach Prayer Calendar to pray for a half hour, hour, or more from your home so we can cover the Enfranz, Ethiopia, Medical Clinic in prayer from beginning to end.

Please pray for:

Wednesday, May 16 – Wednesday, May 23 | Proverbs 24:27

• Our advance team as they take care of many logistical details and preparations
• Everything to be in place for the camping accommodations, meals and sanitation facilities for our 200 staff, volunteers and local workers
• All equipment to arrive safely and on time, to be available and effective throughout the Outreach
• Favor from and engagement of the local community and authorities, beginning now, even before the Outreach opens

Thursday, May 24 | Psalm 5:11, Psalm 5:12 in the TLV
For every participant throughout this Outreach:

• Safety and health before, during and after the Clinic, as well as for their families at home
• Spiritual protection and well-being, including a deep awareness of purpose and calling
• Safe travels to the campground and on the trip home via every mode of transportation

Friday, May 25 | Philippians 4:11

• Outreach Partners as they become acclimated to new surroundings and foods and overcome jetlag
• Unity to grow immediately among staff, volunteers and local team members
• That God will powerfully use the large group from Cyprus coming to serve with us
• The first Shabbat meal and worship time together will draw all close to the Lord, their purpose, and each other

Saturday, May 26 | 2 Timothy 1:7

• Order and shalom to prevail at the Outreach site, in camping areas, and during transportation between them
• Successful orientations in each of the key areas: Camping, Medical Clinic, Water program, Zehra Kids Program, and partnerships with the local congregation
• Anointing of the Spirit of God for each participant

Sunday, May 27 | Matthew 19:13

• An efficient and peaceful flow through the Clinic, as medical and dental services are made available to the community for the first time this afternoon
• Favor for every aspect of the Zehra Kids Program, during its debut in Ethiopia
• The Zehra Kids team to serve with unity and joy, and to be energized and full of godly discernment and wisdom
• The eyes of every child’s heart to be opened to the hope of their calling, leaving a testimony of love and care in the community

Monday, May 28 | 2 Corinthians 3:17

• Any local authorities or visitors to be overcome and won through the goodness of the Lord
• No opposition of any kind; and any of the Lord’s enemies to disappear like smoke without effect
• The Spirit of the Lord to bring freedom to everyone in the area

Tuesday, May 29 | Ephesians 3:20

• Miracles, signs and wonders to bring healing and confirm the Word of the Lord
• The presence of the Lord to be so palpable that many are drawn to receive Yeshua
• A lively and meaningful time of engagement with the Lord during the daily early-morning prayer times and at Wednesday evening worship
• All that the Lord accomplishes to be captured and recorded to give great glory to Him!

Wednesday, May 30 | Ephesians 4:13-16

• The local Messianic congregation is blessed and effective as they partner with us
• Growth for these Believers in godly leadership, maturity and influence
• A special anointing as they follow-up and disciple those who wish to know the Lord in a deeper way

Thursday, May 31| Lamentations 3:22-23

• The Lord to reach out in compassion to everyone who comes for treatment on Friday and that He will minister even to those who aren’t able to be seen before the Clinic closes
• A good night’s rest, especially for the logistics team and local workers, so they will be well-prepared to break down the campsite and Clinic safely and efficiently tomorrow

Friday, June 1 | Colossians 2:7

• A spirit of gratitude in the Outreach team for all God has done this week
• Each participant to personally know the Lord’s “Well done, good and faithful servant”
• A beautiful time of Shabbat together and deep rest in the Lord after a week of energetic ministry

Saturday, June 2 | Psalm 9:1, Psalm 9:2 in the TLV

• Rest and shalom for all participants as they enjoy a Saturday morning Shabbat service and spend time experiencing more of the culture
• Each person to connect with the Lord and all He has done through sharing testimonies during dinner together
• Safe travels as everyone departs for home

Sunday, June 3 | 2 Corinthians 9:10

• Help, protection and grace for our staff members who will stay in-country a bit longer completing final Outreach details
• The truth of the Good News of Yeshua to continue to impact the whole region, bringing people into relationship with Him and also with other Believers
• The people in the area to praise the Lord themselves for all He has done and welcome Him in as King of Kings

We pray: LORD, come to this region with Your love and power! The people there need to know You as Savior, Messiah, Father and King.  You have pinpointed this community on the map for us so we know they are already on Your heart.  May we indeed see Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in Enfranz!