Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?

On May 14, 1948, the British withdrew from overseeing the land designated by the United Nations to be returned to the Jewish people as a national homeland. A fledgling government declared its independence as the sovereign State of Israel.

After thousands of years, the people of Israel (the Jewish people) once again possessed the Land of Israel – in direct fulfillment of Bible prophecies found in Isaiah 66:8.

Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. — Isaiah 66:8  

After a ceremony that lasted only 32 minutes, leaders who had labored toward the day signed The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel. It offered full and equal citizenship to all Arab inhabitants of the Land, appealing to them and the surrounding Arab nations for peace, even amid their ongoing attacks on the Jewish State.

The Declaration also proclaimed that the Jewish State would

• ensure social and political equality of all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or gender
• guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture
• protect the holy sites of all religions

One of the most notable declarations of the newly formed State of Israel is that it opened its doors to welcome Jewish immigrants from the world over to come and make Israel — the Land of their forefathers, heritage and faith – their home. In the State’s first four years, nearly three-quarters of a million people immigrated to Israel, and the influx of Jewish people moving “home” continues today. It is the fulfillment of prophecies spoken of in the Scriptures:

“Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’” — Ezekiel 11:17   In that day the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. — Isaiah 11:11–12  

Why it’s important for Believers to stand with Israel

God chose Israel to set His affection on. He called them to be set apart as His own people. Gentile Believers are grafted into the metaphorical “natural tree” that is Israel, but Romans 11 clearly states that God has not forsaken Israel, and His gifts and callings are irrevocable. Israel remains the apple of God’s eye, and His covenant with her is everlasting.

So, if Israel is beloved of God, all Believers in the God of Israel and the Father of Messiah Yeshua should love Israel too. To read these and many more verses about God’s love for Israel and His faithfulness to His promises, see “God’s Love for Israel” on our website.

Nakba Day

In November of 2022, while Israel and those who support her looked forward to celebrating her 75th anniversary in the spring, the United Nations passed a resolution approving a day of mourning for Arab people regarding the very same occasion. Nakba Day is May 15, 2023, and the Arabic word means “catastrophe.”

It’s hard to see this word choice as anything but an insult to the tragedy of the Holocaust, which spurred the rebirth of Israel and has been known in Israel ever since as HaShoah, meaning The Catastrophe.

While Israel goes about building and protecting herself, those who hate her have not ceased raising their voices against her in a world prone to listening to and believing whoever shouts the loudest. This is one more reason we must pray and do what we can so that the voice of support for Israel and historical truth rises above the voices of her enemies wishing to disparage and destroy the Jewish State and her people.   

What does standing with Israel mean?

Among other things, standing with Israel means:

• Supporting her right to the Land God gave the Jewish people
• Being attuned to even subtle forms of anti-Semitism and lovingly speaking the truth of God’s forever-heart for Israel and the Jewish people
• Thoughtfully voting for candidates who support Israel’s right to exist, protect and defend herself
• Being informed about Israel’s history and all sides of the story regarding the conflict with her enemies
• Praying for Israel and the Jewish people
• Blessing Israel and the Jewish people through supporting organizations that share the Gospel of Messiah Jesus with Jewish people and meet their practical needs in His name

To learn more about Israel’s history of independence and standing with Israel, check out these other Jewish Voice articles and TV shows.

Our team members have returned from our southern Ethiopia Outreach with stories of the wonderful things the Lord has done! Our Zehra Kid’s Program manager shared some great praises and prayer requests with us that we want to pass on to you, fresh from the field.

This Outreach provided more than 1,000 ministry opportunities with children through Zehra Kids! Another highlight was the birthing of a vision to expand the Zehra Kids Program to minister to young teens. Praise God with us over these things.

As exciting as these things are, some of the most significant moments this time for the Zehra Kids Program in Ethiopia occurred in the area of team formation and development.

The local three-member team of indigenous Believers who oversaw the Zehra program represented each of the three Jewish people groups we work with in Ethiopia. This was very symbolic. There was so much unity on this team of three leaders in their 30s and two younger assistants in their 20s.

Our Zehra Program manager had some significant mentoring opportunities with this team during the week. Her primary role on this trip was to invest in the Zehra leadership team while they ministered to the children, and it was a highlight and joy for her.

She also had a number of conversations and teaching opportunities to share about God’s heart and purposes for Israel and His Jewish people with this core leadership team and the other local workers who assisted with Zehra.

Your ongoing intercession for the Zehra Kids Program in Ethiopia is greatly appreciated. Please pray for the following:

• Continued unity for the newly developed national children’s team in Ethiopia, composed of two men and one woman
• The Holy Spirit to protectively seal the seeds sown into the hearts of the children who went through the Zehra program during our southern Ethiopia Outreach
• Members of the local Zehra department staff who heard Romans 1:16 explained for the first time – that the priority to reach Jewish people with the Good News will continue to impact their personal walk with the Lord
• The Lord’s leading in developing and expanding the Zehra program to include a division to minister to young teens
• A growing and unified coalition of children’s ministry workers among the Messianic Jewish Believers and congregations in Ethiopia, stemming from the symbolism and unity of the three Zehra leaders being from the three tribes we minister among

Let’s Pray

Lord, we are so grateful for how You are expanding vision, birthing strategies, raising up young leaders, and forming a core team. We thank you for every child ministered to through Zehra during this Outreach and that those joining the work of Zehra would enable even more children to be ministered to in the years to come. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

Our world is rife with animosity and anger, with ongoing attacks in Israel, the continuing war in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world.

Peace can seem so far away. And even unreachable. That’s why God commands us in the Scriptures to pray.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love you be secure.”

— Psalm 122:6 NIV

This week, I encourage you to continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem and throughout Israel. For peace in Ukraine. And I encourage you to also pray for peace in your own heart. And may God grant you security in your mind and body so that you may experience His presence and blessings in a special way.

Please also continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice – for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

IDF Suspects Hezbollah Behind Bombing Attack on Northern Highway

According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency suspect the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group is behind the recent blast on a highway in northern Israel that seriously wounded a man.

Reports indicate that a bomb planted on the side of the Route 65 highway near the Megiddo Junction exploded, seriously wounding Shareef ad-Din, 21, from the Arab village of Salem.

Following the blast, troops began to close roads and search for the suspected terrorist who planted the bomb.

The alleged terrorist was shot dead at the Lebanese border several hours after the attack. He was armed with an explosives belt at the time. And several more weapons were found in the vehicle, according to the IDF.

“The assessment is that neutralizing the terrorist prevented another attack,” the IDF said.

The military said the suspected terrorist crossed into Israel from Lebanon and planted the bomb. But the exact manner in which the suspect crossed into Israel is still being investigated, as are his potential links to Hezbollah.

Updates from the Middle East

Shooting Terror Attack in Tel Aviv Wounds Three

At least three Israeli civilians were injured by gunshots in a recent shooting terror attack near a cafe on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv. The injured were evacuated to Ichilov Hospital. One of the injured arrived in critical condition after being shot in the neck. Another injured man arrived in moderate condition with gunshot wounds, while the third was lightly injured by shrapnel, according to Ichilov Hospital. “I want to wish the injured people a speedy recovery, in my name and my wife Sara's name,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from Italy. “We strengthen the work of security forces against terrorists. I'm sure that these incidents won't ease up as this is part of our work for building up the country.”

Kherson Rabbi Returns to Liberated Ukrainian City to Celebrate Purim with Remaining Jews

Rabbi Yosef Wolff, the chief rabbi of Ukraine's Kherson region, posted a video of himself from the liberated city, having returned to celebrate the holiday of Purim with the remaining local Jewish community months after he was forced to flee due to the Russian invasion. “There's nothing like coming back home,” he said. “The Jewish community that is still in Kherson welcomed me with tears of joy and excitement.”

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

A Season of Expectancy

Join us on a journey of expectant prayer, from deliverance to destiny, as we move from Passover and Resurrection to Shavuot and Pentecost through the Counting of the Omer.

The Lord commanded the Jewish people to “count the omer,” or count day by day, for 49 days (seven weeks) from Passover toward Shavuot. (See Leviticus 23:15–16 and Deuteronomy 16:9–12.) This observance’s name comes from the omer, a measurement of grain and refers to the wave offering the priest made on the day after Passover.

We are excited to be on this journey with you as we count the days, remembering God's goodness and faithfulness and seeking Him for an outpouring of His Spirit in our day!

Count with us! Here's how:

• NIGHT: We count each evening after sundown because Jewish days begin at night
• BE PRESENT: To avoid counting as a task to be checked off each night, begin by prayerfully pausing to enter into the moment with the Lord
• BLESSING: We recite the blessing standing:
  • Jewish people traditionally say, "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with your commandments and commanded us to count the omer."
  • Gentile Believers in Yeshua may want to say, "Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us through Yeshua the Messiah, and commanded Your people to count the omer."
• COUNT: Announce the count for the day out loud, for instance, "Today is the first day of the omer." (Note that once the number of days exceeds seven, we also count the weeks as instructed in Deuteronomy 16:9.)
• PSALM 67: At this point in the counting declaration, it's traditional to read Psalm 67. How powerful it is to read this passage daily for 49 days.
• PRAY: Pray for the daily prayer points. You could also reflect on what the Lord is speaking to you during your daily prayers and devotions over these 49 days.
• FINDING THE START DATE: This Counting of the Omer Prayer Guide does not include specific dates. That's so you can refer to it year after year. You can find the relevant dates each year on the internet.
• STAYING ON TRACK: To keep up with the days, you might want to print a copy of this 49-day count and write in the dates for the current year. Even Jewish people reference how Counting the Omer is similar to Advent and Lent for Believers and that using a homemade "Omer calendar" (similar to an advent calendar) to count the days can be helpful and fun.

Week 1 – Expectancy and Thanksgiving

The seven-week period of the Counting of the Omer was the time between the barley and wheat harvests. Through the counting, the Israelites were to remember God's faithfulness and provision toward them, which included leading them out of Egypt and providing them with manna in the wilderness. (An omer is the same amount of manna they were to gather each day.) The Counting of the Omer also reminds us of the significance of receiving the Law at Mount Sinai, which occurred 50 days after our Passover deliverance from Egypt. 

The Counting of the Omer ties Passover – and Yeshua’s (Jesus’) death, burial, and resurrection – to the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai and the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, although, on today’s calendar, the dates vary year by year. In Acts chapter 2, the day that the Believers were gathered together was a specific day. It was Shavuot. This day is also known as Pentecost, which means 50 and refers to the 50 days after Passover. On this day, God poured out His Holy Spirit on Believers, leading to an incredible harvest of souls.

During our daily counting this first week, we’ll connect with the Lord in various ways to help set the stage for the coming weeks with thanksgiving.

Day 1

“Today is the first day of the omer.” Lord, prepare me to take a prayer journey of expectancy and hope with You over the next 49 days.

Day 2

“Today is the second day of the omer.” Show me the depth and riches of Your death, burial and resurrection. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.)

Day 3

“Today is the third day of the omer.” Because You are the first fruits, I thank You that I am alive in You now and evermore!  (See 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.)

Day 4

“Today is the fourth day of the omer.” Thank You, Lord, that, like the Children of Israel, You have delivered me! (Reflect on how.)

Day 5

“Today is the fifth day of the omer.” Celebrate your salvation by remembering how you met the Lord. (See Romans 5:8.)

Day 6

“Today is the sixth day of the omer.” Lord, I believe You have good works that You have prepared for me to do. (See Ephesians 2:10.)

Day 7

“Today is the seventh day of the omer.” Lord, my prayer today is to pursue You again as my first love.

Week 2 – Prepare Your Heart

Over these next weeks, we will pray for many aspects of the Lord's plans and purposes regarding His Chosen People, His Land, and the Nations. However, this week, our daily prayer points focus on preparing our own hearts for the journey toward Shavuot and Pentecost.

The Lord is doing great things among His people, both Jewish and Gentile, and He is calling us to wait on Him, seek Him and be a part of how He is moving.

May the Lord help us make space in our busy lives for quiet time with Him, including this simple, expectant rhythm of Counting the Omer each day.

Day 8

“Today is the eighth day, which is one week and one day of the omer.”

Lord, may I be sensitive enough to hear Your invitation to draw near – and do so! (See Psalm 27:8.)

Day 9

“Today is the ninth day, which is one week and two days of the omer.”

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (See Psalm 139:23–24.)

Day 10

“Today is the tenth day, which is one week and three days of the omer.”

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (See Psalm 51:10.)

Day 11

“Today is the eleventh day, which is one week and four days of the omer.”

Lord, give me a fresh revelation of Your amazing love and an openness to receive it. (See Ephesians 3:17–19.)

Day 12

“Today is the twelfth day, which is one week and five days of the omer.”

Thank You that, because of Yeshua, I can approach Your throne with confidence. (See Hebrews 4:15–16.)

Day 13

“Today is the thirteenth day, which is one week and six days of the omer.”

Lord, prepare me to be devoted to prayer over these next weeks of the Counting of the Omer. (See Colossians 4:2.)

Day 14

“Today is the fourteenth day, which is two weeks of the omer.”

Give me a heart like Paul, whose heart’s desire and prayer to You was that Israel would be saved. (See Romans 10:1.)

Week 3 – Fill up on God’s faithfulness!

Last week, as we counted the omer each day, we took time to prepare our hearts for this 49-day pilgrimage toward harvest and Pentecost. This week, we will fill up on reminders of God’s faithfulness. The truth is, one week or even 49 days isn’t nearly long enough to remember and recount all the wonderful things the Lord has done for His people Israel or us personally.

God’s relationship with Israel is His object lesson to the world about His love, power, and character. He lets non-Jewish people in on His interactions with Israel to “show and tell” who He is and who His people are. His faithfulness to Israel is encouragement regarding His faithfulness to all Believers.

I Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus [the Messiah]. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”

As the Scripture above says, may the Lord sanctify us (set us apart for His purposes) as we count the omer. May He remind us of His promises and fill us with faith as we look to Him to keep His promises to His people, just as He said. He is a promise-keeping, covenant-keeping God. He has delivered His people to fulfill their destiny, and He will do it!

Day 15

“Today is the 15th day, which is two weeks and one day of the omer.”

Lord, You have promised to never leave or forsake me, nor to leave your Chosen People. Show them that You are with them now, in Israel and around the world. (See Deuteronomy 31:6.)

Day 16

“Today is the 16^th day, which is two weeks and two days of the omer.”

You have loved Your people with an everlasting love; that is why You continue to draw them to Yourself with loving-kindness. May they realize You are drawing them today! (See Jeremiah 31:3.)

Day 17

“Today is the 17^th day, which is two weeks and three days of the omer.”

Thank You that You have said I am accepted in the Beloved. Thank You also that You will not reject Your people. (See Jeremiah 31:37.)

Day 18

“Today is the 18^th day, which is two weeks and four days of the omer.”

Abba, in You, there is hope for Your people Israel’s future. Return them, and their children, to their Land and to You. (See Jeremiah 31:17.)

Day 19

“Today is the 19^th day, which is two weeks and five days of the omer.”

You have established a testimony of faithfulness in Your people so the next generation will know and set their confidence in You – may it be so! (See Psalm 78:1-7.)  

Day 20

“Today is the 20^th day, which is two weeks and six days of the omer.”

Lord, I praise You for Your promise that You will cleanse Your people, give them a new heart and put Your Spirit in them. (See Ezekiel 36:25-27.)

Day 21

“Today is the 21^st day, which is three weeks of the omer.”

Father, I stand on Your promises to bless Your people and those who bless them – because You are faithful! (See Genesis 12:1-3.)

Week 4 – Delight In Who God Is

It’s week four of Counting the Omer. May each day be a delight as we count towards Shavuot and consider various aspects of the Lord’s heart for Israel, His love for us individually, and His active engagement in His purposes for His people today.

Last week, we considered God’s promises to Israel. He continues to call His Chosen People and Believers from deliverance to destiny. He does this by His purposeful pursuit of us and His commitment to keeping His promises, which speak volumes about who He is.

This week, we’ll look at more ways the Lord makes Himself known by considering some of His names through which He associates Himself with Israel.

Let’s also take time to consider, “Who is the Lord to me personally? Do I experience Him as Savior? Father? Bridegroom? Provider?”  Or perhaps by another of His names? As we grow in Him, going through times of trials and blessings, He reveals Himself to us in increasing dimensions of His glorious Person. He is so amazing and faithful to help us get to know Him better in every season of life.

Let’s count the omer and prayerfully note some of the ways the Lord identifies Himself by name to His people. May these day-by-day truths about who He is build in us a growing anticipation and expectation of the veil being lifted from Jewish eyes and their deliverance into their destiny as they come to know Him.

Day 22

“Today is the 22^nd day, which is three weeks and one day of the omer.”

Creator of Israel, as Jewish people in Israel and around the world experience the beauty of Your creation, may they be drawn to acknowledge You as the One who made them and the Source of all life. (See Isaiah 43:15.)

Day 23

“Today is the 23^rd day, which is three weeks and two days of the omer.”

Holy One of Israel, we pray that Your righteous judgments come to pass on behalf of Your people. May they desire to know Your guidance and counsel. (See Isaiah 5:19.)

Day 24

“Today is the 24^th day, which is three weeks and three days of the omer.”

Redeemer of Israel, You have faithfully kept Your Word to Your Chosen People. Help them to know You personally as their Redeemer. (See Isaiah 49:7.)

Day 25

“Today is the 25^th day, which is three weeks and four days of the omer.”

King of Israel, Nathanael recognized You as Israel’s King and the Son of God. May Jewish people recognize You for who You truly are and receive You. (See John 1:49.)

Day 26

“Today is the 26^th day, which is three weeks and five days of the omer.”

Deliverer of Israel, just as You delivered Your people from Egypt, You have come to save all Israel and deliver them from their sins. (See Romans 11:26.)

Day 27

“Today is the 27^th day, which is three weeks and six days of the omer.”

Shepherd of Israel, may You shine forth and lead Your people to Yourself! (See Psalm 80:1.)

Day 28

“Today is the 28^th day, which is four weeks of the omer.”

Keeper of Israel, regardless of the threat, thank You for faithfully and continually watching over Israel, both the Land and the Jewish people (See Psalm 121:4-5.)

Week 5 – The Lord Himself Calls Us to Pray for Israel

One thing the Lord has impressed on us during these 49 days of Counting the Omer is to deepen our own hearts of prayer for Israel and the Jewish people. Prayer is a high and rewarding calling. It is the Lord Himself who calls us to pray for Israel and gives us His Spirit to help us in those prayers. Lord, please help us now!

As we continue counting, let’s allow our own longings to be vessels of prayer filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit to grow and grow. Out of love for the Lord, may we desire to see His Kingdom come and His will be done in every regard for His Land, His people, and for His glory. And may we give Him no rest until it is so.

Day 29

“Today is the 29^th day, which is four weeks and one day of the omer.”

Lord, examine and touch my own heart so that my desire and prayer are like Paul's – for all Israel to be saved! (See Romans 10:1.)

Day 30

“Today is the 30^th day, which is four weeks and two days of the omer.”

God, raise up intercessors who will “not hold their peace” for Zion's sake. (See Isaiah 62:1.)

Day 31

“Today is the 31^st day, which is four weeks and three days of the omer.”

Lord, would You, Yourself, set millions of watchmen in place who will intercede for Israel. (See Isaiah 62:6a.)

Day 32

“Today is the 32^nd day, which is four weeks and four days of the omer.”

Through Your Holy Spirit, Lord, ignite a global movement of those who will cumulatively pray day and night, 24-7, for Israel and the Jewish people. (See Isaiah 62:6b.)

Day 33

“Today is the 33^rd day, which is four weeks and five days of the omer.”

Father, stir us as Your people to persistent prayer, asking You to make Jerusalem a praise in the Earth. (See Isaiah 62:7.)

Day 34

“Today is the 34^th day, which is four weeks and six days of the omer.”

Help us, Lord, to be faithful in praying for the peace of Jerusalem and all that it represents – Your city, Your Land, and Your people. (See Psalm 122:6.)

Day 35

“Today is the 35^th day, which is four weeks and seven days of the omer.”

Lord, would You engage 100 million intercessors worldwide in prayer for Israel and call them to intercede for Your people and Land for a lifetime. (See Psalm 116:2.)

Week 6 – Good Soil and a Fruitful Harvest – In Ourselves and Among Israel

In ancient Israel, the Counting of the Omer built expectancy and hope for an abundant harvest. The steady, day-by-day progression of counting can also cultivate a daily rhythm of self-examination. This is especially significant as our season of counting culminates in celebrating the giving of God’s instruction (Torah) and the Holy Spirit.

This week we’ll pray into themes of harvest and salvation as we intercede for the Jewish people. Let’s also examine ourselves regarding good soil, fruitfulness, sowing and reaping. Are we careful regarding who we allow to influence our lives and how we spend our time? Are we delighting in and meditating on the Word? If so, we will be grounded, fruitful and prosperous. (Psalm 1:1–3) This is a time to note and deal with any hard-heartedness that may have taken root.

As we seek the Lord, He will soften our hearts with showers of righteousness (Hosea 10:12). Our hearts will be like good soil as we receive, hear and understand God’s Word. (Matthew 13:23) We can pray confidently for global revival among the Jewish people and the nations, knowing we have asked the Lord to start revival first in us. We will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up doing good (Galatians 6:9).

Let’s not give up the good work of praying for the Jewish people and Israel every day during the Counting of the Omer. We WILL see the Lord work, as we pray, bringing a great harvest of souls in the Land and among His people of Israel – wherever they are scattered.

Day 36

“Today is the 36^th day, which is five weeks and one day of the omer.”

Lord of the harvest, would You send workers into the harvest fields to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people in Israel and everywhere? (See Matthew 9:38.)

Day 37

“Today is the 37^th day, which is five weeks and two days of the omer.”

Lord, remove the veil on Jewish hearts so they turn to Jesus and believe in Him. (See 2 Corinthians 3:15-16.)

Day 38

“Today is the 38^th day, which is five weeks and three days of the omer.”

Lord, call Jewish people to repent and turn to You so their sins will be wiped away, and times of refreshing and revival will come. (See Acts 3:19.) 

Day 39

“Today is the 39^th day, which is five weeks and four days of the omer.”

May this be the day of salvation for the Jewish people and the time that You, Lord, favor Zion. (See 2 Corinthians 6:2; Psalm 102:13.)

Day 40

“Today is the 40^th day, which is five weeks and five days of the omer.”

Lord, please do as You have said for Your Chosen People: “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (See Ezekiel 36:26.)

Day 41

“Today is the 41^st day, which is five weeks and six days of the omer.”

May the Jewish people’s acceptance of Yeshua be life from the dead and spark revival on Earth. (See Romans 11:15.)

Day 42

“Today is the 42^nd day, which is six weeks of the omer.”

Lord, fulfill Your promise to make the Jewish people a light for the Nations so that Your salvation will reach people around the globe. (See Isaiah 49:6.)

Week 7 – Encouraging Reminders of How It All Turns Out

The Counting of the Omer enabled God’s people to keep their expectancy in the Lord during the labor-intensive season of growth and harvest. In the midst of our busy lives, with the world’s concerns and distractions all around us, we can lose sight of the hope set before us in Yeshua (Jesus). We need reminders of how it all turns out.

We've listed daily prayer points every week during the Counting of the Omer. This week, we have declarations. We can confidently declare the statements below because they are truths from God’s Word, and He does not lie. These promises of destiny and fulfillment for Israel, the Land and the people will come to pass.

As we declare these truths out loud each day, they will be heard on Earth and in heavenly places. May our hearts be stirred to be faithful, hold fast, watch and pray until the end. He who is faithful and true will bring it all to pass.

Day 43

“Today is the 43rd day, which is six weeks and one day of the omer.”

Lord, not one word that You have promised for Israel and the Jewish people will fail – You will fulfill all Your purposes.  (See 1 Kings 8:56.)

Day 44

“Today is the 44^th day, which is six weeks and two days of the omer.”

The “fullness of the Gentiles” will come – whether interpreted as the nations coming to a full understanding of Israel, the full number, or another measurement. (See Romans 11:25.)

Day 45

“Today is the 45^th day, which is six weeks and three days of the omer.”

You who have sent the Deliverer from Zion will save all Israel; You will take away their sins! (See Romans 11:26.)

Day 46

“Today is the 46^th day, which is six weeks and four days of the omer.”

The Jewish people will recognize Yeshua as they see and mourn for Him. Their leaders will cry out from Jerusalem, “Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!” We who believe in Him will also see our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah, fully revealed! (See Zechariah 12:10, Titus 2:13.)

Day 47

“Today is the 47^th day, which is six weeks and five days of the omer.”

You will write Your law on the hearts of Your people, put Your Spirit in them, forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more! (See Jeremiah 31:33–34.)

Day 48

“Today is the 48^th day, which is six weeks and six days of the omer.”

Jerusalem, the city of the great King, will shine with Your glory; it will no longer be called forsaken but will be called the Throne of the Lord! (See Matthew 5:35, Isaiah 62:1–4 and Jeremiah 3:17.)

Day 49

“Today is the 49^th day, which is seven weeks of the omer.”

The New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven from You, God, and You will dwell in the midst of Your people forever! (See Revelation 21:1–8.)

Our second Outreach in 2023 will be in Zimbabwe, in a location where we have not been since 2018. Since we were last at that location, nine congregations have been planted in the area. We are excited to return and look forward to seeing what fruit the Lord brings from this new Outreach.

Last time, several things drove home the need for serious prayer covering. So, we would love for you to be part of praying over this time. Below are some Prayer Points you can use to pray along with us in preparation for the Outreach and day-by-day prayer items throughout the ministry week. You’ll also find requests for the days immediately following the Outreach.

You can also play a big part in this Outreach by committing to pray during a  specific time slot on our Prayer Schedule. SIGN UP HERE to choose a time to pray from home during the Outreach.

Your prayers make such a difference. Here are ways you can pray each day.

Wednesday, March 15 – Wednesday, March 22 | Psalm 90:17

• All logistics to come together quickly, including permissions, VISAS, and medical supplies
• All on-site preparations to take place smoothly and completely
• God’s favor and anointing of ease to prepare the way for effective ministry once again in this community where we ministered in 2018
• The spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory, Yeshua, to come in with healing, salvation and deliverance

Thursday, March 23 | Genesis 28:15

• Protection, safety and health as our team and partners prepare and travel
• A strong confirmation for each person that the Lord is with them and will enable them to minister out of the overflow of relationship with Him
• The Lord to prepare the hearts of the Zimbabwe people to hear the Good News and receive Yeshua (Jesus)

Friday, March 24 | 1 Peter 4:10

• Fellowship and relationships to begin to form deep unity among all participants
• A sweet and restful Shabbat, including a good night’s sleep
• The Lord to remove any spiritual, emotional or physical hindrances to the Gospel being received in people's hearts.

Saturday, March 25 | Psalm 32:8

• Safety traveling to the Outreach location, divine order in setting up the Clinic, and effective training for medical and spiritual care
• Logistics, safety and anointing for the Zehra Kids Program during set-up and throughout the week
• Health and energy all week long and protection from the heat, disease, and anything else that would harm or hinder ministry to the people in Zimbabwe

Sunday, March 26 | Mark 1:15

• God’s grace as the Clinic opens for the first half-day and that many people come throughout the week
• May the Zehra Kids Program impact not only children but whole families and the community with God’s love and truth, joy and fun
• Grace upon the in-country Zehra team to work together in great unity and effectiveness and anointing upon “The Shema” curriculum they’re using

Monday, March 27 | James 5:16

• The spiritual care tent to be a place of healing, deliverance and salvation for many people who need Jesus
• Healing to take place through medical care and also divine intervention this week, including in the lines and the community
• A successful and Spirit-led strategy for the Living Waters team as they bring LifeStraws® and the Good News of living water to Jewish people in the surrounding area

Tuesday, March 28 | Deuteronomy 28:3

• Favor and blessing from government and community leaders and for the Lord to pour out a blessing upon them as well
• Renewal, insight and bold faith from the Lord during daily team prayer times
• Jubilant praise and worship that lifts the spirits of those participating and infuses the week with the fragrance of Yeshua. May Wednesday evening’s time of worship and prayer be especially impactful

Wednesday, March 29 | Acts 4:30

• The Word to be spoken boldly and accompanied by signs and wonders
• Each Outreach Partner and team member to serve from a place of unity, humility and dependence on the Lord

Thursday, March 30 | Luke 15:7

• Today is our last full day, and Friday is our final half-day. May every patient know the Lord sees them and receive His touch
• Unity among Believers to enable people to receive ministry and care

Friday, March 31 | John 13:35

• Protection as the equipment is packed up for transport
• Safe travels back to Harare
• A restful Shabbat, including reflection and testimony of all the Lord has done this week in and through the team

Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 2 | Mark 16:15

• Safe travels as local and international team members journey home and a special outpouring of refreshment for our Global Outreach Director, who has been traveling in the field for many weeks
• The Lord to continue to work in this region of Zimbabwe, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear Lemba people
• Effective and timely follow-up with all who want to hear more about Jesus as the Lord continues to establish His Kingdom in Zimbabwe

Let’s Pray

Lord, our first trip to this location left a deep impression on us, and since then, we have seen You do wonders there. We press into You in intercession and even spiritual battle, trusting You to do what only You can do. Use us and minister through us. Prepare the way for an even greater move of Your Spirit there and in all Zimbabwe among Your beloved Jewish people, the Lemba, and their neighbors. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

I’m holding on to this truth from the Scriptures as we continue to pray for the unrest in Israel, the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine –

“From the LORD comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on Your people.” — Psalm 3:8 NIV

God is the Deliverer – the only One Who can bring peace, rest and blessing to His Chosen People. And to the world.

And I pray it over you as well, in whatever you’re facing today. There’s no greater promise we have from God – which was ultimately realized in the coming of His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

God is close at hand to bring deliverance and blessing.

As you receive this important truth and promise from the Scriptures, I hope you’ll also join me and all of us here at Jewish Voice Ministries International in praying for God’s will to be done in Israel – and around the world. And for His grace, protection and blessing to be upon His people . . . and those who support them.

Please continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Jesus with the Jewish people.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Palestinian Gunman Shoots and Kills Two Israeli Brothers in West Bank Amid Peace Talks in Jordan

According to reports from Fox News, two Israeli brothers were recently shot and killed by a Palestinian gunman near a West Bank settlement where nearly a dozen Palestinians had been killed in an Israeli military raid.

Israeli settlers rioted in response to the shooting, setting dozens of cars and homes on fire in the northern West Bank.

The violence cast a shadow over peace talks that had been taking place in Aqaba, Jordan.

Jordanian, Egyptian and U.S. officials joined Israeli and Palestinian representatives for “comprehensive and frank discussions,” which were described as the first of their kind in years.

“The two sides (Palestinian and Israeli) affirmed their commitment to all previous agreements between them and to work towards a just and lasting peace,” officials said in a joint statement. “They reaffirmed the necessity of committing to de-escalation on the ground and to prevent further violence.”

And while the joint statement added that Israel committed to “stop discussion of any new settlement units for 4 months and to stop authorization of any outposts for 6 months,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t appear to be likely to agree as he tweeted, “Construction and regulation in Judea and Samaria will continue according to the original planning and construction schedule, without any changes. There is and will not be any freeze.”

Update from the Middle East

Israel Fears Russia to Supply S-400s to Iran
 

Iran is seeking sophisticated new air defense systems from Russia that Israeli officials say would reduce the window of a potential attack on Tehran's nuclear program, according to a recent media report. Russia has not said publicly whether it will supply the weapons, but Moscow and Tehran have grown closer since Moscow invaded Ukraine. It would then take less than two years for the S-400s delivered to Iran to be operational.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray with me for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• God to bring His comfort to those who have been devastated by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

1. God is present but not mentioned in the Purim story

The book of Esther recounts the history of Purim. It tells the fascinating story of a time when the Jewish people were held captive in Persia, and God intervened to protect them. His fingerprints are all over the story, yet God is not mentioned a single time in this book of the Bible.

Esther was a Jewish maiden conscripted to join a group of other young women from across Persia from which the king would select his next queen. The king chose Esther, who kept her Jewish identity a secret. When the Jewish people became targets of destruction by a decree that promised payment to citizens for killing them, Esther’s guardian cousin went to her to plead with the king to spare the Jewish people. When Esther hesitated out of fear of approaching the king, Mordecai proposed to her a thought – in a single now-famous line that resonates through the centuries – that perhaps she had become queen “for such a time as this.”

2. You can trust that God is at work, even when you don’t see Him

Esther hadn’t expected to become queen of Persia and had no idea of the significance her position would play in preserving her people. But God ordained the events to save the Jewish people later.

The Esther story shows us that God is at work, even when we don’t see Him and even when He seems quiet or absent from the scene. He is always present, always moving and working for our good. Romans 8:28 says He works all things together for the good of those who love Him – even the things that look bad and feel hard. So we can trust Him and allow this hope to carry us through challenging times.

3. Esther sought the Lord

Esther knew that going to the king without an invitation was punishable by death if he didn’t extend her grace. But she was compelled to save her people. She told Mordecai that she would go to the king, and if she perished, she perished. To prepare for her meeting, Esther determined to fast for three days.

Esther had her maids fast too, and told Mordecai to get all the Jewish people to do the same. She wanted to be as wise and prepared as possible before talking with the king. The result of her fast was the idea to invite the king to a banquet along with Haman, the wicked and spiteful man who convinced the king to sign the irrevocable decree mentioned in point 1. When she went to the king, he received her, and she invited them to the feast.

4. You can trust God to guide you

Though the text doesn’t say she prayed, Esther surely did, as we know that fasting and praying go hand in hand. Esther took the time to seek the Lord’s guidance in this all-important matter. She didn’t rely on her own strength, ingenuity or creativity. Nor did she rely on that of others. Her situation was “do or die,” so she had to get it right. She sought the Lord.

Esther’s example offers us good advice, even for matters that aren’t as desperate as hers: Seek the Lord first rather than moving ahead in our own strength. Rely on Him first and foremost to guide us with His wisdom. When we seek His guidance, we join Him in the work He wants to do in us and through us. We never know when our actions might be key to something bigger than we realize.

5. Mordecai’s faithfulness was overlooked for a time

Early after Esther became queen, Mordecai overheard a plot to assassinate the king. He told Esther about it, resulting in the scheme being stopped and the men arrested. The event was recorded in the king’s chronicles, but nothing was done to thank Mordecai.

The night before Esther’s banquet, where she would reveal her request, the king couldn’t sleep. He called for a servant to read from the record of his reign and learned that Mordecai was never honored for saving the king’s life. He then ordered Haman – the official who aimed to destroy the Jewish people because Mordecai refused to bow to him – to personally carry out the king’s extravagant way of honoring Mordecai.

At Esther’s banquet, she revealed her request to the king: that he spare the lives of her and her people. The king, still not knowing Esther was Jewish, was shocked. Who would dare threaten the life of the queen? Esther pointed and answered, “Haman!” The king raged at Haman and stormed out. He returned to see Haman begging Esther for his life so desperately that it appeared he was assaulting her. That was the end of Haman; the king had him hauled away and hanged.

With Haman gone and the king’s thoughts recently awakened to the noble man who had once saved his life, the king appointed Mordecai to Haman’s position of second in command.

6. You can trust God’s timing

Mordecai’s good deed of saving the king’s life went overlooked at the time. As far as we can tell from the text, Mordecai was OK with that. He did the right thing in telling Esther of the plot he overheard, and that was the end of it.

God’s timing to exalt Mordecai served a higher purpose than momentary reward.  The New Testament Scripture exhorts, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time” (1 Peter 5:6). Even if we never receive the esteem of men, God sees in secret and will reward us – someday, in some way (Matthew 6:3‒4, 6, 17‒18). We see in the Purim account that God often has much bigger plans in the works – either in our circumstances or in us. We can trust God when we seem overlooked and unregarded, and we can trust Him to lift us up at the right time.

7. God delivered the Jewish people from destruction

The king told his new official, Mordecai, to do whatever he chose to save the Jewish people from the approaching massacre.  Mordecai made a second proclamation stating that the Jewish people could defend themselves on the appointed day. When the day came, the Jewish people turned the tables on their enemies and overcame them. Scripture tells us that soon, no one could stand against them because of fear. By then, Mordecai had gained such prominence and influence in the king’s palace that the governors and regional officials assisted the Jewish people in fighting off their attackers.

Again, though God isn’t mentioned, we know it was He who paved the way for deliverance and empowered His people to overcome their attackers. God rescued the Jewish people from yet another attempt to annihilate them.

8. You can trust God to keep His promises

Without this rescue, we wouldn’t be here as a Jewish people. The line would have ended, prophecy wouldn’t have been fulfilled, and the Messiah wouldn’t have come. But God promised to make Abraham a great nation and that his descendants would be as countless as the stars and sand (Genesis 22:17). In Jeremiah 31, He promised that as long as the sun, moon and stars remained, Israel would too (Jeremiah 31: 35‒37).

Purim is another confirmation that we can trust God to keep all His promises. When His Word says He has given us everything we need to live godly lives in Messiah, we can know it’s true. When He says He has given us His peace, we can take hold of it. When He says nothing can separate us from His love, we can believe it. God is faithful. On that, we can utterly depend.

9. Purim is about rejoicing over God’s salvation

After the resounding victory and deliverance of the Jewish people, Mordecai declared a holiday because their sorrow and mourning had been turned to celebration. The Jewish people were to observe feasting, giving gifts to each other and the poor, and rejoicing. Ever since, Purim has been celebrated with great joy. Today, Purim is a time for reading the book of Esther, costume parties and lively reenactments of the dramatic story, feasting, gift-giving and charity.

10. You can trust God because of what He has already done

God repeatedly told the Israelites to remember what He had done for them in delivering them from slavery to Egypt. The Psalms instruct us to rejoice in the Lord and not forget what He has done for us. Likewise, the New Testament encourages us to remember what Jesus has done, dwell on the good things God has given us and be ever thankful. The victories He has won for us are worthy of rejoicing every day. As we keep ourselves mindful of them, we also know that we can trust Him for whatever lies ahead.

For information about other important Jewish holidays throughout the year, sign up to receive our Jewish culture and holiday emails.

Chocolate Hamantashen recipe

Hamantashen are a Purim tradition. They are triangular cookies that can be filled with a nearly endless selection of options. This recipe includes two filling options and lists other ideas to spur your imagination.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions for Dough

• Cream butter and sugars together, then add egg, and blend thoroughly
• Add milk and vanilla, well mixed
• Sift together in a separate bowl the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt
• Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix well
• Place in a plastic zipper bag and flatten dough to fill bag. This will give you a head start when you’re ready to roll it out
• Refrigerate dough for 1 to 24 hours

Cream Cheese Filling

• Using a wire whisk or a fork, beat 1 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese until smooth
• Sift in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix thoroughly
• Set in refrigerator until ready to use

Peanut Butter Filling

Blend 1 cup peanut butter with 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar; set aside

Assembly Directions

• Prepare a cutting board for rolling the dough by sprinkling generously and evenly with powdered sugar
• Remove dough bag from refrigerator, and cut away and dispose of plastic bag. Place dough on cutting board
• Gently roll out dough to ¼” thickness. Use more powdered sugar on the dough surface, rolling pin, and cutting board to prevent sticking
• Cut circles using a cookie cutter or jar lid 2 ½” to 3” across, dipping the cutter in powdered sugar as needed to avoid sticking
• Set circles aside on dusted cutting board. Gather and repeat, combining and then rolling out remaining dough scraps until you’ve made as many circles as possible from the dough
• Place a dollop of filling mixture in the center of one circle. For smaller circles use ½ teaspoon; for larger,
• use 1 teaspoon
• To form hamantashen triangles: (1) Place finger and thumb under the edge of a dough circle and pinch together to form a point. If the corners aren’t sticking together, dab a tiny bit of water onto the connecting dough surfaces to secure them. (2) Repeat this technique twice more around the dough circle until you have made a triangular nest surrounding the filling
• Repeat with remaining circles
• Place all hamantashen on a baking sheet; bake at 350°F for 8–12 minutes

Options

• Drizzle cookies with caramel topping or melted chocolate
• Add a fresh strawberry slice or raspberry to the center of each cookie immediately before serving. (To prevent the cookies from losing their texture and becoming uniformly soft, do not store fruit-topped cookies.)
• A traditional hamantashen filling is jam (any flavor you like), but you can also use caramel, chocolate or other baking chips including mint, butterscotch, or white chocolate