As I shared with you in recent weeks, Israeli intelligence in Syria uncovered stockpiles of military equipment, Iranian missiles and drones with the capability of carrying several kilograms of explosives.

And while Israel’s preemptive airstrike to destroy these weapons was successful, Iran’s devastating attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities last month has placed Israel on high alert for an attack that has every indication of being more sophisticated and deadlier than expected.

An initial evaluation of the massive damage on the oil facilities shows that the Iranians managed to bypass the radar of the Saudi’s American-made Patriot missile batteries in a sophisticated, highly coordinated attack, using a combination of drones and Iranian-built cruise missiles.

Israel prepares for war

Early this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urgently made a move to supplement Israel’s budget to improve their missile defense system in identifying incoming cruise missiles.

But even as the world watches, knowing Iran’s devastating threat against Israel, the U.N. continues to stick its head in the sand – ignoring Iran’s aggressive actions.

Just last week, Iranian President Hassan Rohani was welcomed with open arms at the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

This royal welcome in New York took place even as Russian, Iranian and Syrian government forces launched their first joint exercise in Syria’s Deir ez-Zour region. In fact, it’s their first combined drill anywhere else in the Middle East.

And its significance isn’t lost. For the first time ever, the Russian military is openly revealing their involvement with Iranian forces: both directly and by proxy.

Russia joins the threat against Israel

It’s also been reported that Moscow has begun making use of the Al Qaim-Abu Kamal border crossing between Iraq and Syria, which was only reopened less than a week ago after eight years of war.

Heavy Russian military vehicles from Black Sea bases have been rolling into Syria through the newly opened crossing – cementing their presence on this route. Russia’s shared presence on this route will make it hard for Israel to attack the land corridor forged by Iran when it uses the same border crossing and route as the Russians.

These are the various developments behind Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent statements on the worsening of the Iranian threat and the change in the security situation. It’s also the basis upon which Netanyahu says makes the establishment of a unity government – headed by him – so essential.

“We are facing an enormous security challenge that is growing and worsening from week to week,” the Prime Minister said last week.

While I believe peace is always the answer, Israel has every right to defend herself against the aggression of any enemy that seeks to wipe away her very existence.

The truth is, tensions within the region have never been higher. And we need to trust God to move in hearts now …

The only answer, and the greatest thing any of us can do, is to commit our lives, hearts and prayers to supporting Israel and the Jewish people.

Please pray with us on behalf of Israel and her people. Pray for God to:

1. Move in our hearts – to stir us with a new, fresh resolve and concern to stand with and support His people

2. Remember His promise in Zechariah 12 to protect His people from the enemies that surround them on all sides – whose hatred burns deep and hot, simply because Israel exists

3. Give Israeli leaders wisdom, insight and discernment as they take moves and lead initiatives to defend themselves
4. Change the hearts of Israel’s enemies – to move them away from hatred and animosity
5. Open eyes and hearts of the Jewish people and their neighbors, to experience and encounter Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah, the “Prince of Peace”

Give a generous gift to stand with Israel and support the Jewish people

Praying for Israel seems to be either wholly on or completely off the radar of Believers. Here are five reasons we should be praying for Israel and Jerusalem, especially this October 6. 

1. It’s “The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem” (DPPJ)

The purpose of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem (DPPJ) is to draw Believers together to focus on supporting and praying for peace in the Land of God’s Chosen People. According to the organization’s website, their call is for “sustained, fervent, informed global intercession for the plans and purposes of God for Jerusalem and all her people.”

This unifying event is observed the first Sunday of every October near the season of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.  Local congregations can participate by focusing their worship services around the theme and hosting prayer events. There are also larger gatherings in various regions of the U.S., in Washington, D.C. and Jerusalem that individuals can attend. Personal prayer of individuals is vital as well.

Why else should we pray for Jerusalem?

2. God tells us to

The most compelling reason to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem is that God tells us to. Psalm 122:6 instructs, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem – ‘May those who love you be at peace!’” 

It’s as simple as that.

3. The Nation of Israel remains God’s Chosen People

In Genesis 12:3, God makes a powerful statement revealing His favor toward Israel. He told Abraham, “My desire is to bless those who bless you, but whoever curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” He reaffirmed through Moses that Israel was destined to be His people when He said He would bring His people out of Egypt (Exodus 6:7). God does not break His promises, and nothing in the New Covenant indicates that He has cast Israel aside. Yeshua (Jesus) said He was sent to the lost house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). Romans 1:16 teaches that the Gospel is for “the Jew first.” If God continues to make the Jewish people a priority, we should too.

4. The Land of Israel belongs to God for His people and purposes

Throughout Scripture, God has made statements about the Land of Israel that He has not revoked. He declares Israel His Land (Leviticus 25:23), Land that He has given to the Nation of His people (Genesis 15:18). Though at various times God chastised them by moving them out of the Land, He always promised to bring them back (Amos 9:14–15, Zechariah 8:7–8, Jeremiah 31:7–9). In 1948, He – just as He said – gathered Jewish people from the four corners of the globe back to Israel with the overnight rebirth of Israel as a nation-state (Isaiah 43:5–6, 66:8, Ezekiel 36:24–26). 

Israel and, specifically, Jerusalem, remain a central element in Last Days’ events. The Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:1), and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem will recognize Yeshua as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). The final battle against Israel will take place in Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2–3), and Yeshua will return to Earth there (Zechariah 14:4). When God makes all things new, He will bring down from Heaven the New Jerusalem from which Yeshua will rule and reign (Revelation 21:2–3).

Israel occupies a special place in God’s Kingdom. It behooves us to support His people in the Land and pray about all that concerns them.

5. In today’s age, it’s even more appropriate to pray for Israel and the Jewish people

Historically, the Church has been responsible for much persecution against Jewish people. Today’s Church cannot undo or make up for past crimes – done in the Messiah’s name though not in His Spirit. But this shameful history makes it even more appropriate for the universal body of Believers to pray for Israel and her people.

If you’d like some specific ways to pray for Israel on the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem – and all year – we have some resources for you.

For specific prayer points to help guide you through your Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, see 10 Ways to Pray for Israel Today.

For more ways to pray for Israel, visit our website where you’ll find helpful resources for praying the Scriptures for Israel and Jewish people everywhere. 

For more information about how you can join in prayer and encourage your congregation to participate, visit www.daytopray.com.

It is amazing how much depth we can see when we understand the Jewish foundation upon which the New Covenant is built. God is One; He is cohesive and intentional. He communicates it throughout the Scriptures as He ties Old and New Covenants together with His single purpose: the redemption of Israel and all of humanity.

When God instituted the Jewish Feast of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), He knew that thousands of years later, His Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus), would perform the duties of a High Priest to perfection and completion. Just like Yeshua did not abolish the Law, but fulfilled it – filled it full – for us, so too He did not abolish the Day of Atonement. He makes its meaning and imagery full. 

In Yom Kippur, God placed prophetic pictures of events He would bring to pass with Yeshua’s first and second comings. Yeshua's sacrificial death filled full the first of these parallels. The writer of Hebrews wanted the Jewish people to know that Yeshua is the Messiah and our High Priest forever.

Yeshua is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek 

Jesus is not from the tribe of Levi, the family of Israel’s priests. He is not a priest according to the line of Aaron. There was another priest who was outside the expected lineage: Melchizedek. This King of Salem seems to have come from nowhere, yet Abraham gave him a tenth of all that he had, indicating he was the greater of the two. 

Psalm 110:4 proclaims that the Messiah would be a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. The book of Hebrews compares Yeshua to Melchizedek who had “no beginning of days nor end of life, but, made like Ben-Elohim [the Son of God], he remains a kohen [priest] for all time” (Hebrews 7:3). Because Yeshua lives eternally, His priesthood never ends; He is a priest forever. (See Genesis 14:18–20, Hebrews chapter 7.)

Yeshua was appointed High Priest

The High Priests of Israel did not take upon themselves the mantel of this important position. They were appointed from their father; Aaron was appointed by the Lord Himself through Moses. Yeshua was appointed by God through the Messianic prophetic words of the Psalms and are quoted in Hebrews as the author begins to reveal Jesus’ role as our High Priest. (See Psalm 2:7, Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 5:5.)

Yeshua is our mediator 

The priest was a mediator, one who goes before God representing the people. He made the sacrifices and prayed for Israel. First Timothy 2:5 proclaims that there is one mediator between God and man: Yeshua. The book of Hebrews explains that Jesus sits in Heaven at the right hand of the Father’s thrown as a minister of the “true tabernacle,” erected by God, not man (Hebrews 8:2). He mediates for us and has become the guarantee of a “better covenant,” and He lives eternally to intercede for us. (See Hebrews 7:22, 25b, 8:1–6.)

Yeshua entered the Holy of Holies

One day each year – on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement – the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle or Temple. It was the most sacred place of the Temple; it was where God’s presence dwelled. The priest had to ceremonially bathe and offer sacrifices for his own sins before he was considered pure enough to enter behind the thick curtain into this holy, inner chamber. 

Yeshua was perfectly pure, undefiled and separate from sinners. He did not need to make sacrifices for Himself before offering His blood for our sins. As our High Priest, He entered into the heavenly Holy of Holies once to make atonement for all. (See Hebrews 7:26–28, 9:11–12.)

Yeshua brought the blood of a sacrifice

On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest brought the blood of bulls and goats into the Temple, sprinkling it on the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies to cover Israel’s sin. Yeshua brought His own blood. Through His sacrifice, offering Himself without blemish, He obtained eternal redemption for us. He did this once and for all. (See Hebrews 7:27, 9:12–13, 26-28, 10:2, 10.) 

Yeshua is our sympathetic High Priest

The High Priest could sympathize with Israel because he too sinned. Yeshua is a fitting High Priest because, though He was without sin, He was tempted in every way like we are. Therefore, He understands our weaknesses and offers His compassion. Those who have placed their trust in Him may approach His holiness and receive grace and mercy in times of need. (See Hebrews 4:15–16 and 7:26–28.)

Yeshua’s sacrifice made complete atonement for our sin

Yom Kippur sacrifices covered sin, but they did not remove it. Scripture tells us that the blood of bulls and goats can atone for sins, but Yeshua’s blood utterly “puts away sin.” As our High Priest, Yeshua does not need to bring His blood year after year the way the priests of old brought sacrifices. He offered His blood once, for all, and “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25).” We have been made holy through the offering of the Messiah’s blood. (See Hebrews 9:26–10:11.)

Yeshua inaugurated the new covenant

When He entered into the heavenly Holy of Holies with His own blood, Yeshua brought about the new covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31–33. He enabled God’s Law to be placed in our hearts and His Holy Spirit to dwell inside us. God dwells in those who have placed their faith in Yeshua, and we have been made in the likeness of the Temple of God. We can enter His presence boldly without fear of condemnation. (See Hebrews 8:7–12, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Hebrews 4:16, Romans 8:1, 15.)

As you spend time with God on Yom Kippur, reflect on His holiness and the redemption Jesus bought for you with His blood. Which aspect of Yeshua’s High Priesthood touches your heart the most? Why? Thank Him for it, and worship Him for all He has done for you. 

On Yom Kippur, may you be filled with awe at God’s glory and holiness as well as the complete assurance that He invites you to come boldly into His presence because of His great love for you.

RESTORE

After David requested that God clean his heart, he asked Him to renew in him a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:12). Though David sinned in some pretty grievous ways, he knew God as the light of his life, his strength, his refuge and fortress. God’s lovingkindness was better than life to David, and He was David’s source of abundant joy.* 

Sin slows down the progress of our growth and hinders our fellowship with God. Reflection and repentance restore us to intimate communion with God. David longed for restoration of fellowship with God that had been hampered by his sin, by his doing things his own way. As we turn from our sin, we turn again toward God in refreshed relationship. 

As you review the things God has revealed to you during this season of Rosh Hashanah, consider what aspects of God’s abundant life and goodness you have forfeited by following your own ways rather than His. Ask Him to renew a faithful spirit in you and revitalize your fellowship with Him. 

May this Rosh Hashanah bring you ever closer to God through honest reflection, sincere repentance and joyful restoration.

*(See Psalm 27: 1, Psalm 18:1, Psalm 91:2, Psalm 63:4 and Psalm 16:11.)

That’s why we’re passionate to make the most of every remaining day to have the greatest impact for God and reach as many people as possible.

And I’m praying you’ll join with me, and all of us at Jewish Voice, by making your own decision to do everything you can to:

• Deliver the Gospel of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) to as many hungry Jewish hearts as possible
• Rally support for Israel and skillfully use media to combat the lies in today’s current propaganda
• Expose the demonic disease of anti-Semitism

This is not a season for shrinking back.

In fact, I believe so much in this work God has given to us, we’ve taken a significant step of faith:

We set a goal to provide $1 million to Israel by December 31.

I know that’s a huge commitment. But this isn’t a time for us to be silent.

And we’ll do everything we can to compel the lost sheep of the House of Israel to come to the wedding feast before it’s too late!

That’s why I’m counting on your participation more now than ever. The simple fact is: We can’t do it without you.

This is a tangible, practical way to truly bless the Jewish people. It isn’t about dollars and cents. It’s about introducing them to their Messiah,

Yeshua.

It’s the greatest blessing you could give to anyone! As I write this to you, I know I’m asking a lot of you.

But the potential for God’s blessing … the opportunity to be a part of His Kingdom work … I believe it’s worth every sacrifice.

I can’t help but recall the prophecy in Acts 3:19 — and the salvation of the Jewish people that will release the power of God to ignite a global revival the world has never seen.

It’s the revival Peter expects in his powerful message to the Jewish leaders:

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus. Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy Prophets.
—Acts 3:19-21

When the Jewish people return to God, and turn to Yeshua (Jesus) their Messiah, He will unleash an outpouring of faith in Jesus around the world. Hearts will be turned to God. The Kingdom will come upon the earth and God’s people will experience a restoration.

But not only that, Yeshua will return for His second and final time …

This is what you’ll be a part of when you join with us and support Israel and her people with your gift today.

Please don’t wait. We set a goal to provide $1 million to Israel. And we must follow through. So much is riding on this …

And I believe God is already moving in hearts now, urging them to reply.
Will it be you? Will you say “yes”? Your gift will be put to work immediately through our partnerships in Israel to provide:

• Humanitarian relief essentials like food, medical support and dental care
• Ministry to women, orphans and widows — including those who face homelessness, addiction and abuse
• Training to Messianic congregations to raise up the next generation of Messianic leaders
• Media materials and resources for training and evangelism
• Immigration services that include legal support and raising awareness about anti-Semitism and human rights

And when you give today, I’d like to thank you by sending you our Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem Journal.