Shavei Tzion | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
Thank you for being with us throughout 2022. With your support, we were able to serve the Lord effectively in Israel!
Passing into the New Year, we feel the importance of the words of Yeshua, who commanded:
“When the Holy Spirit descends on you, you will receive strength and will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Albeit, Abraham had begun a form of “evangelistic” witness which continued from Israel in various forms to the nations regarding the one true God. This included David and Solomon building a “court of the Gentiles” at the Temple. Still, the people of Israel, lacked maturity and strength to fully carry out this divine plan.
Then Yeshua, the Son of God, died and rose again. Through Him, the power of Holy Spirit witness was released in Israel. This gave believers the ability to reach out to closed hearts. This gave pagans – who had strayed from the truth in their delusions – the ability to repent and turn to the truth, together with Israel to follow the path of God's promises, to become children of God, walking in the Light of the Messiah.
In recent weeks in the congregation, we have been studying Ephesians. Paul says:
“…you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations… through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body … in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:4-6 NIV)
Paul’s simple words to the Ephesians encourage us to stand in simplicity and modesty, and to develop what each of us has been given as joint heirs and various members of one body.
For some it is prayer. For some it is words of encouragement for others. This is not about being a “high achiever” as various motivational-coaches teach non-stop. This is the realization of God’s gifts for the benefit of the community. We each cooperate with the Messiah and fulfill our destiny. This seems too simple, but it is what the Lord expects from each of us, and He turns it into the power that changes the world around us.
Our prayer for everyone in 2023 is that they may step into their various personal gifts, revealing the Spirit of the Messiah in themselves and, through their good deeds, bringing and proclaiming the Light of the Messiah to others!
