Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
Geopolitical events in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Far East are turbulent and frightening. We see forces arise and group together - reminiscent of the book of Revelation when Satan seduces nations with lies, and the wars of Gog and Magog take place.
Those older than 50 remember the turbulent days of the “Iron Curtain,” NATO and the Warsaw Pact. Everything was on the verge of conflagration. Those living in the USSR were fueled by propaganda, lies, hatred toward the West and atheism.
Today we are again witnessing the escalating quest for power and dominance causing turmoil around the world. It’s not just a geographical “war” between the East and West, with Russia and China. There is also a strong religious component to the conflict. It was assumed Liberalism would rule the 21st century, but now we see how radical religious movements are gaining ground. It creates the impression that people everywhere are motivated by violent power. The darkness in people’s hearts is deepening and the “deception of nations” is at work.
Many believers are reading the Bible and trying to understand “where we are” in God’s grand timeline. They are watching the attacks from Hezbollah and Iran and Israel’s response to Iran and wondering whether this squabble and “rocket ping pong” will continue to intensify or perhaps everything will calm down. There are no definitive answers, but we do know that in all these matters we are told to continue interceding for the restoration of God’s peace in Israel.
There is a lot of talk about the “one new man,” and reconciliation between Jews and Arabs. Reconciliation is God’s will, but the phrase “one new man” holds quite a different meaning. It means that people of any nation, any origin and background may come to God through Yeshua; there is no “privileged group.”
The same applies to the verse, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” This is not a political statement, but a prophecy about “Tikkun Olam - Restoration of the World,” when heavenly Jerusalem comes down to earth. None of this is truly about human politics at all (Revelation 21). It’s about the approaching divine restoration under the reign of the Messiah. Continue to pray and wait expectantly for His coming!
Update on Congregational Network:
This is not an easy time for any of us. Several times a day we run to bomb shelters and afterwards call our families and friends to make sure they are OK. Many people work at home or work shorter hours. Depending on the updated threats analysis, schools are doing a combination of in person and online learning.
It’s nerve-racking for all! Congregational leaders face serious challenges. How do we encourage people? How do we manage? Only by hoping and trusting in His mercy.
Our humanitarian projects for new immigrants and needy families outreach go on. We have continued to serve all of our usual recipients, and everyone responds with such gratitude. Many are surprised that during such precarious times we are able to open our doors and help them in their need. We are very grateful to all of you, our brothers and sisters, for your standing with us in this time of need, with your prayer and your financial support!
As for our music school, the war has caused some students to stop attending out of fear. But with God’s help, when this crisis has passed, we hope to renew our strength, as Isaiah 40:31 says: “…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
