War Responses

Return to Zion Congregation - Haifa, Israel

In early spring, we celebrated Esther’s Purim victory over Haman and evil. But even as we commemorate that victory, we are surrounded by war, slaughter, ambition, uncertainty, and fear – fulfilling the prophecy of Yeshua in Matthew 24 of wars and rumors of war, etc.

Regarding Zelensky and Putin, there is no need to persuade you who is good and who is bad, and why suspicion and deceit are poor character traits for rulers! But why are they fighting, and who pushed them to this? If we ignore the pain of people, we can see how “one big gas station replaces another.” Russia is losing sources of income, but the market continues to need oil and gas, and there will always be nations to supply those things. Nations use their resources variously – to cover the cost of weapons, to restore ruins and to assist refugees. But who will be there to undo the deaths and repair the ruined lives of millions of people?

Increasingly, verses from the book of Daniel come to mind:

“Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron – for iron breaks and smashes everything – and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others… this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.” (Daniel 2:40-43 NIV)

This is very reminiscent of the modern steel and iron world we live in. Skyscrapers are made of concrete, iron and glass. Iron is in our cars, planes and even guns. But people cannot and will not become united and “people-group will rise against people-group.” (Luke 21:7)

Daniel gives one consolation: the Kingdom of Yeshua, the Kingdom of the Son of Man, is being built and will bring the world into harmony (Daniel 2:44). But right now, what are we believers to do?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

Seek wealth in God and do not rely on the values of this world!

Don’t be afraid; follow Yeshua.

Give a good example to the world. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 NIV)

Blessings and Shalom of God to you, dear brothers, and sisters. I encourage you to take part in our ministry, as we serve and help many in this difficult time.

Prayer requests

Events in Ukraine are closely connected to people in our community. We have many from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus – please pray that we would all put Unity before God above other preferences.

Congregational home groups are an important place for fellowship and spirituality – please pray for continued, peaceful, safe gatherings.

Congregational youth group – please pray for spiritual growth in the youth.

We are expecting many refugees as well as returning Jewish immigrants, and the ability to serve others is important – please pray for strength for our volunteers that they may joyfully welcome all who come to our door.

We are still replacing the sound and broadcast equipment that was recently stolen – please pray for sufficient funds for replacements.