Apologies for the long hiatus! The JIYM crew has been busy but we’re glad to be back. There are several things we’d like to cover today so we’ve provided plenty of links for you to check out if you’d like to dive deeper into these topics.
It’s election season in both the United States and Israel. And that means candidates are trying to get votes.
In the US, there seems to be one main focus right now: Israel. Some candidates are trying to appeal to the “America First” crowd by slandering Israel; while others are standing firm and continue to support God’s people. And of course, there’s always a few in the middle who beat around the bush and won’t state their views. Please, research your local candidates’ views carefully!
The results so far have been mixed, with several antisemitic Democrat candidates winning their primaries (for instance, Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan) and several Republican candidates who supported Israel winning their primaries as well (such as Rep. Randy Fine in Florida). The real test will come this November.
Israeli elections are set up much differently than here in the US. Parties hold internal, nationwide primaries and make a list, or slate, or the top candidates. In the general election (which is scheduled for this October), the people will vote for the party they like best (based on that party’s slate). The government is then formed by a coalition of parties; usually the biggest party makes a few deals with smaller parties to make the coalition. This forms very complex governments and requires a good leader to keep everything together.
Please pray that the Lord will work out His will in these elections, reward the good and punish the evil, and place wise leaders in control.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Not much has happened with Iran recently other than Trump declaring the Strait of Hormuz a “US territory” and announcing an “Economic D-Day”. Instead, most focus has been on Gaza and how to try to disarm Hamas. The Board of Peace’s recent proposal contained several large problems, including forcing the IDF to withdraw first and allowing Hamas to only give up “heavy” weapons. This, of course, was unacceptable to Israel, and Netanyahu clearly said “No”.
Also, a new danger is appearing to Israel’s north: IDF strikes recently targeted Syrian targets after Syria was about to deploy Turkish forces there. Turkey has clearly stated its hostility to Israel, and Turkish troops on Israel’s doorstep was too big a threat to ignore.
Please continue to pray God would grant the Jewish people protection and open their eyes to their Messiah.
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works:
News from Israel:
Turkey in Syria: Why Israel Fears Erdogan's Growing Influence in Damascus | HonestReporting
Netanyahu: Israel rejects Board of Peace roadmap on Hamas disarmament - Israel & Jewish News - JNS
Hamas Says It Will Disarm. Its Actions Tell Another Story. | HonestReporting
Netanyahu spokesman to JNS: Hamas must disarm before Gaza pullout - Israel & Jewish News - JNS
Anti-Israel, Antisemitic Candidates Largely Flop in Florida Primaries | Algemeiner.com
Ted Cruz hails $3.2 billion in Israeli investment, 4,200 jobs created in Texas | The Jerusalem Post
Never too late to make aliyah: American 'oleh' turns 105 - Israel & Jewish News - JNS
The JIYM articles are intended for Bible-Believing, Born-Again Christians who want to learn more about God’s people Israel and how to pray for them. We believe that God still loves the Jewish people, and that we should obey the first part of Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” so the second part, “they shall prosper that love thee” may come to pass.