Jerusalem, October 6, 2009. The new Jewish year 5770 has just began and already so much has happened. The much debated UN ‘Goldstone’ report which accused Israel of war crimes during the conflict in the Gaza Strip was presented. You will not read much about it; but here in Israel that anti-Semitic report exploded as a bomb – speaking in appropriate metaphorical language.

Then the world could hear the speech of Prime Minister Bibi Nethanyahu in the General Assembly of the United Nations. It was a clear statement, he did not hesitate to challenge the West for a strong stance on Ahmadinejad denying the Holocaust. Nethanyahu got his hands together and reaped widespread praise. And on the very day that Israel celebrates its grand feast, ‘Succoth’, known to us as the Feast of Tabernacles, a video was released from the Jewish soldier Gilad Shalit who is held captive. This video was exchanged by Hamas terrorists for 20 Muslim terrorist ladies. It is crazy that the free world does not rebel against this; a sign of life traded for 20 wrong moslimama’s.

The Red Cross is not allowed to visit Gilad Shalit. This is contrary to every conceivable rule on law of war. Already more than three years Gilad is held hostage. The world is silent. But also official church authorities remain silent.
Many Israelis were convinced that Gilad was already dead. But no, he appeared healthy and seemingly vulnerable in front of the camera. A wave of hope and emotion went through the entire Jewish population. “Gilad Shalit is still alive …”

Pray for Gilad Shalit’s release.

In recent weeks we have just decided to pray for the release of Gilad. Let’s pray for a successful action by the Israeli army as took place in ancient biblical times. Israeli history is full of such wonderful stories.
The Hamas Terrorists want to exchange Shalit for some 1,000 Muslim murderers imprisoned in Israeli jails. That may not happen. Therefore we pray to the God of Israel with a very strong appeal for the release of Gilad. Psalm 86:17 is a beautiful passage: Give me (Israel) a sign of your goodness, that my (Israel’s) enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me (Israel) and comforted me.

That would be something, a specialized unit of the IDF (Israeli army) that succeeds in freeing the hosted Jewish son. In cooperation with God Himself! As Gideon seizes his opportunity, get the fighters to call the command: ” for the LORD and for Gideon!”. A collaboration between the military and God, so to say. I would like to ask you to unite with us in this prayer. Pray aloud. We are doing this for a few weeks already. I have just read that the IDF knows exactly where Gilad Shalit is being held.
But everything is ‘boobytrapbed’. So liberation seems an impossible task. For God there are different criteria! So no terrorists exchange, but liberation for Gilad Shalit. That’s what I had to say!

You can view the video below.

Throwing stones.

Just as last week stones were thrown on and around the Temple Square again. During the Feast of Tabernacles many Jews enjoy to pray on this holy Jewish site (since their Temple stood here). By Muslims this was regarded as a ‘Zionistic attack’ so they called upon their fellow Muslims ‘to defend’ the Temple Square. Outrageous course. The religious Jews had no bad intensions what so ever. Yet again the result was this familiar picture; Palestinians whom as crazy bombard visitors and the Jewish police with stones. Sometimes you wonder, how long will this continue? May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth. (Psalm 83:17-19)

Watchmen.

Already more than 180 people walked along with us during the first 6 days of October. Many responded enthusiastic to the proclamation walk. It is increasingly clear that something must be done. We notice that more and more believers discover how Israel gets back in the center of God’s acting. Here in Jerusalem it is seen how “He has risen to have mercy on Zion”. Even in the relevant chapter of Ezekiel 36 about the “Mountains of Israel” we read in verse 9, “I shall return to you”. That is exactly what happens. God is interfering again with Israel and His beloved people. He brings His people back home again. The recovery plan is already well advanced.

Just think, Jerusalem was inhabited again, ruins rebuilt, the Jewish people are returning, the wilderness becomes as the “Garden of Eden”, the desert blooms, vineyards are being planted, the wine drunk, orchards are planted, fruits harvested, bride and bridegroom will again sing for joy, children playing in the squares and the aged rely on their stick, watchmen stand on the walls of Jerusalem and God’s people ‘replanted’ in Judea and Samaria, and will “no more be uprooted from the land that I have given to them – says the LORD, your God.”

And this is how I can continue quoting promises from those beautiful prophesies which are being fulfilled today in front of your and my eyes.

But do you realize that the Father wants to use you! He wants to install believers “from the nations” as watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem.

More and more visitors make the decision to come back and walk along with us for one or two weeks. That is always an unforgettable experience.

Also life-changing. Consider to walk along with us as watchman!

It is a priceless investment in your spiritual development.

See you on the walls of Jerusalem!