Taken from Isaiah 62, these verses are the foundation of our vision to be a continuous presence in the centre of Jerusalem. This Biblical passage could hardly be clearer in its call for action. NeverBeSilent challenges young people throughout the world to respond to this Biblical call. NeverBeSilent takes both the priest’s task of intercession and the prophetic task of clear and strong proclamation and action seriously. We want to prepare and equip a strong army of passionate believers for raising the banner.
Everyday groups will walk on the walls of Jerusalem to proclaim prophetic words on Israel, Jerusalem and the descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Does that mean that the elderly will not take in their position as watchmen on the walls? Of course they will! Many of them will stand beside the young people as spiritual fathers and mothers. Together they will be a colourful bouquet sharing in the body of Christ.
Clear the stones
‘Prepare the way. Remove the stones, raise a banner for the nations’
Isaiah 62:10
When we look back throughout history we are inevitably filled with shame. We must remorsefully conclude that the church has most certainly failed to clear the way for God’s people. Instead we Christians have continually blocked the road with different stones. Examples are for instance, the Crusades, the Inquisition and the Holocaust. ‘Replacement theology’, in which we, the Christian church, have claimed God’s promises to His people for ourselves is another one of these stones. NeverBeSilent aims to offer reconciliation and comfort to our Jewish brothers and sisters in every possible way. We want to clear the way for God’s people. Not just using words, but through active service and love.
Fasting
‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked to clothe him’
Isaiah 58: 6-7
Another important task awaits Israel. It is taking care of the widows, the orphans and the poor. In our opinion, victims of violence also belong on this list. Alongside our more spiritual activities, we will also be actively involved in practical volunteer work. That means helping where the need is the greatest.
Comfort
‘Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God (...) go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah ‘Here is your God!’ Isaiah 40: 1-3;9
These words speak for themselves. A time of comfort and restoration has come to Israel.
Putting it into practice
We challenge young people to actually come to Jerusalem.
