©January 14, 2012 Revive Israel Ministries
Iran
Asher Intrater
Wednesday morning, 8:30 AM Tehran time, Doctor Mustafa Rushan traveled in his silver Peugot 405, when a motorcyclist approached from behind and attached a bomb to the side. A few moments later a huge blast was heard, killing Rushan, his driver and his security guard. Rushan was the assistant director of the uranium enrichment plant in Natnaz.
Rushan was the 5th senior Iranian director of the nuclear weapons project to be killed in the last two years. (Masoud Muhamadi in January, 2010; Majid Shahriarh in November, 2010; Darius Rezai in July 2011; Hasan Mukadem in November, 2011.)
The United States quickly denounced the attack and denied all connection. The Israeli government has remained silent. The Iranians immediately accused the Israeli Mossad and promised to retaliate with terrorist attacks against Jewish sites internationally.
There is no evidence at this point as to who executed the killing. One rumor is that Israeli agents supported Kurdish Iranian resistance fighters living in Iraq to do the operation. After the American denunciation, President Obama called Prime Minister Netanyahu to affirm that the United States was still committed to prevent Iranian development of nuclear weapons.
Esther Fast
Speaking of Iran (Persia), let's not forget her glorious past. Islam did not come to Iran until the 8th century AD. Yet over a thousand years earlier, in the 5th century BC, we find a worldwide spiritual revival, led by Mordechai, Esther, and King Ahasueros. King Cyrus (Koresh) sponsored the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem as recorded in the book of Ezra. Biblical roots in Iran precede those of Islam. Love and cooperation between Persians and Jews precede all current anti-Semitism.
This year there is scheduled another day of prayer and fasting on the date of "Ta'anit Esther," Wednesday March 7. Last year's fast involved cooperation with prayer houses, Messianic congregations, and Christian churches, both in Israel and around the world. This year we are planning again for twelve hours of prayer, fasting, praise, scripture declaration, and spiritual warfare - from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Details will follow in weeks to come. Please set your calendar for this event and plan to join in.
Tebow
The most well-known Christian in the United States is undoubtedly Tim Tebow, new quarterback of the Denver Broncos. This week in the first play-off game of the National Football League, regular time ended in a tie at 23-23 between Denver and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first play of overtime, Tim threw an 80 yard pass for a touchdown to win the game. His total passing yardage for the game was 316, which caught notice of people around the country because of Tim's often quoting of John 3:16. In the television interview after the game, Tim simply said, "I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
It is difficult for people who do not live in the United States to understand the popularity of professional football. For many it is an obsession bordering on idolatry. Yet the popularity of the game has enabled this young man, a dedicated Christian and son of missionary parents, to touch millions. Pray for God's hand to remain upon him and God's grace to be extended toward the United States.
Standing in the Gap
By D. Shish
The righteous, prophetic remnant is called to stand in the breach and build up protection for all of Israel. They are called to prepare the people for the future, for difficulty, for judgment and for war; to make up for weaknesses in the defense of the people against attacking forces.
Ezekiel 13:5 - Woe to the foolish prophets who … have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel, that it might stand in battle in the day of the LORD.There are mortal military threats against Israel. Even "friendly" neighbors (such as Jordan and Egypt) have strong undercurrents of anti-Israel sentiment. Iran is coupling the most serious verbal threats with development of nuclear weapons. The popular uprisings of the Arab "Spring" are bringing to power extreme Muslim groups very antagonistic toward Israel.
There are also social pressures and problems: Anti-Israel sentiment in the media; Economic fears; Violence in cities; Substance abuse; Pornography and sexual immorality; Family dysfunctions. These threats are arrayed against all humanity universally and against each one of us personally.
A system of defense is like a wall. If the enemy punches a hole in the defense, a "breach" is formed. Soldiers must rush bravely into the breach and close the gap to defend the people. Such spiritual soldiers are rare to be found.
Ezekiel 22:30 - I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.Moses, like Ezekiel, stood in the breach in intercession on behalf of his people.
Psalm 106:23 - Therefore he said he would destroy them-- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him...Moses' intercession consisted of recounting before God His promises, and calling on God to relent from judgment in favor of unmerited grace. Moses was willing to be erased from the book of life to avert judgment (Exodus 32:32).
Yeshua Himself is the ultimate example of the Man who would stand in the gap on behalf of Israel and all mankind (Isaiah 53). Ezekiel, Moses, and Yeshua all serve as examples of standing in the breach.
Isaiah 58:12 - Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach…This prophecy points to a people who return to Israel, rebuild the walls, and repair the breach. May Messianic Jews and believers in Yeshua around the world arise to become a righteous, prophetic remnant to stand in the gap today for Israel and all the nations!
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