©February 18, 2012 Revive Israel Ministries

End of Ezekiel

Asher Intrater

What do we do with the last 12 chapters of the book of Ezekiel? They could be summarized this way:

Chapter 37 – "Dry Bones" - Resurrection and regathering to Israel
Chapters 38-39 - "Magog" - International end times' war against Israel
Chapters 40-46 - "Temple" - Rebuilding of central worship area in Jerusalem
Chapters 47 - "River" - Restoration of natural waters and vegetation
Chapters 48 - "Borders" - Re-inhabitation of land of Israel

This is a large section of scriptures. It describes events that have not yet taken place. I believe they will take place. How? When?

It is too apocalyptic to take place before the Second Coming. It is too literal and detailed to be taken just figuratively. [Many other biblical prophets contain similar descriptions (Isaiah 60-66, Jeremiah 30-33, Daniel 7, Joel 3, Amos 9, Micah 2-5, Zechariah 8-14).]

The only biblical solution is that these events will actually take place at the time of the Second Coming of Yeshua. This would coincide with what is called the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4-6). Yet the picture is so "Israel" or "Jewish" focused.

Let us remember that Yeshua is both the son of David (Romans 1:3) and the Son of God (Romans 1:4). When He returns, His kingdom will be both "divine" and "Davidic." Approximately half of the biblical prophecies about Messiah were fulfilled at Yeshua's first coming; the second half will be fulfilled at the second.

The prophetic significance of the restoration of Israel is not an issue of ethnic and cultural preference for the Jewish people. Rather it is the preparation for the coming millennial kingdom of Messiah on earth (Matthew 6:10, 25:31, Acts 1:6, Revelation 11:15). Our job is to proclaim the message of that kingdom (Matthew 24:14).

Arrow Missile

A defense system against attacking ballistic missiles, called Chets (Arrow), was jointly developed by the United States and Israel. Last week a successful test was completed in Israel of a new warning radar system. So, for instance, if a missile with nuclear warhead was launched from Iran toward Israel, this new radar would identify it and be ready to launch a missile to intercept it in less time, which in turn would make contact further away from Israel's borders.

Esther Fast

Please continue to notify your prayer groups of the Esther prayer and fasting assembly on Wednesday, March 7, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. International and Israeli prayer groups will cooperate for this crucial and strategic time of intercession. Details to follow.

Eilat Interview

An Israeli newspaper and television channel are doing an article this week on people living in Eilat. One of the interviews includes the Pex family, Messianic believers who run the Shelter ministry in Eilat. Pray for a positive witness.

Anti-prostitution Bill

By Mati Shoshani

On Wednesday, February 15, the Israeli Knesset voted in favor of a law making the act of purchasing prostitution illegal. This vote was the first of three in the Knesset needed to officially approve the law. The law sets the criminal responsibility on the client, thus attempting to eliminate the demand, rather than deal with the supply end of the trade. The model presented to the Israeli Knesset is one already successfully implemented in four countries including Sweden, who was the first to pass such a law in 1999. 

The act of prostitution is currently legal in Israel. It is estimated that the industry generates over 2.4 billion NIS annually, most of which goes directly into the pockets of organized crime syndicates. There are between ten to fifteen thousand prostitutes, who receive more than one million clients per month.

The women (95% are female) are regularly exposed to extreme violence, repeated rape, assault, emotional and physical torture, STD's, and post-traumatic syndrome at higher rates than soldiers returning from combat. The mortality rate of women in the sex trade is FORTY TIMES HIGHER than that of average women. The “profession” of prostitution leaves those who partake in it emotionally, physically, and spiritually depleted and destroyed.

In the weeks leading up to this Wednesday's vote the topic of prostitution became a hot topic, as articles in newspapers, blogs, and TV news shows debated the merit of the proposed law. Some of the liberal secular media has come out in support of legalized prostitution.

The Jerusalem Institute of Justice (with whom I work) has been instrumental in passing this law. We have recently finished the production of a short film on the sex trade in Israel. (Click here for link.) In the following weeks a Knesset committee will be working on the final content of the law. There are two obstacles which could possibly prevent it from passing in the two upcoming votes: enforcement and financing.

If passed, this law will be a quantum leap in ethical legislation in Israel. Public consensus on this matter currently leans in favor of prostitution. We have received numerous complaints from people who are opposed to this law, but believe that with sufficient public debate, public opinion can be swayed. Please pray with us for this law to pass. We are praying to see the promise made in Isaiah 1:26-27 fulfilled; for justice and righteousness to be restored in Israel, from the top down.

Here are some statistics published in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot February 15, 2012:

• Between 10,000 – 20,000 men and women work with prostitution in Israel

• Approximately 1 million “customers” visit houses of prostitution every week

• 1/3 of all prostitutes started between the ages of 12 and 14

• 55% of prostitutes were sexually abused as children

• Over 75% of prostitutes are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol

• Approximately 60% have been raped or sexually attacked during their work

• 46% – 59% were raped over 5 times

• Approximately 68% of all prostitutes suffer from post-traumatic syndrome

• 89% - 92% want to leave prostitution but aren’t able