©December 7, 2012 Revive Israel Ministries
Foreknew
By Asher Intrater
Twice in the book of Romans Paul (Saul) uses the term "foreknew." Both times it refers to the destiny that God has-- first for an individual, and second for a nation.
God has a destiny, a pre-designed plan, for every individual. That destiny has a uniform element in that everyone is to be conformed to the image of Yeshua (Jesus), the perfect model of man made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). That destiny also has a unique element in which every individual is different. God designed His plan for each individual according to each one's own personality and character.Romans 8:29
Whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.
God knows us better than we know ourselves. He designed His plan for each of us before we were even born. He already knew us; He "foreknew" us. He designed His plan for us on the basis of that foreknowledge. Predestination is not arbitrary, but determined by God's foreknowledge. Foreknowledge precedes predestination.
The second instance of foreknowledge refers to the nation of Israel -- not a person but a people.
Romans 11:2
God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew
It is beyond our comprehension how God can know a person before he was born. How much more so an entire people group! God knew the history of Israel before it happened. And now He knows things about the future of Israel before it happens.
Israel is a "chosen" people. Part of that "chosen-ness" comes from the history of ancient Israel; part from the birth of Yeshua; and part from the mission of the early apostles. Yet there is another part of Israel's chosen position: it has to do with things that have not yet happened. God already knows about events in Israel's future that have not yet come to pass. On the basis of His foreknowledge of future events, God chose the people of Israel. He "foreknew" them.
Those events will be "much more" than all the previous events (Romans 11:12). There will be a revival as in the book of Acts, but much greater (Acts 2:17). There will be a miraculous military victory like those of ancient Israel, but much greater (Zechariah 14:2-5). There will be a kingdom like Solomon's, but much greater (Micah 4:1-8). All believers in Yeshua can be "grafted in" to that destiny (Romans 11:17), become members of "Israel's commonwealth" (Ephesians 2:12), and "partners" in the same promises (Ephesians 3:6).
UNRWA
By Caleb Myers, Jerusalem Institute of Justice
Following the 1948 Israeli war of independence, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established, tasked with assisting the 550,000 Palestinian refugees in Israel, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. UNRWA was created as a temporary entity meant to provide relief to the refugees and to assist them in reintegration into new communities.
Unlike all other refugees in the world, Palestinian refugee status can be passed down to children and grandchildren. The 550,000 refugees recorded in 1948 have turned into 4.7 million, despite the internationally recognized definition of a refugee which is not inter-generational.
In contradiction to its original mandate, UNRWA still exists; and instead of reducing the number of refugees, its organizational focus has shifted to perpetuating the refugee status of the Palestinians in the Middle East. UNRWA now maintains and sustains the Palestinian Refugees in a position of diplomatic leverage against Israel, in hopes of influencing a future agreement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
UNRWA's $20 Million budget in 1949 has inflated to over $1 Billion dollars in 2012, which makes the Palestinian refugees by far the largest recipients of refugee aid per capita. UNRWA employs almost 30,000 Palestinians, making them the largest employer of Palestinians. They have admitted to having employed an active Hamas activist, and have even stated that they see no problem with it.
UNRWA, which was established as a focused attempt in assisting Palestinian refugees after the 1948 war, has reneged on its mandate and become a political tool against Israel. Funded mostly by the US and European countries, it is an organization which needs to be held accountable and realigned with its original mandate.
Muslim Evangelists
Abu Ali, Rashid and Waheed are modern heroes of the faith and leaders of the Al Hayat television channel, which broadcasts a bold gospel message into the entire Muslim world. Al Hayat receives 30 million (!) viewers per month; 100,000 viewer feedbacks; 4 million unique visitors on their website; and 11 million entries on their social networks.
This week Al Qaida published pictures of all three men, with their wives and children, and addresses of their homes and offices. Al Qaida declared that "someone should visit them and do what is necessary," which is tantamount to a call for their murder. Please pray urgently for their protection and for continued fruit of their evangelism.
Abu Atalla, another Muslim background Bible teacher, was just in Cairo during the demonstrations against Morsi. Those not supportive of the Muslim brotherhood feel betrayed by the proposed new constitution, which would give Morsi authority above all legislative, military, and judicial bodies. The referendum to authorize the new constitution takes place on December 15.
Please pray for less bloodshed, for cancelling the new constitution, for righteous men to arise in the Egyptian government, and for the many people who are coming to faith now because of the insecurity and persecution of the present situation.
Call Geneva
Pray for "The Call Geneva," including a 12 hour prayer vigil on Saturday, December 8; School of Reformation and Restoration on Monday-Tuesday, December 10-11; and special praise evening on Wednesday, December 12. Let us believe for a spiritual breakthrough, releasing new revival across Switzerland and all Europe. For more info: "The Call Geneva."
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