© 15 May 2015 Revive Israel Ministries

Strive for Unity

By Asher Intrater

Unity is always a priority for the kingdom of God (Zechariah 14:9). Working for unity is never easy. It involves overcoming opposition, going against the stream, bridging differences between people, fighting against the devil (Luke 11:16-17).  It is painful, because it involves getting close to people who have hurt us. Yet unity is necessary for the good of everyone. 

We must strive for unity. Here are a few translations of Ephesians 4:3 about how to keep the unity of the Spirit:

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit (KJ); Giving diligence… (AS); Make an effort to preserve… (CE); Eager to maintain… (ES); Work hard to live together as one… (NL); Strive earnestly to guard the oneness… (Amp).

Part of the effort of reaching unity is communication.  It takes much communication to work out differences of opinion.  Communication can be exhausting.  Yet covenantal dialogue and discussion is the work of coming to unity. Sin causes misunderstanding and confusion. We are striving to reverse the "curse" of the tower of Babel.

Another reason is men's ambition. Many people want to get ahead for their own benefit, so they separate from others.  Striving for ambition prevents one from striving for unity.  Where there is pride and ambition, separation and division are often the result (Proverbs 18:1).

Demand for Unity

Recently, we have seen how difficult it is for PM Netanyahu to gain unity to establish a coalition for his government.  If there is no unity, there will be no coalition; if there is no coalition, there will be no government.  As Netanyahu's government depends on unity of the parties, so does Yeshua's kingdom depend on unity in the Body of Messiah. 

There is a parallel between the nation of Israel and the Body of Messiah.  As the government coalition demands unity among the political leaders, so does Yeshua's kingdom demand unity among spiritual leaders.  (This is why the call to unity of Ephesians 4:3 is followed by the "five-fold" leadership and its role in bringing the Body to unity and maturity in Ephesians 4:11-15.)

Come Together

The Hebrew words for conference Kenes, parliament Knesset, church Kn'ssiah and synagogue Bet Knesset all come from the same root כנס – meaning "to bring inside, to gather together."

Unity for God's Kingdom is found within the Church (John 17:23), within Israel (Ezekiel 37:22), and also between the Church and Israel (this is why the unity of Ephesians 4:3 is preceded by the unity of Jew and Gentile in Ephesians 2:14-16; 3:3-6).  As the covenant unity between man and woman gives birth to a child, so does the covenant unity between Israel and the Church give birth to the kingdom of God on earth (Romans 11:12-26).

Let us be eager and diligent for unity of the Spirit in all spheres of relationships: from the most individual (marriage) to the most international (Israel and the Church).  No matter how much effort or pain it involves, let us strive for the greater good of the kingdom of God. 

Many strange things have happened this week in the political realm, both within the country and on the international scene. Liberman left the coalition. Netanyahu is having a hard time putting together the cabinet. There are demonstrations, racism, violence, divisions, and corruption. A coalition of 61 would likely be very shaky. There is a crisis between the United States and the Arab Sunni coalition led by Saudi Arabia and Egypt; not to mention the continuing bloodshed in Yemen and Syria.

A key question is who will be Foreign Minister, and whether or not Netanyahu will try to make a unity government with Labor.  It is possible that he would rather have a larger government and have Labor leader Herzog as foreign minister, but internal politics would not allow it. It is difficult to discern.

We have spiritual and prophetic responsibility as the Body of Messiah to pray for the government of Israel.  Let's pray for wisdom, humility and unity for all Knesset members, and particular strength for Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the Baruch Haba tour. The group was made up of over 100 believers from 11 different countries, who came to Israel to receive teaching from national leaders, travel the land, meet local believers, visit congregations, tour biblical sites and release prophetic prayer and intercession from strategic locations within Israel.

What an experience to witness different tribes and tongues come together to worship the King of kings in Hebrew! It was a beautiful expression of the one new man.  We ended our time declaring in power and unity Baruch Haba B’shem Adonai (Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord - Matthew 23:39).

To watch in English one of the messages Asher shared with the group, click HERE!

Join us next week for Shavuot (Pentecost). The event begins May 23, 2015 at 10pm (Israel time) and continues for 8 hours.

Special video invitation from Asher, click HERE!

For the live web-stream, please go to reviveisrael.org at the time of the event.

By Rachel & Gilad

Last week, I was delighted to have fifty women come to my home from a prestigious high-tech company in Tel Aviv.  A tour guide who knows my story brought them to find out why I believe in Yeshua.  I told them about the empty void in all of our hearts and that nothing can fill this void except Yeshua. They asked if they could come and share   Shabbat eve with me and learn more about what it is to be born again.  Many of them hugged me and said that I had given them new hope.   

Recently I was interviewed on TBN and shared part of my testimony. To watch, click HERE!