March | 2020 | Elisha Vision

2020 Passover at Home

31 03 2020

Exodus 12:3 describes the original Passover as being held in one house per family. Today it is usually a community event. But originally each family was quarantined in their own home, with blood on the doorposts, until the death angel passed over their family. Our 2020 Passover is more like the original one than ever.

I love the Dry Bones take on current events. Just click on the picture to go to his site. The Israeli cartoonist, Yaachov Kirschen, has a knack for taking the Pharisee religious spirit down a notch or two. In this cartoon he reveals the tension between the global virus threat and observing Passover religiously. The Passover table always has an empty cup for Elijah because of this verse:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yehovah. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:5-6

But what are we going to do about Passover? Is it okay to observe it later? Why can’t we do it at home? Both are options. Our local Messianic congregation, Shalom Peniel, has simply postponed their observance till May, “Lord willing”. The other option may be even better. How can you observe Passover, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits at home? Let me share some ideas.

First, I suggest you anoint your doorposts with oil and pray for Yehovah’s protection and healing from the virus, through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua.

Second, rebuke fear and stand in faith. Firstfruits points to the resurrection. Since we have eternal life, we do not fear death. And if you eliminate the devil’s main threat of death, why would you fear anything?

Third, why not experiment with your own family Passover? Here is a link to a free download from a Messianic (believers in Yeshua as the Son of Yehovah) congregation in Israel. Yeshua’s Inheritance is a Messianic congregation in Beer Sheva, in southern Israel.

Remember that we worship in Spirit and Truth, not as a religious obligation. You get no points for doing this, it is about our personal relationship with Yehovah God, through His Son, Yeshua ben Yehovah!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, healing of the sickness, and for rain in Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)

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Tags: coronavirus, coronavirus passover, Faith Over Fear, Messianic Passover, Passover, Yeshua
Categories : Israel Commentary

Israel Election SHOCK!

27 03 2020

Breakthrough! Shock, bombshell, and earthquake are all words that describe the miracle turn of events ending the Israel political deadlock. The leader of the opposition, Benny Gantz, has agreed to join with Netanyahu in an emergency unity government because of the coronavirus. This is good news.

We have prayed for a more than a year against the spirit of Haman and for the rising of an Esther who would courageously declare: “If I perish, I perish.” This is what Gantz has done. His slogan has always been: “Israel, above all else.” By choosing to be a statesman and put country first, he has completely cut off his political future in the left wing. They are already turning on him like vultures, but Netanyahu lives on as Prime Minister. The agreement has Gantz sharing the PM role after Netanyahu serves the first 18 months.

I have always seen Avigdor Lieberman as a Haman. He is now relegated to irrelevance in the opposition. His political coup gambit has failed. In addition Yair Lapid, Gantz’ former partner in the Blue & White party, has been exposed also as a Haman. The road ahead may be rocky, but now Israel can have a fully operating government with PM Netanyahu for the next 18 months. Continue to pray for Yehovah’s blessing on His chosen people.

Here are several insightful articles for more analysis:

Defying ruthless, deadlocked politics, Gantz sacrifices everything for stability – With Lapid continuing to maneuver despite the national emergency, Gantz willingly gave up on his political career to ally with Netanyahu in hopes of helping his beleaguered nation.

To place ‘Israel before all else,’ Gantz threw away his insurance policy – Blue and White head no longer has centrist alliance to return to if unity talks with Netanyahu go south, and most of his former Knesset supporters have turned on him.

The Gantz must be crazy: 6 things to know for March 27 – Benny Gantz joins Netanyahu, eliciting indignant anger from his former boosters, and a whole lot of questions from everyone else.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 1:1-2

Notice that we are to pray not only for the leaders, but for all who are in authority. We pray for Netanyahu and for Gantz. We pray for Trump and Pelosi. God can do His work in the heart of anybody that the Holy Spirit chooses. Pray for ALL.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray and thank God for His rain. (Sea of Galilee levels reach 16 year high.)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)

Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: Gantz, Israel, Israel election, Jerusalem, Netanyahu, Unity government
Categories : Israel Commentary

Corona Virus HOPE

24 03 2020

False prophecy, gain-sayers, and media hype all have something in common. It is like bloggers who try to generate clicks. There is an ulterior motive. They want followers, viewers, and readers for their own agendas. This is a particular problem with the present virus pandemic/panic. Today I offer a less apoplectic and less apocalyptic opinion. There is hope in the numbers. What if Trump is right and the W.H.O. is wrong?

It just may be that the terrible numbers in Italy and Europe do not apply to the U.S. Our model seems to hold the same promise as South Korea which has leveled off. Italy has ten times the deaths (to date) as we do, yet with only a small difference in positive cases. Consider this report from yesterday, March 23.

Israeli Expert: Trump Right, World Health Organization Wrong on Coronavirus Death Rate – In the final analysis, mortality rates for coronavirus originally cited by President Donald Trump are going to be proven more accurate than the higher numbers claimed by the World Health Organization, according to an Israeli expert in epidemic modeling.

I know we are all tired of the never ending coverage, but we need to favor hope over panic, faith over fear, and life over death. Of course Satan only came “to steal, kill & destroy;” but Jesus brings life. That is not only eternal life, but life now in the midst of the testing and trials of our earthly existence. Turn to God in these times. Don’t give in to the exaggerated predictions based on exponential formulas. Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us. Trust Him. Trust Yehovah God and His Holy Spirit. Jesus said:

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:9-10

NOW ABOUT THAT HOPE:

For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 10:13-20

Will your anchor hold? Have faith to trust Him. Hold on to His shalom. And pray for the shalom of Jerusalem, along with prayer for rain in Israel. I am praying for a turning point by Passover and Firstfruits.

Les Lawrence, a Voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)

Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: coronavirus, Hope, Jerusalem, Jesus, virus
Categories : Israel Commentary

Invisible Enemy or Test?

20 03 2020

President Trump calls this virus pandemic the “invisible enemy.” But is it? Or, is it a test? The virus is indeed invisible, but is there a spiritual component? The familiar message of Ephesians 6:10 NLT declares:

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

That text reminds us of spiritual warfare. Indeed, Satan is certainly out to kill us, and there are specific tactics for our response. If we are attacked by a demonic spirit, we bind and loose in Jesus’ name. Derek Prince used to say: “You can cast out a demon and you can crucify the flesh, but you can’t crucify a demon or cast out the flesh.” So, we first must diagnose the problem.

Is this virus an attack of the devil or is it a test of our flesh from God? Could it be both? How are you responding? If we are rebuking the devil and it doesn’t stop, maybe we should examine our own hearts. This quarantine is the perfect time for having our own little “listening meeting” with the Father. Recently I heard the Lord emphasize Revelation 3:10:

“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.”

You may say “My God would never do that.” Well maybe you need to grasp how Yehovah works with His people through even bad circumstances. Here is a verse that may shake your world. It the one before that famous one that we are already hearing for this present virus crises.

At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT

According to this verse, God Himself may send terrible circumstances our way. It is not my place to argue whether or not God is doing it, but to focus on my response. It is not about accusing God of unrighteousness in the sending, it is about my wickedness that must stop. So how should we behave in quarantine? Is it time to seek our Heavenly Father? Humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and repent; then He will hear, forgive, and restore!

Hallelujah! He is faithful. Call on Him first. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)

Remember to click on the YouTube box at the right on this page for my weekly video.

Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: devil, Invisible enemy, test, virus, Yehovah
Categories : Israel Commentary

Tips on Reading EV Commentary

16 03 2020

While you have extra time at home during the virus crises, I thought you might appreciate some info and tips about my blog.

The title is Elisha Vision – Commentary. That is because I am offering my take on current events in Israel and the world from a Biblical perspective. It is clear that God wants His people to be up to date with the world around us, and not bury our heads in the sand. Here is the verse that undergirds this site.

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. I Chronicles 12:32 NLT

We need to be “sons and daughters of Issachar.” We must not be ignorant of the times. Yehovah God is speaking and moving actively in these perilous times. What should Israel do? What should we do? Jesus expects us to be watching for His return.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:2-6 NLT

My goal is to “have the right response“ to the issues of the day, for my sake and for your use also, as we apply it in our lives.

TIPS for getting the most from this commentary:

Notice the blue highlighted links to the Bible and relevant news sources.
When you are locked on just one blog, go to the Menu above and choose “Home.” You can then scroll back through as many as 40 previous blogs on a variety of issues. (If you are stuck at home during the virus scare, you have time.)
Notice the other items on the Menu bar.
Notice the extra resources (on the side bar to the right). This includes links to my books.
You will also notice the big red and white YouTube box. That is a link to my 20 minute video blog posted new each Sunday afternoon. (Bonus Tip: On YouTube there is a “gear” symbol on the bottom right. Click it to change the speed of the video so you can watch it and still understand, in less time!)
This content by definition is my opinion, my desire is that it becomes a regular basis for many as a foundation of “prophetic prayer intercession“ based on the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and understanding of the times.
My frequent use of Dry Bones cartoons beyond their valuable content is intended as honor to Yaachov Kirschen, the Israeli cartoonist whose work has been seen in the Jerusalem Post as far back as 1973. I encourage financial support for him. Doreen and I help when we can. He has a remarkable understanding of the relationship between Jews and Christians. It is an example of the path we are on that leads to the “one new man” spoken of by the Apostle Paul: “having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace” Ephesians 2:15
Also notice there is a donation button if the Lord leads you to support our ministry.
Finally, I identify as a “voice of Christian Zionists” because I and we can be used by God to bring others into this new man to bless Israel and help fulfill God’s plan.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and pray that the floodgates will open from the Sea of Galilee to release water into the Jordan River for the first time since 1992.

Thank you for reading EV Commentary.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)

(Why do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to a simple explanation, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, I explain it in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)

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Categories : Israel Commentary

Walking Through Walls of Fear

11 03 2020

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Jesus is with us!

Why does the Book of Acts record that the upper room was closed when Jesus entered? You may have heard me talk about this before, but now is the time to share encouragement in the face of fear caused by the virus pandemic. First, consider this great promise:

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

My faith stands secure on Yehovah’s faithful word. There are certain times when God gives special protection to His true people. The first three plagues of the Exodus account fell on both the Egyptians and Israelites. However, starting with the fourth plague of flies, God made a difference between His people and the Egyptians. So Egypt was swarmed but not God’s people, even though Goshen was in the Nile delta, there were no flies!

“And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am Yehovah in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.” Exodus 8:22-23

Don’t forget the glorious promises of Psalm 91, especially these verses:

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. Psalm 91:5-6

So the Lord answered me when I asked Him why the doors were shut (twice) when He came to the upper room where the disciples were after the resurrection. (See John 20:19, 26.) He said: “I want you to know that you can walk through walls.” This has been priceless for me when speaking to various groups with all manner of doctrinal walls. I walk right through them and deliver the word God has sent me to deliver. Here’s the good news. This also applies to fear. We need not succumb. We can walk right through walls of fear that are placed in our path by demonic forces. Don’t accept fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

So please remember this when you hear all the hype, panic, and fear being dispensed continuously from the media. We can safely put our trust in Yehovah God and His Son, Yeshua ben Yehovah. It is time to stand up for what we believe. Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for the rains to continue in Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)

Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: Faith Over Fear, Faithful God, God's protection, No Fear, No virus fear, Stand in Faith
Categories : Israel Commentary

Israel Election Update

4 03 2020

The good news is a landslide victory for Netanyahu’s right wind/nationalist block. The bad news is that they are three seats short of the 61 necessary to form a government. However, there is real hope that several will flip from the other side because everyone wants to avoid a fourth election.

Israel Election Results are Not as Close as They Appear

Netanyahu: Personal Victory, Political Uncertainty

Netanyahu’s personal victory proved that the people want him to continue as Prime Minister even though he is facing trial in two weeks on trumped up charges pushed by his political opponents. He completely denies any wrong doing and declares he will be vindicated. This is so much like the impeachment hoax against President Trump. It seems obvious to me that it is far beyond politics. It is spiritual war in the heavenlies.

Our prayers are required more than ever for Yehovah God’s will to be seen. He is the defender of the falsely accused. It is the time of Israel’s favor, not curse. America will share in the favor because we are blessing Israel through the Trump Administration. This is not politics as usual, it is spiritual.

As we enter the Purim season once again (sundown March 9), we renew our petitions to our Father God. “Bind the deceitful spirit of Haman in both countries, and expose his evil plots!”

The so-called “priestly blessing” is quite appropriate. God speaks directly to Moses as to how to bless Israel. The last verse explains the specific transaction intended by God. Speaking these specific words have the effect of placing God’s name, Yehovah, on His people as the means of blessing them! It is clear that His purpose was not accomplished with the generic word, “‘Lord,” but His name in itself conveys the blessing, protection, and favor.

And Yehovah spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “Yehovah bless you and keep you; Yehovah make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; Yehovah lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27

It is critical to use the actual name of Yehovah, rather than the generic term which could refer to any random god or human. Please check out my explanation below.

Pray for the elections, abundant rain, and the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (Read more)