Israel Election Deadlock Dilemma

20 09 2019
Netanyahu and Gantz

Benny Gantz and Bibi Netanyahu

Let me make this simple. No party has enough seats in the 120 seat Knesset (parliament) to form a government (61 needed). The Gantz Blue & White Party had 33 seats, with Netanyahu’s Likud Party only earning 31 seats. However, when you factor in the other parties, the Left (Gantz) has only 44 total seats. The Right has 55. Therefore, either a unity government is formed combining the two blocs or there will be new elections. Whew!

To be sure, there are two other factors, but they will not change the above facts. The Arab bloc has 13 seats but will not join the government. Avigdor Lieberman’s party has eight seats but refuses to join the Right bloc with Netanyahu. Therefore we are stuck at 44 and 55. Netanyahu tried to pursuade a small left party of six to join the Right, but failed. So, a combination unity or new elections in four or five months. Deadlock Delimma! 

We need to pray for God’s answer. Yehovah has the final say!

Here is analysis from Caroline Glick, my favorite Israeli columnist: I need to point out a basic fact about the election results which the US media, in particular, is missing. Benjamin Netanyahu did not lose and Benny Gantz didn’t win. Gantz cannot form a government under any circumstances. He cannot build a majority coalition.

By forming a unified political bloc of 55 Knesset members with the Likud’s satellite parties, Netanyahu has created a situation where he is the only possible prime minister. Either the Blue and White Party — or one of its factions — joins him, or Amir Peretz and Orly Levy bring the Labor party in, or Israel goes to new elections. Those are the only options. In other words, it’s either going to be Netanyahu or elections. It’s up to Gantz, and Peretz.

I’ll say more. The balance of power is still very much on the Right. The Right has 55 seats. The Left has 44. Liberman is nothing but a Bibi hater. And the Arab parties are so extreme that they cannot be considered for any governing coalition. Netanyahu is the only person capable of forming a government. It remains to be seen if that will happen, but Gantz cannot form a government. And he is slowly coming to terms with this unalterable reality.

We need to pray faithfully that God will bring wisdom and unity in the midst of this dilemma. Only He knows His purpose. Pray that He will reveal to the leaders of Israel the “one heart and one way” of this promise:

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries where I have driven them in My anger, in My fury, and in great wrath; I will bring them back to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul. Jeremiah 32:37-41

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and thank God for the beginning of the seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Discerning Israel Sept 17 Elections

16 09 2019

OmarToday I urge prayer and discernment for Israel as they go to the polls. I will add an update in two days with results. But right now we pray for Yehovah God’s purpose be fulfilled. If you want your prayers answered, pray what God has already said He will do. If you pray for a Palestinian state in the God-given territory allotted to Israel, your prayer will not be answered. He is opposed to dividing the land (Joel 3:2). The land-for-peace idea and the two-state idea have both failed miserably. Yet the mantra goes on. Consider this example of “election interference” on CBS Face the Nation Sunday by US Rep. Ilhan Omar.

Ilhan Omar: Netanyahu’s ‘existence’ a problem – Controversial congresswoman says “existence” of PM is “contradictory” to peace, reiterates support for BDS. Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s “existence” a problem in an interview with CBS’ Face the Nation program.

“I certainly hope that the people of Israel make a different decision. And my hope is that they recognize that his existence, his policies, his rhetoric really is contradictory to the peace that we are all hoping that that region receives and receives soon,” Omar told host Margaret Brennan. INN

Aside from the fact that the two-state idea is dead, do you know the Muslim concept of peace? There will be peace when all the world either joins Islam or is defeated by Islam. For Omar to state that Netanyahu’s “existence” is the problem, says all you need to know about her bias. He has been freely elected Prime Minister  multiple times by the democratic will of the Israeli citizens, both Jew and Arab.

The polls open in Israel in about nine hours, about midnight East Coast time. Please pray tonight and all day tomorrow as Israel votes. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move on the voters to choose wisely and hear God’s voice. I do not support every idea of the Israeli government, just as I do not believe every US Administration decision is right. But I am convinced that God is working in both leaders for His purpose. Pray, pray, pray!

Check back here Wednesday for the update.

Wednesday Update: The election gave no clear winner, so a unity of several factions is likely with or without PM Netanyahu. We wait and pray. Here is good analysis from the Editor-in-Chief of Jerusalem Post, Yaachov Katz: Four scenarios I see moving forward:   1. Gantz goes first, fails to form gov’t. Then Bibi tries & public pressure pushes Gantz (w/o Lapid) into Likud’s arms.   2. Bibi goes first & fails. Gantz begins & offers Likud rotation as PM w/o Bibi. Likud cuts off head & joins Gantz.   3. Bibi offers Liberman rotation as PM. Serves 1-2 years, passes immunity-related bills and then Liberman takes over.   4. After 12 weeks, no one succeeds in forming gov’t and we head to round three (ex-PM Olmert predicted next election in February).

 “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, ​​I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of  Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land.” Joel 3:1-2

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for the rainy season to begin.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)

 


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Exactly What is Being Rebuilt in Jerusalem?

11 09 2019

O Jerusalem

(I write this blog on 9-11, eighteen years after the twin towers attack, but Amos 9:11 is a prophetic glimpse of God at work today in Jerusalem.)

Many are waiting for the third temple to be built in Jerusalem, but what if I told you God has a better idea? I am not saying there will not be a third temple, but simply that Yehovah God has a higher goal.

Do you think God wants to re-establish the Tabernacle of Moses? How about the Temple of Solomon? Actually, Yehovah has openly declared His rebuilding project, the Tabernacle of David. Do you understand the difference between these structures?

​“On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; ​​I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; ​​That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,” says Yehovah who does this thing. Amos 9:11-12

When King David recovered the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines, he erected a tent on the threshing floor of Obed which he had purchased. Astoundingly, he allowed all of Israel to come in before the Ark, which was forbidden before and after David. He appointed singers, dancers and musicians in shifts 24-7 to worship Yehovah God openly! This lasted nearly forty years. Equally astounding, was that God allowed it. Not only that, but we find out that it was actually God’s desire. Our Father in Heaven desires our intimacy with Him!

‘​After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; ​​I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; ​​So that the rest of mankind may seek Yehovah, ​​Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, ​​Says Yehovah who does all these things.’ Acts 15:16-17

Acts makes it clear that the reason God allowed the Tabernacle of David historically was a hint of His prophetic bombshell that the Gentiles would be welcomed into relationship with the God of Israel. Wow!

Finally, I love the fact that the throne where Messiah Yeshua reigns is called “the throne of David.” God honored David by naming the eternal throne of Jesus after him. Yehovah God is faithful!

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-33

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for the latter rain.

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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Israel Good News: Aliyah Rises

7 09 2019

Aliyah 19

ALIYAH RISES BY 30%: Jewish aliya (immigration) to Israel rose by nearly 30% in the first half of 2019 over the same period last year. The sharp increase in newcomers, 16,005 arrivals, has been attributed to Russian speakers from countries facing financial problems, nationalism, and crackdowns on civil liberties. The majority of immigrants came from Russia, where aliyah rose by 72% to 7,884 arrivals this year, and Ukraine, which saw a 9% increase to 3,007 immigrants. (JNN)

“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 43:6

What a day to be alive, to see the scattered captives of Israel returning by the millions in our lifetime. It is truly a resurrection miracle. A nation that was exiled, a language that was dead, and a people without hope, are now growing, blossoming, prospering in their own land. Hallelujah! Yehovah God is faithful.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in the time of latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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The “Man in the Bunker”

2 09 2019

nasrallah-bibi

After attacking an Israeli position over the weekend, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, bragged about Israeli casualties. However, Netanyahu announced their were none, “not even a scratch.” But, my favorite quote from Prime Minister Netanyahu was his firm declaration of Israel’s intent to take action against anything that threatened it.

In a short video, Netanyahu warned Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah that Israel had “operated with determination and responsibility. We protected the safety of our citizens and the lives of our soldiers. The man in the bunker in Beirut knows exactly why he’s in a bunker.“ Israel Hayom

Netanyahu was referring to the fact that Hezbollah’s leader does indeed live in a bunker for fear of his life over several years. Although he denies it, the fact is well documented:

LIFE IN THE BUNKER: Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah has been living underground for almost five years now, in hideouts that are little known. A fugitive who fears for his life and is committed to his Iranian patrons, he stays deep inside the soil that he claims to have liberated from the Israelis. Nobody knows his whereabouts with the exception of a small group of bodyguards. Ynetnews

Dry Bones Nasrallah Hidey Hole

This is not surprising for Bible students. Yehovah God has that effect on His enemies. He has promised to defend Israel and one way is to put the terror and fear of Yehovah in their hearts and minds.

They shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, from the terror of Yehovah and the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth mightily. Isaiah 2:19

There they are in great fear, for God is with the generation of the righteous. Psalm 14:5

Put them in fear, O Yehovah, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah Psalm 9:20

I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. Exodus 23:27

Hallelujah to the living God Yehovah and His Messiah Yeshua! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for latter rain.

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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From the River to the Sea!

28 08 2019
Pro-Palestinian-march-in-central-London-CAA-image-05112019-resize

Signs carried and badges worn at the National Demonstration for Palestine in central London on May 11, 2019. (U.K. Campaign Against Antisemitism)

The boycott Israel (BDS) movement (sponsored in Congress by the two Muslim Congresswomen) is not about boycotting Israel. A wave of antisemitism has swept over our college campuses. The main slogan in all the anti-Israel protests is: FREE, FREE, PALESTINE! FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE. That does not define the West Bank or Gaza, it defines Israel. They mean to have a state called Palestine (which does not yet exist and never has existed in history). This state would be “free of Jews” according to PA leader Mahmoud Abbas. BDS means genocide of the Jews.

The problem with their goal is that it directly contradicts the promises of God in the Bible. Their problem is not with the Jews, but with Yehovah God. Please click on this excellent resource for real facts about Israel’s right to the Land.

Remember to keep praying Psalm 83 which clearly identifies their motives. They don’t just hate the Jews, they hate God Himself!

Do not keep silent, O God! ​​Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! ​​For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate You have lifted up their head. ​​They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. ​​They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” ​​For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You: … ​Deal with them as with Midian.  Psalm 83:1-5, 9

You will remember how God dealt with the Midianites with Gideon’s 300. The enemy armies turned and fought and killed one another! 120,000 armed enemy soldiers died, along with their leaders. That is how we should pray in our day about Israel’s enemies, that they would fight each other. Actually, that is really happening right now.

Finally, here is the answer to why God limited Gideon to only 300 men:

And Yehovah said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Judges 7:2

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more) 

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

 


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Priesthood of Believers: OT Concept

24 08 2019

LOLMy last commentary explained that being “grafted in” was an Old Testament concept. Today I will show how the “priesthood of all believers” is also an Old Testament concept. Most modern Christians have replacement theology in their spiritual DNA and mistakenly think everything we need to know is only in the New Testament. The benefit of discovering our Jewish roots deepens our intimacy with God the Father through Yeshua. He came to show us the Father. Understanding Yehovah God’s restoration of Israel is necessary for the fulfillment of “one new man.” Jewish and non-Jewish believers are joined into one through the Messiah. Jesus is not an end in Himself, but the way to the Father:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

The Messiah comes to complete the Father’s will. If you miss this truth you miss intimacy with the Father. Some Christians read the Old Testament to see Jesus there, but my hope is that you see the Father in the New Testament because you know Him in the Old. Most Bible believing Christians know about Peter’s declaration of our priestly calling, which agrees with John in Revelation:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5-6 (also Rev. 5:10)

But, here is the “shocker” for most Christians. Yehovah tried to institute the priesthood of all believers in Exodus. When Moses first went up the mountain, God told Moses what He wanted to do with Israel:

“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” Exodus 19:6

However, when Yehovah God came down upon the mountain in all His Glory, the people were so terrified that they refused God’s intention to speak directly to them in intimacy.

Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”Exodus 20:18-19

Even today most Christians believe God does not speak to them. Yet, He has always wanted to speak intimately to us, but we refuse. Through Jesus, our Messiah, we once again are invited to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Are you ready? Are you willing?

One final thought. The idea that Moses was to hear God for them and then tell them what God said led to a great judgement. It was the beginning of religious hierarchy that still prevails today in both Judaism and Christendom. It is not His will. He wants us all to be priests, not  a special class of just a few leaders of pastors and priests. We are all His ministers, no exceptions! He desires intimacy which each one of His children. He desires to speak to us and with us, so we can speak to the lost world. Now is the time to listen to His voice. Go to Him yourself. Go directly to Him through the blood of the Lamb. Sit with Him. Enjoy Him. He is still waiting… Enjoy this great Chris Tomlin song.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in the time of latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


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