Purim, Persia, and Modern Iran

21 03 2024

Dry Bones Purim 2024

Sundown Saturday March 23 the Jews celebrate Purim. Based on the Book of Esther, Jews celebrate yet another historical failure of their enemies’ attempt to annihilate the chosen people. Satan’s goal to eliminate Israel and the Jews is repeated through thousands of years, always ending in failure. Purim is a happy celebration of one of Satan’s defeats. Jews celebrate with parties, parades, costumes and reenactments of the story of Esther, Mordecai, and the evil Haman. We often quote Psalm 83 where this Satanic purpose is revealed. Two observations are clear, that the enemies of Israel are motivated by their hatred of Yehovah God, and they intend to stamp out the very memory of Israel.

“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.”  Psalm 83:2-4

This year it has special significance in the context of the Gaza War. It is not insignificant that the perpetrator in Esther is the same Persia/Iran behind the Gaza War today. Persia changed their name to Iran on March 21, 1935, two days after Purim in that year. The location was Hitler’s Berlin and the purpose was to join with the Nazi scourge.

“Unfortunately, with the rise of Hitler in the 1930’s, “Aryan” came to be associated with the Nazi definition: being of Non-Jewish Caucasian descent, especially the blue eyed, blond haired Nordic races that Hitler himself favored and hoped to make a master race. … At the suggestion of the Persian Legation in Berlin, the Tehran government, on the Persian New Year, March 21, 1935, substituted Iran for Persia as the official name of the country.”  Persians Are Not Arabs

Let’s not get too far into the weeds. The point is that the demonic principality ruling Iran today is the same as Nazi Germany and ancient Persia. The devil is still at it. It will end only when the Messiah comes. The current timing indicates that we are closer than we think to all the end of days prophesies being fulfilled. How ironic and timely that Iran assumes a new position at the United Nations during Purim:

Repeating History: Evil Iranian Leader To Chair UN Agency… On Purim – The Islamic Republic of Iran  assumed the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament on Monday March 18.

Alternate Reality: Iran Becomes President of UN Conference on Disarmament

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Matthew 24:32-35

Even so, come quickly Yeshua, our Messiah! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the troops, the leaders, and for rain.

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


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If I Perish, I Perish

23 02 2021

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Purim around the world this year is sundown Thursday to sundown Friday. Jews and Christians remember the great courage of Esther, Queen of Persia, who laid it all on the line to stand for the Jews. Her Jewish family and all the Jews of the Persian Empire were to be killed. That included twenty provinces, the whole know world at the time. That genocide was stopped by Esther’s great personal risk. The King did not even know she was Jewish. She was only one person, but was placed in position to save a nation. Please read the Book of Esther this week. It is one of the greatest stories of the Bible. Here is the short passage telling of her decision.

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:13-16

Four Take-aways From Esther’s Courage:

  1. She came to the kingdom for “such a time as this.”
  2. The Jews fasted three days and nights.
  3. It was against the law for her to approach the king.
  4. Esther was willing to die if necessary.

What is the timing of your life right now? Is there a cause greater than your appetite? Is your obedience to Yehovah God higher than all else? Are you willing to lay down your life, if necessary, for God’s purpose? We are living in grand and awful times. We must listen to the Holy Spirit now more than ever. The Messiah Yeshua is asking us for full attention and obedience in these perilous times. As for me and my house, we will serve Yehovah.

Esther’s enemy was Haman, an Amalekite, a people who were perennial enemies of God’s people. The demonic spirit of  Amalek is still after the Jews today. But, that is a story for another time. Read Esther this week for a word for our times.

Finally, I noticed that the great movie about Esther, ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING, is on TBN television this Friday night at both 8pm and 10pm Eastern. Enjoy! It is well worth a couple hours. ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING is also available on livestream from PureFlix.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in Israel.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                          (Read more)


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Israel Election Update

4 03 2020

Israel election 2020The 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)

(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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Our 2019 Purim Prayer!

10 03 2019

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As Doreen and I travel on our Florida ministry tour, a strong prophetic word has emerged at each event. “Pray for the spirit of Haman to be exposed!” This Wednesday at sunset is the beginning of Purim, the Jewish observance of the great victory in the Book of Esther. Haman plotted the total genocide of all Jews in his day. Only the courageous intervention of Esther reversed the plot, after it was exposed.

Today we see the same evil spirit of Haman plotting the overthrow of God’s purpose to bless Israel in political attacks on both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Both men are being used by Yehovah God in His restoration and favor of Israel. We must pray for them both as never before.

Israel elections are April 9th and could swing Israel to the left, but for God. Media has proclaimed a lie that Netanyahu has been indicted, but he has not. It was announced that there may be enough to indict, but the next legal proceeding is a hearing where he can defend himself with witnesses. Only then will the decision be made whether to indict. The catch is that the hearing cannot take place till after the election. Is it a coincidence that this confusion will taint the election? Pray that Haman’s evil plan will backfire.

Personal Update: We have enjoyed wonderful ministry at each stop with numerous personal ministry appoints, reunions (Happy anniversary Kevin & Roseanne), and four public meetings with one more to go. We managed to enjoy our favorite pizza place on Clearwater Beach and several long beach walks (see sunset photo above). We always love our time at “the Raymond resort” with our dear friends. Thanks to Gulf Coast Church for their hospitality and lodging, and the bonus Lee University Campus Choir concert. The next few day are in Ft. Meyers and Naples (thanks Duane).Please continue your prayer support for our last meeting Thursday night with Fred & Tracy Norris in Charleston, SC.

“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Time to wake up, stand up, and speak up for Israel and the purpose of God! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)

 


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Deceit Meets Truth at Purim

26 02 2018

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The opening chapter of a hand-written scroll of the Book of Esther, with reader’s pointer – Purim begins at sundown this Wednesday.

Haman and Mordecai in the Book of Esther have a direct application to today’s news. For several week my heart has heard that there is going to be a major reversal of all the accusations and intrigue against President Trump. The deceit has reached “Biblical proportions” that cries out for truth and justice.

Haman, the Jew’s enemy in Esther, nearly succeeded in the genocide of the Jews in the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran). However, through the courageous appeal of Esther, the King counteracted his decree and saved the Jews. But justice also prevailed against deceitful Haman. He had prepared gallows to hang Mordecai, but in the end was hung on his own gallows.

 

Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it!” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided. Esther 7:9-10

My suggestion to you intercessors is to pray that the trap that has been set for the President will rather end up entrapping the deceivers. My faith is that Yehovah God is working behind the scenes to expose the wicked plots in fulfillment of His divine purpose of one last great awakening in the United States. God doesn’t care about our politics, He is establishing His Kingdom and His Son as King. Pray about it.

Also He (Jesus) said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:21-23

For King Jesus and for His Kingdom!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Happy Purim

11 03 2017

Dry Bones Purim 2017

Today and tomorrow Jews around the world celebrate Purim, the festival honoring Esther’s great courage saving the Jews in ancient Persia/Iran. Today Iran again threaten Israel, yet the Jews take time to remember the victory story of Esther (Hebrew name: Hadassah), Mordecai and the evil Haman. Read about it in the Bible’s short Book of Esther.

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:13-16
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists        (Read more)

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Global Jihad and Esther: Serious Analysis

22 03 2016

BrusselsMetroexplosion21296_20160322_063650Dozens dead today in Brussels. At least 34 dead as explosions rock Brussels airport, metro Terrorists again attacked innocent civilians, this time in Brussels, Belgium. A news analyst opined that civilian targets were chosen because military targets are harder to attack “because they are hardened” and soft targets are easier. This is not why. Civilians are attacked because the goal is terror, not military conquest.

The Esther Solution: This week, Jews all over the world celebrate Purim, the great victory over their enemies in the Book of Esther. The basis of their win was simple: self-defense. The King had issued a law allowing the execution of all Jews. Esther’s famous story “for such a time as this” and “if I perish, I perish,” resulted not in reversing the law, but in a new degree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. What a concept!

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. Esther 9:1-3 (You should read this short Book of Esther this week for Purim.)

What does this have to do with global jihad?  Europe is one big “gun-free zone.” Citizens are not allowed to defend themselves. Believe it or not, the solution is not simply a 2nd Amendment argument. This Esther principle is the global solution for nations. Israel (as usual) is the classic example. Their correct justification for military action is that they have a national right and a personal right to defend themselves. Their enemies also attack civilian soft targets. The difference in Israel, is that they fight back. In the United States we still have the 2nd Amendment, although it is seriously undermined, but Europe is defenseless.

The goal of Haman in Esther was the death of every Jew. That is the same demonic principality unleashed today. Only now, it includes Christians, and by extension, the Western free world. Are you willing to stand up for Israel today? We are in this together, make no mistake.

Here is the warning that Mordecai gave Esther.

“Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

 

 

 


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