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The Little Town of Bethlehem

The Little Town of Bethlehem

For most of us, the name Bethlehem immediately summons images of a manger and shepherds and a star shining brightly in the night sky, guiding visitors from far-away eastern lands.  Many hear the words that Phillips Brooks, rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia, penned in 1868, following his return from a visit to the Holy Land:

              O little town of Bethlehem

              How still we see thee lie

              Above thy deep and dreamless streets

              The silent stars go by

              Yet in thy dark streets shineth

              The Everlasting Light

              The hopes and fears of all the years

              Are met in thee tonight.

Few places in all of Israel better illustrate the lengths to which the enemies of the Jewish people will go to deny the truth of their heritage in the land for thousands of years than the fate of Bethlehem.  This obscure village in Old Testament days became famous because it was the home of King David.  In fulfillment of prophecy, Bethlehem is where Jesus was born about 1,000 years later.

The name Bethlehem means “house of bread” in Hebrew, and it is located not far from Jerusalem.  It is fitting that the Bread of Life would be born there to a young virgin named Mary who had made the lengthy and difficult trip from Nazareth with her espoused husband, Joseph, because they were both descendants of David.  The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem marks the spot where, according to tradition, Jesus was born.

But today most visitors to Israel, who go desiring to see the places where the important events of Scripture happened, do not visit Bethlehem.  The city is in territory controlled by the Palestinians, and the danger of attack is so high that many tours of the Bible lands no longer include a visit to the birthplace of Jesus.  Many of the Christians who once lived there and in other areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority have been forced to move because of the threat of violence.

In fact, the number of Christians of various denominations living in Palestinian areas is estimated to have declined approximately 90% in the last century, with most of the change happening in the recent past.  Today the letter “N” painted on the outside of a house (symbolizing the residents are followers of Jesus of Nazareth) is often the precursor to vandalism or even a violent attack.

Yet because Bethlehem is currently under Palestinian control, the claim is often made that Jesus Himself is a Palestinian rather than a Jew.  This outrageous falsehood is declared publicly without shame (and too often without rebuttal from those who know better) by Palestinian leaders.  At the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference—a gathering of liberal religious groups that harshly criticize and oppose Israel—earlier this year, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said that Jesus would not have been allowed to attend “simply because he was a Palestinian.”

Those who deny historical Jewish links to this land that God promised to Abraham thousands of years ago are either ignorant or deliberately deceitful.  This land is essential for Israel’s security and self-defense.  It is not part of a historic Palestinian state, for there has never been one.  Israel did not conquer Palestine—it defeated the forces of Jordan during the Six-Day War in 1967, after Jordan had illegally seized the land during the War of Independence that was started by Israel’s Arab neighbors in 1948.    

 

 

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The Little Town of Bethlehem

The Little Town of Bethlehem

 

For most of us, the name Bethlehem immediately summons images of a manger and shepherds and a star shining brightly in the night sky, guiding visitors from far away eastern lands.  Many hear the words Phillips Brooks, rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia penned in 1868 following his return from a visit to the Holy Land.

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless streets
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The Everlasting Light 
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight. 

Few places in all of Israel better illustrate the lengths to which the enemies of the Jewish people will go to deny the truth of their heritage in the land for thousands of years than the fate of Bethlehem.  This obscure village in Old Testament days became famous because it was the home of King David.  And in fulfillment of prophecy Bethlehem is where Jesus was born about a thousand years later. 

The name Bethlehem means “house of bread” in Hebrew, and it is located not far from Jerusalem.  It is fitting that the Bread of Life would be born there to a young virgin named Mary who had made the lengthy and difficult trip from Nazareth with her espoused husband, Joseph because they were both descendants of David.  The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem marks the spot where, according to tradition, Jesus was born.

But today most visitors to Israel who go desiring to see the places where the important events of Scripture happened do not visit Bethlehem.  The city is in territory controlled by the Palestinians, and the danger of attack is so high that many tours of the Bible lands no longer include a visit to the birthplace of Jesus.  Many of the Christians who once lived there and in other areas of controlled by the Palestinian Authority have been forced to move because of the threat of violence.  

In fact, the number of Christians of various denominations living in Palestinian areas is estimated to have declined approximately 90% in the last century, with most of the change happening in the recent past.  Today the letter “N” painted on the outside of a house (symbolizing the residents are followers of Jesus of Nazareth) is often the precursor to vandalism or even a violent attack.

Yet because Bethlehem is currently under Palestinian control, the claim is often made that Jesus Himself therefore is a Palestinian rather than a Jew.  This outrageous falsehood is declared publicly without shame (and too often without rebuttal from those who know better) by Palestinian leaders.  The Nativity scene at the Vatican this year featured the baby Jesus lying on a keffiyeh, the traditional checked Palestinian headscarf.  

Those who deny historical Jewish links to this land God promised to Abraham thousands of years ago are either ignorant or deliberately deceitful.  This land is essential for Israel’s security and self-defense.  It is not part of a historic Palestinian state, for there has never been one.  Israel did not conquer Palestine—they defeated the forces of Jordan during the Six-Day War in 1967, after Jordan had illegally seized the land during the War of Independence launched by Israel’s Arab neighbors in 1948.

Israel has a divine right to the Bible lands of Judea and Samaria, what the world calls the “West Bank.”  The Jewish people who live there are not occupiers of enemy territory.  They live in Israel.  Land for peace has been proven to be folly because so many of the Palestinians do not want peace.  They want Israel destroyed.  Every friend of freedom and every friend of the Jewish people should stand with Israel when it comes to control of the Bible lands.  

 

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A Double Portion of God’s Grace and Favor

A Double Portion of God’s Grace and Favor

In the Bible, the number five is often associated with God’s grace and favor and blessing.  Fifty-five is the number of the double portion.  This month, Carolyn and I are celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary, and 55 years of ministry together.  Truly we have seen God do so many amazing things through the years. 

God’s favor and blessing is not just for a select few.  It is available to everyone who reaches out to Him in faith.  In His Word God promises those who are thirsty that they can find their longing satisfied in Him.  His grace rests on those who humbly seek His favor.

God’s Plan for You

God has a plan for your life, and it is far more than you can even imagine.  His thoughts are beyond ours, and provide much more than we could ask.  Looking back now I see how God worked to bring the great global prayer movement of the Jerusalem Prayer Team to life.  God knows your name.  He knows who you are.  He knows where you are.  And He knows what you need.

Our Father shows unconditional love. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:8–10)

He is integrity personified. “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19)

He is compassionate. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.” (Psalm 103:8)

God has tremendous wisdom. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Seed for the Sower

God is more than able to meet every need that we have.  When we trust in Him, He provides for us.  It is a wonderful cycle.  When we obey His instruction to give generously, He gives to us so that we can give even more.  He blesses the generous with His bounty—our gifts turn His head and move His arm to action in our lives.

Through the years I have seen God richly bless those who have given generously to His work.  When we give we are not meeting a need God has.  Everything already belongs to Him.  When we give we are expressing our faith.  When we cling to everything we have, it really says that we do not trust God to meet our needs. A hoarding heart robs the owner of the opportunity to see God’s power displayed.  It is only when we open our wallets and our hearts…both are vital…that we put ourselves in position to see God do things that are impossible to explain apart from His power.

When Carolyn and I started out in our ministry, we had almost nothing.  But we believed in what God wanted us to do.  We were working with Jewish young people who were struggling with addiction and other issues.  Many of them came from New York, and God began to burden my heart to work with them there rather than waiting for them to come to Texas.  I went home one day and told Carolyn, “God has told me to buy a training center in New York City to assist Jewish kids coming off of drugs.  I believe it will cost a million dollars, and I don’t know where we will get the money.”

Our total income the year before was $4,500.  When I said I had no idea where the money would come from, I meant it.  I didn’t have any resources.  We were barely surviving.  But we were happy in serving the Lord!

Our oldest daughter Michelle was five years old.  She heard this conversation and she said, “Daddy, I’ve got a million dollars in my piggy bank.”  She went to her room and came back with her little bank.  “I will give you the money.  It’s here in my piggy bank!”  I had tears in my eyes as we broke that bank open and counted out what was inside.  It was $3.26.

Faith rose up in my heart.  I took that money to the bank and opened an account to buy the training center.  The teller asked me if I were crazy.  He thought I had mental problems.  I told him what God was going to do, and he laughed.  He assured me the money would not be coming in.  “You can’t pray money in Reverend.  You need to see a counselor!”

Every day I went to our center in Texas and prayed and fasted for a miracle.  Sixteen weeks later, we deposited the final funds in the bank to reach the total of one million dollars so we could buy the building we needed.  The banker apologized to me, but I knew the real secret.  Michelle’s holy offering—her childish act of faith and Radical Generosity—had touched the heart of God and moved His hand to action.  

 

 

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Seeing the Glory of God

Seeing the Glory of God

 

Moses had experienced the presence of God as manifested in the plagues that beset the Egyptians before the Children of Israel were allowed to leave Egypt. He had seen the pillar of fire at night and the cloud during the day while he led the Israelites through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. He had great faith in the ability of God to take care of His children. And yet, because of his relationship with Jehovah, Moses asked for an even more intimate experience: He wanted to see, firsthand, the glory of God.

Moses is the only man in the Bible to have made such a simple, yet dynamic request, and with it, he stood head and shoulders above all other Bible characters. It was surely the sincere longing behind the petition that touched the heart of God and moved His hand to grant the desire of Moses’ heart. He had favor with God, and the Creator of the universe responded. How did Moses feel after He had made such a bold appeal? Did he tremble at the audacity of his entreaty? Did he quake in his sandals? Did the hair on the back of his neck stand up at such boldness?

Moses had a sustained track record of favor with God. He knew Jehovah to be faithful. He had seen His glory in the burning bush, in the fire and cloud, in the parting of the waters of the Red Sea, in the salvation of an entire people during the solemn Passover. Moses was sustained by both faith and favor; he knew his God.

Moses’ favor with God had been earned in the fire of adversity and the cloud of spiritual union. He need not fear a close encounter with Jehovah; he knew that he had purified himself and was prepared for the meeting. Moses refused to allow fear to rob him of stepping into the very presence of Jehovah. As the Apostle Paul wrote in I John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.”

In Exodus 33:13, Moses petitions God to “show me now Your way, that I may know You.” He wanted to know the way of God, before he requested to see the glory of God. He established a bond before he sought a glimpse of the Almighty. Moses was not a beggar who had to grovel at the back door of the throne room, seeking but not expecting an audience with the Lord of the manor. No, he was a son who had access to the front entrance, an open door because he had favor with God.

A place by God, covered by His hand—cherished, protected, blessed, and highly favored! Moses saw, not the God of judgment, not the all-consuming fire; he basked in the presence of a God who loved the man He had chosen to lead His people, the one upon whom rested favor with God. This is the favor God wants you to experience in your life.

 

 

 

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A Meeting with a True Giant of Faith

A Meeting with a True Giant of Faith

 

 

I’ll never forget the first time I met Corrie ten Boom.  Over a cup of soup, she shared her love for the Jewish people with me. I told her a little of my own family’s story of suffering at the hands of people who claimed to be Christians and she said, “You can’t love God without loving the Jewish people.”

You and I know the story of the Hiding Place—how the ten Boom family risked so much to save the lives of hundreds of Jews from the Holocaust…and the incredible price they paid for their faith.  But it’s a story at risk of being forgotten. So many people today are shocked when I share the ten Boom’s amazing story with them—they’ve simply never heard it before. And right now that story is needed more than ever before.

The ten Boom’s story starts with a prayer meeting Willem ten Boom began in the family clock shop in the 1840s…and continues through decades of faithfulness…culminating with a family risking everything to save Jews from the Nazi death camps. Hundreds of Jews passed through the family’s home, staying for days or weeks as they fled certain death at the hands of the Gestapo.

Then came the fateful day when the entire family was arrested. The elderly Casper ten Boom, 84 years of age, was offered his freedom if he would promise to stop helping the Jews. Despite the dire warnings, he refused. He said, “I am too old for prison life, but if that should happen, then it would be for me an honor to give my life for God’s ancient people the Jews.”

Ten days later, he entered the presence of God, receiving the honor due to a faithful servant. Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to the dreaded Ravensbruck prison camp where Betsie died. But Corrie survived until she was released due to a “clerical error” just days before everyone her age in the camp was executed.

Corrie devoted the rest of her life to telling her story and sharing the Good News with the world. She lived to the ripe old age of 91, and it was one of the great privileges of my life to spend time with her on several occasions.  Her love and courage are an inspiration and example to all of us still today. 

 

 

 

 

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The Jerusalem Prayer Team with Dr. Michael D. Evans exists to build Friends of Zion to guard defend and protect the Jewish people and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We pray for peace in Jerusalem because the Scriptures tell us to in Psalm 122:6. The Jerusalem Prayer Team was inspired from the 100-year long prayer meeting for the restoration of Israel held in the ten Boom family home in Haarlem, Holland. We are committed to encouraging others to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and God's Chosen People. Jerusalem Prayer Team members are also members of Churches United with Israel, Corrie Ten Boom House, Friends of Zion Heritage Center and Jerusalem World News. The Jerusalem Prayer Team mailing address is PO BOX 30000 Phoenix, AZ 85046 or you can call us at 1-888-966-8472. The Jerusalem Prayer Team is a dba of the Corrie ten Boom Fellowship. The Corrie ten Boom Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is registered with the IRS, Fed Tax ID# 75-2671293. All donations to CTBF (less the value of any products or services received) are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Donations made to the Jerusalem Prayer Team are put to work immediately and are not refundable.