The Jerusalem Prayer List – 31 May, 2024
by Joseph Shulam - From Jerusalem Israel
The Shabbat Torah portion for this week is the last one in the book of Leviticus. It is labeled Bechukotai – this Torah portion of Bechukotai means "In My Laws!" which means walking or living in my laws and is a critical Torah portion. It has the root ideas that weave through the rest of the Bible and contains the blessings and curses that God has promised Israel. Israel's history proves that every promise of God, both the blessings and the curses, has been a historical reality, and we can all learn from this that God is faithful to keep all of His promises.
We will be reading from the Torah from Leviticus 26:3 – 27:34.
From the Prophets, we will be reading from Jeremiah 16:19 – 17:14.
From the New Testament Matthew 16:20-28.
Here is the first noteworthy statement from our Torah reading:
"If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land safely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you. "For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you. You shall eat the old harvest and clear out the old because of the new. "I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you." (Leviticus 26:3-11 NKJV)
A total of 11 verses make up this blessing. This text is the true doctrine of prosperity according to God's Word. Notice, dear brothers and sisters, that God promises in this Torah reading the following:
1. Nature will be on our side, and everything will work according to its season and in good time.
2. There will be prosperity in your agricultural production, from your fruit-bearing trees to your fields, and you will have an excellent vintage to drink (that is if you are not a Baptist)!
3. God will bring and give peace in the land, and life will be calm and without fear of any harm that might befall you.
4. God will fight your wars, defeat your enemies, and kill them! One of your soldiers will chase a hundred of your enemy's soldiers.
5. God will look favorably on those who walk and keep his commandments and multiply us and confirm the Torah in our lives.
6. This last point is of the most significant importance to me, and I hope for you too. God will dwell and live right among us and in us and be as close to us as our next-door neighbors. God will like us and be our friend. For me, this is the most important and wonderful promise. Yeshua promised us the same thing in the Gospel:
"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)
What more can we ask from God – the true prosperity Gospel is right here in the Torah, but it requires obedience and faithfulness to His Word. It would be wise for all the prosperity preachers to study a little Torah, speak the truth, and not spread false hope and disillusion.
This week's second important statement in our Torah reading is taken from the same chapter in Leviticus. The blessings were 11 verses. The punishments and curses are 33 verses. That is simple math. The punishments are three times harsher, meaning that God takes it very seriously and intends to communicate with his children that it is serious to disobey, flaunt, and ignore God. To receive blessings and then be ungrateful, rebellious, and dishonorable to the benevolent and loving God and Father of all is profound. Of course, the Creator, the father of all creation in whose image and likeness we, the homosapians that walk on two legs erect, will bring consequences to those who ignore Him and are a terrible example to the powers and principalities in the vast expanse of our universe.
God will not be mocked, and Israel and the Jewish people have seen these words in action even in the 20th Century. From the beginning of our fellowship, we had a wonderful and extremely interesting pair of brothers in our congregation: The Vactor Brothers, Joseph, and David; they were both Orthodox Jews 100% and disciples of Yeshua 100%.
(You might be disillusioned and can't understand how it is possible to be 100% disciples of Yeshua, the Son of God and our Messiah, and not be Christian! Well, I will ask you the same question from the Jewish side, "how is it possible to be a disciple of Yeshua the Messiah, the Son of God?" How is it possible to be Just a Christian today? Have you seen any character, an apostle or a Yeshua himself, say, I am a Christian! Check your Bible carefully, and please tell me where in the Bible any of the heroes of our faith says, "I am a Christian!" – or – I am a Baptist or Presbyterian or Methodist or God forbid a Catholic or a Russian Orthodox, Coptic, or Seventh Day Adventist.)
These two brothers, Orthodox Jews, shared with us in the congregation that in their lifetime, they saw all the curses and all the bad things that are listed in Leviticus chapter 26 happen in reality. These bad things are curses that God levels on us if we are disobedient and rebellious and do things premeditated, first to ignore God and second to disobey with pre-meditation. These deliberate actions anger God in front of His angelic messengers who could say, "You see LORD how these people don't respect you and don't believe that you will curse them and bring all these bad things upon them in reality."
Well, dear brothers, history is repetitive, and like a recipe for Black Forest Cherry Cake – every time you use it according to the instructions and with the same ingredients, you will get the same results. God's Word is also the same, and every time that we, the nation of Israel and the Jewish people, have seen the truth of these words of God from Leviticus chapters 26-27, fulfilled and re-enacted in history with just variation in the color of the uniforms of our enemies. On the other hand, the blessings are also repeated and fulfilled according to the promises of God. Are we not living and a part of the restoration of Israel to the land given to our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Are we, the Jewish nation, against all odds, surviving the hate and discrimination of our enemies with God's guidance and permission? Is history repeating itself because of the rotten way we behave, our flaunting God's love and Grace, and ignoring every good promise and every warning of punishment that God gave us?
I fear, dear brothers, that what we are experiencing and what happened on October 7, 2024, in the NoVA festival in the northern Negev might be following God's promises to our ancient Prophets as a warning.
Look at these texts, dear brothers and sisters, and tell me if you see any similarities between what these ancient prophetic texts promise will happen and what happened on October 7, 2023, at the Nova (pagan festival) in the northern Negev Desert.
Isaiah 13:16: "Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be looted, and their wives violated." This prophecy concerns the destruction of Babylon and describes the brutal realities of war. When the circumstances are the same, it is possible the outcome and the results would be the same!
Hosea 13:16: "The people of Samaria must bear their guilt because they have rebelled against their God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open." Hosea prophesied the judgment that will fall upon Samaria (the northern kingdom of Israel) due to their rebellion against God.
Nahum 3:10: "Yet she was taken captive and went into exile. Her infants were dashed to pieces at every street corner. Lots were cast for her nobles, and all her great men were put in chains." This passage describes the fall of Thebes, emphasizing the totality of its destruction.
Psalm 137:8-9: "Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is the one who repays you according to what you have done to us. Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." (This psalm reflects the desire for vengeance against Babylon for its destruction of Jerusalem.
I included comments that give the historical context of these statements from the prophets of the Bible so that you will not automatically say that the prophet specifically intended to speak directly on the events of October 7, 2023. But as you see, what happened on that dark date in the northern Negev desert had a pattern with a Biblical construct.
The detailed descriptions of the horrors in these texts above are so striking, accurate, and similar that I can't stop associating these ancient texts with the events of this cursed date, October 7, 2023.
You see the description of "infants dashed to pieces!" "The pregnant women ripped open" is not something that happens in modern wars, even in the worst of circumstances. But it did happen on October 7, 2023. "Houses will be looted, and their wives violated." It happened multiple times by the Demi-human monsters of Hamas in their barbarian intention and training, all in the name of their Demi-urges' idols. Here you have the prophet of Israel, who lived in the 8th Century B.C.E., speak these details that are uncommon even in standard warfare in the ancient Near East.
There is one thing more in this Torah Portion that must be mentioned: the state of affairs for us, for Israel, and for all the disciples of the Messiah and followers of Yeshua and for all of Israel and the Jews of the world!
This concept is one of the most essential concepts and patterns for the people of God in the whole Bible:
"The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me.". (Leviticus 25:23 NKJV)
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13 NKJV)
"For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow And without hope. (1 Chronicles 29:15, NKJV)
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13. NKJV)
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1 Peter 1:1NKJV)
"Beloved, I beg you, as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul," (1 Peter 2:11 NKJV)
In conclusion, I want to reiterate this crucial point. This concept that we are God's pilgrims and strangers is one of the most essential ideas in the Bible and one of the most helpful concepts for us as disciples of Yeshua, Jews, and Gentiles. Our usual and natural tendency is to hold on to the physical and material, our homes and properties, cars and cell phones, our countries and passports. We don't like temporary dwellings; we want an address that gives us security and makes us feel that we have something substantial, and it gives us security and stability that we have a piece of dirt, a plot of mud. Please listen to this song by Jim Reeves.
Since last week we have released new content you can find on our podcasts and YouTube
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We realize the prayer list is long. We have updated it and will continue to update it. These brother and sisters that need your prayers are encouraged by them. Your prayers are knocking on heavens door for healing and provision for mostly old brothers and sisters. Please consider time spent in prayer a way to bridge Geography time and space asking God to heal and bless these people who need our prayers.
Your prayers for brothers and sisters you don't know personally are pure love and building of the Body of the Messiah. It is Agape Love since you are doing this without any selfish interests and casting a vote in Heaven for someone who is your brother. Still, you don't know them, and God looks at these prayers that are unselfish and genuine expressions of love and care for another link in the long chain of love and faith that binds us together even though we might not know each other in this world.
When we all get to Heaven, it will be a joy to meet people we prayed for and sometimes even cried for. Brothers and sisters who are physically strangers but spiritually a part of the same body of Christ, I believe that one day we will have the privilege to sit together and share: "I remember praying for you to be healed!" "I remember praying for you to be safe when you were fighting in Gaza to free the hostages from the cruel hands of the terrorists of the Hamas in Gaza."
Pray for the following brothers and sisters who need divine grace and the gentle touch of the hand of God for healing and strength.
In Jerusalem:
Joseph & Marcia Shulam
Your continued prayers for Joe and Marcias health are appreciated. They are both comfortable at home while Joe continues to create new content online and Marcia is content at home as well. We are thankful for EmmaBeth and her weekly assistance for them both.
Ilana Ahijervie is a dear sister who is 98 years old and suffering from memory problems.
Please pray for our dear sister, Lea Kurkey.
Sarit, a sister born in Jerusalem, is over 88 years old and lives alone. She has no close family and suffers from several old-age illnesses.
Pray for Adam's father and mother, Barry and Dalia. They have some health problems and challenges.
Pray for Hannah suffering from Migraine Headaches. Miriam is a dear sister old age dementia.
Pray for Daniel S. and his children.
Pray for Gary, our dear leader in the Ro'eh Israel congregation, and his health, as well as for his wife Melanie and their family.
Pray for Um Mahmud Abu-Eid, Jimmy Abu-Eid, and all of the family. This is a dear family of old friends that needs healing and wisdom for the children and for their work.
Please pray for the Romero family, who live deep in the Negev desert. It is hot there, and they are far from our congregation, and we miss them.
In the U.K.:
Pray for Deborah Isaiah. I pray for the Lord to find Deborah Isaiah and lead her to a blessed life, family, and a solution to her problems.
In Finland:
Mauno Lemponen has been diagnosed with cancer in advanced stages. We are asking for God's Will to be done, giving him healthy days with family—prayers for Hilka, Miika, and Ester, who support each other.
Pray for Keijo and Salme, our dear partners and fellow workers in God's flock. Both Keijo and Salme have some challenging heart issues.
Pray for Satu-Maria, Sinni Tuuli, Anne Mirjami, our dear sisters
Pray for Eva H., Patty, Andrea, Julia, Victor, Aaron Tani, and Hillel.
In Brazil:
new William Monteiro Alves with (Asperger's syndrome) has fractured his foot and is awaiting surgery once swelling goes down. In addition he needs prayers regarding the state of his mental health
new Gabriel Monteiro Alves & Lusinete de Oliveira are concerned for William Monteiro and are doing their best to cope with life, work and managing Lusiente’s health problems as well. Please pray for some relief.
Pray for the Congregations related to Netivyah in Brazil to have the strength and stamina to face the challenges ahead of them with courage and strength of faithfulness to the Lord and to the vision of the restoration of the church and Israel.
Pray for the millions of victims of the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisition who have been forced to convert to the Catholic church and now want to return home to the land of Israel and the faith of our fathers.
Pray for a dear young man, Paulo, from Curitiba, Brazil, who seriously needs our prayers for sanity and mental health.
Pray for a dear sister named Claudia Rita Souze Arau. She has cancer and needs God's healing hands to touch her with healing.
Pray for Fatima Maria Docarmo Guimararaes - pray for her health and her granddaughters' twin babies.
Guilherme Antonio Nothen Becker is suffering from back problems.
Aratuza de Oliveira and his wife. Pray for their 3-year-old child, Caique de Oliveira Becker, who has severe problems with his eyes, and ask the Lord to give healing to his eyes.
In Asia:
Pray for Pastor TJ in Taiwan.
Pray for Deborah Ruth, a dear sister from China.
Pray for Sister Yoko Nagumo in Japan.
Tony Tam, his wife Luisa, and his son Marco need special prayers for their situation.
We continue to pray for Zhou Wenrian, the Abe family, Toru San, Yumi Ohara, and her family: Deborah Ruth, Ayla, Daniel, and their daughter.
Pray for Dr. Song and his wife, Sister Harriet Kim and the KIBI Ministry.
In the United States of America:
Larry is asking for prayers for his grandchildren. I would say most of us that have grandchildren are concerned about the states of the world. The state of intolerance. The temptations out there. Please pray for the holy sprit to guide them in making good choices.
Bill C. is having some additional test this week. We all don’t like additional tests so we can relate to this. Pray for Jill supporting him.
Brother Philip Slate and his wife. She is suffering from several physical and mental health challenges.
Barbra and Angie in Alaska. Barbra has some pains and discomfort related to old age. Please lift them in prayer for strength and reduction in pain.
Please continue to pray for the daughter of Bill Culwell, who is very sick with cancer and is receiving a second round of treatment. Please pray for success and healing.
Jonathan Bernis is in a long six-month recovery from a liver transplant. We thank God for this match. Please pray for this new liver to function and provide much-needed function. Please pray for Elisangela and the girls and the doctors and nurses attending our dear brother Jonathan Bernis.
Please pray for Danah, my daughter's health issues. I pray for the Lord to give Danah wisdom, peace, and calm in life and her work.
Aaron Hook, Nancy Hook's oldest son, needs our prayers for wisdom and healing from past life issues.
Lift for blessing and healing Jonathan B., his wife Aviva, their new baby, his mother, and his brother Daniel.
Pray for these important men of God: Rabbi Salt, his family, and Rabbi Hasselblad. They are both older and need protection and blessings.
Also, pray for Ilana Avramov, who is married to my cousin Nissim and lives in New York City. Ilana has fallen and is now in rehab, learning how to walk again. We pray for her full recovery. She and Nissim both need our prayers.
Pray for Steve Mock - His cognitive condition has declined, and we ask for the grace of God and His Healing and strength. Steve and Josie's son Joseph has received a wonderful and glorious report. After the last bone marrow transplant, the report is that the doctors didn't find any leukemia in his body! Praise the Lord!
I am asking for a special prayer for a dear brother and friend who is now doing very important work in a very dangerous and precarious part of the world. Just mention DadyLion in your prayers and ask for divine protection and angelic accompaniment for this man of God.
For updates or requests please email us at:Prayer@netivyahinternational.org
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