PHOTO; “Celebration!” Adi Rawlings, in Copenhagen. Photo: David Rawlings
Dear Friends:
“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the day of your visitation.”
Luke 19:41-44
In this verse, Yeshua-Jesus sounded the death knell over the Temple and city
He loved and would give His life for. No wonder he wept. The rejection then is just as it is here today! What is it going to take to steer this nation toward Redemption? More religious rulings are NOT the answer. Your prayers are needed more than ever before. “How long O LORD, how long?”
The nail-biting vote removing the word “reasonableness” from a phrase in the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Israel has been struck down. That was on Monday of this week. Painful and hurtful demonstrations nationwide, upsets in every household and foolish vows are made in frustration and anger.
Wednesday evening began the historic day of the remembrance of the destruction of both of Israel’s Temples. Solomon’s in 586 BC and Herod’s in 70 AD which was prophesied by Yeshua-Jesus. Again, shops closed and traffic is minimal as many fast, mourn and pray. All is in slow-motion it seems. Channel 11 on Israeli TV showed a poignant hand-illustrated docudrama on the destruction of the last temple just one generation following the death of Yeshua.
With stunning clarity, I could see similar scenarios depicted across the ages from antiquity, being played out in our neighborhoods and streets for everyone with open eyes to see. We are reliving history in a way. Yes, history does repeat itself. Yeshua lived among the generation of the last destruction. He gave a warning. How fierce an inditement it is to see what happened to the only nation He – The LORD of Glory lived. Here He walked, taught and healed any to call to Him. The majority rejected the love and truth He brought because of their their willful ignorance. They did not deserve HIM.
Do we? What have we done with Him in our nations? Is there one of us who can lift our heads up? We must stand up and be counted before it is too late. Stand up in any way you are capable of. Something small is better than nothing at all.
The First New Law Proposed:
Tuesday of this past week, the government glorying in their triumph, proposed a new law. All Yeshiva (schools that teach Torah and Rabbinical writings) are now to be seen as equally important as the Israel Defence Soldiers, and will receive monthly stipends for their studies. Yes, of course we know, no one is better than another. We also know the secret power of prayer. But, we don’t need government legislation to give us our place. The way in which it is being put in place is hurtful and divisive. Unbridled religion is a curse, and I don’t care what name it hides in.
STANDARD AND POOR:
In one of the world’s leading economic authorities Standard and Poor warns that Israel’s Judicial crisis will continue to harm the economy.
- Economic growth will slow to 1.5% in 2023. It was 6.5 % in 2022.
- Doctors’ interest in leaving Israel soars after Reform legislation. Jerusalem Post, July 28th 2023.
Weather in Israel:
“For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: he hath no standing grain; the blade shall yield no meal; if so be it yield, strangers shall swallow it up.”
Hosea 8:7
“This July will be the hottest July in history in 120,000 years!”
Jerusalem Post 28/23. Dr. Karsten Hanstein, a climate scientist at Germany’s Leipzig Germany.
“He has showed you O man what is good, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Living Stones:
Here in Israel and Jerusalem, one is always blessed to encounter most exceptional people. Rachel is one such lady. She is a care giver, a single Mom who works in Jerusalem. She was born of an Italian mother and a father whose generations still live in the ancient Jewish Community of Gibralter. Her ancestors can be traced back to the destruction of the first Temple. Can you even imagine? Only with many untoward situations in her life, did she finally find her way home to Zion.
Speaking of Zion, Psalm 88:5 tells us:
“But of this one born in Zion, it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her.”
Here in Jerusalem, we are very aware of the emotional, spiritual and physical state of the people in the shops, on the roads, and on the streets. There are no smiles anywhere. It is a grim moment in history. Grim. Here are a few snapshots of a handful of some born in Jerusalem called: “Jerusalmeeme – Jerusalemites.”
This weekend, our family and friends are so happy to be celebrating the birthday of Adi, the wife of our eldest son David. See the covering photo. We love her dearly and are very proud of her many accomplishments. She is a choreographer and often invites us to her concerts. For years she enjoyed being on a personal name basis with all of Israel’s Presidents. Her dance groups were always chosen to perform at the Presidential Palace to dance for visiting dignitaries.
A Concert in the Midst of Madness:
Just last week, in the middle of the demonstrations, we attended a concert in downtown Jerusalem, written and choreographed by Arye Korbin. It was a modern Israeli dance performance. To us, the dancers were like wounded machines, making weird inhuman moves, jerky and unnatural. To many of us ‘oldsters’ it was different. Not that it is was improper, just somehow disconnected and disruptive and non-human. Perhaps, a picture of what our world is becoming.
Afterwards, I said to Jay, “In one word I would describe that presentation as Conflict.”
“Tension!” He responded.
I asked others what they thought and heard words like: Because, It was not my cup of tea, and Death.
I spoke to Mr. A. Korbin during the reception, which followed and asked him to describe his work in one word. Without hesitation, he pronounced, “WHY?”
It reminded me of Job asking his ‘why’ questions. I learned that this gentleman has been struggling with brain cancer. I told him that I was praying for him to be completely healed and finish his course in the fullness of strength and joy. Then he looked directly into my eyes, breathed deeply, paused, and grinning quietly said, “Thank you.”
Other dear souls in our family who were born in Zion – Jerusalem are Daniel our youngest son, and grandchildren, Amitai 24, Liyah 19, Ryan Raphael 2.5 years and his little brother Gabriel Victor 4 months. Hallelujah.
A Shabbat Story:
With the extended family seated around the table on summer evening, in the garden, we began. Jay said the many blessings, and of course, blessed the LORD for the wine. Amitai age 4 was given the privilege of offering thanks for the bread.
Everyone thought it was super. Little Liyah age 2 looked on, and was not as impressed. Just, having to have a part, she lifted both of her arms straight up and shouted, “Halleli-lu-li AMEN!” That brought the house down. Then she grabbed the hands of those sitting next to her and began to sing at the top of her lungs, ‘Hiney ma tov, uh ma niyeem … The entire clan burst into heart felt song with ‘… how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’
Today, we choose to give thanks to the MOST HIGH. We never cease to give thanks for Yeshua-Jesus who brought REDEMPTION to earth. This marvellous LIFE is a free gift. It just costs everything! But, it is there for anyone who will take it. One must have eyes to see and ears to hear. This is where the sweet Still Small Voice comes in.
My you be a blessing in the midst of your family:
Love from Meridel Rawlings and family in Jerusalem.
Your comments and gifts are so appreciated.