Fast For Israel - Oct 7th 6pm

2011 DAY OF ATTONEMENT (Yom Kippur)

Friday, October 7^th  6 PM  To

Saturday 8^th 6 PM

Let’s Stand As One Body

Together For Israel

Leviticus 23:26-32 (NASB)

26  The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

27  "On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD.

28  "You shall not do any work on this same day, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the LORD your God.

29  "If there is any person who will not humble himself on this same day, he shall be cut off from his people.

30  "As for any person who does any work on this same day, that person I will destroy from among his people.

31  "You shall do no work at all. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.

32  "It is to be a sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls; on the ninth of the month at evening, from evening until evening you shall keep your sabbath."

What is the purpose of Day of Atonement Based On The Scriptures Above?  

To atone for something, you humble yourself by acknowledging the wrong you’ve done.  For the Jew, it is to ask forgiveness for the 1 year of sins.  If the Jews do not do this, they’re cut off from the Lord and their inheritance.

What are the Jews to do on this day?

They are to FAST, because this is a serious time, to consider their rebellion and let their spirit guide them in truth.  They are to present an offering to the Lord, treat this day like a Sabbath day meaning no work, rest only.  And humble themselves before the Lord.

What should we do as Christians? 

Declare to the Lord a fast for Israel, on this Day of Atonement.  Ask the Lord for forgiveness of their sins (John 20:23).  Take communion for all Israel claiming what Jesus has offered to them in Isaiah 53:4-6 and that their eyes would be opened and their ears would hear.  Stay in His Word this day.  Maybe read the book of Esther who saved all Israel from extinction – because like Esther, how do you know you weren’t “called for a time such as this”?  The book of Ruth would also be appropriate, since she turned to God when she had nothing left and because of her love of Naomi.  The book of Ezra tells us how the Israelites went from lack of knowledge, to each step they took toward Jerusalem, learning His ways and repenting.  There are so many Old Testament books to chose from – but take the time to dwell on what you’ve read and ask the Holy Spirit to tell you even more.  Speak the blessings to Israel in Numbers 6:23-27.  Keep in mind, those who bless Israel will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

Numbers 6:23-27 (NASB)

23 "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them:

24  The LORD bless you, and keep you;

25  The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;

26  The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’

27  "So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them."

Aaron was High Priest, his sons were priests, and the Lord has made us His priests.  So what should we do?

SPEAK verses 24-26 to Israel.  Why?  Verse 27 says the Lord will bless us and we need all the blessings we can get in these coming days!

Before your fast, Read Isaiah 58

Whether a gathering or on your own, this should be a “Day of FASTING.”  This is a day to humble ourselves before the Lord for Israel. 

ü      Declare the fast - for Israel’s revelation of what they need - to see Jesus.

ü      Ask the Holy Spirit for an abundance of wisdom which the Word says He’ll give to those who ask.

ü      Be continuously in the Word; go boldly to the Thrown Room in prayer.

ü      Take Communion and remember that the blood of Jesus redeemed and cleansed us.  It’s also a good time to intercede for others (saved and unsaved) lifting them up to the Lord in their need.

ü      Put God In Remembrance of His word in Rom 8:28, which says, “…that God causes all things to work together to those who love God…” And we know that God loves the Jews and are definitely called according to His purpose. 

ü      ALLWAYS take the time to LISTEN (wait on Him), to what the Holy Spirit has to say and your understanding will increase, along with your knowledge and your daily walking with Him.

I pray that many Christians will join together in the unity of the Spirit as your fast and pray for Israel on this day, the Lord has declared, Israel to atone for their sins.

Remember our 2^nd commandment from Jesus:  Matthew 22:39 "The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

Isaiah 57: 17-19 (NASB)

17   "Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, And he went on turning away, in the way of his heart.

18  "I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners,

19  Creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near," Says the LORD, "and I will heal him."

It takes your lips to speak “SHALOM, SHALOM” (or PEACE, PEACE) to Israel, for the Lord to heal them, lead them and restore their comfort. 

May the Lord; bless you and keep you; make His face shine on you, be gracious to you; lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.

AMEN!