Explanation of Action for Israel

“And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves” (Luke 23:12).

Herod Antipas—the man who had ordered the death of John the Baptist—now saw Jesus, of whom he had heard so many things. Yet the Bible says, “He [Jesus] answered him nothing.” Pontius Pilate’s confession was, “I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him” (verse 14b). We know from history that Pontius Pilate died in 39 AD. Eusebius of Caesarea’s Ecclesiastical History states that he killed himself on orders of Emperor Caligula. Both Pilate and Herod were exposed to the truth, and both testified that Jesus was innocent. But that, quite apparently, was not sufficient. These men had to think of their position.

Later, we read in Acts 4:26-27: “The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.” Interestingly, the rulers of the world were co-responsible for the execution of Jesus, according to Scripture.

This reminds us of Psalm 2:2: “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed.” In light of this, it is needful to analyze what’s happening today from spiritual perspectives. All earthly leaders—whether it’s Putin, Biden, Germany’s Scholz, or Ukraine’s Zelensky—are under the legitimate jurisdiction of Satan, the originator of sin. Yet virtually every country claims exception. The Bible says, “There is none righteous … all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23).

What is happening between Russia and Ukraine is rooted deeply in the soil of those countries, drenched with the blood of their people.

We must not be confused by recent historical markers such as, “Ukraine experienced a brief period of independence in 1880—1920.” Ukrainian history actually goes back to the 7th century BC and a people called the Scythians. The same can be said about Russia. Before 1991, it was called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). They too can go back in history long before the continents America and Australia were discovered.

Today, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the geopolitical alliance has changed. For the West, one word became prevalent: unity. Without exception, the Western bloc unanimously condemned Russia for the invasion of Ukraine.

But, going east, we notice that another giant, China, at least sympathized with Russia in their invasion of Ukraine. Two previous enemies are becoming better friends.

Israel is our focus. Over and again, the prophets of old declared, “For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem” (Joel 3:1). There are many unforeseen circumstances that caused the Jews to return to the land of their fathers, the land of Canaan. Several events in the past few decades, contributed to an increasing number of Jews returning to the Promised Land. The National Center for Biotechnology Information published the following:

During the past 6 years, immigration to Israel of 700,000 persons from the former Soviet Union (FSU) included about 140,000 from radiocontaminated regions of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia near Chernobyl.
-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, 1997

While Israel has a good relationship with Russia, Russia also has good relations with Israel’s declared enemy, Iran. Will these two countries become closer friends in opposition to Israel?

Until this moment, Israel has had a relatively free hand to strike Iranian-backed military operations in Syria, under Russia’s observing eyes. Will that continue? A recent article in the Jerusalem Post reads:

At the Security Council, Russia reminded Israel that it stands with Syria, where it is militarily entrenched, regarding Damascus’ demand that Israel returns the Golan, which the IDF captured during the defensive Six-Day War in 1967.

Israel annexed the Golan in 1981, but to date, the United States is the only country that recognizes that sovereignty. In December, the cabinet approved a NIS-1-billion plan to increase Israel’s population on the Golan, including through the creation of two new towns.
-www.jpost.com, 24 February 2022

At this point in time, it’s only the United States that recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan. But in the end, the story will look quite different according to the prophetic Word, and that is decisive: “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land” (Joel 3:2).

What is the reason for gathering all nations to judgment? Because they have “parted my land.” This is the problem with the nations of the world. While Israel is friends with more nations today than ever—even developing diplomatic relations with a number of Arab countries—one thing they all are 100% in opposition to is Genesis 15:18: “In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.” That is the real issue.

In the meantime, we as Christians should pray increasingly for His Church in Ukraine, Russia, and Israel. From many reliable sources, we understand that Acts 2:47 is continuously in fulfillment; not only worldwide, but also particularly in Israel: “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Explanation of Action for Israel
After the Yom Kippur War in 1973, our late founder, Dr. Wim Malgo, established an emergency fund for poor families in Israel who had lost a loved one in the war. Later, several building projects were undertaken. One of the major projects included part of the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center (now called the Shamir Medical Center). 

As of late, Action for Israel funds are mainly designated for believers in Israel in need.

Midnight Call - 05/2022