Friends, we just concluded a 3-week study, designed to prepare us for the mission God has put before us. It is clear that He is not done preparing us! As I contemplate our trip to Israel soon, these words ring in my ears: “History is repeating itself and nobody gets it.”

I want to “get it.” I pray for this trip to be the lens through which we view Jewish life against the backdrop of what happened on October 7, 2023. The October massacre was just one of many atrocities committed against the Jewish people throughout history, so if we can see through even one lens, we will come back with a much greater understanding of the cost of the calling God placed upon Abraham and his descendants (the Jews).

God’s call upon Israel has never been an easy one. But then, the life of Jesus was not easy either. He had no home. He was ridiculed and spit upon. Ultimately, He was crucified despite having lived a perfect life.

The Jewish people were called to be the vehicle of world redemption…to bless the world with the Messiah. Because of that, they have been hated throughout history, and the hate will only grow more vitriol as time goes by.

I’m convinced that no matter how greatly we long to, we simply don’t “get it.” I wept as I watched the video below. Not so much because of what I saw (though it is touching), but because of what God did in my heart. He burned in the desire to “get it” enough to deepen my appreciation of God’s chosen people. He burned in the desire to speak boldly and truthfully about Israel and the Jewish people. He burned in a deeper love for the Jewish people. Because of their calling, they suffer for us.

Please take some time to see what I saw….and don’t be surprised if God moves on your heart in a similar way. (Heads up: though some of the video is in English, much of it is in Hebrew, with subtitles. It’s worth it! Watch it to the end.)

If you were touched, will you please pray for our team as we go there to volunteer and to interact with the people of Israel? Your prayers are so vital to what God has in store. Thank you in advance for allowing Him to move your heart, and for your obedience to pray!