Dear Family in the Messiah Yeshua! Greetings and blessing from your brothers and sisters at “Holy Land Ministries in Israel”!
We are pleased to be able to send you this latest HLM Newsletter detailing some of our work in Israel and beyond. We value your prayer support for the work and for Israel in general and hope that the following items will prove useful.
Israel is getting ready to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah, starting this year on the evening of the 25th December 2024. The relevance and significance of this celebration will be much more marked for those in Israel this year again. Hanukkah celebrates God’s deliverance of His people from a much stronger enemy, something it would seem we are seeing once more in our day.
At the time I write this Israel is in the 438th day of war. Although the situation seems to be easing with a fragile ceasefire holding with Lebanon / Hezbollah, the regime change in Syria and the prospect of a hostage deal now imminent. It also seems likely that the displace Israeli residents of the northern border communities may soon be able to return to their homes and businesses. Please continue to pray for the successful conclusion of this war and for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem and all Israel and for the safety and security of all Jewish people throughout the world in this time of rising antisemitism.
It is our pleasure to include below the latest article on Hanukkah, including its special significance for believers in Yeshua The Messiah, from our local rabbi, a dear brother in the Lord Yeshua and partner in our work.
Hanukkah 5785
The word Hanukkah חנוכה means dedication and it commemorates the dedication of the Temple after the wicked Greek leader Antiochus Epiphanes had desecrated it. The traditional emphasis on the oil, which lasted for eight days instead of one day, usually captures the attention of those who observe this celebration. Therefore, this festival is also known by many as the Festival of Lights. Light plays a major role in the Bible, as one reads that G-d Himself is light and that in Him there is no darkness, there is none (1 John 1:5). Yeshua said concerning Himself that, whenever I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5). In chapter 9 of Isaiah!s prophecy, the prophet is very specific about a location near the Sea of Galilee. This location was between the land that was promised to the tribes of Zebulun and Naftali, near the sea. In the days of Isaiah, this location did not have a name, but as the time for the Messiah to begin His work approached, the place was called Kfar Nachum or Capernaum; meaning the village of comfort. Immediately after informing the reader of this place, Isaiah continues with the words, “the people, the ones who walk in darkness, they saw a great light, the ones who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, light has shone upon them [Isaiah 9:2 (verse 1 in Hebrew)].
A few verses later appears one of the most known Messianic prophecies in the Bible, “For a boy was born for us, a son was given for us, and will be the government upon His shoulder and His Name will (be) called wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty G-d and Eternal Father, Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9:5 (verse 6 in Hebrew)].
In John chapter 10, the reader learns a few very important truths. It is in verse 22 that Hanukkah is mentioned in the Bible and Yeshua goes up to Jerusalem in order to observe this celebration. This fact should cause those who believe in Him and follow Him as Lord to give greater significance to Hanukkkah. In other words, since Yeshua thought Hanukkah had enough spiritual significance to go up to Jerusalem for it, how much more should His servants understand this festival and observe it themselves.
One of the difficulties for many believers is that not much is known by them concerning this festival. Therefore, in the rest of this article we will concentrate on the meaning of Hanukkah. The first thing which one must know concerning Hanukkah is that it was only possible because of a military victory. In fact, the miracle of the oil lasting eight days was to inform the Jewish people that it was G-d Who caused the much fewer Jewish people to defeat the more numerous Greek empire. This reminds the people of G-d that our L-rd is a man of war (Exodus 15:3). Those who believe that Pacifism is pleasing to G-d, and that it is what the Bible teaches, are simply misinformed as we certainly do not find such a perspective in the Scriptures. In fact, the G-d of the Holy Scripture has a long history of delivering His covenant people from their enemies.
Due to the miraculous victory, it is also taught that Hanukkah is an appropriate time for the Messiah to reveal Himself to the world. This is exactly what the Gospel of John emphasizes. In John 10:24, the leaders of the Jewish people surround Yeshua and say to Him, “until when do you keep our souls in suspense” (literally: do you lift up our souls)? They came to Yeshua to ask a very specific question, “If you are the Messiah, say to us plainly.” In actuality, they were not wanting a verbal response, but for Him to do what according to tradition the Messiah will do on Hanukkah; namely, enter into the Holy of Holies.
For a long time, Judaism has understood a relationship between Moses, the first redeemer and the Messiah, the final redeemer. Of course this relationship is based upon the verse which states, “A prophet from your midst, from your brothers, like me the L-rd your G-d will raise up for you, unto Him hear! Deuteronomy 18:15 Moses entered into the Holy of Holies to dedicate the tabernacle for a new form of worship, based upon the Torah. It will be after the Messiah!s Second Coming that He too will provide a miraculous victory for His people. This victory will also bring about a new form of worship, i.e., Kingdom worship.
In the book of Numbers chapter 7, Moses enters into the Holy of Holies to dedicate the tabernacle for worship according to the Law of Moses. It was during this time that Moses heard the voice of G-d speaking to him from upon the Ark of the Covenant, between the two Cherubim. It was upon the covering of the ark, הכפורת that the Presence of G-d spoke to him. It is from this one learns that Yeshua will rule during the Millennial Kingdom from this same location. It is most significant that it is this section of Numbers chapter 7 which is read in the synagogue during the Festival of Hanukkah.
When examining the prophecy of Ezekiel, to the Temple. Ezekiel heard the L-rd speaking to him and revealing to him that this is the place where the throne of G-d will be and where the soles of His feet will walk and where He will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. It is important for all to understand that the word translated “forever” is the Hebrew word לעולם . I would argue that this word represents an adjective which best describes the Kingdom of G-d. Hence, it should not be understood as forever, but it is simply teaching the reader that this is the place where the Messiah will dwell and establish His throne during the Millennial Kingdom.
The important thing for believers to understand about Hanukkah is that Hanukkah is related to the Kingdom of G-d. We are not speaking of the New Jerusalem, but rather the Millennial Kingdom. This Millennial Kingdom will indeed have an active Temple and the people of G-d will worship there, whereas the New Jerusalem will not have a Temple (See Revelation 21:22). The Millennial Kingdom will be ordered according to the Law of Moses. This again is problematic for much of the Church, as so many translations of the Bible understand that the Law has been abolished by the Messiah. It is difficult to understand why this view is so dominant in Christianity, as Yeshua said,
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…” Matthew 5:17
So why do so many translations of the Bible, when speaking about the Torah, state that it has been abolished? The word which appears is the Greek verb καταργέω. If one researches this word, he will find that the most common definitions which are provided are “abolished”, “bring to an end”, “did away with”, “nullified”, “removed”, and “rendered powerless”. However, when one looks outside the New Testament renderings for this word, he will find that it is used to describe a King in exile. Although he has been removed from his position, there is a strong expectation that he will return from exile to once again assume his position. While in exile, he is not serving as king, but there is still much significance attached to him because he was the king and due to the strong likelihood he will once again return to be the king.
The Torah has not been done away with, as it is still the Word of G-d and will return to become the Law of the Millennial Kingdom. Yeshua will rule for a thousand years utilizing the Torah. Therefore, Hanukkah does indeed teach believers much about the future. When will the Torah truly be abolished? Yeshua states,
“For truly I say to you, until the heaven should pass away and the earth, one iota or one stroke of a letter should not pass away from the Law, until everything should take place.
Please notice the three phrases which I placed in boldface. It is most difficult to reflect the actual tense of these verbs. They are actually in the past tense. The Greek tense is not always related to time, as sometimes the past tense reflects an action which should be thought of as complete, whole, or in its entirety. Hence, what is being taught is that heaven must pass away completely or not one part of a letter will pass away until all which G-d has promised has been fulfilled completely or in its entirety. Therefore, until there is a new heaven and a new earth, i.e., the New Jerusalem, the Torah and all Scriptures will not be done away with.
Hanukkah Sameach to each of you! ==============================
Our work with the elderly and holocaust survivors in Ashqelon and Beersheva continues thanks the generosity of you, our supporters. Our wards appreciate the physical support they receive but also appreciate the contact with our workers and are most gratified to know that there are people in other countries that are supporting them and praying for them. Just recently our brother and long time friend of the ministry, Joachim, visited from Germany and met the helpers and some of the holocaust survivors.
For some time it has been the desire of HLM to find Russian speaking volunteers with a pastoral / evangelical gift to minister to the spiritual needs of our wards that we might be able to minister the light and love of Messiah more effectively. Joachim mentioned a friend of his who could possibly answer that need. Please pray for the Lord’s direction and conformation in this matter.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion,“Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 New King James Version
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We mentioned in a previous newsletter that HLM were trying to establish a meaningful connection with soldiers in the IDF as a means of support and evangelism. This led to us meeting Robert, whom we mentioned before, who is a “Lone Soldier”. After the brutal attack of October 7th 2023 many young Jewish men in the diaspora came to Israel with the sole intent of joining the IDF to defend the Jewish State of Israel. These young men have left their homes and family to fight for their people. Some have a few relatives in Israel, Robert’s story is similar having made Aliyah to Israel at 16 years old on a special program. He did his high schooling in Israel and then joined the IDF and was a serving soldier when war broke out.
Robert has been stationed on the Northern border with Lebanon since October 8th and has served throughout that time with short breaks. He is very grateful for the support HLM is able to give him and the fact that he is not alone, that there are many people praying for him across the world. In his own words he is exhausted, like so many of his comrades in arms.
Please pray for Robert and all those in the same situation that the Lord will be his “Strength and Shield” and that the LORD will bless him for his service.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7 New King James Version ==============================
We would also ask your prayers for David and Deborah, a believing couple from the UK with volunteering experience and a love for Israel who are seeking the Lord’s direction and timing, for volunteering with HLM in Israel.
Please pray for the Lord’s guidance and confirmation of their desire to serve.
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In India Pastor Chandra continues to reach out to the poor and needy with a regular soup kitchen. He is also currently trying to utilize the teachings of our local rabbi to use as discipleship materials for those coming to faith in Messiah. It is his desire to teach from the Jewish roots of the faith to counter any anti-Semitic bias new believers may have.
In Kirgistan our partners are seeking to expand their ministry with the orphans and include an outreach to the elderly in their locality. “Amir” (not his real name) and his wife have always had a desire to reach out to this vulnerable community with a food distribution program as the elderly in Kirgistan often experience dire poverty. Please pray that the Lord will favor their petition and will guide and direct them as to the way forward.
He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18 New King James Version
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Please pray for the effective translation of the teaching materials into the local language and that many would be blessed as they mature in the faith.
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Finally we would very much value your prayers as the UK team seek to create a HLM website. We feel it is time to create a website that will give us a presence in “cyberspace” where we can put regular updates and that can be expanded to include a shop selling items made by brothers and sisters associated with HLM as a means of support. It is very much early days and we would value your prayers for the Lord’s direction, guidance and blessing of this new project.
Holy Land Ministries 