Shavuot, or Feast of Weeks, is a good time to remember the gift of God’s provision. Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai as well as the grain harvest for the summer. In the Bible, Shavuot was one of three pilgrimage festivals in which all the Jewish men would go to Jerusalem and bring their first fruits as offerings to God. Another name for this feast is Pentecost (from the Greek word for ‘fifty’) and symbolises 50 days since the end of Passover. Some Christians do not realise the deep Jewish roots that connect this widely known ‘Christian’ celebration. For Christians it marks 50 days since Christ’s death and resurrection at Passover (10 days since His ascension). It was during this feast whilst the early Jewish believers had gathered and waited in Jerusalem that they received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s provision and timing is always perfect. We wait upon the promise of His Word and offer the firstfruits of His provision in our lives.
Pray for Israel and the Jewish people this Shavuot – that they will be blessed as they are reminded of the special way in which God entrusted His Law to His people. Their custodianship of God’s Law is indeed a blessing to us as Christians.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Pray for the United Kingdom’s government. There are reports that there is disagreement between the Foreign Secretary and other members of the cabinet regarding the banning of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The proscription of Iran’s militia has wide support in Parliament, but there are diplomatic reasons that appear to be preventing it. Pray that this will be overcome.
Israeli leaders have been articulating the potential of a multi-faceted attack by Iran if it continues to be emboldened and is prepared for a large scale defensive action. This does not mean it is imminent, but it shows that Israel is alert to the growing threat of Iran and its proxies and allies. A preemptive attack by Israel on Iranian terror sites is not out of the question and we must pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders and God’s protection upon His people.
Finally, we would like to ask you to pray for a new online letter-writing platform that CUFI has commissioned as part of our advocacy work. We will be launching our first campaign using the new system next week. This need has come about after the previous platform we used (IBA) ceased its operations. We’re really excited about the new platform because it will make it easier for UK supporters to email their MPs and significantly improve our advocacy work behind the scenes also. We are very thankful to the Lord for this development. Please pray that the Lord will continue to supply for the needs of CUFI and that we will be guided to bless Israel through our campaigns.
Thank you for praying with us today.
