Day 75 Masks

 

3/16/2025

 

The Feast of Purim, the story of Queen Esther in the Bible, the rescue of the Jewish nation, began on the evening of 3/14/2025, and it is continuing on into the weekend, as homes are still hosting parties. Children especially enjoy the festivities, and at this time in history, it's good that they can extend the fun over the weekend. It's a time of dressing up, playing games, acting out the story of Esther, and spending time with friends and families. I'm sure there is dancing in the streets, as Israelis love to dance, and it is quite Biblical as King David loved to play the timbrel and dance, kicking up his feet in laughter.

But the sadness lies behind the masks for many, as they wait for the release of their family members and friends. The planes still streak through the air, and the alerts sound off as everyone shuffles to safety in the bomb shelters. This is the way of life for Israel. The Messianic believers take the time to ensure the children are well provided for, and even the families of those who do not know Jesus as personal Savior, teach their children not to fear. I imagine that is even harder after what occurred in 2023, seeing the areas where posters and flowers and other items are marking the areas where loved ones died. This also is part of the scenic view of Israel that tourists will come to see. There are always memories.

When I lived in New Mexico, it was normal to see a "Descanso" along the roadway or in a field not far off the road, marking the area of rest of a loved one. Memories are preserved in different ways for different cultures, but it always does my heart good to see love and honor expressed by so many people. And in Israel's case, it is expressed by everyone living in the area. 

I heard someone ask why people loved Israel this morning. To me, it seems a strange question. I have never been to Israel except in my dreams and prayers, and I have traveled there through photos and even my daily interaction with ICEJ prayer calls and emails. And lovelier yet is joining Jacob's Tent each Shabbat, hearing the children sing the Shema and join in the Jewish dances to Jewish music. Even teenagers and older young men participate in the joy. It's a wonderful feeling to be part of a people who love each other and the God of Israel so much. My faith grows deeper and deeper enjoying the presence of God. When I do make it to Israel, in God's timing and not my own, I want to roll my sleeves up and help with the harvests. Or play with the kids, sing, dance, and give them big hugs. Or go visit the Holocaust survivors and hear their stories. I just want to love them. I love Israel, because God loves Israel and chose Israel and gave them His land to dwell in. Mostly I love Israel, because the God of Israel lives inside of me, so how could I not love anyone God loves in all the earth?!

I anxiously await the day when Jesus will place His feet on Mount Zion. When all of Israel will be saved, and it will, because God said it will. Come Lord Jesus, come!