Day 94 Victory

4/4/2025

Today the Jerusalem Marathon 2025 will be held in Israel, and I understand that 40,000 people are participating this year. Among those who will be running will be former hostage Karina Ariev, who was released from Hamas captivity on January 25, 2025 after spending 477 days in the tunnels in Gaza. She began the race encouraging the runners by saying, "As you run, feel the freedom, the comforting embrace of your surroundings." She will be running in the 5K race along with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion who shared: “In these challenging times, we choose life. We choose to run,” he said. “Many runners participate to honor a cause, in solidarity with hostages and bereaved families.”

 "But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness

shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out

and grow fat like stall-fed calves." 

Malachi 4:2

In spite of all the horror, with resulting trauma, experienced by the hostages who have been freed, who are sharing their stories, hope still runs deep, as they attempt to begin their lives again, rebuilding, healing, and waiting for the release of all the hostages. The Israeli people are a rare breed of people, blessed by God, who mourn when others mourn, and to laugh when others laugh. In spite of hardship, pain, struggle, Israel stands steadfast, and her friends stand with her. Runners from more than 50 countries to include Kenya, South Sudan, and Morocco joined the race this year marking a new high in participation.

Passover begins next weekend, and then Easter is celebrated the next. There's something special this year in the way God aligned the calendar so that Resurrection Sunday and Passover coincide. I know He is on the move for a mighty work, and I remain expectant. Passover is a time to remember the exodus of the children of Israel from the slavery of Egypt. It also commemorates Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb given to save us from sin and death. Jesus was our Passover Lamb. Easter is His resurrection, and we, as believers remember we are now alive in Christ. So, this week I have a Passover meal to plan, plus a Seder if I decide to do it again this year. I may leave off the horse radish, as it was not a favorite last time. I have been considering going to a local synagogue Seder, but again, I am deciding, as I don't know anyone. I celebrate Resurrection Sunday differently from others, as I don't like Easter egg hunts, but I will have a nice dinner. We're not very elegant around here, but on special days, I clean off mama's china and glassware, and even may use cloth napkins. Even if the only guests are my son and I we will celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and Lord with songs of praise and hallelujahs on our lips. My prayer is that all of Israel will be blessed by the release of their dear ones, and I pray that all will come to salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, our Messiah. What a glorious day it will be!