Dear friends,
We live in an exciting and awe-filled season with many options for observing the world. I am convinced daily that the only way to understand news, politics, education, religion, and especially eschatology (the End Times) is through the “lens” of the Scriptures.
All other views leave us mortals cold, without seeing the purpose for life, and unable to accurately interpret the goings on around us. Only the Bible—a living document—can show us where we are in time and what we can expect to happen next. God gave very specific instructions to the Jewish people about following His calendar and viewing the world through His Word. What a blessing!
We—the believing community, the Church made up of Jews and gentiles—do not have to follow the Torah’s 613 teachings of the rabbis. But by studying the Feasts and seasons of the Lord, we can learn a lot about how to walk with Yeshua. We can enhance our spiritual life by watching the signs of the times.
Now we are living in the times of the signs. And the most important sign of the last
hundred years is, no doubt, the restoration of the Land of Israel. As Ezekiel and Jeremiah prophesied, the “dead bones” came up out of the graves of Europe, followed by Jews from the east, west, south, and especially the north! (Ezekiel 36–37, Jeremiah 16) All headed for Israel. The fall of the Soviet system added another million refugees to the tiny country.
Israel, get ready: many more are coming! According to some scholars, Obadiah 20 says that Spanish Jews will soon overwhelm the Negev Desert as they return home from their long dispersion. Centuries after fleeing persecution by the Roman Catholic Church, many Jews are raising their children in the West. When these anusim (hidden Jews) discover their identity and arise, they will change the demographics of the Middle East.
Inevitably, Israel’s politicians and lawmakers will recognize that the Christians who stand for Israel are genuine. This realization will effect a change and allow Christians to stand side by side with the Jewish people. Marriages between a Jew and gentile—“mixed marriages”—will be seen as strength for the nation. Gentiles are learning to honor the life of the Jews, and the Church is becoming aware of its debt to the Jewish people. More and more people acknowledge that “all I have has come from the Jews: the Patriarchs, the Prophets, the history of the Bible, the Bible itself, and my Messiah Yeshua!”
Judaism, Christianity, and eternal life all come from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—through the Jewish people. As Jesus Himself said, “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).
As I write this letter, a TV program in the next room is proclaiming Christian love for Israel, televised from Israel at a gathering in the Galilee. Every day, more of the Church becomes aware of the eternal destiny that intertwines the Jewish people and the people of Yeshua. It encourages me, as a Jew, to see Believers “getting on the bus,” proclaiming their love for the Jews.
Though the love bond is growing, too many in the Church are still misled by Replacement Theology and anti-Zionist teaching. Haven’t they read the Word? Some days I want to shout at the sky about these misguided Christians and their leaders. “God, can’t they see the beauty of Your restoration? Don’t they understand that You chose the tiny nation of Israel, gave them the Land, and declared Your love for them? Don’t they realize that to oppose Israel is to oppose You?”
With all their imperfections, the Land and people still belong to God. All who call upon the Messiah—who call upon Jesus—call upon a Jewish man. This man is God; He speaks Hebrew. And He is going to rule and reign from Jerusalem. How can those in some pulpits divorce those truths from their teaching, from their politics, from their every breath?
And yet they do.
Well-known Christian leaders are leading their flocks into error. They spread misinformation, sometimes by simply perpetuating the lies about Israel “occupying” other people’s land. How can Jews illegally occupy land that was 1) given to them by God, 2) given again in the 1920s by the League of Nations in the British Mandate for Palestine, 3) offered YET AGAIN in the UN Partition Plan in November 1947, and 4) consolidated in the 1967 defensive war?
Still, we hear “occupation” and I scratch my head in wonder. I agree with former PLO terrorist Walid Shoebat, who says, “The only occupation in the Middle East is the occupation of young Arab minds by Islam!” Ouch! How I wish the West could appreciate this. But no one can see it clearly apart from a scriptural understanding of the world.
Therefore, Katharine and I must continue using the platform built by God through Zola to spread the truth of the Word. We are blessed to do this while pastoring our local congregation and counseling married and about-to-be-married couples. Zola Levitt Ministries is passionate about turning around the ignorance and Bible misunderstanding that lead so many Christians to very odd conclusions, like bashing Israel and trying to blend Christianity with Islam.
Oh yes! If you have not heard about this effort, let me bring you some deplorable news: too many American leaders are flirting with “Chrislam.” Chrislam tries to synthesize Christianity with Islam in an attempt for us to “all get along.” Major problems arise when one realizes that the Koran defines Christians and Jews as “infidels,” and that it also requires conversion to Islam or, at the very least, to dhimmi status (second class with extra taxes). Accept Islam as the only system, or else suffer expulsion or execution. Integrating those teachings with John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9, and Matthew 18:14 — all of which proclaim the mercy of God toward everyone—produces insurmountable difficulties.
I know by your support of our ministry that you understand our formidable assignment. Your letters that we receive each month gratify Katharine and me with their overwhelmingly positive tone. Still, Katharine and I strive to expand this ministry’s impact.
By the time you receive this letter, she and I will be hosting two buses of pilgrims in Israel after having led a busload of pilgrims through Greece! I plan to let them all know that they are living, prophetic signs. The Prophets told us that Israel would be restored and that the nations would eventually rise to stand with it. In the midst of this restoration, God has a role for the gentiles:
Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up Mine hand to the gentiles, and set up My standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me.
The above Scripture speaks of the nations recognizing the chosen aspect of the Jewish people, and humbly helping the nation of Israel. I believe that an inner meaning regards the Messianic portion of the Body of Messiah. As God spoke through Paul to Katharine and me years ago, “Do good to all, especially those of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
You and your fellow ZLM supporters ardently walk in these truths. Thank you.
Following the Fall Tour, Katharine and I will stay on in Israel and tape TV programs for Zola Levitt Presents. We’re enthusiastic about a new series for next year on the Gates of Jerusalem. In addition to interviewing archaeologists and biblical scholars, I will teach on the historical, prophetic, and personal meanings of the Temple gates. As usual, we will bring Israel to you, anticipating together the Millennial reign of Messiah!
However, we cannot accomplish this teaching without your financial support. Would you please take a moment to send us a check for a donation and/or order some of our biblical teaching materials? You can do both at www.levitt.com, with the enclosed postage-paid reply envelope, or by calling our 24-hour answering service at 1-800-966-3377 (1-800-WONDERS). After many requests, we now accept purchases and contributions via PayPal. We really appreciate your gifts of funds: They, like your prayers, enable us to keep fulfilling the mission God has put before us.
Next spring, we plan to film a series on the life of Joseph, Jacob’s son and prototype of Jesus. I have been voraciously consuming materials about this particular Patriarch, refreshing my “ancient” Bible-college understanding of him in light of my many years of ministry since those days. Joseph brings the Jewish nature of Yeshua to life! In this day when God is reaching for my Jewish brothers and my Arab cousins, we need to see Yeshua as He is: the Jewish Messiah. Won’t you please send a contribution that will help us produce and broadcast these programs?
If you write “TV programs” in the memo of your check, we will dedicate your offering to these projects.
This month, Zola Levitt Presents continues the encore series, The Holy Days of Our Lord. Katharine and I have added updated insight to this classic topic as Zola explains the spring Feasts.
This perennial 11-program series is available on three DVDs from our ministry. Described at https://store.levitt.com/DHDL, it is a remarkable teaching tool for Bible studies and a wonderful gift for your friends and family. You might even preview a set that you purchase as a contribution for your church’s library.
Please prayerfully consider joining us in the Land for our Spring 2014 Tour.
There are two exciting options. You can choose Israel alone—a spectacular time of year as the land blossoms and comes alive. And you can add the “Rose Red City” of Petra extension. The trip to Petra will inspire you to delve into prophecy in a personal way. Our Deluxe Israel Tour will go March 16–25, and the Grand Petra Tour March 16–28. We hope to host you in the Land on a life-changing experience. For more particulars, please call Sandra at 214-696-9760, ext. 13 or email her at .
Blessings on your house in the coming season. May you and your family grow in your knowledge of our Lord. Until we meet again, Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim … “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” (Psa. 122:6)
Your brother,
Myles
P.S. As the days progress, you and I will see more of the division in the Church: those for Israel and those against.
Dear Myles,
Someday soon, Israelis will welcome the return of both Jews and Christians together!
“Here is my donation for October. Please use it to expand your TV program production, reaching for lost souls and educating the Church.”
The God of love is a matchmaker who desires a Bride for His Son, the Bridegroom of Heaven. This Bride, the Church, will consist of both Jews and gentiles. Yeshua’s sacrifice enables gentiles to be grafted into the life of Israel and share in the promises of God. Understanding the role of Israel, God’s timepiece, is crucial to preparing for the Lord’s return.
Proclaim your love for the Holy Land! These beautiful flags measure 3'x 5’ and proudly display two blue stripes and the Star of David.
Dr. Jeffrey Seif compares today’s news to yesterday’s prophecies, demonstrating that we are living in ominous times. Co-host Sandra Levitt gives key insights to help viewers perceive world events with a Word-inspired perspective. Zola makes special contributions in brief teaching episodes.
