Today: Let us Fast!

Thursday, is the Fast of Esther in the Biblical calendar. Given the current threats to Jewish existence worldwide in the land of Israel, I agree with the appeal made by the Executive Director of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations below.

Rabbi Jerry Feldman

Shalom friends,

I woke up this morning thinking about the troubling news out of Iran, as it continues to develop its nuclear capability with no real interference, and even with the help of nations like Russia and China. The rest of the world, including Israel, seems helpless. Then I remembered that we're not helpless, but have the resource of prayer and fasting . . . and then I remembered that this Thursday is the traditional fast of Esther.

In the book of Esther, the Jews fasted for deliverance from the evil plans of their enemies, who sought their complete destruction. They prayed for deliverance from the powers of Persia (Iran!), which included unseen demonic powers. Just as Esther called on her friends to pray and fast for this deliverance, I believe we need to pray and fast against the destructive agenda of Iran and for the deliverance of Israel.

Traditionally this is a lenient fast, because it is not directly commanded in Scripture, but is undertaken in remembrance of Esther's fast. Therefore it just runs from before sunrise to after sundown, this Thursday, February 25. Those with medical conditions can join the fast in whatever way they are able, but let's join together in solidarity and call upon the Lord:
... to sow confusion into the ranks of those developing Iran's nuclear program;
... to weaken and overthrow the evil regime controlling Iran;
... to protect Israel and the rest of the world from this nuclear threat;
... to use these events to turn many in Israel to him through Messiah Yeshua.

Thank you for participating and feel free to pass this on to your praying friends as well.

In Yeshua,

Russ Resnik rebrez@umjc.org