Quickly approaching us is the fast day mentioned in Zechariah 8:19 – the fast of the 5th month – known today as Tisha b’Av. This is a communal day of fasting and mourning most notably for the destruction of both the 1st and 2nd Temples, which occurred on Tisha b’Av. While these are the main events remembered, ironically there are several other sorrowful events that happened on this day for the Jewish people – such as the expulsion from Spain in 1492 and most recently the removal of the Jewish community in Gush Katif (Gaza). This recent expulsion in Israel actually occurred the day after Tisha b’Av as political leaders purposefully moved the date to the next day.
Most, if not all, of these events in history are linked to exile or expulsion. And we mourn not only because of these tragic events, but mainly for the part we played in the destruction of the Temples. We took part in idol worship, gave ourselves over to baseless hatred and other sins that, in turn, cut us off from God relationally and eventually physically as the Temples were taken from us and we were exiled.
In approaching this day of mourning and remembering these downfalls and other painful events, we also want to take an internal evaluation of our relationship with God and how we might be ‘exiling’ ourselves from Him relationally today. So as you pray for this community and other believers in Israel, please pray that these areas where we might be cut off from Him due to our own sin, disbelief, unsound thinking, etc. would be revealed so that we can better strive to live a more holy life in Yeshua (Jesus) and reap the blessing of being even more in His presence. Pray that our ‘temple’ would not be defiled, but would continue to be cleansed and purified by our High Priest, Yeshua, as we await the day when this fast will be changed into a day of “joy and gladness and cheerful feasts.” Zechariah 8:19 May it be soon in our day.
Most, if not all, of these events in history are linked to exile or expulsion. And we mourn not only because of these tragic events, but mainly for the part we played in the destruction of the Temples. We took part in idol worship, gave ourselves over to baseless hatred and other sins that, in turn, cut us off from God relationally and eventually physically as the Temples were taken from us and we were exiled.
In approaching this day of mourning and remembering these downfalls and other painful events, we also want to take an internal evaluation of our relationship with God and how we might be ‘exiling’ ourselves from Him relationally today. So as you pray for this community and other believers in Israel, please pray that these areas where we might be cut off from Him due to our own sin, disbelief, unsound thinking, etc. would be revealed so that we can better strive to live a more holy life in Yeshua (Jesus) and reap the blessing of being even more in His presence. Pray that our ‘temple’ would not be defiled, but would continue to be cleansed and purified by our High Priest, Yeshua, as we await the day when this fast will be changed into a day of “joy and gladness and cheerful feasts.” Zechariah 8:19 May it be soon in our day.
“And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?
For you are the temple of the living God.
As God has said:
“I will dwell in them and walk among them.
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Therefore
“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”
“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
II Corinthians 6:18-7:1
