For Such a Time As This

And when Jesus drew near the city of Jerusalem, he wept over it, saying, \”Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace.\”

Luke 19:41-42

South East Asia Prayer Center recently completed the yearly meeting, Friends Around the Table. Approximately seventy people from different countries, cultures, and worldviews came together, bound by the strongest tie of all: Jesus. This is always a time of prayer, worship, fellowship, and vision. Pictures don\’t really capture it any better than words do; it is experiential, as the Holy Spirit creates a unity that only exists when Christ-followers come together en force.

Each year, Friends is held in a different nation, chosen prayerfully at the preceding year\’s event. It has been held in locations such as Laos, Mexico, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and California. This year, the original destination was to be Myanmar. Instead, SEAPC hosted the event in Jerusalem. Which begs the question: Why?

The Sunday School answer is always right: Jesus.

And indeed, prayer and the answer to prayer is the road that led to the Holy Land. God\’s decisions are His, but some factors made Jerusalem the perfect place this year, at this time, to hear from Him in a mighty way. And although the timing was not intentional from a human perspective, it was perfect.

The week happened to coincide with the Jewish holiday, Sukkot. Sukkot is a significant event in the Hebrew calendar held every autumn. It commemorates God\’s provision of clouds in the wilderness to provide shelter during the desert exodus from Egypt. Refuge. Protection. Deliverance. Three entities that modern-day Israel and her people desperately need. And the only way to achieve them is through our targeted prayers for Jesus to bless this land and its inhabitants. We are to intercede without judgment or condemnation. Because Jesus made a covenant with His chosen people, a promise we are called to share. 

Sukkot is also known as The Festival of Booths. Here and there in the city, simple booths had been erected out of wooden poles and plastic sheeting. History came to life for those visiting Jerusalem, both that of ancient Scripture and that of New Testament grace as their feet trod where Jesus walked.

From a practical standpoint, going to Jerusalem during such a busy time seems like a logistical nightmare. Thousands of visitors, depleted hotel rooms, streets closed, sites mobbed. All of those things were true. But not an impediment. One could imagine a crowded city at Passover as Jesus entered. A lack of lodging in Bethlehem. A mob.

Logistics aside, who wouldn\’t want to witness this in person? The Old Testament is filled with mandates for the Jews to celebrate an assortment of historical accomplishments and tragedies. Reading about them is knowledge. The reality of witnessing an actual event elevates Scripture to life. It underscores the role of Jesus in bringing about a new way. Observing people from distinct religions meeting at the same spot—which all consider holy—emphasizes the need for each soul to be there for the same reason. For not just a new way, but for a better way.

A visit to the Western Wall—often called the Wailing Wall—made an indelible impression. As faithful Jews prayed and tucked slips of paper printed with prayer requests into cracks in the stones, the exposed section of the wall loomed sixty-two feet above. This formidable structure stood as a wall of the temple before Rome razed the rest of the building in 70 AD. It has always represented a physical obstacle between humanity and God.

Christians have direct access to God through Jesus no matter where they are. This is a blessing and a joy we long to share with our Hebrew brothers and sisters. Through prayer, all barriers can be metaphorically torn down as the reality of the Messiah is presented. Prayer is powerful in effecting change in a nation—or in individual hearts.

In Israel, Friends witnessed people abiding by the rules of religion. These laws continue to be physical and spiritual barriers that bind through ritual. They may not yet realize it, but the freedom of Jesus is within reach for everyone. Standing on the Mount of Olives, they prayed over Jerusalem as Jesus had done. And they invoked His grace upon Israel.

Many beautiful things occurred at Friends. Albert Veksler spoke about Jesus as \”I AM,\” unpacking the Hebrew words and how the original language points to Jesus. Relationships were solidified as acquaintances bonded, and friends became even closer. Those in attendance, who serve others daily through their ministries, were fed, encouraged, and strengthened. Goals were met. Direction and submission to God\’s leadership and timing came through prayer.

All in the shadow of the cross and the empty tomb.

Location played an important role this year. There—in the very footsteps of our Savior, at a tomb reminiscent of where He was laid, on the mount from which he ascended into heaven—prayers were raised for the holiest of lands. Hearts, minds, and voices worshipped and interceded, as those who were grafted onto the vine lifted up God\’s chosen people at the site of their beginnings.

Next year, Friends will take place in a different nation. It will be just as powerful and inspiring. The Holy Spirit already has it on His calendar. Anticipation will build over the next twelve months. Late in October 2020, you will undoubtedly read about what God has done and how He has been glorified.

But this year is still fresh in hearts and minds. Friends Around the Table was intentional in prayer for Israel as a nation, for Israel as a people, and for Israel as Messiah\’s harvest field.

Why Israel? Because God called SEAPC Friends to meet around the table in Jerusalem in October of 2019. For such a time as this, to spread His kingdom on earth, and to invoke the sweet joy of freedom in Jesus to those who have yet to meet Him.