5 Takeaways From The Isaiah 62 Fast
We have just completed twenty-one days of fasting and prayer for the nation of Israel, along with believers from all over the world. It was estimated that about 5 million believers joined in the twenty-one day fast, with a total of 100 million who participated in a 24-hour prayer meeting that culminated in Jerusalem on the southern steps of the Temple Mount.
Without any question, this has been an historic time. In the history of the world, there has never been a gathering of fasting and prayer of this magnitude for the nation of Israel. What an amazing time to be alive! I want to share a few thoughts and reflections about this time of fasting and prayer and what it may mean for the church in the days ahead.
Grace – Over the last 20 years, I have participated in a good number of focused times of fasting and prayer with large groups with specific prayer initiatives. I can say without a doubt that I have never experienced and observed grace to fast and pray like what I just witnessed in this fast for Israel. God’s enabling grace has been present and empowering in very real and tangible ways in our community and in those that I have communicated with around the nation. This is incredibly noteworthy.
Revelation – I have talked to many people who for the first time are coming into understanding of God’s plans and purposes for Israel. It’s been surprising and exciting to talk to believers who have prayed for years for Israel, but who, for the first time, are beginning to understand God’s plans for Israel in a clear way. The fact that He’s releasing revelation to many people in this way is profound.
Passion – Most often, when I have led or been a part of prayer meetings for Israel there tends to be a lot of excitement but not a lot of actual passion in the prayer meetings. It’s usually well-intentioned but lacking anointing. The last three weeks I can say without a doubt, I have been in more fiery prayer meetings for Israel than I have in the last 10 years. There was power, presence, anointing and zeal on basically every prayer meeting. It has been fantastic!
Zeal – In the past, after a long fast, most people are ready to eat and take some time to rest and recuperate. I have felt, and talked to others who have felt, an increased zeal and desire to continue to fast and pray and seek God for more. Many have expressed a desire to continue to pray for Israel or transition their schedules to be in the night watch so that they can stay awake in the night hours to fast and pray. That’s a measure of zeal that I have rarely witnessed.
Transition – I believe the global conversation in the church regarding Israel is transitioning right now. Never have so many believers made Israel’s destiny and calling a central theme of their intercessions. This has caused many to dig deeper in the Scriptures to really engage God’s heart and desire for Israel. I believe this is a demarcation line in the Spirit for where the church at large is going. In the days ahead we are going to see it become very normal for the church to contend and believe for God’s will for Israel to be established. I believe prayer for Israel is going to become commonplace like never before.
Everything considered, it’s clear the Lord is moving in a profound way. What does it all mean? My greatest takeaway is that we are in a moment of significant change in the church across the nations regarding Israel. The fact that God is highlighting Israel in this way and calling His church to pray for her tells me that we are entering a new phase of God’s plans in this age. Many have believed the Lord’s coming is near for quite some time. This groundswell of intercession tells me the hour has changed and the clock is ticking closer and closer to the Lord’s return. As I said earlier, this is an amazing time to be alive! I pray your heart is burning within you and you are engaging the Lord for His plans and purposes in the earth in this hour. This is such a profound moment to be alive. The Bride is making herself ready, a great gentile harvest is coming, culminating with the full salvation of Israel. Press in beloved, Your redemption is drawing near!