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What a momentous time in our history!

World-wide “lockdowns” ordered, in order to protect us from a “plague” which could lead to death…and in SA it is planned to end the same evening that Passover ends!

Egypt, a picture of the ancient world, also experienced plagues, which severely disrupted their lives. God eventually brought about the ultimate judgement on Egypt, one which He had forewarned Pharaoh about…“Israel is My son, My firstborn, so I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.”

He instructed the Hebrews to go into their homes, a type of a “lockdown”, and then to “take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household…Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year.” (Ex 12:3-5). (Take note of the personalising of the instructions)

They were to kill it at twilight on the 14th day of Nissan and apply the blood of the lamb to the two doorposts and lintel of the houses where they would eat the lamb. God went on to say: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the first born in the land, both man and beast: and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgement: I am the Lord. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” (Ex 12:12-13)

They would be spared physical death, in preparation to be set free, to serve Him!

The month of Nissan, which we are presently in, is known as the month of redemption. The 14th of Nissan is 8 April on our Gregorian calendars this year. May we use this time to contemplate and celebrate our redemption from death, through the blood of the Lamb of God, which we apply to the doorposts of our lives!

The lambs were slaughtered on the 14th of Nissan and the Seder meal of Passover would be celebrated tonight (the start of 15 Nissan) – this year, not to be celebrated in larger groups, but rather as families in our homes due to lockdown.

This period of 3 feasts: Pesach, Unleavened Bread and First Fruits is referred to as Passover and starts tonight on 8 April and goes through till sunset on 16 April – our last scheduled day of lockdown in South Africa.

For those who would like to go through a Seder tonight – please click here to find resources for Seder notes with the Christian insights.

The people of Israel are also under lockdown and the cabinet of Israel has told the residents to celebrate Passover in their own homes!

Watch an innovative gift from the Israel Philharmonic orchestra for this Passover “ lockdown” in the video link below.

The ICEJ continues with the practical work of blessing Israel. They have special teams supporting the especially vulnerable holocaust survivors and others who need support. Israel has also been hard hit by the Covid19 regarding unemployment, which has risen above 23 %. This impacts many of the new Jewish immigrants particularly. Around 50 % of Ashdod’s communities are also, for example, in desperate need of support.  ICEJ appreciates your support – click to view.

ICEJ also sponsored two Aliyah flights during this period. A flight arrived from Russia on 22 March with 26 Russian Jewish immigrants. This marked the 30th Anniversary of the ICEJ sponsoring of Jewish families making Aliyah from the former Soviet Union. Another ICEJ sponsored flight landed on the 24th March from Ethiopia with 72 Ethiopian Jews on board.  The ICEJ will again be involved in supporting their integration into life in Israel through various programs.

Feedback from David Parson’s visit:

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In the News: 

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Online Prayer Meetings:

ICEJ has launched a weekly prayer meetings on Wed and Thursday afternoons at 3 pm SA time.  This Wednesday 8 March we will have a shared communion service together. On Thursday afternoon a number of Jewish and Christian leaders read through the Psalms together. Consider joining the Zoom calls.

If you need help to set up Zoom – click here.

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I end with the appropriate words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5:

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Chag Pesach Sameach – Happy Passover holiday!

Much blessings,

Vivienne Myburgh
National Director of the South African Branch
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
P.O. Box 1192 | Jerusalem, Israel 9101002
T: +27 21 879 1788 | C: +27 83 306 0009 | www.icej.org.za

Some practical issues:

• Note our office telephone number 021 879 1788
• The cost of sending the Word from Jerusalem magazine is offset against our voluntary annual membership fee – please support us with this.  Alternatively, you can also opt to continue receiving the magazine in a digital format via email – please let Co know if you would prefer this (office@icej.org.za).  Click here to view the latest Word from Jerusalem
• We are keen for more people to join the team in this important mandate and if you would like to pay a role representing ICEJ in your area/community/church then please contact us to discuss how you could get involved.
• Please contact Co at the office phone or email if you haven’t received a receipt in acknowledgement of your donation – we would like to make sure that we do confirm your donations and that our database is up to date with your address and contact details.

Let’s get practical – we can each do our part for Israel – below are 3 easy ways – implement them yourself and then share with your small group and friends – let’s grow the community of Christians who support Israel.  It starts with YOU.