April 19, 2024 | Messianic World Update | Middle East Tensions, Israeli Retaliation, and the Palestinian State Issue

Shalom everyone! I’m Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries. Today’s date is Friday, April 19th of the year 2024, and here is the Messianic World Update. 

Today, as we find ourselves coming up on the Jewish Passover, I hope that those in Israel have a very happy Passover season.

In this week's news, the tensions in the Middle East have escalated yet again. On Saturday, April 13th, we saw Iran launch an attack on Israel, sending 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles across the country. To Iran's dismay, Israel was able to neutralize 99% of the attack, with only a few ballistic missiles reaching its borders. This marked a significant victory for Israel and a severe blow to Iran's pride.

Despite President Joe Biden’s advice against retaliation, Israel was prepared to respond. However, after some deliberation and intervention from Biden, Netanyahu chose not to proceed with the planned retaliation. The world held its breath, waiting for Israel's response, and it finally came. Israel retaliated, but not in the way many expected. They chose to strike Isfahan, Iran's military center, housing their air base, drone construction, and one of their significant nuclear sites.

The details of this retaliation remain unclear, with Iran, the U.S., and Israel maintaining a virtual silence about the exact damage caused. In any case, Israel delivered a clear message to Iran: we can strike anywhere, anytime, and with any strength we deem necessary.

In the midst of all this, there is some positive news. In Gaza, some members of the Hamas terrorist group are surrendering, with some of their elite units leading the way. North of Israel, however, Hezbollah continues to pose a threat, and the IDF continues to be vigilant.

This week, we also saw the U.S. veto a UN Security Council resolution that aimed to make Palestine a full member of the world body, a move that has been met with mixed reactions. While some countries are ready to recognize a Palestinian state, the lack of a stable government, defined borders, and the constant state of conflict with Israel make this a complex issue.

This week, we also mourned the tragic loss of a 14-year-old Israeli boy who was murdered in the Samarian area. In retaliation, settlers from his area took justice into their own hands, causing damage and two fatalities in a nearby Palestinian village. While this is a heartbreaking and complex situation, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict Israel is grappling with.

As we navigate these turbulent times, let's find comfort in God's words: "Fear not; be strong and courageous." We may be in the "beginning of sorrows," but we must remember that God is with us, and in the end, He prevails.

I encourage you all to visit our website, LionandLamb.tv, and subscribe to gain access to all our teachings. And let's all look forward to celebrating Shavuot in early June and the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall, right here in Oklahoma.

And finally, as we part ways, let's remember to pray for Israel, the remaining hostages, and our fellow believers worldwide. Shabbat Shalom to all of you.