november 10 – 13 2014
I am writing from Jerusalem where we have just finished the Gathering 822.
We were privileged to be part of the Gathering, worshiping with 3500 believers, where more than a thousand had come from China. Never have we experienced such fervor, enthusiasm and intensity in worship! For hours on end the Lord’s name was lifted up and praised and adored by representatives from many Nations right here in Jerusalem.
It was moving to hear the personal stories of both Chinese and Japanese leaders of their spiritual journeys.
However, what moved us all to tears, was when some of the leaders in the Messianic community in the land, went on their knees on the platform to humble themselves and ask forgiveness for racial pride and arrogance, and on behalf of Jews; for handing the Messiah over to be crucified.
Later that day David Demian responded by involving the Arab leaders present in confessing pride on their side and repenting of replacement theology, which he said, had origin ated in Alexandria, Egypt. He drew the rest of us gentile believers in the auditorium with him in stating that we the church had not replaced the Jews concerning the covenants God made with their fathers. The Jews still have a significant role to play in God’s plan for the salvation of the world. We covenanted together in the presence of the Father to say as Ruth did to Naomi: “Your God, is our God. Where you go, we will go. Your destiny is our destiny!” And then he added this solemn word: “Lord, hold us accountable!”
He also said that the unceasing anguish Paul claims he had for his brothers of his own race in relation to their salvation is a burden we should share for the people of Israel. It is the “pay- back” we owe Paul as the apostle to the gentiles.
Many experienced that this caused a change in the spiritual atmosphere. Even Jewish people outside the Convention Centre who happened to pass by, stopped and asked what was going on inside. They had felt the impact.
Alv Magnus
