Day 7 (Nov. 15)- What is the greatest symbol of peace, purification, and redemption found in Israel today?
Answer: The Red Heifer. (Num 19)
Question: Should Christians support or oppose the Jews rebuilding the Temple and offering animal sacrifices?
What does the Bible say? (Rev. 11) 1. The Apostle John measured a future temple in Jerusalem. 2. The temple was called, “The Temple of God.” (Not the devil) 3. The temple had an “altar” which is for animal sacrifices. 4. At this temple, there are “those who worship there.” Meaning, the Jewish people are the only ones that can be inside the temple area and their activity of animal sacrifices is considered “worship” by God. 5. We know the Jewish people are in the temple area offering sacrifices of worship to God because the nations are “outside the temple.”
In Israel Today: These three Red Heifers are found in Shiloh (Samaria) today. They were flown from Texas to Israel last year by our friends at Boneh Israel. Perhaps as early as Passover this coming year, one of these heifers will be used in a purification ceremony on the Mount of Olives. Once completed, the Jews will be able to construct the Temple and create a place of prayer for all nations on Mount Zion (The Temple Mount).
Confusion Among Christians: The Temple and sacrifices will divide many Christians. You will hear, “That’s the devil’s temple. They are sacrificing to demons. Great, let them build it so the anti-Christ can sit on the thrown and deceive them. We don’t need sacrifices because Jesus is our sacrifice.”
What’s the Answer: God is moving among the Jewish people today in ways that we have not had to consider in the past. For over 1600+ years, Christians have interpreted the Bible in ways that left the Jews out of the story by replacing physical Israel (Jews) with spiritual Israel (the Church). The Church is not the true or spiritual Israel. The Church is primarily made up of people from all the nations. The Remnant is believing Israel.
Challenge: Study your Bible now before these incredible times happen in the near future. Spend time with God each day learning to hear His voice. Cast out all your idols and repent. Get involved in a local body of believers for strength, healing and hope. Love the things God loves and abhor what He hates. Pray for the restoration and redemption of Israel.
Revelation 11:1-2 (ESV) I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, 2 but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.