Dear Friends,
They were deeply troubled by the days’ economics. Finding steady work was a job in itself. Not only was household income slipping, but also finances were strained by rising taxes. And the government’s increasing indifference to the needs and interests of everyday, Bible-believing people compounded the problem.
Is this describing our current situation? No.
It describes the world that Jesus entered 2,000 years ago.
Imperial Rome had annexed Judea as one of its holdings a century before Jesus died on Calvary’s cross. Some Jews were reassured by the new arrangement and by imperial Rome’s so-called protection, despite the resultant loss of religious, social, and economic liberties. Most suffered from it and believed the relationship was more about professional collection than personal protection. One provision appointed a governing “procurator” with the authority to procure Jewish goods, services, and tax revenues—the better part of which filled the coffers of distant, imperial overlords in Rome.
Judea was caught in the web of big government’s political intrigue. The authorities’ indifference to the Covenant People’s needs, interests, and values allowed taxes to rise while the quality of living went down.
When people close to Jesus couldn’t get food, He performed miracles and fed them all. When some of His closest associates could not afford to pay their taxes, Jesus told them to go fishing, where they discovered a gold coin in the mouth of a fish. Those with no access to medical help and those who were not benefiting from the medicine of the day, came to Him and found the “Great Physician” to be all sufficient.
Can He who is the same yesterday, today, and forever speak to today’s similar difficulties? He can, He will, and He does! But times can become so distressing that we easily loose sight of His power and accessibility.
As a volunteer peace officer, I have seen gruesome crime scenes and plenty of destruction and death. I’ve developed some thick skin in order to stomach those horrible sights. Nevertheless, I was sickened to learn about the abduction of that gentle eleven-year-old girl in California, and how her demented kidnapper kept her as a sex slave in his backyard for eighteen years. Stunned by how people can be so cruel, it took a lot of strength just to hear the story unfold. I bet it disturbed you too.
If American society is shocked by that crime, then why aren’t we equally opposed to Mohammad, that esteemed “prophet,” who had intimate relations with Aisha when she was only nine years old? When he took her from her family, Aisha became one of the many objects of Mohammad’s desires, and his favorite wife.
Why is it that in the U.S., a child predator invokes ire, while in Saudi Arabia, a man sleeping with an even younger child is considered a role model for 1.5 billion Muslims? While we’re at it, why does a ministry such as ours—that speaks frankly about such subjects—disturb some people? I’ll tell you why: Because not everyone appreciates hearing the truth, especially biblical truth.
Those who support Zola Levitt Ministries are supporting a ministry that does not sheepishly accept the status quo. ZLM supporters back a ministry that reveres and promotes a Savior who came into the world and challenged the authorities. Our supporters—right now!—are funding and praying for a Gospel-based ministry as we take a Messianic Jewish, made-for-TV series called Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace) to millions of viewers.
Israel’s Messiah came into a world where the government, the economy, and society were all declining. He appeared to the Jewish world and offered hope to individuals who weren’t faring well, but who looked to Heaven for help with vexing, earthly challenges. We filmed Sar Shalom at the very places Jesus visited—all around the Sea of Galilee. Previous donations enabled us to film this series that examines verse by verse Jesus’ most famous Sermon on the Mount; present missionary offerings will help us air it to the world.
If you’d like to see for yourself the world where Jesus walked and taught, 1-214-696-9760 remains the number to call. Talk to Tracie, our travel manager, about how you can visit the very places frequented by our Lord 2,000 years ago.
Our four Fall Tours depart on Oct. 13 and 18 with return dates of Oct. 28 and Nov.1. Our 11-day Deluxe Israel Tour, Oct. 18–28, allows you to add Athens before, Petra after, or both. Though the registration deadlines have passed, we often can squeeze new passengers aboard. Our Spring Tour departs March 14, 2010, with two return dates of either March 24 for the 11-day Israel Tour, or March 28 if you wish to include Petra.
The world needs this message of Jesus’ saving love and it needs it now. If you want to help us take God’s Word to those who need to know now but can’t go now, please play a small part in helping us present it via television.
Thanks,
Jeff
P.S. Not only did we film Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace) in the exact location where Jesus delivered his important speech, but by design, all of the set builders and actors in the dramas descend from the People who once lived and walked in that very Land—all Jewish. Your gifts to Zola Levitt Ministries help to benefit directly Jews in Israel, while spreading the Gospel. That’s quite a ministerial value!
Dear Jeff,
The truth sometimes hurts, but someone must deliver Jesus’ message of salvation to a world that looks up to depraved role models.
“Here is my gift for October. How wonderful that my contributions directly benefit Israeli Jews.You can count on my prayers, too!”
This book’s brand new look at Jerusalem’s past, present, and future will inspire you to praise God’s faithfulness and motivate you to pray for the peace of Jerusalem like never before.
This 2-color, 36-page book guides you through the traditional Passover Seder dinner, step-by-step. This observance reminds us of the Israelites’ rescue from Egyptian bondage, plus we remember Messiah’s last supper, a Passover Seder. What’s so unique about this Haggadah is its focus on Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah and his teaching, especially on his last night in the upper room. You'll find words and sheet music for the songs traditionally sung on Passover. The popular Complete Jewish Bible is used for translations where Scripture is quoted.
