By Detri McGhee and Florencia Cespedes

The fourth morning brought a call to listen to the Holy Spirit in prayer and a renewed Affirmation of the Jewish roots of Christian faith. 

Aaron Shust from the USA led pilgrims in a time of worshipping the Lord and ICEJ Senior Vice President David Parsons began the morning seminars with his teaching, “God’s election of Israel still stands”, by reading Joel 3:12-17.

Parsons taught that God’s enduring and irrevocable election of Israel is a central biblical truth with profound consequences for the nations. Drawing on Joel 3 and Romans 9, he explained that God’s choice of Israel was sovereign and purposeful, not based on human merit, strength or achievement.

Joel 3 describes a future “valley of decision,” where the nations will face divine judgment. Parsons emphasised that God will judge the nations in part according to how they respond to His enduring purposes for Israel. “God is roaring from Zion. He’s going to protect His people, and He will judge all nations based on how well or how poorly they have respected His election over Israel,” explained Parsons. He connected this biblical warning with the rise of global antisemitism and growing hostility toward the Jewish state, urging Christians to recognise the spiritual dimension behind the hatred of God’s chosen people.

Parsons traced the pattern of divine election throughout Scripture: Isaac was chosen over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, Judah was selected to carry the royal sceptre, and David was anointed king despite being Jesse’s youngest son. These examples show that God often chooses those whom human tradition or expectation might overlook. “Every divine calling of God is done for a purpose. Not because of favouritism – but purpose,” stated Parsons.

Reflecting on Psalm 105, Parsons highlighted the sacred nature of God’s anointing. He referenced David’s refusal to harm King Saul, despite Saul’s failures, demonstrating his reverence for “the Lord’s anointed” and God’s authority to fulfil His purposes in His appointed time.

Parsons concluded by calling Christians to stand with Israel because of God’s sovereign choice.

“Restoring our Hebrew Lord” was the title of the second message from Bible teacher Christine Darg.

She challenged the audience to be willing, should God call them to be a “Confesser” – not one martyred for his faith, but one who has been tortured, imprisoned, and suffered greatly for their faith, yet remains faithful to the Word of God.

How can we join in a spiritual battle?  “You can influence the young generation”, Christine reminded those who were mature in the faith.  The Call was to stand fast against the world.  Stay in the fight to the finish.

Honoured with The Nehemiah Award during this Feast, Christine was humbled to be linked with Nehemiah, and yet she realised that all Christians who stand fast in the faith are linked with Nehemiah, especially as we share in mourning for Israel.

Christine encouraged us to celebrate Passover in sync with the Jewish calendar to receive the full blessing of being one with God’s timing.  “Jesus’ life unfolded in the ceremony of Passover,” she said.  After the Nicaea Council, churches developed a formula for determining celebrations such as Easter and Passover that fell outside God’s calendar.  Returning to God’s timing honours His Word and increases our obedience to His plan.

“It is through God’s mercy that He allows us to be a part of the vessel that will restore the Jew to the family of God.”  Most Christians readily agree that Jesus was a Jew, but are not so quick to understand or agree that “Jesus IS a Jew”. 

As Christine spoke of our commitment to God’s Word and honouring all of that Word, we were reminded that “Truth is not determined by majority vote or cultural approval.”  We were encouraged to be “Contra Mundum” – “Against the World” as we were called to remember: “If God is not faithful to Israel, how can we be sure He will be faithful to us?”

Lars Enarson spoke about prophetic intercession, drawing on Romans 8:26 to remind believers that the Spirit helps them pray when they do not know how. “The more we realise that we do not know how we should pray, and begin to depend on the Holy Spirit to show us, the more powerful our prayers will be,” he said. He described intercessors as watchmen who pay attention to what God is doing and speaking: “As watchmen, we are to report what we have seen or what we have heard.” For Enarson, listening leads to participation: “The revelation of God’s will is His invitation to labor together with Him in intercessory prayer.” He encouraged the gathering to seek understanding, pray for Israel in line with God’s will, and keep learning: “Lord, teach us to pray. Lord, we desire to grow.”  

ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler then presented the Jerusalem Affirmation, reflecting on the Nicene confession and the place of Jewish believers within the Church. He emphasised that Jesus’ Jewish identity remains central and spoke of Jews and Gentiles reconciled in Christ. Recounting conversations with others about the Affirmation, Bühler acknowledged, “This confession of faith is not the final version.” He invited those who could embrace its words to join him: “Let us make a bold confession of faith right here in Jerusalem.”

After the morning sessions, delegates eagerly made their way to the popular Jerusalem March, carrying their national flags as they marched through the streets and Sacher Park in Jerusalem. Many marchers had wonderful interactions with local Israelis, enjoying the holidays.

A participant on the march from Thailand connected the journey to Zechariah 14 and explained simply, “We come because we would like to bless Israel.” Jeremy Hett echoed that purpose: “We want to pray for them and be with them and stand with them.”

Wessel Croukamp thanked the ICEJ for giving visitors a platform to show their support.

While Fiji’s ambassador to Israel, Jesoni Vitusagavulu, expressed his joy at seeing his country represented: “I am so glad that Fiji is represented in this march.” He spoke of gratitude for the gospel that came from Israel and the strength of Fiji’s connection to its people.

The Jerusalem March ended at the Whol Rose Garden, with worship led by Vaso Vreshtulla from Albania and a powerful time of prayer overlooking Israel’s Knesset.

In the evening, the Feast turned its attention to the next generation: young believers learning to face the future with courage and to seek God’s presence for themselves. 

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee challenged them to stop letting the past determine where they go next.

“There’s no reason to live your life constantly looking at where you’ve been rather than where you’re going,” he said. Mistakes cannot be undone, but they need not keep anyone from following God’s direction.

Ambassador Huckabee acknowledged that taking new steps can feel frightening. Still, he reminded the gathering, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 

He also urged young believers to be careful about the voices shaping their decisions. “Don’t expect your life to ever be successful if you’re tuning to what your friends think, to what the crowd believes, or what culture is feeling. Tune it to the Word of God.” Rather than seeking approval or measuring success by recognition, he encouraged them to build their lives on what they believe to be true. His message came down to three words: “Be bold. Be biblical. Be balanced.” 

Pastor Michael Miller spoke of a generation hungry for God’s presence. “He’s looking for young people who are hungry, and I believe there are young people who are hungry in this room tonight,” he said.

Drawing on Psalm 132, he reflected on God’s desire to dwell among His people and encouraged young listeners to be attentive to what God wants to do in their time. “I want to encourage you to be a student of God’s heart, to be a student of what God desires to do in your generation.” 

Miller also addressed parents and mentors, reminding them that some hopes may find their fulfilment in those who follow. “The dreams of mothers and fathers become the visions of sons and daughters.” The evening left both generations with a shared invitation: to look ahead, listen for God’s direction, and make room for His presence together.