Mt. Carmel, Israel

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By Josie Silver

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’”  — Jeremiah 6:16

As Israel and the Jewish people draw near to the Fall Feasts — the Moedim, God’s appointed times — we are approaching a season of profound spiritual significance. In just a few short weeks, the sacred days of Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) will be upon us. These are not merely historical observances; they are divine appointments set by God Himself, woven into the very fabric of His eternal purposes.

The weeks leading up to these feasts — the month of Elul — are traditionally a season of T’shuvah: turning back, repentance, and return. During this time, the Jewish people enter into deep reflection and prayers of repentance, known as Slichot, seeking forgiveness and restoration. It is a season to realign our hearts, to turn away from sin and neglect, and to step into renewed fellowship with the Lord.

And yet, what is striking is how God’s calendar aligns perfectly and so beautifully with the rhythms of His creation, nature. Its locked in - as much as heaven and earth are locked together and the sun, clouds and rain locked in with the soil of the earth, microbial world and vegetation are locked together. A synergy that cant be separated. - so is the Appointed Times and life in nature.

At this time of the year, as the Hebrew calendar ushers in the appointed feasts, the natural world testifies to the same theme: return -  turn around.  Right across the skies, birds instinctively begin their migration, turning in a new direction to seek shelter, sustenance, and safety for the coming season.

From my balcony,  high up on this mountain where I live, I get to observe this wonder firsthand. Each morning as I sit out on my balcony, I see flocks flying overhead — some just three birds, others twenty or more — all moving in perfect formation, following a divine instinct placed within them by the Creator. 

 Israel sits at the heart of one of the world’s most important bird migration routes, a natural crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Twice a year hundreds of millions of birds pass over this land — They do a stop over here in Israel  pausing here, resting, feeding, and regaining strength before continuing their journey. Even the birds, enjoy visiting Gods land it seems. They know that here they are safe, will be nourished, feed, and be refreshed to get prepared for what lies ahead.

The migration is fascinating and a phenomenon  

Scripture speaks of this very phenomenon through the  prophet Jeremiah 

“Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swift, and the thrush observe the time of their migration." — Jeremiah 8:7

No other nation has ever been scattered for thousands of years, only to be restored, resurrected, and regathered to its ancient homeland, reviving even its ancient language.

Jeremiah’s words are as relevant today as they were then. Creation (nature)  itself recognizes God’s appointed seasons and responds instinctively. Should not God’s people be able to do the same? The birds turn when it is time to turn — and the Lord is calling His people to return to Him and return to their homeland, Israel, so we can all be prepared for what is ahead.

Aliyah is also fascinating and a phenomenon.

No other nation has ever been scattered for thousands of years, only to be restored, resurrected, and regathered to its ancient homeland, reviving even its ancient language.

Only Israel.  Israel lives and returns,  because God has written His promise into their very identity.

Just as the birds cannot help but return along their appointed paths, the Jewish people carry within them a divine “code” — a calling and instinct that will continue to draw them home until every prophecy is fulfilled. 

Our God wants his people home to protect and save spiritually and naturally.  This nation came out of the grave - He wants to bring His people home out of the grave of the nations.

If the birds dont turn around and leave, migrate, they will die -  so our people in the nations need to know their appointed season, or they will die out in the nations. The God instinct for Jewish people to make Aliyah is for their safety, protection, sustenance, comfort and ultimately, salvation  

As we stand at this prophetic crossroads, let us align our prayers with God’s purposes and plans.

It is the season for a return back to God and a return back to Israel, the homeland given by God to the Jewish people.

Pray for our people in the nations to have a new heart beat for Aliyah.  Let their hearts beat again for this return. God is calling His people back to their spiritual roots and land.

Pray many of our people will  be awakened to their God given appointed season of Aliyah and respond instinctively.

 Pray that, during these days of reflection, the Jewish people would experience a deep stirring of T’shuvah —  turn around, go the other way, back to  God.

Pray that the sound of the shofar during Yom Teruah will awaken and stir hearts, creating a movement and  rekindling the longing for home and drawing His people back to the land God gave them

Pray  for a mighty wave of Aliyah — the return of Jewish people from the nations to Israel. The return at this time will be unlike any other.

This ancient path talked about in Jeremiah 6:16 has been very well travelled  by Jewish people, and by the birds. It is the only path for them to travel on.  For the birds, some call it the “songbird highway.”

May You be blessed from Israel!

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