Ninth of Av

From Mourning to Dancing

Today is a big day. Jesus cried about it (Luke 19:41). The author of Chronicles, Jeremiah, Zechariah and the historian Flavius Josephus wrote about it. *

What is it? It’s the anniversary of the destruction of the first and second Temples, the day the Jews were expelled from England and Spain, the start of the crusades, and other tragedies that befell Jews throughout history. It’s called Tisha B’Av in Hebrew, the 9th day of the biblical month of Av. Many around the world will mourn, fast, and abstain from regular activities.

And yet for all the tragedy, God promised that one day this would become a time of joy, gladness and cheerful feasting. Many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before Him (Zechariah 8:19, 20). 

It’s a day to remember. We have been charged to remind God to give Himself “no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth” (Isaiah 62:1).  This year we are joining with the Jewish people and Christians around the world to pray on Tisha B’av. Will you join us?

We are mourning the destruction of God’s home, beseeching God for His mercy, and repenting for the horrific persecution Jews have experienced in the name of Christianity. Spiritually, we will stand in the gap for Jerusalem and all who live in it. This is our family history as children grafted into the big family of Yeshua. It is time we know these dates. Tears of repentance take back territory through prayer!

* 2 Chronicles 36; Lamentations, Zechariah 819; Flavius Josephus - The Jewish War, Flavius Josephus - Antiquities, xi. 1.2

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