Day 403 Swords of Iron – “The Mystery of the Craftsmen”

Chaim starts out by saying that he’s in Tiberius, on a break from the war, and he’s near the home for lone soldiers. He says that there’s been a lot of brokenness in families because of this war, and he’s looking for some solutions. He comes across a bomb shelter that was placed on the street, and it’s being decorated by an artist.

The artist’s name is Justin, and he’s a Christian pilgrim from Australia who came to Israel for the Feast of Tabernacles and decided to use his artistic talents to beautify the bomb shelters and other sites in Israel. He says that Israelis need joy and hope, and that’s what he’s trying to give them by decorating these shelters.

Chaim quotes Isaiah 40:1-2; “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”

Justin also says that he’s inspired by Psalms 16:1; Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

He adds that the colors and images he puts in his decorations of the bomb shelters comes from the Scriptures and the Land of the Bible. He wants to highlight the beauty of it all so that residents are reminded of how blessed they are to live here.

In this context, Chaim quotes Psalms 126:5; Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Chaim and Justin discuss the Messianic Jewish roots of Justin’s faith and his connection to the Land and People of Israel. Chaim compares it to several Biblical figures and situations, including Ruth and Naomi.

Chaim says there WILL be joy and singing in Israel again, and in this context, he quotes Isaiah 51:3; For the Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; Joy and gladness will be found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

Chaim urges his viewers to support Justin in his mission to bring joy and color to the Land and People of Israel, who so badly need it in this time. And he concludes by quoting Exodus 31:1-3; Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.  And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,