1. Ukraine and Akel Dama – the “Feild of Blood.”
The loss of innocent lives in Ukraine is tragic. The United Nations have reported that over 1766 Civilians were killed including 130 children. A Dean of a Theological Seminary was killed along with many other innocents. The ‘Fields of Blood‘ such as Marioupaul, Bucha in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Sumy and other cities cause great pain and sorrow to our hearts, and at the same time anger, vengefulness and demand for justice and questions arise as to how this can be appeased.
As we shared earlier in our previous circular “Who pays for the Innocent Blood in Ukraine?” we again ask you to continue to make Intercession to prevent further loss of lives.
The Field of Blood.
This Easter Week, we also remember another ‘Field of Blood’ which gives hope to bring about a solution to the killing fields of Ukraine. Soon after Jesus’ death on the Cross, Judas in his remorse acknowledged he had betrayed ‘Innocent Blood’ and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the High Priest and Elders.
They eventually bought a piece of land to bury the strangers which was called Akel Dama – “the Field of Blood”.
Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed and went and hanged himself. But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”
And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Matthew 27:3-8And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood. Acts 1:19
‘Akel Dama’ is a reminder that the Sacrifice of Jesus was to appease the “Guilt of the Innocent Blood’ for which God required atonement and justice in the Old Testament. Therefore, Intercessors can make a case on behalf of them in the court of heaven by pleading the Blood of Jesus Christ to bring spiritual freedom and release the land from the curse. Although the Jews bought a piece of land with that ‘blood money,’ now the Blood of Jesus purchased the salvation of all mankind and is able to cover cities and nations to bring protection from the Evil One.
The Blood of Jesus can appease God’s justice over the blood of Abel crying out of the ground.
Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Heb 12:24.
Let’s pray for each of these cities that God would reverse the curse resulting from innocent blood and bring His peace and blessing and comfort to all those who are victims of such loss.
Pause and Pray:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for your sacrifice on the Cross where you shed your innocent blood of mankind.
You were betrayed by Judas who acknowledged that he did it for innocent blood.
Thank you that your sacrifice on the Cross was paid for the guilt of the “innocent Blood.’
Therefore we bring the guilt of innocent blood of civilians in the Ukraine war. We pray for the families who have suffered as a result of this crime.
We pray and cover this guilt of innocent blood through the Blood of Jesus Christ. We know that the first innocent blood was shed was of Abel whose blood is crying out from the ground. We thank you Jesus because it is only your Blood that can appease that cry for justice.
We pray that the land will not be cursed.
We pray for your protection of civilians and innocent lives that there will be no further loss of lives.
We speak the promise in Psalm 46:9-11 over nations to stop the war in Ukraine:
“He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.”
In Jesus’ Precious Name we pray. Amen.
Easter & Ramadan – Is there a connection between them?
It is not a coincidence that Easter happens in the middle of Ramadan Prayer this year.
Christians cannot celebrate Easter without realizing that Jesus shed His Blood also for nearly 2 Billion Moslem people in the world. Yet, Moslems are the most neglected people group ignored by many Christians and Churches. The current rate of workers among Moslem people is 1 worker per a million people! At this rate, it will take another 2000 years to reach them!!
Christians must awake to realize this great need and dedicate themselves this Easter to a fresh commitment to reach Moslems.
The connection between Easter and Ramadan is related to the benefit both these events are intended to bring about in the lives of their believers.
What do Moslems Pray for in Ramadan?
Moslems are dedicated to praying during the month of Ramadan by fasting every day from sunrise to sunset to earnestly seek Allah’s favour in their lives. One of the primary desires of their heart is to seek forgiveness for their sins which they believe is possible only if Allah wishes to show mercy.
A missionary working among the Moslem people notes that there is no concept of substitutionary sacrifice or provision for the forgiveness of sin in Islam. It is generally believed that it is left to Allah’s mercy alone that will determine forgiveness. Therefore there is no personal assurance or guarantee of forgiveness.
Therefore, Forgiveness of sin is the greatest desire of Moslems in Ramadan Prayer.
What do Christians Celebrate at Easter?
Christians believe and celebrate the fact that Jesus became the ‘Lamb of God’ and the Sacrifice on our behalf to take away the sins of the World. We believe that God’s Love motivated Him to send Jesus to suffer and die and pay the penalty for sin which no human being could do even through the greatest amounts of good works and prayer.
We are blessed to have the assurance of forgiveness as well as eternal life as a Gift of God. What Moslems are praying for is already provided to us through Jesus Christ.
How can we just enjoy the blessing of Easter without sharing that good news with the Moslem neighbours and friends? We can not hold back that message for whatever reason!
Take time to think about the Moslems as you celebrate Good Friday and rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus in Easter. Pray and share the message of Easter during Ramadan.
Pause and Pray:
A leader from Global Initiative shared 3 ways to pray for Moslem people during Ramadan.
- Pray that God will give them visions and dreams and reveal that there is ‘Forgiveness of Sin” through Jesus Christ.
- Pray that Moslems will be set free from Fatalism. They believe that Allah has determined everything and therefore nothing can be changed. Once you are born a Moslem, you can not change or believe in anything else. This bondage must be broken for them to receive the Gospel.
- Pray that every Christian will be motivated to share the Gospel without fear and hesitation with Moslems during Ramadan. They can simply share their testimony and how Jesus has given them forgiveness and eternal life.
Read More Resources: What is Ramadan All About?
Every Muslim Must know the Truth about Jesus!
Thanks to Global Initiative for Resources.
Thank you for joining and mobilizing prayer during this Easter Week. Please share this with your Churches and Intercessors.
Photo credits: AFP – Getty Images, Goodnews Broadcasting association, Times of India, Islamcity.