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Worthy Brief - 1/20/2023

Friend, resting in your freedom!

Deut 5:15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Hebrews 4:9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.


The Sabbath is a weekly experiential reminder of the FREEDOM we experience from bondage to sin. In the above passage, Moses explicitly connects the celebration of Shabbat with deliverance from slavery. Isaiah 61:1 beautifully expresses Yeshua's saving work bringing good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives, and opening the prison to those who are bound, a wonderful message of deliverance and freedom.

As such, Shabbat is truly a holiday (Holy Day) set apart as a permanent and regular remembrance of the unchangeable reality that the Messiah has freed us from bondage and given us rest from our works.

Friend, in this light, each Shabbat is like a mini-Passover celebration. Do you remember what life was like when you were a "slave in Egypt"? This (and every) Shabbat, take a moment to appreciate, even inwardly celebrate, the freedom Yeshua has provided through His death and resurrection. All the cares of this world pale in the glorious light of our eternal freedom in Him. Be blessed, and Shabbat Shalom!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Going to Christian College in Dallas, Texas)
Baltimore, Maryland

Registration is closing soon! Join us on an epic, life changing journey through Israel, through the eyes of those who are well acquainted with the culture, the people and the Land. This is not your average Israel tour— bring your family, bring your friends, and experience the REAL ISRAEL with George and Baht Rivka as your personal hosts.


Around the World
Million French Say ‘Non’ To Raising Pension Age
More than a million people marched through France cities to condemn President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 in a nation where the right to free time has been religiously observed.
Strykers, Bradleys Likely in Huge US aid Package for Ukraine
The U.S. is finalizing a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that U.S. officials say is likely to total as much as $2.6 billion. It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armored vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia — but not the tanks that Ukraine has sought.
Iran claims new drills in Persian Gulf using missiles, ships
Iran says it launched a new drill in the Persian Gulf using cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.
New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Military, National Security Personnel Meet with Israel’s New Government
Top US military and national security officials are in Israel to meet with ministers and other officials from the newly-installed government of Likud leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli firm unveils new attack drone that can land back in soldier’s hand
The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries arms firm on Thursday unveiled a new small hand-launched loitering missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding, the company said.

Inside the United States
House GOP introduces bill to end COVID-19 health emergency
House Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to end the Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency after the agency announced last week that it would extend the declaration for a further 90 days.
US hits $31.4 trillion debt ceiling as Treasury announces ‘extraordinary measures’ to avoid default
The United States reached its debt ceiling of $31.38 trillion on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to implement "extraordinary measures" to avoid defaulting on bonds.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
Minnesota Dem Pushes for Tampons in Boys Room: ‘Not All Who Menstruate Are Female’
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing legislation requiring public and charter schools to make "menstrual products" available in school bathrooms and boys' restrooms.

Christian News
Pakistan: National Assembly votes to make controversial blasphemy laws even harsher
Bypassing public debate on the matter, Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 17 voted to make the country’s highly controversial blasphemy laws even harsher than they already are, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Pakistan ranks seven on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Christian persecution sweeping across Africa may result in “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” report says
A new report by the international aid organization Open Doors shows that persecution against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is now so intense that the continent is in danger of suffering a “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Five women abducted, pastor shot and wounded in Katsina church terror attack
Five female church members were abducted, and their pastor shot and wounded during a terrorist attack on their church in Nigeria’s Katsina state on Sunday, Morning Star News reports. The attack is just one more of tens of thousands of attacks, murders and abductions, maimings, and displacements of Christians by Islamic militants since 2015.
Church of England: homosexual couples cannot marry in church but clergy can hold blessings for same-sex civil partnerships
The Church of England has announced it cannot change its doctrine to allow same-sex couples to be married in the church but proposes that clergy may voluntarily choose to hold blessing ceremonies for homosexual couples in civil marriages, the Guardian UK reports. The “historic plans” announced on Wednesday represent a form of compromise after decades of anguished debate within the Church of England over the acceptance of homosexuality.
Northern Chinese Church Leader Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment
A prominent Chinese church leader has begun serving a two-year prison sentence for what his family and friends view as trumped-up charges of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," Worthy News learned Wednesday.