Worthy Brief - 2/27/2020
Friend, you're in the hands of the good shepherd!
John 10:10-11 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.
Joseph, the son of Jacob grew up caring for flocks, a shepherd boy,(Genesis 37:2). While we might have a romantic view of an easy pastoral life among sheep and goats, the main responsibility of a shepherd was to protect the flock against hungry predators (wolves, lions, etc.) looking for an easy meal, actually quite a dangerous job. The shepherd loved his sheep; and Joseph was a good shepherd.
Mashiach "ben Yosef " the "Suffering Servant" Messiah was illustrated in the life of Joseph. Yeshua (Jesus) came as a good shepherd to protect His flock against the enemy whose sole purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. Our Shepherd Messiah was ready to give His life to protect us. And He is still watching over us – He gave His lifeblood to protect us because He loves us and we are incalculably precious to Him, each one.
Friend, do you know how precious and loved you are? How the Son of God exposed Himself to the ultimate danger because of His incalculable love for you? How He protects you from unseen danger every day of your life? We can rest in His protective love, no matter what happens, especially because where we're going, there will never be danger again.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
New York City, New York
Editor's Note: Watch George's latest video update: Cycles, Patterns, and the Corona Virus! Also, be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel.
Editor's Note: If you have a prayer request, or if you'd be interested in becoming an intercessor, be sure to visit the Worthy Prayer Team!
Saudi Arabia Suspends Pilgrimages to Mecca and Other Holy Sites in Effort to Stop Coronavirus
Saudi Arabia has placed a temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims in an attempt to ensure public safety by preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus spreads to six continents
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus reached a new milestone after a man in Brazil tested positive for the contagion.
$425M in World Bank catastrophe bonds set to default if coronavirus declared a pandemic by June
Investors betting big against catastrophic diseases are watching the World Health Organization closely as insurance bonds tied to whether the organization labels COVID-19 a pandemic are set to mature in June.
U.S. Lists Leader Of Iran-Backed Shi'ite Militia In Iraq As 'Global Terrorist'
The United States has declared the leader of the Iran-backed Kataib Hizbullah (KH) militant group in Iraq a terrorist following a number of recent rocket attacks on bases hosting U.S. and other foreign troops in Iraq.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
'We are ready, and the plans have been formulated': Israeli defense minister foreshadows new war
Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett virtually announced a new war with Hamas in Gaza Tuesday, a day after the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terror group launched 80 rockets and mortars into Israel.
Netanyahu ahead of Gantz in polls, but unity government still the likeliest outcome
Days before Israel's third election in a year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks slated to overcome rival Benny Gantz, but not to win handily enough to become Prime Minister outright without help from other parties.
1,600 Israelis are in 14-day quarantine for coronavirus
There are currently 1,600 Israelis in quarantine for coronavirus all across the country, stretching from Kiryat Shmona in the very north all the way down to Be'er Sheva in the south.
Inside the United States
In Victory For Trump, Appeals Court Says Feds Can Withhold Grants From Sanctuary Cities
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration can withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions for refusing to cooperate with immigration authorities in a decision that will likely trigger a Supreme Court review.
CDC announces first US case of coronavirus with 'unknown' origin
Officials on Wednesday announced a new case of coronavirus in California, which could be the first known instance in the United States of the virus spreading among the general public.
Trump puts Pence in charge of coronavirus response
President Trump put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of coordinating efforts to address the new strain of coronavirus, seeking to reassure the nation as cases of the disease mounted worldwide and U.S. stock markets suffered major losses.
Christian News
Falsely accused Christians in India spread gospel to prisoners
Three Christians accused of forced conversion in India spent two months in prison despite police failing to find evidence of wrongdoing, but the unjust incarceration became an opportunity for the gospel.
Christians slain by Islamists in Democratic Republic of Congo
Eleven Christians were murdered by Islamists in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on February 18, as the majority Christian nation is beset by a former rebel group now allied to ISIS.