Prophets Street Blog is a new endeavor for Shevet Achim. Our physical location on Prophets Street (רחוב ×”× ×‘×™××™×) in Jerusalem inspires us with the example of the biblical prophets who deeply and passionately engaged with issues of their day.
Here in Jerusalem, we can almost hear the echoes: Isaiah is seething polemic and hope as Jerusalem’s ridges are lined with invaders; Elijah and Elisha are letting their powerful presence be felt in the court of kings; David is addressing his poetry to the choir master, intending it for kingdom (community) contemplation and participation.
As we birth the digital flesh of Prophets Street Blog, the intention is to let the voice of the prophets inform and inspire our own voice: deep and passionate engagement with the holy labyrinth of issues which are relevant today in the land of Israel and the Middle East.
Since 1994 the primary expression of Shevet Achim has been helping Middle Eastern children receive heart surgery in Israel. The doctors physically open a little chest and put their hands on a beating heart.
Jerusalem is the beating heart of Abrahamic faith. It has for so long meant so much to so many. With humility and conviction, Shevet Achim would also like to put its hands on this beating heart, being an active presence in the city, and also a window to the Middle East for readers around the world. Topics like these will fill our posts:
- Should Christians use the word “Allah,†(meaning “Godâ€) when they pray in Arabic?
- How do the current revolutions sweeping the Middle East effect Israel, and what is a Christian position on the pro-democracy aspirations of these movements?
- Is Paul's instruction for women to cover their heads when praying an opportunity for common ground with our Muslim and Jewish neighbors?
- Is a believer in the New Testament exempted from the Torah commandment to honor Sabbath--even while in Israel?
The format of this blog will allow the reader to respond and contribute to posts, which is the whole point. A conversation is envisioned, not a monologue. Engage with us! We live in charged, rapidly moving times. Within each of us, like the prophets, God has implanted voice.
