Shabbat Shalom!
Today I am writing to you from the ancient city of Jaffa—Yafo in Hebrew. As I stand here, surrounded by stones that have stood for more than 4,000 years, I can feel the weight of history pressing in. These walls have seen empires rise and fall, prophets walk by, apostles pray, and the Gospel begin to spread to the nations. And here I am, a simple man, humbled to stand where so much of God’s story unfolded.
Jonah’s Struggle
One of the stories closest to my heart from this place is about the prophet Jonah. God called him to go to Nineveh and deliver a message of repentance. But Jonah’s heart resisted. Instead of walking in obedience, he came down to this very port of Jaffa and tried to escape God’s voice. His story reminds us of how often fear, pride, or even misunderstanding can cause us to run from the very thing God is asking of us.
Peter’s Breakthrough
But the story doesn’t end there. Centuries later, right here in Jaffa, God once again gave a man a call. The apostle Peter came to this city when tragedy struck and a beloved disciple, Tabitha, had died. Through his prayer, God raised her from the dead—a miracle that shook this community. But even more, it was here that God opened Peter’s heart to a greater vision. Through the vision of the sheet descending from heaven, Peter learned that the Gospel was not only for the Jewish people, but for the nations.
From this very place, Peter was sent to Caesarea. And for the first time in history, Gentiles received the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy. Think about that: the ripple of the Gospel that would reach all the way to you and me today began right here in Jaffa.
Our Choice Today
Two men. The same city. The same God. Two very different responses. Jonah ran away from God’s call. Peter said, “Yes, Lord,” and stepped into it.
Dear friends, we each face this choice every single day. Will we run from what God is asking us to do—staying in our comfort zone, holding back out of fear—or will we step out in faith like Peter, even when it feels unfamiliar or overwhelming?
When I stand here in Jaffa, I feel God’s whisper reminding me: “Do not be afraid. Just obey.” And that is my prayer for you as well. That you will be bold, that you will be willing, and that you will say, “Yes, Lord.” Because when we do, God not only changes our lives—He uses us to change the lives of many others.
So from this ancient city, where stone and sea have witnessed both running and obedience, I bless you. May you always choose obedience. May you always choose the “Yes” of Peter. And may your life echo with the power of God’s call fulfilled.
With love and shalom from Jaffa,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
