Q&A with Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
President of Israel Today Ministries and author of
“Behold His Yeshua!: Psalm 91”
What motivated you to concentrate this book on Psalm 91?
There may be no better scripture in the Bible for the world right now than Psalm 91. Psalm 91 shows us God’s strategy of hope when testing, trial, sickness, and evil attack comes calling. When trouble comes, He gives us choices to make. The psalmist chose to make the “Most High” his refuge. We have a choice to run towards or run away from God during times of trial. Our plans, our schemes, our strengths, and our failures are some of the things that seemingly would put a wedge between us and God.
What can we learn from Psalm 91 in our modern times?
The Talmud (the central text of Rabbinic Judaism) refers to Psalm 91 as The Song of Plagues (Shev Shema'tata 15b). The psalm reminds us that believers are in the “shade” of the Almighty. We are protected from harm and from anything or anyone pursuing us. It reminds us that God will never abandon His children. There is no need to fear; He will help us. Life without hardships and testing is impossible, whether in the flesh or the spirit. But God has given each of us free will. We choose. When we learn to discipline ourselves in both body and spirit, we can acquire virtue, strength, and wisdom.
How did you decide on the book title?
It is taken from the last verse of the Psalm. “And show him my salvation.” Salvation is the Hebrew word “Yeshua” which is also the name of Jesus.
What may surprise people about the 91st Psalm?
We have heard from new believers as well as long-time Christians who have found solace in this book and how it expands upon the psalm’s many intricacies. The world is in an upheaval right now, with fear, anger, and chaos becoming the norm. The truth found in Psalm 91 should bring peace and comfort to anyone seeking to gain an eternal understanding of the God’s purposes.
There may be no better scripture in the Bible for the world right now than Psalm 91. Psalm 91 shows us God’s strategy of hope when testing, trial, sickness, and evil attack comes calling. When trouble comes, He gives us choices to make. The psalmist chose to make the “Most High” his refuge. We have a choice to run towards or run away from God during times of trial. Our plans, our schemes, our strengths, and our failures are some of the things that seemingly would put a wedge between us and God.
What can we learn from Psalm 91 in our modern times?
The Talmud (the central text of Rabbinic Judaism) refers to Psalm 91 as The Song of Plagues (Shev Shema'tata 15b). The psalm reminds us that believers are in the “shade” of the Almighty. We are protected from harm and from anything or anyone pursuing us. It reminds us that God will never abandon His children. There is no need to fear; He will help us. Life without hardships and testing is impossible, whether in the flesh or the spirit. But God has given each of us free will. We choose. When we learn to discipline ourselves in both body and spirit, we can acquire virtue, strength, and wisdom.
How did you decide on the book title?
It is taken from the last verse of the Psalm. “And show him my salvation.” Salvation is the Hebrew word “Yeshua” which is also the name of Jesus.
What may surprise people about the 91st Psalm?
We have heard from new believers as well as long-time Christians who have found solace in this book and how it expands upon the psalm’s many intricacies. The world is in an upheaval right now, with fear, anger, and chaos becoming the norm. The truth found in Psalm 91 should bring peace and comfort to anyone seeking to gain an eternal understanding of the God’s purposes.
Talk about your continuing ministry to people in Israel.
The statistics show that 1 in 3 Israeli children (1 million) live in poverty and over 50,000 Holocaust survivors are impoverished. Our work involves many levels of ministry in different areas of Israel. In Tel Aviv, we feed over 250 children, and provide bible books and games for their education. In Haifa, Be’er Sheva we feed Holocaust survivors, and in S’derot, the town that has been hit with thousands of rockets launched from Hamas in Gaza, we feed impoverished children as well. We also feed families in Bethlehem and Nazareth. We have provided approximately 200,000 meals for Jews and Arabs in Israel.
What should we know about the conflicts arising in the region that the news media isn't telling us?
Rockets and incendiary kites and balloons descend upon southern Israel from Gaza (Hamas) consistently. Israel endures relentless threats from Hezbollah and Syria. Muslims riot, trying to keep Jews from praying on the Temple Mount. The western media would have you believe Israel is at fault, but that is not the case. They are simply defending themselves. They always have been.
The statistics show that 1 in 3 Israeli children (1 million) live in poverty and over 50,000 Holocaust survivors are impoverished. Our work involves many levels of ministry in different areas of Israel. In Tel Aviv, we feed over 250 children, and provide bible books and games for their education. In Haifa, Be’er Sheva we feed Holocaust survivors, and in S’derot, the town that has been hit with thousands of rockets launched from Hamas in Gaza, we feed impoverished children as well. We also feed families in Bethlehem and Nazareth. We have provided approximately 200,000 meals for Jews and Arabs in Israel.
What should we know about the conflicts arising in the region that the news media isn't telling us?
Rockets and incendiary kites and balloons descend upon southern Israel from Gaza (Hamas) consistently. Israel endures relentless threats from Hezbollah and Syria. Muslims riot, trying to keep Jews from praying on the Temple Mount. The western media would have you believe Israel is at fault, but that is not the case. They are simply defending themselves. They always have been.
About Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
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Dr. Johnson is a humanitarian, author, and sought-after lecturer on Jewish roots and Bible Prophecy. He was a pastor for over 17 years and received his Master’s degree from Moody Bible Institute and his Doctorate from Louisiana Baptist University. He did post-Doctoral research at the University of South Africa. He is a member of the American Society of Church History as well as Evangelical Theological Society. He has authored several books including God Was There, Childhood of Jesus, Life After Death: What Happens Next?, and The Moses Papers. For more information on Israel Today Ministries visit www.IsraelTodayMinistries.org.
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