Yesterday’s posting brought an unusual revelation. Essentially, the cycle of generational tragedies known as “Tisha b’Av” and “Dire Straits” started with an failure in intelligence analysis. Literally.

Numbers 13 recounts the story of the 12 spies sent in to scope out the promised land. Ten men returned with the analysis that there were giants in the land, and the Israelite warriors were like grasshoppers in their sight. Two returned with the grapes–and a vision of conquest based on God’s promises.

We know whose vision won. On Tisha b’Av Israel voted to retreat, and spent the next 40 years in the wilderness.

If misdirected intelligence proved costly in Moses’ day, how detrimental could it be in our day? Have you ever pondered the weight of responsibility on our intelligence communities? Or how significant their analysis may be in directing nations during this time we are calling a “World War Watch?”

Just think of the quagmire of Iran right now. Do they have working nuclear bombs? Will they actually use them? When? How can the threats be neutralized without triggering a global conflict?

American Stereotypes
When I mention the need to pray for intelligence communities, the feedback generally runs in two categories. First is what I call the “Superhero” paradigm. That it’s up to Jack Bauer (24), Mitch Rapp (Vince Flynn novels), and LL Cool J (from NCIS-LA, strong Christian) to save the world once again. Heroes that save the day!

The second is what I call the “Conspiracy Theory” paradigm. That all of our intelligence communities are covertly involved in the new world order, spying on American citizens, running drugs, creating super-soldiers (Matt Damon in the Bourne series) and secretly involved in secret societies (Matt Damon in the Good Shepherd). Control freaks who exert their idolatrous manipulations on the global community!

Or maybe–this might be a tough one to swallow–most are everyday patriots, doing their best to make sense of geopolitical threats and trends that have become ever more dire. Developing creative ways to stem the tide of evil and prevent calamity. Willing to remain nameless and faceless in heroic achievements, and yet bear the weight of intense scrutiny and criticism when things don’t go so well. Sounds like intercessors to me!

Joshua and Caleb
Of the three stereotypes, I prefer the third. Because neither superheroes or globalist control freaks are easy to pray for. So when I pray for our intelligence communities, I remind God of the Joshuas and Calebs within their midst.

Before Joshua was anointed to lead Israel, he was trained as a soldier and a spy. He was always pushing boundaries, even with God. For instance, remember how Joshua would watch Moses communing with God in the tent of meeting? While legitimate fear kept the rest of Israel at a distance, Joshua drew ever closer. He risked it all to experience God for himself!

The Lord described Caleb–and by inference, Joshua–as having “a different spirit.” They saw the same challenges as the others, but also realized the potential being offered. And they understood the times, aligning God’s promises with obedience to enter through His windows of opportunities. Now that’s what we need today!

Intelligence Agencies and Dire Straits
What role will intelligence agencies play in this cycle of Tisha b’Av and Dire Straits? Iran is threatening once again to close the Strait of Hormuz. Their leaders have renewed their call to take down Israel and America with nuclear weapons. Syria is accessing biological and chemical weapons, even in the midst of civil war. Meanwhile, alliances are being formed to literally surround Israel with terror.

What should we do? What should Israel do? Much of the direction will depend on intelligence gathering and accurate analysis. But as we can see through the challenge of Tisha b’Av, even accurate intelligence can be interpreted the wrong way.

A Time for Intercession
Your role is to pray. Ask for Holy Spirit revelation to be released. Ask the Lord for the Joshuas and Calebs to arise and be heard. Pray for the counsel of God to be secured for decision-makers on every level, and for the counsel of the enemy to be negated. Pray much in the Holy Spirit, Who knows all secrets and prays the perfect will of God!

Father God we thank You for Your grace for America and Israel. We see how a failure of intelligence kept Israel from entering into the Promised Land. And we see the potential calamity that a failure of intelligence could bring today!

Therefore we cry out for intelligence communities both in America and Israel. Thank you for the competence and dedication of so many watchmen in the natural, who put themselves in harms way on behalf of their nations. We beg Your mercy for the sins and abuses of each agency. Forgive, Lord!

Lord we bless the Joshuas and Calebs within each agency. Bring healing and renewed faith in Jesus Christ to those who have seen too much. Lift off trauma and cynicism, Lord. Renew clarity of heart and purpose, from the inside out, in Jesus’ Name.

Today we are facing giants–schemes of evil that only Your intervention can defeat. Father God we intercede now for the leaders, operatives, and analysts whose perceptions and decisions forge our future. Lord release these agencies into Your Throne Room timing, Lord! Give Holy Spirit revelation. Clearly reveal what the enemy is seeking to hide, both nationally and internationally. Show when to sound the alarm, and whom to actually alert!

Father God, we ask Your forgiveness for unbelief within the intelligence communities. Where challenges have been interpreted as a reason not to act when You desire an active response. Give these Joshuas and Calebs an “Issachar anointing” to understand and access the windows of opportunity You are presenting.

Lord we remind You of the words engraved in the wall of the CIA–”You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-2). Lord align intelligence communities with Your truth. As with Joshua and Caleb, make them catalysts for freedom, including the preservation of freedom, ESPECIALLY IN THIS SEASON. in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Note: Please pray 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 for the Joshaus and Calebs in the intelligence world. We will share on this passage tomorrow.