The indigenous people of Australia is mobilizing Australians (indigenous and non – indigenous) to cry out to God this weekend (September 26-27, 2020, 9am – 9pm each day) for the healing of their land. The indigenous leader of this initiative, Pastor Peter Walker, said he’s had this dream for nine years. The National Council of Churches and National Day of Prayer and Fasting Movement are collaborating with the indigenous people to make this happen. The founders of USA Watch and Global Watch, Fred and Susan Rowe, are also mobilizing watchmen and intercessors from other countries to join the Australians in this prayer for the healing of Australia.
What is so special about this initiative, and why do I think it is a timely response? Australia gained independence from Britain in 1901. This year, 2020, is the beginning of her 18th seven years. So, what’s the big deal? God controls history and the Bible reveals that what had been is what will be. The 18th book and chapters of the Bible give the clue to seasons numbered 18 – whether it is the 18th century, 18th Forty-nine years,18th seven years, 18th year, or 18th week.
All 18th seasons have guiding light in the 18th book and chapters of the Bible. The spirit of destruction and death is very active in this season; and those who are ignorant and insensitive may become victims in this season. Job is the 18th book of the Bible. Think of the troubles that befell God’s servant in that book. In the 18th chapter of Genesis, the Lord was on His way to destroy Sodom. Abraham’s intercession delayed the move and saved Lot and his family. In Second Chronicles 18, lying spirits deceived Ahab to go to war and die there.
How does this play out in the history of nations? Very strongly! The 18th century was a century of disasters, revolutions, and deaths. It was a season of ‘dreadful visitation’. In the 18th seven years of the United States, four major things happened: the American-Spanish War (1898), Vice President Garret Hobart died in office (1899), America – Philippine War (1899), and assassination of the 25th President, William McKinley (1901). In 1918, the 18th year of the 20th century, the world was plagued with a flu pandemic that claimed millions of lives.
In the 18th seven years of the United Kingdom, a three-month heat wave and drought hit the country from June 1 to August 31, 1826; April 10, 1827, Lord Liverpool resigned as Prime Minister because of ill – health. George Canning succeeded him but died in office after 119 days of being appointed. He was the shortest serving UK Prime Minister. June 26 1830, King George IV died at the age of 68 following his 10-year reign. On 17 August, 1831, Paddle Steamer, Rothsay Castle got wrecked with a loss of 93 lives. On the last three days of October 1831, Queens Square Riots broke out in Bristol. About 100 houses were burnt down; and hundreds of people were injured. Between 1831 – 1832 a Cholera pandemic killed about 3000. July 16, 1832 (The Bad Day) – 31 fishing crafts were lost in a storm leaving 105 crew dead. The 18th seven years ended with good news. On 18 April 1833, there was a 300-man delegation to the Prime Minister demanding the abolition of slavery in the empire. The Abolition Act was signed August 28. The 18th ends with joy – as in the 18th book of the Bible.
Australia’s 18th seven years opened with record-breaking bushfires that started in the later part of 2019. Prayers are needed for Australia so that her 18th seven years would not be a disaster-ridden season.
Learn more about the Australia Solemn Assembly
Other links: National Day of Prayer and Fasting: https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org.au/solemn-assembly/ Eternity News: https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/aboriginal-pastors-call-australians-to-a-solemn-assembly/ The Global Watch: https://www.theglobalwatch.com
