Rabbi’s Reflections – Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Shalom,
More On Jewish Evangelism
Yesterday, we ended with a short discussion on Jewish evangelism. Let’s continue in that today. A friend of mine sent this article from Israel Today which is relevant. https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/orthodox-rabbis-bring-jesus-home-for-christmas/ This article is in line with my own testimony. Let me explain.
Many people would just read the article, realize that the rabbis are well short of accepting Yeshua as Messiah and dismiss the rumors of progress. Let’s not be hasty about that. These rabbis have actually taken an important first step toward their own salvation, and they most likely don’t even realize it.
In my own time as a seeker of the truth (but before coming to faith), I grew to appreciate the shalom in the lives of those who I knew were walking with Yeshua. That was the beginning of my salvation. I thought, “Good for them. They have their Lord and Savior and I’m glad for them, but that’s not for me, I’m Jewish.” The next thought was, “Why not for me? Why should I be limited and excluded from that inner shalom just because some rabbis long ago decided against it?”
Our walk of faith starts with “Reuben,” Jacob’s first son, whose name means “behold the son.” These rabbis have seen something in the lives of believers. As they grow in their appreciation of what God is doing, they will want this for themselves. Yeshua said it plainly…. John 14:6 Yeshua said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life! No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Our shared destiny is revealed by the name of Jacob’s youngest son, Benyamin, whose name means “son of the right hand.” Yes, we will all be seated together with him. Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Messiah. (By grace you have been saved!) 6 And He raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Messiah Yeshua— 7 to show in the olam ha-ba the measureless richness of His grace in kindness toward us in Messiah Yeshua.
And yes, more on this tomorrow.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue 27-Dec-2022 3rd of Tevet, 5783
Ge 45:8-18 2 Sa 8-9 Ps 81 Lk 6:27-49 (2 Co 5)