Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Shalom,
The Advantage of Being Jewish – Romans, part 27
Romans 3:1 Then what is the advantage of being Jewish? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. First of all, they were entrusted with the sayings of God. 3 So what if some did not trust? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 May it never be!
Now that we have established that there are advantages to being Jewish, (read yesterday’s RR) what are they? Paul mentions one advantage, and it’s the ultimate one. This is why he says “much every way,” but then only gives one concrete example. Paul specifically mentions that Jews have been entrusted with the oracles (wise sayings) of God.”
What higher privilege, than to be entrusted with the wisdom of the One Who created all of creation. His ways and thoughts are revealed in the Scriptures. By the time Paul wrote to the Romans, those Scriptures had been given to the Jewish prophets, and written to share with the world. When those wise sayings are received through faith, they make a person healthy, wealthy and wise.
Rabbi Trail: Ever feel like you’ve got a target on your back and wonder why? It’s because you love what God loves. Satan and his followers hate what God loves. Their sole aim is to make God a liar. God blesses what He loves, and Satan (the adversary) curses it. Things may appear for a season as if God’s blessing is ineffective, but that is just to test our faith. End RT.
God loves Jewish people, therefore; Satan hates them (us). But, you ask, doesn’t God love every people group. Yes, He does; and He has a special love for His people whom He foreknew, (both Jewish and non-Jewish). Romans 11:2 God has not rejected His people whom He knew beforehand.
Now, let’s look deeper into Romans 11, down in verse 28. Romans 11:28b concerning chosenness, they are loved on account of the fathers— 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. The calling of God on Jewish people is to be one with Him… Romans 11:5b to be a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. The word “Remnant” can also be translated as “survivor.” Hear Yeshua’s prayer….
John 17:24 “Father, I also want (have passionate desire that) those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory—the glory You gave Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Here’s the “bottom line.” Jewish people (who believe the good news) have an irrevocable calling to join with non-Jewish people (who believe the good news) to become the Bride of Messiah. (The middle wall of partition has been broken down.) That’s right, the Bride of Messiah will be made up of both Jewish and non-Jewish people.
Neither group can reach their destiny without the other. Like a good marriage, we need each other to manifest God’s blessing. And that is what Paul refers to as “the advantage of being Jewish.” Love what God loves and participate in the mutual blessing. We need each other to make Yeshua known.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed 15-Feb-2023 24th of Sh’vat, 5783
Ex 22:28(27)-23:5 2 Ki 10 Ps 136 Jn 11:1-27 (2 Ti 2)