Rabbi’s Reflections – Friday, June 30, 2023
(Early) Shabbat Shalom,
One In Messiah part 6 – Romans, part 117
Romans 9:3b —my own flesh and blood, 4 who are Israelites. To them belong the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Torah and the Temple service and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs—and from them, according to the flesh, the Messiah, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.
Today we review the final two reasons that Jewish people should be included in the family of God, and these are four real people. All of the first six reasons were something like adoption and covenants, but the final two are actually people.
PATRIARCHS: Namely, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They are so important, that God has included them in His full name. Exodus 3:6a Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” The promises are refined three times (and they always include land). Abraham had two sons, but only one was the son of promise. Isaac had two sons, but only one was the son who received the birthright. And finally, Jacob had twelve sons who grew and multiplied into the twelve tribes of Israel.
As the saying goes, “Family is family.” Being family is a legitimate claim that the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob should be “fellow heirs” to all the promises of God. That’s why being descendants of the Patriarchs is part of Paul’s list.
MESSIAH: And then, finally, the greatest reason of all, “the Messiah, Who is over all.” Paul calls Yeshua HaMashiach, “God,” and He is! He is not just “the Lion,” but He is, “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” What a paradox that the greatest Jew should be rejected by most of His own people.
And yet it’s true, Jewish people are the builders who rejected Yeshua. Psalm 118:21 I give You thanks, because You have answered me and have become my salvation (Yeshua). 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. 23 It is from Adonai: it is marvelous in our eyes!
May it truly be “marvelous” in the eyes of all Israel! A question will soon arise, “Does the rejection of Yeshua by most Jewish leaders at the first coming mean eternal disqualification for all Jews eternally?” We’ll soon see that their rejection meant inclusion for the rest of the world. What follows is a bold prophecy that Jewish acceptance of Yeshua as Lord will lead to worldwide revival.
Paul has given us eight reasons that Jewish people should be in the family of God at the end of time. Each one would be compelling in itself. Together they present overwhelming evidence that Jewish people should be included. It’s a natural fit.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri 30 Jun 2023 11th of Tamuz, 5783
Nu 22:39-23:26 Ez 1 Neh 2 Gal 1 (Lk 9:27-62)