Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Shalom,
One In Messiah part 59 – Romans, part 170
Romans 11:30 For just as you once were disobedient to God but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31 in like manner these also have now been disobedient with the result that, because of the mercy shown to you, they also may receive mercy.
What is this??? Mercy for Jewish people!!! Yes, this whole chapter features two groups. There is the “you” people, to whom Paul is writing. Romans 1:7a To all those in Rome, loved by God, called to be kedoshim. Then there is the “they” people, about whom Paul is writing. In several places, Paul calls them “His (God’s) own people.” In several other places he calls them Israelites, a people with whom Paul also self-identifies. Romans 11:1b For I too am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham.
The bottom line… Paul is communicating here is that God has a plan for the salvation of the children of Israel. But how will this work? First “you” (non-Jewish holy people of Rome) receive mercy because of their (Jewish Israelites’) disobedience. Their disobedience was their part in the crucifixion. Before we get all upset about that, remember this…. Isaiah 53:10a Yet it pleased Adonai to bruise Him. He caused Him to suffer.
Paul also acknowledges the remnant. The first believers were all Jewish. God’s plan is that the last believers will also be Jewish. This last revival will be the result of jealousy. (Read Romans 11:11-14 again.) God’s plan is to develop humility in His people (both Jewish and non-Jewish). Romans 11:18a do not boast against the branches…. 23b for God is able to graft them in again.
Yom Kippur is coming up in two weeks. Jewish people around the world will be praying to be forgiven and written in the Book of Life for another year. God’s plan of salvation is so much better than that. Romans 10:9 For if you confess with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (For all eternity.). This is why I like to say, “Why rent when you can own?”
Is the Church today is riding Balam’s donkey? The choice is clear. Will the church bless or curse. God has ordained a blessing for His people, Israel, while many in the church seem determined to curse Israel. Cursing Israel is a false witness and must be condemned. Anti-Semitism today is an epidemic. Silence is not an option. I’m imploring you to be part of the faithful and true witness to Israel.
Zechariah 12:9 “It will happen in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 Then I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, when they will look toward Me whom they pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son and grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for a firstborn.”
This is followed in Zechariah 14 with a prophesy that promises that in the millennial reign, every nation that wants rain will celebrate Sukkot in Jerusalem annually. Please hold on. We will deal with that tomorrow.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed 13 Sep 2023 27th of Elul, 5784
Ge 21:13-17 Hab 3 2 Ch 21 Rev 7 (Ac 15)