A
Believer's Responsibility To Israel and The Jewish People
As followers of Yeshua, scripture states in Romans 11 and Ephesians 2
that we have been grafted into and adopted into the family of God called
Israel. There are many of our family who have suffered much at the hands
of "The Christian Church" through the past two millennium. This
is a day to right the wrongs which have been done to the part of God's
family called the Jewish people.
Listed below are, what we believe to be our responsibilities as followers
of Yeshua to the Jewish people.
1. Psalm 122:6-9 commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and carries
with it a promise that those who love her (Jerusalem) will prosper. We
must pray, not based on what the news reports may say, but based on what
God says. In Zechariah 8 we read that God is zealous for Zion and for
Jerusalem. To love what God loves requires a love and commitment to pray
for the city and people of Jerusalem. Why are we instructed to pray for
Jerusalem? Jerusalem will have peace when the Prince of Peace, (Yeshua)
returns. In that day His peace will go forth and cover the earth.
To pray for the peace of Jerusalem is to pray for Messiah's Kingdom to
come.
2. According to Genesis 12:3 we are to bless the seed of Abraham as one
means of receiving the blessings of God in our own life and avoiding the
curse. Let us pray for ways to open before us that we can be a blessing
to God's "chosen people". Remember that love, not return of
blessing, should always be the motivation of our actions.
3. In light of the command to bless and not curse, believers have a responsibility
to oppose every form of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism by speaking the
truth concerning Israel and the Jewish people. The Abrahamic covenant
is eternal; the land belongs to Israel; and God who has chosen the descendants
of Abraham as His chosen people does not lie, nor does He change His mind.
4. In obedience to Isaiah 40:1-2, believers are called to comfort, support
and encourage the people that God calls His chosen. Why? No people on
earth has suffered such extreme rejection, persecution, and degradation
from so many nations and people groups as the Jews. The Holocaust of the
20th century is but one example of repeated attempts throughout history
to destroy Israel and remove them from the face of the earth. Comfort
and encouragement are certainly in order, not just in words but also in
deeds, with no hidden agendas.
5. Isaiah also outlines to us in the 60th and 61st chapters of his book
that we are to support the nation of Israel and the re-gathering of her
people to the land. There are numerous ways to express this support. Certainly
prayer is of the utmost importance. Secondly, financial gifts to ministries
and organizations who are aiding and facilitating the rebuilding of Israel
is money well given into a cause that is dear to the heart of God. Thirdly,
taking advandage of opportunities to volunteer for short and long term
service in the land the of Israel is an enriching and prophectic experience
that is highly recommended.
6. We are called to live the Torah. The greatest gift to man is His Word.
Yeshua came to this earth to live the Word of Yah before man. For too
long the "church" has said that the Torah has been done away
with. This is an insult to God and to the His people. Yeshua stated that
the Torah would never be done away with (Matt 5:18). He further cautioned
these who would desire to live without it. (Matt 7:21-23).
In living a life of faith in Yeshua that brings forth heart felt obedience
to Torah we live the words of Duet 32:21 and Romans 11:11.