It’s Rosh Hashannah – the Jewish New Year – and tonight, Diane and I are (hopefully) going to spend the evening with some of the Messianic Jew community here in Sydney. I’m looking forward to what I’m undoubtedly going to learn.
Sad that so many Jews have missed seeing Christ in all these holidays. If you get the opportunity to be part of a Jews For Jesus presentation on the Passover meal and learn how Christ is there at every turn, I highly recommend it.
Are you interested in Jewish holidays? Do you think they have any significance or relevance (in a totally non-legalistic way) for today’s Christian community?
Jewish Prayer Focus 2009 : Sept 18 to Oct 9
The Jewish Prayer Focus is a call to intercession for the Jewish people for the 22-day period (September 18-October 9) during the Holy Days of the Biblical calendar in Lev 23:26ff.
Its main focus is to pray for the salvation of the Jews and also to prepare for the return of the Messiah, which these holidays foreshadow.
The prayer guide contains prayer points, teachings, testimonies, and introductions to Israeli congregations, mostly written by Messianic leaders themselves.
And if you’re in Australia…
Copies of the Jewish Prayer Focus prayer guide are available from JPF, PO Box 54, Kerrimuir, VIC 3129, watchmen777@optusnet.com.au or call 03-9899.7231. The cost is AUD$8.00 each, $15 for 2, $20 for 3, or $65 for 10 incl postage. Cheques should be made payable to Living Way Christian Network (JPF is a sub-entity). The Prayer Guides are also available at Koorong.
For further information go to www.jewishprayerfocus.info
Source: Living Way Christian Network
love
September 21, 2009
i 'know' inside of me that i am being less than as He would have me over this – but i find it unbelievably hard getting past the massive injustice Israel has resulted in in the middle east since 1948 so as to allow me to be unconditionally loving of todays Jewish people.
The fact that almost all so stubbornly fight against a belief in Christ and have done for 2000 years, preferring instead their 'own connection' to God. ( which i suppose some have rightly held onto since Jesus came to bring back only the 'lost' sheep to the Fold, meaning some Chosen People had no real reason to follow Christ as a way to God) does not reduce this feeling in me, however i hold no 'grudge' for the crucifixion of Christ as i truly believe this was 'necessary' and He could not be so Glorified without this act.
All the same i struggle with the idea of supporting what i see as rebellion against God's Son and the freedom 'gentiles' have been given through the Grace of Faith, rather than strict adherence to written and traditional 'Law' as remains practiced in modern day Jewish Faith.
i know they are two sides of the same 'coin' but i prefer i stay on my 'side' and they on theirs and have difficulty accepting that the two are to be 'mingled' down here on Earth?
The other 'issue' that i'm trying to come to terms with is that since few of us in this world are able to trace our ancestry back more than a few hundred years at best, this means none of us truly know who is directly related to the 12 tribes of Israel and who is not.
What would God think of a 'conversion' from one Branch to a non-related branch? Would He be 'cool' with that? ( A tribe member 'losing' his connection to the Hebrew Faith and his long lost descendants choosing Christ as a guide instead?)
and just for fun… what if Mohammed really was the Final Prophet of God??
How do we bring ALL together? Or should we even try to?
i definitely don't think it is up to any human to exert domination over another by reason of their version of faith in the One True God.
Which brings me back to the 'problem' i have with Israel today.
The UN should exert impartial and independent control to bring peace to the region since their weakness was the cause of over 60 years of violent and unjust misery for all involved. Britain and the US being two of the main protagonists in the very sad saga since WW1 and 2 resulted in the disaster that is the Middle East today.
Overcoming the hatred bred by both 'parties' living in the former Palestine over 60 years and the 1400 years since Islam came into being will not happen quickly and so a long 'occupation' by the UN will be required – maybe another 60 years or 40 as the people of the West Bank have been forced to accept may balance things a little?
Are we in the 'civilized' world prepared to foot the bill and find the Will for such an undertaking?
i won't hold my breath.
Glad you brought the topic up – i needed to get that off my chest
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