Let's Think through our Jewishness...

This month seems to have provoked the "He's not Jewish anymore," response from some Jewish people that have felt threatened that I am Jewish and truly believe in Jesus. Sometimes I don't even get the opportunity to respond. Right now I am waiting for a response to an appeal I made to a man who cut me off for this very reason. If I do get the opportunity to respond to this person I would first ask him to define what he believes a Jewish person is. This is the most critical point of the discussion, "Who is a true Jew?" This is a huge issue in the Jewish community. While some of you already understand the ins and outs of this issue, I feel I need to repeat it for those who don't.

Just as there is no uniform discussion regarding the person of Jesus within the Jewish Community, so there is not a standard definition of Jewishness that exists within the Jewish Community today. Some might say a Jewish person is one who "practices Judaism." If that were true, then Jewish atheists and agnostics would be excluded. So would the vast majority of Jews in Israel that consider themselves to be anti religious/secular Jews. Ironically the number of secular Jews in Israel today is so large that the nation Israel might not itself even be Jewish if we went by the "practice" definition of Jewishness.

The stereo-typical responses that I hear that define a Jewish person are, "A Jew is one who is born of a Jewish mother," or again, "A Jew practices a form of Judaism." David Ben Gurion even stated, "A true Jew is one who takes up residence in Israel." These stereo-type definitions however, are incomplete. So who is a true Jew? Is it even important? Most Jews feel they know they are Jews, but they are unable to define what that really means. Most do not even realize why God made them Jewish or why they are called the chosen people. Is there really an answer to this ongoing identity crisis within the Jewish Community?

I believe with all my heart that it is God alone that must define us as Jews. The origin of our faith and heritage can be traced and must never be forgotten. The term "Jew" is derived from the name of Jacob's fourth son, Judah. In Hebrew his name means, "Praiser of God." Jewish people were made to give praise to God! What an awesome honor it is to be called a Jew!

After the Babylonian captivity, the use of the term Jew and Israelites came to represent all the people of Israel and all of the tribes that descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Today we are a nation, and even though we are still quite scattered, we are Biblically defined as a nation of descendents through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This was God's oath, valid through Messiah's day, to this very day.

I happened to catch a great message on the radio by Tony Evans this month. He said, "Your identity is not in your performance, it's in your birth." Tony was speaking in spiritual terms, but what he also said applies physically as well. Spiritually, one of the reasons why believers in Y'shua fail to live victorious over sin is because we don't understand our new identity. There is a good reason why Scripture says we no longer have to be slaves to sin! We have come to know our Father is God and His Spirit now lives in us. Again, our identity is not based on our performance; it's based on our birthright. This is also true physically. I know a lot of Jewish people that are full of guilt that somehow we are, "not Jewish enough." This is precisely why we need a standard, uniform, and Biblical definition of who we are as Jews and Gentiles.

Several Biblical examples teach that being a Jew by birth meant that either the father OR the mother was Jewish. For instance, children born to the first Jew, Abraham, had a Gentile mother. Also, Isaac's bride Rebecca was a Gentile. Moses' marriage to a non-Jewish woman gives us another vivid example that denies Orthodox Jewish teaching in this area. Although Moses' sons were not born of a Jewish mother, they would not go uncircumcised. They were considered Jews because of their father. Ruth, a Moabite, from whom a whole Meggilah is named in the Scriptures, is in the lineage of King David of Israel himself, was also not Jewish.

Non-Biblical/Rabbinic tradition once again has brought confusion to our identity. Just because the Rabbi says it does not make it right! Just because the majority says it doesn't make it right either. We must understand that God can not be God unless he determines what is right and wrong, what is true. We do not define ourselves, He does!

The Scriptures alone make it clear that a Jewish person's identity is based on our birth, not our practice. It is mainly the Orthodox that have desired to redefine who is a Jew. It is precisely because the Orthodox Jew has strayed from the objective standard of the Scriptures that they have been unable to define themselves. They can not say who is a Jew. Think about it, for the most part, when you define something, you control it. Although I respect my leaders, I always make sure that what they say agrees with the basic principles and definitions of what God has already given to us in His Scriptures. Contrary to what some may want you to believe, the Scriptures do not take rocket science to understand. There are basic principals in them that apply to all people at all times in history. God never intended the Bible to be difficult; it is only religious leaders over the centuries that have withheld it for themselves in order to propagate their own religious agendas. We are all supposed to be people of the book, not just some of us!

While my father, a reform Jew, deplores many of the Orthodox ways, like the majority of Jews, he ironically allows Orthodox Jews to define much of what he thinks. This is why the "He's not Jewish anymore" mindset comes into play so often. When following the "precepts of men," it is virtually impossible to define what one believes. The majority opinion rules in the Jewish community, although it is not based on fact or truth. It is merely accepted as such. This is the state of Judaism today. We are following our leaders blindly. This is the biggest reason why I will continue to be called a non-Jew by many of my people.

Since it is God who made us, he also defined us. Those of us Jews who believe in Jesus don't have to strive and question who we are. God has a plan for every person he made. I happen to be Jewish by birth and nothing I believe or do can ever change that, in the same way a Russian or Chinese person can never change his ethnicity or race.

God chose my people to reach the Gentiles, meaning, all other nations of the earth. I regret this, but we failed. Thus came the "time of the Gentiles," (Romans 11:25). "Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled," (Luke 21:24). One day Gentile domination of Jerusalem will come to an end. The ending of Gentile control of Jerusalem is God's plan. In 1967 in the course of a massive attack from Arab neighbors, the entire city of Jerusalem was once again in Israel's hands. Baruch Ha Shem! But most of the world to this day still stands against the Israeli nation (See website -- UN.ORG-- This is usually how the voting goes for Israel).

"Condemning all acts of violence, terrorism and destruction, the UN Assembly adopted the measure this evening by a vote of 144 in favor, to 4 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States), with 12 abstentions, as it resumed its tenth emergency session on illegal Israeli activities in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied territories."

God called Gentiles to never forget us Jews because His plan will not be complete until the nation of Israel comes back to Him and remains. (Amos 9:14-15). "What will their acceptance be but Life from the dead?" Rom 11:15) Today I don't want to see my Gentile brothers and sisters forget the Jews. Israel failed to see that her identity was rooted in God's calling for her life. When you and I know who we are and why God made us, we have freedom and security like never before.

I am Jewish by birth, but the ideal Jew, is also a Jew by faith. The same simple faith/trust that my forefather Abraham had. How can we believe in God without faith? It's impossible. And the neat thing about faith is that not only has it changed the lives of both Jews and Gentiles, but it brings clarity to our identity. Why, because we are trusting the One True and living God, who created and designed us all.

Scripture also makes it clear that Jews must remain Jews and Gentiles must remain Gentiles (1 Cor 7:20). Why, because we have unique and distinct roles. I am convinced that these roles can not be understood apart from knowing God and His Word. But what I absolutely love about our roles as Jews and Gentiles, just like husband and wives, is that we are incomplete without one another. We need one another not only to balance each other out, but to further our witness for our Lord, as ONE!

The Scriptures could not be any clearer about the role of the Gentile believers in Jesus. … "But by their transgression (the Jews), salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous" (Romans 11:11). Gentiles are called to make Jewish people jealous that you have salvation through our Jewish Messiah. Then it says another thing which I have not really given much thought until now. It says clearly that Gentiles are to show mercy, active mercy to the Jewish nation (Rom 11:31). And a few chapters later he calls on Gentiles again to "Glorify God for His mercy, to rejoice oh Gentiles WITH His people." As Jew and Gentile we can never be separated. As a Jew, I am called "to confirm the promises (covenants), given by the fathers," and Gentiles are called to openly share with the Jewish people the mercy that has been shown to you by God (Rom 15:8,9). He has grafted you in by faith, to the spiritual promises given to Abraham. Thus He says, "Let all the peoples praise Him." Yes, we are all made to simply give Him praise. I sure hope this man who doesn't consider me Jewish responds to my appeal, but if he doesn't, I am confident that the Lord will continue to try to convince him of the facts, somehow.

Again, "Let's agree on the Biblical definition of a Jewish person." A Jew is a person whose forefathers consist of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is aware that somewhere down the line, his lineage can be traced back to one of the twelve tribes of Israel. And because of the Scriptures themselves, he can have a Jewish mother or a Jewish father, and still be considered Jewish. If we did not have the Bible, this would not even be an issue because the "constitution" would then rest in man's court. Every man, Jewish or not, could then determine what is right for him, no matter how much it affected others. Chaos would rule. I am very glad that being Jewish and Gentile rests in the divine decision alone.

As vital as it is to define who is a true Jew and Gentile, I now want to practically address a few other passages that are misconstrued so as to abolish or blur the role of Jew and Gentile in the Body of Messiah today. The main passages that are often viewed in this manner are Galatians 3:28, 6:15, Romans 2:28, 9:6ff, Col 3:11, and Eph 2:15.

My children and I begin our mornings by reading through a chapter, sometimes two, of the Scriptures and the corresponding Proverbs for that day. This has really helped bring consistency to our Bible reading and praying together as a family.

We are currently in the book of Ephesians. Chapter 3, verse one says, "For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Messiah Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles"… verse 4… "when referring to this…, you can understand the Mystery of Messiah"… verse 6, "that the Gentiles are fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise" ….verse 8 "this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the fathomable riches of Messiah." This is so powerful and fits with Romans 1:16 which says, "The Gospel is the power of salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile."

Galatians 3:28 and as well as these other passages do not eradicate our roles as Jew and Gentile, they simply elaborate on this incredible mystery that has now been made manifest. The fact is that this wonderful individual standing before God through Messiah is "also to the Gentiles." God is completing the job, as it were, that He chose for Israel and He now is offering His salvation directly to individual Gentiles who will also acknowledge and call upon Him. These Gentiles do not have to become "Jewish" any longer. He is taking this calling to all the nations, like never before. Let me add that He hopes that these nations will never forget the root, the Jews!

All these passages teach that as male or female, slave or free, Jewish or Gentile, no matter what position or nationality in life, there is only ONE God, and we ALL come to Him the same way (by faith alone). He is not finished with Israel; He is even going to use the Gentiles now in a way that you have not seen before, to bring her (Israel) back to Himself. "Salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous." Our Messiah has already come, but not one of my Gentile or Jewish friends growing up ever shared that with me.

Our God given purpose as male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave or free, will now be expanded, brought to light, and clarified, even more. Jew and Gentile will stand together in the presence of God by true and authentic faith. The Law, given to and through the people of Israel, would find its culmination, fulfillment, and meaning, in our Messiah. The requirements for Gentiles joining with the people of Israel would be changed from this point on and forever, because the Messiah has come. Some in the beginning, for instance, the Jewish believers in Galatia did not quite understand the new position of the Gentiles in the body of Messiah because the council had not met in Jerusalem and fully resolved this issue. (Acts 15).

Most Jewish people today in no way understand what God has done between Jew and Gentile. They cannot begin to fathom the oneness we know and experience in and through our Messiah. They basically believe that Gentiles have their own god and we have ours, rather than one God for all people. If this god does not cause them to harm anyone, they believe this god is okay. All other gods are accepted as 'true' by my Jewish people, so long as they are not "extreme." To most of my people there are many ways to God, even though they say they believe in only one God. Even in Israel to this day ecumenical causes are championed and heralded by the masses. It even helps our economy!

We can not allow the eradication of our roles in the body as Jew and Gentile. Ephesians 3:6 exhorts us, the Church, to "bring to light this mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things." In fact, a person said to me this month, "My wife was a Pastor's kid, she grew up in the church, she was baptized, and she is very religiously devout." She resents being called a Gentile, because she is a Christian." He must have named 20 different activities she had participated in the church over the years. I told this Jewish man who had married this Gentile, "You are not born a Christian. You are born Jewish or Gentile."

The Church, the body of Messiah, is made up of both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus was Jewish and so were his first followers. Isn't it interesting that this misconception, this "religious barrier," is still such a huge issue when we share Jesus in Israel and the United States! Most people still think you're either Jewish or Christian, but you can't be both. Jesus is the greatest Jew who ever lived, died, and rose again. I was never told this in my Jewish home. You would not believe how many Jewish people do not know that Jesus is Jewish. This simple fact expressed seems to somehow turn on a light bulb of consistent logic which reveals God's continued plan for His people and all people.

Jesus is the pinnacle of my faith, the very substance of my Jewish heritage. He's more than we could ever want or hope for as a Jew unto the Jews. He's the Jewish Messiah given for the entire world and nothing on earth could ever separate Him from us. He is the love of God expressed in the most amazing way.

The only way we know we are one as Jew and Gentile- is Jesus, Y'shua. What an amazing fact! There is, but should not be, a dividing wall, a separation, as in the Temple in Jerusalem, to ever keep apart Jew and Gentile again. We are two but one, just as husband and wife, and only God can reveal that "wonderful mystery."

My orthodox Jewish people do not understand how we can be one with such a Holy God, or one with the Gentiles whom they consider unholy. Was Jesus' atonement sufficient for just the Jewish people or the entire world (Matt 15:24)? He atoned for all sin, for all time.

Ultimately, God killed Jesus (Acts 4:27). God sent the Messiah to die for me. He was the perfect sacrifice that my sin required. If God did it, we know His atonement was sufficient! God finishes explaining the one new man of Jew and Gentile called the Church, His body, and then He says, "And He came and preached Peace to you who were far away(Gentiles), and peace to those who were near(Jews), for through Him, WE BOTH have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you (Gentiles) are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household." Yes, God's house began to fill up with Gentiles. This Jewish man is quite happy about that. We are echad, one!

God is calling Israel right now. He is working on them, even the world knows it. Media may try to cover it up, but God will get the world's attention. It is ever before us that God is not finished with His people. He will glorify Himself through His Israel, according to promise, starting in Gen. 12.

The world hates Israel; Satan is the god, (little g), of this world. He stirs up religions and people in the most barbaric way to eradicate the very thing that God chose to glorify Himself in and through, the Jews, as well as the grafted-in branches. We must be on guard.

I am made to glorify God. And so are my fellow Gentiles. We are chosen by the living God to be His representatives. What a high calling! The Jewish people need to see such gratefulness by Gentiles of your being grafted in to the vine with them, the vine that began with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that it provokes them to desire our Messiah.

I'm seeing more and more of an openness these days as war continues in Israel. In His everlasting love, He's not finished with Israel and the Jews. And our Messiah, Y'shua, is going to get them to the place where there's nowhere else to turn but to Him. Let's be ready. This is my prayer.