Embracing what is Important!

Our HaDerekh Youth Israel Aliyah group of nine experienced quite a lot road tripping through Israel in June. The sights of Biblical ruins, the variety and uniqueness of Israel’s geography, swimming in the Red, Dead, Med and Sea of Galilee, fighting cockroaches in Tiberius, and meeting so many Jewish people in the Land who profess faith in the Messiah of Israel, Yeshua!

Many of the people we met with challenged us to make Aliyah, to move back to the Land of Israel as Jews and assume our responsibility as physical members of the nation of Israel. Biblical references would be cited, the allure of reclaiming the Land would be mentioned, and the machismo of military service would be alluded to, especially for the guys. Considering Aliyah is part of the reason for our trips so this is a natural part of our discussion with Israelis, but seldom did we hear of the cost of Aliyah: poor wages, a high cost of living, terrorism, religious discrimination against Jews who believe in Yeshua, severe spiritual warfare!

We value what we appreciate, and we appreciate what is important to us!

What’s important to you? I imagine the basics are important: clean water, good food, and a safe place to sleep. What else is important to you? Personal significance, comfort, pleasure. Yet so often what is important to us is not at all important to G-d! Following G-d’s calling should be our most important interest, yet this costs us, and rightfully so.

To make Aliyah for a Jew from America will cost: in wages, comfort, and social acceptance. To follow Messiah will cost: “Take up your execution stakes and come follow me.” May we fully embrace what is truly important, and the cost that goes with it!

Forward for Messiah,

Kirk Gliebe

Rabbi & Director