On October 27th the American Jewish community
suffered its worst act of anti-Semitism ever in our almost 400 years of Jewish
History in North America. People gathering to worship in a synagogue were
intentionally targeted and killed simply because they were Jewish. The murderer
acted alone, without political, religious or group association, just hatred
against Jews. Since the incident, rallies and vigils have been held, including
in Skokie, allowing people the opportunity to express their sorrow and reflect
on the brokenness of our nation. In the midst of this a young Jewish believer
asked me the question: “Why be Jewish? Why should we remain an obvious target
knowing there are significant numbers of people even within the United States
who don’t like Jewish people?” The FBI reports that over half of all
religiously motivated hate crimes in America target the Jewish community, yet
Jews make up only about 1½% of the entire US population.
First, Paul states in Romans 11:1 “I say then, G-d has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be!
For I too am an Israelite, a descendent of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”
Like Paul, I choose to publicly identify as a Jew and to live publicly as a
member of the Jewish community because that is who G-d made me to be. In this I
fulfill my unique calling as part of Israel to testify of G-d’s faithfulness to
keep his promise to Abraham and, as a believer, of Yeshua’s Messiahship of
Israel before both Jews and Gentiles. Second, being Jewish is both a physical
identity, being a descendent of the physical people of Israel, as well as also
an eschatological identity and responsibility, as part of the nation Israel,
who G-d chose to be his representative Chosen People. Identifying as a Jew at
times means that I must accept the discrimination that comes from those in the
Jewish community who don’t like my faith in Messiah Yeshua, but it means that I
accept as well the discrimination (occasional threatening phone calls, mailings
and slurs) from those in general society who don’t like who I am as a Jew,
including from those who profess to be Christians.
Later on in the Romans 11:11-12 he adds, “I say then, they did not stumble so as to
fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come
to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their transgression is riches for
the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their
fulfillment be!” In G-d’s perfect foreknowledge, he knew that the Jewish
people would not fully accept Messiah Yeshua when he came. He thus hardened Jewish
hearts so that the Gospel would go out into the hearts of the nations. I
believe G-d is going to bring the Jewish people back to him at the time of
Messiah Yeshua’s return; back into right relationship with him in Yeshua, when
the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. For now the hardness of heart toward the
Gospel that my Jewish people demonstrate is G-d’s plan so that Gentiles are
able to get saved! The Nations are benefiting while the Jewish people are
suffering. That’s why Paul also warned the Gentile believers in Romans 11:16-22
to not boast or be arrogant, but to fear and understand.
I encourage you to fervently pray for the Jewish
community in America. For G-d to protect and comfort us, but also for G-d’s
Spirit to lead us to true hope in Messiah Yeshua. G-d has not rejected the
Jewish people, and no follower of Messiah Yeshua should do so either!
Forward for Messiah!
Kirk
Gliebe
Rabbi & Director
