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On May 14, 1948, the state of Israel was born. God continues to build this nation through the regeneration of His people. The Lord is building Jerusalem, not only through political influence in the world, but more importantly, by bringing Jewish people to faith in their Messiah. Jeremiah 31:3 states, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” These words could be one of the most profound statements in the Bible since for God’s love is a personal matter. The word for “loved” in Hebrew is ahav, which means a deep desire from the heart of God. Does God still personally care about the welfare of the Jewish people? Paul answers this question by saying that God’s hands are outstretched all day long to a rebellious and disobedient people (Rom. 10:21). God’s
Unfailing Love However, God’s love is unique. What we know in our everyday experience is one thing, but the “eternal,” by definition, is hidden from our experience. The word “everlasting” in Hebrew is olam which comes from the root that means secret or hidden. That is why we have “a peace that surpasses comprehension” (Phil. 4:7). This love of God is beyond our understanding. I have two sons and I would never even consider giving up one of them. But, “God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son” (John. 3:16). This is a love that goes beyond our experience or understanding. His love for us is based on His character. God is not only love, but He is also immutable. Therefore His love will never cease. He loves you eternally, and He will never give up on you.
Witnesses of His
Love
Family Loyalty Counts Chesed (lovingkindness), or loyal love, teaches that family counts. Therefore, we are to care for our family members. God sees Israel as His family –even as the father of a prodigal or a runaway child. The father forever seeks the runaway’s return. As Psalm 89:29 reiterates, “My lovingkindness I will keep for him forever, and My covenant shall be confirmed to him.” During Yeshua’s earthly ministry, He proved His faithfulness and loyal love to His Jewish family. His credentials as the Jewish Messiah were demonstrated in His priority to save His people from sin, which was evidenced when He initially sent His disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt. 10:5). Since God cut the covenant with Abraham and his descendents, we can understand Yeshua’s reticence in ministering to non-Jews, for they were outside of the Abrahamic Covenant (Matthew 15:26). In general, God made all redemptive covenants with Israel (Romans 14:8). However, the promise of the Seed was extended to all families of the earth. Through faith in Messiah, all can receive the spiritual blessings and benefits of the covenant that God has made exclusively with Jewish people (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:12). And all who believe in Yeshua receive His grace (chesed) and are grafted into His olive tree.
Drawn by the
Beloved I have often thought how glad I am that it says He will “draw me,” not “drive me,” to Himself. He draws me as a beloved and does not drive me as a master. Israel needs the Beloved. He doesn’t draw us with better laws, but with greater love. What’s going to get me all the way to heaven? His love, which will never give up or fail me. What will bring national Israel back to God? Israel will be drawn back by God’s powerful love –even through us, as we yield our hearts to Him. God’s Word never returns void. As He made His covenant with Israel born out of love, by the same love He will keep and sustain Israel. He loves His people with the most zealous love as He says in Zechariah 2:8, “For thus says the LORD of hosts, “... he who touches you [Israel], touches the apple of His eye.” Likewise, all our relationships work
best when we relate God’s way, which is through love and mercy. Through
our testimony of God’s great love, He will continue to draw many into
His covenant relationship. Even now, God’s hands are outstretched all
day long to His people. Therefore let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem
and that Israel will recognize her Beloved Messiah (Psalm 122).
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MESSIANIC APOLOGETICS |
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