Paul and I both love Israel. We personally realize that we owe a great deal to our Jewish brothers and sisters who sacrificed so much for the sake of the spiritual condition of the Gentiles in the pagan lands during the first and second centuries.
This grassroots movement of the followers of Yeshua was made up of His own countrymen. These Jews, in essence, became the light to the entire Gentile world as they sacrificed their very lives to enlighten the nations to come out of paganism, which at the time included child sacrifices, temple orgies and a serious gluttony of food and wine.
This great light to the nations came midway through the first century when the motivated Jewish sect called “The Way of Yeshua” broke traditional protocol and began to share the good news of salvation to all peoples. In Jewish understanding “The Way” was a term that described the manner or “way” in which one lived their lives in relation to God and man. The English translated word way is derived from the Hebrew word hallachah.
The apostles and followers of Yeshua were persecuted and actually executed for their halakhic faith in the King of the Universe by the brutal Roman government. Because emperor worship was required by Roman law, the non-compliant community of Yeshua was hated and hunted down. Yet, by the power of the Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit), the Gospel still went forth and the new kehilla (church) grew.
May we never forget the great debt we owe our Jewish 1st century evangelists! They changed the course of the world and offered to every generation the awesome covenant that brings each one of us into relationship with the Creator of All Things.
Remember to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the Jewish people. Support Israeli companies and products. And may God bless all of those who bless His people. (Gen. 12:3)
“They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings” Romans 15:27
