(Part One)

One of the first commandments God gave to Abraham was to be a blessing to all the nations of the world.

Genesis 12:3 – In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

This was fulfilled in the gospel of salvation going forth to all the nations in the name of Yeshua (Jesus). There is also a fulfillment today that we as Messianic Jews are called to be a blessing to the nations, particularly to the true Church in each nation. Unfortunately, we have often failed to fulfill that role of being a blessing to the nations. However, the time is coming for this calling to be fulfilled.

In the plan of God there is a personal destiny for each individual and there is also a national destiny for each people group.

Romans 11:29 - The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.

Each person has gifts and callings. However, in context this verse is speaking of national destiny, not personal. In this case, it is referring to the nation of Israel. Yet God has a destiny for every nation.

Jewish people are very aware of national destiny, yet not aware of personal salvation. "Are we the chosen people? Of course!" "Am I saved? What does that mean?" Christians tend to be just the opposite. Everyone knows of personal salvation, but the very idea of national destiny is not known.

Exodus 19:5-6 – You will be a special treasure to Me above all people… You will be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

Israel is a pattern nation. The national destiny of Israel serves as a pattern for the destiny of other nations. When Saul (Paul) asks if the calling of the Jewish people has ended, he replies with a firm, "No!" (Romans 11:1).  The calling of a nation is not contained in the "unsaved" majority, but in the believing remnant.

Romans 11:5 – Even so, at the present time, there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Many people misunderstand the destiny of Israel because they look to unsaved politicians or rabbis. Yet the elements of the national destiny of Israel are contained in the remnant, the Messianic remnant. Along with Saul, we say today that the calling of Israel is still in effect because there are Messianic Jews within Israel.

The same is true for every other nation. God's pre-destined purpose for China cannot be seen in the communist government, but in the true Church within China. There is a precious remnant of faith among Arab nations often persecuted by their Muslim neighbors. Many people around the world misunderstand the destiny of the United States, because they look at ungodly entertainment and media instead of the true believers within the U.S.

Revelation 7:9 – Behold, a great multitude which no man could count, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne of God.

As described in the prophecies of the end times in the book of Revelation, the true Church will come into its fulfillment in the end times. Notice that within the international Church, there are identifiable remnants of different tribes and tongues. There is a tendency in modern culture to deny the differences of the culture, language, and ethnicity of various people groups. However, in God's eyes, these differences make for a beautiful diversity when they are brought into harmony through faith.

We Messianic Jews are called to maintain our national culture, language, and identity in our faith. The same is true for every national group. African believers, Indian believers, Arab believers, Spanish, Japanese, Scandinavian… every remnant has its own language, worship style, spiritual gifts, and revelation of the kingdom of God.

                                    (to be continued)

Tension in Lebanon

On February 14, 2005, Rafik Hariri, political leader of the moderate Muslim constituency in Lebanon, and leader against the Syrian-Hizballah coalition, was murdered along with 22 others in a massive bomb attack in central Beirut.

On November 16, 2006, Pierre Gemayel, political leader of the Lebanese Christian constituency, and leader against the Syrian-Hizballah coalition, was murdered in broad daylight by 4 gunmen identified with Syria and Hizballah.

The parliament in Lebanon has 128 seats. The government needs 65 seats to maintain a majority coalition. The current head of the government is Saad Hariri, son of Rafik Hariri.

The United Nations opened a commission to study the reasons for the assassination of Rafik Hariri. That report is due to be published this month. It is expected to identify Hizballah leaders as responsible for the assassination.

In response to the UN commission, Hizballah has pulled its ministers out of the government, and in a surprise move, convinced Druze leader Walid Jumblatt to pull out his group as well, thus toppling the government. Saad Hariri says that he will run for prime minister again.

There is concern that a civil war might break out before the elections. Hizballah is backed by Syria and Iran. If they succeed in taking over the government, there will be a radical Islamic regime controlling Lebanon, on Israel\s northern border.

Pray for God's salvation for this war-torn land.

Prayer for Israeli Believers

- for new believers, Yael, Orit, Rosa, Hedvah, and Adina to be established in their faith.

- for the continuing outreach fellowships of Netanel house, for many to come to salvation.

- for success for the Tson El goat farm and cheese manufacturers, and for other Messianic businesses in the Land.

- for the many Messianic soldiers in the Israeli Army, to be strong in their faith.

- for Jack Teitel, who attempted to murder Messianic Jewish teenager, Amiel Ortiz, to be brought to justice.