(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)
Asher serves as president of Tikkun Global family of ministries and congregations, dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He is founder of the Revive Israel five-fold ministry team, and oversees both Ahavat Yeshua and Tiferet Yeshua congregations in Israel.
He and his wife Betty share a passion for personal prayer and devotion, local evangelism and discipleship in Hebrew, and unity of the Body of believers worldwide.
Asher was raised in a conservative Jewish home and holds degrees from Harvard University, Baltimore Hebrew College and Messiah Biblical Institute. He has authored numerous books, tracts and articles.