The unifying of true believers in Yeshua around the world leads to a revelation of the kingdom of God. This may be likened to the pieces of a jig-saw puzzle. As the pieces are separate, it is impossible to understand the picture. As the pieces are joined, the meaning of the picture becomes apparent.
Unity of the body of Messiah includes fullness, glory, holiness, love, authority and ultimately leads to the return of Yeshua to rule and reign. Three passages in the New Covenant stand out in my thoughts as the paths to arrive at this full unity and glory.
- John 17 – prayer for unity
- Romans 11 – olive tree grafting
- Ephesians 4 – apostolic ministry teams
John 17:21 – “May they all become one, even as you father are in me and I in you; may they also be in us, so that the world will know that you sent me.”
Our unity starts first with our union with God. This is a divine miracle of becoming one in spirit with God himself. As we become partakers of the “divine nature” (II Peter 1:3-5), we also become one with one another. This divine union includes glory, perfection and world evangelism.
Romans 11:17 – “You… have been grafted in among them and become a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree.”
Part of the process of becoming one is the grafting in of the international church to the “olive tree” of Israel. The branches become one. Reconciliation with Jewish and Gentile believers produces the “one new man” (Ephesians 2:11). The fullness and restoration of Israel and the Church are dependent one on the other.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers… for the building up of the body of Messiah, until we all come to the unity of the faith.”
The work of the “five-fold” ministry leads to a fullness and unity in the body of Messiah. The restoration of apostolic and prophetic ministry is part of the overall restoration and fullness of the body, both internationally and in Israel.
These three passages together they comprise a “three-fold cord” for revival and release of the kingdom of God in our day.
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.