Post by Mark on Nov 5, 2009 4:41:02 GMT -8
Something tragically lost in modern Judaism is the invitation offered throughout the Tanakh (the Hebrew Scriptures which is commonly called the Old Testament) for gentiles to come and participate in the worship of God. The Book of Yishiyahu (Isaiah) is replete with examples of how the nations will come to Jerusalem to learn of and worship the Lord God of Israel, and will be welcome.
Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
(Isa 56:6-7)
Several things have happened over the course of Israel’s history to make the relationship less than ideal between Jew and gentile. Many of the disasters befallen the Jewish people are blamed upon the influence of Western thought upon the Hebrew culture. Repeatedly, the prophets warned against becoming like the nations around them. Yet, as the cross-roads for trade and commerce between Eastern and Western civilization, the people were continuously bombarded by new ideas, philosophies and religions. The religious Jew had little recourse, even in pure self-defense, to be closed-off and smug in his relations with various peoples around him.
Messiah’s words must have been a slap in the face:
When Jesus heard [it], he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
(Mat 8:10)
We certainly have this inclination to become too smart for our own good. Paul, in Romans 11:25 calls it being "wise in our own conceits." It’s the idea of having all the necessary knowledge; but in our familiarity with it, forget the power and privilege that comes along with it. It’s like having a workshop with all the greatest tools in the world; but feeling overwhelmed by a simple task. A stranger may walk in and be overjoyed at the possibilities provided in these resources; but because you’ve grown used to being surrounded by it all, you don’t even see them anymore.
The Centurion saw something in Messiah Yeshua that the Jewish people had come to take for granted- truth and righteousness. He understood that the promises given in Scripture were not just ornamental, and by the invitations of the prophets of old, he had access to this power.
I get really excited when a new person comes into a relationship with Messiah or is drawn to live in obedience to the Scriptures; but not because I have a new pupil to teach the same old stuff. I get excited because I will have the opportunity to see the Scriptures again through fresh eyes. I will get to experience a new perspective of understanding these ancient truths. And once again, I will be challenged to believe the Word of God with power.
When Messiah heard the words of this gentile, He marveled. He literally admired the man for his faith. This is not a condemnation of the Jewish people who were there. It is cause for us to consider the relevance and the importance learning from those who are seeing the truths of God’s Word for the first time.
This is not normal in our hierarchal system of religious order. We older and wiser guys, who have studied the Scriptures for many years get to talk. You new people need to sit and listen and hopefully glean just a little bit of our knowledge. We’re missing it altogether. For it is out of the mouths of babes and sucklings that Adonai has perfected praise.
