I completely agree, Ephesians chapter 2 makes it clear that those of the Nations (Goyim/Gentiles) who come to faith in Yeshua The Messiah are understood to be past Gentiles...and are now fellow citizens in amongst the commonwealth of Yisra'el.
Ephesian 2:11-13 states, "Therefore, remember
your former state: you Gentiles by birth - called the Uncircumcised by those who, merely because of an operation on their flesh, are called the Circumcised - at that time had no Messiah.
You were estranged from the national life of Yisra'el.
You were foreigners to the covenants embodying God's promise. You were in this world without hope and without God. But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah's blood".
Ephesian 2:19 goes on to state, "So then,
you are no longer foreigners and strangers. On the contrary,
you are fellow-citizens with God's people and members of God's family".
Amein, believing in the Messiah of Yisra'el, for a Jew, is just about the most Jewish thing you could do!
Whether someone is Jewish are has been grafted in and has become part of the commonwealth of Yisra'el, I believe that "Messianic" is the most simple and accurate term we can use. It is the Hebraic version of "Christian", which means "Messiah like", or "Pertaining to the Messiah" or "Of the Messiah". The scriptures use the term "Messianic" several times to describe believers. And, although I understand that the enemies of Yeshua's believers called them "Christian" or "Messianic" as an insult...so too did the enemies of the Jewish people called them "Jew" as an insult. Regardless, the term "Messianic" was also used by believers to describe themselves, and was, and is a completely valid and appropriate term or title.
Ma'asim (Acts) 11:26 states, "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They met with the congregation there for a whole year and taught a sizeable crowd. Also it was in Antioch that the talmidim for the first time were called
"Messianic.""
Although I know that some say this is a negative term...the text doesn't present it in that light or context.
Also, in Ma'asim (Acts) 26:27-29 I believe R' Sha'ul (Paul) reinforces the legitimate use of this term when we read the following; "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe!" Agrippa said to Sha'ul, "In this short time, you're trying to convince me to become
Messianic?" Sha'ul replied, "Whether it takes a short time or a long time, I wish to God that not only you, but also everyone hearing me today, might become just like me except for these chains!""
"Messianic" comes from the term "Mashiach", which means "anointed one". The term is used throughout the TeNaKh to also describe someone who is anointed, and not only for The Messiah (as we usually understand the term). If we have received the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) we also become anointed ones, and "Messianic" holds even more significance for us. In Hebrew the word for "Messianic" is "M'shichi".
For those who have either have Jewish heritage or who have converted, "Messianic Jew" or "Messianic Jewish" is even more valid. I think that describing ourselves as "
observant" or "
pursuant" is a great way to add more description to who we are, but I really do believe that "Messianic" is the most valid term, as it immediately connects us to The Messiah, who is our foundation and connection to The God of Yisra'el. That should be first and foremost, any other description should build from there. The Messiah should take center stage in every aspect of our life...even in what I call myself. If we have The Messiah, we have the
, we have The Way, and we have God living in us and through us, and we have everything needed unto life and Godliness.
And, in Kefa Alef (1Peter) 4:16 we are told not to be ashamed to be called "Messianic". R' Kefa states, "But if anyone suffers for being
Messianic, let him not be ashamed; but let him bring glory to God by the way he bears this name".
Don't worry...be Messianic!
Chen v'shalom aleychem,
R' Reuel
- there are 70 faces to 
, but gave it up.
who knew!
