Part 1
(Note: I am using some excerpts from my teaching on the Book of Revelation)
__________________________________
As Christians, we had been taught for centuries that, because the Jews were instrumental in the crucifixion of Jesus, the Jews were no longer “the chosen people of God”.
From Wikipedia: “Supersessionism and replacement theology or fulfillment theology are Christian interpretations of New Testament claims, viewing God’s relationship with Christians as being either the “replacement” or “fulfillment” or “completion” of the promise made to the Jews (or Israelites) and Jewish Proselytes. Biblical expressions of God’s relationships with people are known as covenants, so the contentious element of supersessionism is the idea that the New Covenant with the Christians and the Christian Church replaces, fulfills or completes the Mosaic Covenant (or Torah) with the Israelites.“
Quite frankly, there is nothing further from the truth! An “idea” developed several hundred years ago and preached as “the Gospel truth” has caused millions of people to disregard the Jewish Nation as God’s “chosen people”. It is as though God said “Oops! I made a mistake about the Jews, so I am now changing “my people” to the Christians.” Obviously, that is as facetious as it sounds, yet some believe that.
How callous is it to think that an all-knowing God would make a mistake, or that he would renege on His Word?! This very idea caused the slaughter of millions of Jews during the German Third Reich reign of Hitler and his cronies. They sincerely believed, because of the Jewish involvement in the death of Jesus, that the Jews had become the scum of the earth; sub-human, and not worthy to live.
__________________________________
Since the death of Jesus over 2,000 years ago, the Jews have been mistreated, misaligned and scourged. They were scattered after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans (Titus) in 70 AD and the fall of Masada in 73 AD. From that time until 1948 the Jews had no land, no place that they could call their own. True, the present location of Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean area was the site of the original “promised land” of God for His chosen people. But, for over 1900 years that land was occupied by various nations, and except for small family groupings, the Jews were not allowed to settle there, as a nation.
However, despite the massive slaughter of His people during the first half of the 20th century, like drawn by a magnet, the remnant of Israel slowly started migrating back to their “promised land”. And, in 1947, despite the objections of many member nations, mostly Muslim (Palestinians), the Jews were mandated a portion of that land to establish a new state that they named “Israel”. On May 14, 1948, Israel declared their independence, and was approved by vote of the United Nations, with the United States casting the first vote of affirmation. (This latter resulted in a pact with the USA in a fraternal obligation to support the State of Israel – forever)!
__________________________________
Over the centuries prior to when Jesus was born, many people professed to be the “messiah” that the Jews were looking for. Obviously, all of them were NOT as claimed, and for that reason the Jews became wary of anyone who laid claim to that title. When Jesus walked the earth preaching the “Good News”, the Jews did not accept Him as the Son of God either. They were looking (and hoping) for a conquering king who would vindicate Israel for all the centuries of abuse they had suffered. They just couldn’t believe God would send them a humble, suffering Messiah who would “turn the other cheek”! But, God doesn’t always do what we expect of Him!
Years ago I heard a good description of the “Jewish plight” regarding Jesus and Messiah. If you stand, facing the sun and look at a high distant mountain that is named “Conquering Messiah”, you will see that mountain. But, because of being overshadowed by the taller mountain, you probably won’t see a small mountain in front of that, the one named “Humble Messiah”. Picture a valley between these two mountains, and name that valley Thousands of Years”.
You can see the tall mountain that is thousands of years beyond the shorter mountain in front of you. The Jews didn’t see the first coming of the Messiah; they just anticipated and had their “eyes” on the coming of the distant, second, Conquering Messiah.
Primarily they just couldn’t understand Messiah would come twice, and because of the persecution they have received, coupled with a sense of “guilt” regarding the death of Jesus, the Jews have blocked this whole scenario from their minds and teachings – a “hardening of their hearts”. They have rejected the possibility of Jesus being the messiah — only a great teacher.
But, God had a plan for His “chosen people” since the beginning of time and the plan is right on schedule.
In part 2, we will see how God will justify His chosen people as the End of Time occurs. Stay tuned (9-12-10) for the exciting conclusion!
This article is important. Jews and Israel are God’s heart. They have been punished, mistreated and killed but those who have hurt them are under judgment. I pray for Jerusalem and Israel every day. God could somehow justify having a certain amount of mercy on our nation, in spite of our fall into immorality and sin, simply due to our support of Israel, His heart. Right now, that support is being withdrawn and our nation will no longer have that chance of mercy for we are a sinful nation. It should be important to every American.
Looking forward to the next installment. Always interested in the Jewish race because my forefathers (1600′s Redwines {Rheudweil})were German Jews.