POSTED 25 JULY, 2005

The Missing Link

by Mark Huey
mhuey@outreachisrael.net

Down through the ages, the beleaguered history of God’s people has been chronicled and compiled in a volume that is often simply called “the Bible.” However, due to the inherent fallen nature of man, Holy Scripture has been subject to debate and interpretations that vary from one end of the spectrum to the other end. The divergence of opinions has exacerbated the confusion to the point that fundamental logic is often cast aside, without even mentioning the dissipating reverence that has been traditionally bestowed upon the text. Many give lip service to the Bible, but largely do not take its admonitions that seriously.

Compounding the problem on a strictly spiritual plane, the reality of fallen and rebellious spirits (one third of the Heavenly host), who under the auspices of their champion Lucifer (HaSatan), further influence men and women in elected, appointed, or inherited positions of religious, political, social, and/or economic power. Yet despite all of the competing entities vying for power, position, and control—the Holy One is not confused, but rather uses the cacophony of seemingly disconcerting actions to accomplish His purposes. For most in the world, this truth is difficult to concede. But for those who have faith in the Most High and the spiritual eyes to see, His fingerprints and adherence to the principles He imbedded in the Creation are obvious, however obscured by human limitations.

But what has prompted my rhetorical observation is the lamentable reality that one obvious crucial link of understanding is missing, ignored, or despised, which when embraced and verified by the overwhelming weight of the Scriptures, will shed some light of understanding to us as God’s people. Too many who revere the Holy Scriptures do not embrace its full counsel, but rather they are often content to pick and choose aspects that they believe only apply to them—or more likely, make them feel like they can have a relationship with God without any serious responsibility. I believe that this a serious error that has caused some serious problems.

For far too long, just picking through the Scriptures has developed a schism among many of God’s people so that today’s world is suffering from a lack of clarity and cohesiveness among those who claim to represent the Creator. The absurdity of misinterpretations could be confirmed by countless wars, persecutions, inquisitions, pogroms, and even the Holocaust—all phenomenon that have been, to some degree or another, initiated by people who believe that they have heard from God. What we experience today is no different from past historical events.

While we can easily chastise much of the Christian Church for many of the problems of society (even though this would be judging with too broad a scale, as many Christians themselves have rightly repudiated selective Scripture application), I believe that today’s Messianic community is beginning to demonstrate some of the same problems. Many Jewish Believers in today’s Messianic Judaism, who claim a salvation testimony in Messiah Yeshua, want to separate Jewish and non-Jewish Believers. Many Jewish Believers feel that certain parts of Scripture are only for them, and only limited parts of Scripture are for non-Jewish Believers.

This should be quite alarming, because one would think that with the illuminating and transforming presence of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-28; John 14-16), to people who presumably have a mind oriented toward Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 1:18), that they would understand that all are to be one people in Him. But today, how many in positions of authority in Messianic Jewish circles insist that Torah obedience is not for non-Jewish Believers, is one conundrum that does not make any sense to me. I doubt these people want to see non-Jewish Believers violating God’s Law. But what is their motivation for denying them access to the foundational Scriptures that define who God’s people are? Is it because they alone want to be considered a part of that people, Israel? Is the vision of today’s Messianic Judaism only limited to seeing Jewish people know that Yeshua is the Messiah of Israel? Should not its vision also extend to all people of all nations knowing Yeshua and living like Yeshua?

On the other hand, a significant number of Christian Believers often believe that obedience to God’s commandments is not required in order to receive His blessings. It is rather mind boggling to me when one realizes that Yeshua eloquently raised the standard for commission of sin from the physical act to the very thought of it (Matthew 5:26-30), that one would downplay obedience. Yet despite His clear teaching, too many still find solace for their imaginations without even the slightest effort to repent and avoid the consequences from sowing sinful thoughts that too frequently deviate from just violation of the Ten Commandments. The contemporary downplay of required obedience that has permeated the Christian world is a travesty that can easily be verified by a simple analysis of the American Christian culture. Too many Christians today are not seeking greater sanctification and holiness, wanting to be used by God to change our sinful world. Somehow though, I hope God will use these negative trends for His glory, and hopefully many will turn in repentance.

Likewise, the Judeo-Christian world is divided over how to interpret what is happening in the Land of Israel. If one has been tuning into the various “prophecy prognostications” from a wide range of sources, one might be further befuddled. Whether one listens to a Jewish, Israeli, or Christian perspective, one thing is clear. Although these opinions may have insights from biased perspectives, in my opinion the fact of the matter is that there is one critical missing ingredient that skews the vision.

What prophecy commentators do not often understand is the simple fact that the Israel of God—composed of both Jewish and non-Jewish followers—is to be bound by more than just belief in God and in His Messiah, Yeshua. The Israel of God is to be bound by a diligent obedience to His commandments. The reality that most Jews and Christians do not understand this is apparent because Israel has yet to be fully restored. Jewish people who deny Yeshua often deny Him because Christianity largely teaches that He came to abolish the Torah. Messianic Judaism today complicates the problem by teaching that non-Jewish Believers likewise do not have to obey God’s commandments. What are we to do? Are we to just wait it out and let Him accomplish His plan? It certainly seems this way for now.

I believe that a student of Scripture should understand that the Holy One from the very beginning of time has used conflict and affliction to bring His people to Himself. Perhaps in the cadre of attention given to the Middle East today, He is once again employing this strategy. After all, was it not the affliction of the Nazis upon the Jewish people that instigated a repentant cry that eventually precipitated the formation of the State of Israel? Now just imagine how many religious Jewish Israelis are crying out to God for answers regarding the Disengagement Plan and The Road Map. Is it possible that through these pleadings the Lord just might reveal Himself to some people? Certainly, if just 10% of the beseechers come to a knowledge of Him whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10), the resulting knowledge could be transformational.

Regarding those who already claim a relationship with Yeshua, the incidence of trials and testing could be just as profound. Since many national leaders have proposed dividing the Land of Israel, is it possible that there will be consequences that will get the attention of Christian Believers? God, who acts consistently with His Word, will discipline the nations of the world for their vain attempts to divide Israel. The Scriptures indicate that division will come (Ezekiel 35-36; Joel 3:2), although the timing is not as clearly understood because the Prophets had visions that did not necessarily line up in terms of sequence, thus creating today a difference of opinion with how to regard their prophecies. Nevertheless, if this is a time of division, then judgment on the nations should begin steadily.

If this is to indeed occur, then in His infinite wisdom, I pray that the Holy One will use any negative circumstances to refine and build a people who can be effective for Him and testify of His goodness. These will be men and women who have two common denominators that define their walks with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They will have a testimony of salvation in Yeshua and will obey His commandments (Revelation 12:17; 14:12). Or more simply stated, since they love God, they will obey His commandments!

This is an exciting prospect to possibly witness. Just how our Father intends to accomplish His will is in His hands. Why He is using these circumstances should be evident from our study of the Scriptures and a basic knowledge of world history. What are those, who see these events coming, supposed to do? It has not changed for nearly two thousand years. If you are a follower of the Messiah of Israel, it is very foundational to your faith: you are to make disciples of Him. Trying to do anything different is beyond the command of our Savior, who is the ultimate missing link for those who are perishing.

Be at peace with who you are, and where the Father has providentially placed you. Pursue Him and His righteousness with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Perhaps, in His perfect timing for each of us, not only will our needs be met, but just as important the call He has upon our lives will likewise be accomplished. I pray that the Lord will tell each of you, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and that you will be rewarded for your faithful obedience to Him

Do not fret about the voices that pontificate in ignorance. Pray for them. Show others that there is a better way, and that you are becoming more like your Savior by your obedience to the Father’s commands. Be faithful and know that He is God, and if you do sincerely love Him, you will be a blessing to others and a useful servant in His work in this world.

Until the restoration of all things…

Mark Huey (B.A., Vanderbilt University in History and Graduate Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) is the Director of Outreach Israel Ministries (www.outreachisrael.net). He is the author of several books, including: TorahScope, Volumes I & II, and Counting the Omer: A Daily Devotional Toward Shavuot. He is also co-author of Hebraic Roots: An Introductory Study.