!["Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel..." (Phil. 1:27b HCSB)](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/54/d6/54d6eec91b68d5ea518833d743bfa2c1.jpg?itok=0348RKj2 ""Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel..." (Phil. 1:27b HCSB)")
In all truthfulness, I believe Messianic Judaism is a conduit especially suitable for spreading spiritual truth precisely because it has not obtained the status of either Non-Messianic Judaism or Christianity. Judaism and Christianity are both embroiled in religious politics and the insatiable desire for wealth and power. Unfortunately, Messianic Jews seem to want to wrest power and resources away from Christianity and be corrupted by the same influences that have so greatly hindered Christianity’s effectiveness.
Neither Christians nor Messianic Jews should be trying to make the other group conform to their views or vie with each other for power. Why should brothers in the Messiah fight each other? Messianic Jews’ trying to justify themselves by taking over as leaders of the Body is not conducive to spiritual growth. Honestly, Messianic Judaism has no need to justify itself to Christianity, Judaism, or anyone else.
If Messianic Jews truly believe in what they practice, what does it matter if Christians, Jews, atheists, or anyone else criticizes them? “A tree is recognized by its fruit.”[1] Dan Juster, in fact, lists in his aforementioned book some of the fruits Messianic Judaism has produced,[2] and fruit should be all the justification Messianic Jews need. More importantly, Messianic Judaism should show spiritual fruit as its testimony.
Instead of worrying about Jewish acceptance, Messianic Jews should occupy themselves with knowing God and being accepted by Him. Instead of battling Christians, Messianic Jews should seek to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”[3] and “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[4] for “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”[5]
Instead of focusing on proving to Christians that the Torah is still in effect, Messianic Jews should focus on love, for “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”[6] Instead of trying to convince Christians and Jews that Messianic Judaism is valid, Messianic Jews should work on growing spiritually and building each other up, that they may glorify the Lord. “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”[7]
If Messianic Judaism focuses on knowing, loving, and serving God in an environment of love, truth, righteousness, and peace, then it will truly present to people something more than what conventional religion offers, and it will attract God’s children from everywhere, becoming a blessing to the Messiah’s flock. Therefore, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”[8] Messianic Judaism does not need to worry what any other religion, faction, sect, or group is doing, as long as Messianic Jews are living their lives for the Lord and His glory. So then, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”[9]
[1] Matthew 12:33b—NIV
[2] Dan Juster, Jewish Roots: A Foundation of Biblical Theology, 3d ed., (Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, Inc.), pp. 256-258
[3] Matthew 22:37—NIV
[4] Matthew 22:39b—NIV
[5] Matthew 22:40—NIV
[6] Galatians 5:14—NIV
[7] Colossians 3:14—NIV
[8] Colossians 3:2—NIV
[9] 1 Corinthians 16:13-14—NIV
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