Romans 11:16-20
"If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.' Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid."
Today, we are enjoying God's salvation solely because of His grace, so there's nothing we can boast about. This is especially true when we face the Jews - we must not look down or despise them. Even though the Jews don't believe in Jesus, disobeyed against God and distanced themselves from God's grace, God has never forsaken them. Don't ever forget that salvation from out from the Jews; they are still God's chosen people and God will remember them in His eternal plan. Although we already have true freedom in Christ and we don't need to, like back in the Old Testament time, first become Jews in order to enjoy God's grace, we still cannot neglect the needs of the Jews. Paul said that in the Gospel we are indebted to the Jews, and therefore we need to remember them in the Lord.
The Bible also taught us to bless the Israelites for the following reasons: First, God's revelation came through them; second, Jesus Christ was born through their race, and third, the end-time prophecies will be fulfilled through them. It doesn't mean that they are more spiritual or closer to God than we are. They are just vessels in God's hands, for God has chosen them in order to accomplish His plan of eternal salvation on earth. Therefore, the history of the Israelites is like a sign for God's work, thus we must pay close attention to it.
So how should we bless the Israelites? First, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6 tells us to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." Second, ask God to open doors for sharing the gospel with the Jews. Israel has been considering a law that would make any form of sharing the gospel with Jews by missionaries illegal, and the offenders can be imprisoned. May the Lord block any of such legislation! Also, ask God to bless the Israelites, because those who bless the Israelites will be blessed by God.
Pray with Pastor Tong Liu
Lord, please bless the Israelites, open the door for the gospel to reach them, and soften their hearts so that they will accept it. Through our blessing, may the grace of the Lord come upon everyone who prays for the peace of Jerusalem. I thank you and I pray for the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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