Written by Robbie Coleman, March 20, 2017
People from all nations are seeking to understand why they are feeling drawn toward Israel and Jewish teaching. The shift toward Jewish understanding has deepened since the Messianic Awakening, which ignited during the Charismatic Renewal in the 70’s, even within the southern American Bible belt.
The Fundamental Protestant groups found identity through church doctrines, exuberant sermons, and faithful church attendance. Distinctively different, each had its strong point. For example, Baptist had solid Sunday school and discipleship, which excels to this day, while the Pentecostals stressed emotional experience with the hope of landslide revivals.
There has been a paradigm shift over the last decade. I am made aware of congregations who adopt cultural changes within their church settings, which are embracing an element of Jewish worship. It is not uncommon to notice a menorah sitting on a communion table, hear the sound of a shofar blast, or see a farmer wearing overalls with a tallit draped over his shoulders. I have even seen men wearing kippahs in traditional churches. So, why the shift?
This shift is more than the latest ecclesiastical fad. The church, for approximately 1800 years, has abandoned her Jewish identity. In the last decade, she is reuniting with her Hebraic foundation. We find this as a fulfillment in prophecy spoken of in Zechariah 8:22-23, “So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the Lord of host in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Yes, people from all nations (ethnos) will seek the Lord in Jerusalem and will take hold of a Jew’s clothing to bring them close—not wanting to be apart ever again. Realistically, increasing numbers of Christians want to be in Jerusalem. And before returning home, they will shop for the best prayer shawl (Tallit) or shofar not just for memorabilia, but also as a way to embrace the worship of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Yeshua.
The shift is prophetic fulfillment in which we all can be a part. Globally, people ignore the news media about dangers and Apartheid within Israel and purchase passports and El-Al Airline tickets for Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. We are told that the Sephardic (Hispanic) will fill the Negev (Obadiah 20). Those from China (Sinim), Russia (North) and the US (West) will come in droves (Isaiah 49:12). Verse 13 of Isaiah 49 says that these peoples will be used to comfort the Jewish people. God is calling people from Africa to bring gifts to Jerusalem (Isaiah 60:6). This is being done today by the sheep nations around the globe, while goat nations are cursing Israel. Zechariah rehearsed Gods words in chapter 12:3, “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; …all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” The fact that Israel has more enemies than friends causes those who love her to strengthen their embrace.
Isaiah 49:3, “He said to me, “You are my servant Israel in whom I will show my glory.” The Lord then spoke in verse 6, “I will also make you a light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” This New Testament fulfillment began in Acts 13:47, “For so the Lord has commanded us, I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.” The prayer of Paul is that we be as “One new man.” We are beginning to reach that time and are finally learning more about our Jewish family.
Edited by Tommie Coleman, 3.22.17
