The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because
the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind
up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and
the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those
who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the
oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint
spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the
LORD, that he may be glorified.
They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall
raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the
devastations of many generations.
Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;
foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; but you shall be called the
priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you
shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast.
Isa 61:1-6
Master, I am attending a conference on restoration of The
Land of Israel, sponsored by a group called HaYovel (English translation –
Jubilee). This group of people that I’m worshiping with, eating with, studying
with; they are… well, Lord, there’s no word I can put on them right now, other
than… “Different”.
You know my heart, Adonai and I’m tempted to put labels on
things instead of to understand. And I really want to understand. And so I’m
asking Your help for a better definition here. Please give me eyes to see and
ears to hear beyond of what I’m capable.
These folks are much like other Christian groups I know.
When they start worshiping, they break into song to get things going. They pray
for Your presence to be in the room. They seek You in the Text and they exhibit
the warmth and genuine “community feel” I’ve experienced with other deeply
convicted believers.
There is definitely a “spiritual earthiness” about this
modest crew. They are incredibly family-oriented; children…many, many babies
and toddlers are on everyone’s laps, older kids are running or crawling
everywhere. Many of the women are dressed in long field skirts and cover their
hair with scarves; most of the men have beards (all according to ancient
traditions). I suspect that some would say this distinguishes the group – sets them
apart so to speak. Perhaps: But, external trademarks are not what concern me at
this moment. I’ve mingled with many who
look and act differently, unconventional to our modern day customs and I’m at
ease in this setting. There’s something else at work here. What are You trying
to say to me, through these humble and beautiful worshipers, Adonai?
Could it be the message they convey? These spiritual followers of Yours have a
very specific banner they carry before them. They are all about Israel – the
land, the God , the Spirit and the Messiah therein. They make no excuses for
their passion to help restore The Land – as they refer to it – in partnership
with the Jewish people. Their language is full of references to vineyards,
fields and a geographical relationship with You that many of us “Western”
believers have either denied or ignored.
When I first met with the leadership of HaYovel, I was
amazed, Lord, at the many things we had in common, how much we spoke in unity
of a love of The Land, how much we both shared a passion for Your plan for the
Jewish People and how we Christians are connected to that plan. But they also
shared some additional insights (things I had only suspected) about how we, as
“grafted family members”, have misinterpreted, misapplied and even abused our
relationship to The Land and Your people.
That’s why I’m here before You, YHWH. I want to understand
if this group is just some cultish offshoot of our Christian faith or if…
…If what, Master? What if they are on the main track and
I…we, have missed the proper focus? I actually fear that answer because it will
require intensive, possibly radical, change. For many years I have had what I
have considered a “heart” for Israel and have had a desire to understand how
Old Testament and New connect. But does that mean I’ve been (and am)
wholeheartedly committed to seeking relationship with the Jewish people? Have I
fully considered the ramifications of Your Word which implies all believers –
me included – will eventually take up residence in The Land? It’s right there
in black and white, Lord. Do I live like I believe? Am I willing to support and
defend the Jewish Homestead as my own?
That’s the difference. These folks are “living” You, “breathing”
You and obeying You. Not that I and many others aren’t, it’s just that the
HaYovel crowd have dug in to find a deeper understanding of their…our…origins.
They are taking Your Word, all of it – not just parts of it – seriously and
literally, from its Alef to its very Tav.
What can I learn from HaYovel? And do I have perspective –
wisdom that You have bestowed on me to share with them in kind? Maybe the
answers are within the questions. Why do I refer to them as “them”? Are we not
all grafted in, and if so, is there an opportunity for communion here?
HaYovel points out how the Jews have been deeply,
historically and spiritually wounded by actions intended to marginalize, even
eliminate Your Chosen People. The “Organized Church” (a term You, know I have
come to abhor) has either endorsed, sanctioned or ignored these actions so that
now, a breech of spiritual trust divides we who are newly born to faith from those
You call “servants” and “the remnant” of Your kingdom.
Am I responsible for this? Am I to apologize for this? I
want to think not, but if not, how do we mend the wound? Does it matter who is
responsible? Should our example be Your example – serve rather than be served?
Obey in humility rather than try to justify my personal value?
I know, Adonai, I’m “all over the place” with this my
questions and this journal. Help me to center in on Your purpose through all of
this. Am I hearing right? Do you want me to Do
to Others as I would have them Do to me?
And by “others”, does that mean I am to serve my spiritual relatives who
are in The Land?
That seems so simple. And…I’m willing, Lord – even inspired
by Your example through HaYovel. That does leave one more question that only
you can answer. If I am willing to obey, what would you have me do?
Mark C.
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