IT’S WHAT YOU ARE THAT COUNTS
Ken Graydon

 

 

This is a walk of obedience. ETERNAL has, in His wisdom, put before us simple ways for us to live so that He may bless us abundantly. Naturally enough, we choose not to accept the simplicity but to make things complicated, if not impossible.

 

The Tanakh spells out for us that the tribe of Judah [the Jews] and Ephraim [representing the ‘lost tribes’] will be brought together again in these last days. It is a repeated prophecy so we know it will come about. However that is not the only prophecy about those times. What if you do not know if you are of Israel? Does that wipe you out? NO IT DOES NOT!

 

There have been many persecutions of Jewish people throughout history – and immigrations, absorptions and eliminations. It is no wonder that people who had Jewish sounding names would have changed them. Others were forced to take on some pagan beliefs to try to save their families. Many reasons or circumstances that would make it impossible to trace a family genealogy to prove an Israelite connection. The good news is – you do not have to.

 

ETERNAL knew what would happen – He also knew that there would be other people who would hear and respond to His call so He spelled out His ‘stranger policy’.

 

Isaiah 63: 15-16 Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious height! Where is Your zeal, Your power? Your yearning and Your love are being withheld from us! Surely You are our Father; though Abraham regard us not, and Israel recognise us not, You, ETERNAL are our Father; from of old, Your name is “Our Redeemer”.

 

You do not have to be accepted in Judaism or by the holders of some old label. ETERNAL is your Redeemer! If you check in your own Tanakh you will find many references to the obedient strangers who are acceptable to ETERNAL, they are to receive a portion of ‘the Land’ in whichever tribe they have associated themselves with.

 

It is not necessary to give yourself some ‘Jewish’ name as if that would add authenticity to your claim on the attention of ETERNAL. It may even be a form of dishonesty if it is not something you are entitled to.

 

 

Isaiah 43:9-13 All the nations assemble as one, the peoples gather. Who among them declared this, foretold to us things that have happened? Let them produce their witnesses and be vindicated, that men hearing them, may say, “It is true!”

My witnesses are you – declares ETERNAL –

My servant, whom I have chosen. To the end that you may take thought and believe in Me, and understand that I am He:

Before Me no g-d was formed, and after Me none shall exist – none but Me, ETERNAL; beside Me, none can grant triumph. I alone foretold the triumph and I brought it to pass; I announced it, and no strange g-d was among you. So you are My witnesses – declares ETERNAL.

Ever since day was, I am He; none can deliver from My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?

 

ETERNAL chooses His witnesses [such as you and I] from among the nations. Not only from one nation. If we believe – and are obedient and, because of our obedience, are blessed – we are witnesses for ETERNAL. We will be living the life that ETERNAL foretold for the obedient ones.

 

If you are obedient to the commandments of ETERNAL, living the life He directs then you are called. It is between you and ETERNAL, no man may decide for you if your calling is valid. No accident of birth would either qualify or disqualify you from the Wonderful World to Come. It is up to ETERNAL.

 

If you are obedient and your blessing is obvious – then you are His witness. Your life should prove the words of the Tanakh are true for us all today.

 

It is what you are, not who you are that ETERNAL recognises. Will He know you when He sees you?

 

kennygee@bigpond.com