By Tom Brennan
Recently the Ministry of Religion recognized a Messianic Congregation. Who are Messianics and how do they fit into Israel’s complex network of faiths that share a common homeland? Back in the 1970’s religious movements, street corner activists and preachers were more common than today. Anyone who lived or worked in an urban environment could hardly wait for a bus or tram and not pass by or be cornered by someone in some type of religious garb selling books or lecturing everyone on their cult or church. This type of activism brought out a group of Jews who became Christian missionaries and evangelists. Their type of high energy proselytizing attracted attention, mostly negative, from Jews and Christians alike. Today something is going on in faith and belief that many tag as more of this “Jews for Jesus” type of activity. It is not, it is called variously Hebrew Roots, Hebraic Roots, Messianic and similar terms. Who are these believers and why are they such energetic and faithful supporters of Israel?
Our modern society is in such a rush to “get to the chase” that we compartmentalize most experiences and beliefs. We box people, ideas and even G-d into a soundbite type of description that enables us to move on to something else we think is important. G-d does not fit easily into any box and “My ways are not your ways” says it all. Messianics are people who consider the Bible to be one book, one testimony, one set of precepts for those who wish to be members of the Kingdom. Most follow Torah to various degrees, many adopt Biblical rites and follow the Feasts and Shabbats, all observe Shabbat on sunset Friday to sunset Saturday schedule. Many dress and follow Biblical precepts for Kosher and purity in food and personal conduct. Few have a synagogue or large congregation although there are several large organizations that adopt a view and practice of beliefs and observances. For the most part many congregations are home churches, borrow a cooperative and sympathetic church building on a Saturday for worship and many more follow and study via internet.
The internet has been a major factor in spreading the message of this revival of the 1st century church. They keep Shabbat, the Torah and accept Yeshua as the promised Messiah. As a rule they are not missionary types. People seem drawn to this belief for many personal reasons. They are active in Bible study (as the synagogues were in the 1st century). They form close knit groups or assemblies under guidance of a teacher or group of them. The teachers are often unordained scholars, former denominational pastors and ministers and Orthodox Rabbis. Many have online ministries that are featured on several internet TV systems with world wide reach. By and large there is mutual cooperation and respect within the overall picture and most share time at events and meetings. There is little if any of the jealousy or negativism that marks the televangelist scene.
Sometimes the term cult is cast at the Messianics but there is no basis for this. Cults are led by charismatic, dogmatic individuals are here a serious difference is seen. The vast majority of teachers and congregation leaders consider themselves teachers and no acknowledged head or leader is recognized. There is wide variation in approach and teaching style but at the core is a common fundamental belief in the full application of the entire Bible to life and worship of the Almighty.
Most teachers conduct regular tours of Israel and support Israel vocally and actively. The most active and forceful social media pages are from Messianics, they are active and passionate and communicate this in large volume. Several national organizations such as CUFI .Although the mainstream media would have us believe that most of the bad things that happen in the Middle East fall at Israel’s door, a large sale counter response is coming from those who support Israel and their voice is growing louder.
Messianics are slowly winning understanding, acknowledgment and acceptance as a revival of the church as it existed in the Apostolic days following Pentecost. They are nothing new, but a return to the worldview of the time when Yeshua gathered His disciples and told them to go into the world and make more. Their loyalty to Israel is unquestionable and they urge all Christians of all traditions to do the same.
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