The Threat of “Messianic Judaism”

Posted by Alexis Wallace on March 2, 2010 under Why | Read the First Comment

There is a growing concern amongst some of our Orthodox Jewish brothers and sisters concerning what they term, “The Threat of Messianic Judaism”. Their evaluation of the threat hinges around what they see as deceptive missionary tactics that are a threat to all Jews, regardless of their levels of observance.

A dear friend of mine; who is a prominent Rabbi, sent me a letter regarding the expression of this concern by certain quarters. I thank G-d that it was not from him because we had already built our relationship on genuine friendship and we know each others hearts.

However, I will share with our Members the official response that I had regarding this “threat” . Let me be clear to my Jewish friends that this is not an answer to my esteemed, rabbinical friend, this is an official response to what has been deemed , “The Threat of Messianic Judaism”:

Dear Rabbi (Name deleted),

I read with interest the article that you sent and I guess I can see how it would present an interesting dilemma for those that are committed to their Orthodox Jewish faith. However, I do not feel that I am qualified to offer an opinion or judgment on the motivation of others of the Christian faith, so as a Christian I will address this from my own, personal perspective.

Personally, it is impossible for me not to have a love for the Jewish people because of the invaluable contribution that they have made to the propagation of the Gospel that I read, believe and preach. All of the Prophets, Apostles and Christ himself were Jews. In understanding this I feel it is imperative to have a greater understanding of the heritage, culture and mind set of these literary giants of our faith.

Secondly, as Psalm 122:6 implores us all to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, I personally believe that the welfare of the whole world is tied in with our commitment to the welfare of the Jewish people and their homeland; that blessed city of King David.

Rabbi, this is the foundation for the love and commitment that I feel to Zion and the Jewish people. It is also the driving force behind the pro-Israel work that I do. Besides that, I personally have been blessed to meet some really great people in my endeavors; you being one of them.

Even if we look at our uniting from a New Testament perspective, with regards to the popular scripture in Romans that addresses the relationship of Jews and Christians, Christians will see that they are admonished not to boast over being grafted into the Olive Tree because, “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” (Romans 11:18) I believe that it might be surprising to find that many Christians share these sentiments.

Anyway my dear friend, I hope this helps to shed a little light on the sincerity of my work and interaction with the beloved Jewish people.

You can read more by Pastor Wallace at http://www.shalomcaribbean.com