Jewish Encounter
 
“For most of us, the cross has been a sign of terror,” the rabbi said.  I listened a little uncomfortably, but with a desire to communicate a far different message. I had been invited by Rabbi Daniel Bouskila to the Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel, a Synagogue in Los Angeles, to be part of a discussion titled “Are Christians friends to the Jews?”
 
I learned that evening that Jewish people usually answer “No!” to such a question.  In the few minutes I had to speak, I attempted to explain that many Christians strongly believe that our faith has its roots in the Jewish faith. I told them how grateful we are for this wonderful heritage and that we hold a special place in our hearts for Israel and her people.  I told them that I am only beginning to comprehend the tragedies of the holocaust and a host of other injustices done over the centuries, often in the name of Christ, to God’s chosen people.  I asked for their forgiveness.
 
The response of Rabbi Bouskila’s congregation was overwhelming.  They applauded, they wept, then spontaneously rose to their feet in a standing ovation!  Many came up to shake my hand and talk to the friends I had with me, to express their astonishment, and their appreciation.  “I am stunned,” another visiting rabbi kept repeating.  “We rarely clap during a service and the only time we stand is to leave!”  I too was stunned, and humbled to realize how much the thoughts I expressed meant to these dear people.
 
I pray that the cross will now begin to take on a different meaning to our new friends.
 
This powerful encounter at the Sephardic Synagogue is one more step in the relationship I believe God is building between His church and His chosen people.  Another step is a new ministry we have launched here at In The Word, which we are calling “Upon Their Shoulders.”  Let me explain:
 
We believe in the prophecies from the Old Testament, which talk about Israel being rebuilt: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn you.  Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt” (Jeremiah 31:3-4).
 
Over the past few years, I have developed a deep friendship with Mayor Ron Nachman of Ariel, Israel, a city on the west bank that is home to thousands of Jewish immigrants.  I’ve had the privilege of visiting Ariel and have introduced the mayor to our congregation and several other like-minded churches.  We have felt led by God to become involved in the rebuilding of Israel by helping immigrants from around the world who desire to re-locate, do so.  Right now, we are specifically working with Russian Jews who have long awaited the chance to return to their spiritual homeland, but need help with airfare, accommodations and re-absorption costs.  We also plan to work with Jewish people from other countries around the world, such as areas of South America.
 
To aid in this modern exodus, we’ve launched “The Nehemiah Project,” taken from the Scripture in Isaiah that says: “See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the people; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders” (Isaiah 49:22).
 
Our vision is to raise money to help with this worthy cause.  Because of God’s promises, we believe Israel will continue to grow and that He has called Gentiles to share in the rebuilding.  It is our privilege and responsibility, according to our Holy Scriptures, to minister to the Jewish people in a practical and material way:  “It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things” (Romans 15:27).
 
I realize now that it is time to express our love for God’s chosen people. It is time to take a stand, and to become part of the prophetic fulfillment of God’s plan for the homecoming of hundreds of Jewish people to the Promised Land. 
 
We offer this gesture of friendship to Israel as an acknowledgment of our common heritage, and as our way of thanking the Jewish people for preserving the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 
 
We ask for your prayers, and invite you to become involved as you feel led.  If you would like more information, contact us at:  office@maranathachapel.org or call 800 954-5673.
 
Ray Bentley