The book of Acts is being lived out again by our Messianic brothers and sisters in Israel. As they quietly go about their daily lives and simply live out their faith in Yeshua, they become a thorn in the side of religious people who are threatened by their faith. This past week a dear brother who leads a congregation in Jerusalem was dragged into court under false charges of attempting to convert a minor. The judge threw the case out when our brother produced a letter they had given the young lady stating that she would only be allowed to attend their congregation if her parents would give their permission.
Praise God for His protection. This same pastor was told by a rabbi that “harsh opposition” is being planned by other rabbis against the Messianic community. But in the face of that persecution, he acknowledged that they are not really rejecting him but rather Yeshua. He continues to walk out love toward those who are making his life difficult.
This is just one incident in a long list of ways the Believers in Israel are being persecuted. About 20 years ago the Baptist Church in Jerusalem was burned to the ground by Orthodox Jews who wanted them out of the country. Two years ago a young teenager was severely maimed and nearly died of his wounds as he opened a Purim gift left on his front porch that exploded when he opened it. The “gift” had been planted there by an Orthodox group who hate Messianic Jews.
And there are many other incidents like this. Many Messianic Believers have lost their jobs when the boss found out about their faith in Yeshua. Others have been deported, or threatened with deportation, by the Orthodox controlled Department of Immigration.
Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Israel. Early Believers passed on a witness that eventually led to our being included in the Family of God. Now, 2000 years later, a remnant of Believers is back in the Land as living witnesses to our Living Lord. May He protect them and increase their witness for His glory.
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