The Prophets and Their Importance
One might find it strange that we have to spend time convincing others that Jewish people need Jesus.
After a church service a few years back, and during a question and answer time, a man stood up visibly distraught. With deep emotion in his voice he sadly asked a question that
I get quite often in churches. He asked, “Why don’t they get
it? Why don’t Jewish people understand Jesus is the one who came for them? It seems so clear.” I paused for a moment and answered, “I wish I could put Jeremiah’s sandals on your feet.” Jeremiah’s heart broke for the nation of Israel. I thanked the gentleman for his broken heart for my people. I only wish that my people would “just get it.” Please think this through...
There would not have been prophets in the Old Testament had the nation of Israel been an obedient nation. Jeremiah was sent by God to call them to repentance and then was told by God that NO ONE was going to listen to him. And so emerges “The Weeping Prophet” who wrote Lamentations to express his broken heart over the rebellious nation of Israel.
Most people know the story of Elijah the prophet and his famous altar altercation with the false prophets of Baal in I Kings 18. I teach on the narrative at Mt. Carmel during the first day of our tours of Israel. We want to help people understand why we weep over the nation of Israel and look at the “Holy Land” through different eyes.
Elijah was a prophet of Israel to Israel. He was sent by God to the nation of Israel to call them to repent from following other gods and false prophets. Following is the text preceding the narrative of Elijah and the God of Israel defeating the false gods and false prophets of Israel:
“Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.” 1 Kings 18:16-21
Here are a few important takeaways from the story:
• The prophets of the Old Testament went to the lost nation of Israel to call them back to God.
• Elijah was one of many who fulfilled that calling. (Including Jeremiah and the other Jewish prophets).
• Ahab, the evil king of Israel at the time, was leading the nation of Israel into rebellion against God.
• The people of Israel were following false prophets and “worshipping at Jezebel’s table.”
• The king saw Elijah the prophet as “the troubler” but the king was the problem.
• The people, were asked who they would follow, the false gods/prophets of Baal or the God of Israel...
• They remained silent and said nothing.
The nation of Israel is in the same condition today as it was in Elijah’s day. Their only hope is the Messiah of Israel. Jesus. The one for whom the prophets of the Old Testament longed. The message of the prophets is not an easy one. However they were not asked by God to bring an easy message to Israel. They were called by God to bring the truth to Israel.
Dennis Prager, best selling Jewish author and conservative radio/TV/YouTube personality, in an article entitled “Ignoring God” in an issue of “Kosher Spirit” magazine, writes...
“The people who brought God to the world don’t have much to do with Him. Perhaps the saddest aspect of modern Jewish life is how unimportant God is to most Jews. Reasons for this include Jews identify religion with persecution and secularism with freedom; Jews are the most highly educated ethnic group in America and therefore secularly influenced from kindergarten to graduate school; even religious Jewish life often has little God-centeredness. Whatever the reason, it is a fact that God plays little role in Jewish life...It is a tragedy for Jews individually, since without God in one’s life, one’s sense of purpose and level of happiness are dramatically affected.”
Many years ago while sharing the gospel with an Israeli soldier in Jerusalem I asked him what he thought about God and the Messiah. In uniform, with machine gun over his shoulder, he looked away from me and angrily spit on the ground. “God?” he asked. “If there is a God or a Messiah I want nothing to do with them. I am the one with the gun over my shoulder. I will spill MY blood for this nation. Where is God? He’s not here.” I listened and then told him that, regardless of his belief or anger, God wants to walk beside him through his military service and for the rest of his life. I shared Jesus.
The soldier is a reflection of most Jewish people past and present. They need the Lord. Jesus wept over the nation of Israel when he cried out, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Matt 22:37
Our job is to connect you with them in some way. The Jewish festivals are coming up in September/October. They are not only the holiest of months but also a wonderful time to connect with Jewish people. If you have a Jewish friend here are a few suggestions to open up the door to spiritual conversation...
We truly believe that the Jewish people have a special place in God’s heart and God’s plan. We believe that Scripture teaches us to not only love and care for Israel and the Jewish people but to advance the gospel to them.
Your prayers and financial support help us to do what we do. A special gift in our direction will encourage us during our busy summer and fall outreach seasons. Blessings!
1) Ask relevant questions about what they believe/think. Do you go to synagogue? Do you believe in God...the Messiah? What are your thoughts on the Bible, do you read it? They are all appropriate questions. Ask to understand and listen. Not to critique or challenge.
2) Ask how you can pray for them. Most Jewish people are open for prayer. Show concern for their needs and their lives. Let them know that you pray for Israel and the Jewish community because you love them.
3) Extend a gesture of friendship in a culturally Jewish way. Remember them during the Jewish festival seasons. Don’t forget to send them a card/e-card for the holidays. If you are local send them a Shalom Basket! Check our shop for more information. If you aren’t local we have suggestions for how to bless them from afar.
4) Contact us! If you have a Jewish friend, or you know someone who does, we are here to help and “coach” you through the faith sharing process. It’s something we do often and want to do more! We can recommend books and offer other counsel. Please reach out.
5) If you don’t have a Jewish friend, or don’t know anyone who does, you can be involved in Jewish ministry by praying for us.
6) Please encourage your church, small group, or bible study to invite us to teach on the Jewish festivals, our Jewish roots, and connecting the Old Testament with our faith as New Testament believers!