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A few years ago, my mother began to attend a Messianic congregation on a weekly basis. To her, a whole new world opened up as she began to explore the Jewish roots of her faith. Suddenly Jesus had become "Y'shua" and she began to encourage me to join her at the Friday night Shabbat services.
The idea fascinated me as well since I too, had begun to delve more and more into the "Jewishness" of Jesus. Praise and worship with a Messianic tone would touch a place in my heart that I didn't even know was there.
However, it was some time before I actually took her up on her offer to accompany her. The night I did was unforgettable. I heard a shofar blast and saw a Torah. That night began a quest for me that has led to a deep love of anything Jewish. As I celebrated Passover for the first time, I was astounded to see how the Jewish people could celebrate this year after year and not see Jesus in it all. To me, it was as clear as day.
Through my years of study and learning about the Jewish roots of my faith, I have learned the significance of the Jewish feasts. I found the wonderful significance of Hanukkah. To me, it not just the historical account of the rededication of the temple. It is a symbol of me rededicating my temple (my life) to the Lord. Passover was celebration of the Lamb of God who took away my sins. Rosh Hoshanna reminded me that someday a trumpet (shofar) would sound that would take me away to be with my Lord.
As I continued my discovery I felt more and more drawn to a Messianic faith or the Jewishness of my faith. What once was considered something of "interest" became all consumming. My church attendance dwindled and I eventually joined in fellowship with a Messianic congregation. My "Jewish heart" had won out and I felt honored and humbled to be considered to be grafted into the Hebrew olive tree. Even if I wasn't Jewish by birth, I certainly was in my spirit! Gradually holidays like Christmas and Easter became less and less important as I celebrated with my fellow believers the feasts that God had given in the beginning. The pagan origins of some of our "religious" holidays began to bother me and those holidays such as Christmas and Easter took on less significance. My point here is not to cause dissention in the body of believers regarding holidays. I simply decided that for me, Santa Clause, Christmas trees, the Easter bunny and colored eggs were no match for Y'shua Jesus: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega, the Lamb of God. the promised Messiah.
To you, my Jewish friend who might be reading this - I pray that you will with an open mind and open heart began to search for this Y'shua Ha Mashiach. I know that the name Jesus has been a stumbling block to you because of past history and atrocities that have been dealt to you in His name. On behalf of gentiles around the world, I humbly ask for your forgiveness for the the centuries of persecution and unspeakable horrors that you have suffered by their hands.
Y'shua is the Messiah you have been waiting for and He loves you so much!
To you, my Christian friend - please don't forget to pray for your Jewish acquaintances and love them. Please don't allow global anti-Semetic views to darken your thoughts and impressions of God's chosen people. As a believer in Jesus Christ you have been grafted in to the Jewish olive tree and share the awesome privilege of sharing with the covenant given to Israel by God.
I have included links to some awesome Messianic sites that can point the way to Yeshua much better than I can. Just continue scrolling down to find them.And, don't forget to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Shalom, Melanie
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Psalm 122:6-9
Wall Cam
A live cam of the Western Wall in Jerusalem
Chanukkah
Lots of info about the holiday, it's origins, recipes
Shoshannah's Place
Wonderful Messianic info and testimonies.
Bethesda - House of Grace
Bible studies and info on Israel
Hebraic Heritage Ministries
Great source for discovering your Hebraic roots.
Marty Goetz
In my opinion, one of the most anointed Messianic vocal artists and song writers of today.
Wilbur Ministries
Messianic praise and worship at its best!
Jewish Jewels
A Messianic ministry based out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida that has been a real blessing to me.
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