Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.
1 Chronicles 12:32
Messianic News Sources
Reliable news can be difficult to find. This month, I want to share two Messianic news sources that you can subscribe to in order to stay up-to-date on Israel and world news from a Messianic perspective so that you can be like the sons of Issachar who understood the times.
Israel Today – “Israel Today is a Jerusalem-based Zionist news agency founded in 1978 to serve you, as you read the Bible in one hand and the news in the other. We bring a biblical dimension to journalism on Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Israel Today appears in English, German and Dutch. Israel Today maintains a diverse staff of local journalists who live in the Land and therefore report from firsthand experience, offering a mix of information, interviews, inspiration and daily life in Israel.” https://www.israeltoday.co.il/
Worthy News – “Worthy Ministries is a Christian outreach based in the United States and southern Israel, reaching more than 120 nations worldwide. Each week, we share thousands of daily devotionals and news briefs worldwide. In the past year alone, we’ve sent over 5.2 million messages of encouragement, insight, and inspiration. Millions more have engaged with our platforms, including Worthy News, Worthy Devotions, Worthy Chat, and Worthy Christian Forums.” https://www.worthynews.com/
NJFAG Retreat & The Prodigal Brother Presentation
Last month, I had the privilege of presenting virtually to the National Jewish Fellowship of the Assemblies of God (NJFAG) Retreat. Normally, I would attend this event in person; however, as I’m working to complete my dissertation, I have cut back on travel extensively. Graciously, Rabbi Carol Calise allowed me to present virtually.
The NJFAG is a fellowship organization of Messianic Jews, credentialed with the Assemblies of God, and it provides support to those involved in Jewish ministry. It is a remarkable group.
I centered my presentation on the topic I would normally discuss with a Christian church, specifically the relationship between Christians and Jews, drawing on the parable of the prodigal son.
When Jesus shared parables, He did so to challenge the people listening to Him. Parables are not cutesy stories to make us feel good; they are challenging stories to help us see ourselves in a new light. If you recall, when the prophet Nathan told a parable to David, it cut him to the heart about the adultery and murder he had committed. Parables are storytelling methods that prick the heart.
So, what can you and I learn from the parable of the prodigal son?
First, let’s consider a different perspective. Rather than the parable of the prodigal son, what if we thought of it as the parable of the prodigal brother? Jesus did not title the parable, so we can take our liberty.
Considering the story through the lens of the brothers, we know that the younger brother disrespectfully took his portion of the inheritance and wasted it on a life of reckless living. He returns, and the father welcomes him with joy.
But what of the older brother? The story is really all about him and his attitude. After the younger brother returns home, we discover, “But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him” (Luke 15:28). And then he revealed his heart, “But when this son of yours came…” (Luke 15:30, emphasis added).
The older brother distances himself from the younger by calling him the father’s son rather than his brother. Not “my brother” but “your son.”
This, my friends, is the crux of the parable.
To translate this to today, let us consider that the Jews are the younger brother. Why the younger? Because in Genesis, the book of beginnings, the nations (goyim) came first, and then a special nation (goy) came called Israel.
When the Messiah of Israel came, the majority (not all) rejected him as the Messiah. They walked away from the father. But the big question is, when they return (and they will!), what will the attitude of the older brother be? How will Christians respond as Jews around the world turn to Yeshua?
I pray that our Father finds us to be good brothers, watching and praying for our prodigal brother’s soon and safe return. Be challenged, my friends, to pray as earnestly as ever for the salvation of all Israel. And pray for our friends at the NJFAG – that the Lord will strengthen their hands as they labor in the Lord’s great harvest. Visit them online at https://njfag.com.
