Shalom friends,

Most of this month I will be in Brazil, speaking at a number of Christian conferences and congregations, as well as our two UMJC congregations there. The conferences focus on intercession for Israel, and are entitled "Por que Israel?-entenendo Israel a luz das Escrituras." I don't know much Portuguese, but this I can understand: "Why Israel?-understanding Israel in light of the Scriptures."

Every honest student of the Scriptures must recognize that God chose Israel as His own people. But many have explained this choice as primarily instrumental. In other words, God chose Israel as His means of accomplishing a greater redemptive purpose. And, usually, this interpretation leads to the idea that God is finished with the people of Israel because they didn't accomplish that purpose, or because they brought forth Messiah to accomplish it, and are no longer needed. So the answer to "Por que Israel?" would be "To give us the Old Testament and bring the Messiah, and then fade away."

Scripture reveals, however, that God chooses Israel simply out of love. It answers the question "Por que Israel?" in this way: "The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers. . ." (Deut. 7:7-8).

God's choice of Israel is relational rather than instrumental, although this relationship certainly does have many benefits for Israel and the entire human race. Just like a loving human relationship, however, it can never be just a means to an end, but is an end in itself. Therefore, God's love for Israel remains, as Paul wrote his mostly Gentile followers in Rome: "Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (Rom. 11:28-29). Because of this love, God's plan for worldwide redemption stills centers on Israel and the Jewish people. Paul makes it clear in Romans 11 that the plan will not reach fulfillment apart from the Jewish people.

Shortly, we will be marking the 40^th anniversary of the Jewish liberation of Jerusalem during the Six Day War. Surely, this is a momentous time to be speaking about and for Israel, as I have a chance to do in Brazil, and to be praying for Israel-the land and the people-as we all can do.

Please keep me in prayer during my journey.

• That I will be empowered to bring this message of God's abiding love for Israel to our friends in Brazil, in a way that is clear, relevant, and motivating.

• That my whole ministry there will bear much fruit in terms of increased intercession, advocacy, and support for Israel, including financial support for the Israeli Messianic Jewish community.

• That the Lord will move among the Jewish community in Brazil, numbering somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000. (Not counting many more Brazilians with Jewish ancestry dating back to pre-1492 Spain and Portugal-click on the link to my blog here on the home page for more on that story.)

Many thanks for your prayers. God's love and faithfulness toward Israel parallels His love and faithfulness to all who join with Him through Messiah Yeshua. Whether Jewish or Gentile, we enjoy the greatest privilege of all just in serving Him!

In Yeshua,

 

PS I'll be sending occasional reports from Brazil, available right here, so click on the link to my blog on the home page.

 

This man has a message for your congregation!

Our generation is seeing a prophetic move of God's Spirit among the Jewish people, as myriads of Jews come to faith in Jesus, or Yeshua, as the promised Messiah. What are the implications of this movement for the believing community at large? Why should all believers in Yeshua embrace and support it?

Russ is a gifted teacher with a message for you about this remarkable spiritual awakening among the Jewish people, and your part in it. His unique perspective brings fresh insight into the Bible, which will expand your understanding of the Word of God and its relevance today. He also teaches about Israel and the Middle East today, and about the biblical holy days-Passover, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles-providing a deep background for study in the New Testament and biblical prophecy.

Russ is ordained through the UMJC and maintains credentials as a clinical mental health counselor. He has served as a local congregational leader, as well as an international speaker and teacher. He contributes regularly to a number of Messianic Jewish publications and is the author of The Root and the Branches: Jewish Identity in Messiah, Gateways to Torah, and Creation to Completion: A Guide to Life's Journey from the Five Books of Moses. Russ and his wife, Jane, have four children and six grandchildren.

Contact Russ directly at 505-440-2265 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .