Romans 11:11-14
“I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy” (Romans 11:11).
One commentator, commentating on the above said this: “It is a matter for profound regret that just as Israel refused to accept this salvation when it was offered to them, so the Gentiles have all too often refused to make Israel envious. Instead of showing to God’s ancient people the attractiveness of the Christian way, Christians have characteristically treated the Jews with hatred, prejudice, persecution, malice, and all uncharitableness. Christians should not take this passage calmly”.
Christian, it is our solemn duty, not only to take the gospel to the Jew first by word, through the proclamation of the gospel (Rom. 1:16); it is also our solemn duty to provoke them to jealousy by the gospel of our lives! What did Jesus say?
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:14-16).
Well, the focus of Jewish mission has been the word of the Gospel, but if the vessel through which that word comes contradicts the glory being offered, then the one will be the undoing of the other! Will you rise to the challenge and allow the Lord to make you one such tool of provocation through which the glory of His grace and salvation might shine?
This message was shared at the Messianic Testimony West Midlands Rally, in June 2023. For more information about the Ministry of Messianic Testimony to the Jewish people, please visit here: