The Right Turn Is to Return
The savagery of the October 7 attack by Hamas terrorists on the people of Israel, followed by the onslaught of rockets from the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists – which is still happening today – and the alarming worldwide rise of antisemitism have left many people in the Jewish community wondering where to turn for help.
A Former Pharisee Gives Us the Answer
Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of the earliest followers of Jesus,[1] became known as Paul after his life-changing encounter with Jesus. Paul went from being a persecutor to a proclaimer[2] and he interprets a passage in the Torah that tells his people, the Jewish people, where to turn – not only for help, but for salvation.[3]
In the New Testament letter written to the believers in Rome, a group that included both Jews and Gentiles, Paul wrote these heartfelt words about the people of Israel.
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For [Messiah] is the end [or end goal] of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.[4]
Paul’s desire – and our desire here at Life in Messiah – is for the eternal salvation of the people of Israel as they come to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Messiah.
God made many promises to the people of Israel that have yet to be fulfilled. But today the most important promise is already available for both Jews and Gentiles. Paul elaborates on this in the same chapter in the book of Romans, where he writes:
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.”[5]
The Turn is a Return
The Lord’s desire is for His people to return to Him, and Jesus was clear in saying that no one comes to the Father except through the Son.[6] Coming to the Son is the only way of return to the only God: the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
With the horrors of the last year and continued bloodshed, there is Someone you can turn to who will be a very present help in times of trouble and will also be your strength and refuge.[7]
We do not have all the answers or comfort that you may need today, but we can talk to you about the One who can give you peace in desperate times as well as hope in the midst of despair. This hope is eternal and spiritual, a gift from heaven. Today is the day to make the right turn.
Written by Jeff, Life in Messiah staff
Have you put your trust in the One who provides eternal peace? Salvation through Jesus the Messiah not only applies to our life to come, but He is a “very present help” when we encounter trouble in this life (Psalm 46:1). If you have questions about making the right turn to Him, we would love to talk with you. You can contact us here.
Looking for daily encouragement as you navigate the storms of life? Check out this free 30-day devotional at https://www.insearchofshalom.com/encouragement-from-exodus.
Please join us in continuing to pray for the Jewish people during these turbulent times, that God would protect them and lead them to find comfort and hope in Messiah.
Endnotes:
[1] Acts 7:58–8:3; Philippians 3:4–6.
[2] Acts 9:1–22; Romans 1:16–17.
[3] Deuteronomy 30:11–14.
[4] Romans 10:1–4.
[5] Romans 10:9–11.
[6] John 14:6; Psalm 2.
[7] Psalm 46:1. (The entire psalm is glorious and well worth reading!)