A True Jew

“For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.”  Romans 2:28-29

As a little girl, my father taught us about the Passover celebration, and we enjoyed a meal similar to the traditional Jewish Passover meal.  It was a rich, wonderful experience, and upon hearing that the Jews were God’s chosen people, I longed to be Jewish, too.  I wanted to be God’s favorite, one of His chosen ones.

As I began to read and study the Holy Bible more, I discovered that I am His favorite.  I am one of His chosen ones.  I am a true Jew if my heart is right with God and I am trusting in Him.

I must remember, however, that I am part of a wild tree that has been grafted into the vine.

The Holy Bible says, “But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off.  And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.  But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off.  You are just a branch, not the root."  Romans 11:17-18

And, Romans 11:22-23 tells us, "Notice how God is both kind and severe.  He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness.  But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.  And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree."

While being grafted into the Vine of Jesus is not something to brag about, it is certainly something to be most grateful for.

This Christmas season, may we continue to trust in His kindness, lest we be cut off (Romans 11:22), and may we share His good news message, allowing for as many to be grafted into Him as will.  

He has given us this gift through His Son, and there is no greater gift in all the world.

Goodnight, Runners.