Guest Author - Michelle Taylor
During this time of Christmas we are reminded that not everyone believes in Jesus.
One of the most painful controversies for us as Christians is that many people of other faiths are offended that one of our most Holy holidays is celebrated in such a big way. (Of course, over the past several years Christmas doesn’t much resemble “Holy” as it does “commercial”.)
But one of the religions that is offended the most is actually a sister to us, Judaism.
As a matter of fact, we share beliefs up to a certain point. We are in agreement over the Old Testament. It is at Christmas where we diverge in our faith. Quite simply, they do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. The Israelites are still waiting for the Messiah.
In a way it is actually understandable why they believe this. Many of the prophecies about the Messiah allude to a King that will end the enslavement of Israel. A leader that will put a stop to the warring in their lands. Two such prophecies can be found in Micah 5:1-2 and Jeremiah 23:5.
Micah 5:1-2:
1 Marshal your troops, O city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod.
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Jeremiah 23:5:
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
With all the fighting that has always taken place in the Middle East, it is easy to understand why the Israelites would be expecting a military leader, a warrior king. Instead God sent a little baby that grew to be a Man of Peace. Jesus turned everything that the leaders “knew” on its ear.
But isn’t that just like God? And isn’t it just like man? I mean all of us, not just the Jewish nation.
“Bruce Almighty” came on television the other night. While this is not exactly a film I would play in Sunday School, it does make some very good points. One of my favorite parts (and one I can identify with) is when Bruce is driving in his car and goes, “Ok God, give me a sign.” And in front of him is one of those blinking traffic lights that says “Caution, danger ahead”. Then a truck pulls in front of him with a bunch of traffic signs that all say, “stop” “caution” “danger”, etc. The he says, “God, if you want to tell me something, I’m listening” and his beeper goes off. He ignores it. Then he runs into a tree – and blames God.
Don’t we all do this at some point? I know I do. I ask God to answer a prayer, but I want him to answer it my way. I pray for help, then go and rush about looking for a solution myself, never giving God the chance to do anything, never relying on Him. I rand and rail at Him and ask Him why do things happen, but I never listen for the answer.
Jesus was not what the Israelites were expecting. What does God have in store for you that you aren’t expecting?
Luke 22:42
{Jesus} Saying, “Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.”
