A M e s s i a n i c G e n t i l e
In A Messianic Jewish Congregation
by Don Daly
What is a Messianic Gentile?!!
That seems like such a strange term. Perhaps the meaning
of the term will become clearer as we attempt to clarify the meaning
of "Messianic Jewish".
It is generally understood that being Jewish means being
a descendent of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and it implies being a follower
of Judaism and its practices. In another sense, it is applied
to anyone who has joined himself to the people of Israel through
ritual conversion, including circumcision for men. The term "Messianic"
(i.e. "of Messiah or Christ") refers to anyone, Jew or gentile, who has
chosen to follow the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Scripturally, the term
"gentile' refers to someone who was born of non-Jewish parents and
who did not identify himself with Israel through ritual conversion and
circumcision. Thus, a "Messianic gentile" could be applied to anyone
who was born of non-Jewish parents and who is a follower of Yeshua.
Most Messianic gentiles have chosen to worship the Lord
in a setting that is largely devoid of any Jewish [culture]- - - -the
traditional church. There is, however a small but growing group of
gentiles who have left the gentilized form of Christianity to
join with their Jewish brothers who worship the Messiah of Israel in
an original Jewish way. They have found that in returning to the Jewish roots
of their faith they have achieved a deeper understanding and a more
fulfilling expression of their faith. Many of these gentiles
live out their faith in a Jewish context, celebrating in their own homes
the Jewish holidays as fulfilled by Yeshua. They often keep Biblical
kashrut (Kosher laws) and other customs freely and without legalism,
as a way to worship the Lord.
We see in the New Covenant that Messianic gentiles have
met every requirement to be accepted as full spiritual partners with
their Jewish brethren in the Messianic faith. "Do not lose sight of
the fact that you were born 'gentiles'..., utterstrangers to God's
chosen community, Israel; and you had no knowledge of, or right to,
the promised agreements [covenants] ... But now, through the blood of the
Messiah, you are with us inside the circle of God's love ...... (Eph. 2:11-13,
Phillips). Furthermore, Acts 15:23-29 makes it clear that in
order to become a child of God, a gentile does not need to undergo
conversion rites to Judaism. In fact, Rav Shaul (Paul) takes it one
step further - - - - Messianic gentiles should remain as they
are and not seek to become part of Israel in the flesh. (I Cor.7:18-24)
We who are gentile participants in the Messianic Jewish
faith are not second class citizens, but are equal partners with our
Jewish brethren. As equal partners, however, we must share the vision
of a culturally Jewish expression of faith and an outreach that reaches
the Jew first, as well as the unsaved gentile. After all, there
is an abundance of places of worship where the faith is expressed in a culturally
gentile context. Those who are uncomfortable in a Messianic Jewish context
can fellowship there.
In summary, although it is improper and inaccurate to claim
a Jewish lineage if we are gentiles, it is good to share how we too
have come to faith because of our relationship with the Jewish Messiah,Yeshua.
When unbelieving Jewish people hear of our zealousness for the Jewishness
of our faith, and our excitement over the Jewish Messiah, it can provoke
them to jealousy. We trust that they will see that Yeshua
is not the "gentile god," but the "Redeemer of Israel."
Related articles:
The Messianic Movement
Can a Christian Gentile Convert to Judaism and
Remain a Christian ??
For further information contact:

-MENORAH MINISTRIES -
P.O. Box 460024
Glendale, CO 80246-0024
Voice: 303-355-2009 Fax: 303-355-6901
E-mail: menorah@menorah.org
Internet Page: http://www.menorah.org
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