4. Lorna Thurton - Let's Finish the Story (Salvation) - Jan 14, 2010
Let's Start an Epidemic of Prayer for Jews and Finish the Story
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. Psalm 122:6
In the book of Ruth we see a beautiful story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz – a story of love, friendship and loyalty. It’s a spiritual mystery as well, an awesome truth about God’s plan for the age. Naomi represents the Jew, and Ruth, the Gentile. At the beginning, Naomi’s life ends up blessing Ruth’s life. At the end, Ruth’s life ends up blessing Naomi’s life. It’s profound. The Jew, Naomi, was born to bless the Gentile, but the Gentile is “born again” to bless the Jew. Through Naomi comes salvation to Ruth; through Ruth comes redemption to Naomi. That’s the same way salvation came from the Jewish people to bless you – who are not born a Jew. You are now grafted into the nation of Israel and are a fellow citizen. You have your own Jewish roots in Messiah. You are a child of Abraham, an heir of the promise. It is beautiful, but that’s not the end of it.
Your blessing came, as with Ruth, through the Jewish people, so that you could bless back. The story is only complete when you do that. You see, the Jewish people were born to bless you, but you were born again to bless them. So pray for them and for the peace of Jerusalem. Bring the Word to get them saved and support the giving of the gospel to them. It’s time to bless Israel back, those who blessed you. It’s time for you to finish the story.
Set aside special time today to pray for Israel. Pray that peace may be restored and for salvation to reach all who do not know Messiah. (written by Pastor Jonathan Cahn * Hope of the World Ministries *PO Box 1111 * Lodi, NJ 07644)
E.G. White; Acts of the Apostles, pg. 381
In the closing proclamation of the gospel, when special work is to be done for classes of people hitherto neglected, God expects His messengers to take particular interest in the Jewish people whom they find in all parts of the earth. As the Old Testament Scriptures are blended with the New in an explanation of Jehovah’s eternal purpose, this will be to many of the Jews as the dawn of a new creation, the resurrection of the soul. As they see the Christ in the gospel dispensation portrayed in the pages of the Old Testament Scriptures, and perceive how clearly the New Testament explains the Old, their slumbering faculties will be aroused, and they will recognize Christ as the Savior of the world. Many will by faith receive Christ as their Redeemer. To them will be fulfilled the words, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12
Among the Jews are some who, like Saul of Tarsus, are mighty in the Scriptures, and these will proclaim with wonderful power the immutability of the law of God. The God of Israel will bring this to pass in our day. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save. As His servants labor in faith for those who have long been neglected and despised, His salvation will be revealed.
I am thoroughly convicted that God is soon to open the eyes of Jews that have not yet accepted their Messiah and want to be prepared to share and to receive more of the riches of His Word. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans Chapter 11 that we (Gentiles) obtained these riches due to some of the natural branches (unbelieving Jews) being cast off the olive tree. However, God is able to graph them in again. “If the loss and defeat of the Jews was overruled by God to produce riches for the Gentiles, how much more would the repair of this loss mean riches for all.” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Pg. 607 By the way, the olive harvest is the last harvest of the year, the end of the age. I truly want to be a part of such a revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, don’t you?
More Prayer! More Power! More Blessings!
Please join us in prayer to God every Sabbath at 1:00 PM for Israel’s victims of terrorism. Also, please pray for their protection and salvation and the restoration of their relationship with their Savior. Thank you all so very much.
Lorna Thurton
Cherry Hill S.D.A .Church
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