My answer was (and is) so simple. "It's because of Jesus. He's alive in my life and gives me His love." So we plant the seeds of God's chosen Messiah. Sometimes lots of seed. Like Isaiah 53. Some listen with respect as we share their own scriptures. Others shut down with "Stop! You're talking about Jesus!  I don't want to hear it!"

But they see we keep loving them. Defending them. Helping them. Unconditionally.

Then I hear the news as one by one they die. Two Prime Ministers of Israel. A great actor. A popular hair stylist. A human rights activist. A holocaust survivor. Recently, an Israeli General. Many of them were movers and shakers in the Jewish world.

 

...we keep loving them. Defending them. Helping them. Unconditionally

 

They all applauded us to one degree or another. But my tears fall. Did any of them recognize Him before that last breath. Some did. But what about the one who said, "If you really want our favor, just say that Jesus is good news for Gentiles but not for Jews!"?  Well, we couldn't. And can't. The real Jesus is the ONLY news for all!

God who has the final word will demand that every knee bow and every tongue admit that Jesus is Lord. No pouting, no doubting, no angry shouting can change His unchanging mind on that score.  Pray that my team members and I will be so full of this living Jesus that He will be seen and felt by others-Jew and Gentile-who will bow now, before they die, rather than later when they have no choice.

 

Your life counts. Your prayers count. Oh for God to entrust more of His heart to the Shalom team and me so that we can give it to others!