Episode 113: "Don't Sit This One Out: Stand Like Esther with Your Vote"

With division on every front, some believers are stepping back, declaring "Jesus 2024: Our Only Hope." While it's a powerful reminder to keep our eyes on Him, it’s simply not enough to watch from the sidelines. Our faith calls us to be active, engaged, and responsible in our world - not passive spectators. This episode dives into why Christians must participate in the democratic process, even when it feels intimidating or divisive.

Drawing from the story of Esther, Ron and Matt discuss how God’s sovereignty doesn’t relieve us from action; it calls us to it. Esther didn’t sit back and “let go and let God” - she stepped up, even at personal risk, because the fate of her people depended on it. Today, as believers, we’re called to step up in our own way, and voting is one of those ways. The conversation covers not only the importance of this responsibility but also how our choices impact issues that matter deeply to God’s heart, including Israel and the direction of our nation.

Don’t sit this one out. Listen in to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to show up, speak up, and cast your vote.

• Faith in Action: How God’s sovereignty works through our responsibility.
• The Power of Participation: Why neglecting our right to vote diminishes our influence in a divided world.
• Standing with Israel: Understanding Israel’s central role in God’s plan and why it matters to the global Church.
• Lessons from Esther: Courage in the face of fear and the willingness to risk for the greater good.

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why Every Vote Counts
• 02:13 – Division in America and the Christian Response
• 03:05 – Surprising Stats: 90 Million Christians, 40 Million Don’t Vote
• 05:27 – God's Sovereignty and Our Responsibility
• 07:48 – The Story of Esther: Partnering with God
• 10:11 – Esther's Moment of Courage: “If I perish, I perish”
• 12:33 – Why Israel Matters: A Lens for Understanding Today’s World

It’s a time of uncertainty, a time when the world seems increasingly divided, and the future is unpredictable.

For the Jewish people, the feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is a reminder of God's faithfulness in the wilderness. But how do we hold on to that ancient promise in the chaos of today’s world, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Israel?

This episode of The Jewish Road Podcast is about the deeper significance of Sukkot, the existential battle facing Israel, and how believers can respond in solidarity and prayer.

1. Sukkot as a Reminder: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, symbolizing hope and trust in God’s presence.
2. Current Events and Biblical Prophecy: The conflict in Israel today is not just another battle; it aligns with biblical prophecies and sets the stage for future events described in Scripture.
3. Global Antisemitism: The rise of antisemitism worldwide, particularly following the October 7th attacks, mirrors historical patterns, but on a global scale, showing a spiritual battle against God’s people.
4. The Christian Response: Christians are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and stand with Israel, advocating against anti-Israel sentiment and offering tangible support.
5. God’s Promise of the Kingdom: Sukkot also points forward to a time when God will establish His kingdom on earth, dwelling among His people and bringing peace. This hope anchors believers amidst the chaos.

1. [00:00 - 03:00] - Introduction and Context: Overview of the current season and the significance of Sukkot for the Jewish community.
2. [03:01 - 08:00] - Sukkot in the Bible: Discussion on the biblical origins of Sukkot and its meaning as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the wilderness.
3. [08:01 - 13:00] - The Modern Battle: Analysis of the October 7th attacks, the global rise of antisemitism, and Israel’s ongoing fight for survival.
4. [13:01 - 17:00] - Connecting Past and Present: How Sukkot ties into the future kingdom and the fulfillment of God’s promises amidst the current global unrest.
5. [17:01 - 23:41] - Christian Response and Call to Action: Encouragement for Christians to stand with Israel, pray for peace, and participate in being a light in dark times.

What if you waited your entire life, followed rituals painstakingly, prayed for atonement, but never really knew if you had been forgiven by God?

This is the reality for many in the Jewish community during Yom Kippur.

In this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, we explore the Day of Atonement, looking into its significance for both Jews and Christians. We unpack the biblical roots of Yom Kippur, discuss its modern observance, and ask the critical question: if Jesus is the ultimate High Priest and the final atonement, what does that mean for us today?

1. Yom Kippur in Jewish Tradition: Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism, where Jewish people seek to make things right with God, often unsure of whether their efforts are enough.
2. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Atonement: The temple sacrifices and the role of the High Priest in Jewish history were shadows of what Jesus would ultimately fulfill as the final atonement for sin.
3. The Significance of the Scarlet Thread: For 40 years before the destruction of the Second Temple, the scarlet thread on the Yom Kippur scapegoat stopped turning white, symbolizing that the sacrifices were no longer accepted - coinciding with the death and resurrection of Jesus.
4. Jewish Rituals and the Messiah: Jewish traditions and practices, like the two goats on Yom Kippur, symbolically point to Jesus, who became both the sacrifice and the scapegoat for humanity's sins.
5. The Growing Openness in Israel: Amid military tension, young Israeli soldiers are increasingly looking toward God, with many becoming open to the idea of Jesus as the Messiah.

• 00:10 – Introduction: Yom Kippur, the High Holy Days, and Israel's current state
• 03:00 – The Meaning of Yom Kippur and Jewish Rituals: A Time to Make Things Right
• 05:00 – Leviticus 16: The Scriptural Basis for the Day of Atonement
• 09:00 – Tale of Two Goats: The Sacrificial and Scapegoat Symbols
• 12:30 – The Scarlet Thread and Its Prophetic Significance
• 17:00 – The Shift in the Covenant: Jesus as the Final High Priest
• 21:30 – The Talmud and the Mysterious Change 40 Years Before the Temple’s Fall
• 26:00 – Hebrews: Jesus’ Role as the Ultimate High Priest and Fulfillment of the Atonement
• 29:00 – Israel Today: Spiritual Awakening and Openness to Jesus
• 31:26 – Closing Remarks: Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem