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

Summary

How do you reconcile being both Arab and Israeli in a land of deep divisions?

For Robert "Ruby" Bishai, this tension is not only part of his personal journey but also the heartbeat of his ministry. Ruby, an Arab Israeli believer in Yeshua, has found a profound calling to serve both the Jewish and Arab people of Israel. Growing up in a Jewish town as an Arab Christian gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and beauty of these two cultures colliding.

Today, Ruby is a bridge between these worlds, striving to foster unity and bring the hope of Messiah to those who seem divided by history.

Through Fields of Wheat, the ministry Ruby serves with, he mentors young believers and supports soldiers during times of war - often being a living testimony of love across cultural boundaries. His passion stems from a deep sense of destiny, recognizing that God has called him to stand in the gap between Arabs and Jews, seeing the promise of Isaiah 19:24,25 come to life.

Ruby’s story is one of identity, reconciliation, and the unshakable hope that peace and salvation will come to both Arab and Jewish people.

Takeaways

• Living as an Arab Israeli in Israel comes with its challenges, but Ruby Beshai embraces his unique identity and serves both the Arab and Jewish communities.
• Fields of Wheat is a ministry in Israel that focuses on developing the youth and young adult believers and fostering unity between Jewish and Arab believers.
• Ruby Beshai has had the opportunity to supply soldiers with equipment during times of war and has also shared the gospel with them, seeing an openness among the Jewish people.
• Despite the conflicts and tensions in the Middle East, there is hope for peace and the salvation of both the Jewish and Arab people.

Chapters

Summary

Imagine discovering that one of the most influential figures in Biblical history may have been misunderstood for centuries. That’s the compelling problem Ryan Lambert tackles in his book, The Weird Apostle. As a Messianic Jew, Lambert challenges the traditional portrayal of the Apostle Paul, urging us to see Paul not as a renegade who sought to break away from Judaism, but as a devoted Jew who remained faithful to the Torah.

In our latest episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, Lambert shares his deep passion for building bridges between Christians and Jews, shining a new light on Paul's mission and his message.

Lambert argues that by understanding Paul within his Jewish context, we can undo centuries of replacement theology that has strained Christian-Jewish relations. He points out that Paul never intended to create a new religion but sought instead to unite Jews and Gentiles under the worship of the one true God. And far from being a distant theologian, Paul was a real man writing letters to real communities, with a sense of urgency about the return of the Messiah.

Lambert’s insights invite us to reconsider Paul’s legacy and the rich, shared history between Jews and Christians, opening the door to greater unity and understanding in our faith journeys.

Takeaways

• Understanding Paul in his Jewish context can challenge the traditional narrative and improve relationships between Jews and Christians.
• Paul was a faithful Jew who upheld the Torah and did not seek to replace Judaism with Christianity.
• The Jewishness of Jesus is widely recognized, but the Jewishness of Paul is often overlooked.
• Reframing Paul's role as a bridge between Judaism and Christianity can help foster dialogue and understanding. Paul believed that the end was near and expected the Messiah's return in his lifetime.
• Paul's letters were intended for real communities and not as theological texts for future generations.
• Replacement theology has created division between Christians and Jews and goes against Paul's message.
• Paul's message was intended to join Jews and non-Jews together under the worship of the one true God.

Chapters

Summary

Why do so many Christians misunderstand the conflict in Israel, and what should we do about it? In our latest episode, we dive into this pressing issue with Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries. Dr. Myers shares his insights from a recent trip to Israel and explores why the rising generation has so many misconceptions about this critical region.

We discuss the complex layers of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, breaking down the difference between geopolitical and theopolitical issues and why understanding the religious motivations behind the conflict is essential. Dr. Myers also sheds light on how current events in Israel relate to biblical prophecies and the multiple war fronts Israel is facing today.

Together, we unpack the history of Israel, its ongoing conflict with Hamas, and the broader geopolitical implications. We explore the concept of a just war and why it’s crucial for Christians to support Israel. This conversation isn't just about taking sides—it's about engaging in informed, meaningful discussions that matter. Join us as we navigate this complex and vital topic.

Takeaways

• Dr. Jeff Myers wrote a book inspired by his trip to Israel in January and the need to address the rising generation's misconceptions about Israel.
• There is a difference between geopolitical and theopolitical conflicts, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict being theopolitical due to varying understandings of religious truth.
• Biblical prophecies have been fulfilled in the existence of the current nation of Israel, but there are still prophecies yet to be fulfilled.
• Israel is facing multiple war fronts, including conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the West Bank. The situation in Israel is complex and constantly evolving, with the potential for conflict at any time.
• Understanding the history and geopolitical implications of the conflict is crucial for informed discussions.
• The concept of a just war is important in evaluating Israel's actions and defending its right to self-defense.
• Young adults, including Christians, are increasingly influenced by anti-Israel propaganda and need to be presented with the facts.
• Supporting Israel is not the same as agreeing with every Israeli policy, but it is important for Christians to stand with Israel in the face of rising anti-Israel sentiment.

Sound Bites

• "51% of young Americans sided with Hamas in the battle between Hamas and Israel."
• "Young adults' views on Israel can be changed with the presentation of facts."
• "Iran believes they cannot achieve their desired apocalyptic aims as long as Israel exists."
• "Israel's policing of the West Bank. So any of these situations could break into a war at any time."
• "Does Israel have a legitimate right to exist? And is it ever going to be possible to manage the peace in the region as long as Hamas exists as a military governing force?"
• "A just peace is one in which righteousness prevails when right is done. An unjust peace or a shameful peace is a peace in which evil is allowed to prevail."

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction and Background
• 04:23 - Inspiration for the Book and Trip to Israel
• 08:41 - The Difference Between Geopolitical and Theopolitical Conflicts
• 13:16 - The Impact of Facts on Young Adults' Views on Israel
• 19:34 - The Religious Motivations Behind the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• 21:31 - Biblical Prophecies and the Existence of Israel
• 23:26 - Israel's Multiple War Fronts
• 26:16 - The Theopolitical Nature of the Conflict
• 28:59 - The Concept of a Just War
• 36:09 - Why Christians Should Support Israel

Find out more about Summit Ministries: https://www.summit.org/ Click here to get a copy of of Jeff's book, Should Christians Support Israel.

• Understanding Jesus from within his Jewish context can radically transform one's faith and deepen their understanding of the Bible.
• Teaching young people the Bible from its cultural and historical context helps them see the deeper meaning behind the text and strengthens their faith.
• Youth leaders play a crucial role in equipping young people with a strong foundation in the Jewish roots of their faith.
• There is a need for resources and support for youth leaders to effectively teach the Jewish context of the Bible.

• "Walking the land as if she were a first-century disciple following a rabbi."
• "Knowing the Bible from within its near Eastern context helps all of scripture make more sense and come to life."
• "Studying the Bible differently, not just reading it at face value, but considering the cultural and historical context."

In this conversation, Ron and Matt Davis interview Rachel Kushner, the CEO (Chief Enthusiasm Officer) of Links to Messiah. They discuss Rachel's background growing up in a Messianic Jewish home, the inspiration behind her ministry, and the importance of bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments.

Rachel shares how Links to Messiah provides resources and activities for families to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions, helping them understand the Jewish roots of their faith. The conversation highlights the significance of family engagement and the joy of learning about the Bible in a fun and interactive way.

Takeaways

• Links to Messiah is a ministry that provides resources and activities for families to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions.

• The ministry aims to bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments, helping families understand the Jewish roots of their faith.

• Family engagement is crucial in teaching children about the Bible and creating a lifelong relationship with Jesus.

• Learning about the Bible can be fun and interactive, and it doesn't have to be boring.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:49 - Rachel's Background

05:49 - Rachel's Father's Story

07:23 - Links to Messiah Ministry

10:01 - Connecting the Hebrew Scriptures to Yeshua Jesus

12:01 - The Importance of Family Engagement

15:45 - Bridging the Gap between the Old and New Testament

19:51 - The Role of Links to Messiah in Equipping Families

21:24 - Rachel's Enthusiasm and Joy

23:04 - Upcoming Events and Resources

25:02 - Closing Remarks