Founder’s Blog

Beginning the Struggle

This last week I spent three days at a Jewish missions conference called the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism (LCJE). It was the first LCJE event I have attended in 12 years--since I participated 12 years ago at the international LCJE in Jerusalem.

It was a nice time to reconnect with many of the organizations that have a specific focus on Jewish outreach. I was really not sure what to expect, as our world here at FFOZ rarely crosses with those involved in direct mission efforts to the Jewish people. I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged.

I really appreciated their heart; there was a real sense of passion, mission, and responsibility. I especially appreciated the times of prayer, as at those times I was really able to hear the heart of Jewish believers as they appealed to God. Being so disconnected from the world of Jewish missions, I sat there with little to say, so my prayer was a simple, "Father please give them the desire of their heart."

Jewish outreach is an area that is rarely discussed by those learning their Jewish roots. It is easy to get caught up in the exciting study of the word of God, because it is so refreshed in light of a Jewish interpretation. Additionally, outreach, whether it is to the Jewish people or simply to our neighbor or co-worker, is intimidating. Not everyone is called or even equipped to be involved on the front lines of proclaiming boldly the Good News of the risen Messiah. So what can you do?

1.) Pray and support those involved in missions.

2.) Be ready, and remember that the Apostle Paul also exhorts us to teach others and to be ready "in season and out of season". (2 Tim 4:2)

My goal in attending was to offer our help to these ministries and individuals. I was much encouraged when one Jewish man testified that his journey to faith when someone gave him a copy of the Delitzsch Hebrew New Testament. His testimony fell right in line with the efforts (and vision) in our translation project. He stated that he "began the struggle" when he "was exposed to Yeshua."

Shortly, in just a couple of months, we will be formally publishing the Delitzsch Hebrew English Gospels. Our heart with this project is first and foremost to present the Gospels to Jewish people in a fresh and contextual manner. Secondarily, we want this work to expose Christians to a Jewish reading of the Gospels--opening up the text to them on a level that provides new insights and understandings.

We want Jewish people to "struggle" when exposed to the Jewish Yeshua. We want the nations to "struggle" when exposed to the Jewish Jesus. Please continue to pray for us and this amazing and important work.

About the Author: Boaz Michael is the President and Founder of First Fruits of Zion.

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