Numb3rs and Jews

I recently got a message from my beloved friend, Katie. She wondered if I had watched the most recent episode of Numb3rs. I, indeed, had watched it. At the end of the program Don Epps is motivated to enter a Jewish synagogue. He looks at the building for a moment and something (someone) drawls him in. He was searching for something more. I hope he finds it!

As I watched this occurrence joy welled up inside me. I rarely have joy and this sudden elation struck me. I really have an authentic love for the Jewish people. This emotion exceeds many other pleasantries. I like cheese cake, I never grow tired of listening to Matchbox Twenty, and writing relaxes me. But, the rapture I receive from our forefather's and their natural descendants is unlike all of that.

I have contended for these people in prayer. At times my affections for them confuses others. Others consider that Judaism is comparable to Buddhism or Paganism. I simply have a hard time accepting that. I know I am a heretic, but I can't rationalize that devote Jews have missed salvation and are eternally lost. Again, I know I am a heretic. I use this verse to comfort my heart.


Rom 11:25-30
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so ALL Israel will be saved, as it is written:

"The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins."

As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.

As you noticed I emphasized the ALL! I know God is mysterious and people read a verse and can make all kinds of conjectures. But, I know that God is loyal and He is faithful. It is not in his heart to reject or divorce His first wife. My acceptance of my Jewish brothers and sisters has been somewhat hidden. I know I am vocal about my love for them. But, I am fully aware that my friends don't really know the extent of this love. They don't know that my mercy might overstep God's judgment. I can't reconcile God rejecting the people he promised to bless. Don't scold me too harshly.