Without arguing that the mainstream Jewish community, particularly the Orthodox, persecute Messianic Jews both in and outside of Israel, we should not fall into the trap of becoming Orthodox-bashers.

Of course, as Believers, we know this. But is is so amazing how we can let our guards down when discussing the Orthodox Jewish community. After all, it is the Orthodox Jewish establishment in Israel that is trying to make evangelizing a crimimal act. It is that same government that will not consider a Jewish Believer to be Jewish under the Law of Return. And here in the Diaspora, the Orthodox are among the leading anti-Missionaries. They are the ones who call Messianic Judaism a cult and accuse us of idol-worship, while they expound the Talmud, the writings of men, above the Torah, the Word of God.

When you take all of this into the equation, it is difficult not to harbor resentment towards the Orthodox. But is this what the LORD wants? Is this what we are called to do as Believers?

A resounding NO to both questions. Treating Orthodox Jewish people as less then ourselves and speaking about them with a harsh tongue does nothing but destroy our witness. Many of us come from Orthodox backgrounds -- we can understand better than anyone else the spiritual blindness which emcompasses them. After all, it was only through the Grace of God that the logs were lifted out of our own eyes.

We have an uphill battle: to convince our Jewish families and friends that we are still 100 per cent, totally Jewish in lifestyle and belief. This is difficult to do if we are constantly knocking the sacred writings and customs that they hold dear.

The men who wrote the Talmud were righteous, holy, God-fearing men. There is a lot of wisdom to be found in the Talmud. In fact, there is nothing wrong with keeping many of the customs outlined by the Rabbis, so long as they do not contravene Scripture. It won't get you to Heaven, it won't make or break your Salvation, but if it brings you into a closer walk with God, then Amen! Stress the positive aspects, like these, rather than: "You are practising idolatry because you are following the writings of men over God. How can you be so blind?"

Even if you are being faced with harsh and hostile words, do not react with grandiose gestures of emotion or indignation. Romans 12:20, quoting Proverbs 25:21-22, says "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head" (NIV). Nothing is more embarassing to someone than if the person they are mistreating acts towards them with total kindness.

Remember, it is not "Us versus the Orthodox community." It is a spiritual battle. Whether Messianic, Orthodox or "just Jewish" we are all God's Chosen people. Let's have our actions and words reflect the fact that we have found peace in Messiah and accept our Orthodox bretheren just as we would want them to accept us.

Copyright 2002