Messianic Judaism can be the faith-filled force to strengthen a marriage and bless the entire family.

Messianic Judaism is a wonderful way to unite a mixed family, and turn it into a mixed blessing. By combining faith in Messiah, which is not just for Gentiles, with Jewish traditions and Torah, which is not just for Jewish people, a family and marriage is strengthened. God is now at the center of the family, is its protector and its guide. For couples who want to raise a family with faith, Messianic Judaism is the perfect way for both sides of the family to be represented.

Still, many families decide that religion will not have a place in their home. This may be fine -- at first. One of the most incredible aspects of the LORD and His Ruach Ha'Kodesh, is that sometimes people who are once secular or irreligious, suddenly feel moved and end up accepting Yeshua as Messiah. I have seen cases where this has ahppened in a mixed marriage, to the non-Jewish partner. He or she is a new Believer and a new creation in Messiah -- but is married to someone who is likely not a Believer.

All of a sudden, you and your spouse are on different pages. You may be worried about the spiritual lives of your children, wanting them to also find salvation in Yeshua but worried about how your spouse and in-laws will react. You also may feel anxious that your wife or husband accept Yeshua, so that you both may have eternal life. Do not be surprised if there is some conflict. The most important thing to remember is that the Bible commands us not to divorce our spouse just because he or she is not a Believer (1 Corinthians 12-14).

Most Jewish people who marry Gentiles are not religious Jews, rarely attend synagogue except on the High Holidays, and in general are more ambivalent towards religion. However, even the most non-religious Jew will often feel threatened when his or her spouse becomes a Believer. They may feel betrayed, that their spouse has gone back on their word to have a secular home, and may worry about the spiritual future of their children.

Fortunately, Messianic Judaism is extremely family oriented. The holidays, synagogue services and worship are geared towards including every member of the family, from the oldest to the youngest. Even if the Jewish spouse is not a Believer, he or she might be more attracted to Messianic worship because of its familiar Jewish aspects, rather than becoming part of a mainstream Christian church.

And what a way to witness! Your Jewish spouse will be in a comfortable setting, practising traditions and customs from his or her childhood. Lighting Hanukkah candles. Blowing the Shofar on Rosh HaShanah. He or she will see your children growing wiser, stronger and stable, not to mention the change in you. Living our faith is the best example we can set. Make your spouse hungry for the personal relationship with God that you have.

If you are not Jewish, some of the Messianic practises may seem very new, such as worshipping the Sabbath on Saturday and celebrating the Feasts of the Lord and learning about the Torah. Remember that Yeshua Himself is the Living Torah, and kept all of the commandments and Feasts. Find a Messianic congregation near you -- the Rabbi and elders will be more than happy to teach you and your family about how to live a Messianic lifestyle.

Your in-laws may still be skeptical, but at least they will see Jewishness in your home. And perhaps your lifestyle will witness to them as well. Messianic Judaism will bring your whole family closer to God -- isn't that wonderful?

Copyright 2002