Jewish Believers face a lot of persecution because of their faith. Marc Handelsman, a Messianic Jew, gives some compelling reasons why they should be open about their faith, anyways.

Israel’s Mossad is one of the world’s best intelligence agencies. Its exploits are legendary, including the capture of Nazi war criminal Adolph Eichmann in 1960. Mossad agent Eli Cohen’s sacrificial infiltration into Syria prior to the Six-Day War was invaluable to Israel’s victory in 1967. When Yeshua (Jesus) sent the twelve disciples out He said, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16, NIV) They were instructed to "preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ (Matthew 10:7, NIV) There was nothing secret about what the disciples were doing nearly two thousand years ago. If you had to appear before a grand jury, would there be enough evidence to indict you as a follower of Yeshua (Jesus)? Are you a Mossad Believer? There are several factors that might cause some to go "underground" about their faith in Jesus.

First of all, there is the fear factor of rejection from family and friends, which causes some to go undercover about their faith. Some Jews who profess faith in Jesus are "persona non grata" around their relatives. A negative reaction from family is to be expected, but it’s painful at times. Jesus said, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33, NIV) Whenever you’re placed in a position to speak the truth about Jesus, He will give you the right words. (Matthew 10:19b, NIV)

False guilt about abandoning one’s Jewish heritage is another factor that some use to go underground about their faith. Some new believers overcompensate a childhood devoid of Jewish traditions by "diving into" Jewish rituals without thinking about the mixed messages they’re sending to unbelievers. As followers of Jesus, we must be careful that manmade traditions do not become stumbling blocks for others. Isaiah wrote, "And the Lord said: Forasmuch as this people draw near, And with their mouth and with their lips do honour Me, But have removed their heart far from Me, And their fear of Me is a commandment of men learned by rote;" (Isaiah 29:13, JPS) We must use "truth in advertising" with unbelievers.

In conclusion, we need to "come clean" about our faith. We need to present a clear message to all people that Jesus is the Messiah, and only by faith, alone, in Him will anyone have eternal life. If you’re being a "Mossad Believer," then it’s time to "blow your cover" and let people know where you stand. It’s easier said than done to "go public" with the good news of Jesus, but it would be wrong to keep it as classified information. Finally, ". . . do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:19-20, NIV)

Marc lives in Pittsburgh, PA and works in the Information Technology field. His testimony has positively impacted his Gentile brethren at his church. You can read more about his testimony here.

Copyright 2002