In 1895 Herbert George Wells published, The Time Machine. The classic 1960 movie depicted H.G. Wells as a time traveler who went to the future to see what the world would be like. It is understandable that many people are more interested in the future than the past. Wouldn't it be amazing, if we could travel back to the First Century when Yeshua (Jesus) lived and observe His life? Although we don't have a time machine to go back to the past, we have an account of Jesus' life in the New Covenant (New Testament). We can observe Yeshua's life by reading the Holy Scriptures. The Yeshua-Observant lifestyle is better than a Torah-Observant lifestyle for several reasons.

Some well-meaning folks use a "modern" label to describe the lifestyle of Jesus. Where is it mentioned that Yeshua was "Torah-Observant" in the New Testament? In fact Jesus fulfilled the law, and no one else can make that claim. (See Matthew 5:17:b) His righteousness surpassed both the letter and spirit of the Law. Jesus said, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20, NIV) Our primary focus should be on Yeshua because He is superior to Torah.

Yeshua is the High Priest of the New Covenant (New Testament). "But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6, NIV) The Prophet Jeremiah wrote about the new covenant, "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the L-RD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their G-d, and they shall be My people;" (Jeremiah 31:33, JPS) Messiah Yeshua is the mediator of a new covenant, (See Hebrews 9:15) and we must follow Him.

In conclusion, we've taken a journey to the past by surveying some scripture passages. We don't need a time machine to visit the future. G-d has already given us a glimpse through His holy prophets, apostles, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ in the last book of the New Testament. To those who are Jewish, come home to the Jewish Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). If you're not Jewish, come to Jesus as well. You need to admit you're a sinner, confess your sins, and place your trust in Yeshua for salvation, alone. Once you've accepted Jesus, you have the power through the Holy Spirit to live a "Yeshua-Observant" lifestyle. "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same L-rd is L-rd of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for "Everyone who calls on the name of the L-rd will be saved." (Romans 10:13, NIV)

Marc is a Jewish Believer in Yeshua (Jesus) who lives in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of South Florida. He also earned a Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Friends of Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, now known as the Institute of Jewish Studies. His testimony has positively impacted the brethren at his church. You can read more about his testimony here.

Copyright 2005