To Do The Will Of Our Father In Heaven

The following statement was released recently by thirty Orthodox Rabbis, "After nearly two thousand years of mutual hostility and alienation, we Orthodox Rabbis who lead communities, institutions and seminaries in Israel, the United States and Europe recognize the historic opportunity now before us. We seek to do the will of our Father In Heaven by accepting the hand offered to us by our Christian brothers and sisters. Jews and Christians must work together as partners to address the moral challenges of our era. Both Jews and Christians have a common covenantal mission to perfect the world under the sovereignty of the Almighty so that all humanity will call on His name. In imitating God, Jews and Christians must offer models of service, unconditional love and holiness. We are all created in God's Holy Image, and Jews and Christians will remain dedicated to the Covenant by playing an active role together in redeeming the world."

These words are encouraging statements by Rabbis from different areas of the world. They illustrate a desire for co-operation between Jews and Christians in working together toward God's similar mission for both groups. Genesis 12:3 says, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." The Hebrew word for "bless" in this passage means to do or give something of value to someone else. God's mission for the Jewish people is to love their neighbors despite the fact many of them hate them in return but also to share all their innovations, inventions and ideas God has given them with the world. They have done all this effectively if not perfectly.

God's missions for Christians starts with Genesis 12:3 in which they are to bless the Jewish people meaning also as they bless Israel they are blessing Him. Christians are also to love their neighbor as themselves and take care of the poor among them. However, I feel their most important mission from God is to share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ with all people since God desires "That all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

I pray this encouraging message will spur all of us to even greater works in sharing the unconditional love of our God with all people including His original covenant people.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank