Thursday, 16 March 2023

Was Yeshua Successful? Part 5

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As we have established, success is not a destiny, but a process. For example, a successful student, has many mini-successes along the way to graduation. You can be a successful student one day at a time, one class at a time, one test at a time, one assignment at a time. This makes me want to ask Jewish people, "What are you expecting from the promised Messiah?"

A related question should be asked of our Jewish sages (great learned men of ancient times), "What were you expecting from the promised Messiah?" Are we waiting to see Him crowned King of the Jews in Jerusalem before we determine He is successful? For example, He was mocked at His crucifixion, yet He was successful, as He accurately declared, "It is finished." His mockers did not have a clear understanding of His destiny. Still, He prayed mercy over His persecutors, for He fully understood their blindness.

When I grew up (in a traditionally Jewish, non-Yeshua believing environment), I was told that the name, Jesus, is never mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures. Actually, that's true, because the Hebrew Scriptures are ... well ... Hebrew. The name 'Jesus' is not Hebrew, but Jesus' Hebrew name Yeshua is Hebrew. It is specifically mentioned more than 75 times (Strongs H3444) and in various forms and structures (Strongs 3467) even more than that (actually, more than 200 times).

All of these mentions of the Savior and still blind eyes don't see. This takes me to one of my favorite Messianic prophesies, Isaiah 42 (even better than Isaiah 53). The entire chapter SCREAMS prophesies of Yeshua so loud even the deaf should be able to hear them. But first let's hear the words of Isaiah 35. Isaiah 35:4-4 Say to those with anxious heart, "Be strong, have no fear!" Behold, your God! Vengeance is coming! God's recompense - it is coming! Then He will save you (He will "Yeshua" you). Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Before we go on, let's agree with those verses in prayer.

The rabbis have read Isaiah 42. They concluded Isaiah must be prophesying about King Hezekiah. Really? When was Hezekiah ever "a covenant to the people?" Isaiah 42:6-7 I, Adonai, called You in righteousness, I will take hold of Your hand, I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, by opening blind eyes, bringing prisoners out of the dungeon, and those sitting in darkness out of the prison house.

One last word. Don't lose heart! God has a plan to redeem His people, Israel. Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her nursing baby or lack compassion for a child of her womb? Even if these forget, I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands. Your walls are continually before Me.

God's purposes for His people (and through His people to all the people of the earth) are for eternal blessing. Pray that you and those you know and love will be part of it.