Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Messianic Kiruv: Question 19
So the Orthodox have a method of Jewish outreach called "kiruv" which involves welcoming non-practicing Jews and inspiring them with Torah and Tradition. The word kiruv is derived from karav which means "to draw near" or "befriend."
I once read something about how we draw near to G-d. It said that the way we draw near to G-d is by getting close to that which G-d loves. Since G-d loves Torah (which is love) then it makes since that we should draw close to Torah in order to draw closer to G-d.
Ephesians 2:13 says "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Question 19:
What does Paul mean by "brought near" in Ephesians 2:13?
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Your build up to the question gives away your answer. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy answer:
"Brought near" means coming into the promises and covenants that Paul spoke of in the preceding verses: the promises and covenants he gave to and made with Israel. Gentiles in Messiah are brought under those promises, and into those covenants.
Actually, I don't really have an answer. I've heard different things: one guy said that "brought near" had to do with sacrifices. Another source pointed out that the Rabbis say "drawing near" in regard to converts. But as to what exactly Paul had in mind, I'm open to suggestions. I think your answer is probably the right one. If you look at covenant as family then "brought near" certainly looks like a metaphor. Makes me think of hugging my daughter.
DeleteWhen Israel was in Egypt, God brought them near on the wings of an eagle.
ReplyDelete"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation."
Isn't it wonderful that He wants to love us like that? If only we will respond to His love. All He asks is that we keep His instructions. And His instructions are so good!
DeleteMy heart is heavy for Africa right now. If we as Believers would only reach out to them in the way G-d has reached out to us, if we could share our knowledge about sanitation, hygiene, math, etc, we could be such instruments of hope. If they only knew that certain foods contain parasites and should not be eaten.
G-d wants to draw all peoples into His People. We need to spread the word of His inclusive love.
Thank you for visiting Anonymous and sharing with us!
Well, that's the good news isn't it...the Messiah is coming to reign and the Torah will go forth out of Zion. Praise be to God!
ReplyDeleteAmein!
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