Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

HEART JEW

August 27, 2009

"Jew." When I ponder that word it brings to mind heartache, hatred, God's faithfulness, the calling of a people, ethnic slurs, and cleansing, even Holocaust. What a word. If it were only a word, I suppose, it would not be such a big deal, but it's not simply a word, but a people.

A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.
-Romans 2:28,29 TNIV

Please remember who wrote these words given to him by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: Paul, a genetic Jew of high standing. Yet, oh, what he says! It's not about the flesh, the outward acts or genetics. It's about the heart, even for Paul! Who is a Jew? Who are God's chosen? A people of the heart. Jews for 3000 years have mistakenly embraced "genetic salvation." Many Christians for 2000 years have done likewise attributing salvation to outward acts and "who's my daddy?" But the revelation of God is clear and repeated: It's about faith. It's about heart.

What makes a person a Jew is one's heart. In the name of Christ, today I ask you, "How's your heart?"
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson