Press the arrow to listen to Chris Tomlin sing “Jesus Messiah” while reading today’s devotion on God’s people.

Scripture
Do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. Romans 11:18

Observation
At some point in our Christian walk, we must choose our attitude toward the Jewish people. One does not need to live in New York City or in Tel Aviv to be faced with this question. We are challenged about our attitude toward the Jewish people every time we pick up a Bible. Will we read only the New Testament or will we start first with the Old Testament.

There are some who ignore the Old and push straight into the New. Somehow, that is like modern suburban people living in sprawling housing developments who open their garage doors with a remote control never giving a thought to the pioneers who homesteaded that land or the Indians who first walked on it. Gentiles are not the first on the block. Others have come before us.

There should be in every believers heart an appreciation for the people of Israel for bringing the first revelation of God to us. We should build our faith on the whole Bible, and not just on one-third. We should also have a heart tender toward the Jewish people. The gospel began with them and the Bible predicts it will end with them. In all of our plans, the need of the Jewish people should come first.

Application
There is an arrogance from ignorance that I want to be rid of in my life. Everything that I read in the Scriptures has its origin in the first followers. To them I am grateful and indebted.

Prayer
Father, recently you have been opening some doors in my life to show more concern for your people Israel. Navigate me through that and help me to be part of a process of grace to bring healing to the division between Christians and Jews and to effectively reveal Yeshua to your people. Amen.