Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: HEIR/HEIRESS (04/07/22)
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TITLE: Two Flocks | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anne Warden
04/09/22 -
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Noting the wonder in his eyes, Leah answered, “Tell me about it please.” She relaxed back on her cushions to listen.
“Actually, the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles began long ago. Remember when we went through Samaria, and I told you Yeshua spoke to a woman at Jacob’s well?”
Leah smiled. She recalled when Peter had first recounted the story, how in awe she had been of Yeshua’s inclusion of those not born of Abraham’s seed. People the Jews had hated for centuries. People Jews were not supposed to eat with, do business with, enter their homes or touch, for they were ‘unclean.’
Yet her husband often repeated Yeshua’s final instruction: “Go into all the world and preach the good news of salvation to everyone.”
“That night, Yeshua told us He always includes Gentiles in His plan. Even when our ancestors came out of Egypt, those traveling with them who were not of Israel had their own place in His redemption plan. For instance, He chose Caleb, a foreigner, as a spy to scout the Promised Land – because of his faith.
“Sitting by the fire, Yeshua said He had healed that Samaritan woman – spiritually. She became His child. He impressed on us that the kingdom of His love is not merely for the Chosen People, but for everyone who will repent and lay down their lives to follow Him.”
Peter said nothing for a few moments, but his thoughts played across his face. “Not long before He was crucified, He told us He has two flocks of sheep, one of Jews and the other of believing Gentiles. And soon, we will all merge into one flock as heirs to His ancient promises.”
“Like the Syro-Phoenician woman in Tyre?” Leah reminded her husband, leaning forward, her arms crossed on the table, anticipating the retelling.
“Yes. Her too. Her daughter was demon possessed. That mother came and fell at Yeshua’s feet, asking Him to heal her daughter from a distance. When He reminded her we Jews looked at foreigners as ‘dogs,’ she had so much faith in Him she wasn’t even offended. She recognized Him as Messiah, calling Him ‘Son of David.’ Then she said, ‘Even the household dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps,’ showing humility and a sense of unworthiness. She persisted to beg the Master for mercy upon the daughter she loved. And He told her to go home. Her daughter was healed.”
Leah chuckled. “I love that story. I wonder how much of an impact that had on the people of Tyre.”
Peter reached for her hand across the table and earnest excitement spread over his features. “On this trip to Joppa, I received clear instructions I must stop regarding Gentiles as unclean. I was praying one day and the Spirit gave me a vision. A sheet filled with both clean and unclean animals was let down from the sky. When the Spirit told me to eat, I was repulsed. I cannot eat anything the Holy One had told us not to. But the Spirit said, ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’
Leah watched her husband grimace. “You know me. Sometimes I get stuck on the physical implication and miss the real message, the spiritual one. The Spirit had to show that same vision three times before I understood. Unclean animals will always be unclean. This was about people – Gentiles. Within minutes, men arrived to invite me and a few others to the home of a Roman centurion who lives in Caesarea. He and his entire household were already devout God-fearers, but they needed to know who Yeshua is. When I explained our Messiah’s awesome love and His gift of taking our sin penalty upon Himself, we watched the Holy Spirit enter their lives. Then they were baptized.”
Sighing, Peter shook his head. “It turns out that very centurion was in charge of the troops who crucified Yeshua. His repentance was humbling.”
Squeezing his hand, Leah affirmed, “This won’t be the last time you tell Gentiles about Yeshua’s amazing love. Even government officials.”
Peter grinned, and it lit his whole countenance. “I’m ready. The merging of Yeshua’s two flocks has begun. Tomorrow I will tell this account to the believers here in Jerusalem. It will excite them.”
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John 4:1-42; Mark 16:15-16; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Ezekiel 47:21-23; Genesis 15:18-20; Numbers 32:11-12; John 10:14-16; Romans 11:17-24; Galatians 3:26-29; Mark 7:24-30; Acts 21:1-4; Acts 10:1-48; Mark 15:39; Acts 11:1-18
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