DR. MITCH GLASER
PRESIDENT of
CHOSEN PEOPLE
MINISTRIES
The Hebrew Scriptures impact every
area of life: from issues of the heart, to
practical wisdom, amazing prophetic
predictions of the age to come, and of
course our moral code and behavior. The
older testament—if you can appreciate this
new terminology—has been extremely
influential in our lives, personally and
corporately, even when we did not realize
it! In fact, as the article will suggest, the
Hebrew Scriptures have helped shape our
culture and society more than the Constitution
and
Bill of Rights combined. Additionally, a
good argument can be made to demonstrate that
these documents that were so foundational in the
formation of our country were based upon the
words of the Hebrew Scriptures.
It would be virtually impossible for me, as
a Messianic Jew, to believe in Jesus if I did not
believe that the Hebrew Scriptures referred to
Jesus in the promises and prophecies regarding the
coming of the Messiah. This rationale for faith in
Yeshua (His Hebrew name) is critical for a Jewish
follower of the Messiah and also for those who are
not Jewish. When more than a thousand years of
biblical prophecy are so remarkably fulfilled in this
one person, it gives us tremendous confidence in
Him and also in the Old Testament where He is
described. So much of what we understand about
salvation, the nature of God, and His plan for each
of us is firmly rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. As
King Solomon wrote so beautifully,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and
do not lean on your own understanding. In
all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will
make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Admittedly, at times, the Hebrew Bible is not
the easiest to understand, especially in light of
today’s cultural trends and ideas about morality.
Frankly, the Hebrew Bible might seem out of sync
with our modern world upon a first, surfacelevel
glance. But, consider that the voice of the
Hebrew Scriptures, though contrary to many of
our current cultural values, might very well be a
voice worth listening to. It has led so many of us
to a fulfilling and meaningful life. The
Psalmist David wrote about those
who read, meditate, and obey what is
written in the Hebrew Scriptures:
How blessed is the man who
does not walk in the counsel of
the wicked, nor stand in the path
of sinners, nor sit in the seat of
scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the
Lord, and in His law he meditates day and
night. (Psalm 1:1–2)
I hope that you will enjoy the rest of the
newsletter. My prayer is that it will motivate you
to study the Hebrew Scriptures, to learn more
about God’s plan for you, and that the very specific
predictions about the coming of the Messiah will
become personally meaningful to you. There is so
much in these 39 books of the Old Testament to
understand, and I hope you will take the time to
read through the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures
to try and better understand one of the world’s great
works of literature. You might not take my position
in believing that the
Old Testament is the
inspired Word of God,
but I think, if you have
an open heart, you
will find so many of
the statements in these
ancient pages to be
comforting, relevant,
and life-changing.
Enjoy the journey,
and, if you are seeking
the Lord, may I encourage
you to take a
look at followmessiah.
com, which is a 16-part video study of the Scriptures,
both the Old and New Testaments, which will
help guide you towards a deeply personal relationship
with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
A belated Happy Jewish High Holidays!
Mitch
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The Chosen People | SPECIAL EDITION 2019 3