January 31st, 2026
Scripture – “he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.””
Isaiah 49:6 NIV
Observation – God’s plan was never for Israel to become a holy huddle, concerned only with the tribes of Jacob. From the beginning, Israel was called to be a light to the Gentiles so that the nations would come to know the one true God through the Jewish Messiah—Jesus. God’s covenant with Israel was always missional in purpose, pointing outward to the salvation of the world.
Application – In Acts 13:46-47 we read “Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”” The tragedy is that Christians today often repeat the same sin as the Jews in Paul’s time. We attend church, read Scripture, and pray—but never engage the lost with the Gospel. Spiritual disciplines become inward-facing rather than fuel for mission.
We also see this error in some Christian politicians and leaders who emphasize “Judeo-Christian values” as a basis for unity. While seeking common ground and peaceful coexistence is good, elevating the Law or cultural morality above Christ contradicts the Gospel itself. Scripture is clear:
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.”
Romans 3:28-31 NIV
When Christ is minimized in favor of law, tradition, or political alignment, the Gospel is diluted. Jesus did not come merely to affirm moral values—He came to fulfill the Law through His death and resurrection.
Jesus Himself says:
“If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” (John 5:46–47)
We should seek peace with all people, but never at the cost of diminishing Christ. The Law points to Jesus. Salvation comes only through Him. Any unity that sidelines the cross and the resurrection is not Biblical unity—it is compromise.
Prayer – Lord Jesus, I pray that we would establish strong relationships with our Jewish friends so we can show them that Jesus loves them and died for them. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 