“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16).

The role of believers

I’m not sure if it’s a sin to say (but I will say it anyway): I am proud of the Messianic believers in Israel. While the people of Israel witnessed the very worst of humanity on October 7th, I can say that the people of Israel have also witnessed the incredible beauty of Yeshua’s disciples since October 8th. All across the country, churches and Messianic organizations have rolled up their sleeves, donating their time and their resources to help this hurting country—providing meals, opening their homes, volunteering for guard duty, channeling tens of millions of shekels from generous believers from around the world to shattered communities here in Israel, all in the name of Yeshua!

All across the country, churches and Messianic organizations have rolled up their sleeves, donating their time and their resources to help this hurting country – all in the name of Yeshua!

Two people in particular have caught my attention since the start of the war. “R” provided desperately needed items to soldiers all over the country. While many other believers in Israel have done the same, what is most attention-grabbing about “R” is the fact that he is an Arab follower of the Jewish Messiah who is actively loving Israel’s soldiers in Yeshua’s name. On October 7th, “G’s” niece was savagely murdered at the music festival. Within a week, “G” (a Jewish pastor from the north) began distributing very expensive first-aid bags to Arab churches all over Israel. “G” decided to respond with healing to his unimaginable hurt.

“R” and “G” are living proof that the gospel not only saves us from sin; it also empowers us to love. Yeshua says we are the light of the world. So for all those outside the country who want to know how the church in Israel is doing since October 7th, I can respond in just one word: Shining!

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day” (Prov 4:18).