בס”ד

Parashat Yitro (Jethro) Exodus 18:1-20:23

Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6

In this week’s Torah portion one learns an important principle that was not only true during the time of the T’nach (Old Testament), but is also true today. The reality of this truth will be especially realized in the last days. What is this Truth? This important truth is that Israel is a chosen tool of HaShem’s which He will use to bring many Gentiles to faith in the Living G-d.

When Yitro heard how HaShem saved Israel from Pharaoh and the Egyptians, the reader learns of his response,

“And Yitro rejoiced concerning all the good which HaShem did for Israel that He saved him from the hand of Egypt.” Exodus 18:9

It is not a coincidence that immediately after seeing how HaShem saved Israel, that Yitro worshipped the L-rd (See verse 10) having coming to the conclusion based upon how HaShem revealed Himself in Israel’s victory, that

“Now I know that greater is HaShem than all gods

…” Exodus 18:12

Once again the point is that by means of HaShem’s faithfulness to Israel, the Gentiles will acknowledge G-d and respond to Him faithfully. For most believers such an idea is not new. However what may be new to many believers is that this principle will be greatly used by HaShem in the last days.

As followers of Messiah Yeshua it is important that we learn the methods that G-d will use to accomplish His plan. What plan is this? The plan is to see as many people as possible to be brought to salvation. The focus must always be of course on Yeshua. However there are numerous Scriptures that state the same things as Ezekiel 37:28,

“And then the Gentiles will know that I am the L-rd when I sanctify Israel…”

I use this verse often in order to show that in the last days (this is the context for Ezekiel 37) that HaShem will bring Jewish individuals back to the land, they will experience salvation, through the same Gospel message, and as HaShem deals with them mightily in the end times, the nations will see the very same thing that Yitro saw and they will respond similarly.

Shabbat Shalom