A Stranger Comes to Know Israel’s True Messiah
“Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house;”(1 Kings 8:41–42)
For years I never knew what these verses in First Kings meant. Being raised in a semi-religious home, my mother had me attend Sunday school when time permitted. But I never had any understanding of Israel, or how to have a personal relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In college, I was required to attend chapel weekly my first year. I also took a religion course, but it left me with no understanding of God or whether He even existed.
During high school and college I developed a strong belief in myself. I became successful both in sports, as a wrestling champion, and in academics, being a member of the National Honor Society and later on the Dean’s List. This resulted in my believing I was my own god, able to accomplish whatever I desired.
When I entered the business world in the Chicago area, I set a goal to be a millionaire by age 30 while building a large truck service firm with my brother. As the business grew rapidly, I faced pressures that led to health problems — including ulcers before age 30, something I once thought could never happen to me.
My mother often told me God would direct me and help with my challenges if I would only believe. She also reminded me how important it was to bless the Jewish people. Even a close friend tried to speak with me about “end time” events. I thought both were fanatical, but they never gave up.
A Major Turning Point
In 1966, after two years of mounting problems with no solutions, I finally prayed. It was the first time I had ever prayed to a God I didn’t know, except through my mother’s words about the power of prayer. Within nine days, both legal and zoning problems were solved in an unusual way. I wondered: was this a miracle of God, or just coincidence?
Soon after, several major weather events occurred that worked in our favor. On the night of our grand opening in March 1967, tornados swept the Chicago area, killing many and destroying buildings near us. Yet our property and facilities sustained no damage. That night I realized God was trying to get my attention.
I began reading the Scriptures, drawn especially to Ezekiel’s prophecies about Israel becoming a nation again. I was also struck by the final book of the New Testament and its warnings of coming judgment.
The Six Day War — Another Turning Point
When the Six Day War broke out in June 1967, my focus on Scripture grew stronger. My mother told me God was fulfilling His Word by restoring His city of Jerusalem to the Jewish people. This caused me to study the Bible even more, with a desire to learn my true purpose in life.
Three People Urge Me to Attend the Same Meeting
Two Bible believers had urged me to attend a meeting near my home. Then one of my own salesmen invited me to the very same event. I thought it was a conspiracy! When I asked him what would be taught, and if the others had put him up to it, he assured me they had not. He said if I attended, I would find what I was searching for.
That Sunday I went. My life was changed dramatically. I experienced a peace I had never known before. My health was restored, and my ulcers disappeared. That day I came to know personally the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not only did I come to know Israel’s true Messiah, but His “strong hand” and His “stretched out arm” became very real to me!
God’s Protection
Within months, major life-and-death situations tested my new faith. Threats were made against me and our company if I did not go along with “certain men.” Psalm 37 became one of my favorite passages of protection, especially verses 1–3:
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
I testify of God’s protection and provision. Two of the men who threatened me died suddenly of heart attacks. Another person involved died of serious illness.
Solomon Prays to Heaven
“Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel;…”(1 Kings 8:43)
Months later, as I saw God working in many ways, my interest in Israel deepened. In July of 1970, the Lord clearly directed me to leave my business and move to south Florida to begin the ministry Peace for Israel.
A major part of this ministry is to encourage Bible believers to support Israel, to pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem, and especially to obey Psalm 122:6:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
Must Seek the Lord While He May Be Found
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”(Isaiah 55:6–7)
God’s Promise of Peace and Eternal Life
Although many people reject Israel’s true Messiah, you do not have to make the same mistake. To have perfect peace with God and be ready for His return, you must understand and believe these Five Steps for Perfect Peace:
Step 1 – God’s Objective for Man
God desires that we know Him personally and experience His abundant life.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”(Psalm 16:11)
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”(Psalm 37:4–5)
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”(Proverbs 3:5–6)
Step 2 – Man’s Problem
We must recognize that we are sinners in need of atonement.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;…”(Isaiah 53:6)
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; …”(Isaiah 64:6)
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”(Ecclesiastes 7:20)
“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”(Isaiah 59:1–2)
Step 3 – God’s Answer
We must believe God’s Word and accept His blood sacrifice.
“And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”(Genesis 15:6)
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”(Leviticus 17:11)
In the past, lambs were sacrificed at the Temple in Jerusalem to provide atonement. At Passover, the lamb atoned for a family. At Yom Kippur, the lamb atoned for the nation.
But today, when these holidays are observed, there is no blood sacrifice. Has God changed His requirement? No. Abraham gave us the answer:
“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:…”(Genesis 22:8)
This points to the Redeemer, the Messiah, provided by God Himself.
Step 4 – God’s Provision
We must believe that God’s only provision is found in Israel’s true Messiah.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6)
“Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. … and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”(Isaiah 48:12, 16–17)
The Messiah Redeemer is “the Holy One of Israel” and “the LORD thy God.” He was sent by “the Lord GOD, and His Spirit.”
As Moses wrote:
“And God (Elohim) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:…”(Genesis 1:26)
Only one person has fulfilled all the Messianic prophecies: Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah). Through Him, many Jews and Gentiles alike have found forgiveness and peace with God.
Step 5 – Man’s Privilege
We must personally repent and believe on Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), receiving Him as Savior and Lord.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”(Isaiah 55:7)
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”(John 3:14–15)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”(Ephesians 2:8–9)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”(Romans 10:13)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”(Romans 6:23)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”(John 3:16)
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) Himself invites us:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,…”(Revelation 3:20)
A Suggested Prayer
“Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), I confess that I have sinned against You and believe You died for me. I call upon You and open my heart, receiving You as my Messiah and Lord. I am willing to follow and obey You as You direct. Amen.”
For years I never knew what these verses in First Kings meant. Being raised in a semi-religious home, my mother had me attend Sunday school when time permitted. But I never had any understanding of Israel, or how to have a personal relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In college, I was required to attend chapel weekly my first year. I also took a religion course, but it left me with no understanding of God or whether He even existed.
During high school and college I developed a strong belief in myself. I became successful both in sports, as a wrestling champion, and in academics, being a member of the National Honor Society and later on the Dean’s List. This resulted in my believing I was my own god, able to accomplish whatever I desired.
When I entered the business world in the Chicago area, I set a goal to be a millionaire by age 30 while building a large truck service firm with my brother. As the business grew rapidly, I faced pressures that led to health problems — including ulcers before age 30, something I once thought could never happen to me.
My mother often told me God would direct me and help with my challenges if I would only believe. She also reminded me how important it was to bless the Jewish people. Even a close friend tried to speak with me about “end time” events. I thought both were fanatical, but they never gave up.
A Major Turning Point
In 1966, after two years of mounting problems with no solutions, I finally prayed. It was the first time I had ever prayed to a God I didn’t know, except through my mother’s words about the power of prayer. Within nine days, both legal and zoning problems were solved in an unusual way. I wondered: was this a miracle of God, or just coincidence?
Soon after, several major weather events occurred that worked in our favor. On the night of our grand opening in March 1967, tornados swept the Chicago area, killing many and destroying buildings near us. Yet our property and facilities sustained no damage. That night I realized God was trying to get my attention.
I began reading the Scriptures, drawn especially to Ezekiel’s prophecies about Israel becoming a nation again. I was also struck by the final book of the New Testament and its warnings of coming judgment.
The Six Day War — Another Turning Point
When the Six Day War broke out in June 1967, my focus on Scripture grew stronger. My mother told me God was fulfilling His Word by restoring His city of Jerusalem to the Jewish people. This caused me to study the Bible even more, with a desire to learn my true purpose in life.
Three People Urge Me to Attend the Same Meeting
Two Bible believers had urged me to attend a meeting near my home. Then one of my own salesmen invited me to the very same event. I thought it was a conspiracy! When I asked him what would be taught, and if the others had put him up to it, he assured me they had not. He said if I attended, I would find what I was searching for.
That Sunday I went. My life was changed dramatically. I experienced a peace I had never known before. My health was restored, and my ulcers disappeared. That day I came to know personally the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not only did I come to know Israel’s true Messiah, but His “strong hand” and His “stretched out arm” became very real to me!
God’s Protection
Within months, major life-and-death situations tested my new faith. Threats were made against me and our company if I did not go along with “certain men.” Psalm 37 became one of my favorite passages of protection, especially verses 1–3:
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
I testify of God’s protection and provision. Two of the men who threatened me died suddenly of heart attacks. Another person involved died of serious illness.
Solomon Prays to Heaven
“Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel;…”(1 Kings 8:43)
Months later, as I saw God working in many ways, my interest in Israel deepened. In July of 1970, the Lord clearly directed me to leave my business and move to south Florida to begin the ministry Peace for Israel.
A major part of this ministry is to encourage Bible believers to support Israel, to pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem, and especially to obey Psalm 122:6:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
Must Seek the Lord While He May Be Found
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”(Isaiah 55:6–7)
God’s Promise of Peace and Eternal Life
Although many people reject Israel’s true Messiah, you do not have to make the same mistake. To have perfect peace with God and be ready for His return, you must understand and believe these Five Steps for Perfect Peace:
Step 1 – God’s Objective for Man
God desires that we know Him personally and experience His abundant life.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”(Psalm 16:11)
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”(Psalm 37:4–5)
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”(Proverbs 3:5–6)
Step 2 – Man’s Problem
We must recognize that we are sinners in need of atonement.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;…”(Isaiah 53:6)
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; …”(Isaiah 64:6)
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”(Ecclesiastes 7:20)
“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”(Isaiah 59:1–2)
Step 3 – God’s Answer
We must believe God’s Word and accept His blood sacrifice.
“And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”(Genesis 15:6)
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”(Leviticus 17:11)
In the past, lambs were sacrificed at the Temple in Jerusalem to provide atonement. At Passover, the lamb atoned for a family. At Yom Kippur, the lamb atoned for the nation.
But today, when these holidays are observed, there is no blood sacrifice. Has God changed His requirement? No. Abraham gave us the answer:
“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:…”(Genesis 22:8)
This points to the Redeemer, the Messiah, provided by God Himself.
Step 4 – God’s Provision
We must believe that God’s only provision is found in Israel’s true Messiah.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6)
“Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. … and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”(Isaiah 48:12, 16–17)
The Messiah Redeemer is “the Holy One of Israel” and “the LORD thy God.” He was sent by “the Lord GOD, and His Spirit.”
As Moses wrote:
“And God (Elohim) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:…”(Genesis 1:26)
Only one person has fulfilled all the Messianic prophecies: Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah). Through Him, many Jews and Gentiles alike have found forgiveness and peace with God.
Step 5 – Man’s Privilege
We must personally repent and believe on Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), receiving Him as Savior and Lord.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”(Isaiah 55:7)
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”(John 3:14–15)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”(Ephesians 2:8–9)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”(Romans 10:13)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”(Romans 6:23)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”(John 3:16)
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) Himself invites us:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,…”(Revelation 3:20)
A Suggested Prayer
“Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), I confess that I have sinned against You and believe You died for me. I call upon You and open my heart, receiving You as my Messiah and Lord. I am willing to follow and obey You as You direct. Amen.”