Grant Berry: Reconnecting Israel and the Church

We are in a new day, a new time and a new era. The world is getting darker and we are witnessing firsthand the fullness of the parable of the wheat and the tares, with a reflection on sin and righteousness as the end-time harvest is to come.

It is as if sin itself has to become utterly sinful, in order that its judgment might come upon the world. I believe that it is one of the most exciting times to be alive upon the earth as a believer and follower of Christ, and at the same time it will also be extremely challenging.

The Bible refers to this period in history as the “last days” and as we draw closer to it, we know from Scripture that it will also manifest the fullness of the Gentiles upon the earth; and that at the same time, Israel’s spiritual awakening is not far off (Rom. 11:25-26). I believe that both of these events point to an unprecedented outpouring of G-d’s Spirit upon the earth, yet they are intricately connected and may not have necessarily been seen as such up to this point in time, which is why reconnection spiritually becomes so significant to us now.

For this reason, I earnestly request that we take a fresh look into these matters, to ensure that we are not ignorant to what is about to take place (Rom. 11:25). Yet I believe G-d’s final plan to reveal His glory upon the earth with the return of our L-rd, is intertwined in this mystery that exists between Israel and the Church; one that we must truly understand from deep with in our spirits, not just through the Word alone, but through the heart, which I believe the Spirit desires to make known to us in these days.

With this in mind, I feel strongly that we need to become more conscious of this movement of G-d’s Spirit, not just to restore the land of Israel, but also to awaken its people. As He transitions once again from one part of His family to now include the other—from a Gentile Christian focus to restoring His firstborn—and truly unite His family in the Spirit of G-d. In that we would find the unity which is the heart cry of Christ, and that I believe must take place before He returns.

As you get used to my writings in this “Israel and the Church” section, my hope is that you will begin to recognize a pattern in how I communicate this reconnection of Jew and Christian in the Spirit of G-d. I often refer to it as a family connection between our Father, His Son and all of the spiritual children in His family, both Jew and Christian alike.

One of the main reasons for this, is that it helps us to focus on these issues more from our Father’s point of view, rather than our own as brethren, which I think is extremely helpful to us in finding a deeper understanding of these issues. To be perfectly honest with you, there is a great deal of healing required on both sides in order for this to actually take place.

With all that has gone on between the two groups over the past 2000 years; with all of the misunderstanding, the division, the separation and the persecution, can there ever be significant healing that can effectively bring the two groups together? I believe with all my heart that the answer to this question is a resounding “yes.”

Despite the barriers and obstacles, as well as all that the enemy has sown to keep separation and dominion here—which is significant—that G-d’s grace and mercy will triumph and that He will ultimately be glorified through it all. In the process, a most vital reconnection will take place through us spiritually in order for His family to be united, in order for Israel to be awakened, and for both groups—Israel and the Church—to come into their spiritual inheritance to rule and reign with Christ. Wow!

So what is this “reconnection” and why is it so significant to us? Up to this point, when we speak of Israel and the Church in G-d’s end-time plan, there always seems to be such separation between the two groups. Almost as if G-d is going to deal with each of them completely separate from one another.

However, if the heart of G-d is to bring unity in His family between Israel and the Church as per Jesus’ prayer in John 17, why would this be the case? Especially if we are to reign together when Christ returns, surely there has to be more unity between us. Is it possible that we are missing something?

In addition, when has G-d ever done anything significant on the earth without using a mediator to bring about the change He wants or desires? For who is to release the breath and mercy of G-d back towards Israel in order for them to awaken spiritually? Will G-d do this Himself, or does He warrant an intercessor to help mediate it?

In this final day, has G-d in fact chosen His Church for this role, not only to awaken Israel, but also to finally unite His family, that each may receive their spiritual inheritance to rule and reign with Christ? However, one cannot be had without the other. How masterful of G-d! I call this ‘G-d’s Mercy Plan,’ which I will discuss in more depth next month.

Aside from “replacement theologists” out there, which we will address in future articles, a great many of us in the Church recognize that Israel must be restored before the L-rd comes back. That indeed Israel is still to play a most crucial role in revealing G-d’s glory to the earth (Ezek. 36). However, what I perceive to be the missing link in this plan thus far is the role that the Church is still to play to help bring this to pass.

Without fervent effective intercessory prayer that can go up to the heavenlies to help pull down the numerous strongholds that still exist, and provide much of the spiritual fuel necessary, how will this ever happen? This cannot take place until we first reconnect spiritualty to our firstborn brethren and take on their plight as our very own to help unite G-d’s children and His family. That’s something a father or mother can do much more easily than a brother or sister, if you catch my point here. Just look at the prodigal son.

Reconnection is foremost in the spiritual realm, embracing ‘The Father’s Heart’ for His lost Son, to be truly brought together as one in G-d’s family; yet with a full appreciation of our different callings and roles. This will in itself naturally reconnect us to our Jewish roots and heritage, which we were separated from along the way, but will now better equip us for these days to help win Israel back to faith.

Until next time, I will leave you with this Scripture from the Apostle Paul, written to the Roman Church about the Jewish people:

“How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them … As it is written ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Rom. 10:14-15 NIV).

I want to encourage each of you to email me on this subject, whether you agree with me or not—and post comments below—in the hope that we may enter into a spiritual debate that is clothed in His love and mercy, and will open the door for greater understanding during these most crucial days upon the earth.

Grant Berry is a Jewish believer in Yeshua (Jesus) and author of The New Covenant Prophecy and The Ezekiel Generation. He founded Reconnecting Ministries with the specific focus of helping the Church reconnect spiritually to Israel, and considers it vital to the kingdom of God in the last days. His message focuses on the unity, love and healing that the Father wants to bring between the Jewish and Gentile people, yet clearly points out the differences and misunderstandings between the two groups. He believes now is the time to look more carefully into these matters to bring about healing and reconnection in the Spirit. He also believes that the Church is to play a far greater role in Israel’s spiritual birth than it currently understands, and as this reconnection takes place, it will not only loose the end-time harvest upon the earth, but will also help to bring both Israel and the Church into their spiritual destinies to rule and reign with Christ. For more information please visit reconnectingministries.org