EXPANDING JESUS TO Y’SHUA

By Eben

(A Response to a Jews for Jesus Ministry Newsletter)

They say that Jesus was a Jew,

And not Gentile like me and you.

His accent wouldn’t be Hoosier,*

But Galilean with a slur.

He may have burped—-though none have said;

but country folk are not well bred.

Rough hands and worker’s grime

-—he took no offense and thought no crime.

He wasn’t known for genteel looks,

The kind you see in all the books.

Every hair of his sometimes left its place,

The winds of Galilee blew strong on his face.

Yet he was neat—-those grave clothes say.

That folded headcloth on Easter Day!

What mattered least—-he gave it care—-

He wouldn't leave it untidy THAT GREAT DAY!

Try OCEAN on for size.

It’s wild and throws its sand in eyes.

Majestic too—-the sweep of waves—-

Its changing mood destroys or saves.

Sail it now, but it can drown

And smash your house right to the ground.

Jesus loves the little child,

His mood can be so gentle, mild.

But he who made the ocean too

Can turn and rage, like billows do.**

You just can’t put Him in your box—-

Or stroke Him like you treat pet rocks.

Yes, Jesus is God and also Jew—-

Climb that mountain to get the view!***

*"Hoosier," an accent once popularly spoken in rural Indiana.

**Jesus (Y'shua, which means "God Saves,") is Jehovah God of the Old Testament, who brought the Israelites through the Red Sea and across the Jordan and flattened the walls of Jericho and performed the many other mighty acts we find recorded. God does not change. Jesus is still Jehovah God. Though he came to earth the first time as a Lamb of God to meekly bear his sufferings for our sake and die on the cross, he will return as the mighty and majestic Lion of Judah. So why should you be shocked when he comes back? You will be if you are expected "Gentle Jesus Meek and Mild" and you see the Yeshua the Lion of Judah with armies of militant angels instead!

***Jesus as the Rock of Israel, is higher than Mt. Everest, infinitely higher!