Apples of Gold Jan/Feb 2021

It is written in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” But some people are so sure of their own wisdom they reject God’s wisdom.

Recently, I asked several people, “Why do you spend all of your time reading commentaries? I read the Holy Bible. The Lord wants us to read His Word. As it is written in Proverbs 21:30, ‘There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the LORD.’”

“Where have you studied that you want to teach us about the faith?” one demanded.

“You do not have to be a scholar to obey the commands of God,” I said. “You need only to believe in the Lord, and He wants us to warn the wicked to turn from their evil ways.”

My reply did not make them happy. “You are far from being able to teach us! We have spent many years learning. Do you think you can tell us how to obey God’s commands?” one asked.

“It is a pity you have spent so many years in such deep vanity,” I replied.

“How can you say such a thing?” another demanded.

“You think of yourselves as so full of wisdom. But you are empty in true faith. But not everything is lost. The Lord is full of love and ready to forgive. Ezekiel 33:11 says, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’”

“Who are you?” one asked. “You are not a rabbi, so how can you tell us what to do? And you do not look like one who knows the Talmud.”

“How would you like someone to look who brings you the Good News?” I asked. “Should I come to you as one of your teachers—as a wolf in sheep’s clothing? You have the opportunity now to open your eyes. Do not wait until it is too late.”

“Who has given you the right to speak about the faith?” one asked.

“I am one among many from the house of Israel, and it is clearly written in Ezekiel 33:7–8: ‘Son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you shall surely die!” and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.’ It is the obligation of everyone who knows the Lord to warn the wicked,” I said.

“It is forbidden for us to speak with people like you about the faith. But wait a few minutes, and one with whom you can speak will be here. He will show you how wicked you are and reveal the evil way you are following,” one told me.

Then one of their teachers came. He considered me no match for him. “To which sect do you belong?” he asked me. “Many Christian organizations have come here to brainwash us and cause us to believe in their idols. Are you one of them?”

“I am from among those who believe in the living God and what is written in the Holy Bible, unlike you who make commentaries from your own conclusions,” I replied.

Then they wanted to know in whom I believe. “If you would like to know, I shall read for you about the one of whom Isaiah 53 speaks. You have never read this chapter because your teachers have deemed it not ‘kosher.’”

“This is enough!” one yelled. “Now we know who you are! Did you think we would listen to you and abandon the traditions of our fathers?”

“Now you know in whom I have believed,” I told them. They understood I believe in Jesus. Please pray for these people, who walk in such deep darkness that they boycott Isaiah 53.

The Friends of Israel Archives

Zvi Kalisher (1928–2014) was a Holocaust survivor who was known for his unswerving faithfulness to the Lord and his bold witness in Jerusalem. He was with The Friends of Israel for more than 55 years.