By John Glueck & Ludwig Goulart
A call for all believers to return to the original calling and mission, to be God’s light shining in a dark world. This vision is our responsibility even as Israel’s divine purpose is to be a “light to the nations.” This is not about adopting Jewish customs or converting to Judaism, but about understanding and embracing the foundational calling that God gave to His people from the very beginning.
The word “return” in Hebrew is shuv, from which comes “teshuvah,” which means more than just coming back — it means turning around, changing direction, and aligning oneself with God’s original intention. For too long, much of the Church has been disconnected from its Jewish roots, forgetting that salvation comes “from the Jews” (John 4:22) and that the church as God’s people are grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11:17).
This return is not about legalism or ritual observance, but about recovering the heart of God’s original plan. It’s about remembering that we serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It’s about understanding that the Messiah we follow is the Jewish Messiah as well as the Savior of all Nations. It is he who came to fulfill, not abolish, the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
When we return to this understanding, several things happen:
First, we gain a deeper appreciation for the Scriptures. The Hebrew Bible is not just the “Old Testament” that has been superseded by the “New Testament.” It is the foundation upon which the New Covenant is built. When we understand the Jewish context of Yeshua’s ministry, His parables become richer, His teachings become clearer, and His mission becomes more profound.
Second, we develop a heart for the Jewish people. Instead of seeing them as those who “rejected” the Messiah, we see them as our elder brothers who have preserved the oracles of God through centuries of persecution. We understand that their “hardening” is partial and temporary, serving God’s purpose of bringing salvation to the Gentiles (Romans 11:25).
Finally, our restoration will be as “life from the dead” to all mankind. (Romans 11:15)
Third, we embrace our calling to be a light to the nations. Just as Israel is called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, we, as believers in Yeshua, are called to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).
Our purpose is not just personal salvation but global transformation. We are saved not just from something but for something — to be God’s representatives on earth. And when Yeshua returns as King Messiah, all of us will share in this worldwide work of transformation.
This calling to shine is both individual and corporate. As individuals, we are called to let our light shine before men so they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). As a community, we are called to be a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).
But our light is not our own — it is the reflected light of Yeshua, who is the true light that enlightens every man (John 1:9). We shine not by our own power but by His presence within us. We illuminate and share not by our own wisdom but by His truth flowing through us.
The call to return and shine is urgent because the world is growing darker. Anti-Semitism is rising. Biblical values are being abandoned. Truth itself is under attack, rejected by an increasingly lawless world. In such times, the light of God’s people becomes ever more precious and rare. Let’s stand up for the truth and share the light of God, Yeshua the Messiah.
This return also involves repentance — acknowledging where the Church has failed in its relationship with God, the Jewish people and with Israel. For centuries, Christian anti-Semitism has clouded the light we were meant to shine. Replacement theology has robbed many in the church of the richness of our shared Jewish heritage. Supersessionism has made the church arrogant instead of grateful.
But God is calling us back. He is restoring the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers. He is opening our eyes to see Israel’s ongoing role in His plan. He is preparing us for the great harvest that will come as the true Church and Israel stand together as one people under one King.
The call to return and shine is not just about the past or the future — it’s about the present. Today, God is looking for believers who will embrace their calling to be light in the darkness. Today, He is seeking those who will stand with Israel and the Jewish people. Today, He is preparing a people who will be ready for His return, pure, holy and fearless.
This calling is for every believer, regardless of their background or denomination. It’s for Jewish believers who need to embrace their role as a bridge between the Church and Israel. It’s for Gentile believers who need to understand their debt to the Jewish people and their calling to provoke them to jealousy through their love and faithfulness. All of us must share our lives with those in our sphere of influence, leading them to the Messiah and Savior.
The time has come to return to our original calling and to shine with the light of Yeshua. The world is waiting. The harvest is ready. And God is calling His people to be the light that will guide the nations to His salvation.
Will you answer the call to return and shine?
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