The famous (infamous) declaration, “Can a leopard change its spots?”, is often quoted in reference to someone whose character or personality is presumed unchangeable. One could reference Pharaoh, since he continuously refused to change his mind when prompted by Moses to “Let my people go,” referring to Israel in the book of Exodus. Or perhaps one might conjure up thoughts about Adolf Hitler and his hatred of the Jews, resulting in the Holocaust during WWII. But most of the time our thoughts are much simpler and closer to home. We could be thinking about someone at work or at school, or someone in politics or even a political party, or someone we may know who is always stubborn or contentious. How about someone we know who is so dogmatic about a view or views that we believe that person or people will never change?
Let’s take a closer look at the phrase, “Can a leopard change its spots?”, since most of us believe that phrase refers to a stubborn, unchangeable attitude. Ever wonder about the origins of certain phrases? The etymology or origin of this particular question, quoted above, comes from a Biblical source: Jeremiah 13:23, “Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? If they can, then you can do good, who are so accustomed to doing evil.” What a difference biblical understanding makes! This phrase is a challenge to change a bad attitude or mean spirit. I was reminded of this Biblical reference in a recent newsletter written by my friend Avner Boskey. TJCII depends on people changing from antisemitic or anti-Israel attitudes to understanding G0D’s heart for Israel, the apple of His eye. Jeremiah says, “…YOU CAN DO GOOD!” to all of us who struggle with doing evil.
We also receive tremendous encouragement from the New Testament as well. In union with Yeshua (Jesus), we are described as having crucified our “old nature,” and we are in the process of becoming a “new creation” by the power of G0D’s Holy Spirit. And, “He who has begun a good work among you will complete it by the day of Messiah!” TJCII looks forward to that day when Yeshua returns as King of kings to sit on the throne of his forefather King David.
Earlier this month (May), a TJCII team hosted a group of Messianic Jews and Christian Arabs in Jerusalem for a workshop on Arab/Jewish reconciliation and unity in Messiah. We thank G0D for this opportunity and for the leadership provided by Brian Cox, one of the founding members of TJCII. Please pray for the seeds of unity between Jews and Arabs in Yeshua to grow deep roots and bear much good fruit for the Kingdom of G0D.
Plans continue for our October Jerusalem Summit. We have been planning this Summit since 2024 after our 2023 Summit was canceled due to the bloody attack on Israel by Hamas and the resulting war. The war continues to this day, so all of our current plans are by faith coupled with the wisdom and understanding of G0D, which guides our steps.
Thank you for your prayers and support of this unique vision of the LORD for our day.
Shalom,
Marty Waldman