A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days {a review}

In the past, I have read a few books about the final days and end times prophecy. I have studied the book of Revelation. Additionally, I have even read a popular fictional series set in the last days. However, I have never read a book from the perspective of a Jewish person or the Jewish people. A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days, by Jonathan Bernis, offers this perspective. Bernis, who is a Rabbi of the Messianic Jewish movement, offers readers a glimpse into this unique perspective.










The Book

Divided into two parts, A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days covers both prophecy relating to the Jewish people and the Gentiles' role in helping to hasten the fulfillment of these prophecies.

The first and longer portion of the book delves into some complicated and potentially controversial topics, such as anti-Semitism, replacement theory, and the idea of two Messiahs. Each chapter begins with a current idea or premise held by society as a whole or a select group of eschatology experts. He then proceeds to use Scriptures from both the Old Testament and New Testament to either prove or disprove these concepts. His analysis and application of Scripture is always done from a Jewish perspective. 

Through the first portion, Bernis asserts compelling information and reasonable evidence as a basis for why he believes Israel holds the key to both understanding the end times and hastening the beginning of the end. He firmly believes God has not abandoned the Jewish people, and is in fact moving them toward redemption at a quickening pace.

The second portion of the book encourages readers to become personally involved in reaching the Jewish people for Christ. It is in these few short chapters that Bernis gives feet to his thoughts. He offers practical ideas and helpful insights for those who are not as familiar with the history, or current state, of the Jewish people.


My Thoughts

Bernis, a Messianic Jew, does not claim to know everything about every prophetic message. This is, of course, refreshing in comparison to some people and groups who claim to know every single detail of the last days. In fact, Bernis does not even attempt to uncover and explain each passage of Scripture which deals with the last days. Instead, he specifically and systematically looks at Old Testament and New Testament passages which reveal Israel's role in the end times. This is not to say he pulls Scripture out of context. On the contrary, his analysis appears to be based on the context of the entire counsel of God's Word.

In general, I like learning about prophecy. Therefore, for me, as one who is grafted in, it was interesting to read thoughts on the last days from the perspective of a Jewish person who follows Jesus. If you are interested in learning more about this perspective, then I recommend reading the book.
~ Dorie





Fine Print: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.