I read a very nice post here.* I see the idea of Israel’s obligation to the Torah serving as the primary function of the mission that they were chosen to perform, which is that of setting an example of holiness and obedience to the world. It is what they agreed to do (as if they had much of a choice at the time 
. While the obligation for observing various precepts and commandments rests upon them, the Torah continually discusses inclusion of outsiders rather than exclusion.
With regard to Gentiles or the Nations, I appreciate this idea of fulfilling a mitzvah (read the referenced post for context), in and of itself being a sign that the individual accepts the commandment and thereby accepts and acknowledges that Hashem truly is God. I think this goes a little way to cracking the identity crisis that many are struggling with.
The commandments are a light. When we are focused on them and Torah life, it is sanctifying. In my personal life recently, I have experienced less prayer and bible study due to an extremely busy Fall/Winter. It has affected me. I currently feel closer to worldliness than Godliness. The Sabbath has been a weekly reminder of what I long to strive for, holiness not just once a week but every day. Fulfilling commandments is not the objective, though it is a byproduct. Living a sanctified life, empowered by the observance of mitzvot, truly shines a bright light when so much of the world is continuing in varied levels of dim light or even darkness. It is thanks to God first, and also Israel that we are able to attach ourselves closer to Hashem through study and application of His word.
In summation, the more mitzvot we observe, the brighter our light is. Which is good for us, and good for others. It is all too easy to keep our light hidden in the world. Even if we are genuinely nice, servant-minded, humble people; what causes our light to stand out? In my view it is a proper understanding and application of the Torah that our forefathers in Christianity sadly cast aside for too long.
* http://christian4moses.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/rationale-for-observing-commandments-other-than-the-7/
Toby Janicki (from FFOZ) posted a link to the Christian for Moses blogspot you reference in Facebook. I picked it up and was about to blog on it myself. Guess you beat me to it.
Of course, I’ll probably blog about it anyway, just to add my point of view.
Blessings,
James
I like Twerski’s comments, but I think I like your comments here even more. Just beause it is our duty to obey does not mean that it is not our delight.
The “identity crisis” so many are experiencing was and is and unecessary distraction accentuated by those who make a living at selling themselves as the solvers of “identity crisises.” Eph 4:14 warns of such people – themselves, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. We have a clear identity in the Messiah of Israel.
Keeping HaShem’s commandments brings light into our lives – and only a fool thinks that Gentiles don’t need that kind of light…
I am relatively new to working/studying from the beginning of the Book instead of from the end looking backwards, like classical Christianity. This seems the case when it comes to the Noahchides, a position that is anachronistic, based on my limited background. I recall that Rick S has taught about the history of the Noachides, a history which seems to be missed by many. I may not be in the know but it speaks well to let the Torah speak for itself first. Thank you Rick for your comments always. I also appreciate the blog authors added view regarding Twerski’s article. B”H.
Great post, Cliff. We agree with you, esp. that last sentence. If we look like the rest of the Christian world, we don’t stand out. What is that light, but the Torah? We enjoy the mitzvot that we already do, “they are our life”. Yeshua is our rebbe. He is our teacher, and we want to be like Him. So…we don’t have an identity crisis. These last couple years have been great learning experiences, with lots of discussion and study. This is good!