RR Psalm 37:1,2,3 Part 1

Shavuah Tov,

Psalm 37:1 Of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of them who do wrong. 2 For like the grass they soon wither and fade like a green herb. 3 Trust in Adonai and do good. Dwell in the land, feed on faithfulness.

The Shoresh of the Hebrew word for “fret” is “Charah” meaning to burn with anger.  It is first used to describe Cain’s anger toward his brother because Abel’s sacrifice was preferred and accepted by God, while his own offering was not.  God warned him about this, but he killed his brother anyway.  While you probably have not murdered anybody, have you burned with anger?  Maybe you have called it “righteous indignation.”  God wants to speak to us all regarding such a response.

God’s people should do the right thing, not because of others, but because of who we are at our core.  We have to live with ourselves and with God, Who calls upon us to trust Him.  The “right thing” may be more costly, challenging and difficult, but God is the rewarder of those who are faithful to obey Him.  Doing the right thing is in itself a test.

Jacob 1:12 Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love Him.

Each test is a jewel in your crown.  Two Scriptures come to mind here, first Isaiah prophesies and then what Paul wrote to Timothy.  Isaiah 62:3 You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of Adonai, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.  2Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future there is reserved for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not to me only, but also to everyone who has longed for His appearing.

Do the right thing in secret and leave eternity in the hands of God. (Rabbi’s note:  Eternity is in God’s hands regardless of what we do, so we may as well trust Him and His righteousness.)  Ecclesiastes 3:11  He has made everything beautiful in its time. Moreover, He has set eternity in their heart—yet without the possibility that humankind can ever discover the work that God has done from the beginning to the end.

Let’s agree, not to burn with anger, but to enjoy the Shalom of God.  Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for shalom and for the building up of one another.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun28 Sep 20256th of Tishrei, 5786
De 32:1-6Zec 6-72 Ch 28Rev 13(Ac 20)

Rabbi H Michael Weiner

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