RR In Praise of the Lone Ranger By David Harwood
Shavuah Tov,
Rabbi’s Note: David submitted the RR below, giving me the option to use it or send it back to him (and he would submit something else for this week). You see, David is a “man under authority.” Even Yeshua was under authority, as we all are (or should be). The danger of this RR is that some will view it as a license to be independent of ministry authority. It isn’t, and David agrees with that statement. Remember, even the Lone Ranger (although only a legend) was submitted to the local authorities.
There is a difference between a “lone ranger” and a “parking lot prophet.” Parking lot prophets are people who minister in the parking lot after the service because they are not submitted to the authority of the leadership. If they were properly submitted, they would be recognized to minister in the building. Don’t submit your life to a parking lot prophet, and nothing in this RR suggests that is a good idea. End RN.
In Praise of the Lone Ranger
By David Harwood
Last week I shared about the importance of the corporate armor of God. I stressed the vital connection we’re to have with one another to prevail in spiritual warfare.
May I briefly share my testimony?
I’ve been leading the same fellowship for almost fifty years. In 1982 I was ordained by two spiritual fathers and, also, in 1994, by about eight local leaders. I serve as an advisor to a local ministers network, am affiliated with Tikkun, and at this time my primary itinerant ministry is focused on a neighboring county – Queens, NYC. I’m not disconnected, disenfranchised, nor do I despise local congregations, networks, or denominations.
But I’m writing sympathetically about lone rangers.
Lone Rangers have a bad name, but was the Lone Ranger a bad guy? Was he a loose cannon? Was he disconnected from society?
The Story:
John Reid (obviously not a real person), began his career as part of a legitimate, effective, recognized, organized group. He was a Texas Ranger. However, the troop he was with was betrayed, his brother and friends were killed, and he was wounded. Reid was rescued and cared for by Tonto – a disenfranchised honorable man.
John Reid decided to continue to work for righteousness, but to do so outside the system.
He wore a mask.
The masked man maintained relationships with legitimate authority. He did not work outside the law. He worked apart from the law enforcement establishment. He still enjoyed the respect of those he used to work with. He did not undermine them. He did not disrespect their roles. He worked with local authority, but resisted unjust people who held legitimate offices.
When confronting evil, Reid would often disguise himself. People wouldn’t know it was the masked man, the man with a hidden identity. He did not help people for his own glory, but compassionately and righteously helped those in trouble.
Upon completing his task he rode away from recognition. The people he helped did not know who he was. But others did. They identified him and gave him credit. His praise didn’t come from his own mouth. When finished with one problem he knew there were more people to help, and so, on to his next assignment.
This was his life.
By their fruits we shall know them.
From my perspective, there needs to be room for lone rangers to relate to and benefit local congregations. Often those who are itinerant claim to be connected to local congregations but their relationship with them is actually one of occasional attendance. Yet, their family lives are solid and their friendships with the leaders of the place they attend are in good repair, but... really, they function as lone rangers.
Some thoughts about Yeshua.
Yeshua was a rabbi, but from all we know, He was not part of the rabbinic schools of His day. (John 1:28,49; 3:2; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8; 20:16) He affirmed that which was wholesome and rejected that which was a perversion of God’s purposes. (Mark 12:34)
He stayed connected to the Temple and synagogue. (John 18:20) Yeshua upheld the Torah. He honored the traditions of the elders when they did not conflict with the Written Word, or the underlying principles of Torah. (Mark 2:25-27; Matthew 15:6b-8)
Yeshua told people not to publicize the extraordinary healings He did and was loyal to His people, working within His culture. (Matthew 8:4)
He ministered in one village and went on to the next. (Matthew 9:35)
Some thoughts about Paul.
Paul was not part of the Jerusalem establishment. He honored them, but did not inordinately respect them. (Acts 15:32; Galatians 2:1-2,6)
After he was sent out from Antioch it does not appear that he had an established accountability structure. Yes, he would occasionally show up and report what was happening, (Acts 14:26-27) but it was not the same thing as saying, “Elders in Antioch, I submit my theology and practices to you.” There’s no hint of that.
In addition, Paul did not always make important decisions in harmony with his team. He left his senior partner and patron, Barnabus, and struck out on his own. (Acts 15:39) His decision to ignore spiritual counsel and go to Jerusalem shows his independence. (Acts 20:22–23; 21:4,13-14) He upheld the legitimacy of his co-workers’ individual choices. (1 Corinthians 16:12)
Lone rangers... Bad?
Maybe some are actually sent.
“Because of this, behold, I’m sending you prophets and wise men and Torah scholars. Some of them you will kill and execute at the stake, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city.” (Matthew 23:34 TLV)
Scriptures Referenced
Yeshua turned around and saw them following. He said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is translated Teacher), “where are you staying?” (John 1:38)
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are Ben-Elohim! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49)
He came to Yeshua at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You, a teacher, have come from God. For no one can perform these signs which You do unless God is with Him!” (John 3:2)
Meanwhile, the disciples were pressing Him, “Rabbi, eat!” (John 4:31)
When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” (John 6:25)
His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” (John 9:2)
“Rabbi,” the disciples say to Him, “just now the Judean leaders were trying to stone You! And You’re going back there again?” (John 11:8)
Yeshua says to her, “Miriam!” Turning around, she says to Him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:16)
When Yeshua saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared any longer to question Him. (Mark 12:34)
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Yeshua answered him. “I always taught in the synagogues and the Temple, where all the Jewish people come together. I spoke nothing in secret. (John 18:20)
And He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, and he and those with him became hungry? How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was kohen gadol and ate the showbread, which is permitted only for the kohanim to eat, and gave some even to those who were with him?” Then He said to them, “Shabbat was made for man, and not man for Shabbat. (Mark 2:25–27)
On account of your tradition, you made void the word of God. Hypocrites! Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying, ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. (Matthew 15:6b–8)
And Yeshua said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go show yourself to the kohen and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” (Matthew 8:4)
Now Yeshua was going around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. (Matthew 9:35)
When Paul and Barnabas had a big argument and debate with them, the brothers appointed Paul and Barnabas with some others from among them to go up to Jerusalem to the emissaries and elders about this issue. (Acts 15:2)
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus with me. Because of a revelation, I went up and presented to them the Good News that I proclaim among the Gentiles. But I did so privately to those who seemed to be influential, to make sure I would not run—or had not run—in vain. (Galatians 2:1–2)
But from those who seemed to be influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those influential ones added nothing to my message. (Galatians 2:6)
From there they sailed back to Antioch (where they had been entrusted to the gracious care of God for the work now completed). When they arrived and gathered together Messiah’s community, they began to report all that God had done in helping them and that He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26–27)
A sharp disagreement took place, so that they split off from one another. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. (Acts 15:39)
“And now, look, bound by the Ruach, I am going to Jerusalem—not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Ruach ha-Kodesh bears witness to me from city to city, saying that bondage and afflictions await me. (Acts 20:22–23)
We looked up the disciples and stayed there seven days. They kept telling Paul through the Ruach not to set foot in Jerusalem. (Acts 21:4)
Then Paul responded, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but to die for the name of the Lord Yeshua!” Since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, saying only, “May the Lord’s will be done.” (Acts 21:13–14)
Now about our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers and sisters, and he was quite unwilling to come now—but he will come when he has an opportunity. (1 Corinthians 16:12)
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun26-July-202612th of Av, 5786
De 7:12-8:10Ez 34-351 Ch 131 Th 5(Jn 4:1-30)
Rabbi’s Note: David submitted the RR below, giving me the option to use it or send it back to him (and he would submit something else for this week). You see, David is a “man under authority.” Even Yeshua was under authority, as we all are (or should be). The danger of this RR is that some will view it as a license to be independent of ministry authority. It isn’t, and David agrees with that statement. Remember, even the Lone Ranger (although only a legend) was submitted to the local authorities.
There is a difference between a “lone ranger” and a “parking lot prophet.” Parking lot prophets are people who minister in the parking lot after the service because they are not submitted to the authority of the leadership. If they were properly submitted, they would be recognized to minister in the building. Don’t submit your life to a parking lot prophet, and nothing in this RR suggests that is a good idea. End RN.
In Praise of the Lone Ranger
By David Harwood
Last week I shared about the importance of the corporate armor of God. I stressed the vital connection we’re to have with one another to prevail in spiritual warfare.
May I briefly share my testimony?
I’ve been leading the same fellowship for almost fifty years. In 1982 I was ordained by two spiritual fathers and, also, in 1994, by about eight local leaders. I serve as an advisor to a local ministers network, am affiliated with Tikkun, and at this time my primary itinerant ministry is focused on a neighboring county – Queens, NYC. I’m not disconnected, disenfranchised, nor do I despise local congregations, networks, or denominations.
But I’m writing sympathetically about lone rangers.
Lone Rangers have a bad name, but was the Lone Ranger a bad guy? Was he a loose cannon? Was he disconnected from society?
The Story:
John Reid (obviously not a real person), began his career as part of a legitimate, effective, recognized, organized group. He was a Texas Ranger. However, the troop he was with was betrayed, his brother and friends were killed, and he was wounded. Reid was rescued and cared for by Tonto – a disenfranchised honorable man.
John Reid decided to continue to work for righteousness, but to do so outside the system.
He wore a mask.
The masked man maintained relationships with legitimate authority. He did not work outside the law. He worked apart from the law enforcement establishment. He still enjoyed the respect of those he used to work with. He did not undermine them. He did not disrespect their roles. He worked with local authority, but resisted unjust people who held legitimate offices.
When confronting evil, Reid would often disguise himself. People wouldn’t know it was the masked man, the man with a hidden identity. He did not help people for his own glory, but compassionately and righteously helped those in trouble.
Upon completing his task he rode away from recognition. The people he helped did not know who he was. But others did. They identified him and gave him credit. His praise didn’t come from his own mouth. When finished with one problem he knew there were more people to help, and so, on to his next assignment.
This was his life.
By their fruits we shall know them.
From my perspective, there needs to be room for lone rangers to relate to and benefit local congregations. Often those who are itinerant claim to be connected to local congregations but their relationship with them is actually one of occasional attendance. Yet, their family lives are solid and their friendships with the leaders of the place they attend are in good repair, but... really, they function as lone rangers.
Some thoughts about Yeshua.
Yeshua was a rabbi, but from all we know, He was not part of the rabbinic schools of His day. (John 1:28,49; 3:2; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8; 20:16) He affirmed that which was wholesome and rejected that which was a perversion of God’s purposes. (Mark 12:34)
He stayed connected to the Temple and synagogue. (John 18:20) Yeshua upheld the Torah. He honored the traditions of the elders when they did not conflict with the Written Word, or the underlying principles of Torah. (Mark 2:25-27; Matthew 15:6b-8)
Yeshua told people not to publicize the extraordinary healings He did and was loyal to His people, working within His culture. (Matthew 8:4)
He ministered in one village and went on to the next. (Matthew 9:35)
Some thoughts about Paul.
Paul was not part of the Jerusalem establishment. He honored them, but did not inordinately respect them. (Acts 15:32; Galatians 2:1-2,6)
After he was sent out from Antioch it does not appear that he had an established accountability structure. Yes, he would occasionally show up and report what was happening, (Acts 14:26-27) but it was not the same thing as saying, “Elders in Antioch, I submit my theology and practices to you.” There’s no hint of that.
In addition, Paul did not always make important decisions in harmony with his team. He left his senior partner and patron, Barnabus, and struck out on his own. (Acts 15:39) His decision to ignore spiritual counsel and go to Jerusalem shows his independence. (Acts 20:22–23; 21:4,13-14) He upheld the legitimacy of his co-workers’ individual choices. (1 Corinthians 16:12)
Lone rangers... Bad?
Maybe some are actually sent.
“Because of this, behold, I’m sending you prophets and wise men and Torah scholars. Some of them you will kill and execute at the stake, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city.” (Matthew 23:34 TLV)
Scriptures Referenced
Yeshua turned around and saw them following. He said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is translated Teacher), “where are you staying?” (John 1:38)
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are Ben-Elohim! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49)
He came to Yeshua at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You, a teacher, have come from God. For no one can perform these signs which You do unless God is with Him!” (John 3:2)
Meanwhile, the disciples were pressing Him, “Rabbi, eat!” (John 4:31)
When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” (John 6:25)
His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” (John 9:2)
“Rabbi,” the disciples say to Him, “just now the Judean leaders were trying to stone You! And You’re going back there again?” (John 11:8)
Yeshua says to her, “Miriam!” Turning around, she says to Him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:16)
When Yeshua saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared any longer to question Him. (Mark 12:34)
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Yeshua answered him. “I always taught in the synagogues and the Temple, where all the Jewish people come together. I spoke nothing in secret. (John 18:20)
And He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, and he and those with him became hungry? How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was kohen gadol and ate the showbread, which is permitted only for the kohanim to eat, and gave some even to those who were with him?” Then He said to them, “Shabbat was made for man, and not man for Shabbat. (Mark 2:25–27)
On account of your tradition, you made void the word of God. Hypocrites! Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying, ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. (Matthew 15:6b–8)
And Yeshua said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go show yourself to the kohen and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” (Matthew 8:4)
Now Yeshua was going around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. (Matthew 9:35)
When Paul and Barnabas had a big argument and debate with them, the brothers appointed Paul and Barnabas with some others from among them to go up to Jerusalem to the emissaries and elders about this issue. (Acts 15:2)
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus with me. Because of a revelation, I went up and presented to them the Good News that I proclaim among the Gentiles. But I did so privately to those who seemed to be influential, to make sure I would not run—or had not run—in vain. (Galatians 2:1–2)
But from those who seemed to be influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those influential ones added nothing to my message. (Galatians 2:6)
From there they sailed back to Antioch (where they had been entrusted to the gracious care of God for the work now completed). When they arrived and gathered together Messiah’s community, they began to report all that God had done in helping them and that He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26–27)
A sharp disagreement took place, so that they split off from one another. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. (Acts 15:39)
“And now, look, bound by the Ruach, I am going to Jerusalem—not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Ruach ha-Kodesh bears witness to me from city to city, saying that bondage and afflictions await me. (Acts 20:22–23)
We looked up the disciples and stayed there seven days. They kept telling Paul through the Ruach not to set foot in Jerusalem. (Acts 21:4)
Then Paul responded, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but to die for the name of the Lord Yeshua!” Since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, saying only, “May the Lord’s will be done.” (Acts 21:13–14)
Now about our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers and sisters, and he was quite unwilling to come now—but he will come when he has an opportunity. (1 Corinthians 16:12)
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun26-July-202612th of Av, 5786
De 7:12-8:10Ez 34-351 Ch 131 Th 5(Jn 4:1-30)
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January
RR Psalm 42:12(11) Part 8RR Psalm 43:1 Part 1RR In Praise of Milk By David HarwoodRR Psalm 43:2 Part 2RR Psalm 43:3 Part 3RR Psalm 43:4 Part 4RR Psalm 43:5 Part 5RR Psalm 44:1-5(1-4) Part 1RR “The Priority & Power of Relationship” by Jerry MillerRR Favor on top of Favor By David HarwoodRR Psalm 44:6-9(5-8) Part 2RR Psalm 44:10-13(9-12) Part 3RR Psalm 44:14-17(13-16) Part 4RR Psalm 44:18-22(17-21) Part 5RR The Throne By David HarwoodRR Psalm 44:23-27(22-26) Part 6RR Psalm 45:1-3(1,2) Part 1RR PPsalm 45:4(3) Part 2RR Psalm 45:5(4) Part 3RR Psalm 45:6(5) Part 4RR Psalm 45:7(6) Part 5RR “Guarding our Relationship with the Lord” by Jerry MillerRR Doubting Favor by David HarwoodRR Psalm 45:8(7) Part 6RR Psalm 45:9(8) Part 7RR Psalm 45:10(9) Part 8RR Psalm 45:11-13(10-12) Part 9RR Favor and Calling By David HarwoodRR YESHUA BEYOND THE BIBLE By Dr. Raymond Finney RR Psalm 45:11-13(10-12) Part 10
February
RR Psalm 45:14-16(13-15) Part 11RR Psalm 45:17,18(16,17) Part 12RR Psalm 46:1,2(1) Part 1RR Psalm 46:3,4(2,3) Part 2RR Charismata - Signs of Favor By David HarwoodRR Psalm 46:5-8(4-7) Part 3RR “Guarding our Relationship with the Lord” by Jerry MillerRR Psalm 46:5-8(4-7) Part 5RR Psalm 46:5-8(4-7) – Part 4RR Psalm 46:5-8(4-7) Part 6RR Psalm 46:9-12(8-11) Part 7RR THE ONE AND ONLY YOU (Part 1) The Amazing Mystery of Light and You By Dr. Raymond FinneyRR Favor and Sanctity by David HarwoodRR Psalm 46:9-12 (8-11) Part 8RR Psalm 47:1-4(1-3) Part 1RR Psalm 47:1-4(1-3) Part 2RR Psalm 47:1-4(1-3) Part 3RR Psalm 47:1-4(1-3) Part 4RR Gratitude for Favor By David HarwoodRR Psalm 47:6(5) Part 5RR Psalm 47:7(6) Part 6RR Psalm 47:9(8) Part 8RR Psalm 47:10(9) Part 9RR Psalm 48:1-3 Part 1RR “Guarding our Relationship with the Lord, Part 3” by Jerry MillerRR Some Favorite Verses (1) By David HarwoodRR Psalm 1:1 Part 1 (rerun)
March
RR Psalm 48:4(3) Part 2RR Psalm 48:8,9 Part 5RR Psalm 48:8,9 Part 4RR Psalm 48:5-7 Part 3RR Psalm 48:10-12 Part 6RR Psalm 48:10-12 Part 7RR Some Favorite Verses (2) Generosity and Enabling Favor By David HarwoodRR Psalm 48:13-15 Part 8RR Psalm 49:1-5 Part 1RR Psalm 49:1-5 Part 2RR Psalm 49:6(5) – Part 3RR Some Favorite Verses (3) Favor in Speaking and Knowledge By David HarwoodRR Psalm 49:7-9(6-8) Part 4RR Psalm 49:10,11(9,10) Part 5RR Psalm 49:12(11), 13(12) – Part 6RR Psalm 49:14(13) Part 7RR Manifestations of Favor in Speaking and Knowledge By David HarwoodRR Psalm 49:15,16(14,15) Part 9RR Psalm 49:15,16(14,15) Part 8RR Psalm 49:19-21(18-20) Part 11RR Psalm 49:17,18(16,17) Part 10RR Psalm 50:1,2 Part 1RR Psalm 50:3 Part 2RR “Guarding our Relationship with the Lord, Part 5” by Jerry MillerRR Yeshua’s Enriched Speech and Knowledge By David HarwoodRR Psalm 50:5 Part 4RR Psalm 50:4 Part 3RR Psalm 50:6 Part 5RR Psalm 50:6 Part 6RR Psalm 50:7-15 Part 7
April
RR Psalm 50:7-15 Part 8RR Psalm 50:7-15 Part 9RR Yeshua Provides a Pattern By David HarwoodRR Pasach 3 Torah Lesson – Exodus 33-12-34:26 By Jeffrey FreemanRR Let's Celebrate Yom HaBikurimRR Psalm 50:16-21 Part 10RR Psalm 50:16-21 Part 11RR Sh’mini Torah lesson – Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47 By Jeffrey FreemanRR Psalm 50:22,23 Part 13RR Psalm 50:16-21 Part 12RR Yeshua Grew By David HarwoodRR Psalm 51:1,2 Part 1RR Psalm 51:3 Part 2