Shalom,

Psalm 51:18 For You would not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it, nor be pleased by burnt offerings. 19 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

As he comes to the end of Psalm 51, King David has come full circle.  He started by being smitten over his sinful ways, stricken as both an adulterer and a murderer, deserving of death.  And we too, if we’re honest with ourselves, deserve nothing better.  1John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Then David, and by extension, we ourselves, cry out to God, seeking forgiveness.  1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  However; there is not any sacrifice of this world (which is temporary), that can cleanse us for eternity to make us fit for the presence of God.  The only eternal sacrifice must be “of the spirit.”  In our subject verse these eternal spiritual sacrifices are called the “sacrifices of God.”  

Once again, we are forced to declare, “It’s a heart thang.”  Two words of similar meaning are used (translated “broken and contrite”).  “Sha’var” meaning broken into pieces, and “Dakah” meaning crushed (into smaller pieces).  Verse 19 ends with the thought that God will not despise those who are broken hearted and even more broken hearted.  

God knows that if He has our hearts, everything else will come into right alignment.  Philippians 4:7 And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.  Our understanding is what we perceive from this physical world.  What “surpasses understanding” is what we perceive from the spiritual world, which is the greater reality.  

Colossians 3:14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfect harmony. 15 Let the shalom of Messiah rule in your hearts—to this shalom you were surely called in one body. Also be thankful.  Shalom shalom.

Day 31 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue5-May-202618th of Iyar, 5786
Le 25:29-38Jer 1Job 21Ro 2 (Mt 21)

Shavuah Tov,

We considered Yeshua demonstrating favor to His immediate friends Martha, Miriam, and Lazarus. Favor is also illustrated in relationships that are a step removed from a favored friend. 
 
We’re going to look into the favor demonstrated to Lot, Hagar, Israel, Mephibosheth, Peter’s wife’s mom, Onesimus, and us.
 
Consider Lot and Hagar. Both received favor due to their relationship to Abraham. 

God so loved Abraham that He sent angels to rescue His friend’s nephew. Lot and his daughters were delivered from the destruction of Sodom. Why? He was Abrahan’s nephew and the subject of the patriarch’s intercession. God also sustained Hagar, Abraham’s concubine, and her son who were at the point of death. (Genesis 21:15-19)

Those are examples of favor extended to others for the sake of Abraham, God’s favored friend. (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23b)
 
Consider the favor given to Israel for the sake of the patriarchs. 

Because He loved your fathers, He chose their descendants after them. Deuteronomy 4:37a) 

This follows through into Paul’s writings. Paul wrote that the Jewish people, Jewish pre-believers, are loved for the sake of the patriarchs. (Romans 11:28) If loved, then favored. One favors those who are loved. Love is the heartbeat of living favor.
 
Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son. King David wanted to do something for Jonathan, even though Jonathan was dead. 

The king asked him, “Is there still anyone from the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” 

“There is still a son of Jonathan,” Ziba said to the king, “with crippled legs.” 

“Where is he?” the king said to him. (2 Samuel 9:3–4a) 

Mephibosheth was elevated to a high status, wealth, restored authority, and intimate fellowship with David. (2 Samuel 9:7,9-10) Why? Jonathan, his father, was David’s beloved covenant friend. (1 Samuel 18:3; 20:16; 23:18) Mephibosheth received favor for Jonathan’s sake.

Here’s another example. Peter’s mother-in-law was ill. What did the Messiah do? He healed her. What brought about this miracle? This unnamed woman received favor because she was a relative of Yeshua’s favored friend. (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:30-31; Luke 4:38-49)
 
Philemon was asked to receive his renegade slave, Onesimus, back as a beloved brother for Paul’s sake. Paul had favor with Philemon. He’d been instrumental in Philemon’s salvation. Basically, Paul was saying, “If I have favor in your eyes, please show favor to Onesimus”.

I beg you for my child Onesimus ...  perhaps he was separated from you for a while in order that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—as a beloved brother, especially to me but even more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. (Philemon 10a,15–17) 

What about us? Consider this:

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name because you belong to Messiah, amen I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41) 

Here it is said that, if for the sake of Yeshua, a servant of the Lord receives even the most simple gift, the giver will be rewarded. Note that the servants of the Messiah do not receive the cup of water for their own sake. It is favor for the sake of Yeshua.

We are in the ultimate favor zone for the sake of the Lord. We are counted as righteous for His sake. Let us receive favor, follow Him, and be favorable to those He loves. 

Day 29 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun3-May-202616th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 25:1-18Isa 65Job 19 Jude (Mt 19)
Le 27:16-34Jer 16:19-17:14Jn 14:15-27

Shalom,

Psalm 51:17 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

The Hebrew words of this verse (there are six words) have been put to music more than once.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWEhIDuMkGc. (Watch the little boys in the back isle.)  These same words are also strategically placed as the introduction to the Amidah (aka Shemona Esrei), the silent devotion which is the central piece of all Hebrew liturgy (and it is easy to see why). 

This last Shabbat, Keith Henschen, the Shomair Yisrael Congregational Leader, spoke on giving (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaeKrCTdXvw ).  It wasn’t your usual message on giving.  He said that the command to give is to “give out of your wealth.”  And what is “wealth?”  Scriptural wealth is more than extra zeros to the left of the decimal in your bank account.  Proverbs 8:18 With me are wealth and honor, enduring riches and righteousness.  Here, true wealth is associated with honor and righteousness.

What does all this have to do with our subject verse?  God wants to bless His people with a wealth of wisdom.  Jacob 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him.  Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.  Wisdom is the God given ability to take what we know in our heads and apply it to real life situations from a correct heart.  Psalm 51:12(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

So, we ask God to open our mouths to declare His praises because He has already opened His hand….  Psalm 145:16 You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.  God has favored (blessed) us with a wealth of wisdom.  How can we not, then, open our mouths to declare His praises?  We are satisfied only in and by Yeshua.  Shalom shalom.

Day 30 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon4-May-202617th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 25:19-28Isa 66Job 20Ro 1 (Mt 20)

Shabbat Shalom,
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Special Announcement:  This Sunday, May 3rd is the annual Jewish Food Festival, known as “Knoshville.”  It will be held from 11AM to 2PM at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center, 6800 Dean Hill Drive.  Details online are sparse.  To buy food tickets.  https://jewishknoxville.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/jewishknoxville/giftstore.jsp Hope to see you there.
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Day 28 of counting the Omer

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer.  Today is four weeks and no days of the counting of the Omer.

Follow up that prayer by remembering a blessing from the Lord and give Him thanks. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
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Torah Portion Emor
Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23
By Jeffery Freeman

This week’s Torah Portion, Emor translates to “speak” In verse 21:1 Adonai tells Moses to “Speak (Emor) to the Kohanim…” What follows are rules that establish a higher standard for spiritual leaders than the general population.

Chapter 21 sets higher standards for serving priests, particularly the High Priest. Priests are restricted in which loved ones they may mourn for, what signs of mourning they may perform, who they can marry, and are prohibited from serving if they have physical defects.

After proclaiming various holiness standards, the LORD states:

Verse 4, …He is not to defile himself…and so profane himself.

Verse 8, …He shall be holy to you, for I, ADONAI, who sanctifies you am holy.

Verse 12, Concerning the High Priests mourning the death of a near relative… He is not to go out of the Sanctuary or profane the Sanctuary of his God…I am ADONAI.

These three sets of rules deal with death. God and death don’t mix. The best evidence for this is Numbers 19. The entire chapter is dedicated to the Ashes of the Red Heifer and how this is used to remove the stain of death from worshipers before entering the Tabernacle or Temple.

Verses 7-8 Give some restrictions on who a priest may marry…he shall be holy to you, for I, ADONAI, who sanctifies you am holy.

Verses 13-14 give some very strict limitations on who the High Priest may marry. Verse 15…so as not to corrupt his offspring among his people. For I am ADONAI who sanctifies him.

Perhaps among the most difficult to understand commandments are the rules restricting priests with physical defects from serving before the LORD.  Verse 18…any man who has a defect is not to draw near… verse 23…he is not to approach the curtain or come near the altar…so that he may not desecrate My sanctuary, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Interestingly, the priest with the defects may share in the holy foods, verse 22 He may eat the food of his God, both the holy and the most holy.

We get similar rulings for animals being sacrificed. Leviticus 22:19-20…you are to offer a male without blemish…but whatever has a blemish you are not to present, for it will not be acceptable… However, the LORD gives an exception in Leviticus 22:23 For a freewill offering you may present a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in its parts…

Another data point is from John 9:1-3 He saw a man who had been blind since birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind.” Yeshua answered, “Neither this man or his parents sinned. This happened so that the works of God might be brought to light in him.”

While the specific reasons the LORD has ruled that deformities are unsuitable for service or use in the Temple is not completely clear, He nevertheless made provision for their use through voluntary or freewill service. Maybe this is an answer to this chuk (unexplainable commandment), that despite our shortcomings, God can use us for His purposes. Our calling is to be prepared. To that end, consider these three verses:

1 Peter 2:9…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession…

Revelation 1:6…(He) made us a kingdom, kohanim to His God and Father…

Revelation 5:10…You have made for them our God a kingdom and kohanim…

Most of this conversation is about a holiness standard specific to the Levitical priesthood. Most of us are not Levitical priests. But the concept is the same. We are called to be holy because ADONAI is holy. What in your life is standing in your way of holiness? Shabbat Shalom

Day 28 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat2-May-202615th of Iyar, 5786 Parashat Emor
Le 24:1-23Ez 44:15-31Col 2:16-3:4

Early Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 51:16 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God—God of my salvation. Then my tongue will sing for joy of Your righteousness.

Like so many verses of Scripture, this verse is in the form of “cause and effect.”  If “this” happens, then “that” will happen.  In this verse, David is calling upon God (by name… twice: “Elohim, Elohei T’shuati”) to deliver him from “bloodguilt.”  Then he goes on to say, “When You do that, my tongue will shout for joy (consistent with) Your righteousness.”

Rabbi Trail:  The use of the word for “tongue” here is not the organ that is part of the mouth, but the tongue of a language.  What language will we be speaking?  The language of praise to God.  After all, what are you gonna do when you’ve been delivered from bloodguilt?  We can’t help ourselves.  The joy we experience at being delivered from such guilt commands an exuberant shout.  End RT.

Furthermore; while we’re on the subject of being ecstatic over being delivered from a death sentence, (Although it isn’t mentioned here specifically, that’s exactly what is happening.) how dare we return to our misery as if nothing has changed.  

Our deliverance from that eternal guilty verdict by the blood of Yeshua is greater than the temporary redemption of the children of Israel at the Red Sea.  Yet they sang… Exodus 15:1 Then Moses and Bnei-Yisrael sang this song to Adonai: I will sing to Adonai, for He is highly exalted! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea. 2 Adonai is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will glorify Him, my father is God, and I will exalt Him.  

They were delighted with being saved from first (physical) death.  How much more should we, who are saved from second (spiritual) death rejoice to the point that we can’t restrain ourselves. 

Matthew 5:12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great!

1Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Shalom shalom.

Day 27 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri1-May 202614th of Iyar, 5786 Pesach Sheni
Le 23:33-44Isa 63-64Job 18 3 Jn (Mt 18)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:15 Then will I teach transgressors Your ways and sinners will return to You.

Here, in this verse, there is a turn.  Up until now, David has been rather self-focused.  First he is repulsed by his sin against God through adultery, murder and more.  Then he repeatedly expresses the desire to be cleansed of sin.  Now David takes on (what I would like to call) a kingdom mindset.  This happens in two ways, bring people into God’s kingdom, and build people up in God’s kingdom.  David has a vision for the Bride of Messiah.  She needs to be developed into maturity.   

Ephesians 4:12 to equip the kedoshim for the work of service, for building up the body of Messiah. 13 This will continue until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of Ben-Elohim—to mature adulthood, to the measure of the stature of Messiah’s fullness.

This flies in the face of the “just as I am” mentality so prevalent in churches today.  Yes, Yeshua will meet everyone at their point of need.  He will reach out and find you, to help you realize what a mess you’ve made living according to your own wits.  Then He pulls you up, out of the muck and into His loving embrace.  Psalm 30:2(1b) I will exalt You, Adonai, for You have lifted me up, and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

The followers of Yeshua were originally referred to as “followers of the way.”  Acts 24:14 “But this I confess to you, that according to the Way (which they call a sect), I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything written in the Torah and the Prophets.  For every one of us, choosing to follow God’s ways (and not our own) requires change, and change is a process, not an event.

Luke 9:23 Then Yeshua was saying to everyone, “If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross every day, and follow Me.

This is our daily process, not my will, but Thy will be done.  We can’t help others along the road to Jerusalem until we are established in the way ourselves. 

John 14:3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you may also be.

Yeshua is going to establish His holy throne in new Jerusalem, so that’s where we are going to BE together with Him.  Zechariah saw it and prophesied (see chapter 14), and so did Jeremiah.  Jeremiah 3:17 At that time they will call Jerusalem the throne of Adonai and all the nations will gather into it, to Jerusalem, in the Name of Adonai. No longer will they walk according to the stubbornness of their evil heart.  

What’s better than that?  Jerusalem will become new Jerusalem.  Finally, Jerusalem is not geography, but the holy people who live and worship God there.  Revelation 21:2 I also saw the holy city—the New Jerusalem—coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  Welcome fellow citizens.  Shalom shalom.

Day 26 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu30-Apr-202613th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 23:23-32 Isa 61-62Job 172 Jn (Mt 17)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:14 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.

May I provide an amplified version based on my understanding of the Hebrew words?  “Return to me (the) joy of Your salvation, and (by Your) Spirit (do these two things to me)… (give me a heart for) generosity, (as You) firmly establish me (uphold me or place me securely as I rest).”  Could Paul have had this verse in mind when he wrote to the Romans… Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and shalom in trusting, so you may overflow with hope in the power of the Ruach ha-Kodesh.

Truth be told, I was tempted to couple this verse with the previous verse from yesterday.  They both mention the restoration (return or renewal) of God’s Spirit within us.  But meditating on them separately allows us to go deeper.  The point (not to be missed) is that we are asking God to make us willing to rejoice.  And at the same time, Lord, make us willing to be firmly established in the Spirit.

Paul said as much in his letter to the Ephesians…

Ephesians 3:16 I pray that from His glorious riches He would grant you to be strengthened in your inner being with power through His Ruach, 17 so that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to grasp with all the kedoshim what is the width and length and height and depth, 9 and to know the love of Messiah which surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled up with all the fullness of God.

That section of Scripture was long.  Even so, I can’t stop there.  These last two verses of Ephesians 3 are life verses to me.  Let’s celebrate God, Who is able to do, “… far beyond all we ask or imagine.”

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or imagine, by means of His power that works in us, 21 to Him be the glory in the community of believers and in Messiah Yeshua throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Amen indeed, and Shalom shalom.

Day 25 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed29-Apr-202612th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 23:1-22Isa 60Job 161 Jn 5 (Mt 16)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:13 Do not cast me from Your presence—take not Your Ruach ha-Kodesh from me.

Don’t do it Lord!  The psalmist is imploring God… (paraphrasing) “Although You would be acting within Your righteousness to send me away from before Your face, please don’t do that, nor take away Your Holy Spirit!”  This plea to God for mercy is consistent with what was said previously in this Psalm, specifically in verses 3 and 6.

Psalm 51:3 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your mercy. According to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Psalm 51:6b,c,d,f … I have sinned, and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are just … and blameless when You judge.
“
God speaks to us through His Holy Spirit.  Yeshua said… John 16:13 But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; but whatever He hears, He will tell you. And He will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.”

Our ability to hear God through the Ruach HaKodesh is what separates us from all other people.  Psalm 28:1 Of David. To You, Adonai, I call—my Rock, do not be deaf to me. If You were silent to me, I would become like those going down to the Pit.  

A spirit of entitlement is the spirit of pride, and we all know… Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Call out to God, “I need You, Lord!”  Then listen for His answer… Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree of Adonai. He said to me: “You are My Son—today I have become Your Father.”  

Another part of God’s answer is Yeshua’s promise to us… Matthew 28:20b “…And remember! I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  It is love, God’s love for us, that causes Him to work miracles in our lives.  Things may seem hopeless, but… 1Corinthians 13:8a Love never fails!  It is His perfect love for us that causes God to never leave us.  May these thoughts be agents of change so that we all walk worthy.…

Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called— 2 with complete humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Ruach in the bond of shalom.

Thank You, Lord, that Your promise is “Yes and amen.”  (See 2Corinthians 1:20)  Shalom shalom

Day 24 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue28-Apr-202611th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 22:17-33 Isa 59Job 151 Jn 4(Mt 15)

Shalom,
Psalm 51:12 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Today, after the weekend break (Shabbat and Yom Rishon (the first day, Sunday), we continue with the second half of Psalm 51, verse 12.

Rabbi Trail:  But first I want to thank my guest RR writers, Jerry Miller (every other Friday), Jeffery Freeman (Shabbat), and David Harwood (Sunday).  Collectively their submissions are most excellent.  Also, I am thankful to have the weekends (and especially Shabbat) for rest.  Thank you gentlemen.  End RT.

After the “Etnachta” (a cantorial note that bifurcates most verses of Scripture) we have four Hebrew words, “Ruach Nachon Chadesh B’kir’bi,” meaning, “renew (or make new) (Chadesh) a correct (Nachon) spirit (Ruach) within me (B’kir’bi).”  This is the echo to the first part of the verse in which we ask God to, “Create within me a ‘Lev Tahor’”, meaning “a clean heart.”  

Let’s take a moment to be refreshed in the language (word choices) used here.  Although the concept of the blood atonement of Yeshua is not specifically mentioned (for it had not yet been revealed to him), David is remarkably close to expressing the fullness of Salvation through Yeshua’s once-for-all-time sacrifice.

How can we get clean, not just surface clean, but clean through and through?  Hint:  Jan said it last Shabbat in the message (Part 32 of Song of Songs - go to 1 hour and 20 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OHPaapwzRQ )… “It takes God to love God.”  Emanuel (God with us), and not just with us, but in us.  

Romans 8:11 And if the Ruach of the One who raised Yeshua from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised Messiah Yeshua from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Ruach who dwells in you.

In the Holy Temple (Beit HaMikdash), the priests and levites were commanded to keep the flame burning eternally.  Leviticus 6:5a The fire on the altar is to be kept burning on it—it must not go out…. 6 Fire is to be kept burning on the altar continually—it must not go out.  

But now, we are the Temple of God.  1Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that the Ruach Elohim dwells among (within) you?  The “flame” is the power of God’s Holy Spirit.  God’s promise to you is to keep it burning in you forever.  As my late friend, Paco Platillero, used to say (in his Spanish accent), “That’s finger lickin’ good.”  Shalom shalom.

Day 23 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon27-Apr-202610th of Iyar, 5786 Herzl Day
https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/herzl-day-2026?i=on 
Le 21:16-22:16 Isa 58Job 141 Jn 3 (Mt 14)

Shavuah Tov,

The word charis (grace/favor) is right in the middle of the Greek word that expresses gratitude: euCHARISteo. It is the recognition of favor and the reciprocation of that favor. As Yeshua said, even sinners love (agape) those who love (agape) them, so also does charis provoke charis. And so, euCHARISteo has the nuance of the receiver of grace (charis/favor) expressing that the one showing favor is favored in return by the beneficiary of the one receiving charis (grace/favor). 

The Spanish word, gracias, captures this. I can’t imagine that there is anyone reading this who doesn’t know this, but, just in case, gracias means thanks. I’d like to help us connect with this. So, let’s do a little exercise in gratitude. (By the way, notice “gra” in GRAtitude. That, in itself, hints at GRAce.)

Before we begin, let’s remember Romans 1:21.

for even though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give Him thanks (euCHARISteo). Instead, their thinking became futile, and their senseless hearts were made dark. (Romans 1:21) 

It seems to me that recovering our sanity as a culture may begin in giving thanks to God.

Okay, here’s our exercise ... Let’s go.

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes because He has provided for you?

Give Him thanks (euCHARISteo). Express your favor to the one who showed you favor. Say, “gracias.” Something like, “I favor You because You favored me!”

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes for creating those you love?

Give Him thanks (euCHARISteo). Express your favor. Say, “gracias.”

How about this? 

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes for making a way that your sins may be forgiven? (What an expression of favor!)

Express your favor to the one who has shown you saving favor. Something like, “I favor You because You have really favored me!”

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes for the gift of His Son?

Give Him thanks (euCHARISteo). 

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes for the gift of the Ruach ha-Kodesh?

Express your favor (charis/grace) to God. 

Has Father found favor in your eyes for adopting you?

Offer gratitude (euCHARISteo). Express your favor to the one who has shown you favor. Say, “gracias.”

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes for His people?

Offer thanks (euCHARISteo). 

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes for His remarkable promises?

Give Him thanks (euCHARISteo). Express your charis to the one who has shown you favor. Say, “gracias.”

Has the Lord found favor in your eyes for calling you to Himself, for a growing relationship with Him, for discipling you, for granting you enabling favor, for bringing you into covenant with Himself and His people, for each and every blessing...?

One might go on and on. This is inexhaustible.

Our example, Yeshua, expressed gratitude to Father.

Then Yeshua picked up the loaves. And having given thanks (euCHARISteo), He distributed bread to everyone who was reclining. He did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted. (John 6:11) 

So they rolled away the stone. Yeshua lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank (euCHARISteo) you that you have heard Me. (John 11:41) 

We’re called to a life marked by gratitude.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks (euCHARISteo) to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17) 

The point of this exercise is that charis, which means grace, or favor, is an emotion that is experienced in sincere gratitude (euCHARISteo). There is an emotional content to the grace (charis) we’ve received. The emotion of favor is in every manifestation of God’s charis. You have found favor in His eyes. When He sees you, He favors you.

Surely, He who has shown us grace (charis/favor) has found favor (charis/grace) in our eyes, too. Let’s express it, “Gracias!”

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun26-Apr-20269th of Iyar, 5786 Day 24 of the Omer
Le 21:1-15 Isa 57Job 131 Jn 2       (Mt 13:31-58)

Shabbat Shalom,

This week we have another double portion. The total number of portions in the Torah reading cycle is 54, which reflects the maximum number of readings for a leap year (a year containing two months of Adar). In non-leap years, some of the portions are combined so that the entire Torah is read every year.

Acharei Mot translates to “after the death,” referring to the deaths of Aaron’s two sons Nadab and Abihu. Kedoshim translates to “holy,” from Leviticus 19:2 when ADONAI speaks to the people through Moses saying, “You shall be kedoshim (holy), for I ADONAI your God am holy (kedosh).” Kedoshim is the plural form of kedosh. The “you” is the plural form in Hebrew, so the plural for kedosh is used, then when referring to ADONAI the singular form is used.

So, what does it mean to be kedosh, “holy?” The dictionary meaning is to be consecrated, moral, sacred, godly, pious, set apart, etc.  If we accept these ideas for demonstrating holiness, (I do), how does the Bible instruct us in leading a life among the kedoshim?

Leviticus 11:44 Therefore sanctify yourselves, and be holy, for I am holy. You are not to defile yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that moves on the earth. ADONAI is referring to the kosher laws concerning most bugs.
Leviticus 11:44 I am ADONAI who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. Therefore, you shall be holy, for I am holy. Following this statement there are instructions about distinguishing between unclean and clean animals.

After a preamble about not offering children as sacrifices to an evil entity, dealing with mediums, soothsayers and the like, Leviticus 20:7-8 says Consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am ADONAI your God. You are to keep my statutes and do them.

Verse 8 is key to understanding what it means to be holy. It isn’t enough to “keep” God’s commandments. You know, the ones in that dusty old Book kept on the shelf, only rarely opened. It means to actively use the contents of that Book every day.

1 Peter 1:14-16 Do not be shaped by the cravings you had formally in your ignorance. Instead, just like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in everything you do. For it is written, “Kedoshim you shall be, for I am kedosh...”

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Psalm 119:9-10 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your Word. With my whole heart have I sought you – let me not stray from your mitzvot.

Too often today we fail ADONAI’s commands without even realizing what we are doing.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 talks about allowing darkness or lawlessness into our lives…What agreement does God’s Temple have with idols?...Come out from among them, and be separate, says ADONAI…

1 Peter 2:8-9 They stumble because they are disobeying the Word…But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Our calling is to walk in the light as He is in the light. Torah defines light. Prophets call us back to the light. Brit Hadasha teaches us how to follow the light. But none of this is of any use if it sits on the dusty old shelf. Shabbat Shalom.

Day 21 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat25-Apr-2026    8th of Iyar, 5786 Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedishim

(Early) Shabbat Shalom {{firstName}},
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Day 20 of counting the Omer

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer.  Today is two weeks and six days of the counting of the Omer.

Follow up that prayer by remembering a blessing from the Lord and give Him thanks. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude—through this we may offer worship in a manner pleasing to God, with reverence and awe. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
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Psalms
Psalm 51:12(10) – Part 10

Psalm 51:12 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

“Create, Renew, Restore, Sustain, Deliver…” these are the key words that form the substance of the next five verses (12-16) of Psalm 51.  In these verses, David (and we, when we pray it to God) is calling upon God to do a change within.  Today we start with the first part, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”  We already know, “It’s a HEART THANG!” 

In Hebrew, the heart (Lev) is not just the organ that pumps blood.  It is used almost 600 times in the Hebrew Scriptures.  Scripture rarely treats the heart as just an organ of the body.  “Libi,” my heart, is the place from which our life force emanates.  Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart diligently, for from it flow the springs of life.

Rabbi Trail:  The movie “The Frisco Kid” has become a piece of Jewish folk lore.  Although I can’t recommend the movie due to language and some content, I can recommend this scene.  In it, Rabbi Avram Belinski from Poland teaches the Native Americans to dance like Jews while singing in hebrew.  Psalm 97:11 Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart.  “Lev” is the second to the last Hebrew word.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_vGrMQ_CUA End RT.

Better Rabbi Trail:  How amazing is the human heart.  It pumps blood for a lifetime while only resting between beats.  The best human substitute is only effective for a few hours and requires a team of highly trained people to keep everything balanced up and functioning, while God’s creation performs (typically for many decades) with no (or little) oversight at all. End BRT.

That “clean heart” we are praying for, at the start of today’s verse, is only possible through the “born again” experience.  John 3:3 Yeshua answered him (Nicodemus), “Amen, amen I tell you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  That “born again” experience results in a new heart, a clean heart.  

Psalm 24:3 Who may go up on the mountain of Adonai? `Who may stand in His holy place? 4 One with clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He will receive a blessing from Adonai, righteousness from God his salvation.

The seventh “Beatitude” (BE ATTITUDE) is… Matthew 5:8  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Those were the words of Yeshua.  Let’s give Yeshua’s half-brother, Jacob, the last word today.  Jacob 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded!  Shabbat shalom shalom.

Day 20 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri24-Apr-20267th of Iyar, 5786 
Le 19:33-20:7Isa 55-56Job 121 Jn 1            (Mt 13:1-30)

Rabbi’s Reflections - Thursday, April 23, 2026
Shalom {{firstName}},

I have been asked by the family to officiate the memorial service (celebration of life) for our dear friend, Dr. Raymond Finney.  It will take place this coming Sunday, April 26th at 3PM (receiving of friends begins at 2) Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803.  Raymond wrote the Sunday RRs for many years and we miss him.  Here is a link to his obituary where you will see how he was used to further the kingdom of God during his lifetime. https://www.smithfuneralandcremation.com/obituaries/raymond-finney-jr  Everyone is invited to attend.  
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Day 19 of counting the Omer

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer.  Today is two weeks and five days of the counting of the Omer.

Follow up that prayer by remembering a blessing from the Lord and give Him thanks. Psalm 30:5(4)  Sing praise to Adonai, His faithful ones, and praise His holy name.
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Psalms
Psalm 51:11(9) – Part 9

Psalm 51:11 Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Sins (Chatah) and iniquities (Pesha) are again the objects of concern as we bring this first part of Psalm 51 to a close.  First, David calls upon God to “hide Your face.”  The Hebrew word for “face” is “Panim” which can also mean “presence.”  We, like Adam and Eve are ashamed of our sins.  We would like them to be hidden from God’s presence.  But there is a problem, God is everywhere.

Then this first part of Psalm 51 ends like it began with a call for God to “blot out” first sins and then transgressions.  There are (literally) hundreds of such prayers in the Machzor (High Holiday prayer book) for Rosh Hashanah (Yom Teruah) and Yom Kippur.  However; all those prayers are nothing more than pious hopes.  Our sins (and they are many) require the atoning blood of Messiah Yeshua to be blotted out.  Nothing else will do.

1Peter 1:18 You know that you were redeemed from the futile way of life handed down from your ancestors—not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with precious blood like that of a lamb without defect or spot, the blood of Messiah.

One more thought (keeping this short for today)… some of us may be tempted to spiritualize the cleansing of the blood of Yeshua as “out of this world,” meaning beyond our ability to grasp hold of it.  However; it isn’t that at all.  We manifest the power of the cross through our love, both for Yeshua and for one another.  

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

1Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified your souls in obedience to the truth, leading to sincere brotherly love, love one another fervently from a pure heart.

So we manifest God’s love for us as we love Him back AND love one another.  We must have faith in order to love.  Anything less is fear.  1John 4:8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love…. 11 Loved ones, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  Shalom shalom.


Day 19 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu23-Apr-20266th of Iyar, 5786
Le 19:15-32Isa 54Job 112 Pet 3     (Mt 12: 22-50)

Rabbi’s Reflections - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 
Shalom {{firstName}},
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Wednesday, April 22nd is Yom HaZikaron (beginning Tuesday at sundown), Israeli Independence Day, when the entire nation rejoices on the anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel (Medinat Yisrael).  See a short documentary here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZDSBF5xtoo  Unless you speak Hebrew, you’ll have to read the subtitles.  The declaration itself is written on two and half pieces of paper. 

Isaiah 66:8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. 

This is why “graduation” is called “commencement.”  It is just like birth that is the end of pregnancy and at the same time, the beginning of autonomous life.  While the declaration of the State of Israel was itself the answer to thousands of years of longing for a Jewish home for the Jewish people, to be led autonomously by Jewish people, it was also the beginning of the struggle to live “free and unafraid.”

Micah 4:4 But each man will sit under his vine and under his fig tree, with no one causing terror, for the mouth of Adonai-Tzva’ot has spoken.

The mourning of yesterday is now replaced with the celebration of today.  Just as we rejoice to see Yeshua’s first coming… Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, a righteous one bringing salvation. He is lowly, riding on a donkey—on a colt, the foal of a donkey.…  So we must also rejoice at the expectation of His return.  

1Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the blast of God’s shofar, and the dead in Messiah shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left behind, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air—and so we shall always be with the Lord.
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Day 18 of counting the Omer

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer.  Today is two weeks and four days of the counting of the Omer.

Follow up that prayer by remembering a blessing from the Lord and give Him thanks. Psalm 89:2 I will sing of the love of Adonai forever. To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth. 3 For I said, “Let your lovingkindness be built up forever! The heavens—let Your faithfulness be made firm there!”
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Psalms
Psalm 51:10(8) – Part 8

Psalm 51:10 Let me hear joy and gladness, so the bones You crushed may rejoice.

How appropriate to be writing about this verse on Yom HaZikaron (the Day of Remembrance) for Yom HaAtzma’ut (Israel Independence Day).  These two days are a microcosm of this verse.  “Crushed bones” (pain and suffering) replaced by “joy and gladness” (overwhelming euphoria).  

We must remember that King David is smitten by the seriousness of his sins.  Yet, what began in sorrow caused by sin (an adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, and the death of their firstborn) ultimately led to the joy of Solomon (the richest and wisest man who ever lived) and through him, to the Savior of the world, Yeshua HaMashiach.

Finally, we must remember that through it all, God has promised that He will never leave our side.  
Haggai 1:13 Then Haggai, the messenger of Adonai, spoke to the people with the message of Adonai, “I am with you!”—it is a declaration of Adonai. 

Isaiah 41:13 For I am Adonai your God who upholds your right hand, who says to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”  

Matthew 28:20b …”And remember! I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

God loves you.  He can’t take His eyes off of you.  If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, what will?  Shalom shalom.

Day 18 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed22-Apr-20265th of Iyar, 5786 Yom HaAtzma’ut
Le 18:22-19:14Isa 52-53Job 102 Pet 2         (Mt 12:1-21)

Shalom {{firstName}},
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Tuesday, April 21st is Yom HaZikaron (beginning Monday at sundown), Israeli Memorial Day, when the entire nation mourns those who were wounded or died in any of Israel’s many wars.  The memorial siren sounds and the entire country comes to a stop.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tPoTk-K8kqY  Here is another link to an article. https://israel365news.com/417542/yom-hazikaron-israel-remembers-25034-soldiers-dead-5091-terror-victims/ 
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Day 17 of counting the Omer

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer.  Today is two weeks and three days of the counting of the Omer.

Follow up that prayer by remembering a blessing from the Lord and give Him thanks. Jeremiah 33:11b “‘Give thanks to Adonai-Tzva’ot, for Adonai is good, for His love endures forever!’ as they bring offerings of thanksgiving into the House of Adonai. For I will restore the land from the exile as it was at first,” declares Adonai.
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Psalms
Psalm 51:9(7) – Part 7

Psalm 51:9 Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

The Shoresh of the Hebrew word translated as “cleanse” is “Chatah” (Chet-Tet-Aleph) which is one of the words for “sin.”  We learned about this word when it was used in verse 6.  Psalm 51:6a Against You, You only, have I sinned (Chatah),  Interestingly, Chatah is not just sin, but also the remedy for sin.  It is also the Shoresh of the word for “sin offering.”  We also learned from the RR last Saturday (written by Jeff Freeman) that this same word is also used for a purification or cleansing offering.  

It is paradoxical that the most common word used for sin (Chatah) is also the word for cleanse or purify.  The issue then becomes one of expectations.  We need a permanent solution, but any offering other than the blood of Yeshua itself is temporary at best.  Yeshua’s once for all time sacrifice is the everlasting solution we seek.  Hear these words from a really smart Messianic Rabbi….

Hebrews 10:4 for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Hebrews 9:11 But when Messiah appeared as Kohen Gadol of the good things that have now come, passing through the greater and more perfect Tent not made with hands (that is to say not of this creation), 12 He entered into the Holies once for all—not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption….

Hebrews 10:10 By His will we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Messiah Yeshua once for all.

The “cleansing” we seek is not simple “washing,: but the kind of washing that involves stomping the fabric with feet or beating the fabric with stones.  This is deep cleaning, and no matter how hard we scrub, we can’t make ourselves clean enough to be in God’s presence.  Supernatural cleansing requires supernatural power from a supernatural God.  He alone is worthy.

Revelation 19:1b “Halleluyah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. 2a For His judgments are true and just.

Shalom shalom.

Day 17 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue21-Apr-20264th of Iyar, 5786 Yom HaZikaron 
Le 17:8-18:21Isa 51Job 92 Pet 1 (Mt 11)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:8 Surely You desire truth in the inner being. Make me know wisdom inwardly.

Our verse today starts in Hebrew (transliterated), “Hen-Emet,” meaning, “Behold the truth.”  This truth in the “inner being” is a “heart thang” and not merely a mind thing.  Truth must be objective.  Truth is never subjective. What is truth?  That is the question!  

Rabbi Trail: Shakespeare’s Hamlet had it wrong.  He had to have it wrong!  His name isn’t even kosher. He said, “To be or not to be, that is the question.”  That’s not the question.  Life and death are God ordained.  Suicide (a Hamlet option) is a form of rebellion against God’s sovereignty.  It is ultimate despair, a permanent, fleshly and willful solution to a set of temporary circumstances.  Suicide takes away God’s gift of life prematurely.  This is Satan’s plan for your life.  God has a better plan.  John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly!  End RT.

Back to our question, “What is truth?” Yeshua made it part of His passionate John 17 prayer to God, our Father.  John 17:17 “Make them holy in the truth. Your word is truth…. 19 And for their sakes I make Myself holy, so that they also may be made holy in truth.”

We understand truth according to God’s revelation.  He alone establishes reality.  Truth has to be more than anything we say it is.  If WE determine what is true, then truth can change.  If God determines what is true, truth cannot change.  Hebrews 13:8 Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Yeshua promised us the truth through the giving of the Holy Spirit, which is the ramah word.  John 16:13 But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; but whatever He hears, He will tell you. And He will declare to you the things that are to come.  

In our subject verse, we also receive the promise of wisdom.  I’ve previously defined wisdom as the ability to use someone else’s experience to your own benefit without suffering through their mistakes.  In John 16:13, we are promised wisdom through the Holy Spirit.

Wisdom could also be defined as the ability to apply truth to the benefit of all concerned.  2Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness, 17  so that the person belonging to God may be capable, fully equipped for every good deed.

Jacob (James) made a promise concerning wisdom… Jacob 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him.  Shalom shalom.

Day 16 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon20-Apr-20263rd of Iyar, 5786
Le 16:25-17:7Isa 50Job 81 Pet 5 (Mt 10)
Le 20:8-27Amos 9:7-15Ac 15:12-21

Shavuah Tov,

We not only find the emotional content of favor through definitions. We see charis illustrated in some stories recorded in Scripture. In these narratives we find that Yeshua favored His friends. He had a few that we know He especially appreciated. The most plainly stated anecdote illustrating this is in John 11. Let’s consider some of it together.

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Miriam and her sister Martha. This was the same Miriam who anointed the Master with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair. It was her brother Lazarus who was sick. 

So the sisters sent a word to Yeshua, saying, “Master, the one you love (phileō) is sick!” 

... Now Yeshua loved (agapaō) Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 

... After He said this, He tells them, “Our friend (philos) Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m going there to wake him up.” (John 11:1–3,5,11) 

In this narrative agape and philos are used interchangeably. That is not unusual in John. However, there is an emphasis on friendship. Lazarus was “our friend.” What a wonderful designation. Who were these people who qualified as their friends?

We know the narrative. Yeshua ultimately intervened and raised Lazarus from the dead. It is a demonstration of favor (charis/grace) to those who were especially beloved friends. This family had found favor in the eyes of Yeshua. He acted on their behalf.

Another thing I find interesting is a glimpse into the common culture of the earliest believers. Apparently, everyone knew that Miriam was the woman who had “anointed the Master with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair.” Now, this was providing some relational context to the narrative found in John 11. However, Miriam’s story is not told in John until the next chapter. Here it is.

Six days before Passover, Yeshua came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Yeshua had raised from the dead. So they prepared a dinner there for Yeshua. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 

Then Miriam took a pound of very expensive oil of pure nard and anointed Yeshua’s feet, and she wiped His feet dry with her hair. Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. (John 12:1–3) 

We find Lazarus reclining with Yeshua. It is a similar picture to the way John described himself. This is a depiction of a similarly intimate friendship.

Did Yeshua have a special friendship with Lazarus? Yes, He did. So did the entire apostolic company. Messiah said, “our friend, Lazarus”, not “My friend, Lazarus.” 

How was this friendship forged?

Now while they were traveling, Yeshua entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. She had a sister called Miriam, who was seated at the Master’s feet, listening to His teaching. (Luke 10:38–39) 

Martha means the “mistress of the house.” Note the Aramaic prefix, “MAR”, in Martha. It’s the same as in MARana-tha. Martha, the head of this household, welcomed Yeshua. Everyone benefitted.

Note, “Yeshua loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Miriam and Lazarus are mentioned within the context of their relationship to this woman who was hospitality incarnate. 

Martha’s sister, Miriam, was focused upon Yeshua’s teaching. She placed herself under His authority and drank in His words.

These were Yeshua’s friends. They found favor in His eyes. He acted on their behalf out of His friendship with them. There were favorites and they knew it. Look, “... the sisters sent a word to Yeshua, saying, “Master, the one you love (phileō) is sick!”

Let’s welcome the Lord into our lives and relationships. Let’s befriend Him. Let’s sit at His feet, rest in His presence, and listen to His words. As we do, we will grow in our experience pf the active favor (charis) which proceeds from the Messiah’s friendship. 

He reciprocates. 

Even sinners love those who love them. (Luke 6:32b) They reciprocate.

What about the Righteous One?

Day 15 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun19-Apr-20262nd of Iyar, 5786
Le 16:1-24Isa 49Job 71 Pet 4 (Mt 9)

Shabbat shalom,

Torah Portion Tazria-Metzora Leviticus 12:1-15:33
By Jeffery Freeman

This week we have a double portion. Tazria translates to “conceive” (become pregnant) and Metzorah which translates to “leper.” These two portions are chiefly about various means that one may become unclean (tamei) and the sacrificial requirements for restoring cleanliness (taher).

Biblical cleanliness and uncleanliness have nothing to do with being dirty. Nor is sin a necessary component. Rather, it is a state of ritual preparedness to appear before the LORD in the Tabernacle or Temple. 

The offerings commanded here are in chapter 12, a chattat and in chapters 14 and 15 an asham. While chattat is commonly translated to “sin offering,” it can also mean a purification or cleansing offering and asham, a guilt offering. Yet sin or guilt are not necessarily involved in causing these unclean conditions. 

John 9:2-3 – “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” Yeshua answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned. This happened so that the works of God might be brought to light in him.”

What I find particularly interesting is that part of the cleansing ritual for tzara’at is that blood is applied to the right ear, thumb and big toe of the one being cleansed. The same procedure is used for ordaining priests. 

Leviticus 14:14 – Then the kohen is to take some of the blood of the trespass offering and dab it on the tip of the right ear of the one being cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot.

Exodus 29:20 – Slaughter the ram, take its blood and dab it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, on the tip of the right ears of his sons, on the thumb of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet. 

What is this thing with dipping blood onto the ear, thumb and toe? How about a little midrash, a teaching built upon a section of the Bible, but not necessarily biblical on its own. Could it be that the ear symbolizes hearing and learning the Word. The thumb doing what the Word says. And the toe going out into the world and spreading the Word?

The ear - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness, so that the person belonging to God may be capable, fully equipped for every good deed.

The thumb - James 1:22 – Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.

The toe - Mark 16:15 – Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to every creature.

Matthew 28:19-20 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Ruach ha-Kodesh, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

A continuous loop of hearing, doing, and spreading the Word. Sound like a job for us? Shabbat Shalom. 

Day 14 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat18-Apr-2026   1st of Iyar, 5786 
Parashat Tazria-Metzora Shabbat Rosh Chodesh 
Le 15:16-33, Nu 28:9-15Isa 66:1-24Rev 21:1-8

Shalom,

Psalm 51:5 For I know my transgressions (Pesha) and my sin (Chatah) is ever before me. 6 Against You, You only, have I sinned (Chatah), and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. 7 Behold, I was born in iniquity and in sin when my mother conceived me.

Is our attention fully captured by the level of trouble we are in by the “sin” problem we have inherited from Adam and Eve?  Isaiah 59:12 For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us, for our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities.  What, you don’t believe in original sin (a lot of Jewish people say they don’t)?  

Then let me ask another question (a little easier to answer), “Do you believe the Bible?”  Psalm 51:7 Behold, I was born in iniquity and in sin when my mother conceived me.  (This is in the Jewish Bible.)  Secular humanism proposes that we can fix the problem by trying harder.  We can’t fix the sin problem without divine help because we ARE the sin problem.  

Simply put, we need the Savior.  John 3:18 The one who believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not put his trust in the name of the one and only Ben-Elohim.  John 1:12 But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God.  That’s right, children of God who are born again (of the Spirit) to say “no” to Satan and his sinful ways, and these same children of God say “yes” to God and His righteousness.  

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 5:15 But the gracious gift is not like the transgression. For if many died because of the transgression of one man, how much more did the grace of God overflow to many through the gift of one Man—Yeshua the Messiah.  

Finally, my friends, be an overcomer.  Satan has a plan for your life, it involves pain and suffering on account of sin.  God has a better plan for your life.  It involves… Psalm 37:23 From Adonai a man’s steps are made firm, when He delights in his way.  Shalom shalom.

Day 13 of the Omer 
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri17-Apr-202630th of Nisan, 5786, Rosh Chodesh Iyar I Le 14:33-15:15, Nu 28:11-15  Isa 48Job 61 Pet 3 (Mt 8)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:5 For I know my transgressions (Pesha) and my sin (Chatah) is ever before me. 6 Against You, You only, have I sinned (Chatah), and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.

I’m going to say something very profound here.  Repentance is not the means for obtaining grace.  However; it is necessary before grace can be obtained.  Here is my proof text… Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. 9 It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast.  Repentance is a “deed” (we “do” it), so it cannot be the basis of obtaining grace.  

Back to my earlier point, you can’t get grace without repentance.  On Pentecost, the crowd asked the Apostles… Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the emissaries, “Fellow brethren, what shall we do?” And how did Peter answer them?  Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be immersed in the name of Messiah Yeshua for the removal of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach ha-Kodesh. 

You might be tempted to say, “Bully for them, what about me?”  I have good news, Peter didn’t leave us out.  His next statement is inclusive.  Acts 2:39 “For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away—as many as Adonai our God calls to Himself.”  Can you hear His call?  2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you—not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.  

In Psalm 51, David is experiencing more than being sorry he got caught, he is having a life changing experience.  His sorrow at breaking the heart of God is making him rethink everything.  We will see, he is turning his life around to serve God.  

Micah 7:9 I will bear the indignation of Adonai, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my cause, and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light, and I will behold His righteousness.

Shalom shalom.

Day 12 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu16-Apr-202629th of Nisan, 5786 
Le 14:21-32Isa 47Job 51 Pet 2 (Mt 7)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:4 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

There is washing and then there is washing.  At the Seder, we wash our hands with running water (Ur’chatz).  But this washing, in Psalm 51 is “Kabas” (Kaf-Bet-Samech).  The deeper meaning is “washing by stomping,” indicating the need to go deep in cleansing, not just surface cleaning, but deep cleaning through the entire fabric of our lives.

This is the word used throughout Scripture to describe the level of preparation necessary for big events.  Exodus 19:10 Adonai said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow. Let them wash (Kabas) their clothing. 11a (And thus) Be ready for the third day.  

There are two Hebrew words for sin, in verse 4. “Avon” which is “iniquity,” and “Chatah” translated as plain “sin.”  There is a third word for sin, “Pesha” which is translated previously, at the end of verse 3, as “transgressions.”  These three words are routinely used together as all inclusive of different types of sin.  

“Pesha” is “a rebellious breach of trust.” It is used 93 times in the Bible to describe that type of sin.  “Avon” is “punishment for the guilty.”  It is used 231 times.  Finally, there is “Chatah” which is “habitual sinfulness and its penalty.”  It is used 294 times in the Hebrew Scriptures.

In using three words for sin, the Lord is being all inclusive.  Sin is not what makes you feel bad.  1John 3:4b … for sin is the transgression of the law. (KJV)  And there is a penalty… Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death….  However; the rest of that same verse contains a great promise.  Romans 6:23b …but God’s gracious gift is eternal life in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.

I want to close today with the previous verse.  Romans 6:22 But now, having been set free from sin and having become enslaved to God, you have your fruit resulting in holiness. And the outcome is eternal life.  That’s right, in Messiah Yeshua we have “fruit resulting in holiness” that produces eternal life.  I love that and you should too.  Shalom shalom.

Day 11 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed15-Apr-202628th of Nisan, 5786
Le 13:55-14:20Isa 46Job 41 Pet 1 (Mt 6)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:3 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your mercy. According to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

As verse 3 begins (the last part of verse 1 in most Christian Bibles), David is pleading with God for favor at three levels… for grace [Chen] (Be gracious to me, O God) … for mercy or lovingkindness [Chesed] (… according to Your undeserved mercy) … for compassion or tender mercies [Rachem] (… according to Your great compassion).  

David then ends verse 3 with a plea to God to “blot out my transgressions.”  First, David (and all of us s well) have many sins.  David committed adultery, but it led to other sins, even the murder of Uriah the Hittite.  When David says, “Blot out my transgressions,” the Hebrew word for “blot” is “M’cha” (Mem-Chet-Hey).  It comes from a word meaning to stroke or rub.  These “sins” are not easily removed with a little water.  These sins are stains on the fabric of our lives.  It is going to take the power of God to “scrub” them away.  

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says Adonai. “Though your sins be like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they will become like wool.” 

As Isaiah’s prophecy continues, he lays out a choice.  Isaiah 1:19a If you are willing and obey, (… good things will happen). 20a  But if you refuse and rebel, (bad things will happen).  This takes us back to the Passover Seder.  What will you have, the bitter herb (of slavery), or the sweetness of Charoset (freedom)?  

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!  

Lastly for today, we need a right understanding of what freedom in Yeshua means.  It means we are free to follow Him.  It does not mean we are free to live any way we want.  You can’t live like hell and expect to get to heaven.  1John 2:1a My children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin…. 6 whoever claims to abide in Him must walk just as He walked.  Is this optional, read it again.  Seems pretty clear.  

This is also consistent with Ephesians, where we read… Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. 9 It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship—created in Messiah Yeshua for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand so we might walk in them.

Shalom shalom.

Day 10 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue14-Apr-202627th of Nisan, 5786 Yom HaShoah
Le 13:40-54Isa 45Job 3Jas 5(Mt 5)

Shalom,

Psalm 51:1 For the music director: a psalm of David, 2 when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he went to Bathsheba.

“King David sinned!!!”  That’s your headline.  David was Israel’s second king.  Saul, Israel’s first king, sinned too.  Both of them were confronted with their sin by prophets.  The prophet Samuel confronted Saul and the prophet Nathan confronted David.  Their responses were strikingly different.  

Saul responded to Samuel… 1Samuel 15:20 “But I did obey the voice of Adonai,” Saul tried to justify his actions to Samuel. “I went on the mission on which Adonai sent me, and brought back Agag the king of Amalek—and utterly destroyed the Amalekites.”  But that was not the mission of Adonai.  King Saul then asked for forgiveness, but the Lord was unforgiving toward him because his repentance was insufficient.    

Many years later, it happened that Nathan had to confront King David similarly, saying… 2Samuel 12:7a Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”  And David responded as a man who is broken… 2Samuel 12:13a Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against Adonai.”

There is a key distinction here, that many sermons are missing these days.  God requires “T’shu’vah” (Hebrew for “repentance”). You can come to God “just as you are,” but make no mistake, God expects change.  Peter preached it on that first Shavuot (Pentecost) after the resurrection.  Acts 2:38  Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be immersed in the name of Messiah Yeshua for the removal of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach ha-Kodesh.

But, the repentance/forgiveness continuum did not originate there.  Isaiah 44:22  I have blotted out your transgressions like a thick cloud and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”  “Return to me” is “Shu’vah Ay’li” meaning “repent to Me.”  

You might wonder, “Does this even apply to me, after all I have Yeshua as my Savior?”  Paul said this to the Greeks of Athens… Acts 17:30 Although God overlooked the periods of ignorance, now He commands everyone everywhere to repent.  Receive it in the name of Yeshua.  Shalom shalom.

Day 9 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon13-Apr-2026 26th of Nisan, 5786 Le 13:24-13:39Isa 44Job 2Jas 4 (Mt 4)

Yeshua is the perfect pattern for understanding the process of growing in God’s favor. For those who see grace primarily as undeserved favor, Yeshua growing in charis may be a difficult concept. However, grace means favor, and one receives favor from someone who is pleased with the recipient of that favor. A benefactor gives favor (chen/charis/grace) to those who please him. 

In John 1 we find the Apostle wrote that Yeshua is God’s lamb. Twice, the exhortation came, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”  

The next day, John sees Yeshua coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) 

Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples and watched Yeshua walking by. He said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35–36) 

John the Immerser said to unidentified hearers, “Behold the Lamb.” Later in the same chapter we find him speaking to two of his disciples, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God.” 

More than merely human eyes focused on Yeshua. Father beheld Him too and, when He did, Yeshua found favor in His Father’s eyes. When Father beheld His Son, He was pleased, He loved who He saw. Yeshua received charis.

There are two witnesses is Matthew’s Good News that testify of Father being pleased with His Son.

After being immersed, Yeshua rose up out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Ruach Elohim descending like a dove and coming upon Him. And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased!” (Matthew 3:16–17) 

Why was He pleased? 

At Yeshua’s immersion we see the culmination of Yeshua’s normal life and the beginning of His ministry. Up until that time, Messiah had resisted every temptation and stayed loyal to the One He loved with His whole being. In humility, Yeshua had submitted to His parents and brought obedience to the Torah to a zenith. Also, He fulfilled righteousness by cooperating with the prophetic move of God as Father’s purposes were revealed through the Immerser. One more thing, at the Jordan, Yeshua offered Himself up to God as the suffering servant who would be slain for the sins of the world. He was the Lamb of God.

These things pleased God. 

Next. Let’s briefly look at the Transfiguration.

... suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice from out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5) 

At the Mount of Transfiguration, the Messiah was still in the all-consuming intensity of ministry to Israel. Yet, He kept His eyes fixed on His ultimate mission. The spiritual realm was revealed, and He spoke to Moses and Elijah of what He was to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). He was still dedicated to offering Himself up as a sacrifice for our sins. 

This pleased God. 

What is the result of God being pleased with someone, anyone? Favor. When someone is pleasing to God, they receive favor (charis/grace) from the God who is pleased.

Consider Yeshua. He grew in favor. He grew in obedience, too. He learned obedience.

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8) 

As His obedience increased, so did His experience of Father’s favor. He always, always, pleased God.

So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” (John 8:28–29) 

There is a connection between pleasing God and experiencing favor. 

Once again, let me remind us that the Good News reveals that we all exist with a baseline of divine charis. At the same time, recall that just as we can grow relationally in pleasing God, we can grow experientially in receiving favor from our Father.

Yeshua did. He’ll help us to do the same.

Day 8 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun12-Apr-2026 25th of Nisan, 5786 Le 12:1-13:23Isa 43Job 1Jas 3 (Mt 3)

Shabbat Shalom,
_______
Day 7 of counting the Omer

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer.  Today is one week and no days of the counting of the Omer.

Follow up that prayer by remembering a blessing from the Lord and give Him thanks.  Psalm 92:1 A psalm, a song for the Shabbat. 2 It is good to praise Adonai and to make music to Your Name, Elyon,
_______

Sh’mini Torah lesson – Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47
By Jeffrey Freeman

Aaron and his sons have just completed seven days of purification required for their ordination as priests. On the eighth day offerings are made, and Moses and Aaron go into the Tent of Meeting. When they come out:

Leviticus 9:23-24 – The glory of ADONAI appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of ADONAI and devoured the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw it, they shouted and fell in their faces.

Everything is going well. A newly appointed High Priest plus four helpers. The glory of ADONAI appeared to the entire assembly. The Tabernacle is complete and operational. Yet Chapter 10 brings a troubling report:

Leviticus 10:1-2 – Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own censer, put fire in it, laid incense over it, and offered unauthorized fire before ADONAI – which he had not commanded them. So, fire came out from the presence of ADONAI and consumed them. So, they died before ADONAI.

Yikes! This should have been a time of great celebration. But two of the newly ordained priests are dead!?

How can this be? Isn’t ADONAI a just God full of compassion? He is. But He is also inherently dangerous. Not bad dangerous, like electricity isn’t inherently bad. But, if misused or handled without due respect, electricity can be a shocking and potentially deadly experience.

In 2nd Samuel 6, David and his men were escorting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

Verse 6-7 – When they reached the threshing floor of Nahon, Uzzah reached out to the Ark of God and grasped it for the oxen had
stumbled. Then the anger of ADONAI was kindled against Uzzah. God struck him down there for his irreverence, so he died there beside the Ark of God.

God gives us specific instructions on how He wants us to behave. In the case of the Ark, Exodus 25 gives specific instructions for building the Ark. It was constructed with two rings on each side for poles to carry the Ark.

Numbers 7:9 - To the sons of Kohath, he did not give any (carts) because their responsibility was to carry the holy items on their shoulders.

To keep people safe, Adonai specifically instructed that the Ark was to be transported on the shoulders of Kohathites. Uzzah was not a Kohathite and the Ark was being transported on a cart, not shouldered.

So, is this just a case of a vengeful God executing judgement on a man for not following specific instructions? Something uniquely “Old Testament?”

Matthew 7:21-23 – Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy, drive out demons, and perform many miracles in Your Name?’ Then I will declare to them, I never knew you. Get away from Me you workers of lawlessness.’

Whoa! These are tough words from Yeshua. Not everyone who confesses that Yeshua is Lord gets into heaven. Only those who do the Father’s will. What is God’s will? It’s found in Torah. The prophets remind us. Yeshua demonstrates it. We aren’t expected to follow Torah perfectly. That’s why we need Yeshua. But we are expected to try.

In Judges we get a refrain – In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. Doing something in a
way that is right in your own estimation is not the same as doing something the right way. Open Torah and learn. Acts 15:21 – For Moses from ancient generations…is read in all the synagogues every Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom.

Day 7 of the Omer
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat11-Apr-2026   24th of Nisan, 5786 Shmini
Le 9:17-11:472 Sam 6:1-7:17Ac 5:1-11