Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Shalom,
Got time to learn a new Yiddish word? The word is “Farblunjet” (sometimes spelled with a “g” instead of a “j”). It means hopelessly lost or even disoriented. Because my parents were both from Boston and they were the ones in our family who spoke Yiddish, I only know how to say it with a Boston accent. Lastly, it is 3 syllables and the “t” at the end can sound like a “d.”
Rabbi Trail: True story… once when I was small, we were in the car and quite farblunjet. I forget where we were going, but my parents had the brilliant idea to follow a guy who looked like he knew where he was going. He did know where he was going, home. That’s right, we followed him right into his driveway. These days you would get arrested or shot for doing that, so don’t try it. Besides, with GPS you shouldn’t have to. End RT.
Today is day 3 on unpacking the message taught to me by David Chansky titled “The Millennial Hope.” Maybe we should get to the bottom line and tell you what the Millennial Hope is. It is a hope that every person will hear the gospel (the whole gospel, in their own language) and have the opportunity to receive it before being sent to hell should they reject it.
Whatever you or I think of that doesn’t really matter. Our concern is what the Bible teaches on the subject. Some of us have been so indoctrinated with one point of view that we are closed to Biblical truth that may be contrary to our previously held position.
Let me start by telling you what I’m not saying. I’m not saying there is no hell. There is a real place called hell. There are real people going there too. The question I’m asking is, who is going to hell and when?
I’m also not saying anyone gets a second chance. The question we will seek to answer; is there Biblical evidence that everyone will have an opportunity to receive Yeshua as their Lord and Savior.
Are there the “elect?” Certainly! The Bible is clear on that. Then how can we have both, universal opportunity and election? That’s what I want to answer. So I reached out to Dave Chansky today and here’s how he answered my questions. (Of course he taught me these things years ago, but I confess I needed a refresher.)
Both the “elect” and the “rest” are mentioned in Romans 11:7 “What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained; but the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened.” But the rest were not hardened for eternity in hell… Romans 11:25 For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be ignorant of this mystery—lest you be wise in your own eyes—that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26a and in this way all Israel will be saved,
What? Is this rocking your world? Do you need more evidence? Simeon prophesied at Yeshua’s Pidyan HaBen that, “Behold, this One is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel,” (Luke 2:34) Notice “many” but not “all.” There were some (the Apostles for instance) who never “fell.” But those who were blinded did fall, but in Romans 11:25 (above) they (who were blind) rose to salvation.
I hope this helps. I’ll keep writing about it until we get all of it in. Yesh Lanu Z’man (we have time).
Week 32
Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
156 8/05 Monday: Matthew 3-4
157 8/06 Tuesday: Matthew 5
* 158 8/07 Wednesday: Matthew 6
159 8/08 Thursday: Matthew 7
160 8/09 Friday: Matthew 8
The question of the day: What is “tzadakah?”
Answer: This is the Hebrew word used prominently at the beginning of Matthew 6 in the TLV. Here are some of the translations of this word. It is charity, good deeds, acts of kindness, charitable acts, righteous deeds, alms, and give to the poor. The wooden box where we place our offerings at Shomair is called the “tzedakah” box.
A “tzadik” is a righteous person. The rabbis go so far as to define what they mean by that; “A person who has never had an impure thought is said to be a tzadik.” The rabbi’s believe there is at least one such person always alive on the earth. I believe there is only one such person who has ever lived, and we know His name, Yeshua HaMashiach.
He is the One who visited Abraham and Sarah, was present when Abraham bound Isaac, wrestled with Jacob. If you would like to read about all of His appearances in the Hebrew Scriptures, read Asher Intrater’s book “Who Ate Lunch With Abraham” (also the title of the first chapter).
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
We, who follow Yeshua, are called to follow Him in His calling. As He is a “tzadik,” so too, we are called to be “tzadikim.”