Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, January 13, 2020
Shalom,
A while ago I promised a book review on Asher Intrater’s book titled “Alignment.” I don’t think my sparse comments here qualify as a book review. Still, I’m intrigued by the ideas communicated in the book. God sets His kingdom in order. After all, He alone is King of kings.
Let me start by saying there has been an abundant amount of misunderstanding surrounding this subject. If you don’t know Asher, you might think the subject is an arrogant approach to have people get in “alignment” behind him. Nothing could be further from the truth. Of course you could also read the book (critics never do), which never says anything like that.
This is a direct quote from the book… “Satan has nothing original, and he has alignment too. His alignment is the evil alignment of nations against Israel. The Saints belong in God’s line with love for Israel.”
In the viewpoint of Scripture, there is a three-fold cord consisting of Israel, the Church and the Kingdom. They are linked together. They affect one another. They come to their fullness together. Ultimately, they become one together.
There is a long discussion in the book about biblical morality. Any casual observer will notice how people who “move in the spirit” use the spirit as an excuse for all types of immoral behavior. The quote below mentions a “good conscience” (translate “morality”). By not holding on to a good conscience many have “suffered shipwreck.”
1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy my son, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, so that by them you fight the good fight, 19 holding onto faith and a good conscience. By rejecting these, some have suffered shipwreck regarding their faith.
Some would say, we don’t need morality because we have grace. Oh really? Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may abound?
There are many wonderful nuggets in this book. In fact, my considered opinion is that all of Asher’s books are like that. Read it, I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Week 3
Memory Verse: Romans 4:20 Yet he did not waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God. Rather, he was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that what God has promised, He also is able to do. 22 That is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
* 11 1/13 Monday: Genesis 18-19
12 1/14 Tuesday: Genesis 20-21
13 1/15 Wednesday: Genesis 22
14 1/16 Thursday: Genesis 24
15 1/17 Friday: Genesis 25:19-34; 26
Question of the day: Adonai (there is evidence that this is Yeshua, who paid Abraham a visit) asks the question of the day. Genesis 18:14a Is anything too difficult for Adonai?
Answer: No! What, you want a more comprehensive answer? God fulfilled His promise, not only to make 90 year old Sarah (and 100 year old Abraham) pregnant, but to bring forth a son named Isaac. (Whose name means laughter.) Both Abraham and Sarah laughed, but only Sarah seems to have been faulted for laughing.
Let me ask a better question. What is going on in your life (or my own) that is too difficult for Adonai? Let the Scripture itself answer. 1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time. 7 Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.
Have a blessed week. Michael.