Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, January 23, 2020
Shalom,
Pillar Two – The Kingdom Is Expressed In Worship – Part 2
Dan Juster wrote a message called “The 12 Pillars: A Foundation for Congregations, Ministries, and Five Fold Associations.” As he wrote Pillar 2, Dan put this sentence in bold type… “Our worship now (since Yeshua has come) centers on Him and all He has done for us: His crucifixion, His mercy, His ministry, His resurrection, His ascension, His rule from heaven, and His return and future reign.” Let’s take today to magnify this sentence.
Are you familiar with the meaning of the word “Adonai?” Most people think it means “Lord,” and it does. But let me add to that basic understanding. Whenever a Jewish person is praying and sees the tetragrammaton, (look it up if you have to), we substitute the name “Adonai” for the real pronunciation which, according to tradition, may only be spoken (ineffable except) in the Holy of Holies by the High Priest, once a year (on Yom Kippur afternoon).
This may shock you… I believe (and there is evidence to support my belief) that (the Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay) Adonai IS in fact Yeshua! After all, “Yeshua is Lord.” (Philippians 2:11, Luke 2:11, Romans 10:9, Colossians 3:17, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5, and many more) Some Jewish people who come to faith only come half way. They will receive Yeshua as Savior, but not as Lord.
We are saved, but for a purpose. Romans 8:4 so that the requirement of the Torah might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Ruach. We are Spirit led followers of Messiah, saved unto righteousness. Romans 10:10 For with the heart it is believed for righteousness, and with the mouth it is confessed for salvation.
Yeshua is only our Lord if we obey Him. Remember the gospel is the gospel of the KINGDOM (Pillar One). Unless He IS King, there is no gospel. Yeshua must be lifted up (both exalted and on the Cross) to draw all men unto Himself. John 12:32 “And as I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to Myself.”
Our worship must both exalt Him and make His preeminent. Part of our calling at Shomair Yisrael is to lift Yeshua up in His Jewish context. In doing so, we will make Israel jealous. After all, we’ve not only got their Savior and Lord, but we’re enjoying that relationship abundantly.
Hear the words of Yeshua… John 10:9 “I am the gate! If anyone comes in through Me, he will be saved. He will come and go and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly!”
Week 4
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they have no understanding.
16 1/20 Monday: Genesis 27-28
17 1/21 Tuesday: Genesis 29-30:24
18 1/22 Wednesday: Genesis 31-32
* 19 1/23 Thursday: Genesis 33;35
20 1/24 Friday: Genesis 37
Question of the day: Did the Bible really name the man who defiled the only daughter of Jacob, “Hamor the Hivite?” (see Genesis 34:2)
Answer: Yes, but don’t miss the meaning. A “hamor” is a “donkey.” I wonder if that was Hamor’s given name, or if his name was changed in Scripture to fit his crime?
Anyway, the author of our F-260 reading plan, Robby Gallaty, decided there was nothing in Chapter 34 worth reading, but I found that and wanted to pass it on.
Maybe a more spiritual question of the day would be appropriate now. Why did God rename Jacob? Jacob is not a complimentary name. It means “supplanter.” It was given to him because he was born holding onto his brother’s heel. A “heel” is an “akev.” Donkeys (speaking of donkeys) dig in their heels and are resistant and stubborn. These are not admirable qualities.
Jacob’s new name “Yisrael” has a double meaning. It can mean “God contends” from the wrestling match Jacob had with God (Genesis 32:25-31). But Sarah also means “Princess.” The “yud” in front makes it 3rd person future tense. Therefore; “Yisrael” can also mean, “He will be a prince of God.” A prince is a royal ruler to be. I believe this also describes Jacob and his progeny.
That’s all I’ve got for today. Except my prayer that you will have a good day.