Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, January 30, 2020
Shalom,
Pillar Four: The Kingdom is Expressed in a Life of Power – part 1
When Dan uses the term “a life of power,” he is referring to what we call today “the gifts of the Spirit.” We get that name from the Bible. 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be ignorant.
Especially for the last 100 years there had been much debate about the power of God. Is it for today, or did it stop with the death of the last (capital A) Apostle?
Rabbi Trail: A “capital A” Apostle is one of the twelve. Paul the apostle is not one of the twelve, but he did minister while some of them were alive. End RT.
If you believe the gifts ended with the death of the last Apostle, you should proudly wear the label “Cessationist.” (Yes, I’m using the label with a capital C. Let’s call them “capital “C” Cessationists.). I do not believe that way. When I read the following verse of the Bible, I believe it applies to us in the present time. 1 Corinthians 12:7 But to each person is given the manifestation of the Ruach for the benefit of all. “Ruach” is the Hebrew word for Spirit.
In the United States Spirit filled believers are in the minority, while internationally they are in the majority. We (in America) have the luxury of debating form. In the mostly impoverished countries of the world, the people want God and more of Him and have no such restrictions on what God can and cannot do.
Ephesians 4:8 Therefore it says, “When He went up on high, He led captive a troop of captives and gave gifts to his people.” Where does the Bible say that? The last verse of Psalm 68 (which summarizes the entire 36 verses) makes the connection. Psalm 68:36 O God, You are awesome from Your holy places. The God of Israel gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!
Please don’t miss what I’m saying here. The power of God is connected to the presence of God. The children of Israel followed the presence of God for 40 years in the desert. Numbers 10:35 Whenever the Ark would set out, Moses would say: “Arise, Adonai! May Your enemies be scattered! May those who hate You flee from before You!”
Yeshua is the reality of all things! He alone is the the reality of the Ark of the Covenant. He alone is the power of God. Colossians 2:9 For all the fullness of Deity lives bodily in Him. His power is an expression of His kingdom.
Is there a counterfeit to God’s reality? Sure there is. But let’s not allow the fear of the counterfeit to keep us from faith in the reality of the gifts of God. To find the answer we have to return to 1 Corinthians 12. 1 Corinthians 12:8 …word of wisdom, …word of knowledge, 9… (word of) faith, (gift of) healings, 10… workings of miracles, (gift of) prophecy,… discerning of spirits,… different kinds of tongues,… the interpretation of tongues.
Yes, there are 9 gifts listed here in Scripture. God is not a liar. So we have to believe the next verse. 1 Corinthians 12:11 But one and the same Ruach activates all these things, distributing to each person individually as He wills. Is there any way “distributing to each person” would leave you out? If you doubt me, don’t tell me, tell God. I’m not speaking for myself, I’m quoting Him and His Word.
Let’s purpose to massage this message more tomorrow.
Week 5
Memory Verse: Romans 8:28 Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.
21 1/27 Monday: Genesis 39-40
22 1/28 Tuesday: Genesis 41
23 1/29 Wednesday: Genesis 42-43
* 241/30 Thursday: Genesis 44-45
25 1/31 Friday: Genesis 46-47
Question of the day: What moved Joseph to tears?
Answer: Judah spoke to Joseph and said… Genesis 44:20b “Now his brother is dead.” The brother of Benjamin who was supposed to be dead is Joseph (the one to whom he was speaking).
This entire story is a picture of a future reality. Benjamin is the youngest (by far) of the 12 sons of Israel. His life speaks of the last (youngest) of all the Israelites who will come to Yeshua (Joseph). Judah supposes his brother Joseph is dead. Jewish people (also children of Israel) believe Yeshua is dead.
Now the big reveal (I love this part). Genesis 45:1 Now Joseph could no longer restrain himself in front of all those who were standing by him, so he cried out. Yeshua will “cry out” to His brothers, just as Romans 11 says.
Romans 11:26 and in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer shall come out of Zion. He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. 27 And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” 28 Concerning the Good News, they are hostile for your sake; but concerning chosenness, they are loved on account of the fathers— 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
If God says “irrevocable,” dare we suppose this is some metaphor? Genesis 45:4a Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” So they came near. “I’m Joseph, your brother.” Father in heaven, we pray for the day of Your return. That day Yeshua will speak to His brothers and declare, “It is Me, please come near.” Oh Lord, Bo Yeshua bo! (Come Yeshua come.)