Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, January 30, 2023
Shalom,
Say “Yes” to God – Romans, part 15
Romans 1:20b So people are without excuse— 21 for even though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. Instead, their thinking became futile, and their senseless hearts were made dark. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools. 23 They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image in the form of mortal man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things.
I had to put the last few words of verse 20 in here to make the connection. There is no excuse for not glorifying and thanking God. Yet the history of mankind is that story exactly. Pause with me for a moment to consider the arrogance of asking God, “What have you done for me lately?”
Our thought life is active during every waking moment. We must watch over (Shomair) how we talk to ourselves and to God. One thing we learned from the Torah portion last week is that we are never alone. “Shalom Alechem” is a plural greeting (literally, “peace be unto you all”), yet it is also used when addressing only one person, because even one person is not alone.
Emanuel means “God with us.” Remember Yeshua’s final promise? Matthew 28:20b “And remember! I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” You are never alone. Yeshua is always with you and the people of God have this command. John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you must love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
These scriptures are the wisdom of God. I’m sharing them with you in the hope that you will avoid “futile thinking.” Romans 1:22 says… “Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” My hope and prayer (and the reason for writing this) is that we would all be full of wisdom and avoid foolishness. We must embrace the glory of the immortal God and avoid idol worship.
A few days ago I shared a conviction concerning humility. The key to spiritual victory is humility. Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. Think of being humble as being coachable. If your “coach” were God (putting His arm around your shoulder as He puts you into the “game” He whispers the keys to success), would you listen and do according to all His advice (commandments)?
That describes our reality exactly. God is speaking. It’s up to us to listen (always active listening) and respond in accordance with His instructions. John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. And, what is He saying?… Deuteronomy 6:5 Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, are to be on your heart. And the other great commandment… Leviticus 19:18b love your neighbor as yourself. I am Adonai. Matthew 22:40 The entire Torah and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Put God on the throne of your heart. Be ready with a “yes” in your heart when He calls.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon 30-Jan-2023 8th of Sh’vat, 5783
Ex 14:9-14 1 Ki 17 Ps 119:25-48 Jn 1:29-51 (1 Th 1)