Rabbi’s Reflections – Tuesday, January 7, 2019
Shalom,
Important announcement for Shomair members: Our annual business meeting will take place on Sunday, January 26th beginning at 6:00PM (immediately following HaYesod session 4) at the synagogue. To attend the banquet (no charge) members must register (so we can have an accurate count) by January 17th. Here is the link… https://syknox.org/annual-members-business-meeting-banquet/
I want to write today about four simple words found in the Bible. Proverbs 15:33b humility comes before honor. I’m reminded of the classic answer to the interview question, “Tell me about your faults.” Answer: “Well, many people say I’m too humble.”
Rabbi Trail: Many of you know I had a 40 year career in the hotel business. I’m reminded of the classic answer to that ubiquitous question at the time of check-out, “Did you enjoy your stay? Was everything okay?” Answer: “The towels are too fluffy. I can’t fit them into my suitcase.” This has nothing whatsoever to do with humility (which is why it is a Rabbi Trail). End RT.
What is humility? For a real answer, read the classic book by Andrew Murray titled “Humility, The Beauty Of Holiness,” copyright 1916. For my (Rabbi’s) answer, read this….
Humility is an attitude of submission. Humility is the willingness to be corrected. Humility is the ability to be self-sacrificing. Humility is part of forgiveness. Let me expand on that.
Humility is a holy response when you feel mistreated. What happens when we feel like we didn’t get what we deserve? Our example in all things is Yeshua, Who is the only one in history Who truly did not get what He deserved. This is a little long, but what should I have left out?
Philippians 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves, which also was in Messiah Yeshua, 6 Who, though existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be grasped. 7 But He emptied Himself— taking on the form of a slave, becoming the likeness of men and being found in appearance as a man. 8 He humbled Himself— becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue profess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord— to the glory of God the Father.
All of us who are part of the saved body of Messiah Yeshua must remain coachable. He is the potter, we are the clay. Read Jeremiah 18, the first 11 verses.
Staying humble is required to be useful in the kingdom of God. 1 Peter 5:5b “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time. (see also Jacob (James) 4:6-10)
You may be tempted to dismiss this message as probably intended for someone else. That’s exactly the prideful message of Satan that I’m talking about. Don’t be a sucker and fall for Satan’s lies. If Yeshua is really our Lord, then we will humble ourselves before Him.
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and ‘you will find rest for your souls.’ 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Week 2
Memory Verse: Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God. For the one who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
6 1/6 Monday: Job 38-39
* 7 1/7 Tuesday: Job 40-42
8 1/8 Wednesday: Genesis 11-12
9 1/9 Thursday: Genesis 15
10 1/10 Friday: Genesis 16-17
Question of the day: Job is speaking to God when he quotes God back to God, asking the question of the day. Job 42:3 “You ask, ‘Who is this, who darkens counsel without knowledge?’”
Answer: A paraphrase of this question could be, “Who is opening his/her mouth in ignorance?” Have you guessed the answer yet? That’s right, everybody. We are in the presence of the invisible God.
Shema (the greatest commandment, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, can’t really be done while talking. Shema means to hear (literally “take heed”), but we can’t open our ears until we shut our mouths.
Okay, you provoked me to add one more thought (before I shut my own mouth)… anyone who wants to appear smarter, should just say less. And on that happy note, I’m done.
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, who keeps quiet, is considered wise, discerning, if he seals his lips.
Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, Adonai, over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips.