Rabbi’s Reflections – Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Shalom,
Collaboration with Jerry Miller – part 10:
In last Saturday’s message, I quoted this verse from Yeshua’s parable regarding the four types of responses to the gospel (which is likened here to planting seed). Matthew 13:22 “But the one sown among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word; and the worries of the world and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Who seduces the people of God? Satan, our adversary.
The eternal question is, “What will be our response?” Yeshua, Himself, was tempted, yet without sin, He responded to every temptation in righteousness. We too must keep our focus on the Lord, Who gave Himself for us. If we put our problems “on the throne,” then God is not on the throne. Our focus must always remain on God.
Do you need a proof text, so you’ll know I’m not making this up? I’ll give you two. Colossians 3:2 Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. And here is the second one… Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Ruach set their minds on the things of the Ruach.
Our calling is to walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) When we get saved, God opens our spiritual eyes to see according to His kingdom, which is always the reverse of the ways of this world. The world teaches (and the “woke” mentality is based on this) that the only way to get ahead is to put someone else down. It believes the only way to succeed is to take advantage of someone else.
Not so in the kingdom of God. God’s command is for us to love one another. The path to success in the kingdom of God is to bless someone else. Father Abraham had to bless Abimelech, asking God to once again allow Abimelech to have children before he and Sarah were blessed with their son, Isaac. Genesis 20:7 “So now, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet. And let him pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will surely die—you and all who are yours.”… 17 Then Abraham prayed to God and God healed Abimelech, his wife and his female slaves so that they could bear children…. Genesis 21:1 Then Adonai visited Sarah just as He had said, and Adonai did for Sarah just as He had spoken. 2 So Sarah became pregnant and gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time that God had told him.
When we see God’s way, we see into eternity and our vision is focused on blessing others. How great is our God?
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue 26-Oct-2021 20th of Cheshvan, 5782
Ge 24:10-26 Jdg 2 Ps 25 Mt 21:1-22 (Ro 3)
Week 44
Memory Verse: Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been made righteous by trusting, we have shalom with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
216 10/25 Monday: 2 Corinthians 9-10
217 10/26 Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 11-13
218 10/27 Wednesday: Romans 1-2; Acts 20:1-3
219 10/28 Thursday: Romans 3-4
220 11/29 Friday: Romans 5-6