The picture above is the scene from our worship tent at Sukkot Camp Galilee.
Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, October 2, 2023
Shalom,
On account of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) I couldn’t write yesterday for Monday. There may be more days this week when I don’t have the opportunity to write. Please allow me an excused absence when necessary. Thank you.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon 2 Oct 2023 17th of Tishrei, 5784 Sukkot III
De 14:22-29, Nu 29:17-22 Zech 13 2 Ch 33 Rev 18:14-24 (Ac 25)
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Rabbi’s Reflections – Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Shalom,
Life In The Body part 7 – Romans, part 182
Rom 12:7 if service, in our serving; or the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Paul is building a list of giftings. I don’t think it is intended to be exhaustive, but here it is: prophesy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy. In general, what he is saying, is that whatever we do in the name of the Lord, we should do it with excellence. While all of us should be giving ourselves to the entire list, some people have a God-given gift to be particularly good at one or more.
Just like in college, you can have a major and a minor (focus of study or coursework). In service to God, you can also have a major gifting and a minor gifting. Let’s call them your “top two” giftings. There are other lists of gifts provided in Scripture. (See also 1 Corinthians 12:7-11) For example…
Ephesians 4:11 He Himself gave some to be emissaries, some as prophets, some as proclaimers of the Good News, and some as shepherds and teachers— 12 to equip the kedoshim for the work of service, for building up the body of Messiah.
These are called the “Five Fold” gifts. In the fullness, they are major offices within the body of Messiah. However; people can be gifted in an area of service without being so anointed to impart that gifting to others. Another important characteristic of those so anointed is that their gifting is recognized by others, who are similarly gifted, and to whom they are submitted (and not self proclaimed, lone wolf, individuals).
Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your understanding. What are your areas of gifting, both major and minor? To whom might you be accountable? Those are the people you should trust to speak into your life, to help you identify your areas of gifting.
1Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands of the elders.
With blessing from Sukkot Camp Galilee. R. Michael.