Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, November 23, 2023
Shalom,
Happy Thanksgiving: Psalm 107, verse 1 is made of seven Hebrew words that appear several times in Scripture. (1 Chron 16:34, Ps 106, 118 & 136) The first Hebrew word is “Hodu” meaning “give thanks” or conversely, “Thanksgiving.” In modern Hebrew, they took that ancient Hebrew word and used it to name turkeys. Enjoy some “Hodu” today, with a grateful heart.
Rabbi’s note: As the Hebrew language (in modern times) grew, they had to come up with words for things that did not exist in the ancient world. Words like “autobus” for “bus” and “bekex” for “back axle” are two examples. Hodu is another one.
Life In The Body part 43 – Romans, part 218
Romans 14:16 Therefore do not let what is good for you be spoken of as evil.
Rabbi Trail: Yesterday I had the chance to tell a businessman that I’m a Messianic Jewish Rabbi. After I explained a little bit of what that means, he responded, “I don’t understand. If you’re saved by grace, why obey the Law?” I could write a book to answer him, many other have already. So my simple response was this.
“We are called (as followers of Messiah) to walk in righteousness, right?” He agreed. “Then it follows (and our integrity demands) that we must obey God’s righteous commands.” His last question was to inquire if my observance included the ceremonial laws. I responded, “No, today we don’t have a priesthood or Temple for that. Besides, Yeshua is our once-for-all-time sacrifice, so that’s all been done away. The rest we obey and receive God’s blessing.” End RT.
Is it ever evil to obey God? We should defend (in Hebrew “Shamor”) God’s righteous principles and our observance of them. Observance is not a “yoke of bondage,” but freedom. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed! But freedom is always accompanied by responsibility. Galatians 5:13 Brothers and sisters, you were called to freedom—only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Remember, this section of Scripture is a teaching on living together in the body of Messiah. Let’s keep reading in Galatians 5 to further our understanding… Galatains 5:14 For the whole Torah can be summed up in a single saying: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not destroyed by one another.
So, let me ask you a question… “Should God’s people be miserable or glad over making wise and righteous choices in life?” Following God is designed to be joyful. John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full. Does it get any better than that?
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu 23-Nov-2023 10th of Kislev, 5784
(only 15 shopping days left until Chanukah)
Ge 30:28-31:16 Jdg 21 Ps 42 Mk 2 (1 Co 2)