Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Shalom,
Rabbi Trail: Did I happen to catch the sunset on Monday night? Oh yes, I did, and a picture of it is directly above. Isn’t God’s handiwork magnificent? End RT.
The 11th son born to Jacob is Joseph (Rachel #1), whose name means “increaser.” Genesis 30:22 Then God remembered Rachel and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 Then she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. So she said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” 24 She named him Joseph saying, “May Adonai add another son for me.”
There are plenty of different Hebrew words for increase, addition, grow and multiply, but the word “Yasaf” (Yud-Samech-Fay) simply means “add.” (The infinitive form, “to add,” is “L’Hosif.” It is a Shoresh used quite commonly in the Hebrew Scriptures (over 200 times) with many possible meanings. Almost half of these uses are translated as “again,” probably originally meaning “additionally.”
As has become our custom, we examine how this further describes the life of the believer. It is a double meaning. As we follow Yeshua, two things happen. First, we are added to the kingdom of God; we become (provide) an increase to those around us. Secondly, we ourselves, receive an increase. Notice the order. We have to empty ourselves before God can fill us up.
Of course you don’t want to take my word for it, you want Scriptural evidence. Good, I’ve got some. 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now the One who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Notice the order here. Your seed is multiplied (addition to give) before the harvest of righteousness (receiving increase). Sowing is always done before reaping. Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings. May it be so in the life of every follower of Yeshua. In Whose name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed 24-Nov-2021 20th of Kislev, 5782
Ge 38:1-30 1 Sa 10 Ps 50 Mk 7 (1 Co 9)
Week 48
Memory Verse: Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great Kohen Gadol who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua Ben-Elohim, let us hold firmly to our confessed allegiance. 15 For we do not have a kohen gadol who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all the same ways—yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near to the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need.
236 11/25 Monday: Philippians 1-2
237 11/26 Tuesday: Philippians 3-4
238 11/27 Wednesday: Hebrews 1-2
239 11/28 Thursday: Hebrews 3-4
240 11/29 Friday: Hebrews 5-6