Rabbi’s Reflections – Saturday, November 30, 2024
Shabbat Shalom,
The Spirit of Yeshua
By David Harwood
Today, in the midst of God’s people, Yeshua’s Spirit lives, loves, and leads through people. He does this in fellowship (koinonia) with the Ascension Gifts.
He Himself gave some to be emissaries, some as prophets, some as proclaimers of the Good News, and some as shepherds and teachers— to equip the kedoshim for the work of service, for building up the body of Messiah. (Ephesians 4:11–12)
Who gave these people? “He Himself”, the ascended Son.
The One who came down is the same One who went up far above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. (Ephesians 4:10)
The Son gives these people who are not merely gifted, they are the gifts. He gives them to the Body through His Spirit. Individuals must receive, practice, and develop, the gifts they are given to grow in effective service. Likewise, the Body must steward, and develop a relationship with, these people to benefit from the gifts they are. And they are given by Yeshua through the Ruach.
Let’s back up and review this reality: the Ruach conveys the Messiah’s voice to His people.
But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you (plural) into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; but whatever He hears, He will tell you (plural). And He will declare to you (plural) the things that are to come. He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you (plural). Everything that the Father has is Mine. For this reason I said the Ruach will take from what is Mine and declare it to you (plural) (John 16:13–15)
Try reading John 16:13-15 as if He intended His Body to be the corporate recipients of the Spirit’s voice. I’ve always read these words as if they were directed to individuals. I’m certain that it is applicable to each believer. I’m grateful for how He speaks to each one of us, but… the “you” is plural.
The Ruach ha-Kodesh transmits Yeshua’s voice to the communities of disciples. Consider the role of the Spirit recorded in Revelation 2-3.
Each prophecy begins with a description of the glorified Son of Man. Then they launch into what Yeshua had to say to each community. Here’s an example.
Thus says the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks in the midst of the seven golden menorot: (Revelation 2:1b)
Each introduction to these diverse communities is different. Different aspects of Yeshua are vividly displayed. They are uniquely suited to each group. However, at the close of each oracle it is recorded:
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach is saying to Messiah’s communities. (Revelation 2-3)
So, it is the Ruach who is speaking.
But wait! It is the Messiah who is encouraging, admonishing, correcting, warning, promising.
So, who is speaking? Is it the Messiah Yeshua? Is it the Ruach?
Yes.
The same pattern is observable in the raising up of the ministries delineated in Ephesians 4. How do we know this? Through observing how Paul was called to commence his ministry as an emissary of the Messiah.
While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Ruach ha-Kodesh said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)
Wait…, it is written that it is the Messiah who sets people apart for apostolic ministry. Right? After all, “He Himself gave some to be emissaries… (Ephesians 4:11a).”
So, who establishes these ministries? Is it Yeshua or is it the Ruach ha-Kodesh?
Yes.
The Ruach’s motive and method is the same as the Messiah’s. These gifts are given to equip the believers for the work of service, to build up the Messiah’s body (Ephesians 4:12).
Yeshua said, “I will build My community; and the gates of Sheol will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18b)”.
He does this through His Spirit.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat 30-Nov-2024 29th of Cheshvan, 5785 Parashat Toldot Shabbat Machar Chodesh (The new Hebrew month starts tomorrow.)
Ge 28:5-9 1 Sam 20:18-42 Rom 9:1-16