Rabbi’s Reflections – Sunday, December 31, 2023
Shavuah Tov,
Love Each Other / Glorify God part 22 – Romans, part 247
Rabbi’s Note: Because our scripture today is taken out of context, I have added the non-bolded words in parentheses for clarity. End RN.
Romans 15:27 Yes, they (Macedonia and Achaia) were pleased to do so (send a offering of money), and they are under obligation to them (the Jewish believers in Jerusalem). For if the Gentiles (Macedonia and Achaia) have shared in their (the Jewish believers in Jerusalem) spiritual blessings, they (Macedonia and Achaia) also ought to serve them (the Jewish believers in Jerusalem) in material blessings.
Paul is making a statement here concerning the mutual blessing of being in a body with Jewish and non-Jewish people. Since Paul wrote this almost 2,000 years ago, things have come full circle. Today, it is the Jews who are benefitting from years of spiritual faithfulness by the Gentiles.
And since we’re talking about family, let’s be clear… God doesn’t have step-children, nor does He have grandchildren. God only has children. As children of God, we are all in one body, relatives of one another, both Jews and Gentiles. It’s time to act like family. 1Corinthians 10:17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body—for we all partake of the one bread. The image here is of Challah, a braided loaf, so no one can tell where one piece starts and another one stops.
Rabbi Trail: Let’s pause for a moment. In fact, these terms, Jew and Gentile, need further clarification. From both groups, there are those who are walking with God in the faith of Yeshua, and those who are not. Who is in the family is not based on who your ancestors were, but on Who your Lord is. End RT.
It seems from this verse, that in Paul’s day the Jewish community of Jerusalem was spiritually strong while dealing with financial poverty. Without regard to the number of zeros to the left of the decimal in the bank account balance, let’s focus on spiritual maturity. It’s time for the Jewish remnant which is part of the body of Messiah to take a role in the leadership of the body. The oneness of Messiah speaks to inclusiveness.
Therefore; I’m calling on Messianic Jewish believers everywhere to change their self-image, from poor to rich, from younger brothers to older brothers, from disadvantaged to advantaged. Romans 3:1 Then what is the advantage of being Jewish? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2a Much in every way.
Mutual blessing means everyone bring something to the party, especially a desire to bless one another. This is what it means to let your light shine… Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” God is calling His people, all His people, both Jews and Gentiles, to take a leadership role in maturing the body and we prepare together for Yeshua’s return. Shalom shalom. Happy New Year everybody.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarsson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun 31-Dec-2023 19th of Tevet, 5784
Ex 1:1-17 2 Sa 6 Ps 74 Lk 5 (Gal 2)