Rabbi’s Reflections – Friday, February 14, 2020
(Early) Shabbat Shalom and happy Valentine’s Day,
Rabbi Trail: I know, there is someone out there ready to tell me how Valentine’s Day is pagan. To that “someone” I have a preemptory message. “Don’t bother, I already know.” To the rest of you, Happy Valentine’s Day. https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2 End RT.
A faithful RR reader sent this to me. A wonderful clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJeGOw8TzQ
Pillar Six: The Kingdom is Expressed in Apostolic Order – part 2
As the Bible records the infancy of what are called “followers of the way,” we notice a lack of emphasis on the senior pastor model so prevalent in the modern body of believers. Instead, we find a team of leaders overseeing the work of the Lord. This is the emphasis of apostolic order.
There is, however; one who seems to be more equal among other equals. As the saying goes (I may be making this “saying” up today, but there is very little that is original. I just don’t know whom to site for it’s creation.), “If you have two leaders, you don’t have one.” There is then, within the apostolic order, a senior leader who leads other leaders, who in return help lead the senior leader and help shepherd the flock. These other leaders are, then, critical to the building of the kingdom.
Today, in our remaining time, I want to discuss the four areas of responsibility for members of the body.
1. Members should regularly attend services and other congregational functions, including but not limited to: Bible studies, small groups, “home cells” and special events.
2. Members should support the congregation with their prayers, service and finances (including tithing), and be part of the life of the Body.
3. Members are submitted to the spiritual covering of the Board of Elders, in accordance with Scripture. (Hebrews 13:17).
4. Members should affirm major decisions of Shomair Yisrael through prayer and careful consideration.
But how do we answer the one who says, “I am only accountable to God?” Let’s examine the Scriptures to see if submission to a spiritual authority on earth is a scriptural requirement for every believer.
Apparently, Yeshua appoints men and women to equip His body. Ephesians 4:10 The One who came down is the same One who went up far above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. 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.
At the end of the book of Hebrews there is this commandment. Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as ones who must give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no benefit to you.
One last thought on this; the body of Messiah must be connected to other parts of the body. The Scriptures describe various parts of the body of Messiah and invites us not to be jealous of one another. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:12ff) We, at Shomair Yisrael are part of His body. What part? I’m glad you asked… the Jewish part.
Week 7
Memory Verse: John 1:29 The next day, John sees Yeshua coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
31 2/10 Monday: Exodus 8-9
32 2/11 Tuesday: Exodus 10-11
33 2/12 Wednesday: Exodus 12
34 2/13 Thursday: Exodus 13:17-14
* 35 2/14 Friday: Exodus 16-17
Question of the day: When will they ever learn?
Answer: Notwithstanding the song with those lyrics…
Rabbi Trail: Now try to get that out of your head. Oh just give up and click here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgXNVA9ngx8. End RT.
Exodus 16:2 But the whole congregation of Bnei-Yisrael murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
When will they (we) ever learn not to murmur against God? (Okay, and against God’s leadership.) You might be tempted to say, “When do I murmur against God?” Let me offer this… every time we respond to each other in an ungodly way.
There are many ways to act in an ungodly way. Let me offer one right now. First, and quite commonly, we get offended. Offense is promised by Scripture. Luke 17:1a Then Yeshua said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks (offenses) are bound to come….” Our response is critical.
Before we get too far into this message, may I remind you that all of my writing is to me, for me, you just get to read what I’m saying to myself. Also, the message is against offense, so if it offends you… well then. Furthermore; all offense is fear based and perfect love casts out fear. Here we go. Let’s get into it.
How do I know offense is fear based? If we trust God then we will not fear man. Offense is the inability to trust God. We must trust and believe that God is good. Romans 8:28 Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Joseph refused to take offense at his brothers and redeemed Israel. Yeshua took no offense and redeemed the world. What could God redeem through you if you refuse to be offended.
How is “offense” murmuring against God? We are told to give thanks in all things. Ephesians 5:18b be filled with the Ruach, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your heart to the Lord— 20 always giving thanks for everything to God the Father, in the name of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
Read John Bevere’s book “The Bait of Satan.” The bait of Satan is offense. Yeshua will never offend us, and if our identity is in Him, then we are not offended by each other. Offense is always a choice.
What ever happened to open and honest communication. Try this next time, “What you said was hurtful to me. Was that your intention? Help me understand what you mean by that, and please give me a chance to apologize if necessary.” Wouldn’t that be better than sulking? Offense is not of God. We all have a destiny to grow in the Lord. We can’t say we’re growing when we’re acting immaturely.
1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers and sisters, stop being children in your thinking—rather, be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.