Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, February 17, 2020
Shalom,
We are now less than 2 weeks from the Brother’s Together worship concert at Fellowship Church. Please plan to attend Friday night, February 28th at 7pm (doors open at 6pm). Purchase your tickets in advance here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brothers-together-concert-aaron-shust-joshua-aaron-tickets-81958109913?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse This has the added benefit of supporting our sister ministries in Israel.
Pillar Six: The Kingdom is Expressed in Apostolic Order – part 3
Have you heard of “five fold” ministries? These are ministries that embrace the 5 offices of Ephesians 4:11 He Himself gave some to be emissaries (apostles), some as prophets, some as proclaimers of the Good News (evangelists), and some as shepherds (pastors) and teachers—. It is highly unlikely that a small Messianic congregation (or even a large church) would have all 5 offices represented.
There aren’t that many “full office” apostles, prophets, and evangelists. Frequently, there will be gifted people, but a “full office” minister has the ability to call others into their destiny and pass their anointing on through the laying on of hands. This is done at the direction of the Holy Spirit and not by human desire (flesh).
Before I explain this further, why do we need this at all? The next verse tells us why. Ephesians 4:12 to equip the kedoshim (literally “holy ones,” figuratively “saints”) for the work of service, for building up the body of Messiah. Yes, we all need to grow to maturity. This doesn’t just happen as we age. We must be purposeful in fostering growth. That is called “discipleship.”
Where will this need be supplied in an orderly and accountable way? Through a network of like-minded congregations and ministries, in which that network (Tikkun for Shomair Yisrael) is committed to five-fold ministry. This is the fullness of the sixth pillar of Apostolic Order. We build according to the pattern of God.
Special Request: Okay, I need your help. On Saturday, I did it wrong. I did not secure anyone to memorize the memory verse below. Please click “reply” and volunteer for this high honor. Thank you.
Week 8
Memory Verse: Exodus 20:1 Then God spoke all these words saying, 2 “I am Adonai your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
* 36 2/17 Monday: Exodus 19-20
37 2/18 Tuesday: Exodus 24-25
38 2/19 Wednesday: Exodus 26-27
39 2/20 Thursday: Exodus 28-29
40 2/21 Friday: Exodus 30-31
Question of the day: Why is Exodus, chapter 19, one of the strangest chapters in the Bible?
Answer: Exodus 19 contains a curious set of circumstances, instructions, and dialogues leading up to the giving of the Torah on the 50th day following the deliverance through the Red Sea. This day is identified in Leviticus 23 at Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks, Leviticus 23:15,16).
Somehow, Moses feels it is necessary to tell God what the people said. And not just once, but multiple times. Exodus 19:9b …Then Moses told the words of the people to Adonai.
Then, significantly, God establishes boundaries for the people. But the children of Israel immediately refuse to keep the boundary. This leads to a lively discussion between God and Moses over whether the people need to be warned further not to cross the boundary.
A big deal is made about the third day. The children of Israel are told to prepare for the third day. Wash, avoid husband/wife relations, and get ready to hear the shofar sound. The third day is significant throughout Scripture. Best of all, it would later signify resurrection day. For those in the wilderness it mirrored the day of deliverance through the Red Sea.
All of this is in preparation for the giving of the decalogue. Although the people professed their willingness to prepare for receiving the wisdom of God, they were not ready. Doubt caused them to commit sin with the golden calf, but we’ll get to that.
As always, what is the significance to us today? God gives us boundaries. His desire is for us to be serious and sincere in our response to His call. Words are important to God. In Hebrew, the word for “word” is “Davar.” “Davar” is also translated as “thing.” Words are not just sounds in the invisible air, but in God’s economy, words are things. They have substance and binding (lasting) effect.
My friend, Harrold Preyer, chooses his words more carefully than any person I know. I appreciate that about him. It is a quality much to be admired. We should all “purpose” to use our words more carefully. God will hold us accountable. Hear the words of Yeshua.
Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that on the Day of Judgment, men will give account for every careless word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”