Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Shalom,
The Psalms
An Introduction, Psalms 1 and 2
Part 3, Psalm 1:2 (again)
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the Torah of Adonai, and on His Torah he meditates day and night.
Delight in Torah? Meditate on Torah? Is this for the followers of Yeshua? Let’s find our answer in the words of Yeshua, Himself… John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” There is more to “keeping” a commandment than obeying it. Keeping involves developing a right heart attitude. Keeping also includes protecting, defending and preserving a commandment. (Notice they are “commandments” and not suggestions or recommendations.)
And while we’re on the subject, which ones are we to keep, observe, protect and defend? Who decides which ones, do we decide or does God? If we decide, we have become a god unto ourselves. 2Timothy 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as tried and true, as an unashamed worker cutting a straight path with the word of truth.
Do we really want to be found asking God, “Which of Your commandments do I have to obey today?” Or, should we be asking, “Which of Your commandments are available to me?” Psalm 40:9 I delight to do Your will, O my God. Yes, Your Torah is within my being.” Some of God’s commandments (ordinances) have been “nailed to the cross.” Colossians 2:14 He wiped out the handwritten record of debts with the decrees against us, which was hostile to us. He took it away by nailing it to the cross.
It is the ordinances of Temple worship and the priestly order of sacrifices which are impossible to obey today that have been nailed to the cross. Colossians 2:15 After disarming the principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross. Now let’s quote the very next verse… Colossians 2:16 Therefore, do not let anyone pass judgment on you in matters of food or drink, or in respect to a festival or new moon or Shabbat. That’s right, let no MAN pass judgment on you, but DO allow the conviction of God to direct your path.
Oh Lord, let us think on these things as we “meditate on Your Torah day and night.” Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
19 Adar I Wednesday 28-Feb-24
Exodus 33:17-23 2 Kings 12 Psalm 120-121 John 16 Hebrews 7:1-14