Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, February 4, 2021
Shalom,
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu 4-Feb-2021 22nd of Sh’vat, 5781
Ex 19:7-19 2 Ki 7 Ps 130-131 Jn 8:31-59 (1 Ti 5)
There is a little phrase at the beginning of Exodus 19:11 that captured my attention this morning. Exodus 19:11a Be ready for the third day. There is much to be said about this. It was significant for the children of Israel. It was the 3rd day of the Exodus that Israel was delivered through the Red Sea.
Long after the children of Israel gathered at the foot of Mt. Sinai, the third day would remain significant as God revealed the fullness of His plan for mankind. The third day became the significant time Jonah spent in the belly of the great fish. Esther, too, had the people join her in fasting for 3 days before approaching the king. Of course, the most famous third day is known as resurrection day, the third day after the crucifixion of Yeshua.
There are many, many more third day experiences both historical and prophesied but yet to be fulfilled. I’m not being exhaustive here. My point in bringing this to your attention today is that the children of Israel were told to prepare… Exodus 19:10 Adonai said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow. Let them wash their clothing.” “Sanctify them” means to set them apart and make them holy. Our own sanctification will take place on the third day. Hosea 6:2 After two days He will revive us. On the third day He will raise us up, and we will live in His presence.
It’s only the prepared that are allowed in to the wedding feast… Matthew 25:10 “But while they (the 5 foolish virgins, who did not have oil in their lamps) were going off to buy, the bridegroom came. And those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.
It’s been 2,000 years (1,000 years is as a day… Psalms 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8) with the 1,000 year (millennial reign) about to start. Get ready by getting right with God. That’s easy because He is perfect. Repent and receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Then be ready when the third day dawns.
So we remind ourselves again… Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.
Spiritual preparedness is a hot topic. Plenty of people are “prepping” physically, but for every physical reality there is a greater spiritual reality. Prepare in the spirit by reading the word with an attitude of faith. Pray prayers that reflect your trust in God. And finally, my friends, love one another. Be prepared and you’ll be ready when you hear the great shofar announcing Yeshua’s return.
Week 6
Memory Verse: Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 Instead he chose to suffer mistreatment along with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the disgrace of Messiah as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt—because he was looking ahead to the reward.
26 2/01 Monday: Genesis 48-49
27 2/02 Tuesday: Genesis 50-Exodus 1
28 2/03 Wednesday: Exodus 2-3
* 29 2/04 Thursday: Exodus 4-5
30 2/05 Friday: Exodus 6-7
Question of the day: Pharaoh asks the question of the day… Exodus 5:2 But Pharaoh said, “Who is Adonai, that I should listen to His voice and let Israel go?
Answer: Hint, Pharaoh is about to learn the answer to his question, “Who is Adonai?” He is the great God Who created both heaven and earth.
Rabbi Trail: Gene Wilder played Rabbi Avram Belinsky in the movie “The Frisco Kid.” While I don’t recommend the whole movie due to Hollywood content, this clip is precious. Click on this to hear his answer to the question. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpGrcK62ObQ . End RT.
Actually, the question deserves a serious answer. I’m going to make this the topic a sermon soon (perhaps around Passover), but for now, here is a modest (and brief) answer. His Hebrew name is Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay. That is pronounced in Hebrew as Yehovah. This is the name God gave Himself. It speaks of his eternal character. Each first letter of every word in the sentence makes up the ineffable name of God… He will be (Yiyeh – Yud), He is (Hoveh – Hay), And (V – Vav) He was (Haya – Hay). Interestingly, God arranges the letters of His Name from future to past. He starts with the future. Romans 4:17b He is our father, Who gives life to the dead and calls into existence that which does not exist. Apparently, Rabbi Avram Belinsky wasn’t that far off. God is wonderful, He can do anything.