Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday,March 15, 2023
Shalom,
God’s Plan For Eternity – Romans, part 46
Romans 4:22 That is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 Now not only for his sake was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake as well. It is credited to us as those who trust in Him who raised Yeshua our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over for our transgressions and raised up for the sake of setting us right.
The whole world changed forever when God raised His Son, Yeshua, from the dead! Paul quotes the prophet Hosea (Hosea 13:14) when he wrote to the Corinthians concerning when what is corruptible (can die) becomes incorruptible (eternal – will never die)… 1 Corinthians 15:54 But when this corruptible will have put on incorruptibility and this mortal will have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?”
That’s right, Longfellow had it right (in his Psalm of Life poem – second stanza), the grave is not the goal of our souls. Just as Yeshua was raised from the dead, so shall we, who follow Him also follow Him to eternity. 2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling— not because of our deeds but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Messiah Yeshua before time began, 10 but now has been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Messiah Yeshua. Indeed, He nullified the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.
And so, by the eternal promises of God, we will live and never die.
First Yeshua: Revelation 1:17b “Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last, 18 and the One who lives. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever! Moreover, I hold the keys of death and Sheol.”
Then the rest of us: Revelation 21:4 He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Nor shall there be mourning or crying or pain any longer, for the former things have passed away.
Let’s close chapter 4 today with a question…. What would you do differently, (Hint: it’s always a good time to repent.) now that you know what we just studied together? Probably, we always knew it, yet it is good to remind ourselves of God’s provision for us. We will benefit from a chance to self-evaluate both large and small choices we make from within a fresh awareness of God’s loving plan. Shalom, shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed 15 Mar-2023 22nd of Adar, 5783
Ex 38:1-39:1 Isa 14 Pr 11 Ac 10 (Rev 4)