Rabbi’s Reflections – Friday, April 29, 2022
(Early) Shabbat Shalom,
ANNOUNCEMENT: Once a quarter there are 5 Saturdays in a month. This month, April 30th is exactly that, a 5th Saturday. It’s been more than a year now since we decided to have a special Friday night service whenever there is a 5th Saturday. That Friday night service is preceded by a covered dish Erev Shabbat Dinner at Shomair. Bring something to share. All are invited. Then feel free to sleep in on Shabbat morning. We will not be having our usual Saturday morning gathering. Enjoy the extra rest.
Matthew 5:5 part 2 of 2
Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
In several commentaries on this verse, I found the concept that these “meek” people are those who have abandoned bitterness, and have no revenge motivation. There is even the idea that these people are self-controlled, but that needs some modification. I like the idea of being under control, but self-controlled speaks of “self” which is not necessarily in line with the will of God. Submitted to God or under God’s authority would be a preferred point of view. I even like the term “under divine command.”
In Israel, we frequently greet someone by saying, “Ma Sh’lom’cha?” Literally, “What is your ‘shalom?’” Idiomatically it means, “How are you?” But inner shalom is a prized possession. It’s not just inner peace, but the presence of God in us that the Bible calls, “The hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27 – which BTW, was spoken of Gentiles only, but we trust, applies equally to Jewish people.)
The Bible also makes reference to the “peace which surpasses understanding.” Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua. Our minds would tell us to fear, but the shalom of God prevails in our hearts and minds to make us steadfast and confident, not in ourselves, but in Him. These are those who will inherit the earth.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri 29-Apr-2022 28th of Nisan, 5782 6th day of the Omer
Le 18:6-21 Isa 54 Job 1 (Mt 18) Jude
Week 18
Memory Verse: Psalm 1:1 Happy is the one who has not walked in the advice of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of scoffers.
86 4/27 Monday: Psalm 51
87 4/28 Tuesday: 2 Samuel 24; Psalm 24
88 4/29 Wednesday: Psalm 1; 19
89 4/30 Thursday: Psalm 103; 119:1-48
90 5/01 Friday: Psalm 119:49-128