Rabbi’s Reflections – Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Shalom,
Matthew 5:9 Part 2 of 2
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Today we answer the question we ended with yesterday. What does it mean to be called “sons of God?” First of all, the biblical term “son” applies equally to male and female. Sons of God are those who have the nature of God, our Father in heaven. Becoming a “son” is the direct result of being born again.
Romans 8:16 The Ruach Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Each of these first 7 Beatitudes ends with a character changing blessing. Is there a more character changing blessing than to to have your personality transformed into the personality of God?
John 1:12 But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God.
We have Yeshua as our perfect example of this reality. Matthew 3:16 After being immersed, Yeshua rose up out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Ruach Elohim descending like a dove and coming upon Him. 17 And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased!”
Let’s “change gears” for a moment. It’s one thing to be “called” a child of God….
Rabbi Trail: Remember, children reflect the character of their family. It’s okay to bring correction to a child when necessary. You might say something like, “People in our family don’t act that way,” thus giving an opportunity for repentance.
The Scripture commands that we teach by repetition. When we pray the Shema, the word “shinantam,” which is translated “teach” doesn’t really mean teach at all. It comes from the Hebrew word for teeth (shinayim) which connotes repetition, because there are many teeth (sort of repeating each other).
All that to say, it’s okay if we have to correct children more than once. They’re children. Their immature minds and personalities are not completely formed. The formation takes place by repetition. Remember, we’re all “under His loving command.” End RT.
… It’s another thing to BE a reflection of the personality of the Father. (I believe Patty Juster used this verse on Shabbat.) Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self that is being renewed in knowledge, according to the image of the One who created him.
What is impossible for God? God cannot lie! (Hebrews 6:18) So, when God calls you His child, you are! Also, God’s spoken word has creative power. After all, He spoke the world into existence. Therefore; when God says you belong to Him, believe it.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says Adonai— the One who created you, O Jacob, the One who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, or through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flame burn you. 3a For I am Adonai your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
As we sang on Shabbat, let’s walk in the light of the Lord.
Counting the Omer – Day 24
Here is the proper blessing to be said each day. This is how Jewish people fulfill the command to count.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹֽמֶר
Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.
Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us about the counting of the Omer. Today is three weeks and three days of the counting of the Omer.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue 17-May-2022 16th of Iyyar, 5782 24th day of the Omer
Le 25:19-24 Jer 6 Job 16 (Mt 27:1-31) Ro 13
Week 21
Memory Verse: Psalm 17:15 I in righteousness will behold Your face! When I awake, I will be satisfied with Your likeness.
101 5/16 Monday: 1 Kings 16:29-34; 17
102 5/17 Tuesday: 1 Kings 18-19
103 5/18 Wednesday: 1 Kings 21-22
104 5/19 Thursday: 2 Kings 2
105 5/20 Friday: 2 Kings 5; 6:1-23