Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, June 12, 2023
Shalom,
Victory Over Sin part 43 – Romans, part 104
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Ruach helps in our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Ruach Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
What is “our weakness?” Yeshua told the disciples whom He found sleeping instead of standing a prayer watch with Him, has He requested. Matthew 26:41 “Keep watching and praying, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” We pray to strengthen the (spiritual) inner man. Ephesians 3:16 I pray that from His glorious riches He would grant you to be strengthened in your inner being with power through His Ruach.
Everything starts (and ends for that matter) in the spirit. We were spirit before we were flesh. Our battles are spiritual… Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
What follows is Paul’s teaching on putting on the whole armor of God, which concludes with this… Ephesians 6:18a Pray in the Ruach on every occasion, with all kinds of prayers and requests. Paul even asks for prayer for himself. Ephesians 6:19 And pray for me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News.
The Tree of Life Version (TLV) is my “go to” version of the Bible. It uses the word “Ruach” to identify the Holy Spirit of God. How does the Holy Spirit help us speak prayers that we don’t know how to speak? Romans 8:26b For we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Ruach Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
When we pray, God is listening. 1Peter 3:12a For the eyes of Adonai are on the righteous and His ears open to their prayer. God already knows our heart’s intentions, but He wants to hear the confession of our mouths. I believe He also wants us to hear our own prayers, so that when He answers, we will give Him glory.
Lastly, how do we receive the leading of the Holy Spirit? Invite Him to lead you… John 16:13a “But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” Let me offer a word of caution here. God’s Holy Spirit will never lead you away from God. God’s Holy Spirit will never contradict the will of God (or His Word). And pay special attention to this… God’s Holy Spirit is able to confirm a word of direction, and we must remember to seek that confirmation. 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “By the testimony of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
Discipleship 101 says, “Have a devotional life.” Invite the Ruach to direct your prayer life, and you will experience an enriched devotional life that will lead you through every trial. The promise is victory, victory over sin.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon 12 June-2023 23rd of Sivan, 5783
Nu 13:21-14:7 Jer 33 Dan 9 1 Co 15:1-28 (Mk 15)