Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, June 8, 2023
Shalom,
Victory Over Sin part 41 – Romans, part 102
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groans together and suffers birth pains until now— 23 and not only creation, but even ourselves. We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Ruach, groan inwardly as we eagerly wait for adoption—the redemption of our body.
Birth pains until now? Someone tell Paul, it’s been two thousand years of hard labor. And for what are we laboring? Paul says here that the “delivery” for which we are waiting is “adoption – the redemption of our body.” “Body,” as it is used here, is a collective noun. This is a body, with many parts, made up of Jewish and non-Jewish people, all of whom have had a born again experience. That “body” (us) will be the Bride of the Messiah.
1Corinthians 12:12 For just as the body is one and has many parts,… so also is Messiah. 13 For in one Ruach we were all immersed into one body—whether Jewish or Greek, slave or free—and all were made to drink of one Ruach. 14 For the body is not one part, but many.
It is a spiritual rebirth by grace. What has already been rebirthed in each of us is the desire to be free from sin so we can now live according to the commandments of God. This takes us back to the beginning of the chapter… Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Let’s pause for a moment to thank God. Thank You, Lord, that this life is not all there is. You have promised to bring forth Your kingdom to this world. Today we have it in part, but then, after you return, the fullness.
1Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is partial will pass away.
We are expecting. That’s what was on the mind of the Apostles at the end of having spent 40 days with Yeshua after His resurrection. Acts 1:3 To them He showed Himself to be alive after His suffering through many convincing proofs, appearing to them for forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Then they asked Him… Acts 1:6 So when they gathered together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
Notice Yeshua’s response. He doesn’t challenge their proposition that the kingdom will be restored to Israel, but He only challenges their timing. Acts 1:7 He said to them, “It is not your place to know the times or seasons which the Father has placed under His own control. The same is true for us. We so know “what” but we don’t know when, so we wait.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before Adonai and wait patiently for Him.
Isa 40:31 but they who wait for Adonai will renew their strength. They will soar up with wings as eagles. They will run, and not grow weary. They will walk, and not be faint.
So may it be for us. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu 8 June-2023 19th of Sivan, 5783
Nu 10:11-34 Jer 30 Dan 6 1 Co 12 (Mk 13)