Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Shalom,
One In Messiah part 39 – Romans, part 150
Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer by works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
There has come to be a remnant in Israel by God’s gracious choice. And here it is again, the tension between grace and works. We are so conditioned to be performance oriented. From the earliest age we receive accolades for what we do. But the kingdom of God is not based on what we do, but on what God did, does and will do.
You know whose life is based on performance, the harlot. You know who else has a life based on performance, man in his fallen state. God told man (essentially), because you chose the path of disobedience, you will work. Performance is all about pride, and we all know who the author of pride is. We also know his fait. Choose wisely…
Genesis 3:17b “Cursed is the ground because of you—with pain will you eat of it all the days of your life. 18 Thorns and thistles will sprout for you. You will eat the plants of the field, 19 By the sweat of your brow will you eat food, until you return to the ground, since from it were you taken. For you are dust, and to dust will you return.”
When we repent and acknowledge our creator as our Savior and Lord, everything changes. We still have to work, but not for God’s approval. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. 9 It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast. God begins a work in each of us that will never end. He puts us back into His divine order. Romans 8:28 Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.
Grace is especially challenging for Jewish people, because the Jewish religion is highly oriented toward works (performance). Even so, the rabbis acknowledge the futility of a “works” orientation. They know, if a person sins in any way at any time (ever), all righteousness is lost. Who can attain to that standard? Only Mashiach Yeshua, and Him alone. That’s why we need His saving power in our lives. Is this challenging to comprehend?
1Corinthians 2:14 Now a natural man does not accept the things of the Ruach Elohim, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Keep the faith. God has a plan for your life. Receive the good news of the cross. It is the power of God to change everything back into His right order. 1Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed 16 Aug 2023 29th of Av, 5783
De 18:6-13 Hos 1-2 1 Ch 28 Tit 2 (Jn 14)