ANNOUNCEMENT: Just a quick reminder, if you are thinking about being a part of our Shomair group trip to Israel, March 13-23, 2024, please attend our informational meeting next Sunday, August 13th from 4-5:30 at the synagogue. Call me directly 865-414-4527 or email me rabbi@syknox.org if you would like more information.
Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Shalom,
One In Messiah part 34 – Romans, part 145
Romans 10:20 And Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I became visible to those who did not ask for Me.”
Paul is still making the same point… Israel is without excuse regarding faith in Messiah Yeshua. Here he quotes Isaiah 65:1 (and tomorrow Isaiah 65:2). Isaiah is prophesying the inclusion of Gentiles (those who did not ask for Me) into the family of God.
Rabbi Trail: Isaiah is organized by chapter, the 66 chapters of Isaiah matching the 66 books of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Naturally, you would expect the content of chapter 65 to be apocalyptic or near apocalyptic in message content, and it is. End RT.
Isa 65:1 “I was sought by those who did not ask for Me, I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Hineni, hineni!’ to a nation not called by My Name.
God said, “Hineni, hineni!” He is saying, “Here I am, here I am” to a strange nation (or people group). Who is this strange nation? Those from among all the nations who have heard God’s call on their lives. They are described here… 1Peter 2:10 Once you were “not a people,” but now you are “God’s people.” You were shown “no mercy,” but now you have been shown “mercy.”
In the previous verse, these “not a people” people are called a “royal priesthood.” That title was reserved for the children of Israel just before the giving of the Torah… Exodus 19:6 “So as for you, you will be to Me a kingdom of kohanim and a holy nation.” Sounds like another reason Israel should be jealous.
God became visible by sending His Son into the world. Although He was despised by the rulers of this world, Yeshua never lost His virtue. Many had their eyes opened and saw Him. Even today, some see Him.
John 1:11 He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him. 12 But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God.
May the eyes of all Israel and all people be opened to the truth. Yeshua asked the Apostles, Matthew 16:15 He said, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered correctly… Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” May God open the blind eyes of all people and especially of the house of Israel to see this truth. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed 9 Aug 2023 22nd of Av, 5783
De 14:1-21 Ez 43 1 Ch 22 1 Ti 6 (Jn 10)