Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Shalom,
Psalms
Psalm 18:21,22(20,21) – Part 20
Psalm 18:21 Adonai rewarded me for my righteousness. For the cleanness of my hands He repaid me. 22 For I kept the ways of Adonai, and did not turn wickedly from my God.
Ah poetry! The poet’s use of words challenges the reader to build the story being told in his/her mind’s eye. The words evoke meanings through interpretations that go beyond their literal use. Let’s add to that… The Scriptures are so masterfully written that the impact of meanings changes from time to time because we’re in different places spiritually.
On the surface, these subject verses seem like a message of works. For instance, Psalm 18:21a “Adonai rewarded me for my righteousness.” Do we need to be reminded that all Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation) is the message of the Cross. Some see this and some don’t. 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.
Its purpose is to bring us into right (God’s righteous) order in every area of life. 2Timothy 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to make you wise, leading to salvation through trusting in Messiah Yeshua. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness. Of course, we must remember that when Paul wrote this to Timothy, he could not possibly be referring to the New Testament (which was not yet canonized – considered Scripture).
This is not a message of salvation through works, but a message of salvation by grace that leads to good works. Jacob(James) 2:17 So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works.
There are several words in our subject verses that need clarification through amplification. Let’s deal with them fully beginning tomorrow. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
22 Elul Wednesday 25-Sep-24
Deuteronomy 30:15-31:6 Micah 6 2 Chronicles 15 Acts 8 Revelations 2:12-29