Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, July 9, 2020
Shalom,
Before I go any further, happy birthday to my beloved wife, Jan. May this birthday be the best ever.
Ahhhh, what to write. I feel so free. I could write about anything under the sun. After prayer, I decided to write on… wait for it… “discipleship.” I heard that little (for some of you, not so little) groan. “Here we go again,” you think, “with yet another message on discipleship.” Before you say, “No thanks” please read this. It’s somewhat fresh.
Asher Intrater, in his book “All Authority,” makes the connection the Bible makes between authority and discipleship. In Matthew 28:18, Yeshua says to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” Then immediately in the following statement “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Water baptism is not only a sign of being washed clean from sin, but it is also a sign of submission to God’s authority. As we lay back in the water, we are symbolizing the laying down of our lives (a pretty good display of submission).
Based on that, let me ask you a question. Can we say we are submitted to God’s authority if we don’t obey Him? Everyone and everything in heaven is already submitted to His authority. (Must I remind you what happened the last time God was disobeyed in heaven?) We, His saints, come under His authority on earth to restore His authority here both physically and spiritually.
Discipleship is mentoring others on how to submit to God’s authority. There is much more to it, let’s continue it tomorrow.
Week 28
Memory Verse: Deuteronomy 29:28(29) “The secret things belong to Adonai our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever—in order to do all the words of this Torah. TLV
136 7/6 Monday: Esther 5-7
137 7/7 Tuesday: Esther 8-10
138 7/8 Wednesday Nehemiah 1-2
* 139 7/9 Thursday: Nehemiah 3-4
140 7/10 Friday: Nehemiah 5-6
Question of the day: Nehemiah 3:38 So we rebuilt the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a heart to work. What is it about that phrase, “for the people had a heart to work?”
Answer: We lead with our heart. When we have a heart to work, the “work” is not so difficult after all. I’ve often been amazed at the frequent demonstrations of enthusiasm by the members of Shomair. When we have our semi-annual work days (on a Sunday afternoon) people turn out in strong numbers.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it from the soul, as for the Lord and not for people.
I had a science teacher in the 7th grade who used to say, “When you play, play hard, but when you work, don’t play at all.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dearly loved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord—because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
I want to encourage you to find a place to serve the Lord and the community of God. Then, submit yourself under the authority of the leader of that ministry and serve with diligence and honor. This is connected to the top part of the RR today. But we already said we’re going to write more about that tomorrow. Blessings. R. Michael.