Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, August 6, 2020
Shalom,
2 days in August to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Shomair Yisrael”
On August 15th, Don Finto will be ministering at Shomair Yisrael. We are amazed Papa Don loves us so well and for so long. We are so looking forward to his visit and ministry on our 23rd anniversary of the founding of Shomair.
Beginning August 16th, Sunday evenings from 4-6, a weekly series of teachings on the Song of Songs will begin. Rabbi Michael and Jan Weiner, will co-teach the series titled “Making Disciples – A Journey Through the Song of Songs.” The 16 week course description reads: “Together we will journey through Song of Songs, the soul’s blueprint to maturity, and learn how the Father develops an awakened soul for betrothal to His Son.” Yeshua is returning for His bride. Time is short. Let’s get ready. Free registration is required. Attendance will be taken in the sanctuary. Sign up to attend here: https://shomairyisrael.churchcenter.com/groups/chavurah/making-disciples-a-journey-through-song-of-songs
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“To Be Shaken Or Not To Be Shaken?” That is the question. That is not the question Shakespeare asked in Hamlet, but it is the question I am asking today. The question is based on Hebrews 12:26 His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” (quoting Haggai 2:6). Then the Scripture explains itself like this… Hebrews 12:27 Now this phrase, “Yet once more,” shows the removal of those things that are shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Everything that can be shaken, will be shaken. What about me, can I be shaken? What about you? The shaking will take place at a time called in Scripture “The Day of the Lord.” The Bible connects this “shaking” to labor pains. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. 3 When they are saying, “Shalom and safety,” sudden destruction comes upon them like a woman having birth pains in the womb—there is no way they will escape.
Once labor begins, there is no way of escape other than delivery. And we all need to be delivered… 1 Corinthians 1:10 He who rescued us from so great a danger of death will continue to rescue us—we have set our hope on Him that He will rescue us again. So let us continue to set our hope on Him. Isaiah 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, we have no choice but to keep the faith. Jude 1:20 But you, loved ones, continue building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Ruach ha-Kodesh. 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, eagerly waiting for the mercy of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah that leads to eternal life.
Week 32
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
156 8/3 Monday: Matthew 3-4
157 8/4 Tuesday: Matthew 5
158 8/5 Wednesday: Matthew 6
* 159 8/6 Thursday: Matthew 7
160 8/7 Friday: Matthew 8
Question of the day: Are we to stop judging?
Answer: Read this scriptural quote and then answer the question. Matthew 7:1 “Stop judging, so that you may not be judged. 2 For with the judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Seems very straightforward, right? But many (I would even say most) people misunderstand the intent. The verses that follow add to our understanding, so it is unfair to stop our understanding after the first two words or to stop reading after only the first two verses.
Clearly, we are not to lose our discernment. 1 Corinthians 2:15a But the one who is spiritual discerns all things. Our discernment is our ability to tell the difference between right and wrong. What is being communicated in Mathew 7 is that we are not to condemn others. What’s important, is to fix ourselves first. Only then will we be ready to… Matthew 7:5b see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Many people believe we are never to take the speck out of our brother’s eye, but that’s wrong thinking and against Scripture.
We do take the speck out of our brother’s eye, not to condemn him/her, but to restore him/her. This is an act of love, not condemnation. The warning is against hypocrisy. Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught doing something wrong, you who are directed by the Ruach, restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness—looking closely at yourself so you are not tempted also.
If we move forward one verse, we get the point… Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the Torah of Messiah. Okay, what in the world is “the Torah of Messiah?” Well, the whole Torah is His and Who He is. Then how does bearing one another’s burdens fulfill it? Because the entire Torah is love based (love motivated), and love is preferring another above self.
And the sacrifice of Messiah is the greatest act of love (and thus, the greatest fulfillment of the Torah) ever. John 15:13 No one has greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. And we return His love when we obey Him.