Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, September 24, 2020
Shalom,
Good news… On Saturday (Shabbat Shuvah) we (at Shomair) are an official rebroadcast site for “The Return” prayer gathering in Washington, DC. We will begin broadcasting at 9am and continue until the event concludes (which is scheduled for 9pm). I would love to have some folks come to watch and pray with us.
In the event that you are more comfortable staying at home (and who isn’t), feel free to use one of the links below. Maybe you can come and be with us for an hour or two, and then watch from home.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ReturnEvent2020
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgHYCXsHW894H0Aro6PNeg
Website – https://thereturn.org/live-stream/
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Yesterday I sent you a question mark. Some of you asked me, “What is the question?” That WAS the question. I don’t think anyone asked me, “What is the answer.” That is wise, because you all discerned the answer would depend on the question. This is either very deep and profound or just plain silly. You choose. For me, the important thing is that no one unsubscribed over it. I pray you will remain a faithful reader and be blessed by both my seriousness and my silliness.
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So, what is the Lord saying today? I’ve been writing short amplifications of the teaching on Song of Songs. Song 2:10 contains the phrase, “Get yourself up.” It brought to mind Isaiah 40:9 Get yourself up on a high mountain, you who bring good news to Zion! Lift up your voice with strength, you who bring good news to Jerusalem! Lift it up! Do not fear! Say to the cities of Judah: “Behold your God!”
I looked and looked online for a copy of the song titled “God Is Here” written by Steve McConnell and performed by Levite. I can’t find it, but I have an MP3 file on my hard drive from 8 years ago. I’m attaching it here. You will find it on our Congregational website blog. https://syknox.org/rr-thursday-september-24-2020/
Rabbi Trail: It was quite a challenge to upload the audio file, but I clicked and “v’wella” here it is. I hope it was worth 2 hours of my time. I will say this about me… I’m not a quitter. End RT.
It is significant to me that this is found in Isaiah, chapter 40. Isaiah 40 corresponds to the book of Matthew; and sure enough, we find this in Matthew 17:1 After six days, Yeshua takes with Him Peter and Jacob and John his brother, and brings them up a high mountain by themselves. Yeshua is taking all of us today onto the mountain. Today is the sixth day from RH. This is the day of transfiguration.
Who is this for? The one who brings “good news to Zion and Jerusalem.” And, what is the message to the people? “Behold your God.” In Hebrew, “Hine Eloheychem,” meaning “Here is your God.” And just as He left this earth, He will return… Revelation 1:7 “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth shall mourn because of Him. Yes, amen!”
Luke 21:28 Now when these things begin to happen, stand straight and lift up your heads, because your salvation is near!” What things? One of the “things” mentioned is “the sea roaring” (verse 25). The “sea” is the “sea” of humanity. Isn’t it “roaring” today? There are riots in the streets. This is a sign of the end. Be encouraged… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwvOkUiZPdc
Week 39
Memory Verse: James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
191 9/21 Monday: Acts 10-11
192 9/22 Tuesday: Acts 12
193 9/23 Wednesday: Acts 13-14
* 194 9/24 Thursday: James 1-2
195 9/25 Friday: James 3-5
Question of the Day: Acts 14:15 contains this question… “Men, why are you doing these things?”
Answer: The men of the city of Lystra were being foolish, thinking Paul and Barnabas were gods because Paul prayed healing on a lame man and he was healed. It wasn’t long before their hearts were turned and those same men stoned Paul and thought he was dead.
A great miracle happened next. Paul was prayed over and healed… Acts 14:20 But while the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went back into the city. On the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. Paul was not only healed, but in one day he went from nearly dead to well enough to travel (and in those days, that was not like getting on your Suzuki).
Psalm 72:18 Blessed be Adonai Elohim, God of Israel, who alone does wonders. 19 Blessed be His glorious Name forever. May all the earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!