So, like the title says I was on my nightly run (2 mile, easy pace, gravel roads...18 min) when my mind begins to drift towards writing a new post. But, I thought, What is there to write about? I haven't exactly been in any extremely high brow theological discussions lately except on Facebook, and most of those I get out what I had to say in that forum, so why repeat myself. Most of the things I write about in my BLOG are a result of conversations I have in real life, and this is the place I flesh them out. The only thing anybody ever seems to want to talk about are my dietary habits. It's understandable it is one of the easiest things to see that makes a person stand out. But diet is such a simple thing that I felt that a post on kosher diet practices would be...I don't know...kinda silly?
Then I was reminded in a still small voice that none of the most highs laws are beneath examination or merrit. His commands are the blueprints of the universe and "not one yot or tittle" should be discarded as being unimportant. This post however is not about what one should and shouldnt eat. Like I said thats the easy part. basically dont put cheese on your burger, stay away from pork and shellfish, and your good. Of course it can be a little more complicated then that, but not really that much. the law itself is the easy part. The part that is difficult is in realising that all of His Laws, all of His commands are important.
Rab. Yahuda haNisi says, "Be careful with a minor mitzvah (commandment) as with a major one, for you do not know the reward for the mitzvos." It's true, think about it. The vast majority of the commandments don't say what the accomponying reward is for performing them. They only state that these are the commands of the most high. Yeshua does go on to say that we need to focus on the "weithier matters of the Law", BUT he never says that the other laws can be ignored. Not only this, but knowing the reward associated with a command would tend to make the mitzvot into little more then magickal incantations, used to make things happen. Prob not what Hashem had in mind when he asked Moshe to write this stuff down.
Rav Ben Azzai said, "run to perform [even] a minor mitzvah (commandment) and flee from sin, for one mitzvah leads to another mitzvah, and one sin leads to another sin; for the reward of a mitzvah is a mitzvah and the 'reward' of a sin is a sin." So we see that a focus on the ways of G-d perpetuate that lifestyle, just as living in a state of sin tends to perpetuate that sin. It is populer in our culture to think of life as a journey (don't stop believing...hold on to that fealing...sorry), however we often forget that a journey conotates movement. If we are on a rightious path we will continualy have opertunities put in front of us to greater and greater mitzvot. Just as walking a path of death leads us deeper and deeper into depravity.
Here is a Rabbi who explains the point better then I could (http://torah.org/learning/pirkei-avos/chapter4-2.html) "The Talmud teaches that if one sins and repeats it, the sin becomes "permissible" to him (Sotah 22a). It has just lost its severity. He wasn't struck by lightning. Nothing seems to have changed; the world goes on as usual. R. Yisrael Salanter, one of the great scholars and ethicists of the 19th Century, commented on the above passage: Say one commits the same sin a third time? What then? Why then it becomes a mitzvah! We get so used to ourselves and our behavior -- not to mention our need for self-justification -- that we will no longer see any wrong in our failings. That angry streak, cynicism, loose tongue etc. -- they're all necessary to stand up for our rights, hold our own, get on with our friends etc. Slowly, our evil inclination whittles us down, and what was once unimaginable and unthinkable becomes routine and unthinking. "
I deffinitly recommend this entire article. It was extremely insightfull.
Be blessed.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Whats a Goy to Do?
OK so here is a sticky subject that I still have not come to a reasonable conclusion on. We learn from the words of the master that we are to follow the decisions of the Rabbi's as they "sit in the seat of moses". (ok no problems there so far right?) It is a sort of do what they say not what they do kind of arrangement. Well here's the thing. According to the rulings of the Rabbi's (Orthodox at least) it is not permited to teach Torah to gentiles unless it is for the experssed intention to convert to Judaism. In fact to teach a gentile Torah who does not intend to convert to Judaism would be to contribute to Avot Azarah (idolitry). On the other hand to study the torah without the guidence of the people handpicked by the most high to be "given the oracles of G-d" sets us up for giving dishonour to those very writings.
So then where is the balance to be struck? I guess the easy answer is to say that the rulling of the Rabbi's doesnt fit in with teachings of the master and so this is one of the instances in which we must disgaurd their rulling, and go ahead and study on our own. However this raises another problem. How then do we keep the people from doing "what is right in their own eyes" (abreviation mine)? What is the standard going to be, and who will deicde that standard. Well I don't have any easy sum it all up answers this time. So, lets talk about it. What is a Torah observant gentile to do (please, please, please don't say just do the Noachide laws, cause you can't be a Christian and Noachide at the same time either so there ttthhhhpppp) :P
So then where is the balance to be struck? I guess the easy answer is to say that the rulling of the Rabbi's doesnt fit in with teachings of the master and so this is one of the instances in which we must disgaurd their rulling, and go ahead and study on our own. However this raises another problem. How then do we keep the people from doing "what is right in their own eyes" (abreviation mine)? What is the standard going to be, and who will deicde that standard. Well I don't have any easy sum it all up answers this time. So, lets talk about it. What is a Torah observant gentile to do (please, please, please don't say just do the Noachide laws, cause you can't be a Christian and Noachide at the same time either so there ttthhhhpppp) :P
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Home Again, Home Again Jiggidy Jig
OK well I didnt buy a fat pig but I did go home for R&R and have returned safe and sound to wonderfull Aganistan. I had a wonderfull time full of friends and family, spent time with one of my spiritual mentors, did some verbal sparring with Brady (that is always fun). Nothing amazingly spiritually edifying or poignant in this post just wanted to check in and say howdy to yall (sorry, I did just get back from Texas). Hey if anyone else has anything interesting tosay feal free to post it hear,and letds get to talkin (I swear this drawl will clear up in a few days).
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Lets Start Some Trouble.
Ok, so I was going to write on this subject anyways. It is a subject that has come up several times in the last few weeks and so I thought why not post on the topic and see if I can stir the pot so to speak. See what floats to the surface, and get some interesting discussions going.
Did I want to pick a verbal fight, no...no...ok yes. And then someone went and replied on another BLOG about the same topic. Well I had to respond (yes had to). So instead of rewriting the entire response in the form of another post I am mearly going to repost my responce here. It's not cheating. It's my BLOG and I can put what I want in it. ttthhhhppppp. (thats the sound of a resberry if you couldnt tell). So here is the topic guerunteed to garner some lively debate. The trinity. And FIGHT... (ding ding ding)
The question of a succinct Christology is a distinctly Greek concept. There is a level of mystery surrounding who and what Messiah is that should be maintained or we risk dethroning G-d in our own hearts and minds. We are not meant to understand everything. Search out yes, completely understand no.
That being said there is a way of looking at the G-dhead that has always worked for me. At the risk of putting the Most High into a box it is this.
"And God said; Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"
“tselem, dĕmuwth” image and likeness. The most predominant use of the Hebrew word tselem throughout the Tanak is when people make idols or in other words physical representations of the appearance of something here on earth. And that is what G-d did. Not make an Idol, G-d forbid. But he made something in the physical and made it with attributes like himself. We come to understand that man is made of body, soul, and spirit. And no spirit and soul do not mean the same thing. Pneuma and psyche in the Greek, or ruach and nephesh in the Hebrew. In the whole of the Bible there is a line of demarcation between these two concepts, between our being or essence if you will and our thinking or consciousness. There is also a physical component.
That is how The Most High created us in his image, having three essential components. We alone in creation have all three of these components and are therefore the only ones made “in his image”. Now does this mean that G-d is, was, or ever will be a man “just like me”? G-d forbid. What it does mean is that the most high has these three essential components. But wait, the sages teach us that God has no shape or form, and is utterly incomparable. Well in the scriptures we read,
“And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”
Again when Daniel explains the vision of the Hand of G-d writing on the wall of king Belshazzar,
“and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.”
This paring of the word “Yad” (hand) indicates that there is a connection between the two actions. G-ds hand was not glorified and so G-ds hand was sent to convey a message.
I’ve chosen these two verses because they cannot be argued to be allegoric or anthropomorphic in nature. They are examples of a physical aspect of G-d interacting with the physical realm in a way that was plainly observed. Now Yeshua is another example of G-d interacting in a physical way with the physical realm in way that could be plainly observed. Was that G-ds hand writing on the wall, of course not. It was The Most High humbling himself, or to put it another way purposefully limiting himself, in order to interact with humanity in way that man could understand (and not kill him with the mere presence of The Most High in his fullness).
To what can the relationship between man and G-d be likened? It is like Star Trek the Next Generation. Data is made by a man. In fact, he can be argued to be mans crowning achievement in that fictitious world. He is made in his makers image (two arms, two legs, etc.) and in his likeness (he looks like him, has some of his charicteristics on a more personal level). And though he has what appears to be a spirit (he is programmed to think) and a soul (he develops the ability to dream), he can never be like his maker. He can never be human. He will always be a shadow of humanity. He will always be a robot. He will never in his entire existence even truly understand what being human really means.
As always I could be completely wrong about all of this.
Be blessed.
Did I want to pick a verbal fight, no...no...ok yes. And then someone went and replied on another BLOG about the same topic. Well I had to respond (yes had to). So instead of rewriting the entire response in the form of another post I am mearly going to repost my responce here. It's not cheating. It's my BLOG and I can put what I want in it. ttthhhhppppp. (thats the sound of a resberry if you couldnt tell). So here is the topic guerunteed to garner some lively debate. The trinity. And FIGHT... (ding ding ding)
The question of a succinct Christology is a distinctly Greek concept. There is a level of mystery surrounding who and what Messiah is that should be maintained or we risk dethroning G-d in our own hearts and minds. We are not meant to understand everything. Search out yes, completely understand no.
That being said there is a way of looking at the G-dhead that has always worked for me. At the risk of putting the Most High into a box it is this.
"And God said; Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"
“tselem, dĕmuwth” image and likeness. The most predominant use of the Hebrew word tselem throughout the Tanak is when people make idols or in other words physical representations of the appearance of something here on earth. And that is what G-d did. Not make an Idol, G-d forbid. But he made something in the physical and made it with attributes like himself. We come to understand that man is made of body, soul, and spirit. And no spirit and soul do not mean the same thing. Pneuma and psyche in the Greek, or ruach and nephesh in the Hebrew. In the whole of the Bible there is a line of demarcation between these two concepts, between our being or essence if you will and our thinking or consciousness. There is also a physical component.
That is how The Most High created us in his image, having three essential components. We alone in creation have all three of these components and are therefore the only ones made “in his image”. Now does this mean that G-d is, was, or ever will be a man “just like me”? G-d forbid. What it does mean is that the most high has these three essential components. But wait, the sages teach us that God has no shape or form, and is utterly incomparable. Well in the scriptures we read,
“And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”
Again when Daniel explains the vision of the Hand of G-d writing on the wall of king Belshazzar,
“and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.”
This paring of the word “Yad” (hand) indicates that there is a connection between the two actions. G-ds hand was not glorified and so G-ds hand was sent to convey a message.
I’ve chosen these two verses because they cannot be argued to be allegoric or anthropomorphic in nature. They are examples of a physical aspect of G-d interacting with the physical realm in a way that was plainly observed. Now Yeshua is another example of G-d interacting in a physical way with the physical realm in way that could be plainly observed. Was that G-ds hand writing on the wall, of course not. It was The Most High humbling himself, or to put it another way purposefully limiting himself, in order to interact with humanity in way that man could understand (and not kill him with the mere presence of The Most High in his fullness).
To what can the relationship between man and G-d be likened? It is like Star Trek the Next Generation. Data is made by a man. In fact, he can be argued to be mans crowning achievement in that fictitious world. He is made in his makers image (two arms, two legs, etc.) and in his likeness (he looks like him, has some of his charicteristics on a more personal level). And though he has what appears to be a spirit (he is programmed to think) and a soul (he develops the ability to dream), he can never be like his maker. He can never be human. He will always be a shadow of humanity. He will always be a robot. He will never in his entire existence even truly understand what being human really means.
As always I could be completely wrong about all of this.
Be blessed.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Too Much WHAT?
I almost violated one of my own little personal online halacha. I do not post to women's blogs unless they are personal friends of my wife, and I know and am friends with the husband of the woman in question. I almost couldn't help it though, the title stood out to me. "Too Much Torah?"
I was intrigued. What could this possibly be about? She was referring to another BLOG she had been reading that asked the question "do we talk too much about the Torah and the commandments?" I wanted to respond to the BLOG right their and then with a resounding NO. Too much Torah? That's like saying "I have too much money", or "there is too much cheese on this pizza". Such a thing is simply not possible.
I even went so far as to read the responses to her post. I came to realise something from reading the responses. This is something that should have been obvious, but sometimes I miss the obvious. Not everyone has the same definition of Torah. I know, right. You see the definition of Torah that was handed down to me from the first Rabbi that showed me the path of Torah observance (Rabbi Ralph Messer) is far more complex then just the first five books of the OT.
What is the Torah? The simple answer is "teachings and instructions". It is often compared to a loving father teaching his son, in order that he grows to be a good man (and just like this metaphor the Father will often spank his son for not heading his teachings and instructions, no son likes being spanked, and most fathers don't enjoy doing the spanking, but it is often necessary). So then what exactly is the Torah? Is it just the Pentateuch? Is it the whole of the Tanach? Does it include the Gospels? How about the whole of the Brit Chadishah? Are the oral traditions passed down by the sages encompassed in this concept? Well for most of my readers the first four questions would be an easy yes. That last question can be a little tricky though can't it?
Does the Oral Torah fit within the concept of Torah as I have defined it? Are they the most highs teachings and instructions to his children? Well let us hear from the master himself on the matter. "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.'" The modern rabbinic tradition is based on, and is the result of the teachings of these very scribes and pharisees. Does that mean we just go along with the teachings and traditions of the local chabad? (not knocking them by the way, their is a wealth of information in the Chabad movement. One would be a fool to throw away such jewels). You know Hashem would never let you off the hook that easy.
Again from the master, "But he answered and said unto them, 'Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition.'" OK, so what does this tell us? If there is a tradition that goes against the instructions of the Torah then we are to discard it. Is there anything else? Well if you continue on for the rest of the scripture I quoted in the previous paragraph Yeshua goes on to berate the scribes and Pharisees for following the minutia of the Torah without working out the spirit of the Law, what the master calls "the weightier [matters] of the law (Torah), judgment, mercy, and faith." When the oral law is used to separate the people of the Most High, or is used as an excuse to ignore injustice, or to keep from having to do a kindness for someone who is in need, then that tradition needs to be set aside.
As to the original question of how much Torah talk is too much, read the psalms to discover how much David, a man after Hashems own heart felt about the Torah. Or take the advice of Joshua the leader of all of Israel after the death of Moses, "This book of the Torah shall not leave your mouth; you shall meditate therein day and night."
One more point that I feel is important enough to continue on with the subject that I have already gone on waaayyyy too long about. Gentiles. We as followers of Yeshua do not have to follow the Torah...(pause for emphasis, and gasps from the messianic audience)... we get to. Why would I deny someone giving me a free gift that would lead to blessings in my life and the life's of my whole family. However, salvation does not come from our own actions, it is a free gift from the father through the son. Obeying Torah doesn't make you "more saved" or even "saved for real". It is simply a way to say I acknowledge that I am now part of the family to, and I want to make my Dad proud. You know I was proud of all of my children when they took their first steps. They didn't do it very well, and they fell more then they walked, but I was proud all the same. Think about that.
For more on this subject I highly recommend the following
http://ffoz.org/blogs/2009/10/torah_does_not_mean_law.html
http://ffoz.org/blogs/2009/09/an_unbearable_yoke_acts_1510.html
http://ffoz.org/blogs/2009/09/one_simple_verse.html
some food for thought.
Rabbi Simeon (ben Jochai) said:
"When three eat at one table and words of Torah are not spoken there, it is as if they ate at the altars of the dead, as it is said: "For all their tables are full of vomit and waste, there is no God" (Heb: maqom; lit: "place"). (Isa 28:8). But when three eat at one table and bring up words of Torah, it is as if they ate from the table of God (maqom), blessed be He!, as it is said: "And he said to me: This is the table that is before the LORD' (Ezek 41:22)."
Be blessed, Go study.
I was intrigued. What could this possibly be about? She was referring to another BLOG she had been reading that asked the question "do we talk too much about the Torah and the commandments?" I wanted to respond to the BLOG right their and then with a resounding NO. Too much Torah? That's like saying "I have too much money", or "there is too much cheese on this pizza". Such a thing is simply not possible.
I even went so far as to read the responses to her post. I came to realise something from reading the responses. This is something that should have been obvious, but sometimes I miss the obvious. Not everyone has the same definition of Torah. I know, right. You see the definition of Torah that was handed down to me from the first Rabbi that showed me the path of Torah observance (Rabbi Ralph Messer) is far more complex then just the first five books of the OT.
What is the Torah? The simple answer is "teachings and instructions". It is often compared to a loving father teaching his son, in order that he grows to be a good man (and just like this metaphor the Father will often spank his son for not heading his teachings and instructions, no son likes being spanked, and most fathers don't enjoy doing the spanking, but it is often necessary). So then what exactly is the Torah? Is it just the Pentateuch? Is it the whole of the Tanach? Does it include the Gospels? How about the whole of the Brit Chadishah? Are the oral traditions passed down by the sages encompassed in this concept? Well for most of my readers the first four questions would be an easy yes. That last question can be a little tricky though can't it?
Does the Oral Torah fit within the concept of Torah as I have defined it? Are they the most highs teachings and instructions to his children? Well let us hear from the master himself on the matter. "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.'" The modern rabbinic tradition is based on, and is the result of the teachings of these very scribes and pharisees. Does that mean we just go along with the teachings and traditions of the local chabad? (not knocking them by the way, their is a wealth of information in the Chabad movement. One would be a fool to throw away such jewels). You know Hashem would never let you off the hook that easy.
Again from the master, "But he answered and said unto them, 'Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition.'" OK, so what does this tell us? If there is a tradition that goes against the instructions of the Torah then we are to discard it. Is there anything else? Well if you continue on for the rest of the scripture I quoted in the previous paragraph Yeshua goes on to berate the scribes and Pharisees for following the minutia of the Torah without working out the spirit of the Law, what the master calls "the weightier [matters] of the law (Torah), judgment, mercy, and faith." When the oral law is used to separate the people of the Most High, or is used as an excuse to ignore injustice, or to keep from having to do a kindness for someone who is in need, then that tradition needs to be set aside.
As to the original question of how much Torah talk is too much, read the psalms to discover how much David, a man after Hashems own heart felt about the Torah. Or take the advice of Joshua the leader of all of Israel after the death of Moses, "This book of the Torah shall not leave your mouth; you shall meditate therein day and night."
One more point that I feel is important enough to continue on with the subject that I have already gone on waaayyyy too long about. Gentiles. We as followers of Yeshua do not have to follow the Torah...(pause for emphasis, and gasps from the messianic audience)... we get to. Why would I deny someone giving me a free gift that would lead to blessings in my life and the life's of my whole family. However, salvation does not come from our own actions, it is a free gift from the father through the son. Obeying Torah doesn't make you "more saved" or even "saved for real". It is simply a way to say I acknowledge that I am now part of the family to, and I want to make my Dad proud. You know I was proud of all of my children when they took their first steps. They didn't do it very well, and they fell more then they walked, but I was proud all the same. Think about that.
For more on this subject I highly recommend the following
http://ffoz.org/blogs/2009/10/torah_does_not_mean_law.html
http://ffoz.org/blogs/2009/09/an_unbearable_yoke_acts_1510.html
http://ffoz.org/blogs/2009/09/one_simple_verse.html
some food for thought.
Rabbi Simeon (ben Jochai) said:
"When three eat at one table and words of Torah are not spoken there, it is as if they ate at the altars of the dead, as it is said: "For all their tables are full of vomit and waste, there is no God" (Heb: maqom; lit: "place"). (Isa 28:8). But when three eat at one table and bring up words of Torah, it is as if they ate from the table of God (maqom), blessed be He!, as it is said: "And he said to me: This is the table that is before the LORD' (Ezek 41:22)."
Be blessed, Go study.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Little Grace, People.
"You always think your right don't you?"
uummmm...yes? If I didn't think I was right then I would think something else...right?
That being said, there is a common thread throughout the messianic movement that keeps coming into the forefront for me and it has been on my mind lately so I thought I would share.
The most high has seen fit to reveal to us a different facet of his magnificence. The sheer joy of following the messiah in what we see as a more complete way. We as messianics of course think that we are right in what we believe ( see above), and we come under quite a bit of fire from both sides of our religious heritage ( that's Jews and Christians, for those new to the concept). I have personally been told by one Rabbi (an Army chaplain no less) that I shouldn't be Messianic, but should chose one or the other, and that messianics really didn't understand either religion ( again Judaism or Christianity). I have also been accused by well meaning Christians of trying to bring the body of Christ back under the law.
Because we come under fire from two flanks ( a little Army talk there), we tend to be very strong in our opinions because we feel the need to defend them so often. The problem is that we can have a tendency to slip into the "your not REALLY saved if you don't think like me" trap. And let me tell you it is a trap. It is this kind of pride that can send your entire spiritual framework crumbeling to its foundation.
Think about it, if you don't allow for friendly debate (and the idea that the other person may have a valid point, or point of view), and ar simply dogmatic about every aspect of your faith, then if and when you are proven wrong it tends to send you into a religious spiral from which few make it out. There are of course some things that you should be dogmatic about. Yeshua is the son of the most high. His death payed the ransom price for our sin. The most high is an elderly Jewish man with a white beard (oh come on, laugh it's funny).
Do you know that if it hadn't been for the different sects of Judaism (sects by the way that were in constant and bitter arguments, but never accused the others of not being Jews) then the symbolism of Yeshua's death looses much of its meaning. Remember that Yeshua ate a Passover meal, and then went to the garden and was arrested. While he was being tried the cock crows three times ( cocks crow presumably with the sunrise) then his accusers take him before pilot, but there is a curious portion of scripture here. JN 18:28 "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover." Hold on, these men hadn't had their sader yet? Did Yeshua, knowing he was going to die the next day decide to eat it a day early? Did the priests decide to eat theirs a day late? Then in 19:14 it indicates that he was crucified on the preparation day for the passover. But... didn't he already have the preparation day when he came into the city of Jerusalem? Didn't he already eat the sader? Whats going on here?
The answer is something much debated on the Internet amongst the very and not so very scholarly, and that is as it should be. Debate is the cornerstone of Jewish learning. The answer that I think most elegantly fits the situation is the point of my post here. There were several different sects of Judaism in first century Israel, and many of them had differences of opinion on what days holidays should be celebrated (not unlike some who would follow the Jewish calender, vs. some who would watch for a barley harvest in Israel) not whether or not the 14th day of Nisan should be passover, but when is the 14th of Nisan. Different calenders meant people would have taken their sacrifices to the temple on different days. So with this in mind it is not hard to see that the master could very well celebrate passover with his disciples, and explain the significance of that sacrifice to them, and then the following day be that sacrifice, and both situations retain their meaning.
"He is right, and he is right, they cant both be right." "You know you are also right."
From this perspective, there is not only a possibility for both to be right, in G-ds perfect timing it was necessary for them both to be right so that everything could be fulfilled. We, not being G-d should not be so quick then to call a brother or sister in the Lord wrong, maybee your both right. We should especially not question their level of faith or salvation, no matter how weird their points of view are.
Be blessed.
uummmm...yes? If I didn't think I was right then I would think something else...right?
That being said, there is a common thread throughout the messianic movement that keeps coming into the forefront for me and it has been on my mind lately so I thought I would share.
The most high has seen fit to reveal to us a different facet of his magnificence. The sheer joy of following the messiah in what we see as a more complete way. We as messianics of course think that we are right in what we believe ( see above), and we come under quite a bit of fire from both sides of our religious heritage ( that's Jews and Christians, for those new to the concept). I have personally been told by one Rabbi (an Army chaplain no less) that I shouldn't be Messianic, but should chose one or the other, and that messianics really didn't understand either religion ( again Judaism or Christianity). I have also been accused by well meaning Christians of trying to bring the body of Christ back under the law.
Because we come under fire from two flanks ( a little Army talk there), we tend to be very strong in our opinions because we feel the need to defend them so often. The problem is that we can have a tendency to slip into the "your not REALLY saved if you don't think like me" trap. And let me tell you it is a trap. It is this kind of pride that can send your entire spiritual framework crumbeling to its foundation.
Think about it, if you don't allow for friendly debate (and the idea that the other person may have a valid point, or point of view), and ar simply dogmatic about every aspect of your faith, then if and when you are proven wrong it tends to send you into a religious spiral from which few make it out. There are of course some things that you should be dogmatic about. Yeshua is the son of the most high. His death payed the ransom price for our sin. The most high is an elderly Jewish man with a white beard (oh come on, laugh it's funny).
Do you know that if it hadn't been for the different sects of Judaism (sects by the way that were in constant and bitter arguments, but never accused the others of not being Jews) then the symbolism of Yeshua's death looses much of its meaning. Remember that Yeshua ate a Passover meal, and then went to the garden and was arrested. While he was being tried the cock crows three times ( cocks crow presumably with the sunrise) then his accusers take him before pilot, but there is a curious portion of scripture here. JN 18:28 "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover." Hold on, these men hadn't had their sader yet? Did Yeshua, knowing he was going to die the next day decide to eat it a day early? Did the priests decide to eat theirs a day late? Then in 19:14 it indicates that he was crucified on the preparation day for the passover. But... didn't he already have the preparation day when he came into the city of Jerusalem? Didn't he already eat the sader? Whats going on here?
The answer is something much debated on the Internet amongst the very and not so very scholarly, and that is as it should be. Debate is the cornerstone of Jewish learning. The answer that I think most elegantly fits the situation is the point of my post here. There were several different sects of Judaism in first century Israel, and many of them had differences of opinion on what days holidays should be celebrated (not unlike some who would follow the Jewish calender, vs. some who would watch for a barley harvest in Israel) not whether or not the 14th day of Nisan should be passover, but when is the 14th of Nisan. Different calenders meant people would have taken their sacrifices to the temple on different days. So with this in mind it is not hard to see that the master could very well celebrate passover with his disciples, and explain the significance of that sacrifice to them, and then the following day be that sacrifice, and both situations retain their meaning.
"He is right, and he is right, they cant both be right." "You know you are also right."
From this perspective, there is not only a possibility for both to be right, in G-ds perfect timing it was necessary for them both to be right so that everything could be fulfilled. We, not being G-d should not be so quick then to call a brother or sister in the Lord wrong, maybee your both right. We should especially not question their level of faith or salvation, no matter how weird their points of view are.
Be blessed.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Real Motivation
So I was in a bit of a funk, and angry at the Army. "How could you possibly be mad at the Army?", you might ask. Well I'll tell yah. (and by the way that is slang for 'you' not a funky spelling of the name of the most high, which I probably wouldn't write in a post anyway). So I have kids 3 of which have developmental issues (for those who don't know two of them have Asperger's, and one of them is high functioning autistic) The Army has programs for soldiers with children with developmental issues. However the Army Psych's will not admit that my children have developmental issues because then they have to allow them in their silly programs.
OK so just one thing right, of course not. I have a father who's health is none to strong. he has suffered some three ( or is it four, I think I have honestly lost count) heart attacks and two strokes. the last of which left him with afaisia, efasia, whatever he can't talk coherently, and left half of his body nearly paralysed. My mother has been doing a praise worthy job in taking care of him, but to be honest she isn't getting any younger. ( this by the by is not a knock on my mothers health. That retired master sergeant could probably outrun and out push up most of the people that use blog spot.) The Army has a program (do you sense a pattern here?) where they can "compassionately reassign soldiers so that they can take care of ailing relatives. I applied for this and was told that my mother should be sufficient for his needs. Well because of the isolation my father was in (mom does have to work ya know) he has now had an emotional breakdown, and has been hospitalised.
Now my job in the Army is important (at least I think it is) and it is something of an advisory role. I literally am paid to think outside the box about the bad guys and make my observations known to the people who make the big decisions. However due to my rank (or lack their of) my observations are not viewed as being all that relevant... and these are decisions that could, and have put soldiers lives in real danger. That is all I am going to say about that.
So I was thinking to my self as I power walked to work yesterday trying to get there on time; "why do I try so hard, when the Army does not reciprocate?" (Actually I didn't use the word reciprocate in my thoughts, but you get the point. It really starts to get to me as I continue to walk, and I can not think of a single reason to keep pushing. That is when the Lord brings to mind his words through Rav Shaul, "Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (and yes I did think in KJV, thank you very much)
Thank you for reminding me Lord. I do not work for the Army, they just print out my paychecks. I am supposed to do whatever my hands find to do as though I am doing them for G-d. Try to remember that the next time your boss gets on your nerves. You don't work for them.
Side Note: Samson Raphael Hirsch once wrote "the place where a child's soul breathes is holy ground". I know that some of my readers (or future readers as I ave two followers thus far) are home schoolers. I want you to know, if you didn't already that you are fulfilling a mitzvot that is close and dear to G-ds heart. Do you realise that when G-d said "Shema Israel, Adonai Elohainu, Adonai Echad" in practically the same breath he said "And you shall teach them (Torah) diligently unto your children". You are fulfilling the will of G-d in a time when such a thing is frowned upon in our culture and I commend you for taking a stand. May the blessings of the most high be upon you.
Be blessed.
OK so just one thing right, of course not. I have a father who's health is none to strong. he has suffered some three ( or is it four, I think I have honestly lost count) heart attacks and two strokes. the last of which left him with afaisia, efasia, whatever he can't talk coherently, and left half of his body nearly paralysed. My mother has been doing a praise worthy job in taking care of him, but to be honest she isn't getting any younger. ( this by the by is not a knock on my mothers health. That retired master sergeant could probably outrun and out push up most of the people that use blog spot.) The Army has a program (do you sense a pattern here?) where they can "compassionately reassign soldiers so that they can take care of ailing relatives. I applied for this and was told that my mother should be sufficient for his needs. Well because of the isolation my father was in (mom does have to work ya know) he has now had an emotional breakdown, and has been hospitalised.
Now my job in the Army is important (at least I think it is) and it is something of an advisory role. I literally am paid to think outside the box about the bad guys and make my observations known to the people who make the big decisions. However due to my rank (or lack their of) my observations are not viewed as being all that relevant... and these are decisions that could, and have put soldiers lives in real danger. That is all I am going to say about that.
So I was thinking to my self as I power walked to work yesterday trying to get there on time; "why do I try so hard, when the Army does not reciprocate?" (Actually I didn't use the word reciprocate in my thoughts, but you get the point. It really starts to get to me as I continue to walk, and I can not think of a single reason to keep pushing. That is when the Lord brings to mind his words through Rav Shaul, "Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (and yes I did think in KJV, thank you very much)
Thank you for reminding me Lord. I do not work for the Army, they just print out my paychecks. I am supposed to do whatever my hands find to do as though I am doing them for G-d. Try to remember that the next time your boss gets on your nerves. You don't work for them.
Side Note: Samson Raphael Hirsch once wrote "the place where a child's soul breathes is holy ground". I know that some of my readers (or future readers as I ave two followers thus far) are home schoolers. I want you to know, if you didn't already that you are fulfilling a mitzvot that is close and dear to G-ds heart. Do you realise that when G-d said "Shema Israel, Adonai Elohainu, Adonai Echad" in practically the same breath he said "And you shall teach them (Torah) diligently unto your children". You are fulfilling the will of G-d in a time when such a thing is frowned upon in our culture and I commend you for taking a stand. May the blessings of the most high be upon you.
Be blessed.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Rules
I had just finished a fine meal of steak and mushrooms with green beans and rice from the D-Fac (see previous post), and had decided to go out to the smoke shack for a cigarette before I resumed the work I had for the night (still have in fact as I am currently at work). Anyhoo I'm standing their enjoying my marlborough menthol light and there is this E6 in the smoke shack, and as soldiers are want to do while smoking we are engaged in some light conversation.
Somehow the topic of our dinner choices came up and I made mention of the fact that I couldnt have eaten the lobster tail they were serving tonight no matter how good it was due to it not being kosher (yes thats right every Sunday here at the FOB they serve steak and lobster to the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen, don't be jealous you havent tried it). Suddenly a light bulb goes of in this other soldiers head.
"Yah thats right, you ware that hat." (kippah are authorised to be worn in uniform under AR 670-1) "That makes you Jewish right?" I refrain from commenting that the wear of a hat in no way "makes" anyone anything. So, I say, "yah thats right". I find it far easier to tell people that I am Jewish, most people really don't want to get into the conversation of what makes someone Jewish and that I am a Torah observant Gentile who believes in Yeshua as the Meshiach. Long theological discussions are not commonplace in the armed services.
The next comment stumps me...I mean really, I lost the abuility to reply for like 30 seconds, and for those of you who know me that is saying something. "The only thing I know about Judaism is from that one actor." First off, that ONE Jewish actor...really? "You know that one comic actor who played a model. What was the name of that movie....oh yah Zoolander."....more stunned silence...All this man has learned about a religion with traditions going back some 6,000 years which arguably predates every other faith practiced today, he learned from Ben Stiller. Now I am in no way nocking Mr. Stiller or his outstanding body of work, but come on, he didn't even say Mel Brooks, or even Louis Black for crying out loud.
The next thing he says gets to the point of the post (I know, finally right?). "I sure am glad we Baptists don't have (wait for it) any rules, we just have to be baptised." "Really?" I reply "Just get dipped in water and your good to go huh?" (Yeah I said it, not proud now but I was thrown into a good amount of shock by the statement). His response? "Yeah well I mean you've got to believe, deep down in your heart."
I know from personal experience that Baptists have like a gajillian rules. And that is kind of the point. The Rabbi that got me started on my journey in the Torah, (Rabbi Ralph Messer, great Torah teacher, be warned however he is a Torah teacher not a pastor. He will not give you a nice 30 min message and send you on your way. He will build a case one brick at a time, and he will go back and check his work over, and over , and over again...you have been warned) once said that men who do not follow G-ds laws will make their own.
G-ds laws, his mitzvot, are infinitely better then anything that any man could ever design. He made us, and the rest of the universe. Who knows better then him how best to interact within this universe. Only Hashem is good, and therefore he is the only one able to teach us morality, he and no other. I realise the previous statement may have some MJ out their saying to themselves "Aha got him, figured him out this is a ka... a kar... (I can't even type the word) one of those people who believe in Torah alone and rejects the teachings of the sages". Nothing could be further from the truth. The Rabbi's are the descendants of the pharicees, and of them the Meshiach said "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do."
I came across this statement while reading up on news about techelet (the blue strings made from the murex trunculus snail on the corners of the tallit) that gave me some insight into why G-d would give us a system of rules that would need studying.
Somehow the topic of our dinner choices came up and I made mention of the fact that I couldnt have eaten the lobster tail they were serving tonight no matter how good it was due to it not being kosher (yes thats right every Sunday here at the FOB they serve steak and lobster to the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen, don't be jealous you havent tried it). Suddenly a light bulb goes of in this other soldiers head.
"Yah thats right, you ware that hat." (kippah are authorised to be worn in uniform under AR 670-1) "That makes you Jewish right?" I refrain from commenting that the wear of a hat in no way "makes" anyone anything. So, I say, "yah thats right". I find it far easier to tell people that I am Jewish, most people really don't want to get into the conversation of what makes someone Jewish and that I am a Torah observant Gentile who believes in Yeshua as the Meshiach. Long theological discussions are not commonplace in the armed services.
The next comment stumps me...I mean really, I lost the abuility to reply for like 30 seconds, and for those of you who know me that is saying something. "The only thing I know about Judaism is from that one actor." First off, that ONE Jewish actor...really? "You know that one comic actor who played a model. What was the name of that movie....oh yah Zoolander."....more stunned silence...All this man has learned about a religion with traditions going back some 6,000 years which arguably predates every other faith practiced today, he learned from Ben Stiller. Now I am in no way nocking Mr. Stiller or his outstanding body of work, but come on, he didn't even say Mel Brooks, or even Louis Black for crying out loud.
The next thing he says gets to the point of the post (I know, finally right?). "I sure am glad we Baptists don't have (wait for it) any rules, we just have to be baptised." "Really?" I reply "Just get dipped in water and your good to go huh?" (Yeah I said it, not proud now but I was thrown into a good amount of shock by the statement). His response? "Yeah well I mean you've got to believe, deep down in your heart."
I know from personal experience that Baptists have like a gajillian rules. And that is kind of the point. The Rabbi that got me started on my journey in the Torah, (Rabbi Ralph Messer, great Torah teacher, be warned however he is a Torah teacher not a pastor. He will not give you a nice 30 min message and send you on your way. He will build a case one brick at a time, and he will go back and check his work over, and over , and over again...you have been warned) once said that men who do not follow G-ds laws will make their own.
G-ds laws, his mitzvot, are infinitely better then anything that any man could ever design. He made us, and the rest of the universe. Who knows better then him how best to interact within this universe. Only Hashem is good, and therefore he is the only one able to teach us morality, he and no other. I realise the previous statement may have some MJ out their saying to themselves "Aha got him, figured him out this is a ka... a kar... (I can't even type the word) one of those people who believe in Torah alone and rejects the teachings of the sages". Nothing could be further from the truth. The Rabbi's are the descendants of the pharicees, and of them the Meshiach said "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do."
I came across this statement while reading up on news about techelet (the blue strings made from the murex trunculus snail on the corners of the tallit) that gave me some insight into why G-d would give us a system of rules that would need studying.
"...the path toward religious perfection can permanently change a person only if it is truly a path. A sudden epiphany will overwhelm with a temporary intensity which disappears when the experience wanes. Proper religious growth only occurs in the context of slow and deliberate steps, each leading to higher and more meaningful levels of closeness to G-d. The absence of such careful movement and hard work will cause the experience of the divine to remain no more than an experience. The internalization of such an experience can only take place following a slow and painful - yet ultimately rewarding - process."Wow that was a long post. Couldn't have done that on one leg, huh? Still, go study. Be blessed.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Joker
"You don't think your existence you live it, the thoughts are a descriptive reflection. Lots of people believe things but do not act on them. Thus it's got to be a total package from will. If you really believe (from experience not rhetoric) , then you will have the discipline and self regulation to become the embodiment of those values."From a post I found on the philosophy of the Joker from Batman. Yah, I really like the Joker. His philosophy used to really apeal to me before I discovered that the idea of "the Law" is a good thing. Complete lawlessness and a rejection of sociatal norms really is where a repudiation of G-ds law naturally leads when you take that philosophy to its conclusion. I digress... a lot.
OK, so this got me thinking on the concept of emunah (yah I got back to the point). Emunah translates as faith, but means far more then beliefe. It is faith filled, faith fueled action. Just recently my wife and I have been discussing changing our diet to more closely reflect a Rabbinic Kosher diet. Why is it that food is one of the places we resist change in the most? For crying out loud it's just food. My struggle right now is that I am deployed to Afghanistan. No, it is not what you think.
You see while I am not deployed I eat in my house, at my table, the meals my wife cooks. No problem.
While I am deployed I eat at the Dining Facility, lovingly refered to as the D-Fac by military personel. In the D-Fac every morning they serve the most wonderfull food in the whole world. Creamed Beef. I would put this stuff in a cup and drink it if I didnt think it would make me sick. I particularly like it on my eggs and hashbrowns all siwrled up together.
Do you see the problem. For those of you reading who are'nt in the Know, here is the equation
meat/dairy + RAB Kosher = Naughty.
So please pray for me, because I have decided to eliminate this patern of eating from my life and the creamed beef still becons me from across the room.
Side note: I went to the D-Fac and made my self a sandwich, and a bowl of chicken noodle soup, when there was perfeclty good cream of broccoli soup sitting right next to it. ( I really do prefer cream of broccoli...yummy) Feeling triumphant I walked out of the D-Fac beeming, I was aglow in my spiritual triumph. Then I realised that I had put swiss cheese on my turkey sandwich. I swear to you, I could hear G-d laughing.
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