The Torah of ADONAI is perfect Psalm 19:8-10
The Torah of ADONAI is perfect, restoring the soul.
The testimony of ADONAI is trustworthy, making the simple wise.
The precepts of ADONAI are right, giving joy to the heart.
The mitzvot of ADONAI are pure, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of ADONAI is clean, enduring forever.
The judgments of ADONAI are true and altogether righteous.
TLV
Parashat Balak (B’midbar/Numbers 22-25) 5781 B”H (Updated 7/15/22 5782, 10/23/23 5784)
Numbers 22-25 contains the complex account of King Balak of Moab and Balaam, a pagan prophet-for-hire.
King Balak was terrified of what would come to his kingdom once the Israelites arrived.
Israel had just decimated the Amorites, so this king had reason to be concerned.
Balak’s fear rubbed off on his people. Numbers 22:3 says “Moab was filled with dread because of B’nei Y’Israel [the children of Israel].” The Moabites knew Israel was strong, both in number and in power.
King Balak believed in the supernatural realm. He professed faith in Balaam’s powers: “I know that whoever you bless will be blessed and whoever you curse will be accursed!” (Num.22:6). Clearly, Balaam had a reputation as a divination expert in the region. Balaam has been called a “prophet for profit” and the “seer who couldn’t see.” He didn’t get these nicknames for no reason. He had a prophetic gifting and even interacted with the LORD God of Israel, but he was much more interested in collecting divination fees than seeking the will of ADONAI.
King Balak wanted Prophet Balaam to curse Israel in hopes that he could fight against the Israelites and win.
Balaam had every intention of fulfilling the king’s request through his oracles, but the God of Israel told him not to curse Israel because they are blessed.
If you have never read the account, I encourage you to do so because you will read about a talking donkey, border-line animal abuse, and a special messenger/angel of the LORD with a message for this selfish prophet.
Why rely on the media to inform you of stuff that is “strange but true?” You can’t make this stuff up, nor would you want to. Read Numbers 22 for yourself here.
Once a pagan, always a pagan, in the case of Balaam. This is not a redemption story.
The lost man, in this case, Balaam, despite encountering the living presence of the Almighty, doesn’t end up found in the sense of being saved.
He was found guilty.
Peddling prophecies.
Desirous of personal financial gain.
Peter writes that Balaam “loved the wages of unrighteousness.”
"They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet." 2 Peter 2:15-16, emphases added
G.K.Beale and D.A. Carson’s Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament describe Balaam’s sin:
“The rebuke that Balaam received from the donkey . . . was the result of miraculous intervention by God, but Peter emphasizes the ironic symbolism: Balaam’s sin was irrational, and he was rebuked by an irrational beast.”
Beale, 1056
Likewise, Judah (known more commonly in English as Jude) categorizes Balaam right along with other ungodly people who have gone before, from the time of Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, and Korah, all acting “like animals” who have no reason.
"Woe to them! For they went the way of Cain; they were consumed for pay in Balaam's error; and in Korah's rebellion they have been destroyed. These people are hidden rocky reefs at your love feasts - shamelessly feasting with you, tending only to themselves. They are waterless clouds, carried along by winds; fruitless trees in ate autumn, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, foaming up there own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever." Judah (Jude) 1:11-13, emphasis added
The gloom of utter darkness.
Well, that sounds horrible.
And it is!
And it is real!
Balaam thought “a little sin” wouldn’t do any harm. That just wasn’t true.
Balaam’s demise should be a lesson to the lukewarm. There are so many people who attend churches and congregations, yet have little love in their hearts. So many people claim to be pastors and teachers, prophets and evangelists, but they either have given up the anointing or have sought to use it for selfish gain.
We must beware of the false doctrines that prevail, and seek only the LORD and His Truth.
Too many believers today think that if they have one foot in the door to heaven, they can experiment a bit with the other foot.
That’s a bad idea because before they know it, they will slip on the uneven ground.
Follow the way of the LORD – stay true to Him and His Word, and He will guide You in His Perfect way.
As much as Balaam didn’t want to admit it, he knew he couldn’t get away with cursing Israel.
He rightly states in Numbers 23:8, “How can I curse one whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce one whom ADONAI has not denounced?”
King Balak becomes desperate, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but look, you’ve actually blessed them!” Numbers 23:11
Balaam continues, “There is no sorcery effective against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel! Now it will be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘See what God has done!’” Numbers 23:23
King Balak urges Balaam to just stop already! Balak says, “Do not curse them or bless them at all!” (Numbers 23:25).
Both of these pagan men are starting to understand: Israel is untouchable because Israel belongs to God!
Balaam gives an oracle about the beauty of the Israelites’ tents and the victories that God’s people will continue to enjoy.
In the fourth oracle particularly, Balaam prophesies of the coming of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.
"I see Him, yet not in this location. For a star will come from Jacob, a scepter will arise from Israel . . . '" (Numbers 24:17)
The prophecy ends with various descriptions of Israel’s triumphs.
Balaam and Balak, defeated, went their own separate ways. (Numbers 24:25).
Sometimes the enemy will try to raise up all kind of chaos in your life. If you remain faithful to Messiah Yeshua, Jesus the Son of God, the devil will eventually have to give up and move on. The victory is guaranteed, if you will continue to trust in Him.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Update 10/23/23:
This morning I received a wonderful question on our Facebook page inbox regarding Numbers 23:21.
“He has not observed iniquity in Jacob,
Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.
The LORD his God is with him,
And the shout of a King is among them.” (NKJV)
This is a rare case in which I actually prefer the NIV translation here:
“No misfortune is seen in Jacob,
no misery observed in Israel.
The LORD their God is with them;
the shout of the King is among them.“ (NIV)
My brother in Christ was asking if this would be considered a Messianic prophecy.
I responded that yes, I believe this is a Messianic prophecy because Balaam wanted so very much to curse Israel (but again see Numbers 23:8 in which he discovers that is altogether impossible). The LORD puts His Word into Balaam’s mouth and Balaam ultimately finds himself prophesying about the future – including the coming Messiah.
Israel is at war today.
The Messianic prophecy of Numbers 23:21 is indeed an uplifting promise for us to remember today and to share with our friends in Israel.
There shall be a time when “no misfortune is seen in Jacob”
and “no misery observed in Israel.”
This verse gives us the certainty that we know the LORD their God is with them – the King, the Lion of Judah, and ultimately Israel will have victory and the shout of our King will be heard.
Maranatha!
Feast of Tabernacles and Biblical Prophecy
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“Sukkot” is the Hebrew term referring to the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Feast of Booths in many English Bibles)
Many Christians today do not celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles because they have been taught that it has been done away with. So today, let’s look to the Scriptures to learn more about the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and realize how relevant it remains today:
“Speak to Bnei-Yisrael, and say, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Feast of Sukkot, forseven days to ADONAI. On the first day there is to be a holy convocation — you are to do no laborious work. For seven days you are to bring an offering by fire to ADONAI. The eighth day will be a holy convocation to you, and you are to bring an offering by fire to ADONAI. It is a solemn assembly—you should do no laborious work.” Leviticus 23:34-36
Sukkot feast 3
As we continue, I urge you to read your Bible carefully. Trust the Word of God and read to discover His Truth for yourself.
Prophecies from Zechariah, Jeremiah, and Isaiah
The prophet Zechariah foretells what will occur at the Mount of Olives when the LORD returns to rule.
“ADONAI will then be King over all the earth. In that day ADONAI will be Echad and His Name Echad.” Zechariah 14:9
“Echad” means One. The LORD our God, the LORD is One God. He alone will reign as King.
It will be a glorious time!
Now look at Zechariah 14:16:
“Then all the survivors from all the nations that attacked Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, ADONAI-TZVA’OT, and to celebrate Sukkot.” Zechariah 14:16
The nations along with Israel will celebrate Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles!) and celebrate our King! The Feast of Tabernacles is also known as Chag HaAsif, which means the “Feast of the Ingathering.” One day, we will all be gathered in the New Jerusalem. This is reason to rejoice!
“Therefore behold, days are coming,” says Adonai, “when they will no longer say: ‘As ADONAI lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.’ Rather, ‘As ADONAI lives, who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and from all the lands where He had banished them.’ So they will dwell in their own soil.” Jeremiah 23:7-8
“It will come about in that day,
ADONAI will thresh from the channel of the River to the Wadi of Egypt,
and you will be gathered one by one, Bnei-Yisrael.
“It will also come about in that day, a great shofar will be blown. Those perishing in the land of Assyria and the exiles in the land of Egypt will come and worship Adonai on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 27:12-13
Sukkot is about Rejoicing
Moshe (Moses) informed the people of the moedim, the “appointed times,” when they were to keep a holy appointment with the LORD. Sukkot is one of the moedim. We have the wonderful opportunity to spend a week in our sukkah (temporary dwellings) to celebrate and to grow closer to the LORD. In His Torah, the LORD specifically commands us to rejoice, or to be joyful, during this time:
“So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you are to keep the Feast of ADONAI for seven days. The first day is to be a Shabbat rest, and the eighth day will also be a Shabbat rest. On the first day you are to take choice fruit of trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and rejoice before ADONAI your God for seven days. You are to celebrate it as a festival to ADONAI for seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations—you are to celebrate it in the seventh month. You are to live in sukkot for seven days. All the native-born in Israel are to live in sukkot, so that your generations may know that I had Bnei-Yisrael to dwell in sukkot when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am ADONAI your God.” Leviticus 23:39-43, emphasis added
When you celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, you are participating in something Biblical. God-honoring.
Don’t get me started on all these churches that host “trunk-or-treat” and whitewash the devil’s feast of halloween.
If you need something to celebrate this autumn, go with the Feast of Tabernacles and leave the pagans to their paganism.
The Feast of Tabernacles and the Birth of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)
No one can claim to know the exact date when our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) was born.
But I can assure you, it is highly unlikely that he was born on December 25.
You have probably heard that December 25th was chosen as “Christmas” because our Savior is the Light of the World, so it was somehow “fitting” to choose the darkest time of the year to celebrate the coming of our Emmanuel.
The problem is, this pattern of thinking conforms to the world and at worst, it is aligned with Constantine and the rule of Rome.
Let us be free of the cult of paganism and false religion.
We need not conform to the pattern of this world!
Let us always look to the Scriptures.
The Bible says the Word became flesh and dwelt – “tabernacled” with us
“And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Greek term “dwelt” more literally means “tabernacled,” hence the translation provided by the Tree of Life Version cited above.
This is an awesome picture of what our Savior came to do!
He left His glorious throne above to meet with us.
As I mentioned earlier, we have sacred appointments – the moedim – and He gave us the Feast of Tabernacles as an experience. That we would realize the magnificence of the fact He meets with us in the most humble of abodes.
You see, perhaps you have never built or even seen a sukkah. A sukkah is sort of like a tent. It is a temporary structure built for this occasion.
No Room in the Inn, but room in a . . . sukkah?
When there was no room at the inn . . . could it be that all of the hotels and motels of Bethlehem were taken because a busy pilgrimage feast . . . known as Sukkot . . . was going on?
Many who study the Hebrew Scriptures believe it very possible that the birth of our Messiah coincided with this pilgrimage feast of Sukkot. The shepherds were in the fields and the sheep in the pastures – it couldn’t have been too terribly cold yet . . . Sorry, closet Constantinians, the first Christmas definitely wasn’t in winter.
I don’t mean to offend anyone since I know Christmas is a beloved tradition for a lot of people.
But I do mean to point out Truth versus modern day tradition.
Could it be that the innkeeper had a sukkah, which provided the extra space available for Miriam and Yosef (Mary and Joseph)?
Our Messiah, our Prince of Peace, was born in the most humble of places. If you build a sukkah, you will see it fits that description.
A humble dwelling place.
Need more evidence?
The Hebrew word, sukkah, is translated as “stable” (Genesis 33:17).
Celebrate the Incarnation of our Messiah this Sukkot
Our wonderful Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus) our LORD came to earth in a manner that demonstrated humility and the veracity of the Word. He never has contradicted His Word, and He never will.
On the contrary, the Word proves True every time, against any test.
This Sukkot, realize this amazing Truth. We currently dwell in temporary tabernacles of flesh, but one day, we will put on the eternal resurrected tabernacle because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) and He will raise us up incorruptible.
My husband is an immigrant to the United States and didn’t really grow up with Christmas carols. So he is fascinated by our culture in that by the end of November every radio station is playing Christmas songs. He loves the fact that the secular stations even play songs that honor our Savior.
So he wishes that they played these songs all year!
He doesn’t just want Christmas in July, this man would love to play Christmas songs on our stereo all year if I let him.
Do you love those beautiful songs, too?
Well, no need to wait any longer. Get out your Joy to the World playlist because the LORD has come, and will return! Let heaven and nature sing!!
He has come to tabernacle with you, my friend.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Enjoy the feast, and invite your friends.
Perhaps someone will come to a saving relationship with Yeshua (Jesus) because of your faithful witness.
It was during the Feast of Tabernacles when Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) revealed Himself as the Living Water. If you’d like to study that topic, more in-depth, I invite you to check out my post on the Living Water at the Feast of Tabernacles: Exploring John 7.
Speaking of Living Water, notice that an offering by fire had been required during Sukkot. Now, the Holy Spirit fills those who call upon His Name with Living Water and the Fire of Pentecost. Let your life be that offering to Him, on fire for your Savior, and filled with the precious Holy Ghost. Chag Sameach Sukkot!
Are you celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles this year? We pray you have a wonderful time with your family and friends, celebrating the coming of Emmanuel, the One who gives us Living Water!
shabbat sukkot
Yom Teruah (“Day of the Shout”) is the correct Biblical name for the Holy Day more commonly called Rosh Hashanah, meaning “Head of the Year.” To make things more complicated, Rosh Hashanah is additionally called Yom HaZikkaron, meaning “Day of Remembrance.” This refers to Leviticus 23:24‘s exhortation to have a “memorial:”
“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation.” Leviticus 23:24. ESV
“Speak to Bnei-Yisrael, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a Shabbat rest, a memorial of blowing (shofarot), a holy convocation.” Leviticus 23:24 TLV
Notice, the Day of the Shofar/Shout is considered a Sabbath day. Many Christians today do not realize that there are Sabbaths that fall on days besides Saturday. It is yet another opportunity to have an appointment with the LORD. Consider celebrating the prophetic feast of Yom Teruah and the High Holy Days this year, taking time to rest and rejoice in the God of Israel!
Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah is very much associated with a time of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). These days are known as the Days of Awe. Traditional Judaism teaches that on Rosh Hashanah your name may be written in the book of Life and that on Yom Kippur, it may be sealed there. As disciples of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), we know that our name is written in the Book of Life at the moment of salvation, and it is by His Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) that we are sealed.
The Hebrew word, “teruah” תְּרוּעָה means “shout!” It is a startling, battlecry type of shout. Think of Jericho and the walls falling down. This is no time for a half-hearted noise. This word expresses a collective shout that is unified, massive, earth-shaking, and awe-inspiring.
Walls will come down, if you will participate.
Walls will come down, if you will believe.
The Israelites had been instructed to circle the city of Jericho 7 times on the 7th day.
“Then on the seventh time, when the kohanim blew the shofarot, Joshua ordered the people, “Shout! For ADONAI has given you the city!” Joshua 6:16
Shofarot is the plural for shofar. Shofars were sounded and the people shouted, and they won the city.
What battle are you facing?
Are you willing to do things God’s way?
Will you turn away from sin and enter into a relationship with Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)?
Teruah brings us to victory.
Sometimes we need to shout our praise and our thankfulness!
The Bible says:
“Blessed are the people who know the joyful shout!
They walk in the light of Your presence, ADONAI.” Psalm 89:15
And that
“God has ascended amidst shouts of joy, ADONAI amidst the sounding of the shofar.” Psalm 47:5
Notice a theme here? JOY!
Though a battle may be raging, if we truly trust our Mighty Conqueror and Victorious Savior, we will have peace in the face of an enemy. Internally, we will have joy unspeakable. And it might even overflow in such a way that it is apparent externally.
Have you ever worshipped in such a manner? Tambourine in hand, dancing before your King? Arms lifted high in freedom of praise? Perhaps you have used worship flags or banners? Allow your joy to overflow and you will find great liberty, healing, and strength in the LORD’s presence!
Here is a song that may inspire you to praise in such a manner:
You see, once you realize from just how deep a pit you have been rescued, your praise changes. You won’t be ashamed to dance before your Creator. You will overflow with Living Water.
Another very central theme during Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah is that the LORD (ADONAI) is King over all the earth. Traditional Judaism teaches that Rosh Hashanah is the appropriate time for the crowning of a king! Our Messiah Yeshua is King of all kings, the Victorious One and we look forward to His coronation again in Jerusalem!
“No misfortune is to be seen in Jacob,
and no misery in Israel!
ADONAI their God is with them
—the King’s shout is among them!” Numbers 23:21
This joyful verse from Numbers 23:21 uses the word “teruah” in connection to our King! Assuredly, even our King will shout and this prevents misfortune or misery from being among God’s people.
If your name is indeed written in the Book of Life, then this promise is yours today:
“Behold, I tell you a mystery:
We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed—
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last shofar.
For the shofar will sound,
and the dead will be raised incorruptible,
and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
The shofar will again sound the Day of our Resurrection!
What greater joy could there be?
We will rise with Messiah, incorruptible. We will live in His Heavenly Kingdom for all eternity!
Now I do believe that is worth a mighty shout of praise today!
Rejoice! Our King lives and reigns forever! Please leave a comment below, we would love to hear from you!
Yom Teruah is the day of the shout! The day to sound the shofars and remember that with a shout, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah will return for His people! It is the more “Biblical” term for what is more widely known as “Rosh Hashanah,” which means “Head of the year.” We celebrate a new year and we await Messiah’s return.
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed—
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last shofar.
For the shofar will sound,
and the dead will be raised incorruptible,
and we will be changed.1 Corinthians 15:51-52, TLV
I love to be able to share these Biblical feast days with my family, especially our children.
They love to sound the shofar and they eagerly pour honey on the apples they have freshly picked from our apple tree. Tonight, we will begin our celebration with a traditional brisket dinner.
Are you looking for an easy, delicious brisket recipe? Look no further! I have combined several recipes that have circulated recently and I think this is a real winner:
How will you celebrate this special day? Post your Rosh Hashanah pictures on our Facebook page!
Above all, may your year be sweet and the LORD be honored! Maranatha!
Shalom, mishpocha.
Today, let’s analyze Romans 16. This is a chapter in the Bible that highlights women serving in ministry. These women are mothers of the faith. This Mother’s Day weekend, let us rejoice and praise the LORD for all the believing mothers who pray and teach and lead with a godly example.
The Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Romans is filled with instruction and exhortation. Paul does not hesitate to credit those around him (including wives and mothers!)who have worked hard alongside him for the sake of the Gospel. In Romans 16, Paul names names – and most of the people named in this chapter just so happen to be women.
The New International Version (NIV) rightly describes Sister Phoebe as a “deacon”:
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” Romans 16:1-2, NIV, (emphases added)
She is described as a person of means – a “benefactor,” well able to minister to God’s people. She gave to others both materially and spiritually. Phoebe was a spiritual mother in the faith!
But sadly, the New King James Version demotes our dear sister. She is relegated to the status of a “servant” and “helper.”
I typically prefer the NKJV translation over the New International Version (NIV) because the NKJV is a literal translation truer to the original languages, but as with any human translation, bias can be found, and this really is a stark example:
“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” Romans 16:1-2, NKJV
Let me address my sisters in the LORD for a moment: has this ever happened to you?
Did God ever inspire you to lead or to teach – to be a spiritual mother – but someone brushed you off as “just a servant?” Oh mothers, please know you are valued in the Kingdom and there is a place for you.
Our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) wants us to have the heart of a servant, but it is one thing to submit and surrender ourselves joyfully to Him and a totally different thing to have your spirit crushed by those who think women aren’t intended to minister. It is so very important to look to the Bible to see what God says about women in ministry leadership positions.
Sister Phoebe was a leader in the church!
While “servant” and “deacon” can be used interchangeably, it is notable that had the name listed been male, it is most likely “deacon” would be the preferred translation. The modern American mindset limits the meaning because it has become commonplace to teach that women are prohibited by the Bible to serve in an official capacity such as a “deacon.” This teaching is biased and errant and must be corrected. There are many instances in Scripture in which we see women held what we would consider positions of authority – Prophetess Miriam, Judge Deborah, Deaconess Phoebe . . . The LORD has chosen to use many women throughout history to reach the nations and to serve as spiritual mothers!
Notice that when Paul extends greetings to Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, he names Priscilla first. This was quite uncommon in both the Jewish and the Roman cultures, as it is even in our own today. Generally, we name the husband first. This serves to highlight Priscilla’s strong role as a “fellow worker” alongside Paul in the mission to reach the nations with the Good News. To make it easier for us to understand in our modern context, the NIV aptly uses the term “coworker” to describe this ministry relationship. Both Priscilla and Aquila were recognized as critical parts of the ongoing ministry, but in most instances of Scripture, Priscilla is named before Aquila. She was very much a leader:
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” Romans 16:3, NKJV
In 2 Timothy, the ministry couple is again addressed, and again Priscilla is named first:
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.” 2 Timothy 4:19, NIV
Both Priscilla and Aquila sailed as missionaries with Paul.
“Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.” Acts 18:18ab, NIV
In Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila helped mentor Apollos as he began preaching. Here, they are both most certainly operating in the role of pastors and spiritual parents:
“[Apollos] began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” Acts 18:26, NIV
The church even met at their house:
“Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.” 1 Corinthians 16:19b, NIV
Priscilla and Aquila were a model pastoral couple. They worked as a team and Paul recognized both of them as ministry leaders. A spiritual mother and father working together to bless the people of Ephesus.
Truly, Pricilla and Aquila’s ministry is an ideal pattern for us to follow. Here was a married couple who loved the LORD and could minister together. I am blessed to be married to a man of God who also happens to be a pastor, and this model has worked so wonderfully for us.
Junia is a female name.
Some translations have opted to translate this name as “Junias” to masculinize it!
This is due to some translators’ personal discomfort with the idea that a woman could be an apostle!
But the Scriptures are clear and for generations “Junia” was translated as “Junia.” It is a female name!
Paul is very consistent in his positive descriptions of women in ministry. Not only does Paul refer to Junia as an apostle, he calls her a person “of note” – noteworthy, outstanding! There is no place in Scripture that prohibits wives or mothers or single women from serving in the ministry.
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16:7, NKJV (emphasis added)
If anyone has told you that women are not to serve as deacons, pastors, or apostles, you might want to share these passages from Scripture with them.
Women, just as men, must demonstrate godly qualities in order to serve as leaders in ministry, but in our day, it seems there are often extra hoops for women to jump through in order to be considered equally qualified. Believe me, I am no feminist, but I do know that I have had to truly stand up for myself on many occasions as a female pastor. If you are a young woman who has been called to the Gospel ministry, reach out! I’d love to hear from you and encourage you.
Our LORD is the One who saves, who calls, and who equips. We should rejoice that God uses both godly men and women to minister!
Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia are our spiritual foremothers who demonstrated persistence, passion, boldness, and commitment to the work of the ministry for the sake of the Gospel.
So this Mother’s Day, think of who the spiritual mothers are in your life.
Are there any women who have journeyed alongside you on the path of faith?
Who are the women who have prayed you through tough circumstances?
Be thankful for their witness and show them your appreciation!
If you are a woman who is mature in her faith, be that spiritual mother for someone else. If you are a mother, you know what it is to care for your children and pray for their well-being and exhort them to live well for the LORD!
Look for ways to allow the Holy Spirit to work through you so that you may bless others.
Be one of those mothers who prays consistently and fervently.
And have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
The Holiness Code found in Leviticus 19 tells the people of God that they are to be holy, for ADONAI is holy.
The term in Hebrew is קְדֹשִׁים q’doshim (also spelled, kedoshim) – you shall be among those who are holy; the holy ones.
The instructions here are meant for the entirety of Israel, not just the priests and leaders.
"Speak to all the congregation of Bnei-Yisrael and tell them: You shall be kedoshim, for I, ADONAI your God, am holy." Lev.19:2, emphasis added
Though the Torah was written so very long ago, there are 15 points that are still completely relevant to us today.
These points contain important instructions to help us live in holiness (another term for “sanctification.”)
We have been made holy through what our Messiah did for us on the cross at Calvary (Col.1:20-22). We cannot be holy on our own or achieve holiness by doing good works. However, once we have received the gift of salvation, we are to continue to live as sanctified people:
"Therefore, since we have these promises, loved ones, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1, emphasis added
The fruit of our salvation is that we choose to live rightly. We choose holiness.
Here are instructions on how to do it!\
"Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:3 (NKJV) “Each one of you is to respect his mother and his father, and keep My Shabbatot. I am ADONAI your God." Lev.19:3 (TLV)
This seems so basic, yet look around us. How many people truly respect and honor their parents? Are you training your children to be respectful?
We must be cautious as to what we allow our children to watch. Many shows and movies targeted to young people today encourage aloofness and rebellion. We must oversee their usage of technology and encourage positive, godly friendships. Our job is harder than generations past – children today are truly inundated by information – both good and bad, and are targeted for their innocence.
How about grown up children? If their parent is in an assisted living facility, do they visit? Sadly, I have seen far too many of our elders in this country practically abandoned by their adult children, left to be cared for entirely by health professionals. I am thankful for the professionals, who give so much love, but it is never the same as the bond that ought to exist between a parent and their child.
The denigration of traditional family by modern society is ha-satan‘s way to attack this basic, fundamental principle.
To live in holiness, we must be respectful of our parents.
Notice that in the same verse that we are instructed to care for our parents, we are also instructed to keep God’s Sabbath days. That is because these concepts go hand-in-hand. If we love our families, we will want to spend time with them, and we will honor our LORD. Sabbath is about spending time with the LORD and with our families, resting and enjoying the presence of the LORD and our loved ones as well as our brothers and sisters in Messiah.
Assuming that our parents taught us to keep Shabbat (which many didn’t, because this has been lost over time), we then keep the Shabbat to honor their teaching to us, as well. Shabbat is ultimately about family and keeping our generations on the right path.
The wording of this verse catches my attention. “Keep my Shabbatot.” “Keep my Sabbaths.” God tells us the Sabbath belongs to Him – consistent with our Messiah’s teaching that He is the LORD of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). It is an important day to our LORD, so it should be important to us, too. Sabbath was established after creation – God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it (Genesis 2:3). Sabbath, according to the Bible, is Saturday, rather than Sunday.
This point is so important to the LORD that He reiterates it just a few verses later in Leviticus 19:30. “You are to keep My Shabbatot, and reverence My Sanctuary. I am ADONAI.” We must take seriously the command to rest.
What does rest have to do with holiness? Spending time at rest allows us to minister from a place of restoration.
We cannot help others if we don’t care for ourselves.
A few years ago, we drove from the Texas border down to south central Mexico. During our trip, we saw many handmade shrines along the dusty paths bordering the Chihuahuan desert. The conditions in some of these desert regions are so harsh and desolate that the improvised, crude nature of these altars seemed to aptly reflect the difficulties of life in these places.
Why do people turn to idols? When do people feel inspired to build their own high place?
When they long for a relationship.
When they want answers to life’s hard questions.
When they genuinely seek, but have not yet found.
When they are trapped in a generational cycle of idolatry.
There is true hope in the LORD, but some people have not yet heard. And some who hear will reject the Truth, in favor of their idolatrous traditions and customs. But the stronghold on their lives is rooted in the idolatry of generations before, pagan traditions passed down with the hope of finding a better life, but missing the mark.
In several different villages in southern Mexico, we witnessed processions of people walking down the roads carrying wooden idols they had made.
I had never seen idolatry in such a pure and unabashed form. Sure, I had seen statues and carvings, but never entire communities of people parading these objects for purposes of worship.
In a sense, we are blessed in the United States because this isn’t something we “see.”
But we are also blind because we don’t realize that idolatry is just as rampant here, it just takes other forms.
You see, ha-satan is astute. Historically, our Protestant-influenced culture did not make easy room for idolatrous religious images and carvings. Holiness was taken more seriously. So the devil has found ways to lure people into less obvious forms of idolatry. Worship of self, materialism, obsession over celebrities, the love of money . . . there are so many forms of idolatry. It is sinful to look to these things as though they are deity.
We are clearly told in the Bible’s Holiness Code that in order to be holy as the LORD is holy, we mustn’t have idols of any sort.
Did you know that Ruth was able to glean from the fields of Boaz (Ruth 2) because of the law found in the Leviticus Holiness Code of Leviticus 19:9? It’s true!
Those who owned land were obligated by the Word of God in the Torah to intentionally leave the corners of the field unharvested and not to glean the leftovers of their crops in the fields. Specifically, landowners were not even to pick up fallen grapes from their vineyards (Lev.19:10). These remnants were to be left for the poor and the stranger.
There is always a lesson about hospitality to be found in the Word of God. We are to love and help the poor with kindness.
True holiness embraces abundant, radical hospitality.
Stealing, lying, and deception all go together. We must be careful, especially those of us in ministry positions.
Peter warned that judgment begins in the house of the LORD. How many ministries have brought embarrassment and shame upon themselves for lying and deceiving people or stealing tithe money?
Resist all temptation to participate in schemes that will harm the LORD’s flock!
You are responsible to set an example for believers by living in true holiness, according to the Word of God.
"For the time has come for judgment to begin with the house of God. If judgment begins with us first, what will be the end for those who disobey the Good News of God?" 1 Peter 4:17
Swearing by YHVH’s Name falsely profanes the Name of your God, according to this Scripture.
I don’t know about you, but I shudder at the thought. We must live in holiness and honor the Name of the LORD.
This is written, though, because it is inevitable that certain members of the house of the LORD will fall into error. We must not follow suit.
We need to learn to live in peace with everyone. We must be honest and good to our neighbors.
Many of the commands in the Leviticus Holiness Code sound like the Aseret HaDibrot: The Ten Words (i.e., the Decalogue or “Ten Commandments“). They are rules to live by, for our own good and the good of our communities.
If you truly want to live in holiness, find ways to bless your neighbors.
The Leviticus Holiness Code provides for workplace fairness as well as the proper handling of money.
Day laborers are usually at a disadvantage, lacking their own land or company.
Day employers who obey the LORD will not take advantage of their workers or cheat them and will compensate them fairly and at a reasonable time.
I knew a wealthy man, who claimed to be a devout Christian, who thrived off of cheap labor. He would hire unskilled laborers and pay them the very least amount possible to retain their services. His workers would come and go because they were paid so little they would try to find work elsewhere. To his credit, I heard that he did pay his workers fairly quickly, but a person truly living in holiness will not take advantage of people or try to intentionally maintain them at poverty level. If you are in a position where you have financial advantages, find ways to bless those who work for you. Your team will stick with you and you will prosper, as well.
Specifically, the Torah here is concerned for those who are deaf or blind.
We are not to curse anyone who has a disability nor make their lives difficult (putting a “stumbling block” before them).
If you truly seek to live in holiness, look for ways to help and befriend the disabled. You will be blessed.
When you are in the position to make a decision that will affect others, you need to show impartiality. These verses deal with justice. We must seek justice, whether it is in the workplace or in our neighborhoods. We cannot allow political preferences to cloud our judgment, either.
In all things, we must be fair. If you are a judge or someone in authority, you mustn’t show favoritism to others in similar positions. All cases must be dealt with fairly, regardless of financial or social status.
"You are not to be partial toward the poor nor show favoritism toward the great . . ." Leviticus 19:15
We need godly judges and lawyers who seek to live in holiness! Pray for those who are studying law, that a new generation of godly lawyers would be raised up. That they would make rulings that honor the Word of God and that they would not be swayed by either political party, but rather make all decisions based on God’s Word.
The Bible clearly teaches that we mustn’t go telling tall tales about people. In our day of YouTube and social media, so many horrible TikTok “challenges” and slandering occurs. Leviticus 19:16 says, “You are not to endanger the life of your neighbor.”
We are not to hold grudges or take revenge or do anything that could harm another human being.
If we want to live in holiness, we must use social media with caution. We should use the power of technology to spread the Good News of our Savior rather than slander and hatred.
Yeshua (Jesus) told us that the second greatest commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31
He got that from the Torah, you know! He wanted us to understand the heart of our Father as revealed in the entirety of the Scriptures.
How do we love our neighbors as ourselves? We learn to love ourselves, not in an idolatrous way, but seeing ourselves as God sees us. He loves us and He has made us worthy by the blood of His Son, the Lamb of God. If we love ourselves, we can love those around us, most primarily our families, and that love extends to our neighbors.
True holiness requires us to learn to love.
Just as we must honor our parents, we are to honor the elderly. They have lived long lives and have much wisdom to share. Our family has been watching a Korean series on Netflix because my children are learning about Asian culture and we have all been struck by the amount of deference to elders depicted. This type of respect truly is foreign to American culture and we could learn a thing or two.
As discussed above, we will live in holiness if we respect and honor our parents and elders.
Immigration is a controversial subject…. yet another overly-politicized issue of our day.
While our nation must have laws and borders, we also must demonstrate kindness to immigrants. There is no place for racism if we are living in holiness.
Some of the very best people I know are immigrants to our country!
If you want to live in holiness, be welcoming of those who are newcomers to our nation.
The Scriptures are clear that we must be honest in all things. All items used for measurements, weights, and balances must honest according to the Leviticus Holiness Code.
Here, the LORD reminds Israel that He brought them out of Egypt.
God’s people were brought out of Egypt so they could live differently from the Egyptians. I would expect that dishonest measurements were probably used in ancient Egypt to take advantage of the Israelites living in bondage. Surely the freed people of God should be expected to demonstrate honesty in all matters which is a way of showing gratitude as well for all the LORD has done.
A person who lives in holiness is honest
Each of these points help us to live in kindness, with righteousness, putting others ahead of ourselves. There are more instructions found in Leviticus 19, but they deal with more specific situations such as if a man lies with a slave girl or if you are planting in the land of Israel. Perhaps they don’t seem “as relevant” to us, but if we read them carefully, we can see how applicable even these remain even to this day.
For example, it remains prudent not to “eat any meat with the blood still in it,” (Lev.19:26) and it certainly remains forbidden for disciples of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) to practice any type of “sorcery” (Lev.19:26). It is in this same passage we find the prohibition against tattoos (Lev.19:28). I know my view is unpopular today as many try to justify “Christian” tattooing, but Biblically-speaking, it does not make sense to pick and choose what we like and don’t like if it is all in the same portion of Scripture, in the Holiness Code.
A few years ago, when we pastored a church in Tennessee, one of the sisters in the congregation got a tattoo around her wrist. She came to show it off one day, and I fear I offended her when I was not nearly as excited about it as she was. I should have sat her down and spoken more gently to her, but my initial reaction was that she had made quite a mistake! We have an obligation to protect the Temple, not put graffiti all over it.
"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Ruach ha-Kodesh who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Interestingly, it has become cultural. Our congregation was comprised of both English-speakers and Spanish-speaking Hispanic immigrants. Our Hispanic members were very wary of the sister’s tattoo, while the English-speaking folks raved about it. It really caused a controversy between the groups! In this case, I believe the Hispanic folks knew the darker undercurrent of tattooing from their experiences with the occult in their home countries.
Ok, time to change the subject! I know that not everyone will agree on this!
Allow the Holy Spirit to illumine your understanding. He will show you the incredible connections made throughout the entirety of God’s Word; how the Bible’s text is so interwoven and contains no error. When I first went to undergraduate school to learn theology, I went there with the intent of disproving the Scriptures. I didn’t think it was possible for the Bible to be faultless. But the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the Truth and I was able to continue my studies, fully convinced of the inerrant nature of the Bible.
If He could do that for me, He can do that for you.
Ask Him to show you His will and His ways, and your life will be forever changed!
Be encouraged today, that He can help you to walk in holiness and in the fullness of His love and grace!
Please leave a comment and subscribe today! We all need encouragement to live holy. Which of these points would you like to work on, in your personal life? I would love to hear from you!
Then [Yeshua/Jesus] continued telling them, “Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes along with famines and epidemics in various places, and there will be terrors along with great signs from heaven. Luke 21:10-11, emphasis added
None of us want to hear more about Covid-19, yet this pestilence doesn’t seem to be ending. We know we are in the last days, so we should not be surprised by these occurrences. Our Messiah cautioned us that there would be outbreaks of sickness. The pandemic is not over, and we must exercise wisdom and caution.
As though that isn’t enough to worry about, some of us struggle with anxiety issues. You might not get Covid, but you might be living in fear that you will. May you find shalom in the words of Scripture.
I recently had to have an unexpected surgery. Believe me, I was anxious! Anything to do with needles gets me quite riled up. But the LORD is faithful! He gave me a Word just days prior from Isaiah 58:8-10, and the promise contained within provided me the peace I so desperately needed.
“Then your light will break out like the dawn,
and your recovery will spring up quickly;
and your Righteousness will go before you;
the Glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”
Isaiah 58:8-10, Tree of life version
To begin, Psalm 27 is a wonderful Psalm to help overcome fear. The first verse is very well known:
ADONAI is my light and my salvation:
whom should I fear?
ADONAI is the stronghold of my life:
whom should I dread?Psalm 27:1, TLV
What is needed in times of trouble is confidence. Being confident in the LORD means you have the ability to trust that the One in whom you have placed your trust for your salvation is able in the here and now to help you. Psalm 27 address this as well:
Though an army camp besieges me, my heart will not fear.
Though war breaks out against me, even then will I be confident.
Psam 27:3, TLV
The Almighty and Eternal One has helped you before. He will help you again.
You have been my help.
Do not abandon me or forsake me,
O God my salvation.
Psalm 27:9cd, TLV
I love how Psalm 27 ends, particularly as translated by the New King James Version.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.Wait on the LORD:
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:13-14, NKJV, emphasis added
Psalm 30 is another wonderful Psalm of encouragement.
ADONAI my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
Psalm 30:2
I feel that the Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit) illuminated me to an important spiritual reality, the day I was set for surgery. He reminded me of Yeshua’s words in John 14:1 “Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” There’s an imperative in there – do not LET. Do not ALLOW. Do not PERMIT.
But that means you and I, we have a choice here. Our emotions can really mess with us, but we are to take control over that by keeping our mind renewed and set on spiritual things. Scripture tells us to take our thoughts captive:
. . . We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah . . .
2 Cor.10:5
When I started to really think about that, I found myself better able to control my fear. That’s the key, isn’t it? Controlling your fear, so fear doesn’t control you. I kept telling my heart it was not allowed to fear. I have not been given the spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Tim.1:7). He has given us authority, so we need to use trust Him and use it (Luke 10:19). Yeshua repeats this instruction in verse 27 of the same chapter:
“Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
Do you have a track record of being faithful to the LORD and His mission? Overcoming anxiety truly becomes a matter of faith. If you have diligently sought the LORD prior to undergoing a test or trial, it will naturally be easier for you to rely on Him during the storm and you will be able to confidently confess that He has delivered you from all your fears.
Magnify ADONAI with me
and let us exalt His Name together.
I sought ADONAI, and He answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
They who looked to Him were radiant,
and their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and ADONAI heard,
and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 34:4-7
Psalm 34 really highlights the way that the LORD reciprocates His love toward those who love and trust in Him.
The righteous cry out and ADONAI hears,
and delivers them from all their troubles.
ADONAI is close to the brokenhearted,
and saves those crushed in spirit.
Many are the distresses of the righteous,
but ADONAI delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones—
not one of them is broken.
Evil kills the wicked—
those who hate the righteous will be held guilty.
ADONAI redeems the soul of His servants
—no one who takes refuge in Him will be held guilty.Psalm 34:18-23, TLV (v.17-22 in most other English translations such as NKJV)
As does Psalm 55:22 (v.23, TLV):
Cast your burden on ADONAI, and He will sustain you.
He will never let the righteous be shaken.Psalm 55:23, TLV (Psalm 55:22, customary)
As a believer, if you have determined to love the LORD your God with all your heart, and follow Messiah Yeshua, you are part of a Holy Nation, the Royal Priesthood of believers. You have been saved, sanctified, set apart, and His promises go right along with that.
“Then it will happen, as a result of your listening to these ordinances, when you keep and do them, that ADONAI your God will keep with you the covenant kindness that He swore to your fathers. He will love you, bless you and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the produce of your soil, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that He swore to your fathers to give you. From all peoples, you will be blessed—there will not be male or female barren among you or your livestock. ADONAI will remove all sickness from you, and He will not inflict on you any of the terrible diseases of Egypt that you knew, but will inflict them on all who hate you.”
Deuteronomy 7:12-15, TLV
So remember, the LORD loves you, and He will honor your faithfulness.
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you . . . .
Isaiah 43:4, NKJV
Have you been encouraged today? What are some of YOUR favorite Bible passages to get you through a tough time? Comment below! Shalom, mishpocha
To our ears, doing “charitable deeds” or participating in “charitable giving” is like a fancy way of saying doing “good works, or “donating money.” Every year, the IRS will let you deduct some of your good deeds from Caesar’s bill, right? Charitable giving is tracked, graphed, sought-after, solicited, pleaded for, telethoned for . . . and for good reason – there is a healthy motivation when all parties involved win. But how charitable is our charitable giving, if it is done for a reward?
You may know that charitable giving was built into the legal system of ancient Israel. Today, the expectation to practice ma’asar kesafim, or, the giving of 10% of one’s income to the poor is standard tithing and ethical practice in Judaism. Certainly, Torah teaches generosity:
“If there is a poor man among you — any of your brothers within any of your gates in your land that ADONAI your God is giving you — you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother. Rather, you must surely open your hand to him and you must surely lend him enough for his need — whatever he is lacking. Watch yourself, so there is no unworthy thing in your heart saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of cancelling debts, is near,’ and your eye is evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing. Then he may call out to ADONAI against you, and it will be a sin upon you. You must surely give to him, and your heart is not to be grieved when you give to him — for because of this thing ADONAI your God will bless you in all your work and in every undertaking of your hand.
Deuteronomy 15:7-11, TLV, emphases added
The generosity required by the justice of the Almighty does not diminish the giver’s net worth. Paradoxically, the individual who is sincerely generous will prosper and see increase according to Scriptural promises.
Besides help for the needy, tithes and offerings are also intended to support the work of ministry and preparation for the moedim (appointed times/feast days), brought into the house of the LORD. Sadly, many prosperity Gospel organizations have distorted this teaching, pressuring adherents to tithe, not out of love in righteousness, but out of a sense of obligation: warning that if one fails to tithe or does not give enough in offerings, blessings will be withheld or calamity will result. The true Gospel message related to tithing is simple. We are to give back what already belongs to the Most High, both in tithes and offerings, with thankfulness and pure motives.
It’z not to overwhelm you with highly foreign looking words starting with “tz,” but these are some important Hebrew terms to learn when studying the Scriptures from a Hebraic perspective. Hint: the initial “t” is almost silent and the tz makes the “ts” sound you hear in the word “it’s.”
A “charitable deed” in Hebrew is “tzedakah.” This word is very interesting because it is comprised of the Hebrew alephbet letter tzadi (tzadik) צ which is derived from the term for “righteous” or “righteousness.” A “tzadik” refers to a Righteous person; tzedakah, a righteous deed.
To be “charitable,” then, requires a solid dose of “righteousness,” or else the giving is, as Qoheleth would say, “in vain!” There is none righteous, no, not one (Rom.3:10) – only our Master and Teacher, Messiah Yeshua, the Righteous Branch, Christ our Righteousness. He is the only One worthy of the honorific: “Tzadik.” But precisely because Messiah Jesus died on our behalf and believers are, by faith, clothed in His righteousness, all believers have the opportunity to live in righteousness, not to earn salvation, but to reflect it.
Too many “once saved always saved” sermons have led uninformed believers to mistakingly believe that nothing is required to live into their sanctification. Sanctification is a process, bestowed fully at salvation; but, like the Kingdom, is an “already-not-yet” reality: we are saved and sanctified, but we need the Ruach haKodesh, the Holy Spirit, to continue His sanctifying work in us – a partnership in a sense – between the Almighty and the believer.
Another exercise in etymology will lead you to the discovery that another Hebrew term, “tzedek” means “justice.” True justice cannot exist apart from Incarnate Righteousness. Yeshua has ascended to the Father; we must now embody the virtues of kindness, humility, righteousness, justice; veritably, all of the Fruits of the Spirit! We cannot settle for the world’s misguided attempts at justice or mislabeling of sin as “social justice” precisely because of the world’s blatant defiance and devaluation of all things righteous.
I alluded to this above, but it is truly a travesty that such a large portion of modern-day “Christianity” neglects deep reflection around the topic of righteousness. Yes, we have been given an amazing free gift, the free gift of righteousness as children of God, but too many assemblies, fellowships, and churches have taken a “righteousness-free” posture eliminating discussion of moral righteousness, Godly duty and obligation, and even ethics; preferring political allegiances and cultural norms.
The past year has highlighted this reality. “Conservatives” vs “liberals” on everything from mask-wearing to presidential picks. Most Christians fall into the “conservative” camp, but the label has been tarnished by the unwavering following of leaders who would dismantle the democracy we enjoy. Rather than accept the temporary burden of wearing a mask to protect those around oneself, battle cries waged that freedom was being stolen. Selfishness reigned as the Great Commandment to love your neighbor as yourself was archived along with all the other commandments that a rebellious people are uninterested in keeping.
True Biblical Christianity must be rooted in the fullness of the Hebrew Scriptures. Most Torah scholars would agree that bearing temporary discomfort for the benefit of another is not only a right decision, but the only right decision. Biblical justice involves caring for someone else, regardless of your personal sentiments. Does that other person deserve your compassion? Does that person live by the same standards to which you hold yourself and your family? Perhaps not. But righteousness puts aside one’s own preferences, seeking only to the do the will of the Father, which is to exercise love and share the Good News of salvation. The New Covenant bolsters the concept, exhorting believers to “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” (Romans 12:10, NKJV, emphasis added)
Righteousness is demonstrable, yet lest we become “puffed up” as Rabbi Sha’ul would say, our Master Yeshua has words for us:
” . . . when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:3-4, NKJV
” . . . when you do tzedakah, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your tzedakah may be in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, shall reward you.” Matthew/Mattityahu 6:3-4, TLV
Yeshua was addressing an issue in which people were doing their charitable giving with the hope of being seen or recognized in the public sphere for their philanthropy.
Midrash teaches: “The deeds of the righteous are always performed expeditiously; no time is lost in undertaking a mitzvah or in its execution.” (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:5; The Wisdom of the Hebrew Alphabet, Rabbi Michael L. Munk) The Talmud, written after Yeshua’s life on earth, arguably draws upon the wisdom He shared with His disciples. In discussion about the Hebrew alephbet, the dalet, written “ד”, can be examined in depth, demonstrating that its origin as “door” also alludes to the alms-seeker who may appear at one’s door. In his book, Rabbi Munk explains, “In a further lesson derived from the shape of the letters, the Talmud notes that the face of the ד is turned to the left, away from the ג, to show that the dal [beggar] should not have to face his gomel [benefactor]. Assistance should be given discreetly and with the greatest tact to preserve the self-respect of the recipient. In the highest form of charity, neither gomel nor dal should be aware of the other’s identity.” (Munk, 80).
When I came upon this fascinating analysis of the alephbet, Rabbi Yeshua’s words immediately came to mind. He said, “don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” The dalet ד is literally turned toward the left, so that no shame is unnecessarily placed upon the less privileged. Jesus was undeniably concerned for the well-being of the poorest of people, wisely instructing the disciples to conduct their good deeds in secret.
Tzedakah and righteousness are terms missing from the vocabulary of the modern church, but true believers have the opportunity to reclaim them as an awakening to the Hebrew roots of the Bible is occurring globally.
The greatest witness we can make is to live righteously for the healing of the nations.
Abington Press has generously provided me with a copy of The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His most Perplexing Teachings by Dr.Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School in exchange for my honest review. Thank you both to Abington Press and to Audra Jennings for the arrangement.
In The Difficult Words of Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine addresses some of the interpretive challenges presented by what she aptly terms, the “most perplexing teachings” of Messiah Jesus recorded by the Gospels.
One thing that is immediately apparent as the book begins is Dr.Levine’s conversational writing style. She really does make the topic accessible. Having myself studied at Duke Divinity School, I am aware of Dr.Levine’s reputation as a Jewish feminist theologian, and she alludes to this fact throughout the book. It is my understanding that she earned her doctorate at Duke which has probably contributed to her name and work coming up every now and then in classes and conversation. Dr.Levine teaches in mainline Christian seminaries, currently Vanderbilt, but denies the divinity of Messiah Yeshua. She distances herself from the Jewishness of Messiah by referring to Him only by His westernized name as “Jesus;” never as the Hebrew “Yeshua.”
Levine describes Jewish traditions such as bar mitzvah and the High Holidays and compares them to traditional Christian practices. Sadly, she never addresses the continuity offered by Messianic Judaism.
According to the book, the majority of Levine’s students participate in Western church traditions such as “Lent” so she is able to remain comfortable talking about the more Greek concept of Jesus without actually encountering Him as Hebrew Rabbi and Jewish Messiah. She does loosely discuss the commandments and other central Jewish teachings. This made reading the book more appealing to me from a Messianic perspective, but it seems that she attempts to teach an inclusive, fairly universalistic message, antithetical to the very exclusive nature of the Gospel’s claim which is that Messiah Yeshua is the one and only begotten Son of God, Equal to God, and is One with God. Messianic and Orthodox Jews alike embrace the Shema. Deuteronomy 6:4‘s exclusive claim: “Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is One.”
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד
There is One God, and He has made Himself known as Father, as Son, and as the Holy Spirit. We can gain insight to better interpret the more difficult sayings of Messiah Yeshua by trusting in His Spirit, the Ruach haKodesh. This book does not operate under this core belief. Certainly, it is important to point this out if being used for a Bible Study.
I enjoyed Dr.Levine’s ability to draw out the characteristics of people described by the Gospel writers. For example, I liked the way she helps the reader imagine the attitude and behaviors of the rich young man in the Gospel of Mark. She demonstrates her sense of humor! She truthfully writes, “I’m not sure I’d want my children to date him” (Levine, 14). I also enjoyed the section that invites the reader to contemplate: if you could stop Jesus in His tracks, what would you ask Him? Dr.Levine’s question inspired me to write a blog post you can find here. As a professor, she has accomplished her charge to inspire others.
In a chapter analyzing Mark 10:44, “Whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all,” Levine again shares her hermeneutical imagination in a way that is thought-provoking. Her social justice sensibilities help with this as she challenges the reader to ” . . . . think of Paul’s Jewish family in Tarsus as at one time enslaved (it does give Paul a different nuance) . . . ” (Levine, 56). I would definitely agree – that does give Paul a very different nuance and would make for intriguing further study.
Levine questions why Jesus didn’t teach freeing of slaves. She wonders why He didn’t cite Leviticus 25:10 or Jeremiah 34:9-10. It is clearly a topic of interest for Levine as she describes the usages of the terms “slaves” and “servants” throughout the New Testament (Brit Hadasha). In addition, she points out that Westernized “Christianity” and slavery “traveled hand-in-hand through the Roman Empire” (Levine, 58). While I believe these are issues and topics that should rightfully be addressed through careful study and prayer, I again wondered how the less-Westernized remnants of the Jewish followers of Messiah Yeshua would have interpreted these same issues.
Levine does acknowledge that Jesus “identifies [H]imself as a slave, and so did his followers” (Levine, 63). She connects this in a way particularly meaningful to the believer: “Crucifixion was a punishment associated with slaves” (Levine, 63). I appreciated Levine’s deeper look at the Hebrew “eved” as compared to Greek “oiketes” and “doulos.” (pages 64 and 65). Also, the relationship of the “slave” or “servant” to the “Master” who is God/Elohim. She highlights that “for some, indeed probably for Paul of Tarsus, for the followers of Jesus to think of themselves as slaves to God is the ultimate language of freedom, since it indicates that no one and nothing else is in control” (Levine, 70, emphasis added).
Lastly, Levine finishes her book with an emotive chapter addressing anti-Semitism paired with some of the harsher phrases that Messiah used that seem insultive. I don’t know that it is fair to place both topics in one chapter because at various points in the chapter, Levine seems to insinuate that the Gospels train the listener to hear anti-Jewish sentiment by the way in which it is written. I recommend you decide whether or not you agree – read the book for yourself!
There are times when Jesus taught things that seem problematic to contemporary readers. His comments lead to difficult questions about family values, economics, social justice, and religious respect. Jesus spoke 2,000 years ago, but the questions he raises are the ones with which we continue to struggle. In The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings (Abingdon Press), Vanderbilt University professor Amy-Jill Levine gives cultural, historical, and biblical context to some of the most difficult teachings of Jesus to help readers better understand how those teachings spoke to his first-century audience, and how they continue to speak to us today.
Dr.Amy-Jill Levine’s new book, The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings
Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences.
An internationally renowned scholar and teacher, she is the author of numerous books including Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent, and Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven. Her latest release is The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings. She is also the coeditor of the Jewish Annotated New Testament.
Professor Levine has done more than 500 programs for churches, clergy groups, and seminaries on the Bible, Christian-Jewish relations, and Religion, Gender, and Sexuality across the globe.
Title: The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings
Author: Amy-Jill Levine
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Release Date: August 3, 2021
Genre: Religion/Christian Education/Adult
ISBN: 9781791007577
Did you enjoy this book review? Have YOU read the book? Regardless of your doctrinal positions, reading a book like this can definitely be a great conversation starter! So leave a comment! Share what you hope to find in the book! Or, if you’ve already read it, what YOU thought about it!