Reflections

17-May-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 33

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

The township of Colossae no longer exists, not even the ruins! It stood (until it was destroyed in the 12th century) about 15 miles from Laodicea (of luke-warm fame), and about 100 miles inland, east of Ephesus. It is unlikely that Paul ever visited the place but he wrote because he had ‘heard of their faith’, and in order to counter influences from those of Gnostic and Ascetic persuasion.

Last week we noted that Paul dealt with certain doctrinal issues, in which he emphasized the supremacy of faith in Messiah Yeshua alone as the basis of their faith for salvation. This was set alongside the teaching of the Gnostic and Ascetic philosophies which were being introduced as behavioural options into the “ekklesia” in Colossae. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” was his message as he sought to provide them with a practical guide to righteous living. The dictionary defines “asceticism” as ‘severe self-discipline and avoiding of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. "acts of physical asceticism."’ Paul had told them to “let no man judge you in food and drink etc”, which has erroneously been equated with the prohibition of the Torah dietary laws by many. The opposite is true. This is just one example which Paul used to encourage their “orderly walk” in matters of God honouring righteous living (Torah observance) rather than following the futile influences of the particular self-disciplinary philosophies of this world as a supposed stepping stone to ‘higher spirituality’.

Then Paul provides the real answer to ‘higher spirituality’! It is a long and extremely practical list of things to avoid and things to do. There are things we recognize in all of us (but usually in someone else!) which are covered by Paul’s list. “Put to death fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” he said. Those things should all be part of your past. But there might still be some things still lurking there, so “put off (that is do it yourself) anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Don’t lie to each other.” Paul is not philosophising here. This is straight from the shoulder stuff. He is not describing some magically appearing behavioural trait. You do it. You put off these things. This is the “new man” you claim to be. It is not specific to any type of person. Greek, Jew, circumcised, uncircumcised, slave, free-man, every background. It applies universally to those who confess Christ as Lord of their life. It applies to me. It applies to you, if you are counted as one of God’s elect! Having cast off those unseemly habits, with what should they be replaced? I am greatly challenged as I write this ‘reflection’ because I see clearly that what follows is another list that is not naturally inherited, it is another list of behavioural choices that I can decide to make myself.

“Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Good start eh? But that is not the end. “Put on love, which is the bond of affection.” And when you get that all right you will know the peace of God which will rule in your hearts. Immediately following this impressive list of things to do, Paul turns to possibly the most important of relationships, because much of it takes place behind closed doors! They are relationships within families. Wives are expected, even commanded, to be submissive to husbands. In real life (Paul was never married) it is more likely to happen in a truly loving environment, which is a command that husbands are charged to engender. In another Epistle, Paul goes further. A husband is commanded to love his wife as Christ loved the “ekklesia” and gave His life for her! It is also true that men are given a priestly role in their home. Another responsibility is to be a teacher, a guide, an example. What is NOT intended here, men, is the role of dictator. And regrettably, too often men, to their shame, are apt to see this exhortation of Paul in that light, the more is the pity.

The statement which follows this list of relationship issues is an oft quoted and highly commendable encouragement of attitude for all believers. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” And there we usually stop! But Paul isn’t finished. “But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.” Now, my dear friends that is a conversation stopper. It is not a mere throw-away line of Paul’s. Read it carefully. It is a solemn promise to be taken seriously. As indeed should all of Paul’s writings when properly understood in their context of Hebraic thought. Finally, we have another pearl from our beloved Apostle Paul. Another exhortation for all of us to heed. “Walk in wisdom towards those who are outside (“the ekklesia”), redeeming (not wasting) the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt (as a sacrifice to the Lord), that you may know how you ought to answer each one (about your faith).” What good words to end our ‘reflection’ on this letter to the “ekklesia” in Colossae. Be blessed as you read it through Hebraic eyes.

Shabbat Shalom

10-May-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 32

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

Colossians 1 : 1 to 2 : 23

The main focus of this Epistle is ‘Christ is the head’ of the “ekklesia”. Paul had become aware of their existence and their faith (possibly through meeting Philemon, but more likely from Epaphras, a Colossian who worked with Paul in Ephesus). In any event this “ekklesia” was on Paul’s prayer list! His prayer for this community of believers is classic in content and expression. He says “We do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God …” A prayer that we would do well to copy in our intercession for others we know, and even for ourselves!

Paul then continued with the statements emphasizing the pre-eminence of Yeshua, our Lord and saviour. He is the One worthy of our adoration and worship. He is the One presented as the very image of God Himself. He is above all, through all, in all. Everything created was through Him and for Him. He was with God before creation. And it is by Him that sinful man has access to the Throne Room of Almighty God. It was important to Paul that he lay the foundation of Yeshua’s deity and pre-eminence before them because of the issues he knew they were encountering. Paul was not the ‘founding Apostle’ of this “ekklesia”. He had not had the opportunity to teach them, as he had in some other “ekklesia” in that region. And so it was that they had been influenced, according to reports received by Paul, by the heretical beliefs of Gnostics and Ascetics. They held views about multiple and competing deities, all of whom, they said, had equal claim on man’s time and worship. (That, at least is the simple explanation!).

That, of course, was not Paul’s view, and neither is it ours. So Paul then established his own authoritative credentials as the then present day representative of the gospel of Messiah Yeshua. It had been a mystery for centuries that the God of the Jew is also the God of the Gentile (pagan) who turned to Him in faith, as these “Colossians” had done. But there was to be no compromise with ‘other gods’ (as the philosophical heretics taught). Now put on your “Hebraic” hat, because what follows in Colossians 2 is taught today as a justification, (from this Jewish Rabbi Sha’ul no less) for the obsolescence of Torah commands for the church! This presents a grave misunderstanding of Paul’s actual words to this “ekklesia”. And the words are important to our understanding. Paul says “I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.” Do you recall the Jerusalem Council telling Paul to demonstrate his orderly walk and keeping the ‘law’ in Acts 21:24? It’s the same order! And there is more. He continues “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ”. Friends, Paul has Gnosticism and Asceticism in his sights here, not the Torah of God.

And he gets right to the point in saying “Let no-one judge you in food and drink or regarding festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” Space does not allow a fuller explanation here, but the “mo’edim” of God, His appointed times, the festivals, were presented as a shadow, a practice, a forerunner, an example, of things to come! (some of which have already been completely accomplished in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Yeshua, as has the giving of the Holy Spirit of God. The, as yet unfulfilled, “mo’edim” of Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur and Feast of Tabernacles will be fulfilled when Yeshua returns to rule and reign from Jerusalem).

When Paul declares “Therefore if you died with Christ, from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations -.” Now the anti-Judaic early years of Christendom (specifically since the Council of Nicea in 324 C.E.) has tied these words of Paul into the spurious argument of ‘grace v law’. But it is classic Asceticism to which he is referring. See how he continues. “These things have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, ….” This has nothing to do with Judaism, as is supposed by some, but there is enough similarity there to throw many off the track.

If we get it straight about Paul’s testimony of ‘conversion’, from Pharisaic Judaism to Messianic Judaism, it becomes clear that Paul was never an anti-Torah teacher. Why? Because he is a faithful follower of his Master, Yeshua, who is, after all, the living Torah and example to us all.

Shabbat Shalom

03-May-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 31

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

Philippians 3 : 1 to 4 : 23

Philippi was a major city of Macedonia. Read Acts 16 for interesting detail about Paul’s first visit there. There is no mention of a synagogue in Philippi so Sabbath prayer was made at a riverside location and it was attended by some prominent local ladies. The letter was most likely written about 62 C.E., early in Paul’s Rome imprisonment to thank the “ekklesia” for their help and generous support. The central theme of the letter is the preservation of unity in the “ekklesia” through Christ alone.

Why does Paul say “for me to write the same things to you”? I venture into speculation when I conclude that he refers to things he had already written to other “ekklesia”. Specifically to the Galatians when he took issue with Judaizers, who were insistent that salvation for Gentiles could only be obtained by circumcision and works of the law. “Beware of the mutilation” he said. A clear reference to those who had submitted to circumcision, most likely Gentile proselytes in this case. but they may have been Jews (unlikely). Paul emphasized his own credentials as a Torah observant Jew who was perhaps the most ardent of Judaizers before his conversion experience, when he had revelation that salvation was by faith alone, and that being only in the risen Christ. “I have suffered the loss of all things” (that man might consider important) he said, “but count that as ‘dung’ in order to gain the excellence of the knowledge of Christ.” (my slight paraphrase) In this way, Paul contrasts his teaching of Messianic Judaism with that of the orthodox Judaizers.

The great attribute, for which he had commended this “ekklesia”, was their life of righteousness, thoughtfulness, love and caring for the poor and needy (which included himself). He was anxious that this Spirit led action would not be lost to them by their trying to substitute the ‘traditions of men’ to gain that which they already had. As he continued, he opened up a subject with which some may take issue. Many believe that salvation, once accepted by a believer, cannot be lost. But here Paul said “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach”. In his lead up to that (read his words carefully) he writes about “attaining to the resurrection of the dead” and similar expressions which indicate to me that for Paul, salvation was a continuing goal, not a ‘done deal’. We might remind ourselves here that Yeshua, on two separate occasions made reference to those “who endure to the end will be saved”. And Paul, in Romans 11 also referred to “branches being ‘cut-off’ due to their unbelief”. They are branches once attached to the natural Olive Tree, which is Israel. His warning was also to those ‘grafted in’ (Gentiles) who might also be broken off for the same reason!

If we open our “Hebraic” eyes here, we know that all Israel were saved out of Egypt after the first Passover. But not all those saved entered the Land of Promise. Further, and much later, all Israel was expelled from that Land because of laxity and disobedience to their Covenant promises. This is a matter for serious contemplation. It seems that in God’s eyes, salvation in Him is expected to result in a lifestyle of living righteously. Obedience to His commands and precepts. And we know from Revelation 20:12 that the final judgement is according to our works!

There seemed to be discord (unspecified) between two prominent women in the “ekklesia”. Last week we read how Paul implored the members to esteem others better than themselves. In that spirit, he invited them to “let your gentleness be known to all men”, assuring them that “The Lord is at hand” (to see what goes on). Then Paul quoted words which are a blessing to all who read them. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Some mistakenly take this as a promise of God to provide anything we care to ask of Him. But note here that Paul says the promise is to give us His peace (“shalom”). It is imperative that in bringing our requests before God that we take care seek His perfect will for ourselves, for our family, for our “ekklesia”. And as if to emphasize the issue, Paul come to a “finally’. These words to this Philippian “ekklesia” should be in our mind everyday of our life. Surely a recipe for joyous and righteous living.

“Whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

There is so much to be learned from this short epistle. Paul has written a most encouraging letter to these good folk in Philippi, and we can appropriate the blessings therein by taking heed to the counsel Paul has provided. He ends, but not boastfully, that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and a promise to them that “my God shall supply all your need (that is not all you might want) according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.”

Be strengthened in your faith as you study this letter.

Shabbat Shalom

27-April-2019

Torah Reflections Pesach

Torah Reflections “Pesach 2”

Torah portion Exodus 13 : 17 - 15 : 26

Haftarah portion Numbers 28 : 16 – 25

The Torah of YHWH given to Moses

We come to the last day of the celebration and remembrance of “Pesach”.

The parashah narrative begins with the statement of fact that the Pharoah had finally agreed to “let the people go”. It continues with the story of the journey of escape from Egypt, and the drowning of the pursuing Egyptian army, and it ends with the provision of “sweet water” to drink out of the bitter waters of Marah. A fascinating story.

These events are well known. Even non-Christian sceptics are familiar with the story, so we do not need to re-visit the detail. But we need to find the lessons for ourselves as the story unfolds.

Last week we focussed on the prophetic significance of the whole season of the three Pesach festivals. This week we learn of the detail of the way the event unfolded for them in practical terms. In fact, as we arrive at the very end of the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” in our study this week, we see the hand of Almighty God, and a picture of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach in this parashah.

We could look at the provision of food, which rained down from Heaven each night, sufficient to satisfy each family for the whole day ahead. And that which was not eaten that day rotted before the next day! It was to be gathered and eaten FRESH each day (Miraculously, the same food lasted TWO days when the weekly Shabbat came around).

The Apostle John, in Chapter 6 from verse 32, records the words of Yeshua when He described Himself as “the Bread of Life”. He goes further by relating the “bread from Heaven” in Moses time with Himself.

“Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

It is not going too far to equate the Israelites need for a daily gathering of that bread, with our need today for a ‘daily gathering’ of the bread which Yeshua is. He taught us to pray ‘give us this day our daily bread’. I believe that this phrase has both a literal and a spiritual meaning. We need to gather our ‘bread’ DAILY, just as those Israelites did in our parashah.

We could look at the provision of water. Moses was told to strike the rock, out of which poured an abundance of clean fresh, life-giving water. Our beloved Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Corinth used a most interesting description of this water.

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ”

1 Corinthians 10 : 1- 4.

Paul is suggesting here that the miracle of the provision of water from the Rock extended to that Rock actually following them around!! The plain sense of this is that it was Yeshua Himself, there with the Israelites on their journeying’s in the wilderness who sustained them with life giving water. On another occasion, when Yeshau was attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, at the time of the water libationCeremony in the Temple He said:-

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."”

John 7 : 37,38

So then, as the “mo’ed” of Pesach concludes for another year, we remind ourselves that the Passover Seder which starts the celebration of this season always ends with the participants saying “Next Year in Jerusalem”. An anticipatory statement about the coming of Messiah. So we who are believers in Yeshau, can see the way in which this “appointed time” of Pesach not only speaks of Yeshau perfectly fulfilling His role as the ‘Lamb that was slain’, but also throughout the whole parashah we have reminders of His role in our lives as the sustainer of our life

For the believer, without Him there is no hope of life. With Him we have abundant life …. IF we choose to access it. Praise be to Him.

Shabbat Shalom

26-April-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 30

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

Philippians 1 : 1 to 2 : 30

Paul’s first recorded visit to Philippi was as a result of a vision he had in Troas. The Holy Spirit having prevented him from following his original plan to visit “Asia”. That was about the year 50 C.E. It is possible, but not recorded, that he visited them again on his third missionary trip in about 55 C.E.,on his way through Macedonia to Greece. Three months later, on his way back, he spent Pesach with this “ekklesia”, a mostly Gentile congregation. It seems that there were not enough Jewish men there to form a minion for a synagogue! So he would have had a good knowledge of the people in this “ekklesia”. He opens his letter encouragingly with “I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.” That would surely put them in a good frame of mind to read the rest of the letter!

We see a little later in this letter that he was prompted to write by the arrival of Epaphroditus, one of the Philippi congregants, bearing some gifts for him in his imprisonment. This thoughtfulness had a profound impact on Paul and His prayer expressed the hope that they would (continue to) have wisdom, knowledge and discernment to see those thing which are excellent, so that they would all exhibit the ‘fruits of righteousness’, which, said Paul, came through an intimate knowledge of Christ our Saviour. In their gift to him he could see their behavioural outworking of love and concern. It is a prayer that we could very easily appropriate for ourselves isn’t it? We note that one of the principal aims of Torah living, alongside “loving God with all your heart”, is to care for those who are in need. Yeshua described it (quoting Leviticus 19:18) as “loving your neighbour as yourself.” These Philippians evidently practised what they believed.

Paul then assured these Philippian benefactors that in spite of his personal discomfort of imprisonment, God was using that to embolden others to speak up, bringing salvation, even to his captors. Some others however, were intent on attempting to enrich themselves at Paul’s expense by pretending to be bearers of the “good news”. But even that brought joy to Paul, because some were hearing the word from these frauds and were still coming to faith! And friends, that situation still exists today. Praise God. Paul confessed that he had a problem. “For me to live is Christ” he said, “but to die is gain.” He clarified that by saying that for him, dying and being with the Lord was desirable because it would free him of further trouble in this life, but to continue in this life would afford him more opportunity to be of service to the Lord here, and that thought brought him great joy.

As he sought to encourage them, he exhorted them to unity of spirit, in love, caring for each other. His words should be embedded in the heart of every believer. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” What would our “ekklesia” be like if everyone had such an attitude? What would our nation be like if everyone adopted Paul’s exhortation? What would our world be like? Well the good news is that it’s coming. It will be just like that one day when everyone lives under the New Covenant. When God’s Torah is written on our hearts and put in our minds. When King Yeshua reigns in Jerusalem. And it may well be sooner than we think.

Paul used the unusual metaphor of “being poured out as a drink offering” in describing his life’s work. There was always a water libation associated with the Jewish sacrificial system, which came at the conclusion of the ceremony. We are apt to forget that at the time of Paul’s writing the Temple had not been destroyed and the sacrificial offerings were still being made in Jerusalem daily! Maybe Paul thought that he was nearing the end of his life (he actually lived another 6 or 7 years) and his service was concluding. So he promised to send his highly esteemed fellow worker, Timothy, as his emissary, to share in ministry with them. But he is also dispatching Epaphroditus, the one who had brought gifts from Philippi, not because he had failed in his task, but because the poor man had been terribly sick and was concerned that the “ekklesia” would be concerned about him. This is quite typical of the personal nature of this Epistle. It is warmly and compassionately written, showing his high esteem for this “ekklesia”. And there is more to come.

Shabbat Shalom.

20-April-2019

Torah Reflections Pesach

Torah Reflections “Pesach 1”

Torah portion Exodus 12 : 21 - 51 Numbers 28 : 16-25

Haftarah portion Joshua 5 : 2 to 6 : 1

Listen to the Prophets

The regular sequence of Torah readings is interrupted this week because of the “mo’ed” of Pesach.

Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 have the commandments about annual observances of the “mo’edim”. (The Hebrew word for “appointed times”, which in turn is usually translated into English as “feasts”). These are times when God specified He would meet with His chosen ones.

Today, they are most often referred to as “Jewish Feasts”. That correctly describes the fact that they are observances remembered by Jews. But it is an incorrect understanding of the Scriptures.

When God gave these instructions to Moses, He carefully worded these ‘appointed times’ (mo’edim) as MY ‘mo’edim’. They may be characterized as times when God says, in effect, “I will be there to meet with you on these specific occasions”. Those who choose not to attend miss an opportunity of blessing through meeting with Him at His invitation.

This festival, known as “Pesach” (Passover), embraces THREE festivals in a period of eight days. The first of these remembers the actual day in history (the 14th day of the first month, Nisan) when the Israelites experienced the ‘salvation’ of the firstborn in their families by placing the blood of the Pesach Lamb on the doorposts and lintels of their houses in Egypt. The Lord ‘passed over’ their houses when He saw the blood.

It also is the exact Hebrew calendar date of the crucifixion of Yeshua. The Christian celebration of Easter (replacing Passover) was formalized at the Council of Nicea in the days of the Emperor Constantine of Rome. It signalled the official separation of the “church” from its Hebrew roots. (In my view one of Satan’s major victories over mankind).

The second remembrance is known as the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” which occurs on the very next day, Nisan 15. (It is a High Sabbath), and it lasts seven days, and begins and ends with a special Sabbath, Note that there are always three Sabbaths during this Pesach festival. The “High Sabbath” which marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, (and the Sabbath which marks the end of the festival, PLUS the normal weekly Sabbath). It is this “High Sabbath” which is the Sabbath mentioned in John 19:31 before which the Jews were anxious to confine Yeshua’s body to the grave. Then the ‘normal’ weekly Sabbath occurred immediately prior to the resurrection of Yeshua. This confirms the statement of Yeshua in Luke 11:29 (as well as in Matthew and Mark) when asked for a sign. Read it. The complete lack of understanding of this fact has caused conventional church teaching to major on an incorrect “Good Friday” crucifixion story !

Unleavened Bread is eaten during the whole eight day period of the Pesach remembrance. To Jews it is a remembrance of the fact that they ate unleavened bread,(as commanded in Exodus 12:18) as they fled from Egypt on the night of Passover. Leaven is a symbol of SIN, so to believers, the Unleavened Bread also represents the sinless body of the Messiah which was buried in the grave for three days and three nights.

The third festival in this Pesach season is the “Feast of Firstfruits”. It occurs on the day AFTER the weekly Sabbath in Pesach week. (Always a SUNDAY). It signified the beginning of the Barley Harvest and was celebrated by a priest waving an ‘omer’ (a measure) of Barley in the temple in Yeshua’s day. But it was also the day on which Yeshua was resurrected from the grave. Believers refer to it as Resurrection Sunday. (but in association with Easter rather than Passover!) It signifies that Yeshua became the “Firstfruits from the dead”. (see 1 Corinthians15:23).

We should be grateful that churches worldwide (all varieties) remember the death and resurrection of Yeshua. And that they do so sincerely. But more and more, many people are realizing that our roots are inextricably founded in Judaism and the Lord’s “mo’edim” (appointed times). Those that do then focus more on Passover than Easter.

In addition to your own church fellowship, this year, take the trouble to find a fellowship of believers who celebrate Passover, and join them in that celebration. You will be enlightened, blessed and immeasurably enriched as you do.

Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday)

Shabbat Shalom

20-April-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 29

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

Ephesians 5 : 1 to 6 : 24

Ephesus is probably the most visited Biblical site outside of Israel. It was an important sea port and commercial centre on the Eastern coast of Turkey which was thought to be home to about ¼ million people at one time. Also an important cultural centre containing Greek and Roman antiquities. Paul wrote this letter from Rome about 5 years before his death. He left Timothy there to shepherd the young “ekklesia” whilst he continued his missionary travels. Ephesus has the distinction of being addressed by the Lord Himself in the letter He dictated to John (Rev 2: 11-17). It is largely a letter of encouragement and intended for all nearby local “ekklesia”.

Paul continued his exhortation to the Ephesus “ekklesia” to act out their own part in their faith walk. “Be imitators of God .. walk in love .. get rid of all the filth in your life.” Do not be deceived by empty words because the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience! You have embarked upon serious business with God. “Walk as children of light.” All this advice and counsel is as relevant to us today as it was when Paul first wrote to the “ekklesia” in Ephesus almost 2000 years ago. Learn that there is a big difference between ‘free salvation’ and ‘no obligation salvation’. The Lord God Almighty has always expected those who are His to live in obedient accord with His standards. It’s called ‘righteous living’. And in our text today Paul is at some pains to spell that out loud and clear. He goes further, “and have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them”, he says. That’s direct isn’t it?

You see, Paul is writing a pastoral letter. He is concerned for these people. It’s the type of life-giving message God gave him to preach. What sort of message do you get in your “ekklesia”? Is it a message of concern for your spiritual welfare? Or is it a ‘feel-good’ warm and fuzzy tickle? Paul gets quite personal as he continues. “Wives submit to your own husband, as to the Lord.” Now he couldn’t be more direct could he? He also had a word for husbands. “Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the “ekklesia” and gave Himself for her.” What kind of love was that husbands? Even with ALL our blemishes Christ gave Himself up to be crucified on a Roman cross! Did He ask that we love Him and be obedient to Him first? NO. His loving sacrificial death was unconditional. IT is my view that such unconditional love is so special that it is worthy of our obedience. And I think that is at the heart of Paul’s exhortation to the married couple. A little later Paul described the marriage relationship as a great mystery, as is Christ’s relationship to His “ekklesia”. But Paul never did get married because for him it would have been a distraction from his service to the Lord.

Children and bond-servants are also in Paul’s sight, as are those who are masters of servants, as he continued to exhort this “ekklesia” to pursue perfection and unity in their relationships. But he finally provided an all embracing solution to them to ward off the attacks of the enemy. “Put on the whole armour of God.” It would be surprising if many of those reading this ‘reflection’ hadn’t listened to at least ONE sermon on this topic. Paul is so aware, that notwithstanding the difficulties which can arise from within the “ekklesia’, the real enemy of our faith is Satan. He is ever active where people seek to serve the Lord. Our real enemy is not the person with whom we might disagree on some point of doctrine. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness...”. So God has provided us all with a suit of armour. Regrettably though, we do not all wear it!! Or at least not all of it, and not all the time.

I need to point out again that what I write here is just a ‘reflection’, not a commentary. For that reason I commend you to get together with some Christian friend and have a close look at the armour which God provides. It will enhance your fellowship as you study God’s word together.

“Gird your waist with truth”. Do not just take what others say about the Scriptures. Study the word so as to be SURE what you believe, and why you believe it. “Put on the breastplate of righteousness”. Decide if and how you should modify your previous lifestyle to live as God has directed you. “Have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. See to it that you are prepared to give account of the hope of your salvation. “Take the shield of faith with you”. Be prepared, as was Yeshua when He was tempted by Satan, to recognize those faulty quotations of Scripture (a favourite of Satan) to try to bring you down. Memorize the Scriptures. Then “Take the helmet of salvation”. Wear it as a sign of your allegiance to your faith. “Have the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God”. In fact it is sharper than any two-edged sword of steel. And the Psalmist tells us that “God has magnified His Word above all His name.” How powerful is that? Trust me when I say that the Word of God is so important to our own spiritual growth and well-being, plus it also provides a weapon of offence against Satan’s wiles. And that is exactly what Paul has written to encourage this “ekklesia” in Ephesus, and by extension to us as well. Be blessed as you study the Scriptures and remain in His love.

Shabbat Shalom

12-April-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 28

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

Ephesians 3 : 1 to 4 : 32

Having established that ‘breaking down the middle wall of separation’ had given new-found freedom for Gentiles to join “ekklesia” fellowship on equal terms with Jewish believers (see ‘reflection’ 27), Paul informed them that his appointment as the Apostle to the Gentiles when he encountered the risen Yeshua on the Damascus road (Acts 9) is part of the reason why he is imprisoned in Rome. Jew and Gentile were previously culturally and religiously separated. This new situation, something considered a mystery to earlier generations, and for which his personal role caused him much physical deprivation, is the result of the death and resurrection of Yeshua. Now, there is a very different division. Two groupings. Simply put, there are those who believe and there are those who do not. In God’s sight that is the new order. It persists today. The word “gentile’ being an all embracing word for “non-Jew”. There is a new “ekklesia” being built, with Yeshua as the Head, made up of ‘the one new man’, Jew and Gentile together in worshipful fellowship. It is an ongoing work of God.

Part of the problem many of us have in understanding Paul lies in the fact that in large measure he is a pioneer, establishing a new order of worship in a mixed congregation and in a Jewish setting at that. Whereas we have a natural tendency to visualize the situation in today’s terms, in which we see ‘the church’ as a building on the corner of the local high street. In Paul’s time ALL the Biblical background is found ONLY in the Hebrew Scriptures. Even the gospel accounts of the life of Yeshua on this earth, which we take for granted, were unpublished, except by word of mouth. It is so important for us to read Paul in the setting into which he wrote.

So he continued, asking them not to lose heart because of his tribulations as he faithfully brought the message to them. “I bow my knees to the Father” he says, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend and know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” And he ends with the now well-known doxology. Please take time to ponder the depth of meaning in these beautifully prayerful words of Paul. “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (that is a staggering concept) according to the power that works in us (astounding).”

As Paul continued with his encouraging message into chapter 4 of our text he used words which are worthy of everyone’s deep reflection. He certainly got my attention!! “Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called”. Then he qualifies “worthiness” for them, and us. “With all lowliness, and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” Wow! (Maybe you already belong to such an “ekklesia”. You are blessed indeed if you are.) “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Then to press the point of unity Paul lists a number of “Ones”. It is an impressive list. “One hope of your calling. One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in you all.”

As he continued, he had a somewhat uncomfortable word for Gentiles, albeit with some encouragement to follow! Perhaps it might be too much to suggest that we could take Paul’s words as though they were written to us today, because they could well have been. To those who had already come to faith in Yeshua he said that they “should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God … because of the blindness of their heart;” The discomfort continued until he said in paraphrase “you didn’t learn those things from Christ, if you heard Him at all!” Then faith in action. Something we have to do for ourselves. “Put off your former conduct, (it does not disappear of its own accord) be renewed in the spirit of your mind, put on the new man. Be responsible for your own actions!” Further still, “do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

Friends, this is very practical counsel from Paul. Note that he does NOT say, “now that you have come to Jesus all your problems will go away,” as some teach today. He says you have to work at righteousness in your own life. Why? Because the reward is immense. Your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. It is the freely available gift of a Holy and righteous God, but it can be very costly, as indeed Paul knew full well. Didn’t he?

Shabbat Shalom

05-April-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 27

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

Ephesians 1 : 1 to 2 : 22

Paul writes in glowing terms of the faithfulness and love for others which he recognized as a characteristic of this “ekklesia” in Ephesus. That, of course, is how it should be in every “ekklesia”. Then he wrote what he had been praying for them, “that they be given the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Yeshua)”. I imitate Paul, as I pray for those reading these ‘reflections’, “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened”, and that you may know “what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”. Our task is to try to see the unmistakeable Hebraic nature of the Scriptures, especially the Apostolic Scriptures, recognizing that often times our former teaching, with its Greek mind-set, can easily get in our way! “The saints” Paul refers to are the faithful forefathers of the Hebrew Scriptures. The ones to whom ‘faithful obedience’ was counted as righteousness by a just and Holy God. The Ephesus “ekklesia” was a mixed congregation. Jewish believers, with a lifetime knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures would surely have better understanding than the Gentiles, coming from a pagan background, who had joined them in the faith.

But regardless of background, Paul assured them that in Yeshua they had all been made “alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world”. And how did He accomplish that? “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Every one of them, and us, being equal in God’s eyes. All have walked through the same ‘door’. And by invitation too!

Then Paul embarked on an explanation of how the two peoples, Jew and Gentile, are being made into “One new man”. And most of us have been taught, and firmly hold onto, a totally un-Hebraic interpretation of Paul’s words. We all understand that Yeshua “is our ‘shalom’, our peace.” And that “peace” is accomplished in Him as “the middle wall of partition is broken down.” This is an obvious reference to the barrier in the Jerusalem Temple Courts beyond which Gentiles were forbidden to pass. Now look carefully at the Scripture. Whilst the barrier existed, Jews were always permitted to enter the Court of the Gentiles. It was the Gentile who was ‘disadvantaged’ by the barrier. But Paul went further, describing that barrier an “enmity” separating Jew and Gentile. And further still, by calling that “enmity” as “the law of commandments”. (Note: it is worthwhile looking up the meaning of ‘enmity’ in a good dictionary).

So a huge question is raised here. How can the Torah (law of commandments) which is described by David in Psalm 19 as “perfect”, and by other prophets variously as “good, life, truth, light, the way, freedom, and by Paul himself writing in Romans 7:12 as ‘holy, and just and good’, be described as ‘enmity’? That’s the same Torah which forms the foundation of the New Covenant! It is because it was a barrier which prevented the Gentile fellowshipping with the Jew! But in Yeshua, the barrier was torn down. The ‘enmity’ was removed. Gentile became free to participate in the same Torah as the Jew. And that is precisely what the Ephesus “ekklesia” was doing. Jew and Gentile fellowshipping freely in their synagogue. But how does our un-Hebraic mind interpret this? That the Jew is free to abandon the ‘perfect’ Torah in favour of .. what? Do you see, as I do, that we seem to get it all back to front? Our interpretation has the believing Jew, already having abandoned Pharisaic Judaism in favour of Messianic Judaism, now expected to change to a ‘rudderless’ fragmented modern church. Choose one of several optional doctrines!

Paul is much clearer. Writing to the Romans, he saw the Gentile believer becoming ‘grafted in’ to the Natural Olive Tree, which is Israel. Just like the Ephesus “ekklesia”, to whom Paul says Yeshua “preached peace to you who were far off (Gentiles) and to those who were near (Jews). For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father”. He then said that we become “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God .. in whom the whole building, being fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” Jew and Gentile, one new man, worshipping our Saviour Yeshua together. It is already happening, but one day, when Yeshua returns, there will be no alternative for us to argue about. All believers will have the “Torah” written on their hearts and put in their minds by God Himself. At least that’s how my Bible describes the New Covenant. And Paul knew it didn’t he?

Shabbat Shalom

29-March-2019

Brit Hadashah Reflections

Brit Hadashah Reflections 26

Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters

Galatians 5 : 1 to 6 : 18

Please read the introduction (No. 23) for background to this Epistle

The convenience of chapter and verse divisions in our Scriptures can sometimes cause us to miss the flow of the actual letter, which is as Paul wrote it. So it is good to read back into the previous chapter(s) to remind ourselves of the subject matter. In this case Paul had just used the quite unusual analogy of the bond-woman and the free-woman in explaining the relationship between the yoke of bondage produced in Pharisaic Judaism (the bond-woman) and salvation through the child of promise (the free-woman). Hence the opening verse this week, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage”.

Now let us be clear in our thinking. This is almost invariably taught as a statement about the supposed obsolescence of Torah. It is NOT. How do we know that? Because it is inconceivable that Rabbi Sha’ul, a Torah observant Jew, disciple (imitator, copier, student, Apostle) of Yeshua, (who declared that anyone who taught against Torah would be ‘least’ in the Kingdom of Heaven), would teach such heresy. Additionally, from Paul’s own testimony before many of his accusers and judges in the Book of Acts, he many times affirms that that he had done ‘nothing against the customs of the forefathers’ (of Judaism). So what is it? It is a declaration that the free gift of salvation in Yeshua, cannot be earned, try as you might, by just keeping the man-made rules of Pharisaic Judaism.

Paul went further. He said that if anyone abandons the free gift of salvation in Yeshua and instead, attempts to rely on the man-made rules of Pharisaic Judaism for salvation, then that person “has fallen from grace”. Wow! This is serious business. Read it again! “You have been estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by the law; you have fallen from grace.” The word is crystal clear. No ambiguity about his topic. The mystery is how some so misunderstand it.

So salvation is through the sacrificial death of Yeshua, and those who find it are called by the Holy Spirit of God to walk in that faith. Paul then encouraged the “ekklesia” to “Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh”. Now if anyone has doubt about what this means, Paul provides a l-o-n-g list, in Galatians 5: 19-21, for any who may be so inclined, to check themselves on how much “flesh” might remain, even in those who believe they have been saved! It is Paul’s list, not mine!

Then in absolute contrast Paul described the Spirit led, very well-known list of attributes which should be exhibited in the lives of all who “walk in the Spirit”. But it may come as a surprise to many, that many Bibles continue with “against such there is no law”, or similar. The Complete Jewish Bible translates this as “Nothing in the Torah stands against such things”. The Living Bible says “and here there is no conflict with Jewish laws.” So I conclude that Paul is affirming that in following God’s instructions for righteous living (Torah), a person should also exhibit the same qualities which are in the person led by the Spirit. And why not, after all, the same Spirit was in the beginning!!

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” It’s about how we live isn’t it? You want to fulfil the law of Messiah Yeshua? Then ‘bear one another’s burdens’. Look after each other. Consider what you can DO to make another person feel loved and appreciated. It’s not about legalistic observance. It is good practical advice from Paul.

Now consider how this letter started. Paul was concerned that some who had commenced a life of faith in Yeshua were being drawn away into legalistic observances in some vain attempt to appease God. He chastised them for their gullibility and ‘foolishness’. And over the course of this letter he returns to his familiar theme. Your salvation is assured by your faith in Messiah Yeshua. The New Covenant is guaranteed by His shed blood. There is nothing you can physically do to earn that salvation. BUT, there is plenty for you to do to live righteously. It is a self-motivated decision as to how you choose to live your life. “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” he said. It is not hypothetical, it’s practical.

We said at the beginning that ‘Galatians’ is often portrayed as a conflict between “law and grace”. It is nothing of the sort. It is a very practical discourse in how to live effectively AFTER one has availed oneself of God’s salvation gift. It is free. One can do nothing more to earn it. But one can follow the instructions God has given to order one’s life to be pleasing to Him, and to be fruitful within the “ekklesia” into which one is planted.

May God grant that you ‘bear much fruit’ as you study His word.

Shabbat Shalom