Yom Shabbat, Cheshvan 3 – October 13, 2018
Good And Bad
The Sabbath is a great time for reflection. In fact, it seems to be a part of YAH’s plan that we have a time for seeking Him and for examining our lives. As I write this, I am reminded of scriptures that would indicate that we actually examine our lives in every moment.
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
We are to continue in the meditation of the Law that we might hear and do it (Shema) and that as a result we might prosper wherever we go and have good success. If in this process we are changing course to get back on track with YAH, I suggest that this is a process of reflection, or at a minimum, it can be.
When we reflect, we need to avoid comparing ourselves to others, or even ourselves.
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
So then, we need to compare ourselves to the Law, apparently. But I suggest not that Law that was written on stone.
Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
It has always been about the heart. No man, save One, has been perfect in this life. But we have a path to redemption still. It is with our Father (YAH), through the blood of His Son Yeshuah (Jesus). And He is our standard of comparison because He did have the Law truly in His heart, the way that He described to us to live. This is our goal and our focus in life at all times, and certainly on this Sabbath.
Shabbat Shalom.
Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in this earth in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. Let Your will be done here perfectly as it is in heaven. Send us now Your provision that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God and overflow to those around us. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love for us. We love You. Restore Your people, Father, unto You. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all the good that has been taken or held back in any way, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,523,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God in the hearts and minds and bodies of the people here. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.