Pesach 5771

All scripture, being inspired by G-d, is beneficial for doctrine, correction and instruction in walking righteously before our G-d, that the man (or woman) of G-d would be perfect and completely equipped for all good works. 2 Tim. 3:16,17

When Shaul the Pharisee wrote this letter to Timothy, the Tanakh (Old Testament) was the only scripture the followers of Messiah Yeshua had. It would be decades before most would even hear about the writings contained in the Brit Chadasha (New Testament) and centuries before they would hold actual copies in their exceedingly thankful hands. In light of this, it is of utmost importance for us today, somewhat desensitized by centuries of readily available printed scriptures (at least, in the West) to remember that verses speaking of the Word being G-d breathed, etc. are actually referring to the writings contained in the Tanakh (not that these truths wouldn't apply to the entire Word eventually, just that they didn't at this time). Selah.

Decades passed into centuries and the Body of Messiah grew as more and more people heard the message of salvation in Yeshua and clung to it with all that they were. Regardless of their religious views, pagan backgrounds, worldly philosophies, or personal experiences, these early believers would have constantly poured over these cherished writings (judgments, covenants and love letters) and subsequently developed an incredible reverence for G-d, His Way, and living Word, Messiah Yeshua. They would have realized that they were part of the plan, the Body, the Commonwealth of Israel. They would have seen Messiah Yeshua revealed in these ancient events, prophecies and songs and possessed an understanding, dedication and determination to serve Him that I imagine very few could possibly possess today.

Why is this practice (and outcome) of eating the Word so rare among believers today? Why do we cherry-pick scriptures and read our Bibles at 75% off, if at all? Why do we struggle so hard and for so long to avoid taking G-d at His Word? Instead, we insist on rationalizing away those deep calls and playing a role for others. This can cause our spirits to sink even lower, allowing the enemy to lay more snares and erect fortresses of guilt, lust and general ineffectiveness in our lives. Tares grow wild in our dealings with others.

For the last few months I’ve been experiencing a tremendous burden concerning my generation’s apparent unwillingness to walk with G-d. It reached a fever-pitch during Pesach this year, when all I could think about was my G-d's miraculous intervention to rescue me from Mitzrayim. This lead to my desire to reach out to those around me as our G-d guides us away from those that sought to kill us - through the miraculously parted Sea - into the Land He has promised us. I don't think He would mind if we ran.

How is this most effectively accomplished? Apparently, it starts with a blog - and hopefully, the conversations with you all that something like this can facilitate. As we celebrate our rescue, I very much look forward to singing the Song of Moshe with you - just as we will in that Day (Revelation 15:3).

Shalom.