Category Archives: Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Love, Merciful, Mercy, Purposeful / Intentional

Mercy Over Judgment (James 2:1-13)

Leave a comment

How do you treat others when no one is watching?

James 2:1-13 challenges us to reflect on how we treat people, warning against favoritism and reminding us of God’s call to love and show mercy. As followers of Yeshua, we are to reflect His character, treating others with the same grace we have received.

Key Verse:
“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.” – James 2:13 (NASB)

Background Context:
James writes to Jewish believers scattered across different regions, emphasizing the need for practical faith. In this passage, he directly addresses favoritism in the church, pointing out that treating people differently based on wealth or status contradicts the heart of the gospel. He reminds us that God’s royal law calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves and warns that true faith is demonstrated through mercy and righteousness.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

James 2:1-13

The Sin of Partiality

      1My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

      8If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. 9But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11For He who said, “DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,” also said, “DO NOT COMMIT MURDER.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Reflection on James 2:1-13:

  • Favoritism Contradicts Faith:
    James rebukes showing preference to the wealthy while neglecting the poor (James 2:1-4). Partiality reveals a worldly mindset that values people based on status rather than seeing them as God does. Are you treating all people with equal love and dignity?
  • God’s Kingdom Values the Humble:
    James reminds us that God often chooses the poor to be rich in faith (James 2:5-7). True riches come from spiritual wealth, not worldly success. Are you prioritizing faith over material status?
  • The Royal Law of Love:
    The command to love our neighbor as ourselves (James 2:8) is foundational to living as God’s people. Disregarding this law makes us guilty, no matter how “small” we think our sins are (James 2:9-11). Are you striving to love others with Christlike compassion?
  • Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment:
    James warns that those who fail to show mercy will be judged without mercy (James 2:12-13). Since we have received God’s grace, we must extend grace to others. Are you quick to judge others, or do you respond with mercy?

Summary Key Points:

  • Avoid Favoritism: All people have value in God’s eyes, regardless of status.
  • True Wealth Is Spiritual: Faith, not riches, determines one’s standing with God.
  • Obey the Law of Love: Loving others is central to our faith.
  • Sin Is Serious: Even “small” sins separate us from God.
  • Show Mercy as God Has Shown You Mercy: Mercy reflects God’s heart and leads to freedom.

Application:
Examine your heart for areas where you may be showing favoritism, whether consciously or unconsciously. Seek to treat everyone with love and honor, regardless of their status or background. Reflect on the mercy God has shown you and ask Him to help you extend that same mercy to others.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to see people as You see them, without favoritism or judgment. Teach us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to extend the same mercy You have given us. May our lives reflect Your grace, and may we walk in obedience to Your royal law of love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Consequences of Sin, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Grace / Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Obeying God

Unveiling the Covenant: Clarity on Hebrews 10 and the Continuity of God’s Law (Hebrews 10)

Ever wondered about the implications of the “new covenant” discussed in Hebrews 10 within the broader biblical context? As we delve into this rich chapter, it’s crucial to approach with a clear understanding of what changes with Yeshua’s sacrifice and what remains.

Key Verse:
Hebrews 10:16-17
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds… then he adds, I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

Background Context:
Hebrews 10 should be read with an awareness of the discourse laid out in earlier chapters, particularly Hebrews 7 and 9. These chapters underscore Yeshua’s role surpassing that of the Levitical priests and the specific transformation within the covenant related to sacrifice and mediation, not a wholesale dismissal of God’s law as sometimes presumed.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Hebrews 10

One Sacrifice of Christ Is Sufficient

     1For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. 2Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? 3But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says,
“SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED,
BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME;

      6IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE.

      7“THEN I SAID, ‘BEHOLD, I HAVE COME
(IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME)
TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.’”

8After saying above, “SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE in them” (which are offered according to the Law), 9then He said, “BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. 10By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

      11Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; 12but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, 13waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. 14For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 15And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

      16“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”
He then says,

      17“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

18Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.

A New and Living Way

     19Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Christ or Judgment

     26For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. 28Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” 31It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

      32But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

      37FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,
HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.

      38BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

39But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Reflection on Hebrews 10:

  • A New Understanding of Sacrifice: Hebrews 10:1-18 emphasizes that Yeshua’s sacrifice replaces the continual animal sacrifices under the old covenant, spotlighting a permanent solution to sin that the old system could never achieve.
  • Law Written on Our Hearts: The covenant’s “newness” lies in its method of inscription on our hearts and minds, a transformative approach that enhances our intrinsic desire to fulfill God’s law, not annul it.
  • Misinterpretations and Modern Implications: Often, teachings inaccurately declare the law obsolete, overlooking Yeshua’s affirmation in Matthew 5:17-19 that He came to fulfill the law, ensuring its continuation until the end of time.
  • The Dangers of Antinomianism: Hebrews 10:26-31 warns against the willful continuation in sin after accepting the knowledge of truth, illustrating the severe consequences of taking grace as a license to disregard God’s commandments.

Summary Key Points:

  • Continuity and Fulfillment: Yeshua’s sacrifice does not abolish the law but fulfills its sacrificial requirements, redirecting how we relate to God’s commandments through a heart and mind transformed by the Holy Spirit.
  • Holistic Reading of Scripture: Align interpretations of Hebrews with the entirety of Scripture, ensuring that teachings about the law’s applicability are consistent with Yeshua’s teachings and the apostolic understanding.
  • Enduring Truth: The law remains vital in guiding Christian conduct, reflected in the enduring words of Christ concerning the unchanging nature of His commands.

Application:

Reflect on your understanding of the new covenant. Are there aspects of God’s law you have misunderstood or overlooked? How does the internalization of the law affect your daily life and spiritual commitments? Seek deeper engagement with Scripture to discern the holistic message of the new covenant.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the clarity and depth of Your Word that guides us in truth. Help us to fully grasp the significance of Your laws written on our hearts and the sacrifice of Yeshua that makes this possible. Let us live out Your commandments not as a burden, but as an expression of our love and commitment to You. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Grace / Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Offering Sacrifices

The Perfect Sacrifice: Once for All (Hebrews 9)

What does it mean that Yeshua is our High Priest and Mediator of a new covenant?

Hebrews 9 emphasizes the superiority of Yeshua’s sacrifice and His role as our High Priest. It explores the transition from the earthly practices of the Levitical priesthood to the heavenly reality of Yeshua’s work, highlighting that His blood was shed once for all for the eternal redemption of those who trust in Him.

Key Verse:
“For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.” – Hebrews 9:24 (NIV)

Background Context:
Hebrews 9 builds on earlier chapters that explore the role of Yeshua as the ultimate High Priest. The earthly tabernacle and Levitical sacrifices were mere shadows of the heavenly realities, pointing to Yeshua’s once-for-all sacrifice. His atonement does not abolish God’s law but fulfills the requirement for bloodshed as necessary for forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). This chapter reminds us that through Yeshua, we have access to God and eternal redemption.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Hebrews 9

The Old and the New

      1Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. 2For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place. 3Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, 4having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

      6Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship, 7but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. 8The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, 9which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, 10since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.

      11But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

      15For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. 18Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood. 19For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20saying, “THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD COMMANDED YOU.” 21And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood. 22And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

      23Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; 25nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own. 26Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, 28so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

Reflection on Hebrews 9:

  • The Earthly and the Heavenly:
    The earthly tabernacle and priestly duties were a shadow of heavenly realities (Hebrews 9:1-10). These regulations and sacrifices pointed forward to Yeshua’s work. By studying the physical practices of the Law, we gain deeper insight into the spiritual truths they represent. Are you seeking to understand how the physical and spiritual align in God’s Word?
  • Yeshua’s Superior Sacrifice:
    Yeshua entered the heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). His sacrifice was sufficient once for all. Are you resting in the sufficiency of Yeshua’s work, or are you trying to earn your salvation through your efforts?
  • The New Covenant:
    The “new covenant” speaks of a transformation where God’s laws are written on our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). This does not nullify His law but enables us to live by it through the Holy Spirit. Are you allowing the Spirit to guide you in living according to God’s ways?
  • The Necessity of Bloodshed:
    Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). Yeshua’s sacrifice fulfills this requirement once for all, replacing the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical system. Are you grateful for the enormity of what Yeshua has done for you?
  • Eagerly Await His Return:
    Yeshua will come again, not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those eagerly waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:28). Are you living in anticipation of His return, keeping your focus on eternal things?

Summary Key Points:

  • Earthly Shadows Point to Heavenly Realities: The Levitical practices were a foreshadowing of Yeshua’s work.
  • Yeshua’s Sacrifice Is Sufficient: His blood was shed once for all for eternal redemption.
  • The New Covenant Transforms: God’s laws are written on our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
  • Gratitude for the Sacrifice: Recognize the enormity of Yeshua’s atoning work.
  • Live with Anticipation: Eagerly await Yeshua’s return, staying focused on His promises.

Application:
Take time to reflect on the sufficiency of Yeshua’s sacrifice and what it means for your relationship with God. Surrender areas of your life where you may be striving to earn His favor, and instead, rest in His finished work. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in living according to God’s Word, and live each day with hope and anticipation for Yeshua’s return.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the perfect sacrifice of Yeshua, who entered the heavenly sanctuary to atone for our sins once and for all. Help us to rest in His finished work and live according to Your Word. Write Your laws on our hearts through the Holy Spirit, transforming us to reflect Your will. Teach us to live with gratitude and anticipation for Yeshua’s return. In His name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Immutable (unchanging), Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Obeying God, Study the Word

Unveiling the New Covenant: Understanding Hebrews 8

Have you ever puzzled over the contrasts in teachings about the law and the New Covenant in Hebrews 8? Let’s dive deep into the text to uncover the true meaning of these teachings and how they apply to our faith today.

Key Verse:

Hebrews 8:10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Background Context:

The discussion of the New Covenant in Hebrews 8 is often misinterpreted to suggest a complete replacement of God’s law. However, a closer look, particularly through the lens of Hebrews 7, reveals that the change pertains specifically to the priesthood and sacrifices for atonement, not the entirety of the law. This covenant does not abolish the law but transforms how it is fulfilled and internalized by believers through Christ.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Hebrews 7:18-28

18For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20And inasmuch as it was not without an oath

21(for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,
“THE LORD HAS SWORN
AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND,
‘YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER’”);

22so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

      23The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

      26For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.

Hebrews 8

A Better Ministry

      1Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. 3For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.” 6But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

A New Covenant

      7For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second.

8For finding fault with them, He says,
“BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD,
WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT
WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH;

      9NOT LIKE THE COVENANT WHICH I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS
ON THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND
TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT;
FOR THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT,
AND I DID NOT CARE FOR THEM, SAYS THE LORD.

      10“FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS,
AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS.
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD,
AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.

      11“AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN,
AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’
FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME,
FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM.

      12“FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES,
AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE.”

13When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.

Reflection on Hebrews 8:

  • Emphasizing the True Change: The shift from the Levitical priesthood to Christ’s eternal priesthood highlights a specific aspect of the law—sacrificial atonement—not the entire law itself.
  • Law Written on Hearts: The promise of the New Covenant was not to erase the law but to engrain it deeper within us, making it an intrinsic part of our being rather than a set of external rules.
  • Covenant with Israel and Judah: The text emphasizes a renewed relationship with God, where His laws become a natural expression of our relationship with Him, showing continuity with His eternal standards.

Summary Key Points:

  • Selective Change: The New Covenant modifies the priesthood and the method of atonement, affirming Jesus as our permanent high priest who intercedes for us.
  • Internalization of the Law: God’s laws are not discarded but are instead written on our hearts, showing that they are meant to be understood and followed more intimately.
  • Continuity of God’s Standards: The laws remain vital, guiding our conduct and spirituality, with Christ’s sacrifice enabling us to meet their righteous standards through His grace.

Application:

Reflect on the areas of your spiritual life influenced by cultural interpretations that might stray from biblical truths. Consider how the internalization of God’s laws can transform your daily walk with Christ. Commit to a deeper study of the scriptures to discern between traditional interpretations and the actual biblical text.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clarity of Your Word and the profound gift of the New Covenant through Christ. Help us to fully grasp the true meaning of Your laws being written on our hearts and to live out these truths in our daily lives. May we cherish the permanence of Jesus’ priesthood and the complete and perfect access we now have to You through Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Peace / Rest, Salvation

Entering God’s Rest Through Faith (Hebrews 4)

Are you experiencing the rest that God promises His people?

Hebrews 4 reminds us of God’s invitation to enter His rest, a rest rooted in faith, obedience, and trust in Yeshua. It challenges us to examine our hearts, hold firm to God’s Word, and approach His throne with confidence.

Key Verse:
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” – Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV)

Background Context:
Hebrews 4 continues the warning from chapter 3 about Israel’s failure to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief and disobedience. The author connects this to the deeper “rest” that God offers—spiritual rest in Him through faith. This passage emphasizes the importance of believing in God’s promises, the power of His living Word, and Yeshua’s role as our great High Priest who intercedes for us.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Hebrews  4

The Believer’s Rest

      1Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.

3For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,
“AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH,
THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,”
although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS”; 5and again in this passage, “THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.” 6Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience,

7He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
“TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

8For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. 9So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

      14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reflection on Hebrews 4:

  • The Promise of God’s Rest:
    Hebrews 4:1-2 reminds us that God’s rest is still available for His people, but we must receive it through faith. Israel’s failure to enter the Promised Land serves as a warning of what happens when hearts are hardened and faith is absent. Are you striving to enter God’s rest by trusting His promises and walking in obedience?
  • Faith and Obedience Are Required:
    The passage contrasts those who heard God’s Word but did not combine it with faith (Hebrews 4:2). Rest is not about inactivity but about trusting God’s finished work and aligning our lives with Him. Are you living a life of active faith, relying on God’s strength instead of your own efforts?
  • The Sabbath-Rest of God:
    Verses 9-10 point to a Sabbath-rest, a deeper spiritual rest we find in Christ. Just as God rested after creation, we are invited to cease striving and trust fully in Yeshua’s finished work on the cross. Are you resting in the assurance of salvation and God’s sovereignty, or are you burdened by anxiety and self-reliance?
  • The Power of God’s Word:
    Hebrews 4:12 declares that God’s Word is “alive and active,” discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Scripture exposes sin, strengthens faith, and transforms us. Are you regularly spending time in God’s Word, allowing it to speak into your life and shape your actions?
  • Yeshua, Our Great High Priest:
    The chapter closes with a comforting truth: Yeshua is our great High Priest who understands our weaknesses and invites us to approach God’s throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16). Are you turning to Him in your times of need, knowing that He provides mercy, grace, and help?

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Rest Is Still Available: Through faith and obedience, we can experience His spiritual rest.
  • Faith Requires Action: Hearing God’s Word must be met with faith and trust in Him.
  • Rest in Yeshua’s Finished Work: Stop striving and find peace in His completed work of salvation.
  • God’s Word Exposes and Transforms: His living Word shapes our hearts and lives.
  • Approach the Throne with Confidence: Yeshua intercedes for us, providing mercy and grace when we need it most.

Application:
Reflect on whether you are experiencing the rest God promises. Are you trusting Him fully, or are you striving in your own strength? Spend time meditating on His Word, allowing it to reveal areas of unbelief or disobedience. Draw near to Yeshua, your High Priest, with confidence, knowing that He understands your struggles and will provide the grace and strength you need.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the rest You offer through faith in Yeshua. Help us to cease striving and trust fully in Your promises and provision. Teach us to live by faith and to allow Your Word to expose and transform our hearts. We draw near to Your throne of grace with confidence, trusting in Yeshua, our great High Priest, for mercy and help. In His name we pray, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. \

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Psalms, Scripture (e.g. Bible)

Is God’s Law A Burden? (Part 4 of 4)

This post is the last in a four-part series about Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It was written originally in Hebrew in a literary style that begins one section after another, each with the next letter of the aleph bet (Hebrew alphabet). It is beautiful and passionate. It focuses on the law of God. Read and digest all that it claims about the Law of God and then ask yourself, does it describe the law as burdensome? difficult? harsh? or does it describe it as quite different than that? Put aside what you think you know about the law from those who do not understand it and listen to how it is described by one who understood it well and loved our heavenly Father very deeply.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 119:137-176

Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.

Tsadhe.

     137Righteous are You, O LORD,
And upright are Your judgments.

      138You have commanded Your testimonies in righteousness
And exceeding faithfulness.

      139My zeal has consumed me,
Because my adversaries have forgotten Your words.

      140Your word is very pure,
Therefore Your servant loves it.

      141I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.

      142Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.

      143Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
Yet Your commandments are my delight.

      144Your testimonies are righteous forever;
Give me understanding that I may live.

Qoph.

     145I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD!
I will observe Your statutes.

      146I cried to You; save me
And I shall keep Your testimonies.

      147I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I wait for Your words.

      148My eyes anticipate the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.

      149Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your ordinances.

      150Those who follow after wickedness draw near;
They are far from Your law.

      151You are near, O LORD,
And all Your commandments are truth.

      152Of old I have known from Your testimonies
That You have founded them forever.

Resh.

     153Look upon my affliction and rescue me,
For I do not forget Your law.

      154Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me according to Your word.

      155Salvation is far from the wicked,
For they do not seek Your statutes.

      156Great are Your mercies, O LORD;
Revive me according to Your ordinances.

      157Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.

      158I behold the treacherous and loathe them,
Because they do not keep Your word.

      159Consider how I love Your precepts;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.

      160The sum of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.

Shin.

     161Princes persecute me without cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your words.

      162I rejoice at Your word,
As one who finds great spoil.

      163I hate and despise falsehood,
But I love Your law.

      164Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous ordinances.

      165Those who love Your law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.

      166I hope for Your salvation, O LORD,
And do Your commandments.

      167My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.

      168I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You.

Tav.

     169Let my cry come before You, O LORD;
Give me understanding according to Your word.

      170Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.

      171Let my lips utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.

      172Let my tongue sing of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.

      173Let Your hand be ready to help me,
For I have chosen Your precepts.

      174I long for Your salvation, O LORD,
And Your law is my delight.

      175Let my soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.

      176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.

Just to reflect on a few of the things God’s word says about the law in today’s scripture: Your word is very pure and therefore your servant loves it, Your law is truth, Your commandments are my delight, I will observe Your statutes, I meditate on Your precepts, the wicked are far from Your law, revive me according to Your ordinances,  every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting, I love Your law, I praise You because of Your ordinances, those who love Your law have great peace and do not stumble, all Your commandments are righteousness, Your law is my delight, Your ordinances help me

None of this sounds like the description of a burden, or something I can’t wait to get rid of, which is how many Christians describe or talk about following the law. It sounds like a beautiful set of instructions from the Lord, which I want to understand more… both in their original context and with regards to how they still apply to my life today. Psalm 119, if we let it, can really be a testimony for the law of God as a wonderful gift and guide that helps us to know how God thinks we should live and what He values. Obviously to fully understand the depths of what is in the law and how it may still apply, we need to study the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible).  Some of the elements of the law (e.g. ceremonial law) can no longer be carried out as God specified while there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood, but that should not discourage us from understanding and following God’s law as much as we can. Should we walk away from doing as Christ taught just because we can’t do it perfectly? If we do, what then will be our standard?

The Torah is a great place to start for any Christian, many of whom have been taught to really focus only on the New Testament. Spoiler alert… if the New Testament is the building, the Old Testament is the foundation that holds it up. They are not contradictory, but rather complementary.

Pray with me that our Creator and Father would open our eyes, and the eyes of His followers around the world, that we may behold wonderful things from His law. Give us understanding, that we may observe His law and keep it with all our heart.

To learn more:

—-

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discerning / Judging, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

If God Says Something is Bad, Can We Make It Good?

There can easily be constant pressure to accept the traditions and ways of men or the culture around us. In many cases, it may be what we grew up with. It could be filled with great family memories from childhood and generations of family tradition. Everyone around us may be doing something a certain way and this helps us fit in with other Christians. Often, even if the origins of the tradition are pagan, people have framed up new stories about how the traditions of men really honor God. What should we do? Can we truly take something that God said was bad and make it good?

Christmas, and many holiday traditions common to Christians today, serve as powerful examples. There are many traditions that are of pagan origin. Many don’t know this and don’t even think to ask or test their traditions. Many more do know the traditions are of pagan origin, but rather convince themselves that we can turn what God said was bad into something good. Is this true? What does God say in the Bible?

Consider His people as they left Egypt. Yahweh delivered them from slavery through many mighty miracles. There were ten plagues, parting of the Red Sea, defeat of Pharaoh’s army, God appearing as fire and smoke to lead them, manna and water miraculously to meet their needs in the dessert. Surely, we would think that generation could never turn from the ways of God, but they did. They allowed themselves to revert to influences from the Egyptian culture in which they had lived for generations.

Exodus 32:1-10

The Golden Calf

      1Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 5Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” 6So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

      7Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8“They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. 10“Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.”

I think we can all see clearly that Yahweh was not pleased with His people for making this idol and worshiping it. He was going to destroy them and start over. Let us consider carefully what happened. If we read to quickly, we may conclude, as many have, that the Israelites were worshiping an idol of a false god and that is why Yahweh was upset… but this is not the case.

Look closer. Indeed, they had created an idol and began to worship it, but in fact they were using the idol to represent Yahweh Himself. Consider the following verses:

“This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 5Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.”

In fact, the people were worshiping Yahweh, and He was very upset! Why? Yahweh does not want His people to worship Him in the way that the pagans worship their false gods. He wants us to worship Him in the way He tells us.

Deuteronomy 12:30-32

30beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ 31“You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

      32“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.

The Israelites may have been worshipping Yahweh, but they were doing so in like manner to how the Egyptians worshipped their false gods by making idols.

While this may seem like it does not apply today, it certainly does! Yahweh has not changed His opinion on what is good and what is bad. He still does not want us to worship Him with idols or with any of the manners or traditions with which the pagans worship false gods. If we take the time to study our common Christmas and Easter traditions (and other traditions as well), we will certainly find the history of many of these traditions are derived not from God’s word, but from pagan worship practices. Christians have created new meanings for many of these traditions, but they still are derived from pagan worship. Yahweh is not pleased, even if we say it is Him whom we are worshipping.

Do not repeat the error of the Israelites, which drew great anger from Yahweh. Instead, learn the history and true origin of the traditions you practice. Reject the ones that are derived from pagan worship. Instead, study and learn the practices and worship that Yahweh instructs us in His word. There is so much to learn!

I encourage you to invest time to get to know Yahweh. If He is Lord (and He certainly is!), then we should take time to learn His ways and reject the ways of the pagan worship… even if done in Yahweh’s name. Do not accept something just because it is a family or cultural “tradition”. Test and explore to understand the true origin and whether or not it may be offensive to our Lord. Do not fool yourself that you can take what is bad in His eyes and make it good by creating new Christian stories around old pagan traditions. Choose the Lord’s ways over even dear traditions that may be emotionally difficult to walk away from. Do not be like Lot’s wife who looked back at Sodom while leaving, but rather leave behind the past things without looking back on them.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Obeying God, Psalms, Scripture (e.g. Bible)

Is God’s Law A Burden? (Psalm 119, Part 3 of 4)

This post is the third in a series of 4 about Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It was written originally in Hebrew in a literary style that begins one section after another, each with the next letter of the aleph bet (Hebrew alphabet). It is beautiful and passionate. It focuses on the law of God.

Read and digest all that it claims about the Law of God and then ask yourself, does it describe the law as burdensome? difficult? harsh? or does it describe it as quite different than that?

Put aside what you think you know about the law from those who do not understand it and listen to how it is described by one who understood it well and loved our heavenly Father very deeply.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 119:89-136

Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.

Lamedh.

89Forever, O LORD,
Your word is settled in heaven.

      90Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations;
You established the earth, and it stands.

      91They stand this day according to Your ordinances,
For all things are Your servants.

      92If Your law had not been my delight,
Then I would have perished in my affliction.

      93I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have revived me.

      94I am Yours, save me;
For I have sought Your precepts.

      95The wicked wait for me to destroy me;
I shall diligently consider Your testimonies.

      96I have seen a limit to all perfection;
Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Mem.

      97O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.

      98Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.

      99I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.

      100I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts.

      101I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.

      102I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me.

      103How sweet are Your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

      104From Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

Nun.

     105Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

      106I have sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.

      107I am exceedingly afflicted;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.

      108O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And teach me Your ordinances.

      109My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.

      110The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts.

      111I have inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the joy of my heart.

      112I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even to the end.

Samekh.

     113I hate those who are double-minded,
But I love Your law.

      114You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.

      115Depart from me, evildoers,
That I may observe the commandments of my God.

      116Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

      117Uphold me that I may be safe,
That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.

      118You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.

      119You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.

      120My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.

Ayin.

     121I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.

      122Be surety for Your servant for good;
Do not let the arrogant oppress me.

      123My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation
And for Your righteous word.

      124Deal with Your servant according to Your lovingkindness
And teach me Your statutes.

      125I am Your servant; give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.

      126It is time for the LORD to act,
For they have broken Your law.

      127Therefore I love Your commandments
Above gold, yes, above fine gold.

      128Therefore I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything,
I hate every false way.

Pe.

     129Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul observes them.

      130The unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.

      131I opened my mouth wide and panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.

      132Turn to me and be gracious to me,
After Your manner with those who love Your name.

      133Establish my footsteps in Your word,
And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.

      134Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.

      135Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.

      136My eyes shed streams of water,
Because they do not keep Your law.

Just to reflect on a few of the things God’s word says about the law in today’s scripture: forever you word is settled in heaven, I would have perished if Your law had not been my delight, You have revived me by Your precepts, oh how I love Your law!, Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, Your words are sweeter than honey, Your word is a lamp unto my feet, teach me Your statutes, give me understanding, I love Your commandments above gold, I esteem all Your precepts, the unfolding of Your word brings light and gives understanding to the simple, I longed for Your commandments

None of this sounds like the description of a burden, or something I can’t wait to get rid of, which is how many Christians describe or talk about following the law. It sounds like a beautiful set of instructions from the Lord, which I want to understand more… both in their original context and with regards to how they still apply to my life today. Psalm 119, if we let it, can really be a testimony for the law of God as a wonderful gift and guide that helps us to know how God thinks we should live and what He values. Obviously to fully understand the depths of what is in the law and how it may still apply, we need to study the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible).  Some of the elements of the law (e.g. ceremonial law) can no longer be carried out as God specified while there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood, but that should not discourage us from understanding and following God’s law as much as we can. Should we walk away from doing as Christ taught just because we can’t do it perfectly?

The Torah is a great place to start for any Christian, many of whom have been taught to really focus only on the New Testament. Spoiler alert… if the New Testament is the building, the Old Testament is the foundation that holds it up. They are not contradictory, but rather complementary.

Pray with me that our Creator and Father would open our eyes, and the eyes of His followers around the world, that we may behold wonderful things from His law. Give us understanding, that we may observe His law and keep it with all our heart.

To learn more:

—-

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Psalms, Scripture (e.g. Bible)

Is God’s Law A Burden? (Psalm 119, Part 2 of 4)

This post is the second in a series of 4 about Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It was written originally in Hebrew in a literary style that begins one section after another, each with the next letter of the aleph bet (Hebrew alphabet). It is beautiful and passionate. It focuses on the law of God.

Read and digest all that it claims about the Law of God and then ask yourself, does it describe the law as burdensome? difficult? harsh? or does it describe it as quite different than that?

Put aside what you think you know about the law from those who do not understand it and listen to how it is described by one who understood it well and loved our heavenly Father very deeply.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 119:41-88

Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.

Vav.

     41May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD,
Your salvation according to Your word;

      42So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.

      43And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I wait for Your ordinances.

      44So I will keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.

      45And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.

      46I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings
And shall not be ashamed.

      47I shall delight in Your commandments,
Which I love.

      48And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments,
Which I love;
And I will meditate on Your statutes.

Zayin.

49Remember the word to Your servant,
In which You have made me hope.

      50This is my comfort in my affliction,
That Your word has revived me.

      51The arrogant utterly deride me,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.

      52I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O LORD,
And comfort myself.

      53Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked,
Who forsake Your law.

      54Your statutes are my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.

      55O LORD, I remember Your name in the night,
And keep Your law.

      56This has become mine,
That I observe Your precepts.

Heth.

57The LORD is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.

      58I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be gracious to me according to Your word.

      59I considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

      60I hastened and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.

      61The cords of the wicked have encircled me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.

      62At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You
Because of Your righteous ordinances.

      63I am a companion of all those who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.

      64The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O LORD;
Teach me Your statutes.

Teth.

65You have dealt well with Your servant,
O LORD, according to Your word.

      66Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.

      67Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.

      68You are good and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.

      69The arrogant have forged a lie against me;
With all my heart I will observe Your precepts.

      70Their heart is covered with fat,
But I delight in Your law.

      71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.

      72The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh.

     73Your hands made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

      74May those who fear You see me and be glad,
Because I wait for Your word.

      75I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

      76O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,
According to Your word to Your servant.

      77May Your compassion come to me that I may live,
For Your law is my delight.

      78May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie;
But I shall meditate on Your precepts.

      79May those who fear You turn to me,
Even those who know Your testimonies.

      80May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,
So that I will not be ashamed.

Kaph.

     81My soul languishes for Your salvation;
I wait for Your word.

      82My eyes fail with longing for Your word,
While I say, “When will You comfort me?”

      83Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget Your statutes.

      84How many are the days of Your servant?
When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?

      85The arrogant have dug pits for me,
Men who are not in accord with Your law.

      86All Your commandments are faithful;
They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!

      87They almost destroyed me on earth,
But as for me, I did not forsake Your precepts.

      88Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

Just to reflect on a few of the things God’s word says about the law: I trust in Your word, I will keep Your law continually forever and ever, I will walk at liberty because I seek Your precepts, I shall delight in Your commandments which I love, I will lift up my hands to Your commandments which I love, I have remembered Your ordinances and comfort myself, Your statutes are my songs, I shall give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances,  the earth if full of Your lovingkindness teach me Your statutes, I delight in Your law, and better than gold and silver.

None of this sounds like the description of a burden, or something I can’t wait to get rid of, which is how many Christians describe or talk about following the law. It sounds like a beautiful set of instructions from the Lord, which I want to understand more… both in their original context and with regards to how they still apply to my life today. Psalm 119, if we let it, can really be a testimony for the law of God as a wonderful gift and guide that helps us to know how God thinks we should live and what He values. Obviously to fully understand the depths of what is in the law and how it may still apply, we need to study the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible).  Some of the elements of the law (e.g. ceremonial law) can no longer be carried out as God specified while there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood, but that should not discourage us from understanding and following God’s law as much as we can. Should we walk away from doing as Christ taught just because we can’t do it perfectly?

The Torah is a great place to start for any Christian, many of whom have been taught to really focus only on the New Testament. Spoiler alert… if the New Testament is the building, the Old Testament is the foundation that holds it up. They are not contradictory, but rather complementary.

Pray with me that our Creator and Father would open our eyes, and the eyes of His followers around the world, that we may behold wonderful things from His law. Give us understanding, that we may observe His law and keep it with all our heart.

To learn more:

—-

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Parables, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

The Widower Who Remarried: a Parable for the Holidays

In the tender narrative of a devoted widower, a poignant tale unfolds—a love story marked by cherished habits and traditions. This man, who once joyfully celebrated his first wife’s preferences with flowers, candy, and thoughtful gestures, found himself caught in the grip of those very traditions when she passed away.

Just to be clear, this is not a biblical parable, but one based on biblical teaching and one that is true many times over.

Grief-stricken but resilient, he remarried after a time of grieving, unaware of the impending storm that would brew within the walls of his new life. His second wife, with distinct tastes and desires, yearned for a love uniquely tailored to her. Despite gentle pleas for understanding, the man clung tenaciously to the echoes of his past, repeating gestures and traditions designed for his first love.

The stark contrast between his professions of love and the unchanged traditions left his second wife wounded and questioning. The pain intensified as the man, well-intentioned but misguided, failed to recognize the stark difference between honoring her and just holding on to the traditions of the love he once knew.

This thought-provoking parable serves as a mirror reflecting the way we often treat our relationship with God, especially when it comes to celebrating holidays. Steeped in long-held traditions, some stemming from ancient pagan practices, we, too, risk offering God a bouquet of weeds while insisting they are roses.

The parallel to our spiritual journey is striking. Are we, like the widower, willing to shed the comfort of familiar traditions and embrace God’s desires as communicated in the scriptures? Despite the discomfort and familial challenges, the heart of the matter lies in whether we choose man-made traditions over God’s prescribed path.

Diving deeper, the revelation unfolds that many commonly cherished celebrations—Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, and even the December 25 date—are rooted in pagan worship practices. The Church, unable to quell these practices, eventually embraced them, akin to giving a weed the name of a rose.

The call is clear—to love God deeply is to align our lives with His desires, not clinging to traditions offensive to Him. The scriptures lay out the path, highlighting God’s Moedim (appointed times) or holy days for celebration, contrasting with the man-made festivals we’ve come to accept.

Acknowledging this truth is a challenging emotional journey. Admitting the need for change amidst familial resistance is a test of our devotion to Christ above all. As Jesus forewarned, following Him may stir discord even within our households, yet true discipleship requires prioritizing Christ over all familial bonds.

May this narrative stir a courageous introspection, prompting a prayerful pursuit of God’s kingdom above the familiar and cultural traditions. As the challenge resounds, may our hearts find the courage to trust in God’s ways over those of men, embracing the transformative journey toward a life more pleasing to Him.

If you truly love God, and submit your life to God… take the time to learn more about what He wants and not just stick to traditions of men that are offensive to Him. You can easily study online even using Christian encyclopedia’s like Zondervan or other encyclopedias. The origins are not secret, only that it has been accepted to celebrate God in ways that were developed by pagans for their gods. 119Ministries.com has put together an effective documentary in video form you can watch (The Christmas Question). They have previous teachings available for free you may consider as well (Sunburned – Part 1 and Sunburned – Part 2).

The LORD has also given us instructions on what holy days to celebrate to point to Him and our relationship with Him. They are called the Moedim and are outlined in Leviticus 23 and other places throughout the Bible.

You can find scripture where Jesus participated in the Moedim. You will never find record of Jesus celebrating Christmas and Easter (or almost anything we celebrate commonly today) in the Biblical record.

Passover and Easter are very different. See what they focus on. With God’s celebrations, the focus is always on Him and not gifts or food or simply ourselves. To learn more, scroll through and read from our Traditions/ Holidays category of teachings.

I recognize that this is an emotional subject for many and admitting that we should change is very hard. Even if we accept it and change our behavior, there will be much difficulty among family. This is to be expected when we stand for Christ above all others. Jesus said so himself in Matthew 10:23-39.

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36     Your enemies will be right in your own household!’[l]

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

We each must decide whether or not we submit to God fully or hold tightly to the traditions of man. By the way… study of the new testament clearly shows that clutching to the traditions of man was the way of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not the way of Jesus.

God wants his people to be holy (set apart for God’s use) and righteous (living according to God’s commands rather than the world’s). He wants us to put Him first, above everything else.

Challenge yourself to objectively evaluate your traditions and seek first the kingdom of God. Do not dismiss this quickly but rather prayerfully seek God to show you the truth of His word and how to apply it in your life. Ask yourself about any tradition you claim to observe to honor God, if you were not influenced by family or cultural traditions would you naturally come up with this tradition by studying the Bible? If not, that can be a good indicator.

Pray that God would give you courage and boldness to pursue him with how you live. My family and I have been on this journey, we remain on this journey still today. It is difficult at times, but well worth pursuing to grow closer to Him and be more pleasing to Him. Trust in His ways over those of men.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.