A Lesson Learned
Part 4 of 4
David closes out this Psalm with an exclamation of unbridled faith, “O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. David didn't go through the ordeals Job did. Yet, in his own way, he endured extreme trials that would break most men. Likewise, Job's ordeal would likely have caused most men to “curse God”.
Both David and Job had one thing in common. They were both, to a fault, faithful to the ideals of YHVH. They weren't perfect, yet, they fiercely trusted in their Adonai. Throughout the lives of both men, there was a concerted effort to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling”.
The challenge of this section, and the entire 19th Psalm, is to commit your ways to His ways. In making such a commitment, it is also necessary to understand our battle for control of thought and tongue is not one of the flesh. Lasting victory in this battle can only be achieved through the Spirit of YHVH.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 10: 4-5 of his second epistle, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through YHVH to the pulling down of strongholds”. He says the weapons of the Spirit “(cast) down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of YHVH and (brings) into captivity every thought to the obedience of Messiah”.
When we sincerely commit our every thought, word, and deed to YHVH, He will care for us as sons and daughters. With the loving hands of the Potter, He will gently form us into vessels that can be used in His service. Usually, as in the case of David and Job, this molding comes in the form of trials and tribulations—rods of correction.
Peter wrote in 4: 12-13, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Messiah's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy”.
He tells us in v. 14 we should be happy while going through our respective trials. For the Father is glorified when we allow His Spirit to rest upon us. Then, Peter warns in v. 15 not to allow our trials to cause us to fall into sin. This would be our epitaph if we allowed tongue and thought to control us rather than controlling them.
Both David and Job were greatly blessed in this life. Both men left a living legacy that has been a blessing to every generation since their time. Their stories afford to every man and woman blessed hope in controlling the “members” that continually war within our bodies and lives.
It seems fitting to close my comments on this Psalm with a comparison of faith statements from both men. David closes his Psalm with, “O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. The writings of this shepherd king are replete with testimonies of his faith in his Master Shepherd and has gained him the title of “a man after the heart of YHVH”.
Out of the deepest pit of despair, Job looked up and declared in 19: 25-27, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see YHVH: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me"—and became an example of hope for all that lived thereafter. Keep looking up for His encouraging hope!
Thank You For Reading My Series On The 19th Psalm--Your Comments Are Appreciated.
Righteous Words--Hung By The Tongue
Hung By The Tongue
Part 3 of 4
In light of David's conclusion of this Psalm, there is another aspect of the “words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart”. The ideal is embodied in Scripture, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”. It's like a one-liner I once heard. “Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” It's also like another one-liner, “loose lips sink ships”.
At one time or another, all of us have fallen prey to these sinister little axioms and become “hung by the tongue”. Job was one such man that allowed himself to be ruled not only by fearful thoughts in his mind, but by outward expression of that same fear. He said in 3: 25, “That which I feared has come upon me; that which I dreaded has happened to me”.
Job had both negative thoughts and loose lips. For many years, I have viewed the story of Job in a rather negative mind-set. The idea that YHVH would conspire to play games with Job created in my mind a dim view of Adonai. Whether outright taught, led to believe, or just never saw the heart of YHVH within the story, I always viewed Job as a righteous man that was an unfortunate victim of circumstance.
Now, my study of Torah sheds a whole different light on this story. The heart of our Father is like a one-liner I once heard. “He accepts us just as we are. But, He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.” Our loving Adonai is always working hard to prune away our rough edges—like the Potter shaping us into a pure vessel. Job was in desperate need of pruning and shaping.
Job says in v. 24, “For my sighing comes before I eat, And my groanings are poured out like water”. Job set himself up for the actions of a loving Lord that couldn't bear to leave him as he was. By the weakness of his own “self” Job became hung by his own tongue and actions.
He speaks of “sighing” and “groaning” in v. 24. For the former, he is “groaning, mourning, and sighing” according to Strong's concordance. For the latter, he is “rumbling or moaning”. It appears he's not responding well to his adversity. With the help of his three friends, he's seriously wallowing in self pity.
In the beginning of his ordeal, he and his three friends joined together for seven days and nights of mourning. After this mutual “pity party”, Job begins chapter three by cursing the day of his birth. He spends the next 21 verses wishing he were dead or never born. In v. 23, he even blames YHVH for “hedging him in” so death can't touch him—all this for boils. If he only knew what was coming next!
I am not being tough or critical of Job. I am merely using insight from his story that parallels a normal response of all mankind when put in a position of great suffering. Here is a very human but righteous man that could have very easily done what his wife told him in 2: 9—“curse God and die”. Even so, it is said of this Godly man in v. 10, “in all this he did not sin with his lips”.
The insight from this story is our propensity to speak or think negative things into our lives. That which Job was afraid of actually came to pass in his life. It is also a reasonable assumption he verbalized his fears at various times prior to his ordeal. The insight from this story is the serious nature of what we think and/or say. Don't speak or think evil upon your life, or others around you. You just may get it.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 3 of 4
In light of David's conclusion of this Psalm, there is another aspect of the “words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart”. The ideal is embodied in Scripture, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”. It's like a one-liner I once heard. “Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” It's also like another one-liner, “loose lips sink ships”.
At one time or another, all of us have fallen prey to these sinister little axioms and become “hung by the tongue”. Job was one such man that allowed himself to be ruled not only by fearful thoughts in his mind, but by outward expression of that same fear. He said in 3: 25, “That which I feared has come upon me; that which I dreaded has happened to me”.
Job had both negative thoughts and loose lips. For many years, I have viewed the story of Job in a rather negative mind-set. The idea that YHVH would conspire to play games with Job created in my mind a dim view of Adonai. Whether outright taught, led to believe, or just never saw the heart of YHVH within the story, I always viewed Job as a righteous man that was an unfortunate victim of circumstance.
Now, my study of Torah sheds a whole different light on this story. The heart of our Father is like a one-liner I once heard. “He accepts us just as we are. But, He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.” Our loving Adonai is always working hard to prune away our rough edges—like the Potter shaping us into a pure vessel. Job was in desperate need of pruning and shaping.
Job says in v. 24, “For my sighing comes before I eat, And my groanings are poured out like water”. Job set himself up for the actions of a loving Lord that couldn't bear to leave him as he was. By the weakness of his own “self” Job became hung by his own tongue and actions.
He speaks of “sighing” and “groaning” in v. 24. For the former, he is “groaning, mourning, and sighing” according to Strong's concordance. For the latter, he is “rumbling or moaning”. It appears he's not responding well to his adversity. With the help of his three friends, he's seriously wallowing in self pity.
In the beginning of his ordeal, he and his three friends joined together for seven days and nights of mourning. After this mutual “pity party”, Job begins chapter three by cursing the day of his birth. He spends the next 21 verses wishing he were dead or never born. In v. 23, he even blames YHVH for “hedging him in” so death can't touch him—all this for boils. If he only knew what was coming next!
I am not being tough or critical of Job. I am merely using insight from his story that parallels a normal response of all mankind when put in a position of great suffering. Here is a very human but righteous man that could have very easily done what his wife told him in 2: 9—“curse God and die”. Even so, it is said of this Godly man in v. 10, “in all this he did not sin with his lips”.
The insight from this story is our propensity to speak or think negative things into our lives. That which Job was afraid of actually came to pass in his life. It is also a reasonable assumption he verbalized his fears at various times prior to his ordeal. The insight from this story is the serious nature of what we think and/or say. Don't speak or think evil upon your life, or others around you. You just may get it.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Righteous Words--Tongues Bridled
Tongues Bridled
Part 2 of 4
Tongues of fire are the sad epitaph of our sin nature. Because of the presumptuous sin of Adam, doing things his own way, we have all fallen prey and victim to the same sin nature. There is nothing within our power to defeat this enemy. It is an effort in futility. James goes on in v. 8 of chapter 3 to say of this truth, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison”.
In v. 9, he portrays a diabolical contrast when he says, “With it we bless our Elohim and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of YHVH”. As one that has been on the receiving end of the negative, I can say IT HURTS—sometimes down to the very soul. In that, I must agree with James in v. 10, “My brethren, these things ought not to be so”.
In considering the heart, our thinking, as the source of our words, and “the meditation of (our) heart” as David spoke of, the words of Paul to the Philippians in 4: 8 should be given very, very serious consideration.
He said, “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, 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”.
These things we can do only in the strength of our El Shaddai. When we, as His redeemed, meditate on these things, as outlined and taught through His Torah, and make them an integral part of our being, we will truly make “the words of (our) mouth and the meditations of (our) heart acceptable in (His) sight”. And, the soothing encouragement of YHVH’s Shalom will necessarily flow to all with whom we come in contact.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 2 of 4
Tongues of fire are the sad epitaph of our sin nature. Because of the presumptuous sin of Adam, doing things his own way, we have all fallen prey and victim to the same sin nature. There is nothing within our power to defeat this enemy. It is an effort in futility. James goes on in v. 8 of chapter 3 to say of this truth, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison”.
In v. 9, he portrays a diabolical contrast when he says, “With it we bless our Elohim and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of YHVH”. As one that has been on the receiving end of the negative, I can say IT HURTS—sometimes down to the very soul. In that, I must agree with James in v. 10, “My brethren, these things ought not to be so”.
In considering the heart, our thinking, as the source of our words, and “the meditation of (our) heart” as David spoke of, the words of Paul to the Philippians in 4: 8 should be given very, very serious consideration.
He said, “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, 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”.
These things we can do only in the strength of our El Shaddai. When we, as His redeemed, meditate on these things, as outlined and taught through His Torah, and make them an integral part of our being, we will truly make “the words of (our) mouth and the meditations of (our) heart acceptable in (His) sight”. And, the soothing encouragement of YHVH’s Shalom will necessarily flow to all with whom we come in contact.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Righteous Words--Tongues On Fire
Anthem Twelve
Righteous Words
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19: 14
Tongues On Fire
Part 1 of 4
It seems fitting David would close this Psalm with v. 14. He says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. David was a man that thoroughly understood the Torah of Moses. He was a man that clearly understood and employed the concept of Yeshua in 15: 11 of Matthew. It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles. It's what comes out of his mouth that defiles.
I have heard it said, “Don’t engage your mouth before you put your mind in gear”. In a paraphrase of Proverbs 17: 28, Abraham Lincoln said, “It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”. Sadly, too many people don’t heed these very wise little axioms. Rather than acting upon a given circumstance, they “react”. They allow fleshly emotions to have dominion over their words and thinking.
Even as a full-grown horse is easily turned by a small bit in his mouth, or a large ship is turned by a small rudder, so the words of our tongue can turn our entire being to either good or evil. Even as a small fire can kindle great destructive forest fires that destroy countless thousands of acres, so a few small words of discord can scar precious lives for years to come, maybe even for an eternity.
Of these truths, James says in 3: 6, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell”. For this reason, we should pray as David in earnest that our communication with YHVH and man be pure and encouraging—acceptable to Adonai.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Righteous Words
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19: 14
Tongues On Fire
Part 1 of 4
It seems fitting David would close this Psalm with v. 14. He says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”. David was a man that thoroughly understood the Torah of Moses. He was a man that clearly understood and employed the concept of Yeshua in 15: 11 of Matthew. It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles. It's what comes out of his mouth that defiles.
I have heard it said, “Don’t engage your mouth before you put your mind in gear”. In a paraphrase of Proverbs 17: 28, Abraham Lincoln said, “It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”. Sadly, too many people don’t heed these very wise little axioms. Rather than acting upon a given circumstance, they “react”. They allow fleshly emotions to have dominion over their words and thinking.
Even as a full-grown horse is easily turned by a small bit in his mouth, or a large ship is turned by a small rudder, so the words of our tongue can turn our entire being to either good or evil. Even as a small fire can kindle great destructive forest fires that destroy countless thousands of acres, so a few small words of discord can scar precious lives for years to come, maybe even for an eternity.
Of these truths, James says in 3: 6, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell”. For this reason, we should pray as David in earnest that our communication with YHVH and man be pure and encouraging—acceptable to Adonai.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
The Secret To Wisdom--Control Or Be Controlled
Control or Be Controlled
Part 4 of 4
David continues in v. 13 with, “Let them not have dominion over me”. In rendering this request to his Lord, he acknowledges that sin will always be around and a part of our lives as well as his. He merely desires not to be controlled by them. By unspoken comparison, he is yielding dominion to YHVH.
He concludes v. 13 with, “Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great sin”. He realizes he is a child of sin with every breath he takes. He realizes his blameless status is only through the dominion of his Lord. He further doesn’t focus on the little things, but, rather, on the “great sin” that can readily and sometimes rudely derail the life of any person.
The same thing happens when we major on minor differences of opinion. When that happens, unity in the Spirit is sacrificed and the power of the kingdom of YHVH in our lives is compromised. Such is even more than a great sin. It’s a real travesty of justice and mercy.
As children of YHVH, we are charged with the responsibility to keep His Torah to the best of our ability. Yet, don't think such a task is easy. In fact, it's one of the hardest things we can attempt. Even so, human nature is a devious and sometimes diabolical enemy we must overcome.
Even Paul had serious problems dealing with this diabolical nature. He said in 7: 22 in his letter to the Romans, he “delighted in the Torah of YHVH” as written upon his heart. Even so, he spoke in v. 23 of another law warring against the law in his heart. He said this “law of sin” which was in his members “(brought him) into captivity”.
For this bondservant of Yeshua, attempting to live according to Torah “written upon the heart” was no easy task. He detailed his frustration in v. 25. “...then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law (Torah) of YHVH; but with the flesh the law of sin”. What a daunting task before him! For, he cried out in v. 24, “Wretched man that I am!” Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?”.
As sons and daughters of Abraham, we are no different from Paul, any of the apostles, or even the prophets and renown men of old. As did all these men, we find our only reprieve in the grace of YHVH through promised Seed of Abraham's covenant, Yeshua our Messiah.
Our Lord said through John in 8: 32-33, “If you abide in My Word...and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. In contrast, Yeshua tells us in v. 34, “Truly, I say to you. Everyone that commits sin is the bondservant of sin”. The choice of controlling force in our lives is before us—freedom through Messiah and His Torah or bondage to sin through our "self-will".
I close this section with the encouraging words of John the Beloved in 2: 1 of his first epistle. “My little children, these things write I unto you that you may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Messiah Yeshua the Righteous”. No matter how difficult, with earnest and sincerity of heart, and for love of Yeshua, do the best you can to “keep His Torah”. Then, He will cover the short-falls with His grace, and daily make you a better disciple in the process.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 4 of 4
David continues in v. 13 with, “Let them not have dominion over me”. In rendering this request to his Lord, he acknowledges that sin will always be around and a part of our lives as well as his. He merely desires not to be controlled by them. By unspoken comparison, he is yielding dominion to YHVH.
He concludes v. 13 with, “Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great sin”. He realizes he is a child of sin with every breath he takes. He realizes his blameless status is only through the dominion of his Lord. He further doesn’t focus on the little things, but, rather, on the “great sin” that can readily and sometimes rudely derail the life of any person.
The same thing happens when we major on minor differences of opinion. When that happens, unity in the Spirit is sacrificed and the power of the kingdom of YHVH in our lives is compromised. Such is even more than a great sin. It’s a real travesty of justice and mercy.
As children of YHVH, we are charged with the responsibility to keep His Torah to the best of our ability. Yet, don't think such a task is easy. In fact, it's one of the hardest things we can attempt. Even so, human nature is a devious and sometimes diabolical enemy we must overcome.
Even Paul had serious problems dealing with this diabolical nature. He said in 7: 22 in his letter to the Romans, he “delighted in the Torah of YHVH” as written upon his heart. Even so, he spoke in v. 23 of another law warring against the law in his heart. He said this “law of sin” which was in his members “(brought him) into captivity”.
For this bondservant of Yeshua, attempting to live according to Torah “written upon the heart” was no easy task. He detailed his frustration in v. 25. “...then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law (Torah) of YHVH; but with the flesh the law of sin”. What a daunting task before him! For, he cried out in v. 24, “Wretched man that I am!” Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?”.
As sons and daughters of Abraham, we are no different from Paul, any of the apostles, or even the prophets and renown men of old. As did all these men, we find our only reprieve in the grace of YHVH through promised Seed of Abraham's covenant, Yeshua our Messiah.
Our Lord said through John in 8: 32-33, “If you abide in My Word...and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. In contrast, Yeshua tells us in v. 34, “Truly, I say to you. Everyone that commits sin is the bondservant of sin”. The choice of controlling force in our lives is before us—freedom through Messiah and His Torah or bondage to sin through our "self-will".
I close this section with the encouraging words of John the Beloved in 2: 1 of his first epistle. “My little children, these things write I unto you that you may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Messiah Yeshua the Righteous”. No matter how difficult, with earnest and sincerity of heart, and for love of Yeshua, do the best you can to “keep His Torah”. Then, He will cover the short-falls with His grace, and daily make you a better disciple in the process.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
The Secret To Wisdom--The Mirror of His Word
The Mirror of His Word
Part 3 of 4
Even though mankind has individually and collectively struggled through the ages with the difficulty of controlling their heart, it really is, on the other hand, rather easy to succeed at. It’s as simple as opening YHVH's Word, reading it, and putting it into practice—subordinating personal will in favor of His will.
Paul told Timothy in 3: 16 of his second epistle, “All Scripture is…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. For David, the principle of Paul’s admonition was clearly understood. And, it was the writer of Psalms 119 that wrote similarly in v. 105, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.
David relied heavily upon every facet of YHVH's Word, and considered it life itself. It should be understood the “Word of YHVH” for David was Torah. It should also be understood the whole of Scripture (as we have it today) can't be correctly interpreted or understood without a thorough acceptance, understanding, and implementation of Torah--from a Hebrew perspective. Without such a foundation, heresy is the ultimate result.
It is no wonder David looked to his Adonai and asked in v. 12-13, “Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins”. In asking his opening question, he was in fact recognizing his limitations and fallibility. In presenting this request, he is expressing faith in the only source of infallibility—his Elohim.
In rendering this question and prayer, David clearly gives us a road-map to follow in understanding the errors of our heart—admit our fallibility and rely upon YHVH's perfection through His Holy Word. Absolutely nothing else works! Bondage to the ways of “self” or the ideals of YHVH will determine the longevity of true encouragement. It is as the title of the next section says—“Control or be controlled”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 3 of 4
Even though mankind has individually and collectively struggled through the ages with the difficulty of controlling their heart, it really is, on the other hand, rather easy to succeed at. It’s as simple as opening YHVH's Word, reading it, and putting it into practice—subordinating personal will in favor of His will.
Paul told Timothy in 3: 16 of his second epistle, “All Scripture is…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. For David, the principle of Paul’s admonition was clearly understood. And, it was the writer of Psalms 119 that wrote similarly in v. 105, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.
David relied heavily upon every facet of YHVH's Word, and considered it life itself. It should be understood the “Word of YHVH” for David was Torah. It should also be understood the whole of Scripture (as we have it today) can't be correctly interpreted or understood without a thorough acceptance, understanding, and implementation of Torah--from a Hebrew perspective. Without such a foundation, heresy is the ultimate result.
It is no wonder David looked to his Adonai and asked in v. 12-13, “Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins”. In asking his opening question, he was in fact recognizing his limitations and fallibility. In presenting this request, he is expressing faith in the only source of infallibility—his Elohim.
In rendering this question and prayer, David clearly gives us a road-map to follow in understanding the errors of our heart—admit our fallibility and rely upon YHVH's perfection through His Holy Word. Absolutely nothing else works! Bondage to the ways of “self” or the ideals of YHVH will determine the longevity of true encouragement. It is as the title of the next section says—“Control or be controlled”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
The Secret To Wisdom--Self Evaluation
Self-Evaluation
Part 2 of 4
Shakespeare once wrote, “Know thy self”. He also wrote the line, “To thine own self be true”. Although I’m certain he didn’t have YHVH’s wisdom in mind when he wrote these words, I want to present them here with divine wisdom (Torah) in mind.
For the person that doesn’t understand personal strengths and weaknesses, their lives can more resemble an emotional roller coaster. And, those that don’t understand their limitations, and insist on doing things outside their scope of ability or calling, become as disasters waiting for a place to happen.
We all struggle with the challenge to understand our persons and the ability to remain loyal to it. No matter our status or level of wisdom, all of us will continue to struggle with this challenge as long as we are bound to this vessel of flesh. Even David, our great shepherd king, gave evidence of his struggle with this battle with his opening question of v. 12, “Who can understand his errors”.
Understanding one’s errors is a matter of the heart and, on one hand, is not as simple as one might think. For, it has plagued great minds down through the ages. Of this dilemma, it was Jeremiah that wrote in 17: 9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?”
The person that understands the nature of their heart has an inside track on knowing it and keeping it in control. It is the writer of Proverbs in 23: 7 that focuses on the origin of trouble in the heart when he says “As a man thinks in his heart so is he”. And, it is Yeshua that said in 15: 19 of Matthew, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies…”
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 2 of 4
Shakespeare once wrote, “Know thy self”. He also wrote the line, “To thine own self be true”. Although I’m certain he didn’t have YHVH’s wisdom in mind when he wrote these words, I want to present them here with divine wisdom (Torah) in mind.
For the person that doesn’t understand personal strengths and weaknesses, their lives can more resemble an emotional roller coaster. And, those that don’t understand their limitations, and insist on doing things outside their scope of ability or calling, become as disasters waiting for a place to happen.
We all struggle with the challenge to understand our persons and the ability to remain loyal to it. No matter our status or level of wisdom, all of us will continue to struggle with this challenge as long as we are bound to this vessel of flesh. Even David, our great shepherd king, gave evidence of his struggle with this battle with his opening question of v. 12, “Who can understand his errors”.
Understanding one’s errors is a matter of the heart and, on one hand, is not as simple as one might think. For, it has plagued great minds down through the ages. Of this dilemma, it was Jeremiah that wrote in 17: 9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?”
The person that understands the nature of their heart has an inside track on knowing it and keeping it in control. It is the writer of Proverbs in 23: 7 that focuses on the origin of trouble in the heart when he says “As a man thinks in his heart so is he”. And, it is Yeshua that said in 15: 19 of Matthew, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies…”
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
The Secret To Wisdom--Wisdom Personified
Anthem Eleven
The Secret to Wisdom
“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sin; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” Psalms 19: 12-13
Wisdom Personified
Part 1 of 4
The purpose of this section is to introduce the reader to the “Living” nature of the Holy Torah. Mike Clayton at www.joinedtohashem.org, a trusted and respected Torah teacher, recently challenged his audience to spend a month reading one chapter daily from the book of Proverbs. He asked us to substitute Torah for the word, “wisdom”. What I have found from that reading is a very compelling truth that Yeshua is Torah and Wisdom personified.
As men, we are what we think in our hearts. The two are inseparable. So it is with the Father and the Son. It is to this personified Wisdom (Torah) we are lovingly called. Messiah is the Aleph and Tov, the Beginning and the End. We cannot partake of Him without keeping His wisdom laden Torah. The two are inseparable. The conclusion of this section will rest solely upon the testimony of His Word.
Proverbs 8:22 YHVH possessed Me (Wisdom, Torah) in the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was.
8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.
8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were I brought forth;
8:26 While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
8:27 When He established the heavens, I was there: when He set a circle upon the face of the deep,
8:28 When He made firm the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong,
8:29 When He gave to the sea its bound, that the waters should not transgress His commandment, when He marked out the foundations of the earth;
8:30 Then I was by Him, as a Master Workman; And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,
8:31 Rejoicing in His habitable earth; and My delight was with the sons of men.
8:32 Now therefore, My sons, hearken unto Me; for blessed are they that keep My ways (Torah).
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
The Secret to Wisdom
“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sin; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” Psalms 19: 12-13
Wisdom Personified
Part 1 of 4
The purpose of this section is to introduce the reader to the “Living” nature of the Holy Torah. Mike Clayton at www.joinedtohashem.org, a trusted and respected Torah teacher, recently challenged his audience to spend a month reading one chapter daily from the book of Proverbs. He asked us to substitute Torah for the word, “wisdom”. What I have found from that reading is a very compelling truth that Yeshua is Torah and Wisdom personified.
As men, we are what we think in our hearts. The two are inseparable. So it is with the Father and the Son. It is to this personified Wisdom (Torah) we are lovingly called. Messiah is the Aleph and Tov, the Beginning and the End. We cannot partake of Him without keeping His wisdom laden Torah. The two are inseparable. The conclusion of this section will rest solely upon the testimony of His Word.
Proverbs 8:22 YHVH possessed Me (Wisdom, Torah) in the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was.
8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.
8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were I brought forth;
8:26 While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
8:27 When He established the heavens, I was there: when He set a circle upon the face of the deep,
8:28 When He made firm the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong,
8:29 When He gave to the sea its bound, that the waters should not transgress His commandment, when He marked out the foundations of the earth;
8:30 Then I was by Him, as a Master Workman; And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,
8:31 Rejoicing in His habitable earth; and My delight was with the sons of men.
8:32 Now therefore, My sons, hearken unto Me; for blessed are they that keep My ways (Torah).
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--Matter of Life and Death
Matter of Life and Death
Part 7 of 7
David writes in v. 11 of the 19th Psalm, “Moreover by them (His Torah) your servant is warned”. Adam was warned with a choice of trees from which to eat. Mankind was warned through Godly men such as Enoch and Noah. We were further warned through righteous men such as Moses, David, and the apostles. Yet, are we listening today any better than the constituents of these men?
Whether or not we implement righteous Torah in our lives will determine whether we live or die in the coming year or so. The time of His coming is upon us, even at the very door. We now find ourselves just a few short minutes before the midnight hour. Sadly, many will not ready for His coming.
Because of mixture lies taught by modern christianity, many good and well meaning people have put their trust in a rapture that just isn't going to happen. They have been duped into believing YHVH is going to “zap” them out of this world before the tribulation begins. When such fails to happen, ardent supporters of rapture theology may well be part of the prophesied great apostasy.
Survival in the coming days will heavily depend upon whether we live according to our mixed ways or live by His Torah. The fact is, only through Torah can one find the correct road map for the end times within which we now live. End time prophecy is not determined according to modern church theology, but according to prophecy outlined within Torah.
Without even a hint of the “church” included, Jeremiah says in 31: 31 the “new covenant” is specifically for “the house of Judah and the house of Israel”. Just as in our redemption and hope of salvation, end time prophesy centers around these two houses. We are NOT going to heaven! YHVH's faithful will endure three and a half years of tribulation before entering His kingdom for a thousand year stay in Jerusalem, Israel.
Because these two houses of YHVH's people repeatedly disobeyed His Torah, they were sent into exile—Israel by way of Assyria, and Judah a generation later by way of Babylon. For the part of Judah, their captivity was only for a short time. Soon, they would begin to return to their land, but not to become a nation again until May of 1948.
However, the captivity of Israel was far more serious. Theirs was a captivity of assimilation among the nations so great they would lose all sense of identity. Even so, YHVH promised not to leave them to their fate. He promised in the last days to bring them back into their land.
He has now begun the process of gathering from the the four corners of the earth His scattered remnant of Israel—called Ephraim in Scripture. He says of the son of Joseph through Moses in Leviticus 26: 40, “If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against Me, and that also they have walked contrary unto Me...”
For over three decades, there has been a rapidly growing spiritual awakening with pursuing the purity of Torah as its focal point. People all over the world are waking up and coming to grips with their role in these last day prophecies. Because of their love and devotion to YHVH, they are assuming personal responsibility for living out their faith by making Torah an integral part of their lives.
Because they have confessed their iniquity and recognized the sin of their fathers, v. 40, YHVH says through Moses in v. 42, “Then will I remember My covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land”.
Even though the sins of their fathers and theirs we so great, YHVH has not totally cast away His chosen remnant. He says in v. 44, “And yet for all that (disobedience), when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break My covenant with them: for I am the LORD their Elohim”.
He says in v. 45, “But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their Elohim: I am the LORD”.
As David says, in concluding support of Moses, in v. 11 of the 19th Psalm, I say to my readers. “In keeping them (His Torah) there is great reward.” In concert with the title of this section, there is one final reward/judgment for keeping/rejecting His Holy Torah. John speaks in Revelation 12: 17 of a people that “have the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah AND keep the commandments of YHVH”.
Many certainly have “the testimony of Yeshua”. Yet, because they reject His Holy Torah, they WILL NOT survive the coming years of tribulation. It is for us as David says in 19: 11, “Your servant has been warned”. According to Daniel's timeline, the final seven years may have begun this year, 2010. Choose the encouragement of His pure ways and come with us on our wilderness journey to Jerusalem.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 7 of 7
David writes in v. 11 of the 19th Psalm, “Moreover by them (His Torah) your servant is warned”. Adam was warned with a choice of trees from which to eat. Mankind was warned through Godly men such as Enoch and Noah. We were further warned through righteous men such as Moses, David, and the apostles. Yet, are we listening today any better than the constituents of these men?
Whether or not we implement righteous Torah in our lives will determine whether we live or die in the coming year or so. The time of His coming is upon us, even at the very door. We now find ourselves just a few short minutes before the midnight hour. Sadly, many will not ready for His coming.
Because of mixture lies taught by modern christianity, many good and well meaning people have put their trust in a rapture that just isn't going to happen. They have been duped into believing YHVH is going to “zap” them out of this world before the tribulation begins. When such fails to happen, ardent supporters of rapture theology may well be part of the prophesied great apostasy.
Survival in the coming days will heavily depend upon whether we live according to our mixed ways or live by His Torah. The fact is, only through Torah can one find the correct road map for the end times within which we now live. End time prophecy is not determined according to modern church theology, but according to prophecy outlined within Torah.
Without even a hint of the “church” included, Jeremiah says in 31: 31 the “new covenant” is specifically for “the house of Judah and the house of Israel”. Just as in our redemption and hope of salvation, end time prophesy centers around these two houses. We are NOT going to heaven! YHVH's faithful will endure three and a half years of tribulation before entering His kingdom for a thousand year stay in Jerusalem, Israel.
Because these two houses of YHVH's people repeatedly disobeyed His Torah, they were sent into exile—Israel by way of Assyria, and Judah a generation later by way of Babylon. For the part of Judah, their captivity was only for a short time. Soon, they would begin to return to their land, but not to become a nation again until May of 1948.
However, the captivity of Israel was far more serious. Theirs was a captivity of assimilation among the nations so great they would lose all sense of identity. Even so, YHVH promised not to leave them to their fate. He promised in the last days to bring them back into their land.
He has now begun the process of gathering from the the four corners of the earth His scattered remnant of Israel—called Ephraim in Scripture. He says of the son of Joseph through Moses in Leviticus 26: 40, “If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against Me, and that also they have walked contrary unto Me...”
For over three decades, there has been a rapidly growing spiritual awakening with pursuing the purity of Torah as its focal point. People all over the world are waking up and coming to grips with their role in these last day prophecies. Because of their love and devotion to YHVH, they are assuming personal responsibility for living out their faith by making Torah an integral part of their lives.
Because they have confessed their iniquity and recognized the sin of their fathers, v. 40, YHVH says through Moses in v. 42, “Then will I remember My covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land”.
Even though the sins of their fathers and theirs we so great, YHVH has not totally cast away His chosen remnant. He says in v. 44, “And yet for all that (disobedience), when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break My covenant with them: for I am the LORD their Elohim”.
He says in v. 45, “But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their Elohim: I am the LORD”.
As David says, in concluding support of Moses, in v. 11 of the 19th Psalm, I say to my readers. “In keeping them (His Torah) there is great reward.” In concert with the title of this section, there is one final reward/judgment for keeping/rejecting His Holy Torah. John speaks in Revelation 12: 17 of a people that “have the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah AND keep the commandments of YHVH”.
Many certainly have “the testimony of Yeshua”. Yet, because they reject His Holy Torah, they WILL NOT survive the coming years of tribulation. It is for us as David says in 19: 11, “Your servant has been warned”. According to Daniel's timeline, the final seven years may have begun this year, 2010. Choose the encouragement of His pure ways and come with us on our wilderness journey to Jerusalem.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--Reward and Judgment
Reward and Judgment
Part 6 of 7
With establishment of the eternal validity of Torah through Moses and the prophets and re-asserted and taught through Yeshua and the apostles, it is time to consider Torah's rewards and judgments. Just as Scripture is replete with direct orders to observe Torah, so it's ripe with blessing and consequence regarding the choice to obey or disregard Torah.
Scripture says Yeshua our Messiah was slain from before the foundation of the world. From before creation, our redemption was firmly put in place—to be revealed in its proper time. In regards to the subject of this chapter, and our inability to keep Torah in purity, Paul wrote to the Galatians in 3: 29, “If you are in Messiah, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise”.
The understanding of this statement of Paul is that we are Messiah's possession. We have been bought with a price, as Scripture says. Because of our transgression of His Torah, we have been redeemed to abide forever in His love. Yeshua says of this abiding in John 15: 9, “Even as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you: abide in My love”.
Herein is the highest reward of keeping His commandments, even a double reward. We have blessed fellowship with Him, and He with us. If we keep His commandments, we know His presence will always be with us. For, He says in v. 10, “If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love”.
In vv. 12-13, Yeshua reduces His Torah to the second of the two greatest commandments. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Without a solid understanding of Torah regarding redemption—the surety of Judah for Benjamin being one example (Genesis 43: 8-9)—one will never grasp the deepest meaning within this statement of Yeshua, or receive the greatest reward found within His Living Torah. It truly is as Messiah said of the two greatest commandments—“All the law (Torah) and the prophets hang on these two”.
To be in Messiah is to abide in His love, reaping the rewards of His blessed presence. To choose not to abide in His love is as Yeshua said through John in 15: 6. “If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”
To be a partaker of Messiah is to be a partaker of the Abrahamic covenant. To be a partaker of the covenant of Abraham is to abide in Torah. Our reward is as Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 7: 12, “Wherefore it shall come to pass, if you hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD your Elohim shall keep unto you the covenant and the mercy which He swore unto your fathers”.
For our part, if we keep his Torah, the covenant remains in effect and we remain beneficiaries of His mercy. Further, if we abide in His love, we are blessed (v. 13). He blesses the fruit of our land and makes us to increase, even if no more than in the richness of His immense love. We will be blessed above all people (v. 14). We will also walk in divine health (v. 15).
There are two sides to every coin, as I've heard it said. As there is blessing for covenant keepers, there is judgment for those that refuse to honor His Torah. Moses concluded v. 15 by saying, “I will lay them (diseases) upon all that hate you”. It will be as Moses wrote in Leviticus 26: 17. “I (YHVH) will set My face against you.” To understand the full scope of judgment for not keeping His Torah, I suggest a reading of the 26th chapter of Leviticus, vv. 14-39.
One might say, “These judgments were for the children of Israel. They disobeyed and were subjected to brutal captivity. They can't apply to us today.” It is true these were written for our ancient Hebrew brethren. Yet, they most certainly apply today, as has been proved in previous sections. Sooner or later, the disobedient will face their day of judgment.
As with our early Hebrew brethren, so it was with those of Yeshua's day. Mark quotes Messiah in 7: 6, “He answered and said unto them, well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, this people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me”. They worship in vain, teaching the doctrines of men (v. 7). They “rejected” Torah in order to keep their “own traditions” (v. 9).
As it was with those of Yeshua's day, so it is in ours. The Living Torah of YHVH is completely rejected by nearly every mainline christian denomination or independent fellowship. They follow the “Golden Rule” of Matthew 7: 12, giving “lip service” to Torah, but enter the wide gate of v. 13 and drink the cup of their own destruction.
There will be those standing before Adonai on that day thinking a profession of faith and life of service in the name of Yeshua will get them into His kingdom. They will stand before Adonai and say as in Matthew 7: 22. “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? And, in Your name cast out devils? And, in Your name done many wonderful works?”
There will be evangelists, pastors, deacons, and sunday school teachers attempting to give account of their choice to disregard Torah. Even worse, these will be very conscious of the presence of those standing there with them whom they led astray by teaching abolition of Torah.
At very best, for them, it will be as Yeshua said in 5: 19 of Matthew. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
At the very worst, it will be as Yeshua said in Matthew 5: 20. “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” These will hear the saddest words in all the universe. It will roll over them like a giant tsunami. They will be totally crushed to hear the words of Messiah in v. 23, “I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity (are Torahless)”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 6 of 7
With establishment of the eternal validity of Torah through Moses and the prophets and re-asserted and taught through Yeshua and the apostles, it is time to consider Torah's rewards and judgments. Just as Scripture is replete with direct orders to observe Torah, so it's ripe with blessing and consequence regarding the choice to obey or disregard Torah.
Scripture says Yeshua our Messiah was slain from before the foundation of the world. From before creation, our redemption was firmly put in place—to be revealed in its proper time. In regards to the subject of this chapter, and our inability to keep Torah in purity, Paul wrote to the Galatians in 3: 29, “If you are in Messiah, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise”.
The understanding of this statement of Paul is that we are Messiah's possession. We have been bought with a price, as Scripture says. Because of our transgression of His Torah, we have been redeemed to abide forever in His love. Yeshua says of this abiding in John 15: 9, “Even as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you: abide in My love”.
Herein is the highest reward of keeping His commandments, even a double reward. We have blessed fellowship with Him, and He with us. If we keep His commandments, we know His presence will always be with us. For, He says in v. 10, “If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love”.
In vv. 12-13, Yeshua reduces His Torah to the second of the two greatest commandments. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Without a solid understanding of Torah regarding redemption—the surety of Judah for Benjamin being one example (Genesis 43: 8-9)—one will never grasp the deepest meaning within this statement of Yeshua, or receive the greatest reward found within His Living Torah. It truly is as Messiah said of the two greatest commandments—“All the law (Torah) and the prophets hang on these two”.
To be in Messiah is to abide in His love, reaping the rewards of His blessed presence. To choose not to abide in His love is as Yeshua said through John in 15: 6. “If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”
To be a partaker of Messiah is to be a partaker of the Abrahamic covenant. To be a partaker of the covenant of Abraham is to abide in Torah. Our reward is as Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 7: 12, “Wherefore it shall come to pass, if you hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD your Elohim shall keep unto you the covenant and the mercy which He swore unto your fathers”.
For our part, if we keep his Torah, the covenant remains in effect and we remain beneficiaries of His mercy. Further, if we abide in His love, we are blessed (v. 13). He blesses the fruit of our land and makes us to increase, even if no more than in the richness of His immense love. We will be blessed above all people (v. 14). We will also walk in divine health (v. 15).
There are two sides to every coin, as I've heard it said. As there is blessing for covenant keepers, there is judgment for those that refuse to honor His Torah. Moses concluded v. 15 by saying, “I will lay them (diseases) upon all that hate you”. It will be as Moses wrote in Leviticus 26: 17. “I (YHVH) will set My face against you.” To understand the full scope of judgment for not keeping His Torah, I suggest a reading of the 26th chapter of Leviticus, vv. 14-39.
One might say, “These judgments were for the children of Israel. They disobeyed and were subjected to brutal captivity. They can't apply to us today.” It is true these were written for our ancient Hebrew brethren. Yet, they most certainly apply today, as has been proved in previous sections. Sooner or later, the disobedient will face their day of judgment.
As with our early Hebrew brethren, so it was with those of Yeshua's day. Mark quotes Messiah in 7: 6, “He answered and said unto them, well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, this people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me”. They worship in vain, teaching the doctrines of men (v. 7). They “rejected” Torah in order to keep their “own traditions” (v. 9).
As it was with those of Yeshua's day, so it is in ours. The Living Torah of YHVH is completely rejected by nearly every mainline christian denomination or independent fellowship. They follow the “Golden Rule” of Matthew 7: 12, giving “lip service” to Torah, but enter the wide gate of v. 13 and drink the cup of their own destruction.
There will be those standing before Adonai on that day thinking a profession of faith and life of service in the name of Yeshua will get them into His kingdom. They will stand before Adonai and say as in Matthew 7: 22. “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? And, in Your name cast out devils? And, in Your name done many wonderful works?”
There will be evangelists, pastors, deacons, and sunday school teachers attempting to give account of their choice to disregard Torah. Even worse, these will be very conscious of the presence of those standing there with them whom they led astray by teaching abolition of Torah.
At very best, for them, it will be as Yeshua said in 5: 19 of Matthew. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
At the very worst, it will be as Yeshua said in Matthew 5: 20. “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” These will hear the saddest words in all the universe. It will roll over them like a giant tsunami. They will be totally crushed to hear the words of Messiah in v. 23, “I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity (are Torahless)”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--Written Upon the Heart
Written Upon the Heart
Part 5 of 7
I have written very emphatically in favor of keeping the commandments of YHVH as given through Moses. Therefore, I feel a distinct need to begin this section with a little clarification regarding the reason for keeping His Torah. Simply put, we keep His Torah because we love Him—saved for service.
However, there are those among us—commonly called Judaizers—that would say our salvation is dependent upon keeping His Torah. It is recorded in Acts 15: 1 regarding these that would pervert the purity of His Word. “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
In no way, shape, or form have I or will I ever stand in solidarity with these Judaizers. In the Spirit of Paul to the Ephesians in 2: 10, we are His blessed work of His hands. YHVH has created within us through Yeshua our Messiah a new man fully and properly equipped with a gratitude that seeks to keep His commandments a little better each day.
Regardless of our national heritage, we all have equal standing in faith with our Messiah. Peter says in 15: 11 of Acts, “But we believe that through the grace of Yeshua our Messiah we shall be saved, even as they”. For the child of Abraham, whether natural or grafted in, the requirements are the same.
Peter says of these in vv. 20-21 of the same chapter, “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day”.
Each of these stipulations in v. 20 are a part of the Torah. Then, he concludes in v. 21 with support of the study of the Torah of Moses. We are truly redeemed from the single “law of sin and death”, but not extended the right to disregard the remainder of His Torah. With that said, let us move on into the “heart” of His Torah.
YHVH didn't create us as mindless beings that would always respond in robotic form. From the very beginning, YHVH gave us a choice. He created man for a fellowship that was mutual. He wanted us to commune with Him freely of our own volition, not because it was forced upon us.
Jeremiah writes in 31: 31-32, “Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, says the LORD”.
The beneficiaries of this covenant—“the house of Israel and the house of Judah”—are the subject of another discussion. However, suffice it to say here the “Church” is NOWHERE mentioned within the list of beneficiaries—in these verses or anywhere else in Scripture. What is important here is to note such covenant was the very Mosaic covenant which their fathers broke—desecrated is more like it.
Referring to this same covenant, the prophet says in v. 33, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people”.
The clear message here is the concept of free choice. We won't disregard the Torah of YHVH in favor of the false concept of “under grace and not the law”. We won't even attempt to keep the letter of His Torah out of fear as a necessity for salvation. But, rather, we will keep His Torah as best as humanly possible with the help of His Spirit because of love and deep gratitude for Messiah's blessed salvation.
His Torah has by NO means been abolished. YHVH has merely taken what was proved “ineffective”, as Paul put it, and “perfected” it through the sacrifice of Yeshua. That perfection is clearly seen in Jeremiah's words in v. 34. “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Yes, my friends, we have truly been delivered from the “law of sin and death”. We have become as Paul wrote in 7: 6 to the Romans, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter”.
With this in mind, we would be wise to adhere to the admonition of Paul in 2: 12 of Philippians. “Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” With Paul's words leading into this statement, and in the Spirit of this writing, we are exhorted to confess the supreme dominion of Messiah with our adherence to His ways as expressed in Torah.
Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 30:6, “And the LORD your Elohim will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love the LORD your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live”. This is the very heart of the first of the “two great commandments” spoken of by Yeshua in quoting Moses in Deuteronomy 6: 4—without which we will never be able to fulfill the second.
The “heart” of the matter in this section, and in our lives, is expressed by Paul in his comments in 3: 3 of his second epistle to the Corinthians. “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Messiah ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living Elohim; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart...”
The challenge of this section is to look at, study, and adhere to His Torah—not by the letter, but as is written deep within our inner parts. It is as Paul went on to say in v. 6. “Who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” We are His ministers, lights in this dark world. Grasp Torah with all your heart, for it is Living, even Life itself.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 5 of 7
I have written very emphatically in favor of keeping the commandments of YHVH as given through Moses. Therefore, I feel a distinct need to begin this section with a little clarification regarding the reason for keeping His Torah. Simply put, we keep His Torah because we love Him—saved for service.
However, there are those among us—commonly called Judaizers—that would say our salvation is dependent upon keeping His Torah. It is recorded in Acts 15: 1 regarding these that would pervert the purity of His Word. “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
In no way, shape, or form have I or will I ever stand in solidarity with these Judaizers. In the Spirit of Paul to the Ephesians in 2: 10, we are His blessed work of His hands. YHVH has created within us through Yeshua our Messiah a new man fully and properly equipped with a gratitude that seeks to keep His commandments a little better each day.
Regardless of our national heritage, we all have equal standing in faith with our Messiah. Peter says in 15: 11 of Acts, “But we believe that through the grace of Yeshua our Messiah we shall be saved, even as they”. For the child of Abraham, whether natural or grafted in, the requirements are the same.
Peter says of these in vv. 20-21 of the same chapter, “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day”.
Each of these stipulations in v. 20 are a part of the Torah. Then, he concludes in v. 21 with support of the study of the Torah of Moses. We are truly redeemed from the single “law of sin and death”, but not extended the right to disregard the remainder of His Torah. With that said, let us move on into the “heart” of His Torah.
YHVH didn't create us as mindless beings that would always respond in robotic form. From the very beginning, YHVH gave us a choice. He created man for a fellowship that was mutual. He wanted us to commune with Him freely of our own volition, not because it was forced upon us.
Jeremiah writes in 31: 31-32, “Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, says the LORD”.
The beneficiaries of this covenant—“the house of Israel and the house of Judah”—are the subject of another discussion. However, suffice it to say here the “Church” is NOWHERE mentioned within the list of beneficiaries—in these verses or anywhere else in Scripture. What is important here is to note such covenant was the very Mosaic covenant which their fathers broke—desecrated is more like it.
Referring to this same covenant, the prophet says in v. 33, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people”.
The clear message here is the concept of free choice. We won't disregard the Torah of YHVH in favor of the false concept of “under grace and not the law”. We won't even attempt to keep the letter of His Torah out of fear as a necessity for salvation. But, rather, we will keep His Torah as best as humanly possible with the help of His Spirit because of love and deep gratitude for Messiah's blessed salvation.
His Torah has by NO means been abolished. YHVH has merely taken what was proved “ineffective”, as Paul put it, and “perfected” it through the sacrifice of Yeshua. That perfection is clearly seen in Jeremiah's words in v. 34. “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Yes, my friends, we have truly been delivered from the “law of sin and death”. We have become as Paul wrote in 7: 6 to the Romans, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter”.
With this in mind, we would be wise to adhere to the admonition of Paul in 2: 12 of Philippians. “Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” With Paul's words leading into this statement, and in the Spirit of this writing, we are exhorted to confess the supreme dominion of Messiah with our adherence to His ways as expressed in Torah.
Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 30:6, “And the LORD your Elohim will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love the LORD your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live”. This is the very heart of the first of the “two great commandments” spoken of by Yeshua in quoting Moses in Deuteronomy 6: 4—without which we will never be able to fulfill the second.
The “heart” of the matter in this section, and in our lives, is expressed by Paul in his comments in 3: 3 of his second epistle to the Corinthians. “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Messiah ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living Elohim; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart...”
The challenge of this section is to look at, study, and adhere to His Torah—not by the letter, but as is written deep within our inner parts. It is as Paul went on to say in v. 6. “Who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” We are His ministers, lights in this dark world. Grasp Torah with all your heart, for it is Living, even Life itself.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--Torah of the Apostles
Torah of the Apostles
Part 4 of 7
Some of the arguments I've heard within threads of many subjects, including anti-Torah sentiment, are truly amazing. A premise can be thoroughly and adequately asserted through the prophets, and some enlightened person will say, “But, Paul said...” A premise can be solidly supported through the teaching of Yeshua, and some “full of himself” theologian or 90-day wonder Bible student will say, “But, Paul said...”
Salvation is a huge part of apostolic doctrine. Without it there would be no hope for our eternal souls. However, salvation seems to be the focal point of our modern “enlightened ones”—TO THE EXCLUSION OF TORAH. Because I will largely cite Paul in this section, I begin by citing Peter, regarding Paul, in 3: 14-16 of his second epistle.
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things (hope of salvation), be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless; and account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (pervert), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
Before considering Paul, let me flash back to the prophets for a moment. They not only spoke of the future, they spoke of the future in regards to past actions of the Hebrew people—and inactions as well. They repeatedly spoke of the demise of YHVH's people because they failed to obey His Torah. YHVH says through Ezekiel in 18: 4, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die”.
Sin is simply defined as transgression of YHVH's Torah. For Ezekiel, sin was violating Torah. Statements following v. 4 are all included within the Torah. Because of Adam, the “law of sin and death” reigned supreme in the lives of men. That the children of Abraham failed miserably in keeping Torah is not in question. What is in question is the equating of the “law of sin and death” with the whole of Torah.
In agreement with Ezekiel, Paul said to the Romans in 6: 23. “For the wages of sin is death...” He wrote to the Corinthian church in 15: 56 of the first epistle, “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law”. These two statements and the one by Ezekiel do not represent the whole of Torah. But, rather, they represent only ONE law, one that is part of the Torah and dates back to Adam in the garden.
Since Adam, men have continually manifested an uncanny propensity to follow their own desires. Providentially for them, and us, YHVH had a plan even before Adam sinned, even before He made Adam. Paul concluded 6: 23 for the Romans by saying, “but the gift of YHVH is eternal life”. He concluded 15: 56 for the Corinthians with, “But thanks be to YHVH, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah”.
Paul told the Romans in 8: 1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah Yeshua, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. He goes on to say in v. 2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua has made me free from the law of sin and death”.
Each law in v. 2 reflects a single law within the total of Torah. We are, therefore, free from the SINGLE law of sin and death and made beneficiary of the SINGLE law of life in the Spirit. This is a concept clearly acknowledged by Paul to the Ephesians. He writes in 2: 8-9, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of YHVH; not of works, lest any man should boast”.
What the children of Abraham could never do, even in meticulously keeping the law (Torah), Yeshua did with one selfless act on the cross. Yet, that act DID NOT absolve us from keeping and learning from the rest of Torah to the best of our ability. Paul concluded his statement for the Ephesians in v. 10 with, “For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua unto good works, which YHVH before ordained that we should WALK IN THEM”. (My emphesis added)
What then shall we do, my friends? Should we continue with the “sloppy agape” tenets of the christian grace doctrine? Or, should we heed the instruction of this “hard to understand” apostle, Paul? Quite frankly, I think he is rather easy to understand. Only those in blind bondage to modern “doctrines of men” might disagree with me.
I close this section with an answer to the above questions through the witness of two other apostles—James, the elder brother of Yeshua and John the Beloved. James wrote in 1: 22, “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”. John writes in 2: 4 of his first epistle, “He that says, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him”. How neat is that...two examples of a New Covenant “Shema”—hear and obey!!
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 4 of 7
Some of the arguments I've heard within threads of many subjects, including anti-Torah sentiment, are truly amazing. A premise can be thoroughly and adequately asserted through the prophets, and some enlightened person will say, “But, Paul said...” A premise can be solidly supported through the teaching of Yeshua, and some “full of himself” theologian or 90-day wonder Bible student will say, “But, Paul said...”
Salvation is a huge part of apostolic doctrine. Without it there would be no hope for our eternal souls. However, salvation seems to be the focal point of our modern “enlightened ones”—TO THE EXCLUSION OF TORAH. Because I will largely cite Paul in this section, I begin by citing Peter, regarding Paul, in 3: 14-16 of his second epistle.
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things (hope of salvation), be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless; and account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (pervert), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
Before considering Paul, let me flash back to the prophets for a moment. They not only spoke of the future, they spoke of the future in regards to past actions of the Hebrew people—and inactions as well. They repeatedly spoke of the demise of YHVH's people because they failed to obey His Torah. YHVH says through Ezekiel in 18: 4, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die”.
Sin is simply defined as transgression of YHVH's Torah. For Ezekiel, sin was violating Torah. Statements following v. 4 are all included within the Torah. Because of Adam, the “law of sin and death” reigned supreme in the lives of men. That the children of Abraham failed miserably in keeping Torah is not in question. What is in question is the equating of the “law of sin and death” with the whole of Torah.
In agreement with Ezekiel, Paul said to the Romans in 6: 23. “For the wages of sin is death...” He wrote to the Corinthian church in 15: 56 of the first epistle, “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law”. These two statements and the one by Ezekiel do not represent the whole of Torah. But, rather, they represent only ONE law, one that is part of the Torah and dates back to Adam in the garden.
Since Adam, men have continually manifested an uncanny propensity to follow their own desires. Providentially for them, and us, YHVH had a plan even before Adam sinned, even before He made Adam. Paul concluded 6: 23 for the Romans by saying, “but the gift of YHVH is eternal life”. He concluded 15: 56 for the Corinthians with, “But thanks be to YHVH, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah”.
Paul told the Romans in 8: 1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah Yeshua, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”. He goes on to say in v. 2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua has made me free from the law of sin and death”.
Each law in v. 2 reflects a single law within the total of Torah. We are, therefore, free from the SINGLE law of sin and death and made beneficiary of the SINGLE law of life in the Spirit. This is a concept clearly acknowledged by Paul to the Ephesians. He writes in 2: 8-9, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of YHVH; not of works, lest any man should boast”.
What the children of Abraham could never do, even in meticulously keeping the law (Torah), Yeshua did with one selfless act on the cross. Yet, that act DID NOT absolve us from keeping and learning from the rest of Torah to the best of our ability. Paul concluded his statement for the Ephesians in v. 10 with, “For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua unto good works, which YHVH before ordained that we should WALK IN THEM”. (My emphesis added)
What then shall we do, my friends? Should we continue with the “sloppy agape” tenets of the christian grace doctrine? Or, should we heed the instruction of this “hard to understand” apostle, Paul? Quite frankly, I think he is rather easy to understand. Only those in blind bondage to modern “doctrines of men” might disagree with me.
I close this section with an answer to the above questions through the witness of two other apostles—James, the elder brother of Yeshua and John the Beloved. James wrote in 1: 22, “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”. John writes in 2: 4 of his first epistle, “He that says, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him”. How neat is that...two examples of a New Covenant “Shema”—hear and obey!!
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--Torah of Messiah
Torah of Messiah
Part 3 of 7
Modern theologians would have us believe Yeshua abolished the Torah and absolved us from any responsibility for its keeping. Yet, we find Old Covenant prophets and New Covenant apostles teaching the opposite ideal. In keeping with the unchanging character of YHVH shown by Malachi, would one expect Him to change direction with the advent of Israel's Messiah and the New Covenant?
According to the Words of Yeshua, we find a continuum of consistency. He is quoted by Matthew in 5: 17-18. "Think not that I am come to destroy the (Torah), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the (Torah),till all be fulfilled."
Yeshua says even the accent markings and pronunciation guides of the Torah will in no wise disappear or be abolished. It doesn't take rocket science to deduce that Torah is still in effect today. The sun is still shinning! And, the meaning of the Greek word for “Heaven” suggests Torah will still be in effect throughout eternity.
This statement of Yeshua completely debunks the idea He abolished Torah. He says, “I came not to destroy”. According to Strong, Yeshua said “I came not to 'loosen down (disintegrate), demolish, halt, dissolve, overthrow, throw down, or bring to naught'”.
Yeshua said “I come not to destroy, but to fulfill”. It would be pure silliness to equate His statement to the passing of Torah. If this were really true, we might word it this way today. “Read My lips...I came not to destroy the Torah; I came to make it redundant.” Sounds to me like the double talk of a politician rather than an unchanging God.
According to the Greek, and easily recognizable by any sane and reasonable person, He truly came to “fulfill”. Strong says He came to “level up (as a hollow)”. He came to “furnish (or imbue, influence), satisfy, verify (or coincide with a prediction), fill up, make full, or perfect”. Yeshua said just what He meant. “I came not to (abolish) the Torah. I came to give it deeper meaning”—throroughly debunking the “law of the Pharisees”, and ultimately that of modern christianity.
Throughout His ministry, Yeshua taught from the Heart of Torah rather than from the “letter of the law”. Luke records of Yeshua in 24:27 , “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself”. He taught the heart of the Father embodied within Torah.
Many times during Yeshua's ministry He made the statement “You have heard it said of old...but I say unto you”. With each of these statements, He wasn't abolishing Torah. He was merely giving it deeper meaning, as He did in 5: 21-22 of Matthew. Through the generations, the “letter of the law” has never worked, and has suffered great misuse by way of the empty doctrines of men.
As the Pharisees were in the days of Yeshua, so are the teachers of our day. He was merely filling up the hollow created by these self-serving men. For these, Yeshua said through John in 5: 46-47, “For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me: for he wrote of Me. But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words?”
The leaders of our day would do well to heed the words of Messiah in Matthew 5: 20. “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ( or modern preachers and teachers), you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
In everything Yeshua taught, He taught the principles of Torah, and kept them Himself as our example. Every parable He taught can be traced back to its roots in Torah. Even the verses just preceding His comments on the Torah in Matthew 5 are embodied in the heart of His Living Torah, and eloquently summed up in the Spirit of the “two great commandments”.
The specific keeping of His Torah IS required. His Torah is timeless, not done away with as modern theologians say. The prophets taught it, and Yeshua taught it. For those still in doubt, or otherwise chained to prevailing christian dogma, I close this section with the emphatic words of Yeshua in Matthew 5: 19. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 3 of 7
Modern theologians would have us believe Yeshua abolished the Torah and absolved us from any responsibility for its keeping. Yet, we find Old Covenant prophets and New Covenant apostles teaching the opposite ideal. In keeping with the unchanging character of YHVH shown by Malachi, would one expect Him to change direction with the advent of Israel's Messiah and the New Covenant?
According to the Words of Yeshua, we find a continuum of consistency. He is quoted by Matthew in 5: 17-18. "Think not that I am come to destroy the (Torah), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the (Torah),till all be fulfilled."
Yeshua says even the accent markings and pronunciation guides of the Torah will in no wise disappear or be abolished. It doesn't take rocket science to deduce that Torah is still in effect today. The sun is still shinning! And, the meaning of the Greek word for “Heaven” suggests Torah will still be in effect throughout eternity.
This statement of Yeshua completely debunks the idea He abolished Torah. He says, “I came not to destroy”. According to Strong, Yeshua said “I came not to 'loosen down (disintegrate), demolish, halt, dissolve, overthrow, throw down, or bring to naught'”.
Yeshua said “I come not to destroy, but to fulfill”. It would be pure silliness to equate His statement to the passing of Torah. If this were really true, we might word it this way today. “Read My lips...I came not to destroy the Torah; I came to make it redundant.” Sounds to me like the double talk of a politician rather than an unchanging God.
According to the Greek, and easily recognizable by any sane and reasonable person, He truly came to “fulfill”. Strong says He came to “level up (as a hollow)”. He came to “furnish (or imbue, influence), satisfy, verify (or coincide with a prediction), fill up, make full, or perfect”. Yeshua said just what He meant. “I came not to (abolish) the Torah. I came to give it deeper meaning”—throroughly debunking the “law of the Pharisees”, and ultimately that of modern christianity.
Throughout His ministry, Yeshua taught from the Heart of Torah rather than from the “letter of the law”. Luke records of Yeshua in 24:27 , “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself”. He taught the heart of the Father embodied within Torah.
Many times during Yeshua's ministry He made the statement “You have heard it said of old...but I say unto you”. With each of these statements, He wasn't abolishing Torah. He was merely giving it deeper meaning, as He did in 5: 21-22 of Matthew. Through the generations, the “letter of the law” has never worked, and has suffered great misuse by way of the empty doctrines of men.
As the Pharisees were in the days of Yeshua, so are the teachers of our day. He was merely filling up the hollow created by these self-serving men. For these, Yeshua said through John in 5: 46-47, “For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me: for he wrote of Me. But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words?”
The leaders of our day would do well to heed the words of Messiah in Matthew 5: 20. “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ( or modern preachers and teachers), you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
In everything Yeshua taught, He taught the principles of Torah, and kept them Himself as our example. Every parable He taught can be traced back to its roots in Torah. Even the verses just preceding His comments on the Torah in Matthew 5 are embodied in the heart of His Living Torah, and eloquently summed up in the Spirit of the “two great commandments”.
The specific keeping of His Torah IS required. His Torah is timeless, not done away with as modern theologians say. The prophets taught it, and Yeshua taught it. For those still in doubt, or otherwise chained to prevailing christian dogma, I close this section with the emphatic words of Yeshua in Matthew 5: 19. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--Everlasting Torah
Everlasting Torah
Part 2 of 7
In the minds of many Biblical theologians and scholars of our day, what I have cited is of little concern, and unashamedly alter Scripture to fit their modern ideals. In their minds, we are under grace, and the law (Torah) has been done away with. For these false teachers, I dedicate this section.
YHVH made a covenant with the Hebrews through Moses. Within that covenant, He set laws to be obeyed. With those laws, He put in place rewards and penalties regarding the keeping of those laws. Whenever He made a covenant with men, it was a covenant guaranteed never to be broken or done away with on His part. However, the men with whom He made the covenant routinely broke each covenant.
Since the beginning of time, men have grown weary of remaining faithful to the ways and ideals of YHVH. Time and again they have devised different derivatives of their own ways and ideals. Herein lies the controversy so addressed in my writings and adeptly explained by the writer of Proverbs in 3: 5-6—YHVH's ideals versus man's ways of thinking.
Time and space in this forum is not available to enter a complete study of the intricacies of a covenant and the devious ideals of modern “replacement theology” taught and practiced by theologians of our day. For the gain of a solid foundation regarding covenants, I refer my readers to a Monte Judah article, “The Seven Everlasting Covenants”, at http://www.lionlamb.net/v3/YAHVOHArchives/volume11/09.
The eternal, unchanging nature of ANY of His covenants with men is the focus of this section. According to modern christianity, YHVH is protrayed as a fickle wimp that has abdicated His Throne in favor of the ever changing whims of men. I once heard a pastor of a very affluent christian church in Arizona say, “In order to please God, He expects us to adapt ourselves to the culture and society within which we live”. Ugghh!!
The pure fact is YHVH is unmoving and unchanging. There are six covenants in effect to this day listed in Scripture and a seventh coming in the very near future. Each covenant simply added to the covenant before it. The covenant with Noah in no way made null and void the Adamic. The Torah covenant through Moses in no way made null and void the Abrahamic, and so on.
Moses writes of the everlasting nature of YHVH's covenants in Deuteronomy 7: 9, “Therefore know that the Lord your Elohim, He is Elohim, the faithful Elohim who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS”. (My emphasis added)
The commandments of YHVH (Torah) are the written sum of His righteousness—a righteousness which was before the foundation of the world. The Psalmist speaks in 119: 142 of the timelessness of His Torah. “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Law (Torah) is truth.” He says in v. 144, “The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting”.
The Psalmist sings in 105: 8, “YHVH remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations”. He continues in vv. 9-10 with, “The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant”—a blessing to they and their posterity if they would only walk in YHVH's righteousness, enumerated in His Torah.
Jeremiah writes in 31: 35-37 of “the sun for a light by day” and “the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night”. He lists the “(disturbing) of the sea” and the “(wave's) roar” and says in v. 36, “If those ordinances depart from before Me, then the seed of Israel shall cease from being a nation before Me forevermore”.
He speaks in v. 38 of the “(measuring) of heaven” and the “(searching out)” of the earth's foundations, and says if that can be done, then “I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the Lord”. A quick look at our great outdoors will reveal the sun, moon, and stars still in their ordained positions. Though they try, no one will discern the expanse of the heavens. Therefore, YHVH's Torah covenant is still in effect, and He is certainly NOT “finished with Israel”, and replaced it with the church.
In the next section, I will present His everlasting covenant of Torah through the teachings of Messiah Yeshua. What we will find is an emphatic refutation of the false doctrine which says the Mosaic covenant has been trumped by “grace”. As a bridge to that section, I present the words of YHVH through the Prophet, Malachi in 3: 6. “For I am the Lord, I DO NOT CHANGE; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 2 of 7
In the minds of many Biblical theologians and scholars of our day, what I have cited is of little concern, and unashamedly alter Scripture to fit their modern ideals. In their minds, we are under grace, and the law (Torah) has been done away with. For these false teachers, I dedicate this section.
YHVH made a covenant with the Hebrews through Moses. Within that covenant, He set laws to be obeyed. With those laws, He put in place rewards and penalties regarding the keeping of those laws. Whenever He made a covenant with men, it was a covenant guaranteed never to be broken or done away with on His part. However, the men with whom He made the covenant routinely broke each covenant.
Since the beginning of time, men have grown weary of remaining faithful to the ways and ideals of YHVH. Time and again they have devised different derivatives of their own ways and ideals. Herein lies the controversy so addressed in my writings and adeptly explained by the writer of Proverbs in 3: 5-6—YHVH's ideals versus man's ways of thinking.
Time and space in this forum is not available to enter a complete study of the intricacies of a covenant and the devious ideals of modern “replacement theology” taught and practiced by theologians of our day. For the gain of a solid foundation regarding covenants, I refer my readers to a Monte Judah article, “The Seven Everlasting Covenants”, at http://www.lionlamb.net/v3/YAHVOHArchives/volume11/09.
The eternal, unchanging nature of ANY of His covenants with men is the focus of this section. According to modern christianity, YHVH is protrayed as a fickle wimp that has abdicated His Throne in favor of the ever changing whims of men. I once heard a pastor of a very affluent christian church in Arizona say, “In order to please God, He expects us to adapt ourselves to the culture and society within which we live”. Ugghh!!
The pure fact is YHVH is unmoving and unchanging. There are six covenants in effect to this day listed in Scripture and a seventh coming in the very near future. Each covenant simply added to the covenant before it. The covenant with Noah in no way made null and void the Adamic. The Torah covenant through Moses in no way made null and void the Abrahamic, and so on.
Moses writes of the everlasting nature of YHVH's covenants in Deuteronomy 7: 9, “Therefore know that the Lord your Elohim, He is Elohim, the faithful Elohim who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS”. (My emphasis added)
The commandments of YHVH (Torah) are the written sum of His righteousness—a righteousness which was before the foundation of the world. The Psalmist speaks in 119: 142 of the timelessness of His Torah. “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Law (Torah) is truth.” He says in v. 144, “The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting”.
The Psalmist sings in 105: 8, “YHVH remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations”. He continues in vv. 9-10 with, “The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant”—a blessing to they and their posterity if they would only walk in YHVH's righteousness, enumerated in His Torah.
Jeremiah writes in 31: 35-37 of “the sun for a light by day” and “the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night”. He lists the “(disturbing) of the sea” and the “(wave's) roar” and says in v. 36, “If those ordinances depart from before Me, then the seed of Israel shall cease from being a nation before Me forevermore”.
He speaks in v. 38 of the “(measuring) of heaven” and the “(searching out)” of the earth's foundations, and says if that can be done, then “I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the Lord”. A quick look at our great outdoors will reveal the sun, moon, and stars still in their ordained positions. Though they try, no one will discern the expanse of the heavens. Therefore, YHVH's Torah covenant is still in effect, and He is certainly NOT “finished with Israel”, and replaced it with the church.
In the next section, I will present His everlasting covenant of Torah through the teachings of Messiah Yeshua. What we will find is an emphatic refutation of the false doctrine which says the Mosaic covenant has been trumped by “grace”. As a bridge to that section, I present the words of YHVH through the Prophet, Malachi in 3: 6. “For I am the Lord, I DO NOT CHANGE; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--"So Let It Be Written, So Let It Be Done"
“So Let It Be Written—So Let It Be Done” (Shema!)
Part 1 of 7
There is a doctrine spun on the web of modern theology. “With the appearance of Messiah Yeshua, grace prevails and Torah has been done away with.” In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth. In the film, “The Ten Commandments”, the phrase “So let it be written...so let it be done” was coined by Pharaoh. As we will see, such is the same with YHVH's Holy Word regarding His Holy Torah.
From Genesis to Revelation, Scriptures very emphatically tell us the only way to please YHVH is to follow His ways. Whether the term is commandment, judgment, ordinance, statute, covenant, or the all-inclusive term Torah, we are commanded to “(Shema), Hear and obey”—Deuteronomy 6: 4-5.
Moses writes in Deuteronomy 5: 1, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them”. In this instruction, Moses uses the same forceful word as in 6: 4—“(Shema), Hear and obey”.
In the spirit of “The Shema” of 6: 4, Moses answers in 10: 12 of the same book the question addressed in this chapter—what does YHVH require of us? “Fear the Lord your Elohim, walk in all His ways and love Him. Serve the Lord your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul.”
There are many little words throughout Scripture that mostly go without proper attention, thereby creating false interpretations. One of those little words is the contraction, “and”. In addition to loving YHVH, as commanded in v. 12, v. 13 says, “(AND), keep the commandments of the Lord (AND) His statutes which I command you today”.
“So it has been written...” by Moses, as he heard from the mouth of YHVH, and watched His finger etch His law (Torah) on stone tablets. Other holy men after Moses admonished their readers to “Shema” YHVH's Torah, and made them aware of rewards and judgments for obedience and rebellion. A simple word search will reveal scores of references to support this truth.
For a New Covenant witness for Torah, consider the straight forward words of James in 1: 22. “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” Consider John the Beloved in 2: 3-4 of his first epistle. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments (Torah). He who says, 'I know Him', and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
John writes in 5: 2-3 of the same epistle, “By this we know that we love the children of YHVH, when we love YHVH and keep His commandments. For this is the love of YHVH, that we keep His commandments”. Because we love YHVH, we love our neighbor—the two greatest commandments of Yeshua in action, the heart of Torah and the Father.
“So let it be written...So let it be done!” These are just a few of the many Scriptural witnesses that instruct us to obey His Torah. The witness has been presented. The verdict is in. Of a certainty, we will never be able to keep all His Torah. The Hebrews couldn't keep it and we are no different. But, that's where Yeshua's saving grace comes into the picture. He merely commands us to circumcise our hearts and willingly allow Him to write His Torah there within—daily learning more of Him and practicing His ways.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 1 of 7
There is a doctrine spun on the web of modern theology. “With the appearance of Messiah Yeshua, grace prevails and Torah has been done away with.” In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth. In the film, “The Ten Commandments”, the phrase “So let it be written...so let it be done” was coined by Pharaoh. As we will see, such is the same with YHVH's Holy Word regarding His Holy Torah.
From Genesis to Revelation, Scriptures very emphatically tell us the only way to please YHVH is to follow His ways. Whether the term is commandment, judgment, ordinance, statute, covenant, or the all-inclusive term Torah, we are commanded to “(Shema), Hear and obey”—Deuteronomy 6: 4-5.
Moses writes in Deuteronomy 5: 1, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them”. In this instruction, Moses uses the same forceful word as in 6: 4—“(Shema), Hear and obey”.
In the spirit of “The Shema” of 6: 4, Moses answers in 10: 12 of the same book the question addressed in this chapter—what does YHVH require of us? “Fear the Lord your Elohim, walk in all His ways and love Him. Serve the Lord your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul.”
There are many little words throughout Scripture that mostly go without proper attention, thereby creating false interpretations. One of those little words is the contraction, “and”. In addition to loving YHVH, as commanded in v. 12, v. 13 says, “(AND), keep the commandments of the Lord (AND) His statutes which I command you today”.
“So it has been written...” by Moses, as he heard from the mouth of YHVH, and watched His finger etch His law (Torah) on stone tablets. Other holy men after Moses admonished their readers to “Shema” YHVH's Torah, and made them aware of rewards and judgments for obedience and rebellion. A simple word search will reveal scores of references to support this truth.
For a New Covenant witness for Torah, consider the straight forward words of James in 1: 22. “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” Consider John the Beloved in 2: 3-4 of his first epistle. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments (Torah). He who says, 'I know Him', and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
John writes in 5: 2-3 of the same epistle, “By this we know that we love the children of YHVH, when we love YHVH and keep His commandments. For this is the love of YHVH, that we keep His commandments”. Because we love YHVH, we love our neighbor—the two greatest commandments of Yeshua in action, the heart of Torah and the Father.
“So let it be written...So let it be done!” These are just a few of the many Scriptural witnesses that instruct us to obey His Torah. The witness has been presented. The verdict is in. Of a certainty, we will never be able to keep all His Torah. The Hebrews couldn't keep it and we are no different. But, that's where Yeshua's saving grace comes into the picture. He merely commands us to circumcise our hearts and willingly allow Him to write His Torah there within—daily learning more of Him and practicing His ways.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments--Introduction
Anthem Ten
Keep My Commandments
“Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalms 19: 11
Introduction
My thoughts on the 19th Psalm to this point were written during the summer of 2006 while on a trip deep into the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Because YHVH has taught me much since then, a normal editing process was necessary to make sure my thoughts reflected as best as possible the increased revelation of the unchanging purity of His Word—no doctrinal mixture.
One of the points of mixture I found was an example of an ideal that has taken a long time to pare away from my thinking. With the false doctrine of “grace vs. law” still an integral part of my theology, it did not come as a surprise to find this glaring error in my writing—one of omission.
In taking an overall survey of the material within this writing, I noticed v. 11 had somehow been completely skipped over. I'm not certain why I neglected to write even one word concerning David's comments within this verse. Even though influenced by Hebrew Messianic thought at that time, it appears I had become little more than a Messianic Christian.
It is a fact that not all Messianic followers embrace the fullness of Torah. There are those within Messianic circles that wear the theological clothing of Hebrew Messianic persuasion. They speak the language of Torah. On the surface, they may even seem to “walk the talk”. Yet, a closer examination reveals a Torah walk of their own devising—no different than tainted mixtures of modern Christianity.
In order to correct my original error of omission and expose false teaching within both christian and some Messianic circles, this chapter will address the very important charge David accepts for himself, and passes on to us—“Keep (YHVH's) commandments”. In addition, chapters 11 & 12 are the edited and expanded version of the original chapter 10. Go fully with YHVH, and He will go with you.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Keep My Commandments
“Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalms 19: 11
Introduction
My thoughts on the 19th Psalm to this point were written during the summer of 2006 while on a trip deep into the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Because YHVH has taught me much since then, a normal editing process was necessary to make sure my thoughts reflected as best as possible the increased revelation of the unchanging purity of His Word—no doctrinal mixture.
One of the points of mixture I found was an example of an ideal that has taken a long time to pare away from my thinking. With the false doctrine of “grace vs. law” still an integral part of my theology, it did not come as a surprise to find this glaring error in my writing—one of omission.
In taking an overall survey of the material within this writing, I noticed v. 11 had somehow been completely skipped over. I'm not certain why I neglected to write even one word concerning David's comments within this verse. Even though influenced by Hebrew Messianic thought at that time, it appears I had become little more than a Messianic Christian.
It is a fact that not all Messianic followers embrace the fullness of Torah. There are those within Messianic circles that wear the theological clothing of Hebrew Messianic persuasion. They speak the language of Torah. On the surface, they may even seem to “walk the talk”. Yet, a closer examination reveals a Torah walk of their own devising—no different than tainted mixtures of modern Christianity.
In order to correct my original error of omission and expose false teaching within both christian and some Messianic circles, this chapter will address the very important charge David accepts for himself, and passes on to us—“Keep (YHVH's) commandments”. In addition, chapters 11 & 12 are the edited and expanded version of the original chapter 10. Go fully with YHVH, and He will go with you.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Honey of a Gold Mine--A Wise Quest
A Wise Quest
Part 4 of 4
When we approach and attach to our lives the principles of our benevolent Messiah, we become beneficiaries of the wisdom of our Lord. His is a wisdom that, in the least, gives us the ability to keep any wealth our Lord bestows upon us and to properly affect its responsible stewardship. On the other end of the spectrum, His wisdom creates peace, contentment, and joy through His grace, with or without material wealth.
Hear what the Psalmist said in 49: 6-7 concerning the irresponsible. He says, “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to YHVH a ransom for him”. Wealth can buy a lot of great things. Yet, it can’t buy the most valuable commodity in the universe—our eternal salvation.
These just don’t understand. That price has been paid for us. It was paid through the precious blood of our Master Shepherd Messiah. It is a ransom prophesied of old. Hosea says in 13: 14, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be your plagues; O grave, I will be your destruction”. In fulfillment of this prophesy, Yeshua said through Matthew in 20: 28, and in 10: 45 of Mark, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”.
Then, Paul affirms this truth for Timothy in 2: 5-6 of his first epistle, “For there is one YHVH and one mediator between YHVH and men, the man Yeshua Ha’Mashiach; who gave Himself a ransom for all”. Because of that ransom, we have victory over the grave. And, the sting of death has been removed far from us.
Yes, compare the splendor of immense wealth and prosperity to the sweetness of His freedom giving grace. If used in His wisdom while we have it, health, wealth, and prosperity are grand and wonderful possessions, and will cling to US. Yet, even in its absolute best use, it will perish along with everything else in the world—whether in the day when the earth melts with a fervent heat or we just die and leave it all behind.
The only thing we take with us when our lives have ended is the grace He has bestowed upon us. Yeshua said through John in 3: 16, “For YHVH so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Entrust every fiber of your existence to the Master Architect of the universe, reverence and serve Him with heart-felt gratitude, and truly say as David of the law, of which Yeshua is the focal point, “More to be desired is (the heart of our Elohim, His Torah) than gold, yea, than fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 4 of 4
When we approach and attach to our lives the principles of our benevolent Messiah, we become beneficiaries of the wisdom of our Lord. His is a wisdom that, in the least, gives us the ability to keep any wealth our Lord bestows upon us and to properly affect its responsible stewardship. On the other end of the spectrum, His wisdom creates peace, contentment, and joy through His grace, with or without material wealth.
Hear what the Psalmist said in 49: 6-7 concerning the irresponsible. He says, “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to YHVH a ransom for him”. Wealth can buy a lot of great things. Yet, it can’t buy the most valuable commodity in the universe—our eternal salvation.
These just don’t understand. That price has been paid for us. It was paid through the precious blood of our Master Shepherd Messiah. It is a ransom prophesied of old. Hosea says in 13: 14, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be your plagues; O grave, I will be your destruction”. In fulfillment of this prophesy, Yeshua said through Matthew in 20: 28, and in 10: 45 of Mark, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”.
Then, Paul affirms this truth for Timothy in 2: 5-6 of his first epistle, “For there is one YHVH and one mediator between YHVH and men, the man Yeshua Ha’Mashiach; who gave Himself a ransom for all”. Because of that ransom, we have victory over the grave. And, the sting of death has been removed far from us.
Yes, compare the splendor of immense wealth and prosperity to the sweetness of His freedom giving grace. If used in His wisdom while we have it, health, wealth, and prosperity are grand and wonderful possessions, and will cling to US. Yet, even in its absolute best use, it will perish along with everything else in the world—whether in the day when the earth melts with a fervent heat or we just die and leave it all behind.
The only thing we take with us when our lives have ended is the grace He has bestowed upon us. Yeshua said through John in 3: 16, “For YHVH so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Entrust every fiber of your existence to the Master Architect of the universe, reverence and serve Him with heart-felt gratitude, and truly say as David of the law, of which Yeshua is the focal point, “More to be desired is (the heart of our Elohim, His Torah) than gold, yea, than fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Honey of a Gold Mine--A More Secure Quest
A More Secure Quest
Part 3 of 4
In seeking the kingdom of YHVH, as David suggests in this psalm, we attain His grace. Wealth is a fleeting commodity. It is something that can be here today and gone tomorrow. Those of the late 1920’s found out the hard way when they went to bed one evening as millionaires, and woke up the next morning as paupers. There's another time coming in the very near future for us that will make 1929 pale in comparison.
There is only one constant in the universe—the ever-strong El Shaddai of that universe. Because of the ever-reliable qualities of our all-powerful and omnipotent Lord, we can safely trust His Word and commit every fiber of our existence to Him. It truly is a faith like Paul expressed to Timothy in 1: 12 of his second epistle, “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day”.
It is because of this unmerited favor of our Lord, we are brought into all joy—a joy which remains as ever-constant as the Elohim that gave it. While there is nothing inherently wrong with wealth, or even great riches, the ever-solid foundation laid for us through Yeshua our risen Messiah and made available through His redeeming sacrifice truly is as David concluded v. 10, “sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 3 of 4
In seeking the kingdom of YHVH, as David suggests in this psalm, we attain His grace. Wealth is a fleeting commodity. It is something that can be here today and gone tomorrow. Those of the late 1920’s found out the hard way when they went to bed one evening as millionaires, and woke up the next morning as paupers. There's another time coming in the very near future for us that will make 1929 pale in comparison.
There is only one constant in the universe—the ever-strong El Shaddai of that universe. Because of the ever-reliable qualities of our all-powerful and omnipotent Lord, we can safely trust His Word and commit every fiber of our existence to Him. It truly is a faith like Paul expressed to Timothy in 1: 12 of his second epistle, “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day”.
It is because of this unmerited favor of our Lord, we are brought into all joy—a joy which remains as ever-constant as the Elohim that gave it. While there is nothing inherently wrong with wealth, or even great riches, the ever-solid foundation laid for us through Yeshua our risen Messiah and made available through His redeeming sacrifice truly is as David concluded v. 10, “sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Honey of a Gold Mine--A More Profitable Quest
A More Profitable Quest
Part 2 of 4
David begins this section of the 19th Psalm with, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold”. It is good for a Godly man to seek the financial betterment of his family, even to the simple increasing of that which some would term non-essential. As long as the pursuit of wealth is with the correct mind-set, there is not a problem. The proper way to begin this pursuit is to keep in remembrance that which Moses spoke of in Deuteronomy 8: 18, “For it is He that gives power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers”.
A problem arises in the seeking of wealth when the seekers fail to heed the words of Yeshua as recorded by Matthew in 6: 33, “Seek first the kingdom of YHVH and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you”. This is the seeking of the kingdom that David says needs desiring. In saying, “More to be desired are they”, he is referring to the six previous statements, individually and as a whole. When we honor every aspect of His law (Torah) through faith in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, we become beneficiaries, according to a degree of His choosing, of the “all those things” He adds to our lives.
While we rightly seek some of the finer things this life has to offer us, our greater focus is upon the righteousness of our Lord, serving Him by advancing His kingdom, and caring for those within and newly entering that kingdom. We affect that task by keeping His law, commandments, and statutes. We heed His testimonies because we trust an Adonai that is trustworthy in everything. Because He is worthy, we stand in awe-filled reverence in the presence of His majesty. We enhance and expand His kingdom out of love and a genuine heart of gratitude—willingly, graciously, and joyfully because of what He did that we had absolutely no ability to do on our own.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 2 of 4
David begins this section of the 19th Psalm with, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold”. It is good for a Godly man to seek the financial betterment of his family, even to the simple increasing of that which some would term non-essential. As long as the pursuit of wealth is with the correct mind-set, there is not a problem. The proper way to begin this pursuit is to keep in remembrance that which Moses spoke of in Deuteronomy 8: 18, “For it is He that gives power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers”.
A problem arises in the seeking of wealth when the seekers fail to heed the words of Yeshua as recorded by Matthew in 6: 33, “Seek first the kingdom of YHVH and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you”. This is the seeking of the kingdom that David says needs desiring. In saying, “More to be desired are they”, he is referring to the six previous statements, individually and as a whole. When we honor every aspect of His law (Torah) through faith in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, we become beneficiaries, according to a degree of His choosing, of the “all those things” He adds to our lives.
While we rightly seek some of the finer things this life has to offer us, our greater focus is upon the righteousness of our Lord, serving Him by advancing His kingdom, and caring for those within and newly entering that kingdom. We affect that task by keeping His law, commandments, and statutes. We heed His testimonies because we trust an Adonai that is trustworthy in everything. Because He is worthy, we stand in awe-filled reverence in the presence of His majesty. We enhance and expand His kingdom out of love and a genuine heart of gratitude—willingly, graciously, and joyfully because of what He did that we had absolutely no ability to do on our own.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Honey of a Gold Mine--Gold Fever
Anthem Nine
A Honey of a Gold Mine
“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Psalms 19: 10
Gold Fever
Part 1 of 4
In 1849, the face of the American West radically changed. California became a prime focus of everyone. With the discovery of gold in California’s Sutter’s Creek, people relocated in mass numbers. Thus began what was called the “California Gold Rush”. Many uprooted and went alone or took entire families in search of the possibility of fame and fortune. Whether the reason for the trek was for motives good or bad, their lives would never be the same again. In varying degrees, each of them had become inflicted with a malady known as, “Gold Fever”.
Others made the trek for entrepreneurial reasons. They weren’t looking to dig gold for themselves. They just viewed this situation simply from a business stand-point. They just wanted to be there when gold was found. Yet, others of their number sought to be near the action for pure evil reasons. They didn’t want to dig for the gold themselves. They didn’t even aspire to provide a business service to those that did sweat and toil in the dirt. They only looked for the chance to steal it from the miner and business entrepreneur.
Paul told Timothy in 6: 10 of the first epistle, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” The seeking of wealth and riches is in no way evil. It is a noble and wise desire to provide for a family in a better way. Some within the rush for California gold had these reasons in mind when they began their trek. Yet, the intentions of others were not as honorable. They manifested in their actions a mind-set as spoken by Paul in concluding v. 10 for Timothy when he said, “for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Honey of a Gold Mine
“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Psalms 19: 10
Gold Fever
Part 1 of 4
In 1849, the face of the American West radically changed. California became a prime focus of everyone. With the discovery of gold in California’s Sutter’s Creek, people relocated in mass numbers. Thus began what was called the “California Gold Rush”. Many uprooted and went alone or took entire families in search of the possibility of fame and fortune. Whether the reason for the trek was for motives good or bad, their lives would never be the same again. In varying degrees, each of them had become inflicted with a malady known as, “Gold Fever”.
Others made the trek for entrepreneurial reasons. They weren’t looking to dig gold for themselves. They just viewed this situation simply from a business stand-point. They just wanted to be there when gold was found. Yet, others of their number sought to be near the action for pure evil reasons. They didn’t want to dig for the gold themselves. They didn’t even aspire to provide a business service to those that did sweat and toil in the dirt. They only looked for the chance to steal it from the miner and business entrepreneur.
Paul told Timothy in 6: 10 of the first epistle, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” The seeking of wealth and riches is in no way evil. It is a noble and wise desire to provide for a family in a better way. Some within the rush for California gold had these reasons in mind when they began their trek. Yet, the intentions of others were not as honorable. They manifested in their actions a mind-set as spoken by Paul in concluding v. 10 for Timothy when he said, “for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A True Covenant--The Unity of Truth
The Unity of Truth
Part 3 of 3
As the people of those days didn’t understand the meaning David intended when he said, “The judgments of our Lord are true”, so those of our day are no more enlightened. Their brand of truth is the opposite of David’s meaning. They are so blind they don’t see the instability, uncertainty, and the lack of trustworthiness or assurance they have in their power to eliminate pain or sorrow in their neighbor. They can’t see it because they are just too concerned about self. Because they are blind, they can’t be used as a vehicle for our Lord to bestow upon His faithful children the blessed assurance of His “true” justice.
Regardless of the perversion of man’s righteousness, the true judgments of our Lord are as David concluded in v. 9, “righteous altogether”. David used the word, “tsadaq”, which means, “to be or make right”. And, make everything right He most certainly does, and will—as Paul said in 8: 28 of Romans, “All things work together for good, for them who love the Lord, to them that are called according to His purpose”.
For the word, “altogether”, David used, “yachad”, which means, “united, a unit, or withal”. It is from a prime root word that means “to be or become one; join or unite”. In this unity, I am reminded of the words of Paul to the Ephesians in 4: 3. He said, “Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. And, it is David in 133: 1 of the Psalms that said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
As there is unity in all of His law, as there is unity in the Godhead, there needs to be unity in Spirit among His bride. This is the only way to give Spirit led honor, from the heart, to the gloriously encouraging true judgments of our Adonai, and be “righteous altogether” in Him.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 3 of 3
As the people of those days didn’t understand the meaning David intended when he said, “The judgments of our Lord are true”, so those of our day are no more enlightened. Their brand of truth is the opposite of David’s meaning. They are so blind they don’t see the instability, uncertainty, and the lack of trustworthiness or assurance they have in their power to eliminate pain or sorrow in their neighbor. They can’t see it because they are just too concerned about self. Because they are blind, they can’t be used as a vehicle for our Lord to bestow upon His faithful children the blessed assurance of His “true” justice.
Regardless of the perversion of man’s righteousness, the true judgments of our Lord are as David concluded in v. 9, “righteous altogether”. David used the word, “tsadaq”, which means, “to be or make right”. And, make everything right He most certainly does, and will—as Paul said in 8: 28 of Romans, “All things work together for good, for them who love the Lord, to them that are called according to His purpose”.
For the word, “altogether”, David used, “yachad”, which means, “united, a unit, or withal”. It is from a prime root word that means “to be or become one; join or unite”. In this unity, I am reminded of the words of Paul to the Ephesians in 4: 3. He said, “Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. And, it is David in 133: 1 of the Psalms that said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
As there is unity in all of His law, as there is unity in the Godhead, there needs to be unity in Spirit among His bride. This is the only way to give Spirit led honor, from the heart, to the gloriously encouraging true judgments of our Adonai, and be “righteous altogether” in Him.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A True Covenant--The Blind Leading The Blind
The Blind Leading The Blind
Part 2 of 3
But, such was not so with the religious leaders. The Pharisees were more concerned with man’s way of thinking than the Spirit thinking of YHVH. They did what they did best. They looked to outward appearances—on the surface thinking. In 8: 19 of John, Yeshua says the reason they never understood His words was, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also”. These leaders had ears to hear and eyes to see, yet, they were deaf and blind.
Yeshua said in 9: 39 of John, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind”. Yeshua was speaking to a once blind man the church leaders had thrown out of the church. When these leaders overheard the conversation, they asked in v. 40, “Are we blind also?” Yeshua replied in v. 41, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see’. Therefore your sin remains”. In the all-important spiritual sense, they were blind to YHVH's ideals because all they could see was there own ways.
These are like those that looked on the outside circumstances of Job and said his predicament was because of some secret sin. Bildad correctly attested to the character of YHVH and His judgment when he asked Job in 8: 3, “Does YHVH subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice?” This possibly well-intending man did very little different than many in our churches today. They look at the letter of the law—in this case, YHVH’s justice—and totally miss the “heart” of that justice.
In v. 4, Bildad suggested Job's trouble was because of a sin of his sons. In v. 5, he challenged Job to “earnestly seek YHVH”. Then, he put a “guilt trip” on him in v. 6 saying, “If you were pure and upright, surely now He would awaken for you”. Nowhere is there a hint of concern for the pain and suffering of their friend, Job. As I have heard it asked, “With friends like them, who needs enemies?”
An entire city, our Lord’s beloved Jerusalem, turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the righteous judgments of our Lord. YHVH begins an unfavorable judgment of His people through Ezekiel in 5: 7 saying, “Because you have multiplied disobedience…have not walked in My statutes nor kept My judgments”. Therefore, in v. 8, He says, “Indeed I, even I, am against you and will execute judgments in your midst…” Ezekiel further records YHVH saying in 20: 24, “Because they had not executed My judgments, but had despised My statutes, profaned My Sabbaths, and their eyes were fixed on their father’s idols”.
I’m certain some of them had literally turned to worship heathen idols. Yet, many others were like those of whom our Lord spoke in 7: 6-7 of Mark. He records our Lord quoting Isaiah 29: 13, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men”. They are like those in the first chapter of Isaiah, those from which flowed wave after wave of the sacrifice of praise. Yet, they paid little or no attention to the widow and the orphan—the need of the one sitting next to them. And, the beat goes on in many of our churches today.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 2 of 3
But, such was not so with the religious leaders. The Pharisees were more concerned with man’s way of thinking than the Spirit thinking of YHVH. They did what they did best. They looked to outward appearances—on the surface thinking. In 8: 19 of John, Yeshua says the reason they never understood His words was, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also”. These leaders had ears to hear and eyes to see, yet, they were deaf and blind.
Yeshua said in 9: 39 of John, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind”. Yeshua was speaking to a once blind man the church leaders had thrown out of the church. When these leaders overheard the conversation, they asked in v. 40, “Are we blind also?” Yeshua replied in v. 41, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see’. Therefore your sin remains”. In the all-important spiritual sense, they were blind to YHVH's ideals because all they could see was there own ways.
These are like those that looked on the outside circumstances of Job and said his predicament was because of some secret sin. Bildad correctly attested to the character of YHVH and His judgment when he asked Job in 8: 3, “Does YHVH subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice?” This possibly well-intending man did very little different than many in our churches today. They look at the letter of the law—in this case, YHVH’s justice—and totally miss the “heart” of that justice.
In v. 4, Bildad suggested Job's trouble was because of a sin of his sons. In v. 5, he challenged Job to “earnestly seek YHVH”. Then, he put a “guilt trip” on him in v. 6 saying, “If you were pure and upright, surely now He would awaken for you”. Nowhere is there a hint of concern for the pain and suffering of their friend, Job. As I have heard it asked, “With friends like them, who needs enemies?”
An entire city, our Lord’s beloved Jerusalem, turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the righteous judgments of our Lord. YHVH begins an unfavorable judgment of His people through Ezekiel in 5: 7 saying, “Because you have multiplied disobedience…have not walked in My statutes nor kept My judgments”. Therefore, in v. 8, He says, “Indeed I, even I, am against you and will execute judgments in your midst…” Ezekiel further records YHVH saying in 20: 24, “Because they had not executed My judgments, but had despised My statutes, profaned My Sabbaths, and their eyes were fixed on their father’s idols”.
I’m certain some of them had literally turned to worship heathen idols. Yet, many others were like those of whom our Lord spoke in 7: 6-7 of Mark. He records our Lord quoting Isaiah 29: 13, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men”. They are like those in the first chapter of Isaiah, those from which flowed wave after wave of the sacrifice of praise. Yet, they paid little or no attention to the widow and the orphan—the need of the one sitting next to them. And, the beat goes on in many of our churches today.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A True Covenant--Truth, Predictable and Unparalleled
Anthem Eight
A True Covenant
“The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” Psalms 19: 9b
Truth—Predictable and Unparalleled
Part 1 of 3
Our newspapers are filled on an almost daily basis with examples of criminals that commit crimes of nearly every category, and, yet, seem to “skate” when it comes to their day in court. It seems an all-too-common occurrence for some hot-shot attorney to find some technicality, or a judge to feel the need for leniency. What a fortune for the criminal when both of them appear in the same court room at the same time. Not so with our Lord!
Even when their hearts are reasonably in the right place, man’s justice can’t hold a candle to the judgments of our Lord. David begins the conclusion of v. 9 with, “The judgments of the Lord”. In describing the judgments of our Lord, he uses the word, “mishpat”. Whether in a favorable or unfavorable sense, we see that which a jury would render—a verdict, whether guilty or not guilty. It is also a sentence or formal decree pronounced judicially, such as an Appellate or Supreme Court ruling.
Yet, even the highest courts in our land can’t compare to the judgment of the Master of the universe. In considering the phrase, “The judgments of the Lord”, consider David’s words in 36: 5-6 of the Psalms, “Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep”.
Paul says in Romans 11: 33, “How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Then, in v. 34, he quotes Isaiah and Jeremiah when he asks, “For who has known the mind of the Lord?” In the remainder of v. 34, he refers to Job in asking, “Who has become His counselor?”
In v. 35, he again makes reference to Job and asks, “Who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him?” And, John records Yeshua saying in 5: 30, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear I judge; and My judgment is righteous”. There is none before or after our Lord. There is none above Him. His justice is the supremacy of the supreme—“The best of the best”.
John records our Lord saying in 8: 16, “And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true”. According to the Greek word, “alethes”, Yeshua reveals another quality of the truth within His judgments. Rather than a word that defines truth, a word is used that says what His truth is not. The word means, “as not concealing”. And, it was John that recorded Yeshua saying in 15: 15, “…I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known to you”. He conceals nothing for our benefit from us.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A True Covenant
“The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” Psalms 19: 9b
Truth—Predictable and Unparalleled
Part 1 of 3
Our newspapers are filled on an almost daily basis with examples of criminals that commit crimes of nearly every category, and, yet, seem to “skate” when it comes to their day in court. It seems an all-too-common occurrence for some hot-shot attorney to find some technicality, or a judge to feel the need for leniency. What a fortune for the criminal when both of them appear in the same court room at the same time. Not so with our Lord!
Even when their hearts are reasonably in the right place, man’s justice can’t hold a candle to the judgments of our Lord. David begins the conclusion of v. 9 with, “The judgments of the Lord”. In describing the judgments of our Lord, he uses the word, “mishpat”. Whether in a favorable or unfavorable sense, we see that which a jury would render—a verdict, whether guilty or not guilty. It is also a sentence or formal decree pronounced judicially, such as an Appellate or Supreme Court ruling.
Yet, even the highest courts in our land can’t compare to the judgment of the Master of the universe. In considering the phrase, “The judgments of the Lord”, consider David’s words in 36: 5-6 of the Psalms, “Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep”.
Paul says in Romans 11: 33, “How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Then, in v. 34, he quotes Isaiah and Jeremiah when he asks, “For who has known the mind of the Lord?” In the remainder of v. 34, he refers to Job in asking, “Who has become His counselor?”
In v. 35, he again makes reference to Job and asks, “Who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him?” And, John records Yeshua saying in 5: 30, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear I judge; and My judgment is righteous”. There is none before or after our Lord. There is none above Him. His justice is the supremacy of the supreme—“The best of the best”.
John records our Lord saying in 8: 16, “And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true”. According to the Greek word, “alethes”, Yeshua reveals another quality of the truth within His judgments. Rather than a word that defines truth, a word is used that says what His truth is not. The word means, “as not concealing”. And, it was John that recorded Yeshua saying in 15: 15, “…I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known to you”. He conceals nothing for our benefit from us.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Reverent Covenant--A Lasting Legacy
A Lasting Legacy
Part 3 of 3
Yes, the legacy of the just endures from generation to generation. David ended this phrase with the words, “enduring forever”. The word he chose, “amad”, bears a literal or figurative meaning of, “abide, confirm, continue, establish, ordain, or stand fast”. Nearly 50 times the Old Covenant, Biblical record says, “The mercy of the Lord endures forever”. And, Peter said in 1: 25 of his first epistle, “The Word of the Lord endures forever”.
In the meaning of justice and mercy, there is another synonym that is applicable in this section which is “reasonable”. For all our Elohim has done for us, it would only seem reasonable that we return the favor by serving Him through caring for those for whom He died.
I close this verse with the words of Paul to the Romans in 12: 1. He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of YHVH, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to YHVH, which is you reasonable service”. In so doing, we do our part in carrying on the encouragement of His legacy of mercy, justice, and truth to our posterity.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 3 of 3
Yes, the legacy of the just endures from generation to generation. David ended this phrase with the words, “enduring forever”. The word he chose, “amad”, bears a literal or figurative meaning of, “abide, confirm, continue, establish, ordain, or stand fast”. Nearly 50 times the Old Covenant, Biblical record says, “The mercy of the Lord endures forever”. And, Peter said in 1: 25 of his first epistle, “The Word of the Lord endures forever”.
In the meaning of justice and mercy, there is another synonym that is applicable in this section which is “reasonable”. For all our Elohim has done for us, it would only seem reasonable that we return the favor by serving Him through caring for those for whom He died.
I close this verse with the words of Paul to the Romans in 12: 1. He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of YHVH, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to YHVH, which is you reasonable service”. In so doing, we do our part in carrying on the encouragement of His legacy of mercy, justice, and truth to our posterity.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Reverent Covenant--An Equitable Agreement
An Equitable Agreement
Part 2 of 3
Then, David said the fear of our Lord is “clean”. He uses the word, “tahor”. Whether in a physical, ceremonial, or moral sense, the word means “fair”. A synonym of fair is “just”. Of this justice, the psalmist wrote in 89: 14, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face”.
The pure and untainted nature of the fear of our Lord is His complete righteousness. To put a righteous twist on an advertisement one-liner of our day in reference to this purity, “It doesn’t get any better than this”. His mercy and justice is the kind that is the basis of the unbreakable loyalty to us through His covenant with Abraham, and ultimately through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, the Seed of that covenant.
The purity of His fear is sound, clear, uncontaminated, and holy. It is innocence in its purest form. It is honest, equitable, and brightens the pathway of all that are blessed to come in contact with it. It is this purity we are instructed to emulate. Otherwise, we can never remain in His favor.
The writer of Proverbs says in 3: 33, “The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just”. Therefore, when the just traverse their pathways in life, they are as 4: 18 of the Proverbs says, “Like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day”.
Even after they have passed to the next life, they are remembered. In Proverbs the writer says in 10: 7, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot”. Possibly the most valuable asset we have is our good name. As it most certainly was in Biblical days, it is necessarily so in our day. To be remembered for justice was and still is a definite sign of integrity. The writer of Proverbs also says in 20: 7, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
Part 2 of 3
Then, David said the fear of our Lord is “clean”. He uses the word, “tahor”. Whether in a physical, ceremonial, or moral sense, the word means “fair”. A synonym of fair is “just”. Of this justice, the psalmist wrote in 89: 14, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face”.
The pure and untainted nature of the fear of our Lord is His complete righteousness. To put a righteous twist on an advertisement one-liner of our day in reference to this purity, “It doesn’t get any better than this”. His mercy and justice is the kind that is the basis of the unbreakable loyalty to us through His covenant with Abraham, and ultimately through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, the Seed of that covenant.
The purity of His fear is sound, clear, uncontaminated, and holy. It is innocence in its purest form. It is honest, equitable, and brightens the pathway of all that are blessed to come in contact with it. It is this purity we are instructed to emulate. Otherwise, we can never remain in His favor.
The writer of Proverbs says in 3: 33, “The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just”. Therefore, when the just traverse their pathways in life, they are as 4: 18 of the Proverbs says, “Like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day”.
Even after they have passed to the next life, they are remembered. In Proverbs the writer says in 10: 7, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot”. Possibly the most valuable asset we have is our good name. As it most certainly was in Biblical days, it is necessarily so in our day. To be remembered for justice was and still is a definite sign of integrity. The writer of Proverbs also says in 20: 7, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him”.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Reverent Covenant--The Wisdom of Fear
Anthem Seven
A Reverent Covenant
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever...” Psalms 19: 9a
The Wisdom in Fear
Part 1 of 3
When I looked up into that star-studded sky, and beheld those magnificent, snow-capped, Colorado monuments, I was possessed with a sense of awe and respect. Before that beautiful creation, I stood in quiet reverence for the mighty deeds He had done. In realizing the shallowness of my knowledge, I found my heart desiring more of Him. Because of His mighty works, and His precious covenant with us, I felt drawn to fear my Lord. And, it was the writer of Proverbs in 1: 7 that said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”.
David begins v. 9 with, “The fear of the Lord…” When we stand in the awe filled presence of our Lord, we should stand in reverence rather than be afraid. Our Elohim is ever merciful to us. For that reason, we approach Him in a Biblical aspect of fear—reverence. Moses tells his people in 20: 20 of Exodus “Do not fear, for YHVH has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin”. Even so, the people chose to remain afraid. For v. 21 says of our very human tendency, “So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where YHVH was”.
Moses was doing what we might say, “practicing what he preached”. That is the quality of any good leader. In his death-bed testimony, David said in 23: 3 of the second book of Samuel, “YHVH of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: he who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of YHVH”. What an awesome responsibility it is to be in authority over any other person or group of persons, as the meaning of the word, “ruling”, suggests. Whether as an apostle, pastor, teacher, or even a husband, only the wisdom of YHVH, the beginning of which is His reverence, can effectively and gently care for the tender lambs within the scope of their authority.
The record further shows this concept in 2 Chronicles 19: 8. It says King Jehoshaphat “appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the chief fathers of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem”. The charge to these leaders of YHVH's children in v. 9 was simply, “Thus you shall act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart”.
Anything short of this type of fear is a mockery before those whom we lead—a scandal, if you will. Nehemiah rebuked his own people for a lack of this quality. He said in 5: 9, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our Elohim because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?”
Yes, the fear of our Lord certainly is the beginning of wisdom. It is also a protection against the sinister qualities of human nature. The writer of the Psalms said in 2: 11, “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling”. The writer appears to be saying, “Serve God with His kind of fear, but keep your wits about you. The nature of human tendency can and usually does sneak in unawares”. Only when we learn true fear and reverence are we useful in His service.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
A Reverent Covenant
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever...” Psalms 19: 9a
The Wisdom in Fear
Part 1 of 3
When I looked up into that star-studded sky, and beheld those magnificent, snow-capped, Colorado monuments, I was possessed with a sense of awe and respect. Before that beautiful creation, I stood in quiet reverence for the mighty deeds He had done. In realizing the shallowness of my knowledge, I found my heart desiring more of Him. Because of His mighty works, and His precious covenant with us, I felt drawn to fear my Lord. And, it was the writer of Proverbs in 1: 7 that said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”.
David begins v. 9 with, “The fear of the Lord…” When we stand in the awe filled presence of our Lord, we should stand in reverence rather than be afraid. Our Elohim is ever merciful to us. For that reason, we approach Him in a Biblical aspect of fear—reverence. Moses tells his people in 20: 20 of Exodus “Do not fear, for YHVH has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin”. Even so, the people chose to remain afraid. For v. 21 says of our very human tendency, “So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where YHVH was”.
Moses was doing what we might say, “practicing what he preached”. That is the quality of any good leader. In his death-bed testimony, David said in 23: 3 of the second book of Samuel, “YHVH of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: he who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of YHVH”. What an awesome responsibility it is to be in authority over any other person or group of persons, as the meaning of the word, “ruling”, suggests. Whether as an apostle, pastor, teacher, or even a husband, only the wisdom of YHVH, the beginning of which is His reverence, can effectively and gently care for the tender lambs within the scope of their authority.
The record further shows this concept in 2 Chronicles 19: 8. It says King Jehoshaphat “appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the chief fathers of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem”. The charge to these leaders of YHVH's children in v. 9 was simply, “Thus you shall act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart”.
Anything short of this type of fear is a mockery before those whom we lead—a scandal, if you will. Nehemiah rebuked his own people for a lack of this quality. He said in 5: 9, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our Elohim because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?”
Yes, the fear of our Lord certainly is the beginning of wisdom. It is also a protection against the sinister qualities of human nature. The writer of the Psalms said in 2: 11, “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling”. The writer appears to be saying, “Serve God with His kind of fear, but keep your wits about you. The nature of human tendency can and usually does sneak in unawares”. Only when we learn true fear and reverence are we useful in His service.
Click Here To Continue In The 19th Psalm
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