I have two unfinished blog posts, both dealing with the "burden" of the salvation of others on a Christian's heart. These posts are also me, wanting to defend my faith. They are long. One has several sections (What, am I...writing a book?). So, I'm writing now, again, to try and sum everything up. Anyway, as I've said before, this blog is all about me "exploring" Messianic roots. Messianic roots...and a love for Israel. In plain English...this is a wonderful thing...except for the fact that (I believe) the whole "Messianic Movement" is puzzling...and even offensive to most folks in Israel (I think). Now, I'll say it again: This is not to pick on Israel or her amazing people. I LOVE you guys!! I adore you! :))
I'm speaking of an irony that has "puzzled me till my puzzler is sore" as Dr. Seuss would say. I talk about Israel in particular, because this is the place millions of Christians flock to every year because this is where the savior of the world was born. I can't help but wonder what the majority of Israeli's actually think about all this. Now, I know, there are many Messianic Jews, as well as Christians (BTW, NO, they are not the same thing) in Israel. But I truly believe that (especially here in the states) there is a HUGE misconception that Israeli's just adore both Messianic Judaism and Christian missionaries. Many American Christians are HUGE supporters of Israel, and we just adore Israel, and anything related to The Holy Land. Great! So, my love for Israel has grown by leaps and bounds because of the so-called "Messianic Movement.". Now I...really, really, REALLY want to go there. So, I began to look into it with a passion...
Reality Check.
I was thrilled to learn that there is in fact, a Messianic Bible college in Israel, with (according to their promo's) "the largest Christian library in Israel.". I was ecstatic!...until I learned that (according to a FB post), even folks working at Israel College of the Bible are confused and a bit bewildered by the "Messianic Movement" in the states. Now, this is perfectly okay, but...Really? But wait a minute, this is a Messianic Bible College, isn't it? (It says so right on their amazing website). So, why are they puzzled by our Messianic Movement? Here I was, thinking this would be an amazing place to be able to talk about my/your love of Yeshua, the messiah...and it WOULD be. But I thought that if anyone would NOT be puzzled by the Messianic Movement...it would be a Messianic Bible college. Apparently, this isn't the case...and that's okay. It just has me wondering...I know there IS a Messianic Movement in Israel (Hey there's a COLLEGE, right?). But how different is it from the one in the states?? I'm very curious.
My heart dropped in fact, because I HAD believed that for some, "the gap had been bridged." (if you will). You have to understand; I'd been watching several videos of Israeli's who have been told for generations that "Christian's" were responsible for the Holocaust. (!!!). This made my stomach turn...it was AWFUL! I saw another video of a woman who lived in Israel, out in her neighborhood screaming: "Nazi whores!!!" in response to some Christian missionaries wanting to share their faith with her. I was absolutely shocked. I had no clue whatsoever. By the way, American Christians, did you know that "missionary" is largely a dirty word in Israel?? (Apparently). Translation: I think many of them...don't like us. They don't like us at all. Now, in some cases, we (the US) give Israel plenty of reason not to like us! We do...just look at our media coverage...or, DON'T (as the case may be.)
The fact is, our media is one of the biggest reasons for the huge amount of confusion and misconception about Israel in the first place. This is awful, and praise G-d for those out there working to turn this around. But, ironically, I think, many many Christians LOVE and ADORE Israel...and do everything (we) can to support her. May I say (very gently)...please do not "spit" on us for this. If you think I just made a terrible pun, I am very sorry (see)...I'm trying. (But I'm sure I just pissed somebody off). Listen, a Christian's theology is different than someone who practices Judaism...this is true...
The reason we witness to you is because we are so grateful that your people (as a whole) have given us our MESSIAH!! As to our theology...it teaches that (G-d the Father) is so holy, that those who are not accepting that (Jesus) is the Messiah will spend forever separated from him, in Hell. Do we like this? Of course not! Would it be easy enough to not say anything and spare ourselves the rejection? Of course! Look, even if we're wrong about what we are taught in church every week...It's only that we don't want you (Israel in particular) to experience such an awful, awful thing! Why Israel in particular? Because...you guys GAVE US OUR MESSIAH!! :). Don't you see? If you don't agree with this...that's okay. But neither one of us can undo history and we're both only trying to be true to who we are...right?
I just know that here I am...wanting so profoundly to give something back, and share (what I know) as truth out of empathy and love. I am not a "Nazi," and in my opinion (on that subject), I think the Holocaust, was one of the sickest, most brutal, atrocious things that's ever happened in human history! I write this as an outsider...no, my family did not go through it. As I've said many times on this blog...we are not Jewish. My purpose for writing this, is not about that...
I write all of this, because my own (so called) Evangelical Christian faith has left me...looking for more. And believe me...I never thought I'd say that. I'm not saying that Jesus is not enough...but what I AM saying is that I am no longer satisfied when just helping people get their foot in the door (if you will) when it comes to Heaven, and giving the preverbal "fire insurance" talk... (okay, well I don't want you to experience Hell.). I don't believe this is what Yeshua meant when he asked us to feed his sheep. I don't think THIS is having a "relationship" with G-d...even though, for me, this became my "mantra" (if you will) as a Christian.
I now realize that I was going on and on about a relationship with Jesus, and then cutting the (person) out completely...because, after all, this has nothing to do with them...it's all of G-d. Now, I wasn't realizing what I was saying...but that's my whole point. I did not REALIZE that I didn't realize what I was saying. (okay?). So, the only thing I found that could fill the gap (if you will) that made any sense to me has been... Judaism. That deep rich faith, going back thousands of years that made Abraham a friend of G-d, and David a man after G-d's own heart. That faith that made Hannah pour her heart out, and the Sun stand still for Joshua. This is what I want too...but, to officially accept it...means rejecting the savior who brought it to begin with (in traditional Judaism), correct? So what do I do? Enter: Messianic Judaism...and get ready to face a lot of folks who believe this is an insult...and a total contradiction in terms. Oh well...not everything makes sense, does it?
So I would say...How is one "saved" in Judaism, anyway? Maybe this would help me understand. Is it all by works? How can this be possible when none of us are perfect anyway? Evangelical's share their faith...because they don't wish for anyone to be separated from G-d. For those who practice traditional Judaism...do they laugh, like we're a big joke? I've seen many rabbis on YouTube, who do...I'll tell you that! One even said that a Christian "witnessing" to a Jew is like trying to give (us) something borrowed when we're the ones who have the original.
Okay, fine. You know what?...I agree. You win. This is YOUR house, and I'm the guest...it even says so, in Romans 11. But now, PLEASE...tell me what you know, that I don't...so that I stop telling people the Old Testament saints were not saved. What IS your theology anyway? Do you have that living water that I thought I knew? Anyway, thanks to rabbi Mark Biltz, I think some of my confusion may have been cleared up... Isaiah, 45, verses 22 and 23...
"Look to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.
I am G-d, there is no other.
In the name of myself have I rightly sworn;
From out of my mouth has rightly gone a word that will not return...
That to me, every knee will bow and every tongue shall swear
Surely shall one say 'In the Lord have I righteousness and strength.'
Even to him shall men come, and all those who are incensed
Against Him shall be ashamed.
In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified
And shall glory.
Okay, this is verses 24 & 25 too, but I BELIEVE...there it is!! Has what I've been worried about been resolved?.. (Ding ding ding!). Is this the "A-haaah" moment I've been hoping for?? I HOPE SO! But I can't stop there! I need to know more! You know what I mean? So here it is...Never, never again will I say that Judaism is nothing but legalism...I have no right. What about those for whom, there is no 'show" involved?? What if it's their life, it's their faith, it's everything they are?? I do not have the right to tell them; "You are not saved, because you never asked Jesus into your heart.". What??? Where do I get off doing that?? As pastor Mark said: "Yeshua and the (Yod hey, vav, hey) are ONE! That's like getting mad at my kids because they call me "dad," and I want them to call me by my first name". Is it really?? Well, then what am I DOING?? Jesus is my understanding...and how could I give him up? But where do I get off "correcting" my Jewish friend who calls him "Abba"? Daddy. What could be more personal, more heartwarming than THAT? Sure, Judaism can be legalistic, with no "heart" attached too...but SO CAN CHRISTIANITY! (Right?). Nobody says a THING about that.
So, I now want to grab the talit of any rabbi I can, and say, "Teach me everything you know, please!". This includes Yeshua, my savior...he was a rabbi too, you know? It is up to each one of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. If your theology does not include a "trinity," then tell me...what do you know that I don't? Perhaps I need to learn. Anyway, I've heard it said over and over: "Judaism had to be re-written when the temple was destroyed in 70 AD.". Okay. Well when Judaism began, there was no trinity anyway (not yet) because Yeshua would not be born for a long time. So could it be that for the sake of consistency, this was never added later? I don't know...and I'm still not sure, I agree...but the main thing is that we meet in eternity, stop trying to "replace" each other...but meet together. A lot of differences, yes...but teach me what you know, my Jewish friends...it would be a big help to me. And just know that any witnessing I did was out of love...fair enough?
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Embracing Truth and Tradition (the Big Merger): What IS This Crazy Faith?
I suppose I've really put pastor Jim Staley on a pedestal lately. This is of course the wrong thing to do, because he's a mere "man" like anyone else, and is not without error. The fact that he's now been sentenced to prison for fraud, apparently due to something that took place before he was in full time ministry does not help. But, the fact is, he's really opened my eyes to a lot of things that I would not otherwise have known. I actually first learned who Mr. Staley was about 17 years back, when I first saw his documentary "Truth or Tradition" regarding Christmas.
I sat there in shock, and open mouthed...and did not want to believe a word of it. I then resigned myself to the conclusion that the disturbing things I'd just heard were a bunch of dogma that I didn't believe...and Christmas really did not mean THOSE things to me anyway. Santa claus represented magic and reward, and helped kids to get excited and to behave themselves, right? There was nothing wrong with elves, or the North Pole...it was just pretend. What was a "Gregorian calendar" anyway? What did it have to do with me? I didn't make it up! I took this a step further when I began to believe that Santa Claus was like someone representing Jesus. He enters our home "trough fire" to bring us "good gifts" and his red suit represents the blood that was shed for us, that we might be saved. The Christmas tree is a symbol of life renewing itself, new beginnings and the next harvest. Besides that, they're gorgeous and they smell so good! I mean, the whole Christmas season is a chance to wash away the old & bring in the new, right? People are often weary of whatever the previous year has dealt them & they need a fresh start.
I wonder what it was like for Yeshua's original 12, after the first temple was destroyed and Rome took over...wanting to further destroy all evidence of anything related to this man who walked around saying without reserve that he was the son of God. The Roman government were the ones who sent him to the cross in the first place (as the gospels tell us) and I suppose now they were wanting to "get rid of all the evidence" as well. What was it like for Peter, John, Matthew, Philip, Andrew, Bartholomew, James, (another James), Thomas, Simon and Jude, to take on the arduous task of keeping their savior's memory alive, while the governments of the world wanted only to destroy it? Am I now worshipping the Son of God, or sun god's? Do I want to celebrate on a day set aside for Winter Solstace when I now know that Yeshua was born in the spring, somewhere around the time of Sukot? Is it enough to just say; "That's not what it means to me"? I no longer think so. Now, I adore Christmas...I always have. Tnere are many traditions that come with it each year that are family traditions that I want to keep alive. I just feel that Adonai is changing my heart & I need to respond. How do I do this without crushing the sincere intentions of a willing heart that only wants to worship G-d?
I have no wish to do this. If you need to sing "Holly Jolly Christmas" and have a cup of cheer and watch Rudolph, go ahead. Hey I've done all these things this year too! I have no wish to destroy the sincere fath of a little girl pulling Santa's beard and believing he's real for the first time. But I think I've been living out my traditions based on the belief that Yeshua meets us where we are...and not doing Him the same courtesy. Do I meet him where he is? Do I consider the way that he wants to be worshipped, based on what scripture says & not on what tradition has always taught me? Do I really know the God I serve...the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Am I seeking him out? Do I represent him the way he wishes it? Again, I no longer think so. Not when the layers are peeled back, if you will. This is what started to happen, with "Truth or Tradition"... and my journey goes on today. Eventually, I embraced my Hebrew roots (as a new creation in Yeshua...the old things are passed away...all things are made new, and what do you know...they have brought me back, full circle, to where I was years ago, when G-d first made me aware he was making the change in me. Teshuva, my friends...there it is!
So, here I am on this Christmas Eve day, desiring to tell the truth as G-d has put it on my heart, but not wanting to step on anyones's toes. I know this is impossible because the truth separates joints and marrow, according to the Psalms. So there is no avoiding it. But I'm just like anyone else, I don't want to hurt anyone, or feel that "sting " myself...so then I want to start "mixing" menorah's and kipha's with scenes from "White Christmas" and "Miracle on 34th Street.". Wait, I think this is basically "assimilation" isn't it? Oh goodness. What a dilemma! Couple, this with the fact that I'm embracing my Hebrew roots, which are grounded in Judaism to better get to know G-d, but Judaism does not acknowledge...G-d (Yeshua). Messianic Judaism DOES, but is also considered to be blasphemy by those who practice traditional Judaism. And all of this, my friend's is WHY this blog is called "What is this Crazy Faith?
Go eat, drink and be merry! Shalom to you!
I sat there in shock, and open mouthed...and did not want to believe a word of it. I then resigned myself to the conclusion that the disturbing things I'd just heard were a bunch of dogma that I didn't believe...and Christmas really did not mean THOSE things to me anyway. Santa claus represented magic and reward, and helped kids to get excited and to behave themselves, right? There was nothing wrong with elves, or the North Pole...it was just pretend. What was a "Gregorian calendar" anyway? What did it have to do with me? I didn't make it up! I took this a step further when I began to believe that Santa Claus was like someone representing Jesus. He enters our home "trough fire" to bring us "good gifts" and his red suit represents the blood that was shed for us, that we might be saved. The Christmas tree is a symbol of life renewing itself, new beginnings and the next harvest. Besides that, they're gorgeous and they smell so good! I mean, the whole Christmas season is a chance to wash away the old & bring in the new, right? People are often weary of whatever the previous year has dealt them & they need a fresh start.
I wonder what it was like for Yeshua's original 12, after the first temple was destroyed and Rome took over...wanting to further destroy all evidence of anything related to this man who walked around saying without reserve that he was the son of God. The Roman government were the ones who sent him to the cross in the first place (as the gospels tell us) and I suppose now they were wanting to "get rid of all the evidence" as well. What was it like for Peter, John, Matthew, Philip, Andrew, Bartholomew, James, (another James), Thomas, Simon and Jude, to take on the arduous task of keeping their savior's memory alive, while the governments of the world wanted only to destroy it? Am I now worshipping the Son of God, or sun god's? Do I want to celebrate on a day set aside for Winter Solstace when I now know that Yeshua was born in the spring, somewhere around the time of Sukot? Is it enough to just say; "That's not what it means to me"? I no longer think so. Now, I adore Christmas...I always have. Tnere are many traditions that come with it each year that are family traditions that I want to keep alive. I just feel that Adonai is changing my heart & I need to respond. How do I do this without crushing the sincere intentions of a willing heart that only wants to worship G-d?
I have no wish to do this. If you need to sing "Holly Jolly Christmas" and have a cup of cheer and watch Rudolph, go ahead. Hey I've done all these things this year too! I have no wish to destroy the sincere fath of a little girl pulling Santa's beard and believing he's real for the first time. But I think I've been living out my traditions based on the belief that Yeshua meets us where we are...and not doing Him the same courtesy. Do I meet him where he is? Do I consider the way that he wants to be worshipped, based on what scripture says & not on what tradition has always taught me? Do I really know the God I serve...the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Am I seeking him out? Do I represent him the way he wishes it? Again, I no longer think so. Not when the layers are peeled back, if you will. This is what started to happen, with "Truth or Tradition"... and my journey goes on today. Eventually, I embraced my Hebrew roots (as a new creation in Yeshua...the old things are passed away...all things are made new, and what do you know...they have brought me back, full circle, to where I was years ago, when G-d first made me aware he was making the change in me. Teshuva, my friends...there it is!
So, here I am on this Christmas Eve day, desiring to tell the truth as G-d has put it on my heart, but not wanting to step on anyones's toes. I know this is impossible because the truth separates joints and marrow, according to the Psalms. So there is no avoiding it. But I'm just like anyone else, I don't want to hurt anyone, or feel that "sting " myself...so then I want to start "mixing" menorah's and kipha's with scenes from "White Christmas" and "Miracle on 34th Street.". Wait, I think this is basically "assimilation" isn't it? Oh goodness. What a dilemma! Couple, this with the fact that I'm embracing my Hebrew roots, which are grounded in Judaism to better get to know G-d, but Judaism does not acknowledge...G-d (Yeshua). Messianic Judaism DOES, but is also considered to be blasphemy by those who practice traditional Judaism. And all of this, my friend's is WHY this blog is called "What is this Crazy Faith?
Go eat, drink and be merry! Shalom to you!
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
My Profound Apologies...
I remember the first time I was told that "Christmas" is a "mass for Christ," which is actually a celebration of death. I was shocked and I didn't believe it. A mass, as in death mass, is obviously m-a-s-s, while the suffix "mas" on the end of a word means "of or about" something...in this case Christ. So, there ya go...Christmas is the day of and about Christ.
But now, I think there are a few problems with this. Apparently, the date of the birth of Jesus, was never actually recorded, but it is believed to've been in the spring time, because in the Biblical story there are shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flocks. I don't believe this would have happened in the winter. Secondly, how could they have stayed in a stable all night in the winter? It's not like they had the
wooly coat of a sheep! Especially a newborn baby...he probably would've frozen! I've heard that for wealthy folks at that time, their stables where their animals were was actually on a lower level of the house itself. In other words, I 'd doubt that the trio was out in a barn, in an empty field, several hundred yards from the residence. That being said, who decided to celebrate the day (or night) of his birth on December 25? Secondly, the Hebrew calendar does not work the same way as ours does. I BELIEVE our month of July came from Julius Caesar (??) and August is named for St. Augustine.
Before then, there were ten months and the prefixes for the last four made sense... September (Seven), October (eight), November (nine), and December (ten). There is no. "J" sound in the Hebrew language, so where did we get "Jesus" from? Apparently, it's Greek? Yes? Now there's not a thing wrong with anything Greek, but why was his name changed? Why has the season of his birth been changed so drastically?...
If I am sure of anything in my life, it is that Yeshuah (Jesus) has "come into my heart" as we say...and changed me from the inside. Yes, I said the sinner's prayer,and asked him into my heart & he answered. As I've said before on this blog... This is where it can be difficult...because I cannot take my (changed) heart out of my chest and say "see?"
I have said some very strong things on this blog. Some of the things that I pontificate about here...I know little about. I'm trying to gain a better understanding, and truthfully, the more I want to know, sometimes the more I just feel like crying. When a person becomes a Christian, we talk excitedly about how we have been renewed. The old things are passed away, all things are made new. It's as though a fire is glowing inside that was not there before. We then gain wisdom gradually through walking with our savior everyday, and as we stay close to him, we mature, and become seasoned as believers.
But, when I began learning about the Messianic Movement and Messianic Roots, it was as though all the growing and seasoning and maturing I'd done previous to that was "burned up" if you will, because a different, much stronger fire was suddenly ablaze inside. Suddenly, I was "on fire" again...which is wonderful! But at the same time, my slate had been wiped clean. I was back at square one, starting all over again, and felt sort of like a baby learning to walk (for the 3'd time). This time, was not like when I was a fifteen year old kid & I'd found Jesus for the first time. This time, suddenly, I began to realize that in fact, I had not really KNOWN this Jesus that I had "asked into my heart" about 21 years previous. This is humbling but also a bit embarrassing and sad to me...even frightening at times. There have been moments when I've thought "What in the world is happening to me?". But as Maya Angelou said: "When you know better, you do better."
Anyway, the problems I pointed out at the beginning, are I believe evidence of growth. Pre Messianic Movement, I never would have felt the need to even ask such questions. Anyway, it has become abundantly clear to me that I've known nothing about Jewish life or Jewish culture. I also knew hardly anything about the Torah, or the Tanach. These things are all important because I've claimed to worship and follow the GOD of the Hebrews, correct? The short version is that I got about 90% of my scripture out of the New Testament, or Br't Hadasha, and Knew how to witness to others using the New Testament. I did not even think that the Old Testament mentioned Yeshuah (Jesus) at all, because he had not been born yet. I was so busy being so glad that God had come and met ME where I was, that I was not really LEARNING how it is that HE want's to be worshipped.
I remember when I started learning the Shema. It was as if I could feel myself getting closer to Jesus each time. I was so excited when I made my first Rosh Hashanah cupcakes. To me, that was my way of celebrating one of G-d the Father's " feast days" the way it was supposed to be celebrated. Not perfect, by any means, but just one purposeful step in a direction I believed G-d wanted me to go. I was so busy thinking of Jesus as a divine "buddy" who went with me wherever I went, that I rarely thought about reverencing my Father in Heaven, covering my head, or purposely showing any respect to him.
I've written on this blog many times about the fascination and the endearment Christians can develop with the Jewish people, and also with anything Israel. We often can become obsessed with this things, because in the Tanach, Adonai says "I will bless those who bLess you & curse those who curse you, concerning Israel. Then there is the fact that our savior was born in Betlehem and Israel is where he walked & talked, it's where the Mount of Olives is, and Where he cried out to his Father concercing the cross he was to bear, asking that His will be done...but if possible, could this "cup" pass from him.". So, imagine our surprise, when we dream of making a pilgrimage to Israel...maybe we discover the Messianic Movement or Messianic Roots, and then we learn a lot more...
I did not know that many people in Israel (in particular), think that "missionary" is a dirty word. They are not interested in hearing anything about Jesus, and don't want Christians telling them that Jesus was Jewish too, as though this is the greatest blessing ever. The Old Testament is considered to be the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament is in most cases, considered strictly for Christians. Many Jewish folks won't read it. My heart dropped to the floor when I found this out...because I had to realize that no matter how much I might want to share with someone about Jesus, it probably would do me no good. Personally, where did I go from there...I had no idea. So, let me see if I have this right: In Judaism there is no Trinity and there is no Original sin. Jesus Christ, or Yeshua is not the Messiah, and so I've heard (some say) that his genealogy is made up ?? I can show someone where Jesus is talked about in the Old Testament, and they will probably tell me that it is not Jesus being talked about there...is thar right? But those who are Jewish are blessed as God's chosen people, right? So they are supposed to be even closer to him than we (Gentiles) are right?
But, if one does not believe that Yeshuah is G-d...then this changes EVERYTHING. I see. I get it. But as a Believer in Yeshuah as the Messiah, this is an ironic, and seemingly dismal reality. What do I do now?? I have all these dreams about going to Israel to see where my savior lived his life and carried out his ministry...only to find that in the places where he actually lived...it is largely believed that he is NOT the savior. The whole Messianic Movement is a puzzlement, and as far as I know, quite offensive. So the irony of my life has now become that if I want to stay as close as possible to my savior, it might do me better to stay home, thousands of miles away. This makes me very sad. Now, this is certainly not to say that I can't visit Israel...of course I can...but I've certainly had a rude awakening, as far as what to expect.
So, I then began puzzling and puzzling over why it is that Christians and those who are Jewish are continually divided and considered separate from each other. Why can't a Christian be Jewish? Why can't someone who's Jewish be accepting of Yeshuah...without being considered a traitor or something? So, this is NOT about putting anyone down or saying that anyone is any better than anyone else. I'm saying that after doing a 180, and realizing that I was not really cultivating a relationship with my savior...which is all I ever talked about, I was able to become a lot closer to him...only to be introduced to what is probably the biggest irony I've run into so far. I'm absolutely certain that Jesus is Lord & he rules in my life...but I do not get it now, even more than I didn't get it before. Go figure. No one can have all the answers & I can't either. Everyone has the right to think and feel what they want. All of this just leaves me with a heavy heart. I love Israel because I love Jesus...do you see what I mean?
Sometimes, when you have a heavy heart about something, you just have to get it out...but the writings in this blog are not meant to make anyone feel less than...it's more to help me vent. But if anyone ever has felt picked on, insulted or less than as they've read this...my profound apologies.
But now, I think there are a few problems with this. Apparently, the date of the birth of Jesus, was never actually recorded, but it is believed to've been in the spring time, because in the Biblical story there are shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flocks. I don't believe this would have happened in the winter. Secondly, how could they have stayed in a stable all night in the winter? It's not like they had the
wooly coat of a sheep! Especially a newborn baby...he probably would've frozen! I've heard that for wealthy folks at that time, their stables where their animals were was actually on a lower level of the house itself. In other words, I 'd doubt that the trio was out in a barn, in an empty field, several hundred yards from the residence. That being said, who decided to celebrate the day (or night) of his birth on December 25? Secondly, the Hebrew calendar does not work the same way as ours does. I BELIEVE our month of July came from Julius Caesar (??) and August is named for St. Augustine.
Before then, there were ten months and the prefixes for the last four made sense... September (Seven), October (eight), November (nine), and December (ten). There is no. "J" sound in the Hebrew language, so where did we get "Jesus" from? Apparently, it's Greek? Yes? Now there's not a thing wrong with anything Greek, but why was his name changed? Why has the season of his birth been changed so drastically?...
If I am sure of anything in my life, it is that Yeshuah (Jesus) has "come into my heart" as we say...and changed me from the inside. Yes, I said the sinner's prayer,and asked him into my heart & he answered. As I've said before on this blog... This is where it can be difficult...because I cannot take my (changed) heart out of my chest and say "see?"
I have said some very strong things on this blog. Some of the things that I pontificate about here...I know little about. I'm trying to gain a better understanding, and truthfully, the more I want to know, sometimes the more I just feel like crying. When a person becomes a Christian, we talk excitedly about how we have been renewed. The old things are passed away, all things are made new. It's as though a fire is glowing inside that was not there before. We then gain wisdom gradually through walking with our savior everyday, and as we stay close to him, we mature, and become seasoned as believers.
But, when I began learning about the Messianic Movement and Messianic Roots, it was as though all the growing and seasoning and maturing I'd done previous to that was "burned up" if you will, because a different, much stronger fire was suddenly ablaze inside. Suddenly, I was "on fire" again...which is wonderful! But at the same time, my slate had been wiped clean. I was back at square one, starting all over again, and felt sort of like a baby learning to walk (for the 3'd time). This time, was not like when I was a fifteen year old kid & I'd found Jesus for the first time. This time, suddenly, I began to realize that in fact, I had not really KNOWN this Jesus that I had "asked into my heart" about 21 years previous. This is humbling but also a bit embarrassing and sad to me...even frightening at times. There have been moments when I've thought "What in the world is happening to me?". But as Maya Angelou said: "When you know better, you do better."
Anyway, the problems I pointed out at the beginning, are I believe evidence of growth. Pre Messianic Movement, I never would have felt the need to even ask such questions. Anyway, it has become abundantly clear to me that I've known nothing about Jewish life or Jewish culture. I also knew hardly anything about the Torah, or the Tanach. These things are all important because I've claimed to worship and follow the GOD of the Hebrews, correct? The short version is that I got about 90% of my scripture out of the New Testament, or Br't Hadasha, and Knew how to witness to others using the New Testament. I did not even think that the Old Testament mentioned Yeshuah (Jesus) at all, because he had not been born yet. I was so busy being so glad that God had come and met ME where I was, that I was not really LEARNING how it is that HE want's to be worshipped.
I remember when I started learning the Shema. It was as if I could feel myself getting closer to Jesus each time. I was so excited when I made my first Rosh Hashanah cupcakes. To me, that was my way of celebrating one of G-d the Father's " feast days" the way it was supposed to be celebrated. Not perfect, by any means, but just one purposeful step in a direction I believed G-d wanted me to go. I was so busy thinking of Jesus as a divine "buddy" who went with me wherever I went, that I rarely thought about reverencing my Father in Heaven, covering my head, or purposely showing any respect to him.
I've written on this blog many times about the fascination and the endearment Christians can develop with the Jewish people, and also with anything Israel. We often can become obsessed with this things, because in the Tanach, Adonai says "I will bless those who bLess you & curse those who curse you, concerning Israel. Then there is the fact that our savior was born in Betlehem and Israel is where he walked & talked, it's where the Mount of Olives is, and Where he cried out to his Father concercing the cross he was to bear, asking that His will be done...but if possible, could this "cup" pass from him.". So, imagine our surprise, when we dream of making a pilgrimage to Israel...maybe we discover the Messianic Movement or Messianic Roots, and then we learn a lot more...
I did not know that many people in Israel (in particular), think that "missionary" is a dirty word. They are not interested in hearing anything about Jesus, and don't want Christians telling them that Jesus was Jewish too, as though this is the greatest blessing ever. The Old Testament is considered to be the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament is in most cases, considered strictly for Christians. Many Jewish folks won't read it. My heart dropped to the floor when I found this out...because I had to realize that no matter how much I might want to share with someone about Jesus, it probably would do me no good. Personally, where did I go from there...I had no idea. So, let me see if I have this right: In Judaism there is no Trinity and there is no Original sin. Jesus Christ, or Yeshua is not the Messiah, and so I've heard (some say) that his genealogy is made up ?? I can show someone where Jesus is talked about in the Old Testament, and they will probably tell me that it is not Jesus being talked about there...is thar right? But those who are Jewish are blessed as God's chosen people, right? So they are supposed to be even closer to him than we (Gentiles) are right?
But, if one does not believe that Yeshuah is G-d...then this changes EVERYTHING. I see. I get it. But as a Believer in Yeshuah as the Messiah, this is an ironic, and seemingly dismal reality. What do I do now?? I have all these dreams about going to Israel to see where my savior lived his life and carried out his ministry...only to find that in the places where he actually lived...it is largely believed that he is NOT the savior. The whole Messianic Movement is a puzzlement, and as far as I know, quite offensive. So the irony of my life has now become that if I want to stay as close as possible to my savior, it might do me better to stay home, thousands of miles away. This makes me very sad. Now, this is certainly not to say that I can't visit Israel...of course I can...but I've certainly had a rude awakening, as far as what to expect.
So, I then began puzzling and puzzling over why it is that Christians and those who are Jewish are continually divided and considered separate from each other. Why can't a Christian be Jewish? Why can't someone who's Jewish be accepting of Yeshuah...without being considered a traitor or something? So, this is NOT about putting anyone down or saying that anyone is any better than anyone else. I'm saying that after doing a 180, and realizing that I was not really cultivating a relationship with my savior...which is all I ever talked about, I was able to become a lot closer to him...only to be introduced to what is probably the biggest irony I've run into so far. I'm absolutely certain that Jesus is Lord & he rules in my life...but I do not get it now, even more than I didn't get it before. Go figure. No one can have all the answers & I can't either. Everyone has the right to think and feel what they want. All of this just leaves me with a heavy heart. I love Israel because I love Jesus...do you see what I mean?
Sometimes, when you have a heavy heart about something, you just have to get it out...but the writings in this blog are not meant to make anyone feel less than...it's more to help me vent. But if anyone ever has felt picked on, insulted or less than as they've read this...my profound apologies.
Friday, November 20, 2015
But Why and Why Not?...
Again, before you read this, please know that I have the utmost respect for people, as people whom God created. I do not wish to hurt anyone or start any fights.
I'm not sure I understand why accepting Yeshua as savior makes one no longer Jewish.
Why? Why is this? I'll use the example of marriage: Whether a person practices JUDAISM or not, per se, if they marry someone who is not Jewish...does that then make them no longer Jewish? No. They still have Jewish family, and a Jewish ancestry...most likely a Jewish name as well. These things are not erased just because they marry someone who is not Jewish...in fact, on the contrary...I would think that the person they marry would now be Jewish as well, because their spouse is Jewish, and the two have become one.
So, if a person accepts Yeshua as their savior, does this then change their Jewish parents or grandparents? Their Jewish family name...whether on their dad or their mother's side? Their Jewish ancestry? Of corse not. All these things still exist just as they always did. Let's say someone is born in Israel...does believing that Yeshua is the Messiah change the fact that they were born in Israel? Of course not. Now, just because someone is born in Israel does not automatically make them Jewish...I get that; but just to illustrate my point.
When I started this entry, I was going to back it up with all sorts of scriptures to prove my point. But instead, this time, I think I will just say what I think and how I feel. I probably still will use a few references, just so one doesn't have to take my word for it; but I understand that if one does not want to accept Yeshua as savior, they don't have to...and that's up to the individual.
This is not to try and make anyone change their mind or convince them of something that they do not want to be convinced of. I am seeking my own understanding here. So, first, I get that actions speak louder than words. For those who DO practice Judaism, and do it well, I think the belief can be that accepting Yeshua as savior means giving up their practices (if you will). But why? Why does this have to be true?
Any believer (in Yeshua) will tell you that their belief...is that Yeshua is G-d, right? Now, if you don't want to believe that Yeshua is G-d, that's up to you...but let's say someone says, "I can't believe in Yeshua because I won't be Jewish.". Again, why is this true? Do you no longer have the ability to honor your parents, or stay away from unclean foods? Can you no longer observe the sabbath? Do you think that believing in him is the same as making an idol? Perhaps. This might be the reason...but why would it be, when both Jews and Christians alike are "looking," waiting, believing in their Messiah? If someone Jewish believes that Jesus is their Messiah, sent by God...how is this idolatry, or blasphemy? (If someone disagrees with you about it...AND??). People have been disagreeing about whether the Messiah is "coming back" or "still coming" for thousands of years. There is nothing new about that.
I believe (Jesus) is the Messiah, and I keep the Sabbath every week...it's a choice I make. Believing in (Jesus) does not keep me from choosing to do this. (Just as an example). I still know that I am not to murder, or steal, or lie, or commit adultery. None of this "moral code" has changed at all...and it is (more than ever) the evidence of my faith. Yeshua said that faith without works is dead in the New Testament. Could it be said then, that Judaism is the best proof of this that there is...like, in the world? I would think that such a truth would be the biggest compliment of someone's life, rather than an insult!
But more & more, I'm finding that the reverse is true. In the book of John, when John himself baptizes Yeshua, a dove lands on Yeshua's head, and the voice of Elohim comes from Heaven, saying "This is my son, in whom I am well pleased." Now, I suppose if you don't read the New Testament, you may not know this...but I'm interested to know from someone who does not believe in Jesus's (Yeshua's) divinity...what do you think this voice was? Who said this? Where did it come from? And, why would it say "This is my son"?
Now, let me go over to the other side of the fence. In my opinion, those who practice Judaism would/will/do make the best believers in Yeshua there are. Why? Because of their ability and willingness to endure and be long-suffering. Absolutely! This is essential to living out our faith in Christ, so my heart was broken when I had to start learning that most folks who practice Judaism (whether they're born Jewish or not), want nothing to do with (Jesus). This also puzzled me terribly, because Yeshua WAS Jewish...was he not? He was part of the Biblical tribe of Judah...(descended from)in fact, he's known as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
Now, let me just say that it is stupid for me to just assume that all folks who are Jewish are automatically even closer to Yeshua than any Christian is...but the truth is, many Christians, including me...believe this. Anyway, wouldn't that in fact be the case? We believe this and we think it's the most amazing thing! To our dismay, this is something that is really offensive to many Jewish folks.
"Why??," we(Christian's)wonder. We don't understand why those who are Jewish and practice Judaism, are not just tickled pink by this reality. The apostle Paul, in the book of Romans said that "He came to his own, and his own received him not.". In this case, "his own" refers to the Jewish people as a whole...and that doesn't mean only Israel itself. It's the Jewish people who are scattered throughout the earth, going all the way back to Mount Sinai when Avraham was given G-d's law, and the people waited at the foot of the mountain...until many of them (the 10 tribes) decided to go their own way & worship their own gods'. The tribes split, and separated themselves. Judah and Israel were the only two who came back, and G-d's covenant with Israel was renewed. As he says in the book of Hebrews: "I am going to do a new thing."
So, is accepting Yeshua as savior then an "abandonment" of Elohim? My answer would be thus: "You tell me!". Have you abandoned the Original covenant? If you have not (because you still faithfully keep it), how is this blasphemy? For that matter, many Christians feel quite an endearment to anything Hebrew, or associated with Hebrew or Jewish culture...because we desire a closeness with the person, we've accepted as the Messiah. Does this make us any less a believer in Yeshua himself? Does it "cancel" the fact that we've become a Christian? Does this erase the fact that we've been "saved" by his grace, and can rest in that truth? Of course not. We both are just desiring a closeness with the Messiah, are we not? Now, again, if you do not believe that (Jesus) is the Messiah, that's up to you. What I'm trying to figure out is how this belief makes a person no longer Jewish.
By the way, when it comes to deeds and commandments...we who think of ourselves as "New Testament Christians" maybe ought to just stick to the ten in the Original Covenent...because there are more commandments in the New Covenant Than there are in the original. Again, this is just my opinion, but I'm sure you get what I mean. Now, I believe that this, right here, is what puts a lot of Christians to shame actually. We love to quote Yeshua himself as saying "Love your neighbor as you love yourself" and then sorta call it a day. We don't keep the Sabbath, we don't stay away from certain foods, etc. because we claim that these things are not necessary, because we are under G-d's grace.
Listen, as it relates to Judaism, I understand well the argument that says "Yes, but I don't practice Rabbinic Judaism, I'm a Messianic.". Really? Cool! So am I, just FYI. Interesting...Yeshua was a rabbi as well, was he not? For that matter, he made things much harder (even) then the (613) commandments of the Original covenant, didn't he? Wow. So what are we to call this..."rabbinic Christianity"? We leave the "rabbinic" part out of it...but why should we?
Many "Christians" say they follow HIM...but the fact is...we LOOK as though we don't even try to keep the ten. I believe that to many people who've been practicing Judaism all their lives, they are truly mystified by this, because it's as though (we) are lying to their face. To put it another way, many Christians will say that it is not necessary to follow the Torah, and furthermore, it's useless because we can't do it perfectly anyway. Because for those who practice Judaism, their closeness with G-d has to do with how closely they attempt to (stay) to His commandments.
So, along those lines, how would we who call ourselves Christians be any less a believer in (Christ) if we made the decision to (try) and stay as close as we can to the same moral code? (except it's harder). Does this make us any less Christian because the idea comes from the Original Covenant? Hey, the basis for the New Covenant had to come from somewhere, didn't it? Do Christians seem as though (we) throw the moral code out? I think, many tmes , yes. At least, I know this is what happened to me. I'm not trying to say that I did anything overt, or that I blatantly behaved (not like) a Christian (although, I have). But more specifically, I truly believed that the Original covenant (I prefer to call it the Original instead of the Old)had nothing to do with me at all...because I'm not Jewish. Not by birth...I don't have Jewish family members, name or ancestry.
Wow, interesting...when one accepts Yeshua as their savior, don't we say they are re-born? Yes. But they are re-born a CHRISTIAN, right? Well, let's look at who a Christian say's they have accepted when they are "born again"... Now again, if you don't believe this, that's okay, but just bare with me. When someone is "born again" we say that we have accepted that Jesus Christ is the savior...the Messiah, yeah? Okay...so who is(was) Jesus?
What did he say about who he was? "I am the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father, but through me.". He told Niccodemus he must be "born again" and Nicodemus didn't see how this was possible, because he thought Yeshua was talking about physical birth. "For G-d so loved the world that he sent his one & only son, that whosoever would believe in him shall not parish, but have everlasting life.". So, who is this G-d that John 3:16 talks about? Now I know, we could argue about this forever...but, Judaism teaches, "I am the Lord your G-d, who brought you out of Egypt, you shall have no G-d's before me," right? So, let's say the Original covenant was the mandate for the New one? Who is this G-d? The G-d of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, yes? So, let's say that accepting Yahweh's son is then, part of Yahweh's instructions for us...
Incidentally, the 12 disciples were all Jewish men who followed Yeshua around, literally. Somehow I don't think that they believed that their (original) Jewish identity would just disappear for having done so (again), especially when we consider that Yeshua himself was also Jewish. On that note, Matthew, Mark, John, Paul...all those writers of the (translated Greek) New Covenant were also Jewish...Do you really believe that all these Jewish men who probably did not speak any Greek or Latin wrote their testimonies out in Greek originally? Luke was also Jewish, and I saved him for last because...instead of being born Jewish, Luke was "re-born" Jewish. Luke converted...to what... "Christianity"... created by a Hebrew rabbi?? I don't think so! No something tells me he converted to Judaism.
Now, to some, there is absolutely no such thing as Messianic Judaism...but again, I say... (you guessed it) "Why not?". Those who practice Judaism are holding on to the very sincere hope that the "Messiah" is on his way. Right? Even if you do not believe that (Jesus) is the Messiah, you still believe he's on his way, right? What's the problem? For that matter (and I've eluded to this already), why do we assume that Christianity must be void (if you will) of anything Rabbinic? Again, Yeshua was a Jewish rabbi...What's the problem? On that note, according to the law of the Original covenant, what sort of mandate or rules was a rabbi to live by? Something tells me that Yeshua was not unfamiliar with these practices. Would believing this to be true erase a person's Jewish identity or take away their ability to read and keep the Torah?
In the New Testament, it also says that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. So what does this new creation consist of? A new heart, transformed and made clean by Yeshua, son of Elohim, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Is it just possible that this new creation of a new heart creates a new identity as well? I mean, even if we're not biologically Jewish, what happens when we say we've let the son of the Most high G-d, Elohim, G-d of the Hebrews rule and reign in our life? Don't we at that point take on his identity as well, like all children with their parents?
So where does the Word say Yeshua gets his identity from? Physically/biologically he got his identity from his Jewish mom Mary... I know he was immaculately conceived and that trips a lot of people up...I don't blame you...but Spiritually Jesus was a child of his heavenly Father Elohim, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Is it not the same with us? Spiritually, whether we are Jewish and waiting for the Messiah to come, or Gentile, but waiting for the Messiah to come again, aren't we all created by our father who is in Heaven? I will now quote my friend Rebecca Park Totilo to wrap up...
"They're real big on deeds(those who are Jewish), we're real big on creeds(Christians or Gentiles)...we gotta get the two together.".
And in my opinion, those who have accepted the free gift of salvation through Christ have no excuse NOT to keep God's law as well as they can because we HAVE the grace of Yeshua's death to "cover" and protect us when our human imperfections simply fall short. In other words, Yeshua's death was necessary to take away the curse of sin and death...going all the way back to Adam & Eve. It was never designed to do away with his law and his instructions on how we should live, but mostly, rather than asking questions and learning from those who know how to keep G-d's laws quite well, we Christians want to explain, however gently, that those who keep God's Torah are only being legalistic. Christian, might I suggest that keeping God's Torah is the ultimate proof that you ARE a (Christian)...not that you are not? You believe in Messianic, Rabbinic Judaism...created by the Rabbi of all rabbi's, Yeshua Hamashiach himself.
To the Jewish individual, who thinks that they are not allowed to accept Yeshua as their Messiah because they will no longer be Jewish: Impossible. This is impossible because Yeshua himself was Hebrew. He came down to his people on Mount Sinai because he knew they could not ascend to him, and they were so frightened, they asked him to speak to Moses instead. So he came down to us again...as a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, so that he would identify with the weaknesses of being human. It was then that he was greatly overlooked, not having the mighty presence of a king that was so frightening before. Hey, is anything too hard for G-d?
He knows your heart, and he sees your efforts...but however wonderful they are...by themselves they don't meet G-d's perfect standard. The good news is, if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, all your desire and efforts to be close to him will be "credited" to you as a reward of closeness to him when you go to be in his presence someday. But I must tell you that the bad news is that if you do not accept the death of Yeshua on the cross as payment, as fulfillment (if you will) for what our efforts can't cover, then all of your work and effort and desire to be close to him will be counted against you as self- righteousness, rather then G-d's righteousness, because there is still sin involved that remains unpaid for. This sin will then still be grounds for seperation from G-d. Might I suggest that your Father just wants to make sure that all your efforts do not go to waste.
To both: The word "Christian" was never something that the Father or the Son came to establish. Might I suggest that men who did not really know love, because they did not know G-d, created a term designed to "cover up" the Hebrew identity of the G-d of the Hebrews. This is a whole other blog entry altogether, but, I personally believe (now) that the term Christian sort of throws a bunch more confusion into everything, because it contains within it so many different descriptions.
One last thing: May I suggest that we change the word Christian into "Believer" (if you like?). This way, perhaps we can stop "pushing" each other out of the way so that the other can "shine.". We both need each other's light, whether, we happen to believe the same thing or not. So let's learn from each other, forgive each other and come together, yeah? And so, because of all of the above, I say that (Christians) or believers can be Jewish, and still be believers, and Jewish folks can be believers, and still remain Jewish.
On that note, it is up to each one of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; so let's do that, yeah?
PS...again there are little to no scripture references here...This time I told you what I thought and felt based on what I believe...rather then having scriptures do all the work for me. :))
PPS... SHALOM!
I'm not sure I understand why accepting Yeshua as savior makes one no longer Jewish.
Why? Why is this? I'll use the example of marriage: Whether a person practices JUDAISM or not, per se, if they marry someone who is not Jewish...does that then make them no longer Jewish? No. They still have Jewish family, and a Jewish ancestry...most likely a Jewish name as well. These things are not erased just because they marry someone who is not Jewish...in fact, on the contrary...I would think that the person they marry would now be Jewish as well, because their spouse is Jewish, and the two have become one.
So, if a person accepts Yeshua as their savior, does this then change their Jewish parents or grandparents? Their Jewish family name...whether on their dad or their mother's side? Their Jewish ancestry? Of corse not. All these things still exist just as they always did. Let's say someone is born in Israel...does believing that Yeshua is the Messiah change the fact that they were born in Israel? Of course not. Now, just because someone is born in Israel does not automatically make them Jewish...I get that; but just to illustrate my point.
When I started this entry, I was going to back it up with all sorts of scriptures to prove my point. But instead, this time, I think I will just say what I think and how I feel. I probably still will use a few references, just so one doesn't have to take my word for it; but I understand that if one does not want to accept Yeshua as savior, they don't have to...and that's up to the individual.
This is not to try and make anyone change their mind or convince them of something that they do not want to be convinced of. I am seeking my own understanding here. So, first, I get that actions speak louder than words. For those who DO practice Judaism, and do it well, I think the belief can be that accepting Yeshua as savior means giving up their practices (if you will). But why? Why does this have to be true?
Any believer (in Yeshua) will tell you that their belief...is that Yeshua is G-d, right? Now, if you don't want to believe that Yeshua is G-d, that's up to you...but let's say someone says, "I can't believe in Yeshua because I won't be Jewish.". Again, why is this true? Do you no longer have the ability to honor your parents, or stay away from unclean foods? Can you no longer observe the sabbath? Do you think that believing in him is the same as making an idol? Perhaps. This might be the reason...but why would it be, when both Jews and Christians alike are "looking," waiting, believing in their Messiah? If someone Jewish believes that Jesus is their Messiah, sent by God...how is this idolatry, or blasphemy? (If someone disagrees with you about it...AND??). People have been disagreeing about whether the Messiah is "coming back" or "still coming" for thousands of years. There is nothing new about that.
I believe (Jesus) is the Messiah, and I keep the Sabbath every week...it's a choice I make. Believing in (Jesus) does not keep me from choosing to do this. (Just as an example). I still know that I am not to murder, or steal, or lie, or commit adultery. None of this "moral code" has changed at all...and it is (more than ever) the evidence of my faith. Yeshua said that faith without works is dead in the New Testament. Could it be said then, that Judaism is the best proof of this that there is...like, in the world? I would think that such a truth would be the biggest compliment of someone's life, rather than an insult!
But more & more, I'm finding that the reverse is true. In the book of John, when John himself baptizes Yeshua, a dove lands on Yeshua's head, and the voice of Elohim comes from Heaven, saying "This is my son, in whom I am well pleased." Now, I suppose if you don't read the New Testament, you may not know this...but I'm interested to know from someone who does not believe in Jesus's (Yeshua's) divinity...what do you think this voice was? Who said this? Where did it come from? And, why would it say "This is my son"?
Now, let me go over to the other side of the fence. In my opinion, those who practice Judaism would/will/do make the best believers in Yeshua there are. Why? Because of their ability and willingness to endure and be long-suffering. Absolutely! This is essential to living out our faith in Christ, so my heart was broken when I had to start learning that most folks who practice Judaism (whether they're born Jewish or not), want nothing to do with (Jesus). This also puzzled me terribly, because Yeshua WAS Jewish...was he not? He was part of the Biblical tribe of Judah...(descended from)in fact, he's known as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
Now, let me just say that it is stupid for me to just assume that all folks who are Jewish are automatically even closer to Yeshua than any Christian is...but the truth is, many Christians, including me...believe this. Anyway, wouldn't that in fact be the case? We believe this and we think it's the most amazing thing! To our dismay, this is something that is really offensive to many Jewish folks.
"Why??," we(Christian's)wonder. We don't understand why those who are Jewish and practice Judaism, are not just tickled pink by this reality. The apostle Paul, in the book of Romans said that "He came to his own, and his own received him not.". In this case, "his own" refers to the Jewish people as a whole...and that doesn't mean only Israel itself. It's the Jewish people who are scattered throughout the earth, going all the way back to Mount Sinai when Avraham was given G-d's law, and the people waited at the foot of the mountain...until many of them (the 10 tribes) decided to go their own way & worship their own gods'. The tribes split, and separated themselves. Judah and Israel were the only two who came back, and G-d's covenant with Israel was renewed. As he says in the book of Hebrews: "I am going to do a new thing."
So, is accepting Yeshua as savior then an "abandonment" of Elohim? My answer would be thus: "You tell me!". Have you abandoned the Original covenant? If you have not (because you still faithfully keep it), how is this blasphemy? For that matter, many Christians feel quite an endearment to anything Hebrew, or associated with Hebrew or Jewish culture...because we desire a closeness with the person, we've accepted as the Messiah. Does this make us any less a believer in Yeshua himself? Does it "cancel" the fact that we've become a Christian? Does this erase the fact that we've been "saved" by his grace, and can rest in that truth? Of course not. We both are just desiring a closeness with the Messiah, are we not? Now, again, if you do not believe that (Jesus) is the Messiah, that's up to you. What I'm trying to figure out is how this belief makes a person no longer Jewish.
By the way, when it comes to deeds and commandments...we who think of ourselves as "New Testament Christians" maybe ought to just stick to the ten in the Original Covenent...because there are more commandments in the New Covenant Than there are in the original. Again, this is just my opinion, but I'm sure you get what I mean. Now, I believe that this, right here, is what puts a lot of Christians to shame actually. We love to quote Yeshua himself as saying "Love your neighbor as you love yourself" and then sorta call it a day. We don't keep the Sabbath, we don't stay away from certain foods, etc. because we claim that these things are not necessary, because we are under G-d's grace.
Listen, as it relates to Judaism, I understand well the argument that says "Yes, but I don't practice Rabbinic Judaism, I'm a Messianic.". Really? Cool! So am I, just FYI. Interesting...Yeshua was a rabbi as well, was he not? For that matter, he made things much harder (even) then the (613) commandments of the Original covenant, didn't he? Wow. So what are we to call this..."rabbinic Christianity"? We leave the "rabbinic" part out of it...but why should we?
Many "Christians" say they follow HIM...but the fact is...we LOOK as though we don't even try to keep the ten. I believe that to many people who've been practicing Judaism all their lives, they are truly mystified by this, because it's as though (we) are lying to their face. To put it another way, many Christians will say that it is not necessary to follow the Torah, and furthermore, it's useless because we can't do it perfectly anyway. Because for those who practice Judaism, their closeness with G-d has to do with how closely they attempt to (stay) to His commandments.
So, along those lines, how would we who call ourselves Christians be any less a believer in (Christ) if we made the decision to (try) and stay as close as we can to the same moral code? (except it's harder). Does this make us any less Christian because the idea comes from the Original Covenant? Hey, the basis for the New Covenant had to come from somewhere, didn't it? Do Christians seem as though (we) throw the moral code out? I think, many tmes , yes. At least, I know this is what happened to me. I'm not trying to say that I did anything overt, or that I blatantly behaved (not like) a Christian (although, I have). But more specifically, I truly believed that the Original covenant (I prefer to call it the Original instead of the Old)had nothing to do with me at all...because I'm not Jewish. Not by birth...I don't have Jewish family members, name or ancestry.
Wow, interesting...when one accepts Yeshua as their savior, don't we say they are re-born? Yes. But they are re-born a CHRISTIAN, right? Well, let's look at who a Christian say's they have accepted when they are "born again"... Now again, if you don't believe this, that's okay, but just bare with me. When someone is "born again" we say that we have accepted that Jesus Christ is the savior...the Messiah, yeah? Okay...so who is(was) Jesus?
What did he say about who he was? "I am the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father, but through me.". He told Niccodemus he must be "born again" and Nicodemus didn't see how this was possible, because he thought Yeshua was talking about physical birth. "For G-d so loved the world that he sent his one & only son, that whosoever would believe in him shall not parish, but have everlasting life.". So, who is this G-d that John 3:16 talks about? Now I know, we could argue about this forever...but, Judaism teaches, "I am the Lord your G-d, who brought you out of Egypt, you shall have no G-d's before me," right? So, let's say the Original covenant was the mandate for the New one? Who is this G-d? The G-d of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, yes? So, let's say that accepting Yahweh's son is then, part of Yahweh's instructions for us...
Incidentally, the 12 disciples were all Jewish men who followed Yeshua around, literally. Somehow I don't think that they believed that their (original) Jewish identity would just disappear for having done so (again), especially when we consider that Yeshua himself was also Jewish. On that note, Matthew, Mark, John, Paul...all those writers of the (translated Greek) New Covenant were also Jewish...Do you really believe that all these Jewish men who probably did not speak any Greek or Latin wrote their testimonies out in Greek originally? Luke was also Jewish, and I saved him for last because...instead of being born Jewish, Luke was "re-born" Jewish. Luke converted...to what... "Christianity"... created by a Hebrew rabbi?? I don't think so! No something tells me he converted to Judaism.
Now, to some, there is absolutely no such thing as Messianic Judaism...but again, I say... (you guessed it) "Why not?". Those who practice Judaism are holding on to the very sincere hope that the "Messiah" is on his way. Right? Even if you do not believe that (Jesus) is the Messiah, you still believe he's on his way, right? What's the problem? For that matter (and I've eluded to this already), why do we assume that Christianity must be void (if you will) of anything Rabbinic? Again, Yeshua was a Jewish rabbi...What's the problem? On that note, according to the law of the Original covenant, what sort of mandate or rules was a rabbi to live by? Something tells me that Yeshua was not unfamiliar with these practices. Would believing this to be true erase a person's Jewish identity or take away their ability to read and keep the Torah?
In the New Testament, it also says that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. So what does this new creation consist of? A new heart, transformed and made clean by Yeshua, son of Elohim, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Is it just possible that this new creation of a new heart creates a new identity as well? I mean, even if we're not biologically Jewish, what happens when we say we've let the son of the Most high G-d, Elohim, G-d of the Hebrews rule and reign in our life? Don't we at that point take on his identity as well, like all children with their parents?
So where does the Word say Yeshua gets his identity from? Physically/biologically he got his identity from his Jewish mom Mary... I know he was immaculately conceived and that trips a lot of people up...I don't blame you...but Spiritually Jesus was a child of his heavenly Father Elohim, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Is it not the same with us? Spiritually, whether we are Jewish and waiting for the Messiah to come, or Gentile, but waiting for the Messiah to come again, aren't we all created by our father who is in Heaven? I will now quote my friend Rebecca Park Totilo to wrap up...
"They're real big on deeds(those who are Jewish), we're real big on creeds(Christians or Gentiles)...we gotta get the two together.".
And in my opinion, those who have accepted the free gift of salvation through Christ have no excuse NOT to keep God's law as well as they can because we HAVE the grace of Yeshua's death to "cover" and protect us when our human imperfections simply fall short. In other words, Yeshua's death was necessary to take away the curse of sin and death...going all the way back to Adam & Eve. It was never designed to do away with his law and his instructions on how we should live, but mostly, rather than asking questions and learning from those who know how to keep G-d's laws quite well, we Christians want to explain, however gently, that those who keep God's Torah are only being legalistic. Christian, might I suggest that keeping God's Torah is the ultimate proof that you ARE a (Christian)...not that you are not? You believe in Messianic, Rabbinic Judaism...created by the Rabbi of all rabbi's, Yeshua Hamashiach himself.
To the Jewish individual, who thinks that they are not allowed to accept Yeshua as their Messiah because they will no longer be Jewish: Impossible. This is impossible because Yeshua himself was Hebrew. He came down to his people on Mount Sinai because he knew they could not ascend to him, and they were so frightened, they asked him to speak to Moses instead. So he came down to us again...as a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, so that he would identify with the weaknesses of being human. It was then that he was greatly overlooked, not having the mighty presence of a king that was so frightening before. Hey, is anything too hard for G-d?
He knows your heart, and he sees your efforts...but however wonderful they are...by themselves they don't meet G-d's perfect standard. The good news is, if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, all your desire and efforts to be close to him will be "credited" to you as a reward of closeness to him when you go to be in his presence someday. But I must tell you that the bad news is that if you do not accept the death of Yeshua on the cross as payment, as fulfillment (if you will) for what our efforts can't cover, then all of your work and effort and desire to be close to him will be counted against you as self- righteousness, rather then G-d's righteousness, because there is still sin involved that remains unpaid for. This sin will then still be grounds for seperation from G-d. Might I suggest that your Father just wants to make sure that all your efforts do not go to waste.
To both: The word "Christian" was never something that the Father or the Son came to establish. Might I suggest that men who did not really know love, because they did not know G-d, created a term designed to "cover up" the Hebrew identity of the G-d of the Hebrews. This is a whole other blog entry altogether, but, I personally believe (now) that the term Christian sort of throws a bunch more confusion into everything, because it contains within it so many different descriptions.
One last thing: May I suggest that we change the word Christian into "Believer" (if you like?). This way, perhaps we can stop "pushing" each other out of the way so that the other can "shine.". We both need each other's light, whether, we happen to believe the same thing or not. So let's learn from each other, forgive each other and come together, yeah? And so, because of all of the above, I say that (Christians) or believers can be Jewish, and still be believers, and Jewish folks can be believers, and still remain Jewish.
On that note, it is up to each one of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; so let's do that, yeah?
PS...again there are little to no scripture references here...This time I told you what I thought and felt based on what I believe...rather then having scriptures do all the work for me. :))
PPS... SHALOM!
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
But the Greatest of These is Love...
I came across an article a couple days ago on Kveller.com. The article was written by a divorced mother who was talking about how difficult it is to be a divorced mom and also be Jewish & raise your children that way. She said that people would just tell her to "get over it...and make room in her life for being Jewish.". She talked about the high cost of Jewish Day School, camp and Bar/Bah Mitzvah's. Then she said something that just made my blood boil. She said she would go to synagogue, and the best seats would always go to the members who paid full membership dues. She could not afford these...
So what did this mother and her children have to do?...go and sit in a "lower" place and then suffer the self-consciousness of everyone always knowing about it? Divorce, by itself, is one of the most painful things anyone can go though...especially for children. Church is a place where anyone attending needs to have complete freedom to be there, and know that they will not be judged. What kind of example is set for children who've just been through such a thing...and are now made to feel as though they are "less than" because their now single mother can't afford the "good" seats at church? I must confess the first thing I thought of was James ch. 2, where Yeshua warns about "esteeming" a rich man with a nice ring who walks into a synagogue, and give him the "good" seats, while you tell the poor man to. "go stand in the corner over there, or sit on the floor at my feet.". In theory, isn't this what was done to his divorced mom? The question I found myself asking was what if the poor(er) people are the folks who really NEED the best seats in the house?
Now, this lovely lady did add to her story that she was grateful that her synagogue has dues designed for single parents. I loved her attitude, but still felt a knot in my stomach because it seemed to me that she was still being demeaned...just in a more manageable way. Okay...in my opinion, NO ONE should have to pay a penny to get into church...least of all, a single mom struggling to raise her children by herself. This reality is an embarrassment to me because I've spent so much time praising Judaism to the skies because the faith seems to have such deep roots, and a strong moral code, and a strong attachment to where people come from. What this woman was told however was down right cruel. Whomever said that to her was making a wound and then pouring salt in it too. Awful. As I read it, I was reminded of another article I read that Mayim Bialik wrote after her father died. She'd gone into temple to pray and find solace...and someone was trying to engage her in unwanted conversation. She snapped at this person, and was rude to them. But Miss Mayim realized she'd been unkind and she apologized to them after the fact. So, when folks were allowed to comment on the article, Mayim was barraged with scrutiny from people saying how wrong it was for her to have been rude in the temple like that. How could she have been so disrespectful. I'm sorry...WHAT?? That's ALL you got out of that?? Now some people did say that what she did was understandable...she was upset, and she needed to be left alone...it's good that she apologized too...
At least someone gets it...but you know, trying to follow protocol to the letter & always make sure it's correct, simply does not leave room for kindness or mercy or grace. This is why Jesus told people that the kind of religion he considered acceptable was taking care of widows and orphans. He said that even a cup of cold water given in his name would not be overlooked. What grieves my heart is that there are rabbi's out there who will tell their congregations that Jesus genealogy is fake. They use this as part of their argument that there's no way he could ever be the true messiah. Listen anyone is entitled to think whatever they want...but for someone who was such a liar, Jesus spoke a lot of truth, didn't he? Besides, if these same rabbi's won't read the Br't Hadasha (because maybe they think it's an abomination), how do they even know what Jesus (Yeshua) said, or what he was all about??
Anyway, single momma's raising kids need love and support, and help...especially from their place of worship. They have the hardest job on earth, and they are doing it without the help of a husband. But what I wonder is why it is that anyone's "seat" in a church would be connected to a financial amount anyway. I mean, this seems like a prehistoric idea that would cause a revolt or a movement, ya know? Now, I understand...things are expensive...they cost money, particularly if there are special processes involved, like making sure food is kosher, for example. Things need to be kept up and replaced and people need salaries...but what exactly is unbiblical about tithes and offerings? GIVE God 10% off the top of the income he's blessed you with, and then offer more based on the plenty he's given you. And, by the way...you may sit anywhere you like! This is the world that I come from, and in light of what I'm now finding out...I'm wondering why I wanted to "go" someplace else.
I am not saying that all synagogues are the same and that folks who run them are uncaring. But both of the articles I'm referring to here, showed me that in Judaism, love and acceptance is conditional, it is rewards based, and the criteria for mercy SEEMS to be whether or not it benefits the GIVER, rather than the reciever. Al of this, while Christian's seem to be frowned upon for trusting in the One who said "Give generously without expecting anything in return." This is love. It's like a drink of water in the barren desert. This is what I know...it's where I come from. So why did I ever leave it?
James 1:27 (widows & orphans)
Matt. 10:42 (Cold water given in my name).
Luke 6:35 (Give without expecting in return)
So what did this mother and her children have to do?...go and sit in a "lower" place and then suffer the self-consciousness of everyone always knowing about it? Divorce, by itself, is one of the most painful things anyone can go though...especially for children. Church is a place where anyone attending needs to have complete freedom to be there, and know that they will not be judged. What kind of example is set for children who've just been through such a thing...and are now made to feel as though they are "less than" because their now single mother can't afford the "good" seats at church? I must confess the first thing I thought of was James ch. 2, where Yeshua warns about "esteeming" a rich man with a nice ring who walks into a synagogue, and give him the "good" seats, while you tell the poor man to. "go stand in the corner over there, or sit on the floor at my feet.". In theory, isn't this what was done to his divorced mom? The question I found myself asking was what if the poor(er) people are the folks who really NEED the best seats in the house?
Now, this lovely lady did add to her story that she was grateful that her synagogue has dues designed for single parents. I loved her attitude, but still felt a knot in my stomach because it seemed to me that she was still being demeaned...just in a more manageable way. Okay...in my opinion, NO ONE should have to pay a penny to get into church...least of all, a single mom struggling to raise her children by herself. This reality is an embarrassment to me because I've spent so much time praising Judaism to the skies because the faith seems to have such deep roots, and a strong moral code, and a strong attachment to where people come from. What this woman was told however was down right cruel. Whomever said that to her was making a wound and then pouring salt in it too. Awful. As I read it, I was reminded of another article I read that Mayim Bialik wrote after her father died. She'd gone into temple to pray and find solace...and someone was trying to engage her in unwanted conversation. She snapped at this person, and was rude to them. But Miss Mayim realized she'd been unkind and she apologized to them after the fact. So, when folks were allowed to comment on the article, Mayim was barraged with scrutiny from people saying how wrong it was for her to have been rude in the temple like that. How could she have been so disrespectful. I'm sorry...WHAT?? That's ALL you got out of that?? Now some people did say that what she did was understandable...she was upset, and she needed to be left alone...it's good that she apologized too...
At least someone gets it...but you know, trying to follow protocol to the letter & always make sure it's correct, simply does not leave room for kindness or mercy or grace. This is why Jesus told people that the kind of religion he considered acceptable was taking care of widows and orphans. He said that even a cup of cold water given in his name would not be overlooked. What grieves my heart is that there are rabbi's out there who will tell their congregations that Jesus genealogy is fake. They use this as part of their argument that there's no way he could ever be the true messiah. Listen anyone is entitled to think whatever they want...but for someone who was such a liar, Jesus spoke a lot of truth, didn't he? Besides, if these same rabbi's won't read the Br't Hadasha (because maybe they think it's an abomination), how do they even know what Jesus (Yeshua) said, or what he was all about??
Anyway, single momma's raising kids need love and support, and help...especially from their place of worship. They have the hardest job on earth, and they are doing it without the help of a husband. But what I wonder is why it is that anyone's "seat" in a church would be connected to a financial amount anyway. I mean, this seems like a prehistoric idea that would cause a revolt or a movement, ya know? Now, I understand...things are expensive...they cost money, particularly if there are special processes involved, like making sure food is kosher, for example. Things need to be kept up and replaced and people need salaries...but what exactly is unbiblical about tithes and offerings? GIVE God 10% off the top of the income he's blessed you with, and then offer more based on the plenty he's given you. And, by the way...you may sit anywhere you like! This is the world that I come from, and in light of what I'm now finding out...I'm wondering why I wanted to "go" someplace else.
I am not saying that all synagogues are the same and that folks who run them are uncaring. But both of the articles I'm referring to here, showed me that in Judaism, love and acceptance is conditional, it is rewards based, and the criteria for mercy SEEMS to be whether or not it benefits the GIVER, rather than the reciever. Al of this, while Christian's seem to be frowned upon for trusting in the One who said "Give generously without expecting anything in return." This is love. It's like a drink of water in the barren desert. This is what I know...it's where I come from. So why did I ever leave it?
James 1:27 (widows & orphans)
Matt. 10:42 (Cold water given in my name).
Luke 6:35 (Give without expecting in return)
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Wake up
I've been seeing many articles and pictures lately of the sad events going on in Jerusalem right now. Stabbings...unfortunately more and more. People are being killed and wounded in this amazing city that is not even allowed to be listed on passports anymore. I saw a photo of a coffee house, usually crammed with people on a Friday morning...it was virtually empty. People are afraid...that's what this says to me. Israel's police and security, are working round the clock, and apparently, the sounds of sirens and helicopters are making it difficult for folks to concentrate on their daily activities.
It all seemed to start with the violent drive by shooting of a young couple in the West Bank. The husband and devoted father was the (president?) of a Hebrew school for women in Jerusalem. Admittedly, I'm not looking at an article right now, so I'm not positive that he was president of the school, but he had a prestigious position. I just now read another update on a young girl who was stabbed, and then run over! It says she has survived...but is in critical condition. People are praying for her recovery, including me.
Apparently, people have now come forward and taken responsibility for the attack (on the couple), calling it a heroic act of martyrdom (or something to that affect) because four of the couple's six children witnessed it. Evil. Pure evil. And now these violent stabbings keep coming. As I tell people, please make sure you are getting your news from somewhere else besides the channels you flip when you're watching TV. In general, many of the reports are extremely one sided, they are based on assumptions, and many of the photos out there are not even credible. Try to varify where pictures and images are coming from, because there are many fabrications. Try to get your news about Israel from people who are actually there going through it. There are plenty of online stations, podcasts, blogs and FB pages directly from Israel, or who independently report on material simply not covered by the mainstream media.
I cannot imagine what it's like to be there in Israel, and kept awake all night by the sirens and warnings. I suppose the good thing is that the warnings let people know to get to safety, but the bad news is that they keep coming, leaving people afraid and on edge. Even as someone who is an outsider, Israel as a whole, to me, seems to experience a tremendous sense of family, and reaching out to those in need...even when it comes to those who want to teach their children that Israel and her people...should be wiped off the map. Israel will always protect and defend herself, as she should, but her people will also reach out and help, even their enemies. It seems that the only democracy in the middle east is struggling now to recover from things inflicted on her. While this theme is certainly not uncommon for her, this particular wave of terror seems to be clearly leaving it's mark, if you will. Israel needs our prayers and our support...
You know, the city I live in has a horrible stigma attached to it. We seem to only make the news because of things like car theft or gang activity, and we are only mentioned in Hollywood so people can make fun of us, and say what a looser you are if you live here. I'm not saying it's the same for Israel...not at all, but my point is that only if you live here yourself do you gain another perspective. The food grown here is sent literally all over the world, we have the longest, continual lit up display of Christmas decorations and trees in the US, and setting it up every year is a HUGE deal, as you can imagine. We have more buildings and structures listed on the registry of historical landmarks than any other town in the surrounding area, and recently, one of the most haunted places anywhere...in the US or outside, right here in my town, had to be bulldozed to the ground because it's owner did not have the funds to restore it, maintain it, and open it (as an attraction) to the public.
"Big deal," you might say...but if you LIVE here, as I do...these things ARE a big deal. There was a movie-mini-series filmed here back in the 80's, and for a long time, our mayor was a Hollywood actor. If you're a resident here, these are all POSITIVE things that (hopefully) contribute to daily life and even make it exciting. But if outsiders are generally taught that your town has nothing but vioence and theft, and a bunch Of uneducated idiots who join gangs, this can make you a bit hesitant to broadcast to the world where you come from. Even worse, many who live where I do have "given in" to the stigma perpetuated, and they become depressed, and when they talk about where they come from, they say they hate it! Despite the horrendous crime, that does occur here, most of us actually live pretty normal, wonderful lives. Generally, it seems to be those who look at us through the eyes of a stigma, or stereotype that is perpetuated, who want nothing to do with us...and try as we might to break the stigma, the media, who mostly puts it out there keeps projecting this negative image.
It seems to me, that Israel does go through the same thing, as far as a misunderstanding of the AMAZING place it is, because of stigmas perpetuated by the media. These are stigmas Israel and her people are always dealing with, and wanting to change. But on top of that, Israel is also in the middle of a war zone. When waves of terror hit, such as these stabbing attacks, Israel's people hurt, their heart's break...they are deeply saddened by the loss of life, and the injuries of the wounded. I know that these kinds of terror attacks and the reasons they take place are of a different nature than the crime that takes place in my town. The fact is that where I live, we don't have sirens sounding because rockets are about to hit down on us, and suicide bombers detonating themselves so that Allah can be praised is simply not something we are familiar with...not on a daily basis...not in a tiny country only about the size of New Jersey...not because of violent groups of individuals. Now this is NOT to say that these sorts of things do not exist at all in the US and other places...they do; but not to the degree that they are just normal occurrences.
But what's worse is the terrible mud-slinging that goes on, especially on social media sites, in the middle of such unbearable tragedy. Six children have lost their parents in a violent, unbelievable way. And now, many have been critically wounded, and some have lost their lives, as a result of these stabbings. And so, here come the "threads" of arguments...people slamming Israeli's, slamming Palestinians, insulting, name-calling, cursing each other, pronouncing G-d's punishment on...pick an ethnicity...Israeli's? Palestinian's? Arab's? It goes on and on...with biting sarcasm and remarks that cut deeper than the wounds of these terrified victims.
There's just one thing: THIS DOES NOT HELP ANYTHING!! This is not an Israeli thing, it's not a Palestinian thing, it's not an Arab thing...so much as it's a human being thing. People are scared, people are angry, people are being attacked, people are attacking back, people are lashing out, people are putting in their "two cents" as they say... Then four, then six, then ten, if you will. Look, six children have lost both their parents here (!!!). I realize I've said that twice already, but it bears repeating. So tonight, give someone you love a big hug, thank the Lord for them and hopefully sleep peacefully. In the 60's, one of the mantras was "Make love and not war". Who knows, this could be the worst thing I could say considering the circumstances about which I am writing. But the point I'm wanting to make is: There is a place for Facebook rants, but it isn't in the comments section of a story about someone's violent, untimely death...especially where children are involved. Now, I know what you're thinking: The children didn't die, the parents did. Yes. True. This is exactly my point. These precious children will someday be adults, who need our protection and our prayers and our tender loving care. They are probably numb inside, or going out of their mind with grief (if they're even able to comprehend anything that's going on). I understand that this young couple's youngest child is a four month old baby.
Listen, I know it's hard because most of us are on Facebook/Twitter/Texting autopilot...but we need to remember to treat things that are sacred as though they are...sacred. Death is sacred, because life is sacred. Birth is sacred. Childhood is sacred (and entirely too short). Honoring our parents is sacred. Choosing to withhold our opinion so we do not wound another's spirit, is sacred. But most of us are on autopilot, asleep in the trans of tapping and clicking, liking & unliking, typing "LOL" rather than unashamedly letting it out so that others can HEAR it. (Laughter is infectious, you know.). Pure emotion, let out, uninhibited, in the right moment...is sacred..
Pray for Israel. They need it. Educate yourself on who's who and what's what. This way, when you hear B.S. You'll know it. Hug someone precious to you, as I said, speak kindly to people, because it's no joke that our words can cut even deeper than the wounds of a knife. Pray for the loved one's who've lost someone dear to them. Remember, the expression "Wake up and smell the coffee"? Okay. Nuff said.
It all seemed to start with the violent drive by shooting of a young couple in the West Bank. The husband and devoted father was the (president?) of a Hebrew school for women in Jerusalem. Admittedly, I'm not looking at an article right now, so I'm not positive that he was president of the school, but he had a prestigious position. I just now read another update on a young girl who was stabbed, and then run over! It says she has survived...but is in critical condition. People are praying for her recovery, including me.
Apparently, people have now come forward and taken responsibility for the attack (on the couple), calling it a heroic act of martyrdom (or something to that affect) because four of the couple's six children witnessed it. Evil. Pure evil. And now these violent stabbings keep coming. As I tell people, please make sure you are getting your news from somewhere else besides the channels you flip when you're watching TV. In general, many of the reports are extremely one sided, they are based on assumptions, and many of the photos out there are not even credible. Try to varify where pictures and images are coming from, because there are many fabrications. Try to get your news about Israel from people who are actually there going through it. There are plenty of online stations, podcasts, blogs and FB pages directly from Israel, or who independently report on material simply not covered by the mainstream media.
I cannot imagine what it's like to be there in Israel, and kept awake all night by the sirens and warnings. I suppose the good thing is that the warnings let people know to get to safety, but the bad news is that they keep coming, leaving people afraid and on edge. Even as someone who is an outsider, Israel as a whole, to me, seems to experience a tremendous sense of family, and reaching out to those in need...even when it comes to those who want to teach their children that Israel and her people...should be wiped off the map. Israel will always protect and defend herself, as she should, but her people will also reach out and help, even their enemies. It seems that the only democracy in the middle east is struggling now to recover from things inflicted on her. While this theme is certainly not uncommon for her, this particular wave of terror seems to be clearly leaving it's mark, if you will. Israel needs our prayers and our support...
You know, the city I live in has a horrible stigma attached to it. We seem to only make the news because of things like car theft or gang activity, and we are only mentioned in Hollywood so people can make fun of us, and say what a looser you are if you live here. I'm not saying it's the same for Israel...not at all, but my point is that only if you live here yourself do you gain another perspective. The food grown here is sent literally all over the world, we have the longest, continual lit up display of Christmas decorations and trees in the US, and setting it up every year is a HUGE deal, as you can imagine. We have more buildings and structures listed on the registry of historical landmarks than any other town in the surrounding area, and recently, one of the most haunted places anywhere...in the US or outside, right here in my town, had to be bulldozed to the ground because it's owner did not have the funds to restore it, maintain it, and open it (as an attraction) to the public.
"Big deal," you might say...but if you LIVE here, as I do...these things ARE a big deal. There was a movie-mini-series filmed here back in the 80's, and for a long time, our mayor was a Hollywood actor. If you're a resident here, these are all POSITIVE things that (hopefully) contribute to daily life and even make it exciting. But if outsiders are generally taught that your town has nothing but vioence and theft, and a bunch Of uneducated idiots who join gangs, this can make you a bit hesitant to broadcast to the world where you come from. Even worse, many who live where I do have "given in" to the stigma perpetuated, and they become depressed, and when they talk about where they come from, they say they hate it! Despite the horrendous crime, that does occur here, most of us actually live pretty normal, wonderful lives. Generally, it seems to be those who look at us through the eyes of a stigma, or stereotype that is perpetuated, who want nothing to do with us...and try as we might to break the stigma, the media, who mostly puts it out there keeps projecting this negative image.
It seems to me, that Israel does go through the same thing, as far as a misunderstanding of the AMAZING place it is, because of stigmas perpetuated by the media. These are stigmas Israel and her people are always dealing with, and wanting to change. But on top of that, Israel is also in the middle of a war zone. When waves of terror hit, such as these stabbing attacks, Israel's people hurt, their heart's break...they are deeply saddened by the loss of life, and the injuries of the wounded. I know that these kinds of terror attacks and the reasons they take place are of a different nature than the crime that takes place in my town. The fact is that where I live, we don't have sirens sounding because rockets are about to hit down on us, and suicide bombers detonating themselves so that Allah can be praised is simply not something we are familiar with...not on a daily basis...not in a tiny country only about the size of New Jersey...not because of violent groups of individuals. Now this is NOT to say that these sorts of things do not exist at all in the US and other places...they do; but not to the degree that they are just normal occurrences.
But what's worse is the terrible mud-slinging that goes on, especially on social media sites, in the middle of such unbearable tragedy. Six children have lost their parents in a violent, unbelievable way. And now, many have been critically wounded, and some have lost their lives, as a result of these stabbings. And so, here come the "threads" of arguments...people slamming Israeli's, slamming Palestinians, insulting, name-calling, cursing each other, pronouncing G-d's punishment on...pick an ethnicity...Israeli's? Palestinian's? Arab's? It goes on and on...with biting sarcasm and remarks that cut deeper than the wounds of these terrified victims.
There's just one thing: THIS DOES NOT HELP ANYTHING!! This is not an Israeli thing, it's not a Palestinian thing, it's not an Arab thing...so much as it's a human being thing. People are scared, people are angry, people are being attacked, people are attacking back, people are lashing out, people are putting in their "two cents" as they say... Then four, then six, then ten, if you will. Look, six children have lost both their parents here (!!!). I realize I've said that twice already, but it bears repeating. So tonight, give someone you love a big hug, thank the Lord for them and hopefully sleep peacefully. In the 60's, one of the mantras was "Make love and not war". Who knows, this could be the worst thing I could say considering the circumstances about which I am writing. But the point I'm wanting to make is: There is a place for Facebook rants, but it isn't in the comments section of a story about someone's violent, untimely death...especially where children are involved. Now, I know what you're thinking: The children didn't die, the parents did. Yes. True. This is exactly my point. These precious children will someday be adults, who need our protection and our prayers and our tender loving care. They are probably numb inside, or going out of their mind with grief (if they're even able to comprehend anything that's going on). I understand that this young couple's youngest child is a four month old baby.
Listen, I know it's hard because most of us are on Facebook/Twitter/Texting autopilot...but we need to remember to treat things that are sacred as though they are...sacred. Death is sacred, because life is sacred. Birth is sacred. Childhood is sacred (and entirely too short). Honoring our parents is sacred. Choosing to withhold our opinion so we do not wound another's spirit, is sacred. But most of us are on autopilot, asleep in the trans of tapping and clicking, liking & unliking, typing "LOL" rather than unashamedly letting it out so that others can HEAR it. (Laughter is infectious, you know.). Pure emotion, let out, uninhibited, in the right moment...is sacred..
Pray for Israel. They need it. Educate yourself on who's who and what's what. This way, when you hear B.S. You'll know it. Hug someone precious to you, as I said, speak kindly to people, because it's no joke that our words can cut even deeper than the wounds of a knife. Pray for the loved one's who've lost someone dear to them. Remember, the expression "Wake up and smell the coffee"? Okay. Nuff said.
Monday, September 21, 2015
I Could Not Have Known Better...
As a young child, I just assumed that Jesus Christ was the only man in the world to EVER die nailed to a cross.
I'm talking about before I went to church, before I read the "Bible" on a regular basis or anything like that. You know how you imagine what G-d must look like, and you imagine what Heaven looks like. I admit, I would imagine white clouds everywhere, with never ending light from the sun, and a patch of blue sky here and there. I imagined G-d the father sitting at a desk, with a pen and a pad of paper (LOL) :). Guess he was keeping tabs on everyone. He was wearing white pajamas and white slippers. I mean pajamas: A shirt, button down, long sleeve, and pajama bottoms, elastic waist and all! Guess I wanted G-d to be comfy!
But Jesus wasn't with G-d in heaven (in my imagination)...not living there, not all the time...he would "pop in" (sorta like magic, you know, so that G-d the Father could pat him on the shoulder...but just as quickly...he was gone again. This is because he needed to be back on earth ASAP because he would need to climb inside someones soul if they called to him. (I was just a kid) :). Anyway, I thought that Jesus dying on the cross simply made him the savior of the world because no one else had ever done that. I had no idea that crucifixions were quite a common form of punishment and death...or even that there were two thieves on either side of him also being crucified...
My great grandmother (my Nana) was the earliest example of Jesus in my life. Never did she tell me what he said, how he thought, what I should read in the Bible, or what I should believe about him. She knew I was afraid of the dark. Whether she put me next to her in her bed, or Nana came in and slept in the other twin bed in the guest room., she knew I was afraid of the dark, and she would sing me to sleep:
"Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little one's to Him belong
They are week, but he is strong..."
Needless to say, this was a comfort, a protection, a relief. I don't ever recall my Nana not working, on something...anything...you name it. She baked and sewed, and made everything from scratch. She cleaned and scoured, and then raked leaves in the yard, and always as she worked, she sang:
"Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee."
I even wrote a poem about this, I remember it so vividly. Going to church with her was a real treat. (How could it not be when she kept Tic Tacs in her purse?). Anyway, I felt as though we were "visiting" Jesus there, and because I did not go all the time, this was a special treat. So, I had no idea what it meant to reverence someone...but this is what I was learning to do. So, I had not read any verses about Jesus, but "saw" him in the joy, empathy and reverence that my Nana had for him. Believe me, it was quite infectious, and left an impression on me that I'd not even seen forming...
Somewhere between the ages of eight and ten, my step-dad told me the story of the woman who had an affliction of bleeding for 12 years. She was in the crowd and she "tugged" at the garment of Jesus, believing that he could heal her (as the story goes). (Luke 8:40-49). The point was made that Jesus did heal her, and all she had to do was ask. Even back then, anything in the Bible was something somehow I knew I should read, but it was like this super holy thing that was hard to understand, and literally gave me goosebumps. :). But, the story itself was very simple: This woman believed...and she was healed. Easy, right? So, that night when I went to bed, I wondered what would happen if I said that I believed the same thing. I knew I had no sickness to be cured and that I would not actually touch Jesus, but I decided to tell him that I believed...
If I could touch his garment...then he would heal me too if I needed it. Sure, why not? I figured if it was good enough to be in the Bible it was good enough for me. So, in the dark, grabbing on to my Teddy bear (the one Nana had bought me when I was an infant) I just said so...mouthed the words. No noise...not even a knowledge of what had just happened. The memory of my Nana singing to me helped me believe the story of this afflicted woman with ease...and I told him so... I felt warm and tingly, and happy and giddy, like a kid feels when they know something good has happened they're just not quite sure what it is. :). Let's just say that on this particular night, Jesus climbed inside my soul and made himself at home.
I had absolutely no knowledge of scribes or pharisee's or Christians of Jews, or crucifixion, or religion or becoming saved...I just had the example of absolute sweetness and joy that left a very good "taste in my mouth" if you will, and I wanted more of it. This was all I needed. I don't think I could've "known" any better (than that).
I'm talking about before I went to church, before I read the "Bible" on a regular basis or anything like that. You know how you imagine what G-d must look like, and you imagine what Heaven looks like. I admit, I would imagine white clouds everywhere, with never ending light from the sun, and a patch of blue sky here and there. I imagined G-d the father sitting at a desk, with a pen and a pad of paper (LOL) :). Guess he was keeping tabs on everyone. He was wearing white pajamas and white slippers. I mean pajamas: A shirt, button down, long sleeve, and pajama bottoms, elastic waist and all! Guess I wanted G-d to be comfy!
But Jesus wasn't with G-d in heaven (in my imagination)...not living there, not all the time...he would "pop in" (sorta like magic, you know, so that G-d the Father could pat him on the shoulder...but just as quickly...he was gone again. This is because he needed to be back on earth ASAP because he would need to climb inside someones soul if they called to him. (I was just a kid) :). Anyway, I thought that Jesus dying on the cross simply made him the savior of the world because no one else had ever done that. I had no idea that crucifixions were quite a common form of punishment and death...or even that there were two thieves on either side of him also being crucified...
My great grandmother (my Nana) was the earliest example of Jesus in my life. Never did she tell me what he said, how he thought, what I should read in the Bible, or what I should believe about him. She knew I was afraid of the dark. Whether she put me next to her in her bed, or Nana came in and slept in the other twin bed in the guest room., she knew I was afraid of the dark, and she would sing me to sleep:
"Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little one's to Him belong
They are week, but he is strong..."
Needless to say, this was a comfort, a protection, a relief. I don't ever recall my Nana not working, on something...anything...you name it. She baked and sewed, and made everything from scratch. She cleaned and scoured, and then raked leaves in the yard, and always as she worked, she sang:
"Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee."
I even wrote a poem about this, I remember it so vividly. Going to church with her was a real treat. (How could it not be when she kept Tic Tacs in her purse?). Anyway, I felt as though we were "visiting" Jesus there, and because I did not go all the time, this was a special treat. So, I had no idea what it meant to reverence someone...but this is what I was learning to do. So, I had not read any verses about Jesus, but "saw" him in the joy, empathy and reverence that my Nana had for him. Believe me, it was quite infectious, and left an impression on me that I'd not even seen forming...
Somewhere between the ages of eight and ten, my step-dad told me the story of the woman who had an affliction of bleeding for 12 years. She was in the crowd and she "tugged" at the garment of Jesus, believing that he could heal her (as the story goes). (Luke 8:40-49). The point was made that Jesus did heal her, and all she had to do was ask. Even back then, anything in the Bible was something somehow I knew I should read, but it was like this super holy thing that was hard to understand, and literally gave me goosebumps. :). But, the story itself was very simple: This woman believed...and she was healed. Easy, right? So, that night when I went to bed, I wondered what would happen if I said that I believed the same thing. I knew I had no sickness to be cured and that I would not actually touch Jesus, but I decided to tell him that I believed...
If I could touch his garment...then he would heal me too if I needed it. Sure, why not? I figured if it was good enough to be in the Bible it was good enough for me. So, in the dark, grabbing on to my Teddy bear (the one Nana had bought me when I was an infant) I just said so...mouthed the words. No noise...not even a knowledge of what had just happened. The memory of my Nana singing to me helped me believe the story of this afflicted woman with ease...and I told him so... I felt warm and tingly, and happy and giddy, like a kid feels when they know something good has happened they're just not quite sure what it is. :). Let's just say that on this particular night, Jesus climbed inside my soul and made himself at home.
I had absolutely no knowledge of scribes or pharisee's or Christians of Jews, or crucifixion, or religion or becoming saved...I just had the example of absolute sweetness and joy that left a very good "taste in my mouth" if you will, and I wanted more of it. This was all I needed. I don't think I could've "known" any better (than that).
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