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!

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 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!

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)

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.

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 Sorry...I Can't Reach You (So it Would Seem)

Disclaimer. I have much love and respect for Israel and the Israeli people, and for anyone who is Jewish, which is much of the reason I write this blog. I am not saying that all situations are the same, or that everyone thinks the same way. I write this based on Personal observation and opinion.


Quote: "If you feel sorry for not being Jewish, read Ephesians. If you think you've replaced Israel, read Romans". I'm not going to say who said this, simply because I have a great deal of respect for them and I would not want to appear to be encouraging disrespect. But the fact is, I hate quotes like this in general because all they seem to do is cause arguments. In my opinion, this whole issue is about a bringing together, or a joining...not a division or a separation.

This is not about a replacement.

This whole thing is about a mutual understanding and love. It's like I said in my last entry, many Christians want very much to be able to IDENTIFY with those who are Jewish and the Jewish culture. We love Israel because it's where our savior walked and talked and performed his miracles, and we know that Yeshua was Jewish himself. This is a longing to be close to someone. Listen, I may have been taught Replacement Theology, but where I come from, EVERYONE is embraced and welcomed and invited IN. No one is made to feel guilty simply for wanting to identify with Jesus because everybody needs his LOVE.

I for one am tired of feeling verbally "slapped on the hand" for wanting, from my soul, to identify with those who are Jewish (because of quotes like this). Look, there is a lot that I DON'T UNDERSTAND, and I'm trying to...but I can't get any answers...just continual reminders that I am not Jewish (and I never will be) and I better be GLAD that I'm not! Why??? Because I haven't been through the Holocaust? Because I haven't been "crucified" myself?? Is unbearable tragedy the ONLY thing that identifies certain people? Is it fair to "use" this sad history against others and do everything you can to say "sorry, you don't qualify"? Listen, if you're not biologically Jewish, that's one thing, I get that. But let's see what we have here: I'd better be glad that I'm not Jewish because apparently I'll never ever be persecuted in such a way, oh and by the way, as a non-Jew, I am not here to replace anyone. So...what?...I better just grovel at the feet of those who ARE Jewish, and remember that THEY are G-d's chosen people.

It's almost as though I'm being told, (by Jewish folks) "Yeah, you're one of God's too, but that's your business...WE are the real thing, and you (Gentiles) are trying to "contaminate" us! Go away, get out, and take all your stupid love for Israel with ya too! Oh, but...if you'll CONVERT, and while you're at it, deny Jesus, because that really pisses us off, and you'll work your ass off to join us, we MIGHT stop reminding you that you're not GENUINELY one of us, and you never will be. In honesty, why on earth would I want to convert to that?

Now, am I saying that ALL folks who are Jewish feel this way? Let me put it this way: I sure HOPE not! But mostly, this is the "mindset" or the "feel" I've received from many people in Israel (not JUST, not ONLY) but many people in Israel (through Facebook). Not to mention, the arguments people get into... I'm seeing people on this thread saying that this is anti-Semitic, that this is a lie (that Gentiles are grafted in to the olive branches). To be fair, people are also pointing out that whether Jew or Gentile, we are all one in Messiah, chosen since the foundation of the world. This is what I was always taught in my Evangelical church that taught Replacement Theology anyway! We (Gentiles) don't want to be REPLACE anybody! We want to be INCLUDED! We want to be a part of, we want to be LIKE. I THINK the problem is that most Gentiles are taught that as long as they pray the prayer, and are saved...then (we) ARE grafted in. As a result, many of us don't take it any further than that. We don't think we need to.

But it's more than that...then we have this lovely little gem called the Messianic Movement that many born again Christians (including myself) have aspired to because we (mistakenly) are all starry eye'd about IDENTIFYING with the Jewish people. I wonder how many Americans (in particular) don't realize that many Jewish folks are completely mystified by this movement and don't understand it. They believe that Messianic Jews are nothing but born-again Christians re-labeled, and they are insulted and angry. (again, you're not one of us, and you never will be, so quit trying). Of course, the Messianic Movement is NOT limited to the US...it's everywhere...which I think is GREAT but apparently, many of the Jewish folks which we are wanting to EMULATE are quite insulted by this. It's as if many Jewish folks seem to be saying "Don't B.S. me.". Goodness sakes, I wasn't TRYING to! But apparently, that's what we're doing! The belief is that Paul, and all the 12 disciples were Messianic Jews, for that matter most of the people written about in scripture were Jewish folks who followed Jesus because he was the Messiah! (Messianic Jews). I presume they were hated back then as well. What about Ruth, and Luke? Ruth converted...and Luke was a Gentile! Does this mean they'll always be second best, because they're not genuine?

So, look, people are people and they need love and respect. I think Jesus himself said it best when he said love your neighbor as you do yourself. I felt a devotion to the Jewish people and the Jewish faith because I believed they (are) in touch with their faith and their traditions, and "anchored" to what they believe in many ways that I wasn't. There seemed to be a wonderful sense of family there that I'd not experienced in the faith that I've been in since I was a teenager. Now, I'm suddenly wondering where I got that idea. Where I was, (in church) everyone needs the love of Jesus (not everyone ACCEPTS it...but everyone needs it) all are welcomed, no fees required, and all are encouraged to COME, just as they are. Where I was thinking about going, the love of Jesus is only okay, if you believe he has no divinity, I will always be reminded that I'm not really Jewish, while paying exspensive membership dues because I'm busting my butt TRYING to be, there is no belief in original sin, and any attempt I make to fit in is put under a preverbal "microscope" to see whether it's acceptable. Where I came from, I was already accepted when I came in. Easy.

I've embraced (or tried to) embrace the Jewish faith because I believed that it was insane to sit in church and be anti-Semitic, by pointing out the wrongs of Jewish tradition everywhere, and then saying we are under a new covenant, and calling the OLD one "legalism.". Not fair. Not right. So, I took another direction...desiring to build a bridge between myself and those who are (blessed) enough to be Jewish. (yes, you ARE...don't tell me to read Ephesians if I'm sorry I'm not Jewish.). Anyway, this bridge has proven to be impossible to build. It is not wanted (it seems) and not welcomed. I'm confused...just because I've never happened to "suffer" that much means I can't even try to EMPATHIZE with those who have? Well, excuse me! I'm as loyal as they come, but I think I'll take thar loyalty to someone who'll actually allow it. Think my devotion is a joke, and I ought to be glad I'm not (Jewish)... while I'd BETTER remember that the church I'm in has NOT replaced Israel?? Really? Okay, fine...I think I understand.

But I will say this... never again will I worry about empathizing with the Jewish people for being particularly mistreated or discriminated against, because, first of all, it seems to cut both ways...second of all, many people seem to feed off of it. My "love" for Israel has caused me to be inundated with it...page after page...example after example (after example) of continued, horrible, dramatic, never ending...anti-Semitism. Right there, in everybody's face for all to see...and those of us who are not Jewish will NEVER know how bad it is...because we'll never experience it. So let me tell you what I'm NOT saying:

I'm not saying that I hate anyone who's Jewish, because I don't hate anyone.
I'm not saying that I'll not like someone who's Jewish if I can't "convert" them.
I'm not saying that no Jewish person is open to accepting Jesus.
and I'm not saying that those who are Jewish only associate with those who have converted to Judaism.

I'm saying very generally that it seems their is a feeling in the air that those who are Jewish are (as it were) not impressed with any devotion we might (want) to have for them. I think most heartfelt efforts to try and show "brotherly love" to those who are Jewish are almost taken as a direct insult. Either we are humiliated because we should know that we'll never understand what it means to suffer that way, or we're bombarded with corrections and comparisons between Judaism and Christianity...AND, the cherry on top of the sundae...that hardly anybody really understands anything about Israel anyway. Fine. But it seems many many people are trying to understand and embrace, and when we DO try to understand, with hopeful expectation, we seem to have it rubbed in our face in a million different ways that we never will. That hurts. I say all this...because this is what's happened to ME.

In the end, the only devotion I really want is from my savior anyway...so who cares what anyone else thinks? But this wonderful mutual respect between Jews and Christians? As hopeful as some of are (including me), I just don't think it's quite as mutual and wonderful as we'd like to believe. Now of course, this just MY opinion...there are many others. So, let's pray for each other, love each other, and do whatever we can to help each other understand. There also is a lot of love being poured out on both sides. Let's try and zoom in on that sometimes instead of of the negative, not so we turn a blind eye to it, but so we can relieve the hurt and bridge the gap.

Understanding the Blessing

Disclaimer: I am not a scholar or rabbi. I write this based on what I've found to be true in particular situations where I became curious, and wanted to know more. In no way do I intend here to accuse anyone or say that everyone thinks the same way. I have the deepest respect for Israel, and the Israeli people. My desire is to understand; it is not to put down or to insult.



Galatians 3:10-11 says that all who rely on observing the law are under a curse. For it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything that is written in the book of the law. Clearly, no one is justified by the law, for it is written, "the righteous shall live by faith.'

Okay, here it is...pretty much the basis for my Evangelical Christian faith all this time. But let me make it clear, I am so GRATEFUL to Evangelical Christians who shared with me the redemption that is found in Christ and nowhere else! If it had not been for them, I would not be walking so closely with Yeshuah today. I did in fact pray and ask Jesus to come into my heart, and he did! He met me right where I was and has been drawing me unto himself ever since. There is no doubt that the grace of Christ abounds in my life. I write this blog, simply to say that I have been trampling all over it...and now I'm realizing that.

I had sort of a falling out with the church I was in. This was not a moral issue. This was not a doctrinal thing. This was a situational thing that forced me to back up and take another look at myself. I puzzled over this. How could it be Elohim's will that I not be in church? Why should I be "separated from the body of Christ (as some are in the habit of doing?)". Because I needed to take a closer look. Crazy as this sounds, I could only do this if I backed up a bit.

So, if all who rely on observing the law are under a curse, does this mean that the law is done away with completely? I no longer think so. I used to tell people all the time that there actually is only one sin that anyone ever went to Hell for...and that's the sin of remaining unsaved. However, I would not want anyone to quote me on this, because, this is only half the story. The fact is, our deeds do matter. Whether or not we do our deeds according to God's law does matter. I can't count how many times I've listened to some pastor (usually on radio) try to get it through my head that there is nothing I can do to earn salvation...it's by God's grace alone. True. I don't deny this. My question is, why do we stop there? Why don't we tell the rest of the story...as Paul Harvey would say?

I will back this up with scripture as much as possible, but it seems to me that the problem is this: Much of the Christian world has everything divided into two camps. Simple, right? Sure. The problem is, this then becomes the lens through which all other scriptures are viewed. So, when a Christian says, for example, "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation," what we mean is, he's now "crossed over" from the unsaved camp, to the saved camp. He (or she) is forgiven, they're redeemed. They will spend eternity with Christ forever. (Yes!!!!). Great! But what if this is only part of it? What about when Ruth tells Naomi: "Don't urge me to leave you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people shall be my people and your God shall be my God."? Does this sound like a woman who wanted to identify with the way Naomi did things and be her family? Sure it does.

So, when we become born again, we enter into a relationship with Yeshuah, right? I heard it every week in church, no matter where my pastor was teaching in the scripture, this was the conclusion... You must be born-again, as Jesus said to Nicodemus. From my heart, I must say now, I really think that this means more than simply accepting salvation. When we consider that faith without works is dead, and that Yeshuah said that he did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it, why would Galations 3 say that all who rely on serving the law are under a curse? Well, most Evangelicals have this shoved down their throat every week: Salvation is by God's GRACE through FAITH alone. It's not faith, plus works.

Okay, all I know how to do, is say this in my own language, the way I understand it. So, here goes... The grace of Christ is what we as believers trust in when we mess up and we fail to keep God's commandments...but this does not mean that we don't bother to keep the law, or that we say it does not matter. The Abrahamic covenant law, and also parts of the Levitical law are the mandates Yahweh gave to his people as the evidence (you might say) that we belong to HIM. Why did I say "parts" of the Levitical law? Simply because parts of it were suitable for the time it was written, but simply do not apply for the way we live today...this is true. But how many of you are now thinking "No, no, you can't do that...you don't get to CHOOSE the parts of the law you follow...we need to follow it all. Okay, I see what you're saying. But let me ask you: Do you plan on boiling a baby goat in it's Mother's milk as part of a Babylonian fertility ritual? Of course not, right? Yet this is what Exodus 23:19 instructs because, at that time, this was a pertinent issue. Yahweh warned his people that when they made it into the land he would show them, there would be folks participating in practices that He did not want his people assimilating to. This was one. So obviously, "keeping" with this command now, is no longer "relevant" if you will, because I would HOPE no one does such a thing anymore.

Anyway, let me just say it like this: Perhaps when we "Christians" become "Christians," we don't truly realize who's identity we are willingly taking on, or even WHY we're taking it on, because the so-called Evangelical church (bless their hearts) has watered it down so much. Read Romans chapter's 9, 10 and 11. I think a person could spend a lifetime digging into what these chapters say, and still not fully grasp the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of such an awesome G-d!! Generally, we love to quote Romans 8 verse 28 that says "we are saved by trusting"... This is true, we are, through God's leading us unto himself. But when we are born again, and we now claim to belong to, and be following the G-d of the Hebrews, and we are grafted into the Olive tree (as a wild olive branch, maybe we should understand that we are now assuming the "identity" of the G-d of the Hebrews as well?

In today's Evangelical church, we are basically taught that this is not necessary (the Jewish identity) and that the death of Christ on the cross "did away with" the (original) covenant, and that we are now no longer under legalism. Legalism, this is the way most evangelical's refer to any "evidence" of a Jewish faith. Whether it's celebrating the Jewish feast days, celebrating the Sabbath, eating Kosher, or simply being diligent about memorizing the ten commandments (!!!!). How would we feel if the shoe were on the other foot? But if this were not enough, most of us sit in church on Sunday and use Jewish traditions and customs as OUR example of what NOT to do. We say that all of this without accepting Christ's death is worth nothing...which is why, I think that Galations 3:10 says that those who rely on following the law are under a curse. My dream would be for those who are offended by what I just said to understand that this is G-d's idea. This is not simply the dogma of a bunch of unkind, uncaring Christians who want to be cruel to those who are Jewish. Anyway...turn it around the other way...When I looked up cross references for Galatians 3:10, I was given Deuteronomy 27:26... "Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of the law, and do them (by carrying them out) and all the people shall say Amen!"

Okay, so, the Christian version of this story is that the Law let's us know that we are sinners...but our human imperfection can't be accepted by a a perfect G-d...so he sent his son as a "payment" for our sins. So, with this payment now put in place on our behalf, it now seems to me that if we belong to Christ, we ought to be following the law, as much as we're able, rather than throwing it out, or proclaiming that we're no longer under it. Until now, I had not believed this. I was taught that Christ's death paid for the sins of the world, and whether someone is a Jew or a Gentile, they need to accept Christ's death on the cross, or they will...here it comes...spend forever in Hell, rather than in Heaven.

But an interesting thing happened. I read verse 25... "Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.". I thought of Pilate, knowing that Jesus was innocent, but giving into the crowd screaming "Crucify him! Crucify him!". Pilate knew that Jesus had done nothing wrong, he even admitted it (verse). Yet Jesus was crucified anyway because Pilate gave into the demands of the huge crowd. What about the silver that Judas was paid to have Jesus arrested? Was this not a "bribe" accepted for the death of an innocent man? Goodness, did we not "accept" that? Hmmm, are we now "under a curse" for that? Wow. We've actually been under a curse since the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden, but that's another thing...

I visited a website just last night called the Conversion to Judaism Resource Center (link below) on which is stated that Jews do not believe in the idea of Original Sin. They believe that humans are born neither good nor bad, but having the ability to choose, good or bad, also implying that with this choice...humans have some merit. This sounds great, but is it true?? It's my understanding that folks who aspire to Judaism do it because they want to learn and keep the Torah because this is what honors G-d. Don't the very first chapters of the Torah deal with Original Sin?? If not, then what exactly IS the story of Adam and Eve???? Why would Yeshua have gone to the cross if he didn't have to? In the entire process, he did not even take the wine he'd been offered for relief. Because he took our punishment on himself...this is what I've always been taught. This was his mercy shown to us.

But let's get back to Deuteronomy 27:25. Could it be possible that we are under a curse for sending Jesus to the cross, rather then for the "original sin" of Adam and Eve? Suppose Jesus had no divinity, the way Judaism seems to suggest...even Pilate knew he was an innocent man. Would Jesus have been the first innocent man to have been crucified? I'd doubt it. Just as many innocent people were executed at the Tower of London, I'm sure innocent people were crucified as well. But if Jesus was G-d as he claimed to be, then not only did (we) crucify an innocent man, we "accepted a bribe" (Judas and the silver) for the death of G-d himself. If this sounds too good to be true...I think this is exactly the point. Only a perfect G-d willing to become like one of us could be the "sacrifice" for our imperfection.

As I've written on this blog before, I came to believe that Jewish folks are especially blessed, because they share the lineage of the most high G-d. So, I thought that if Judaism is good enough for them, it's good enough for me. I just wanted to be as close to Yeshua as possible. So, to find out that (most) Jewish folks don't even believe that Yeshua even had any divinity is s heartbreaking reality. What?? I said "most" because, as I'm learning many Jewish folks have come to believe in Yeshua. They've accepted his death on the cross (or tree), and believe that he is the Messiah. He is Lord. These folks are called Messianic Jews...or, at least where I come from this is the "term" used to refer to someone Jewish, who believes Jesus is the Messiah.

Now, based on what I've found on YouTube, there are in fact Messianic Jews living in Israel as well, but oddly enough I saw someone who works at a Messianic college in Israel, post on Facebook, that he was perplexed by the whole Messianic movement in "the west.". "Can you keep his commandments perfectly?" he asked. Of course not. But anyone who lived in the days of the Abrahamic covenant could not keep them perfectly either...neither can anyone who practices Judaism today. So why is this idea so "shunned" when it involves the belief in Yeshua as the Messiah? Where I come from, the folks who celebrate Messianic Judaism, do it because they wish to embrace Hebrew roots and embrace the traditions and teachings of the original law, and show support for Israel...God's chosen people. To put it another way, we wish to "validate" (again) those things which the Western Evangelical church has largely been taught are both not applicable to those who are not Jewish, and not applicable period, because (supposedly) we are no longer under the Old Covenant law.

See, here in the states, there is this image of the US having formed all of these wonderful alliances with Israel. I believe this image comes largely from the Christian community, because we believe that allegiance to Christ involves loving his chosen land and chosen people as well. There are all sorts of Facebook pages about it, there are organizations such as Stand With Us who send shaleach's, if you will, all over the US to educate people about Israel and help shed light on the overwhelmingly negative images and stereo-types. But ironically, much of the lies that are spread about this gem in the Middle East, come from mis-Information, spread by the media in the US, not only in the US, but may other places as well. The lies are everywhere, and they run deep. So anyway, which side are we on here? We have this huge Christian community praising Israel to the skies because of a Messiah that most of Israel... does not believe has even come yet. US Christians love for Israel and her people causes us to spend millions of dollars every year, sending over (what we call) "missionaries" to share the love of Christ with the Israeli people. Again, because of our allegiance to Christ, we think...what better folks could we share Christ's love with?

At the same time, our media rips Israel and the Israeli people apart, portraying this tiny Jewish state as some sort of blood thirsty tyrant, who only wants to do harm to the world. We seem to believe that Israeli's don't like anyone who is not Israeli, and our media seems to only want to cover the violence going on in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Hmmmm... add to this, the fact that many Jewish folks grow up believing that Christians were responsible for the Holocaust. Many folks who practice Judaism will not read the New Testament, because they believe it's blasphemy (Go to www.oneforisrael.org), and most Americans can't even find Israel on a map. I would imagine then, that Christians desiring Jews (particularly Israeli Jews) to accept the bloody, violent death of an innocent "Rabbi" as their "redemption" would feel like the cherry sitting on top of a huge "sundae" of hate. Wouldn't you?

All of this, to me, is very sad. So, long story very short, I've embraced Israel and the traditions of Judaism, in every way I could, because of my devotion to Jesus, only to soon find that for this very reason...much of Israel would probably just want to... give me the finger? I saw a video about it just last week. There's an organization in Maryland called "Jews for Judaism" that made a video saying that Christians "prey" on Jews and they are everywhere. The video pointed to groups such as "Jews for Jesus" and "Messianic Visions" and displayed the numbers for the immense amounts of money poured into sending "missionaries" to Israel. Now, this was an AMERICAN organization but is it true that many Israeli's don't understand what we mean (in America) when we say "missionary"? Is it true many Israeli's even think of this as curse word?? Well, in short, what do we American Christians look like spending all those billions of dollars trying to get them to accept the violent, bloody "bribe" for the death of one of their own...Yes? An innocent man...yes? How do you think you'd feel? It would seem to to me that Jewish folks, like no others in history, have had to fight very hard and endure a lot of bloodshed, just to simply be who they are. Are Christians any different when we too attempt to "convert" them, using the bloodshed of Yeshua as the basis for that change?

I just think that these are things we Christians need to consider when we are witnessing to folks, but particularly those that we may feel, hold a special "devotion" to Yeshua, because he was a descendent of the tribe of Judah. This truth is simply not the wonderful "proof of divinity" that many evangelical folks may believe that it is for the Jewish people. I say all of this because...this is what I believed myself, and it tickled me pink, because of my excited visions of introducing Israeli's to the Messiah (whenever I went to Israel myself) and sharing his love with them. This excitement has absolutely died now...and much of it has turned to sadness. But it's worse than that: I've begun to wonder whether the Israeli people just laugh at us behind our back and think we're complete idiots. I know that certainly, not everybody in Israel feels this way, just like not everyone in America hates Israel...not at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some of us love Israel like crazy because of our devotion to Jesus...we want to be like her people and learn what Israel is all about. Gee, with a heavy heart I say, is the joke on us?

I hope that we can simply be patient with each other and try to understand.


Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 "Our deeds do matter"
Matthew 27:22-26 "Pilate says Jesus is innocent."
Genesis 12:2-3 "Blessings for those who bless Israel"

Links:

Conversion to Judaism Resource Center:

http://www.convert.org/Judaism_and_Christianity.html

One For Israel:

http://www.oneforisrael.org/

Jews For Judaism:

http://jewsforjudaism.org/

Judaism and the Lion...

Over the last Sabbath, actually shortly before it started, I read an article about a woman who went on a journey to re-discover her Jewish roots. Her mother was Jewish and her father was Catholic. Long story short, her mother was told she needed to assymilate, she joined the Catholic church, and her Jewish roots were never discussed. So her kids were raised Catholic. When Rachael (the author) got married, her husband was Baptist, with no desire to convert (to Catholicism) so, Rachael, became a Baptist, who was a Jewish woman...who was raised Catholic. A long and tragic journey led her to once again embrace her Jewish roots...the turning point of which, came when she was teaching a Bible study out of her home to the ladies in her Baptist church. The study was in Romans, and Rachael noticed that three chapters were missing from the study manual. Rachael asked her pastor why those chapters were not included and was told that only someone with a degree could teach THESE...and that he would do it...

What?? I was shocked by this and saddened when I read that Rachael was promptly shown the door, and told that she would lose her class if she proceeded to teach these chapters. Racheal did teach them, however, the way that she'd been convicted to do so, according to her Jewish lineage. Through her boss at the time, Rachael had begun speaking with a rabbi. The rabbi asked Racael if her parents were Christians. Racael said that she was "half" Jewish because her father was Catholic. The rabbi said to her in no uncertain terms:

"You're not 'half' anything...you're Jewish!"

He gave her some books to read, and said, "When you're finished, come back for more.". Rachael said she read, non-stop that weekend, and the more she read, the angrier she got. Rachael said that those three chapters had been twisted to show the Jews lack of faith in a Messiah, and used by the church to justify "replacement theology.". I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, and calming me, as I read, but at the same time, something inside me despretly wanted to know what she meant! It's not because I did not believe her...it's because I do!! At the end, I left Rachael a comment, asking her which chapters they were that she was not allowed to teach. Sure enough (she answered me) they were Romans 9, 10 and 11. I had a feeling...and now I want to find out how and why they are distorted. (?!). I don't have a Hebrew/Greek linear and I also don't have a Jewish Bible (yet). Finding teachings on Romans that are NOT from an Evangelical point of view is harder than I expected. Last night I read Romans 9, 10 and 11 out of a Contemporary English Bible, and wondered if I were "swallowing" the very "distortions" Rachael had mentioned in her article. I decided not to use my KJV because I thought the wording might confuse me as far as the message is concerned.

But G-d absolutely had done SOMETHING in my heart. What IS it?? When I had first finished reading that article, I sat on my sofa and just tried to slowly digest what I had read. Raechel said that today, she has made alliyah and lives in Israel. I immediately became envious because I wanted to be there too, almost like I was being "pulled" there. I was very happy for Rachael...but felt very strongly that I (want) to be there too. Odd, considering, I've never particularly cared one way or the other whether I went to Israel...that is, not until I started on this journey. So, something has changed in me, and for the first time, I thought: (deep breath)

I think, if I could covert to Judaism, I would.

It's true, okay! But I have a problem. Judaism (at least to my knowledge) does not acknowledge Yeshua as the Messiah...does it? Then again, what exactly does Rachael mean when she (said) that those 3 chapters in Romans are distorted? I'm not giving Jesus up okay. It won't happen, and even if I were to walk away from him (for whatever reason) I know Jesus would come with me, because he is with me wherever I go (Josh. 1:9). The thing is, as someone who became a born-again (Christian) at 15, I can't understand WHY Judaism does NOT embrace (Jesus Christ) as the Messiah. In Revelation (5:5) it says that the Lion of Judah has triumphed (the Root of David). Judah, of course, was one of the 12 sons of Jacob, and Tamar (Gen. 28?) appears in Yeshua's genealogy. How women appear in Yeshua's genealogy, I don't know, because apparently, only men typically appear in Jewish geneologies. I always believed that this is a really special thing that only proved that Jesus IS the Messiah, not that he is not. Anyway, I was taught that in Genesis chapter 1, when God says: "Let Us make man in our image," he's speaking to Jesus because Jesus always existed with G-d in Heaven (before he ever walked on earth.)

So, this got me to thinking, if Jesus himself is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and Jesus is a descendent of King David, also from the tribe of Judah, why is it that those who practice "Judaism" do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah? I don't understand. To me these are like puzzle pieces destined to fit together! So, why don't they? I've heard that many who practice Judaism do not even read the New (Covenant) so they may not even know Revelation 5:5. But why would they not? Is this considered blasphemy? Is it disloyal? There are plenty of references to Jesus in the Old covenant?, yes? Do these not count? What am I missing?? So, with all of this, swimming around in my head, I have to ask (Crazy as it sounds), what exactly is...Judaism? How nuts, to say that I would like to convert to something and then need to ask what it is. Elohim's original law was the ten Commandmnts given to him on Mount Sainai, but I believe that Judaism says that Yahweh gave Abraham the Torah on the mountain, so was that the first five books of scripture (given on the mountain?). I know that Jewish tradition says that Yahweh also gave Abraham a separate "oral" law that only rabbi's (apparently) can interpret.

Again, I don't understand. If someone is loyal to Judaism because they are (want to be) loyal to Elohim, won't we just stick to what scripture actually says about Abraham bringing down the stone tablets that contained the ten commandments? Anyway, what happens when we screw up and make mistakes? Without belief in the savior, who fills in the gaps? Who grants the perfection that Elohim requires that we can't? For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of G-d. But I will say this, Jewish folks who have a devotion to their faith, seem more devoted to something that is not perfect, then most Christians seem today, to the perfect G-d who paid a terrible price for us. We are (I think) no longer under the penalty of the law, because of the price Yeshua paid, but as followers OF Yeshua, this does not mean that we are exempt from it. But the way the typical Evangelical church teaches it; it literally does not matter anymore. We think the Law, that convicts us of sin is nothing more than unnecessary legalism and we use the devotion of Jewish folks to what we think are unnecessary traditions as "proof". That your works won't save you. This is not the answer. This is cruel and unfair. (at least, I believe it is).

So, there is much more I could say, and there are many more questions I have...but they will need to wait for another time. I am confused, but I know that G-d is in control. I just think that we need to stop trying to "win" people over to our side of the board and decide to help each other understand. Don't argue and be offended, just have compassion. God will do the work he wants to do within a person. I know he's doing a work in me!

http://www.aish.com/sp/so/My-Resilient-Jewish-Soul.html?s=mm&tab=y

Some Words About Shabbat

Well, it has happened: the days of my week have different emphasis. They now center (more and more) around "Shabbat" or the Sabbath rest, which begins on Friday evening and concludes on Saturday evening. Wow. So, what is the SABBATH to me? It's an intentional time of the week, purposely set aside just for the Lord. As the second commandment says, God wants us to keep a day of rest each week in remembrance of him.

"Keep the Sabbath day holy. You shall do no work on this day, nor any of your household."

Now this is a loose paraphrase, of course, but you get the idea.

This has taken some getting used to, and it will take some continued practice on my part, but what a privilege, what an honor, what a refreshing change! This is what I want to empathize...how wonderful it has been to truly FEEL that I'm making a conscious effort to look forward to spending time with my Lord and Savior. I can't think of anything else I want to LEARN to be disciplined at doing. This is a GOOD thing.

I'm not Jewish, and I believed that the Sabbath day did not apply to me, because Jesus blood shed on the cross had "fulfilled" the Old Covenant commandment. I mean, all my life, my week began on Monday, because that's when school or work started. Even after going to church for sometime, I still consciously thought of Sunday as the last day of the week, rather than the first.

But now, with Monday being the third day of the week (Saturday, Sunday, Monday), it has a whole new meaning because basically, the week is half way through already! This makes Mondays much more pleasurable to get through, because my mind is already looking ahead to the next Shabbat! This makes the workweek take on a whole new meaning too. I'm starting to do my work with a more intentional sense of timing. Time must be set aside for Shabbat, but also the preparation. Am I going to cook something specific? When do I need to prepare to have it ready in time? This sounds like it would be worrisome, but it actually isn't. This gives me a focal point around which to plan the rest of the week. So the sabbath let's you plan your work around the time you will be resting. I LOVE this! Isn't this what we all want?? This also seems to lessen the anxiety of simply becoming sluggish from having too many options. Although, how could I explain the discipline, and actually tell it as joyful?

With Sunday church being, say two hours at most, about 80% of my Sunday (mindset) would center around what I did before and after church. Now I loved church, and the Lord met me there...but so it was, more and more, the events that surrounded church would crowd into the time I actually was in church. Believe it or not, this got worse (sometimes) when I served in church. This is because usually when someone is in a service role, they come into the sermon late and then they must leave early, which means, you're thinking about the before and after so you can be in the right place. Fine... but this can make it tricky to hear what God is saying. There might be little quiet, or peace involved...because it's more like, "On your mark, get set, go!"

The sabbath "day" which begins in the evening, is a 24 hour period where the end of the previous week and the beginning of the new week, are connected to each other...they flow into one another. This is wonderful, for several reasons. First, it creates a complete "circle" where the beginning and end are connected. This creates a security I've never had before. Secondly, it takes deeper commitment then going to church on Sunday...at least in my view. This is because, for that time period, certain things are abstained from as a special showing of devotion to the Lord. It is longer than two or three hours, and more specific. Thirdly, church comes in the evening, after the time of rest that prepares us to worship. This makes so much sense to me! It's like the icing on the cake, ya know? Besides, I can't count how many times I've sat in church on a Sunday morning and thought, "I need a nap.". Not to mention, "where are we going to have lunch? Are there any doughnuts?"

Now, this is not to say that those things don't happen ever if one attends church on a Saturday evening (let's say). :). But because one has hopefully spent deliberate time, not just in prayer, but, away from distractions like, say Facebook, or maybe TV, this helps "create" or to bring our rest. We have given ourselves the time to sleep, and then make ourselves ready to worship Him. It occurs to me now that Sunday worship actually seems to mirror to the stress created in our everyday job, and our desire to seek pleasure in order to get away from the stress.

Think about it: Sunday morning church: chances are, you were up really late Saturday night, maybe even doing some church activity. But now you're sleep deprived at about six in the morning, when you must get up to go to church to meet with God. So, let the rat race begin! Chances are, you've got kids and yourself to get ready, so everybody's hogging the bathroom all at once, and you have nursery this morning, so you gotta be there early. Everyone rushes out of the house, no breakfast...ladies putting on make up in the car because you have people to pick up first. You realize you forgot the craft you were supposed to bring, and you run back home, stomach already rumbling because the coffee you drank to help you join the land of the living this morning is already failing you. You pick up some lovely brothers or sisters in Christ, with music that's too loud in the car and arguing kids...sounds like the commute to school and work, right? You park the car, sprint across the parking lot, and everyone promptly...separates. Your kids have youth group, your husband (whenever he gets there) will be watching the parking lot, your 12 year old has Jr. High group, and you need to pass out construction paper, tissue paper and glue, so you can help little hands make flowers and birds, because on the third day, God made all of the seed bearing plants. You barely make it to the nursery on time and you wonder whether you turned your phone off.
In a few minutes, everyone's mind is on lunch, because you're all starving. But there's a bake sale after church, which your teens are helping with, so you'll need to stay after and help clean up. You grab lunch on the way home, and you're excited and thinking that football's on. Plus...you MIGHT be able to finally take a nap later!

Time out. I don't know about you, but I get tired just reading all of that! Listen, God bless our amazing servants who set up and tear down, take care of our kiddos and keep our churches going. I am a single woman with no kids, but the above (made up) scenario comes from years of watching dedicated moms and dads run around like chickens with their heads cut off...in the name of spending time with God and honoring him. But the thing is, and I've come to find this out personally, the whole schedule, coupled with the early morning start, and the afternoon finish, leaves us needing REST! We need breakfast, we need lunch, we need sleep, we need to take our time (but how, when we have none?). We need quiet time, we need prayer time. We need everything that church is there to give us...but we've actually gotten little to none of it.

Now, I'm not saying (again) that none of the above is true for a Saturday worship service, if one even goes to a separate church service. But the Sabbath promotes the rest beforehand, and the evening seems to do two things: it says both "go out and celebrate" and also "settle in and pay attention." Doesn't it make sense to do a little of both after you've rested up? Sure, but I no longer feel that the typical Sunday morning church service encourages rest.

So, I am now celebrating, or observing the Sabbath, at the present time, by myself, because no one in my family has ever celebrated the Sabbath before. This has simply not been something that we've known as a normal part of life. This is a personal choice and it is new territory for me. Now there are those who are Jewish by birth, and then there are those who convert later. Personally, I've been convicted that the latter, is a conversion by rebirth, or being born again. Remember when Nicodemus asked Jesus what a man must do to be saved? I never realized this before, as someone who considered herself a born-again Christian who was not under "the law.". So, I celebrate the Sabbath, as someone who is free to follow the law...because I've received the grace of Yeshua.

The train of thought in the faith I'd come to accept as a teenager seems to divide everything in two, and tell people to sort of "pick a side": saved/unsaved, law/grace, Heaven/Hell. Now, this to me, was much better than the alternative of being 'bound" by Original Covenant law, and needing to perfectly follow it. This was all
I knew. Now I know that being born again absolutely is not limited to those who are biologically Jewish; in fact, the scriptures say. "He came to His own and his own received him not.". As a result, he presented his message to Gentile believers, that whomsoever would be saved, could be, so that Jewish folks who might not otherwise know the Messiah, might see the faith in others, and know that G-d desires that this faith be theirs as well. (Romans 11:11-12). The scriptures speak about Jewish folks being provoked to Jealously because of the faith set aside (if you will) for them...being embraced by Gentiles. As rabbi Greg Hirschberg puts it: "Oh, we've provoked alright!"

It does not seem to me that we are provoking to jealousy though. Most of us (as folks who are not born Jewish) seem to have ignored or abandoned Jewish tradition, Jewish feast days, Jewish customs, and called them legalism. We then rebuke those who are Jewish, telling them that the Law will not save them. We then pray for them to accept the salvation that comes from believing in Yeshua, and we seem to sorta pat ourselves on the back, believing that we know the truth, and the Jew does not. We don't mean any harm...we just firmly believe that no ones works alone will save them. The problem is, that this actually promotes a kind of anti-Semitism, that I think most Christians are entirely unaware of. We do not see it as being so, because, we are attempting to include Jewish folks in the freedom of salvation that is theirs first...then to the Gentile.

For years, I never even thought about this because my thought process had "crossed over" from the "camp" of "not saved and going to Hell" to "Saved and going to Heaven!". Granted, this alone is quite a "conversion" (amen, praise Yeshua!). But when a person becomes a Believer, and (Christ) changes their heart, what does this really MEAN? If we say, there is a "regeneration" that takes place, does this "accepting" of Jesus and "cultivating" a relationship with him involve "putting on" as it were, a new identity? I think so. The fact is, Christians are scared to death of the original covenant because of all the animal sacrifices and the belief that it must be followed perfectly. We know that this just is not possible, so other "evidences" like the Sabbath are deemed unnecessary as well, because this was ordained in the original covenant.

My belief is that Yeshua was the ultimate sacrifice, making all other blood sacrifices unnecessary; but I'd really like to ask the most orthodox rabbi, what he does, when it comes to the slaughtering of animals as it relates to the original covenant. I mean, we simply don't do blood sacrifices anymore, right? And anyway, what happened to a person under the original covenant when they made a mistake? Were they automatically struck dead right there? Now, you're thinking of Lot's wife aren't you? Something tells me that Jehovah gave her every chance possible to repent and leave that place before she actually became that pillar of salt. Our G-d is a gracious God who is slow to anger.

Anyway, I say all that to make the point that when one bears their yoke under the grace of Yeshua, this make observing the Sabbath different than it would be for one who is trying not to make any mistakes (shall we say). The Sabbath rest becomes more about the evidence of a heart in line with the character of Yeshua as a person rather than keeping rules.

So for instance, I'm not really a stickler for the exact time it begins... But I know that on Friday evening as sunset approaches, I want to be in that mindset. The Sabbath is about something set aside specifically for the Lord that has been saved just for the occasion. So each week, I make it a point to give attention to something that has remained put away the rest of the week, be it a song book, a journal, some special prayers. I do prepare food ahead of time,so there is little meal preparation, but I do not worry about not using electricity, for example. I turn lights and electrical things on and off as needed, because there was not electricity in Biblical days anyway...but being that we are now dependent on it, I think some sense of instinct applies here. I do abstain from Facebook, email, washing dishes and doing laundry, because these are work related things that are not "set apart...". I would do them any other day as well. But my computer and TV are not off limits, because these can be useful in activities related to the Sabbath. So, while discipline is involved, it is all about the emotional condition of the heart wanting to more closely connect with God. Perfection is not necessary because Yeshua's death paid for what my efforts never could...but thai you Lord that you honor them anyway. What a great and awesome God I serve! Shalom!

* John 3:16-17
* John 1:11