December 2, 2006

  • B"H

     

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    Shabbat shalom

    The table is set and the food is hot. Soon we will gather as the candles are lit and the Day of Rest is set apart from the six working days. The LORD has given us a double portion of His love in the fellowship of His Spirit and the company of our family and friends. Would you like to join us?

    Shamor v'zachor (Keep and Remember)

    Within Jewish tradition it is said that when GOD gave the commandment regarding the Sabbath he uttered the words shamor and zachor both at the same time. Why is this you might ask? In the Torah (book of Instruction, aka The 5 Books of Moses) we read of the Ten Commandments in two places, Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. We are told to remember the Sabbath because it is a memorial to the work of Creation. We must keep the Sabbath because our forefathers were slaves in Egypt and the LORD brought them out with a great display of miracles. It is a testament to the deliverance from bondage.

    GOD created the universe and all that is contained within it to express His glory and love. GOD has determined to fulfill or consummate His purpose in establishing Creation despite the rebellion of some angels and the corruption of mankind. This act is generally referred to theologically as redemption. In Jewish theology a special term is given to this act which has ongoing significance, tikkun haOlam (healing or restoring the world).

    The deliverance from Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea was for the purpose of allowing the children of Israel, and those who were with them, to enter into a holy relationship with GOD Himself. This relationship is often referred to in legal terms as a covenant, or contract. Within the bounds of this covenantal relationship, GOD made provision for healing and wholeness along the pathway of redemption. As long as Israel walked in the way that GOD prescribed in His Torah, then they would experience progress toward the fulfillment of His purpose to show, or display, His glory through all of His creation.

    Summary

    Creation - made for the display of GOD's glory and love.

    Corruption/Bondage - through disobedience and rebellion.

    Deliverance - GOD's intervention on behalf of His creation.

    Redemption - restoring creation to fulfill GOD's original purpose.

    Glorification - the image and the character of GOD is perfected in His creation.

    Exhortation

    The purpose of GOD to fulfill His original intent has already been accomplished. The realization of this purpose is somewhat contingent upon the willingness of GOD's people to trust Him and take Him at His word. The extent of progress that GOD's rule in the earth makes depends, in part, on the faith of those who are called by His name.

    "Beloved brethren, now are we the sons of GOD, but it is not yet clear what we shall be like, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is and everyone who has this hope in Him keeps himself pure because He is pure."     1 John 3: 2 - 3

     

    Blessings,

    Shlomo

Comments (3)

  • Shlomo ... I wish I could be there.  I'm sorry for not calling quite as much .. a new job is taking time and sleep away from me.  But I will call, soon, my friend.

    I hope all is going well with you and yours.

    Shalom

    John

  • B"H

    Thanks John. Don't worry about not calling, I understand. Tell me about your new job though.

    Shlomo

  • Your posts are so interesting and informative.

    Dave's biological mother was Jewish, and he feels a strong spiritual draw to the culture. We did passover a couple years ago and it was amazing. He really wants to learn more about the festivals and customs...

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