Musing – Has “Private Interpretation” Become a Problem?

Hebraic Musing – Has “Private Interpretation” Become a Problem?

In the running battle between Catholics and Lutherans, we hear the pros and cons of Martin Luther’s preaching “Sola Scriptura” and the “Right of private interpretation.”  I can assure you from my experiences in multiple denominations, the battle is not just between those two large and respected denominations. 

Scriptural justification for “Private Interpretation” is often claimed by quoting 2 Peter 1:20-21  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” NIV   However, one has to stretch that reference in order to justify one’s own interpretation of Scripture.

The distinction between “Sola Scriptura” and the “Right of private interpretation” has to be reconciled with 2 Tim 3:16-17  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  I must note that this description of Scripture requires “ALL” Scripture to be considered in order to be “thoroughly equipped.”   

All scripture is “God-breathed” so maybe we should first listen to Him and not ourselves.  How many “interpretations” of Scripture have you heard that were not founded on the whole Word of God?  When someone uses Private Interpretation lazily or conveniently to justify their salvation, I am glad I am not the one presiding at their White Throne Judgement!!!  Scriptural support – 2 Tim 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  Did God actually challenge/command us to become “workmen”?!?!  Caution!  One cannot take a single verse of Scripture and build a doctrinal view while ignoring other Scripture dealing with the subject.

This unknown blogger’s statements are worth considering – “Concerning the definition of “private interpretation” the Greek words simply mean “one’s own interpretation.”  A private interpretation is one that is fallible.  The prophets were not affected by fallibility when they received God’s words.  But all the rest of us today are when it comes to reading Scripture.  So how does the one reading the Bible really know that he is being led by the Holy Spirit?  How does he know that he is arriving at God’s interpretation, as opposed to his own?  Answer:  Your interpretation will be correct if it lines up with the rest of Scripture, with the immediate context and the overall context taken into account.  Yes, and God allows (even demands) common sense be used as well, when interpreting His Word.”  

My concern – How can we know if our Private Interpretation fits the rest of Scripture when –

·         All too often, our human nature tries to out-think our Creator God.  (Adam & Eve’s sin!)

·         We have not fully and diligently studied all scripture thoroughly (Including the OT).

·         A few verses on Sunday once a week cannot be sufficient to understand ALL of God’s Word.

·         We ignore advice and doctrines of established denominations; a form of disrespecting our elders.

But what should we do when we encounter a Private Interpretation that doesn’t fit generally accepted doctrines?  
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth…” 1 Tim 6:3-5  And the required action plan is commanded later in vs11-12  “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith….”  Whoops!  Have you ever let it tickle your ears before fleeing?

Points to ponder

Are we over-influenced by Frank Sinatra’s catchy song - “I did it my way”?

Is today’s “liberal” theology being fed by man’s own desires rather than God’s plan?

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful…” (including the OT)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      July 31, 2018

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Can Our Blessings Become a Problem?

Hebraic Musing – Can Our Blessings Become a Problem?

When discussing the challenges of evangelizing in the United States with a former missionary, he commented “We’ve got it too easy here.”    Having been to foreign soils and experienced the economic contrasts, his answer made immediate sense.   And it reminded me of something I heard Moses say to the people in Deuteronomy 8.  Here’s an outline of the essence of the chapter:

Deut. 8:1  (God wants to bless His people but gives a simple condition) “Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live … and possess the land that the Lord promised ….” NIV

Deut. 8:2-5  (But God also believes in tough love!)  “Remember … God led you … forty years, to humble you and to test you …your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.   He humbled you, … to teach you …  Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.”  

Deut. 8:6-9  (Our reward for obedience?)  “Observe the commands … God is bringing you into a good land … pools of water, with springs flowing … a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; … where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; ….”   Sounds great so far!

Deut. 8:10-11  (But be careful)  “When you have eaten and are satisfied, …Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands…” 

Deut. 8:12-15  (A dire prophetic warning -- notice the “When/Then” statement of fact)  “…, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out … of slavery.”   Notice that Moses said “when”; not “if”.  And “then”; not “maybe”.

And finally in Deut. 8:19 Moses testified against us saying “If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.”  Moses warned us about what happens when we become prosperous, satisfied, settled, rich, etc.  We become proud and forget the Lord.  Is that what has happened to our country?

Are we, and our nation, forgetting the Lord our God and following our own gods?

Points to ponder

Has our blessed life become too easy for us?

Have we forgotten Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider?

Have Americans become proud and
forgetful that our nation was founded “under God”?

♫  In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
      With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:

        As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
           While God is marching on. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      July 24, 2018

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – You Accepted Christ! Now the Journey.

Hebraic Musing – You Accepted Christ!  Now the Journey.

Is there a parallel between (a) the 40 year journey of God’s chosen people leaving Egypt to go to the Promised Land and (b) our journey after accepting Christ?   Did the Israelites have 42 encampments for a reason?

Numbers 33 delineates the 42 encampments but we focus on the destination.  Why did God have to take them through those stages?  What is our Heavenly Father trying to teach us as we journey?  And are we responsible to pass our learnings on to generations to follow?   “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Ps 78:4

What is the "destination?"  What is "home?"   Believers in Yeshua should believe themselves to be "children of Abraham".  And possession of the Land of Israel has always been the inheritance God desired to give His chosen people?  The New Jerusalem is the home of the coming kingdom.

Key point – We are a people prone to focus on the destination.  Isn't it true that God could take us there in a moment?  But that is not His will.  He takes each of us through battles, successes and failures.  These are our encampments, our experiences.  There is no other way.  And it is all ultimately for His glory.  

Let’s look at some of the steps in the Israelites’ journey.  Can you identify similarities to your journey? 

Starts with a step of faith for a major change – “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.’” Gen. 12:1  (Made Him LORD!)

He identifies Himself as the one who called you out – "I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it." Gen. 15:7    (Called a (Christian”)

He tells us His Master Plan – “And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.'" Ex. 6:8   (Heaven bound)

He tells us why – “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Mt.6:10  (Serving Him)

He makes seven enemies known – “Lord your God brings you into the land … and drives out before you many nations — the Hittites (fear), Girgashites (traditions of man), Amorites (pride), Canaanites (hopelessness), Perizzites (dishonesty), Hivites (occults & addictions) and Jebusites (rebellion), seven nations larger and stronger than you…” Deut. 7:1   Did you notice who drives them out?  (Daily battles we face)

He reveals the importance of driving out the enemies when we are in the “Promised Land” – “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.  And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them.” Num. 33:55-56   (Consequences for not driving out the enemies; so conquer our fleshly nature)

God leads his children – “So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.”  Ex 40:38  (How does He lead you?)

How can we be led? – “because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.”  Rom. 8:14-15  (“Receive the Holy Spirit”)

And our loving Father God gave us an example to follow – “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”  Matt. 4:1  (WWJD)

Points to ponder

Is the biggest battle in life between you and the old you?

How many of these battles has the Lord taken us through so far?

♫ “As I journey through the land, singing as I go,  Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face,….” ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      July 17, 2018

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by and excerpted from Ardelle Brody’s “Commentaries - Mattot/Massei”  July 11, 2018

Lyrics: ♫ As I journey through the land, singing as I go, Pointing souls to Calvary—to the crimson flow,
Many arrows pierce my soul from without, within; But my Lord leads me on, through Him I must win.
Refrain:  Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace;
On the streets of glory let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice. ♫

Musing – Why Should We Rise Above the Conflict?

Hebraic Musing – Why Should We Rise Above the Conflict?

Many, many years ago while I was still a heathen, we were in a cocktail lounge with a bunch of guys and my friend who was at tackle for his college football team made a comment about an attractive lady walking by. Her husband behind her took offense and there was about to be a confrontation between that short husband and my oversize friend; but I was sitting precariously between the two of them – a short guy and big friend.  We realized afterward that the “little guy” was Stan Mikita, a famous hockey player for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Imagine my surprise to hear Rabbi Eckstein referencing Stan Mikita to illustrate a Torah principle!  “Stan Mikita is a retired professional ice hockey player who was widely regarded as the best center from the 1960s.  Mikita was notorious for getting into a lot of fights during games, and as a consequence, spending a lot of time in the penalty box.  He stopped, however, when his eight-year-old daughter innocently asked him a very grown-up question: ‘How can you score any goals when you’re always in the penalty box?’”

In Numbers 16:1-2&31-33 “Korah … and certain Reubenites — Dathan and Abiram, …— became insolent and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council.”    This is commonly known as Korah’s rebellion; and the result was “…the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, with their households and all Korah's men and all their possessions.  They went down alive into the grave, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community.” NIV

If nothing else, the message about the rebellion against Moses and Aaron is that fighting is bad for everyone. Certainly, there are times to stand up for what’s right and even to fight for it, but that’s not the kind of fighting that that took place here in Numbers 16.  This rebellion was led by egotistical and jealous leaders with unjustifiable ulterior motives.

There is a special Hebrew term used for such quarrels – machloket – and when the Hebrew letters are scrambled differently, they spell chelek mavet, meaning “partial death.”  Those quarrels, gripes and fights are a kind of death and in the case of Korah and his followers that fighting resulted literally in death.  Korah’s rebellion not only led to his death, but also the death of his 250 followers and another 15,000 Israelites who died from the after-effects of the rebellion.  Can such petty fighting be likened to secondhand smoke?  It pollutes the air and harms innocent people.

Still, the ones who hurt most from engaging in such fighting are the aggressors themselves.  Moses reached out to Dathan and Abiram, Korah’s co-supporters, and extended his hand in peace.  Yet, the response of Dathan and Abiram was: “We will not come!”  They were so wrapped up in their egos and personal issues that they were unwilling to give peace a chance.  With those words, they literally sealed their own fate. When they rebuffed Moses, they became destined to descend into the pit, never to ascend again.

Summary – It might seem like we are acting weak and lowering ourselves when we step away from a fight or when we try to make amends.  But the truth is that when it’s appropriate to reach out in fellowship and forgiveness, we only rise higher.  So many people allow their pride to get in the way; they think they are securing their high position by refusing to yield to another.  But as we learn from studying Korah’s rebellion, when we are prideful, we ultimately fall; yet when we humble ourselves as Moses did, we will only rise higher.

Point to ponder

How often do let our egos and personal issues trump God’s plan?

How can we fulfill God‘s purpose for our lives if we are always in the penalty box?

♫ “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord.  And He shall lift you up (higher and higher) ….” ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      July 10, 2018

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by and excerpted from Rabbi Eckstein’s “Rise Above the Conflict” – June 13, 2018