Musing – What is the “Lord’s Day”?

Hebraic Musing – What is the “Lord’s Day”?

Christianity has argued incessantly as to how to honor the “Sabbath”, or “Sunday”, or the “Lord’s Day”.  And Sunday has been called “The Lord’s Day” to explain or justify changing the Sabbath to Sunday.  Where did the “Lord’s Day” term come from?  Probably from Rev. 1:10, the only place I find it in the Bible.

In context – “I, John, … was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.  On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…”   Rev 1:9-11  NIV

In the book of Revelation John is addressing Jewish believers in a first century letter written from an anti-Roman perspective.  In his vision the Jewish Christ or Messiah is the High Priest of the Heavenly Temple, walking amidst seven golden lampstands speaking a message of warning and encouragement to seven real assemblies.  These churches were struggling to be loyal to Israel’s God by following the Jewish Christ while they are residents of an unapologetically pagan Roman empire. 

When John said “on the Lord’s Day” many readers now wonder whether John had in mind the seventh day (the Hebrew Sabbath) or the first day of the week (Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection).  And that is still a head-scratcher in today’s Christian theology.  But both possibilities are problematic because neither the Sabbath day nor Sunday was ever called “the Lord’s day” prior to this point.  

However, another possibility exists that seems to make more sense.  Scripture often referred to “the day of the LORD”; 20 X in the OT and 5X in the NT (NIV).  Was that the context John may have had in mind?

Isaiah 13:6-9, for example, warns of a cruel day coming –  “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.  …. they will writhe like a woman in labor.  …  See, the day of the Lord is coming — a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger — to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.”  According to Isaiah, this is the day when justice will finally prevail, as the God of Israel judges His enemies and rewards His faithful children.    Joel said something similar – “For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.”  Joel 1:15

In the NT, John’s colleague, Peter, used the same expression – ”But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”  2 Peter 3:10

So when John speaks of “the Lord’s day,” he was probably referring to this same “day of the LORD.”  That interpretation makes sense linguistically and it fits the context in the rest of John’s account.  After all, he wanted to warn and prepare the seven churches of the dreadful “Day of the Lord” coming “to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.”

So did John, a first-century Jew who wrote Revelation, mean Saturday or Sunday when he wrote of the “Lord’s day”?  OR was he intending to remind us and help us to understand the LORD’s day of judgment and justice foretold centuries earlier by the OT prophets?

Should we continue to meet on Saturday or Sunday?   Hebrews 10:25 warns us “ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, …”   Does it really matter which day as long as we meet regularly?    Is meeting once a week enough?

Points to ponder

Maybe we should follow the early church…
 and meet and receive our “Daily Bread” daily?

♫  Shabbat shalom, Shabbat shalom, Shabbat, Shabbat shalom ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          March 19, 2019  

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

Note – Inspired by and excerpted from Dr. Eliyahu Lizorkin-Eyzenberg’s  “Jewish Insights into Scripture” Pg.43.

Musing – Why would I thank God for Not Making Me a Woman?

Hebraic Musing – Why would I thank God for Not Making Me a Woman?

At first I could not believe this; but according to a Jewish Siddur, prayer book, this prayer to be recited daily.

"Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, for not having made me a Gentile.
Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, for not having made me a slave.
Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, for not having made me a woman."

This prayer is to be recited every morning by millions of Jews around the world!  Many could interpret these statements as proof of Judaism’s anti-Gentile and anti-female posture; but is that conclusion correct?

In the Torah there are certain laws that apply differently to different people groups – men, women, priests, Levites, kings, and slaves, among others.  Even though God commanded the other nations to obey certain laws in the Torah, they were not responsible for observing the same number of commandments as the people of Israel.  Therefore, thanking God for “not making me a Gentile” does not reflect an attitude of Jewish superiority, instead, it indicates an attitude of willingness to obey a greater number of commandments.  Likewise, that same principle applies to a willingness to obey more commandments than are required of women and slaves.

Torah laws were not purposed to put one in right standing before Jehovah.  The Apostle Paul made it clear that even the Gentiles could be members of God’s people by the original Israelite method demonstrated in Abraham’s justification by grace through faith.  Abraham believed God; and thus he was declared righteous!  Paul explained how Gentiles can become full members of God’s family – belonging to the Jewish Christ without proselyte conversion in Galatians 3:26-28 – “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”  NIV

Notice that if you compare the Jewish prayer with Paul’s statement in Galatians, they both mention the same three groups (Jews/Gentiles, slaves/freemen, men/women) and they are even referenced in the same order!  Is it possible that some modern Jewish traditions trace roots back to the first century? 

Here are a few interesting differences and perspectives re men and women in the Torah and Jewish tradition:

·      There are three mitzvot (commandments) that are traditionally reserved for women: nerot (lighting candles), challah (separating portions of dough), and niddah (sexual separation during a woman's menstrual period and mikvah afterwards).  

·      Could it be that thanking God for not making me a woman has to do with thanking G-d for giving women binah, greater spiritual wisdom and understanding?  Did God make women closer to His idea of spiritual perfection, and for all the joys women possess?

·      The Talmud says that when a pious man marries a wicked woman, the man becomes wicked, but when a wicked man marries a pious woman, the man becomes pious.  (Sounds like my personal testimony!)

Could this morning prayer help to remind us to accept how God made us?  “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God?  “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'”  Rom 9:20

Points to ponder

Are these good reasons to seek a Proverbs 31 wife – “A wife of noble character who can find?”

Can we Christians thank God for being held to a higher standard than non-believers?

♫  Lord, You are the Potter and I am the clay. Mold me and make me, have Thine own way. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          March 19, 2019  

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

Note – Inspired by and excerpted from Dr. Eliyahu Lizorkin-Eyzenberg’s  “Jewish Insights into Scripture” Pg.57.

Musing – WHY is America being deliberately de-Christianized? (Part 2 of 2)

Hebraic Musing – WHY is America being deliberately de-Christianized?  (Part 2 of 2)

Last week we reviewed heart wrenching samplings of attacks on the Christian religion and foundation of our nation.  More from Todd Starnes’ book “God Less America”* written in the middle of Barack Obama’s second term; and the author names names! 

Where are the attack coming from?   Hint – Quote from Barack Obama speaking to Turkey “We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation.” (p.3)  And note that Turkey once was a Christian nation, but clearly is no longer.  Relevant history:  Turkey, Syria, Iran & Iraq were once Christian strongholds; but the few Christians there today face severe persecution.  Europe seems to have passed the “tipping point”.  Could it be that Islam is being preached and practiced in America as a peaceful, tolerant religion, until it reaches a “tipping point”?

B.O. professed to be a Christian, but meanwhile he told the NY Times the Muslim call to prayer was “one of the prettiest sounds on Earth.”  And in about 2007 he also claimed “…religious Americans care only about issues like abortion, gay marriage, school prayer and intelligent design”  And he encouraged divisiveness when he said CBS News “But somehow, somewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and faith started being used to drive us apart.”(p.7)

The “Swamp” now has entrails into the IRS, FBI, CIA, Justice System, Courtrooms, and Countless examples!  Just one classic example – IRS attacks on Christian organizations with audits and 501c3 application delays.

In 2013 American Pastor Saeed Abedini was convicted by Iran and imprisoned.  The administration did nothing to facilitate his release despite many dealings with Iran.  (Interesting, he was released Jan.16, 2016)

Militant LGBTQ movements are supported by infiltration into our Justice system and the military’s “Social Experiment.”  This is doubly interesting since the Quran and Arab nations have severe penalties for such behavior.  As America goes that route, will it be easier for Arab nations to view America as worthy of Jihad?

“One member of the military was written up for having his Bible out, while a Muslim was allowed to publicly display his prayer rug”  (p.258)    The FBI was purging its anti-terrorism documents of any material deemed “offensive” to Muslims. (p.163)   Children’s textbooks are being made Islam friendly; to get their hearts!?!?

What should we do?  What can we do?  We need to stand up, and speak out, and trust the LORD.   “When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. BUT if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.” Ezek. 33:8-9 NIV   And a Feb.27 FOX news report on Christian persecution concluded with “When will we realize that the threat of religious persecution isn’t as “far away from home” as we may think? We need to take a stand and be vocal proponents of our rights, starting today.”

Now we know how David felt when he wrote “Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me.” Ps 69:4  NIV

Did Jesus see America’s end-time future when he said this?   “All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” Matt 25:32-33

Points to ponder

How did Barack Obama get elected for a second term?
Why didn’t Americans realized the Judeo-Christian foundations were already crumbling?

Does the U.S. Constitution really say “separation of church and state”?

♫ Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,  With the cross of Jesus going on before!
     Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see his banner go!. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                               March 12, 2019  

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

* Excerpts from “God Less America”, Todd Starnes “Real stories from the Front Lines of the Attack on Traditional Values”

Prophetically, just as I sat down to draft this musing, I received a text warning about a movie to be released called “Corpus Christi”.  The original play was written in 1997 and first staged in New York in 1998.  It depicts Jesus and the Apostles as gay men living in modern-day Texas. (Wikipedia)

Musing – HOW is America being deliberately de-Christianized? (Part 1 of 2)

Hebraic Musing – HOW is America being deliberately de-Christianized?  (Part 1 of 2)
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Our pastor recommended the book “God Less America” by Todd Starnes but when I researched it and found it was published in 2014, five years ago, so I wondered how current it could be.  Now I am in shock because the litany of events the author describes are continuing to happen and growing in number and relevance to this day!   The author researched and documented hundreds of examples of religious persecution of organizations, schools, professors, teachers, Bible distributions, chaplaincies, etc.  And he names names!

Are we seeing a gradual degradation of morality or are we under a concerted attack?  Or both?  Where is the attack coming from?  Who/what is the target?  We will discuss “WHY” next week in part 2.  Meanwhile “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Romans 8:22

Who and what are the targets of the attack on fundamental Christianity?  Strategic examples:

Christian businesses – Legal attacks on Chick-Fil-A, Hobby Lobby, bakers, wedding venues, B&Bs, photographers and florists are just the more obvious publicized examples we read about.

Entertainment media – Remember the back-lash when members of the “Duck Dynasty” family were attacked?  Even “Superman’s” image was supposed to change! (p.75).  Colin is okay, but anyone besides Tim Tebow!

College education and even our Children’s education. – Professors insisting on inclusive thinking re Gay and religious issues.  And youngsters are faced with gender confusion umpteen times a day; which restroom?

Legislation – Obamacare was jammed down the throats of Americans objecting to penalties and requirements to support of abortion and birth control.  And we did not necessarily get to “keep our doctors” as promised! 

Military troops –  Training officially classifies Catholics and Evangelical Christians as “religious extremists”.

Traditional Holiday celebrations and nativity displays – Christmas songs and references are banned in order to be “P.C.”   Macy’s parade content, MTV awards, etc. used to be PG; until “Costume malfunctions” began occurring!  Halloween costumes are being screened!  Meanwhile displays of the Cross are being banned!

Churches – are being banned from public places like rivers, parks and schools, etc.  And cancellation of  the “National Prayer Breakfast”!  BUT Muslim prayers routines continue to be respected!

Jesus’ name – has been made unlawful to use; it’s been discouraged and forbidden in public commencements, prayers, speeches; inaugural prayers and not allowed by Chaplaincies!!!  I say OUCH because I love to sing ♫ “Jesus is the sweetest name I know, And He's just the same as His lovely name,…” ♫  And distribution of Gideon bibles are being limited (in America).  VA is discouraging use of the name Jesus in chaplains’ prayers. (p.153)

Biblical Marriage and family values – have changed dramatically over my life-time (born in 1938 and grew up with my classmates going home to both their original parents.  Divorce was rare and brought ostracism.

LGBTQ?? – Proponents of LGBTQ argue against anybody who implies it is wrong or sinful, especially if their opinion is based on Scriptural quotes like “Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor … will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Cor. 6:9-10   Gay equality and their rights now trump religious objections.

History is being erased by destruction/removal of statues, plaques, symbols, etc.  Educational materials are rewritten to change or ignore history (grammar school through college).  Home-schooling is under attack!

With tongue in cheek, the author wondered when inter-species marriages would begin!  Already seen in FB!!!

Points to ponder

Is 1984 here yet?  (To appreciate that, you have to have read the book in the ‘60’s)

What did the LORD tell Jeremiah?  
"Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you.” Jer. 1:17

♫ Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high his royal banner, It must not suffer loss.♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                               March 5, 2019  

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

* Excerpts from “God Less America”, Todd Starnes “Real stories from the Front Lines of the Attack on Traditional Values”