Musing – When and How to Honor the LORD’s Sabbath?

 Hebraic Musing – When and How to Honor the LORD’s Sabbath?

We were given the fourth commandment - “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Holy - dedicated or consecrated to God)  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work...”  Exod.20:8-10 NIV   How well are Christians and the World complying with God’s Commandment?

When living in Europe 30+ years ago, on a typical Sunday after church the routine was to find an open restaurant (stores and half the restaurants were closed) and fellowship and sip on coffee while watching the world to by and/or spending a day with the family.  It was truly a relaxed day! 
When we came back to the States, we found everything open!  Sunday was just another day; except it was a day off from “work” to shop, work around the house or watch sports.

What questions does this raise?

Biblically, the Sabbath was clearly the 7^th day, our Saturday.  Under pressure from the Romans, Christians switched their gathering to worship to Sunday, the day the Romans worshipped their “sun god”!  Was it God’s idea to switch days or did Christians decide to recognize the first day of the week as Resurrection Day the “Lord’s Day” instead, thus complying to the Roman rule?  According to 1 Corinth.16:2, they did meet on the first day, Sunday, but that was to handle money which was forbidden to do on the Sabbath.  Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians even described as setting aside Sunday as a Sabbath day. 

Is it okay to mow your lawn on Sunday?  What message does it send to non-church goers?  Maybe the Jews carried the Sabbath rules to an extreme, but they did it in a legalistic effort to “rest in the Lord” that one day.

Do we humans need to rest every 7^th day?  I know from working in agriculture that the fields needed to go fallow every 7^th year in order to maximize productivity again.  “Mother Nature” requires a Sabbath rest!  Might that also apply to our body, soul & spirit?  BTW, even Almighty God took a Sabbath rest! 

Which is more important, the purpose of the Sabbath, or the specific rules for observing it?  Jesus answered that.  “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Matt.2:27

Many will point out that Jesus healed, got oxen out of ditches, picked grains of corn and other acts of love on the Sabbath.  When confronted, He justified it with “...Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Matt. 12:12   Jesus recognized that people had become weary and burdened by the heavy weight of observing the Sabbath which meant following the letter of man-made law while missing God’s intent behind the command.

Some will point out that the Pastor has to work on the Sabbath.  Well, Paul did too!  “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” Acts 18:4  Maybe us oxen need to be pulled out of our ditches?  (>:

Summary – The Sabbath is not a commandment we are bound to; but it is a promise we’re invited to enjoy. 

Points to ponder

Has the world successfully distracted us Christians from honoring the Sabbath?

How might honoring the Sabbath help build a stronger family unit?
Do we need to restore familial traditions?

Would Saturday or Sunday be a good time to devote time to “Bible” studying?

After reading this, will you honor the Sabbath differently in the future?

Where do we plan to enjoy the ultimate Sabbath rest?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   August 30, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Musing – Does OT Elisha Provide a Foretaste of Jesus in the NT?

 Hebraic Musing – Does OT Elisha Provide a Foretaste of Jesus in the NT?

My Bible has a scribbled note at 2 Kings 4 “Elisha vs. Jesus! # of similarities.”  And here is what I found:

Restoring life to a dead family member -- In the Old Testament, 2 Kings 4:20 about the Shunamite woman: “...the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died.   She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.”...to get the man of God.  NIV    In the New Testament, Luke 7:11: Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples ....  As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother,...”  NIV
Both dead family members were brought back to life.  In OT, by Elisha by calling on the Lord; in NT, by Jesus’ spoken word!  BTW, both sons were miracle births!  And both were resurrected!!!

Feeding of a Hundred – In the OT, 2 King 4:42 “A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. ‘Give it to the people to eat,’ Elisha said. ‘How can I set this before a hundred men?’ his servant asked.”   In the NT Matthew 15:32 “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’  His disciples answered, ‘Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?’”
After Elisha’s and Jesus’ blessings, there were memorable multiplication miracles!

Healing of leprosy – In the OT, 2 Kings 5,  Naaman “went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God (Elisha) had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”
In the NT, Luke 4:27 & Luke 5:12  “While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.  When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him.”
Both Elisha and Jesus used healing miracles to confirm the reality of Almighty God!

Betrayal by a faithful servant – In the OT, 2 Kings 5:20  “Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, ‘My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.’”    In the NT, Matthew 26:14  “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’”
If this happened to Elisha and Jesus, then we shouldn’t be surprised to encounter betrayals in our fellowship(s).

Elisha & his servant were outnumbered! – In the OT, 2 Kings6:15 “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh, my lord, what shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don't be afraid, the prophet (Elisha) answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’”   In the NT, 1 John 4:4  “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  And also in Romans 8:21 “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  “God is for us” even in seemingly impossible circumstances!

Struck with blindness for a reason – In the OT, 2 Kings 6:18  “As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, ‘Strike these people with blindness.’  So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.”    In the NT, John 12:37-40 “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. ... ‘He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts,’”
Reminds me that “I too was blind, but now I see.” (John 9:25)

Points to ponder

How many more OT events provide a foretaste of NT examples of Jesus’ ministry?

How often do we forget that “God is for us”?

How blind were you before you encountered Jesus?

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,
     he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”  Luke 24:27

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   August 23, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Musing – What Might be Gleaned from a Typical O T Chapter?

 Hebraic Musing – What Might be Gleaned from a Typical O T Chapter?

I just read First Samuel 3 with my old margin notes, and now I am challenged to be more like Samuel.  Why?

Background: The chapter opens with the boy Samuel being discipled by the high priest, Eli, whose two sons were downright incorrigible, contemptible and blasphemous.

Samuel, the boy, heard his name called three times and all three times he ran to Eli saying, “Here I am, you called me.”  And Eli answered, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”  Already we see the obedient, responsive and submissive nature of the boy Samuel.  “Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy...” after the third time. “So Eli told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'  So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’  Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”  1 Sam.3:8-10 NIV

Samuel apparently was not familiar with the Lord’s voice, so is this Samuel’s salvation moment?  Samuel realized that he was hearing the voice of Almighty Lord God!  This reminds me of a key moment in my personal testimony when I blurted out - “I talked to Jesus!”  I know that God was speaking to me many times up to that point, but finally I recognized “Jesus” and that he was actually talking to me!  Samuel finally realized he was talking to the LORD for the first time!

Then the Lord revealed to Samuel a heavy insight.  “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle.  At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end.  For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them.  Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'”  1 Sam.3:11-14 NIV   A Godly man is being held responsible for a sin he knew about but failed to take action!  That is something to think about.

In verse 17, Eli asks Samuel what the Lord had revealed; and Samuel is obviously reluctant to share the “bad news.”  But Eli insists (to his credit), “’What was it he said to you?’ Eli asked. ‘Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.’  Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him.”  There’s something beautiful about the truth.

Eli was a unique character as revealed by his response in v.18, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.”  How many of us would willingly accept the Lord’s judgement like that?

What’s the impact on Samuel?  “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.” 1 Sam.3:19   What does it mean to not let God’s Words fall to the ground?

Finally, in verse 21 we learn, “The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.”  Will the LORD do the same for us...revealing Himself in His Word?

Point to ponder

How many times did the Lord Jesus call you before you recognized His voice?

Might we be held responsible for “non-response” when confronted with obvious sin?

How important is it to read, study and chew on the Word of God?

Maybe every chapter in the Bible can reveal thought-provoking insights like this one?!?!

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   August 16, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Hebraic Musing - “None of these Diseases…”

 

Hebraic Musing - “None of these Diseases…”   (Reprint of Hebraic Insight 4/9/09)

God gave us the Torah or Pentateuch (gr.), as a teaching on how to live, and in it he said to us  "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that Healeth thee.." Ex 15:26   KJV   The Hebrew nation, the Israelites and Jews, adopted many of the commands of God and were, and still are, blessed and healthy.  Why? *

·      Lepers were quarantined as we are instructed in Lev.13:46.  The unclean has to dwell outside the camp.  Yet the concept of quarantine to control spread of disease is relatively new.

·      Washing hands to avoid passing deadly germs was not practiced by our medical profession until the mid 1800’s.  God told the priests in Numbers 19 how to cleanse themselves from the unclean after handling dead beings.

·      God instituted ‘circumcision’ among His men.  While there are many Spiritual reasons being taught, it is a fact that in Israel, cervical cancer amongst the women is very rare.

·      Also, God required ‘circumcision’ to be performed on the 8^th day.  It seems that God, our creator, also knew that was the day the clotting capability of a boy’s blood is at its best.  And science only discovered that recently.  But our omniscient God knew!

·      God has often been accused of not being with the times re sexual freedom.  Yet He had strict rules regarding virginity and selection of marriage partners.  He already knew the harm to befall us by exercising sexual freedom.  We are learning this in the rampant rise of STD’s and Aids in our increasingly promiscuous society; and we’ve lost the sanctity of the marriage bed.  And widespread reliance on abortion is the result!

·      How many times did God say “but do not eat the fat.”?   God already understood Arterial Sclerosis!

·      God’s prohibition to avoid pork and other of the world’s natural ‘scavengers’ as unclean has been documented as the prime cause for many of today’s ills – diabetes, cholesterol, obesity, heart disease, food poisoning, etc.  The Jews and followers of the Torah are known for their Kosher diet as-well-as for their health.  (This warrants a whole separate “Insight”) 

·      “God loves a cheerful giver.”  Did you know that a highly nervous, fearful person’s blood clots in about 1/5^th the time of a cheerful, happy person?  Blood clots are the cause of coronary thrombosis, most common form of heart attack.

·      Causes of Psychosomatic illnesses are Anger, Stress, Hate, Grudges, etc.  These are things the Christian should not have to deal with.

Deuteronomy 28:1 says if you obey the Lord, you will be blessed; and verse 15 says if you disobey you will be cursed.  Maybe we have uncovered just a few examples of why we are blessed or cursed in very natural ways when we take or ignore God’s advice in our lifestyles.  As a loving parent He commanded us; so, whether commanded or advised, let’s pay attention to all of His Word.

Point to ponder

Everything a good Father tells His children to do is for their own good.

Isn’t the Creator the best author of an “Owner’s Manual” for our Bodies?
Why not consult His “Owner’s Manual”, the Bible?

“Praise the LORD, O my soul ... and forget not all his benefits ... and heals all your diseases.”  Psalm 103:1-3

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd           August 9, 2022   (Originally published April 9, 2009)
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

*  Inspired by & excerpted from S.I.McMillen, M.D.’s book “NONE OF THESE DISEASES.”
Most of these topics above are described in great detail - Highly recommended to appreciate how our Loving Creator tries to keep His Hebrew children healthy – like a good parent should.  Since Jew and Gentile are one in Messiah, we Gentile Christians have access to all God’s parental advice in His Torah.

Musing - What do We Need to Do to Have “Spiritual Victory”?

 Hebraic Musing - What do We Need to Do to Have “Spiritual Victory”?

Remember the popular children’s song - “I'm in the Lord's army”?  What happens to a soldier who decides to do “his own thing” rather than obeying his Commanding Officer?  Both the individual and the success of the mission are at risk!  And never forget that we are at war; why else would we be told to “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Eph.6:11 NIV

How important is Spiritual Victory in this war?  As soldiers in God’s army, realize that the battle is getting intense.  Spiritual forces of evil are determined to persecute, scatter and immobilize us.  Apostle Peter knew this would happen; in chapt.5 verses 6,7,8&9 in his first epistle he gave us four critical Keys to Spiritual Victory.

Key #1 Humble thyself – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 NIV  Our nature and the world around us wants us to focus on issues that elevate ourselves – e.g. LGBTQ, role of woman, sanctity of life, branding/canceling, rights, free-sex, wealth, etc.  The Biblical view is ignored!  Jesus warned us – “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matt.23:12   It is easy to be proud of what we’ve accomplished, but who deserves the credit?

Key #2 Cast all your care on Him – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7  The OT told us to “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22  Jesus advised us. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matt.6:34   Jesus wants us to be dependent on Him rather than ourselves!

Key #3 Be Alert – “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8  Are we fully aware of why things are happening?  Are we ready to defend our faith?  Ready to forgive?  Are we paying attention to that roaring lion seeking to devour us?   “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph.6:12

Key #4 Stand Firm – “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:9    Jesus had already warned us. “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, .... ... That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ... ...  Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.   ... ...  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matt.24:37-44 
Jesus wants us to guard what we hear and believe. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.  There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.  What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”  Luke 12:1-5

Then in verse 10 Peter tells us of our reward for obedience to these four keys.  “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  Why is this important?  Even in the recent weeks, it is becoming clear that a “One World Government” is being set up; it is no longer a conspiracy theory!  Major world powers are uniting in their hatred of and plans to destroy Israel.  Meanwhile our world and the Church is caught up in “Normalcy Bias” (a cognitive bias which leads people to disbelieve or minimize threat warnings.)

Points to Ponder

Are you engaged in a Spiritual Battle?  Why is Satan drawing you into battle?

What’s happening to churches who are not preaching a Spiritual Warfare message?

Are you tired of seeing people/friends leave the Church because they’ve lost the battle?

Some say things are falling apart; but maybe things are falling into place!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                 August 2, 2022

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Note – Inspired by & excerpted from message “Keys to Spiritual Victory by Pastor Jason Buss - 7/31/22