Musing – What does it mean to “Keep Torah”?

Hebraic Musing – What does it mean to “Keep Torah”?

My e-friend, Johanna Hocker, sent this out.  Do you agree?  It reminded me of the musing of July 8^th - How many times have you heard “Father knows best”? My response to Johanna was – “My sentiments exactly.”  I have nothing to add to Johanna’s views; but would love to hear your thoughts and response.   Here are her exact words:

Torah & Grace   by Johanna Hocker   8/4/14 –  “When people learn that I keep the Torah, the first thing they do is accuse me of works righteousness.  This makes no sense to me as my salvation has been a done deal for at least 50 years.  I wasn't accused of works righteousness when I spent more time and energy in a little country church doing just about everything but preach, so why does keeping Torah elicit such a response.  Shaul (Paul) repeatedly tells us that he keeps the Torah, yet proclaims Yeshua.

“I wonder if people know what it means to keep Torah?  A big part of keeping Torah is to follow Yehovah's Calendar; this is divided into weekly, spring and fall.  We are commanded to rest on the Sabbath (7th day of the week) and by resting we are to trust Yehovah in all things.  Most of us gather for Bible study, prayer and praise.  We commemorate the spring Appointed times as Yeshua fulfilled them with his death, burial and resurrection in accordance with Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits.  Everyone is "right on" in celebrating Pentecost or Shavuot, but most people assume it began after Yeshua's ascension.  It actually started in the wilderness when the Torah was given to the Israelites.  The Fall Appointed times are yet to be fulfilled but Yom Kippur is for all times, as the day of repentance for sin.  We celebrate Yeshua's birth at Tabernacles when he came to tabernacle with us and for the future when we will tabernacle with Him.

“The dietary guidelines are to prevent us from eating the animals Yehovah created as scavengers to clean up the planet.  No thanks, I prefer healthy meat.

“In Hebrews 11:5-6, we are told, ‘Grace is central in Yehovah’ s actions and it has nothing to do with keeping the Torah.’  The Bible tells in Deuteronomy that keeping Torah results in blessings.  Those who keep Torah are being obedient to Yehovah.”

Point to ponder

Does this make sense to you?   Your thoughts?

Shalom

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                             September 16, 2014    

Books author “Hebraic Insights” and  “Biblical Marriage”
Weekly e-mails “Hebraic Musings”
Twitter  @YosefBrusherd
Yosef1@cox.net  or  www.InsightsByYosef.com