Is the Torah Good for Instruction Today?

When I think back to my old understanding of the “writings of Moses/the Torah” I clearly see that I had inherited a great disdain for Them. They were a “curse.” It was the “Law” that the old Pharisees who denied Messiah followed. It was “the old way” that “Jesus got rid of” when He came. It was a burden and just plain "bad" unless you were a Jew.

Over the years however, I’ve allowed the Bible to properly define these Books that fill the pages in the front of my Bible. I now see that the assembly of Messiah’s day, and the days to follow, rightly looked to the Torah to learn how to live. They passed on the wonderful Feasts. They learned of the strengths and weaknesses of Father's covenant People. In those pages, they saw themselves. Through the study of It they continued to be trained how to love the Most High and love their neighbors. Just like so many generations that went before them.

To be clear, the Scriptures that Paul admonished Timothy of – the ones that were capable of teaching, rebuke, correction, training in righteousness and able to equip a man to accomplish good work – these "Scriptures" were found in the Torah. Not the Gospels. Not the writings of Paul. Not all of the NT writings that had yet to be penned. The Torah. The Books that the Creator has told us are “perfect, reviving the soul.”

And it always bears mentioning, this same Torah will go forth from Zion, in the future age. And those who are characterized as followers of the Way will be defined as ones that profess the testimony of Yeshua and cling to Father’s commandments, that are found where? The Torah.

So, what about us? Will we continue to buy into the lie that “there’s a better way now” and these old writings have somehow become a curse for a “New Testament Church?” If your approach doesn’t line up with today’s texts, I’d encourage you to please be open to reconsidering your thoughts towards these matters. These words of the Torah are inspired by Elohim. And to me, that is good. Selah.

 

We're All... Ignorant

 

An honest person who studies the Bible should readily admit that much of what we read, we filter through our own limited (and often ignorant) understanding. In today’s text, Messiah is giving his talmidim a warning to be careful how they regard the teachings of the leaders, from their Talmudic traditions. As was sometimes the case, they completely missed the entire point of what Messiah was saying. We see a similar confusion with Peter, in the Book of Acts. He is told to “kill and eat” unclean animals and was “perplexed in mind” until he patiently waited to receive proper understanding that the vision was not about animals and food at all, but rather men. (Acts 10:28) We are no different. We will not always have instant clarity and correct understanding towards a matter - even one that The Most High or the Son may speak. Even the proper role of Holy Spirit, confirming what both the Father and the Son have spoken, may be errantly heard and misapplied. It’s OK. As long as we keep listening. As long as we stay close to the Messiah and listen to His correction, as His students did here. In verse 12 we see what was spoken make sense. “Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Sometimes it takes repeating. Sometimes we must read and reread. Sometimes we’re just ignorant and wrong. I want to be like this. Seated by Messiah and listening for understanding. Even if I think it’s all merely about a meager loaf of bread. Selah.

Leave the World Behind

 

In 1 Peter chapter 4 we read of yet another reminder to come out and be separate. Again, we see distinction amongst the people of the world and the people of Elohim. There’s a reflection upon what one used to be a part of and a warning of sorts that once you come out, those who are still in will just not understand.

Verse 3: “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.”

Be careful that you’re not still engaging with the goings on of the world whilst attempting to justify it all as “being a light.” “What fellowship has light with darkness? For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?” (2 Cor. 6)

For some, there seems to be a clean and dramatic break. For others, perhaps it’s more progressional as they’re given eyes to see along the way. Either way, there must be an ongoing process where one is truly moved from darkness to light, distinctly. A true follower of Messiah simply won’t have the desire to engage in the holidays, entertainments and behaviors of this world. It doesn't need justified because it's rightly seen for what it is - darkness. Lawlessness.

Is the end really near or are we moving along as if judgment is never really coming? Be of sound judgment today, friend. Be of sober spirit. Pray. Selah.

Sojourning Through this Life

 

As you go about your life today and all of it's demands, practice remembering that a follower of Messiah is a sojourner here. To be clear, not a sojourner on the earth (awaiting "heaven"), but a sojourner living amongst and within the nations of men.

As men and their governments labor to institute their agendas and plans, a traveling sojourner awaits New Jerusalem and Father's restoration of all things, where His perfect Torah goes forth from Zion (Isaiah 2.)

I can't find a home here. All is broken and in need of the Most High's renewal. Praise Him that it will come, in His time. In the meantime, may we extend the invitation to others to come out of the nations and be separate. To become a member of Yahweh's covenant Family. A Family that will receive His covenantal promises. Travel well today, friends. Selah.

Righteous or Wicked?

 

Assuming you read the verses above, what did you see? Two primary camps of people, right? The wicked. The righteous. Most everyone will read verses such as these and self-qualify. Of course, most would apply the righteous and upright identity to themselves. Others may even go as far as moving past that even further and also imagine who qualifies to be labeled the unrighteous and wicked ones.

Today, I want to humbly submit a challenge. We’ve done it here many times. What if you’re the wicked one? What if you’re the one found unrighteous? Is it even possible or are the “bad people who deserve God’s wrath and judgment” always the other guys that your television tells you to hate?

Judgment is coming to us all, friend. And we’re all due it. To be clear as I know how, my hope is not in my works. It’s not in my performance on my “best day” of living holy and set apart for my Father. My hope is in the finished work of Messiah who intercedes for me now as my Great High Priest. This, paired with the immeasurable mercy and patience of the Most High is my only hope. And it is yours as well.

This is what drives me to leave behind what my Father hates – what is wickedness in His sight, not yours… and most assuredly not what mainstream Christian culture says. So what about you? Do you have any wicked ways that you could forsake and leave behind? May we be like David and ask to be searched. Let’s look in the mirror today instead of our phones and televisions. It’s time to sweep up the corners of our own homes. Selah.