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MessianicMusings.com

Not quite Jewish, not quite Christian … totally commited to Torah and Messiah Yeshua.

Archive for August 13th, 2007

Letting Torah make a difference

Monday, August 13th, 2007

The main thing on my mind, heart and spirit right now is this: we can chat here all we want about Yeshua the messiah, about our actions still mattering even though there is grace in messiah, about any number of messianic-related topics.

But it’s like I’ve told the bar- and bat-mitzvah kids I’ve been teaching: unless you start allowing what you’re learning here to make a difference in how you live, it’s all nothing more than a big waste of time.

Ask anyone in drug rehab. You could have the best doctors in the world, and unless a patient wants to stop drinking and using drugs, it’s all a waste of time.

Same thing with religion. Too many of us go only because we have this vague feeling that it’s good for us and it’s what we’re supposed to do to get into heaven.

But unless we start practicing what we believe, living it out instead of letting our flesh rule our actions, it’s all wasted time. We’d be better off watching Saturday Morning cartoons.

Food for thought… and action.

Paul Wilbur and For His Name’s Sake

Monday, August 13th, 2007

Messianic worship artist Paul Wilbur came to the Twin Cities this weekend, accompanied as always by the worship and dance group that tries to go with him on his ministry tours. But this time, there was a change. In the name of that group.

For years called “For Zion’s Sake,” the group now goes by the less Hebraic, less “Jewish-sounding” name of “For His Name’s Sake.” Although their performances are beautiful, and their ministry need significant (transporting a team of at least 60 performers and crew around the world isn’t cheap … just consider all the Samsonite luggage alone!) I can’t help but be disappointed in the name change.

I expect mainstream Christianity to do everything they can to “sanitize” their religion of any sign of Hebrew roots. They’ve been doing it for the better part of 2,000 years!

But when the messianic movement starts doing it, too? The messianic movement is in trouble. And worse, because we’re supposed to know better. We worship a Jewish G-d and his Jewish messiah. What’s to be ashamed of?

The Kaddish: demolishing the blame game

Monday, August 13th, 2007

I’ve noticed that mainline Christian believers are as susceptible as anyone to blaming Adonai for the death of a loved one. The thought generally goes that believing in the resurrection is easy… until someone close to you actually has need of it. Then it’s time to say G-d failed at his job of returning before you or anyone you love passes away.

Selfish, really. Maybe they need a retreat at a Pigeon Forge cabin rental to get their head back on straight, I don’t know.

But by reciting kaddish, the purpose is actually to battle against that. To put Adonai back on his rightful place, as a the just G-d of heaven and the L-rd of your life. Seems rather wise to me as a way to battle the natural “blame G-d in your grief” instincts we all struggle with.

Kaddish is all about forgiving G-d, really. Even though it’s something he’s not responsible for. Even death was our choice. Once you’re in eternity… ask Adam.

Focusing on G-d or the dead?

Monday, August 13th, 2007

At our congregation, we’ve lost a few folks in the past year, so reciting the Kaddish has become a bit of a regular thing at Kehilat Sar Shalom. When I first heard the prayer many years ago, I just couldn’t appreciate it.

Where was the message about the hope of the resurrection in this? Where was the talk about our loved ones merely falling asleep, and our ultimate reunion with them in Yeshua? Where was all that talk about the lilies of the field? Or the silk trees, for that matter?

But as time’s gone by, I think I’ve understood a bit of the wisdom in it. I came close to losing my mom in the past couple weeks to a stroke. It was a hard thing, to face my mom’s mortality. And while G-d has decided to extend her days so far, I know they’re numbered.

Given this experience, I think I understand the mourner’s prayer better now. All that talk of a deceased loved one keeps the mourner’s focus on… the deceased loved one, not on Adonai and his messiah, Yeshua, where it belongs.

Take a look and see what I mean:

Kaddish

Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.

May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us
and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.