Was Yeshua a Pharisee?

   Was Yeshua a Pharisee? Some have said that Yeshua may have been a Pharisee, some say an Essen, and others simply a teacher. It was interesting to read John 7:30 this morning, in regards to this. John 7:30 states, “But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.”

   Well, Yeshua was baptised by John per passages Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-12, and John 1:29-34. It is clear that Yeshua was baptised by John.

   Yeshua never claims to be of any sect, though. So, it is really not a central point but interesting none the less. It is interesting that He never mentions the Essenes though out the Gospels. Just random thoughts:)

Grace and peace be with you,

In Yeshua Messiah

Coley

Joab

   Joab, the commander of King’s David army, puzzles me. He seems like David’s right hand man and faithful. He is one of the only ones that will confront David on things but never tries to replace him as king. David tries to replace him a couple of times and Joab kills them. Joab even kills the King’s son against David’s wishes.

   At times it seems like Joab is a man of faith and courage. At other times, he is shrewd and vengeful. I would think that maybe they had a love/hate relationship but I do not believe David commends or shows any sign of love for Joab in the scripture besides when he helps him kill Uriah the Hittite.

   In the end, David had his son, Solomon, kill Joab. It seems like the ruthless things that Joab did helped David but David did not approve. Then again, he did not do anything with him. He couldn’t bring himself to put him to death but had his son do it after he was gone. I guess David just didn’t know what to do with them but he seems to have known what to do in almost all other cases. But when it came to the sons of Zeruiah he would only say, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah?”

 Grace and peace,

Coley

The Path out of Self Absorbtion

     The world continues to rotate every second that we breathe. What do they think of me? What will they think of me? What if they knew how I really thought? Why can’t I be bold like that? Why can’t I have what they have? Why don’t they see how smart I am? Why don’t they see how admirable I am? Why do they not respect me?  Why don’t they see me? What if they see me? Maybe, I should hide.

   The world continues to rotate as I think to myself constantly of what others are thinking about me. The pendulum swings from fear to pride, from self-pity to arrogance, and occasionally finding myself right in the middle just confidently, humbly focused on something besides me, G-D and His son, Yeshua.

   The fear of man I do not get. Always worried about what others think. This drives me into not being myself at times. This drives me into making wrong decisions. This drives me into not taking risks when I perhaps should and perhaps taking risks that I shouldn’t. I hide in myself. I have a whole drama being played out in my head with characters, roles, and plots.

   Self pity I hate. Fear has drove me here. Now, I complain how the world does not respect me, give me credit, and show me attention. Somehow, this has slipped in the back door without me evening seeing it. Just another form of pride, I suppose.

   Arrogance stinks but somehow I drive myself to this to pull myself out of self-pity. Maybe, even building myself up from getting so angry from the thoughts created by self-pity that I will not care what anyone thinks anymore. I will not listen or worry about them. I am the best and if not who cares what they think? I will walk the way I think is right, even if I have to walk alone. The pendulum has swung quickly to the other side.

   Pride dwelling up. Where did it come from? I will be the best. I am the best. I know all. Perhaps I’m wrong but I can not see it. I can tell you what is wrong with everything and what is right. Besides I have the Bible backing me up and I am being led by the Spirit. Blindness has set in.

   Or do I? Have I interjected something into the context because I must win? Have I said that I’m led by the Spirit to cloak my desires and pride that I can not be wrong? Did the devil really do it? Or did I? Am I being honest with myself? Am I being honest with what it really says? Am I being honest with what the true scenario is?

   Self absorbtion, engulfing me in total darkness. I never realized it. My thoughts went from this person to that circumstance. Scenarios played over and over in my head. Suddenly, a light . Where is that light coming from? I can not escape myself but there is a light. I must get to the light. I must get out of this darkness. I must get to and be in this light.

   Yeshua? L-rd? Is that You? Yeshua has broke through. He is the light of the world (John 8:12). I must follow Him(John 21:22). It is the only way that I can escape myself. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). I must break out of this cocoon. I must turn from my self idolatry and idolatry of people and follow Yeshua. I must not fear man but the L-RD (Matthew 10:28).

   Humble, confidence grounded and centered on Yeshua Messiah that is able to walk on water and move mountains (Matthew 14:28-29, 17:20). G-D is my vindication. Who is man who I shall fear him (Psalm 27:1)? Trust and hope in G-D (Psalm 27). Walk in the Spirit leading you in the way of Adonai (Galatians 5:16-26, Jeremiah 6:16). Don’t cower but don’t hover. Don’t grapple but don’t push. Don’t bite but don’t run. Don’t hide but don’t bash. Don’t lose but don’t win. Do we have to always be in competition?

   Go the narrow way (Matthew 7:13). Do not turn to the left or to the right (Deuteronomy 5:32). Do not take your eyes off of Yeshua to look at the storm all around and within but if I do I must “immediately” turn back to the L-rd (Matthew 14:30-31).  “Wait for the L-RD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; Wait for the L-RD!” (Psalm 27:14)

Taking Yeshua

   I recently watched a movie called “Taking Chance” with Kevin Bacon playing the main role. It is about a high-ranking marine escorting a marine that has been killed in battle across the US back to his parents/family in Wyoming.

   It had several sad and touching parts to the movie. It didn’t have any climatic battle, twist, or drama to it. Just reflections and an inner search of self.

   A couple of scenes really stuck out to me. The first scene was where Kevin Bacon and a retired veteran were standing outside a bar watching the falling soldier’s young friend walk away. They had a couple of beers reflecting back on their fallen friend.

   The young friend had just told the story of how his friend had died in battle. As he was walking away, Kevin Bacon standing there with this old-timer watching the young man walk away, Bacon told the old man how he should have been over there. He felt guilty I guess because he didn’t do more battle time. He said something to the effect, “They’re the real marines.”

   The old-timer turned to him staring a hole right into him saying something like, “And you’re not a marine!” “Without a witness it all disappears!” Bacon did not say another word. Just silence and then it went to the next scene.

   This movie showed a lot of respect for soldiers, family, and the elderly people. But this is not what captivated my thoughts with this scene. I automatically thought of Yeshua and his command to His disciples of making disciples in Matthew 28. I thought of 1 Corinthians 15 with the apostles being witnesses of His resurrection and the 500 witnesses. I thought of the countless witnesses of the last 2,000 years still witnessing of what Yeshua/Jesus did for them.

   In the Messianic movement, I thought of the focus on Torah or Israel, depending what camp you stand in. [Since writing this blog in June of 2010, I have come to realize that better terms for the camps are the "Hebrew Roots Camp" that focus more on aspects of the Torah and "Messianic Judaism" that focus more on the role and importance of Israel and mission to them] Both are good and need focus on but without the witness and centrality of Yeshua does all that matters disappear? Does it just become a to do list? Does it just become trees with no forest in sight? Does our witness to the world disappear? Does our witness to our Christian/Messianic brothers and sisters disappear?

   We must tie everything back to Yeshua. He must be the center of our focus. He is our goal. He is the goal of the Torah per Romans 10:4. He is the Living Torah. If we strive to live Torah, it is because we strive to be like our L-RD and Savior Yeshua.

   If we love Israel and the Jewish people, we must tie it back to Yeshua. The purpose of Israel is to be a light to the world, right? To lead them to the light is to lead them to Yeshua, the light of the world. John 8:12, “Then Yeshua again spoke to them, teaching, “I am the light of the world. The person who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Hebrew Heritage Bible by Dr. Brad Young).

   At the end of the movie, Bacon is marking out the title of the report he is writing about escorting Chance across the states back to his family to be buried. He reflects how he felt like Chance was alive as long as he was moving but once he finally settled in the grave that he moved no longer. He changed the title of the report to “Taking Chance”.

   Well, I’m not saying these other things are not important. I only hope that we always Take Yeshua with us and be a witness of who He was, who He is, and that He is coming back. After all, Yeshua is not in the grave but at the right side of the Father!

‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Yeshua, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.’ Acts 1:8-11

Grace and shalom be with you,

In Messiah Yeshua.

Spiderman Theology

   Have you ever thought about the theological principles in certain movies? I can not help but think of the scriptures and a believers walk in Messiah as I watch movies, now. I love super hero shows. Not so much that they can do these awesome things but because of the principles and stories.

   Spiderman is probably one of my favorite. The inner battles he has. The fears of what the girl thinks of him and society. The desire to do good but sometimes still making things worse. The desire to be a good friend and support family. The emotions that are fought at each turn.

   One of my favorite scenes that remind me of scripture is when Peter’s best friend gets angry with him and slaps him. You would think that he would just haul into him out of a burst of anger but he doesn’t. He just gives him the other cheek. Of course it is not a perfect picture of what Yeshua is talking about but it makes me think of it.

   Or perhaps how his bitterness and revenge against the wrestling promoter prompts Peter not to help stop the thief. This evil for evil act ending in the death of Peter’s uncle. It makes me think of not doing evil for evil, but good for evil. Perhaps even loving one’s enemies.

   Maybe one of the hardest for me to accept and hopefully not forever, may be the last seen of Spiderman 1. Peter deems it not right to take the girl even though he has won her heart now. He has a mission that would be better if he remained single at that time anyway. I believe he does date her a while in the second one but it’s been a while since I’ve seen all 3 shows. Regardless, I can’t help but think of Yeshua and Paul’s teaching on singleness so that you can be more devoted to G-D.

   On another note, Peter’s powers goes to his head at times. After all, he can do so many things and has helped so many people. Pride and arrogance slip in the back door some times. I believe with a follower of Yeshua that can happen at times. I think it might best be called “Holy Pride”, another blog to come. haha. “I know more scripture than the normal Christian.” “I can speak in tongues.” “I’ve been on several missionary trips.” “I never lie.” This believer talking about that believer because they are not like each other. One’s gift is not the same as the others. All different types of pride and arrogance flow though us at times.

   The third movie really tells of how that deep inner darkness of sin that tries to rule over you. The inner struggle of black, dark, impulses at times. Where did that thought come from, I say?

   There is the romance part of the movie. I know I’m a guy and am not supposed to think about this type of stuff but how can I not? The Bible just has way too much romance in it for me not to think about it. Whether, you talk about Yeshua and His bride or perhaps Ruth telling Naomi, “Your People Shall be My People.” This idea of romance of two becoming one. I don’t know. Not an expert on romance. haha.

   Anyway, I’m sure you get my point. I enjoy watching movies occasionally seeing how they relate to our walk. I do not watch them all the time and think wisdom should be used. However, super hero shows are still probably my favorite. I look forward to watching Ironman 2.

   I tell friends sometimes of my dreams and desires of flying some day. Tim Keller in “The Reason for GOD” talks about desires a little bit. He speaks of peoples’ hunger therefore there is food, peoples thirst therefore there is water, peoples desire for eternity and ultimate reality therefore there is G-D (of course I’m definitely just paraphrasing).

   Well, I desire to fly and apparently a lot of people do because of all the superhero movies, sky divers, and planes. Therefore, I believe some of us will be able to fly in our glorified bodies. One day we believers in Yeshua will meet him in the clouds whether we come straight back to Earth or not, I do not know. Nonetheless, I believe we will fly:).

“For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, even so, through Yeshua, G-D will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the L-rd, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the L-rd, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the L-rd Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet(shofar) of G-d. And the dead in Messiah will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the L-rd in the air, and so we will always be with the L-rd. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

Halleluyah!!!!!

“Praise the L-RD, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples! For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the L-RD endures forever. Praise the L-RD!” Psalm 117

Our Allotted Periods and Boundaries

Acts 17:26, “And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place“.

   It often amazes me the people we some times run into, the people we come to know, the people we become friends with, and even the mates we end up with. How wild is it that if you made one decision to go this way instead of that way that you would have maybe met different people than you ended up meeting.

   Like today, I was debating what Starbuck’s I wanted to go to study at before I went to the Shabbat service. I thought of 3 or 4 different ones to possibly to go to but decided on the closest one on the way. Lo and behold, I see a guy that I ran a half marathon with a few years back that goes to my old church. I even met a new guy that I didn’t know. We caught up for a few moments and they headed out. It may have no signficance but I believe GOD appoints those times for some reason.

   I head to Shabbat and grab a bagel at the Bagel Nosh before service. I see a guy in my Alef Beit Hebrew class. We talk a bit and he gives me some of his background. If I wouldn’t have met the guy at the coffee shop beforehand that led me to journaling longer and leaving later, would I of had the conversation with the guy at the Bagel Nosh? Who knows but it is interesting?

   The service was great. I started serving in the multi-media ministry and am beginning to meet some people at the Messianic Synagogue I attend. One of the volunteers invited me to eat lunch and to a movie but I felt a little tired. So, I grabbed some lunch and headed home. I arrived home to hearing one of my roommates playing guitar and singing Derek Webb songs. Pretty good.

   I didn’t feel so tired, anymore. So, I decide to go for a Shabbat walk. Why not? It’s a beautiful day. As I get to the first corner, I see a guy that I used to work with over 6 to 6 1/2 years ago. I knew he lived in the neighborhood when I bought the house I’m in about 8 months ago but have never seen him in his yard until today. He was mowing his yard. So, I stood by his yard until he noticed me. We caught up a little bit. I was surprised to see that he still remembered that I had lasik surgery, where I used to go to church, and some things about my friend that lives across the street. We chatted for a bit. He told me where he attends now and I told him where I attend.

   With a quite quizzical look on his face he was like, “So, you left the Christian Church for Judaism”. I informed him that it was Messianic. The next remark was like the usually, “You mean Jews that have become Christians.” Ha-ha. You gotta love it. I replied, “Well, Jesus is Jewish and in the first century there were no Baptist churches like now.” He chipped in that all the apostles were Jewish, also. Anyway, it was a nice little catch up. He said it was good talking and to come visit him sometime. He went back to mowing and I back to walking to the park. Would I have met him if I decided to go to another Starbuck’s this morning? I don’t know but it is interesting.

   So, I take a good walk around the park. About half way through my walk, I see this old guy let his dog loose to chase a rabbit. I thought in my head, “Aw, the poor little rabbit.”

   He looked back after he had done it. He must have saw my quizzical face or something because as I was passing by him he stated, “Aw, I knew he couldn’t catch the rabbit. He just loves the chase.” He went on to tell me how he’s chased squirrels and cats. I said it might be different with bobcats. He said some cats will not run and the dog just stops and looks at the cat, “Like, don’t you know how to play this game?” It was an interesting conversation with an old stranger. I told him to “Have a good one!” He waved and yelled, “Good talking with you.” Interesting indeed. Would it have happened if I hadn’t chosen the Starbuck’s that I went to, along with the other seemingly last-minute decisions? I don’t know.

   I know GOD sets our times and places that we dwell, though. The good friends you have, the family you’re born into, the city that you were born, and the place that you breathe your last breath are a lot of the time out of your control in the ultimate scheme of things. Maybe  if I was born 6 “11″, I would be a huge basketball star living in some other major city? Maybe if I were born in 1800, I would be considered blind? Maybe if I were born in 2800, I would have a car that I could take vacations to the moon in? Maybe if I were born in an African village, I would never have known what it is like to live in America? Ultimately GOD sets our boundaries and times. May we be thankful of what He has given us and strive to follow the paths that He has put in front of us to His Glory! Praise the GOD, Who sets Our Times and Places!

   After all, just maybe we have been sent to certain places and times for a reason. Like Mordecai told Esther in Esther 4:14, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Shabbat Shalom!

“I read that book.” What constitutes a book being read?

   I’m always a little curious how much of a book someone actually reads when they say that they’ve read it. In school, I’ve read about speed reading, skimming over the nouns, and different methods of reading to get through several books for classes. I would usually always start in Chapter 1, skipping over the preface, forward, introduction, and table of contents.
  But now, I have a much harder time trying to speed read. I think because I am more interested in the things I read. I want to find out about the whole context of why the book was written, information on the author, the layout of the book, and one of my favorite things to read in a book is the bibliography and end notes. I want to know the resources, who this writer admires, his friends, and try to get into where he is coming from.
  I’ll read the back cover and the inner cover. I want to see what others thought of the book that I might have read or heard about. 

   I want to engage the book a little more. I find myself pondering over items longer. I find myself not wanting to miss one letter/number/text of any page. I might only get through a few pages, now. I used to be able to knock out 10-20 pages a night no problem. Well, I probably still do, but I have a harder time doing it with one book. I find myself reading anywhere from 3 to 10 books at the same time, along with blogs, articles, and a Messiah journal I receive quarterly. If you add facebook, e-mail, internet, and work in there, you’ve got a lot of reading. haha.

   Maybe, I’m a little OCD. lol.

   Anyway, just curious what others think constitutes a book being read?