Driftin’ Blues
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30
Do – “The ordinary believer is not necessarily someone who has made a major decision, but rather someone who continues the tradition of his ancestors, perhaps by merely drifting or wandering about. . . . The moral argument against such a person is that he ought to be conscious of those of his actions and considerations that are of great importance for his life. Drift may be considered an extenuating circumstance in the case of great error, but it does not exonerate the person from blame.”[1] Reminds me of Eric. (It’s worth listening to the whole thing :))
Notice the cry of the jailer. “What must I do?” This is a defining moment in his life. He must take action. He must change course. The past no longer matters. The traditions of his predecessors are useless. Now, at this moment, he must know the truth!
Ti me dei poiein says the jailer. Notice that he does not ask what he must believe. He focuses his attention on action. The two crucial Greek words, dei and poieo, carry the message, “I must take action, but I don’t know what action to take.” In this moment of crisis, everything he once assumed to be true about his life and his way of living has been called into question. There is no way back. What he requires is the proper steps forward.
Because Paul answers “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” in our translations, we automatically shift the message from action to thought. We interpret Paul as if he were providing a “salvation message” about changing one’s mind. Our view of “believe” has been altered to fit the predominate rational model of religion, so we naturally assume that Paul is asking the jailer to acknowledge some truth about Jesus. But “believe on” in Paul’s world has very little to do with a shift in thinking. Paul uses these Greek words as if they were the equivalent of the Hebrew ‘aman (e.g. Genesis 15:6). The principle meaning of ‘aman is not what I think. It is what I stand on. ‘aman is a word about foundations; what is reliable, what is firm, what is trustworthy. To believe on Yeshua HaMashiach is to adopt His words and His actions as the foundation of my words and my actions. It is to copy Him as a reliable and trustworthy guide for living. I may have to change my thinking in the process, but I will certainly have to change my doing. This is a moment when drift no longer governs my behavior. I decide to change the bedrock of my life, and that implies a major shift in behavior.
Since contemporary evangelical religion emphasizes this moment of decision, many believers can point to a change-of-direction conversion experience. But that isn’t what Paul means either. To shift the bedrock of my life is to shift everything about how I subsequently behave. I move house! I don’t simply decide to move house and then stay where I am while I make plans to someday change locations or wait for the moving van to arrive. The jailer knew that his way of life had to change. He could no longer drift. He needed a new course, and he needed it now.
To drift is to put more importance on the beliefs of our heritage than on the truth. To drift is to stop asking, “What must I do?”
Topical Index: What must I do?, dei, poieo, believe, Acts 16:30
[1] Halbertal and Margalit, Idolatry, pp. 169-170.
The thought is the father of the deed. I am not afraid of “the brain”. G-d gave me one to use. (It is a little rusty tho’). Before I do (anything), I’m going to think about it.
My young daughter decided to jump off the front porch while wearing her roller skates. End result?- a broken arm. “What were you thinking?,” I asked. She wasn’t. She just “did.”
Don’t be afraid of the brain. YWHW knows we are thinking creatures. He is the ONE who designed us. He is the ONE who knows our thoughts. He knows my “every thought.” Do I have a problem with this? Not one bit. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart- be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer.”
We are now and forever will be “thinking creatures.” Are we to remove our brains and “just do it?” No, no and no. It cannot happen. Unless we’re “brain-dead.” What we need is a renewed “mind”. What we need is a “regenerated” mind. Correct thinking leads to correct actions. This very moment I am “engaging” and “employing” my mind to guide my fingers across the keyboard.
“Unplug your brain and come to Christ”.. “just do it.” I don’t think so. (There you go thinking again..lol!)
Where does this “drifting” start? In the brain. Incorrect thinking. “All we like sheep (with a brain the size of a walnut) have gone astray.” The solution? “Repent.” (Metanoia- a “shudder”.. Greek word)
The advertising slogan of Apple Computer a few years back was “Think Different.” I believe (yes, that is a pun) this to be a fairly accurate description of “repent.” “Think Different” and then, “Do Different”, “Live Different”, Walk Different”, “Talk Different”, “Love Different”- all these spring from “Think Different.” As a man thinketh in his heart- so is he. We are as Zig Ziglar has said, victims of “stinkin’ thinkin’.”
The ability to repent (think different) is a gift from G-d. Of all the gifts to pray for “repentance” should be at the top of our list. Why? First, here is something to “ease the mind.” “Genuine repentance will be demonstrated.” Our attitudes alter our actions. Our behavior is a by-product of our beliefs. Our creeds control our conduct. Our doctrine determines our deeds. “Genuine repentance will be demonstrated.”
Not to worry.. there will be a “doing.” Abraham’s “right response” to “believing” G-d’s words was obedience. He saddled his donkey and made preparations to “do” what G-d asked him to do. But first, He “believed G-d.” (Brain activity was involved in this process) -Then he “busted a move” to carry out G-d’s instructions.
“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved”, carries a lot more “weight” than we can know. This one scripture verse from the word of G-d can be “chewed on” with great delight. But, this being “saved” is only a starting point. There is more.. (always more!..), “in Christ!” (-you think?..)
I understand what you are saying, Carl. I have tended to be a doer, somethimes without too much thought about what I ended up in trouble. However, when it comes to issues of faith, I can see that thought allows too much wiggle room. In particular, what I think Skip is putting out is that if I get wrapped up in thought, thinking that correct “thought” is what is important, I am in trouble again. God may well have given me the ability to think. However what he wants is for me to do as he wants me to do. Not to think as he wants me to think but to DO! Now, I may be a doer, but the question for me this morning is, “Is my doing in line with what he wants me to do?” Ah, that is a whole different thing and I will have to think about that. It is my Merry-go-round.
We are to “walk” by faith and not by sight. My “seeing” (or understanding/perceiving) may say one thing, but if (it is a big “if”), I am to respond via faith (my right response to what G-d says), the answer will always be a resounding “yes.” Why?- Because YHWH who is holy, compassionate, kind, and all-wise wants nothing but what is best for me. Surprise of surprises- He loves me! (Dirty diapers, warts and all!- He loves me!) This brother Roy, I know. There is no need to fear Someone who loves you perfectly. This ONE can be trusted totally. (Shall we rehearse once again just who our G-d is?- lol!). Will “Savior” suffice? (One down- two hundred ninety nine to go..)
It is not our “thinking” brother Roy or even our “choosing.” It is our aligning our thoughts with His thoughts and our ways with His ways. Our “right” thinking. Yes, “what He says.” “What does G-d say about that?” We need to “search the scriptures” for our “right” answers because His words (as we by now, I hope) know, are true, righteous, just, pure and lovely.
There is no “magic wand” involved here. Not a “poof” and your done. This is our (universal) daily struggle. But, the strength is in the struggle and G-d IS for us! (one moment please.. Hallelujah!).
The “purpose” or will of YHWH is to “conform” us to the image of the Son. I really do believe the keys or clues are within the words of G-d’s word. This particular word “conform” is a (eek!..Greek) word of heat and pressure.
This “heat and pressure” gives us another “clue”, this is no primrose pathway. (amen?).
We have been told (it is written), “seek” and you will find. Brother Skip has shared with us the “intensity” of this work “seek”. We do need to “kick it up a notch” and “heed and hearken” unto every word that proceeds out of the mouth of G-d. Where are these words found?… “Back to the Bible”. We (notice the “we”) do err, not knowing the scripture nor the power of G-d. (Helpful household hint..)- He created the world by speaking it into existence.. How many times have we read (it is written)- “and the word of the LORD came to”, and the word of the LORD came to..”
Yes, brother Roy, it not our thinking at all. Not our thoughts- His thoughts-written for us in His book of instruction.
Does our “thinking” align with Philippians 4:8? -Have we “brought into captivity every thought to the obedience of (the) Christ? -Do we ever have a long way to go..
I’m sure glad- “with G-d all things are possible!” -He is Able, if we are willing..
The Hebrew language is a relationship oriented, action language. Skip, in “Driftin Blues” you wrote
“I move the house! I don’t simply decide to move house and then stay where I am while I make plans to someday change locations or wait for the moving van to arrive.”
The Hebrew word for REPENT is Shoov Shin-Bet. Dr. Frank Seekins writes in his book, the Gospel in Ancient Hebrew, that the word Shoov means “to destroy the house.” When we destroy the “old house”, there is nothing left to return to of our old life.
According to Dr. Frank Seekins, the Hebrew word Aman is built from the Hebrew word Mother. By adding the letter noon (a fish darting, life) at the end of the word (Aleph-Mem) the word Aman is formed. Dr. Seekins writes “the word Aman means faithful, the ancient word picture says that faithfulness is the life of a Mother.”
Faithfulness and trust worthiness are the bed rock foundation of the character of God, that we are to base our trust and belief.
RIGHT ON! So, let’s move the house. Or as Stevie Ray would say, “If the house is a’rocking”
The implications of destroying the house are pretty big! It’s easy to look back (I’m thinking of Lot’s wife – and the results there were disastrous – salt anyone?) if the house is still standing. It’s easy to stick around or even go back if the house is still standing, because it’s comfortable and doesn’t require any effort. If it’s gone, destroyed, there is no choice but to change.
Side question: who is Dr. Frank Seekins?
Google Frank Seekins. He has some amazing material on ancient Hebrew. Stuff you need to read.
A few tangental reflections on today’s article:
1st: From July 21st LETTING GOD: CHRISTIAN MEDITATIONS FOR RECOVERING PERSONS:
In the Middle Ages, devils were thought to be the major cause of misfortune and misery. The specific demons thought to be responsible for depression and despair were called “blue devils.” …. (hence) “the blues”….
2nd: Proverbs 19:27 “Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Are ‘ceasing to listen’ and ‘straying’ components of drifting? This verse must refer to Torah observance since it was written to Jews, but it now also applies to believers who seek YHWH with all their heart.
3rd: Brad Reynolds wrote a song, “The Edge” (see a review here: http://www.transparentchristianmagazine.com/2008/03/06/transprent-christian-magazine-interview-brad-reynolds-jason-elkins/ ) where the lyrics are posted:
I dreamed I fell
And I landed on my soul and I cried
‘Til I couldn’t cry no more,
But my heart kept breaking
Until I heard You say
Come with me,
Come and see…and You said
Let’s walk out to the edge tonight
Just to see how far you’d have to fall
Before My love could not make it right
Ten times the highest mountain is still too small
“Reminds me of Eric. (It’s worth listening to the whole thing)”
Hi Skip,
One thing I know for sure is that I believe in Eric’s guitar; wow, it is unbelievable!
How can a guy with a mechanical device create and communicate such a powerful emotional effect?
Regarding “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30, I’m a little confused.
Didn’t you say that nothing I can do will save me; that I will be saved by the grace of God, or not?
Seems to me the only real question is “what does God want me to do?”
And the simple answer is “act like Jesus,” but that is easier said than done.
Perhaps I should have said that God offers me salvation but it is of no avail unless I accept it. There is nothing I can do to earn it nor is there anything I can do to deserve it, but it isn’t a gift to me until I take it.
And Eric is terrific. I have looked everywhere to that cut of Driftin’ but I can’t find it except on this video clip. I loved the key changes.
Michael, as stated many many times, salvation is by GRACE alone, the gift of God to all who will receive. However, it takes more than to “just believe”. Hebrew is an ACTION oriented language. One must ACT on his/her beliefs, especially in the dialy walk of LIFE!
As it is written:
Deut 6:3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it;
What we all DO, is to walk out the life that is deep within our own hearts. Once I come face to face with truth, it rocks my world, and I must decide if it is, in fact, truth or even if it fits my own personal world view. Once a person has met Jesus, his heart is broken by the conviction of sin, and the heart recognizes divine truth, and after that, he/she destroys the old house, and begins to walk with ther LORD every day. Love is NOT a warm fuzzy feeling, it is an act of the will. ACTION again. Sadly, Christianity has drifted from her Jewish roots.
Michale, you wrote that one should act “like Jesus” and this is true and born out by the scriptures.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Look up, in the Strong’s concordance, the word translated as END in the verse above. This verse is often quoted as proof text, that we are no longer “under the law” but “under grace.”
The word is TELOS and it means
From a primary word τέλλω tellō (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically an impost or levy (as paid): – + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare G5411.
To be like Jesus is the GOAL of the Torah (law) for everyone who believes, and it is the Torah that will guide us there.
Agreed. It is timely that last week’s Torah portion (Ekev) and this week’s (Re’eh) both deal with the issue of obedience. “I set before you this day a blessing and a curse – blessings if you obey, curses if you don’t”. Basically the teaching of Ekev is this – if you obey, you live in God’s blessings. If you don’t, you perish. Re’eh gives details of how to obey, in five critical areas:
Who you call God (i.e. stay away from idolatry)
How you deal with other people
What you eat
How you spend your money
How you (individually) worship God.
It is worth noting, though, that the language is not prescriptive but descriptive in terms of the consequences (just like in Genesis). In other words, “if you don’t obey, you’ll perish” is not a threat but rather a description of the natural consequences of disobedience to God’s instructions. God says, “The instructions I’m giving you aren’t too hard, they aren’t far away, they’re for your good because I know what’s best (after all, I made you and the world you live in). If you’ll follow them, you’ll be “healthy, wealthy (but not for the sake of greed or self-gratification, but rather to look after those in need) and wise”. If you don’t, you’ll go like the rest of the world, into sickness, disease, depravity and ultimately death. You’ll perish, slowly (and perhaps even painfully), so you’ll have plenty of time to repent.
I highly recommend Monte Judah’s weekly Torah portion teaching for the last 2 weeks for good, clear, straight to the point teaching on these portions.
We learned the following principles from the live of Abraham:
Faith is counted for righteousness; righteousness has kissed (is intimately associated with) justice; justice demands sacrifice; through sacrifice you receive salvation. Of course, the perfect sinless sacrifice was Yeshua HaMoshiach, the “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world”. HE is our Yeshua, our Salvation. Salvation comes through faith (hearing and acting on the Word of God).
What about obedience? Obedience brings blessing (“Since you have obeyed me, now will I bless you”) – disobedience brings curses.
In the words of Joshua, “Choose you this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve YHVH”.