Desiring God
If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. Psalm 119:92 NASB
Delight – How do you show your desire for God? What do you do that marks you as one who pursues Him? Don’t give me a generalized principle of ethical attitude. Don’t tell me that you just have to love everyone. Tell me what specific actions you take which show your devotion and your striving toward YHWH. List them, one by one.
Maybe David can offer you some help. David delights in God’s law. The Hebrew is torotka sha’ashuay. The noun sha’ashuim is derived from the verb shaa, “to take delight, joy, happiness in.” For David, Torah means joy! For most of us, Torah means rules. What happened to us? Why don’t we think of God’s instructions about eating, wearing clothes, praying, doing business, making loans, taking care of mistakes as joyful? Why do we initially react with negative feelings whenever anyone suggests that God expects, no, demands, Torah obedience?
Maybe our discomfort begins with history. David grew up in a world filled with kings. Dictators whose whim determined life and death. “How does the king feel today?” became the most important question in the world. In that world, rules were whatever the king made up. Life could change on the basis of the taste of the soup. And it was even worse with the gods. No one had any idea what they really wanted but everyone knew they punished disobedience. In that world, a written, unchangeable code of conduct was music to the ears. An absolute delight. An unspeakable joy. No more fear about what to do and what not to do. Now I know what God wants. Oh, happy day! I delight in His instructions because life has answers.
But not so in our Greek-Roman world. We still worry about the palate of the king (or the dictator or the mullah or the president). We still live in a world where the rules change on the basis of public opinion or political contribution. We are not secure. We don’t know what the gods of our geo-political catastrophe really want. The world is not at peace and no one can tell us how to find it. What we know for sure is that we don’t need more rules. We need more freedom. We need to be unencumbered so that we can fend for ourselves, protect ourselves, get out from under the thumb of someone else who makes us do things. In our world, a world full of fear, we need to get away from it all. We need a vacation from responsibilities and obligations. We need to move to Las Vegas. So for us, divine instructions—read “rules”—cannot mean joy. Rules mean additional burdens. Who needs them? The issue concerning Torah is not Torah. It is our view of rules. Torah is not out of alignment with happiness. We are out of alignment. Our opinion of rules is what’s wrong. We think freedom comes by not being constrained. The Bible tells us that freedom comes when we know what God wants and do it.
Now make your list. Oh, you don’t have to. Moses already made it for you.
Topical Index: delight, sha’ashuim, rules, Torah, Psalm 119:92
The Stone Edition says, “Had your TORAH not been my PREOCCUPATION, then I would have perished in my affliction.”
This edition often translates what KJV, NASV and others have as delight as “preoccupation.” It certainly grabs my attention in a different way. I am often preoccupied but not often enough am I preoccupied with His Torah. In fact, I often cut my time in His Torah short because I am preoccupied with work, play and all the “little things” in life. O YHVH, I praise you for the grace you showed us by giving us your Torah!
What a great translation of that verse. I have a copy of the Stone Ed but hadn’t looked at that verse. I’ll certainly have a look. Thanks for pointing that out. I do want to be more and more preoccupied with Torah.
I like this one a lot. Thank you!
To align myself with His will is to keep my choices 360 degrees. As are His. Then I can exclaim with Paul that all things are lawful (possible?) for me, but not all are expedient (best?). It used to bother me that all THINGS are lawful, and that the Creator created ALL things, as I thought that that left no place to deal with sin and all its woe. So I prayed about it. What I went back and saw next after that, though, put me back in understanding. I saw that evil is the ABSENCE of reality: that all things are good, but evil corrupts; it does not create or originate. It is a parasite. Evil is not a THING, but a temporary black hole in reality. It takes away real things. It perverts real things. It attributes real things to the wrong author, and mislabels them. It kills, and steals, and destroys.
The Law puts me back in my correct relationship with reality, which is at the head, and not the tail (Deut. 28:13) It keeps me at the beginning of the game, with all pieces still on the board. Every wrong move (outside the Law) limits the next, or removes a piece (choice). Freedom- the kind the Son came to offer back to us- is freedom of choice, is it not? The way I see it (please correct me): another way to describe the word ‘sin’ is to define it as anything that removes or limits my sovereignty of choice. It makes me a slave: unfree. The Law shows me what has been lost. At the beginning of things, all choices were clearly marked: no one had to guess which one was good for them; but in a dark hour for mankind, an enemy twisted the signpost around that pointed the way to life, and we have been confused ever since.
Sin, of course, lies to me and tells me the opposite: that it is the Law that limits my choices and diminishes my ‘freedom’; however, to believe that is clearly a sin in itself, because I am told that that is not true. But, then, sin is a lie, and a liar. Funny how I can forget that!
I continually reflect upon an insight I received from Rabbi Bob Gorelik. From the Patriarchs Israel learned how to behave as a family among other families. From Torah Israel learned how to behave as a nation among other nations. Israel went into Egypt as a family; but came out as a nation. As the tribe of Levi serves Israel, so Israel serves all nations. They are a nation of priests; a priesthood of the brethren. In order to participate in that brotherhood, as the Apostles have instructed, we must become Torah observant. It is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Regarding today’s question…”Delight – How do you show your desire for God? What do you do that marks you as one who pursues Him?” May I suggest a very simplistic response? There is NO other way to show your desire for GOD than to spend time with Him…in worship, praise, adoration, pleading, interceding. The older I get the more I realize that my time alone with Him has been much, much less than what He desires and what I need to develop the intimacy that will prepare me for eternal joyous relationship with Him and meaningful service to Him. There are far too few clergy and laypersons who are willing to make the commitment and take the time to pursue this type of relationship.
Fear: Firm Foundation of Love
January 21, 2014 at 4:52pm
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
~ Fear God, and keep His commandments:for this is the whole duty of man ~ (Ecclesiastes 12.13)
Specifically? ~ Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.…~
Fear and Love, both are masters of motivation. Why do we do- what we do? If we obey Him, is it out of fear or is it out of love? These two are related, for it is impossible to love ‘Someone’ we do not respect or honor. We (children) are to honor our parents. How is this done (specifically)? ~The wordof God provides us with ready answers.. ~ Children, obey your parents in theLORD.. ! To demonstrate, to show, to reveal our love towards mom and dad, we will obey them. (Ephesians 6.1) And our own LORD and Master has clearly said, ~ if(since) you love Me, -(please) keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father,and He will give you another Advocate-Helper-Comforter-Counselor who will neverl eave you ~ (John 14.15,16)
All throughout the scriptures, two”themes” emerge; two opposing “forces” are at work throughout human history. From the very top to the very bottom, each lay in stark contrast to each other, as witnessed in the testimonies and life-stories of all people everywhere, this choice remains for each individual: to obey or to rebel.
Over and over, (and over again), beginning with the very first couple and in every generation since, “obedience”to the voice of the LORD, (HIs instructions) has been either to the delight or the demise of each individual’s life-story. Adam and Eve disobeyed the Voice, (the instructions) of the LORD and the result, (the consequence) was? – (not good..) Booted out of Paradise because of what? -They did not listen (specifically-“shema” -to listen and do, to hear and to obey) what God had clearly instructed: “Do NOT eat the fruit.” (Genesis 2.17) Yes, Eve. Yes, Adam. – God did say..”don’t eat the fruit” !-
(Remember?)
Abraham listened to the voice of the LORD,when He asked (not commanded!) him to sacrifice his only son, (whom he loved!).Abraham made the choice of a lifetime to obey his life-long Friend- and?- and it was “counted unto him for righteousness..” – through faith and by faith (our right-response to what God says) Abraham made the right decision, -to obey (even unto death)- to “shema” the instructions of Elohim.
God instructed Noah to build an ark. Did Noah obey? He did.- And the result of Noah’s obedience? Deliverance and blessing-and (no doubt!) great joy.
In story after story, the pattern emerges.. but let’s “go to the top (or was it bottom?) of the rung”- Let us look at the angel Lucifer and remember his sad story.
Who (way back when) rebelled against theLORD and exalted himself above the Most High, and as a result, ( every choice is followed by a consequence) was booted out of Heaven taking one third ofHeaven’s angels with him when he left? From Lucifer to Satan, – how the mighty(?) have fallen! Yes, -pride does go before a fall!
Is there any man among us who has NEVER disobeyed God? Yes! There is ONE! The Man, (the second Adam), Jesus Christ”The” Righteous! (1 John 2.1) No other Rabbi (or Catholic priest!)- nor any otherman may make this claim- ~”Which of you convinces me of sin?” ~ (and please..- don’t look at me!) No. No. and no!
Again, we must remember “ALL” have sinned.. All is all, with the exception of One. Go ahead.. (I’ll wait..). Name them “one by one..” Adam? -sinner. “Father Abraham?” -sinner. Mighty Moses? -sinner. King David,- Sweet singer and savior of Israel? – sinner. “ALL” the disciples forsook Him and fled..
And what about us?- And what about you? There is no “if” here.. We (self assuredly included)are a sorry lot. “Sinners r us.” ~ what do the scriptures say? ~ (again.. “all have sinned..”)
~ that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God ~ (Romans 3.19)
Shall we stop right here?-or pause for just a moment? Just the facts, (m’am). Fact is, we “all” are sinners. Do we need further proof?
What we (all) need is a Savior. A Deliver. A Near-Kinsman Redeemer. One who is very near and One who is “mighty to save.”
What is this new testimony of Paul, (formerly known as Saul?)
~ This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. ~ (1 Timothy 1.15)
What does Christ (Himself)say to us? ~ They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. ~
What was the heartfelt plea of the Philippian jailor? ~ Sirs, what must I do to be saved? ~
And what was the ready response of Paul and Silas to him? ~Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ -and you will be saved ~ (Acts 16.31)
And what are these words from God’s own Word?:
~ Because God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send HisSon into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved ~ (John 3.16,17)
Friend, ~ God has demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, – we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him..~ (Romans 5.8,9)
~ And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; byHim, I say, whether they be things in Earth, or things in Heaven ~ (Colossians1.20)
Have you seen this Man? ~Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.. ~ (John 1.29)
~ This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you ~( Luke 22.20)
The pieces of the puzzle are now coming together. All the players have been assembled. The Word of God has revealed the “famous five:”- The Who, What, Where, When and Why. With 20/20 hindsight we may know and now say- It was “AT CALVARY.” Mercy there was great and grace was free.. (Was it free? Or was it “purchased” for us at so great a cost?) Pardon (forgiveness?) now is multiplied to me. For me? He died for me? Is He a “personal?” Savior? He is mine. And what a Savior He is! (Hallelujah!). There, (where?) AT CALVARY- my burdened soul found liberty- “Father, forgive him (me) and He died in my place and in my stead and took upon Himself the full and righteous wrath of the Father as my substitutionary Sacrifice, the Just for the unjust -innocent Lamb’s blood was shed- “there” at Calvary. His body-His blood and His dying breath, -an atoning holy Sacrifice for the sins of the world: ~ Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.~
The purpose of the Torah?
The purpose of the Tslav?
Both, eternally serve the purpose and will of YHWH. ~ For God is not willing that any should perish, but that “all men everywhere” should be saved. ~ Yes, because God SO LOVED the world, He gave..-the Supreme Sacrifice. ~ “Greater love has no one than this, that One lay down His life for His friends.” ~ Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God is One..” ~ Is the Lamb from God worthy of our worship? Is He?
~ The Way-The Truth and The Life are a Man- the One Mediator between God and man- the Man, Christ Jesus. ~ (1 Timothy 2.5)
Amen.
Fear, a Foundation of Love
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: ~ Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man ~ (Ecclesiastes 12.13)
Specifically? ~ Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.…~
Fear and Love, both are masters of motivation. Why do we do- what we do? If we obey Him, is it out of fear or out of love? These two are related, for it is impossible to love ‘Someone’ we do not respect or honor. We (children) are to honor our parents. How is this done (specifically)? ~The word of God provides us with ready answers.. ~ Children, obey your parents in the LORD.. ! If we love them, we will obey them. (Ephesians 6.1) And our own LORD and Master has clearly said, ~ if (since) you love Me, -(please) keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate-Helper-Comforter-Counselor who will never leave you ~
All throughout the scriptures, two “themes” emerge, two opposing “forces” are at work throughout human history. From the very top to the very bottom, and in stark contrast to each other, as witnessed in the testimonies and life-stories of all people everywhere, the choice remains for each individual: to obey or to rebel.
Over and over, (and over again), beginning with the very first couple and in every generation since, “obedience” to the voice of the LORD, (HIs instructions) has been either the delight or the demise of each individual’s life-story. Adam and Eve disobeyed the Voice, (the instructions) of the LORD and the result, (the consequence) was? – (not good..) Booted out of Paradise because of what? -They did not listen (specifically -“shema” -to listen and to do what God had clearly instructed: “Do NOT eat the fruit.” Yes, Eve. Yes, Adam. God did say..”don’t eat the fruit” !- remember?
Abraham listened to the voice of the LORD, when He asked (not commanded!) him to sacrifice his only son, (whom he loved!). Abraham made the choice of a lifetime to obey his life-long Friend- and?- and it was “counted unto him for righteousness..” – through faith and by faith (our right-response to what God says) Abraham made the right decision, – to obey (even unto death) the instructions of God.
God instructed Noah to build an ark. Did Noah obey? He did.- And the result of Noah’s obedience? Deliverance and blessing- and (no doubt!) great joy.
In story after story, the pattern emerges.. but let’s “go to the top (or was it bottom?) of the rung”- Let us look at the anglel Lucifer and remember his sad story.
Who (way back when) rebelled against the LORD and exalted himself above the Most High, and as a result, ( every choice is followed by a consequence) was booted out of Heaven taking one third of Heaven’s angels with him when he left? From Lucifer to Satan, – how the mighty (?) have fallen! Yes, -pride does go before a fall!
Is there any man among us who has NEVER disobeyed God? Yes! There is ONE! The Man, (the second Adam), Jesus Christ “The” Righteous! No other Rabbi (or Catholic priest!)- nor any other man may make this claim- ~”which of you convinces me of sin?” ~ (and please..- don’t look at me!) No. No. and no!
Again, we must remember “ALL” have sinned.. All is all, with the exception of One. Go ahead.. (I’ll wait..). Name them “one by one..” Adam? sinner. “Father Abraham?” sinner. Mighty Moses? sinner. King David,- Sweet singer and savior of Israel? sinner. “ALL” the disciple forsook Him and fled..
And what about us?- And what about you? There is no “if” here.. We (self assuredly included) are a sorry lot. Sinners r us. ~ what do the scriptures say? ~
~ that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God ~ (Romans 3.19)
Shall we stop right here?- or pause for just a moment? Just the facts, (m’am). We “all” are sinners. Do we need further proof?
What we (all) need is a Savior. A Deliver. A Near-Kinsman Redeemer. One who is “mighty to save.”
What is this new testimony of Paul, (formerly known as Saul?)
~ This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. ~
What does Christ (Himself) say to us? ~ They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. ~
What is the heartfelt plea of the Philippian jailor? ~ Sirs, what must I do to be saved? ~
What was the ready response of Paul and Silas to him? ~ Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ -and you will be saved ~ (Acts 16.31)
And what are these words from God’s own Word?:
~ Because God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved ~ (John 3.16,17)
Friend, ~ God has demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, – we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him..~ (Romans 5.8,9)
~ And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in Earth, or things in Heaven ~ (Colossians 1.20)
Have you seen this Man? ~ Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.. ~ (John 1.29)
~ This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you ~( Luke 22.20)