What Didn’t Matter Before (Rewind)
The sins which pass unnoticed beset a man on the Day of Judgment. Avodah Zarah 18a
Unnoticed – “Hypocrisy and rationalization transform the tokens of religious life from sources of grandeur to sources of shame.”[1] Stone goes on to suggest that worshipping God in a state of “uncleanness” is worse than not worshipping Him at all.
How did we get into this despicable state in the first place? We certainly did our best to clean up those deliberate acts of disobedience. We might have struggled to remove some habitual sin, to live a “moral” life. But then we discover upon more careful reflection that a good number of our actions are the result of simple cultural accommodation. They don’t seem to be violations of God’s delightful instructions because we have become used to them. But when we really look, we find that more often than not we are either excusing our behavior because it doesn’t seem bad to us, or we are claiming the high ground but actually allowing cultural assumptions to rule the choices we really make.
The best, and most persistent, example of this rationalization and hypocritical behavior is eating. Our society put off the biblical requirements concerning food centuries ago. As a result, without actually thinking about what we are doing, we consume digestible product which the Bible does not consider food. And when our attention is drawn to this discrepancy, we either respond with an excuse or a rationalization. We cover up our sin with “common sense” and culture. The things that pass unnoticed will be revealed on the Day of Judgment, and then it will be too late to change.
I imagine that most of us have, at one time or another, attempted to come to terms with kosher. So perhaps “food” is no longer swept under the cultural carpet for you. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other things—things that if you really stopped long enough to consider, you would realize that the source of their justification is not the Bible but rather the society. Perhaps how you dress, the words you use, the nearly automatic judgments you make about other people, the bias you show toward some, the assumptions you make about others, the way that you maneuver in order to achieve maximum success for yourself, the double standards you employ—all perfectly acceptable in the society but all suspect under the holiness of God. Things you don’t usually even think about. Well, now is the time to think about them.
What actions and attitudes have you rationalized as “not really being that bad”? What have you habitually done and found ample excuses for doing? How do you take care of yourself in ways that you know might be on the edge of righteousness but don’t cause waves in the culture? Once we embark on the pathway toward holiness, most if not all of our common behaviors will have to come under scrutiny—now or then. Better now.
Topical Index: unnoticed, Avodah Zarah, excuse, rationalization
[1] Ira Stone’s commentary on Moses Luzzatto, Mesallit Yesharim, p. 108.
So, no more praying over those bacon sandwiches!
My feelings agree with Stone. My mind is uncertain.
My question: If we know / understand a restriction and the reason for it, is it still forbidden?
E.g. The kid boiling in its mother’s milk was forbidden apparently because it was a Philistine pagan worship ritual.
Interesting how orthodox Jews will not eat prawns but the disciple Barnabas explained that actually calamari was forbidden.
1 Corinthians 10:
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
So here are the questions to ask, according to Paul:
1. Is it glorifying God, or myself or someone or something else?
2. Does it offend either those I identify with, or those I do NOT identify with?
3. Does it “please all men in all things”; does it benefit those around me; does it give them a little taste of love and perhaps give them the opportunity to want more?
This is so hard! This goes way beyond kosher!
Animals have complicated rituals for eating. Even hungry vultures have a pattern of eating that keeps the peace and benefits all. The microorganisms in the soil are highly interactive and nothing in nature eats in total isolation from that around them. It’s not only WHAT I put in my mouth, but when, where, how and why and who with, too. We do not live by bread alone; food eaten for its own sake ultimately does not nourish us according to the greater pattern. And this is just food!
The question I have is HOW do I glorify God in all? Robert, you were on to something the other day when you were talking about boundaries. These underlying principles are what I am after, for they are like a litmus test that helps me put everything through so that I can know whether or not I am actually doing “all to the glory of God”. So help me, God.
Can you worship acceptably if you are not “clean”? Does “unclean” food make you unclean?
Is the NT instruction to eat “kosher” ? Listen to Jakob, Shaul and John…
Acts.15:20 but that we write to them that they abstain from [fn]things contaminated by idols …
Acts.15:29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols … ]if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”
Ats.21:25 “But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote, having decided that they should abstain from [fn]meat sacrificed to idols …
1 Cor.10:28 But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake;
1 Cor.8:10For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols?
Rev.2:14 ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.
Rev.2:20 ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
1 Cor.8:4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that [fn]there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.
But then when we understand the reason (1 Cor.8:4)…. it does the instruction still apply???
The way I read the above quoted verses, you would have to ask does it give offense to others, or dishonor God? I also understand this to mean kosher food. If I give offense to others with kosher food, then, the way I read the verse, I either need to do something about the offense, or the eating situation. Further, I don’t think that kosher just means blessed by a rabbi, or that I cannot eat anything UNLESS it is. I don’t think ancient Israel did, either. I DO think we need to talk more about what food should be. Lots of muddy water, here!
Discouraging LGBT(PB) activity will this day give offence to many 😉
I am more concerned about misleading others (through my actions) which I think is what you also mean.
And, of course being obedient to YHWH.
I apologise… I did not mean kosher in relation to Judaism. I should have said “clean food”.
Good morning Pieter, glad to see you back active, as I haven’t seen you post in a while. Here’s something to consider in regards to your question. The question regarding food sacrificed to idols and dietary restrictions, although both concern what we eat, are actually 2 different issues. One under the covenant is to abide by the terms of the covenant willingly, whether understanding is present or not. (ie, eating pork is never permitted) The eating of food (permitted under the covenant, (lamb chops) that has been devoted to an idol is a matter of knowledge, conscience, and the consideration of love. I’ve found that in certain settings and among certain people I have a tendency to speak less guarded because I feel I’m in a “safe” place. I find out later, you never know who’s listening. As Yeshua said, it’s not what you put in that makes you unclean, (food) but what comes out. (heart)
Shalom Robert
It is good to be back.
Thank you for a very good answer.
I struggle with 2 more issues. Maybe I am just being stubborn. But let’s take eating Pork…
Do I not eat it purely because it is instruction and not question why?
Or do I not eat it because it makes me unclean inside, preventing me from approaching (worshiping) YHWH and the Ruach from entering / covering me?
The first scenario is an understandable special condition for Israel after the golden calf but is it still for us under the new covenant.
The problems are the second scenario and Noach who new to discern between clean and unclean animals.
As well as what Yashua and Shaul said about eating.
I’m sure I’m unable to “give” you an answer for these questions, nor do I want to. But, here’s something to think about. The terms of the covenant are mutual and when we step outside of those terms, we isolate (or risk isolating) ourselves from an agreed upon understanding and relationship. No matter whether the understanding is given or not, the greater issue is relationship and unity with God. That’s in large part what I base my walk on. Why risk isolation, didn’t I have enough of that before. It’s not about walking in condemnation or guilt, it’s about walking in unison with the Living God, and THAT, is pure joy!!
My personal take on Noah and Abraham is that they were aware of and conformed to the same laws that I would suggest were RE- iterated at Mt. Sanai, while the levitical system was a different (new?) thing. But that’s just a hunch! 🙂 Anyhoo… it’s good to see your advancement in regards to these things, it’s apparent that although absent, you were still busy!
YHWH bless you and keep you……….
Thanks again.
From your reply, I conclude that you only eat “clean” food. I agree with that.
(I also get your explanation about your walk with YHWH)
But what I am looking for is the reason for only eating “clean” food.
Blind obedience? (which I am fine with) Fencing in TORAH?
or because the “unclean” makes you “unclean” and prevents you to interact / worship YHWH.
The original and new covenant (marriage contract) is summarised in the 10 clauses / words.
The levitical system was conditions / compromise imposed (to prevent total annihilation) post the golden calf episode.
Shalom
All the above! 🙂
Easy way out 😉
But I agree. Better safe than sorry.
This is what I have determined so far. Wisdom is to do what God says. But he tells us to seek understanding-no you are not wrong to want to undestand. In coming to understand you come to know the heart of your creator more. I believe all of God’s world and law are like a big object lesson to us and as we live them out we discover the truth. I watched a video put out by 119 ministries that impacted me about the eating laws. All clean animals can be killed instantly-no pain and they bleed out quickly. The unclean animals veins are of such that they cannot be killed this way. They will fill pain and probably slower death. Maybe it is the mercy of God towards the unclean that he has told us not to eat them. An object lesson of untold worth for me.
FOR JEWS ONLY !
Why do we perpetuate the guilt associated with this question? The Torah was given to those who were at Mt. Sinai! (See Deuteronomy 5:2 – 3) Him “the Lord our God made a covenant with us atHoreb. The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, all of those who are alive here today.” Now, I look at these two verses and I don’t think they need much interpretation.… The covenant at Horeb was given to Israel. It was not given to the nations.
In Deuteronomy 5:14.… Or the Sojourner who stays with you, so that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. (This Sabbath commandment has been qualified by Yahweh when he says that it relates to these Sojourner, who is living with you, and your mail and female servants so they may rest. They are not required to rest. I’m getting into this deeper than I wanted to, let me just say that we really need to look at the Torah closely and to the commandments that argument to those at Sinai, and the gerim that sojourns in the midst of Israel. We are not, as Abraham was not subject to the laws that were handed down at Sinai. We are the Goyim of the nations. If I am wrong about this, please let me know with Scripture! If I am wrong I really want to be corrected! Love d
Brother there remains with most of the commandments a phrase the can not be easily dismissed “do this until the end of your generations”.
Hi Dennis, you might want to ask yourself what does it mean that we are grafted in to the commonwealth of Israel. I am aware of the prevalent understanding of that term, but go and search it out for yourself, then see what you think. But that Abraham wasn’t subject to the laws handed down at Sanai is a true statement, doesn’t mean he wasn’t aware, or subject to God’s “laws”, as it states very clearly that he was. The difference is a matter of willingness, hence the description of him as the “father” of our faith.
When you all talk of “kosher” what is your definition? Is it true Kosher eating or is it not eating tripe?
Skip and I spoke briefly about why one would not convert to Judaism and following all the Jewish “rules” was part of the discussion. So my question to all here, which I am sure will bring different response from all, is how do you observe the dietary laws, if I might ask?
Thank you for your insights in advance.
Dear Cheryl, when you read Torah ,look for the words, stranger,sojourner,alien etc. Look for the phrases “in your midst , in your towns, among you” and other similar.Maybe start with EX 31.12-17…The sabbath was given as a sign between Yah and the sons of Israel..love d
In Genesis 9.3 …every moving thing that lives shall be food for you..”This was addressed to Noah, not to those at Sinai..It changed at Sinai, if you were of Jacob..love d
Dennis, with this line of thinking, there are then no laws against sexual relations with your mother, father, sister, or brother, either. Those sexual laws were for The Jews only! Noah didn’t have laws against having relations with his granddaughter so neither should we!
You can see how “pre-law = our law” thinking can take a nasty turn.
And it also says that about every green thing, but I don’t see people eating poison ivy. ? But the issue at hand is still concerning covenant. In your earlier post you said we were the goyim of the nations, but you can’t be “grafted” into Israel and still be “of the nations”. Grafted in is to be part of and enjoined with Israel ( through the messiah) that brings us under covenant with Israel. One can argue that we are under a “new” covenant, and indeed we are, but that covenant is about the “law” being written on the heart, not tablets of stone. I hope that gives you something to chew on, I’m not being disagreeable or arguementitave, only sharing an alternative consideration.
arguementitave, how did that happen! argumentative!!
Thank you for your response but I think you misunderstood my question. I may have presented it badly. I am.not questioning who the dietary laws are for I am simply asking a personal question of those willing to share their own observance of the law. Not a theological question at all. It’s a personal one. I am not going to judge anyone for their particular choices I was just interested in where people fall in their observance in their own lives. Maybe not a good thing for me to ask here. I would hate for someone to express their personal choice and then be judged for it, that was not my intent. I simply wanted to know how each person defines “Kosher” in their life and why. There is no wrong answer and I would not argue with anyone or debate their choice.
Thank you
Cheryl, I think the simplest way to handle this is to look at how Yeshua the Messiah lived, His example, His life. Follow Him, not just believe in Him. I think that for Him, love was always the bottom line.
Personally, I’m new on this journey. I grew up in “Christian” church with “Christian” doctrine. I’ve been wrestling with the idea of kosher for a while. Just last month, I decided to change my diet. Even that decision was based on my desire to err on the side of caution. I would rather eat clean and find out it wasn’t necessary than to eat unclean and never realize (or never admit to myself) that it was sin and causing separation from Almighty.
I am currently working through each of the mitzvot and trying to ask Holy Spirit how I can honor Father through each of those laws. Even if the letter of the law has changed (e.g. The Priesthood), the spirit of the law has not.
This might include ALL the boxed “foods” ( not real foods) we eat regularly. The fake creams for coffee for instance. Then we ask God, “Why am I not healthy”…..just food (pardon the pun) for thought.
At first reading this I sense what I think is the fear of YHVH and I am just humbled and convicted. However, upon further reflection, I am questioning the focus on such matters that, for some people, including myself, can actually so easily become an unholy obsession about what may be the more subtle matters of righteousness and, I believe, potentially even contrary to a life of true faith, and so I wonder if such a focus is truly righteous.
Then I realize the answer one gives depends on some other matters to be considered first. For instance, on the one hand, to neglect some seemingly “minute” concerns does not seem to be the righteous thing to do. And on the other hand, to obsess about them to the neglect of weightier matters, is definitely not the righteous thing to do. Herein lies the challenge, for me anyways.
I’m considering the following two related passages of Scripture and wondering what to think of them in light of this focus on “unnoticed sins”.
Here’s one by Messiah:
“Woe to you, Torah scholars and Pharisees, hypocrites! You tithe mint and dill and cumin, yet you have neglected the weightier matters of Torah—justice and mercy and faithfulness. It is necessary to do these things without neglecting the others. O blind guides, straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel! [Mat 23:23-24]
Has He ever reproved anyone for the inverse, straining out a camel while swallowing a gnat?
Here’s another by Solomon:
“Do not be overly righteous nor overly wise—why confound yourself? Do not be overly wicked and do not be a fool—why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not withdraw your hand from the other. For the one who fears God will escape both extremes.” [Ecc 7:16-18]
Now about Skip’s mention of the “unnoticed sins” about “the words you use”. Here I can definitely shutter a bit within myself, though not enough I’m sure, when I begin to consider what Messiah and Solomon, as well as others, have said about that.
For instance:
Pro 29:20 Do you see someone hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than him.
Ecc 5:1 Do not be quick with your mouth nor hasty in your heart to utter a word in God’s presence. For God is in heaven, and you are on the earth—therefore, let your words be few.
Ecc 10:12-13 The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness.
And here’s the clincher, by the Master, Himself:
Mat 12:36-37 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
And:
Luk 19:22, 27 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'”
Here it seems that even “minute” words are, possibly, actually “the weightier matters of Torah”. May the Ruach be the One to convict us of what truly are our yet “unnoticed sins”, the gnats AND the camels.
May YHVH grant mercy to all who call upon Him in ruach and emet (spirit and truth) and may He grant all sufficient help to be continually and truly convicted of all hypocrisy and rationalization, do teshuvah (repentance), and bear lasting fruit in keeping the same. For this is our spiritual service of worship. [Rom. 12:1]
“The sins which pass unnoticed beset a man on the Day of Judgment.”
2 Chronicles 30
18 For a multitude of the people, even many from Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover otherwise than prescribed. For Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good Lord pardon 19 everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though not according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” 20 So the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.
Multiple times you see God’s wrath burn against those who took too lightly his commands. The story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel, the story of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 – it is clear that irreverence towards God is not tolerated. However, here in 2 Chronicles 30, you see Hezekiah offering prayers for those who are not ritually clean who do, however, have a pure heart. God hears and forgives.
I wonder sometimes how much grace (if any) is extended to believers who have been falsely taught by leaders in the church and how little grace (if any) is extended to us once we have been presented Truth and are now obligated to respond accordingly.
Of course, ALL of this is a “response” to His love, and not out of our own strength to begin with, so I believe those pure in heart will be quickened by the Spirit to obedience. I imagine the NEXT Passover, Hezekiah wasn’t praying the same prayer again.
“Rereading Mark 12:28-32, I’ve wondered does Jesus mean there are only two commandments?”
Abigail shook her head, “He is defining the two categories that other all commandments fall under.”
“Do you obey all the commandments written in the Bible?
“No.”
The immediate short decisive reply caused some stunned faces and even a few gasps. Abigail let the astonished silence just hang there as she watched criss-crossing emotions on the faces. Finally she said, “Out of all those 613 whispered about commandments, the actual number applying to you and me is ‘small.’”
“How do you decide which ones you have to obey?”
“I have never asked that question. It never occurred to me that was a personal decision to make. The God who gave those commandments said that all His Words are matters of Life and Death. So as I read His Word, I thank Him for so graciously giving His instructions on how He has determined it is best for the children of His Kingdom to live their lives. Anywhere I see an instruction that I am able to do, then in loving obedience I choose to do it. Not for salvation, salvation is a gift and cannot be earned. But, because I enjoy His gift of salvation, because I have been redeemed from the world’s kingdom and given a place in God’s Kingdom, because I am now a child of the King, a purchased slave of my Redeemer, because I am counted as a friend of the Living God Who wants only good for His children, because of all that and more, I love and trust Him. And there is no finer way to show my love and trust than through complete and loving obedience to all of His Words He enables me to fulfill.” [1]
[1] The Knoll House Meeting Place