Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Be Reconciled – By now we have learned that God’s covenant relationship with us is reflected in the metaphor of marital faithfulness. It’s not just about sexual fidelity…
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassadors – Are you an ambassador for Yeshua HaMashiach? Paul says that he is. Furthermore, he claims that everyone who is a new creation in Christ is an…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 Plans – The word “plans” is from the Hebrew root hashav. In this case it is the noun mahashavah. The verb form “make plans, reckon, account…
But YHWH was pleased to crush him, putting him to grief; if he would render himself as a guilt offering, Isaiah 53:10 Was Pleased – How are we supposed to understand this callous and brutal declaration? Do we really believe that YHWH found delight in the abuse of HaMashiach? How is it possible that God…
“Now this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be presented to the LORD.” Leviticus 7:11 Peace Offerings – Do the Levitical offerings confuse you? Do they seem strange, ancient and (perhaps) irrelevant? Some of that discomfort might be the fault of the translation. When we take a closer look, we…
You shall not test YHWH your Elohim as you tested In Massah. Deuteronomy 6:16 Test – God commands us not to test Him. Hmm. What do you suppose that means? Am I not to doubt? Am I not to question? Am I not to ask? I won’t be able to answer these questions unless I…
For a God jealous (is) YHWH your God Deuteronomy 6:15 Jealous – Biblical metaphors depend on the cultural behaviors and expectations of the audience. Just like the parables of Yeshua, metaphors don’t make a lot of sense if they are removed from their cultural background. The description of God as el qana’ YHWH (God jealous…
Do not fret because of evil doers, do not be envious of the workers of unrighteousness. Psalm 37:1 Fret/ Envious – Paper burns at 451 degrees Fahrenheit. What is your burn temperature? When do the circumstances of life set you on fire? That’s the imagery behind harah (fret – to burn, kindle, glow) and the…
For you trusted in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me.” Your wisdom and your knowledge, it leads you away, and you said in your heart, “I am and none else is.” Isaiah 47:10 Leads You Away – In characteristic Hebrew style, the verb used here for “leading away” is the same verb that…
For you trusted in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me.” Your wisdom and your knowledge, it leads you away, and you said in your heart, “I am and none else is.” Isaiah 47:10 Wickedness – How could anyone trust in wickedness? Does that make any sense at all? No one actually puts their…
