After spending a few days surrounded by magnificent trees and open skies for Sukkot, I am convinced it is time for the Hebrew Roots community to understand the difference between customs and direct instructions of YHWH. This may hit some personal buttons! But, as our world moves closer to chaos, I’m convinced we all need a clearer understanding.
When John the Baptist and Yeshua Messiah, began their ministries, their objectives were very clear. They said, “Repent for the Kingdon of God is at hand.”
The message of the Kingdom of YHWH is very straightforward. It calls out our spirit to be awakened to a spiritual Kingdom, not an earthly one. Consequently, if we are to share this message with others, we need to be clear about spiritual beliefs and earthly ones.
For instance, if you share the gospel message of Messiah to someone who thirsts for “The Word,” how long will it take for them to ask about the traditions you keep? Then, if these same people read The Word and don’t find your particular tradition mentioned in Biblical instruction, will they continue to believe in your testimony?
In exploring the above question, don’t get me wrong. There are traditions that are meaningful and even moral. Birthdays, wedding celebrations, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of the July are just a few. These types of traditions can keep families and friends together. But obviously, I don’t think you would call them redemptive or related to spiritual growth.
Over the years, I think we can agree that there is a tendency for religious communities to make earthly traditions into some sort of spiritual narrative, based on a single verse with no context or with personal assumptions. These narratives can range from eggs that celebrate a new birth in Christ to clothing that represents holy purity.
In reading the Gospels, we see Yeshua consistently confronting the Jewish leadership about customs. And, He consistently corrected these traditions with either an explanation or parable.
Just a few traditions addressed by Yeshua included ceremonial washing of hands, Sabbath keeping, when to heal, how to eat, and who to associate with. He would use such phrases as, “you have heard it said, but I tell you this” or “if you had read and followed Moses you would have known me.”
Bottom line, the religious traditions of Jewish leadership were carrying more weight than the Laws of YHWH. If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to acknowledge that this position is not good. Yeshua strived to correct the narrative of man-made laws as a path to righteousness, while redirecting these religious leaders to Kingdom living.
I would like to explore a new direction this year. Let’s question the traditions of men, while being determined to find the traditions of YHWH as found in The Word, rather than confusing the two.
Be Blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn