We all know the New Testament story of Rabbi Saul being confronted by the voice of Yeshua when he was determined to destroy “The Way.” Up to the point of this encounter, Saul was a Pharisee of Pharisees. He held a place of honor and was esteemed by those who followed the traditions of men. In his mind, his efforts to contain religious discord was righteous. But was it?
Think about this for a moment. Do we, like Saul, seek to elevate someone we follow over the spiritual voice and written Word of our Creator? Who do we elevate and will our beliefs separate or divide?
Our study this week gives a number of examples of what can happen in our spiritual struggles with ourselves as well as with others.
In the Book of Acts, chapter 21, Rabbi Saul, now the Apostle Saul is seized in Jerusalem for supposedly going against the Torah. While trying to reach out to his Jewish brethren, rumors spread that Paul’s message is anti Moses. Hence, Paul takes precautions to purify himself and his men before entering the temple. Did this help? How did the Jewish leadership react to Paul? What is the root of their anger? Do you see anything similar today? Does religious or spiritual belief unite or divide?
In the Book of Judges, a promise of a son is given to a couple. They are instructed to dedicate themselves and their soon to be son. They are to follow the Nazarite vow. How does this dedication and vow honor YHWH? Who is elevated? Is it the couple? Will it be the boy? How will the mission of Samson unite and how will it divide?
In the Book of Numbers, chapter 7, the leadership of each tribe is asked to bring specific offerings. What do the offerings represent and who is being elevated? How did this unite the camp of Israel?
As a point of reference, I would like to share the following comment from the Apostle Paul, then ask you, “Why does Paul warn against following ordinary men and who does Paul direct to?”
“I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?
I find it fascinating that when we are at our lowest, we choose to follow just about anyone. We will listen to gossip. We will make decisions based on feelings. We will even stop listening to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit as long as what we hear lines up with our personal beliefs or desires. In doing so, we misalign ourselves with God’s Will and find ourselves fighting over or enforcing man-made doctrines.
The message of Yeshua demands us to elevate something much more holy. For if a person is not aligned with His Kingdom, their spirit and soul will not find rest and they will walk in confusion. This Sabbath, I challenge you to elevate the Living King above all else. Be renewed in His Presence.
Rollyn