You know how you read something and it just strikes a chord in you - you know it's true, you know it is fact, you know it came straight from the heavens into your field of vision? This short little commentary was that strike for me.
There has been a big hullabaloo about the liturgy change within the catholic church in the news lately. I don't know why I just kept thinking about it, but it keeps coming back to mind. It just hit me oddly, for the obvious reasons, but there was something more. One day I opened my email and found this buried in another email. Bam! My feelings and thoughts on paper - but not written by me. (That happens a lot more these days than it used to.) True worship is not about what we are comfortable with or what some man or organization says we should be doing, saying, or feeling. What does GOD say? What does He want? What does He require? We have too often let men tell us what we should be doing!! We've trusted their guidance and their "knowledge", and we've made great assumptions about what they know, instead of looking to GOD's Word for ourselves, asking the Spirit of YHWH (the Ru'ach HaKodesh) to guide and instruct us. We have all too often let man tell us that grace is all there is and that there is -- all that we need. How can this be? Our creator is a God of order and he says "I, YHWH, do not change." Malachi 3:6. My husband and I have had a lot of conversations about related things recently and this is just one more piece to the puzzle -- I thought it was a new piece, but it's the same exact thing - none of this "stuff" can be separated or compartmentalized. Over and over again, the writers of the second half of the Bible (the (Re)New(ed) Covenant say we must trust GOD and obey him. In these instances, trust means that you are "sold out" for Him. That person is 100% "bought in". Obey means that because you are sold out, you want to prove it, you want to immerse yourself in it, be part of it, be in ALL of it. It's exactly like being in love with someone and wanting to prove it by marrying and loving them, serving them, sharing everything with them for the rest of your life, being with them, being involved in all they do and are. If I say "I love you", but I don't want to marry you, or spend time with you, doing things we enjoy, or share my feelings, dreams, desires and fears with you, be intimate with you, and if I don't trust you and don't want to, then what kind of love is that? What kind of relationship will that be? Why do we think our love of GOD can be any different? Why do we set up a different standard for our relationship with the mighty GOD of the universe? We can't love GOD without the obedience part. It is impossible. James says "...faith without works is dead..." It is impossible! Our Father is specific in telling us how to worship and obey and know Him, but we ignore his very instructions to us about HOW to go about doing this thing called "abiding",. Instead we do what man tells us, the way man tells us to do it, and in the time frame man lays out -- be that man a pastor, a rabbi, a priest or ourselves! This is so WRONG!! Seek God and His Kingdom first! Now the article that inspired this: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How does God want to be worshiped? Ed Dowd November 25, 2011 An unusual event will transpire this coming Sunday, November 27, in Catholic parishes across the world. The worship service ceremony and some memorized spoken phrases will be altered, and in some cases, reordered. “The biggest challenge will be for priests, who must learn intricate new speaking parts — often late in their years of service to the church. Many clergy are upset by the new language, calling it awkward and hard to understand”(Associated Press, November 5, 2011). Priests and parishioners alike have concerns and are hesitant to change the Catholic Liturgy, which is simply defined as a standardized order of events observed during a religious service. "We're tinkering with a very intimate and personal moment," said the Rev. Richard Hilgartner, executive director of the worship office for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "It's public worship, it's the church's official public prayer, but for the individual faithful, it's one of the primary means of their encounter with the Lord." Regardless of your religious affiliation, it is important to ask how our Heavenly Father expects to be worshipped. Does God want to be worshipped through traditions of memorized words, phrases and statements? Does God want to be worshipped through rituals created by men? Does God want to be worshipped through a language which is not understood by the individual worshipper? God makes a blunt statement through the prophet Amos when He states, “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments” (Amos:5:21-23, NKJV). The nation of Israel at the time had meandered away from God’s way of life and had set up for themselves their own idols and self-gratifying religious ceremonies. God was angry with them for promoting traditions of men over His formula for a successful way of life. They in turn were sent into captivity (verse 27) for not worshipping and honoring God like He wanted to be worshipped and honored. True worship of God involves nothing short of the inward transformation of the human heart by faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice and having Christ live in us through the Holy Spirit to help us obey. External worship practices alone are inadequate. God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit, from a converted and transformed heart. True worship, then, is much more than praise of God in a public worship service. This broader meaning is indicated by the fact that five Greek verbs are translated "worship" in the New Testament. "The worship of God is nowhere defined in Scripture . . . It is not confined to praise; broadly it may be regarded as the direct acknowledgement to God, of His nature, attributes, ways and claims, whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise and thanksgiving or by deed done in such acknowledgement" (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, "Worship, Worshipping," p. 686). Prior to what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, Christ stated in His own words what His perspective is on memorized prayers, sayings and chants. “When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew:6:7 NKJV). The phrase “do not use vain repetitions” is a Greek phrase that is “supposed to be derived from the name of a Greek poet, who made long and weary verses, declaring by many forms and endless repetitions the same sentiment. Hence, it means to repeat a thing often; to say the same thing in different words, or to repeat the same words, as though God did not hear at first” (Barnes Commentary,Matthew:6:7). God does not want to be worshipped with empty and memorized words, which are said without a mental internalization of what those words mean. Jesus Christ Himself sharply rebuked the religious leaders of His day because they replaced God’s commands with their own humanly devised forms of worship. Christ in His own words told them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. And in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men— the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do. All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark:7:6-8 NKJV). Christ reserved the harshest words of warning for those who would profess to worship God, but refuse to do God's will or obey His laws (Matthew:7:21-23). Such worship is empty and without merit, unacceptable to God and Jesus Christ. Paul continued the warnings of following man’s traditions when he told the church at Colosse, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8 NKJV). All of our actions, whether in how and when we worship all the way to what forms the habits of our daily lives, should point to the Biblical instruction that God has inspired for our learning. Beware of man’s traditions. Beware of differences between what the Bible says and what your priest, rabbi, elder or any other religious leader encourages you to do. Don’t be blind when it comes to your spirituality. Rather read your Bible, and see what God Himself has to say! Reposted from "Holidays" & "Feasts" | Updated on Mar 9, 2011 http://www.perfect-word.org/2010/02/18/for-a-time-such-as-puriym/
Just before the renewal of Israel’s annual calendar, the last month of the year hosts the Feast of Puriym, as birthed out of the events reported in the book of Esther. The story of Esther and the Jews living in Persia takes place around 500 BC, near the end of Israel’s expulsion to Babylon. The historical account concludes with Esther and Mordechai’s triumph over Haman and the spirit of anti-Semitism, securing the Jewish peoples’ momentary safety in a foreign land. In short, …Haman… the ’Agagiy, adversary of all the Jews, had devised [a plot] concerning the Jews to destroy them, and had caused pur to fall—that is, the lot—to crush them and to destroy them. But in [Esther’s uncovering of Haman’s plot and] coming in before the king, [the king responded] with the [written proclamation] letter, “Let [Haman’s] evil device that he devised against the Jews turn back upon his own head!” And they hanged him and his sons on the tree. (Esther 9:24-25) The ensuing “days of banquet and of joy, and of sending portions [of food] one to another, and gifts to the needy” were celebrated “as days on which the Jews have rested from their enemies, and the month that has been turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning to a good day.” (vs. 22) These days inaugurated an annual memorial—“Puriym—by the name of the lot”—established by Mordechai’s letter to the Jews of Persia. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, and what they have seen concerning this, and what has come to them, the Jews have established and received upon themselves and upon their seed and upon all those joined to them—and it may not pass away—to be keeping these two days according to their writing, and according to their season, in every year and year. And these days are [to be] remembered and kept in every generation and generation, family and family, province and province, and city and city. And these days of Puriym may not pass away from the midst of the Jews, and their memorial may not [be] ended from their seed. (Esther 9:26-28) So by royal decree, the Jews of Persia escaped an onslaught against them, and instituted Puriym as an annual reminder to all Israel of this “good day.” Puriym is to be celebrated “the fourteenth day of the month of Adar [the twelfth month], and the fifteenth day of it, in every year and year…” (Esther 9:21) The Silence of GodOne of the historical criticisms levied against the book of Esther is that neither the name of Adonai, nor any reference to the God of Israel, is found in its text. The defense of the book’s inclusion in the canon of Scripture, however, comes from the allegedly underlying theme of divine providence, which may be encapsulated in the famous line uttered by Mordechai to the reluctant Queen Esther, “and who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for a time such as this?” (Esther 4:14) It is therefore traditionally understood that God’s silent role in the story of Esther is what brought about the protection and salvation of the Jewish people of Persia. But with the voice of God sounding so loudly throughout the bulk of Scripture, His “silence” in the book of Esther rings ever so conspicuously where the authoritative establishment of Puriym is concerned. Indeed, it is absolutely clear from the text that Adonai in no way authorized and implemented Puriym as a feast to be kept by Israel. Rather, it is a self-appointed time of celebration—much like that of Chanukah, another self-proclaimed feast which commemorates Israel facing and defeating a similar foe. In the end, there can be no argument that Mordechai and the Jews in Persia unilaterally imposed the annual celebration and memorial of Puriym upon their descendants forever—an appointment which was never explicitly sanctioned by Adonai. How, then, are we to handle this precarious—and somewhat presumptuous—command, which has been preserved for us in the context of Scripture? Puriym Like Chanukah: Memorial of Historic Significance The story of Esther is not the first account in which the Jewish people faced atrocities at the hands of the Gentiles. Even before she became a nation, Israel’s future was severely threatened while she remained enslaved by Pharaoh in Egypt. Though Adonai clearly deems the Exodus story as a monumental and super-significant event, we can also see the incitive spirit of anti-Semitism weaved like a thread throughout the tapestry of Israel’s volatile history. When she was not destroying herself by following other gods and losing her own way, she was being squeezed by the nations—forced to worship and follow other gods and other ways, or face the sting of persecution and death. Puriym is therefore akin not to the appointed times of Adonai, but to the historical events that have shaped Israel’s identity as a persecuted people. As a pre-Messianic-era event, Puriym is most like Chanukah—indeed, their historic similarities are compelling. But as just one more event in a long line of persecution-related narratives, Puriym joins a host of Jewish “histori-days,” such as the modern Yom Yerushalayim, which celebrates the retaking of the old city of Jerusalem during the six day war of 1967, ending the reign of Gentile rule over Jerusalem for the first time in two millennia.Puriym is, of course, unique, since it alone appears in the Hebrew canon of Scripture, but its themes reverberate through the annals of time. Clearly, there is a call from Israel’s fathers to which the sons of Israel are obliged to hearken—a voice of instruction exhorting us to remember and “never forget” what has been done for us—and to us—as the chosen people. And yet, a most curious dynamic develops from this preoccupation with Jewish victory over Gentile enemies, and suffering at the hands of foreigners—and it is vividly portrayed in the way Puriym is presently celebrated in the Jewish community… a way that is in marked contrast to the divinely ordained appointed times of Adonai. Setting Priorities Israel’s annual calendar is most clearly outlined in Leviticus 23, which places Passover at the beginning of the year in early Spring, and Sukot (followed by Yom HaSh’miymiy ’Atzeret) at the end of the year in the Fall. For the remainder of the annual cycle—from around mid-October through March—no once-a-year appointments exist on Israel’s officially sanctioned calendar. Like the Land, it enters a time of winter dormancy until it emerges again with new life in the Spring. It is in this wintry void that Chanukah and Puriym find their oddly upbeat voices—the former joyfully shouting “Draydl!” while the latter happily heckles Haman. At the very least, we should ask ourselves why—in a season without days designated by the Father—we are so quick to faithfully honor our ancestors’ incidental institutions. This is not so much a question of whether or not such remembrances should be observed, but to what degree we celebrate, innovate and emphasize; especially considering that our modern observances of Chanukah and Puriym are usually more soiree than substance—and almost always pursued and commemorated with greater zeal and grander spectacle than the days instituted by Adonai Himself. Surely, the remembrance of Jewish victories should be met with joy and celebration… but that doesn’t mean Puriym has to become the Jewish answer to Halloween any more than Chanukah should continue to reign as Christmas for Jews. The Pur (Poor) You Will Always Have With You Over the course of any given year, there are many opportunities to remember significant events in our lives and the lives of our ancestors—and none of them require an edict from God. It is perfectly fine and normal to remember anniversaries of dates that mean something to us personally, and for our parents to ask (or even demand) us to remember dates that were important to them and their parents. But like everything in life, we are required to temper our perceived needs and wants with the instructions given to us by Adonai… and if our remembrances begin to rival those appointed to us by the Father, we put our present and our future in grave jeopardy. We are what we remember—this is why Israel was given appointed times in the first place: so that we will remember Adonai, and we willbe only who He wants us to be. So this year when you celebrate Puriym, and you’re decked out in your Puriym costume, wildly swinging your grogger, and stuffing your face with Hamentashen, check yourself: do I put this much effort—and more—into all the days that Adonai has designated for remembrance? Remember your heritage and the history of our people with joy, but don’t forget the One who set you apart and made you for a purpose… a purpose far greater than parties, performances and pastries… |
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