December 20, 2022

Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live... What is this thing called “life,” that Yahweh gives us a “choice” to pursue in order that we may escape “death?” The Biblical definition of death is separation from Yahweh.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” jn 5:24 nkjv

It is difficult for the majority of humanity to grasp this matter of “eternal” Life and Death. It is also difficult for humanity to understand that Love is not some emotional feeling or attachment to family or close associates, or “significant other.” True Biblical love is to obey Yahweh [unconditionally];

Yeshua said, “if you love me, keep [obey] my commandments.” jn 14:15 nkjv True agape love is a decision, a choice to “hear and follow” Yahweh’s Word.

The Greek word of this kind of love is “agape/agapao.” It is love by choice, intellectual rationalization that is underpinned by understanding that it is what Yahweh expects of us… If seen from Yahweh’s perspective, then one will, loving by choice, also be emotionally attached to those close and dear to them, I.e, family, and dear friends. It is the “order” of loving that is at question; for it is true that “God is love,” but the reverse is often said that “love is God.” That is not so, because even wicked persons can “love” [in their own way] and not be accepted by Yahweh simply for their version of emotional attachment. Love does not define Yahweh; Yahweh defines love.

From one of my study Bibles, by Thomas Nelson Publishers, “The Open Bible expanded edition,” I wish to reference this “principle,” as they call it:

“God’s disciplines are designed to restore a heart for Himself (Jer 17:5, 7; Joel 2:12, 13; Heb 12:5-11)

“in practice: God had to discipline His people because of their moral and spiritual rebellion and their refusal to heed the warnings of His prophets. Reproof is designed to bring repentance and repentance brings restoration. The same prophets who pronounced the condemnations of God also announced the consolation of God. Similarly, because God loves us, He must sometimes chasten us as His children to train us in the ways of righteousness. How do you respond during these times ? Are you teachable or intractable?" [end quote]

I think it is important to recognize that from the beginning [the garden of Eden episode] Yahweh has been busy working on many avenues to bring us to repentance and restoration. The reason Yahweh brought Israel out of Egypt to Mt. Sinai was to give them the Torah [instructions for life], which we could call His “book of love,” for our well being. He wanted to establish a people for Himself… a set apart distinct people who “love” Him and would be in fellowship with Him… and be a light to the nations.

The history of Israel has been one tumultuous “up and down” chastise and restore episode after another. Have “Christian” nations been any different? We simply follow the same up and down calamity as the Children of Israel. It reminds me of an old 1960 folk ballad named “Where have all the Flower Gone.” It is a ballad mourning young men dying [killed in conflicts] and the flowers having gone to their “graveyards everywhere.” The chorus includes, “when will they ever learn.” Are we not guilty of the same… will we ever learn?

In today’s declining moral attitudes of people and the subsequent hardness of heart accompanying it, let us guard ourselves of the warning Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans 2:1-16 nkjv:

“...Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”…”

And, Yeshua in His Olivet Discourse said:

“And because lawlessness [Torahlessness] will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” mat 24:12 nkjv

I will conclude by suggesting that because of modern day conflicts, growing out of social/cultural pressures from ideological [Torahlessness] mentality, and and the accompanying moral degradation, that the love Yahweh desires for us (to choose life and not death), is declining into darkness… people are separating themselves from Yahweh’s ways and His love. I think we need to rethink the comment quoted above: “Similarly, because God loves us, He must sometimes chasten us as His children to train us in the ways of righteousness. How do you respond during these times ? Are you teachable or intractable?”

I think times of “chastening” are coming, and we need to flush worldly ways from our minds and cease any associations we have with them, and allow Yahweh’s Word to fill us with truth and holiness, and increase our daily fellowship with Him… otherwise it will not end well.

Shalom… John