A look at 1 Kings 3:15-4:1 and Matt 16:1-17:27

[Jacob Ben Avraham]

1 KINGS 3:15-4:1  

 

     In this scripture portion, we see Solomon lifting up “burnt-offerings” and “peace-offerings” after also having “dreams” In his dream YHVH asked him what he wished for, “For wisdom, an understanding heart to judge this people” and YHVH thus granted him what he wished for. 

 

     This should be a guide for us when we wish for things.  I think the best wish would be knowledge of the Torah and wisdom to put into action what we learn from God's Holy Writ.  As we see. God gave Solomon that and more.  Unfortunately, people are wrapped up in the "material things" of the world, not realizing that ALL things will be left behind when we die.  What will we take with us? only the rewards that we will have sent on before us.  What will we leave behind? our influence and what we have taught others concerning God's Word.

 

     What should we ask from God?   Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in God's Word.  A chance to put into action our spiritual gifts, good health and long years (to fulfill the previous requests) and just that He might provide for our daily needs.  Nothing more, nothing less. (But He ALWAYS gives more)  I am a witness to that.  FOOD is always so much in abundance, so much that we have to give a lot away.  

  

     ” Burnt-offerings” symbolize our sinful nature, and the “peace-offerings” speak of our happiness and joy because of our salvation experience.  Today these offerings are “offered up” in “prayer and thanksgiving” the prayers of confession of sin are always heard, and so are the prayers of praise and thanksgiving, because we know we have been forgiven.    

 

MATT 16: 1-17:27  

 

     The “leaven” of the Pharisees is non-the less “unbelief” as Yeshua said, this reminds us when He was visiting the temple during this same time of Hanukkah, and the Jews came around him and said; “tell us plainly if you are the Messiah or not!” yet He rebukes them saying “I have already told you and you do not believe!” He had already given signs through his miracles of healing, raising of the dead, how much more proof did they need?  What does “leaven” do in bread? It “puffs up the bread” and that is what pride does, it “puffs up” and person, and sometimes, stubborn pride brings on unbelief. 

 

     Kefa (Peter)  exhibits his faith when he said; “You are Messiah, the Living God” Faith is “believing what we cannot see” yet Kefa sees Yeshua and sees the miracles, and so he believes, yet Yeshua says later on after the resurrection, “You have believed because you see, blessed are those who do not see yet BELIEVE!    That is what faith is all about.  We believe because of trust.  If we didn't have faith, we wouldn't get into our cars in the mornings, turn the key, and start the engine.  that is if we didn't believe that the car would start.  We exhibit faith in many ways we don't even imagine.  At the same time, we also exhibit "lack of faith" when we freak out over petty things that don't go our way, not realizing that God is in control, and He will make good all things, and all things will work out for our good, advancing our maturity in the faith. 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5    

 

 

     Rav Shaul (The Apostle Paul) is speaking to the local believers of Corinth.  This was one of the churches that this Rav started.  I was in Corinth in 1999.  He is stating very simply that he witnessed about Yeshua very plainly, without fancy words, without an intense religious vocabulary, just simply, “Yeshua died on the cross, was crucified for our transgressions, for our sins He gave up his life.”  Corinth was "sin city" and there were quite a few problems at the congregation in Corinth.        

 

     When we are given the opportunity to tell others about Yeshua, not by force but by invitation.  Not in a condemning way, not using scare “fires of hell” tactics, just a message of love and sacrifice.  Thus we can allow the Spirit of God to work on the person, It is the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of unbelievers so that they may become believers.  Not our work, but HIS work. 

 

Have a blessed week        Ben Avraham