Called!!

[PeteR]

I'm here enjoying today's Torah Portion. (For those unfamiliar, most of the Jewish, Messianic and Hebrew roots world operate from a study cycle that puts us all n the same sections of Scripture every week... great for unity and discussion.)

So, today is the first five chapters of Vayikra/Leviticus. I often read the thoughts of others for each section, as filled or thought provokers for me and I thought I'd share today's from Ardelle Brody as it is very relevant for those on this board. The whole thing is here.

The opening part of her commentary is particularly salient (a great pun, considering the rest of the commentary ).

Vayikra begins with…. 'Vayikra....' Or, 'And He called...' Ardelle points out that God calls Moses and this is the third significant time he is called. Once previously at the burning bush, Ex. 3:4, and once from the mountain, Ex. 19:3. At each calling, Moses is being drawn ever nearer. His obedience at each stage prepares him to take the next step and to lead others nearer.

It hit me that in a sense, we each have received multiple 'calls' to draw near. First to follow Jesus, some into some form of ministry (pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc), Torah, and Plural... each a step that caused or forced is to grow closer, seek deeper, understand more while addressing deeper and deeper issues in our hearts.

As has been discussed in other threads, we are called! We are called to this time in history, this step in the restoration of the Kingdom to learn, share and in cases walk out a deeper Biblical understanding of marriage and the relationship we have with the King!

Blessings.

 

[PeteR]

As a point of clarification, the fact that I include 'Torah' as a 'calling' is NOT an invitation to debate the right or wrongness or how much one agrees or disagrees with that 'calling.' I simply listed it as one of a number of 'callings' God can and does put on His people. Thank you.

 

[PeteR]

So, I opened our Shabbat fellowship with the first couple paragraphs of the above commentary as an introduction to Vayikra/Leviticus. The ensuing discussion lasted nearly two hours with many great highlights... A few that I recall are following. None of our discussion involved poly, but the points were all so apropos.

Moses, in his first call at the burning bush, was quite reluctant to be obedient. Like many wives in this move, he asked Abba, 'I'm not the best for this job, can't someone else go?'

Mary, the mother of Yeshua/Jesus, was discussed and her calling. Gabriel shows up and calls her highly favored (specially selected). Mary had no idea that her righteous reputation in the community was about to be trashed, her son would be called a bastard, they would be considered outcasts by many in her family and community, etc... but, she was willing to follow the call knowing it was from the Father. HIS opinion of how to do things (virgin birth, etc) was superior to man's ideas regarding the Messiah, but she and her betrothed would have to walk a refining fire to bring Light into the world. How like this poly journey that most people do not understand, but we see the Father's hand in it at every turn. He calls us into the walk and gives us the strength to walk through the fire.

Jonah received a call and ran from it, but the Father corralled him and then still made him carry out the Divine plan. How many here tried to avoid what the Father has taught them, even running from it, only to receive chastening from the Father.

Often we feel so ill equipped for the mission/ministry the Father gives us... How about Gideon. The Angel of the Lord greets him with, 'hail you valiant warrior!' Gideon sees himself as least of the least of the least.... When the Father opens our eyes to this, how many look up and say, 'No way I can do this. Way too weak!' Yet, He sees us as 'valiant warrior.'

We talked of Jeremiah, Paul, David, etc... Each called. Different circumstances, missions, reactions, etc.... Lotta meat on those bones....

Some of the discussion surrounded what would have happened if any one of them had refused their call. Would the refusal constitute rebellion? Does that reveal the depth of the heart and the Father moves on? Does He have a plan B? How does this relate to us and the calling He places on us? What if we refuse? Does He leave us exactly where we are until we comply with His desires?

Discuss.

 

[steve]

Would the refusal constitute rebellion?

James 4:17 (KJV)
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

I don’t know the consequences of telling Him no, but it doesn’t seem like a good plan.
Most aren’t concerned about what He wants, so His will doesn’t usually even come into question. They “know” that He wants them to be happy, and that’s their focus while they may do something now and then for Him. Something of their choosing, of course.

Does He have a plan B, don’t count on it. It’s entirely possible that the job that He needs you to do won’t get done if you don’t do it. He doesn’t have a bunch of sold out people waiting in the wings ready to pick up where you leave off.
He has plans for the Kingdom that involves each of us and He isn’t able to count on us like He should be able too.

Good study that you pulled together, btw.

 

[Verifyveritas76]

So, I opened our Shabbat fellowship with the first couple paragraphs of the above commentary as an introduction to Vayikra/Leviticus. The ensuing discussion lasted nearly two hours with many great highlights... A few that I recall are following. None of our discussion involved poly, but the points were all so apropos.

Moses, in his first call at the burning bush, was quite reluctant to be obedient. Like many wives in this move, he asked Abba, 'I'm not the best for this job, can't someone else go?'

Mary, the mother of Yeshua/Jesus, was discussed and her calling. Gabriel shows up and calls her highly favored (specially selected). Mary had no idea that her righteous reputation in the community was about to be trashed, her son would be called a bastard, they would be considered outcasts by many in her family and community, etc... but, she was willing to follow the call knowing it was from the Father. HIS opinion of how to do things (virgin birth, etc) was superior to man's ideas regarding the Messiah, but she and her betrothed would have to walk a refining fire to bring Light into the world. How like this poly journey that most people do not understand, but we see the Father's hand in it at every turn. He calls us into the walk and gives us the strength to walk through the fire.

Jonah received a call and ran from it, but the Father corralled him and then still made him carry out the Divine plan. How many here tried to avoid what the Father has taught them, even running from it, only to receive chastening from the Father.

Often we feel so ill equipped for the mission/ministry the Father gives us... How about Gideon. The Angel of the Lord greets him with, 'hail you valiant warrior!' Gideon sees himself as least of the least of the least.... When the Father opens our eyes to this, how many look up and say, 'No way I can do this. Way too weak!' Yet, He sees us as 'valiant warrior.'

We talked of Jeremiah, Paul, David, etc... Each called. Different circumstances, missions, reactions, etc.... Lotta meat on those bones....

Some of the discussion surrounded what would have happened if any one of them had refused their call. Would the refusal constitute rebellion? Does that reveal the depth of the heart and the Father moves on? Does He have a plan B? How does this relate to us and the calling He places on us? What if we refuse? Does He leave us exactly where we are until we comply with His desires?

Discuss.

Love this^^^

 

[rejoicinghandmaid]

@Ancient Paths --thanks so much for sharing. Sounds like your Bible study discussion was quite interactive. Love those sort of discussions where everyone gets in on the action with lots of questions and thoughts.

 

[PeteR]

@Ancient Paths --thanks so much for sharing. Sounds like your Bible study discussion was quite interactive. Love those sort of discussions where everyone gets in on the action with lots of questions and thoughts.

Thank you.

Our practice is that only rarely does someone teach. Usually, the head of the household we are in 'facilitates' by keeping the discussion going. All are to arrive prepared to discuss the week.s Torah portion and related passages throughout Scripture. And, we are open to wherever the Spirit leads us... sometimes that means staying in the portion, sometimes that means a question starts us elsewhere and we never even get to the portion.

Usually we discuss about two hours then eat and hang out several more in general edifying conversation. Great little community.

 

[steve]

Thank you.

Our practice is that only rarely does someone teach. Usually, the head of the household we are in 'facilitates' by keeping the discussion going. All are to arrive prepared to discuss the week.s Torah portion and related passages throughout Scripture. And, we are open to wherever the Spirit leads us... sometimes that means staying in the portion, sometimes that means a question starts us elsewhere and we never even get to the portion.

Usually we discuss about two hours then eat and hang out several more in general edifying conversation. Great little community.

Nicely practiced. The head of household as facilitator is the ticket.
I look forward to when I am home full time and we will have our home open for 24 hr Shabbat fellowships starting with the evening meal.

 

[rustywest4]

So, I opened our Shabbat fellowship with the first couple paragraphs of the above commentary as an introduction to Vayikra/Leviticus. The ensuing discussion lasted nearly two hours with many great highlights... A few that I recall are following. None of our discussion involved poly, but the points were all so apropos.

Moses, in his first call at the burning bush, was quite reluctant to be obedient. Like many wives in this move, he asked Abba, 'I'm not the best for this job, can't someone else go?'

Mary, the mother of Yeshua/Jesus, was discussed and her calling. Gabriel shows up and calls her highly favored (specially selected). Mary had no idea that her righteous reputation in the community was about to be trashed, her son would be called a bastard, they would be considered outcasts by many in her family and community, etc... but, she was willing to follow the call knowing it was from the Father. HIS opinion of how to do things (virgin birth, etc) was superior to man's ideas regarding the Messiah, but she and her betrothed would have to walk a refining fire to bring Light into the world. How like this poly journey that most people do not understand, but we see the Father's hand in it at every turn. He calls us into the walk and gives us the strength to walk through the fire.

Jonah received a call and ran from it, but the Father corralled him and then still made him carry out the Divine plan. How many here tried to avoid what the Father has taught them, even running from it, only to receive chastening from the Father.

Often we feel so ill equipped for the mission/ministry the Father gives us... How about Gideon. The Angel of the Lord greets him with, 'hail you valiant warrior!' Gideon sees himself as least of the least of the least.... When the Father opens our eyes to this, how many look up and say, 'No way I can do this. Way too weak!' Yet, He sees us as 'valiant warrior.'

We talked of Jeremiah, Paul, David, etc... Each called. Different circumstances, missions, reactions, etc.... Lotta meat on those bones....

Some of the discussion surrounded what would have happened if any one of them had refused their call. Would the refusal constitute rebellion? Does that reveal the depth of the heart and the Father moves on? Does He have a plan B? How does this relate to us and the calling He places on us? What if we refuse? Does He leave us exactly where we are until we comply with His desires?

Discuss.

Great post brother.

I’m so often wondering “What in the world is going on here Lord... I can’t do this... I’m not capable of all this!” But He is always there equipping me to handle what He is throwing at me. He is always carrying me through it... with His strength, His capability, His power, His Spirit! He is so faithful!
Almost like He enjoys being pushy! Lol jk

It’s a beautiful place to be ... leaning on Him as my All in All!

Bless you for the encouraging words brother!