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Friday, 13 July 2018
Shabbat meaning

Prepare, the Shabbat is coming. In Hebrew liturgy, Shabbat is called a bride (queen of the days) and the day is like a wedding day in many ways. After all, a bride should not work on her wedding day. In fact, she has brides maids to see that her every desire is immediately fulfilled on that special day.

Also, in rabbinical orientation, it is believed that God gave the world a soul on Shabbat. What is a soul? There are many ways to answer that question. One answer is that a soul is the "personality of life." Another answer might simply be, "A life force." While the work of creation was finished in six days, the creation itself was not complete until there the 7th day was set apart to enjoy the completed work.

Lest you wonder why we might need the Shabbat since we have Yeshua, who is the reality of all things. (So the argument goes) Since we have the reality of Shabbat in Yeshua, why do we still need the shadow? But then we have this (read from the start of Hebrews 4): Hebrews 4:9 So there remains a Shabbat rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered God's rest has also ceased from his own work, just as God did from His. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through the same pattern of disobedience.

I thought the Law was a shadow of good things to come (Hebrews 10:1) The thing thing about shadows; while not the reality, the shadow is never separated from the reality. Also, a shadow gives the reality perspective. Good visual art is frequently judged by the use of shadows. Yes, shadows are not the reality, but they are relevant and connected to the reality.

So we find Yeshua saying, Matthew 5:17-19 "Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah or the Prophets! I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. Amen, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or serif shall ever pass away from the Torah until all things come to pass. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps and teaches them, this one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Posted By Rabbi Michael Weiner, 10:03am Comment Comments: 0