God of the Living...

-
I am still in the book of Matthew getting to know the earthly ministry of Yeshua.  Again, this is not my first trip through, but The Holy Spirit has been busy pointing out new insights to me.  But first, in order to understand today's new testament scripture, let's go back to the burning bush...

When God spoke to Moses at the burning bush, He introduced Himself this way: "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (Ex 3:6 TLV).  I've read that many times, and each time my mind wanders back to the ancient histories of the three men.  I think about their lives and remember their deaths.  I think of them as great men...who are dead.

Now, let's skip forward to Matthew (22:23-33).  In this passage the Sadducees are posing questions to Yeshua in hopes of entrapping Him in some falsehood or blasphemy.  I find it interesting that in this instance, the Sadducees are asking about the resurrection, when scripture tells us that they did not believe in resurrection (v.23).  Their question had to do with marriage and remarriage following the death of a husband and who the wife would be married to "in the resurrection."

Yeshua first answers their question:  "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven" (Matt 22:30 TLV, underline/highlight added by me).

Then He really socks it to 'em by quoting Exodus 3:6...God introducing Himself at the burning bush....

"I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  He is not the God of the dead, but of the living!" (Matt 22:32 TLV, underline/highlight added by me).

It's a double whammy...Yes, there will be a resurrection, and Yes, those fathers are alive!

So, why does this matter?

I've seen many sincere followers of Yeshua stumble and grumble over the implications of the truth revealed in this passage many times.  On the one hand, some believe only in "soul sleep" and on the other, some believe only in being "alive with Christ" immediately following death.  I would like to use this passage to suggest to you that...

BOTH MAY BE TRUE.

Yeshua speaks with authority of both a physical resurrection (22:30) and about the fathers being alive (22:32).  Can I completely explain this?  No.  But...I do have some ideas....

Do you?

Please know that I am aware that I have broached a topic that is sensitive to most of my readers.  Hear this from me now:  I love and respect you regardless of which side of this topic you lean toward.

Please share your thoughts about this passage with me.  I will be sharing mine with you soon.  :)




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Counterfeit

-
Image
As I write today, a solar eclipse is literally less than 48-hours away.  There is a bit of eclipse hysteria in the air.  People are scrambling to get their approved glasses, and many travel plans are being made in order to get the best possible view.  Some groups see the impending eclipse as a cool learning experience, while others preach that it is a sign of soon-coming doom.  Seems like a good day to broach an end-times subject that many of us don't like to think about: the mark.   Of course when I mention "the mark," I am guessing your mind goes straight to the mark of the beast.  I have spent much time pondering the mark of the beast.  I find in conversing with fellow believers that many are uncomfortable thinking about, discussing, and studying it.  I think a lot of us are more comfortable pretending that Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation do not exist.  Why is this? I believe the answer is, fear.   It is human nature to fear what we do not understand, and let
Read more

Are You Willing?

-
Image
Anyone out there like me...thinking that "the good shepherd" statement made by Yeshua (Jesus) was a simple analogy made up "on the spot" to convey His caring nature?   Oh boy! In my quest to understand the Old Testament (OT), I am finding that so many things in the New Testament (NT) are just re-teachings of original OT teachings.  This good shepherd  statement is a prime example, and it explains why the Judean leaders wanted to stone Yeshua for blasphemy! (John 10:33)  Without the context of the OT, one could not possibly understand the complete gravity of what Yeshua was claiming when referring to Himself as the Good Shepherd.   So, let's take a look... Ezekiel 34 (whole chapter) Jeremiah 23:1-4 John 10 (whole chapter) There is quite a bit of scripture reading today, but if you've been able to take the time to read the above passages, it has probably "clicked" with you as to why the Judeans were divided (John 10:19) and why the Ju
Read more

Haggadot

-
Image
Are you looking for a Christ-Centered Haggadah?  Here are a few of my favorites! 1) This is what I affectionately call "the long version" Haggadah .  I created it in 2021, and to date, that was probably my favorite Passover.  (But let's keep trying, right!?) 2) Because there is a long version, you knew there had to be a "short version" Haggadah , right?  After a few l-o-n-g years 😉, my teenager helped me understand that sometimes a shorter version is just what is needed.   3) If I had all the time in the world, I would use this beautiful (and 40 page!) Haggadah from Torah Resource .  I love the Hebrew recitation, the traditions, and the New Testament connections.  As a matter of fact, I am thinking of pulling a few pages from this Haggadah and meshing it with "the short version" in 2024.  Does that mean we may have a medium version to share next year? 😎😂 4) I am also a big fan of the Haggadah published by Chosen People Ministries (CPM).  An added b
Read more