Shavuot: We Need a Helper - B'rit Hadasha Messianic Jewish Synagogue, Memphis, TN

We Need a Helper

Did you count the 50 days of the Omer? It is a simple instruction, “Count for yourselves...” and yet we have trouble following through. Can you recite the 10 Commandments? Perhaps you can, but maybe not. Even if we can recite them, can we fulfill them? One of our forefathers put it this way, “The things I don’t want to do, I do and the things I want to do, I don’t....” We all know and experience this phenomenon, this conflict that causes us such guilt and angst.

Perhaps we need to start again, at the mountain and hear the words, as if we were there. On Shavuot, we should re-experience this awesome moment when the Creator of the Universe, our Redeemer, instructed us. Getting back to that holy moment is what solidifies our covenant with G-d. G-d promised, if we hear and do what He said, we would be blessed and we would bring blessings.

The first four Commandments outline how we are to relate to the G-d of Israel. Have no other gods,....have no graven image of G-d....don’t profane His name, and rest from your labors on the seventh day and keep it holy.” The last six Commandments cover the relationship to our fellowman beginning with the primary relationship of parents, “honor your father and mother”. Then “don’t murder, steal, commit adultery, lie, or covet”. When we look at the world, it is easy to see that we have not been successful at keeping these. And even more sobering, when we take an honest look at ourselves, we must admit our personal failure.

Yeshua taught that to hate is the same as murder, to lust is to commit adultery. How quickly we justify our actions that are really theft. How easily we deride another. How seldom we can rejoice in the blessings our neighbor has received and how difficult it is to be satisfied in whatever state of being we find ourselves.

Oh yes, we need help. The L-rd knew that.

That’s why Yeshua instructed His followers to wait in Jerusalem until they were given power from G-d. The Holy Spirit was given to G-d’s people on that Shavuot (Feast of Weeks), just as the Torah was given on Shavuot, years earlier. G-d’s Spirit, known as “The Helper” and “The Comforter” was poured out on those early Jewish followers of Rabbi Yeshua. Since that Shavuot, His Spirit continues to be poured out on His followers, so that there is power to love, follow and obey Him. Now that’s a helper!

B'rit Hadasha Messianic Jewish Synagogue 6320 Quail Hollow Rd. Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 685-9267 ph (901) 763-0028 fx Weekly Torah Study Saturdays, 9am Shabbat Worship Services Saturdays, 10:30am Nursery & Children's classes available Office hours: Mon. 1-5pm Tues.- Fri. 9am-5pm Check out our GIFTSHOP open during regular office hours Y Sign up today ! (click on the BRITmail logo)		We Need a Helper Did you count the 50 days of the Omer? It is a simple instruction, “Count for yourselves...” and yet we have trouble following through. Can you recite the 10 Commandments? Perhaps you can, but maybe not. Even if we can recite them, can we fulfill them? One of our forefathers put it this way, “The things I don’t want to do, I do and the things I want to do, I don’t....” We all know and experience this phenomenon, this conflict that causes us such guilt and angst. Perhaps we need to start again, at the mountain and hear the words, as if we were there. On Shavuot, we should re-experience this awesome moment when the Creator of the Universe, our Redeemer, instructed us. Getting back to that holy moment is what solidifies our covenant with G-d. G-d promised, if we hear and do what He said, we would be blessed and we would bring blessings. The first four Commandments outline how we are to relate to the G-d of Israel. Have no other gods,....have no graven image of G-d....don’t profane His name, and rest from your labors on the seventh day and keep it holy.” The last six Commandments cover the relationship to our fellowman beginning with the primary relationship of parents, “honor your father and mother”. Then “don’t murder, steal, commit adultery, lie, or covet”. When we look at the world, it is easy to see that we have not been successful at keeping these. And even more sobering, when we take an honest look at ourselves, we must admit our personal failure. Yeshua taught that to hate is the same as murder, to lust is to commit adultery. How quickly we justify our actions that are really theft. How easily we deride another. How seldom we can rejoice in the blessings our neighbor has received and how difficult it is to be satisfied in whatever state of being we find ourselves. Oh yes, we need help. The L-rd knew that. That’s why Yeshua instructed His followers to wait in Jerusalem until they were given power from G-d. The Holy Spirit was given to G-d’s people on that Shavuot (Feast of Weeks), just as the Torah was given on Shavuot, years earlier. G-d’s Spirit, known as “The Helper” and “The Comforter” was poured out on those early Jewish followers of Rabbi Yeshua. Since that Shavuot, His Spirit continues to be poured out on His followers, so that there is power to love, follow and obey Him. Now that’s a helper!