Tishri 9
Maturity
“Therefore, BE PERFECT, as your Father in
the heavens is perfect.”
(Mat
5:48 ISR, emphasis mine)
The
word translated as ‘perfect’ in the above verse (this final verse of Matthew
chapter 5) is from the Greek word teleios
(Strong’s G5046), and refers to that which is finished, complete,
perfect. When applied to people, it
signifies a total soundness, and includes the idea of being whole and
mature.
One
of the definitions Mr. Webster uses for the word “therefore” is “for that or this reason, referring to
something previously stated”[1]. Using this definition, we can surmise that
the entire chapter five of Matthew leading up to this verse is the “something previously
stated”. Neither do I believe it to be
wrong if we were to take all of the
instructions given to us throughout this chapter as the means for us to reach
maturity, or ‘perfection’. However, we
will never be successful
in this endeavor if we only hear, but never obey.
We
are accountable for how we live our lives, for all we say and do. We can no longer afford to act like young,
spoiled children, throwing ‘temper-tantrums’ when we do not get our own
way. As the Apostle Paul said, we know in
what hour of history we stand (Rom 13:11), and we no longer may play trivial
games with our Elohim. We need to clothe
ourselves with Messiah Yeshua (Rom 13:14), and be the light that He has called us to be.
“And the Elohim of peace who brought up our
Master יהושע
from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the
everlasting covenant, MAKE YOU PERFECT in every good work to do His desire, working
in you what is pleasing in His sight, through יהושע Messiah, to whom be esteem forever and
ever. Amĕn.” (Heb 13:20-21 ISR, emphasis mine)
Avinu
Malkeinu, we thank You. We thank you
that You are faithful to teach us, to
perfect everything that concerns us. We
know that we are Your workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua for good works, and that You will complete that which You began in
us. Master, help us to remain pliable on
the potter’s wheel, as You continue to shape us into the image of the Beloved,
of Your Son, of Yeshua. May we always
remember that it is Your hand on the
wheel, loving and caring, and always faithful.
In the name that is above every name we pray, the name of Yeshua, our
Messiah King. Amein.
©2018
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