Your Daily Slice

 

ADAR 25

Maturity

 

“Therefore YOU shall be PERFECT, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”  (Mat 5:48 NKJV, 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”. I also believe it to be correct if we were to take all 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.

 

The Torah walk is just that:  a walk, a way of life, it is the actions we do.  We are accountable for how we live our lives, for all we say, and all our conduct and behavior.  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, emphasis mine)

 

Abba Yahweh, 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.  Abba, 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.

 

©2021

---

[1] American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828