December 26, 2023

When looking for the phrase “give thanks to the LORD,” I found 17 separate verses in the Book of Psalms that makes reference to giving thanks to the LORD. There are several other places in the Bible where this “giving thanks” is also recorded. I was thinking about what Yeshua said to Simon, a Pharisee who asked Him to come to his house to eat with him (other of Simon’s friends were there as well). This complete narrative is recorded in luk 7:36-50

It is a story of great love and compassion that Yeshua acknowledges concerning the “sinner” woman, who’s thankfulness and adoration for Him [for forgiveness and deliverance] was so overtly expressed by washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair, and anointing his feet with expensive fragrance. The host Pharisee and his guests were [offended] thinking ill of the woman and Yeshua discerned their thoughts, “that if He were truly a Prophet… why did He not know her kind.” Yeshua address them with great wisdom and insight into what real thankfulness is, and says that one who is forgiven much is able to have more love and appreciation [for the one who forgives], than does the one who is forgiven little.

I wonder how many people in our age [modern times] really understand who Yeshua is and what He has done for them? I think that, first, one needs to know just how corrupt they are [we all fit here]… and just how our filthy fleshly minds and souls need the cleansing blood of Yeshua and deliverance from our “Pharisee minds.” It is probable that modern Christians think more of themselves than they should. We have had too much grace and tolerance fed us from progressive religious culture. Even years ago [thirty or more] I heard a very prominent Evangelists say, “preaching against sin will run people off.” Interesting, I guess I would ask, “what is the duty of the pastor and prophet?” A reading of chapters 13-25 in Jeremiah will define that answer. To me, failure to warn people with truth is a terribly bad infliction upon believers… by word and by lifestyles we live; such failure led to Israel and Judah’s destruction. Do you think Yahweh will approve of our society and its spiritual and moral decline, and that maybe He will give us a pass… if so, I think Israel and Judah would want an apology. I have uneasy feelings about the days ahead… 2024 may disjoint our culture and national stability.

As I was considering the text for this last “weekly devotional” for the year 2023, I was thinking of the fact that this message will be the 156th devotional I have posted for the past three years. I can’t help but wonder if my writings have been suitably effective in a way to benefit people and have Yahweh's approval… such a thought troubles me at times. The main comfort I have in this is that, I have to believe that Yahweh’s words [within my words/text] will be read and considered rather than “my words.” I pray is is so.

Some years ago, I was studying and I think the Holy Spirit inspired me with this thought, I think I have mentioned it before:

“One of the great truths a believer in Yeshua can learn is that they have salvation, and are made acceptable to Yahweh, by who Yeshua is, and by what Yeshua has done in their behalf… (consider the woman “sinner” [above] in Simon’s house, that Yeshua forgave of her multitude of sins). Thereby, our testimony of Yeshua should be foremost in our life… next, we strive to keep (learn and live) His Commandments, meaning we walk as He walked… not in our own strength, but being empowered by His Holy Spirit in us.”

It seems to me, considering Yeshua’s comments concerning the woman, that love in a thankful heart is not concealed, but itself becomes an expression of thankfulness and the testimony of Yeshua’s wonderful work in our lives.

Shalom, John