Walking God's Way (Part 2 of 5)

This is part 2 of 5 in the teaching series, "Walking God's Way" by Rebecca J. Brimmer, International President and CEO of Bridges for Peace. May you be blessed by reading this teaching letter.

 

Secular Believers

In Israel, many Jews who are defined as secular actually do believe in God. But, since they are not practicing Jews, they are considered secular. Yaakov Kirschen, the well-known cartoonist who draws the Dry Bones Political cartoons, once told a Bridges for Peace Solidarity Mission that he had been reading the book of Ezekiel and it was like reading the newspaper. He was fascinated by the fact that Bible prophecy is being fulfilled. He went on to say, “I’m having a crisis of unbelief.”  He would define himself as secular, but in many conversations over the years, I know that Yaakov reads the Bible, and believes in God—but, he is not willing to live the lifestyle Judaism requires.

Growing up in a church environment, I know that this is not just a Jewish problem. Many believe but are unwilling to live the way God prescribes. Sadly, many attend church on Sunday, but their lives during the week are barely distinguishable from the world around them.

Walk In Love, Light, and Wisdom

As I read Ephesians chapter five, I was struck by the word walk. Three times in this chapter, Paul tells the Ephesians to walk or live their lives in a particular way. I see a theme of halaka running throughout this chapter. Remember Paul defined himself as “circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5). Paul was trained by Gamaliel, one of the greatest rabbis, and was himself a learned Jewish theologian. This concept was very familiar to him.

In this passage, Paul chooses to highlight love, light, and wisdom. In each instance, he then contrasts the positive with negative. The exhortation found in these passages is very practical. It is all about action, not just theory. The believer who follows the advice written here will be exhibiting his faith in practical ways. Let’s take a look at how Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, says we, as believers, should live (walk out) our lives.

Love

“Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ [Messiah] also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:1–7).

As believers, we are called to imitate God, as children do their beloved parents. Since God is love, it follows, that learning to walk in love is imperative for Christians. Matthew Henry, in his commentary says, “This puts a great honor upon practical religion, that it is the imitating of God. We must be holy as God is holy, merciful as He is merciful, perfect as He is perfect. But there is no one attribute of God more recommended for imitation than that of His goodness. Be you imitators of God especially in His love.”

Francis Foulkes, another commentator emphasizes, “The constancy with which love is to be demonstrated is indicated by the use of the word walk. Love is to characterize the Christian’s daily progress along the road of life.” Over the years, I have many times heard that Christianity is a religion of love and grace and that Judaism is a religion of law and judgment. After living in Israel for nearly 17 years, I can tell you that it is not so cut and dried. As Christians we are called to walk in love, and grace, but we also have “laws” or prohibitions, with judgments attached, as in the Ephesians 5 passage.

In Judaism, love of God and fellowman is a central theme. The Shma, the most widely known Jewish prayer or proclamation, says: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5). The rabbis teach Jews to love their fellow man in a series of laws and teachings called mitzvoth shebain adam lehavero (literally, good deeds between man and his fellow). Rabbi Donin when talking about kindness cites the verse, “…but you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

When Yeshua (Jesus) was asked by a lawyer (an expert in Mosaic Law) what he must do to inherit eternal life, Yeshua asked him, “What is written in the Law? What is your reading of it?”  The lawyer responded by reciting, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:26–27). He was quoting Deuteronomy. 6:5, and Leviticus 19:18. Yeshua responded by saying, “You have answered rightly, do this and you will live” (Luke 10:28). On another occasion, Yeshua was asked by a scribe what the greatest commandment was and He quoted these same two Scriptures—see Mark 12:29–31.

Christianity did not spring forth in a vacuum. Yeshua, the disciples, the apostles and most of the writers of the New Testament were all Jewish, and their teaching reflects that. After enjoining the Ephesians to be imitators of God and walk in love, Paul contrasts this with some sins and ways of walking out life that are contrary to the walk of love. All indicate a love and indulgence of self, rather than a love of God and fellow man.

By Rebecca J. Brimmer

International President and CEO

Photos
www.israelimages.com/Israel Talkby

All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

 

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