Growing into Torah

[Questor]

There are many of us that are Messianic Gentiles that are seeking to be a Ger Tsaddik, one of the righteous among the nations.

What people do not realize is that we are righteous in Yehohsua already. There is nothing we can do to earn righteousness.

Yet we seek , and wish to be as Observant, if sometimes in a Gentile-ish way, as we can be, and the Brit Chadashah list many things to do be like unto Yehoshua. One of these characteristics that Yehoshua had is humility.

How do we add on this humility? What is it that we are to do?

[alon]

I don't know about you, but just being observant is very humbling- probably the only thing that has ever truly humbled me.

And of course as Meshiachim we realize we are made righteous by the shed blood of Yeshua. The title "Righteous Among the Nations" is granted by the Israeli Knesset and by Rabbinical Judaism. Applying it here to Messianism isn't really correct. As to the term ger tsedek, it comes from "Old Testament" times, and is still applicable today. If Yeshua says we are, then we are. Same with ger toshav- these technically are the ones who are righteous among the nations, as they follow Elohim's laws and precepts, keeping , but don't take on the full mantle of Judaism for whatever reason. It is where we most of us are at, myself included, for whatever reason.

Dan C

[Questor]

Sept 17, 2014 21:19:35 GMT -8 alon said:

I don't know about you, but just being observant is very humbling- probably the only thing that has ever truly humbled me.

And of course as Meshiachim we realize we are made righteous by the shed blood of Yeshua. The title "Righteous Among the Nations" is granted by the Israeli Knesset and by Rabbinical Judaism. Applying it here to Messianism isn't really correct. As to the term ger tsedek, it comes from "Old Testament" times, and is still applicable today. If Yeshua says we are, then we are. Same with ger toshav- these technically are the ones who are righteous among the nations, as they follow Elohim's laws and precepts, keeping , but don't take on the full mantle of Judaism for whatever reason. It is where we most of us are at, myself included, for whatever reason.

Dan C

Well, I do believe I am legally, judicially righteous. Yehohsua paid a high price to make me so, and will make any one so, Jew or Gentile, if they will only ask Him to be included in His redeeming action, enter into the relationship with G-d that is thus granted because of that righteousness, and enabled by the gift of a portion of the Ruach haKodesh being sent to live within them.

Yehoshua is my Goel...I am righteous in Him. I don't do righteously all the time, and when I catch it, or the Ruach brings it up, I really do try not to do it again. But I really doubt if I manage humility, unless it is to give glory to God for all that is good in my life, and for whatever good I effect...since without the Ruach, I wouldn't even be alive or sane at the moment. But no one ever seems to tell one how to be humble, and still be the stand-up kind of guy Yehohsua was.

I have already spent a large portion of my life being nice to people to make them like me...that is not humility, and being walked on is not something I enjoy anymore.  I am told I am overly patient...I know I let a lot of things go that I shouldn't because I just am not good with a whip, but that isn't humility.  I tolerate a lot of inability in others because I am unable to do many things...I give people time to do what I want done because I do not do things on a schedule well.  Life happens, and I know I am not at the head of everyone's to-do list!  If someone is rude enough to step in front of me, I let them...it isn't worth it to me to argue. But that is not humility...it's practicality. 

Do I need to do things according to other people's perceptions in order to be humble? Is it the appearance of humility that I am supposed to display, like not taking the seat of honor, lest I be kicked out of it?  Is humility is merely a quality of deference to those of higher rank, and better family, and more wealth?  Of giving credit where credit is due, rather than hogging all the glory?

What are the rules of humility?  How am I supposed to act?  What do I do to be humble, rather than feel humble.  Feeling small only requires one look at a starry sky, and kneeling to G-d is easy, because He's really big.  What do people do that you see as being full of pride and arrogance?

[alon]

I do as much as I can in order to please the One who made me righteous. I am called to leave the comfort of what I was taught all my life and to become observant; to worship Elohim as He said we should worship. I don't know why He called me to this, only that He did. And for once I had the good sense to say "here am I." And I do what I can- we can do nothing more.

Dan C

[Questor]

Sept 18, 2014 11:46:27 GMT -8 alon said:

I do as much as I can in order to please the One who made me righteous. I am called to leave the comfort of what I was taught all my life and to become observant; to worship Elohim as He said we should worship. I don't know why He called me to this, only that He did. And for once I had the good sense to say "here am I." And I do what I can- we can do nothing more.

Dan C

Yes, but do you know HOW to be humble? I really need to know!

[alon]

I had my dog put down today. I could, off the top of my head name you 20, 30, probably more ... if I tried the list could exceed 100 people whose lives I would without flinching have traded for that dog's. But at the end of the day I have to acknowledge that it is all in God's hands. Every one of those scumbag people are worth far more than my dog, because Elohim says it is so. That is all I can tell you is whatever else you feel, however you hurt with your own situation or ailments, whoever has wronged you, however you are tested and whether or not you "passed" the test- in the end you acknowledge He is YHVH, He is right, and He is in control. You give it to Elohim one step, one decision at a time. You care for the people who hate you, even when you feel like hating them back; and when you slip here you repent. And you keep His , regardless what the enemy throws at you to make you feel like doing otherwise. And if that is humility, then I think you got it.

You could always ask for more, just be careful what you wish for ...

Dan C

[Elizabeth]

I like this question.  I think realizing your own vulnerability is a big factory in finding humility. People who seem to think they are not vulnerable because of their bank account, health, or living situation are the people who come across as proud to me. People who know all can change in an instant, and the tables could easily be turned, tend to display more humility. Therefore, empathy for me is a sign of real humility. It suggests an awareness of your own powerlessness and the fact no one is immune from need or dependence. 

Sorry to hear about your dog Alon.  We have a dog as well; already worry about when we have to let him go and he is just going on a year.   

[alon]

Nov 6, 2014 18:06:53 GMT -8 Elizabeth said:

Sorry to hear about your dog Alon. We have a dog as well; already worry about when we have to let him go and he is just going on a year.

Thanks. It was time. But that responsibility to end a life, even a dogs, is pretty humbling as well.

I like this question. I think realizing your own vulnerability is a big factory in finding humility. People who seem to think they are not vulnerable because of their bank account, health, or living situation are the people who come across as proud to me. People who know all can change in an instant, and the tables could easily be turned, tend to display more humility. Therefore, empathy for me is a sign of real humility. It suggests an awareness of your own powerlessness and the fact no one is immune from need or dependence.

Good point. Most of those who confronted Yeshua, or who He confronted were the rich and powerful. Even the mid-level affluent, those buying and selling in the Temple, were fairly well off "businessmen" too focused on gaining wealth than on whether or not they displeased God.

Dan C