- there are 70 faces to 
Post by alon on Apr 27, 2021 22:57:30 GMT -8
Balance in Holy Living
by Shane Lundgren
(note: I had to fill in the blanks in places with a failing memory and a little research, so this is not exactly as presented ... best an old man can do; sorry)
Leviticus 19:35-37 (ESV) “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. And you shall observe all my statutes and all my rules, and do them: I am the Lord.”
As we become more invested in Messianism and become more set apart, we learn more, gain more depth to our understanding of scripture. Our judgement and the way we observe balances in ordering our lives is as important to understand in holy living as is the scales we use- the way we conduct our business. To follow God’s statutes, we need:
* scales- a balance
* weights- something to measure agains
* measure- something to weigh, to balance
Proverbs 11:1 (ESV) A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
Amos 8:5 (ESV) saying, “When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain?
And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale,
that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great
and deal deceitfully with false balances,
Hosea 12:7 (ESV) A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.
Measuring is more than just a material thing. With us, there is a spiritual aspect. The balance scales become the symbol of integrity and righteousness. Job said “Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!” (Job 31:6). To be weighed accurately, all three things listed above must be equal; correct distances and portions, and the one(s) weighing must have integrity (no finger on the scale).
A quick note here: don’t ever measure a person (ourselves or others) against God’s Word as an absolute standard. We’ll all come up short, every time. This is not to say we don’t use the Word as a standard to be striven for or attained, or that we ignore the lessons on judging character in the Word when evaluating a person’s character or actions. Just if your standard is perfect compliance, you’ll be woefully disappointed, every time. Judging integrity is a matter of how far we must move the fulcrum in order to achieve the balance!
Proverbs 16:11 (ESV) A just balance and scales are the Lord's;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
* פֶּלֶס peles- a balance: weight; the results as measured
* מֹאזֵן mô’zên- a pair of scales: balances; measuring instrument
* מַעֲשֶׂה ma‛ăśeh- an action; generally a transaction; business, deed, labour, ware of making, occupation, thing offered
** from the root עֲשֶׂה asah, which has connotations of listening
*** the human ear is our organ of balance
Job 6:2(ESV) “Oh that my vexation were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
Psalm 62:9 (ESV) Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Revelation 6:5 (KJV) And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
* ζυγός zugos- dzoo-gos’: to join, especially by a “yoke”; a coupling, servitude (a law or obligation); the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales): pair of a yoke
Deuteronomy 22:10 (ESV) You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.
Balance belongs to the Lord. Here we see two principles at work. First, the balance, or scales represents judgement. But we also see a practical application of fairness in our dealings. A yoke is also an instrument of balance, and can represent mercy as well (think of the poor donkey trying to keep up pulling a plow with an ox).
Matthew 11:30 (ESV) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
A vain man, or one of low integrity will never have a balanced life. They will be lifted in the scales by anything measured by Adonai:
Luke 21:34 (ESV) “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
The world tries hard to weigh us down, but the world is not our balance.
2 Samuel 14:26 (ESV) And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king's weight.
In ancient times, the king set the standard of weights. Today the government sets the standards by which we measure. Ancient Greeks used stones, then the Romans further standardized accuracy by using standard metal weights.
Exodus 16:18 (ESV) But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.
* מָדַד mâdad- to measure; figuratively to be extended, measure, mete, stretch a line
Ephesians 4:7 (ESV) But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Mark 4:24 (ESV) And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
* μέτρον metron- a measure (“metre”); a limited portion (degree); measure
Our bodies are beautifully created, and gives witness to Elohim. They show scripture to be true. There are two aspects of balance apparent in us: physical/scientific, and spiritual. Both must be maintained in order for us tofunction optimally:
physical/scientific- 3 components of physical balance:
1. sensory input- sight, touch hearing, and possibly smell and taste
2. integration of input- nervous system and brain
3. motor output- results converted to action to adjust the fulcrum point
spiritual- the spirit needs balance to stay within Elohim’s standards:
Philippians 4:9 (ESV) What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Rav Shaul frequently speaks about his prayers on behalf of other believers (1 Cor 14:18). "Paul" believed in prayer as important to his effectiveness as a shaliach; and apostle. However he also knew the Word, and was never shy about calling out heresy or false teaching. Likewise (in all things, balance) he was quick to praise those who diligently taught scripture, as he used it as his reference for holy living.
If we do not study our Bibles, how will we as Meshiachim be able to confront scriptural error? And without prayer, our confrontation will tend to be cold, unloving, and push people away. “Paul” is important to us as an example of spiritual balance.
Romans 8:16, 26-27 (ESV) The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, … And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV) Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are supposed to be putting balance into our lives. Give God a chance to speak to you, to help you. Balance lets His glory shine through you. Our Elohim wants us to stay balanced in Him. It is not about “tipping the scales,” but rather putting ourselves in God’s scales and keeping them balanced.
Lamentations 3:40 (ESV) Let us test and examine our ways,
and return to the Lord!
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
We must balance:
* self with worship by His Word and character
* self with study by His Word and character
* self with joy by His Word and character
* self with family by His Word and character
* fellowship with compassion by His Word and character
* talk and action by His Word and character
God’s Word and character is the fulcrum point by which our lives will be weighed, and by which we achieve balance in our lives now.
by Shane Lundgren
(note: I had to fill in the blanks in places with a failing memory and a little research, so this is not exactly as presented ... best an old man can do; sorry)
Leviticus 19:35-37 (ESV) “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. And you shall observe all my statutes and all my rules, and do them: I am the Lord.”
As we become more invested in Messianism and become more set apart, we learn more, gain more depth to our understanding of scripture. Our judgement and the way we observe balances in ordering our lives is as important to understand in holy living as is the scales we use- the way we conduct our business. To follow God’s statutes, we need:
* scales- a balance
* weights- something to measure agains
* measure- something to weigh, to balance
Proverbs 11:1 (ESV) A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
Amos 8:5 (ESV) saying, “When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain?
And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale,
that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great
and deal deceitfully with false balances,
Hosea 12:7 (ESV) A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.
Measuring is more than just a material thing. With us, there is a spiritual aspect. The balance scales become the symbol of integrity and righteousness. Job said “Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!” (Job 31:6). To be weighed accurately, all three things listed above must be equal; correct distances and portions, and the one(s) weighing must have integrity (no finger on the scale).
Job integrity
A
God’s Fulcrum
A quick note here: don’t ever measure a person (ourselves or others) against God’s Word as an absolute standard. We’ll all come up short, every time. This is not to say we don’t use the Word as a standard to be striven for or attained, or that we ignore the lessons on judging character in the Word when evaluating a person’s character or actions. Just if your standard is perfect compliance, you’ll be woefully disappointed, every time. Judging integrity is a matter of how far we must move the fulcrum in order to achieve the balance!
Proverbs 16:11 (ESV) A just balance and scales are the Lord's;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
* פֶּלֶס peles- a balance: weight; the results as measured
* מֹאזֵן mô’zên- a pair of scales: balances; measuring instrument
* מַעֲשֶׂה ma‛ăśeh- an action; generally a transaction; business, deed, labour, ware of making, occupation, thing offered
** from the root עֲשֶׂה asah, which has connotations of listening
*** the human ear is our organ of balance
Job 6:2(ESV) “Oh that my vexation were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
Psalm 62:9 (ESV) Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Revelation 6:5 (KJV) And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
* ζυγός zugos- dzoo-gos’: to join, especially by a “yoke”; a coupling, servitude (a law or obligation); the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales): pair of a yoke
Deuteronomy 22:10 (ESV) You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.
Balance belongs to the Lord. Here we see two principles at work. First, the balance, or scales represents judgement. But we also see a practical application of fairness in our dealings. A yoke is also an instrument of balance, and can represent mercy as well (think of the poor donkey trying to keep up pulling a plow with an ox).
Matthew 11:30 (ESV) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
A vain man, or one of low integrity will never have a balanced life. They will be lifted in the scales by anything measured by Adonai:
Luke 21:34 (ESV) “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
The world tries hard to weigh us down, but the world is not our balance.
2 Samuel 14:26 (ESV) And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king's weight.
In ancient times, the king set the standard of weights. Today the government sets the standards by which we measure. Ancient Greeks used stones, then the Romans further standardized accuracy by using standard metal weights.
Exodus 16:18 (ESV) But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.
* מָדַד mâdad- to measure; figuratively to be extended, measure, mete, stretch a line
Ephesians 4:7 (ESV) But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Mark 4:24 (ESV) And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
* μέτρον metron- a measure (“metre”); a limited portion (degree); measure
Our bodies are beautifully created, and gives witness to Elohim. They show scripture to be true. There are two aspects of balance apparent in us: physical/scientific, and spiritual. Both must be maintained in order for us tofunction optimally:
physical/scientific- 3 components of physical balance:
1. sensory input- sight, touch hearing, and possibly smell and taste
2. integration of input- nervous system and brain
3. motor output- results converted to action to adjust the fulcrum point
motor output sensory input
A
nervous system and brain
spiritual- the spirit needs balance to stay within Elohim’s standards:
Philippians 4:9 (ESV) What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Rav Shaul frequently speaks about his prayers on behalf of other believers (1 Cor 14:18). "Paul" believed in prayer as important to his effectiveness as a shaliach; and apostle. However he also knew the Word, and was never shy about calling out heresy or false teaching. Likewise (in all things, balance) he was quick to praise those who diligently taught scripture, as he used it as his reference for holy living.
If we do not study our Bibles, how will we as Meshiachim be able to confront scriptural error? And without prayer, our confrontation will tend to be cold, unloving, and push people away. “Paul” is important to us as an example of spiritual balance.
Romans 8:16, 26-27 (ESV) The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, … And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV) Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are supposed to be putting balance into our lives. Give God a chance to speak to you, to help you. Balance lets His glory shine through you. Our Elohim wants us to stay balanced in Him. It is not about “tipping the scales,” but rather putting ourselves in God’s scales and keeping them balanced.
Lamentations 3:40 (ESV) Let us test and examine our ways,
and return to the Lord!
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
We must balance:
* self with worship by His Word and character
* self with study by His Word and character
* self with joy by His Word and character
* self with family by His Word and character
* fellowship with compassion by His Word and character
* talk and action by His Word and character
God’s Word and character is the fulcrum point by which our lives will be weighed, and by which we achieve balance in our lives now.
