Don't Label, Just Embrace

Often times within ones conversion or return (teshuvah) back to the foundation of the Abrahamic Faith and Torah there’s a taking on of names, types and titles.  For we see such terms and phrases being used as:

 

·         Seeker of Truth

·         Israelite

·         Hebrew Israelite

·         Messianic

·         Messianic Judaism

·         Hebrew

·         Hebrew Christian

 

Some may say it’s akin to being a member or having the identity of a certain biblical tribe (Judahite for the tribe of Judah, Reubenite for the tribe of Reuben).   Others will say these names, types and titles are based on other Biblical applications.  Fine and true.  But why do these names, types and titles seems to divide us?  Mainly two (2) reasons.  Firstly, because we allow them to divide us! We haven’t matured, or become balanced in our connectivity to each other - in HIM.  There are different bones within the human body; but they support and connect to other bones throughout the body as well.

The second reason for the division is our own bias prejudice.  What I mean by that is - if they don’t do Sabbath like us; Read the Torah like us; Celebrate the same Feasts in the same manner as us or dress as we do then we will have no fellowship with them. They have become an outsider!

Our Messiah was a master in bringing different people from different labels and backgrounds together as one. He chose twelve (12) different men and taught them to be one. John 17:11b “that they may be one, just as we are”---Selah’

 

John 13:35 “Everyone will know that you are my disciples (talmidim) by the fact that you have love for each other.”  Love in this text is agape.  And isn’t it amazing and prophetically designed that he made this statement at supper.  In other words, it was at a time of fellowship (no big I’s, no little you’s, no I’m right, you’re wrong) are present.   It was as if our Messiah was saying “look I’ve taught you Torah accurately, I’ve taught you how to apply it accurately, I’ve taught you how to become fisher of men, but before I make this sacrifice I must teach you one last thing before I go- how to be one in fellowship”! You see when fellowshipping the Host and the Guest becomes one.

 

When you dine at someone’s home you don’t bring your dirt, baggage or motives to the home of the Host (that’s not the purpose of the engagement).  You should be on your best behavior because your mind is on the Host.  If you Host an engagement, you make sure that the Guests are comfortable and are catered to; you make the environment inviting, because your mind is on the Guests!  Why? Because fellowship and unity is greater that my attitude, dirt, baggage, persuasion or motives.  For the end desire is to enjoy the fellowship.

Whatever we label ourselves, don’t let it divide us.  We should just embrace each other in HIM.  For HIS strength is perfect in our weakness or label.  Selah’

Shalom and Blessings