Worthy Brief - Christian Newsletter » Newsletters » 2018 » November » Worthy Brief - 11/28/2018

Worthy Brief - 11/28/2018

Friend, understand the obligation of love!

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Here's another interesting Hebrew word parallel. The Hebrew word for "love" or "affection", "chiba", is formed by the same root letters as the word, "chova", "obligation", "debt", or "duty". In Hebrew, the only difference between these two words is a few vowel points. But you say, "Isn't love the very opposite of obligation !?" Well, yes and no. The Hebrew language has a wonderful way of relating concepts which seem incompatible.

The common romantic view of love in films and novels draws heavily on strong feelings of affection or passion. Even our love for God can flow from those kinds of feelings. (The apostle Peter was filled with them shortly before he denied the Lord three times.) But love based on obligation is another matter, and it's significant that the Jewish marriage contract, the "Ketubah", contains a list of "obligations" that a husband is required to fulfill for his wife. He might be passionately "in love" with her when he signs this contract, yet the wisdom of experience says this passion may wither with time, so the marriage ceremony formally "obligates" him to his spouse. By accepting these "obligations", he agrees that love is nurtured by commitment.

One Rabbi commented: "Love which flows from obligation endures, but when obligation follows love, both are doomed."

Our bridal relationship to Yeshua (Jesus) also reflects this reality. His "obligation" to us flowed from an irrevocable decision of His will and commitment to love us...which cost Him His human life. We might speculate on the Lord's feelings for us, but we don't have to wonder at all about His obligation, or the absolute security we have in His love for us. Our love for Him can be the same. Feelings of love are wonderful. But they also come and go. And there'll be times when we wonder, "Where's that lovin' feeling? Is God really there?" And that's when the sure foundation of commitment will arise in the heart of every true lover.

Friend, God's great love for us is expressed in His commitment; to cover our debt of sin; guide us through this earthly life, and be our eternal Heavenly Husband. Cleansed by His blood and filled with His Spirit we can love Him and one another with the same commitment. The feelings will follow.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Baltimore, MD

Editor's Note: We have our prelimary schedule online. Be sure to visit us when we tour the States!

We have a few more dates to fill for our winter tour to the States. If you would like to us minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or host a Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information. 

Around the World
US lobbies Europe to back United Nations vote on condemning Hamas
The United States is leading a push at the United Nations to win crucial backing from European countries for a resolution condemning Hamas, the Israeli ambassador said Tuesday.
Trump to meet Putin, snub Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed at G-20 summit
President Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin but not with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G20 summit this week, the White House said Tuesday.
European politicians call for new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine
Several senior European politicians on Tuesday raised the possibility of new sanctions against Russia to punish it for capturing three Ukrainian vessels at sea, an incident the West fears could ignite a wider conflict.
Secret Facebook documents said to reveal it was warned about a potentially huge data issue involving Russia back in 2014
A Facebook engineer warned in 2014 about a potentially huge data issue involving Russia, according to secret documents seized by Britain's Parliament last week.
US condemns ‘outrageous’ Rouhani ‘cancer’ snipe as Iran continues to bash Israel
The United States on Monday joined the European Union in denouncing remarks by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who, on Saturday, called Israel a 'cancerous tumor' established by Western countries to advance their interests in the Middle East.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
UN envoy: Trump peace plan ‘completed,’ to be unveiled in early 2019
US President Donald Trump’s administration has told Israel that it will present its long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan early next year, Israel’s envoy to the United Nations said Tuesday.
Iran’s parliament speaker says US peace plan a ‘plot’ to strengthen Israel
Iran is determined to fight against US President Donald Trump’s anticipated Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, parliament speaker Ali Larijani said Tuesday, according to the semi-official news agency ISNA.

Inside the United States
US Supreme Court Upholds Landowners Property Rights Against Gov't Overreach
The Supreme Court has given a victory to private property rights.
US to Appeal Judge's Order Barring Asylum Restrictions
The Trump administration says it will appeal a court order barring the government from refusing asylum to immigrants who cross the southern border illegally.
House lawmakers introduce first bipartisan carbon tax bill in a decade
A small group of Democratic and Republican House lawmakers introduced Tuesday night the first bipartisan carbon tax legislation in nearly a decade as a way to combat climate change.