(12/16/2012) Signs of Messianic Belief?

     Belief that may combine Christian and Jewish traditions is today’s topic; and there is more on joy as a believer’s strength. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Melani” (Level 1 with 105 points, a member since November 3, 2012) posted the following:

A coworker wears both a crucifix and tzitzit?
AND she's a woman. Religiously, what does this mean?

THE BATTLE AXE: A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012)—Joy of (= from) the Lord is provided through the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD; and does not render believers childish, foolish, and incapable of meeting the difficulties and problems of human life. Instead of euphoria and giddiness, believers acquire a further sense of balance, confidence, order, security, vision and understanding that is important for their making life choices and spiritual decisions. Like the promises of GOD that are certain of fulfillment, joy contends against disappointment, loss, and rejection. More importantly, joy serves as a tool along with other spirit content (e.g., faith, humility, longsuffering, patience) for created beings and living creatures to make right responses to sacred process, divine purpose and holy revelations. Divine joy is closely associated with abundance, beauty, gratitude, kindness, praise and thanksgiving, therefore, joy repeatedly appears with healing, prayer, service, vocational work, and worship. Believers experience the joy of their salvation (1) as they continue to acknowledge change, growth and newness of life; (2) share the Gospel with compassion, courage, enthusiasm and understanding; and (3) show affection, godliness, and respect.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. (Isaiah 42: 1-4, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Son of Man (11/28/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012); On The Messiah (02/19/2012); The Coming (11/10/2010); A Fig Tree Cursed? (10/02/2010)

     It is very likely that your coworker is a “Messianic believer” acknowledging the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Greek names given the Savior). Many experienced Christians and Jews now joyfully embrace the Jewish heritage of Jeshua Bar-Joseph (the Hebrew name given the Savior). In addition to the use of prayers in the Hebrew language, and the use of tzittzit acknowledging divine law, you may find the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath (Friday sundown to sundown on Saturday), feast days commanded in Scripture, and study of rabbinical writings.

     While the word “Messiah” is actually found only twice in the Bible (see Daniel 9: 21-27, KJV), groundwork for the doctrine of a divine person that would appear as an offspring of Adam, destroy the adversary of GOD, and restore perfection to mankind and the earth is established very early (see Genesis 3: 1-24, KJV). Later, Messiah is titled “the Lamb” and is named “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (see Revelation 17: 14 and 19: 16, KJV). Messianic belief also advances Adventism, the acknowledgment of divine proclamations, promises, and prophecies that Messiah will return again to the earth, soon. Upon completion of judgment presided over by Jesus as the divinely appointed, righteous Judge, Messiah will be head over a kingdom of incorruptible and immortal believers.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the key to your learning more is that you speak directly to your coworker, rather than talk about your coworker. Disrespect, gossip, rumor, and slander are fostered by every other approach.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC