Have you ever noticed how the Bible tells the same story over and again? I have. In fact, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Bible is essentially the same story told to us in different ways. The same themes are taught repeatedly, just though different biblical accounts. Consider what Yeshua said:
“Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13:52)
Have you ever said to your children or grandchildren, “How many times am I going to have to tell you this? How many times are we going to have to go over this?” Most likely, we’ve all said that and, most likely, all of us probably heard that as children. Children, even teenagers, and sometimes adults, don’t get things the first time around, or even the second, or the third. They have to be told again and again and so it is with us. No wonder Yeshua would say to His listeners, “And again, I say unto you.” He told stories that recounted the same basic principles again and again because, as He said, there are new treasures to be discovered, but there are also old treasures to be rediscovered. So, with that in mind, let’s consider what David wrote:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
Let’s focus on the phrase “paths of righteousness,” because the path that we often times envision is not the biblical path. What I mean by that is, the Hebrew word translated as “path” is a word that actually means “cycles.” God doesn’t lead us around in circles, but He certainly leads us in cycles or “circuits of righteousness,” meaning that He leads us in a way where we are exposed to the same truths over and over. For example, He teaches us through the Feast days, year after year. If we observe these festivals at the appointed time, it is not uncommon to discover something new each time we go through the cycle.
Now, if we find ourselves becoming bored or growing impatient with hearing the same thing over and over again, perhaps we should be aware. That impatience might be a sign that we have an unhealthy craving for information and knowledge. There’s nothing wrong with gaining knowledge but, in and of itself, knowledge is not sufficient if we are to be an overcomer. In other words, the desire for knowledge can be good if we recognize the need for wisdom in applying that knowledge to our lives. Remember, it was the desire for knowledge that prompted the woman to eat the forbidden fruit.
In this day and time, more than knowledge, we need wisdom that comes from on high. Godly wisdom and being guided by the Spirit of God is how we will overcome the Adversary. To acquire that kind of wisdom, most likely, means that we will be hearing some of the same things, over and over, again.
Shalom.
Hello, just want to tell you how much I appreciate Shoreshim and Jacob’s Tent. I’m in the beginning process of discovering what the Lord wants to teach me through you. I’m saved since 1988, been to Israel several times, but just recently had a dream where the name Bill Cloud was shown to me. Shalom. Blessings, in the Name, Yeshua
Glad you are being blessed by the ministry. Shalom.