"““Softening the Hardened Heart””

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Book of Matityahu/Matthew 5:27-32

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“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 0And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We acknowledge both scripturally and innately acts of betrayal in adultery, soul diminishing lust, and the unforgiveness of sin are themselves transgressions. Within our very fiber, we recognize these acts are wrong, yet it remains these are the very things a great many people in weakness fall prey to and are guilty of. Our biggest barriers to our remaining in faith are our mortal weakness of lustfulness. Lust continues to have a strong hold on most every person and it is only in faith and through redemption we escape our carnal calamities.  

 

Indeed, we commit sin with in thought, word and deed and we find many times the challenge to control our urges is one of our biggest and constant battles. Attempt as we may to avoid sinning, we fail again and again and we often fail miserably. It is so easy to commit sin. It is our sin we are found aimless and weak. Giving into the desires of the flesh has been a challenge throughout the course of human history. The apostle Saul (Paul) tells us in the Book of Romi’ ‘im/Romans 3:23 that everyone has sinned and falls short of the glory of HaShem (G-d). Yet HaShem is our endlessly loving Father. He well comprehends the frailties of our weaknesses and wickedness.

 

HaShem is keenly aware of our hardheartedness and self-centeredness. He is aware of our every thought and motivation. He can easily forgive us if we in humility ask for redemption. In consideration of our human fragility and weakness, Yehoshua remains our ideal model of holiness. A challenging model to live up to! Who can follow righteously? In the person of Yehoshua Himself, provides the answer. With man alone it is impossible, however, not with so with HaShem (Book of Mattai/Matthew 19:26). This is why He asks us to abide in Him, as apart from Him we can do nothing (Book of Yochanan/John 15:5).

 

Yehoshua invites us to foster and engage in holiness relentlessly and intensely. In our weakness, we don’t always go and consummate every lustful desire. Yet we do not go about finding great disappointment in ourselves for our failure to remain pure in mind, body and spirit. We find we must go into prayer with the strength of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, especially in the face of temptation. We may fall, but through the grace of HaShem, we get back up with renewed strength and commitment, seeking forgiveness in grace and try again. Elohim knows our battles, it is through the victory of even the smallest of challenges we are renewed in before HaShem. Trusting in Ben Elohim (the Son of G-d) through Rauch Ha’ Chodesh (Holy Spirit) we are reformed in faith to go forth sharing the love of Yehoshua and the promise of the gospel.