Ancient Words, Ageless Application

Mar 29

Many within Judaism would refer to what became known as “The Golden Rule” to be a “summarizing commandment” of the Torah:

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18).

Many renowned rabbis of the past echoed these words similarly and gave their interpretations of the meaning of the text such as Rabbi Hillel,[1] Rabbi Akiva,[2] and others. Hillel the Elder said this: “That which is hateful to you do not do to another; that is the entire Torah, and the rest is its interpretation. Go study.”[3]

The identity of the “neighbor” and how to understand and apply this verse has been discussed through the centuries. Jesus spoke of this core command when He taught,

“And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”[4]

We need only read the headlines from around the world to know violence, corruption, crushing wars, and needless bloodshed abound. If people would truly embody the golden rule, how different our world would look.

The Jewish people have given us much

We truly owe much to the Jewish people. Through them the True God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob revealed Himself to the world through the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures) and the prophets. And throughout the ages, the contributions to our world through Jewish scientists, medical practitioners, academics, philanthropists, researchers, and technologists have made an enormous positive impact on the world, down to the present day.

Tikkun Olam

Even secular Jewish people sometimes champion what is called tikkun olam, a “desire to mend or repair the world.” In many circles this has become a rallying cry for social justice. But many rabbis bemoan the way tikkun olam has morphed into something beyond the term’s original intent.[5] Certainly the idea that the Jewish people, or anyone else, can truly fix what is broken in this world excludes the truth that only God can repair His creation.

Author Jim Melnick writes this: “The crucial element missing in most Jewish views of tikkun olam is a concern for souls and eternal salvation, whereas this is the very essence of a New Testament view of ‘doing good deeds.’ The ultimate goal of the latter is not just to feed the poor and clothe the naked but to share the love of God with others so that some may come to a saving faith in Messiah.”[6]

The Missing Mediator

Both the golden rule, and tikkun olam are missing something – or “someone.”

One day God will indeed repair His physical creation and fulfil His promises to His people Israel. But first, He sent One to repair our souls and our broken relationship with Him. In the words from Jesus we read earlier, He placed loving your neighbor as yourself after the command to love God “with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

The key then for the golden rule is to do the first. Therein lies our problem. We are separated from God because of sin.[7]

Is there a solution? You can love others as yourself

The prophet Isaiah describes God’s appointed, suffering Servant who provides atonement for the sins that separate us from God, by giving His life.[8] Paul, a former Pharisee who became a follower of Jesus,[9] writes this about what the sacrificial death of Jesus did for those who trust in Him:

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”[10]

Yes, the Jewish people have given us much, for which we are grateful. But the greatest and most needed of gifts, forgiveness of sin and eternal life, the Jewish Messiah freely gives to those who believe in Him. If you haven’t already trusted in Jesus, won’t you today let the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob first repair you from the inside out? Then, you can love others as yourself with the very love of God as He makes you a “new creation.”[11]

With so much heartache in our world, let us get the help and comfort we need from God so we can properly help others who need the same.

Written by Jeff, LIFE staff

Do you know the Jewish Messiah Jesus? If not, check out https://www.insearchofshalom.com/all/themessiah/mysteries/messiah-is-father-of-eternity-yet-comes-from-bethlehem.
What would it look like to put the love of Messiah first and then have Him empower you to fulfill the golden rule?
What “neighbor” is in need of your love today?

Endnotes:

[1] https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hillel/.

[2] https://www.jewishhistory.org/rabbi-akiva-2/.

[3] https://steinsaltz.org/daf/shabbat31/.

[4] Mark 12:30-31.

[5] https://www.jns.org/the-fallacy-delusion-and-myth-of-tikkun-olam/.

[6] Pg. 158 Jewish Giftedness and World Redemption The calling of Israel-Jim Melnick Lederer Books.

https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Giftedness-World-Redemption-Melnick/dp/1936716887.

[7] Isaiah 59:1-2.

[8] Isaiah 52:13-53:12 [53:9-12].

[9] Acts 9:1-22.

[10] 2 Corinthians 5:21.1 John 2:1-2.