Week Six of Counting the Omer

Counting the Omer: Week Six of our New Covenant Reading Journey

As our Omer journey continues, we are now reading more of the letters of Paul. The letters for this week focus on leadership and discipleship. In these letters, Paul speaks into the communal life of several congregations and into the personal life of several leaders.

In Ephesians, Paul explains how Yeshua has joined together Jewish Messiah Followers and Believers from the nations to form a spiritual community that demonstrates Israel’s future today. There is peace, unity, and the maintenance of ethnic distinctions. There is worship of the God of Israel and living under the Kingship of Messiah Yeshua. In both Ephesians and Colossians, Paul explains the Torah way of Life through the empowerment of the Ruach HaKodesh.

In 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul speaks words of encouragement and exhortation to leaders. He gives wise counsel on the role of Overseer and Spiritual Leader. In Philippians and 1-2 Thessalonians, Paul shows his love and heartfelt concern for these congregations. He uses terms like mother and father to describe his love for them as well as his expressions of thanksgiving for these “beloved brethren.”  Finally, Philemon is a short letter that explains how Paul desires to bring unity and love to a particular situation.

May we read these letters as if he were writing to us. Yes, they were written thousands of years ago to congregations and issues facing unique situations. However, their words of exhortation and encouragement can meet us right where we are.

If you are a little behind in the reading, don’t give up!! I know you can finish the reading!!

Have a great week!

Shavua Tov!

Howard