Limitless, Part 5, Freed (cont.)
March 6, 2022Today's message was the fifth in a series called Limitless and given by Jennifer Ericksen. A video of the message can be found here.
Jen mentioned (paraphrased), that we were made in God's image, not the image we create for ourselves. Much of her message had to do with freeing ourselves from our own shame over sins, freeing ourselves from our own image of ourself.
This is a bit like idolatry, paying attention to something else other than God. In this case, paying attention to your own opinions of yourself rather than God's. Freedom could be defined as not having idols, including yourself.
Let's look a bit more at our creation in Genesis. God said, "Let us make mankind in our image." Who is the "our" referenced here? Some say angels, some say it's the royal we, and there are other thoughts. My favorite is the one Prager likes best given the text: our = God + the animals. We are part God and part animal. Becoming holy, "separate from," has to do with moving along the line between God and animal more toward God. Combining the notion God created us, not ourselves, plus our ability to become more holy, certainly argues for getting over any bad image we may create for ourselves, deserved or not.
Let me take a moment to mention how important freedom is to the Torah. There are two pillars to the Torah and therefor to Judaism: Creation and the Exodus. And the Exodus was all about freedom and a mission to bring God's message (Torah) to the world.
She also mentioned "we must examine ourselves truthfully." It's interesting that one of the Torah words translated as "pray" (tefillah) literally means "examine oneself." When we examine ourselves truthfully in God's presence, pray, we can be freed of ongoing guilt by confession and repentance.
The Torah is so occupied with living this life to the fullest that very little is mentioned about an afterlife. Everything in the Torah could be described as teaching ideals, law, and wisdom so that one may live a fulfilled life - as whole (sozo) a life as possible one could say. Study the Torah!
Bonus Fun Fact(s)
Who was the only Jew in the Torah to be referred to as righteous, tzadik? Joseph! Five reasons are offered:- He turned down Mrs. Potiphar's advances
- He saved Egypt from famine
- He forgave his brothers
- He credits God for his abilities
- God never spoke to him, yet he was truly faithful