I must admit that in the case of the Torah Codes I am deeply suspicious. From the first I heard of it, I thought the whole thing an affected fabrication. I could be wrong, and that is another discussion, but that was/is my instinctive discernment.But let us look at the more general case of the appeal of such esoteria, whether true or false.
I have at times been enraptured into the supernatural "patterns" of God in His word, although I wonder if this really bears much fruit, or worse still might even be a nervous reflex to real obedience in what I already know.
In any case, to be sure, the depth of the wisdom of God is a deep well.
A possible fruit of focus on such trivia and minutiae is in an increased confidence and faith in scripture as the Word of God. But this may just be a rationalization of where this kind of thing can be a positive sin. For it may just be a head trip with no benefit except to boast in ourselves; that we have figured it out.
Are we chasing after esoteric flights of fancy while not obeying the clear teachings of our Lord? Are we aiming to be puffed-up with knowledge while ignoring the weightier matters of the law of love? Are we hugging signs and counting the screw holes in them, enraptured with our own analysis, yet not going to the city they point to? Are we straining out gnats... and swallowing camels?
That Messiah has cast shadows in creation, word, and deed, is clear. And if we are looking down (and can only do so) then shadows are a great blessing indeed, as they can lead to reality. This is especially so at the beginning or end of the day.
But shall we cling to the shadows, or to the reality that cast them? Are we to be found groveling in our own "dusty" wisdom as we attempt to hug a shadow, or shall we embrace Yeshua?
Is this instinct and predilection to hug shadows wise, or exceptionally stupid?
1 Tim 1:8 (NIV) We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.I find such exercises most grievous when grace through faith is lacking among us in other major areas of obedience.1 Cor 14:26b (Wey) Let everything be done with a view to the building up of faith and character.
I see these kinds of efforts as nervous distraction; a neurotic fiddling while Rome burns. I have repented of them myself, and thus encourage others to do likewise.
The Husband is returning soon to fetch the bride He has purchased with His life's blood. Are we to be found doing dirt analysis on soil samples in the shadow base, interesting as these might be? What do you think? Will He commend us for this?
Are we caught up in the reality of Him, or are we trivia gatherers distracted in some spurious mental treasure hunt--with our garments soiled with the dust of self-effort and fleshly boasting and disobedience to His all-too-clear commands?
He is coming soon to find out. We will get His opinions of the "wise" in this sense then. Let us all become fools, so that we might gain true, lasting wisdom.
Let us encourage one another with the influence we have to be faithful to what we already know.
1 Jn 2:29-3:3 (Phi) You all know that God is really good. You may be just as sure that the man who leads a really good life is a true child of God. Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called "children of God"--and that is not just what we are called, but what we ARE... This explains why the world will no more recognize us than it will recognize Christ... Here and now, my dear friends, we are God's children. We don't know what we shall become in the future. We only know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is! Everyone who has at heart a hope like that keeps himself pure, as Christ is pure.2 Pet 1:3-4 (Phi) He [God] has by his own action given us everything that is necessary for living the truly good life, in allowing us to know the one who has called us to him, through his own glorious goodness. It is through this generosity that God's greatest and most precious promises have become available to us men, making it possible for you to escape the inevitable disintegration that lust produces in the world and to share in God's essential nature.
