Ponderings of the Perkei Avot 4:7

RaYBaSH’s Ponderings of the Perkei Avot

Chapter 4:7

By: Yehudah ben Shomeyr

“Rabbi Tzaddok would say: Do not separate yourself from the community. Do not act as a counselor-at-law (when serving as a judge). Do not make the Torah a crown to magnify yourself with, or a spade with which to dig. So would Hillel say: one who make personal use of the crown of Torah shall perish. Hence, one who benefits himself from the words of Torah, removes his life from the world.”

Humility is the key to greatness.

Motive will determine if you get there or not.

Matt. 19:30 But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Matt. 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

One of the keys to Yeshua’s success was that HE was a Servant –Leader. He led by example and no task was beneath Him.

John 13:4-5 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Who are all the great people in history? They were the ones who were selfless and didn’t use their power of religion to achieve greatness, They were known more so for their love for and being a champion for the people. I think of Gandhi, Mother Teresa and others who were all about the people. And admit tingly, these figures attributed Yeshua the Messiah as one of their main influences and examples.

Shalom,

-- Yehudah ben Shomeyr