Random Words

This will be the first in a series of “Random Words” which I hope to share on this blog which will hopefully be edifying to those who drop by. There are numerous other studies which I hope to share in the coming months which are not ready yet so this little project will allow me to “shew forth His salvation from day to day” which is my main desire when doing anything publicly (Psalm 96:2). Each day or so I hope to share a “random” word which will come forth according to the “lot” (Proverbs 16:33) This way any personal agenda of mine will not be in the way but I will be merely sharing, at least in theory, the word which the Lord desires.

I will try to share some thoughts on each word, keeping it as short and sweet as possible. The focus will be on the Gospel of Messiah as I am of firm belief that the entirety of the Holy Scriptures points to Jesus Christ.

I hope that those who read these “Random Words” will share their thoughts as well if they feel led to do so.

To begin we’ll look at the word random. Random is defined as “having no definite aim or purpose” and traces back to the Middle English word ‘randon’ which means to move at a great speed or to rush causing one to do things without care. This word ‘randon’ traces even further back to the Old French word ‘randon’ which means to rush or run fast and the Old High German word ‘rennen’ which means to run a race.

Scripture associates walking with the Lord as a ‘race’ (1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1). The sun moving in its courses is likened unto a bridegroom running a race which is a picture of the Messiah (Psalm 19:5).

In Hebrew, the word for race is רוץ ‘ruts’ which literally speaks of ancient messengers carrying a message on potsherds.

This is the function of those “running the race” with the Lord. We are ambassadors carrying the message of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are broken vessels who carry forth the Word of reconciliation to a broken world (Matthew 21:44) of the Messiah whose broken body was offered to reconcile us back to God (1 Corinthians 11:24).
Those who are broken and have their hearts circumcised “run” the way of His commandments (Psalm 119:32) as the Lord draws them (Song of Songs 1:4). In Song of Songs 1:4, the word for “draw” in Hebrew is משך ‘mashakh’ which is used in modern Hebrew for the concept of gravity. This is interesting in light of the “race” connection to the sun (Psalm 19:5).

In Philippians 3:14 Paul speaks of pressing toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Messiah Jesus . The word for “press toward” in Greek is διώκω ‘diōkō’ which means to run swiftly. Paul speaks of this pressing forward in context of the troubles and afflictions of which believers encounter during their lives (Philippians 3:10). This word διώκω ‘diōkō’ also has the meaning of persecuting, affliction and suffering. In Hebrews 12:1 we are admonished to “run with patience” the race that is set before us. The word for race in this verse is ἀγών ‘agōn’ which also means conflict, contention and fighting.

During our race, “random” things occur which seem to contradict His Word but we can rejoice at afflictions and sorrows because everything is in the Hands of the Most High. He is always with us (Matthew 28:20), directing our steps (Proverbs 16:9) and though we may stumble along the way, He is always there to lift us up (Psalm 37:23-24) no matter how accidental the events of our lives may seem.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word for accident or chance is מקרה ‘miqreh’ which is also translated as ‘framework’ (Ecclesiastes 10:18). Framework is also translated as מבנה ‘mevanah’ which comes from the root בן ‘ben’ which means a son as a son is the one who builds upon the house of a father.

Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Php 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.