tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92360352024-03-13T14:44:16.738+02:00Victorious LivingThe Scriptures teach us that believers can and should live victorious lives. We must learn to understand and walk in the victory that our Messiah Yahushua purchased for us by becoming our Passover Lamb and being the First Fruits amoung many brethren. By the Ruach (Spirit) of Elohim we now have His Torah written on our hearts that we may live them out in loving obedience to YHWH and truly engage in victorious living!Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-21509331927990883632014-04-25T08:53:00.000+02:002014-04-25T08:53:10.359+02:00The Choice of the Chosen!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Shabbat Shalom all,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tonight I want to briefly discuss what it truly means to
be a <b>chosen</b> people! And so in a
short message tonight called, <b>“THE
CHOICE OF THE CHOSEN!”</b> I want us to be encouraged and equipped in the Good
News of us being a chosen people, and the responsibilities that come with being
chosen! I have no central or theme passage that I will be working from tonight,
but will be utilising various verses from Scripture in order for us to grasp
the concept of being chosen!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
7:6 “<span style="color: red;">For you are a set-apart people to </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">your Elohim. </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">your Elohim has </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-highlight: yellow;">chosen</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">you to be a people for
Himself, a treasured possession above all the peoples on the face of the earth.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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This verse is referred to by Kěpha in his first letter,
as he reminds us of this very fact that we are a <b>chosen</b> people, in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Kěpha Aleph/1
Peter 2:9-10 “<span style="color: red;">But you are a </span><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-highlight: yellow;">chosen</span><span style="color: #002060;"> </span><span style="color: red;">race, a royal priesthood,
a set-apart nation, a people for a possession, that you should proclaim the
praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">10</span><span style="color: red;"> who once were not a people, but now the people of Elohim;
who had not obtained compassion, but now obtained compassion.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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SET-APART – <b>CHOSEN</b> – TREASURED POSSESSION!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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While we all may know and be able to recite these verses,
I often wonder how much we actually understand what this means and entails for
us! Once we were ‘nobodies’, and now we are not just simply a ‘somebody’, but
rather, we are the <b>chosen </b>people of
Elohim! A people He has chosen and called out of darkness into His marvellous
Light – but for what purpose some may ask? To be a people for Himself!!! He
does not want to share us with another, and so He chose us for Himself. So much
so that we are totally different to the world and those who still walk around
in darkness, for we are a set-apart people! The Hebrew word for ‘<b>set-apart</b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">קָדוֹשׁ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>qadosh –
Strong’s H6918</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">consecrated, set-apart</span></i></b>’ –
and a <b>Set-Apart </b>nation implies just what it says – we are to be in a
league of our own – so different from the world that it is clearly seen!!! This
can only happen if we actually hear-guard and do all Elohim has commanded us to
do, without debating and reasoning why we should not - as the world does! The
Greek word for ‘<b>set-apart</b>’ is <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">ἅγιος</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>hagios – Strong’s G40</b> and <span lang="EN-US">its fundamental idea is one of ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">separation, consecration, and devotion to the service of Elohim</span></i></b>’,
sharing in Elohim’s purity and abstaining from the defilement of the flesh, by
being clothed in and walking in righteousness, that is from Elohim!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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To ‘<b>consecrate</b>’ means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to make or
declare to be set-apart and be devoted to a purpose with the deepest
irrevocable dedication</span></i></b>’. We as a chosen, set-apart and royal
priesthood unto Elohim, declare and make our lives solely devoted to the
purpose of serving and worshipping <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> our
Elohim, and as we have certainly learnt through the Torah portions of ‘<b>drawing near</b>’ to Elohim, that we can
only do so by the Blood of Messiah as we are continually being set-apart in Him
through an on-going process of being
sanctified as a people for a possession.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tas’loniqim
Aleph/1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 “<span style="color: red;">For this is the desire of
Elohim: your </span><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-highlight: yellow;">set-apartness</span><span style="color: red;">! – that you should abstain
from whoring, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
that each one of you should know how to possess his own vessel in </span></b><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">set-apartness</span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and respect, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> not in passion of lust, like the
gentiles who do not know Elohim, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
not to overstep and take advantage of his brother in this matter, because the
Master is the revenger of all such, as we indeed said to you before and
earnestly warned. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
For Elohim did not call us to uncleanness, but in </span></b><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">set-apartness</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Hebrew word
for ‘<b>treasured possession</b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">סְגֻלָּה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>segullah – Strong’s H5459 </b>meaning <b>‘<span style="color: #c00000;">valued possession or property</span>’</b>.
This could also be expressed as <b>“<span style="color: #c00000;">My uniquely
valued and guarded treasure above all the nations</span>”</b>! How awesome is
that!!! A hearing, guarding and doing people are the uniquely valued and
guarded treasure of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s; that
is to say that He holds us firmly in His hand and never takes His eyes off of
us; and He guards us continually so as to never let us go, for we are extremely
valued and precious to Him. When outsiders look at us they may see it as being
locked away in a box, thinking that we ‘have to do’ things that are not
required by them and claim erroneously that we have lost our rights and are
‘under law’ so to speak – but it is not so – we are kept secure and safe and
are a prized possession.<o:p></o:p></div>
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True overcomers in Messiah are His ‘<b>segullah</b>’!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the Greek the word used for ‘<b>a possession</b>’ is <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">περιποίησις</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>peripoiēsis – Strong’s G4047</b> which means, <b>‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">purchased possession, preservation, acquisition, peculiar,
property</span></i>’</b>. <b><i> </i></b>We, as a set-apart people unto Elohim,
have been sealed with Set-apart Spirit of promise, who is the pledge of our
inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession! Peculiar and
set-apart – that is to be completely different to the rest! How different are
you to the rest of the world?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What makes us
set-apart and a peculiar treasured possession, is that we have been chosen by
Elohim to be His own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Hebrew word
for ‘<b>chosen</b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">בָּחַר</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>baḥar
– Strong’s H977</b> and means, <b>‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">to choose, choicest, selected, preferred</span></i>’</b>,
and this word is used <span lang="EN-US">to express that choosing which has ultimate and eternal significance. We
see in Scripture how </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-US"> chooses a people, certain
tribes, specific individuals, and a place for His Name; and in all these cases
service and obedience is at the heart of the choosing. Thus </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> <span lang="EN-US">chose Yisra’ĕl to be set-apart and thereby to serve as
His witness among the nations</span>. His
choosing us has eternal significance!!! His choice is forever!!! The expected
response of the chosen is loving obedience and complete commitment in
uncompromised service to the One who has chosen us!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yoḥanan/John 15:16 “<span style="color: red;">You did not choose Me,
but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that
your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name He
might give you.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> makes it very clear to us here in <b>Yoḥanan/John 15</b> that we did not choose
Him, but He chose us – and our acceptance to His choosing implies that we
understand and acknowledge our needed response, which is to obey, and in doing
so we relinquish and forfeit all ‘choice for self’ – simply because we accept
our choosing and realise that we are no longer our own, but rather belong to
Him who has purchased us with His own Blood – hence we are called <b>The Chosen!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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While this
may seem fairly obvious at first glance, and it should; what we do find is that
many do not recognise the consequence of their acceptance of the great choosing
of Elohim upon their lives, for they simply continue to make ‘bad choices’ that
render their garments defiled before the One who has chosen us and clothed us
with His righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s ‘<b>choosing</b>’ of Yisra’ĕl was not because of being bigger and better
than other nations!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 7:7-8 “</b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> did not set His love on you
nor choose you because you were more numerous than any other people, for you
were the least of all peoples, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";">8</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> but because of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> loving you, and because of Him guarding
the oath which He swore to your fathers, </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> has brought you out with a
strong hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of
Pharaoh sovereign of Mitsrayim.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s loving-commitment to His oath that
He swore to Aḇraham, Yitsḥaq and Ya’aqob is what has caused us to be a people
that are ‘<b>chosen</b>’ in the Beloved!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
10:14-16 “<span style="color: red;">See, the heavens and the heaven of heavens
belong to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">your Elohim, also the
earth with all that is in it. 15 “</span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">delighted only in your fathers, to love them. And He
chose their seed after them, you above all peoples, as it is today. 16 “And you
shall circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and harden your neck no more.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Because of His great love for our fathers, He chose their
seed – that is us, and because of His choosing us, He expects us to walk humbly
before Him and cut away the foreskin of our heart, rolling away the reproach of
wickedness and sin that breeds therein; and be stiff-necked no more!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of His lovingly-committed choice for us, we too
must respond by making the clear choice to serve Him and cling to Him with our
all:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
30:19-20 “<span style="color: red;">I have called the heavens and the earth as
witnesses today against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing
and the curse. Therefore you shall </span><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-highlight: yellow;">choose</span><span style="color: #002060;">
</span><span style="color: red;">life, so that you live, both you and your seed, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">20</span><span style="color: red;"> to love </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">your Elohim,
to obey His voice, and to cling to Him – for He is your life and the length of
your days – to dwell in the land which </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">swore to your fathers, to Aḇraham, to Yitsḥaq, and to
Ya’aqoḇ, to give them.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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We, the<b> chosen</b>,
are called to <b>choose</b> life! <b>The Torah is our life!</b> And in choosing
life, we choose to love, obey and cling to Elohim by guarding His Torah that
leads us in the Way of Set-Apartness!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
32:45-47 “<span style="color: red;">And when Mosheh ended speaking all these
words to all Yisra’ĕl, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">46</span><span style="color: red;"> he said to
them, “Set your heart on all the words with which I warn you today, so that you
command your children to guard to do all the Words of this Torah. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">47</span><span style="color: red;"> “For it is not a worthless Word for you, because </span><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-highlight: yellow;">it is your life</span><span style="color: red;">, and by this Word you prolong your days on the soil which
you pass over the Yardĕn to possess.</span>” <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Words of this
Torah is not worthless – it is our life! The Living Word – The Word made flesh
- <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah - is our life!!! In
Speaking of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah, Sha’ul tells us in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Romiyim/Romans 10:6-7 “<span style="color: red;">But the righteousness of belief speaks in this way, “Do not
say in your heart, ‘Who shall ascend into the heavens?’ ” – that is, to bring
Messiah down; or, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";">7</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> “ ‘Who shall descend into the abyss?’ ” – that is, to bring Messiah
up from the dead.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Sha’ul was quoting from: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
30:11-14 “<span style="color: red;">For this command which I am commanding you
today, it is not too hard for you, nor is it far off. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">12</span><span style="color: red;"> “It is not in the heavens, to say, ‘Who shall ascend into
the heavens for us, and bring it to us, and cause us to hear it, so that we do
it?’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">13</span><span style="color: red;"> “Nor is it beyond the sea,
to say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, and cause us to
hear it, so that we do it?’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">14</span><span style="color: red;"> “For the
Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart – to do it.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah is the One who came down, and
He is the One who came up from the dead and He has made His Word – His Torah –
alive in us, in order that we, the <b>chosen</b>,
can live set-apart lives unto Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah is our life – and we <b>choose</b> Life!!! That being said, we must
recognise the clear consequences of such a choice – for by choosing <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah, we are in fact choosing to love, obey and cling to His
Torah!!! Sadly there are many who do not understand this, and think that they
have a choice not to obey! While Yisra’ĕl, being chosen, did not cling to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and His Torah, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s loving commitment to His oath stands
firm forever and after a new generation had passed over the Yardĕn, Yehoshua
called for this chosen nation to make a choice, as he says in his closing
speech:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yehoshua/Joshua 24:14-15 “<span style="color: red;">And now, fear </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, serve Him in perfection and
in truth, and put away the mighty ones which your fathers served beyond the
River and in Mitsrayim, and serve </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>! </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";">15</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> “And if it seems evil in your
eyes to serve </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-highlight: yellow;">choose</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";">for yourselves this day whom you
are going to serve, whether the mighty ones which your fathers served that were
beyond the River, or the mighty ones of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.
But I and my house, we serve </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The call is clear – fear <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and serve Him in Truth, however
if you think that it is evil to do so, then choose today who you are going to
serve! The ‘<b>choice</b>’ to serve who you
want to, is given to those who have not fully accepted the ‘<b>choosing</b>’ of Elohim! For those who have
fully accepted and responded to the clear ‘<b>choosing</b>’
of Elohim, are called to fear Him and serve Him in perfection and truth, and in
that acceptance the responsibility is clear – put away all falsehood and
idolatry, that leads to death! What I am trying to make clear here is that when
we have understood the clear ‘<b>choosing</b>’
of Elohim, there is actually no more ‘<b>choosing</b>’
that we get to do, when it comes to fearing and serving in perfection and
truth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In our understanding of the difference between ‘<b>good</b>’ and ‘<b>evil</b>’, we have discussed in the past that the difference between
the two is the difference between being ‘<b>functional</b>’
or ‘<b>dysfunctional</b>’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Hebrew word for ‘<b>good</b>’
is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טוֹב</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>to</b><b>ḇ – Strong’s H2896</b> and carries the meaning, <b>‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">pleasant, good, agreeable, beautiful, to be pleasing,
done well</span>’</i></b>. In the true understanding of this word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טוֹב</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>to</b><b>ḇ</b> we can see that it may best be
translated in most cases as ‘<b>functional</b>’,
for when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה </span> said in <b>Berěshith/Genesis
1:31</b> that when He saw all that He had made, that He said it was very <b>good</b>. What He saw was His creation <b>functioning</b> properly and working the
way it should and this is why it was ‘<b>good</b>’.
The opposite to <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טוֹב</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>to</b><b>ḇ</b> (good) is
evil which is Hebrew is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>ra
– Strong’s H7451</b> meaning, <b>‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">bad, evil,
wicked, harmful</span></i>’. </b> The
tree of knowledge in the garden was of <b> </b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טוֹב</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>to</b><b>ḇ</b> (good) and <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>ra</b> (evil)!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Just as we understand that <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טוֹב</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>to</b><b>ḇ</b>
represents that which is ‘<b>functional</b>’,
we can then see that <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>ra</b> represents that which is ‘<b>dysfunctional</b>’, which simply put speaks
of that which reveals and abnormal and unhealthy lifestyle that is not
functioning as it should.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We may often think something is good,
yet if it is not ‘<b>functional’</b> according to the plumb line of the Torah
of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, then we
had best be careful to consider our steps!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Understanding this then further helps us grasp the
reality of how so many make their own choices to do as they please, especially
when true obedience and the serving of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> in perfection and truth is seen as
dysfunctional in their eyes!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We have
heard people say that the keeping of Sabbath ‘will not work for them’ as it is
inconvenient, and therefore they choose to follow an inherited system of lies,
deception and dysfunction over the Truth! This simple reveals that they have
not fully acknowledged nor accepted <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s ‘<b>choosing</b>’!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
By our acceptance of His <b>choosing</b> us, we by default clearly ‘<b>choose</b>’ to ‘pick up the Torah and guard to do it’!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shemuʼěl Aleph/1
Samuel 17:40 “<span style="color: red;">And he took his staff in his hand, and
chose for himself five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in a
shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he
drew near to the Philistine.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
With Dawiḏ being unarmed in the worlds eyes, he went and
picked up five smooth stones from the wadi and drew near to Golyath. This is a
powerful picture of how we are able to be more than overcomers in Messiah, as
we face great and dangerous battles on a daily basis. We too, with the staff in
our hand – symbolic of the Authority of Messiah, have by our acceptance of His
redemption over our lives, <b>chose</b> on
the day we called on Him for our deliverance, to guard to do all He has
commanded us – and this is our armour in which we stand firm, being dressed in
His clear instructions of righteousness, to be worn by His set-apart and chosen
forever!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
6:25 “<span style="color: red;">And it is righteousness for us when we guard to
do all this command before </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">our Elohim, as He has commanded us.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:142 “<span style="color: red;">Your righteousness is righteousness forever,
and Your Torah is truth.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If righteousness is forever (which it is as is written),
and if it is righteousness for us to guard the commands (which it is as is
written), and the Torah is Truth (which is it as is written) – then we are to
walk in the Torah forever!!! How can it be done away with – sadly many have <b>chosen </b> to serve falsehood, for it seems evil in their
eyes to serve <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
25:12 “<span style="color: red;">Who, then, is the man that fears </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">? He teaches
him in the way he should choose.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The one who truly fears <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה
</span>meditates upon His Torah
day and night and is taught in the way He has chosen to walk!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ proclaims in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:30 “<span style="color: red;">I have </span><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-highlight: yellow;">chosen </span><span style="color: red;">the
way of truth; Your right-rulings I have held level.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:173 “<span style="color: red;">Your hand is a help to me, for I have </span><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-highlight: yellow;">chosen </span><span style="color: red;">Your orders.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When we have firmly accepted His choosing of us, we are
able to understand how His Hand is our Help and by choosing Him, we see how His
right-rulings keep us level headed and able to stand firm!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
22:14 “<span style="color: red;">For many are called, but few are </span><span style="background: yellow; color: #002060; mso-highlight: yellow;">chosen</span><span style="color: red;">.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Greek word for ‘<b>chosen</b>’
is <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">ἐκλεκτός</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>eklektos – Strong’s G1588</b> which means, <b>‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">chosen, elect, favourite, picked out</span></i>’</b>.
The Greek word for ‘<b>called</b>’ is <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">κλητός</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>klētos – Strong’s G2822</b> and means, <b>‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">called, invited (to a banquet)</span></i>’</b>, and so we
are able to see how the wedding invitation has gone out to many, yet as in the
Parable of the Wedding Banquet, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>
Messiah tells us how many are too busy with their own agendas, and were found
not worthy. The command was then given to go and find whoever they could. The
banquet was full and when the Sovereign came in, the one who was not properly
dressed was thrown out!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Today there are many who simply refuse the invitation and
acceptance to the <b>choosing </b>of
Elohim, while some hear the call, yet refuse to acknowledge the expected
requirements of being dressed in Righteousness, as they have hated the
instructions of Elohim and cast His words behind them – they shall be cast out
– all because they ‘<b>chose</b>’ for
themselves that serving Elohim is evil!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The choice of the chosen is clearly made upon the acceptance
of His choosing! This being said, it is then very clear that our ability to
choose how we are to serve is not optional. The only choice we are given after
our being chosen, is to choose to serve another, if fearing and serving Elohim
is evil and dysfunctional in our eyes!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I wonder how many people who claim to fear <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and serve Him in perfection and
truth, still think that they have a choice in how they are to serve Him?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Think about it for a moment:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being <b>chosen</b>,
do we have a <b>choice</b> on ‘how’ we
obey? NO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being <b>chosen</b>,
can we <b>choose</b> to ignore His dietary
requirements on what we can or cannot eat? NO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being <b>chosen</b>,
can we (as men) <b>choose </b>to shave our
beards just because we may prefer a smoother look? NO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being <b>chosen</b>,
can we <b>choose</b> on how or when we feel
like tithing? NO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being <b>chosen</b>,
can we <b>choose</b> not to forgive others?
NO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being <b>chosen</b>,
can we <b>choose</b> not to gather on <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s Appointed Times? NO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I could go on and on, yet what I am trying to point out
here is that by us being a <b>set-apart,
chosen and treasured possession of Elohim</b>, we who desire to love, obey and
cling to Him and serve Him with our all, have no choice in deciding whether we
want to do what is commanded or not – our choice to obey was made the day we
accepted His choice for us!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The choice of the chosen has been made! Have you changed
your mind? Have you found yourself in a situation where you have chosen to
compromise? Have you found yourself reasoning away obedience by claiming a
right to make your own choices? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>NOW HEAR –
YOU CHOSEN SERVANTS OF </b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>
– be
faithful witnesses of His Truth as you guard to do all He commands us; and walk
in righteousness as you walk in His Torah, meditating on it day and night; and
as you walk in and stay in Him – walk as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah
did. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
He who has ears let him hear what the Spirit says! Are there any
forms of idolatry in your life that needs to be destroyed? Are there some
things that you have fashioned with your own thoughts and choices, only to find
that you have been chasing after that which is as ‘the feeding on ashes’, and
is worthless and empty? Hear the urgent call to hear the One who formed you and
follow Him and serve as a chosen one should!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> bless you and guard you; <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> make His face shine upon you and show you favour; <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> lift up His face to you and give you Shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-50901406895982226102012-05-19T07:50:00.001+02:002012-05-19T07:50:02.644+02:00WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH… WHAT DO YOU DO?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Diḇre haYamim Aleph/1 Chronicles 14<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shabbat Shalom and greeting to you in the Mighty name of
our Saviour and King, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
27:1 “ </b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is my light
and my deliverance; whom should I fear? </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is the refuge of my life; whom should I
dread?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Whom
should we fear or dread? I think we would do well to speak and proclaim this
very verse, and in fact even declare the entire Tehillah/Psalm and recognize
the reality of how we have nothing to fear or dread when we truly place our
trust in </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, Elohim
of Hosts! While we may all sit here and agree with what I have just said, I am
fully aware that despite the confession of these words that may proceed from
many lips, their often remains a lack of faith and trust in acting upon these
words and relying totally upon The One whom we must! What happens when times
get a little rough, or perhaps a little more than ‘a little rough’? What
happens when you find yourself in a very tough position or in what feels like threatening
circumstances and it seems as though you cannot see a way out? What do you do
or how do you cope in the face of what feels like a giant trial, where fear and
dread sets in and clouds your ability to see a means of deliverance from the
imminent threats you are facing? I am sure all of us have faced , or perhaps
are even facing, as we speak, giant trials that seem bigger than we think we
can handle; and so tonight I want us to be reminded of the One in whose
presence we have come and gathered in – for He is our light who is able to show
us the way out of the darkest trials and He is our deliverance; and knowing the
One in whom we find our refuge and strength, especially in times of trouble and
battle, let us be encouraged to not be afraid or dread the many giants we may
face, but rather be strong and of good courage as we stand firm in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">His Word encourages us
as we hear, guard and do all He instructs and the more we learn through what
has been written, the more we are equipped to stand firm and not be afraid; and
so for tonight I would like us to learn from a great account of how we are to
remain standing in faith and what we are to do when facing a crisis. Please
turn with me to <b>Diḇre haYamim Aleph/1
Chronicles 14</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">There are always great
lessons of faith that we can learn from the accounts of the life of Dawiḏ and
this chapter certainly teaches us a great deal of what we must do in the face
of danger and threatening circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">What is interesting to
see is how this chapter is conveniently placed between the first attempt at
bringing back the Ark of Elohim back to Yerushalayim, which failed and the
correct preparation for and proper handling of the Ark of Elohim that enabled
it to be brought back to Yerushalayim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">In chapter 13 we see
that when Dawiḏ assembled all of Yisra’ĕl to bring back the Ark of Elohim, and
while they all were unified in their decision to bring it back, one thing that
did not happen was the fact that they did not inquire of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and while we may often find
ourselves in total agreement on a matter, we must never neglect the need to
always inquire of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. This
unity of man alone led to Yisra’ĕl making a new wagon to transport the Ark of
Elohim on, which led to the death of Uzzah who put out his hand to hold the ark
when the oxen stumbled and was struck by the burning wrath of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. The Ark of Elohim was supposed to be
carried upon the shoulders of the priests and not transported on a wagon pulled
by oxen. Another vital lesson for us in that we must learn that just because
the Philistines sent the Ark of Elohim back on a cart, did not mean it was now
ok for Yisra’ĕl to do the same and neglect the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. We too must learn that while our
attempt at ‘carrying’ the presence of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> was in
times past done in a man-made way through inherited lies and traditions that
are rooted in pagan worship practices, does not mean that we may continue to
carry His presence in the same format or way the nations do; and think if we
make it look all new while retaining the practices of the nations that stand
against the clear instructions of the Torah that it is ok. The lesson we learn
from the first attempts of Dawiḏ and Yisra’ĕl made show us that any form of
compromise disrespects the Word of Elohim and can end up bringing devastation
and ruin upon the people of Elohim and compromise deflects the blessing of
Elohim. As we know, the Ark of Elohim stayed at the house of Oḇed-Edom for 3
months and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> blessed
his house and all that he had. In <b>chapter
15</b> we see that Dawiḏ built houses for himself in Yerushalayim and also
prepared a place for the Ark and pitched a tent for it and made it clear that
this time they were going to do it right
and made it known that only the Lěwites were to lift and carry the Ark
of Elohim and he commanded them to set-themselves apart, in order to do what
was required according to the Torah, so that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> would not break out against them as he did the first time!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So as we look at the historical accounts recorded here, we may ask
ourselves how this chapter 14 fits in between the two accounts of carrying the
Ark of Elohim; and I believe that this chapter shows us a great and very
important lesson for us in seeing how Dawiḏ had learnt a very great lesson from
his first attempt at bringing back the Ark of Elohim and a lesson he needed to
learn quickly in the face of impending danger of the enemy he faced. While the
chronological order of these 3 chapter may be in question by many, I firmly
believe that by the design and wisdom of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> this
chapter is here between the two accounts of carrying the presence of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to teach us vital lessons of faith in
action!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let us therefore look at this chapter 14 and see some key aspects
that will encourage us to not be afraid nor have dread of trials of life or the
attacks of the enemy that we face on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 1</b> we
immediately see how the favour of Elohim was upon His anointed as He caused Ḥiram, the sovereign of Tsor,
to send materials and workmen to build a house for Dawiḏ and so we see that Ḥiram became a great ally to both
Dawid and to Shelomoh, and in verse 2 we see the humility of Dawiḏ in that he
knew that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had
established him as king over Yisra’ĕl and exalted his reign, not for Dawiḏ’s
sake but for the sake of the Yisra’ĕl – the people of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, for the primary purpose of
delivering His people! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In verse 3 we are told that Dawiḏ took more wives, which is
against the Torah and would later become a great snare to his son who carried
the pattern of his father to the extreme.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
17:17 “<span style="color: red;">And he is not to increase wives for himself,
lest his heart turn away, nor is he to greatly increase silver and gold for
himself.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Despite the failing of Dawiḏ in this regard, what we recognise is
that he did not turn his heart away from Elohim but rather he was a man after
the heart of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Verse 4 and 5 we see the names of the sons of Dawiḏ that he had in
Yerushalayim and is slightly different to the list we looked at last week in
the account of <b>Shemuʼěl Bět/2 Samuel 5</b>.
What is noted here is that there are 13 names as opposed to 11 in Shemuʼěl and
the 2 other names are Elpelet and Noḡah.
<b>Elpelet</b> is the shortened form of one
of the other sons <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אֱלִיפֶלֶט</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>Eliphelet
– Strong’s H467</b> and also means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">El is deliverance</span></i></b>’; and <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נֹגַהּ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Nog</b><b>̄ah – Strong’s
H5052</b> means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">brightness, daylight</span></i></b>’. Now while I will
not repeat last week’s account of going through the meaning of the names
individually, what I do feel is that the names placed here are once again an
encouragement to us in the construct of the collection of their meanings in
bringing us a message that ought to encourage us for any battles that lie
ahead. The extra two names do not take away from that which we looked at last
week, but rather further reinforce the message being spoken to the children of
the King and so here is the constructed phrase of the meaning of Dawiḏ’s sons
born to him in Yerushalayim as we looked at last week and now here with the 2
extra names we see being accounted for:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>The Renowned One has heard the
cry of repentance of the rebellious and has given the gift of the fullness of
His peace; for He has chosen to let our Salvation <span style="color: #c00000;">and
our Deliverance and the Brightness thereof </span>spring forth and shine as He
looks favourably upon us who call; for He has heard and He knows and has made
known that He is our Deliverance! (</b><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 8.0pt;">text
in ‘red’ is the meaning of the 2 additional names not found in Shemuʼěl Bet 5</span>)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Once again I believe that this is a fitting account recorded here
in teaching us the vital lesson and gift of salvation we receive when we repent
our rebellion and lawlessness and how He makes it known to us and all the earth
that He is our Deliverer! Fitting in light of the events of <b>chapter 13</b>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ok so now let us dig a little deeper in how we are to handle any
crisis w may find ourselves faced with:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ was anointed sovereign over Yisra’ĕl and the Philistines did
not like the idea of that and they went up to seek Dawiḏ. Now let me tell you
that this was not to go and say congratulations and have a party – no – this
was to kill him! What we must realise is that the anointing of Dawiḏ was a huge
threat to the Philistines, as they would have well remembered how he struck
down Golyath ad cut off his head and was now leader of the whole of Yisra’ĕl. For
the most part we come to recognise that the Philistines were not too concerned
about Yisra’ĕl as long as the 2 houses were fighting against each other. And by
2 houses I do not mean Yisra’ĕl and Yehuḏah, but rather the house of Dawiḏ and
the House of Sha’ul:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shemuʼěl Bět/2
Samuel 3:1 “<span style="color: red;">And the fighting between the house of
Sha’ul and the house of Dawid</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱ was long drawn out. But
Dawiḏ grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Sha’ul grew weaker and
weaker.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As long as there was fighting, the Philistines were not too
threatened; however now that there was unity and Dawiḏ was anointed to rule over
all of Yisra’ĕl, the Philistines faced a huge threat that they wanted to
silence immediately. We find the same today when we recognise how the enemy
will get his back up when true unity is being established in the House of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and in fact often the biggest
attacks on the body of Messiah seem to come at a time when unity is being built
in a very productive and meaningful way, and the enemy will do all he can to
stop this from happening. We must realise that as we, as a body, are being
perfected and set-apart to continually serve in the Body, we are being built up
until we all come to the unity of the belief and knowledge of our Master <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah, to a place of completeness
in Messiah; where we are not tossed about by false and strange teachings but
are able to maintain the truth in love. And as long as the enemy sees this
process progressing he will do his utmost to stop it; and so we must recognise
that this is not the time to ‘<b><i>abandon ship</i></b>’ but remain steadfast
together when we each face some major storms of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Another thing to remember is that when the enemy hears that you
are anointed, what does he do – he wages an all-out attack!!! How does he hear?
Let me remind you that an active faith is not silent, for faith has a sound and
when you are walking the walk it is heard far and wide, so expect the daggers
to come out!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
59:15</b> tells us that whoever turns away from evil, makes himself a prey!
Yes, that’s right – when you turn from evil and walk in the Messiah and live in
obedience to His Torah – there will be a target on your back and many will come
out against you – what do you do??? When those attacks come what do you do? Do
you often find yourself compromising the set-apart standards of the Torah of
Elohim in order to try to ‘ease’ the threat of confrontation and do you
compromise to appease the attack, or do you stand as you should – firm and rock
steady! When you live an uncompromised life that seeks Elohim and listens and
obeys then attacks will most certainly come for what we must realise is that a
set-apart walk of obedience will make us a huge target which the masses love to
attack and point fingers at and mock, slander and hate, all because we turn
from evil!!! Do not compromise your position in the slightest, even under the
most threating or uncomfortable circumstances or situations but rather be
strong and stay in the Truth as you continue to walk in Messiah, guarding His
Living Word.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Philistines made a raid on the valley of Repha’im. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רְפָאִים</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>Repha’im – Strong’s H7497</b> means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">giants</span></i></b>’ and were a race of the giants
spoken of in <b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 2 &
3</b> and so they lived in this region before Yisra’ĕl entered the Promised
Land. This valley was southwest of Yerushalayim and was situated on the border
of Binyamin and Yehuḏah and was a critical communication route between Bĕyth Leḥem and Yerushalayim and so in essence
they cut off a vital route. We also recognise that this is how the enemy works
– he will always try to cut off our communication with Elohim as well as with
each other – why? Because he knows that when the anointed of Elohim pray and
call upon <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts
for help, that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hears the
cry of the righteous and fights for us!!! One of the tactics of the enemy of to
cut off communication in order to weaken and bring fear and dread. We see it
happening often today, as when some go through a very testing trial they keep
to themselves and forsake the gathering of the set-apart ones and this we must
guard against as we are encouraged not to forsake the gathering – why? One of
the reasons is to guard against the attacks that we are speaking of here
tonight. It is a fitting picture we see here that the enemy raids us in the
valley of Repha’im – he will set some giants against you – in the valley where
the giants will feel too big to handle and there seems like there is no escape
– yet we have a Shepherd and we need not fear evil, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> wants us
to Trust Him no matter the valleys we find ourselves in and no matter the
giants we face – He wants us to trust Him; and how we show that is by learning
from the actions of Dawiḏ!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 10</b> we see
that Dawiḏ had certainly learnt from the last chapter as he did not make the
same mistake of not inquiring of Elohim; this time he did what we are to do all
the time – he inquired of Elohim and asked whether he should go up against the
Philistines or not and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> said go! He
did not just say go – but also gave the promise that they would be given into
his hand – in other words ‘<b>Go and I will
give you victory!</b>’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a vital necessity in our daily walk of faith – we must
seek Elohim and inquire of Him; for if this is neglected in any way we may find
ourselves facing some devastating results! In Scripture we see many accounts of
men and women who asked Elohim for guidance as well as many who did not. Dawiḏ
had certainly learnt from past mistakes and we see that being a man after the
heart of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, inquired
of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. To not
inquire is not an option for the set-apart children of Elohim and here is why:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yehoshua/Joshua
9:14 “<span style="color: red;">And the men of Yisra’ĕl took some of their food,
but they did not ask the mouth of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In this account Yehoshua and the leaders of Yisra’ĕl made a
covenant with the Giḇʽonites who
lied about where they were from, without inquiring first of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and as a result they were bound by
the covenant they made and eventually had to fight on behalf of the Giḇʽonites – the day the sun and moon stood
still!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Beware of the Giḇʽonites is a
message I gave a while back and we are to be careful of not entering in to any
form of agreements or promises without having inquired of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Listen to
what Yeshayahu/Isaiah 30:1-3 says “<span style="color: red;">Woe to the stubborn
children,” declares </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
“to make counsel, but not from Me, and to devise plans, but not of My Spirit,
in order to add sin to sin; </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> who are setting out to go down
to Mitsrayim, and have not asked My mouth, to be strengthened in the strength
of Pharaoh, and to seek refuge in the shadow of Mitsrayim! </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And the strength of Pharaoh shall become
your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Mitsrayim your confusion.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Do you hear what is being said here? Whenever you make counsel or
devise plans on your own, without seeking Elohim, then you are adding sin to
sin!!! This is a serious warning for us! If you go down to Mitsrayim (that is a
metaphor for the world) for counsel and help; and seek your plans from the
world and run to doing the worlds ways for finding strength and refuge in times
of need; then the strength of the world and the refuge of it will become your
shame and confusion!!! While you may find what seems to be a fix and solution
when going to ‘Mitsrayim’ without consulting Elohim, it will become your shame
and confusion!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ knew that he could not make a decision to face an enemy or
not without inquiring of Elohim – in fact this was what he did with urgency,
and we would do well to do exactly the same. Let me ask you – “what do you do?”
Do you try to work things out first by yourself and leave the seeking of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as a last resort? Seek Him first in
all that you do!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The promise of victory is always guaranteed when we are walking in
the instructions of our Mighty Elohim!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The language used here in instructing Dawiḏ to go up is very
similar to what we find being given to Yehoshua before entering the Promised
Land! Dawiḏ was not to be afraid but rather be strong and of good courage and
know that wherever he finds his feet in battle that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> would bring the deliverance!!! Now
this is called ‘FAITH IN ACTION’ – seeking – listening and doing! When you seek
and inquire of Elohim you must wait on Him to speak and so we see the continued
thread of the HEAR – GUARD - DO mind-set
we are to have as children of the Most High!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When we inquire of Elohim we do not just go blindly forward; for
faith is not a ‘blind leap’ as some
might try to explain. In fact faith is not a blind leap at all, as the Word
makes it clear:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:105</b> “<b><span style="color: red;">Your
word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.</span></b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you are ever going into something ‘blindly’ then you have not
let His word light your feet and path to see each step you take with joy and confidence!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Inquiring of Elohim carries the great responsibility for us to
spend plenty time in His word and in prayer that we may find direction of His
truth to light our way!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ inquired and received the go ahead and he struck the
Philistines and gave all the esteem and praise to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, as he declared that Elohim had
broken through his enemies like a mighty rushing of waters and he the named the
place <b>Ba’al Peratsim</b> which in
essence can literally mean ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">master of the
breakthroughs</span></i></b>’, and this naming of this very site that was
originally known as the valley of giants was renamed as the Master <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> broke through the enemies of Dawiḏ
and destroyed their Ba’al! Ba’al was broken through in the face of giant
struggles by a Mighty Elohim! This is who we serve – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of hosts and therefore we need not be
afraid of any giant! What is interesting is that this account is used in
picturing how <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will once
again rise up and bring destruction upon all the earth:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
28:21 “<span style="color: red;">For </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> rises up as at Mount Peratsim, and He is wroth as at the Valley
of </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gib</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱ʽon</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, to
do His work, His strange work, and to do His deed, His strange deed.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It was here where the Philistines were destroyed before Dawiḏ and
this is a picture for us of a place of breakthrough. It is at this place of
breakthrough that the enemy does not want you to be and it is at this place that he will come at
you the hardest in order to try to get you to surrender in fear and dread. But
we do not shrink back but press on in faith, going forward in the light of The
Word of Elohim; and so when we are walking in obedience may we recognise that
when the enemy is coming at you in what feels like every direction as he tries
to trap you in the valley of the giants of fear and worry in trying to bring
you to your breaking point – realise that this is not a place of a breaking
point but rather it is a breakthrough point!!! What often feels like a breaking
point where we hold on fast in obedient faith, guarding to do His commands
without compromise with bring us to a breakthrough of victory – as it is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> who does the breaking through; and He
is also the One who ‘repairs the breach’ and surrounds us with His very Name
that is a strong tower we run into!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In obedience we are always assured the victory:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yehoshua/Joshua
14:9 “</b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So Mosheh swore on that day, saying, ‘The land on
which your foot has trodden is your inheritance and your children’s forever,
because you have followed </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
my Elohim completely.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
3:6 “<span style="color: red;">Know Him in all your ways, And He makes all your
paths straight.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Know Him in ALL your ways – to do that you have to seek Him in ALL
your ways and to do that you have to HEAR and let faith come by His Word and
then GUARD to DO ALL His ways in ALL your ways – then your paths with surely be
straight!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ not only had victory but the enemy left their idols that
could not help them behind and Dawiḏ commanded as instructed in Torah for them
to be burned with fire:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
7:25 “<span style="color: red;">The carved images of their mighty ones you are to
burn with fire. Do not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it
for yourselves, lest you be snared by it, for it is an abomination to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When we have major breakthrough points of victory we must also
recognise that there may be some things that must be destroyed, lest they draw
you away and entice you to follow the way of the nations. When you get a great
victory over a huge battle and struggle in your life, it may require you to
destroy those things that used to be used as a fuel for the giant battle or
profane habit that you struggled with. Part of the victory ion walking in
Spirit and Truth is our responsibility to put to death the misdeeds of the
flesh. What battles have you overcome in Messiah, yet you still have not
completely rid yourself of those idols that once controlled you and your thoughts?
Get rid of idols – those things that steal away your time of seeking <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ had victory burned the idols and guess what – the enemy came
back! What did Dawiḏ do? He did what he did the first time – He inquired of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! He did not take it for granted that
now he had defeated them once that he could easily do it again without seeking
Elohim, and this we must learn too – every battle has to be confronted only as
we seek Elohim, yesterday’s victories will not win you today’s battles. Here <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> told Dawiḏ to do it differently and
wait for the sound of stepping on the trees and he did as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> commanded! He did not think to
Himself that the instructions were crazy – he simply obeyed! We may not always
understand all the instructions in the Torah, yet we must obey! When he would
hear the sound in the trees Elohim would go and strike the enemy. I find this
very interesting as we understand what is being spoken here in the hearing of
the sound of the mulberry trees and their leaves rustling. Part of the curse
for disobedience and not obeying the Torah is stated in”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus
26:36 “<span style="color: red;">And as for those of you who are left, I shall
send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, and the sound
of a shaken leaf shall cause them to flee. And they shall flee as though
retreating from a sword, and they shall fall when no one pursues.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So the very sound of a shaken leaf that would cause the
disobedient to flee is the sound that Dawiḏ was to listen for in seeing the
deliverance of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There is nothing we are to be afraid of and there is nothing we
are to dread, when we are walking in and staying in Messiah and guarding to do
all He commands, for then we shall see His deliverance before our eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When the going gets tough … what do you do? Are you running from
the giants that are rushing in on you and seeking solutions according to the
flesh in making worldly plans instead of standing firm and seeking Elohim in
ALL your ways? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When the storms come which mount will you be standing on? In <b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 7</b> <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע </span>tells us that the one who hears His
Words and does them will be like a wise man who builds on the Rock; but the one
who hears but does not do will be like a foolish man who builds on sand and
will be washed away just as the Philistines were washed away at Ba’al Peratsim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let us learn from the accounts of Dawiḏ here and know that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has established us in Messiah as a
chosen, set-apart and royal priesthood to remain in Him and not be in fear or
dread of the enemies of Messiah, and rejoice in all kinds of trials we find
ourselves in – and never forsake our gathering as set-apart ones in Messiah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I want to end with the rest of Tehillim/Psalm 27 that I started
with as we hear the words of Dawiḏ that declare the truth we see in the
accounts we have just read about and summarises our need to be a set-apart
people always seeking Elohim:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm 27:1-14 “</b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is my light and my deliverance; Whom should I fear? </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is the refuge of my life; Whom should I
dread? </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> When evil-doers come against me
To eat up my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, They shall stumble and fall.
</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Though an army encamps against
me, My heart does not fear; Though battle comes up against me, Even then I
would be trusting. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> One <i>matter</i> I asked of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – this I seek: To dwell in the House of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> All the days of my life, To see the
pleasantness of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
And to inquire in His Hěḵal. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For in the day of evil He hides
me in His booth; In the covering of His Tent He hides me; On a rock He raises
me up. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me; And I offer in His Tent with shouts of joy; I
sing, yea, I sing praises to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Hear, O </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, when I cry with my voice! And show me favour, and answer me. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> To my heart You have said, “Seek My face.”
Your face, </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
I seek. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in displeasure; You have been my help; Do not
leave me nor forsake me, O Elohim of my deliverance.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 10 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When my father and my mother have forsaken
me, Then </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
does take me in. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Teach me Your way, O </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do not give me over To the desire of my
adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And they breathe out
cruelty to me. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
What if I had not believed To see the goodness of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> In the land of the living! </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Wait on </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, be strong, And let Him strengthen your heart! Wait, I say, on </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>!</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Do not let the enemy put fear and dread in your heart as you find
yourself on the battlefield of giants, as you continually call upon our Master
and King and seek him in His Word, so as to be found experiencing the joy of
breakthroughs that only He can bring!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-70826729884112311532012-05-05T08:35:00.002+02:002012-05-05T08:35:15.662+02:00THE CALL TO EXCEL STILL MORE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 4<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is Shabbat! Favour and shalom to you all from our
Master <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah; may His loving-kindness
continue to be with us here as we gather together in His Name, unto Him whom
all esteem is due!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
4:18 “<span style="color: red;">But the path of the righteous is like the light
of dawn, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The path of the righteous – that well walked road of those who do
what is just and right – is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and
brighter! As we continue to walk to path of righteousness we become an ever
increasing bright light that keeps getting brighter and brighter unto the
perfect day of our Master’s return. I love this verse for it speaks of a
continuous walk of righteousness by which we are further equipped to be an ever
increasing light in a very dark and sick world! How bright is your walk? Is it
getting brighter as you walk in righteousness or has there been a flickering or
a dullness due to some obstacle in your path? Tonight I want to encourage you
all to continue walking in that which is the only path we know to be valid and
life-giving – and that is to walk in the Torah as we guard to do all we have
been commanded to do, and let our path of righteousness light up every step of
the way as His Word lights up our path:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:105 “<span style="color: red;">Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to
my path.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a time where the enemy will do all he can in causing us to lose
the light of our way, we need to remain steadfast and committed to keep walking
as we should and not shrink back in any way from the Truth but rather continue
to press on with our all, and in a message tonight called, “The Call to excel
still more!” I would like us to hear this urgent call to do just that as we all
earnestly seek to excel in the Master even more. Please turn with me to <b>Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 4</b> as
we read Sha’ul’s encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica to do even more
(Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This letter is a great encouraging letter to a people who
were really living a life that was an example of great faithfulness to many.
The assembly of the Thessalonians were an example to all who believed in
Makedonia and Achaia! What we must understand from this is that this assembly
impacted an entire region which forms the regions of the Greek Peninsula, with
Achaea to the south which is now known as Greece and Makedonia to the north
which lies north of Greece and is in between Albania and Bulgaria. Corinth was
the leading city in Achaea and other cities in this region that we see being
mentioned in Scripture is Philippi, and Berea. The Thessalonians impacted this
entire region and did well to get the message of the Besorah (Good News) of
Messiah out. As you read this letter from Sha’ul we see in chapter 1 how he
commends them for this and how they had turned from idols to serve the True
Elohim; and in chapter 2 he reminds them how his appeal was not done from any
delusion, uncleanness or deceit as he spoke as one approved by Elohim who had been
entrusted with the Besorah:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2:5 “<span style="color: red;">For we never came with a word of flattery, as you know, nor
with a cloak for greed – Elohim is witness –</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sha’ul never ‘tickled their ears’ but spoke straight, and
he never brought the word with an ulterior motive for gaining wealth as do so
many misguided and twisted false teachers do today. Sha’ul never looked for the
praise of men; and the Thessalonican’s welcomed and received the Word, not as
the word of men, but as it is truly – The Word of Elohim, and he reminds them
that they were their esteem and joy. In chapter 3 he further elaborates on how
he sent Timotiyos to establish them and encourage them in the faith, and
Timotiyos brought back a good report; and Sha’ul tells them to remain steadfast
in the Master as he prayed day and night for them, and by their steadfastness
Sha’ul and others were encouraged to live.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3:8 “<span style="color: red;">Because we now live, if you stand fast in the Master.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This verse we echo, as we did to you all on Bikkurim (First
Fruits) where Carlien and I made these same statements of how you are all our
esteem and joy before the Master and we continue to live as long as you stand
fast in the Master.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here in this chapter 4 which we have read tonight, Sha’ul
sets forth a further encouragement to keep up and excel even more in pleasing <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and reminds them to continue to
become more and more set-apart, holding on to the belief in view of the Masters
imminent return and refrain from all form of immorality and unrighteousness. In
Chapter 5 he sets forth some rules/instructions for set-apart living to which
they must hold fast in light of the events that would unfold in the near
future, and be found blameless at the coming of our King and Master, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah. In this closing chapter we
see Sha’ul remind them of how they ought to live and what kind of believers
they ought to be in living set-apart unto Elohim:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 – Be watchful, for we are not of those who walk in darkness and
so the Day of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> should
not overtake us as a thief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 – Be encouragers – build each other up, warn the disorderly and
have patience with all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3 – Be respectful towards those who are over you in the Master and
toward those who admonish you, holding them in the highest regard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4 – Be merciful and do not return evil for evil, always pursuing
good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5 – Be joyful, rejoicing at all times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
6 – Be prayerful, praying without ceasing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
7 – Be thankful, always giving thanks in all circumstances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
8 – Be careful – do not quench the Spirit, nor despise prophecies
and test them all, holding fast to what is good and keep back from all
wickedness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
By pressing on in these matters Elohim would set them completely
apart, and preserve their entire being for the Coming of our Master <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is in a nutshell the overview of this 1<sup>st</sup> letter
to the faithful assembly at Thessalonica. An encouraging message that I believe
is needed to the few remnant faithful who are walking in and staying in the
Living Torah, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And it is with this encouragement in mind that I would like to
look at chapter 4 which actually begins the second section of this letter,
after having commended them on their work of belief up till now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here was a people who had eagerly and faithfully responded to the
teaching of Sha’ul on set-apart living; and here Sha’ul focused his
encouragement on the reality that motivation for correct set-apart living is
out of a love for Elohim. While so many today sadly see living a set-apart
lifestyle according to the Torah of Elohim as a set of rules to be obeyed, or a
list of do’s and don’ts to follow or a long list of things to be avoided;
Sha’ul regarded set-apart living as a true outworking of a loving desire to
please Elohim – to please the Master <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah,
who had chosen them; and his 3 chapter introduction and encouragement helped
his readers be prepared to respond positively to the exhortations that would
follow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The instructions given from chapter 4 onwards were in no way
intended to get them to do something totally different but rather to simply be
encouraged to do more of the same! In other words he urged them to press on;
and it is with the same urging on that I come to you tonight with. A simple yet
powerful and much needed boost to help you be pushed to excel yet further in
the Master. In verse 1 and 10 we see the phrase ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">call
upon you</span></i></b>’ being used, which is the Greek word <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">παρακαλέω</span></b><span lang="EN-US">
</span><b>parakaleō – Strong’s G3870</b> and means,
‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">call
near, invite, invoke, exhort, encourage, appeal, beg</span></i></b>’. This word
is used in a variety of forms, for example: a)when summonsing someone to action
that is required; b) to beseech others for an urgent response to help; c) to
exhort as in the context used to encourage soldiers headed for battle; as well
as d) to comfort and encourage especially in times of hardships and grief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The believers in Thessalonica had
certainly been faithful, yet were also facing the persecution that comes with
set-apart living and the daily temptation to slip back into worldly customs
that surrounded them, and here Sha’ul ‘<b>calls upon them</b>’ to excel in
their belief and set-apart living unto the Master.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>verse 2</b> he further strengthens
his encouragement reminding them that they know the commands that had been
given them – so press on and keep doing them, more and more!!! All too often
today we see many people who are simply seeking new knowledge for knowledge sake
without any desire to walk in the knowledge as they just want to know all;
while Sha’ul tells them they already know the Truth – now excel in it and press
on to experiencing a greater understanding of the truths that they had already
been given and were practicing to a limited degree. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan Aleph/ 1 John 2:7 “<span style="color: red;">Beloved, I
write no fresh command to you, but an old command which you have had from the
beginning. The old command is the Word which you heard from the beginning.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan
Aleph/1 John 2;24 “<span style="color: red;">As for you, let that stay in you
which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning stays
in you, you also shall stay in the Son and in the Father.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We have the Truth and the commands that Elohim has given from the
beginning – it is now time to excel in them for in <b>verse 3</b> Sha’ul expresses the reason for excelling – and that is
that the desire of Elohim is simply this – <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">SET-APARTNESS</span></b>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How do you excel in your set-apartness? Well for starters – <b>abstain from whoring</b> – so that you know
how to possess your vessel in set-apartness and respect and not do as the
nations do. I find this a timely encouragement for us in light of having just
gone through the torah portion last week in <b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 18</b> where Yisra’ĕl was instructed not to do as
they do in Mitsrayim, nor do any of the abominable ways that are done in
Kenaʽan. This instruction was given while in the Wilderness, where Yisra’ĕl
learnt to hear the voice of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and were
being exhorted to hold fast to the commands of Elohim and not be found slipping
into the ways of the nations! We too, have come out of Mitsrayim and Baḇelon so
to speak and are headed as sojourners for the fulfilment of the Promises in
Messiah when He comes for us again, and we are to not fall back or shrink back
from our obedience but rather do our utmost to excel even more, even when we
think we do not have more to give!!! One of the dangers of having come out of
Mitsrayim is the same danger Yisra’ĕl faced in the Wilderness and that was to
fall into the pagan worship practices of Kenaʽan. We too are to be on our guard
to not fall into the trap of mystical teachings of the Torah through the
interpretation of oral traditions and mysticism of Baḇelon with its many
confusing theologies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The reason to excel still more in the Master is because of our
desire to please Him. Set-apartness in the Greek is <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">ἁγιασμός</span></b><span lang="EN-US">
</span><b>hagiasmos – Strong’s G38</b> – ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">consecration,
sanctifying</span></i></b>’. To ‘<b>consecrate</b>’ means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to make or
declare to be set-apart and be devoted to a purpose with the deepest
irrevocable dedication</span></i></b>’. We as chosen, set-apart and royal
priesthood unto Elohim declare and make our lives solely devoted to the purpose
of serving and worshipping <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> our
Elohim, and as we have certainly learnt through the Torah portions of ‘<b>drawing near</b>’ to Elohim that we can
only do so by the Blood of Messiah and as we are continually being set-apart in
Him through an on-going process of being
sanctified as a people for a possession. The Hebrew term equivalent to this
Greek ‘<b>hagiasmos</b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">קָדוֹשׁ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>qadosh –
Strong’s H6918</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">consecrated, set-apart</span></i></b>’ for
which we have been called:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shemoth/Exodus 19:6 “<span style="color: red;">and you shall be to
Me a reign of priests and a set-apart nation.’ Those are the words which you
are to speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being set-apart has to do with separation and that is exactly what
we have been called to do – be separated from that which is of the world:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Qorintiyim
Bet/2 Corinthians 6:17 “<span style="color: red;">Therefore, “Come out from among
them and be separate, says </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and do not touch what is unclean, and I shall receive you.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
To be set-apart we must not be found to be whoring after the
nations as Yisra’ĕl did and were vomited out by the land! The word used here
for whoring is <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">πορνεία</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> </span><b>porneia – Strong’s G4202</b> meaning, ‘<i>fornication, immorality,
sexual immorality</i>’ and comes from the word which means harlot, prostitute
and we get our English word ‘<b>pornography</b>’ from this word. Now while we
must clearly heed the literal and physical meaning here in that we must not
engage in any sexual activities that are unlawful and abominable, which we also
looked at last week in <b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 18</b>, however what we can also
learn from this is that running after the world’s ways of the flesh and doing
what the world does can also be seen as whoring after other mighty ones;
especially when one’s attempt at worship conforms to a fleshly man-made
systemised form of worship that is against the manner of worship prescribed in the
Torah. As the Bride of Messiah we are to keep ourselves ‘pure and undefiled’
and not be found whoring after the flesh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are to be found only to be doing the
desire of Elohim:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Marqos/Mark 3:35 “<span style="color: red;">For whoever does the
desire of Elohim is My brother and My sister and mother.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
40:8 “<span style="color: red;">I have delighted to do Your pleasure, O my
Elohim, and Your Torah is within my heart.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Doing what Elohim desires can only be a delight when we recognise
and have His Torah within our heart, so that we do it, and it takes diligence
and effort and an ability to be a people who will not stop excelling more and
more to grow in the knowledge of the Torah that equips us to do the desire of
Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
19:2 “<span style="color: red;">Also, desire without knowledge is not good; and
he who hurries with his feet sins.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is very clear – desire without knowledge is not good, and
sadly we see so many who have the desire but lack the knowledge and find
themselves very quickly on the wrong side of the plumb line of the Torah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kěpha
Aleph/1 Peter 4:1-3 “<span style="color: red;">Therefore, since Messiah suffered
in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, because he who has
suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">so that he no longer lives the rest
of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but according to the desire of
Elohim. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
For we <i>have spent</i> enough of our past lifetime in doing the desire of the
gentiles, having walked in indecencies, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, wild
parties, and abominable idolatries.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We may live in the world but we are not of the world and we need
to endure and excel in continually being a set-apart people, pleasing Elohim in
every way;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Iḇ’rim/Hebrews
10:36-39 “<span style="color: red;">For you have need of endurance, so that when
you have done the desire of Elohim, you receive the promise: </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">37</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “For yet a little while – He who is
coming shall come and shall not delay.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">38</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“But the righteous shall live by belief, but if anyone draws back, my being has
no pleasure in him.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">39 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But
we are not of those who draw back to destruction, but of belief to the
preservation of life.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How is the desire of Elohim accomplished many may ask… look at
what <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> says in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
55:11 “<span style="color: red;">so is My Word that goes forth from My mouth – it
does not return to Me empty, but shall do what I please, and shall certainly
accomplish what I sent it for.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A Hebrew equivalent to the Greek word - <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">θέλημα</span></b><span lang="EN-US">
</span><b>thelēma</b> – <b>Strong’s
G2307</b> for ‘<b>desire</b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">חָפֵץ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>chaphets –
Strong’s H2654</b> and is used in this verse of Yeshayahu
that we translate as ‘<b>I please</b>’. It is His Word that accomplishes His
desire and when we diligently excel in hearing, guarding and doing His Word,
then we do that which He desires, for it is His Word that sets us apart and
equips us to be a spotless Bride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm 51:6 “<span style="color: red;">See, You have desired
truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You make me know wisdom.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We have been called in set-apartness and
not to uncleanness and so we must stay clean and in order to do that we must
grow more and more in knowledge and discernment that we can love Elohim in the
true set-apartness that He desires:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Pilipiyim/Philippians 1:9 “<span style="color: red;">And this I
pray, that your love might extend more and more in knowledge and all
discernment.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Kěpha tells us to grow in the favour and
knowledge of our Master and Saviour, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah (<b>Kěpha Bet/2 Peter 3:18</b>).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And so while, as Sha’ul told the
assembly in Thessalonica, that it is not necessary for me to ‘<b>write</b>’ to
you about brotherly love, as you are taught by Elohim to love one another – I
do too, tonight, call upon you to do so more and more!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are a small assembly in Messiah and
we earnestly desire to please Elohim in all we do and are trusting for greater
growth and so too do we want to be able to impact a region just as the assembly
in Thessalonica did. Now what is required is a call for more… the call to excel
still more and I make this call with urgency. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sha’ul tells us in <b>Romiyim/Romans 8:8</b>
that those in the flesh cannot please Elohim, and we are to be a people who
walk in Spirit and in Truth and in <b>Romiyim/Romans 7:14</b> he reminds us
that the Torah is spiritual. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You are being called
upon in the Master </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 16.0pt;">יהושע</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
to excel still more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #10253f; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #10253F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 128;">When The Word does not find
expression in the daily life of a believer, then - it has simply not been heard!!!</span></b><span style="color: #10253f; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #10253F; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 128;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Are you hearing what the Spirit is saying to us as an assembly?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I believe that we have been doing well, and I commend each of you
for your faithful walk – and now I am calling you for more! We have the
opportunity to let this light grow and grow all the more as we together walk in
Righteousness and give our all. You may have been giving your all, just as they
were in Thessalonica – yet today I still call upon you to excel still more –
there is always room to excel in the Master for none of us have arrived. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>More and
More is the call</b> – and to this assembly, for we need to grow,
and while we certainly praise <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> for all
He is doing in our midst, we recognise and realise that the collective life of
the Bride of Messiah is one of open-ended growth where there is always room for
more attention – and this is a joyful thing to do – as we press through
together excelling in the challenges of life in order that we, together, get shining
brighter and brighter unto the Perfect Day that is coming, Aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is my hope to simply encourage you
all the more to excel in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Perhaps you have found that your ability to excel in doing what
pleases <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has been
dampened a little of late due to a crazy schedule; and while I certainly
understand the extreme pressure that we all find ourselves under, I stand here
today and echo the words of Sha’ul to an already committed people in that I beg
you and call upon you to excel still more and may our Master direct us and make
us increase as we begin to overflow in love to each other, having our hearts
established as blameless in set-apartness before our Master at His Coming and
be with Him forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
May we, together as ‘<b>At the
Foot of The Covenant Ministries</b>’, excel still more, as I believe that each
of you here have been placed by the Master Himself and is asking for more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-84807342482070699142012-04-28T09:03:00.001+02:002012-04-28T09:03:42.650+02:00Talented Servants Serve!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
TALENTED SERVANTS SERVE!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 24:14-30 – The Parable
of the talents<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shabbat Shalom family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
135:1 “<span style="color: red;">Praise Yah! Praise the Name of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>; Praise,
you servants of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">It is
good to praise the Name of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and as
servants of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> we are
called on to praise Him, worship Him and serve Him with gladness: <b>Tehillim/Psalm 100:2 “<span style="color: red;">Serve </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Words such as servants
and serve occur throughout the Scriptures, and as we begin to understand the
concept of these terms that are often misunderstood, we as servants of the Most
High are better equipped to serve </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> with gladness! Tonight I want us to
dig a little deeper into the understanding of this concept of servanthood and
service unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as we
heed the very words of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>, in a
very important parable regarding His imminent return. And so in a message
tonight called, “<b>Talented Servants
Serve!</b>” please let us take a closer look at what is classically known as ‘<i>The Parable of the Talents</i>’. Turn with
me to <b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 25:14-30</b>
(read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This parable is found in the section of the Besorah (Good News) of
Mattithyahu/Matthew where <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> answers
His talmidim (disciples) on the question of the sign of His coming and the end
of the age (Mattithyahu/Matthew 24:3). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And so we find 2 chapters written regarding the answer to this
question where <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> clearly
warns them not to be led astray, as many will come in His Name and lead many
astray; and there will be wars and fightings, famine and sickness – the
beginning of birth pains and His disciples would be hated for His Name’s sake.
False prophets and teachers will lead many astray and lawlessness will increase
and only those who endure to the end will be saved. He explains to His talmidim
that once He leaves they are to take courage for He is coming again and
challenges them to remain steadfast as the Son of Aḏam is coming at an hour
when they do not expect Him; and then He proceeds to teach them to be
trustworthy and wise servants as He begins to explain the reign of the Heavens
being compared to ten maidens and tells them to ‘<b>keep watch</b>’ and not be found to be without oil. After this He tells
them this <b><i>parable of the talents</i></b> and directly after this He shares with
them the fact that when He comes again, the nations will be gathered to Him and
be separated as sheep are separated from goats! These words came a couple of
days before He would be delivered up and are words that were to be greatly
heeded, so that His servants would be found to be doing that which He entrusted
them to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>verse 14</b> we see our
passage tonight start with, ‘<b><span style="color: red;">for it is like…</span></b>’ – what is this that He is
referring to? He is further expanding His instructions to His talmidim in
regards to the reign of the heavens that is coming and how they are to guard to
do all that has been entrusted to them while their Master is gone on a journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The essence of this parable is the clear message that while
Messiah, our Master, has gone away He has given us, His servants, a
responsibility – each according to his own measure – and expects us to be
reliable servants, doing what we have been called and commissioned to do and
when He does come back we each must give an account. And when He does come back
He will either find us having been faithful or faithless. In a parable
encouraging them to not lose heart and always pray He says in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Luqas/Luke
18:8 “<span style="color: red;">I say to you that He shall do right to them
speedily. But when the Son of Aḏam comes, shall He find the belief on the
earth?</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When Messiah comes again, will He find people who are doers of His
Word or hearers only!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let us get some greater insight into this parable of the talents
in understanding some of the key words and concepts in regards to a Greek
mind-set as opposed to a Hebraic one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As we know we see pictured here 3 servants given different
measures – one was given 5 talents, another 2 and still another 1. We must
first recognise the magnitude of what each were given in this parable/teaching;
and to do that we must realise just what a talent is. The word talent is the
Greek word <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">τάλαντον</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>talanton –
Strong’s G5007</b> meaning, ‘<i>a balance, hence that which is weighed i.e. a talent</i>’. A talent was
around 3000 shekels in weight. The ancient Greek talent was equal to ‘<span lang="EN-US">60 Attic minae or 6000
drachmae’. A talent of gold weighs around 92 kilograms. As a little bit of fun
I likened this ‘<b><i>weight</i></b>’ to
today’s gold price which is around R 411,143.00 per kilo, making 1 talent of
gold worth approximately <b><span style="color: #632423; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">R37 million</span></b><span style="color: #632423; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"> </span>and 5 talents of gold
approximately <b><span style="color: #632423; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">R187 million</span></b>, with 2 talents approximately <b><span style="color: #632423; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">R74 million</span></b>!!!
That is a lot of value and while we may argue the value and weight system
compared to back then, understanding that a talent was worth 6000 drachmae,
which was equivalent to a day’s wages, then taking out the Shabbats and Feast
days as non-working days with no income it would take a person approximately 21
years to earn 1 talent and not have spent any of it!!! This puts it in a better
perspective in understanding just how much each got and the one who got the 1
talent certainly did not receive too little!!! I mean just think about it for a
moment – imagine getting 21 years gross salary at once – and that would be
equivalent of just 1 talent. There is just no way, even if one tried their
hardest, that you could ever save up that amount within your lifetime! What we
must learn from this parable is that the fact is, here we see that these
servants were given talents that they could never have earned on their own; and
so it is with us who are in Messiah. We, His servants, have been given a whole
lot, even if it is only 1; and He has entrusted us with that which is His and
calls us to be good and faithful stewards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">What is worthy of noting here is that the one who received 5 gained 5
more and the one who received 2 gained 2 more and is a clear picture of
bringing in a 100 % return on investment. By this I simply mean that this shows
that a faithful and good servant gives their all as there are no half measures
here! The one who received 5 did not bring 2 ½ and likewise the one who
received 2 did not bring in 3. Each one gained for the Master what he had been
entrusted with. This is a lesson on total stewardship and servanthood in
submitting and surrendering your all to your Master, and doing all that He has
commanded you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">This was a common practice where owners would go on long journeys and
entrust into their servants care the affairs of his estate while he was gone and
given the uncertainty of transportation methods of those days, the servants
would not know the exact return and even the most well-planned trip would be
open-ended. This would always be in the mind of the servants and they would
recognize that while they had control over the assets of their master, all was
still their masters and they were possessors but not owners and were to manage
well that which was given for them to do. We must too realise that what we have
has been given to us and it is not really ours!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Tehillim/Psalm 24:1 “<span style="color: red;">T</span></span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">he earth belongs to </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, And all
that fills it – The world and those who dwell in it.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>H</b><b>̣aggai 2:8 “<span style="color: red;">The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ declares </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Many people do not understand this fact as they sadly do not
recognise that all we have and all we are belongs to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and as a result of this selfish
mind-set they are unable to be good and faithful servants serving one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>, our Master,
simply expects us to give all we have been given:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kěpha
Aleph/1 Peter 4:10 “<span style="color: red;">As each one has received a gift,
serve one another, as good trustees of the manifold favour of Elohim.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will
always give us what we are able to handle, even when we do not think so. This
allocation given by the Master to His servants is also a clear picture of
different callings, and how each are equally important and bear the same
responsibility as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> shows no
favouritism but entrusts that which He desires to those whom He has designed to
be entrusted with. We each have a task and each are required to perform the
tasks and use the gifting and talents we have been abundantly given without
trying to perform what is not ours to perform!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> expects
fruit from our lives as we ‘stay’ in Him – that is to stay in His love, which
is to ‘<b>hear, guard and do</b>’ His
commands:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan/John
15:10 “<span style="color: red;">If you guard My commands, you shall stay in My
love, even as I have guarded My Father’s commands and stay in His love.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The one who was given 1 talent and hid what he was given reveals
simply that he did not love his master as he did not guard his master’s
commands! So many today are doing the same thing as they neglect to guard to do
all the commands of Elohim and in fact they may even declare that there is no
point to all the obedience required as they see those in the world seemingly
better off!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mal’aḵi/Malachi
3:14-15 “<span style="color: red;">You have said, ‘It is worthless to serve
Elohim. And what did we gain when we guarded His Charge, and when we walked as
mourners before </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
of hosts? 15 ‘And now we are calling the proud blessed – not only are the doers
of wrongness built up, but they also try Elohim and escape.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">’”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The one who hid the talent is a picture of those who show a lack
of reverence and understanding of the fear of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and are instead falling prey to the pressures of this world and afraid
of what lies ahead and what others in the world might say:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
57:11 “<span style="color: red;">And of whom have you been afraid, or feared,
that you have lied and not remembered Me, nor taken it to your heart? Have I
not been silent, even from of old, and you have not feared Me?</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Romiyim/Romans
8:15 “<span style="color: red;">For you did not receive the spirit of bondage
again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,
“Abba, Father.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Those who are found to be hiding what they have been given and
living in fear – fear of man – do not recognise who the Father is and are not
able to understand the great love and value of being adopted and grafted in to
The Covenants of Promise and are therefore unable to live according to the
Covenants by which we are called to be grafted in to by the Blood of our
Master, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In being slack to do all the commands of Elohim reveals which
family the lazy and wicked one belongs to:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
18:9 “<span style="color: red;">Also, he who is slack in his work is a brother of
a master destroyer.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Are you slack and a brother of a master destroyer or obedient and
brother of the Master builder!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What we need to understand clearly is that just as we have spoken
before on <b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 1</b> and the
need to be eating of His Good Word as we submit and obey, or else we may find
ourselves being devoured (eaten) by the very Word that can give us life. Eat or
be eaten! In this parable of the talents the same message comes through – use
the talents given – that is be mindful of the weight of His esteem upon you and
walk in loving obedience or else be found to be a lazy and disobedient coward and
a ‘talent’ of His wrath will crush you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
16:21 “<span style="color: red;">And great hail from the heaven fell upon men,
every hailstone about the weight of a talent. And men blasphemed Elohim for the
plague of the hail, because that plague was exceedingly great.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Hailstones the weight of a talent – can you imagine 90kg
hailstones coming down!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The one who was given 1 talent hid the ‘silver’ of his master! In
Scripture pure word of Elohim is described as silver refined 7 times and so
what we can see clearly here is that the hiding of the master’s silver is a
picture of those who ‘hide’ the very life giving Word and fail to exercise the
purity and excellence of the valuable gift we have been given and therefore
never get to realise and grow in the life giving knowledge, wisdom and understanding
of Elohim. It is a picture of so many today who may have a copy of the Scriptures
yet never even open it up as it simply gathers dust and when the Master returns
they may think that giving the Master a pristine copy of an untouched
Scriptures will be sufficient – this only reveals the state of the lazy and
wicked who refuse to exercise the word that has been given to them to live by!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There is only one place reserved for the lazy and wicked cowards:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
21:8 “<span style="color: red;">But as for the cowardly, and untrustworthy, and
abominable, and murderers, and those who whore, and drug sorcerers, and
idolaters, and all the false, their part is in the lake which burns with fire
and sulphur, which is the second death.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Wicked and lazy is the one who hides his talent and listen to what
Mishlĕ says about the lazy:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
26:13-16 “<span style="background: lightgrey; color: red; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">The
lazy one</span><span style="color: red;"> says, “There is a lion in the way! A
fierce lion is in the streets!” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<i>As</i> a door turns on its hinges, So does <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">the lazy one</span> turn on his bed. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">The lazy one</span> buries his hand in a dish; It
tires him to bring it back to his mouth. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">The lazy one</span>
is wiser in his own eyes than seven rendering advice.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">A lazy
one is one who shows a lack of discipline and is slow to take any action,
whereas the good and faithful</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span>servant wastes no
time in getting busy with the things of their master!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ḥaggai 1:2-4 “<span style="color: red;">Thus spoke </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">of hosts,
saying, ‘This people have said, “The time has not come, the time the House of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is to be
built.” ’ ” </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">3 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Then the word of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> came by </span><span style="color: red;">Ḥaggai</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <span lang="EN-US">the prophet, saying, </span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">4</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> “Is it time
for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this House be in ruins?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So many today are neglecting to do what has been
entrusted to them and expected of them by Messiah and as a result the House of
Elohim is standing in ruins as people are more concerned about their own
security and built up lifestyles of comfort and compromise instead of attending
to the House that is to be built up by living stones as each living stone does
its part!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Good and faithful
or wicked and lazy – there is no in between – anything less than your all puts
you on the wicked and lazy team and this is a stern wake up call for the
servants of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to get
serving!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One of the key problems with the inability to find people serving
is the lack of understanding of servanthood; and this is what struck me greatly
while preparing this message, as I am sure you have heard all of what I have
said before, yet we do need a reminding of these more often than not; however I
want to touch on the different mind-set on servants and their required service,
as I believe this to be a major stumbling block in many talented servants
serving with their all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What struck me about this parable above all was that the master
gave talents to ‘his servants’. In other words they were his to start off with
and I would like us to look at both the Greek and Hebrew words for servant and
service as well as the different mind-sets behind these.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In this parable the word for servant is the Greek word <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">δοῦλος</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>doulos – Strong’s G1401</b> and is translated as, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">slave, servant, bondservant, bondslaves – both men and women</span></i></b>’.
You will hear me referring to a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ a lot tonight as I want you to
get this term and concept stirring in your minds in the understanding of how we
are to be a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of Messiah. In the Greek language the ‘<b>doulos</b>’
(servant/slave) and the group of words associated with this, be it <b><i>serving, service, slavery</i></b> etc., all
speak of being a ‘<b>slave</b>’ or speak of standing in the relationship of a
slave and so in the Greek mind-set regarding the ‘<b>doulos</b>’ we have a
service which is seen as service which is
not a matter of choice for the one rendering the service, as he/she has to
perform what is required whether he/she likes it or not, for the servant is
subject as a slave to the will of another – that is the will of their owner!
One of the distinctive features of the Greek mind-set of self-awareness is the
thought of freedom and this mind-set finds personal dignity in the fact that
he/she is free and therefore his/her self-awareness stands out sharply from
anything which stands under the concept of performing the duties of a slave and
obeying what is being commanded to be done. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the Greek mind-set where there is the
service/duty of a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ (slave) and obedience required by a slave,
the right of self-government is seen to be set aside and another’s takes
precedence of one’s own, with the thinking that you have no right to govern
self as another governs you by their standards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now while we must understand that the
Greek city state was very dependent upon the ‘service’ of its citizens – they
gave ‘service’ with all their powers and often even with life itself; however,
what is repudiated in the Greek mind is ‘service’ after the manner of the ‘<b>doulos</b>’;
who not only has absolutely no possibility of evading the tasks that have been
laid upon him, but he also has no right of personal choice but must rather do
what another will have done and refrain from doing what another will not have
done! In the ‘<b>doulos</b>’ the free Greek world always sees its own antitype
– and in the ‘<b>doulos</b>’ the concept of performing the duties of a slave it
sees the perversion of its own nature of freedom. Hence the Greek mind-set can
only reject and scorn the slightest resemblance to that of a slave. With the
Greek concept of Elohim there is in fact no place for this word ‘<b>doulos</b>’
being used as an expression of religious relationship and service. So in
essence what I am trying to tell you is simply this – to the Greek mind,
serving according to the manner of a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ is not on – they will
serve, yes, as long as it fits in with their needs and they are in agreement
with the requirements and so may even respond saying, “<i>I will do what you ask, if it makes sense to me and I can fit it in to
my way of thinking</i>” and naturally the Greek mind-set will resist the
concept of “<i>I will submit and obey and do
what you command, even if I do not understand</i>”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I find this very fascinating as it
certainly begins to uncover and explain the resistance by so many to submit and
serve Elohim according to His Torah! One of the major reasons for this
resistance of the concept of ‘<b>doulos</b>’ is that this word comes from the
word <b><span lang="EL">δέω</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>deō – Strong’s G1210 </b>which means,
‘<b><i>to bind, tie, put in chains, prisoner</i></b>’.
Certainly this concept of seeming ‘<i>enslavement</i>’
is greatly rejected by the Greek mind-set who claims its own freedom and
understandably rejects the notion to be <b>commanded</b> to obey the Torah! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I clearly remember being sharply rebuked
by a man a few years ago who plainly stated that whenever I would say, “<b>You
must do…</b>” or “<b>You have to…</b>” in any message he would resist that tone
and reject the instruction and say that I cannot tell him that he must do
anything!!! Well now I have come to understand just how the effect of Greek thinking
has penetrated many minds in their approach to the Truth and as a result refuse
to become true servants or a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now while this word or concept is
greatly rejected by a Greek mind-set we see in the Greek text very clearly that
this word is used 127 times in the Renewed writings (N.T.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In fact we are told that Messiah took
the form of a ‘<b>doulos</b>’:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Pilipiyim/Philippians 2:7 “<span style="color: red;">but emptied
Himself, taking the form of <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">a
servant</span>, and came to be in the likeness of men.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What is the Hebrew mind-set with the concept of servant and
servanthood? Let us take a brief look:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus
25:55 “<span style="color: red;">Because the children of Yisra’ĕl are <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">servants</span> to Me, they are
My <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">servants</span> whom I
brought out of the land of Mitsrayim. I am </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As a child of Yisra’ĕl, which we have become by the Blood of
Messiah, we are servants of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. The word
used here in the Hebrew is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">עֶבֶד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>eḇed – Strong’s H5650</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">servant, slave,
bondservant</span></i></b><i>’ </i> - The same meaning as the Greek word ‘<b>doulos</b>’.
‘<b>eḇed</b>’ is used 800 times in the Tanak (O.T.) and is used as a noun and
comes from the primitive root verb <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">עָבַד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>aḇad – Strong’s H5647</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to work, serve,
observe, do the work, cultivate, worship</span></i></b>’ and carries the
understanding of ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">expending considerable energy and intensity in performing
a task or function</span></i></b>’ – in other words – ‘<b>giving it your all</b>’!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As we go to the Torah for a great
reference to our understanding we see the concept of bondservant being
described clearly:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shemoth/Exodus 21:5-6 “<span style="color: red;">And if the servant
truly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children, let me not go out
free,’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">then
his master shall bring him before Elohim, and shall bring him to the door, or
to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl. And he shall
serve him forever.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This is a profound statement being made here. One that
we make, as servants of Messiah, of our Master! When we too have made the good
confession and declare our love for our Elohim and Saviour then we serve Him
forever – yet there was something that was to happen – let us see how that
applies to us today! Firstly we must note the clear order being shown here: I
Love my master, wife, children… notice that his master comes first and it is
the same with us today:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
10:37 “<span style="color: red;">He who loves father or mother more than Me is
not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy
of Me.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Love for our Master comes first!!! This does not in
any way diminish our love for our spouse or children, but reflects the true
nature of our love that without such fervent love for our Master we are truly
unable to show complete love in service to our family – but love for Him must
always be our primary focus that will cause us to flow with a genuine love for
others! In a declaration of our love for our Master – here it says “<b>if a servant truly says</b>” – this is
vital for us to understand, as there are many today who say they love Elohim,
yet their love is not expressed in obedience to His instructions and is not
made vocally with a loud voice of faith! This love speaks of a true and
complete commitment to Him. Those who claim to ‘<b>stay</b>’ in His house yet do not love Him by obeying Him are thieves
and not servants! This is a call for voluntary service – we have been bought at
a price and it is for freedom that he has set us free, yet we <b>choose</b> to be His bondservant!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“<b>When a
servant truly says</b>” – speaks of one making a clear and definite choice with
the intent for others to hear it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If this be the case: Bring him to the door or
doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl! Now let me make it clear that we do
not pierce people’s ears today:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bring
him to the door</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>– <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> tells us
in <b>Yoḥanan/Jon 10:7</b> that He is <b>the door</b> of the sheep. We who declare
our love for our Master who has bought us at a price – we come to Him and
declare our desire to forever belong to Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Doorpost</span></b> –
Doorpost is where we are commanded to write the Ten Words upon and is a
constant reminder to us as we go out and come in that we guard to do all He has
commanded us to. It was on the doorpost that Yisra’ĕl was to apply the blood of
the Pěsaḥ Lamb <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pierce the ear</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span>–
the ear speaks of the ability to hear and allow His word to be heard as it is,
even as it pierces! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Too
many today who claim to be servants of Messiah only want their ears ‘<b><i>tickled</i></b>’
and not ‘<b><i>pierced</i></b>’ with the Truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
piercing of the ear to the doorpost would be symbolic of the servant now
belonging to the house and be submitted to the authority of the house. So many
today are unwilling to submit to authority like this! If they do not like what
they ‘<b>hear</b>’ they all too quickly
rush off to find another assembly where they will hear what they like, yet
never show true commitment and submission!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
piercing of the ear would show a permanent decision that could not be reversed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Our relationship to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> begins with the command to "<b>hear</b>", so the ear is the
appropriate place to bear this reminder of whom we have chosen to belong to. To
commit to the house means to commit to the rulings of the house, which are
written on the doorposts—to say, “<b>I hear
what you are saying and will guard to do all I hear!</b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
piercing of the ear to the doorpost where the Torah is written shows us the
commitment to the commands of the House and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> who is the Door, was pierced for our transgressions and it is to
Him we listen and make our choice to commit to living in obedience to Him – the
Living Torah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He
who has ears – ears that are ‘pierced’ that is committed by choice to follow
Messiah – let Him hear His right-rulings and live by them! We must beware of
ear ticklers who have the appearance of a door that has no commands upon them –
tickling ears will listen gladly to a lawless doorpost!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We
are now bondservants - ‘<b>doulos</b>’
- of the Most High:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sha’ul
was:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Romiyim/Romans 1:1 “<span style="color: red;">Sha’ul, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">a
servant of </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah, a called emissary, separated to
the Good News of Elohim</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ya’aqoḇ, the half-brother of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-US"> was:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ya’aqoḇ/James 1:1 “<span style="color: red;">Ya</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">ʽaqoḇ, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">a servant of Elohim and of the
Master </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">, to the twelve tribes who are in the dispersion:
Greetings.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Kěpha was:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Kěpha Bet/2 Peter 1:1 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">Shim</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ʽ</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">on Kěpha, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">a servant and emissary of </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">, to those who have obtained a belief as precious as ours
by the righteousness of our Elohim and Saviour </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Yehuḏah
was:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Yehuḏah/Jude 1:1 “<span style="color: red;">Yehuḏ</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">ah, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">a servant of </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">, and brother of
Yaʽaqoḇ, to those who are called, set-apart by Elohim the Father, and
preserved in </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Deḇarim/Deuteronomy lists for us the reason
for the curses that come as a result of disobedience:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 28:47 “<span style="color: red;">Because you did
not serve </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> your Elohim with joy and gladness of heart
for all the plenty,</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the Hebraic mind-set becoming a
bondservant of Messiah is not a burden, in fact it is a burden to not become
one, and we recognise that we are no longer our own and that He has bought us
at a price and we have made the choice to serve. He makes it clear for us –
choose life or death – we choose life and with that choice comes the
responsibility to live as He commands and give an account of how we have lived
and managed His property when He returns. When we make the choice to become a
bondservant of Messiah forever, we are in a way relinquishing our own ‘right to
choose’ any other options to serving in our own manner or way of understanding
as we accept by choice to submit and obey whatever He commands us to! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 12:8 “<span style="color: red;">Do not do as we
are <i>doing</i> here today – each one doing whatever is right in his own eyes.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is to the ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of Messiah
that the <b>Ḥazon/Revelation</b> of Messiah has been given in order to show us
what must take place speedily (<b>Ḥazon 1:1</b>); and it is the ‘<b>doulos</b>’
of Messiah who are sealed on the forehead (<b>Ḥazon 7:3</b>); and it will be
the ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of Messiah that will serve Him (<b>Ḥazon 22:3</b>).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As we recognise who our Master is then
may we be a people who recognise that we have chosen to serve and we are to be
found serving with great joy and not be found to be lazy in our duty and
responsibility that He has given us as He has given us all collectively many
talents for which He expects a 100% harvest of fruitfulness back. How are you
serving the Master, while He has gone on a journey? Have you been struggling
with the Greek mind-set of resistance to submit and obey to the Master’s will
or do you embrace the true Hebraic mind-set of our faith in Messiah, our Master
and are giving your all? TALENTED SERVANTS SERVE – are you!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When we also realise that this parable
is of a master to his <b>servants</b>, we are then further able to narrow down
the sobering reality of this clear teaching designed to awaken those who are
asleep; and therefore I would by the picture drawn from this parable say that 1
in every 3 <b>servants</b> will be found to have been hiding the talents they
were entrusted with. 1 in 3 servants – that is to say that 1 in every 3
‘claiming’ torah obedient followers of Messiah are hiding and not truly serving
Messiah – perhaps that is what the end result will be and maybe even a more
accurate account we see at the moment is that it could be as many as 2 in every
3 are not serving as they should – which is a very sobering wake up call for us
all!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>You cannot serve Elohim and mammon!!!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are no longer ‘slaves/servants’ or a<b>
</b>‘<b>doulos</b>’ of sin, but have been set free from sin so that we are now
a <b> </b>‘<b>doulos</b>’ (still a
servant/slave) to righteousness and we must serve our Master with our all – the
very thing Sha’ul speaks about in <b>Romiyim/Romans 6</b> – he was, among other
things, explaining the different mind-set approaches to being a ‘<b>doulos</b>’!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Romiyim/Romans 6: 16-18 “<span style="color: red;">Do you not know
that to whom you present yourselves servants for obedience, you are servants of
the one whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to
righteousness? </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
But thanks to Elohim that you were servants of sin, yet you obeyed from the
heart that form of teaching to which you were entrusted. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And having been set free from sin,
you became servants of righteousness.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You are a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of the one you
obey, even if it of self, but we who were a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of sin, obeyed from
the heart that form of teaching – what is written upon our hearts? The Torah –
we have obeyed the teaching of the Torah – the very Word we have been entrusted
with as a ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of The Master and are now free from sin, equipped to
be a good and faithful ‘<b>doulos</b>’ of righteousness, which is to guard to
do all our Master commands us to do!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 12:28 “<span style="color: red;">Therefore, receiving
an unshakeable reign, let us hold the favour, through which we serve Elohim
pleasingly with reverence and awe</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each and every one of us has received
immeasurable gift and talent/s and so He has equipped us to be talented
servants for Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">DO NOT HIDE –
TALENTED SERVANT – SERVE!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-4920382008546789912012-04-21T06:50:00.001+02:002012-04-21T06:50:29.862+02:00HOLDING ON TO HUMILITY!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
HOLDING ON TO HUMILITY!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Diḇre haYamim </b><b>B</b><b>ě</b><b>t/2 Chronicles 26<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shabbat Shalom family – it is always such a great joy to
come together in the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>, our
Great King and High Priest, who humbled Himself, being obedient unto death,
death even of a stake; and therefore has been highly exalted and was given the
Name which is above every Name, that at the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> every knee shall bow and every tongue
confess that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah
is the Master, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As we consider these words taken from Pilipiyim/Philippians 2 we
clearly can see that humility and obedience go hand in hand and in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Miḵah/Micah
6:8 “<span style="color: red;">He has declared to you, O man, what is good. And
what does </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
require of you but to do right, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your Elohim?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What does <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> require of
us? Well as we see – that it is to do right, love kindness and walk humbly with
our Elohim!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
‘<b>Walk</b>’ in Hebrew is the
word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">הָלַךְ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>hā∙lǎḵ - Strong’s H1980</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to walk, to live, manner
of life, cause to live</span></i></b>’ and literally speaks of how one lives.
It is used as a verb indicating that it is an active expression of one’s life.
We are to actively and continually be walking in Messiah, and as Miḵah tells us
that we are required to walk ‘humbly’ with Elohim. The root word used here for
humble is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">צָנַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>tsana
– Strong’s H6800</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to be modest or
humble</span></i></b>’. <b>In Miḵah/Micah 6:8</b> it is expressed as follows: <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">וְהַצְנֵעַ
לֶכֶת</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>‘<b>ve-ha-ts’nea
lechet</b>’ which literally expresses ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">a making humble to walk</span></i></b>’ or ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">showing a humble
walk</span></i></b>’, again emphasising that our humility is seen in our walk –
that is our walk of obedience as we clearly see and understand the words in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:6 “<span style="color: #c00000;">The one who
says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Greek word for ‘walk’ is <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">περιπατέω</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>peripateō – Strong’s H4043</b> and carries the same meaning and that is, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to walk, behaviour, to conduct one’s self,
to make one’s way, to tread with the feet, to make one’s life</span></i></b>’. Why all the definitions? To clearly reiterate
that to walk as Messiah walked involves action and that action is to be in
complete line with His walk and that is a walk of total obedience – the
greatest expression of humility!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tonight I
want us to look at the life of a king who reigned for 52 years and did what was
right in the eyes of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, well for
most part and then sadly lost the plot as he certainly neglected the need to
walk humbly before <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>. In a
message tonight called, “<b>Holding on to
humility</b>”, let us learn from the events of the life of Uzziyahu as we read
from the accounts of his reign as recorded in <b>Diḇre haYamim B</b><b>ě</b><b>t/2 Chronicles 26</b>
(Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A very interesting chapter that portrays for us a very sobering
account of the rise and fall of a king, from which we can learn a great deal in
our need to guard ourselves from the danger of allowing pride to rise up in us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Who was Uzziyahu? Uzziyahu was the son of Amatsyahu, who reigned
for 29 years in Yerushalayim and did what was right in the eyes of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, but not with a perfect heart. Amatsyahu was the 9<sup>th</sup>
king of Yehuḏah who succeeded his father who was assassinated after the defeat
of the Syrians, where his own officials conspired against him and killed him
for murdering Zeḵaryah, the son of the likeable prophet Yehoyaḏa, after being
told that <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> had left him. Amatsyahu means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the
strength of Yah</span></i></b>’ or ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yah
is mighty</span></i></b>’ and he certainly started out
right yet his heart was not perfect and did not break down all the high places
of worship and in essence allowed idolatrous worship to continue. I have given
a message before on the accounts of Amatsyahu called, ‘<b>How is your heart?</b>’ and so I do not want to dwell too long on his
account, except that he turned from following <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and
fled to Laḵish where he was killed. Uzziyahu was then set up as the 10<sup>th</sup>
king of Yehuḏah at 16 years of age and he reigned for 52 years – the longest
reign of a king of Yehuḏah up until that point and only Menashsheh, the wicked
king, reigned for longer (55 years). Uzziyahu - <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">עֻזִּיָּהוּ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>–Strong’s
H5818 </b>means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">my
strength is Yah</span></i></b>’ or ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yah
is my strength</span></i></b>’ and his
mother’s name was <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יְכָלְיָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>Ye</b><b>ḵ</b><b>olyah –
Strong’s H3203</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">Yah is able</span></i></b>’. Uzziyahu is
also referred to in Melaḵim/Kings as <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">עֲזַרְיָהוּ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Azaryahu –
Strong’s H5838</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">Yah has helped</span></i></b>’. So coming
from a line of people whose names carried great significance in declaring that <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is their strength and mighty to help, Uzziyahu started
out in a great way in serving <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> in
the right way. Verse 5 tells us clearly that he was a king who ‘sought’ <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, and had great guidance from Zeḵaryahu the prophet, and
as long as he sought <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, Elohim made
him prosper!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a vital lesson straight
up for us to never lose sight of – and that is we are to always be a people who
‘seek’ <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, for Messiah reminds us that we
must seek Him first:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 6:33 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But seek first the reign of Elohim, and His righteousness, and all
these <i>matters</i> shall be added to you.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Greek word here for ‘seek’ is
<b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">ζητέω</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>zēteō – Strong’s G2212</b> and means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to seek, inquire, try to obtain, strive after, to aim at,
crave for, and to seek in order to find out by thinking, meditating and
reasoning</span></i></b>’. Pretty straight forward I would say – to seek takes
diligent effort – and to seek His kingdom speaks of diligently seeking and
meditating on Him and His instructions (Torah) – something we see lacking in a
great way today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Hebrew root word used for ‘<b>seek/sought</b>’
in our passage for tonight is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">דָּרַשׁ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>darash –
Strong’s H1875</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to resort to, to seek with care, consult,
investigate, search carefully, study, seek after with application, to practice,
follow</span></i></b>’. Uzziyahu certainly was a man who sought after Elohim,
and saw the promised results; as we know that in <b>Tehillim/Psalm 1</b> we are
reminded that blessed is the man who meditates on the Torah day and night, for
he shall prosper in whatever he does! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yehoshua/Joshua 1:8 “<span style="color: red;">Do not let this Book
of the Torah depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and
night, so that you guard to do according to all that is written in it. For then
you shall make your way prosperous, and act wisely.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The same root word used in all of
these passages for ‘prosper/prosperous’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">צָלַח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>tsalach – Strong’s H6743</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to advance,
prosper, successful, victorious, press through and succeed</span></i></b>’. <span lang="EN-US">The root means to accomplish
satisfactorily what is intended. Real prosperity results from the work of Elohim
in the life of one who seeks Elohim with all his heart!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">As long as Uzziyahu sought </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-US">, Elohim made him prosper.” Yosĕph is called a prosperous man, for </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-US"> turned all of his
misfortunes into benefit for Ya’aqoḇ’s sons (<b>Berěshith/Genesis 39:2-3; 23</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-US"> expresses His purposes through His Word, therefore His Word will not
prove empty, but it will prosper in its fulfillment, and so as we seek His
purposes through diligent daily meditation upon His Torah, His promises will
not prove false, but are all yes and aměn in Messiah!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 11:6</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> tells us that </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is a
rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 8:17 “<span style="color: red;">I love those who
love me, and those who earnestly seek me do find me.</span>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So Uzziyahu was a man who earnestly did
seek <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and prospered greatly for it as
he certainly was one of the most successful and powerful kings in Yehuḏah’s
history as he was a well-rounded king – He was a brave and courageous warrior,
an excellent engineer and an avid cultivator and he had a good instructor – a
prophet who instructed him in the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>. And
what started out as a very humble walk with <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> in
recognising that he could do nothing without <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>,
became very powerful and was greatly strengthened through the help of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>. He was given victory over the Philistines and the<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span>Araḇians who lived in Gur Baʽal, and the
Meʽunites; and even the Ammonites recognised his power and brought him gifts. He
dug cisterns to provide water for the livestock, and cultivated the fertile
lands. He trained his army and organized them into divisions. He built towers
in Yerushalayim and in the Wilderness to keep watch against attacks, and
fortified the walls, and he invented new war machines for use on the towers to
shoot arrows and hurl large stones, for stronger defence systems, and news
about his success and powerful reign travelled far and wide as he was, as it
says in verse 15, “marvellously helped” – by <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> of
course!!! “<b>Till</b>” – the word that
followed being marvellously helped – “<b>till</b>”
– it was all going so well up until this point – till he became strong. Now
there is nothing wrong with becoming strong and we pray that <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> continues to strengthen us daily through His Word;
however we see the danger of what can happen when we become strong by the verse
that changes the scene in this chapter – verse 16. Instead of holding on to
humility he let go and became full of pride and proceeded to trespass against <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> by simply not adhering to the Torah which he would have
for so long sought with his all!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
He took all the success to his
head and forgot that it was because <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>
helped him and became so proud that he simply began to ignore the instructions
of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I find this passage very fitting
for us at this time as we have been going through the weekly torah portions in
Wayyiqra on leprosy as well as the strange fire that Aharon’s sons brought
before <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, after having been set-apart for
7 days!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Uzziyahu went in to the Hěḵal of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to burn incense on the altar of incense; the very thing
he was not allowed to do as he was not a priest! Azaryahu the priest went in
after him with 80 other priests and confronted the king – very brave men they
were recorded as being – and yes very brave indeed as it is a picture for us
today as a royal priesthood who must be brave and stand up for the Truth
without compromise, declaring to those who are bringing ‘<b>strange fire</b>’ that they are indeed at fault and; are brave enough
to not be afraid to speak straight, even if the wrong get angry with us!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
He priests told the king to ‘<b>GET OUT</b>’ of the set-apart place. Let me
tell you that this took guts – something that we need to learn from today, as I
fear that far too often most are afraid to stand up and speak what is right in
the fear that they may anger those who are walking in error! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Listen Uzziyahu was mad, and may
have even thought to himself, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">how dare the priests speak to me
like this – I am the king</span></i></b>!’ as he
would have been standing there when confronted with the truth with his chest
all puffed up and his head heightened by his stiff neck of pride and
stubbornness to listen! Yet while he was still angry leprosy broke out on him
and he was hurried out of the set-apart place. Now we have read just this past
week in our torah readings that when leprosy breaks out on the forehead of a
man he is immediately pronounced unclean by the priest for his infection is on
his head and this carries great significance in its symbolism for it reveals a
deeper rooted issue and that is that the ‘head’ or covering is affected and at
this point Uzziyahu no longer submitted under the Headship/leading of Elohim
but rather pride caused him to do his own thing and he paid the price for no
longer walking humbly before Elohim. He was a leper until he died and was cut
off from the House of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, and when he
died they buried him <b>in the field</b> of
the burial place which belonged to the sovereigns and so was not buried <b>in the burial place</b> and is a clear
picture of how sin not confessed and dealt with will cut one off from the House
of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, and the sinners and the unclean are outside!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sadly he was so full of pride
that he never humbled himself as Ḥizqiyahu did:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Diḇre haYamim </b><b>B</b><b>ě</b><b>t/2
Chronicles 32:26 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then
H</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̣izqiyahu humbled himself for the pride of his heart, he and the
inhabitants of Yerushalayim, so that the wrath of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> did not come
upon them in the days of Ḥizqiyahu.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Holding on to humility is critical in our walk of
faith and what we must clearly understand is that humility is not a carrying of
a low estimation of one’s self, nor is it the thinking that one is
insignificant. In fact truly humble people are often the most assertive people
on the planet – you just have to look no further than Mosheh who was very
humble, more than all the men who were on the face of the earth (<b>Bemidbar/Numbers 12:3</b>) – and he was
certainly no pushover!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Humility refers to a knowledge, recognition and
acceptance that we are lower than Elohim; and therefore our humility is best
expressed by a state of voluntarily submitting to His will. In fact humility
will always be measured by our belief and submission to </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s good and well-pleasing and perfect desire which we can
do only when we renew our minds daily through His Perfect Word and not be
conformed to this world (<b>Romiyim/Romans
12:2</b>), and our clearest indicator of true humility is in our obedience to
Elohim. The truly humble person lovingly, willingly and honestly obeys <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>; unlike the Pharisees who make an outward show of seeming
obedience yet clearly omit the importance of the Torah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is exactly what Uzziyahu did
– he put on a show instead of following the clear instructions of drawing near
to Elohim and decided he would approach <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> on
his own terms – the same sad mistake most people make today as they err in
neglecting to follow the Torah, revealing a lack of humility as expressed
through proper obedience but rather being exposed for being full of pride and
selfishness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
PRIDE says, “<b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ll
do it my way</span></i></b>”, even if it
means ‘<b>staying away</b>’ and sulking
because things have not gone your way due to compromised worship!!! Many today,
when going through some tough trials, may say things like, “<b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
will deal with it on my own</span></i></b>” or
“<b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">that is how I deal with it</span></i></b>” and
then neglect to engage in living out Torah in a practical way through community
living and support and edification for one another and this simply is another
form of pride!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Pride will lead to bitterness and
resentment toward others, while harbouring a critical spirit and become very
sceptical – and this we are to guard against by holding on to humility – that
is to remain obedient and submissive to the Truth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
HUMILITY says ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ll
submit to</span></i></b><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span><b>’s</b> <b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">way</span></i></b>’, no matter the cost and this results in trusting <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> despite the circumstances we find ourselves in – whether
good or bad, as pride is not a respecter of circumstances for which we must
always be on our guard against!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Humility seeks to build and says
‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">what can I bring/give</span></i></b>’;
whereas pride seeks to take and says ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">what can I get out of this</span></i></b>’. Pride carries an attitude of independence that will
not submit to or receive the instruction or advice of another; whereas humility
reveals total dependency and reliance upon <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>.
Sadly what we saw happening in the life of Uzziyahu was that his confidence did
not remain in <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, but rather
in his own overconfidence in the victories, humility became replaced with pride
– a clear danger that we all face each and every day of our lives:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 8:11-14 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be on guard, lest you forget </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim by not guarding His commands,
and His right-rulings, and His laws which I command you today, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> lest you eat and shall be satisfied, and
build lovely houses and shall dwell in them, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and
your herds and your flocks increase, and your silver and your gold are
increased, and all that you have is increased, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
that your heart then becomes lifted up, and you forget </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim who brought you out of the
land of Mitsrayim, from the house of bondage.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">In pride Uzziyahu became more ‘<b>religious</b>’ in a false form and this is exactly what we see today as
many denominations claiming to worship the Elohim of all creation are
‘religiously’ bringing their own fire holders with strange fire in an attempt
at worship for which we, as </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s
royal priesthood must boldly speak out against and help restore the obedience
of walking humbly before Elohim! But before we are able to ‘speak up’ bravely we
must be sure to be walking humbly with Elohim, lest we find ourselves telling
others of the splinter in their eye when there is a plank in our own!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Pride is simply the disgrace and
demise of the wicked man who does not seek <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalms 10:4-6 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the pride of his face the wrongdoer does not seek <i>Him</i>, In
all his thoughts there is no Elohim! </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">His
ways are always prosperous! Your right-rulings are on high, out of his sight!
He snorts at all his adversaries! 6 He has said in his heart, “I shall not be
moved; From generation to generation, never be in evil!</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">The one full of pride does not see that he walks in
evil, whereas the humble draws near to Elohim, confesses and washes himself in
obedient submission to the will of Elohim:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Ya’aqoḇ/James 4: 8-10 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">Draw
near to Elohim and He shall draw near to you. Cleanse hands, sinners. And
cleanse the hearts, you double-minded! </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">9 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">Lament
and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to
dejection. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">10</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Master, and He shall lift you up.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Those who do not guard to do the commands of Elohim
are walking in pride, for love for Elohim is to obey His commands and expresses
true humility:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Tehillim/Psalm 31:23 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">Love </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, all you His kind ones! For </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> guards the trustworthy ones, and exceedingly repays the doer of
pride.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Just as humility is an action – that being those
who are doers of the Word and not hearers only; so is pride an action – the ‘<b>doer</b>’ of pride will be exceedingly
repaid – and boy was Uzziyahu repaid - exceedingly!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Mishlĕ/Proverbs 8:13 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">The
fear of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is to hate
evil. I have hated pride and arrogance, and the evil way, and the perverse
mouth.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Pride and arrogance is the evil way and sadly so
often when we are walking in obedience and standing for the Truth, as did the
priests in our passage tonight, we are often regarded by the proud and lawless
as being the arrogant ones – ironic isn’t it – that the arrogant and proud, who
claim that the Torah is of no effect, call the humble and obedient ones
arrogant, when clearly obedience to the Torah of </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and
staying in Messiah can never be arrogance!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Pride is an abomination to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 16:5 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>; Hand to hand: he goes not unpunished.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Mishlĕ/Proverbs 13:10 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By pride comes only strife, But
wisdom is with those who take advice.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Uzziyahu refused advice as he
strengthened himself through pride and as a result faced the consequences of
strife brought on by his own pride:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 16:18 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before destruction <i>comes</i> pride, and before a fall a haughty
spirit!</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">A classic example of this verse being practically explained is seen in
the events of Uzziyahu – he got angry when he was confronted and exposed for
his error in worship and instead of humbling himself he remained stubbornly
proud – a very true picture of so many people who willfully refuse to heed correction
through the instructions of </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and
bring their own fire holders of twisted traditions that will sadly only see
them cast out if they do not repent!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
After Uzziyahu died,
Yeshayahu/Isaiah saw <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 6:1 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the year that Sovereign Uzziyahu died, I saw </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> sitting on a throne, high and lifted up,
and the train of His robe filled the Hěḵal.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Why I mention this here is that this carries a really great lesson for
us as we know the events that happened when Yeshayahu saw </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and recognised his own uncleanness that his lips were
touched by a coal from the altar of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, and
he made the famous declaration often repeated by so many, “<b>Here I am send me!</b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The timing of this is very
significant as it pictures for us that pride must die before we can truly see <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and fully be able to be commissioned to speak to a
people who will not see and will not hear!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Uzziyahu was full of pride and
full of himself, while the Heavenly Temple was filled with the presence of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> – we are the Dwelling Place of the Most High and we can
either find ourselves full of His presence as we walk humble before Him and
prosper in all that we do; or be full of selfishness and pride which, as we
know has no happy ending!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:16-17 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Because all that is in the world –
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of
the Father but is of the world. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but the one doing the desire of
Elohim remains forever.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a time where pride is rife, we
as a set-apart royal priesthood are to be found holding on to humility as we
walk humbly before Elohim doing His desire, with the assurance that we shall
remain forever!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What struggles have you been
facing lately? And if so, have you taken advice and sought fellowship with true
humble believers? Or have you tried to deal with it on your own? Or have you
had great victories of late due to your diligent seeking of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>? In victory or defeat have you found yourself neglecting
to seek <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, as the battle of pride rages in
your flesh? Let us take heed to the events of the life of king Uzziyahu who at
first was strengthened by <b>Yah</b> yet
later strengthened himself to the pitiful point of selfish pride thinking he
can do things his own way and still be acceptable before the Father, only to be
cast out forever!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
All good efforts can be destroyed
in one hour! All the good of the 52 years was destroyed in a single moment, as humility
flew out and pride set in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes 10:1 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dead flies make the perfumer’s
ointment stink, ferment; a little folly outweighs wisdom, esteem.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It just takes a little folly and
all that you have worked diligently hard at in seeking Elohim can be outweighed
by the folly of pride!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Our duty is to walk humbly before
Elohim and to walk as He walked – doing the will of Elohim. Let us be found to
always be holding on to humility and destroy all pride and be strong and brave
like those priests who stood firm for the truth, so that when He comes for us
He shall find active humble faith, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-563259300829911902012-04-09T17:25:00.000+02:002012-04-09T17:25:06.075+02:00BIKKURIM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
BIKKURIM<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
An overview of
First Fruits and counting the omer (08-04-2012)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom all, may the name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> be esteemed in this place as we His children gather together as
one in <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah, aměn! I do trust that you are all
enjoying this wonderful Feast of Matzot (Unleavened Bread). We had an awesome
Pěsaḥ Meal the other night and enjoyed trying to ‘keep watch’ – how awesome and
joyous it is to celebrate and worship our King, aměn! As we go through this
week of Unleavened Bread which for some at first may be quite an adjustment in
not having leaven in the home and not eating anything leavened – yet as we look
at the command regarding this feast we also see a great positive command – and
that is that we are commanded to eat unleavened Bread for 7 days – that is it –
it is not only that we are to not eat leaven but we are told to eat unleavened
bread each day!!! This is a wonderful picture of us eating of the unadulterated
Word every day – something we ought to do every day of our lives – but yet more
specifically during this feast – it is all Him – nothing added!!! How has that
been going for you all? Today we are here to celebrate ‘Bikkurim’ / First
Fruits and upon this day we also begin to count 7 full Sabbaths and the day
after the seventh Sabbath – which from ‘<i>First
Fruits</i>’ is a period of 50 days when we then celebrate Shavuot – Feast of
Weeks. 3 times a year all the men were commanded to come up to Yerushalayim, at
the feast times of Pěsaḥ/Unleavened Bread – at Shavuot and at Sukkoth – all of
these feasts are centred on harvest celebrations and offerings. During
Unleavened Bread we have First Fruits which is the beginning of the barley
harvest – Shavuot (Feast of Weeks/Pentecost) is the celebration of the
beginning of the wheat harvest and Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles) it is the
fruit harvest. Today I want to share with you a little on just what season we
are in and celebrating right now and will share a little on what First Fruits
is all about as well as what the counting of the omer symbolises for us leading
up to Shavuot, with the hope to stir your hunger and passion to give your very
all as a daily living sacrifice unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Feast of First Fruits is a celebration, as I have mentioned,
of the barley harvest – this is the agricultural significance of course –
however this Feast has as we all know greater and deeper spiritual meaning. This
was the first harvest celebration of the year and in 7 weeks’ time we will
celebrate the wheat harvest. What this Festival of First Fruit assures us is the
sure and blessed promise of a future harvest to come. This truly is a time of
celebration, as we celebrate <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> as the first fruit of
the resurrection from the dead. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the process of revealing His plan of salvation for mankind, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> established His annual Appointed Days
around the harvest seasons in the Middle East. Just as His people harvested
their crops around these three Festival seasons, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s Appointed Days show us how He is harvesting people for eternal
life in His Kingdom. The Appointed Feasts have meanings that build upon each
other. Together they progressively reveal how <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> works with humanity. The fifteenth of
Aviv (1<sup>st</sup> month) begins the Feast of Matzot (Unleavened Bread). It
is a seven day feast to<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span>. The
day following the Sabbath during Matzot, which will always be on the 1<sup>st</sup>
day of the week, is called the Feast of First Fruits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This year, the beginning of Matzot (15<sup>th</sup> of Aḇiḇ) and
the eating of the Pěsaḥ Meal happens to fall on the weekly Sabbath and so today
being the 16<sup>th</sup> of Aḇiḇ we have come “on the morrow after the
Sabbath” during Matzot where we bring a wave offering of the first
fruits/Bikkurim. The wave offering is always done on the day after the weekly
Sabbath during Matzot and therefore Shavuot will always be on a 1<sup>st</sup>
day of the week. In <b>Yehoshua/Joshua 5</b>
we see an example of this timing that we are following this year where the Pěsaḥ
meal was also eaten on the weekly Sabbath and the roasted grain was eaten the
day after Pěsaḥ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yehoshua/Joshua
5:10-11 “<span style="color: red;">And the children of Yisra’ĕl camped in Gilgal,
and performed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening on the
desert plains of Yeriḥ</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">o. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">11 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">And they ate of the stored
grain of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened bread and
roasted grain on this same day.”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 23: 11-15</b> makes it clear that no roasted grain
was to be eaten until the same day that the sheaf of the wave offering was
brought which can only be on the morrow after the weekly Sabbath! Sadly many
follow the erroneous rabbinic teaching that states the counting of the omer
begins on the 16<sup>th</sup> every year as they claim that the morrow after
the Sabbath is referring to the first day of Unleavened Bread, while this day
is never referred to as a Sabbath. Although this happens from time to time, like
this year and as recorded in Yehoshua, where we will begin the count on the 16<sup>th</sup>
because it falls on the day after the Sabbath during Matzot and the counting of
the omer must begin on the first day of the week and to assume that it will
always fall on the 16<sup>th</sup> regardless of what day of the week it is, simply
denies the work of Messiah! <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> was 3 days and 3 nights is the heart of the earth and what we
celebrate on this day is His offering up of the first fruits of those who were
raised after His resurrection, giving us a guarantee of a harvest to come. So
while Messiah fulfilled the requirements of this Feast, we will always have, as
commanded, Bikkurim on the day after ‘<b>the</b>’
Sabbath during Matzot and begin to count the omer on this day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the barley harvest was ready to be reaped, a sheaf of the
first grain would be brought to the priest who would wave it before<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span>. This was called the ‘<b><i>the
sheaf of the first fruits</i></b>’ and would take place on the day after the
Sabbath.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> commanded
the people to bring a sheaf of the harvest. Sheaf in the Hebrew is ‘<b>omer</b>’ which was the dry measure of food
stuffs, and was a 1/10<sup>th</sup> part of an ephah – a dry measurement of
grain equalling to the approximate amount of 22 litres, therefore an omer was
around 2,2 litres dry equivalent. It is described as the measure of the seed
resulting from one sheaf of grain. An omer was also deemed by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to be the sufficient measure of
‘manna’ that an average person could eat in one day. Therefore an omer or sheaf
also symbolises a single person and is in fact a picture of oneself being
turned over to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> for the
process of becoming useful to His community – His Bride!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We will look at what this ‘<b><i>counting of the omer</i></b>’ season means
and speaks to us today in a short bit, after we just fully understand the major
theme of First Fruits – which is primarily about resurrection and salvation. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> has
fully met the requirements for these feasts we are celebrating and speaking of
right now – He is our Passover Lamb – the Bread of Life and the First Fruit
offering!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>was resurrected at the end of Shabbat
and at the start of the first day of the week (at Saturday sunset), offering
Himself as the first fruits to all generations fulfilling the sign of Yonah
(Jonah) – 3 days and 3 nights and becoming the first born among those who
sleep!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is the first fruit of the Barley Harvest!
Let us look at some Scriptures that speak of Messiah as the ‘first’:<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>is the firstborn of Miryam/Mary: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
1:23-25 ““<span style="color: red;">See, a maiden shall conceive, and she shall
give birth to a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanu’ĕl,” which translated,
means, “Ěl with us.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And Yosĕph, awaking from his sleep, did as the messenger of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> commanded him and took his wife, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> but knew her not until she gave birth to
her Son, the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first-born</span>.
And he called His Name </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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2. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>is the first-born of the Father:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Iḇ‘rim/Hebrews 1:6 “<span style="color: red;">And when He again brings
the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first-born</span> into
the world, He says, “Let all the messengers of Elohim do reverence to Him.</span>”</b>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>is the firstborn over all creation: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Qolasim/Colossians
1:15 “<span style="color: red;">who is the likeness of the invisible Elohim, the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first-born</span> of all
creation.</span>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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4. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>is the firstborn from the dead:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
1:5 “<span style="color: red;">and from </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah, the trustworthy witness, the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first-born</span> from the dead,
and the ruler of the sovereigns of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us
from our sins in His own blood,</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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5. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>is the firstborn of many brethren: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Romiyim/Romans
8:29 “<span style="color: red;">Because those whom He knew beforehand, He also
ordained beforehand to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, for Him <i>to
be</i> the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first-born</span>
among many brothers.</span>” <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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6.<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> </span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Qorintiyim
Aleph/1 Corinthians 15:20 “<span style="color: red;">But now Messiah has been
raised from the dead, and has become the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first-fruit</span> of those having fallen asleep.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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7. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>is the First and the Last, the
Beginning and the End, the Aleph and the Taw: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
22:13 “<span style="color: red;">I am the ‘Aleph’ and the ‘Taw’, the Beginning
and the End, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the First</span>
and the Last.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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8. <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>is the head of the body, the assembly
– First in all!:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Qolasim/Colossians
1:18 “<span style="color: red;">And He is the Head of the body, the assembly, who
is the beginning, the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first-born</span>
from the dead, that He might become the One who is <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">first</span> in all.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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He is the most set-apart One of ELOHIM and He is both the first
born of ELOHIM and the first fruit unto ELOHIM.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Messiah what assurance we have is that ‘in Him’ we are redeemed
– Pěsaḥ speaks of our redemption, Matzot or Unleavened Bread speaks of our
sanctification –being set-apart (cleaned up from leaven) and First Fruits is
the assurance of our promise of eternal life and resurrection in Messiah.
Blessed are those who have part in the first resurrection for the second death
has no power over them!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Qorintiyim
Aleph/1 Corinthians 15:20-24 “<span style="color: red;">But now Messiah has been
raised from the dead, and has become the first-fruit of those having fallen
asleep. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">21</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
For since death is through a man, resurrection of the dead is also through a
Man. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For as all die in Aḏam, so also all
shall be made alive in Messiah .</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 23</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And each in his own order: Messiah the first-fruits, then those who are of
Messiah at His coming, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
then the end, when He delivers up the reign to Elohim the Father, when He has
brought to naught all rule and all authority and power.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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A wonderful passage that Sha’ul is writing to describe truly what
we are celebrating on First Fruits – Messiah is the first fruit among those who
have fallen asleep (died) and it is in Messiah that we are made alive. This
passage is read as a commentary on the order of resurrection but Sha’ul is also
referring here to First Fruits – In that <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> in being the first to
be raised has fulfilled this Feast – securing the future harvest. So at this
Feast we celebrate the resurrection of <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> and
in so doing we also celebrate the future completed resurrection of His Bride as
each are made alive in Messiah - each in
his own order!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>’s resurrection<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span>was in affect a sheaf wave offering presented
before the Father as first fruits of the harvest to come! He also presented His
first-fruits offering to the Father on this day:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
27:52-53 “<span style="color: red;">and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of
the set-apart ones who had fallen asleep were raised, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">53</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and coming out of the tombs after
His resurrection, they went into the set-apart city and appeared to many.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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A scripture not often understood and even very quickly skipped
through lack of understanding – <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> presented a first fruit
offering of souls unto the father. Those graves that were opened when He died
lay open for 3 days and3 nights and after His resurrection, the dead from the
tombs that were opened came out of the tombs and appeared unto many – picture
the scene – at His death the temple veil was torn, there was a huge earth quake
and tombs of many were opened and they stayed open for 3 days and 3 nights
until <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> was raised, after which the dead of those
who were in those tombs came out and appeared to many. These raised ones were
taken up when He ascended and presented the first fruit offering unto the
Father on the morrow after the weekly Sabbath during Matzot – fulfilling this
Feast and its requirements:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Wayyiqra
23:12 “<span style="color: red;">And on that day when you wave the sheaf, you
shall prepare a male lamb a year old, a perfect one, as a burnt offering to </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.</span></b><b>” <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>He is our
High Priest who presented the wave offering, being the ‘year old perfect lamb’
ascended up to the Father!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Yoḥanan/John
20:17 “</b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">said to her, “Do not hold on to
Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and say to
them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My Elohim and your
Elohim.’</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> ” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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That day He ascended and presented the first fruit
offering and the next evening He came and stood in the midst of His taught ones
and breathed on them and they received the Set-Apart Spirit – a first fruit of
the Spirit that would later be poured out on many!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what we are celebrating is the fact that Messiah, the
first born, is the first fruit and is our High Priest in whom we have
redemption and the promise of eternal life with Him. But what does this season
also mean for us - His Body? This counting of the omer from the start of the
barley harvest unto the start of the wheat harvest reflects a great lesson for
us – this speaks to us about a time of being refined – making oneself count for
the Kingdom and taking an honest account of where one fits in and how well one
is progressing toward fulfilling the calling of the Father in one’s life:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Counting the omer is not a time to sit back and relax and
in a sense have the misconceived idea of ‘once saved always saved’, no – this
is a time of diligent preparation and humble obedience to walking in and
becoming more effective as part of His Bride who has prepared Herself. I hope
that you are still with me here as now I want to share something that is so
very profound in understanding the process of preparation. As we consider
during this time that we are to pay closer attention to the fields we find
ourselves in – be it a literal farm or the workplace/field you find yourself in
– let that field teach you, as we recognise that these days are a time to
transform us into a more refined people, in order that we can be easily mixed
together and made into a unified loaf of Bread so to speak unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> for Him to enjoy and be satisfied and
pleased in. This First Fruit feast is a wave offering of the sheaf of barley
and at Shavuot there is a wave offering of leavened bread, so let us
look at the process of making bread and preparing it for a wave offering unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! There are several steps or processes
which as we look at I hope that we are all reminded and realise just what is
expected of me in being a part of the body or loaves if you will of Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>10 steps:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 – SOWING
OR PLANTING</b>: The Hebrew term used for sowing or planting also carries with it
the meaning of ‘scattering’ – picture as a farmer ‘scatters his seed. The
ancient practice of scattering was called to ‘broadcast’ the seed from a bag
that was hung over ones shoulder. We as a people of Elohim have been scattered
over the whole earth and long to be replanted, if you will, into our native
soil. I am sure we are all aware of the sowing and reaping principle – nothing
can be reaped from what was not sown and you cannot reap something different
from what has been sown – you reap what you sow – be it attitudes, thoughts,
actions or even priorities – do not expect to get something out from that which
you did not sow! You want an intimate growing relationship with <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> - then sow the time and effort in
seeking Him! <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה </span>scattered
Yisra’ĕl and we get a greater understanding of this from the book of Hoshěa
which I encourage you to read. Scattered but watched over – for this scattered
seed will bring in a bountiful harvest for reaping!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The root word for sow or sowing is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">זֶרַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>zera –
Strong’s H2233</b> and means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">a sowing, seed, offspring</span></i></b>’
and comes from the primitive root <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">זָרַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>zara – Strong’s H2232</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to sow or
scatter seed</span></i></b>’. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2 –
GROWING</b>: There is always a season or period between sowing and reaping –
it never happens immediately. It is during this time where growth occurs and
this season of growth is a time in a sense for us to think about what was done
wrong and how we can do better. One of the keys to overcoming the period of
growth or period of ‘exile’ if you will, is simply just that – grow and grow
and grow – and to grow we have to realise that we have inherited some lies – ok
more than just some – a whole lot!!! But in realising this we also begin to
grow and realise and know <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s power
and more importantly – His NAME!!! To ‘know’ is to walk in His Torah – for as <b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:3 </b>says that we
know that we know Him when we guard His commands! And as love for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and one another grows through
obediently guarding his commands we can ‘outgrow’ our ‘exile’ from the Promised
Land – the more the world grows dim before our eyes and has no effect on
pulling us away from obedience and therefore be ready to be lifted up when He
comes and be replanted where we belong – together with Him in His Land!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Two root words translated as grow or growing are 1) <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">הָלַךְ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>halak –
Strong’s H1980</b> meaning, ‘<i>walk, to go or come, grow, wander, travel</i>’ and 2) <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">צָמַח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>tsamach –
Strong’s H6779</b> meaning, ‘<i>to sprout, spring up, grow</i>’ – we know that a derivative of this
word is used in prophetically referring to Messiah who shall come forth from
the Branch of Dawiḏ. When looking at these two words it makes the verse in Yoḥanan
Aleph 2:6 very clear: <b><span style="color: #c00000;">The one who says he stays
in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked.</span></b> – as we stay
in and walk in Messiah we will grow!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3 –
REAPING:</b> This reaping process is simply separating the harvest from the
field that it grew in. Grain must be reaped or else it cannot be used. We too,
just as Aḇraham, may have to be reaped out of our circumstances and even our
families. Grain when reaped is gathered into storehouses – and this is a
wonderful picture of what we see happening more and more in these last days –
pretty much the equivalent of Him gathering or assembling His grain into
communities – because to put is plainly – a single kernel of grain cannot make
much bread - and certainly not enough for an offering unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! Once gathered together this is when
the real preparation begins – say what – yes this is when it begins! What has
erroneously been taught in the church today is that this is the final stage for
those blinded hopefuls and they do not realise what lies ahead in the process
of making bread! This is only the beginning and the next steps are what shape
us into what we need to become in order to be presented to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה </span>as a prepared Bride! This is His
storehouse or rather one of His storehouses where He will gather together much
grain – grain that is ready to be prepared to be made into an acceptable offering
of bread unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reaping is translated from <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">קָצַר</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>qatsar – Strong’s H7719</b> – ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to reap, harvest</span></i></b>’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>4 –
THRESHING</b>: Ouch – the sound of this word already makes you realise why the
church chooses to stop blindly at reaping, and why they developed a false
rapture teaching that sadly for them seemingly removes them from the rest of
the bread making process! Admittedly most would prefer to stay at the reaping
stage – sitting quietly in a barn being no use to anyone at all and it is easy
to understand why – nobody likes to be ‘threshed’. It almost sounds like
‘thrashing’ and guess what – it is!!! Boy – many who have left the reaping
stage into threshing or thrashing soon want to jump back to the safe old barn
of no good premature stop! The Hebrew word for ‘teach’ literally means to ‘prod
with a stick’ and so it is with threshing – which is simply the applying of
pressure to grain – be it from beating it or grinding it or letting heavy
animals trample on it – with the purpose in mind to loosen the shells and
separate the grain from the chaff – or the stalks from the husks – which is still
pretty much useless at this stage. It is the stalk that represents that which
attached us to the field that we came out of and we do not want that to be an
ingredient in the bread!!! Most of what we bring in from the field – be it
dogmas of Rome, doctrines of man, theologies, misguided moral codes and even
wrong priorities that we have picked up along the way – is no longer useful to
us once we have grown enough and been separated from the system – threshed out
in other words – not always painless I might add – and are now threshed out
enough to begin studying the Torah. The omer basket is filled with kernels and
each one has a husk that has to be removed. All too often though we don’t want
this to happen as we can so often find ourselves hiding from one another behind
the husks so to speak – those very things that need to go! We cannot be a part
of the bread if we hang on to the ‘hull’ – the ‘hull’ is the outer part of a
seed or fruit. We must begin to be honest and give an account for ourselves and
ask, “<i>What am I still attached to that is
useless to the Kingdom?” </i>In this threshing process we must allow other
trusted brothers and sisters in the body to ‘loosen’ our kernels – after all in
the process of making bread it is people who do the job!!! Each of us is
responsible to help one another in these processes – and is a great honour and
privilege that requires faithfulness and trustworthiness! For we are in effect
taking what ‘protects’ people into our hands and whatever we learn about them
in the process must be used to help them and build them – not harm or destroy
them! We need to be ‘threshed’ out of the field from which we have come from
and we must realise that we cannot keep holding on to those things that
previously shaped our thinking, especially when it contradicts the Torah! All
we can do is repent, which is a critical step in being able to move on –
threshing is a must – not easy but a must – those husks and hulls must be
loosened off of us and we need to let go of those things that we thought gave
us security as we realise that in our vulnerable state our only security is in<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span>! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Threshing is the Hebrew word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">דַּיִשׁ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>dayish –
Strong’s H1786</b> and is from the primitive root <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">דּוּשׁ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>dush –
Strong’s H1758</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to tread, thresh or trample</span></i></b>’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>5 –
WINNOWING</b>: Another step in the process, that involves a ‘fork’ that looks
like a rake. The threshed grain is thrown up into the air in order to expose it
to the wind which will blow away the lightweight particles and the heavier –
that is the more important – will be left behind! This process worked better on
a hill top and so you find many threshing floors being on higher ground to
allow this process to take place after threshing. This process reflects to us
an elevating of one another – lifting one another up in prayer and edifying
each other up into the presence of the Almighty where the ‘wind’ or Ruach blow
away the unneeded stuff in our lives as we immerse in His presence – letting
that which is useless be blown away and what will simply be left is better
refined kernels with no chaff! Sha’ul said to the Corinthians that he desires
that they all speak in tongues but he would rather prefer that they all
prophesy – why? Because prophesy builds up the body – tongues is for the
individual unless there is an interpretation for the body but prophesy in
itself is there to edify others – edify the body and in so doing elevates
others to a place where the Spirit can remove the chaff!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Winnowing is translated from the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">זָרָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>zarah –
Strong’s H2219</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">scatter, fan or winnow</span></i></b>’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6 –
PARCHING</b>: After being separated from the lighter elements – all that airy
fairy fluffy junk that just clogs up our lives and is actually of no use – all
the ‘hot puffed up air’ so to speak – once that is gone guess what? The heat is
turned up!!! What – seriously? Yes – it gets hotter! Once we are a taught
people who have been elevated we can be exposed to things that we would never
have considered before. It is interesting to note at this stage that is would
be useless to ‘parch’ a single kernel – so we are all parched together! No one
has to go through this alone! This is not a ‘burning’ of the grain but rather a
process of removing moisture from the kernels and makes the grain even lighter,
and what this pictures for us is that at this stage we begin to give less
weight to the ‘me, myself and mine’ attitude and rather consider what is best
for one another and the whole bread, so to speak! You know it is so difficult
to ‘give up’ individual rights – but we can when we are in it together!
Parching may cause tears – in fact more often than not it will as one lets go
off selfishness and pride – the removal of moisture!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
To parch in Hebrew is the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">קָלָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>qalah – Strong’s H7033</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to toast, parch,
and scorch slowly</span></i></b><i>’.</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>7 –
CRUSHING</b>: Come on Craig, crushing… when does it stop? This is even a
scarier process I know! In Ancient times all bread was what you would call,
‘stone ground’. In fact at many archaeological sites many ancient ‘millstones’
were found. A millstone is where two huge concrete stones are used from
crushing – grains were crushed between two stones – the two stone of a millstone
picture the two stone tablets upon which the Torah was written. The kernels are
not destroyed in this process – far from it – they in fact now become very
useful and fully useable – for now all the kernels have actually become part of
one flour mix – inseparable – a picture of a people with the same purpose. It
is at this stage where we can safely say that a bird cannot come and snatch
away a single kernel as there is no way to identify the part of a single kernel
as they are now so mingled and mixed in together. You see it is like this – as
we obey the Torah, love <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and love
one another – what happens? We become inseparable and become as one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
To crush or grind is the Hebrew word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טָחַן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>tachan – Strong’s H2912</b> meaning, ‘<i>to grind</i>’ and the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טַחֲנָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>tachanah –
Strong’s H2913</b> is a grinding mill!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>8 –
SIFTING</b>: In the 2<sup>nd</sup> Temple times the wheat for the offering at
Shavuot was sifted 13 times!!! Each times becoming finer and finer! 13 is the
numerical value for the Hebrew word ‘<i>echad</i>’
– meaning one or unified and <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Himself prayed that we
would be one! The closer we get together through obedient living and
fellowship, the more refined we become. Those who are crushed with us are our
true neighbours!!! One thing we must realise is simply that if I do not bring
my part and am causing disruption in the body causing the refining of the body
to stumble then as it is sifted again I may just be sifted out!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here we have the Hebrew word for sift as <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נוּף</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>nuph –
Strong’s H5130</b> and means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to quiver, move to and fro, shake</span></i></b><i>’</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>9 – TESTING</b>: Then
comes the testing – as a body or as a loaf! The Temple treasurer would come at
this stage and plunge his hands into the refined flour and it needed to be so
fine that no flour was to be seen on his arms. In fact they were so strict that
if any adhered to his flesh it would have to be sifted again. This although
seemingly a strict procedure pictures for us that we are in this together – it
is not a case of ‘well that is their problem’ or ‘it is someone else’s problem’
– no – until all of us are sufficiently refined together none of us can become
the bread – this is everyone’s responsibility to become a part! If you do not
bring your part into the body or for sake of this teaching the loaf and the
batch is failing the test due to your inconsistency then you may, as I have
said, be simply sifted out. Satan is the one who desires to sift us out – he
asked <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> if he could sift Kěpha! Let us be careful
that we are not sifted out by continually failing the tests!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נָסָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>nasah
– Strong’s H5254</b> – ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to test, prove,
try</span></i></b>’:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 13:3 “<span style="color: red;">do not listen to
the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> your Elohim is <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">trying</span> you to know whether you love </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> your Elohim with all your heart and with all your
being.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>10 –
BAKING</b>: Once tested it can now be baked and presented fresh unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as the first fruit of wheat. It is at
the feast of Shavuot leavened bread – why? Because it has been permeated with
the Kingdom: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
13:33 “<span style="color: red;">Another parable He spoke to them, “The reign of
the heavens is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of
meal until all was leavened.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This bread is leavened with the Kingdom – not with sin as leaven
represents for us at this feast we are in of Unleavened Bread. At Shavuot 2
loaves are presented representing the 2 houses of Yisra’ĕl which once were
scattered but now are being brought back and the promise of this is seen in the
fulfilment of both these first fruit offerings of the barley and the wheat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A couple of different Hebrew words are used for what we translate
as ‘bake’ and 3 of them are: 1) <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אָפָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>aphah – Strong’s H644</b> meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">bake, cook</span></i></b>’;
2)<span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span> </span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">בָּשַׁל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>bashal –
Strong’s H1310</b> – ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">bake, boil, seeth, ripen, grow ripe</span></i></b>’
and 3) <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׂרַף</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>seraph –
Strong’s H8313</b> meaning, ‘<i>burn or to be set on fire’</i>. I find that all of these collectively
give us a great idea of how the ultimate process of bringing us together as
being presentable as an acceptable offering of Bread before the Father is that
we are to grow and ‘be on fire’ for Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Another word which for me carries
wonderful significance in the baking process is the Hebrew word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">לָבַן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>laban –
Strong’s H3835</b> which means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to make bricks</span></i></b>’ and in its
primitive root means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to make white</span></i></b>’. This word was used in Berěshith/Genesis
11:3 when the men wanted to build a tower to the heavens and wanted to male
bricks and bake them. This was a wicked time and a wicked plot which caused <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to come down and confuse the
languages! But when we see these words in use in reference to how the bricks
would be made through baking, I reflect on who we have been called to be as
living stones being built up in Messiah as a Living Tabernacle/Dwelling Place
for the Most High and Messiah tells us that those who overcome shall be given a
white stone:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
2:17 “<span style="color: red;">He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I shall give some of the hidden
manna to eat. And I shall give him a white stone, and on the stone a renewed
Name written which no one knows except him who receives it.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The process of making bread carries great significance for us in
understanding how we are to be overcomers in Messiah and be on fire for Him, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Guys this is a season and time to prepare – let us prepare as we
celebrate and recognise the very work our Saviour has done in becoming our
Passover Lamb, our First Fruit and the very Living Bread of which we are His
body and in Him we are one able to be presented to Elohim as a pleasing
offering!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
At this First Fruit Feast what do you bring unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>? <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> has indeed fully met
the requirements of this feast and as Yoḥanan says that we are claim to stay in
Him ought also to walk even as He walked and so we too come and give our best,
our all unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, prepared
to be part of a Bride who makes herself ready – rid of the leaven of sin, yet
becoming permeated with the good leaven of the Kingdom. Praise <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> all you servants of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and bless His mighty Name – <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Carlien and I stand before you today and want to share how we
asked the Father what we could bring before Him, and we want you all to realise
that you guys here are all we have and so today we symbolically come before the
Father and wave you all before Him as you are what we have to bring to Him and
so in saying this I would like to echo the words of Sha’ul in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tas’loniqim
Aleph/1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 “<span style="color: red;">For what is our
expectation, or joy, or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, before our
Master </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
Messiah at His coming? </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">20</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For
you are our esteem and joy.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 3:8 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Because we now live, if you stand fast in the Master.</span></b><b>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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You are collectively our ‘esteem and joy’ and we now live – IF your
stand fast IN the Master!!! And so we ‘wave’ you symbolically before the Father
with the full assurance that in Messiah we will too grow as a ministry and
family in Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> bless you
and guard you; <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> make His
face shine upon you and give you favour; <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> lift up
His face to you and give you Shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-11809523409984665192012-03-31T08:42:00.002+02:002012-03-31T08:42:25.834+02:00REJOICE IN יהוה, YOU RIGHTEOUS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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REJOICE IN <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, YOU RIGHTEOUS<o:p></o:p></h2>
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Tehillim/Psalm 97<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Shabbat Shalom all, all praise and esteem belongs to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and we are truly blessed and
privileged to be able to be together as a family being built up in Messiah and
praise and worship His Magnificent Name! We have a week to go before Pěsaḥ and
Matzot (Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread) and I am certainly looking
forward to celebrating His Feasts and rejoicing in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, as we continue in our diligence in walking in His Righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Zeḵaryah/Zachariah
9:9 “<span style="color: red;">Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Tsiyon! Shout, O
daughter of Yerushalayim! See, your Sovereign is coming to you, He is righteous
and endowed with deliverance, humble and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal
of a donkey.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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These prophetic words of Zeḵaryah were fulfilled just
before Pěsaḥ when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> entered the
city and came humbly sitting on a colt of a donkey as we see recorded as such
in both <b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 21:5</b> and
<b>Yoḥanan/John 12:15</b>. At His
arrival many came with great rejoicing as they worshipped and praised Him
declaring, <b>“<span style="color: red;">Hoshia-na
to the Son of Dawiḏ! Blessed is He who is coming in the Name of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>! Hoshia-na in the highest!</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><span lang="EN-US">, while many others were disturbed at His arrival and
sought to kill Him as Messiah certainly turned things upside down during the
days leading up to the Pěsaḥ where He would be slaughtered for us all! He
turned over the tables of the money changers in the Temple and he cursed a fig
tree for having leaves but no fruit and was critically and closely inspected
for 4 days, being found to have no evil or guilt and could therefore be the
Perfect Lamb without spot or blemish that would take away the sins of the
world! Just as there was mixed emotions at His first coming as a suffering
servant, where some rejoiced while others did not; and so too we will see this
happening at His second coming as the Righteous King, that there will once
again be those who are rejoicing and those who are not. In a message tonight
called, “<b>Rejoice in </b></span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b>, you
righteous!</b>” please turn with me to <b>Tehillim/Psalm
97</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
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This Tehillah deals most certainly with His coming reign on earth
and how we are to be a faithful rejoicing people. Before we look further into
this Tehillah/Psalm I would just like to share with you briefly some of the
Hebrew words in <b>Zeḵaryah/Zechariah 9:9</b>
that we opened with in order to set the scene of how we too, like those who
rejoiced at His first coming, we are to be found to be truly rejoicing in our
Maker, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Three words I want to expand on from <b>Zeḵaryah/Zechariah</b> are: ‘Rejoice’, ‘Greatly’ and ‘Shout’:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Rejoice</b> – in
Hebrew the root word used here is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">גִּיל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>gil
– Strong’s H1523</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">rejoice, be
glad, be joyful</span></i></b>’, and <span lang="EN-US">this joy may be expressed in song, shouts, or even joyous shrieks and
calls and its root meaning is to ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">circle around or spin around</span></i></b>’ and is
applied to vigorous, enthusiastic expression of joy!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Greatly</b> - <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">מְאֹד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>meod –
Strong’s H3966</b> and means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">muchness, force, speedily, utterly,
abundance, exceedingly, great, and might as in strength</span></i></b>’. This
word is mainly used in Scripture as an adverb in expressing the idea of
exceeding to the highest point!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Shout </b>- <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רוּעַ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>rua – Strong’s H7321</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">raise a shout
for joy, make a joyful noise, give a blast or battle cry, shout in triumph,
sound the alarm’</span></i></b>, and figuratively is carries the meaning to ‘<b><span style="color: #c00000;">split the ears</span></b>’!!! The word ‘<b>Teruah</b>’
comes from this root word, and so we can clearly see that on the day of <b>Yom
Teruah/Day of Trumpets</b> or <b>the Day of the Awakening Blast</b> there will
be a resounding shout and cry from the heavens that will be met by few with
great rejoicing, and by many it will be heard in shock as this sound will split
the ears of the whole earth!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In understanding these words as
prophesied in <b>Zeḵaryah/Zechariah,</b> we can get a better picture or
understanding into the events that took place on that day when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> entered the city and came humbly
sitting on a colt of a donkey. There was a great rejoicing and shouting going
on – can you picture the elation and the joy and excitement on the faces of
those who knew who He was – they gave it their all and they rejoiced
exceedingly and with great noise, so much so that the religious leaders started
asking questions and tried to silence His taught ones telling <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> to rebuke them to which He replied
that if they would be silent even the stones will cry out!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you ever rejoiced in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> like this? Shouting aloud in great
excitement and ‘spinning around’ so to speak with great joy expressing it with
great gusto? Well we need to be rejoicing in this way, for the day we hear the
sounding of the Trumpet Blast, we are to be found to be a people who are
rejoicing in Him continually until He comes for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For once again not only will the righteous be rejoicing, but ‘the
stones’ will too as we see in verse 1 of <b>Tehillim/Psalm
97</b> that the earth rejoices and many isles are glad – this speaks of many
distant lands or peoples (living stones) rejoice and are glad – why – because <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> reigns!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>In essence
the summary of this Tehillah is this</b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a stark contrast described between the fate of the wicked
nations and that of Yisra’ĕl, and in this Tehillah we see the use of some very
dramatic and often frightening terms that are used in regards to the
devastation that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is
bringing upon His enemies! We see how ‘fire goes before Him and burns His
adversaries” and “His lightnings shall light the world and the earth shall
tremble and the mountains shall melt like wax”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We see this language being used clearly in Ḥazon which speaks of
that which comes from His Dwelling Place and that which will precede form there
in judgement upon the earth:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
8: 5-9 “<span style="color: red;">And the messenger took the censer, and filled
it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises,
and thunders, and lightnings, and an earthquake. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And the seven messengers who held
the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And the first messenger sounded,
and there came to be hail and fire mixed with blood, and they were thrown to
the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was
burned up. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And the second messenger sounded, and <i>what looked</i> like a great mountain
burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood,
</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and a third of the living creatures
in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
4:5 “<span style="color: red;">And out of the throne came lightnings, and
thunders, and voices. And seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne,
which are the seven Spirits of Elohim.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
11:19 “<span style="color: red;">And the Dwelling Place of Elohim was opened in
the heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His Dwelling Place. And
there came to be lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and
great hail.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
16:18 “<span style="color: red;">And there came to be noises and thunders and
lightnings. And there came to be a great earthquake, such a mighty and great
earthquake as had not came to be since men were on the earth.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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In contrast to these events that will catch many by terrifying
shock and surprise, the people of Tsiyon will rejoice and celebrate the
announcing and arrival of Our Redeemer and King, and this Tehillah/Psalm
concludes by addressing the righteous in exhorting them to continue in being
steadfast in their opposition to evil as the promise of the hope of the great
reward of eternal joy is still secure. And as we consider carefully the very
clear and definitely different fates that await the wicked in contrast to the
righteous; we should naturally and immediately appreciate the value of walking
in and staying in righteousness and be bold and confident in resisting the
pressures and temptations that the world throws at us in trying to get us to
join in with the fleshly ways of the wicked and unrighteous. What is also clear
is that we while the cloud and darkness from which His righteous judgement and
right-ruling come forth from, Light is sown for the righteous; and this too
should inspire us to abhor evil and commit our lives daily in total devotion to
Elohim – and our ability to be a righteous rejoicing people, rejoicing in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is what will encourage and inspire us
to just that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Verse 2</b> makes it
clear that righteousness and right-ruling/justice are the foundation of His
Throne; and this <span lang="EN-US">refers to the basis on
which </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-US">’s rule is exercised, and could be expressed simply as, “<b><i><span style="color: #0070c0;">He rules people in a way that is right and just, and He
rules them from behind clouds and darkness.</span></i></b>”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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His Torah is His rule and that is the basis by which He rules,
therefore no one is without excuse for He has made known His Righteous
Right-Ruling through Mosheh and it has been revealed through the life, death
and resurrection of Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In us being able to further understanding that this Tehillah
speaks of that which is still to come, we see how <b>verse 6</b> echoes the same imagery in the words <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> spoke concerning the end days in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
24:29-30 “<span style="color: red;">And immediately after the distress of those
days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light, and the
stars shall fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be
shaken. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">30</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“And then the sign of the Son of Aḏam shall appear in the heaven, and then all
the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of Aḏam coming
on the clouds of the heaven with power and much esteem.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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When He comes, all those who have served ‘<b><i>carved images</i></b>’ and the
man-made worship systems which are carved images of preferred worship of the
work of man’s hands will be put to shame – all their boasting in their belief
systems that are not grounded in Torah shall be finally revealed and exposed as
matters of nought and every knee shall bow before the Coming King!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
10:13-16 “<span style="color: red;">When He makes His voice heard, there is a
roaring of waters in the heavens. And He makes vapours rise from the ends of
the earth. The lightnings for rain He has made, and brings wind from His
treasuries. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Everyone is brutish in knowledge; every smith is put to shame by his idol. For
his moulded image is falsehood, and there is no spirit in them. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> They are worthless, a work of
mockery. In the time of their punishment they perish. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The Portion of Yaʽaqoḇ is not like
these, for He is the Maker of all, and Yisra’ĕl is the tribe of His inheritance
– </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts is
His Name.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
14:8-12 “<span style="color: red;">And another messenger followed, saying, “Bab</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱el</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">is
fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of
the wine of the wrath of her whoring.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And a third messenger followed
them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image,
and receives his mark upon his forehead or upon his hand, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> he also shall drink of the wine of
the wrath of Elohim, which is poured out undiluted into the cup of His wrath.
And he shall be tortured with fire and sulphur before the set-apart messengers
and before the Lamb.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 11 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And
the smoke of their torture goes up forever and ever. And they have no rest day
or night, those worshipping the beast and his image, also if anyone receives
the mark of his name.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Here is the endurance of the set-apart ones, here are those guarding the commands
of Elohim and the belief of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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For many this day will come as a huge and very frightening shock,
but not so for those who are awake and looking for the blessed hope – those who
are faithfully enduring as they guard the commands of Elohim and the belief of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 8</b> echoes
this truth – Tsiyon shall hear and be glad and the daughters of Yehuḏah rejoice
– because of the right-rulings of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tsephanyah/Zephaniah
3:14 “<span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-highlight: yellow;">Shout</span><span style="color: red;"> for joy, O daughter of Tsiyon! <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">Shout</span>, O Yisra’ĕl! <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">Be glad</span> and <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">rejoice</span> with all your heart, O daughter of
Yerushalayim!</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The closing verses of <b>Tsephanyah
3</b> speak of the great joy of Yisra’ĕl that realises and recognises their
Redeemer and King – He who has turned aside judgement and has faced the enemy
and overcome and will no longer need to fear evil for the Sovereign of
Yisra’ĕl, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is in our midst – and He sings over us!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This shout for joy is a command! Be glad and rejoice with all our
heart – can you do that knowing that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is in our
midst? We have reason to rejoice!!! <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע </span>Messiah has turned aside our
judgements by facing our enemy and taking our sin upon Himself and defeating
death, that we may live with Him forever and this is the woe that goes out to
those who rebel and defile His word – you will die if you do not repent and
fear the Righteous One in our Midst.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The 4 words used here in Tsephanyah/Zephaniah
3:14 that express the true rejoicing are:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1)</b> The first ‘<b>Shout</b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רָנַן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">ranan</span></b><b>’ H7442</b> meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to overcome, cry out, shout for joy, give a ringing cry,
sing aloud</span></i></b>’, often also translated as praise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2)</b> The second ‘<b>Shout</b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רוּעַ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b><span style="background: lime; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: lime;">rua</span></b><b> –
Strong’s H7321</b> as we have already mentioned earlier<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3)</b> ‘<b>Be glad</b>’ - <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׂמַח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b><span style="background: aqua; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: aqua;">samach</span></b><b>’ – Strong’s H8055</b> and means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to rejoice, be glad, be joyful, delight in and be elated</span></i></b>’.
A derivative of this word is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׂמֵחַ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>sameach’- Strong’s H8056</b> and carries the same meaning as well as implying ‘<i>to be merry</i>’. Both of these words are used in the command to
rejoice in <b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 16:14 & 15</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The word <span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>samach’</b> can also carry the meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to brighten up</span></i></b>’, giving us the picture how
we are to carry His joy as the light of the world and let praise and rejoicing
abound!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4)</b> ‘<b>Rejoice</b>’ - <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">עָלַז</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b><span style="background: lightgrey; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">alaz</span></b><b> – Strong’s H5937</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">exult, become jubilant</span></i></b>’ and the word
describes an emotion of joy expressed in singing and shouting and is a natural
response to the faithful!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Once again we see the clear description in Scripture as to the
joyful and jubilant expression of rejoicing that is done by the faithful
remnant that walks in righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now part of walking in righteousness and our ability to be a
rejoicing, singing, shouting and praising people is that we who love <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> must hate evil!!! We must hate all
evil, and if we know that love is more than just a feeling as it is obedience
to the instructions and commands of the One we love, then clearly hate, being
the opposite of love, clearly expresses that we are to not submit or bow to the
evil and wicked ways of the enemy and the fleshly luring of the world’s ways,
which include man-made religious systems – we are to hate them – that is to
stay far away that which is not of Elohim. The word for hate in Hebrew <span lang="EN-US">expresses an emotional attitude toward persons and
things which are opposed, detested, despised and with which one wishes to have
no contact or relationship. It is therefore the opposite of love. Whereas love
draws and unites, hate separates and keeps distant. Here in this Tehillah, the
command is clear – hate evil! Now when we look at Scripture we clearly see what
</span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hates and we too are to hate what He
hates. It understanding the times and as we go forward to ensuring that there
is no leaven in our lives, let us see what things we are to hate and be done
with as this is made very clear to us that we are to be done with evil in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
3:7 “<span style="color: red;">Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> and turn away from evil.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
37:27 “<span style="color: red;">Turn away from evil, and do good; And dwell
forever.”</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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To hate evil means to turn away from it and do good – that is to
walk in the Torah, following Messiah that gives us eternal life!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let us look now at the things that are to be hated as seen in
Scripture:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
101:3 “</b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I set no matter of Beliya</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">’al before my eyes; I hate the work of those
who fall away; it does not cleave to me.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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This speaks of the ‘<b>work of
quitting</b>’ – it takes work to fall away – especially when you know to do
good. Hate that which tries to tell you that you do not have to keep the
commands and tries to lure you into the evil notion of a belief only doctrine. This
also speaks of not giving up – we are not of those who draw back to
destruction, but rather we are of those who press on in the belief and maintain
the good works of righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:104 “<span style="color: red;">From Your orders I get understanding; Therefore
I have hated every false way.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Hate every false way – how? By understanding the orders of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, being able to present yourself as a
skilled workman approved to Elohim who does not need to be ashamed, rightly
handling the Word of Truth! How will you know every false way and turn away
from that which is false if you do not know the Truth!!! Hating every false way
means ‘loving His Torah’ and doing it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Amos 5:21
“<span style="color: red;">I have hated, I have despised your festivals, and I am
not pleased with your assemblies.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hates and
despises false worship and so should we! No matter how sincere many may be in
their institutionalised worship systems – if it does not line up with the plumb
line of the Torah it is false and must be hated and turned away from! Many in
the modern church use this verse as a verse to claim that we no longer have to
keep the Feasts of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as He
hates and despises their festivals! This is not saying that we are no longer to
keep His Feasts. What it is saying is that He hates ‘<b>your</b>’ festivals – in other words what they had made His Feasts in
to. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> here is
referring to man-made feasts of falsified worship that have been devised to
suit their own fleshly whims and desires of compromise and comfort. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hates false worship and the
falsification of feasts that many claim is about Him, when it has nothing to do
with Him but is rather pagan rooted sun-worship practices clothed in twisted
truth and is an abomination before Him. Even while at the time of Amos,
Yisra’ĕl may have been gathering at the Appointed Times, yet the feasts they
were observing were observed in such a way that it was no longer focused upon <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and the Truth of His Word but rather
had syncretised its practices with the abominable worship of the surrounding
nations and had become man-driven festivals which no longer adhered to the
plumb line of Torah! The Christian church and its pagan rooted feasts of false
worship He hates and so too should we, turning far away from it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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What we are to LOVE are His Feasts as instructed for us to keep in
every generation, given clearly in Wayyiqra/Leviticus 23 – for these are His
Appointed Times! His Feasts – our rehearsals! Anything beyond this by means of
adding or taking away He hates!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Zeḵaryah/Zechariah
8:17 “<span style="color: red;">And do not plot evil in your heart against
another, and do not love a false oath. For all these I hate,’ declares </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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False oaths and plotting of evil <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hates! Let your yes be yes and your no be no lest you fall into
judgement (Ya’aqoḇ/James 5:12)!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:163 “<span style="color: red;">I have hated falsehood and loathe it, Your
Torah I have loved.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Once again – love for the Truth will enable and cause you to turn
away from falsehood. If you do not hate something you will not leave it!!! And
the ability to hate that which is false and leave it is only increased as you
love – that is to obey – His Torah! Many people will say that they hate some of
the things they do but cannot stop – what they are in effect saying is that
they are not making the necessary effort in loving the Torah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We must learn to do what is right and mean what we say – if we say
we love Him then obey Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
12:22 “<span style="color: red;">Lying lips are an abomination to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, But those who deal truly are His delight.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Romiyim/Romans 12:9 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let
love be without hypocrisy. Shrink from what is wicked, cling to what is good.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Do not be a hypocrite
– do not say you love </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> while you
do not follow his commands, but rather leave all wickedness and evil and cling
to what is good – are there is only One who is Good – Our Good Shepherd – the
Living Torah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:113 “<span style="color: red;">I have hated doubting thoughts, But I have
loved Your Torah.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A doubting mind is a
divided mind or rather double minded, unable to make up their mind and this is
a very unstable state to be in, for Ya’aqoḇ tells us that a double minded man
is unstable in all his ways. Again, how do you tackle the issue of double
mindedness? Loving the Torah – and doing what is clearly instructs – there is
nothing double minded about that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Let us further look at
that which </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> says He
hates:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
6:16-19 “<span style="color: red;">These six <i>matters</i> </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> hates, And seven are an abomination to
Him: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> A proud look, A lying tongue,
And hands shedding innocent blood, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A
heart devising wicked schemes, Feet quick to run to evil, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> A false witness breathing out lies, and one
who causes strife among brothers.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A proud look speaks of
self-sufficiency and the inability to put your total trust and reliance on </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. He hates lies and lying tongues,
devising of wicked schemes, those who walk disorderly, gossipers and
slanderers, and he utterly hates strife that is caused by those who seek to
bring division among brothers – this of course is one of the underlying traits
of the Izeḇel/Jezebel spirit which <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hates and
will destroy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When one considers that which <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hates it is very clear that He hates any other way that is
contrary to His written Word. These 3 verses speaks of the hate He has for the
breaking of His commands – do not have any other mighty ones before His face,
do not lie, steal, commit murder, bear false witness or commit adultery – for
those things He hates!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The promise we have is that He guards His lovingly committed ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wrong. Those who love <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and hate evil He protects and this is
certainly worth rejoicing about, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Light is sown for us as we guard the good deposit, walking in the
Light as children of Light, having our hearts filled with gladness and the
ability to joyously praise our Maker!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As we close we come now to the last verse in <b>Tehillim/Psalm 97</b>, giving us once again the clear reminder and
instruction that we, the righteous, are to rejoice in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. The word used here for ‘rejoice’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׂמַח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>samach’ – Strong’s
H8055</b> as mentioned earlier; and we are to
give thanks to Him and that is the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָדָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>yadah – Strong’s H3034</b> and means,
‘<i>to cast or throw</i>’ and this word as a
verb with the root meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">the extended hand</span></i></b>’ or ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">throw out the
hand</span></i></b>’ really expresses the nature of the action of praise unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָדָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>yadah</b> means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to lift hands; to give thanks;
confess, praise; make confession; shoot; to cast out or cast down</span></i></b><i>’.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָדָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>yadah</b> in practice would be to lift my hands in gratitude and thanks, expressing a
surrendering of self totally unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! Sha’ul tells us in his letter to Timotiyos/Timothy that he wants men
everywhere to lift up their hands in prayer!
We know the victory that total surrender brings! When Mosheh lifted up
his hands in prayer and supplication and praise unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> Yehoshua had victory on the
battlefield, and when his arms were down Yehoshua faced some defeat! Lifting
hands in surrender unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is for me a great expression of praise unto His Name. It is an
acknowledgement of His Name as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of hosts – head of the heavenly host that battles for us, He is our banner
– the one under whom we walk, He is our healer, shepherd, provider – He is our
peace and He is our Saviour! Lifting hands unto Him reveals our acceptance of
His work and provision and confesses our reliance upon Him, where we recognise
that our hands cannot bring what He brings and so we lift up hands in praise in
devotion to declaring His authority and rule over our lives!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The instruction is clear – REJOICE IN <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, YOU
RIGHTEOUS!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let our lives
reflect true and pure rejoicing as we make our rejoicing in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> heard and known, lifting our hands unto Him and fleeing
all evil as we consider and realise the very different fates that await the
wicked and the righteous!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As Pěsaḥ
approaches and we consider how they rejoiced back then, may we again be
encouraged to be a rejoicing people, who love the Torah and make His praises
known in all the earth, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-65341679366993385262012-03-17T08:45:00.001+02:002012-03-17T08:45:08.808+02:00GREATLY PRAISING THE GREAT I AM!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
GREATLY PRAISING THE GREAT I AM!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Tehillim/Psalm 145<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Shalom family! <b>Tehillim/Psalm 147:1 “<span style="color: red;">Praise Yah! For it is good to sing praises to our Elohim. For
it is pleasant – praise is fitting.</span>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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How many of you often struggle to really praise <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>? And I mean really praise Him with
your all? We are to be a praising people who are offering up continual praise
to Elohim, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in, and so tonight I
want us to be reminded to not neglect our giving of praise to our Mighty Maker,
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> our Elohim. In a message tonight
called, “<b>Greatly praising the Great I
AM!</b>” I want us to look at a magnificent Psalm of praise! Please turn with
me to <b>Tehillim/Psalm 145</b> (read).<o:p></o:p></div>
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This beautifully constructed masterpiece of Dawiḏ “<b>A Song of Praise of Dawiḏ</b>”, which some
translations tend to leave out and in the Hebrew is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">תְּהִלָּה לְדָוִד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
meaning, ‘<b><span style="color: #c00000;">Tehillah of
Dawiḏ</span></b>’. Now the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">תְּהִלָּה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>tehillah
Strong’s H8416 </b>means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">praise, or a song of praise</span></i></b>’
and comes from the word<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">הָלַל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>halal
Strong’s H1984 </b>which means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to shine; to be boastful; to be
clear; to make a show; to rave; be foolish; to celebrate; praise, cheer, brag
or extol, i.e., extol the greatness or excellence of a person, object or event.</span></i></b><b>’<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Tehillah</b> carries the meaning of thanksgiving or speaking positive words about the
excellence of another and often these words are in the context of being sung.
It also gives the meaning of the act of general or public praise. Tehilla also
speaks of that praise which comes forth from the heart – certainly something
that Dawiḏ understood how to do, because He understood who it was He was
praising! What is interesting to note is that although this word, <b>tehillah</b>, although used around 57 times
in Scripture, is only used once as a title of a Psalm – here in 145. The plural
form of this, Tehillim, from which has come the traditional Hebrew name for the
book of Psalms - ‘<b><i>SeferTehillim</i></b>’ or ‘Book of Praises, and many regard this is the
crown jewel of praise by Dawiḏ which is a grand hymn of praise for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> the Great King and His
majestic reign and gracious acts-including the deliverance of His people. It
serves as the closing frame of the five prayers of Dawiḏ seeking rescue from
wicked enemies as seen in Tehillim 140-144.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This Tehillah of praise is well constructed and is in the form of an
alphabetic acrostic, with each succeeding verse beginning with a succeeding
letter of the Hebrew alphabet-with the exception, according to the Masoretic
Text, of the letter <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">נ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></i><i>nun</i>. <b>Verse 13</b> begins with a <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">מ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><i>mem</i> and <b>verse 14</b> with a<span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" style="font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>
</span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">ס </span><i>sameq</i>, skipping the letter <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">נ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></i><i>nun</i> however the Dead Sea Scrolls have revealed that they contain a verse
between 13 and 14 containing the letter <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">נ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></i><i>nun</i> and renders the translation as added by more recent translations as “<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">Elohim is faithful in all His words and kind in all His
works</span></i></b>”. Be that as it may, despite many different theories as to
why or why not this line is in or out, what we see here is a wonderful Tehillah
of praise for a Mighty Elohim and I would like for us to look at some key words
contained herein that will expand our understanding of the great praise that is
due to the Great I AM!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Dawiḏ declares straight up “<b><i><span style="color: red;">I exalt You, my
Elohim, o Sovereign and bless your Name!</span></i></b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The root word used here for <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אֲרוֹמִמְךָ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> “<b><i>arumimcha</i></b>”
- ‘I exalt you’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רוּם</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>rum Strong’s H7311</b> which means
‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to rise,
raise up, be high and lifted, exalted</span></i></b>’. Dawiḏ is declaring that
He lifts up and exalts Elohim – this is whom he is praising – Mighty Elohim and
declares that he will abundantly bless his Name forever and ever!!! The word ‘<b><i>forever</i></b>’ in Hebrew already
emphasises permanence and everlasting, continual and never ending praise, yet
he adds the word translated as ‘<b><i>ever</i></b>’
emphasising that his praise and ability to bless the Name of the Mighty Elohim
will last for eternity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our praise shall be as eternal and
everlasting as the Elohim we praise – in whom there is no end!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Luqas/Luke 1:33 “<span style="color: red;">And He shall reign over
the house of Ya’aqoḇ forever, and there shall be no end to His reign.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Just as there shall be no end to the
reign of Messiah, so shall there be no end to our praise of Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the one thing that we have been called to do now that we
will continue to do in eternity, and we are to praise Him here and now as we
sojourn, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
35:28 “<span style="color: red;">And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness,
Your praise, All day long.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Can you declare this as Dawiḏ does? All day long – bless and
praise and speak of His righteousness?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
44:8 “<span style="color: red;">In Elohim we shall boast all day long, and praise
Your Name forever. Selah.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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All day long people may twist your words (Tehillim/Psalm 56:5) or
you may be plagued all day long (Tehillim/Psalm 73:14) and may even be
reproached all day long (Tehillim/Psalm 102:8), but will you bless and praise His
Name all day long?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dawiḏ declares that Elohim alone is great and greatly to be
praised! The word for ‘<b><i>great</i></b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">גָּדוֹל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>gadol –
Strong’s H1419</b> and means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">great, highest, mighty, marvelous</span></i></b>’
and he says in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Shemuʼĕl Bet/2 Samuel 7:22 “<span style="color: red;">You are great
indeed, O Master </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. For there
is none like You, and there is no Elohim but You, according to all that we have
heard with our ears.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We serve a great </span>Ěl who must be
greatly praised!!! The word used here for greatly is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">מְאֹד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>meod –
Strong’s H3966</b> which carries the meaning of, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">muchness,
abundance, diligently, exceedingly, excessive, fully, immense</span></i></b>’.
I think we get the picture here!!! Our diligent praise for our Great and Mighty
Ěl must be in abundance and exceedingly
immense which continually grows and grows in intensity as His greatness is
unsearchable!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Romiyim/Romans 11:33 “<span style="color: red;">Oh, the depth of
riches, and wisdom and knowledge of Elohim! How unsearchable His judgments and
untraceable His ways!</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">In <b>verse 4</b> we clearly see the call for us to heed the
responsibility of passing on the necessity of great praise to the next! Each
generation needs to ‘catch’ the intensity of the praises of the last and echo
them with and urgency of passing this passionate and zealous praise to the next,
and so we have a responsibility here and now to make known His Greatness and
this is not done in silence! The word used in verse 4 for praise is </span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׁבַח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>shabach –
Strong’s H7623</b> which means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">to laud; to praise; commend;
congratulate; to address in a loud voice; proclaim; make exuberant statements
as to the excellence of someone</span></i></b><i>’</i>. It is also used in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
63: 3 “<span style="color: red;">Because Your kindness is better than life, My
lips do <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">praise</span> You.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Shout aloud His praises! How sad it is when so many are seemingly afraid to
give a shout offering to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>! In <b>Tehillim/Psalm 117:1</b> the
Hebrew word ‘<b><i>shabach</i></b>’ is translated into English as ‘<b><i>extol</i></b>’ which gives the
meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to praise highly</span></i></b>’. In other
words <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">– lift up your voice and praise</span>! And this is what is done generation to generation – but how will the next
generation know how to lift up their voice and praise of the preceding one does
not show them!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are to lift up our voice and praise and we are to ‘<b>declare</b>’ His mighty acts! The word for declare is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נָגַד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>nagad –
Strong’s H5046</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">make known, announce, declare, publish and
stand out boldly in opposition</span></i></b>’. We are to be a bold and loud
people who praise and declare His works and acts – are you doing that? For
starters, in order to do that you need to know just what His works and His
mighty acts are!!! If you do not know Him and His word you cannot lift up your
voice with boldness and praise and this is the responsibility we carry in
ensuring that the next generation will do the same! Sadly we have inherited
lies and so there has been a large gap in the ability to exceedingly and boldly
praise <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>, which we now as a people must take up the
responsibility in restoring this awesome and great privilege and
responsibility, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In <b>verse 5</b> the repeated word for declare
is not the same but rather is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שִׂיחַ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>siach –
Strong’s H7878</b> meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">talk, meditate, sing, speak</span></i></b>’
and the basic meaning of this verb seems to carry the picture of rehearsing or
repent or go over a matter in one’s mind and is used in reference to silent
reflection on the works of Elohim, and so we see that we are to not only have
the silent reflections and meditations but we are also to rehearse aloud His
works. As the world battles for the attention of the mind through ever
increasing tactics of very attractive and ever increasing forms of media
persuasion, we need to realise just how important it is for us to be renewing
our minds daily, guarding against the danger of being conformed to the patterns
of this world and at the same time we need to make our voice of praise and the
declaration of our lips heard with great passion and zeal so that the next
generation are not lured away by the fleshly attraction of the world!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who says praising <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> and declaring His mighty acts is boring? We have a huge
responsibility in showing that it is far from it, but rather it is a great joy
and delight and far better that the fleeting passions the world has to offer –
and it is up to us to live it and show it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We are to be a
praising, singing and declaring people – verse 7 tells us that the righteous <b>sing</b> of His righteousness. The word
used for sing here is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רָנַן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>ranan – Strong’s H7442</b> and means,
‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to give a
ringing cry!</span></i></b>’ That is to
‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">cry for
joy, cry aloud, joyfully sing, shout for joy or sing aloud for joy</span></i></b>’!
I often think that we, at times, read these verses without recognising the
intensity of the passion and love for Elohim that Dawiḏ had and lack the fire
for praise and singing and declaring that he had, hence the need for me to
expand on the meaning of these most powerful words that ought to bring alive
the desire to praise and shout aloud to our Great King!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is often very easy to see in the
world how so many will give a ringing cry and shout aloud for their ‘sporting
heroes’ – just look at a rugby or soccer match and see how the ‘fans’ will
scream and shout and get all ‘dressed up’ to shout and scram for their heroes.
Many will even know all the stats of their favourite players and talk about
them to others, while when it comes to praising and giving a ringing cry of joy
for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> they suddenly lose their tongue, which
simply reveals what is in the heart! We are to be a people who are willing to
give a joyous ringing cry for our wonderful Maker and Creator, clothed
continually in garments of righteousness and praise!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the <b>verse 7-9</b> as well as <b>17</b>
we see some very illustrative words of the personality of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>, which certainly brings us clarity as to who we are to
be greatly praising:<o:p></o:p></div>
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We see words such
as:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Goodness; righteousness; compassionate;
patient; lovingly-committed and good to all!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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His goodness is
the object of our praise and it is His goodness that ensures us of His doing
things right, reflected in His justice and righteousness being the foundation
of His throne. His righteousness speaks of His steadfastness of not deviating
from His decreed standard and He is patient and compassionate toward us:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ya’aqoḇ/James 5:11 “<span style="color: red;">See,
we call those blessed who endure. You have heard of the endurance of Iyoḇ and
saw the purpose of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, that He is very sympathetic and compassionate.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Tehillim/Psalm 86:15
“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">But You, O </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, are a compassionate Ěl and
showing favour, patient and great in kindness and truth.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">He is patient and good to all:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Kěpha Bet/2 Peter 3:9
“</span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is not slow in
regard to the promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, not
wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Dawiḏ continues to strengthen his cause for
praising Elohim in declaring the superiority of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> declaring the splendour of the reign of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>, the Mighty Elohim who has made all and that all creation will praise Him.
This Tehillah certainly reveals to us what was upon the heart of Dawiḏ. There
is a link between what in on our hearts and what is expressed from our mouths –
we speak what is upon our hearts. There are many who love to talk about sport
and the latest results, while others love talking about their careers or the
latest fashion trends or money or even the weather! If you want to know what
someone holds dear to their hearts – in other words ‘what they care about’ then
just listen to their speech and hear what they passionately talk about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 16:23 “<span style="color: red;">The heart of the wise gives discretion to his mouth, and he
increases learning to his lips.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">If our hearts are set on wisdom and praise, our
mouths will speak and declare accordingly and if they are set on others things
that will certainly come out too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Mishlĕ/Proverbs 4:23
“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Watch over your heart with all diligence, for
out of it are the sources of life.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Let me simply tell you that this is a fact: If our
hearts are filled daily with </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>’s presence and
His Living word as we eat our daily lawful bread, then we would not stop
talking about Him to others – what is on your heart?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 12</b> speaks of our urgent need to make known to the sons of
men His mighty acts – now to do that our hearts need to be filled with His
mighty acts and to have our hearts filled we need to be digging in and studying
and meditating upon His Word – being filled with the witness of His mighty
Acts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>verse 14-16</b> we see the provision of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה </span>and how He is powerful and awesome and is tender and
focused upon our needs. He upholds or supports the falling – in other word’s we
can lean on Him, and when we do we are sure not to fall, as He carries our
burdens and satisfies our desires. <b>Verse
16</b> puts it beautifully: <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Opening Your hand
and satisfying the desire of all that live!</span></b> He has not withheld His Hand from us – He has extended
His Hand and opened it up before us and extended His loving-commitment toward
us that we may be satisfied in Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> is lovingly-committed in all His works and
that is a great assurance for us for eh remains steadfast in His commitment to
His love toward us and will not break His covenant with us – this we can be
sure of and we are called to guard loving commitment <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Hoshěa/Hosea 12:6 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Therefore, return to your Elohim. Guard loving-commitment
and right-ruling, and wait on your Elohim continually.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">He is lovingly-committed and He expects us to be
too and our ability to praise, sing and declare His Name and His mighty works
continually will equip us in striving to guard loving commitment and right
ruling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Verse 18-19</span></b><span lang="EN-US">
reminds us how </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> is near to us – he is near to those who call
upon His Name and we need to declare this to remind us of this fact – as we
draw near to Him, He draws near to us! When we call He is there – when we call
upon Him in Truth that is!!! Many are calling upon Him in vain – let us not do
that but as we guard loving-commitment and right-ruling then we are well
equipped to walk in Truth and are able to call upon Him who is near!<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 20</b> gives the reminder of the assurance that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> preserves or is the keeper of all those loving Him, and
as we all know what loving Him is – but I will remind you anyway:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 5:3 “</b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For this is the love
for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:3 “</b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">And by this we know
that we know Him, if we guard His commands.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
He preserves
those who loving Him and destroys those who are not – that simple!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When Sha’ul told
Corinth that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up I believe he was referring
to a greater truth than what is taught in error today as you hear many will say
that all the learning we do on the Torah walk will just puff us up and we lack
love. Well as we see that Scripture is clear – love is not merely an emotion
but rather is an ability to guard and obey His commands and so here what Sha’ul
was saying is this – if you just get knowledge and do not walk in that
knowledge then it will puff you up, whereas love for elohim is the application
or the doing of the knowledge that we gain through meditating upon His Good
Word!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ ends this Tehillah
with a bold reminder that his mouth will speak the praise of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> - that is His praise – not our own – we speak His praise
and all flesh must bless His set-apart Name – forever and ever!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Are you greatly
praising the Great I AM?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I want to end
with showing what words are linked with the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> in this Tehillah, as a summary of who we are to be
praising and why:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">גָּדוֹל יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> -
‘gadol Yahweh’ – The Great <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> (Verse 3)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">חַנּוּן
וְרַחוּם יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – ‘<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ḥ</span>anun v’ra<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ḥ</span>um Yahweh’ – Gracious and
Compassionate <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> (Verse 8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">טוֹב־יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> - ‘to<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ḇ </span>Yahweh’ – Goodness of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה </span>(Verse9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יוֹדוּךָ יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – ‘yoducha Yahweh’ – We praise you <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> (Verse 10)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">סוֹמֵךְ יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> -
‘somech Yahweh’ – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>
upholds/supports (Verse 14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">צַדִּיק יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> -
‘tsaddiq Yahweh’ – Righteous <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> (Verse 17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">קָרוֹב
יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – ‘karo<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ḇ</span>
Yahweh’- <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> draws near
(Verse18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שׁוֹמֵר יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – ‘shomer Yahweh’ – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> is the keeper (Verse 20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "SBL Hebrew"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">תְּהִלַּת יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – ‘tehillat Yahweh’ – praise of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> (Verse 21)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I hope that as you read through this tehillah that you
will be greatly encouraged to be greatly praising the Great I AM.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This Tehillah is certainly a song of praise that can lift
our hearts into praising Him and it has been customary for many to actually
pray or recite this 3 times a day! I am not telling you to do that, but I do
believe that as we meditate on these words we will grow in our ability to <b>boldly sing, praise, declare and exalt</b> <b><span style="color: #c00000;">the Name</span></b><span style="color: #c00000;"> </span>of the Most High – no matter where we are or what
we are going through for we serve and praise a great, gracious, compassionate,
and righteous El who upholds us, keeps us and in near to us when we call for He
is Good and His loving-commitment endures forever!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Praise is an integral part of the body for which we all
must partake in and it carries great significance in regards to the
completeness of the service of the House!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Melaḵim Aleph/1
Kings 9:25 “<span style="color: red;">And three times a year Shelomoh brought
burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar which he had built for </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and he
burned incense with that which was before </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – thus gave completeness to the House.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">3 times
a year (Feasts times) slaughter and peace offerings were brought giving
completeness to the House. So much so that we see in the next chapter:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Melaḵim Aleph/1 Kings 10:1 “</span><span style="color: red;">And the sovereigness of Sheḇa heard of the report of
Shelomoh concerning the Name of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and came to try him with hard
questions.”</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">She saw
the witness of Shelomoh and witnessed the completeness of the House through its
service and function and she saw the standard of excellence displayed in the
service of the House of Elohim, which resulted in her praising </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We need to take up the responsibility of bringing the excellence of pure
worship and praise in service to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span> back into the
body that is being built up in Messiah as we let the praises of our King and
the voice of joy and gladness be heard!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In speaking of what will once again be heard in the House of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">יהוה</span>, we see in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 33:11 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the voice of joy and the voice of
gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of
those who are saying, “Praise </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts, for </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is good, for His kindness is forever,” of those who are
bringing the offering of praise into the House of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. For I shall turn back the captivity of
the land, as at the first,’ declares </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 13:15 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Through
Him then, let us continually offer up a slaughter <i>offering</i> of praise to
Elohim, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.</span></b><b>”</b><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let us greatly praise the Great I AM and let others
witness and see the completeness of the House being rehearsed daily, that may
result in many turning to and praising<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>ARE YOU GREATLY
PRAISING THE GREAT I AM?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-70509995471384889022012-03-10T07:53:00.001+02:002012-03-10T07:53:16.902+02:00WHO IS WISE AND UNDERSTANDING?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
WHO IS WISE AND UNDERSTANDING?<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0;">Shemuʼĕl
Aleph/1 Samuel 25<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom family, all praise and esteem unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> our Mighty Elohim. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a day and age where true wisdom from Elohim is scoffed at we
see the sad tragedy of so many who are absolutely clueless of what lies ahead;
and what we need to realise, as servants of the Most High, is the critical
necessity of continually giving our ear to hearing the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, guarding it in our hearts and be
found daily to be doing all He has commanded us to, or else we may too find
ourselves “sleepwalking” like so many who will be awakened at the sound of the
Trumpet blast to a tragic reality of their vain attempts at worship and heading
for judgement lest they turn and repent! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ya’aqoḇ/James
3:13 “<span style="color: red;">Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him
show by his good behaviour his works in meekness of wisdom</span>.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a message tonight called, “<b>Who
is wise and understanding?</b>” I would like us to look at a passage of
Scripture that carries great lessons for us in making sure we are awake, and
listening attentively to The Word of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>. Please turn to <b>Shemuʼĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 25</b> (Read)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a nutshell what we see in this chapter is the following – Dawiḏ
is on the run from Kings Sha’ul who is seeking his life and at this point,
after already sparing Sha’ul’s life we see Dawiḏ going down into the Wilderness
of Paran, after the death of the great prophet and last judge of Yisra’ĕl,
Shemuʼĕl, had died and was buried in his home town of Ramah. While in the
Wilderness Dawiḏ sends 10 of his men to a rich sheep farmer to ask for some
food and supplies for him and his men in light of how they had shown favour to Naḇal’s shepherds. Naḇal responded arrogantly and refused,
which angered Dawiḏ who was ready to wipe out Naḇal
and all his men when Aḇiḡayil,
the wife of Naḇal, interceded
and provided a great provision for Dawiḏ and his men and pleaded with him to
relent to which Dawiḏ blesses her faith and courage and listened to her plea.
When she told her husband the next day, Naḇal’s heart died within him and
turned to stone and 10 days later <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>
struck him and he died, and Dawiḏ asked Aḇiḡayil to be his wife, which she
accepted and so became his wife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
That is the basic outline but
there lies a whole lot more for us to absorb and understand in gaining a
greater shadow picture of the events that lie ahead at the soon 2<sup>nd</sup>
coming of our Bridegroom, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah.
Let us look at some key passages that paint this wonderful picture for us that
we may be encouraged to be found to be a wise and understanding Bride, ready
and dressed in Righteousness, hearing, guarding and doing His commands with
great joy!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Before we do that here are a couple of passages to start off with
in terms of being wise and understanding:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:104 “<span style="color: red;">From Your orders I get understanding; therefore
I have hated every false way.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:130 “<span style="color: red;">The opening up of Your words gives light, giving
understanding to the simple.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
2:6 “<span style="color: red;">For </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> gives wisdom; out of His mouth <i>come</i> knowledge and
understanding.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
4:5 “<span style="color: red;">Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, and
do not turn away From the words of my mouth.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
4:7 “<span style="color: red;">The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom! And with
all your getting, get understanding.</span>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We need to be a people who ‘get’ wisdom and understanding – and
where do we get it from? From <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> –
from out of His mouth – that is His Word – and it is from His ‘<b>orders</b>’ that we <b>get</b> understanding – His orders are His precepts/commands and so we
have to ask “how do we get these?” That is easy to answer – by <b>HEARING!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For those who may have forgotten, remember the word in Hebrew for
‘<b>Hear’ </b>is the root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׁמַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>shama’ –
Strong’s H8085</b>, which carries the meaning not just
simply to hear, but rather to ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">listen with attention, comprehend and discern, give heed
to what is being spoken</span></i></b>’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Understanding our need to be a people
who are listening attentively and giving heed to His Word in a time when most
are not let us now look a little deeper at <b>Shemuʼĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 25</b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>verse 1</b> we see how
the scene is set: Shemuʼĕl died! Shemuʼĕl the great prophet and last judge of
Yisra’ĕl had died. <b>Shemuʼĕl</b> - <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שְׁמוּאֵל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Strong’s
H8050</b> means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">El has heard</span></i></b>’ or some
translate it as ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">name of El</span></i></b>’ and is from the passive
participle of <b>1 -</b> <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׁמַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>shama – Strong’s H8085</b> which we
have already mentioned as meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">hearing and understanding attentively and completely</span></i></b>’
and <b>2 -</b> <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אֵל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>el
– Strong’s H410</b> meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">mighty, power or mighty one</span></i></b>’
and is also used as a title of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>.
Understanding this in the context and setting of this chapter we see a very
powerful metaphor being described by the death of Shemuʼĕl in a twofold
way: The prophet who declared the Name
of El was dead – and so in one sense we see that the ‘hearing of El’ had died and
in another we can see how El had closed His ears to a rebellious people – a
picture of how it shall be and now is in the last days when many stop obeying <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and close their ears to the Truth, substituting the
Truth for ear tickling lies and as a result will not be heard by Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Hoshěa/Hosea 4:10 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And they shall eat but not be satisfied, they shall whore but not
increase, for they have stopped obeying </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Zeḵaryah/Zechariah
7:11-12 “<span style="color: red;">But they refused to listen, and they shrugged
their shoulders, and stopped their ears from hearing. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And they made their hearts like
flint against hearing the Torah, and the words, which </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts had sent by His Spirit through
the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
People are dying for lack of knowledge and those who reject His
knowledge and refuse to give ear to His Torah He will reject them from being
priests for Him! We are called to be a royal priesthood and if you refuse to
hear His Torah, He will reject you form being a priest for Him! Serving as a
priesthood carries with it great responsibility and as we have seen in the
Torah portion of late regarding the instructions of the Tabernacle, its service
and furnishings we see clearly that there is a clear and prescribed way of
doing the service in the Tabernacle. What we are to remember is that the
Tabernacle was a shadow of what is in Heaven and when people neglect to
understand how the service in the Tabernacle is prescribed with all it details,
then in essence they are neglecting to understand what is in Heaven and are in
fact in rebellion for neglecting to reflect that which is in Heaven by adhering
to the commands of Elohim as they shut their ears from His Torah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In Yirmeyahu we see 3 instances where Yirmeyahu is even commanded
to not intercede for the rebellious as He will not hear:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
7:16 “<span style="color: red;">And you, do not pray for this people, nor lift up
a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me, for <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">I do not hear</span> you.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
11:14 “<span style="color: red;">And you, do not pray for this people, or lift up
a cry or prayer for them, for <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">I do not hear</span> them in the time that they cry out to Me because
of their evil.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
14:11-12 “And </b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> said to me, “<span style="color: red;">Do not pray for this people for their good. </span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“When they fast, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">I do not hear</span> their cry. And when they
offer burnt offering and grain offering, I do not accept them. Instead, I am
consuming them by sword, and by scarcity of food, and by pestilence.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
These very sobering words of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> not
hearing is not without cause – you reject Him and close your ears to the
hearing of His Torah then He will close His ears to your prayers!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/proverbs
28:9 “<span style="color: red;">He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah,
even his prayer is an abomination.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So many today who are
turning their ear away from the Torah, should heed these words lest their
prayers be abominable before <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This may sound very harsh as we
all may argue that He heard our prayers while we did not walk in the Torah. Now
as true as that may be for many can bear witness to answered prayers, what we must
understand is that while He may have heard many prayers of His children while
in bondage – the fact of the matter is that when He comes to fetch His Bride,
He is coming for a ready dressed Bride who is walking in the Torah and those
who are not walking in the Torah and refuse to hear, guard and do will awaken
to the reality that their prayers have been in vain. So while this verse echoes
a harsh reality may we be awake to the fact that we are to be giving our ear to
the Torah, which means to hear and do, so that our prayers are pleasing before
Him and not strange and profane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In setting the stage for the
reality of the last days we see that Dawiḏ went down to the Wilderness of
Paran. Now we know that it is in the Wilderness journey that we learn to hear
the voice of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>. Dawiḏ would then make his
journey to Naḇal from Paran, and as we mentioned last week Paran, meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">place
of caverns</span></i></b>’ and also from the root word
means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">especially beautiful/adorned, gleaning</span></i></b>’ and this
language would have been familiar to Yisra’ĕl as it would remind them of that
which Mosheh spoke before his death and would be a sober reminder to repent and
return to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> who comes from His beautiful
hiding place and being prophetic in nature to His second coming!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>verse 2-3</b> we are then introduced to Naḇal, who was a very rich
farmer in Maʽon and his work in Karmel. <b>Naḇal</b> -<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נָבָל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>Strong’s
H5037</b> means … ‘<b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">FOOL</span></b>’… yes … ‘<i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">fool,
senseless, foolish</span></i>’!!! This man
was a FOOL! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ma</b><b>ʽon -</b> <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">מָעוֹן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Strong’s H4584</b> means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">habitation or
dwelling place</span></i></b>’ and Karmel - <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">כַּרְמֶל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Strong’s
H3760</b> means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">plentiful, fruitful, fertile land</span></i></b>’.
From this we get a clear picture – a fool who was dwelling in luxury! This guy
had it all – according to the flesh that is and in the world’s eyes was
extremely wealthy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
His wife, <b>Aḇiḡayil -</b> <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אֲבִיגַיִל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Strong’s
H26 </b>means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">my father is joy/glad</span></i></b>’ and as
we see through this story that she truly represents how we are to serve our
Father with joy, for if we do not then we cannot serve Him at all! She was a
woman of good understanding and beautiful – beauty and brains – a picture of
the remnant Bride being adorned with Righteousness and walking in the
understanding thereof. Sadly she married a fool – it may seem an odd mix, but
sometimes marriages were arranged and we do not know how they came to be
married – perhaps she was lured by initial attraction and then she remained a
faithful wife, even interceding for her foolish husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Naḇal was described as ‘<b>hard and
evil</b>’ in his doings – in other words he was not doing righteousness! The
word used here for <b>hard</b> is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">קָשֶׁה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>qasheh – Strong’s H7186</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">hard, harsh,
cruel, obstinate, stiff necked and stubborn</span></i></b>’ and evil is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>ra –
Strong’s h7451</b> and is used to mean ‘<i> evil, bad, wicked, selfish, deadly, harmful</i>’.
I think we all get the picture – this guy was a rich wicked, cruel and stubborn
man! How did he get such a wife? Perhaps through manipulation – we don’t know
but we see this kind of odd mix many times in the world today and Aḇiḡayil
lived up to the future words of Sha’ul and Kěpha on being submissive wives with
the incorruptible ornament of a meek and peaceable spirit, which is of great
value before Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ heard that Naḇal was shearing
sheep and sends 10 of his men to go in peace to Naḇal and ask for some
supplies for Dawiḏ and his men. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> told His
disciples:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
10:11-15 “<span style="color: red;">And into whatever city or village you enter,
ask who is worthy in it, and stay there until you leave. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And as you enter into a house,
greet it.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 13</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not
worthy, let your peace return to you. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And whoever does not receive you
nor hear your words, when you leave that house or city, shake off the dust from
your feet. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“Truly, I say to you, it shall be more bearable for the land of Seḏom and
Amorah in the day of judgment than for that city!</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ’s men extended his shalom but were not received by a
stubborn and wicked man!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What is striking in the context of some key markers in this
passage is that in <b>verse 8</b> they told
Naḇal “<b>We have come on a good day</b>”.
This language used indicates that it was not just an ordinary day but rather gives
reference to a ‘Feast day’ and in the context here I see this as a shadow of <b>Yom Teruah</b>! Dawiḏ sent his men to
announce that he was here and expected to be received and welcomed by a man who
certainly had the means to be hospitable, yet was denied and so the wrath of
Dawiḏ was about to be unleashed upon this fool who refused to welcome them!
This time of ‘<b><i>shearing sheep</i></b>’ is also a picture for us of a time of exposing
the false garments of those who have claimed to be worshippers of Elohim yet
are simply sheep that have gone astray in their vain traditions and dogmas! <b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 53:6 “<span style="color: red;">We all, like sheep, went astray, each one of us has turned to
his own way. And </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> has
laid on Him the crookedness of us all.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The solution to us all who went astray (and we all have for we
have all sinned and fallen short) is to turn to Him who saves us and
acknowledge Him. Sadly many who close their ears to the Torah are denying and
bringing the Name of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to nought!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>verse 10</b> Naḇal
says, “<b><span style="color: #c00000;">Who
is Dawiḏ?</span></b>” Now everyone knew who Dawiḏ was – he had killed
Golyath/Goliath and was a national hero and Aḇiḡayil, Naḇal’s wife had
recognised and realised that Dawiḏ had already been chosen by <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to be king as we see clearly by her words in <b>verse 30</b>; yet this stubborn fool was
too stiff necked to humble himself and serve the future king and his men and
was intentionally insulting Dawiḏ by making himself sound important because of
his wealth. It was widely known that Dawiḏ was soon to be king and that Sha’ul
sought his life because Dawiḏ had been anointed to become king. Naḇal was
wrong, while Aḇiḡayil remained meek and interceded and fell on her face
before Dawiḏ and pleaded with him not to bring about the killing of her wicked
husband and his men.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We know the result of the story –
Naḇal was cast down while Aḇiḡayil was lifted up:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm 147:6 “</b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> lifts up the meek ones, He throws the wrong ones down to the
ground.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dawiḏ’s’ words to his men meant
business and this wise and humble wife appeased him from carrying out his
plans:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 16:14 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The sovereign’s wrath is a messenger of death, But a wise man
appeases it.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Naḇal not receiving Dawiḏ is a
picture of how the Yehuḏim did not receive <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> and have been given time to repent until He comes again! So many
today are simply just too comfortable in their fleshly living standards that
they simply refuse to acknowledge and submit to the coming King! And while they
may accept falsified names and vain presentations of the Creator, when confronted
with the Truth they simply refuse to acknowledge and are basically declaring, “Who
is <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>?” or “Who is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>?” And by
doing so are basically declaring by their rebellious attitude toward the Torah
and their lawless actions that there is no <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, and
this is the wickedness of a fools talk!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Naḇal was a fool and showed it by his foolish words revealing the
wickedness that was in his heart:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
14:1 “<span style="color: red;">The fool has said in his heart, “There is no </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.” They have done corruptly, they have done
an abominable deed, there is no one who does good.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There are many today who are as
foolish as Naḇal and are too in essence declaring that there is no <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, for by their corrupt living that is contrary to Torah
they are bringing His Name to nought for which he will not leave unpunished
anyone who brings His Name to nought!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the great intercession of Aḇiḡayil, Dawiḏ blesses her for her
courage and faith and her speaking up is a picture of the spirit of Eliyahu
that must come again before the Great and Awesome Day of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mal’aḵi/Malachi 4:5-6 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See, I am sending you Ěliyahu the prophet before the coming of the
great and awesome day of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And he shall turn the hearts of the
fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest
I come and smite the earth with utter destruction.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is through His faithful remnant Bride that He will send Eliyahu
in preparing for His coming, as we begin to lift up our voice in the Wilderness
and stand up for righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Aḇiḡayil made it on time – for Dawiḏ would have struck the next
morning, but had now accepted her hand her gift and when she got home her
husband was drunk – he was exceedingly drunk and so she did not talk to him
until the next day when he was sober. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In understanding this picture of how the world, which Naḇal
represents, will be given over to partying and drinking and feeding the flesh
to the tilt and will be like the days of Noaḥ before the flood not knowing the
times and are unable to hear His trumpet call to repentance:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
24:37-39 “<span style="color: red;">And as the days of Noah</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̣, so
also shall the coming of the Son of Aḏam be. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">38</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> “For
as they were in the days before the flood, eating and drinking, marrying and
giving in marriage, until the day that Noaḥ entered into the ark, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">39</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> and
they did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also shall
the coming of the Son of Aḏam be.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Well here we see a picture of what
will happen – The Trumpet will blast and only the Remnant will be ready and
have their hands filled with that which id for Messiah. When Naḇal heard the
words he had a stroke – his heart died within him and he became like stone! A
clear picture of those who refuse to submit and obey – they will even get
harder – his heart was no longer able to have the Torah written on it and his
wickedness reached a climax:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
22:11 “<span style="color: red;">He who does wrong, let him do more wrong; he who
is filthy, let him be more filthy; he who is righteous, let him be more
righteous; he who is set-apart, let him be more set-apart.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In <b>verse 38</b> we see a key pointer to the Feast of Yom Kippur – ten days
later <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> smote Naḇal and he died! It is
on this Day that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> will come
out of the Most Set-Apart Place and tread the winepress and all who have not
received Him will be destroyed. The 10 days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur
we will see that the Trumpet will be sounded to gather the bride and will be a
time of testing through trials as the plagues are poured out and the remnant is
called to hold fast and endure. I firmly believe that those who do not respond
to the Trumpet call will as Naḇal keep on drinking and going their own merry
way to destruction but those who hear the voice of the shofar will respond and
are called to endure these 10 days until <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> comes out
and takes us as His Bride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Hear the words of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
2: 8-11 “<span style="color: red;">And to the messenger of the assembly in Smurna
write, ‘This says the First and the Last, who became dead, and came to life: </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I know your works, and pressure,
and poverty – yet you are rich – and the blasphemy of those who say they are
Yehuḏim and are not, but are a congregation of Satan. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “Do not be afraid of what you are
about to suffer. See, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, in
order to try you, and you shall have pressure ten days. Be trustworthy until
death, and I shall give you the crown of life. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who
overcomes shall by no means be harmed by the second death.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This
will be a time of separating the sheep and the goats – those who claim to be
believers but are not and are of the congregation of Satan as their vain
worship of inherited lies is blasphemy – will be shown up for who they are and
who they have been worshipping. The faithful are called to endure 10 days and
overcome!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dawiḏ
heard that Naḇal was dead and then sent for and spoke to Aḇiḡayil, to take
her as wife. The word used here for ‘take’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">לָקַח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>laqach – Strong’s H3947 </b>and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: red;">to take, to fetch, to lay hold of, marry or take a wife </span></i></b>’ and this in the Hebrew mind draws the
picture of a Hebrew wedding when at the sound of the Last Trumpet the groom
comes to fetch His Bride and take her as wife. The other term typically
understood in the groom coming to take His Bride is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נָשָׂא</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>nasa –
Strong’s H5375</b> which means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">lift up, carry, take, exalt, and accept</span></i></b>’.
This word is used in verse 35 when Dawiḏ told Aḇiḡayil that he had listened
to her voice and accepted her face!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
What a
wonderful picture of Messiah who comes for His Bride and accepts her face and
hears her voice – she is accepted in the Beloved and is taken up – this is
marriage language!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In <b>verse
41</b> she presents herself to wash his servants feet, showing great humility as
a wife of the Coming King who had been on the ‘battlefield’ and here we see the
picture of preparation for the wedding – for Messiah’s feet will be full of the
Blood of the winepress and His feet will be washed by the tears of repentance
of the Bride, washing away the wickedness He has tramped and destroyed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Aḇiḡayil
then takes haste to get ready and rises up and rides on a donkey – she had been
exalted to a new position with the King <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> had chosen
and takes with her 5 maidens on her way to her wedding! This is a great picture
of Sukkot and here we again see end time pictures as the 5 maidens represent
the 5 wise maidens who had oil in their lamps who listen attentively and
understand the times, while the other 5 foolish maidens who were not ready and
did not hear His voice were not able to enter the wedding feast. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
What we also
see as a wonderful picture of the Full Bride of Messiah is in verse 43 when the
record states that Dawiḏ had also taken Aḥinoʽam
of Yizreʽĕl as wife and so both were his wives. This is clearly a picture of
the two houses coming together as a Bride unto Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אֲחִינֹעַם</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Aḥinoʽam
– Strong’s H293</b> means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">my brother is delight</span></i></b>’ and
coming from Yizreʽĕl, which
means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">those</span></i></b> <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> <b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">has
scattered</span></i></b>’ as seen in <b>Hoshěa 1:4-11 </b>which refers to the Northern Kingdom, whose brother
Yehuḏah has acted as a redeemer to bring them back from exile. It also shadow
pictures Messiah in Yosĕph who redeemed his brothers in Mitsrayim and so we see
a wonderful picture here of the Feast of Sukkoth being celebrated by a complete
Bride having been brought together to be one with Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Why
does this passage carry great instruction for us? Well we can clearly see a
picture of future events and can be encouraged to not be stiff necked and
foolish as Naḇal, but rather walk in humility and wisdom like Aḇiḡayil. Our
King is Coming and when that Trumpet sound blasts are you ready to stand firm
dressed in His armour or will you be found wanting!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Eph’siyim/Ephesians 5:6 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of these the wrath of Elohim comes upon the sons of disobedience.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Let us not be found to be drunk on the
wine of the wrath of the whorings of Baḇel
but walk as children of light filled with the Spirit of Wisdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 10:6-8 “<span style="color: red;">Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence
covers the mouth of the wrong.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> 7</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> The
remembrance of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wrong ones rot. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">8 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">The wise in heart accepts
commands, but one with foolish lips falls.</span></b><b>”</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Will you be wise and accept his
commands or a fool whose words and actions will fall? This wise accept the King’s
commands and are ‘accepted’ before Him as He lifts us up as we come and bow and
humble ourselves before Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Who is wise and understanding? Let it
be seen in your life as you walk in the Torah with all meekness – for the meek
shall inherit the earth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Shalom! <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-33153045057190602102012-03-03T06:29:00.002+02:002012-03-03T06:29:21.660+02:00EMBRACE THE TRUTH AND EXULT IN יהוה<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
EMBRACE THE TRUTH AND EXULT IN <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Ḥaḇaqquq/Habakkuk
3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
149:1-5 “<span style="color: red;">Praise Yah! Sing to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> a new song,
His praise in an assembly of kind ones. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Let Yisra’ĕl rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Tsiyon exult in their Sovereign. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">3</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Let them
praise His Name in a dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine
and lyre. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">4</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> For </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> takes pleasure in His people; He
embellishes the meek ones with deliverance. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">5</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Let the kind ones exult in esteem;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Praise – Exult – Dance and Sing Aloud to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>! Sing His praise in an assembly of kind ones. These are
all very powerful words that illustrate the intensity in which we are to praise
<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, our Elohim, and sadly we find that the ability to
praise Him in this way can often be a tough challenge for most as they go
through the daily grind of trying to make ends meet; and very quickly they
often find their ability to praise our Maker fading away until praise unto Him
becomes a ‘thing of the past’; and all of this while the heat of His
displeasure is most certainly heating up for an Appointed Time, of which the
majority are foolishly unaware of. In a
message tonight called, “<b>Embrace the
Truth and exult in </b><b><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span></b><b>!</b>” I would like us to be reminded once again that we are
to do exactly that – embrace the Truth and exult in <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, especially in the times we are living in right now!!!
And in order for us to be well equipped and reminded of our need to not neglect
the constant praise we are to bring unto our Maker, Redeemer and King, I would
like us to hear the prayer of the prophet Ḥaḇaqquq – please turn with me to <b>Ḥaḇaqquq Chapter 3</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Just under a year ago I gave a message overviewing the book of Ḥaḇaqquq
in which we looked briefly at each chapter and our need to be watchful and
awake as we wait for His soon return, living by faith knowing that the earth
will be filled with His esteem and that He is in His Hěḵal (Temple) and is in
control, and that no matter what we face or experience around us today, we are
to be steadfast in remaining true to His Word. Tonight I want us to dig a
little deeper into this last chapter that we have just read and get greatly
encouraged from some wonderful pearls of truth that are nestled and hidden in
the prayer of this prophet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
First of all <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">חֲבַקּוּק</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ḥaḇaqquq</span></b> <b>– Strong’s H2265</b> means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">an embrace</span></i></b>’ and comes from the root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">חָבַק</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ḥaḇaq – Strong’s H2263</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> and </span>means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">embrace</span></i></b>’
and embrace in English means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to take up
readily or gladly, to participate, to avail oneself</span></i></b>’ and the
Hebrew word means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">embrace, hold in one’s arms, to clasp and
to show close affection</span></i></b>’. This was a prophet who embraced the
Word of Elohim – showed close affection and held on to it tightly, who took it
up readily and gladly, and took full advantage of making himself available to
participate in being used by Elohim, despite the very sobering vision and
judgement that He saw concerning those who are going astray! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In verse 1 we see a very unfamiliar
term – and that is ‘<b><span style="color: #002060;">Shig</span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̄ionoth</span></b>’<b>
– Strong’s H7692</b>, and uncertain term, yet this word has been described as a
musical term and is only seen here and at the beginning of <b>Tehillim/Psalm 7</b>, and has been described as possibly meaning ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060;">a wild passionate song with rapid changes of rhythm</span></i></b>’,
which we see certainly happening in this chapter as he changes the rhythm from
acknowledgement of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to judgement
coming and lawlessness seen and then to praise. This word is derived from the
root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׁגָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>shagah
– Strong’s H7686</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to go astray, to
err, to wander or stray, and to be intoxicated</span></i></b>’ and so we see
that this is a prayer of intercession for those who are going astray – for
those who have been led astray and have been intoxicated with the wine of the
great whore. The word prayer is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">תְּפִלָּה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>tephillah – Strong’s H8605</b> and comes
from the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">פָּלַל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>palal
– Strong’s H6419</b> which means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to intercede,
intervene, make supplication, and judgement made favourable</span></i></b>’ and
in essence carries the meaning ‘<b><span style="color: #c00000;">to apply to a
judge for a favourable decision</span></b>’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So as we
look at this prayer of appeal that has rapidly changing rhythms, let us look at
some of these that are contained herein:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Verse 2</b> we see a wonderful declaration of a prophet who had embraced the Truth
and now cries out to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> as He sees
the desperate need for pure obedience to the Torah and worship unto <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to be restored. Three key elements we see here in this
verse as we see words like fear/afraid; renew and remember compassion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ḥaḇaqquq
says that he has heard the report of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> –
that which he had received and was commanded to write down in the first two
chapters – he had heard (“shama” – listen attentively, comprehend, discern and
give heed to what is spoken) and now could embrace the ‘fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’. As you may all remember a couple of weeks ago I spoke
on the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, showing
that it is not our fear but His in describing that which ‘flows from the gut’
of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> – and that being His instructions and His Character by
His Breath/Spirit – His spoken, breathed out Word!!! Here is Ḥaḇaqquq we see
the form of the term ‘yirat <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’
being used here, and sadly the Scriptures translation we have has placed the ‘O
<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’ in the next sentence within this verse, where it should
be linked with the first sentence ending with afraid and therefore could more
accurately be translated as “<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> I
have heard your report; I have the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Please
see the sermon called “<b><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Those
fearing Elohim – Listen!</span></b>” to
understand the term ‘<b><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the
fear of </span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span></b>” for more understanding in this regard. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
point I want to make here is that Ḥaḇaqquq heard the Truth, embraced the Truth
and was now able to understand that <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s
word is abundantly clear and His Appointed Times are set and His coming wrath
was imminent and the state of the people was not a good one and were in much
need of a renewal and deliverance that only <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>
could bring. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ḥaḇaqquq
then cries out and asks <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to renew His
work in the midst of the years and make it known. The vision he was given was
for the end time and he was pleading for <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to
bring renewal. The Word ‘renew’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">חָיָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Ḥ</b><b>ayah – Strong’s H2462</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">recover, restore to health, heal, make alive, revive</span></i></b>’.
Ḥaḇaqquq was appealing to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to
revive and recover His fear over His people – recover the very breath of His
Word that brings life to a dying people!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ma’asei/Acts 3:19 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Repent therefore and turn back, for
the blotting out of your sins, in order that times of <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">refreshing</span> might come from the presence of
the Master</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
word ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">refreshing</span></i></b>’ is the
Greek Word <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">ἀνάψυξις</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><b>anapsuxis
Strong’s G403</b> and means, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">recovery of breath, refresh</span></i></b>’
and we see that when we repent and turn back to The Master we may receive a
recovery of breath – His Word giving us our very life that we may live and
breathe and praise His Name – for everything that has breath praise <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It
takes hearing obediently to clearly guard to do what His instructions tell us
to and be filled with His Spirit/Breath/Word that He puts in those who turn
back to Him and thirdly Ḥaḇaqquq pleads with <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to
‘remember compassion’ in your wrath – in other words – remember those who
return and are recovered by His Breath through the Fear of Elohim – remember
the righteous who do your will and refresh your faithful remnant in the midst
of these dark and perilous times!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm 138:7-8 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though I walk in the midst of
distress, You revive me; You stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my
enemies, And Your right hand saves me. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> does
perfect for me. O </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
Your kindness is everlasting. Do not forsake the works of Your hands.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
After
crying out this great plea, Ḥaḇaqquq returns to prophesying and we see a rhythm
change in his prayer:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Verse 3</b>
begins with the true declaration that Eloah is coming and the whole earth will
be filled with His praise and proceeds to describe the destructions and
devastation of His wrath that will go before Him as He comes to trample the
winepress and save His people!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He
comes from Tĕman is prophetic for end times and the second coming of Messiah
as Tĕman means ‘south’ and so in effect we see that He is coming from the south
– what does that mean and who is this Eloah that comes from the south? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Zeḵaryah/Zechariah
9:14 “<span style="color: red;">And </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">shall
appear for them, and His arrow go forth like lightning, and the Master </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> sound the ram’s horn. And <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">He shall go with
whirlwinds</span> <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">from the
south</span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This
is describing the picture of His second coming as also described in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:15 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For look, </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> comes with fire and with His chariots, <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">like a whirlwind</span>,
to render His displeasure with burning, and His rebuke with flames of fire.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
word for south in Zeḵaryah 9:14 is also the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">בֵּימָן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>Tĕman –
Strong’s 8646/8647</b> and this was a
district in Eḏom and Tĕman was also the name of the grandson of Ěsaw and was an Eḏomite chief and
we begin to see the clear language of end time prophecy regarding the
destruction of Eḏom and Botsrah
regarding the end time destruction of the enemies of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Amos 1:12 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But I shall send fire upon Tĕman, and it shall consume the palaces
of Botsrah.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ob</b><b>̱aḏyah</b><b>/Obadiah
1:8-9 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
that day,” declares </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
“I shall destroy the wise men from </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ed</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱om</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
and discernment from the mountains of Ěsaw! </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“And your mighty men shall be discouraged, O Tĕman, so that everyone from the
mountains of Ěsaw is cut off by slaughter.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה </span>is coming to tread the winepress and destroy the enemies
of His Bride. Tĕman is derived from the root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָמִין</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>yamin – Strong’s H3225</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">right hand/right
side and also south side</span></i></b>’ and is used literally of a man’s right
hand as opposed to <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שְׂמאֹל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>semol
– Strong’s H8040</b> which means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">left hand</span></i></b>’
and well as ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">north</span></i></b>’.
Yemen is the modern name for Tĕman and we see a wonderful description of who is
coming – for the ‘<b>right hand of Elohim</b>’ is the that which works
deliverance and redemption and destroys the enemy – this is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah – He is coming – He is the
Set-Apart One who comes from Mount Paran – Paran means ‘place of caverns’ and
is an area in the southern Sinai Peninsula and comes from the root word that
means ‘especially beautiful/adorned, gleaning’ and this language would have
been familiar to Yisra’ĕl as it would remind them of that which Mosheh spoke
before his death and would be a sober reminder to repent and return to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
33:1-3 “<span style="color: red;">And this is the blessing with which Mosheh the
man of Elohim blessed the children of Yisra’ĕl before his death. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And he said, “</span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> came from Sinai, and rose from </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sĕ</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">ʽir</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> for
them. He shone forth from Mount Paran, and came with ten thousands of set-apart
ones – at His right hand a law of fire for them. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Indeed, He loves the peoples,
all His set-apart ones are in Your hand. And they, they sat down at Your feet,
receiving Your Words.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">They
also would echo the words of the song of De</span>ḇ<span lang="EN-US">orah in:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shophetim/Judges 5:4-5
“</b><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span style="color: red;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, when You went out from Sĕʽir, when You stepped from the field
of Eḏom, the earth shook and the heavens poured, the clouds also poured water.
</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">5</span><span style="color: red;"> “The mountains flowed at the
presence of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span style="color: red;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, this Sinai, at the presence of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span style="color: red;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
Elohim of Yisra’ĕl.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">This would not only cause them to look back to the Covenant but also
forward to the prophecy of Ḥanoḵ as a very sobering wake up call to turn and
repent before it would be too late:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Yehuḏah/Jude 1:14-15 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">And H</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">̣</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">anok</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">̱</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied of these,
saying, “See, </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> comes with His
myriads of set-apart ones, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">15</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> to execute judgment on all, to
punish all who are wicked among them concerning all their wicked works which
they have committed in a wicked way, and concerning all the harsh <i>words</i>
which wicked sinners have spoken against Him.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We
also see these words of prophecy being spoken in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 63:1-4 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who is this coming from Ed</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱om,
with garments of glowing colours from Botsrah, who is robed in splendour,
striding forward in the greatness of His strength? “It is I who speak in
righteousness, mighty to save.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">2</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> Why is
there red on Your raiment, and Your garments like one who treads in the
winepress?</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> 3</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> “I
have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with Me. And
I trod them down in My displeasure, and I trampled them in My wrath. Their
blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have defiled all My raiment. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">4 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">“For a day of vengeance is
in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
These
words would certainly carry great power in calling back a backslidden people
and Ḥaḇaqquq proceeds to speak of the power in which Eloah will come, giving
reference back to how they were sold into the hands of Kushan because of their
Ba’al worship and after hearing their cry for help Othni’ĕl
son of Qenaz, Kalěḇ’s younger
brother was raised up by <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to save
Yisra’ĕl (<b>Shophetim/Judges 3:7-11</b>),
and also how the sun and moon stood still and did not go down until Yisra’ĕl
avenged itself upon her enemies, when Yehoshua fought against the Amorites (<b>Yehoshua/Joshua 10:13</b>), and these words
of remembrance would also shadow picture how a day of deliverance is coming
again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Upon hearing, Ḥaḇaqquq says he trembled and quivered and
this is a very quick reminder that no matter how powerful man’s religious
systems and infrastructures may appear and claim to be, it will all be brought
to its knees and destroyed, and is a sobering reminder to us to ensure we are
on the ‘right side’ of Elohim, for anyone who is not – no matter how
significant they may claim to be – will be treated in such a way. Many
expositors see this verse 16 as a shift in the prayer/song as being the cry of
Baḇelon’s response, and then we come to another cry of Ḥaḇaqquq that is often quoted
as an isolated text without regard for the entire context and setting of the
prayer and whole book of Ḥaḇaqquq!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Verse 17</b> – A
well-known verse within many circles – let us briefly look at the application
of these verses regarding the circumstances of a plagued and corrupted people
that I believe Ḥaḇaqquq was witnessing against.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>1 – The Fig Tree does not blossom<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
use of the fig tree and figs throughout Scripture carries great significance to
us and typically represents the nation of Yisra’ĕl. But what was the picture
here? The fig tree was not blossoming – when we consider this we can
immediately be drawn to the words of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> who cursed the fig tree:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 21:19 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And seeing a single fig tree by the
way, He came to it and found naught on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no
fruit grow on you ever again.” And immediately the fig tree withered.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This
cursing of the fig tree, which had leaves but no fruit, is a parable of the end
time harvest and what happened to the fig tree is what would happen to all
those who may profess to be in the Covenant, yet bear no fruit of repentance or
the fruit of righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A
couple of chapters later we see His words again in reference to the end-times
in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 24:32 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And learn this parable from the fig
tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know
that the summer is near.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The meaning of this parable has been lost by the masses
who have been taught that there is no requirements to keep the Torah, and sadly
as a result those who believe such lies will be found to be outside of the
Covenants of Promise!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> cursed the fig tree to get the disciples attention and
teach them the necessity to remain in Him and bear much fruit. Although this
was not the season for figs to bear fruit we see that Sha’ul tells Timotiyos to
proclaim the Word and be urgent, in and out of season and never be found to be fruitless
with leaves only!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What is interesting to note is
that a fig tree typically produces fruit before it produces leaves and so when
you see the leaves without fruit there is a problem!!! This is a picture of
covering up or hiding sin as Aḏam and Ḥawwah did when they realised their
nakedness due to sin as they sowed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Our
only covering is the Blood of Messiah and the picture of having leaves only is
a picture of many today – they may have the appearance of worship and look the
part – yet lack the fruit of righteous living according to the Torah and so
they sow for themselves fig leaves through religious programmes to hide their
lawlessness! This was the state of Yisra’ĕl – all leaves and no fruit, or
better put ‘rotten fruit’. Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 8 is a fitting chapter that
describes this sad and sick state of many who claim to be worshipping <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, yet cling to deceit and do not know the right-ruling
of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 24</b>
speaks of two baskets of figs – one good and one bad. We do not have time to go
into the details of this chapter but encourage you to do so on your own time,
but in summary this is what it speaks regarding the figs:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Good figs are the obedient ones
who repent and turn back to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> with
all their heart who will be delivered, redeemed and protected and brought into
the Promises of His Covenant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Bad figs speak of those who
refuse to listen and choose to stay in Baḇel or Mitsrayim – a picture for us
today of those who choose to remain in the world, as well as those who choose
to remain in the man-made theologies, including both rabbinic Judaism and
Christianity – this is the basket of bad figs for which the sword, famine and
plague will be sent upon them!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2 – No fruit on the Vine<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The parable of the Vine in Yoḥanan
15 speaks clearly our need to remain in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> or else
we will be cut off and thrown in to the fire and is a parable that goes hand in
hand with the words written in <b>Yeḥezqĕl/Ezekiel
15</b>, which I spoke about a few months back in a message called, ‘<b>Fruitful or fruitless – the Parable of the
Vine</b>’, which looks at Yeḥezqěl 15 and Yoḥanan 15 together and encourage you
to go through those notes in regards to no fruit on the vine!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3 – The
olives have failed<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We know that olive were the
source of the oil for the tabernacle, supplying the Lampstand as well as the
anointing oil and incense and for the bread. Oil as we know speaks of the
anointing and Spirit of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and His word
that He has planted in us and when we see the picture of failed olives we can
see the parable of the 10 virgins – 5 who had oil in their lamps and 5 who did
not – another parallel parable with that of Yirmeyahu two baskets of figs. Olive
oil is obtained through a crushing process and what is sad today is that the
world is being crushed through enslavement – people are suffering more and more
hardships and being crushed by the pressures of this life and sadly what is
happening is that worry is choking out the Word and they are ‘dry’, while there
is no oil coming forth – no Word – no faith! Will Messiah find faith when He
comes!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>4 – Fields bring forth no food<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The field is the world and the
Word is the seed – yet no food is being brought forth as the ground of many
hearts is not good – this picture we can reference back to the parable of the
sower in Mattithyahu/Matthew 13. Yisra’ĕl had the Word yet had not maintained
the field of their hearts and so were no longer filled with good seed and able
to produce a harvest but rather were hardened by deceit and it is no different
today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>5 – Flock has been cut off and no herds<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a picture of the denial
of the work of Messiah as the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world – a
two-fold picture – one is of the rabbinic Judaism that reduces <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> to a prophet and they did not receive
Him and two – the westernised Christian world has changed the Messiah into a
torahless teacher – and so have cut off the True Living Word by adding to or
taking away from the Truth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This was the sad picture that Ḥaḇaqquq saw in his day and one
which we certainly see today – Dry, fruitless and lawless people who have made
their own leaves to cover their nakedness – which will be exposed on that Day!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
However what even struck me more was that in
light of the Torah portions we have been going through on the Tabernacle, we
see a clear picture by that which is lacking by so many as <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is rebuilding the Tabernacle of Dawiḏ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being dry, fruitless and lawless
and without the pure garments of righteousness we have no access to the
Tabernacle and are unable to offer Him the bull of our lips in praise!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Habaqquq sees this sad state and
despite all this he makes a bold declaration which we too are to make – we who
embrace the Truth and cling to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yet… Yet… despite what others may
be doing… I will EXULT in <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>… I
will rejoice in the Elohim of my deliverance!!! Are you able to declare this
too – knowing that you have clothed yourself in righteousness – putting on the
armour of Elohim and are remaining in Him bearing fruit… much fruit, filled
with the oil of His presence, keeping the field of your heart pure that the
Good Seed yields a Good return and are offering up your bodies a daily living
sacrifice, well pleasing to Elohim? Then you can make that statement and do it
with great joy!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
word for exult is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">עָלַז</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><b>alaz
– Strong’s H5937</b> and means ‘<i>exult, rejoice, triumph, be jubilant </i>’and
this word in the Hebrew describes an emotion of joy which finds expression in
singing and shouting and is a natural response of the faithful as we saw in
Tehillim/Psalm 149 at the beginning . It means to be in an intense state of
great joy and contentment and this is how those who embrace the Truth – exult
in <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Verse 19</b>
echoes that which Yeshayahu declared when speaking of our diligent obedient
response to His Word and keeping His Shabbat, entering His rest:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 58:14 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">then you shall delight yourself in </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. And I shall cause you to ride on the
heights of the earth, and feed you with the inheritance of Y</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">a</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ʽaqoḇ your father. For the mouth
of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> has spoken!</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ḥaḇaqquq
was declaring simply this: “Before <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> I am
playing my songs of praise!!!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We
know that which is coming, let us embrace the Truth, declare His Truth and
cling to His Truth and praise Him without the leaves of hypocrisy but in purity
and sincerity of Truth! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Yoḥanan/John 4:23-24 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But the hour is coming, and now is,
when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the
Father also does seek such to worship Him. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“Elohim is Spirit, and those who worship Him need to worship in spirit and
truth.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As we hear
this prayer of Ḥaḇaqquq tonight may we, like him, embrace the Truth and exult
in <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה </span>bless you and guard you;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> make
His face shine upon you and give you favour;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> lift
up His face to you and give you shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-22570508440998776482012-02-25T08:49:00.001+02:002012-02-25T08:49:48.721+02:00COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
COME NOW, AND LET US REASON
TOGETHER!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 1<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Shalom family, <b><span style="color: red;">Favour and peace be
increased to you in the knowledge of Elohim and of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> our Master,
as His Mighty-like power has given to us all we need for life and reverence,
through the knowledge of Him who called us to esteem and uprightness.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span lang="EN-US">(<b>Kepha </b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Bět/2 Peter
1:1-2</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">)</span><span style="font-family: "MS Shell Dlg 2","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We have been called to esteem and uprightness, that is to
walk in His ways, and we have been given all we need to do this through
knowledge of Him, given to us through His Torah and Prophets and Writings, and
as we have been discovering the wonder of how His Tabernacle is made up
according to His perfect instructions, through the Torah portions that we are
busy with at present, it becomes so much more clear for us that we can only be
building His way or else it is sadly in vain. Our total dependency is upon Him
and His sure Word, without which we have no life and Dawiḏ understood just how
much He could do nothing on his own and realised that our salvation and
redemption and deliverance is in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> alone.
In:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
51:1-7 “<span style="color: red;">Show me favour, O Elohim, According to Your
kindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion, Blot out my
transgressions. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wash
me completely from my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For I know my transgressions, and
my sin is ever before me. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Against
You, You alone, have I sinned, And done evil in Your eyes; That You might be proven
right in Your words; Be clear when You judge.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 5 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See,
I was brought forth in crookedness, and in sin my mother conceived me. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See, You have desired truth in the
inward parts, and in the hidden part You make me know wisdom. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cleanse me with hyssop, and I am
clean; Wash me, and I am whiter than snow.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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These were the words of a man who understood that He needed
cleansing from the stain of sin that he alone could not remove; but knew that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, according to His great kindness and
loving compassion could. Only <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> can
remove the stain of blood guilt that has been shed because of the evil done
before Him. And Dawiḏ understood that walking outside of the Torah is sin, as
the Torah is to be upon our hearts and in our mouths in order to do it. Sadly
in a time where so many are wilfully choosing to neglect the need to walk in
the Torah, we see so many who are attempting to bring before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> a mixed form of worship that simply
does not carry the exact picture of the Tabernacle, which we are going through
at the moment in Shemoth, and how the Tabernacle is key in understanding how we
are to follow the clear and concise plans as given us through His Torah –
without which we cannot see Elohim. What is also sad to see today is the lack
of willingness of many to actually come and sit and reason out the Scriptures
as they would rather hold fast to traditions and dogmas of man while in their
stubbornness are walking outside of the Torah and will have no part in the
Covenant unless they turn and walk in His ways. When we see the dealings of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> with Yisra’ĕl and Yehuḏah in
Scripture we can certainly see how the very same words are as applicable to us
who are grafted in to Yisra’ĕl – a scattered nation being brought back and how
we are to learn from the warnings and instructions given to His called out
Bride who had sadly strayed. Tonight in a message called, <b>“COME NOW AND LET US REASON TOGETHER!”</b> I would like to take you
through <b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah chapter 1, </b>vision
which Yeshayahu saw concerning Yehuḏah and Yerushalayim before they were about
to be exiled because of her rebellion. (Read)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yeshayahu is such a powerful book that is so relevant to us all
today – It clearly pictures for us the need to embrace the Saving Favour of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and his name defines this for us –
Yeshayahu <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יְשַׁעְיָהוּ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> – which means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">salvation
of Yah/ Yahweh saves</span></i></b>’. We will do well to heed the prophetic
words of Yeshayahu/Isaiah, as the call to live set-apart lives and walk in the
light of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> is being
proclaimed louder and louder – the question remains – who will hear and who is
dull of hearing? This chapter speaks of the urgency and need to hear the Word
of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and walk
in the Torah (His instructions for righteous living). <o:p></o:p></div>
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This vision and call is not only to Yehuḏah, but to His entire
Bride and carries much power and significance today as Ephrayim (lost 10
tribes) hears this call and returns and so I would like to run through some key
elements that we see in these verses and we will also take a look at a few
Hebrew words in gaining a better understanding of this text and how alive it is
for us today!<o:p></o:p></div>
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At this point Yisra’ĕl (northern 10 tribes) had already been
scattered, yet to return, and Yehuḏah had committed whoring just as her sister
Yisra’ĕl had, and in many ways they were in fact worse and here comes the call
to listen up from <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">In <b>Verse 2</b></span> we see the terms “<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">Hear, oh
heavens, and listen, o earth</span></i></b>” – this would have sounded very
familiar to them. This was an alluding to and referring back to the song that
Mosheh taught the descendants of Yisra’ĕl before he died and instructed that
this song be passed down through the generations, and so the very things that
Mosheh warned about were coming to pass, and was a very vivid and sobering
reminder of where they were headed!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
32:1 “<span style="color: red;">Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak; and hear,
O earth, the words of my mouth.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The two words that stand out here in these verses are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 – Hear</b> – in
Hebrew is the root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׁמַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
‘</span><b>shama’
– Strong’s H8085</b>, which carries the
meaning not just simply to hear, but rather to hear with attention and
comprehend and discern and give heed to what is being spoken. Certainly we see
that this kind of hearing called for is not very apparent among the masses
today who are simply having ears tickled and not listening attentively because
they forget what they hear and are doing that which Ya’aqoḇ/James warns against
– do not be like a man who looks in the mirror and forgets what he sees!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2 – Listen/ Give ear</b> – In Hebrew
is the root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אָזַן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
‘</span><b>azan’
– H238</b>, and while this also carries the
meaning to listen and listen attentively, it literally means to ‘cup the ear’ –
in other words give your complete attention and be obedient to take it all in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The terms used here in regards to heaven
and earth were once again a reminder of the Covenant and the two witnesses of
heaven and earth as life and death were set before them, for which He
encourages His Covenanted called out ones to choose life!!! This was a reality
check to the nation once again that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s
Covenant is still in effect and always is; and He never operates outside of His
Covenant; and rebellion to that Covenant will result in death, obedience to it
– life of which heaven and earth are faithful witnesses to! <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had rose up a nation and taught them
His ways and as stubborn rebellious children they have sinned against the
Marriage Covenant<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 3</span></b><b> – </b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> further highlights the depravity of
their rebellion by saying that even an ox knows its owner and a donkey would
know and recognise his master’s feeding trough – that is where to get the right
food and Yisra’ĕl are reduced to less than animals by their lack of knowledge
and obedience!<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1 - The word here for ‘<b><i>knows</i></b>’ in Hebrew is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָדַע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>yada’ –
Strong’s H3045</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to acknowledge, clearly understand, to
perceive, distinguish and discern</span></i></b>’ and implies the ability to
respond to and recognise the Master’s voice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yoḥanan/John 10:27 “<span style="color: red;">My sheep hear My
voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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So many claim to hear His voice today, yet He does not know them
and they do not follow Him and know where the feeding trough of His Word is:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
7: 21-23 “<span style="color: red;">Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master,
Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the
desire of My Father in the heavens. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in
Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your
Name?’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from
Me, you who work lawlessness!</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> then
proceeded to tell the parable of the one who ‘hears’ His Words and does them
will be a wise man who builds on the rock!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yehuḏah were not ‘hearing’ and acknowledging their master’s voice
and were feeding on pagan traditions rather than the truth – a clear mirror
image of what we see happening today by many and more specifically by the
church who operate not on the Rock of Truth but rather on the twisted
application of man-made and man-driven dogmas rooted in pagan worship – these are
those that do not know Him and He will declare He never knew them!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are to pursue to know His word, seeking it out and discern and
rightly handle the truth:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Hoshěa/Hosea 6:3 “<span style="color: red;">So let us know, let us
pursue to know </span></b><b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. His going forth is as certain as the
morning. And He comes to us like the rain, like the latter rain watering the
earth.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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2 – The word here in verse 3 for ‘<b>understands</b>’ is the Hebrew word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">בִּין</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>bin’ – Strong’s H995</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to understand, perceive, consider with full attention and
have knowledge and respond appropriately</span></i></b>’.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
8:7 “<span style="color: red;">Even a stork in the heavens knows her appointed
times. And a turtledove, and a swallow, and a thrush observe the time of their
coming. But My people do not know the right-ruling of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Animals know their master’s voice and their appointed times while
Yehuḏah did not – this was not due to ignorance but rather due to wilful
failure to respond to that which they have been given. So many today want to
claim ignorance and to a certain degree we were all ignorant, yet His word is
not far off – we have His Word and we have no right to claim ignorance today
but are to respond appropriately to His Torah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ma’asei/Acts
17:30 “<span style="color: red;">Truly, then, having overlooked these times of
ignorance, Elohim now commands all men everywhere to repent.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 4</span></b> – a sinning nation – in other words –
a lawless nation – acting corruptly and was a nation that was not walking in
the Torah they were required to as they had:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 – Forsaken <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> – that is
they had left the path of righteousness and the need to walk in the Torah and
as a result:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 – Provoked <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> – that is
they had blasphemed and despised His Torah, and as a result of despising the
Truth they:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3 – Went backwards – turned back to wicked ways from which they
were delivered. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the pattern of anyone who in any way forsakes the Torah or
compromises in the slightest – you will end despising His Word and will
backslide very quickly. This is the downward path of the lawless that corrupt
His very word for self-gain!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Verse 5 – </b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> appeals to them here by saying ‘Why
should you continue to be beaten down’ – there is not a part of the body that
has not been beaten – why do you keep disobeying!!! You continue in apostasy!
Apostasy means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">a renunciation of one’s belief and an
abandonment to loyalty</span></i></b>’ – and this is exactly what Yehuḏah had
done we get our English word from the Greek word <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">ἀποστασία</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> ‘</span><b>apostasia’ – Strong’s G646</b> and is translated as a ‘falling away’ in reference to how many will
abandon their faith and belief in the Truth before the man of lawlessness is
revealed:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tas’loniqim
</b><b>Bět/2 Thessalonians 2:3 “<span style="color: red;">Let no one deceive you in any way, because the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">falling away</span> is to come
first, and the man of lawlessness is to be revealed, the son of destruction,</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In Hebrew however the word used here
for apostasy carries a wonderful picture for us showing the direct contrast
between who Yisra’ĕl was called to be and what they had become as we see in the
Hebrew a wonderful play on words: The word used for <b><i>apostasy</i></b> in verse 5 is
the Hebrew word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">סָרָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>sarah’ –
Strong’s H5627</b> and sounds exactly the same as the name
of Aḇraham’s wife: <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׂרָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
‘</span><b>Sarah’
– Strong’s H8283</b> ,yet does not carry
the same meaning! ‘Sarah’ used for apostasy is spelt with a <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">סָ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘samek’, <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רָ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘resh’ and <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>‘hey’; while
‘Sarah’, Aḇraham’s wife, is spelt with a <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׂ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
‘Sin’, <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רָ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘resh’ and <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
‘hey’ and carries the opposite picture to an apostate Bride, as her name means <b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">‘princess or
noble woman</span></i></b>’ and as we know she is used in Scripture as a
picture of the obedient wife, and the play on words here as they were to look
into the mirror of His Word would show them how they are not what they ought to
be but were rather the opposite and had become a disobedient and rebellious
wife that was sick from head to toe – not the picture of a princess or noble
woman and Bride of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. Yehuḏah
looked like the adulterous whore and not a faithful Bride – and while so many
today claims to be the bride – through the mirror of the Word of Truth will be
found out to be nothing more than an adulterous and dressed up whore!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has a remnant – all through Scripture we see that there is always
a remnant – a faithful few! When we hear the words of many who have been led
astray say ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060;">but they all can’t be wrong</span></i></b>’
may we realise that ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060;">oh yes they can!</span></i></b>’
and in fact the likelihood is that they are indeed very wrong! If it were not
for the remnant – we would have been made like Seḏom and Amorah and the call
has gone out before destruction does come upon the world! It is always a
remnant few who obeys and are preserved – It was only Noaḥ and 7 others in the
ark, with Seḏom and Amorah only Lot and his wife and two daughters who
escaped, while his wife did not make it very far; it was only Yehoshua and Kalěḇ
who were left from the generation of adults that came out of Mitsrayim and were able to enter the Promised land –
there is always a remnant!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 10</span></b> – we see
the repeat of the words <b>hear</b> and <b>listen/give ear</b> – this time to the
rulers and people of Seḏom and Amorah – a play on words again to an apostate
people who had backslidden and were like the pagan nations – and the call is to
‘come out’ by hearing and listening to His Torah! Give ear to the Torah of
Elohim! This is still the call today to a people who are so intermingled with
lawlessness and are living corrupt and compromised lives without listening to
and paying attention to the Torah, while their attempts at worship are in vain
as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will not
accept or hear our worship and prayer if it is not done His way! Here Yehuḏah
were bringing slaughterings and offerings as the temple service was seemingly
still going on while <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> in
essence says to them, “<b><i>Why are you even coming with your offerings,
since you also have idols in your homes and all you are doing is bringing mud
into My House and your feet/walk is muddied with falsehood!</i></b>” STOP
MIXING WORSHIP UNTO <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> WITH
PAGANISM!!! He is unable to bear unrighteousness and assembly. Yehuḏah was
wicked while pretending to be righteous and to not walk in His Torah yet claim
to be righteous is the great error they made back then and the error that so
many make today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The false teaching that has set-aside
Torah observance is nothing more than a sick trampling of mud over His Torah
with the appearance of assembling in righteousness while profaning His Word and
His commands and His appointed Times, which He will not tolerate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In <b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">verse 14</span></b>
– we see clearly the use of the term ‘<b>your</b>
New Moons and appointed times’ being used. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> says that they are trouble to Him and is weary of bearing them!!!
Does this contradict the Torah and the commands to keep <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s Feasts? As much as many try to
twist this verse into teaching that keeping His Feasts is no longer necessary,
we must note the key term in this verse spoken by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is ‘YOUR’ - The way Yehuḏah were carrying out His feasts showed that they had
turned them into a creation of their own hands by doing it their own way and as
it suited them and in the process they mixed in pagan worship practices with it
– and this form of worship was no longer as<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> had prescribed but had become their
own, which He no longer saw as worship unto Him. Today it has even become worse, as the church not only worships their
own way, but has at its root pagan influences and traditions that have even
changed the appointed times to fit in with pagan sun-worship traditions - and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hates – and I repeat – hates these man-made traditional feasts.
He also hates that which rabbinic tradition presents as a form of worship that
sets aside the purity of Torah by the addition of oral laws and commands that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has not commanded or instructed!<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Adding or taking away from His instructions is forbidden and we
must carefully hear and give ear to this and not fall into the trap of false
worship that has been shaped by the hands of man – for when we do that we
render His Feasts no longer His but make it our own and these He hates!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 16 –</span></b> clear instruction to stop all the
evil and get cleaned up – if only people would open their ears and hear this
today!!! But just how do we get clean? <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has just
highlighted the terrible picture of their lawlessness and then in Verse 17 He
makes it clear -:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 <b>– Learn to do good</b>; 2
– <b>Seek Right-Ruling</b>; 3 – <b>Reprove the oppressor</b>; 4 – <b>Defend the fatherless</b>; 5 – <b>plead for the widow</b>. In other words
seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness and be a voice for those that are unable
to speak for themselves! Learning to discern and do good requires a returning
to the Torah which teaches us to distinguish between the clean and the unclean,
the set-apart and the profane!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here we come to <b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">verse 18</span></b>, a verse
that is taking often out of context and misunderstood as is used as a
stand-alone verse without that which follows! <b>Come and let us reason together</b> – Though your sins are like scarlet
– they will be white as snow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Hebrew word used here for ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060;">let
us reason together</span></i></b>’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">וְנִוָּכְחָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>‘<b>venivakechah</b>’ and
comes from the root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָכַח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
‘</span><b>yakach’
– Strong’s H3198</b> which means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to decide,
prove, judge or correct</span></i></b>’ and in effect what <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה </span>is saying here to a sinful nation, “<b>Come let Me prove to you… that you will be
cleaned up… if you …</b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here He is using court like language that has been addressing the
guilty to seek judgement and right-ruling, as is submitting His case here as if
on trial and proceeds to show them on what principles they may be pardoned! So
many love this verse on its own but do not proceed to the next and do not
understand the seriousness of stain of sin and lawlessness! The word for
‘scarlet’ is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׁנִי</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
‘</span><b>shani’
– Strong’s H8144</b> and is a bright red
colour and vivid dye that is obtained from the crushed body of an insect (worm) that attaches itself to the leaves
and twigs of the oak/terebinth tree, lays eggs on it, puts a sack of red juice
around the eggs to protect them, then dies, having emptied itself out for
them--a wonderful picture of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>. Scarlet speaks of sacrifice and typifies Messiah
in His sufferings and His giving of Himself to be crushed for our iniquities.
But what is also important to note is that it is impossible to get the stain of
this scarlet out of linen – impossible for man that is – no amount of scrubbing
and washing or bleaching can actually take this red worm substance dye out of
clothing and materials! So as we read Tehillim 51 at the beginning we see that
Dawiḏ understood this and here <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> was
telling Yehuḏah that they were so stained, yet they will be made white – what a
wonderful promise. Looking back at verse 15 we see that they were so stained as
their hands were full of blood – their worship had become unacceptable because
of their bloodguiltiness on their hands – their works were not pure – the
command to be cleansed and cease from evil comes with this invitation to be
made clean as he proved to them their bloodguilt, and as impossible as it may
be to get the stain of blood out – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> would
make their garments pure and shining white through His own Blood!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
7:14 “And I said to him, “<span style="color: red;">Master, you know.” And he
said to me, “These are those coming out of the great distress, having washed
their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Our sin is guilty of His bloodshed – the works of our hands are
stained with the blood guilt of His sacrifice – and He through His Blood
removes the stain from us. What is interesting to note is that this word, <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">שָׁנִי</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>shani’</b>, is used 42 times in the Scriptures – a very significant number for us
indeed! As you will remember that there were 42 stops in the Wilderness journey
from leaving Mitsrayim to entering in to the Promised Land and so we see that
His Blood they was poured out at Pěsaḥ as the Lamb that was slain has our ‘wilderness
journey’ covered that we may be made white and ready to enter in to His
Promises as a Bride prepared! And it is in this wilderness journey where we
learn to hear His voice with great care and attention!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What is often forgotten when given this verse by is what follows –
He will makes us white as snow - but what are we, who have been proven guilty,
to do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 19-20</span></b> makes it clear – eat or be eaten!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>“<span style="color: red;">If you submit
and obey, you shall <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">eat</span>
the good of the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">devoured</span> by the sword,
for the mouth of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
has spoken.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
Hebrew word used for ‘eat’ and ‘devoured’ is the same word - <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">אָכַל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><b>a</b><b>ḵal –
H398</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">eat, consume, devour or be devoured</span></i></b>’. So in essence what is being declared here is
simply this: if you submit and obey you will eat and enjoy the good of the land
– if you rebel and refuse to submit and obey you will be eaten by the sword –
that is His Word that will consume you up and devour you in judgement according
to His righteous right ruling! We have a choice – eat His Word and walk in Him
and be satisfied or eat all the junk that is on offer and neglect His Word and
be eaten by the very Word that is rejected. It is not a difficult concept to
grasp – the question remains – how is your diet, and more importantly – what is
filling you? <b><span style="color: #0f243e; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Eat right and live or live wrong and be eaten</span></b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
19:15 “<span style="color: red;">And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that
with it He should smite the nations. And He shall shepherd them with a rod of
iron. And He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Ěl Shaddai.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation
19:21 “<span style="color: red;">And the rest were killed with the sword which
came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled
with their flesh.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 21-25</span></b> makes the picture very clear – Yehuḏah
had become a nation of whoring and murder and their silver had become dross and
wine was mixed with water and as a result rulers were corrupt and the
fatherless and widows were neglected having nobody to speak for them and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> makes it clear that He will bring
about a refining and remove the dross and all alloy:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In light of what we have been going through in our weekly torah
portions on the tabernacle and its furnishings we came to understand the
symbolic picture of silver – it speaks of redemption as well as the purity of
His Word refined 7 times, and what is interesting to know is that pure silver
does not tarnish! Silver that you see today is mixed with another metal to form
an alloy and may consist of up to 92.5% silver with the rest being made up of
another metal to bring durability and hardness into the product, which causes
the silver to tarnish and needs to be maintained through regular cleaning and
polishing. Well that is exactly what has happened with the Word that is being
presented by the church as well as in rabbinic Judaism - it has been made into an alloy through the
addition of foreign substances such as man-made dogmas, doctrines and
traditions and is no longer pure – and as a result that which is being
erroneously presented as truth needs to be continuously maintained and kept
shining in its appearance of worship through programmes and systems and
structures that are in no way close to reflecting the service of the Tabernacle
and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> says he
is going to remove all alloys!!! His message has been made dirty and the false
‘grace’ message has made it ‘cheap’; and so we also see the mixed wine with
water is a picture too of watering down the Word and with both of these
analogies together we see that what has happened is that His redemption message
has been tarnished and His Pěsaḥ/Passover has been watered down and so the
Church has presented a falsified system of worship that has taken up the form
of pagan rituals – and it is time for all to hear and listen and carefully
consider as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> clearly
proves through His refining Word that they are indeed worshipping in a foreign
manner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 26</span></b> – States that he will give back the
judges and counsellors – He is restoring the Authority of His Word and His
Kingdom to a people of His Kingdom and so shall His obedient Bride be ransomed
and return – through His right-ruling and righteousness and those who forsake <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and His commands shall be consumed!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">verse 29-30</span></b> it is clear that the guilty
will be ashamed of their pagan worship. The mentions of terebinth trees and
gardens that they had chosen is a picture of that which they chose to engage
themselves in through the following of pagan practices on the high places and
under the terebinth trees that were often symbolic of fertility rites and
worship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It was under a terebinth tree where <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> met with Aḇraham and it was also under the terebinth tree where
Ya’aqoḇ buried the idols, and that which their forefathers had shown them was
quickly forgotten as they strayed from the Covenant and dug up idol worship and
as a result their leaves where they thought they would find shade under would
fade and they would be exposed to the heat of the displeasure of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, yet those who mediate day and night
on His Torah will be like a tree planted
by the waters and their leaf will not fade when the heat comes!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The heart of this message is simple – Let us walk right and keep
His commands – as the stain of our sin is before Him and He is proven right in
His words – let us cleanse ourselves from all unrighteousness and allow His
Word to cleanse us and make us white as snow and then may we be attentive with
our ears to hear, guard and do all He commands us to as we walk in
righteousness, keeping our linen white – for fine linen is the righteousnesses
of the set-apart ones!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As we, His Bride, make ourselves ready with His garments of
righteousness through hearing attentively, and being fully focused on Him may
we be likened to the noble woman rather than the apostate whore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Come now –
and let us reason together</b> – declares <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> – are you hearing His voice – are you paying attention – are you
obedient to His Word – are you submitting and obeying? If so then keep on and
shine His light and you shall eat the good of the land, but if not then hear
this clear warning to get rid of the dross and alloy worship or you will be
eaten by the Word. He desires truth in the inward parts – let us seek them out
and with joy walk in His Truth. The foundation has been laid and we must be
set-apart – which ‘<b><i><span style="color: #002060;">sarah</span></i></b>’ are you? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Qorintiyim
Aleph/1 Corinthians 3:11-17 “<span style="color: red;">For no one is able to lay
any other foundation except that which is laid, which is </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And
if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood,
hay, straw, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> each one’s work shall be
revealed, for the day shall show it up, because it is revealed by fire. And the
fire shall prove the work of each one, what sort it is. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> If anyone’s work remains, which he has
built on, he shall receive a reward. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> If
anyone’s work is burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved,
but so as through fire. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Do
you not know that you are a Dwelling Place of Elohim and that the Spirit of
Elohim dwells in you? </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> If
anyone destroys the Dwelling Place of Elohim, Elohim shall destroy him. For the
Dwelling Place of Elohim is set-apart, which you are.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-1699170132238263972012-02-18T08:32:00.002+02:002012-02-18T08:32:36.210+02:00COURAGE UNDER FIRE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
COURAGE UNDER FIRE!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 35<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom to you all, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Galatiyim/Galatians
5:1 “<span style="color: red;">In the freedom with which Messiah has made us
free, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">stand firm</span>,
then, and do not again be held with a yoke of slavery.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a day and age where walking in the Torah of Freedom,
being free from enslavement to the yokes of men and their vain traditions, it
often becomes a tough battle to continually resist all that the world, through
is temptation to compromise, throws at us and our ability to stand firm
certainly comes under much fire and testing. In a message tonight called, “<b>Courage under fire!</b>” I would like us to
be encouraged to stand firm and resist temptations to compromise and be strong
and courageous under the intense heat of fiery trials that Kěpha tells us that
we find ourselves in – yet being courageous to stand firm and have our faith
proven through fire will result in praise and respect and esteem at the
revelation of <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
Messiah. How many of you have found yourself being tested in your belief of
late and felt as though the heat is being turned up a little too much at times?
We need to stand and stand and stand, aměn!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We can
learn a great deal from a group of people that proved to be a faithful people
in the midst of a corrupt generation, who as a result of their ability to stand
firm and hold true to their father’s instructions received a great blessing and
reward from </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and gives us a great shadow
picture for us who will be courageous under fire and stand firm in Our Father’s
instructions! Please turn with me to <b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
35</b> as we read of the steadfastness of the Rĕḵaḇites.
(Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">This is a very
interesting chapter that has many wonderful truths of which I hope to highlight
at least a couple here for us tonight, that we may be strengthened to be full
of courage and stand!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">As we read this, one
of the questions that may pop up in your mind is, “<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">Who
are the Rĕḵaḇites</span></i></b>?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Let us briefly take a
look at who these guys were and then see how </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> used
this occasion a sobering witness against a rebellious and corrupted Yehuḏah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
They were members of a family
descended from Ḥammath, who were also known as Qĕynites and were descendants
of Mosheh’s father-in-law:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Diḇre haYamim Aleph/1 Chronicles 2:55 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And the clans of the scribes who dwelt at Yab</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱ĕts:
the Tirathites, the Shimʽathites, the Suḵathites. These were the Qĕynites who
came from Ḥammath, the father of the house of Rĕḵaḇ.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Shophetim/Judges 4:11 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
H</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̣eḇer the Qĕynite, of the children of Ḥoḇaḇ the father-in-law of
Mosheh, had separated himself from the Qĕynites and pitched his tent near the
terebinth tree at Tsaʽanayim, which is beside Qeḏesh.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Some of the Qĕynites
joined themselves to Mosheh in the Wilderness and came with Yisra’ĕl into the
Promised Land and showed kindness to Yisra’ĕl when they came out of Mitsrayim. </span>Yonaḏaḇ, t<span lang="EN-US">he son of Rĕḵa</span>ḇ<span lang="EN-US">, had instructed his family well over 200 years before
this event we are reading about tonight to abstain from wine, and from building
houses, sowing seed, and planting vineyards, but were to live in tents so that
they may live long. According to what we have just read above – they were
scribes and as we dig a little deeper and look further back to who Yonaḏab,
their father, was we see a great account recorded in <b>Melaḵim Bet/2 Kings 10</b> when he joined with Yĕhu in destroying all
the Ba’al prophets:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Melaḵim Bet/2 Kings 10:15-16 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And he left there and met Yehonad</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱aḇ
son of Rĕḵaḇ, coming to meet him, and blessed him and said to him, “Is your
heart right, as my heart is toward your heart?” And Yehonaḏaḇ answered, “It
is.” <i>Yĕhu said</i>, “If it is, give me your hand.” And he gave him his hand,
and he took him up to him into the chariot. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">16</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> And he
said, “Come with me, and see my ardour for </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.” And they
made him ride in his chariot.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Yonaḏab went with Yĕhu and rallied all the prophets of Ba’al together
into the house of Ba’al and made sure that there were no servants of </span><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> with them and then they smote all the Ba’al prophets
with the sword and burned the pillars and broke the statue of Ba’al, and broke
down the house of Ba’al and made it a sewer to this day!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Yonaḏab
had a zeal for <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and found it
a great joy in serving <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> together
with Yĕhu in destroying pagan worship and ridding the land of idolatry and
false worship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We
see another reference in Scripture to another <span lang="EN-US">Rĕḵa</span>ḇ, son of
Rimmon, in <b>Shemuʼĕl Bet/2 Samuel 4</b> that gives an account of this <span lang="EN-US">Rĕḵa</span>ḇ killing the son of King Sha’ul, Ishbosheth, and bringing
his head to Dawiḏ after which Dawiḏ had him killed along with his brother Baʽanah, and there is absolutely no
indication that this is the same <span lang="EN-US">Rĕḵa</span>ḇ, son of Ḥammath. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
Rĕḵaḇites we see being spoken of here in <b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
35</b> were ardent worshippers of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, who
by all accounts lived an uncompromised lifestyle and were used in a great way
within the nation of Yisra’ĕl. Another account of the faithfulness of a Rĕḵaḇite
is seen in the rebuilding of the wall of Yerushalayim in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Neḥemyah/Nehemiah 3: 14 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And the Dung Gate was repaired by
Malkiyah son of Rĕk</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱aḇ, ruler of the district
of Bĕyth Hakkerem. He built it and set up its doors, its bolts and bars.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Dung gate/Refuse gate was south of the Temple and it
was where the parts of animals that were not eaten or used for sacrifices were
carried out as was also the gate that all the ash was taken out through and
disposed of in the kidron valley. Malkiyah, a Rĕḵaḇite, was a ruler of the
district of Bĕyth Hakkerem (house of the vineyard), a district in Yehuḏah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why I am sharing this brief background is to clearly show
that the Rĕḵaḇites were faithful, dedicated followers of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, who are mentioned briefly at
critical points in the history of Yisra’ĕl and we have great evidence that
witnesses to us that Yonaḏab, who had given the command to be sojourners and
abstain from wine, was a fervent and zealous servant of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> who stood against the corruption of Ba’al worship
amidst a people who were chosen to be set-apart yet forsook their obedience unto
Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And now here we come to a critical section in Yirmeyahu
that once again shows us the steadfastness of a faithful people who upheld
their vows to their father – the zealous Yonaḏab! These were a people who
despised Ba’al worship, and although they are traced from the Qĕynites and from
Mosheh’s father-in-law, we see a people who had attached themselves to Yisra’ĕl
and were faithful to keeping the Torah. This was a huge witness against Yehuḏah
who were so steeped in pagan worship and about to be sent into exile under
Babylonian captivity as the wrath of Elohim would send them into captivity for
their lawlessness and lack of obedience in keeping his Torah. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So with this in mind let us look at the events that
occurred here in <b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 35</b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yehuḏah is in a state of moral decay, they had turned and
profaned the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, they
were worshipping on the high places and burning incense to Ba’al and then
Yirmeyahu gets a clear instruction from <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>
to go to the house of the Rĕḵaḇites and speak to them and then bring them
into the House of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, take them
to one of the rooms and give them wine to drink. So Yirmeyahu does so and he
sets before them bowls filled with wine and tells this whole family to drink
and they say no! Yirmeyahu, a prophet of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>,
had gone to their house and spoken to them after which he invites them into the
House of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and possibly even had
a meal prepared, set tables etc. and shows great hospitality and when told to
drink the wine set before them they refused. At first this can seem shocking
and showing disrespect to Yirmeyahu and his hospitality, yet what unfolds shows
us the great commitment that this house had held fast to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was a test in a sense from <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, which was not primarily about the drinking of wine,
but rather a test of their obedience to their father’s word that was given well
over 200 years before, and this would be a sobering witness against Yehuḏah,
who had failed to adhere The Father’s commands. When you see the name of any of
these Rĕḵaḇites that we have recorded in Scripture, you find that their names
even reflected their zeal for and faith in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yonaḏaḇ/Yehonaḏaḇ = <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is willing; Yaʽazanyah = <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> hears; Ḥaḇatstsinyah = Light of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>;<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">
</span>and Malkiyah = <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is my
king!<o:p></o:p></div>
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A faithful serving people, who from what evidence we have
had not engaged themselves in corrupt pagan worship were now being tested
before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! This courageous people
were under fire to see if they would compromise and they stood firm to their
commitment to their father’s words – as powerful picture of pure obedience –
they had in no way broken the Torah by not drinking the wine but rather faced a
very tough and challenging test which they passed and were rewarded for.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They were nomadic people who lived in tents and the
command from their father to not drink wine is a picture of a permanent vow of
separation – people who would not get ‘settled into a lifestyle’ that would
give them the opportunity to put down their roots so to speak and have enough
time to build, sow, plant or drink of that which would hold them back as a
separated people, who had not only separated themselves from their roots with
the Qĕynites, but now by choice were separated unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. This is a wonderful picture for us and how we ought to
be living here as sojourners and strangers for our citizenship is not here:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Pilipiyim/Philippians 3:20 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For our citizenship is in the
heavens, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Master </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 11:13-16 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In belief all these died, not having
received the promises, but seeing them from a distance, welcomed and embraced
them, and confessed that they were aliens and strangers on the earth. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For those who speak this way make
it clear that they seek a fatherland. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And yet, if they had indeed kept remembering that <i>place</i> from which they
had come out, they would have had the chance to return. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> But now they long for a better <i>place</i>,
that is, a heavenly. Therefore Elohim is not ashamed to be called their Elohim,
for He has prepared a city for them.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This was a people who were not concerned with earthly
matters but had set their hearts on seeking that which is from Heaven:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Qolasim/Colossians 3:2 “<span style="color: red;">Mind the <i>matters</i> above, not those on the earth.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 6:19-22 “<span style="color: red;">Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">20 </span><span style="color: red;">but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">21</span><span style="color: red;">“For where your treasure is, there your heart shall be also. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">22</span><span style="color: red;">“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is
good, all your body shall be enlightened.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In direct contrast to Yehuḏah who had become drunk on the
adulteries of pagan worship, the Rĕḵaḇites had remained true to their
commitment, despite being under heavy influence of that which was all around
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Historical records give accounts that speak of many of
the daughters of the Rĕḵaḇites marrying Lěwites and there are also recorded
writings of when the Rĕḵaḇites would serve in the Temple – so they were a
picture for us a separated, priesthood who were also scribes. It may also be
that Yonaḏab did not want them to touch wine in view of their commitment as a
people who by all account were now a grafted in people who did not want to be
cut off; and in the responsibility of being scribes they could in no way
indulge in any wine lest they end up profaning that which was written through
drunken speech. I mean think about it for a moment – have you ever tried to
speak sense to a drunken person? They always know it all and twist words
maliciously – well that is what they as scribes would also guard themselves
against. Apart from that, as servants in the Temple they would have it clear in
their mind to always be sober minded, as they certainly would have remembrance
of what Naḏab and Aḇihu did when they were drunk and offered up profane fire
in the Tabernacle, where it was then decreed that no priest serving in Temple
duty may drink wine:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 10:8-11 “<span style="color: red;">And </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> spoke to Aharon, saying, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">9</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> “Do not drink wine or strong drink,
you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the Tent of Meeting, lest you die
– a law forever throughout your generations, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">10</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> so as to make a distinction between
the set-apart and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">11</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> and to
teach the children of Yisra’ĕl all the laws which </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> has spoken
to them by the hand of Mosheh.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Despite the many servants that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had sent to Yehuḏah to command them to turn form their
evil way and make good their deeds, they refused to hear and obey and here He
showed Yehuḏah as a witness against them the contrast of their wickedness –
that of the faithfulness of the Rĕḵaḇites to keep the commands of their
father – and as a result of this Yehuḏah would now face the wrath of Elohim for
their continued stubbornness and disobedience; while the blessing and favour He
showed to the Rĕḵaḇites was the promise that there would never cease to be a
man from the Rĕḵaḇites to stand before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As we
consider that which is still to come we see an even greater picture being
foreshadowed by these events which ought to make us eager to remain courageous
under the fire of temptations to compromise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ḥazon/Revelation 14:9-10 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And a third messenger followed them,
saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and
receives his mark upon his forehead or upon his hand, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> he also shall drink of the wine of
the wrath of Elohim, which is poured out undiluted into the cup of His wrath.
And he shall be tortured with fire and sulphur before the set-apart messengers
and before the Lamb.</span></b><b>” <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Anyone who worships the beast and his image (Sun-day
worship and the cross) will also drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohim!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The wine of the wrath of Elohim – this struck me greatly
as I connected this with the events of the wine that was offered to the
Rĕḵaḇites. Yehuḏah was about to face all the evil that was pronounced against
them for their inability to listen to the call of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to return to obedience; and the faithful Rĕḵaḇites
are brought to the House of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>,
and in a sense offered this cup of the wrath of Elohim, to which they would not
partake in because of their courageous commitment!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Another reference in Yirmeyahu to the cup of the wrath of
Elohim is found in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
25:15-18 “<span style="color: red;">For thus said </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Elohim of
Yisra’ĕl to me, “Take this wine cup of wrath from My hand, and make all the
nations, to whom I send you, drink it. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">16</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> “And they shall drink, and shake,
and go mad because of the sword that I am sending among them.” </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">17 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I then took
the cup from the hand of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and made all the nations drink, to whom </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> had sent me, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">18 </span></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">namely</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Yerushalayim and the cities of Yehuḏah, and its
sovereigns, its heads, to make them a ruin, an object of astonishment, a hissing,
and a curse, as it is this day.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 25:27-29 “</span><span style="color: red;">And you shall say to them, ‘Thus said </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
of hosts, the Elohim of Yisra’ĕl, “Drink, be drunk, and vomit! Fall and rise no
more, because of the sword which I am sending among you.” ’ </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">28</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> “And it
shall be, when they refuse to take the cup from your hand to drink, then you
shall say to them, ‘Thus said </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts,
“You shall drink! </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">29</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> “For look, I am beginning to bring evil upon the city
which is called by My Name, and should you be entirely unpunished? You are not
going unpunished, for I am calling for a sword on all the inhabitants of the
earth,” declares </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">’</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is clearly a huge warning and wake up call for us
today – on the one hand to those who are living a compromised lifestyle it is
the earnest call to turn back to the Truth or else drink of the wine of the
wrath of Elohim and on the other hand a sobering encouragement for the faithful
to remain steadfast – for the reward therein is that you will not have to drink
of that wine and will be able to continually stand before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, as a set apart priesthood unto Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Both Eliyahu and Elisha used the term ‘stand before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’, when they would declare “As <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts live, before whom I stand…”
<o:p></o:p></div>
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To stand before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>
is an expression of dedicated allegiance and service and speaks of our ministry
before Him as a priesthood serving diligently with that which He has given us;
and it means that we focus our first love, our highest attention, our greatest
energy, our deepest passion on Him. It means to express our love and devotion
to him first of all with all that is within us, guarding to do all that He has
commanded us to do and teach others to do the same through our uncompromised
and obedient lifestyle!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The word for courage in Hebrew also carries the meaning
of being able to take a stand and be secure and steadfast, being trustworthy
and strong, and so when we are told to be strong and courageous we are in
effect encouraged to hold fast to, be strengthened by and take a stand for the
Truth, even when proved through fire!<o:p></o:p></div>
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That is why Sha’ul uses the picture of armour when
telling us to stand – because we are in a battle – and as one’s who can stand
before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>; we must be diligently
obedient holding fast and clinging to His commands!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We are to be a steadfast people, even when others speak
against us as evil-doers simply because we obey and they do not, holding fast
to doing the good works of righteousness:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kěpha Aleph/1
Peter 2:11-12 “<span style="color: red;">Beloved ones, I appeal to you as
sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts which battle against the
life, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt;">12</span><span style="color: red;"> having your behaviour among
the gentiles good so that when they speak against you as evil-doers, let them,
by observing your good works, esteem Elohim in a day of visitation.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Abstain from the fleshly… this Yehuḏah could not do and
as a result would drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohim, while the
Rĕḵaḇites is a picture of a set-apart, priesthood standing constantly and
consistently before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How about you? Are you able to stand before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>? Or is there some compromise in your
life? Is your ability to stand firm in the truth under fire so to speak and you
have seemingly settled in the dregs of compromised worship?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How many of you have been under some fiery trial and it has taken
you by surprise?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Kěpha
Aleph/1 Peter 4:12-13 “<span style="color: red;">Beloved ones, do not be
surprised at the fiery trial that is coming upon you, to try you, as though
some unusual matter has befallen you, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
but as you share Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice, in order that you might rejoice
exultingly at the revelation of His esteem.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Do not be surprised – stand firm in obedience and rejoice:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ya’aqoḇ/James
1:12 “<span style="color: red;">Blessed is the man who does endure trial, for
when he has been proved, he shall receive the crown of life which the Master
has promised to those who love Him.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Rĕḵaḇites stood firm and endured a seemingly ‘hot’ trial and
for that they were blessed in now being established as a separated people who
would forever stand before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a time when commitment to the Truth is being tested may we be
found to be faithful and trustworthy to have courage under fire and be found to
stand before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and not
drink of the cup of His wrath that will consume His opponents;<o:p></o:p></div>
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This next passage from Tehillim sums it up and sums up the example
of the faithful Rĕḵaḇites standing firm and did not make a vow deceivingly
but held fast to their commitment amidst a crooked generation:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm
24:3-5 “<span style="color: red;">Who does go up into the mountain of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>? And who does stand in His set-apart
place? </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> He who has innocent hands and a
clean heart, who did not bring his life to naught, and did not swear
deceivingly. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> He receives a blessing from </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and righteousness from the Elohim of his
deliverance.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Is your courage to
stand come under fire of late? May we be encouraged by the witness of a people
who were once not a people and were once excluded from the citizenship of
Yisra’ĕl and were strangers and foreigners from the Covenants of Promise, who
were brought near by the Word of Elohim and chosen to be able to stand forever
as a people before </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Courage may be under fire – let us take our stand as a chosen
race, a royal priesthood, a set-apart nation, a people for a possession, that we
should proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His
marvellous light – standing steadfast under fire, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-27916700995685657902012-02-11T08:16:00.001+02:002012-02-11T08:16:21.859+02:00TURN OR BURN – THE WAR AGAINST PRIDE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
TURN OR BURN – THE WAR AGAINST
PRIDE!<o:p></o:p></h2>
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Shalom family, blessed be <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> our
Elohim as we diligently hear-guard and do all that He commands, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As one walks continually in the
Word and diligently follows the instructions of our Messiah, we are to guard
ourselves against any form of pride that may set in, which can happen as a
result of many things, but primarily can tend to have a way of setting in when
we do not deal with stumbling blocks along the way. Tonight I would like us to
look at some very serious words and instruction on humility and guarding
against pride that our Master <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> spoke to
His talmidim (disciples). In a message tonight called, “<b>Turn or Burn – The War Against Pride!</b>” please turn with me to <b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 18:1-10</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
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This passage struck me this week
as Reinier and I were having an early morning time of prayer and reading of the
Word and I was continually drawn back to this passage and being struck how
significant these words of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> are in
terms of our life of obedient worship. I would like to briefly share with you
some valuable insights into these somewhat piercing words of our Master and
realise our need for total humility in being a true part of His Body!<o:p></o:p></div>
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First up, in setting the scene we must understand that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> had been teaching His talmidim a
great deal on the reign of the heavens and here He literally rebuked them for
their pride and desire for worldly greatness and in this chapter He taught them
3 essentials for unity and harmony among the people of Elohim – and that is
Humility, Honesty and Forgiveness and tonight we will be looking at humility. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In <b>verse 1</b> we see that
the taught ones came to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> – this is
important for us to once again see and recognise that the words which He spoke
to them were to ‘believers and not unbelievers’! I fear that many times we may
forget that the very words of Scripture are for the Body of Messiah, not for
those outside – it is for us and is a mirror for us to make sure we remain
dressed in righteousness. There had certainly been some debate among the
disciples on who would be the greatest in this reign that their Master and
Teacher was teaching them about. They had just been told by Messiah that He was
about to be delivered up and killed and then raised on the third day, which
grieved them greatly, yet after a lesson on tax and submission to authority,
there seemed to be a dispute arising among the disciples as to who would be the
greatest, and they would have all had their own reasons as to why they would
have a better position than the others – Kěpha had, after all, had walked on
water, had seen Messiah transfigured and had his taxes paid by a miracle. And
while <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> was
teaching them the truths of His reign and His pending suffering, they were more
interested about what positions they would have in His reign, and were so
caught up in the selfishness of this that it caused some disputes – possibly
even heated ones!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Self-centeredness and disunity causes great harm to the health and
growth of the body and the underlying cause or root of this attitude is PRIDE -
where one thinks that he is more important than what he is. When believers are
living only for self and not for others then there is bound to be the danger of
some conflict and division creeping in, and this we are to be on guard against.
We have been speaking a great deal of late about the need for community to be
built stronger and this will take submission and humility by all. The disciples
were eagerly waiting for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>'s answer
and He stuns them with a great reality check – one that we ought to be able to
have too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> calls for
a little child and lets him sit with them and we must understand that this was
a little child – not a baby or a teenager but a small child and He tells His
taught ones that unless they <b>TURN</b>
and become <b>AS</b> little children they
would by <b>NO MEANS</b> enter the
reign!!!! Some very hard words it must have been to them that day and words
that are still as powerful to us today. Now what we are to also understand is
that there is a difference between ‘like this child’ or rather ‘<b><i>child-like</i></b>’
and ‘<b><i>childish</i></b>’!
There are many adults who are <b><i>childish</i></b> and desperately need to
become <b><i>child-like</i></b>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The emphasis here is that to become child-like one needs to <b>TURN</b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Greek word used here for ‘<b>turn</b>’
is <b>G4762</b> <b><span lang="EL" style="font-family: Gentium; mso-ansi-language: EL;">στρέφω</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> ‘</span><b>strephō’ </b>– meaning, ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to turn, change, turn back, be converted or changed into
another kind of person</span></i></b>’ and ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to change one’s mind or conduct</span></i></b>’.
Understanding the words of our Master here helps us see the deep need for so
many to ‘<b>turn</b>’ and change their mind and conduct and become as a child or
else they may just find themselves being burnt! <b>Turn or burn – it is a huge
war against pride!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How many people have you heard say the
following, “I am not going to change!” or “You will not change my mind!” or “I
believe what I believe and nothing you say can change that!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Selfish words of pride – I wonder how
many of us have echoed those same words before, especially when approached on a
topic where you think you have all the answers?<o:p></o:p></div>
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So many today stubbornly refuse to
change the way they think and sadly it is going to keep them from entering the
reign, for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> says that
unless you do you will never; and the emphasis is placed here on the negative
in that unless you turn and change your mind and become childlike then there is
absolutely no ways that you will enter His reign!!! Now this was words to His
close disciples – a shocking but needed wake up call for them to drop pride and
humble themselves in service to the Master and one another!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Becoming child-like speaks of humility as <b>verse 4</b> confirms this by saying that just as this little child
humbles himself before the Master, so should His taught ones be in order for
them to enter His reign and become the greatest – this was a lesson on humility
101 – drop all your own ambitions and agendas and be willing to submit and
surrender your all – then you will be great in His reign!!! This was a wake-up
call for them who were debating on their assumed greatness and if they truly
wanted to continue to be His taught ones they had better listen up!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Luqas/Luke
14:33 “<span style="color: red;">So, then, every one of you who does not give up
all that he has, is unable to be My taught one.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As simple as this sounds and we may all say we know all this – but
in reality I have to ask you – have you really given up all?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ya’aqoḇ/James
4:10 “<span style="color: red;">Humble yourselves in the sight of the Master, and
He shall lift you up.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The need to walk in humility in critical to the life of the body,
in order that strife and contentions do not break out and where each member is
respected and highly regarded above self, and this is not easy for many
‘grown-ups’ today! This ‘turn’ is a picture and lesson for us in turning from
being full of pride and self to dying to self and immersed in humility.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the call to turn away from ‘self-rule’ (that is from an ‘I’ll
do it my way’ attitude) to turning to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s
rule (that is to an ‘I submit to His way’ attitude). The dangers of an attitude
of pride may lead one to become sceptical, bitter or resentful towards others –
how often have you found yourself being sceptical about what <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> has planned for you, or bitter or resentful over a
circumstance or person or group of people, especially fellow believers, simply
because you did not get your way? Well if we want to enter the Reign of Messiah
then we need to turn from being sceptical to being trusting and making <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> our absolute trust; and we need to turn from being bitter
to being caring and loving and turn from walking in resentment to being forgiving.
Is there still some turning that needs to happen in your life – that is to say
– is there still some renewing of the mind and a change of conduct that needs
to take place? If so, then turn!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we receive one who has
turned and humbled themselves, as a little child, in The name of Messiah, we
receive Him – this too is a test for those receiving newly turned ones!!!
Especially if you know the person and have seen the pride in their life! Are
there any people you know of that you would be reluctant to receive or
sceptical about receiving due to the history of their stubbornness? <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> encourages us to recognise them that
have turned and receive them, for if we do not – there is a very heavy woe!
Anyone who causes the humble to stumble will face the wrath of Elohim – in fact
death by drowning would be a better option than to face Elohim and His wrath.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A humble follower of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> helps to
build up His body (even if it means by reproof) and does not tear down. Being
straight is necessary, as long as it is with intent to build and give direction
according to the Word and not simply to break down and destroy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We need to wage war on pride – by turning and becoming child-like
and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and no longer be self-seeking
– a huge challenge for many today in a world that teaches you to look out for
self – that is not going to get you into the reign!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We all want to know what <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s
will is for our life, right? Well then it is simple:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The best way to know <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s will is to say “I WILL” to <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> – a very simple yet very important and profound TRUTH
for a child of Elohim, especially in light of the Torah portion from last week
when we went through Shemoth/Exodus 18-20 where Yisra’ĕl said ‘WE WILL DO”
before even hearing the instructions – that is being child-like!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 7 - Woe to the World and Woe to the man!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Stumbling blocks <b>– Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
27:18 “<span style="color: red;">Cursed is he who misleads the blind in the way.’
And all the people shall say, ‘Aměn!</span>’”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are in the world but not of this world and we must realise that
there are many stumbling blocks in the world as the result of sin/lawlessness,
and we must guard ourselves from these, as well as from being a stumbling block
for anyone else. Our actions and our lifestyle has a far greater effect than we
may care to realise as there are others that will follow your lead, whether you
realise it or not – we all influence others and are influenced by others and we
are to be careful as to what influences us that we may be sure that our lives
can be a good influence to others! We must be willing to remove whatever
offends – by that I mean simply this: whatever influences in our lives that are
offensive in any way we must remove. And to keep from offending and influencing
others negatively radical changes are often necessary! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you are not walking in total humility and submission and
surrender to the Word of Elohim and have some stumbling blocks that are keeping
you from doing so, be it a bad habit or an attitude of stubbornness to change
or even being subject to outside influences that are affecting your ability to
remain humble in obedient submission to the Torah of Elohim, then you need to
remove it!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This verse is also a warning against falsehood and false teachers
who twist the Truth and cause many to stumble, and a huge warning to all of us
to be very careful not to cause any to stumble. We must also be vigilant to
ensure that all stumbling blocks are removed from our own lives or else we may
cause others to stumble by them too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And with that in mind we come to the verses that struck me this
week in terms of our worship and service unto Elohim; and here <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> makes it clear that if there are any
stumbling blocks in your worship and obedience to His word then cut it off –
let us take a look at these three body parts He uses and recognise their
significance in our walk today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>HAND –
FOOT – EYE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
All three of these carry great insight for us and when you see the
repeated use of these words in various applications we begin to see the lesson
behind the language. If any one of these (hand, foot or eye) cause you to
stumble – that is to be tempted to sin or entraps you and cause you to sin –
which is to be lawless – then cut it off! We must realise that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> is not advocating that people
literally go around and cut off their hands and feet and pluck out their eyes –
He is teaching the severity of not walking in humility and unity and the need
to deal ruthlessly with anything in your walk that is causing you to stumble
and sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 - HAND –
service/ work/ profession<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Hand speaks of what one works with – as we know that is was
with a Mighty Hand that He delivered us from Mitsrayim, and our hands are to be
doing the works of righteousness and not works of lawlessness – our walk of
active faith should be evident of righteous acts of set-apart children of the
Most High.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
7:21-23 “<span style="color: red;">Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’
shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My
Father in the heavens. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in
Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your
Name?’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And
then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">work lawlessness</span>!’</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We must be careful to ensure that our daily lives reflect one of
working righteousness and as Messiah tells us too that if one puts his hand to
the plough and looks back, he is not fit for the kingdom. We cannot look back
as Yisra’ĕl did in the Wilderness for that generation did not enter into the
Promised Land; but rather we must stick to the task of being faithful with what
the Father has put in our hands – and that is His word, which we take up the Sword
of the Spirit and work diligently unto Elohim, being like children in humble
service – for then we will enter His reign!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan
Aleph/1 John 2:29 “<span style="color: red;">If you know that He is righteous,
you know that everyone <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">doing
righteousness</span> has been born of Him.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan
Aleph/1 John 3:4 “<span style="color: red;">Everyone doing sin also <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">does lawlessness</span>, and sin
is lawlessness.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2 – FOOT –
walk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The foot is a metaphor for one’s walk, and as we see how our feet
are to be fitted with the preparation of the Good News of peace. Pride has a
nasty way of making one’s footing insecure and bringing us down:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
29:23 “<span style="color: red;">The pride of man brings him low, But the humble
in spirit obtains esteem.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Feet is also a symbolic picture used in describing disciples who
would listen to their teachers as they would come and sit at their Teacher’s
feet. There are many today who claim to walk in Messiah yet they will not come
and sit under the teaching of His Torah and find themselves walking where they
should not be and are influenced by other teachings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In Hebrew foot or feet is also used as a reference in one’s walk
of obedience in referring to the 3 pilgrimage feasts of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> that each
man was required to go up to Yerushalayim every year for – Pěsaḥ, Shavuot and
Sukkot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Shemoth/Exodus 23:14 “<span style="color: red;">Three <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">times</span>
in the year you are to observe a festival to Me.</span>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The Hebrew word used for ‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">times</span></i>’ is <b>Strong’s
H7272</b> <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רֶגֶל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b><i>regel</i></b><b>’</b> – means ‘<i><span style="color: #c00000;">a foot/feet or
to walk</span></i><span style="color: #c00000;">’</span>. So as I said – one’s
obedience and submission to the Truth is seen in one’s walk – the question is
simply whether our walk is straight, healthy and in loving obedience or is it
diseased and crooked through stubbornness and pride?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3 – EYE –
passion/vision/sight<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What you will look at – that you will set your sights on and
pursue! Where are your eyes focused on? Is it the dreams and desires of
self-indulgence or on the Prince and Perfecter of your faith? Are your eyes on
the world and what you can achieve in this world or on the Living Word and
seeking to please Him? What you set your eyes upon reveal that which you love:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan
Aleph/1 John 2:15-16 “<span style="color: red;">Do not love the world nor that
which is in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not
in him. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Because all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 5:29-30</b> in speaking on lust <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> uses the term ‘if your <b>RIGHT EYE</b> causes you to stumble’. Right
eye or a ‘good eye’ is a Hebraic idiom for the one among you who is most
generous and many today are often reluctant in disciplining the biggest tithers
when they are in sin – and they will pay an even bigger price if they neglect
to do so. So as you get a good eye, there is also what is known as an evil eye
which can reference to being stingy and lawless:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
6:22-23 “<span style="color: red;">The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore
your eye is good, all your body shall be enlightened. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “But if your eye is evil, all your
body shall be darkened. If, then, the light that is within you is darkness, how
great is that darkness!</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Therefore what we ‘see’ here is that a good eye is one that is
‘clear and unclouded, healthy and good’, while an evil eye speaks of
selfishness and pride:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
22:9 “<span style="color: red;">He who has a good eye is blessed, For he gives of
his bread to the poor.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Our eyes are to be upon His Truth:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:18 “<span style="color: red;">Open my eyes, that I might see Wonders from
Your Torah.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>According
to Scripture when does the Torah get read as a community? </b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Shabbat!!!</span></b><b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Having said that, this is exactly what struck me when reading
these verses – <b>His Shabbat</b> – <b>His Feasts</b> and obedience to keeping <b>His instructions</b> as a community in unity.
I think we all get the essence of what these verses are saying to us, but on a
more significant point I see it speaking a whole lot more to us who desire to
walk in obedience together as a body of believers!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If we understand that our sign/mark of worship is reflected in our
obedience to Messiah and more specifically we are told in <b>Shemoth/Exodus 13</b> twice that Pěsaḥ and Matzot (Passover and
Unleavened Bread) shall be a sign on our <b>hand</b>
and will be a reminder between our <b>eyes</b>
– that the Torah is to be in our mouth – because with a strong Hand <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> brought us out of Mitsrayim. We also see twice in Yeḥezqěl/Ezekiel
20 that the Sabbath is our sign between us and <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>
forever. Sabbath and His Feasts – signs on our <b>hands</b> and <b>eyes</b> – and our
<b>feet,</b> if you will, as we see the
word feet being used to instruct us to <b>keep</b>
His Feasts – representing a pure walk of obedience and submission to sitting at
His feet hearing His instructions! Where am I going with this? We all know that
there is a battle for worship – the enemy is doing his best to corrupt people
into worshipping him as he sets himself up as Elohim in the place of Elohim –
that is in the hearts of the people of those who fall to his lies and receive
the mark of the beast, which is sun-day worship and the keeping of pagan rooted
feasts of traditions of man; and the mark of this is also spoken of as being on
the right hand and forehead (eye) in Ḥazon/Revelation; while those who overcome
and do not receive the mark of the beast will reign with Messiah for 1000years!
Those who humble themselves, endure and remain steadfast in worship unto Elohim
will enter the reign of Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
With this in mind as we look at <b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 18:8-9</b> we can then
get a clearer instruction from our Master:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>If your hand causes you to stumble</b> – cut it off – Is your work causing you to stumble –
that is to not keep His Sabbath? If your work causes you to break the Sabbath –
cut it off. So many today are too afraid to stand up and stop working on
Sabbath in fear of losing their job – they will lose a whole lot more if they
do not cut off the stumbling block of work and trust <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to provide a better solution!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>If your
foot causes you to stumble</b> – cut it off – Is your ability to not gather
as commanded a stumbling block that you reason away with various excuses. His
Shabbat is His day – set-apart unto Him – it is not for us to do our own
pleasures or even speak our own words and we must cut off any stumbling blocks
that may be causing us to neglect doing what we are commanded to. Now, as for
this family/community, we gather for erev Shabbat as well as on the day – if
you are part of this assembly let there be no stumbling block to doing what we
do in gathering as we do. Excuses can become stumbling blocks – cut them off
and humbly become like a child and submit! Do you find yourself keeping other
feasts that are not Scriptural – cut them off – realise that your actions
influence others, so do not compromise, and do not teach others to compromise.
There are some that are erroneously teaching their kids that staying in on erev
Shabbat is sufficient – it is not true – the whole of Shabbat is <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s, not just a part of it that suites you!!! Don’t let
your foot cause you to stumble by going your own way!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>If your eye causes you to stumble</b> – pluck it out – What are your eyes focused on? Are you
looking out only for self and neglecting the body to the point where you cannot
even see the needs that are in the body? As we read that the eyes are the lamp
for the body and Tehillim/Psalm 119 tells us that The Torah is a lamp for our
feet and a light to our path – then it is plain to see the simple math here –
our eyes are to be upon the Torah – we do not need conspiracies and hoards of
other teachings that may in fact be taking away the light of the Torah and His
Living Word - we need His Light – our
eyes fixed upon it, that our body becomes a shining light of His Truth giving
us clear direction for each step we take.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Are there things you are setting
your eyes upon that may be causing you to stumble in keeping His Shabbat and
His Feasts – be it family members who are calling for your attention, or work
and burdens that have you so weighed down that you are so focused on anything
but His Shabbat and His word, thinking your own thoughts and are unable to
focus on Him and His Word and His Body and so cause you to stumble in keeping
Shabbat set-apart – pluck it out. The eye also speaks of our intellect and
mind/thoughts – if you are coming to a Shabbat gathering and have a major
stumbling block in your thoughts that consumed with heavy burdens of work,
relational stress or any other issues and your ability to fix your eyes on His
Word are distracted – then pluck it out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Bring no burden into the gates on
Shabbat!!! This is a day to rest in <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>,
delight in Him and give our all as a total ascending offering!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Pride is the focus on self – even
self-pity is a form of pride as it only looks in at self. The words of our
Master are clear – unless we turn and become as children – that is to turn from
pride to humility and destroy all the stumbling blocks to our obedience, and
more specifically to our mark of worship in keeping His Shabbat and Feasts as
they are to be kept, then we may find ourselves unable to enter the reign of
Messiah and face being burnt!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Turn or burn – the war against
pride – the solution is simple – humble yourself and simply obey and trust in
Our Father who is in the secret place. What, if any, stumbling blocks are there
in your life – stumbling blocks that are causing you to be lawless and neglect
the purity of True worship? It is time to get very radical and cut off or pluck
out – you will either be in or out of His reign when He comes – may we be
continually humbled, destroying all form of pride and self and find that we
enter in and be great in His reign, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shabbat Shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-1949255500743762632012-02-04T08:21:00.000+02:002012-02-04T08:21:31.963+02:00THE FEAR OF YAHWEH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
THOSE FEARING ELOHIM, LISTEN!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>A brief overview of what ‘Fearing Elohim’
means.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom family, it is good for us to be together as we
assemble in the Name of our Redeemer and King, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah,
aměn; and with great awe we enter with thanksgiving, joy and delight into the
Mighty presence of our Elohim. We often see in Scripture the phrase, “<b>He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit says!</b>” Well now I know we all literally have ears – yet the question
is whether we are listening to what the Spirit says – in other words are we
listening to the very Word of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>? In <b>Ma’asei/Acts 13</b> we see Sha’ul give
great words of encouragement to the congregation in Antioch in Pisidia that
were gathered ‘on the Sabbath’, after the reading of the Torah. This is the
first recorded discourse of Sha’ul and most completely preserved and it shows
how he preached to an audience who were grounded/rooted in the Tanak (O.T.) and
this is how he began:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ma’asei/Acts 13:16 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And Sha’ul, standing up and motioning with his hand said, “Men,
Yisra’ĕlites, and those fearing Elohim, listen:</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This really struck me, for many
of us have been raising the concern of late that ‘fear’ for <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is somewhat lacking in our day and so in a message
tonight called, “<b>Those fearing Elohim,
listen</b>”, I would like to give a brief overview of what fearing Elohim means
and then be able to determine whether we are listening or not! As I said this
is an overview so I do not have a key or central passage we will be looking at
tonight, however we will be looking at various critical passages that will hopefully
help us begin to further understand what fearing Elohim means and cause us to
be a hearing, fearing people of Elohim! I often think that the “fear” that <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> repeatedly commands us to have is misunderstood to a
large degree by so many. What I want to show you tonight is what Scripture
instructs for us in the fear of the Almighty as well as looking at various
words that pertain this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ok, so to start off…. What is
fear? In English in can mean the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As a verb it can mean – “<b><i><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">to feel fear in (oneself)</span></i></b>” or “<b><i><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">to have a
reverential awe of Elohim</span></i></b>” or “<b><i><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">be afraid of or expect with alarm the worst</span></i></b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As a noun it can also be
described as “<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by
anticipation or awareness of danger</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US">”</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So fear can both be described as
showing honour or respect as well as being afraid, and so fear can often be an
abstract concept – that is it can often be one that is difficult to understand
and at best we often find ourselves at a loss for words to distinguish between
that which is reverence and that which is being scared!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ma’asei/Acts 2:41-47 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then those, indeed, who gladly received his word, were immersed. And
on that day about three thousand beings were added to them. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">42</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And they were continuing
steadfastly in the teaching of the emissaries, and in the fellowship, and in
the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">43</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">And fear came upon every
being</span>, and many wonders and signs were being done through the
emissaries. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">44</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And all those who believed were together, and had all in common, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">45</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
and sold their possessions and property, and divided them among all, as anyone
might have need. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">46</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And day by day, continuing with one mind in the Set-apart Place, and breaking
bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of
heart, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">47</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
praising Elohim and having favour with all the people. And the Master added to
the assembly those who were being saved, day by day.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a great passage that
reflects that early community being established at Shavuot, where we see true
elements of a committed community being described and how 3000 were added to
their number – those who gladly received the word and were immersed – a
reversal if you will of the 3000 who died at Mount Sinai for refusing to hear
and receive the instructions! Without digging too much into these few verses on
community and Shavuot etc., for the context of this message I want to highlight
that which is being described as a fear that came upon every being. As we look
at the construction of this account we see the following – hear, guard and do –
they heard and received gladly and responded to the Truth and as a result of
continually guarding and doing they were steadfast in submitting under
teaching, committed to fellowship, eating and praying together – and this is
when the fear came upon them, after which we see that it says many wonders and
sign were being done by the emissaries. They all had everything in common –
shared all – kept their worship real and grew! This is certainly the kind of
stuff we all desire to see happening in our midst in these last days. Many find
themselves asking when we will see the wonders and the signs and from this
passage it is actually very clear: hear – guard –do and then let fear be upon
you – and watch this space…!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being committed to the Word,
Fellowship and Prayer will enable us to be in a place where we can allow the
right kind of fear to be upon us, and when we recognise that there is a seeming
lack of fear – it primarily is the result of a lack of community being built up
together as many are trying to do their own thing, their own way and so as we
begin to understand and embrace the desire of a true fear for Elohim to be upon us may we commit to doing what is
necessary as a body of believers in Messiah together!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having said all that, the
question still remains, “What is this fear?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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To answer this, let us look at
the Hebrew words translated as ‘<b>fear</b>’
and discover the more concrete definition behind them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first root word I would like
to look at is <b>H6342 – </b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">פָּחַד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>pachad’</b> – meaning <b>“<span style="color: #c00000;">to dread, to shake or be in
dread or terror</span>”</b> and can mean to <b>“</b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">have an attitude or emotion of severe distress over
impending danger or trouble, with a focus that it can be so intense that it
will cause physical trembling and shaking</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><span lang="EN-US">. It can also mean <b>“<span style="color: #c00000;">to be in a state of
profound awe and respect, so intense the body may react with trembling and
shaking</span>”</b></span>. A derivative of this root is found in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Iyoḇ/Job 4:14 “</b><b><span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">fear</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> came upon me, and trembling,
causing my bones <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">to shake</span>
greatly.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Hebrew word used here for
‘fear’ is the noun <b>H6343 - </b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">פַּחַד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>pachad’ </b>which means ‘shaking’ while the
word used ‘to shake’ is the verb <b>H6342 – </b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">פָּחַד</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>pachad’</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a noun this word is used 49 times and
as a verb 25 times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The second Hebrew root word for fear is <b>H3372</b><b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(a)
</span></b><b>-</b> <b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָרֵא</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">‘</span><b>yare’</b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span>– which as a verb means fear as we would understand or consider what fear
is. It is used in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Berěshith/Genesis 3:10 “<span style="color: red;">And he said, “I
heard Your voice in the garden, and I was <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">afraid</span> because I was naked, so I hid myself.</span>”</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Here Aḏam was afraid because he had sinned, however we see this
same root word <b>H3372 -</b> <b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָרֵא</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">‘</span><b>yare’</b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span>being used in a positive sense in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
6:13 “<span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-highlight: yellow;">Fear</span><span style="color: red;"> </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
your Elohim and serve Him, and swear by His Name.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Now having seen these two examples it could be thought that the
same word has two different meanings – that of fear and reverence, however this
is not the case as each Hebrew word has one meaning but can carry different
applications.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>H3372 </b><b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(b)</span></b><b>
-</b>
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָרָא</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>yara’</b> – can also means “<b><span style="color: #c00000;">to shoot or cast off or pour</span></b>”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The literal concrete meaning of “yara” is a <b>“flowing out of the gut,”</b> which can be applied to <b>“fear”</b> or <b>“reverence.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Have you ever been so scared or been in the presence of
something so amazing that you could feel it in your gut? This “feeling” is the
meaning of this word. The Hebrews were a very emotional people, and in many
cases their words are filled with emotional expressions and are often
describing a “feeling,” rather than an “action.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is almost like saying, “You know that inner feeling
you get deep in the gut, especially when you know you should not do something
that you thought of doing or when you are in such awe of the presence of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> or someone in authority you respect highly that it can
be felt in the gut, almost as nervousness.” This is how ‘yara’ could in one
sense be described!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The one that fears <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> will refrain from doing that which is displeasing to
Him. Fear of Him does not cause us to shrink back as one would form a fierce
enemy or wild beast, but rather it causes us to draw near to Him and fills us
with a reverent awe doing our utmost to please Him in every way!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Scripture we frequently see
the term ‘the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’ as in:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 9:10 “</b><b><span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">The fear of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">is the beginning of wisdom, and
the knowledge of the Set-apart One is understanding.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:7 “</b><b><span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">The fear of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and discipline.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 2:1-6 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My son, if you accept my words, and treasure up my commands with
you,</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
2</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> So that you make your ear
attend to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 3</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For if you cry for discernment,
Lift up your voice for understanding, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
If you seek her as silver, And search for her as hidden treasures, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Then you would understand <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the fear of </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
And find the knowledge of Elohim. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For
</span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> gives
wisdom; Out of His mouth <i>come</i> knowledge and understanding.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We all want to understand the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> and so as we look deeper at the Hebrew we definitely get
a clearer picture of what the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is
and what fearing Him entails. In all of the verse from Mishlĕ that I have just
read, the root word for “fear” is the noun <b>H3374
-</b> <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יִרְאָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>yirah’</b> derived from the verb <b>H3372 </b><b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(a)
</span></b><b>-</b> <b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָרֵא</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">‘</span><b>yare’</b>. Now the common interpretation and understanding
of Mishlĕ 9:10 and 1:7 that we read is that if someone is ‘afraid’ or is in awe
of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> he
shall have wisdom, however as we shall see from this beautiful Hebrew language,
this cannot be a consistent interpretation – there is more to it than meets the
eye. Think about it – you cannot think you will suddenly get wisdom just
because you have an awe of His presence or if you are afraid of Him, so let us
look at this phrase in the Hebrew.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is written
with two nouns – “<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה"and "</span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יִרְאַת</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>” = “yirat Yahweh”. When a noun precedes another noun, the first
noun is in the construct state, meaning it is connected to the second noun—two
words together forming one concept. Are you with me so far? Please bear with me
for this is amazing in uncovering a greater meaning of the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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When a feminine noun ending with
the letter <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">ה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, such as yirah (<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יִרְאָ<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">ה</span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>), is used in the construct state, the <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">ה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is converted
to a <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ת</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, in this case it becomes ‘yirat’ (<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יִרְאַ<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">ת</span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>).<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Berěshith/Genesis we find many
construct phrases where the second word of the construct is <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> such as the face of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> or
the word of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, or the Mount of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, the voice of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> to
name a few whereby each time the first word (word, voice, face etc.) belong to
the second word (<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>). Why am I
telling you all this? Simply to raise the question that if ‘The Fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’ is the construct phrase of ‘fear’ as that of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>’s, then why should we think that this fear is ‘ours’ and
not His? Now we are all attentive listeners here and we know for a fact that
Elohim does not ‘fear’ as we come to understand the concept of fear, right?
However, if you recall, I mentioned that the root word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָרָא</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>yara’</b> means a <b>“flowing out of the gut,”</b>
therefore the question becomes, “What flows out of the gut of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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In order to answer this let us
look at another two constructs that will shed more light upon the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1 - Tehillim/Psalm 1:2 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But his delight is in <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the Torah of </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and he meditates in His Torah day and
night.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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The word Torah <b>H8451 </b><b><span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">–
</span></b><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span> תּוֹרָה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>- means</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><i>‘</i><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">utterance’,
‘teaching’, ‘instruction’ or ‘revelation’ from Elohim</span></i></b>’ and it is derived from the word <b>H3384-</b>
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יָרָא</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>yara’</b> meaning to shoot or
throw or flow in the sense of flowing – as in rivers of water and is closely
related to the word we have been looking at, carrying the same definition. The
construct becomes the 2 nouns <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה and</span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> תּוֹרָ<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">ת</span> </span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>- ‘torat Yahweh’ – His
instructions!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2 – Miḵah/Micah 3:8 “</b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But truly I am filled with
power, with the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Spirit of </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and with
right-ruling and with might, to declare to Yaʽaqoḇ his transgression and to
Yisra’ĕl his sin.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The word for spirit is <b>H7307
-</b> <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רוּחַ</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>ruach’</b> and means ‘breath,
wind or spirit’ and here this construct becomes the 2 nouns<span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';"> יהוה and </span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">רוּ<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">ת</span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span>– ‘ruat Yahweh’ – the breath/spirit of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה – </span>another type of ‘flowing’ as well as describing character
as with the fruit of the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope you are still with me –
because understanding this we can once again ask what flows out of the gut of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>?<o:p></o:p></div>
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His teachings and His
character!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When understanding this we can go
back to Mishlĕ 9:10 and get a clearer understanding and in essence could be
translated as “<b><span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">The flowing’s of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">is the beginning of wisdom, and
the knowledge of the Set-apart One is understanding.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The flowing’s as in that which
flows out form His gut – His teachings – His Character – is the beginning of
wisdom!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That hopefully clears the answer
for ‘what does the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>
mean?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The beginning of wisdom is to be
immersed/washed in the Living waters of His Word that flow from Him through His
spoken Word – His very breath, and when Messiah tells us that when we drink of
Him we will never thirst again – it is because we drink of His very being – the
Word that has flowed forth from His gut and gives us life!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now coming back to the fear we
are to have for Him – well that carries the same essence as we have described
earlier – we have a reverent awe and trembling for His Word and His presence
and we ask to that we may breath in the fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> –
having His breath in us – His instructions inside that too shall flow like
rivers of living waters from deep within our gut giving many thirsty people a
refreshing drink of the Besorah (Good News) of Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes 12:13 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let us hear the conclusion of the
entire matter: Fear Elohim and guard His commands, for this <i>applies</i> to
all mankind!</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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When we ‘fear’ <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>, we show it by our guarding diligently of His commands
and hate that which is evil and flee all whorings and wrongdoing and the fear
of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is linked as being identical with love and service for
Him:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 10:12-13 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And now, Yisra’ĕl, what is </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim asking of you, but to fear </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim, to walk in all His ways and
to love Him, and to serve </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
your Elohim with all your heart and with all your being, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> to guard the commands of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> and His laws which I command you today for
your good?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 6:13 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fear </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
your Elohim and serve Him, and swear by His Name.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The difference between having
fearing men or fearing Elohim is that we take heed what Elohim tells us and not
be threatened by what man tries to burden us with:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 8:12-13 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ concerning all that this people call a
conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “</span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> of hosts, Him you shall set apart. Let Him be your fear, and
let Him be your dread.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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People today are far too
concerned with what others have to say and what the next conspiracy theory is
etc. and base their life’s decisions on carefully heeding man’s warnings and
instructions – where this verse spells it out – don’t fret about what people
say – let <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> of Hosts be your fear and your
dread – listen carefully to Him!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fearing <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> is practical wisdom which in turn produces blessings in
life:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 6:2 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">so that you fear </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">your Elohim, to guard all His
laws and His commands which I command you, you and your son and your grandson,
all the days of your life, and that your days be prolonged.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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In order to do that we are to
drink of Him, coming to the Living Waters of life, nourished by that which
gives us life through the washing of the Word:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 14:27 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The fear of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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All who are thirsty come! It is
when we see and recognise that He is our help and we express great gratitude in
praise and thanksgiving for help and danger that we are naturally led to the
fear of <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Shemoth/Exodus 14:31 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And Yisra’ĕl saw the great work which </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> had done in Mitsrayim, and the people
feared </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>,
and believed </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
and His servant Mosheh.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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So when we ask if we see whether
people fear <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> or not, we can see it in their
actions – is their faith dead or alive and active!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Yirmeyahu we see some stern
words given to a rebellious people:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 5:20-25 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Declare this in the house of Ya</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">ʽaqoḇ
and proclaim it in Yehuḏah, saying, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">21</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> ‘Hear
this now, O foolish people without heart, who have eyes and see not, and who
have ears and hear not: </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">22</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> ‘<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Do you not fear</span> <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Me?’ declares </span></span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. ‘Do you not
tremble at My presence</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">, who have placed the sand as the boundary of the sea, by
an everlasting law, and it does not pass over it? Though its waves toss to and
fro, they are not able; though they roar, they do not pass over it. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">23</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> ‘But this people has a backsliding and rebellious heart,
they have turned aside and gone away. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">24</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> ‘And they do not say in their
heart, “Let us now fear </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> our Elohim,
who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He guards for us
the appointed weeks of the harvest.” </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">25</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> ‘Your crookednesses have turned
these away, and your sins have kept the good from you.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Disobedience is a sure sign of a
lack of fear and reverence. Fearing Him is an active daily duty that we are to
do gladly because of all He has done for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm 2:11 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Serve </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
with fear, and rejoice with trembling.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Serve and rejoice – this is how
we work out our deliverance before His face – with fear and trembling!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Pilipiyim/Philippians 2:12-13 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So that, my beloved, as you always
obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much rather in my absence – work out
your own deliverance with fear and trembling, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
for it is Elohim who is working in you both to desire and to work for <i>His</i>
good pleasure.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Tehillim/Psalm 119:120 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My flesh has trembled for fear of You, and I am in awe of Your
right-rulings.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Is His Fear in you? We spoke last
week about causing His face to shine upon us and give us favour and that
loving-commitment and truth are always before His face. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Hoshěa/Hosea 5:4 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Their deeds do not allow them to turn back to their Elohim, for the
spirit of whorings is among them, and they do not know </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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What spirit is upon you – one of
whorings that is disarming your ability to turn back to Elohim and fear Him in
loving obedience or is His Spirit – His breath and character upon you and in
you? Are His instructions in you – which He has given you for your good? When
you want to know if you are ‘fearing’ Elohim then ask yourself these questions!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are to work out – and it is an
enduring ‘work out’ – our deliverance/salvation with both fear and trembling.
Drink of the Living Water – eat of His instructions and let that which is in
you, by His spirit guide you as Messiah declares to us in <b>Yoḥanan/John 7:39 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
the Scripture said, out of His innermost shall flow rivers of living water.</span></b><b>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Just as from His innermost Living
water has been given to us – let that flow out from within you as you fear <span style="font-family: 'Ezra SIL';">יהוה</span> by simply obeying His commands!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are receiving an unshakeable
reign, and we ought to live according to that reign right now – fearing Him
through service and trembling at His very Word that keeps us on the straight
path of righteousness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 12:28-29 “</b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore, receiving an unshakeable reign, let us hold the favour,
through which we serve Elohim pleasingly with reverence and awe, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">29</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> for indeed, our Elohim is a
consuming fire.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I know that we have been through
a lot of Scriptures and information into root words and I encourage you to
meditate on these matters that w be a people who are fearing Elohim, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In closing I would like to read
you a poem I found:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">If I have no fear
of Elohim</span></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">א</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I think that I must be first in all
things,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ב</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I think that everyone should be
blessing me,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ג</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If I think that everyone
should be kind to me, but not me to them,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span></span>hen I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ד</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I mistreat fellow believers,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ה</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I verbally abuse others,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ו</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I look down upon others,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ז</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I think myself to be better than
others,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ח</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I act one way before men and act
shamefully towards my family,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ט</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I physically abuse my family,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">י</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I try to manipulate others into
doing things for me,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">כ</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If my heart is filled with pride for
any reason,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ל</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If my views are more important than
others,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">מ</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I am always right and you are always
wrong,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">נ</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I spread gossip about anyone,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ס</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If I talk badly about someone behind
their back,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ע</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I try to elevate myself by
bringing others down,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">פ</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If my thoughts are all about me,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">צ</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I wonder how others should be
serving me,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ק</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I wonder how come others are not
serving me,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ר</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I think that others owe
something to me,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ש</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I talk more than I listen,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen
I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="style2"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">ת</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>If I think that if those in the
world were more like me,<span class="apple-converted-space"> t</span>hen I have no fear of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>THOSE FEARING
ELOHIM – LISTEN…</b> (HEAR – GUARD –DO)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom….<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-20979865646400957982012-01-28T08:17:00.003+02:002012-01-28T08:17:24.641+02:00CAUSE YOUR FACE TO SHINE UPON US, OH יהוה!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
CAUSE YOUR FACE TO SHINE UPON US, OH
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm 80<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom family, all praise and esteem unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> our Elohim who has called us out of
darkness into His marvellous light!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
His Light is marvellous, aměn! In last week’s Torah readings we
looked at the darkness that came over Mitsrayim, primarily in 2 stages – one
was through the plague of locust that covered the land or rather the ‘eye’
being symbolic of <i>Ra</i> the sun deity of
Mitsrayim that had been covered and then a thick darkness came over the land
for 3 days – so thick that it could be felt, a darkness that symbolised the
complete removal of the presence of Elohim, while in Goshen the Yisra’ĕlites
had light, for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> was in their
midst – a wonderful picture of a people who had been called out of darkness
into His light – a people who would ‘draw near’ to Elohim at the sound of His
voice (Goshen meaning to draw near) in loving obedience. His light is His
presence and without such we would find ourselves in darkness. In drawing near
to Him, who is The Light, calls for a pure and devoted response that is
reflected in obedience to Him. In Ya’aqoḇ/James 4:8 we are told to draw near to
Elohim and He shall draw near to us and we are to cleanse our hands from sin,
which is lawlessness and purify our hearts from double-mindedness – that is
strip away the syncretism of mixed theologies and doctrines of man and the
Truth of His Word and be single minded and steadfast to hear, guard and do His
pure Word that will keep us in the Light of His presence! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We often declare His blessing over us as His children as He
instructed Mosheh on how Aharon would bless the children of Yisra’ĕl and by
doing so put His Name upon them that He Himself would bless them, and part of
this blessing is, “<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b> make your face shine upon you</b>…” which
is a huge blessing in itself when we begin to understand the Light of His
presence, which sadly for so many today is simply not a reality… yet! In a
message tonight called, “<b>Cause your face
to shine upon us, oh</b> <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><b>!</b>” I would like us to look at a
wonderful Tehillim/Psalm and cry for His face to shine upon us as His children
– please turn with me to <b>Tehillim/Psalm
80</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This Psalm is a cry and an appeal to The Great Shepherd of
Yisra’ĕl to save His people who had been given over to the discipline of being
dishonoured by their neighbours. A call to The Great Gardener to come and
restore the Vine that He had carefully planted in a good land, but through lack
of lasting fruit was given over to be harvested and even destroyed by every
passer-by who would pluck their fruit which was no longer cultivated and
guarded according to His instructions, and now the cry was for Him to once
again restore His people. This was a cry of repentance and an earnest plea to
turn back to the One who had called them out of darkness and slavery and a
desperate cry of help from sheep, which had been led astray, to their Good
Shepherd.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kěpha
Aleph/1 Peter 2:25 “<span style="color: red;">For you were like sheep going
astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your lives.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This Tehillim was written at a time when the Northern kingdom had
strayed and found themselves corrupted in their worship and having surrendered
under the laws and ways of the nations that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had driven out and also under the kings that they had set up for
themselves, and in an earnest prayer for restoration and blessing and
salvation, I firmly believe that we are once again in a time where this cry is
being lifted up by a faithful remnant to our Good Shepherd and Light for His
very face to come and shine upon us and with this cry comes great
responsibility!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The emphasis of this Psalm is repeated 3 times and each time
carries a progression in the call for His blessing and favour upon His children
and called out ones!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There are a number of pictures for us in this Tehillim/Psalm and
we can view it in a number of ways that give us great insight for us today how
we are to truly be living as children of light and be done with darkness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verses 1-3</b> – <b>The Appeal</b> – after recognising the
error of their ways the Psalmist makes an appeal, as I said, to the Shepherd of
Yisra’ĕl – an acknowledgment in itself of who the True Leader was, and when we
see the term ‘who dwells between the keruḇim’
we must realise that in the Hebraic mind-set this fully represented the sure
presence of Elohim who always dwells between the Keruḇim, which would help
them realise that He was in their midst and this is where they could come and
receive His instructions:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shemoth/Exodus 25:20-22 “<span style="color: red;">And the kerub</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">̱</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">im shall be spreading out
their wings above, covering the lid of atonement with their wings, with their
faces toward each other, the faces of the kerub</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">̱</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">im <i>turned</i> toward the
lid of atonement. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">21</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> “And
you shall put the lid of atonement on top of the ark, and put into the ark the
Witness which I give you.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> 22</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> “And I
shall meet with you there, and from above the lid of atonement, from between
the two kerub</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">̱</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">im which are on the ark of
the Witness, I shall speak to you all that which I command you concerning the
children of Yisra’ĕl.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verses 4-7
– The Discipline – </b>As a result of disobedience <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had handed Yisra’ĕl over to their
enemies in order to discipline them and cause them to return. This was a cry of
a people defeated that only the Elohim of Hosts could cause them to have
victory over their enemies. The one One they could truly run to for help.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verses
8-14</b> – <b>Removal of the Blessing</b>
– Obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings a curse! So many today want to
claim all the wonderful blessings that are yes and aměn in Messiah, while they
are ignorantly groping about in the dark as they are unwilling to walk in Him
who is Light, giving them the lamp for their path by His very Torah! In the
portions we have been going through on the plagues that came upon Mitsrayim, in
this week’s portion in Shemoth 15 it says this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shemoth/Exodus
15:26 “<span style="color: red;">And He said, “If you diligently obey the voice
of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
your Elohim and do what is right in His eyes, and shall listen to His commands
and shall guard all His laws, I shall bring on you none of the diseases I
brought on the Mitsrites, for I am </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> who heals you.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Now when one looks a
little deeper in Ḥazon/Revelation (especially chapter 16) it is very clear that
these diseases or plagues of Mitsrayim are still very much in play for those
who do not diligently obey the voice of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and who
do not guard His commands! It is when recognising that His blessing is removed
that it can do one of two things – either cause you to repent and turn back to
the Living El or become even more hardened and end up blaspheming Him as we see
that many shall do as written in Ḥazon/Revelation in their unwillingness to
repent!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verses
14-19 – promise of obedience</b> – the plea of this Psalm brings the Psalmist
to the realised commitment to His word required by those who live ‘in’ the
light of His presence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is when we are able to receive His discipline that He brings
for those He loves, that we can allow His word to instruct us in the way and
stay on the narrow path of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In three wonderful pictures of the need for walking in obedience we
see a pointing to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah,
who is the Way, the Truth and the Life!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In approaching the:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 – The Shepherd</b> of Yisra’ĕl
- <b>Yoḥanan/John 10:11 “<span style="color: red;">I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life
for the sheep.</span>”</b> The Psalmist recognises the Only One True Redeemer
and Saviour!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2 – The
Light</b> – He that dwells between the Keruḇim ‘<b>shine forth</b>’ – <b>Yoḥanan/John
8:12 “<span style="color: red;">Therefore </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> spoke to them again, saying, “I am the
light of the world. He who follows Me shall by no means walk in darkness, but
possess the light of life.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">” </span></b><span lang="EN-US"> The Psalmist affirms His recognition of the
need for the Light and presence of Elohim.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3 – The
Vine – Yoḥanan/John 15:1 “<span style="color: red;">I am the true vine, and My
Father is the gardener.</span>”</b> – We are to stay in Him and He will
stay in us for without Him we can bear no fruit!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now coming to the significant repetition and plea we see here in
this Tehillim/Psalm we can find great encouragement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Verses 3, 7 and 19 all repeat the same cry of repentance to
obedience and a calling forth of the face of Elohim to shine upon them!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In recognising the urgency of this cry for His face to shine upon
us, we need to understand the true essence and realisation of our strong plea
before the Light of The World, who has now called us to shine the Light of His
Truth, for as we stay in Him and in His good instructions we are the light of
the world. We see this call for His face to shine upon us several times in the
Tehillim/Psalms: Besides the 3 times here in this Tehillim we also find it in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
31:16 “<span style="color: red;">Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me
in Your kindness.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
67:1 “<span style="color: red;">Elohim does favour us and bless us, Cause His
face to shine upon us. Selah.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
119:135 “<span style="color: red;">Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And
teach me Your laws.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When His face shines upon us we can find His kindness, salvation,
favour, blessing and His good instructions!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What is very interesting in this Tehillim/Psalm 80 is the
progression we see:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In verse 3: The cry and appeal to cause us to turn back is unto
Elohim, then in verse 7: It is unto Elohim of Hosts; and finally in verse 19:
It is unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, Elohim
of Hosts!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
From Elohim – Elohim of Hosts – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, Elohim of Hosts!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There was recognition of who He is as Elohim, El Shaddai –
Almighty El, besides Him there is no other. A recognition of the One True
Elohim who is the Shepherd of Yisra’ĕl and then in a cry for deliverance from
the enemy, He is recognised as Elohim of Hosts – Commander of the Heavenly
forces – the One who fights for us and in whom there is assurance of victory
and by verse 19 He has now become a personal El as His name is acknowledged –
The Great I AM is with us – He is causes us to be – is not only the One True
Elohim – but He has made Himself known to us as personal Saviour, Redeemer and
King and it is when we come to this point that we recognise our True identity
and call as children of light and be committed to Him in every way – for He is
lovingly committed to us as a Covenant people in Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now this is where I make my appeal as the Scriptures instruct us –
let us too call for Him to make His face shine upon us each and every day, and
in so doing be lovingly-committed to walking in Him, free from all darkness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When Aḏam and Ḥawwah
had sinned what did they do? They hid themselves from the presence or face of
Elohim!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Berěshith/Genesis 3:8 “<span style="color: red;">And they heard the sound of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Elohim walking about in the garden in the
cool of the day, and Aḏam and his wife hid themselves from <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the presence</span> of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Elohim among the trees of the garden.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Hebrew root word for ‘<b><i>the presence</i></b>’ here in <b>Berěshith/Genesis</b> is the same root word
used in <b>Tehillim/Psalm 80</b> for the
words ‘<b><i>cause your face</i></b>’. Their sin caused them to hide themselves from
His presence – from the very light of His face upon them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When Ya’aqoḇ wrestled with Elohim and overcame he said:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Berěshith/Genesis
32:30 “<span style="color: red;">And Ya</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">ʽaqoḇ called the name of
the place Peni’ĕl, “For I have seen Elohim <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">face</span> to <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">face</span>, and my life is preserved.</span></b><b>”</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The word used here for ‘face’ is once again the same used in
Tehillim/Psalm 80 and in the account of the Garden of Eden.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> was
transfigured before Kěpha, Yaʽaqoḇ, and
Yoḥanan His face shone like the sun and His garments became as white as the
light (<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 17:2</b>)!
Can you imagine this moment – the very face of Elohim shining upon them!!! They
had followed Him, believed Him, was taught by Him, saw Him do many miracles and
now they say the ‘Light of His Face’!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In this urgent
call to true repentance what the Psalmist was showing us here was that in the
calling of Elohim to cause them to turn back was the recognition of who the
Redeemer was and the pleading for His face to shine upon them was their
response to His redemptive work in delivering them from bondage and sin, and
the end result of that which they sought – so that they might be saved. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We too, who have
acknowledged the redemptive work of Messiah, who died for our sin and was
raised to life that His resurrection power may cause us to be raised to new
life in Him, respond by walking in obedience to Him, working out our
deliverance with fear and trembling by OBEYING!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In this Tehillim
we see an echo of the song of Mosheh that was sung after the deliverance of
Yisra’ĕl from Mitsrayim, by the Mighty Right Hand of Elohim, of which we too
will hear the song of deliverance being sung by a people who overcome the beast
and his image, his mark and the number of his name! (<b>Ḥazon/Revelation 15:2-3</b>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What has struck
me this week in looking at this awesome Tehillim is the need for us to be seeking
the face of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, that He
may shine His Good presence upon us and cause us to walk firm in Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
89:14 “<span style="color: red;">Righteousness and right-ruling Are the foundation
of Your throne; Kindness and truth go before Your face.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Kindness and
Truth go before His face – for His face to shine upon us we must be willing to
walk wholeheartedly in His Truth, for listen what is says further:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm 89:15-16 “<span style="color: red;">Blessed are the people Who know the <i>festal</i>
trumpet-call! They walk, O </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, in the light of Your face. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">16</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> In Your Name they rejoice all day long, And
they are exalted in Your righteousness.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Are you walking
in the light of His face? This is the heart of this message as a question to
you tonight, or is there still darkness at work in you? Let us look at some
vital instructions from Scripture:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 1:6 “<span style="color: red;">If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in
darkness, we lie and are not doing the truth.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:9-11 “<span style="color: red;">The one who says he is in the light, and hates his brother,
is in the darkness until now. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">10</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> The
one who loves his brother stays in the light, and there is no stumbling-block
in him. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">11</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> But
the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and
does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tas’loniqim
Aleph/1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 “<span style="color: red;">But you, brothers, are not
in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For you are all sons of light and
sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 6</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> So, then, we should not sleep, as
others do, but we should watch and be sober. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at
night. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
But we who are of the day should be sober, putting on the breastplate of belief
and love, and as a helmet the expectation of deliverance.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Eph’siyim/Ephesians
5:8-11 “<span style="color: red;">For you were once darkness, but now <i>you are</i>
light in the Master. Walk as children of light </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> for the fruit of the Spirit is in
all goodness, and righteousness, and truth </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
proving what is well-pleasing to the Master. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And have no fellowship with the fruitless works of darkness, but rather reprove
them.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Pilipiyim/Philippians
2:14-15 “<span style="color: red;">Do all <i>matters</i> without grumblings and
disputings, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> in order that you be blameless and
faultless, children of Elohim without blemish in the midst of a crooked and
perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Our loving-commitment and obedience to His commands will cause us
to shine and we shall be blessed in having His face shine upon us giving us favour
and shalom, so when you hear the blessing spoken over your life and you too ask
Him to cause His face to shine upon you – let me ask you – are you shining? Or
is His word and His presence been somehow removed from your life and your
struggle to simply hear and obey – in other words you are not shining but
sinning – walking in lawlessness – if so, then
hear this call to repentance and to a walk of righteousness:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Eph’siyim/Ephesians
5:14 “<span style="color: red;">That is why He says, “Wake up, you who sleep, and
arise from the dead, and Messiah shall shine on you.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Wake up and He will shine upon you – may we never be found to be
wasting the time as the days are wicked, let us redeem the time in
righteousness and truth and too intercede for the rest of the Bride in crying
out to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> Elohim of
Hosts for His face to shine upon us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Perhaps you have found yourself in a dark place or have been
walking in darkness, draw near to Him now and let us all stand and I ask that
you lift up your hands as I proclaim His blessing upon you, to put His name
upon you – that He may bless you and by standing here before Him who dwells
between the Keruḇim you too are declaring that you are not asleep but are
awake to His call and will walk in total obedience forsaking all works of
darkness that we too can walk the path He has set out before us in
righteousness, for as it says in <b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
4:18 “<span style="color: red;">But the path of the righteous is like the light
of dawn, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>WILL YOU
SHINE?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> bless you
and guard you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> make His
face shine upon you, and show favour to you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> lift up
His face upon and give you shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-54413494202987074802012-01-21T08:35:00.003+02:002012-01-21T08:35:57.412+02:00A BASKET OF FRUIT – WHAT DO YOU SEE?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
A BASKET OF FRUIT – WHAT DO YOU SEE?<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Amos 8<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom family, it is good for us to gather together as we
gather in the Name of our Master and Saviour, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah,
and enter into His Shabbat with great joy and delight for His presence,
His Truth and His unfailing love over us, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Appearances can so often be deceiving as we many times
encounter moments in our lives where that which we thought looked right and
good and safe sadly turned out to be horribly wrong and even dangerous to our
life in Messiah! It is also true that so many people spend much of their lives
doing their best to put up an appearance of happiness and joy while inside they
are riddled with fear, doubts and stress that is silently killing them while
they put on a fake smile before others in order to avoid the confrontation of
deeper issues that are conveniently supressed under the pursuit of fleshly
lusts and worldly passions that consume their lives and leave no room for
seeking out that which really matters and therefore neglect the need to walk
according to the Spirit unable to see the need for change! When we each take a
heartfelt look at our own lives, I often wonder how intensely we look into the
mirror of the Word without forgetting what we see. And so, in a message tonight
called, “<b>A Basket of fruit – what do you
see?</b>” I would like us to look at <b>Amos
Chapter 8</b> where <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> showed
Amos a basket of summer fruit and asked him what he saw, and then what <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> revealed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
(Read)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A basket of summer fruit – a fitting message as we are hitting the
heat of summer at the moment, and so as the heat of tests and trials hit you as
much as the heat of the sun has been hitting us here in the Cape this past
week, how are you coping and more importantly what do you see? Are you
rejoicing and enduring under the heat of trials and bearing much fruit that
lasts and is good or are you pretending that the fruit is good and in the
process find that you are only covering up compromise and doing your utmost at
keeping an appearance of a fruit filled life by going through the motions while
inside there is some rotting going on because the fruit does not last?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In this chapter we have just read we see a clear message that is
very relevant for us still today and I would like to break it down into three
key areas that ought to clearly reveal much fruit of obedience. And while we
might think that we see the fruit – what does <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> see when He asks you? Are you prepared to see what He sees
through the mirror of His Word and not just look at the surface of appearance
but at the heart of obedience? And more importantly, if you find that there is
some bad fruit, are you willing to change? As we look at the Word given to Amos
may we take this opportunity to have a look into the basket of our lives that
He has given us each to carry so to speak and inspect the fruit that is inside
and do our utmost to ensure that we offer up to Him the fruit of righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A basket of summer fruit – we think of wonderful delicious and
juicy colourful fruit that is fresh and tastes sweet and is refreshing and
pleasing to the taste and the eyes, filled for all to enjoy and be nourished.
Well on the outside that is what Amos saw – a basket of summer fruit – yet what
had the appearance of fruit was quickly revealed by the words that followed –
for this basket was certainly not pleasing to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. At closer inspection what we actually get to have revealed to us
was simply fresh fruit gone bad – and nobody likes to eat rotten fruit! The
fruit of righteousness must be evident in our daily lives and must never become
stale and rotten due to disobedience or lack of use or neglect but must rather
be fresh every day!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This word was to Yisra’ĕl and as this word speaks to the scattered
tribes often referred to as Ephrayim which means ‘doubly fruitful’ and they were anything but that – their fruit
was stale and very displeasing to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. They had
the fruit of unrighteousness rather than righteousness and so as we consider
the fruit of obedience in the context of this chapter let us look at 3 areas
that were lacking that we would do well to heed and take great care to not be
found in lacking the true fruit of righteousness and obedience. In verse 2 <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> makes it clear that the <b>‘end has come’</b> – this is the same
language used in <b>Berěshith/Genesis 6:13</b>
when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> said to
Noaḥ that the end of all flesh had come just before the flood of judgement had
come and Noaḥ was told to build an ark. There is coming again the time for
fruit to be revealed as real or fake is coming when there will be no more
pardon but only judgement for those who do not heed these words.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let’s take a look at 3 Fruits of obedience:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 – FRUIT
OF WORSHIP (v 3)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In verse 3 <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> tells
Amos that songs of joy will no longer be heard in the Hěḵal that day – as there
will be a wailing! For far too long Yisra’ĕl had been singing songs in the Hěḵal
but were not living according to the words of worship they were singing! The
very same thing still happens today where so many gladly sing-along to the
tunes of worship and recite the words to a hymn or a song or psalm of praise
while the fruit of their lives reveal the total opposite of what they declare
with their lips in song to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> showing
clearly to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> that
their hearts are in fact far from Him! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We have been truly blessed with the gifts of song that Marcia has
been, and is continually fruitful with in bringing us wonderful songs of
praise, equipping us to worship our King as we sing unto Him new songs of His
very Word. Let me ask you this – how many of the songs that we sing here do you
simply recite – be it when we are together in corporate worship as a gathered
assembly or in your car or at home – yet your lives somehow do not always match
up to the words you are singing? Does the pure fruit of your worship resonate
into your lifestyle and is evidenced in your walk of righteousness or are they
words you have come to know and sing when you hear the tune while the effect of
the words themselves have little or no impact on your life? I ask this simply
because so many today do that – just think about how often you may go into a
shop and hear a tune to a worldly song that may have horrific lyrics and before
you know it you’re humming and singing along to a tune that does not line up
with your character or walk? The same applies to many attempts at worship. When
just reciting words of worship to a tune with no effect of pure righteous
living then the ‘fruit of worship’ that you often may see in your basket may
not be as fresh as you think, but rather be over ripened and of no use becoming
a stench before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> instead
of a pleasing fragrance. This kind of ‘cold-hearted’ attempt at worship will be
turned to mourning and wailing in that day! Singing psalms and spiritual songs
with the lips only while the heart is rotten and one’s life is full of
compromises will be severely dealt with in that day when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will rid His Bride of all false
external worship!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When you look at the basket of summer fruit - and you see your fruit
of worship as you are able to know many of the lyrics to the psalms and recite
many of the songs – what do you see? As you look intently into the mirror of
the Word – do you see what<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> sees or
do you see that which you want to see – is there true worship or is it simply a
manufactured attempt at an external covering of compromise that no one but <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> can see? May our lives be filled with
fruit-filled praise unto Elohim and reflected in a life of pure and
uncompromised obedience!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
15: 8-9 “<span style="color: red;">This people draw near to Me with their mouth,
and respect Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> ‘But in vain do they worship Me,
teaching as teachings the commands of men.</span></b><b>’”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
May our worship, be it in song or in the words of our mouth – that
is our daily speech – may it be pleasing to Him – no more crude jokes and
filthy talk – throw it away that we may be found to have only that which is
good come out of our mouths:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
19: 14 “<span style="color: red;">Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of
my heart be pleasing before You, O </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, my rock and my redeemer.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2 – FRUIT
OF STEWARDSHIP (v4-8)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The next lot of fruit that was exposed for being bad was that of
stewardship. How do you take care of ‘guarding and doing’ His Word – that is –
how do you take care of walking in righteousness? As you look at Yisra’ĕl at
the time they were being addressed here – they had certainly forgotten all that
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had done for them as they had been
brought up from nothing to having abundance; having been delivered from slavery
to dwelling in the Promised Land and established as a mighty nation – a chosen and
royal nation! They had forgotten who they were and unto whom they belong and as
you ask the question of what did they do with that which they were given the
answer is a sad one! They had neglected to do righteousness. They had swallowed
up the needy as their accumulation of wealth made them greedy and selfish and
so refused to help the poor and took advantage of them. Overcome with such a
great love for wealth, fleshly pleasure and self they did not even keep the
Sabbath as the Sabbath as they were more interested at getting ready for
business as soon as Sabbath was over. On the Sabbath they did not delight in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> – they thought about business and
couldn’t wait to trade and do shady deals in order to get wealth for self
through deceitful practices.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
58: 13-14 “<span style="color: red;">If you do turn back your foot from the
Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My set-apart <i>day</i>, and shall call
the Sabbath ‘a delight,’ the set-apart day of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘esteemed,’ and shall esteem it, not doing
your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words,</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 14</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> then you shall delight yourself in </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. And I shall cause you to ride on the
heights of the earth, and feed you with the inheritance of Ya’aqoḇ your father.
For the mouth of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
has spoken!</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">How do you ‘guard’ the
Sabbath? Do you delight yourself in </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, not
doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words
– if you do then the promise is amazing and sure – He will cause us you ride on
the heights of the earth and feed you the inheritance of Ya’aqoḇ! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here Yisra’ĕl were simply just going through the motions because
they knew they had to keep the Sabbath, while their hearts were not interested
in delighting in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. Many are
doing the same today – they may have come out of the false system of worship
and have an attempt at keeping the Sabbath as a rule while their hearts have
not embraced the pure joy of it – it is not only a rest from the daily work but
it is a delighting in Him with His word together as a set-apart assembly growing
in intimacy with an Elohim who loves us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Delighting in Him will cause you to not want the day to end,
soaking up every moment of His presence. Do you find yourself thinking about
business and other matters on Shabbat? Let us learn from these mistakes that
Yisra’ĕl were making and make every effort to delight in His Sabbath! Are you
able to even switch off your cell phone, especially while we are gathered or
does your mind think ‘what if someone needs to…’? Trust <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> that when you delight in Him that He
will take care of other things that you need not worry about!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The love of money and business gripped Yisra’ĕl that they eagerly
waited for Shabbat to be over and they were also robbing their own people for
unjust gain through deceit as they would falsify the value of goods being
traded, hiking prices even for the needy among them and in the process they
were robbing <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
They used false scales, overpriced goods and even took advantage
of the needy by scooping up their lands for next to nothing instead of helping
them and would sell the ‘chaff’ of the wheat – kind of like today when you pay
per kilo price for beef and half of it is bone or fat and you are buying that
which is of no value. So when people bought with the chaff they were not
getting pure grain and were getting what was defiled. This could also bring
reference to selling the droppings of the fruit which was to be left for the
needy and they would have no right to sell that which was <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It was all about the money no matter who was taken advantage of
and in the process they were in fact deceiving <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Today it is no different when it comes to wealth among the people
of Elohim. For many it becomes a task to see how they can minimise their
tithing to as little as possible – what do I mean by that? Well think about it
for a moment – if only true worshippers would all actually tithe on their
increase that<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> gives!
Many who have their own businesses can cleverly, for their own conscience sake,
devise well-crafted schemes of reducing the tithes of that which has been given
by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as they
have been taught through a worldly financial system and try to apply worldly
ways to pure fruit of stewardship unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. What
many will do is pay all their bills out of their business and then ‘give’
themselves a much reduced salary for tax benefits and tithe on their declared
salary to the tax receiver. Did not <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> give the
income of their business – each one must do their own math before Him as what
is very obvious is that His ways are higher than the world’s and trying to have
deceitful scales before Him using worldly schemes that do not line up with pure
fruit of obedience in order to satisfy your own needs will find you coming up
short!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> gives us
ripe resources and when you hoard them instead of using them while they are
still fresh for His esteem then that fruit will begin to rot and open doors for
decay!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yisra’ĕl had let the fruit of stewardship rot through greed and
selfishness and as a result <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> would
take away their prosperity. A life of obedience is evidenced in the good fruit
of sincere worship and diligent stewardship of that which He entrusts into your
care – keep your basket free of rotten fruit of compromise!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3 – FRUIT
OF THE WORD (v 9-14)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had
certainly given Yisra’ĕl physical blessing, but more than all the blessing they
received physically – He gave them His Word through Mosheh and the Prophets.
His Word was available to all His people and they were to bear the fruit of
that. It is no different today – His Word is available to all! Yet here He
tells Amos that He would turn their festivals into mourning – why? Because they
did not eat of His Word! We too today have the abundant fruit of His Word
available to us and if we do not eat of it – we will not bear any good fruit
that ought to last. We are to eat daily of His Word – we cannot rely on past
meals for today and expect to survive – although for many the only word they
are seemingly eating is that which they hear on Shabbat – if their ears are
open and they are not distracted by the world! If you do not eat of His Word it
is an offense to Him and you will not be able to live fruitfully! <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> said in Yoḥanan:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Yoḥanan/John
6: 53-58 “<span style="color: red;">I am the living bread which came down out of
the heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever. And indeed,
the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the
world.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">52</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
The Yehuḏ</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">im, therefore, were striving
with one another, saying, “How is this One able to give us <i>His</i> flesh to
eat?” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">53</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> therefore said
to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Aḏam
and drink His blood, you possess no life in yourselves. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">54 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">“He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood possesses
everlasting life, and I shall raise him up in the last day. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">55</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> “For My flesh is truly food, and My blood is truly
drink. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">56</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> “He who eats My flesh and drinks
My blood stays in Me, and I in him. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">57 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">“As the living Father
sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me shall live
because of Me. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">58</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> “This is the bread which came
down out of the heaven, not as your fathers ate the manna and died. He who eats
this bread shall live forever.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">He also said, quoting from Deḇarim while being tempted in:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Luqas/Luke 4:4 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> answered him, saying, “It has been written, ‘Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">every
word</span> of Elohim.’</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">” (Deḇarim 8:3)<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>We
live by EVERY WORD of Elohim</b> – it is really sad for those who claim that
the Tanak is not needed any longer – every word – without it we shall not live
and have a fruitful life with a great basket of summer fruit that is real!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If you neglect His word He sends a
famine for the hearing of His Word! They heard but it did not change them and
so they would find themselves in a famine for hearing when what Yeshayahu says
is true even still today: Hearing but not hearing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In <b>verse 11</b> the famine that would be sent because of the lack of pure
fruit was not a hunger for bread or a thirst for water but for a hearing of the
Word. We know that ‘bread’ represents the community or body of Messiah and
‘water’ speaks often of the teaching of the Torah as we are washed in the Word
and cleansed. Yisra’ĕl had the Hěḵal and they had the Torah teachings yet they
did not hear – guard and do! There is still today plenty of Bread and Water so
to speak as there are many assemblies to choose from and there is plenty of
Torah instruction available – yet what is lacking in a great way is true
obedience to His commands!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Verse
12</b> goes on and says that they would wander from sea to sea – in
other words many are knowledge hunters as they seek the latest teaching and
will go a great distance for it too, or they will fall into the trap of
rabbinical insights thinking it will enhance their learning, while some may even
try to decode the Scriptures. The Word is not far off or hidden – it is simple
and plain for those who will but hear. We have been amazed at how the Father
has grown us as a family as we look back a year to the torah portions we are
doing over and how we see that if we are simply obedient to hear and with
hearing do the Word then the plainer the Word becomes for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
30: 11-14 “<span style="color: red;">For this command which I am commanding you
today, it is not too hard for you, nor is it far off. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “It is not in the heavens, to say,
‘Who shall ascend into the heavens for us, and bring it to us, and cause us to
hear it, so that we do it?’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“Nor is it beyond the sea, to say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring
it to us, and cause us to hear it, so that we do it?’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “For the Word is very near you, in
your mouth and in your heart – to do it.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sadly too many do not want to obey –
that is to hear – guard – do!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In verse 14 the reference to Dan and Be’ĕrsheḇa represents for us false man-made
attempts at worship that will fall! – These were two alternative worship sites
that were not authorised by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and many
today are still swearing by alternative false religious practices as they make
various golden calves of false security and prosperity and twisted morals of a
perversion of the truth and these will all fall and never rise again! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Are you eating His Word – do you
hunger and thirst for righteousness – that is to hear – guard and do His Word –
do what you hear and do what you eat? Are you studying His Word or do you still
have the religious mind-set that says it is for only a select few that must
teach. The best way to avoid a famine of hearing His word is to Love His Word –
Live His word and Share His Word!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Fruit of obedience – worship,
stewardship and His Word – Keep them for yourself and they will rot – it is not
meant for a display bowl only – they are to be eaten and shared – the more you
eat and share the more you will have!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>How
is the Fruit of your Worship</b>? Have you found that you are at times just
going through the motions and is it a huge burden to be on time for when we
worship together or are you truly living out that which you are singing and
declaring back unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>How
is your Fruit of Stewardship</b>? Are you faithful in bearing good fruit of
stewarding faithfully that which He has given you and are faithful in
stewarding your obedient lifestyle in adhering to His Word in every way through
a loving obedience to His secure Love for us? Are you giving freely of your
time and your resources or do you find that you at times have used deceitful
scales before His eyes? Do you keep His Shabbat as Shabbat? Do you give freely
with no strings or conditions attached? Are you cutting corners in your attempt
at being a good steward of His Word in your daily life and find you neglect to
eat of that which gives you life? Are you engaging faithfully in committing to working
together in giving your all to building this community that He is calling for us
to be faithful stewards of or is building community a big headache for you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>How
is the Fruit of His Word</b>? Do your love it – read it – study it –
meditate on it – recite it – live it and share it? Or are you simply getting by
with a small weekly dose of an hour or two on Shabbat – that is not enough!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has filled your basket so to speak with unspeakable riches and
the fruit of such must be continually fresh through constant use of pure
worship, diligent stewardship and earnest hearing and doing of His Word and not
of a false appearance through an uncontrolled lifestyle of compromise after
compromise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> asks you like He did to Amos – “…. What do you see?” and you say
a basket of summer fruit – what do you see? Do you only see that which you want
to in order to appease your conscience through compromise or do you see what He
sees as you look intently in to the mirror of His Word and if need be are you
willing to change that which must be changed?<o:p></o:p></div>
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A Basket of Fruit – what do you see?
Stay in Messiah and be found to have the very good fruit of righteousness that
lasts – shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-40536854581995408752012-01-07T07:51:00.002+02:002012-01-07T07:51:36.374+02:00WISDOM vs. FOLLY – WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
WISDOM vs. FOLLY – WHO ARE YOU
LISTENING TO?<o:p></o:p></h2>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 9<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Shalom family, we give all praise unto our Mighty Elohim,
Saviour and Redeemer – unto Him in whom we boast – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
9:23-24 “<span style="color: red;">Thus said </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, “Let not the
wise boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty boast in his might, nor let the
rich boast in his riches, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">24</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> but let him who boasts boast of
this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, doing kindness, right-ruling, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” declares </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Don’t let those who think they know it all boast in their own accumulated and
assumed knowledge – do not boast because you think you are strong – do not
boast in your possessions or position, but rather we are to boast, if we boast
at all, that we understand and know Him – the One doing kindness and
right-ruling!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">To understand and know Him!!! : <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:3-4 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">And <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">by
this we know that we know Him</span>, <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">if</span> <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">we guard</span>
<span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">His commands</span>.
</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">4 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not guard His
commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.</span></b><b>”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">So many claim and even boast that they understand and know Elohim yet they
have no regard for His commands! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The Wisdom of Elohim has been made known to us, because Messiah became for
us the wisdom of Elohim:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 1:30-31 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">And of Him you are in Messiah </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, who became for us wisdom from Elohim, righteousness also, and
set-apartness and redemption, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">31</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> that, as it has been written,
“He who boasts, let him boast in </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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The Living
Torah - <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah –
The Word made flesh is the incarnation of the wisdom and the will of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. Wisdom, in Mishlĕ/Proverbs, is used
as a metaphor for the commands/instructions of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, which those who will hear His Words must actually obey them, for
in it there is great provision, protection and promises that, in Messiah, are
yes and aměn! Wise and Wisdom can in effect carry different meanings as we can
clearly see today how there are many who have much earthly knowledge and are ‘wise
in their own eyes’, yet they simply do not have the wisdom of Elohim. Because
it is very clear – if you have the Wisdom of Elohim – you will obey Him! That
is why He tells us clearly to ‘get Wisdom’. As one goes through Mishlĕ/Proverbs
it becomes clear the need for Wisdom to keep us secure in Him, and wherever
Wisdom is to be found there is more often than not another voice that calls out
in doing its best to distract you from entering the house of wisdom and
delighting in the true riches of True Wisdom; and that ‘other’ voice is of
another house – that of folly! How many times have you found yourself, after
having spent a great time in the presence of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, find that almost immediately after you have ‘feasted’ upon His
Word the ‘voice’ of compromise and temptation beckoning you to do something
stupid? Folly is always waiting to lure even the most sincere ‘straight walkers’
off of the path of righteousness. Tonight in a message called, “<b>Wisdom vs. Folly – Who are you listening
to?</b>” I would like us to go through <b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
9</b> as we can be encouraged to be on guard against the voice of folly and
hold fast to Wisdom. Turn with me to <b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
9</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Such a
great proverb that pictures for us two contrasting invitations to a feast, and
in verses 1-6 we see ‘Wisdom’ is calling out to the ignorant to come to her
banquet that has been prepared; while in verses 13-18 ‘Folly’ is inviting them
to her counterfeit banquet; and between the 2 invitations we see in verses 7-12
the comparison between the scoffer and the wise. It has reached the point of
invitation – the tables are set and the invitations are being cried out – <b>Wisdom vs. Folly – who are you listening
to?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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In order
to get a better understanding of the clear contrast between the two invitations
we have, <b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1 through 8</b>
gives us great insight and warning against the counterfeit invitations that can,
and so often does, sound the same as the real, yet they are very different from
the True lifesaving call of wisdom, as manifested through our Messiah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before we
look a little deeper into the two very different invitations that may, on the
surface, have a similar looking appearance I thought it best to quickly run
through <b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1 through 8</b>
and highlight the underlying messages that lead up to the point on discerning
the difference between the two invitations or rather choices that we face every
single day – and that is – Life and Death, which has been clearly set before us
– and it is by the Wisdom of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, that He implores
us to choose Him – to choose Life – that which we find in our Saviour and King,
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the purposes
of time I will simply highlight for you some key themes or messages that run
through right from the first Proverb of Shelomoh and show how it wonderfully leads
us to this critical lesson of hearing and recognising the voice of Wisdom. Some
themes repeat showing us emphasis, yet there is a continual flow of great
insight for us, so let’s begin – for some of you who like to make notes in your
Scriptures – it may help to take note of these sections that flow wonderfully
in giving us a great encouragement, warning, and training in righteousness to
hear, guard and do the will of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 1</span></b> – <b>the Title</b> – <b>The proverbs of Shelomoh!</b> This may be considered the title for the
whole book, yet chapters 10 & 25 have their own titles – too the proverbs
of Shelomoh, while Proverbs 30 is by another and 31 is unknown as King Lemu’ĕl
which means ‘belonging to El’ may be a symbolic name for Shelomoh. What we do
see is that Mishlĕ/Proverb 1:1 titles for us the collective message for 1-9. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verses 2-6</span></b> – <b>The Purpose of the Book!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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What are the primary purposes of the Proverbs? From here
we see 5 being mentioned, and they are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 – <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">Knowing</span> wisdom and discipline</b>
– to know wisdom is the literal translation in the Hebrew with the sense to ‘<i>get</i>’, ‘<i>acquire</i>’ or ‘<i>obtain</i>’
wisdom and with that the need for much required discipline, which<span lang="EN-US"> is the strict practice required to
reach a goal</span>. Messiah is the goal of the ‘Torah unto righteousness’ to
everyone who believes and it is through strict discipline that we press on toward
the goal for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We could
translate ‘<i>knowing wisdom and discipline</i>’
as “<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">These proverbs will teach you wisdom by obeying what they
say,</span></i></b>” or “<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">These proverbs
will make you wise if you command your heart to learn them.</span></i></b>”</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2 – <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">Understanding</span> the words of
understanding</b> – Understanding comes in the doing – and it is through strict
discipline in walking in the Word that we grasp the insight of these proverbs –
able to rightly divide the truth and discern right from wrong – which is
critical in identifying the false voice of folly!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3 – <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">Receiving</span> discipline of
wisdom, righteousness, right ruling and straightness</b> – It is one thing to
know and understand – but often so many people struggle to receive – which
actually reveals that they do not actually know and understand! How many of you
at times find it difficult to receive discipline of wisdom and righteousness?
This only reveals some immaturity and show that you may not know and understand
wisdom and the Word as much as you thought! Receiving instruction means that
you allow yourself to be taught – “<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">these proverbs
will teach you – if you will allow yourself to be taught by them!</span></i></b>”
One of the dangers that plague so many who are unwilling to become disciplined
in training themselves to be set-apart is that they harbour an un-teachable
spirit that is unable to receive the right-ruling of the Word of Truth. We are
to “know” – which is to get, “understand” – which comes in the doing and
therefore allowing us to be enabled to receive correction and training, when
needed, which in turn will equip to help others – <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>4 – <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">Giving</span> insight to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young</b> – Being trained in righteousness that
comes in knowing the King of Righteousness through obediently walking in His
commands, obeying Him through our love for Him and able to receive correction
and discipline will naturally result in us being able to give others greater
insight as we become a light to the nations – a light to those who do not know
and be equipped to teach they young in faith knowledge and discernment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>5 – <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">Understanding</span> a proverb and a
picture, wise words and riddles</b> – One thing that continues to grow in our
doing of righteousness is our understanding – parables and riddles are made
plain, as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> told His
disciples that He spoke to the crowds in parables, but to them He spoke plainly
and clearly – the closer you walk to Him the more clear and plain do His Words
become equipping us further to remain in Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Knowing – Understanding – Receiving – Giving – Understanding deeper
– the purposes of these proverbs!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow;">Verse 7</span></b><b>
– The Motto of the Book!</b> - <b><span style="color: #c00000;">The fear of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is the beginning of knowledge!</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span lang="EN-US">Despise His
wisdom and discipline and you are simply nothing more than a fool that will
sadly follow after the voice of folly and be found sitting in a house destined
for ruin and destruction!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Do not despise wisdom and reject her call – the results of which
are death!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In setting the scene for the purpose of the book we see the greater
speeches and instructions of wisdom that are to be heeded or else; and this is
how it is in one way summarised as we jet through the first 8 Proverbs bringing
us to invitations that have been called out:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have labelled sections in order for us to gain a good understanding
of the flow that we see – a flow that has been wonderfully constructed by the
wisest man:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1:10-19 –
Beware of sinners – </b>Straight up is the warning to watch out for
the lawless/sinners - do not be enticed by them or walk with them – stay far
from their path!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1:20-33 –
Wisdom’s speech</b> – she calls out aloud calling many to repentance giving the
warning to those who do not hear while a comfort to those who listen<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2:1-8 –
Seek wisdom</b> – the voice of Wisdom has spoken – seek wisdom while wisdom may
be found! Lift up your voice – cry out – seek and search as you would for
silver or treasure – then you will understand the fear of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and find knowledge of Him. So many do
not understand the fear of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as they
are very clearly unwilling to truly seek Him as shown through their compromised
lifestyles! We need more reverence in the body today – I often wonder if we
have even half the reverence that the men of old that we read of in Scripture
had. It is time for us to wake up, grow in reverence through our diligently
seeking <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> with our
all and stop excusing our need to seek away with mundane excuses that are
simply worldly and fleshly lusts calling for our attention and luring us away!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2:9-11 –
Discernment will increase – </b>You will know what is right and understanding
would guard your way as you seek for Wisdom and grow in Wisdom!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2:12-15 –
Avoid wicked people</b> – discernment will help you stay clear of
that which is not of Elohim – bad company corrupts good character – so watch
who you become friends with – are you influencing them with the truth or are
they influencing you in wickedness and unrighteousness?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2:16-19 –
Avoid the immoral woman</b> – avoid the harlot whore who has forgotten
the covenant of Elohim! What does the ‘strange woman’ teach today – the
Covenant is done away with – avoid this immoral teaching of the immoral woman!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2:20-22 –
Rewards and Punishments</b> – verse 22 is clear – the wicked will be cut
off from the earth and plucked out! Verse 20-21 – those who guard the path of
righteousness and walk in the Truth will dwell in and inherit the earth – the
righteous are not going anywhere – they are staying here – if there is to be
any form of so called rapture or taking away – it is the wicked – just think
about the foolishness of the words of the woman of folly who falsely proclaim a
rapture!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3:1-12 – 6
encouragements to walk right and refrain from what is wrong – each with a
promise</b> – <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 – Don’t forget the Torah</span>, hear,
guard and do – the reward is long life and peace (:1-2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 – Don’t let loving-commitment and faithfulness
leave you </span>– bind it on your heart – the reward is the favour and insight
before Elohim and man. The Torah is to be upon our hearts and in our mouth – to
do it – not to ignore it! (:3-4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3 – Trust in </span><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> with all your heart and do not lean on your own
understanding</span>! In everything you do – know Him – that is everything you do –
whether in word or deed – do it in the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah – if His Name cannot be attached to that which you may
want to do or say – then do not do it! There is far much today being done and spoken
that in no way can be associated with having the name of Messiah attached too –
too many coarse jokes and vulgar language – to much slander and criticism – too
much worldly ‘fun’ that in nothing but crude – and this being done within
so-called ‘torah-keeping’ communities! We need to ensure that we acknowledge
Him in our all and this will clearly show in our daily lives if we do or not,
and when we do acknowledge then we can deepen our trust in Him. The reward for
complete Trust and acknowledgement of Him in ALL your ways is a straight path
equipped to keep eyes focused straight ahead! When you lean on your own
understanding it reveals that you are simply doing your own thing and following
your own ways – for understanding comes in the doing – and when you follow your
own understanding as you stubbornly follow your own ways you will find that you
are unable to trust<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> and only
trust in your own ‘instincts or insights’ derived from your own understanding
that when you ‘lean’ upon will fall! Understanding <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and His Wisdom will equip and enable
you to fully Trust in Him and acknowledge Him in all you do! (:5-6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4 – Don’t be wise in your own eyes </span>– do not
always think that you know it all and try and sound all intellectual as this is
simply a means of belittling others instead of encouraging and building others
– seek His wisdom – Fear <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and turn
form evil – evil is anything that is not of Him. If you do not leave evil ways
then you do not have the fear of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! If you
cannot leave those simple ‘compromises’ then your fear of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> clearly is lacking. The reward for
fearing Him and not being wise in your own eyes, thinking you know it all, is
this – healing to your wounds and an easing of pains! (:7-8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5 – Esteem </span><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> with your goods </span>– give your tithes, gifts and
offerings – it begins with tithes – it does not end with tithes!!! So many
today think that they are doing themselves and others a huge favour when they
give a little while neglecting their tithes! Do not withhold from Him that
which He has entrusted to you – it is all His anyway – be a good steward and
see the reward of plenty and overflow – an equation that may not always add up
in the world’s ways of doing business – but it adds up in His ways and brings promises
that are sure! How many times have we seen the so called world’s latest
business scheme that will make one so rich only to find in time to come that it
crashes and burns as maybe only a handful managed to suck some temporal reward
that fades out of it? This is not so with <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s way of
doing business – His system always works even though in the world’s eyes makes
no sense – well that is why He tells us that His ways are higher than ours –
let us not forget that! Do not neglect giving – it will cripple you – give and
He will bring the increase – esteem Him with all you have! (:9-10)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 – Do not despise discipline or reproof </span>– He loves
you and delights in you and that is why He disciplines you – the reward for
accepting his instruction and discipline is His intense love and delight over
you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3:13-18 –
In praise of Wisdom</b> – to find you must be seeking – to get you
must be working – wisdom rewards and all who retain her are blessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3:19-20 –
Wisdom and creation</b> – Earth was founded by wisdom – In the
beginning was the Word and all came to be through the Word as the Word was with
Elohim and the Word was Elohim. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3:21-26 –
Wisdom gives you a happy and blessed life</b> - Walking in wisdom will keep you
from fear and dread – because Elohim is with you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3:27-31 –
How to behave</b> – these verses express ‘negative’ commands that encourage how to
love your neighbour!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>3:32-35 –
How </b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> <b>deals with good and evil</b> – His curse is
on the wrong and His blessing on the righteous!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>4:1-9 –
Listen to your father </b>– Do not forsake the Torah – get wisdom and
get understanding as you heed the words of instruction!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>4:10-19 –
Wisdom give you long life and protection</b> – walking in righteousness is like a
bringing forth of the dawn light that will shine brighter and brighter to The
Perfect Day that is coming – the wrong walk in darkness and do not even know
what they are stumbling in due to blindness and no light. Walk in Wisdom and
you will not stumble!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>4:20-27 –
Remember wisdom and enjoy life</b> – walk in the straight way – do not
turn to the right or left and live the abundant life that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> has come to give us in Him as you
watch over your heart with great diligence as you recognise that His Torah –
now written upon your heart – contains the sources of life!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>5:1-14 –
Avoid adultery</b> – do not forsake the covenant with our Bridegroom! Guard
knowledge with your lips as you speak the Truth, having not the words of the
‘strange woman’ on your lips – even though they may drip like honey – yet in
the end it is bitter as wormwood! The strange woman is as sharp as a
double-edged sword – listen it is sharp, so sharp that so many are cut by her
sword and led astray due to ignorance. We have the assurance that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s sword is ‘sharper’ than a
double-edged sword (<b>Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 4:12</b>).
Avoid the whore with her total disregard for the path of life and keep far from
her and do not turn from the spoken Word of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! The whore will speak smooth words – but stay away from her as
you guard the Truth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>5:15-20 –
Be faithful to your wife!</b> – drink from your own cistern! – We have come
to the well of Salvation – may we continue to draw with great joy from the True
well of life in which there is living waters that will always quench our thirst
and cause us to be satisfied! Do not drink that which is often very tempting
yet very deadly – stay True to your beloved!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>5:21-23 –
Describes the fate of the wicked!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6:1-5 –
Avoid being ensnared by the words of your mouth</b> – do not
get caught in making promises that will end you up in trouble – don’t become a
guarantor for a friend or strike hands in a pledge with a stranger or
foreigner!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6:6-11 –
Do not be lazy!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6:12-15 –
Once again – the fate of the wicked!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6:16-19 –
7 things </b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> <b>hates<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 – Proud look; 2 – lying tongue; 3 - shedding of innocent blood;
4 – wicked schemer; 5 – those who are quick to do evil; 6 - false witness who
lies; 7 – one who causes strife among brothers! Strife among brothers is hated
as much by Him as innocent blood shed! Ever given a proud look when arrogantly
looking down at someone you didn’t like or you did not like what they said? He
hates that!!! Ever found yourself scheming only to find that you are only doing
it for self with no regard of the outcome on others – He hates that! Be careful
to not do the things He hates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6:20-23 –
Rewards for accepting teaching of the Torah and commands of Elohim<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6:24-29 –
Once again – call to avoid adultery<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>6:30-35 –
The results of adultery<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>7:1-5 –
Wisdom will protect you from adultery!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>7:6-20 – A
report of how a foolish young man becomes the victim of a seductive woman!</b> A clear
example of how easy it can be to fall prey to deception if one walks in
foolishness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>7:21-23 –
Youths have fallen into the trap of the seductive whore!</b> They fall
prey and do not even know it will kill them! The whore of woman of folly
targets the youth – we clearly see it today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>7:24-27 –
Avoid the seductive woman OR DIE!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>8:1-11 –
Wisdom speaks out and calls with a loud voice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>8:12-21 –
The qualities of wisdom</b> – describes the attributes and virtues of
wisdom and how she hates arrogance and lies, loves those who love her and gives
wealth and esteem to all who find her!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>8:22-31 –
Origin of wisdom – </b>wisdom is from the beginning as wisdom is with
Elohim and it is with wisdom that the earth was founded. Before all was there
was Wisdom – another picture of the clear metaphor of Wisdom picturing for us
The Word in that Messiah became for us wisdom from Elohim!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>8:32-36 –
Choose life or death</b> – If you love Him you will obey Him and
choose life – if you disobey Him – you hate Him and choose death!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ok – so that was a rather quick jet through the first 8 Proverbs
of Shelomoh and in a nutshell this is what we have seen from <b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1-8</b>, summarised as
follows<b>:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
purpose of this book is to make you wise and begins with the fear of </span></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
beware of sinners, hear the words of wisdom as she speaks aloud; seek after her
with your all in order to know what is right and in the process avoid wicked
people and the immoral woman for there are rewards for the righteous and
punishments for the wicked. Esteem the Wisdom of Elohim which is from the
beginning and is forever; for wisdom will give you an abundant life, teaching
you how to behave and showing how </span></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> deals with both the good and
the evil. So listen to Him, for His Wisdom will protect you, as you enjoy life
in Him, avoiding adultery at all costs, remaining faithful as a spotless bride,
for we know the fate of the wicked, so do not be lazy and know what He hates so
as to avoid doing that which He hates; for in obeying him there is great reward
– and remember to avoid adultery for the results of such have been decreed; and
wisdom will keep you from adultery so as to not be a foolish youth enticed by a
seductive woman who has already led many astray – so avoid her or die – for
wisdom speaks aloud and is from the beginning. What is set before you is life
and death – choose wisely!</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
That finally brings us to <b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
9</b> – the invitations that have been sounded – <b>Wisdom vs. Folly</b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">Wisdom</span></b> has prepared a meal:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Iḇ’rim/Hebrews
10:5 “<span style="color: red;">Therefore, coming into the world, He says,
“Slaughtering and meal offering You did not desire, but <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">a body You have prepared for Me</span>.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan/John
6:53 “</b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
therefore said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh
of the Son of Aḏam and drink His blood, you possess no life in yourselves.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Folly</span></b> has stolen her meal that she is so arrogantly
offering!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">Wisdom</span></b> has mixed her wine – all is now ready – He
offered the cup of His Blood and it is done – the invitation to enter has gone
out!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Folly</span></b> has ‘stolen’ water – that is she has muddied
the waters of Truth through lies and hypocrisy and has counterfeited the offer
with that which she has stolen and mixed with lies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">Wisdom</span></b> sends out her servants – how many times do we
read in the prophets – “<b><span style="color: red;">I sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising early and
sending them…</span></b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Folly</span></b> on the other hand has simply been loud and
noisy – simple and without knowledge – yet because of her loudness she lures
many in! She is loud profane and … stupid! Yet so many listen to her at what
she says - why? Because what she offers ‘looks good’, yet she does not tell you
that it will kill you as we have clearly been shown in the preceding proverbs
we have just overviewed! So many organisations today are causing the masses to
flock to the house of Folly through that which tickles the senses of the people
making them ‘feel good’ while they do not realise that they are being made
drunk on the maddening adulteries through her cup of whorings!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What is interesting to note between that which is drunk at Pěsaḥ
and that which the whore offers is this – the Cup of Messiah is the ‘Fruit of
the Vine’ – pure and without yeast for the Feast of Matzot does not allow any
yeast to be in the House – yeast as representing sin or lawlessness. The whore
on the other hand – Folly – has mixed her cup with much yeast – much
lawlessness – declaring that the Torah is null and void and the masses are
drinking it up by the gallon and is intoxicated and headed for a destructive
death!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">Wisdom </span></b>appeals to the mind – the intellect – as we
renew our minds daily taking captive every thought and bringing it into
obedience to Messiah – as we earnestly and diligently seek and learn and
meditate day and night on The Torah and the satisfaction that wisdom brings is
eternal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Folly</span></b> simply appeals to the senses, where it is
easier to excite the senses of the flesh – and the truth is this – the
pleasures of folly are only temporal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2;">Wisdom</span></b> calls to those on the wrong path to walk in
wisdom, to repent and get washed and walk in Truth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Folly</span></b> calls to anyone – be it those who are walking
on the straight path or those who are already ignorant to come in to her and so
has a ‘we accept all’ theology where sin is not dealt with and moral standards
of righteousness are covered over with lies and a muddied mixture of deadly
wine. She is undisciplined and allows for an undisciplined ‘feel good’ approach
to worship so as to be able to be filling her house of whorings! We must avoid
her and her secret bread at all costs, which is the tainted and corrupt
theologies and doctrines of man that are designed to control the masses through
the perceived inability of all being able to have a clear understanding unless
they have been taught by those who have weaved webs in darkness and secret:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Qolasim/Colossians
2:8 “<span style="color: red;">See to it that no one makes a prey of you through
philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to
the elementary matters of the world, and not according to Messiah.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Wisdom has built her house and has hewn out 7 columns – 7 as we
know is a very significant number representing completeness and although we can
relate many well founded pictures that could represent for us what these 7
columns are – I believe it simply represents the completed House that stands
firm forever and if I had more time I could go on to give you various “7
pillar” presentations that would all be uplifting and beneficial – however
after meditating upon this a great deal in seeking out 7 pillars of wisdom with
such things like: Fear, Trust, Integrity, Generosity, Diligence, Community and
Set-Apartness which are certainly great pillars of walking in wisdom as we too
remember the Rock from which we have been hewn and of which we have clearly
seen being taught and described in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 1-8. However what I do see
fit as what can represent the 7 pillars are in fact the 7 Feasts of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and why I say that is simply because
of this – as we hear, guard and do His commands and keep His Feasts, His
Appointed Times, so does our wisdom and understanding increase allowing us to
be built together in Him as He brings His Body together – His House together
according to His Appointed schedule. Pěsaḥ – Matzot – Bikkurim – Shavuot – Yom
Teruah – Yom Kippur – Sukkot – 7 Feasts that I see as truly been that upon
which we can be sure of a secure House built on a firm foundation, while we
keep His Shabbat, which is also His Feast, weekly reminding us of what is to come
– and eternal rest in Him, aměn! We must remember to keep His Shabbat – to guard
it, delight in it and not be found doing our own ways! I found a very interesting
verse in what is called ‘The Book of Thomas’, which I read this week and did
various searches finding various translations that all agree – whether it be a
restored names version or from multiple sources on opposite ends of the scales
of differing theologies – all have the same wording with no discrepancies.
Whether or not it is a valid translation of an original letter, there is
nothing in there that disagrees with Scripture and what I found very clear is
in verse 27 it basically says this: <span style="color: #c00000;">If you do not
fast the world you will not see the Father; if you do not keep the Sabbath as
the Sabbath you will not see the Father! </span>Very striking words indeed that
remind us just how important it is to live set-apart lives as we ‘fast’ the
world and how critical the Sabbath is and we best be reminded of this fact – as
today I fear that somehow many who are claiming and obedient Torah observant
lifestyle are in fact neglecting the full importance of the Sabbath and the
reverence we are to have in coming together in Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Despite having much more to share with you on this chapter – the
essence of the message is this: Life and death have been set before us: Wisdom
is Life; while Folly is death – and we each must choose which we will listen to
and into which House we will enter in and feast at. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Qorintiyim
Aleph/1 Corinthians 10:21 “<span style="color: red;">You are not able to drink
the cup of the Master and the cup of demons; you are not able to partake of the
table of the Master and of the table of demons.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Both Wisdom and Folly make their call – while Folly may be loud –
may we listen to the still small voice of Elohim and stay far from the door of
the house of folly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Wisdom vs. Folly – Who are you listening to? He who has ears let
him hear what the Spirit is saying!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> bless
you and guard you; </span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> make His face shine upon you, and show
favour to you; </span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> lift up His face upon you, and give you
peace.</span></div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-29408249756660828742011-12-31T08:30:00.001+02:002011-12-31T08:30:13.942+02:00Ninewěh Revisited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
NINEWĚH REVISITED<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Vision of Naḥum<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom family, we lift up and continue to give praise to
our Mighty Elohim, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts,
aměn! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
34:8 “<span style="color: red;">Oh, taste and see that </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is good; blessed is the man that takes
refuge in Him!</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Have you been eating
your lawful bread? Have you been looking intently into the mirror of His Word?
Taste and see how good He is – we are blessed in taking refuge in Him! In a
world which places emphasis on success being gained by being</span> ruthless,
conniving, and deceitful, with a win at all costs and the ends-justify-the
means mentality, it is often hard to stay afloat as we who follow the Word will
typically go against this corrupted standard of promotion and temporary
success. Without <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as our
Refuge we would never be able to survive the onslaught of the world’s ways
pressing down on us to be conformed to its standards of corruption and sin. But
praise be unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, our
Elohim, who is our refuge and strength, our help in times of distress and our
Deliverer, aměn! We simply have a choice
– choose <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, or
choose the world – and as we know our choices have consequences. In a message
tonight where I would like us to be strengthened in our Refuge, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts, I would also like us to be
warned against the temptations of following after the world’s ways to which
there will be devastating consequences and to do this we will look at the book
of Naḥum as we overview the vision he saw and the message he gave to a
backslidden city. In a message tonight called, “<b>Ninewěh Revisited</b>”, please turn with me to the book of Naḥum the
prophet. <b>(Read)</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Such a power packed book that carries great significance
and lessons for us today in terms of what lies ahead with the pressing urgency
to ensure that we place our Trust in The Name that Saves, taking refuge in Him,
or else we will face the consequences of His wrath. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The setting for this vision is as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ninewěh was the capital of the once Assyrian Empire and this
message of Naḥum to Ninewěh came at least 100 years after Yonah had delivered
his ‘<i>turn or burn</i>’ message of
repentance where the entire city repented and turned to follow <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. So Naḥum was sent back as a prophet
to Ninewěh after the initial repentance wore off in as little as 100 years or
so – that is how quick a nation can fall back into lies and hypocrisy – it just
takes one generation! Now think how vital and alive this message is today that
we, as His remnant, must declare to a people who have been under lies for many
centuries!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">The location of
ancient Ninewěh was situated in current day Northern Iraq, east of the Tigris,
and remnants of this ancient city can be found in modern day Mosul. It was one
of the most populated cities of ancient times with fertile lands that were good
for both agriculture and pasturing of animals. The ruins of the palace of King
Sennacherib were found in 1847, and according to various resources, it was
regarded as the main city of the worship of Ishtar as far back as 1800 B.C.E!
‘Easter’ was been worshipped at least 1800 years before Messiah came to give
His live as a ransom!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Ninewěh means “<span style="color: #c00000;">house of Ninus</span>” who according to historical
writings founded Ninewěh and his wife was Semiramis (Ishtar). Ninus is none
other than Nimrod and so Ninewěh means ‘<span style="color: #c00000;">house of
Nimrod</span>’, who built the tower of Ba</span>ḇ<span lang="EN-US">el and after which we can clearly see the context of the
corrupted system of worship of Ba</span>ḇ<span lang="EN-US">el that can be attributed to this wicked man who, as
an agent of our adversary, has too tried to build a house for himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Naḥum means ‘<b><span style="color: #c00000;">comfort</span></b>’
and comes from the root word ‘<b>naḥam</b>’
which means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to sigh or breath strongly, and by
implication to be sorry, console, comfort or avenge</span></i></b>’. This
message was a comforting one to some while a vengeful breath of wrath to
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">The entire theme of
this message given by Naḥum is basically this: “<b>The fall of Ninewěh</b>”, or better put for us today – the fall of the
House of Nimrod and as we see the picture or foreshadow of things to come of
what was decreed in this message and also accomplished in part as a direct
foreshadow of the fall of Ba</span>ḇ<span lang="EN-US">el which we read of as being declared by the messenger
in <b>Ḥazon/Revelation 18:2</b>: “</span><b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bab</span></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱el
the great is fallen</span></b>”. And the reason
for my message called, “<b>Ninewěh
Revisited</b>” is exactly what is coming. Here is a city that was as corrupt
and violent as can be, and repented after a reluctant Yonah did what he was
told, only to find that 100 years later they had gone back to being a wicked
nation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had
certainly used the Assyrian Empire to discipline Yehuḏah, yet Assyria took it
one step further and ravaged them and grew wicked against them to which <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> came to pronounce great judgement and
wrath upon them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I find a great picture being given us here between the message of
Yonah and this message given by Naḥum, picturing for us the 2 comings of
Messiah! Why do I say that – well Yonah for me is a picture of Messiah’s 1<sup>st</sup>
coming to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins – Yonah means ‘dove’ and
when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> was
immersed Yoḥanan said he saw the Spirit coming down from heaven like a dove and
remain on <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>. We know He
came first as a suffering servant and now with His second coming He is coming
as a conquering King who will execute wrath upon His enemies from which a
double edged sword will come from His mouth, and the oracle or message of Nahum
declares just that; while in the midst of it all there is a promise of
protection to those who take refuge in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The message of Naḥum is one of comfort and console to a set-apart
called out people, while to a rebellious and stiff-necked people it is one of
great destruction and despair for which no one is able to stand before the rage
of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In these 3 short chapters we see in essence a 3-fold message being
given to a corrupt and unrepentant people who had caused the Torah to cease and
grew more wicked and perverse than before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In Chapter 1 we
see <b>DOOM DECLARED</b>, in Chapter 2 we
see the <b>DOOM DESCRIBED</b> and in
Chapter 3 we see <b>DOOM</b> is <b>DESERVED</b>! Doom declared, described and
deserved – a summed up message of the righteousness and justice that are the
foundations of the Throne of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> does not just do things unannounced
as He reveals it through His prophets – He had declared, described and given
reasons why!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a nutshell – you receive, accept and continue to be steadfast
in living in the first message of His coming that will protect you at His
second, or else. He came so that we could be saved from destruction and He came
to remove the veil from our eyes that the House of Nimrod, through its twisted
teachings, has cleverly weaved over so many and those who refuse to repent and
have the veil removed and see the Truth and walk clearly in it have the
imminent and real threat of these words of wrath.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan/John
3:17-18 “<span style="color: red;">For Elohim did not send His Son into the world
to judge the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He who believes in Him is not
judged, but he who does not believe is judged already, because he has not
believed in the Name of the only brought-forth Son of Elohim.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan/John
3:36 “<span style="color: red;">He who believes in the Son possesses everlasting
life, but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of
Elohim remains on him.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here we see once
again belief and obedience go hand in hand – the disobedient will not see life
but rather the wrath of Elohim remains on Him! He who does not ‘obey’ shall not
see life and wrath remains of him! Sadly so many miss that critical point of
obedience!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let us briefly
run through some key points in these 3 chapters:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>CHAPTER 1 – DOOM DECLARED</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In verse 2 there
is no beating around the bush – straight up we are reminded that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is a jealous Ěl; He is a revenging Ěl
and a possessor of wrath who will take vengeance on His enemies. Straight up we
see Naḥum announcing the character of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and His unrivalled
power. All too often the twisted teaching of the House of Nimrod, portrays
Elohim as this meek and mild father who will not really punish – and that is a
lie that even form the 1<sup>st</sup> century a man named Marcion began to
teach that the Elohim of the so-called ‘O.T.’ was not the real Elohim as He was
too cruel and he rejected the Hebrew Scriptures and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as Elohim and believed that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_retribution" title="Divine retribution"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">wrathful Hebrew Elohim</span></a> was a separate and lower entity
than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_of_God" title="Love of God"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">all-forgiving
Elohim</span></a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament" title="New Testament"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">N.T.</span></a> Sadly the
root of this erroneous teaching has produced so much wicked fruit that we see
almost 2000 years later being widely accepted at large by those who have
rejected the necessity and validity of the Torah as being applicable today! And
those who fall into this trap need to heed the words of a jealous and consuming
Ěl.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Praise <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> that He
is patient – for if He was not where would any of us be today? He is great in
power – but He does not leave unpunished!!! If He did then why would He come
and die for us – there would be no need! Oh, but He does not leave unpunished –
the difference is simply this – we who call upon Him and continue to <b>stay in</b> Him escape His punishment of
death for He Himself took our punishment – punishment was not set aside
completely – He took it upon Himself and all who do not believe and obey will
certainly receive the right and just punishment! He turned aside our judgement
by taking the punishment for us who call upon Him and take Refuge in Him. There
is only One Elohim and He does not change or lie – so Marcion’s pitiful
theories are lies, lies that still cause so many to stumble today as they grope
around in the dark, ignorant of the Truth veiled through deceit and lies taught
by a wicked house of Nimrod!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 30:5-6 “<span style="color: red;">Every Word of Eloah is tried; He is a shield to those taking
refuge in Him. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">6</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> Do not add to His Words,
Lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sha’ul tells us
in his introduction to his 2<sup>nd</sup> letter to Timotiyos that Elohim does
not lie and Shemuʼĕl said to king Sha’ul
when he tore the garment of Shemuʼĕl that the reign of Yisra’ĕl had been torn
form Him by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, who does
not lie. He does not change:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mal’aḵi/Malachi
3:6 “<span style="color: red;">For I am </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, I shall not
change, and you, O sons of Yaʽaqoḇ, shall not come to an end.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a
wonderful verse – because <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> does not
change we have a secure hope and future. Think about it – if He did change we
would be in a spot of bother for this verse tells us clearly that because He
does not change, the sons of Ya’aqoḇ – that is the Tribes of Yisra’ĕl – that is
you and we as we have been grafted in – shall not come to an end – we have a
promised and sure hope of eternal life – because His Word is sure and does not
change!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ya’aqoḇ/James
(1:17) quotes a portion of this verse declaring that every good and perfect
gift come from above from the Father of lights who does not change!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> does not
fail to accomplish what He has declared! Some may understand it as slowness,
yet it is His favour, desiring that all repent and turn form their wickedness:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kěpha
Bet/2 Peter 3:9 “</b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">is not slow in regard to the
promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, not wishing that any
should perish but that all should come to repentance.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
His fierceness
and anger is described here in chapter 1 and even the best and most flourishing
places will wither and languish – Bashan and Karmel are the most fruitful
places in Yisra’ĕl and Leḇanon
was known for its huge trees yet had now withered and when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> speaks in rage who can stand or rise
on the heat of His displeasure? The answer is simply – no one! Amidst this
declaration of doom, wrath and fire we are comforted by the Truth that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is good and a refuge to all who call
upon His Name and those who call upon His Name and find their refuge in Him and
walk in His ways are safe for they turn away from unrighteousness; for which
there is great punishment coming upon those who persist in unrighteousness,
which is lawlessness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Timotiyos
Bet/2 Timothy 2:19 “<span style="color: red;">However, the solid foundation of
Elohim stands firm, having this seal, “</span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the Name
of Messiah turn away from unrighteous-ness.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We all here name the
Name of Messiah – have you turned away from unrighteousness – for if not you
have taken His Name in vain!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">He declared that Ninewěh
would be destroyed and flooded and the counselor of Beliya’al will be cut off
and the name of the wicked house of Nimrod will no longer be sown and Yehuḏah
would once again keep the Sabbaths and Feasts of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and able to perform their vows of obedience unhindered. This we
have in Messiah who has cut off the name of Ba’al from us – and this we are to
proclaim, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">CHAPTER 2 – DOOM DESCRIBED</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">In verses 1-7 we see
how the siege and capture is described and the furious preparation for battle
that takes place and how resistance to the coming onslaught is futile! </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> would turn back the splendour of
Ya’aqoḇ, which is not a wonderful thought, because due to sin and lawlessness
and ruin bringing about a great emptiness through worthlessness the splendour would
be turned back from a people who were to be robed in His splendour. We do know
that for those who take refuge in Him has the assurance that He will fill us
once again – He will fill us who have been emptied of Truth by the emptiers!
The emptiers have emptied and ruined the vine branches!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>Yoḥanan/John 15</b> <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> tells us that He is the Vine and we
are the branches and we who do not bear fruit are cut off and thrown into the
fire. The branches here in verse 2 of this second chapter of Naḥum describes
how the enemy has ruined the branches to a point of being empty and unable to
bear fruit – leaving them as prey for destruction and fire. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The house of Nimrod and the counsellors of Beliya’al – that is the
House of Nimrod’s false teachers and preachers are emptying and ruining many
branches through their twisted prosperity and false grace messages as they are
simply draining so many from the True sap of the Vine and cause ruin and
destruction to set in. For those who take refuge in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>, The True Vine, will have His
splendour restored but those who fall prey to worthless teachings will have the
splendour of Ya’aqoḇ turned back! Beliya’al means ‘worthlessness’ and so those
who have been emptied out of the Truth by the worthlessness of a Baḇel system of falsified worship will
have the splendour removed, but we who call upon and take refuge in Him will be
filled and splendour restored.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is
against the wickedness and empty vain teachings and all those who follow after
it and He will cut off the voice of worthlessness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>CHAPTER 3
– DOOM DESERVED<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The very stern woe given in verse 1 is due to sin. The wrath of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and His declared Doom upon His
enemies is not without just cause. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
12:30 “<span style="color: red;">He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who
does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We are either with Him
or against Him and to be with Him means we agree and walk in Him and His ways,
any other way contrary to His Truth is simply against Him and is one who
scatters and does not gather. Those who are against Him will be put to shame
and exposed before all and all of the worthless teachings that were held so
fast onto will be revealed for its fruitlessness and it shall be declared, “<b><span style="color: #c00000;">Ninewěh is laid
waste</span></b>”, with no one to mourn for her and more specifically no one to
comfort and would be destroyed just as No-Amon in Mitsrayim was destroyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Amon means ‘to nourish
or be faithful’ and ‘No’ means’ disrupting – No-Amon was the ancient capital of
upper Mitsrayim, built as a center of worship to Thebes their pagan deity,
which fell to the Assyrian onslaught and were unable to stand. Ninewěh were no
better than No-Amon – a city who simply disrupts the ability to flourish and be
fruitful through worthlessness and idolatry! And they shall be laid waste! It
is declared here that all the wealth and strength would not be able to save
Ninewěh from that which was declared! The House of Nimrod would be destroyed
and the peoples rejoice at her destruction! The Assyrian Empire was destroyed
by the Babylonian Empire and in fact Ninewěh was not only destroyed but flooded
and laid waste, so much so that for centuries many walked and passed over land
that had covered her without realizing it as ruins of Ninewěh were first
discovered in 1847. The Assyrians had done wrong to so many people that when
she was destroyed people ‘high fived’ each other and rejoiced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">In <b>Ḥazon/Revelation 18</b> as I mentioned
earlier we see again the similar language of destruction being decreed, yet we
see that the fall of </span>Baḇel will be
mourned! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Baḇel would not directly conquer and displace
peoples like the Assyrians did; she would allow other nations to surrender,
then make up with those they had conquered by respecting their finest men and
giving them high positions in the Baḇel government, treating them very well and
making them wealthy, which is one reason most Yehuḏim did not return from there
when they were permitted. Baḇel would wound then heal, like a counterfeit
shepherd, making it indispensable to everyone, and this we are to be warned
against as we call out for many to “<b><span style="color: #c00000;">Come out of her!</span></b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sadly the reality is that instead of
rejoicing her downfall, many will mourn and I believe that there is a lesson
here for us – we who have come out must not look back and mourn and so in some
subtle ways try to hold on to past theologies and try to justify them as well meaning
and partially correct – partially correct is still wrong – we must rebuke Baḇel as we see in Hoshěa/Hosea and not
mourn the loss of her influence – but rejoice and be glad that we take refuge
in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and that
He repays!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
137:8 “<span style="color: red;">O daughter of Bab</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">̱el,
who are to be destroyed, blessed is He who repays you your deed, what you did
to us!</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">What we can take from
this powerful message of Naḥum is that we are to understand the sovereignty of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, understand His goodness, favour and
the hope we have in Him; and this we do as we walk in His Word for
understanding comes in the doing and we “<b>do</b>”
that which we hear and guard, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We must be careful to
not be stiff-necked in any way and not be closed to correction as this
stubbornness will only lead to destruction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Mishlĕ/Proverbs 29:1 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
often reproved, hardening his neck, Is suddenly broken, and there is no
healing.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How often have you been reproved yet continue to harden your neck
and refuse to bow in humble obedience? Be warned by this book that destruction
is coming swift upon those who forsake His Torah and are busy building in vain
the House of Nimrod that will fall when the storm of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s wrath upon the wicked comes.<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Sha’ul summarizes it
all for us in this statement:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Romiyim/Romans 11:22 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See
then the kindness and sharpness of Elohim: on those who fell sharpness, but
toward you kindness, if you continue in <i>His</i> kindness, otherwise you also
shall be cut off.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">This he said in
speaking of us who are wild branches that were grafted in and how the natural
branches were cut off due to unbelief and worthlessness – It is His Kindness
that leads us to repentance and we must continue in His kindness to remain in
the Vine and bear much fruit of righteousness, which is to guard to do His
commands, and allow the words of Naḥum be a comfort to us who take refuge in </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, as opposed to the sound of righteous
judgement of wrath upon the lawless!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a message that is very much alive today – one we must
declare and in so doing we too must be sure that we have come out of the House
of Nimrod and all her worthless teachings as teachings the commands of men,
only to be found clinging to the Torah and being steadfast to remain in Him;
for keeping the Torah is the refuge in which we will hide under the shadow of
His wings, as we walk in His Torah out of a loving obedience with great joy and
great delight, ready to confidently call many out of the soon to be destroyed
house of the enemy into the House of the Living Elohim of which <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> is our King, our Redeemer, our
Wonderful Counsellor, our Strong Ěl, our
Father of Continuity and our Prince of Peace!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ninewěh revisited – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> is coming
again in vengeance for His set-apart Bride – many who have heard the 1<sup>st</sup>
message and repented have not stayed in the kindness of Elohim and so strayed
and will be revisited. Perhaps you too have found yourself having slipped into
worthlessness and deceit under the influence of the teachings and ways of the
House of Nimrod – then may this Word tonight revisit you where you are at and
set your feet back upon the straight and narrow path of obedience in Messiah –
the Living Word that when He revisits Ninewěh you will be found in Him as a
refuge and shelter from the storm. This is the comfort and assurance we have in
Him and we have to bring this message of Ninewěh to an ignorant people who are
being emptied by the emptiers and headed for destruction, while there is still
the time of the kindness and patience of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ninewěh Revisited – where will you be found – be found in Him who
is our Refuge, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
bless you and guard you; </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> make His face shine upon you, and show favour
to you; </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> lift
up His face upon you, and give you peace. </span></div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-12096055242454803732011-12-25T09:04:00.000+02:002011-12-25T09:04:03.334+02:00Understanding Galatians<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
UNDERTSANDING GALATIANS – AN
OVERVIEW OF PAUL’S MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians
– a very misunderstood letter!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Blessed be </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> our Elohim, who has given us
abundant life in </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> the Messiah, aměn! Shabbat Shalom
to you all and welcome. I am going to share with you tonight some great insight
into understanding a book or letter that has, in many ways, often been
misunderstood and has, in essence, left us at times confused. It is the letter
to the Galatians by Sha’ul (Paul). In light of what we as a fellowship have
been going through over the past few weeks and months – having spoken about
Torah and Grace, living the Married life and reviewing the Marriage vows etc –
it is very fitting to bring you great insight into Galatians, helping us
understand what Sha’ul (Paul) is really saying. Galatians is a letter that is
often very quickly turned to in order to seemingly defend the right ‘not to
walk in the Torah or Law of Elohim’. My message tonight is called, “<b>Understanding
Galatians – an overview of Sha’ul’s/Paul’s message</b>.” Let us pray…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sha’ul/Paul, at times, wrote in a way that was often hard to
understand; Kepha/Peter spoke of this in:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kepha Bet/2 Peter 3:15-16</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b><span style="color: red;">“and
reckon the patience of our Master as deliverance, as also our beloved brother
Sha’ul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him, </span></b></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> as also in all <i>his</i> letters, speaking in them
concerning these <i>matters</i>, in which some are hard to understand, which
those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do
also the other Scriptures.”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The heart of what I want to address tonight is the issue of ‘law’.
What is Sha’ul/Paul teaching – did he keep it or didn’t he – did he teach it or
didn’t he? Did his teachings go against what </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
taught or was he teaching what </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> taught?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> said in <b>Mattityahu/Matthew
5:18</b> that until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not
the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law or Torah
until all has been accomplished! That is very straight forward – the new heaven
and earth is not here yet, so nothing has disappeared! But on the outset, as
many have so erroneously taught today, it appears that Paul is contradicting
the very words of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by saying it is all gone and is
old – we do not need to follow it. But is that really what Sha’ul was saying,
you must ask yourself, or was he simply a brilliant Torah teacher?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One thing we must realise is that we must never give up studying
the Scriptures, seeking the correct interpretation of any given passage. In Sha’ul’s
writings there are terms such as ‘<i>under the law</i>, <i>observance of the
law</i>, or ‘<i>the works of the law</i>’ etc and I want to shed some much
needed light on these. Sha’ul, in fact, warned that in the last days a spiritual
delusion will come over the saints of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
and many will fall away from Scripture and turn to a ‘Lawless’ or rather ‘Torahless’
gospel message referred to as the ‘mystery of iniquity’. Let us read <b>2
Thessalonians 2:1-12…</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>“<span style="color: red;">As to the
coming of our Master </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah and our gathering together to Him,
we ask you, brothers, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> not
to become easily unsettled in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or
by letter, as if from us, as if the day of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> has come. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Let no one deceive you in any
way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness is
to be revealed, the son of destruction, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">who opposes and exalts himself above all that is
called Elohim or that is worshipped, so that he sits as Elohim in the Dwelling
Place of Elohim, showing himself that he is Elohim. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Do you not remember that I told
you this while I was still with you? </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And now you know what restrains, for him to be
revealed in his time. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For
the secret of lawlessness is already at work – only until he who now restrains
comes out of the midst. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And
then the lawless one shall be revealed, whom the Master shall consume with the
Spirit of His mouth and bring to naught with the manifestation of His coming. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <u>The coming of the <i>lawless
one</i> is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and
wonders of falsehood</u>, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and
with all deceit of unrighteousness in those perishing, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">because they did not receive the love of the truth</span>,
in order for them to be saved. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And
for this reason Elohim sends them a working of delusion, for them to believe
the falsehood, </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> in
order that all should be judged who did not believe the truth, but have
delighted in the unrighteousness.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yoḥanan/John tells us that if you love </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
you will obey His commands – if you truly love Him you will not refuse to love
the TRUTH and OBEY His TRUTH – (</span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
is the very Word made flesh – The Torah (instructions of Elohim) became flesh)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lawlessness or sin is the Greek word ‘<i>anomia</i>’ and simply
put it means ‘without law’ or more specifically ‘without Torah’. Go and Google
‘Greek word ‘<i>anomia</i>’ and do some research! The word ‘iniquity’ or ‘sin’
is the Greek word ‘<i>anomia</i>’ and comes from the Greek word ‘<i>anomos</i>’
= ‘<i>a</i>’ comes from the negative participle in the Greek which means ‘<i>without</i>’
and ‘<i>nomos</i>’ means Law (Torah). Therefore the workers of <i>iniquity</i>
are practicing ‘<i>anomia</i>’, which describes those who are <i>without Law or
Torah</i>. Simply put, we cannot live without instruction or the Torah, else we
are ‘lawless’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before we look at Galatians I would first like us to understand
what Sha’ul’s view of the Torah was by looking at some of his writings:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romiyim/Romans 7:12 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So that the Torah truly is <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">set-apart</span>, and the command set-apart, and righteous,
and good.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romiyim/Romans 7:14 “<span style="color: red;">For we know that the
Torah is <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Spiritual</span>,…</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romiyim/Romans 7:22 “<span style="color: red;">For <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">I delight in</span> the Torah of
Elohim according to the inward man,</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romiyim/Romans 3:31 “<span style="color: red;">Do we then nullify
the Torah through the belief? Let it not be! On the contrary, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">we establish</span> the Torah.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Timotiyos Aleph/1Timothy 1:8 “<span style="color: red;">And we know
that the Torah is good if one uses it legitimately</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In Ma’asei/Acts he states on two occasions that he did nothing
against the law or Torah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From these and many other passages we are able to see clearly that
Sha’ul was for Torah and he taught Torah. So with that understanding how should
one understand what seems to be contradictory teaching in Galatians? In order
to understand any letter, one needs to clearly understand <i>who</i> the writer
is writing to, <i>what</i> are the issues being addressed and what were the
circumstances at that time! On the surface, this letter could seem to be an
argument against </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s Torah obedience. The question
in this letter in actual fact is NOT Torah obedience, but whether Torah
obedience was a condition for a restored spiritual standing in Messiah or
whether it was rather a natural outflow of that standing! In other words, does
obeying torah earn you salvation, or is Torah obedience a natural outflow and
response to salvation? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The first point on trying to earn your salvation, Sha’ul argues,
is just another example of human religion trying to earn points with </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
just as the pagans do to their ‘gods’. Sha’ul teaches clearly in his letters
that <u><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the</span></u> Torah
is a source of blessing, growth and maturity. <b>So Elohim’s Torah observance was not in dispute</b>, but what was in
dispute was the gaining of identity itself. In the Roman Empire at the time,
only ‘Jews’ (those from the tribe of Yehuḏah/Judah) were exempted from the
mandatory worship of civic deities (if you were not ‘Jewish’ you were forced to
bow down to pagan worship of their deities – Emperor worship etc.)– So the non Jewish
believers (Gentiles) may have wanted or were seeking greater recognition as
members of the ‘fearers of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’ – they wanted to be known as
followers of the Way. Sha’ul had taught them that they had already received
this status <u>through faith in </u></span><u><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span></u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
while others in the broader ‘Jewish’ community who were actually responsible
for shepherding these new converts were in effect ‘lording it’ over these new
Gentile converts and in effect saying to them, “<i><span style="color: #c00000;">You
guys have taken too high a seat at the banquet table too soon, step back down
until you have required proper status!</span></i>” And so they were told that
through circumcision they could be sure that they would not be barred any
longer form the privileges and exemptions that the Jews enjoyed. Just picture
the scene – some Gentiles get saved, Sha’ul teaches them they are <u>saved by
grace through faith in </u></span><u><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span></u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – they have
stepped out of the bondage of their pagan practices and into freedom in Messiah
and the guys who should have been training them in righteousness were putting <u>man’s
yoke</u> on their necks and Sha’ul saw this as undermining his message he had brought
for he knew that if the restoration of Israel to the Covenant could be obtained
by any other means than by faith then </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s
sacrifice was a waste. Sha’ul wrote this letter in around 50 AD and the major
debate in these early years, as seen in <b>Ma’asei/Acts 15</b>, was whether all of the nations/gentiles
needed to live out their obedience exactly as the ‘Jews’ (Tribe of Yehuḏah/Judah)
did. Now too understand how the Jews (Yehuḏim) were living at the time, will
help us understand what Sha’ul was writing about in terms of <i><u>the</u> law</i>
or <i>law</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The central theme of Galatiyim/Galatians is justification by grace
through faith! Sha’ul uses chapters 1&2 to defend the good news, 3&4 to
define the good news and 5&6 he shows followers how to display the good
news. False teachers had come in and brought a different message and Sha’ul
wanted to expose their impure motives, trying to enforce circumcision as a
means for salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sha’ul told them not to frustrate the grace of Elohim for
righteousness comes through faith and not through observance of the law. The
Torah is <u>not followed for salvation</u> through performance – follow Torah
for sanctification yes, but salvation – no!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ok but that still doesn’t settle the understanding of this letter
does it – because when I read it I think that in am no longer ‘<i>under law</i>’
– and yes you are right you are not <i>under law</i>. Now, is the Christian
idea of being ‘<b><i>under law</i></b>’ (which
is a legalism or a works based system to earn favour with </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">)
a Jewish concept? Did the Jews of old view Torah obedience as a means to gain </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s
favour, and hence earn their salvation and place in the world to come? Does
Jewish tradition teach this? Does the Tenakh (OT) teach this? With these
questions in mind, ask yourself “were the ancient Israelites ‘<i>under law</i>’
or ‘<i>under grace</i>’?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well to put it plainly the ancient Israelites were <b>NEVER</b> ‘<i>under</i>’
Torah as we understand it today or as the ‘west’ describes it!!! You know that
the word ‘<i>grace</i>’ meaning unmerited favour and is the Hebrew word ‘<i>chasad</i>’
actually appears 251 times in the Tenakh (OT) – <b>5 times more than in the Renewed Covenant (N.T.)!!!</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sadly Sha’ul’s writings have been twisted and misused. Sha’ul used
‘<i>under law’</i> in a negative sense to teach against legalism which is the <b>wrong use of Torah</b> and trying to
pervert it into a list of do’s and don’ts for the purpose of earning ones
salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Law or ‘<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the</span>’
Law <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As you study Scriptures and dig in to the original texts and the
translations thereof, one can often find some translational additions that were
merely added based on the translators understanding. One of these, in this
letter to the Galatians, is a simple little word, ‘<b><i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the</span></i></b>’. In most
cases where the term ‘<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the
law</span></b>’ is found in the N.T. the definite article ‘<b><i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the</span></i></b>’ is not in
the original Greek! You then have to ask yourself, ‘does this make any
difference?’ <b>And boy yes it does!!!</b> It is like saying ‘the car’ or
simply ‘car’. With the definite article ‘<i>the</i>’ it refers to a specific
car and not just any car, well the same applies here to law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The term ‘<i>law</i>’ itself without the definite article ‘<i>the</i>’
preceding it can simply refer to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #993300; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(a) <u>any
</u>legal code of do’s and don’ts without reference to faith, heart conviction
or love; (b) <u>legalism</u>; (c) a perversion of the Torah into a system of
do’s and don’ts to earn, merit or keep Elohim’s love and favour and thereby to
receive salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So if law could refer to any legal code of
do’s and don’t and not directly refer to the Torah alone then one can begin to
understand Sha’ul’s writing a little better, and in order to do that one has to
be familiar with what ‘other’ ‘<i>laws</i>’ were there that he may have been
referring to? First we must understand what </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> tells us
in his Word:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
4:</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 “<span style="color: red;">Do
not add to the Word which I command you, and do not take away from it, so as to
guard the commands of </span></span></b><b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim which I am commanding you.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You know the first person to add to His Word was Eve or Ḥawwah in
Hebrew: they were told not to eat of the tree… when the instructions of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
got twisted by the serpent (<i>surely he didn’t mean</i>…)… she said they may
not eat or touch… she added to his instruction! Look what happened – Listen, when
you stay in His Word <u>without addition or subtraction</u> you will be kept safe
in Him – it is when we add or subtract that things get all fuzzy and messed up,
we become confused and make wrong choices based on <u>twisted truth</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why did I tell you this? Well because adding is exactly what
happened to the Torah of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and it was this very addition
that made an impossible yoke to bear that </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
came to destroy – He came to destroy man’s addition to law that brings legalism
and bondage into slavery and He came to set the captives free to walk in Him,
taking His yoke, His Torah which is easy and light!!! So by the time Sha’ul was
writing this there had been so much addition to the Torah that the Torah was
not even a third of the ‘whole law’ that was being taught! The greek word for <i>law</i>
is ‘<b><i>nomos</i></b>’ which gives
reference to ‘anything established, anything received by usage, a custom, a
law, a command or any law whatsoever’, and so this in no way gives reference
only to the Torah but in many cases to other laws in addition to the Torah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There were precedents and interpretations that were set as law,
for example:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘<b><i>Halachat</i></b>’ –
Pharisaic interpretations of the Torah, made law through what is known as ‘<i>midrash</i>’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘<b><i>Takanot</i></b>’ – New
laws added to the written Torah with no Scriptural justification<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘<b><i>Minhagim</i></b>’ –
Traditional customs that became law<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘<b><i>Ma’asim</i></b>’ –
Rabbinical precedents that led to <i>Takanot</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now as you can well imagine, with all these additions to <u>the </u>Torah
– the yoke that is easy, had become heavily burdened by man’s laws, and this is
what Sha’ul was taking a stand against. Sha’ul was making a stand against <u>any
form of legalism</u>, or rather <u>man made system of works</u>. So in the text
the proper phrase should be rendered, ‘<b><i>under
law</i></b>’ and not ‘<b><i>under <u><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the</span></u> law</i></b>’. The
addition to the English translation of ‘<b><i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">the</span></i></b>’ to law where it was not in the
original Greek certainly has steered the meaning of the word ‘<i>law</i>’
toward <i>the Torah</i> of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. Another phrase which we find in
Galatians is ‘<i>observance of the law</i>’ or in some translations ‘<i>the works
of the law</i>’ should be rendered ‘<i>the works of law’</i>, as it is not
referring to the Torah, but is a phrase referring to any man-made system of
works which has performance based acceptance as a core belief. These <i>works
of law</i> in Galatians are better referred to as the ‘<i>ma’asim</i>’ – those
rabbinical precedents that led to laws being added to Torah without Scriptural
authority. Sha’ul in his letter to the Galatians is, in other words, referring
to a misuse or perversion of the Torah by adding to it a turning it into a
works based, legalistic system which the Torah was never and is never intended
to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This perversion of works based laws was mans way of trying to earn
salvation as given through the example of Hagar and Ishmael – Ishmael was born
in the natural way – through Aḇraham’ ‘<i>works</i>’ trying to enter into the
promises, as opposed to </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s way – Yitsḥaq (Isaac) – the son
of the promise that is from above and not of man’s works. </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s
way, the way of Sarah and proper use of Torah teaches that <i>salvation is by
grace through faith</i> that leads to a producing of ‘good works’ with the help
of the Spirit of Elohim living in us – and not through our own human efforts)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Tenakh (O.T.) teaches that no one’s works are sufficient to
earn him being declared righteous by </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
– it is only by his grace through faith in Messiah </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
that He died for our sins and was raised to life on the third day by the
Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Greek word for ‘<b>under</b>’
as used in the phrase ‘<b>under law</b>’ is
‘<b><i>upo</i></b>’ which means controlled
by or in subjection to. So <i>under law</i> would mean controlled by or in
subjection to <i>law/legalism</i>. Understanding this, then how is one ‘<b><i>under</i></b>’ grace?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Controlled by or in subjection to ‘grace’</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">!
In the same sense then we have accepted </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהזשע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">'s
yoke, which is easy and light to be ‘<i>upo</i>’ or <i>under</i>, in total
contrast to the yoke of legalism which is not easy and is a burden. Stern in
his commentary contends that </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s people are living ‘<i>en</i>’ (<u>within
– the framework of the Torah</u>), but not to be ‘<i>upo</i>’ (subjection to) <u>legalism</u>.
We are in a faith relationship with Him and His people have always been ‘<i>under</i>’
grace and in effect ‘<i>under</i>’ the Torah which is a gracious subjection,
but <i><u>never under legalism</u></i>, which is a harsh subjection. We are ‘<i>under</i>’
the Father’s Torah or instruction as we walk <i>in</i> His grace, but through
Messiah </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, in His death for our sins and taking upon Himself the curse of
Torah, <i>we are no longer under the condemnation of the Law or the Torah</i> –
<b>this is His grace for us, amen</b>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Messiah came not so we could get away with sin, but so we could
get away FROM sin! His work and walk was an example for us, not an excuse for
us not to walk as He did!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When we read Sha’ul’s letter understanding what he was referring
to as <i>law</i> or the <i>whole law</i>, it clearly makes sense how against
man’s works to earn salvation and position he was. So against it he expressed
his anger in saying that if they want to keep all their man made laws and
trying to impose circumcision on the new believers then those agitators should
rather just go and emasculate themselves!!! Another thing for us to realise is that Sha’ul
never spoke against the teachings of the Torah, or rather the teachings of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
who is the living Word, the living Torah. <b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 40:8</b> tells us
that <b>the</b> Word of Elohim stands forever! Sadly many today have done the
exact opposite of adding to the Torah – they have taken away from the Torah in
a desperate response to walking out from the <i>works of laws</i> or <i>works
of man made laws</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Torah was given as a way of life and Sha’ul in Galatians calls
us to follow it this manner:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians 5:13-14</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>“<span style="color: red;">For
you, brothers, have been called to freedom, only do not use freedom as an
occasion for the flesh, but through love serve one another. </span></b></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For the entire Torah is completed in one word, in this,
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sha’ul continually stressed that love is esteemed as the way to
follow Torah and he stresses this point in:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians 6:2<span style="color: red;"> “Bear one
another’s burdens, and so <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">complete</span>
the Torah of Messiah.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The word complete here is the same word used when Messiah declares
to us that He did not come to destroy the Torah but ‘fulfil’ or ‘complete it!
In other words He came to fully meet its requirements and provide for us the
Way to walk in His Torah as we remain in Him in </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">order that we too may ‘complete/fulfil’
the Torah. Just think about it – if He </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">fulfilled’ it in the erroneous way
that is taught by many that declares it is now null and void – then how would
Sha’ul tell us to fulfil something already fulfilled!!! Yes I know it sounds
crazy – and guess what – it is! Because the Torah has not been made null and
void – it is there for us to hear, guard and do and we have the ability <b>in</b> Messiah to walk <b>in</b> it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So we bear each other’s burdens and fulfil the Torah! He was
referring to <b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 19:18</b>
when speaking here – he always referred back to Torah – </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s
ways – not man’s!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wayyiqra/Leviticus 19:18</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b><span style="color: red;">“</span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do not take vengeance or
bear a grudge against the children of your people. And you shall love your
neighbour as yourself. I am </span></b><b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The freedom that he speaks of in Galatians
is in reference to the freedom that man has been given to walk out the Torah
without the bondage of man’s traditions. <b>Galatians 3:13</b> tells us that
that </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> has freed us from the curse spoken of in
3:10. The curse that He took upon Himself enables us to work out the commands
of the entire Word of Elohim without the fear of being cursed or condemned. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> did not bring the Torah to and end, he was the end of it – in other
words the completion of what Torah is, He fully filled it – that we may
understand and live it, amen! As Galatians 6:2 (quoted above) says – by
carrying each others burdens we ‘<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">fulfil</span>’ <u>the</u> <i>Law</i> (Torah) of Messiah! So we too can
walk in the fullness of it as we have been given the way by </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Messiah. He fully filled it bringing it in its fullness that we too can
walk in the fullness of it, as we walk in Him, having been saved by Grace
through faith and now by His Spirit equipped to walk in Him ‘fully’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These false teachers in Galatia were
trying to enslave the new converts all over again – they had been set free from
death and slavery to their previous way of life by grace through faith in </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, and Sha’ul in chapter 4:21 was basically saying, listen you who want
to be <i>under law</i>, <b>not</b> ‘<i><u>the</u> law’</i>, in other words, ‘<i>under
legalism</i>’ – do you not realise what ‘<i><u>the</u></i>’ which is there in
the Greek – ‘<i>the Law</i>’ referring to the Torah of Elohim. He was saying
listen you who want to or are trying to be under man’s laws – are you not aware
what Elohim’s Law or His Torah says – <u>salvation is by grace through faith –
not of works</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The key to understanding Galatians rests
in the knowledge of the letters purpose – the purpose of the letter was to show
that justification or right standing in </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">’s eyes
comes through faith alone and not through perverting the Torah into legalism by
the addition of man made rules or works. The just shall live by faith! And in
walking out our faith we walk in His instructions or Torah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I encourage you all to start seeing the
wonder and beauty of this great letter – Sha’ul was an excellent Torah teacher
– he never undermined the very Word of Elohim – he upheld it passionately and
so should we. We are in a time where we are truly realising just how the
opposite has been done, by taking away from the very yoke that leads us in
peace and joy. Living without law is sin, lawlessness is ‘<i>anomia</i>’ in
Greek (<i>a – nomos</i>) – without instruction – without Torah – we cannot
afford to live without the Torah – we cannot afford to live without <b>the</b>
very Living Word giving us direction and guidance for every step we take.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let us not make the same mistake, although
in reverse, by not walking in His ways – He has given us His Word for our
benefit, that we may know Him and declare His glory right here right now as we
lovingly obey Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Praise </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> that
through </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> he has broken the yoke of slavery – that
man made system of works that only enslaves you. Yahshua modelled for us how we
should live and we are to walk as He walked, living and obedient life, not
enslaved by traditions and rules of men. Just as we can see how today many have
taken away from His Torah which is lawlessness, using grace as a license to sin
– sin is to miss the mark – whereas the torah is the mark. Through grace we can
fix our eyes on the mark – </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – The very Word – and run unhindered the
race set before us, amen! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the same breath we have inherited
traditions of man that has pagan roots and taken them on as acceptable modes of
worship unto </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – how different then are we in today’s
times compared to that of Sha’ul’s. In effect in today’s accepted mode of
worship we can easily see how man has ‘taken away’ from the Torah and ‘added’
man’s own laws. One of these is the Sabbath. Man has taken away from the Torah and
added his own Sabbath law, as we discussed a few weeks ago. Another interesting
note on the Sabbath – According to the Torah there are basically only 7
commands or instructions regarding the Sabbath – and by the time </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> had come in the flesh there were well over 1000 additional ‘Sabbath’
laws that man had added, placing huge burdens and unbearable yokes on man!!!
The Catholic Church took away from the Torah by stripping the observance of
Sabbath according to the Torah of Elohim and added a Sun-day law that has
become man’s addition to their self-imposed worship unto </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. Let us strip away the rules of men, disguised as freedom, and let us
embrace truly the heart of the Torah of Elohim, living it out expressed in
loving obedience to our wonderful Maker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have you misunderstood Sha’ul’s message?
Embrace the truth of the letter that is total harmony with the teachings of Yahshua.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I could go on and on, however I encourage
you all to go and further dig into the TRUTH of the Word and discover for
yourself the wonder and joy of walking in Him in love expressed through total
obedient living. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let me leave you with some of the verses
in Galatians where the word ‘the’ should be or shouldn’t be there. This you can
easily check by going to an interlinear Bible where the English and Greek are
together and enjoy discovering the Truth, amen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians
2: 15-16 </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">term ‘observance of the law’ or ‘works of
the law’ should be properly rendered ‘observance of law’ or ‘works of law’. The
definite article ‘the’ is not present in the original Greek before ‘law’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We, Yehuḏim by nature, and not of the gentiles, sinners, 16 knowing
that a man is not declared right by works of Torah, but through belief in </span></b><b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah, even we have believed in Messiah </span></b><b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, in order to be declared right by belief in Messiah and not by
works of Torah, because by works of Torah no flesh shall be declared right.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatiyim/Galatians
2:19</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – ‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ is not present in the original
Greek text:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For through Torah I died to Torah, in order to live to Elohim.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians
3:2 – </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ as the definite article for law
is not present:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This only I wish to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by
works of Torah, or by the hearing of belief?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Observing law or rather works of law gives
reference to ‘<i>ma’asim</i>’ –remember – those rabbinical precedents that led
to ‘<i>Takkanot</i>’. Sha’ul is asking whether they received the Ruach HaQodesh
(Set-Apart Spirit) through works of law – those oral ‘laws’ instituted by
man!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians
3:10-11</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – definite article ‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ is found only once
in reference to law in these two verses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For as many as are of works of Torah are under the curse, for it has
been written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all that has been
written in the book of <u>the</u> Torah, to do them.”</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And that no one is declared right by Torah before
Elohim is clear, for “The righteous shall live by belief.”</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Praise be to </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> our
Messiah who redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us so
that the blessing given to Aḇraham may come to us trough faith in Messiah and
that by faith we may receive the promise of the Spirit – which is salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians
3:19</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – ‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ is present:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why, then, <u>the</u> Torah? It was added because of transgressions,
until the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. And it was ordained
through messengers in the hand of a mediator.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians
3:21</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – ‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ is present in the first law and
not in the next 2:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is <u>the</u> Torah then against the promises of Elohim? Let it not
be! For if a law had been given that was able to make alive, truly
righteousness would have been by Torah.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatiyim/Galatians
3:23 </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">- ‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ is not present with law:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But before belief came, we were being guarded under
Torah, having been shut up for the belief being about to be revealed.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘Prisoners’ by
law’ can also be rendered ‘under law’. Before faith they were held captive by
laws – heavy burdens – laws of man that was imposing a works based system for
salvation, and as we know salvation is by grace through faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatians <st1:time hour="15" minute="24" w:st="on">3:24</st1:time></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – ‘<b><i>the</i></b> is present’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore <u>the</u> Torah became our trainer unto
Messiah, in order to be declared right by belief.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The law was a
tutor or schoolmaster that led us to Messiah that we may be justified by faith.
The terminology used here gives reference to those who were put in charge of
young boys and the boys were in effect not allowed to even put a step out of
the house without permission. By faith we are no longer under the supervision
of a schoolmaster, we are now as verse 26 tells us, sons of Elohim through
faith in Messiah </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, for we who
have been baptised into Messiah have clothed ourselves with Him, and we are
therefore heirs according to the promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chapter 4:4
tells us that when the time had fully come – </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> was born ‘under
law’ to redeem those ‘under law’, that we might receive the full rights as
sons!!! Because we are sons, Elohim sent the Spirit of </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> into our hearts
and we are no longer slaves but sons. What does Scriptures say – He has written
His renewed covenant on our hearts – His Torah is now written on our hearts and
is in our mouths that we may obey Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatians <st1:time hour="16" minute="21" w:st="on">4:21</st1:time></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – ‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ is not used in the first law,
but is used in the second!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Say to me, you who wish to be under Torah, do you not
hear <u>the</u> Torah?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In other words –
you who want to be under legalism, under all these yokes of man – do you not
know what <b>the</b> Law or rather <b>the</b> Torah says? – You are not saved
by observing law – saved by Grace through faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatians 5:4</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – there is no ‘<b><i>the</i></b>’ in the original text:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You who are declared right by Torah have severed
yourselves from Messiah, you have fallen from favour.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5:6</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> tells us that the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself
through love! What is love for Elohim? That you obey His commands – that you
obey His Torah! We obey His Torah out of love because we are saved, not to get
saved!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sha’ul carries
on and tells us that the entire law (The Torah – not with mans laws included!)
is summed up in a single command – love your neighbour as yourself – where he
was in act referencing the Torah from </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wayyiqra/Leviticus 19:18</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">!!! He was
addressing the heart of what was going on – those agitators were trying to
impose stuff on the new converts that was never to be imposed on them – they
should have loved them Elohim’s way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are led by
the Spirit. <st1:time hour="17" minute="18" w:st="on">5:18</st1:time> says that
if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law (notice no ‘the’)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatians 6:2
(quoted above) – we fulfil the law as we carry each others burdens – LOVE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These are just
some of the verses that when translated correctly brings greater clarity as to
what Sha’ul is saying. Sha’ul was a great teacher of the Torah of Elohim, and
he stood against that yoke that man had added to the Torah of Elohim. He
himself was one of those who persecuted early believers when he embraced the
‘whole law’ including man’s additions until </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> met him and
stripped away the lies and traditions of men that was putting a burden on
peoples shoulders that was too hard to carry. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">יהושע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> says – those
who are heavy laden should come to him and take His yoke – His Torah, His
instructions for His yoke is easy. May we be a people who do not simply throw
off </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">יהזשע</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">'s yoke in error
by turning grace into lawlessness, but rather take up His yoke and so be led by
His Spirit as true sons of Elohim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Galatians is
really a great letter and a great empowering letter that helps us see how Sha’ul
loved the Torah and stood against anything that was added or taken away. May we
too do the same as we live for </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">יהוה</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> in obedience to His Word which stands forever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-42928446227615877782011-12-24T07:43:00.000+02:002011-12-24T07:43:39.329+02:00BEWARE OF THE SPINNING WEBS AND HATCHING EGGS!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
BEWARE OF THE
SPINNING WEBS AND HATCHING EGGS!<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 59 & Ḥazon/Revelation
14<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom family, it is good for us to be together in the
Mighty Name of our Master and King, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How is everyone holding up as the world gets even crazier at this
time of year? May we be continually strengthened together in the Word and cling
to His Word with our all, despite the ridiculous blasphemous rituals that are
being rehearsed by the blind, ignorant and stiff-necked masses that are at
large totally unaware of the pagan roots of the so called “festive season”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
10:2 “<span style="color: red;">Thus said</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, “<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Do not learn the way of the nations</span>, and do not be
awed by the signs in the heavens, for the nations are awed by them.</span></b><b>” <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
12:32 “<span style="color: red;">guard yourself that you are not ensnared to
follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not
inquire about their mighty ones, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their
mighty ones? And let me do so too.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
These are two of several Scriptures that warns us not to seek
after, learn and adopt any form of worship that the other nations do and try to
apply it to worshipping<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> – He
clearly tells us that it is abominable and not acceptable as worship – He has
clearly laid out for us how we are to worship Him as we follow His Word and not
add or take away from it. Sadly what we see and know for sure is that these and
many other Scriptures have not been obeyed by most today as the majority of
professing believers are in fact worshipping or rather attempting to worship <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> in a way that is contrary to His Word
and has been ensnared to vainly serve Him the way the nations have served their
false mighty ones for millennia. Do not worship Him the way the nations worship!
This so called ‘festive season’ is nothing but a deadly gangrene that can and
will kill all who submit to its form. In Yoḥanan/John 6 <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> mentions 6 times the need for us to
eat of His Flesh and drink of His Blood – for anyone who does not cannot have
any part in Him – in other words if you do not eat of His flesh and drink of
His Blood you cannot be a part of His body. It is by His Blood that we are
brought near and grafted in to His Covenants of Promise and as we eat of His
flesh we ‘stay in Him’. Just think about this profound statement that many of
the believers at His time here could not accept and stopped following for this
teaching was too hard. What is His flesh? It is the Word – The Word became
flesh! That is what we are to eat!!! We are to eat our ‘lawful bread’ daily. So
many in the world today who claim to be believers yet forsake the commands are
in fact not eating of His Flesh and therefore can have not part in His body!
The majority of Christianity today wants the Blood of Messiah and they plead it
with great fervency while rejecting His flesh and the eating thereof – they put
aside the Word of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as ‘Old
Testament’ and how they are no longer under it – listen, unless you <b>eat His flesh</b> – that is to eat on, chew
upon and meditate upon the Torah and Prophets and writings – the Tanak – which
certainly has nothing ‘Old’ and outdated about it as it is very much alive for
us still today as we learn to walk in His ways, guard His commands and keep His
Feasts and His Sabbaths - and <b>drink His
blood</b> – that is to receive by faith the work of His death and resurrection,
which we proclaim at the Feast of Pěsaḥ/Passover – unless you do these you have
no part in Him and cannot have His Name upon your forehead or Hand. And if that
be the case whose name is on those who do not have the Father’s Name! They that
have no part in Him take on the very mark of the beast – and this we must guard
against and warn others from! Attempting to worship the True Creator, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts, in any other manner than that
which has been written down for us in the Living Word is nothing more than
abominable worship before His eyes which He does not ‘wink at’! but is rather
calling everyone everywhere to repent!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is with urgency that we recognise the depravity of such falsely
claimed worship and guard against the temptation to engage in it in any form or
manner, no matter who we may offend for standing firm in His Word! The enemy
has a way of trying to make and cause the true righteous set-apart ones feel
guilty for simply refusing to bow to the twisted rooted forms of abominable
worship – and let us be reminded together that we will not fall prey to such
nonsense, but rather with great joy and delight worship our Elohim, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts, as He has commanded!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
At a time when the world almost ‘slows down a gear’ so to speak
and almost everyone gets into the ‘holiday mode’ may we be reminded that it is
in fact ‘business as usual’ – our fervent worship and obedience must not be
found to be lacking and fall into the trap of ‘slowing down a gear’ too. We
must continually be on our guard and in a message tonight called, “<b>Beware of the spinning webs and hatching
eggs</b>” I would like us to look at <b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
59</b> and also touch on <b>Ḥazon/Revelation
14</b> – please turn with me to <b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
59</b> (read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
From verse 5 you can see where the message title comes from and
the call to beware of these entangling webs and poisonous eggs is very real!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu
58</b> tells us of Yisra’ĕl’s sin/Lawlessness as they fasted in the
wrong way with wrong motives and neglected to walk in obedience primarily by
not observing the Sabbath correctly, and were in a sorry state which we find
pretty similar today. Many feel that they fast and pray to no avail and even
question the existence of Elohim as they don’t get things their way and here in
chapter 59 Yeshayahu makes it very clear that the hand of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has not become too short to save –
nor His ear too heavy to hear! In other words what he was saying back then and
still to us today is this – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is within
reach! The problem was their crookedness and sins that had separated them from
Elohim and caused His face to be hidden and His ears to be shut! Crooked paths
cause one to not be able to see straight ahead and if there is any crookedness
in our lives we will not clearly see Him as He is and be able to fully walk in
Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We regularly speak and proclaim what is typically called the
priestly blessing that He declared how His Name is put upon the children of
Yisra’ĕl, and so sin/lawlessness hides His face from us then it goes to show
clearly that when we ask Him to cause His face to shine upon us and lift up His
face toward us for favour and His shalom then we had better be walking in and
guarding His commands, for that will be righteousness for us (<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 6:25</b>).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <b>Ḥazon/Revelation 14</b>
in speaking of the 144000 who had the Name of the father upon their heads –
that is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> - were
described as having ‘no falsehood in their mouth and were blameless before the
throne of Elohim’. Last week we looked at <b>Tsephanyah/Zephaniah
3</b> and in verse 13 we are again told that the remnant of Yisra’ĕl shall do
no unrighteousness and speak no falsehood! A total opposite of what is being
declared to Yisra’ĕl at large here in <b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah
59:3</b> – whose lips had spoken falsehood. This was a sad state of affairs and
we see the same today as verse 4 says that no one calls for righteousness and
no one pleads for truth as they trust in emptiness and speak worthlessness.
Trust and the words we speak – so vitally important!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The unrighteous call not for righteousness or truth as they place
their trust in that which is absolutely nothing – be it their wealth, their
relationships, their talents or even their theologies of man – all emptiness as
there in only One in whom we are to trust and here are a couple of verses on
trust:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
9:10 “<span style="color: red;">And those who know Your Name trust in You, For
You have not forsaken those who seek You, O </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Praise </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> that we know His Name! We know the
One we trust and are secure, bold and confident in Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
31:6 “<span style="color: red;">I have hated those who observe lying vanities;
But I trust in </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">Listen to Dawiḏ here –
he hated those who observe ‘lying vanities’ – those who observe empty and vain
lies of erroneous traditions’ he hated but put His trust in </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. Now I am not saying go and hate
everyone who is ridiculously keeping Christmas, but shine the light of His love
through uncompromised obedience to the Truth while forsaking ‘lying vanities’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
40:4 “<span style="color: red;">Blessed is that man who has made </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> his trust, and has not turned to the
proud, and those turning aside to falsehood.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness, walk in the Light
as children of the Light!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
125:1 “<span style="color: red;">Those who trust in </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Are like Mount Tsiyon – It is not shaken,
it remains forever.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah
17:7 “<span style="color: red;">Blessed is the man who trusts in </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and whose trust is </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Trusting in emptiness will only lead to worthless speech as it
will not be backed up with the Truth! Sha’ul tells us in Qolasim/Colossians
that our words must be seasoned with salt so that we know how to answer anyone.
<b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 2:13</b> tells us
that with every offering bring salt and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> tells us
in Marqos/Mark 9 that every offering shall be seasoned with salt. We are also
told to continually offer up to Him a slaughter offering of praise with our
lips – and that is done when our speech is not worthless but seasoned with
salt, speaking only that which is pure and clean. Worthless talk conceives trouble
and brings forth wickedness! Have you ever found yourself in trouble because of
those stupid and worthless words you spoke? We must be slow to speak and quick
to listen, as most of us tend to easily say things we shouldn’t because we
never seasoned it with salt that would make it acceptable as praise unto
Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Timotiyos
Bet/2 Timothy 2:16-17 “<span style="color: red;">But keep away from profane,
empty babblings, for they go on to more wickedness, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and their word shall eat its way
like gangrene. Humenaios and Philetos are of this sort.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So many loose and worthless words flying around out there today –
hence all the trouble and wickedness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 5</b> clearly
speaks the crux of the matter that we see today – spider’s webs and snake eggs!
Those who are supposed to be calling for righteousness and pleading for truth have
instead hatched adder’s eggs and weaved spider’s webs. We have to be very
careful to stay out of the spider’s web of deception. I have been very
disgusted this past week or so as I have come across and encountered so many
vain stories that are spun regarding Christmas. I am sure you have heard things
like, “We know it wasn’t when Messiah was born, but we can celebrate His birth
anytime!” or, “It doesn’t matter what Christmas meant to pagans long ago… it
doesn’t mean that for us today!” It gets worse - these and many more words are
from pastors of churches – the ones who ought to be calling for righteousness
and pleading for Truth – but they aren’t because they too have trusted in
emptiness and speak worthlessness – all that they do is hatch poisonous eggs
that are biting so many with twisted theologies and whoever east their rotten
eggs … dies! We are to have our lawful bread daily – sadly too many are eating
the snake eggs of deception and lies and many will die as a result – if they do
not repent and come out. <b>Verse 6</b>
carries on and tells us that the webs they weave do not become garments, nor
are they covered by their works for their works are works of wickedness –
pretty tough words but so true for so many.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A spider’s web or silk cannot be made into garments – the fine
linen of the set-apart ones cannot be made out of spider’s web. The spin that
the wicked teachers put on the Truth may cause many to feel like a superhero
and think they look supercool with spandex type Spiderman’s costumes – but
sadly that is all it is – a costume in a life of falsehood where they are
blindly taught that they are not the villain – when on the contrary it is the
villain who has designed their clothing! And so in the eyes of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> they are not clothed with
righteousness but are simply poor, blind and naked – stern words that were
spoken to a lukewarm Laodikeia! Those who want to dress up in the spider’s web
of deceptive teachings must know that they will simply be vomited out – for in
His eyes they are not clothed in Him but are laid bare and naked before Him and
their attempt at works will not cover them!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are known by our fruits, by the very fruit of our work and many
who are working tirelessly out of the spiders web will be shown up as
fruitless:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
7:21-23 “<span style="color: red;">Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’
shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My
Father in the heavens. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in
Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your
Name?’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
“And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who
work lawlessness!’</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ya’aqoḇ/James tells us that
we must show our belief by our works – good works prepared in advance for us –
that is to walk in righteousness – walk in obedience. The enemy casting the
spider’s web has caused so many to be so busy with what they feel is ‘good
works’ yet sadly will have no effect in being a covering of righteousness, and
those not covered are destroyed! I have heard this week of a pastor admitting
Christmas is wrong and even mention its roots to their congregation, yet then
turn it around and use the very symbol of Nimrod and say this, “Oh but we see a
different tree…!” and then try to mirror our Saviour against the backdrop of
Nimrod – that is blasphemy – blasphemy that has so many caught in the web of
lies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The words of Yeshayahu are so alive for us today – they have no
right-ruling in their midst – how true of the spider and egg theology we see so
rampant today in Christianity - no right ruling and crooked paths – why?
Because they have declared that the Tanak is ‘Old’ and of no importance! Truth
has fallen in the street and is unable to enter into their congregations as
right-ruling has been turned into wormwood as they cast righteousness down to
the earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 15</b> says that
Truth is lacking and whoever turns away from evil makes himself a prey – how
true is that for us today – once we turn away from Babylon and its sticky web
of man’s institutionalised religion we become targets for the enemy – a
daunting fact that sadly causes so many to refuse to leave and rather
compromise for the sake of a falsely promised peace – yet we who trust in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> remain steadfast, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yeshayahu said that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> was
astonished that there was no intercessor – for we have all sinned and fallen
short – and so His own Arm saved for Him – and so He sent us our covering – in
the blood of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah,
who will repay all according to their deeds and all will fear the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> when the distress comes like a flood
– this is clearly speaking of when His wrath is poured out. Having said that
please turn with me to <b>Ḥazon/Revelation
14</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Without spending too much time that we do not have tonight on this
entire chapter – I want us to focus on verses 6-12 in light of what we have
read in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 59.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3 Messengers giving 3 messages – 3 messages that ought to be
proclaimed today in light of the terrible spider’s webs that are being spun and
snake eggs that are being hatched!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 7 –
Message 1</b> – Fear Elohim – He is the Creator of all – there is none else!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 8 –
Message 2</b> – Baḇel is fallen! Don not follow its ways and come out!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Verse 9 –
Message 3</b> – Worship the beast and you will be punished!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In essence the message is clear – we are to fear Elohim:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
14:26 “<span style="color: red;">In the fear of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is strong trust, and His children have a
place of refuge.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are to then proclaim that the system of man-made traditions and
ways of worship and the spider web of “teaching as teachings the commands of
men” is fallen – it is a deadly poison that is of no good. It is time for us to
tell those still caught in the web of falsehood that it is a fallen system and
they must come out of her! Thirdly we are to warn those who refuse to come out
– warn those who take up the mark of the Beast through profaning the Sabbath
and other Feasts of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. We are
to warn those who continue to replace the Truth with the beast’s feasts – that
they will drink of the cup of the wrath of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> if they refuse to come out!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This calls for faithful endurance as verse 12 tells us – faithful
endurance of the set-apart ones – those who guard the commands of Elohim and
the belief of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>! Faithful
endurance to guard His commands and not worship Him according to the way of the
nations – you may even be hated for righteousness sake, but stand firm!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Why am I sharing these passages with you? Well to encourage and
warn you to “stay out of the Spider’s Web” that we have all been loosened from
through the revelation of the Truth and by the Blood of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sin enters the heart as we get bitten by the fangs of lawlessness,
when we allow Satan to plant evil thoughts in our minds – those ‘snake eggs of
sin’, which if not cast down immediately will cause an adder to hatch and be
very deadly vipers of sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yisra’ĕl was proclaiming worship with their lips only while their
hearts were far from Elohim, and as a result they were mere incubators for
snake eggs that gets laid into hearts caught in the deceptive spider’s web
which cannot cloth or cover! Our works reveal our heart – is the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> on our heart, or has there been
deposited some snake eggs of unrighteousness? When a heart is far from <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> speech becomes like a spiting spider
web that spins out lies and justification for lawlessness, and the caution for
us here is to be alert and beware the spinning webs and hatching eggs that
surround us daily and be steadfast not to be caught up through some stupid
compromise!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a call to stop trying to be a ‘Spiderman’ who is simply
all dressed in lies that actually cannot cover you – walk in righteousness,
clothed in Messiah with the garments of fine linen that we can shine our light
before men so that they ‘see’ our ‘good works’ and praise <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For many of you – you may be facing the daunting fangs of some of
the spider eggs that have been broken by those who are caught up in and are too
weaving vain spiders web of deceit – some of those may even be family members
who have made you a prey for walking away from the Babylon system of worship –
stand firm and be steadfast as you hear these words of our True and Mighty
Elohim to us who are in His covenant as a faithful bride:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>“…<span style="color: red;">My Spirit that is upon you, and My words that I have put in
your mouth, shall not be withdrawn from your mouth…</span>” (59:21)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now let our speech be continually seasoned with salt and declare
His praises to the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous
light!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As we have His Name declared over us and put upon us – let us be
careful to guard ourselves from the destructive lies of corrupted worship and
live like those who have the Father’s Name upon us – with no falsehood on our
lips and every word seasoned with salt – living free from the webs and eggs of
wickedness and destruction!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
bless you and guard you; </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">make His face shine upon you, and show favour to
you; </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> lift
up His face upon you, and give you peace.</span></div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-8687006535374590092011-12-17T08:42:00.002+02:002011-12-17T08:42:23.027+02:00No Substitutes - Give Your Best!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
NO SUBSTITUTES – GIVE YOUR BEST!<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Diḇre haYamim Bět/2 Chronicles 12<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom to you all and favour from Elohim the Father and
our Master <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע </span>Messiah.
Sha’ul tells us that our life of faith can be likened to a race in which we
compete and in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Qorintiyim
Aleph/1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “<span style="color: red;">Do you not know that those
who run in a race indeed all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way
as to obtain it. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
And everyone who competes controls himself in every way. Now they do it to
receive a corruptible crown, but we for an incorruptible crown.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Running to receive the prize – giving your all that requires
discipline and complete control – how is your spiritual race going at the
moment? As we all know – to be a top athlete today requires total commitment
and dedication – hours and hours a day of high pressured training and strict
regimes in preparation and hope for an event that may only last seconds to
obtain gold, and any substitution in the preparation for the ultimate prize may
hinder their success! Now Sha’ul tells us that we are to run in this way –
spiritually that is – giving our all for the true prize that does not perish.
In other words, in our pursuit for excellence in seeking after and running the
race set before us with perseverance, we are told in Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 12:1 to lay
aside every weight and sin in order to give our best unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a message tonight called. “<b>No
Substitutes – Give Your Best!</b>” may we all be once again be encouraged to
keep running with great joy and fervency the race set before us and let us not
settle for any substitute to pure set-apart living but truly give our best unto
our Saviour and King, aměn! In order to do that we will look into the wonderful
mirror of the Word of Elohim and allow His Word to teach, correct, reproof and
train us in righteousness in order to ensure that we are in fact giving our
best and allowing no substitute and to do that please turn with me to <b>Diḇre haYamim Bět/2 Chronicles 12</b> where
we will learn about the dangers of substitutes to pure set-apart living (Read).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Every day we need to be assessing our lives and asking ourselves
whether we are giving our best or do we quickly slip into a mode of
substituting the enduring perseverance of living set-apart for compromised
standards as the pressure of the world lures us into being conformed to its
falsely labelled substitutes for acceptable living. In the chapter we have just
read, we read of Reḥaḇ’am – the son of Shelomoh and grandson of Dawiḏ - you
would think that this guys would have understood how he should live unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, yet as we know he was in essence a
phony! He tried to have the appearance of being a righteous king but failed
miserably. He had inherited power, position, wealth and prestige yet it all
went to his head and it cost him – he failed to give his best to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, but instead did all he could do give
his best unto himself – and boy isn’t that so real for so many today!!! When so
many get caught up in their own little world of self they couldn’t care who
gets hurt along the way as long as what they do benefits only self! The setting
for this chapter is as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5 years had now passed since the death of Shelomoh and Reḥaḇ’am
had become king over Yisra’ĕl, and in this short time so much had already
happened under his wicked rule – Yisra’ĕl had become divided into 2
houses/nations, Reḥaḇ’am had forsaken the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and caused Yisra’ĕl to follow his
lead and idolatry was firmly established as we also read in <b>Melaḵim Aleph/ 1 Kings 14</b> that Yehuḏah
had done evil in the eyes of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and had
provoked Him to jealousy by all their sins they had committed – more that all
their fathers – high places had been established, and every abomination that
the nations were doing they were doing including having cult prostitutes! Reḥaḇ’am
through his wickedness and pride had caused division and a rapid decline of a
nation who was called to be set-apart and a light to the nations! One of the
major lessons we can take from these events is this: sin and division brings an
easy open door for the enemy into one’s life. Shishaq, the sovereign of
Mitsrayim/Egypt, was given an open door so to speak to invade the land because
of sin and division.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reḥaḇ’am had established a compromised platform of mixed worship
as being acceptable under his reign and so opened up the door for much needed
rebuke and discipline in which <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> would use
their enemy to bring it about in order to humble them and cause them to return
to obedience. Reḥaḇ’am really enjoyed
having the Temple of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> that was
built by his father and was happy to ‘worship’ the Elohim of his father and
grandfather, while at the same time indulged in worshipping the false and pagan
mighty ones of the nations – mixed worship is not worship in the eyes of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. Reḥaḇ’am
rested on his assumed security based on the promise to Dawiḏ that there will
always be a king on the throne of Dawiḏ making way for Messiah and presumed to
be untouchable and able to rule as he pleased and the account of his life is
certainly a great lesson for us in privilege, pride and the judgement of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <b>Qorintiyim
Aleph/1 Corinthians 10</b> tells us that these accounts are examples for us to
warn us, so that he who thinks he stands should take heed lest he fall. Reḥaḇ’am
only listened to himself – 2 chapter back you read of how he refused the advice
of the elders and then went and asked those of his own age – what he was doing
was not looking for advice but rather just looking for someone to agree with
and confirm his own will and would only ‘take advice’ of those who matched his
will, and so too are there today many who do just that – they will discard the
truth if it hurts!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reḥaḇ’am did not serve <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> like Dawiḏ
or Shelomoh – after all he was a son of an ammonite – a woman Shelomoh should
not have married!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This was a man who simply refused to give his best unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. And so I would like to briefly look
at some of the problems that marked his life and that which marks the life of
one who substitutes set-apart living with self and lustful pride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>A –
PROBLEM OF HIS CHARACTER (1)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Verse 1 tells us straight away that this guy’s character was
seriously flawed! He operated in selfish pride, disregarded the Word of Elohim
and led others astray and so revealed some serious heart issues as he believed
that neither he nor the nation needed <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s
presence, instructions or involvement in their lives. It was as if he was
saying by his corrupted living standards, “Thanks for bringing me this far, I
can handle it form here…” and so a perfect example for us of a life that cannot
walk in the blessing of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. Tehillim/Psalm
1 tells us that blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the
wrong, does not stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers
but rather meditates on the Torah day and night – and he will be prosperous in
all he does. Reḥaḇ’am is the exact opposite – he walked, stood and sat in the
wrong ways, with the wrong people and engaged in wrong practices with no time
to even think on the Torah never mind meditate on it – that would have been way
too much ‘work’ for a man who lacked the pure character of a true set-apart
child of the Living Elohim who gives their best and takes serious the need to
be transformed daily, renewing their minds by meditating on the Torah! Reḥaḇ’am
thought he didn’t need <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> – major
mistake! He thought he could go it in his own, after all he had pretty much
been given everything – the reign, the riches etc. What he did not realise is
that without <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> he could
do nothing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yoḥanan/John
15:5 “<span style="color: red;">I am the vine, you are the branches. He who stays
in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit. <u>Because without Me you are able to
do naught!</u></span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yoḥanan/John 14:15 <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> clearly
tells us that if we love Him we will guard His commands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mattithyahu/Matthew
5:16 “<span style="color: red;">Let your light so shine before men, so that they
see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Eph’siyim/Ephesians
2:10 “<span style="color: red;">For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> unto good works, which Elohim prepared
beforehand that we should walk in them.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Miḵah/Micah
6:8 “<span style="color: red;">He has declared to you, O man, what is good. And
what does </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>
require of you but to do right, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your Elohim?</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
These verse tells us how we are to stand, sit and walk in Messiah
– and Reḥaḇ’am displays none of the above! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The pure character of Messiah is built up in us through endurance
and perseverance through trials as opposed to the world’s comfort of fitting in
or keeping up with the joneses – Reḥaḇ’am wanted to be like the world. How
about you? Are you giving your best or slacking in conformity to worldly
pleasures?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>B – PROBLEM
OF HIS INABILITY TO HEED DISCIPLINE (2-9)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reḥaḇ’am’s sin/lawlessness resulted in the discipline of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> upon him and the nation and so <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> sends Shishaq, the sovereign of
Mitsrayim, as a method of discipline! What is interesting to note here when you
compare verse 9 to the account of the exodus in <b>Shemoth/Exodus 12:35-36</b> in that we see a clear contrast of events.
In Shemoth 12, Yisra’ĕl plundered the
Mitsrites/Egyptians and now here, when in the Promised Land under the corrupt
reign of Reḥaḇ’am, Mitsrayim were plundering Yisra’ĕl!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> used the
world out of which they were delivered to discipline them!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In verse 5 <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> makes it
clear – you forsook Me therefore I have left you in the hand of Shishaq! All
who call upon the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> shall be
delivered, and all who forsake <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> are left
in the hand of that which they seek out! Seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and live – Reḥaḇ’am sought what the world had to offer and
therefore <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> used the
world to discipline and humble them! The leaders and Reḥaḇ’am did humble
themselves and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> declared
that he wouldn’t destroy them, but give them some deliverance – they still
would be disciplined but not destroyed! Reḥaḇ’am would not learn from
discipline and would only humble himself as a means of escape from the
hardships so as to set himself up again in walking after his own ways and he
did not heed the discipline of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and so by
definition of Scripture was a fool and did not fear Him who could destroy the
soul!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs
1:7 “<span style="color: red;">The fear of </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is the beginning of knowledge; Fools
despise wisdom and discipline.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
He despised the Torah and the discipline that is as a result of
despising the Torah and the sad reality of a fool is simply this – you are never
stable! And this was the cause of his next problem:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>C –
PROBLEM OF HIS OBVIOUS CONFUSION<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In verse 1 we are told he is full of himself – full of pride; then
in verse 6 he humbles himself before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, after
which he resorted back to making his own plans which we will look at shortly,
then in verse 12 he humbled himself again; yet in verse 14 we are told that he
did evil! This was a confused and unstable man – unable to stand firmly on the
Rock!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
He was up and down – did whatever he had to in order to ‘get out
of jail free’ so to speak and then return to his own vomit! This is a picture
of a man who clearly would never give his best unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, but only thought of himself and
would mimic the appearance of reverence to escape judgement, abusing the mercy
and favour of Elohim – yet we must learn that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> sees the heart and this was the evil that he did – he did not
seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> with his
heart! Today there are many who display this characteristic of confused living
– one day they will be so amped and on fire (in appearance at least) for the
Truth and be ready to take on the world while it is seemingly going well, only
to change their stance very quickly and the next day be so full of pride,
self-pity and lustful desires that they forsake the fleeting fire of commitment
they vainly confessed to - confused people are they who forsake the Torah and
think they can do it on their own! How many times have you found yourself
confused? The Torah in not confusing – what confuses is the mixing of Torah
with worldly standards as one never knows what the right standard for the
circumstance they find themselves in. Listen there is only one way – no matter
the circumstances – be not double-minded but focused as we diligently prepare
our hearts daily to seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, aměn!<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Poor character, lack of discipline and confusion leads to the next
problem:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>D –
PROBLEM OF HIS CULTIVATED COMPROMISES<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shishaq came and plundered Yisra’ĕl and he took away the treasures
of the House of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>,
including the gold shields which Shelomoh had made. These shields were worth a
lot and symbolised the very esteem of the Temple that Shelomoh had made. 200
large shields and 300 shields – all of gold – in today’s terms that is well
over a billion rand worth of gold. These shields were not used for battle –
they were brought out when the king would go in to the Temple, and I am sure we
can all grasp a picture of what this must have looked like – all this
shimmering gold – quite a sight – made a great huge statement of the status of
the Temple Shelomoh had built for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. And now
all the shields among other treasures were gone!!!What does Reḥaḇ’am do? He
substitutes the lost shields for bronze ones that he made in an attempt at
trying to make it seem as if all was still ok!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Bronze also shines and can look very spectacular – especially from
a distance – but it was not gold! Gold represented and spoke of power and
prosperity and was expensive and hard to acquire in large quantities – it does
not tarnish and is durable. Brass/bronze on the other hand is not pure – it is
an alloy of copper and zinc – it is much cheaper and easier to acquire, however
it must be constantly polished as it tarnishes very easily.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Gold</b> in the
Hebrew is the word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">זָהָב</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>zahab’ – H2091</b> – and is from a root word that means to shimmer and often if
figuratively used to describe something that is yellow as oil or clear and
pure, free of dirt. It is also used to describe ‘fair weather’ or clear skies
which paints a wonderful contrast between gold and bronze.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Bronze</b> in Hebrew is the
word <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נְחשֶׁת</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> ‘</span><b>nechosheth’
– H5178</b> – bronze is also used as a picture of
obstinacy – that is being stubborn or difficult or hard headed:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 18:4 “<span style="color: red;">Because I knew that
you were hard, and your neck was an iron sinew, and your forehead bronze,</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This was the words of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to
Yisra’ĕl who had professed to swear by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, yet not
in truth or righteousness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reḥaḇ’am exhibited being a hard headed fool by the fact that he
replaced the plundered gold shields with whatever he could get his hands on
instead of waiting upon <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to show
him what to do. He replaced what was now missing with that which was inferior
and we are only told that he made the shields – what about all the other
treasures that were plundered? Reḥaḇ’am was only interested in what the outward
appearance was all about – he wanted it to appear like the same brilliance and
power was there while the inside was empty!!! In Scripture the word for bronze
is also used to describe the opposite of clear skies and fair weather as we see
in references to the curses for disobedience in:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Deḇarim/Deuteronomy
28:23 “<span style="color: red;">And your heavens which are over your head shall
be bronze, and the earth which is under you iron.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The word for bronze is also used in Scripture to describe
filthiness, lust and halotry – the opposite of that which is pure and clean.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Yeḥezqěl/Ezekiel
16:36 “<span style="color: red;">Thus said the Master </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, “Because your copper was poured out and
your nakedness uncovered in your whorings with your lovers, and with the idols
of your abominations, and because of the blood of your children which you gave
to them,</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">In the 1611 KJV the
word for copper here was translated as filthiness – as we see that </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will expose the filthiness of those
who claim to live in Him yet have their lives so mixed with too much junk!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The contrast of brass and gold carries great lessons for us as
many today are giving brass instead of gold or rather are running for brass
instead of gold as they offer up their lives not as daily living sacrifices but
rather offer up inferior substitutes for total set-apart living and so operate
in pride instead of humility; walk in the flesh instead of the spirit;
compromise instead of commit to set-apart living; they are satisfied with a
substituted life that fits them instead of the genuine walk of faith that has
its many troubles and persecutions; and many make excuses rather than simply
bow in humble obedience and say things like, “I would but…”, or, “I know I
should but…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Brass or gold… what describes your life best – brass that
constantly needs polishing as the mixed standards continually tarnish and
reveal the reality of the substance of your worship or gold that is pure,
clean, refined and durable – able to stand the tests with great joy and faith
in the Master Rock and King <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע </span>Messiah?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What we can take from Reḥaḇ’am
is this – it is one thing to try and look right in appearance and another to be
right in your heart!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We must be a people who prepare our hearts to seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Shemuʼĕl
Aleph/1 Samuel 7:3 “<span style="color: red;">And Shemuʼĕl spoke to all the house
of Yisra’ĕl, saying, “If you return to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> with all your hearts, then put away the foreign mighty ones and
Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts for </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, and serve Him only, so that He delivers
you from the hand of the Philistines.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Can you declare the words of Dawiḏ – a man after the heart of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
57:7 “<span style="color: red;">My heart is firm, O Elohim, My heart is firm; I
sing and praise.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tehillim/Psalm
105:3-4 “<span style="color: red;">Make your boast in His set-apart Name; Let the
hearts rejoice of those seeking </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Seek </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> and His strength; seek His face always.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We are to seek Him while he is to be found, call on Him while He
is near, continually having hearts prepared to seek Him while we forsake all
wrong thoughts and ways. When one fails to prepare their hearts to seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> they will find themselves trying to
strengthen themselves falling into a self-sufficient attitude of no need or
desire for the Word or fellowship in community and when this happens the doors
are opened for the Shishaq’s to come and raid us of all the treasures that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has given us and the enemy will steal
away joy and peace and when you allow that to happen and try to substitute the
very resurrection power of Elohim that ought to be at work in you for mere
human effort – you will crash and burn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In walking in Him we cannot give substitutes – we are to give our
best! And I am pretty sure that most of you here can, although may not be
willing to admit that you have not been giving your best. Perhaps you have been
polishing that mixed lifestyle of bronze so much that it is tiring you out as
evidences of tarnish tend to show up in the most inopportune and unprepared
moments that reveal the true character of what is going on inside!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How short is your fuse when you are ticked off because things did
not go your way? How joyous are you when you find yourself in the place of lack
and in despair? How much do you prepare your heart to seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה?</span> If you are seeking Him simply just to
get you out of the hotspots and bring quick fixes to your imminent problems that
are at large a result of sin, stubbornness and pride, then your heart is not
truly prepared to seek Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let us not make the first mistake Reḥaḇ’am made – and that is to
try to establish himself, strengthen himself and in the process forsake the
Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> sees each
of our hearts – He knows all that is going on – some may be pretty good at
polishing the brass shields up to a brilliant shine not allowing any to come
close enough into their lives to recognise and realise that it is not gold but
polished bronze. It is time for us as His Bride to discard the substitutes and
give Him our Best and run with great perseverance as we see <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> Himself restoring and establishing
the tabernacle of Dawiḏ, which oozes pure and undefiled worship bringing esteem
unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> our
Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is evil to not prepare our hearts to seek Him and as we know
the days are evil in which we now live – all the more reason for us to discard
the bronze substitutes and take up the golden shields of pure set-apart faith
shining His wonderful light before all that our Father in Heaven receives all
the praise as all see our good works in Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shalom!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-64825029799295323852011-12-16T10:35:00.001+02:002011-12-16T10:35:38.546+02:00Should you celebrate Christmas?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Should you Celebrate Christmas? NO...NO...NO!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> = YHWH (<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> – The True Name of our Creator); <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע </span>= Yahushua (Yahweh is our Saviour)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Tradition<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Sometimes tradition is acceptable and perhaps even pleasing in the sight of </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">. Sometimes it is not acceptable and is even hated by Him. The evil of traditions that transgress the commandment of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> was a key teaching of </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהושע</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> the Messiah</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Mattithyahu/Matthew 15:1-2 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Then there came to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> scribes and Pharisees from Yerushalayim, saying, 2 “Why do Your taught ones transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">I hear people ask me this, "Why do you not celebrate Christmas (transgress the traditions of our elders)?" </span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Nowhere in the pages of scripture</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> do we find a command to keep the celebration of Christmas. </span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Nowhere in the pages of scripture</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> do we find an example of any disciple keeping Christmas. The only time Christmas is even mentioned in the pages of scripture is to condemn it (as we will see). So, my answer to this question would be, "</span><b><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-highlight: yellow;">Why do you also transgress the commandment of Elohim because of your tradition?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">". <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Mattithyahu/Matthew 15: 3-6 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">But He answering, said to them, “Why do you also transgress the command of Elohim because of your tradition? </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">4</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> “For Elohim has commanded, saying, ‘Respect your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">5</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> “But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me has been dedicated,” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">6</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> is certainly released from respecting his father or mother.’ So you have nullified the command of Elohim by your tradition.</span></b><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">This was an example of how the scribes and Pharisees forsook the commandment of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> in favour of their tradition. As I will share, </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Christmas is also transgressing the commandment of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> in favour of tradition</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">. What does </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהושע</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> think about this? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Mattithyahu/Matthew 5: 7-9 "</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Hypocrites! Yeshayahu rightly prophesied about you, saying, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">8</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> ‘This people draw near to Me with their mouth, and respect Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">9</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> ‘But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as teachings the commands of men.’ </span></b><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Christmas is honouring with the lips but it is one of many vain doctrines and commandments of men. Again, there is not a single scripture in the bible that tells us that we are to celebrate the birth or the resurrection of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהושע</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> the Messiah. Let alone in a <u>pagan</u> way! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">So yes, I do believe we must question these traditions that have been handed down to this generation even though few dare to. Many Christians speak against the Catholic traditions of Lent, Ash Wednesday, etc. but fail to recognize that the same types of pagan elements exist in the celebration of Christmas and Easter! But how did these festivals get their start? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Origin of Christmas <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The following is a quote from the 2000 <u><span style="color: blue;">Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 11 ; page 390</span></u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #1d1b11; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: background2; mso-themeshade: 26;">"During the later periods of Roman history, sun worship gained in importance and ultimately led to what has been called a 'solar monotheism.' Nearly all the gods of the period were possessed of Solar qualities, and both Christ and Mithra acquired the traits of solar deities. The feast of Sol and Victus (open unconquered Sun) on December 25th was celebrated with great joy, and eventually this date was taken over by the Christians as Christmas, the birthday of Christ." <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Notice how it says "<span style="color: maroon;">both Christ and Mithra acquired the traits of solar deities</span>"? The Christians were apparently trying to get more converts so they tried to "paganize" the Messiah to make Him more attractive to pagans. They even officially brought the feast of the unconquered sun into their worship in 336 AD. This is the origin of Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">But the real question is, "Who converted who?" Do we murder to bring a murderer to </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהושע</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">? Do we rape to bring a rapist to the Messiah? It is true that by 336AD, the mainstream beliefs of Christianity were already far from the truth the apostles taught anyway. However, even giving them that, shouldn't true believers be teaching the unbelievers the true way of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> rather than the unbelievers teaching believers these pagan customs and practices? Certainly! Yet, the Christians not only learned these heathen ways, they also incorporated them into their worship. Scripture says: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Eph’siyim/Ephesians 5:11 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">And have no fellowship with the fruitless works of darkness, but rather reprove them.</span></b><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Today, Christmas is a very popular holiday. However, as is often the case, what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. Christmas means 'mass for Christ'. The name of the holiday is much newer than the holiday itself. The customs associated with Christmas, in one form or another, have been celebrated for literally thousands of years. 'Christmas' is just a new name for an old holiday. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">There is no doubt that the customs that are associated with Christmas, as well as the idea of a deity being born on December 25th are of pagan origin. One need only look to an encyclopaedia or even many local newspapers in the 12th month of the year to find this truth. The real issue is whether or not we should walk in these customs. So what is so bad about it? Is it just for the children? What should we be teaching our children? Truth or lies? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The truth is that the Messiah was not born on December 25th</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">. December 25th is the birthday of nearly every pagan god ever invented! In fact, the pagan customs associated with Christmas are clearly condemned in the scriptures. Paganism/Idolatry is something that is against </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">. If we know that the roots of Christmas are of pagan origin, shouldn't the roots of our worship be in the scriptures, rather than paganism? Consider the scriptures that I will quote that clearly proclaim that the keeping of these festivals is sinful. However, for now I ask that you seek this out for yourself. </span><u><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span></u><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">'s people should always seek the truth.</span></u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Consider these scriptures: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 10:1-4 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Hear the word which </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> speaks to you, O house of Yisra’ĕl. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">2</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> Thus said </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, “Do not learn the way of the gentiles, and do not be awed by the signs of the heavens, for the gentiles are awed by them. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">3</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> “For the prescribed customs of these peoples are worthless, for one cuts a tree from the forest, work for the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">4</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> “They adorn it with silver and gold, they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it does not topple.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">First of all, </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> is telling us in this verse "</span><b><span style="color: #632423; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Do not learn the way of the Gentiles</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">" Don't even <u>learn</u> it, let alone practice it and incorporate it into the worship of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">! Secondly, it says that the Gentiles were dismayed at the signs of heaven. History tells us that when the sun began to go further away from the earth and the days grew shorter in the winter, the sun worshipping Gentiles were "dismayed", and feared that the sun would not return. So they held certain festivals just after the time of the Winter Solstice when it did begin to return. This return of the sun is why December 25th is the birthday of so many solar deities. One of the customs the pagans has was to decorate a tree that they had cut down and fasten it so that would not topple. </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> tells us not to learn the way of the heathen. And here He even goes so far as describe a custom that <u>is</u> a way of the heathen. Yet, we see this same custom exist even today which is called the Christmas tree. Have you ever wondered why in the world someone would do something as strange as cut down a tree and put it in their house and then decorate it with all different types of ornaments? Not only is it odd, </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">it is wrong!</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> This custom, along with other pagan customs like it are clearly condemned in this passage. We don't need a prophet to come and tell us today that this custom is wrong. Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah said so a long time ago! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">This custom, along with other pagan customs like it are clearly condemned in this passage. Other customs include Mistletoe, the Yule log and Santa Claus. If you seek, you will find that these things are rooted in idolatry also. Also do your research and you will find that less than 200 years ago ‘Christmas trees’ were banned in the USA!!!! Now why would that be? Perhaps that generation knew some truth to this pagan practice, yet sadly fell prey to the pressure of holding fast to traditions of man while forsaking the commands of Elohim!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Santa Claus</b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">All over the world, Santa Claus is God to the children of the world (move the n to the end of Santa). Others say 'Father Christmas'. Parents purposely and deliberately lie to their children and tell them that they should fear Santa Claus because "he knows if you've been bad or good". <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">These same parents also lie to their children about the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy. Then they wonder why their children become liars and don't believe the Messiah is real later on in life. This is clearly a total abomination to </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">. You don't have to look very far in the word of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> to find out how much he loathes idolatry and lies. </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> is the only true Mighty One. Our children look to us and believe every word we say. Do they not deserve the truth? How abominable it is for a believer to teach their children to fear Santa Claus and in so doing creep an idol into the conscience of a child! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Lies, lies - everything is lies <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The very foundation of the Christmas holiday is a lie. The Messiah was not born December 25th. He did not ask us to celebrate His birthday. He did not say to set up a tree in our house and decorate it and our houses with anything. Santa Claus does not exist. He doesn't have reindeer that fly and he isn't going to come on December 25th and leave any gifts. Everything is a lie. Is </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> the originator of this holiday? Or is it the father of lies? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהושע</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> condemned the leaders of that generation for teaching lies: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Yoḥanan/John 8:44 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">You are of <i>your</i> father the devil, and the desires of your father you wish to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.</span></b><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">It's high time that we forsake these lies and abide in the truth!</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> Let's forsake this foolish practice of yoking the Messiah (who said "<span style="color: #c10000;">I am the TRUTH</span>") together with lies, for He has nothing to do with lies. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Ḥazon/Revelation 22:14-15 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Blessed are those doing His commands, so that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of life, and to enter through the gates into the city. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">15</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> “But outside are the dogs and those who enchant with drugs, and those who whore, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and all who love and do falsehood.</span></b><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The book of Ḥazon/Revelation also predicts that those who hate </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> will be glad when the two witnesses of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> die, for they will make merry and have a gift exchange: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Ḥazon/Revelation 11:9-10 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">And some of the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations see their dead bodies for three and a half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be placed into tombs, 10 and those dwelling on the earth rejoice over them and exult. And they shall send gifts to each other, because these two prophets tortured those dwelling on the earth.</span></b><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Sound familiar? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-highlight: yellow;">Mixed worship condemned in scripture</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Now let's take this a step further. Not only is it sinful in the eyes of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> to practice these traditions, it is also a sin to take these traditions of pagans and apply them to the worship of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 12:29 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">When </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim does cut off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land,</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">(This is </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> warning the children of Israel about what </span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">NOT to do</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> when going into the Promised Land) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 12:30 "</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">guard yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their mighty ones, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their mighty ones? And let me do so too.’</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Not "Let us serve their elohim (gods)" but "HOW did these nations serve their elohim" <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 12:31-32 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">"</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Do not do so to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> your Elohim, for every abomination which </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> hates they have done to their mighty ones, for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their mighty ones. 32 “All the words I am commanding you, guard to do it – do not add to it nor take away from it.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Very CLEAR.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">"Do not do so unto </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> your Elohim:"</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> It is abundantly clear. Do not worship </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> in that way, the way of the heathen! </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Do not add to His commandments and do not take away from His commandments.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> Both Christmas and Easter take pagan festivals and traditions and apply them to the worship of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">. This is clearly condemned here. Would it be right to take a satanic holiday that Satanists have invented and then incorporate that holiday into the worship of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">? Surely not. Yet all paganism is Satanism. Satan is behind all pagan worship. And whatever god the idolaters worship, they are actually worshipping Satan. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 10:20 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">No, but what the gentiles offer they offer to demons<sup>1</sup> and not to Elohim, and I do not wish you to become sharers with demons.</span></b><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Now consider this next verse: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #c10000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Qorintiyim Aleph/1Cor 10:21 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">You are not able to drink the cup of the Master and the cup of demons, you are not able to partake of the table of the Master and of the table of demons.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">Which table will you choose? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">I hope it is </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">יהוה</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">'s table.. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line id="Straight_x0020_Connector_x0020_1"
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</div><br clear="ALL" /> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Below please see my response to a very influential ‘leader’ of a worldwide ministry after he wrote some ridiculous whitewashed notion that Christmas is about the Messiah!<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Shalom to you Pastor ……..:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Sadly you all have it wrong! Celebrating pagan feasts have never been an acceptable form of worship unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has clearly given us as His Bride very straight forward instructions on how to worship Him. He makes it very clear that each one should not do as he sees fit but rather to worship Him His Way and not man’s way through twisted doctrines and traditions that have led people away from the True Word. Christmas is pagan - it is all about sun worship and no matter how sincere you try to make it - it remains an abomination in the eyes of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">When Aharon built a golden calf and made an altar while Mosheh was up on the Mount, and Aharon said <i>'tomorrow is a feast unto </i><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>' and everyone the next day got up and had a very merry time... when this happened do you think that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> thought, 'wow, just look at my people worshipping me all wrong - isn't it wonderful'....No ways, He told Mosheh to get straight back down there to sort them out as they had become corrupted and had quickly turned from the instructions of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and he wanted to wipe them out and start all over with Mosheh. Mosheh interceded ( a wonderful foreshadow of Messiah - which doesn't give us a licence to use pagan methods to worship our Creator!)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">As you are a leader of a worldwide ministry I am shocked at your lack of knowledge of the Word to which you are teaching people falsehood and lies!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has given us very clear instructions on what feasts we are to celebrate each year in <b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 23</b> and Christmas is certainly not one of them. These feasts are to be kept forever... forever is forever! They are not “Jewish” feasts... they are <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>'s Feasts to be kept by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>'s people.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In <b>Romiyim/Romans 8</b> Sha'ul (Paul) makes it clear that to walk in the Spirit is to walk in the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. He says in verses 5-8 that those who walk in the flesh are unable to submit to the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and are unable to please Elohim... in other words they have no faith as faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word (Romiyim/Romans 10:17 - which Word was Sha'ul referring to? The Tanak - Torah-Prophets and Writings - commonly known to us today as the 'Old Testament' which is a sad designation given by man as there is nothing Old about His Word... His Word is eternal therefore time has no effect on it and it is as new and as fresh and alive to us today as it was back then!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Those who do not submit to the Torah of Elohim, walk by the flesh and are unable to please Elohim.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">For those who are 'in' Messiah there is no condemnation (katakrima - judgement or penalty as a result of judgement). For those who walk in Messiah - walk in the perfect Torah of freedom there is freedom from the judgement aspect and curse of Torah as when we had forsaken the covenant the Torah was powerless in the flesh to provide a means of reconciliation and left only judgement to which Messiah came in the flesh to condemn sin in the flesh and so bring us the ability to have the Torah of righteousness completed in us.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In <b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:3-5</b> it says that this is the way that we know we know Him - that we guard His commands and anyone who says that he knows Him yet does not guard His commands is a liar and the Truth is not in Him but those who guard His commands then truly the love of Elohim has been perfected in them. 1John 2:6 tells us that if we claim to live 'in' Him then we are to walk as he did. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> tells us that if we remain 'in ' Him He will remain in us. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 5</b> tells us that by this we know that we love the children of Elohim - when we love Elohim and guard His commands - for this is love for Elohim - that we guard His commands and His commands are not heavy!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> came to set us free from traditions and doctrines of men that we may truly be free to walk in His instructions. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> certainly did not keep pagan feasts - HE kept <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>'s feasts. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Christmas is the worship of the sun-god and celebrates the birth of baby Tammuz – the son of Semiramis (also known as Ishtar/Easter) – the wife of Nimrod. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> showed Yeḥezqĕl/Ezekiel the abominations in the Temple and one of them was the woman <i>'weeping for Tammuz</i>' <b>Yeḥezqĕl/Ezekiel 8:14</b>'.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Easter too is a pagan feast and has nothing to do with the death and resurrection of Messiah. Easter is the pagan celebration of Semiramis (Easter) - the pagan fertility goddess who supposedly was reincarnated and came back in a giant egg, landing in the Euphrates river and popping out as a bare breasted fertility goddess and turned a bird into an egg laying rabbit. Each year on the spring equinox they would worship Easter and impregnate virgins on the altar and a year later those 3 month old babies that were conceived the previous year would be sacrificed on the altar and they would dip eggs in the blood of the infants - this is sick I know yet some churches do not even know where Easter egg practice comes from!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Good Friday has nothing to do with the death of Messiah - it is the worship of Dagon the fish god - half man half fish (hence the fish hat on the pope - Dagon worship - and that is why the Catholics eat fish of Fridays!!!)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> told his disciples that there would only be 1 sign and 1 sign only that would show His authenticity of being the Messiah and that is the sign of Jonah - 3 days and 3 nights as Jonah was in the belly of a fish, so would <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> be 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth and on the 3rd day arise. There is no physical way possible that anyone can get 3 days and 3 nights between Good Friday and Easter Sunday - not even Einstein!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"> Yet in the West we have sadly not learnt to simply count to 3!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> is our Passover Lamb who died on Passover - the 14th of the 1st month at twilight (wed evening before sunset) and arose on Saturday at sunset - the third day - for when the women went to the tomb early before sunrise the tomb was empty. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The day begins at sunset - Saturday after sunset was the 1st day of the week.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Coming back to Christmas - I am saddened that many Christians will acknowledge that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> was not born on December 25 yet still celebrate a pagan feast and neglect to celebrate Sukkot or feast of tabernacles which is in around September time for a week when He was born on the first day of Tabernacles and partially fulfilled this feast by dwelling among us and was circumcised on the 8th day - the Shemini Atzeret - the last great day which foreshadows our eternal reign with Him! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Christmas trees and all the stuff is an abomination and is none other than Nimrod and Tammuz worship. <b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 10:3-4</b> clearly describes the making of Christmas trees and adoring them with gold and silver balls - symbolic of Nimrod's penis and his testicles - this may sound crude and is but it is what it is and it is time for the True worshippers to worship in Spirit and in Truth and come out of a Babylonian system of worship and follow the Living Torah - the very Word made flesh - <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah, and His Name is not 'Jesus' and never will be - His Name is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> (<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is our Salvation). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I am saddened to see you in a position of great authority in leadership over many, yet you fail to test all things and are as describes in Ezekiel - one who muddies the waters and is given people muddied water - muddied with traditions that cloud out the Truth. Woe to the shepherds who lead His flock astray.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I appeal to you to carefully consider what you preach. I am encouraged that you say on your blog that you may change your mind as you learn.... please learn the Truth... You have an opportunity to lead people according to the Truth and I ask you do just that... present yourself as a workman approved before Elohim and man, be as the Bereans were - test everything - even what I am presenting you here. It is time to come out of Babylon and worship according to the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> - walk in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The real reason <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> came to earth was to redeem His Bride. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> made a covenant with Aḇraham and when a covenant was made each party would walk through the blood and witness to one another that if any should break the covenant then they would be as the animals they were walking through - dead. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> put Aḇraham asleep after he had prepared the animals and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> Himself came down and by fire passed through or walked through the sacrifices and was clearly making a statement that if Aḇraham or any of his descendants break the covenant then <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> Himself would come down and walk the 'bloodpath' which he duly did by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah the right hand / outstretched arm of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">According to the Torah if a woman is divorced as a result of adultery then she may not marry again until her husband is dead. Well we know that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> married Yisra’ĕl as Mount Sinai – Yisra’ĕl committed adultery by whoring after other gods - like nimrod worship etc. and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> issued a certificate of divorce. In order for Yisra’ĕl to be once again betrothed to her maker and Redeemer, her husband had to die in order for her to be able to marry again and not be guilty of adultery - that is why <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> came and died and took up his life again - that He may restore the marriage made at Mount Sinai with Israel. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> clearly said that he came only for the lost sheep of Yisra’ĕl - the dispersed 10 northern tribes that never returned but were scattered throughout the earth and became wild in nature and so too will bring in an abundant harvest of those who are grafted in by faith. He has come only for a covenanted people – and it is by His Blood that we who were once foreigners to the covenants of promise are brought near and grafted in by His Blood and so become a part of His covenanted Bride – that is Yisra’ĕl – not the Church or Christianity!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I know I am sharing a lot with you, but please hear my heart - as a man who seemingly should know His Word - you ought to be aware of these things, unless the teaching and doctrines of man that you have sat under has been contrary to sound teaching of the Word!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">There is a misconception that the church was birthed at Pentecost (Shavuot - Feast of Weeks - another of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>'s feasts). This is so far from the Truth. What we must realise is this - there was 120 ‘Jewish’ believers - from the tribe of ‘Yehuḏah/Judah' that were keeping the feast in the temple and were praying when the Spirit came with fire and wrote the Torah upon their hearts on the day of Shavuot – Feast of Weeks - the very day it was given on stone at Mount Sinai. This was the ‘renewed covenant’ - it was no longer on stone but now on hearts of flesh. Only 15 years later was Cornelius the first ‘gentile’ (not of the tribe of Yehuḏah) convert saved! The church as we know it was birthed and officially established by Constantine who was a worshipper of Mithras (the Roman sun-god version of Tammuz). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">He sought to conquer the world through religion and found a way to twist the truth to gain control over the masses. He changed <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>'s appointed times and days (attempted that is because no man can actually change <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>'s time and calendar!) <b>Dani’ěl/Daniel 7:25</b> speaks of this at how they will attempt to change the times. Constantine forbid keeping Sabbath and made Sun-day worship law and the world has followed since like blind sheep. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is calling back His Bride and you may reject what I am sharing with you - that is your choice - I urge you to pray and seek out the Truth and test these words according to the Word and not according to doctrines and traditions and commentaries of man.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">There are many who look to you for advice and direction - lead them to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">May <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> grant you wisdom by His Spirit and teach you truth, I pray earnestly for you and for the thousands or even perhaps millions that sit under your ministry - that they may not be led astray and that truly there can a worldwide move of the Spirit bringing back to obedience to sons and daughters of the Most High El (El Elyon)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Shalom to you in the precious and wonderful Name of the only True Saviour and King, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah<o:p></o:p></div></div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-83429971028117155032011-12-10T09:23:00.001+02:002011-12-10T09:23:43.188+02:00WOE! WOE! WOE! - It is the season to be HEARING!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">WOE, WOE, WOE – IT IS THE SEASON TO BE HEARING!<o:p></o:p></h2><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tsephanyah/Zephaniah 3<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Shalom family, “Blessed are the people whose Elohim is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.” He is our Rock, our Teacher, our Tower, our Deliverer and our Shield in whom we take refuge – blessed are we for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is our Elohim, Aměn!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">For the past couple of weeks you have been hearing me speak some pretty stern words on the need for us to raise up our voices and proclaim the Truth in order to expose the hordes of lies that so many are falling prey to. And while I may sound repetitive, I firmly believe that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is calling us to stand up and sound the alarm against the reluctant hearers of the Truth. Tonight I present once again the call to raise up the sound of the alarm of the coming Day of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> – a Day of wrath, distress and trouble; a day of waste and ruin, darkness and gloominess, a day of thick clouds and darkness as described in <b>Tsephanyah/Zephaniah 1:15. </b>I have wrestled with many passages of Scriptures this week – all of which are concerned with the critical need for us to walk upright and speak up and shine the Light of His Truth in order to expose darkness of sin and lawlessness, calling many to repentance as the Bride must make herself ready! So many today have gone into ‘silly season’ mode with all the ‘jingle bells’ of excitement over Nimrod’s testicles and we need to wake them up and tell them how sick and perverted their worship is!!! In a message tonight called, “<b>Woe, Woe, Woe – It is the Season to be Hearing!</b>” I would like you to turn with me to <b>Tsephanyah/Zephaniah 3</b> (Read).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A few months ago I gave a message from chapter 1 called, “Hidden from complacency” and in effect this entire book of 3 chapters may be small but is oh so powerful. They say dynamite comes in small packages – well this is a dynamite book – of which some have labelled it as the ‘hottest book’ in Scripture. Tsephanyah speaks more about the coming Day of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> than any other prophet – in fact the entire book’s message is centred on the coming Day of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> with the call to repentance to all who are walking in darkness through their rebellious and lustful living. The more I read through this book the more I come to grips just how alive it is for us today – and so as we look into the mirror of this chapter we have just read I believe that we are able to clearly see the message for us today. Tsephanyah means ‘Hidden by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’ or ‘Treasured by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’ and is a great picture of encouragement to us as we see the promise of protection from those hidden in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Tehillim/Psalm 27:5 “<span style="color: red;">For in the day of evil He hides me in His booth; in the covering of His Tent He hides me; on a rock He raises me up.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The Day of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is not a pleasant picture and while many are singing a drunken rhyme of the rebellious whore, “<b>Ho-Ho-Ho – it is the season to be jolly</b>”, they need to be hearing the Woe-Woe-Woe!!! And it is the treasured and hidden ones of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> that are being called to do that! Tsephanyah was born during the 55 year reign of the wicked and rebellious king, Menashsheh. Menashsheh had built all the high places that his father Ḥizqiyahu had destroyed and raised up altars for Ba’al, bowed himself to the hosts of the heavens and worshipped them and built two altars to the hosts of the heavens in the courtyards of the House of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. He made his son pass through the fire, and practised magic, and used divination, and consulted spiritists and mediums and did much evil in the eyes of <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, to provoke Him. Yehuḏah had become as rebellious and wicked as Yisra’ĕl under the pathetic reign of Ahab. Menashsheh died and his son Amon reigned for 2 years and was as wicked as his father and was killed by his own servants. Yoshiyahu/Josiah, Amon’s son, was then set up as king when he was 8 years old and walked in the ways of Dawiḏ. Yoshiyahu was the uncle of Tsephanyah and it was during the reign of Yoshiyahu that Tsephanyah prophesied these words. It was after the death of Yoshiyahu that things got worse and the destruction of the temple came 23 years later. Tsephanyah may have been alive to see this dreadful day which was a foreshadowing of the dark and wrathful day of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> about which he prophesied. This destruction would prepare the way for Yisra’ĕl to be a light to the nations as he spoke of the end when the exiles will return in peace as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> gathers His remnant and true worshippers will come from all over the world as pilgrims to a city that is cleansed form all sin.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Many would not heed the words of Tsephanyah when spoken, just as many today are also settled in their complacent ways rejecting the warning alarm sound of the shofar that will usher in the great and dreadful events of the Day of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, but are instead dancing to the sick and twisted sound of bells of pagan worship practices which is an abomination before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and reveals their wilful rebellion and defilement of His Word.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This chapter begins with a woe to the rebellious, defiled and oppressive – that is to those who do not hear His voice, do not accept instruction and do not place their trust in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, and therefore do not draw near to Elohim!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This woe is as much alive today as it was then – for so many do not obey the voice. I find it very interesting in the application and timing of this message of Tsephanyah, for he prophesied during the reign of Yoshiyahu – which was a reign of restoration and repentance and returning to obedience! Yoshiyahu had a wicked father and grandfather and repented of the lies of his fathers. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The story of Yoshiyahu is of special significance to us of this ministry as we too had a Yoshiyahu (Josiah) awakening as we found the Torah and made the necessary changes in our worship as we stripped away and smashed much of pagan worship that we had inherited. So what I find very critical for us here today is that we too are to heed these words of Tsephanyah, being careful not to become full of pride and settled in our discovery of the Truth but rather we should be continually walking in humility and forsake not our need to be a voice calling many back to Truth.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Today, while Torah is being discovered by more and more – this message is clear – woe to the rebellious – woe to the proud and woe to the defiled. Those who refuse to hear, guard and do are submitting to rulers who are roaring lions and whose judges are wolves who will eventually eat them up. Yirmeyahu describes this about a rebellious backsliding people too:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 5:6 “<span style="color: red;">Therefore a lion from the forest shall smite them, a wolf of the deserts ravage them. A leopard is watching over their cities, whoever comes out of them is torn in pieces. For their transgressions have been many, their backslidings have been numerous.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">Reckless prophets and profaning priests – a common picture today – prophets who say peace, peace when there is no peace and priests who are muddying the waters and defiling the purity of the Word and doing violence to the Torah:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">The reference at the bottom of your page in the Scriptures 2009 edition here for verse 4 is a chapter I was too studying this week as it also speaks of those who are profaning the Word:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US">Yeḥezqěl/Ezekiel 22:26 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">Her priests have done violence to My teaching and they profane My set-apart <i>matters</i>. They have not distinguished between the set-apart and profane, nor have they made known <i>the difference</i> between the unclean and the clean. And they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, and I am profaned in their midst.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">And so what we see happening today is a repeat of what happened in the days of Tsephanyah – Torah was being found and restored by a remnant few while the masses were profaning His Word as false priests and teachers were doing violence to the Truth of Torah – in essence were ‘killing’ it as if it was of no effect and worth! As a result they did not know the difference between the unclean and the clean. It is no different today – the so called priests of today are too doing violence to the Torah by declaring that it is of no effect and has no value – the result is once again a people who do not know the difference between the unclean and the clean, between the set-apart and the profane and so they will easily bring profane fire before </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> thinking that it is ok. Profane worship or ‘strange’ worship is not ok – unless you want to end up like Naḏab and Aḇihu – being consumed by His wrath of fire!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Verse 5 tells us what is so true today – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is in our midst and He does no unrighteousness! He promises us that where 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name, there He is in the midst of them, and He does no unrighteousness. Think about it for a moment – we are to walk as He walked and we are to remain in Him and follow Him as He leads us, right! Well then He does no unrighteousness – He does not walk against His Word – He is the Word and does not change and leads us in paths of righteousness – He is The Way, The Truth and the Life – so how is it then that so many who claim to be following Him are walking in unrighteousness – who is it that they are following? They are listening to a false ho, ho, ho while they should be hearing the woe, woe, woe! Every morning <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> brings his right-ruling to light through his prophets and the people still refuse to repent as the unrighteous one knows no shame!!! That is pretty scary if you ask me – those who do not walk in righteousness do not even know shame:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Shame is, “<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US">”. In other words shame is a painful feeling of having lost the respect of others because of improper behaviour of oneself or one that you are closely associated to. The unrighteous know no shame – if they did – they would be running back to </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> in a flash.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In verses 6&7 <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had destroyed the towers of the enemy and cut off many nations with the desire of letting His chosen see the hand of His wrath on their enemies that would cause them to fear Him and accept His Instruction yet they continually corrupted all their ways before Him, refusing to hear.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">When we fear <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and accept His instruction, instead of trying to brush it under the rug of whitewashed grace, then our dwelling will not be cut off – we do not want to be the darnel that is gathered and bound into bundles to be burnt but rather the wheat that is gathered to His granary. It will only be at the end where we will see the distinguished difference between the wheat and the darnel that grows up together – may we be found to be fearing <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, heeding His Torah and humbling ourselves before Him in loving obedience as opposed to having pride and a stiff neck unable to bow in reverence to the instructions of His Torah! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> resists the proud and gives favour to the humble and as He says here in verse 11 – He will remove from our midst the proud exulting ones! What will be left behind are a poor and oppressed people who trust in the Name of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. The proud will be taken out – the ones who put their trust in their riches will be taken out! The people who gathered to king Dawiḏ at the cave of Aḏullam – who were they? The poor and needy! The oppressed and down and outs so to speak – yet this quality they had – they trusted in a righteous king!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 11:4 “<span style="color: red;">Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I am not saying that you must be poor – what I am saying is what Scripture tells us, and that is - do not put your trust in that which cannot deliver you – and so those who put their trust in their wealth rather than in <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> are going to be removed!!! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will turn unto His people a pure tongue – He will restore us to having one language and so the reversal of the curse of Baḇel where the languages were confused due to sin in their rebellion to His yoke. We will serve Him in unity, as we take on His yoke that is easy and His burden that is light. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It is a remnant that will do no unrighteousness and speak no falsehood having no deceit in their mouth! This is the picture of the 144000 of the Lamb who have the Name upon their foreheads in Ḥazon:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Ḥazon/Revelation 14:5 “<span style="color: red;">And in their mouth was found no falsehood, for they are blameless before the throne of Elohim.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The closing verses of Tsephanyah 3 speaks of the great joy of Yisra’ĕl that realises and recognises their Redeemer and King – He who has turned aside judgement and has faced the enemy and overcome and will no longer need to fear evil for the Sovereign of Yisra’ĕl, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is in our midst – and He sings over us!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This shout for joy is a command! Be glad and rejoice with all our heart – can you do that knowing that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is in our midst? We have reason to rejoice!!! <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע </span>Messiah has turned aside our judgements by facing our enemy and taking our sin upon Himself and defeating death, that we may live with Him forever and this is the woe that goes out to those who rebel and defile His word – you will die if you do not repent and fear the Righteous One in our Midst.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We are to be a joyous people and I would like to commend all of you on that note: Carlien’s dad was speaking to someone at Esteban and Sophia’s wedding this past week – someone who does not know the Torah and finds all the Hebrews names and terminology a bit freaky and he said that the guy must just look at us all – we are happy and there is joy, so he may not understand all that we are doing but let the joy and gladness that is seen speak for itself!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We have much to be glad for, aměn! The caution here is that we do not become proud but remain humble at all times, eager and willing to serve the Master and as His hidden treasures, held firmly in His hand may we be bold enough to declare the “woes” to those who are only hearing the “ho’s”, and may there not be found in any of us any falsehood as we live blameless before His Throne as He Himself has put His Name upon us and we have His Sabbath as a sign between us and Him forever!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">If you have been rebellious, defiled or oppressive in any way and have been disobedient in any way or form to His voice – that is His Word – refusing to accept His instruction and not able to trust Him, having found it difficult to draw near to Him because of sin/lawlessness in your life – the realise that He is not far off – He is in our midst – fear Him and accept His instructions and rejoice and be glad as He turns His judgements aside and destroys your enemy. If you have whored after the world and it ways and so adulterated yourself away from His Truth then heed this woe of Tsephanyah and return with a broken heart and a crushed spirit which He does not deny.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-US">Ya’aqoḇ/James 4:4-10 “</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with Elohim? Whoever therefore intends to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of Elohim. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">5</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose? Does the Spirit which dwells in us intensely crave unto envy? </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">6</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> But He gives greater favour. Because of this He says, “Elohim resists the proud, but gives favour to the humble.” </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">7</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> So then subject yourselves to Elohim. Resist the devil and he shall flee from you. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">8</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> Draw near to Elohim and He shall draw near to you. Cleanse hands, sinners. And cleanse the hearts, you double-minded! </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">9</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to dejection. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">10</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> Humble yourselves in the sight of the Master, and He shall lift you up.</span></b><b>”</b><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It is time for us, His remnant Bride, to stand up and be bold and raise the alarm and sound of the shofar, sounding it against the seemingly secure whose false walls of security will come crashing down.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It may sound like a repetition each week as we have seen the call to speak out against whitewasher and Jezebels, to be the Amos of our day and now the call to the hidden and treasured of<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> to declare woes to a people who may refuse to hear – but that is what we are to do – now be strong and of good courage for He is in our midst and let us with joy and gladness of heart live upright and speak Truth, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Especially in respect to the much paganised system of worship reaching its climax at this time of year – get out there and declare, “Woe, Woe, Woe – it is the season to be hearing!”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> bless you and guard you; <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה </span>make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> lift up His face upon you and give you shalom!<o:p></o:p></div></div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-18886465025018770272011-12-03T08:20:00.001+02:002011-12-03T08:20:42.088+02:00NO ESCAPE CLAUSE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">NO ESCAPE CLAUSE – SIN BRINGS JUDGEMENT!<o:p></o:p></h2><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">AN OVERVIEW OF AMOS<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Shabbat Shalom family, all praise and esteem be unto our Creator and King, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts is His Name!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In a world where seemingly anything goes and almost anything has become acceptable by society at large, true worship and obedience unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is very rare. Sin or rather lawlessness is rife and even some of the most sincere proclaiming believers have been led astray under the wormwood of rotten doctrines of man that hold claim to a hope that is simply false and is based on the assumption that they have escaped judgement, despite their continued wilful disobedience to the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> as they wilfully despise the Truth and even those who bring the Truth substituting their lives with feel-good theologies of man that do not line up to the clear plumb-line of the Word of Elohim. In a message tonight called, “No Escape Clause – Sin Brings Judgement!” I would like to give you an overview of the book of Amos with the hope of stirring you to dig deeper into this fascinating book that is a very clear picture of what is going on today as well as they clear warnings of what still lies ahead for those who persist in sin, yet assures the restoration and establishment of the righteous that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> Himself will bring about. There are many great lessons to take form this small book of 9 chapters, yet having an overview assists in understanding in a greater measure the very clear message that is here for us to heed and proclaim, as we do our utmost to continually seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and live. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">So for the purposes of tonight I will not be reading every chapter but running through systematically the overview of what is being presented and what it means for us today – as I go through this book in a summarised manner you can perhaps flow through each chapter with me in your Scriptures as you look at many key words or elements that collectively summarise the message of this book!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The setting of this book is as follows:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Amos was a herdsman from Teqowa, which was a small town in the hill country of Yehuḏah, and was called by <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to announce the coming judgement of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> upon Yisra’ĕl, calling them to repentance and turn from their sin and idolatry. These events took place shortly before the Northern Kingdom of Yisra’ĕl went into Assyrian captivity, and Amos being raised up as a prophet was an act of the kindness and mercy of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> to a people who had continually shunned and disobeyed Him and His instructions. Amos means ‘burden’ or burden bearer and Teqowa means ‘stockade’ or giving a picture of ‘sheepfold’ and comes from the root that means trumpet. I find this very interesting as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> took a shepherd who knew how to count and look after sheep, from a place that can, at its root, mean “trumpet” to proclaim His Word to a people who were headed for destruction:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 58:1 “<span style="color: red;">Cry aloud, do not spare. Lift up your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression, and the house of Ya</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">ʽaqoḇ̱ their sins.</span></b><b>”</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This is exactly what Amos was called for!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">He prophesied while both kingdoms of Yisra’ĕl prospering greatly and were expanding their territories, having taken hold of many important trade routes. As prosperous as they had become they were at the same time becoming more corrupt in their government and exploited the poor and needy, and most of all, had forgotten that they were a set-apart people unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. Although they were seemingly very ‘religious’, it was all superficial. Yehuḏah was under the reign of the wicked king Reḥaḇ’am and the northern tribes were under the reign of a terrible and wicked king Yaroḇ’am who had introduced his own form of worship systems and build many altars of many of the high places and syncretized pagan worship practices with an attempt at claiming to worship <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Chapter 1-2<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Amos comes to announce 8 burdens or oracles of judgement against the surrounding nations climaxing with judgement against Yisra’ĕl. In these 8 oracles to the nations and Yisra’ĕl we see the repeated phrasing of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> toward each nation, “<b>For three transgressions… and for four, I do not turn it back</b>” Some translate this to mean 3+4=7 and therefore sin has reached its fullness – which can be yet in the Hebraic min 3 or a threefold repetition also suggests finality – e.g.: <b>Yeḥezqěl/Ezekiel 21:27 “<span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-highlight: yellow;">Overthrown</span><span style="color: red;">, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">overthrown</span>, I make it <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">overthrown</span>! It shall be no longer, until He comes to whom it rightly belongs – and I shall give it!</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">So here in Amos, 3 transgressions represents already the fullness of transgression and so for 4 – that is to even go beyond the limit signifies a wretched excess which cannot continue and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> would not turn back or relent”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>1 – Dammeseq</b> (1:3-5): Capital of Syria and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">silent is the sackcloth weaver</span></i></b>’ – a pretty arrogant name that proclaims that they will never mourn – picture of rebellious pride that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will destroy. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> gave Yisra’ĕl into the hands of Aram to discipline them and when Yeho’aḥaz cried out to<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> He delivered them from Aram yet Aram had decimated Yisra’ĕl with great cruelty and brutality and enjoyed it and for this judgement was now decreed! (<b>Melaḵim Bet/2 Kings 13</b>)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>2 – Azzah</b> (1:6-8): Capital of Philistia – this was a centre for slave trade based on the Mediterranean Coast and they had enslaved Yisra’ĕl and deported by selling them into slavery to Eḏom.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>3 – Tsor </b>(1:9-10): Capital of Phoenicia. They had delivered up many of the exiles to Eḏom and had broken a peace treaty.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>4 - </b><b>Ed</b><b>̱om</b> (1:11-12) He relentlessly pursued his brother with the sword, having intense hatred and no compassion but rather holding on to his wrath forever – we still this very clearly today as the ‘Eḏom’ spirit of lust for flesh and world dominance holds intense hatred toward the True set-apart ones of Elohim! Botsrah here has prophetic end-time significance where <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> has a slaughtering in Botsrah. (Yeshayahu/Isaiah 34:6/63:1).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>5 – Ammon </b>(1:13-15) they devastated Yisra’ĕl and took the territory of Gad by killing pregnant woman.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>6 – Mo’aḇ </b>(2:1-3) they desecrated tombs of Eḏom, showing disrespect by burning the kings bones to lime.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">6 oracles of Judgement given to the surrounding nations – and I firmly believe that each one has significant relevance to end-time prophecy of the outpouring of the wrath of Elohim when he sends His fire and Judgement.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We now move to the words against Yehuḏah and Yisra’ĕl:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>7 – Yehuḏah </b>(2:4-5) they had rejected the Torah of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, did not guard His commands and were led astray after the inherited lies of their fathers. The lies of the fathers are still causing many to forsake the Torah today and as a result many do not know how to guard His commands. This is very interesting to see how this was way before the Babylon captivity, where they would later inherit more lies! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>8 – Yisra’ĕl </b>(2:6-16) Under the reign of Yaroḇ’am Yisra’ĕl had gone further and further away from obedience to the Torah. They had become immoral, were riddled with idolatry and injustice prevailed as the poor and righteous among them were traded for the love of money and enslaved as the wicked grew in power ruling with wickedness and corruption. The moral values and instructions of Torah had been forsaken and immorality reigned as father and son shared women, and they forsook the Torah by taking garments in pledge and lying on them by every alter – outright abominations in the face of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Pretty much sounds a lot like society at large today – immoral, corrupt, blasphemers, showing no justice or any standards of righteousness. And this is what a shepherd from Teqowa was to now speak against Yisra’ĕl.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Chapters 3-5<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The following 3 chapters in essence contain 3 messages of condemnation and pending judgement given by Amos to Yisra’ĕl. A key phrase seen in these 3 messages at the beginning of each chapter is, “<b>Hear this word…</b>” And clearly the same message is clear today – “Hear this word!!!” – He who has ears let him hear…!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">These were not ‘nice ear tickling words’ – these were heart cutting, bone cutting sermons that Amos gave – words that need to be spoken today to get a lost and deceived people to return to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Message 1</b> (Chapter 3)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The message is clear – judgement should be no surprise and was now decreed! They stood guilt of idolatrous and immoral living. They were violent and gripped by materialism and in the process had taken their eyes off of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> always reveals His secret to His servants the prophets – they had been told – this proclaimed judgement was not without notice, yet they very easily disregarded the Truth for selfishness and pride. They were a called out nation, chosen form all the clans of the earth – to walk with the Creator and with great privileges of being a chosen set-apart nation comes great responsibilities – to walk in the Truth and shine His light. So Judgement was deserved as they had strayed and ignored the prophets who spoke in the past! It is no different today – most people do not understand any of the writings of the prophets and hence the need for us to study and dig and understand what He is saying so that His people can turn back and walk humbly in obedience before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Message 2 </b>(Chapter 4)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Judgement decreed could have been avoided through repentance – yet they refused to. The words are very abrupt and in your face – <b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">Hear this word you cows of Bashan</span></i></b>! This is basically saying to those who think that they are well off and living in luxury – getting fat through the oppression of others. They were going to be exiled for their lustful living and their hypocritical worship. We see sarcasm here as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> taunts them to continue in their sick and twisted forms of worship that they had instituted through much of Yaroḇ’am’s wicked regimes of worship, making them bring tithes every 3 days – perhaps Yaroḇ’am’s substitution for the 3 pilgrimage festivals that were meant to take place in Yerushalayim. They were burning thanksgiving offerings with leaven which is strictly prohibited according to <b>Wayyiqra/Leviticus 2:11 “<span style="color: red;">No grain offering which you bring to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> is made with leaven, for you do not burn any leaven or any honey in an offering to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> made by fire.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">They were proclaiming loudly their voluntary offerings so all would know that they were giving. Pretty much sounds a lot like much of the sick and twisted forms of worship happening today by many man-made institutions. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> tells us that when you do a kind deed that you should not sound the trumpet like the hypocrites do to receive the praise of men – do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing – for the Father sees what you do in secret and He will reward you openly – His blessing will be evidenced and seen in your life!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> relates to them 5 historical scenarios of how they had been stubborn and stiff-necked despite the discipline He sent:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">1 – The Discipline of Famine – they had no food and still did not repent<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">2 – The Discipline of Drought – rain was withheld as a result of disobedience yet they refused to repent<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">3 – The Discipline of Disease and plagues on their crops – yet they refused to repent<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">4 – The Discipline of Defeat in war – leaving the smell of dead bodies in their midst – yet they refused to repent<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">5 – the Discipline of Devastation and destruction – like that of Seḏom and Amorah – rescuing a remnant – yet they still did not repent!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In <b>Ḥazon/Revelation 9 & 16</b> we see too that many will too sadly not repent, even after many will be killed by plagues – they will not repent of their idolatry and whorings and will even blaspheme Elohim for all their sores and pains!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Sin brings Judgement and their refusal to repent would bring on that Judgement and in 4:12-13 they are told basically this: “prepare to meet your Maker and you will realise His capabilities – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts is His Name<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Message 3 </b>(Chapter 5)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Message 1 – Judgement should come as no surprise; Message 2 – You refuse to repent; Message 3 – Judgement will be severe – for those who persist in sin and do not heed the warnings of these messages!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Judgement is deserved for those failing to seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and His Righteousness! The emphasis in this 3<sup>rd</sup> message is simply this – you know you have been wrong – don’t be stubborn any longer – seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and live – as simple as that! Avoid idolatry and the corrupt practices established by Yaroḇ’am (a picture of institutionalised religion). Flee false teachings and vain traditions that have simply become wormwood that rots away the core truths and kills off the life source of His Truth through twisted counterfeit teachings. Seek that which is good and hate evil. The call here is clear – get rid of the wormwood – and seek the Truth – love the Truth and get the Word – His Torah established in you and hate that wormwood which has poisoned. Some still need to chuck out much wormwood teachings, DVD’s, books and resources that are not good! Judgement has been decreed with much emphasis on the severity of it – from chapter 5:16 to the end of chapter 16 this severity of the times of judgement that is coming is described:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">1 – Times of extreme mourning (5:16-17)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">2 – Times of extreme darkness (5:18-20)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">3 – Times of exposing hypocrisy and false religious systems (5:21-27)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">4 – Times of rebuking false securities (6:1-14)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In essence there are 2 great woes here – a woe against perverted religion and all right-ruling that has been turned into poison and a woe against complacent pride and those who are settled on their dregs turning the fruit of righteousness in to wormwood!<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Chapter 7-9 – FIVE VISIONS<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In the last three chapters Amos has 5 visions:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Vision 1 – Swarming locusts</b> (7:1-3) This is a picture of devastation that was decreed and Amos cries out to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and intercedes – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> then relents and says that it shall not be<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Vision 2 – Consuming Fire </b>(7:4-6) This was a vision of destruction and again Amos intercedes and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> once again relents and says it shall not be.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Vision 3 – Plumb Line</b> (7:7-8) This is a picture of Righteousness and Right Ruling exposing the wickedness and crookedness of all that they have done – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> was setting a plumb-line in the midst of His people and no longer would He pardon them for their unrighteousness! No more pleading ignorance – He has given us His Torah and The Torah was made flesh and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> was set in our midst and dwelt among us to show us the way – there is now no excuse – we follow Him or face the judgement of lawless living! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Ma’asei/Acts 17:30-31 “<span style="color: red;">Truly, then, having overlooked these times of ignorance, Elohim now commands all men everywhere to repent, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">31</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> because He has set a day on which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given proof of this to all by raising Him from the dead.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">High places will be destroyed and all religious and political structures will be demolished having been revealed as crooked by the plumb-line of His Word. Amatsyah the corrupt priest told Amos to shut up and leave and Amos stands up and stands firm to the call of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. He may have not had all the education of the priest – yet He knew the Truth and stood firm not cowering under the assumed position of a man who was nothing more than a false priest that was conformed to a twisted religion set up by Yaroḇ’am. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Vision 4 – Summer Fruit</b> (8:1-14) The fruit was ripe for harvest and the fruit of their rebellion and disobedience had now reached its fullness and was clearly evident in how they were living:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">1 – They oppressed the poor and needy<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">2 – They had disregard for the Sabbath – and couldn’t wait for Sabbath to be over so they could start trading again! They saw the Sabbath as a burden when we are told that we are to delight in His Sabbath – all of it!!! So many are still the same today – they have no delight in His Sabbath and even some who claim to keep His Sabbath have not their minds on the Sabbath but rather on what will and must happen after the Sabbath – that is a ‘gathering of sticks on the Sabbath’ mind-set! That is many take the Sabbath to prepare for the week ahead and this is a disregard for His appointed Day of immersing in Him!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">They abused the poor in order to make wealth – we see it today by many who are peddling the Word for profit and deceiving many for self gain:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Kěpha Bet/2 Peter 2:1-3 “<span style="color: red;">But there also came to be false prophets among the people, as also among you there shall be false teachers, who shall secretly bring in destructive heresies, and deny the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And many shall follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of,</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 3</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and in greed, with fabricated words, they shall use you for gain. From of old their judgment does not linger, and their destruction does not slumber.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Their unrighteous fruit is bringing upon them imminent judgement!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Vision 5 – </b><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> <b>standing at the slaughter place</b> (9:1-0)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This slaughter place being spoken of here I believe is the idolatrous slaughter place in Bĕyth El and here is a picture of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> coming to tread down the slaughter places and destroy all who have followed the false worship practices and no one will be able to escape. The lawless cannot hide – no matter where they try to hide or under what they try to hide. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will sift the nations and not one of the righteous will be lost. All the lawless are going to die.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 13:41-42 “<span style="color: red;">The Son of Aḏ</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New";">a</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">m shall send out His messengers, and they shall gather out of His reign all the stumbling-blocks, and those doing lawlessness,</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 42</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and shall throw them into the furnace of fire – there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 13: 49-50 “<span style="color: red;">Thus shall it be at the end of the age: the messengers shall come forth, and separate the wicked out of the midst of the righteous,</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 50</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and shall throw them into the furnace of fire – there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.</span></b><b>”</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Conclusion:</b> (9:11-15)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It is not all doom and gloom – there is also contained here at the end of this book the promise of restoration. Yes, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> will destroy all sense of security that many have in order to bring them back to Himself. There are so many forms of false security today – people put their security into their false religions, in their jobs or social status, in their insurance policies, in their stocks and possession etc. These are all going to come crashing and those who do not put their hope in the Master and Completer of our faith, <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah, will die!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">However the Promise to those who seek Him and His Righteousness living according to the plumb-line of His Word will see and witness and be a part of a wonderful restoration, where the Booth of Dawiḏ will be raised up, having Messiah reign in our midst and there will be abundance, rebuilding and a permanent possession of the Promise given to the Covenanted people of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This is an amazing book that carries great insight and instructions for us today – it also brings reproof and correction and training in righteousness that we are to heed and in a nutshell it speaks the following:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> rules over all – He is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> of Hosts and Yisra’ĕl, His called out and set-apart Bride was to shine His light in a dark world, yet they failed as they allowed the darkness to cause the light to be diminished through corruption, idolatry and rebellion and as a result judgement was decreed, leaving a remnant that would be established and rebuilt and our call today is to heed these messages Amos gave, cling to<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";"> יהוה</span> and continually seeking Him and His righteousness, overcoming so that we will have life in abundance in Messiah, and we can hold on to that hope right now and I believe that the remnant sifting is taking place and <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is calling forth many to speak His Truth and intercede for many who have been deceived into following lies, as many of us were. But remember this – being a part of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s people does not exempt one from judgement!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">There is no escape clause when it comes to sin and lawlessness – Judgement is coming – may we be a people who seek <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and live:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 55:6-7 “<span style="color: red;">Seek </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> while He is to be found, call on Him while He is near. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let the wrong forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, who has compassion on him, and to our Elohim, for He pardons much.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This book of Amos is alive for us today – may we be the Amos of our day, willing to bear the burden of interceding and calling a people back to </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">יהוה</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, aměn!</span></div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9236035.post-70341897716749878432011-11-26T09:05:00.000+02:002011-11-26T09:05:17.872+02:00Against Whitewashers and Jezebels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">SPEAKING AGAINST THE WHITEWASHERS AND THE JEZEBELS<o:p></o:p></h2><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b>Yeḥezqĕl/Ezekiel 13<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Shabbat Shalom, praise be unto <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, praise His Mighty Name. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Pilipiyim/Philippians 4:13 “<span styla="color: red;">I have strength to do all, through Messiah who empowers me.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">How many of you have found yourself speaking this truth over your life… especially when the going gets tough? It is true that it is Messiah who empowers us to do all – to do all what? Well… to do all He has commanded us to, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">He is our Strength and our Rock:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Tehillim/Psalm 62:5-8 “<span style="color: red;">My being, find rest in Elohim alone, because my expectation is from Him. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> He alone is my rock and my deliverance, my strong tower; I am not shaken. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My deliverance and my esteem <i>depend</i> on Elohim; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in Elohim. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8 </span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; Elohim is a refuge for us. Selah.</span></b><b>” <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It is certainly His strength we need in these last days as He has called us to be salt and light and declare His truth calling the lost back to Him, and yes, He has chosen each and every one of us to be His ambassadors, His remnant voice in the wilderness calling the captives out of slavery, and in order to do that we certainly need to be strengthened by Him. You often may ask yourself, “how can he use me, I am not strong enough for this?” and you may be right yet in Him you have strength to do all and although we should realise that we do all have different gifts and calling yet we are all to be vocal in our walk of faith and be strengthened to speak out against that which is not of Him!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 1:27 “<span style="color: red;">But Elohim has chosen the foolish <i>matters</i> of the world to put to shame the wise, and Elohim has chosen the weak of the world to put to shame the strong.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It is when we often feel inadequate to the task at hand that <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> can use us to shame the wrong. The Greek word used here for ‘<b>put to shame</b>’, also translated in other translations as ‘<b>confound</b>’ is <b><span lang="EL">καταισχύνω</span></b><span lang="EL"> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>kataischunō’ H2617</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to put to shame</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, <i>to dishonour, to disgrace, to cause to blush</i></span></b>’.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">So what is this saying here? Elohim has chosen the weak to cause the ‘strong and arrogant and proud’ to blush and be ashamed’ – it is a verb and so speaks of how our active obedience in actions and speech must put to shame and disgrace that which is not of Elohim. Before Messiah comes again we know that in <b>Mal’aḵi/Malachi 4:5</b> it says that the spirit of Ěliyahu must come first before the great and awesome day of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. The spirit of Ěliyahu is that voice in the wilderness that prepares the way for <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, to which Yoḥanan the Immerser was called and once again the prophetic voice will and is in fact now sounding as we the remnant bride lift up our voice like a ram’s horn and declaring to His people their transgressions and to the house of Ya’aqoḇ their sins (<b>Yeshayahu/Isaiah 58:1</b>). In a message tonight called, “<b>Against the Whitewashers and the Izeḇels</b>”, please turn with me to <b>Yeḥezqĕl/Ezekiel 13</b> (Read). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I firmly believe and am sure we all agree that the time for compromising is over – in fact compromising in the life of a true disciple has never been seen as acceptable – so then when we are grafted in by the Blood of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> to the covenants of Promise our life of any form of compromise is to end! Sadly that is not always the case with many who call on His Name, as many believers are still falling prey to compromised living standards and false teachings, and I believe that this passage that we have just read has a two-fold message for us – firstly it is how we are to not fall prey to those false prophets and prophetesses who lead millions astray and then secondly we are called to put to shame and speak out against the false junk that is being sold as truth. The question is will you stand firm in your belief and be an Ěliyahu (<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is Elohim) and serve <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> alone and be a Yeḥezqĕl who is obedient in speaking Truth in the face of great opposition? Yeḥezqĕl means ‘Elohim will strengthen’ and as we have read through Him we can do all – even lifting our voice like the ram’s horn!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This passage has gripped me greatly this week – in fact I have been going through the whole of Yeḥezqĕl and here was a man who was taken into Babylonian captivity and was called by Elohim to be a prophet and call people back to obedience of living according to the Torah (instructions) of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Yeḥezqĕl spoke the truth without compromise and was often considered to be mad and a lunatic – I mean think about it – how many of you would lie on your side for 390 days and then turn over to lie another 40 days on the other side. He was told to shave his head and divide his hair into 3 parts and prophesy by burning a 1/3 of it, putting a 1/3 to the sword and scatter a 1/3 in the wind, and he remained faithful amidst great persecution and rebellion.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In this chapter there are for us some powerful pictures that clearly speak to us today and I would like us to look at some of these. Primarily the message is a call to those strengthened by Elohim to speak out against the false prophets and prophetesses who are whitewashing the Truth and causing many to whore.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Yeḥezqĕl was called to prophesy against the false prophets! The word prophesy is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">נָבָא</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘</span><b>naba’ H5012</b> which simply means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to speak or sing (by inspiration) or communicate a message from a deity -</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">either of proper behavior to a standard, or of future events</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US">’.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">Yeḥezqĕl was to speak against the false messages that were being spoken by many false prophets of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">Prophets, who were not following the Word of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>, but rather their own spirit and were prophesying out of their own heart! The visions that they were declaring to the people were false and their divinations were but lies! Wayyiqra/Leviticus 19:26 forbids the practice of divination. Divination is the practice of witchcraft and <span lang="EN-US">the pagan state or process of stating or determining the future (or hidden knowledge) through signs, omens, and supernatural powers. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">There are <span lang="EN-US">four broad classes of divination: 1- the position of stars 2 - speaking with dead spirits 3 - examining animal parts or potsherds and 4 – to cast lots for a yes or no answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">They were in captivity due to their disobedience and instead of the prophets calling people back to obedience they were like foxes among ruins – they were not repairing the wicked state of the nation and were not building up secure walls of defense that would be able to stand in battle on the day of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>. They were declaring, ‘Thus said <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’, when <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> had not spoken and they were even expectant for their false prophesies to be confirmed! <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> is against false prophets and so too does He call us His called out set-apart ones to be too! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">False prophets build walls of religion that lead people astray with fabricated edification, misleading exhortation and counterfeit comfort and in the process think that they can control the masses while they are ravaging them like a fox in ruins! Wall or walls in Scripture is often referred to as that which protects and keeps the enemy out and separates a people from another. Yeḥezqĕl in <b>Yeḥezqĕl 4:3</b> was told to take an iron plate and set it as a wall between himself and the city and it was to be a sign to Yisra’ĕl that it would be besieged as they had been separated from <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> because of their crookedness. In Yeḥezqĕl 8 <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> brought him in a vision to a hole in the wall of the court and was shown the evil abominations that were being done. They had abominations carved on the walls, as the elders were doing wickedness in the dark, saying <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> doesn’t see them, he saw women weeping for Tammuz, and 25 men bowing down to the east worshipping the sun!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The ‘walls’ of Yisra’ĕl was supposed to symbolically represent the protection of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and here they had profaned His protection by trusting in their many idols and idolatrous living. Walls that should have represented deliverance and strength by the Hand of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> were built not on obedience to <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> but rather idolatry as they would rely on other nations, corruption and sin – all of which could not protect them from Babylon or from <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> who would use Babylon to discipline and destroy idolatry! The walls were weak and instead of repairing the breaches the false prophets were whitewashing them in order to hide the weaknesses through many false visions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"> Whitewash – something that continues to this day. The word used here for whitewash is <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">תָּפֵל</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> </span><span lang="EN-US">‘</span><b>taphel’ H8602</b> and means ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">to smear</span></i></b>’ and is also translated as ‘<b><i><span style="color: #c00000;">untempered, tasteless, unseasoned and foolish</span></i></b>’, and symbolises that which is false and presented as something it is not. To be untempered means to not have elements mixed in satisfying proportions and are a picture of having elements of truth blended with lies – it is ‘<i>taphel</i>’ rendering a whitewashed appearance of falsehood. This word is translated as falsehood in:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Ěḵah/Lamentations 2:14 “<span style="color: red;">Your prophets have seen <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Falsehood</span> and folly for you, and have not shown you your crookedness, to turn back your captivity. But their visions for you are false and misleading messages</span>.”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The work of a false prophet is primarily in being a whitewasher – it has not strength or substance and gives only false hope, and with the whitewashing of the truth they loudly proclaim peace, peace when there is no peace!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whitewashers proclaim false peace:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Men crave peace – or at least the sound or perception of peace. Words of peace will not create peace – only <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span>, the Prince of Peace brings peace and peace does not come through flattering words – in fact peace is often preceded by storms and trouble! Listen to the words of our Prince of Peace:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Mattithyahu/Matthew 10:34-36 “<span style="color: red;">Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">35</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> for I have come to bring division, a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">36</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and a man’s enemies are those of his own household.</span></b><b>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">These are certainly not flattering words!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 6:14-15 “<span style="color: red;">And they heal the breach of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Were they ashamed when they had done abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall. They shall stumble at the time I visit them,” said </span></b><b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהוה</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The whitewashers don’t even know how to blush and it is time for us to stand up and put them to shame and cause them to blush as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah empowers us, aměn! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whitewashers proclaim a false hope:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">False hope offers the appearance of protection, and let’s face it – its appearance is often appealing and fair – the church has mastered the art of whitewashing through programmes, arts, culture and competes with even the most successful businesses today – that alone should be a warning sign – yet they continue to whitewash the cracks.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">And while keeping people so busy with false works they are in fact unseasoned – that is that they are without salt or rather they are saltless and that which is saltless or has lost its saltiness is useful for only one thing and that is to be trampled underfoot – which is exactly what is going to happen!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">And this is how the enemy proclaims a false peace and hope message that will certainly be destroyed when the storms come! False hope contains solid materials, hence the deceptive appearance – yet is untempered – the solid materials (that is the elements of truth) have been sugar coated and blended with lies in a very crafty way that has so many fooled by its mere glittering appearance. Let me remind you – a lie that contains a half truth is the most deadly lie!!! False hope lacks essential elements – listen if the mortar is rotten then all the rest is wasted too. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> in speaking to the man who asked Him what he should do to inherit eternal life was told that he knows the commands – keep them and then when he responded by saying he has done so since his youth and then <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> said in:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Marqos/Mark 10:21 “<span style="color: red;">And </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">One <i>matter</i> you lack</span>: Go, sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven. And come, follow Me, taking up the stake.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This ‘one thing’ the man would not do – count the cost and die to self and put his full trust in the Prince of Peace, but instead put it in the false beliefs of whitewashed peace and hope that contain some solid material yet lacked one thing. It just takes one thing to lose it all!!! Religious systems can have almost every commendable element of beauty, fullness etc. yet lack the most important – The TRUTH! The false peace and false hope “proclaiming” that the church at large is doing today lacks the Torah that can hold it together and when the storms come then the walls they have built on false hopes will come crashing down!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I think there is a greater lesson here for us in that we too can so easily be found to be whitewashing compromised lifestyles thinking as they said in Yeḥezqĕl 8:12, “<span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> does not see us!” All too often people think that because nobody knows about their compromise then it is ok. We have even had it at times where people blush before us when that which they have tried to hide comes out before us – as if hiding compromise from us really makes a difference to the compromise – I mean really now!!! <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> sees all, whether you try to whitewash it before man or not – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> sees all – and I think many of us need to realise this and give up on having cracks in our walls whitewashed but rather repent before <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> and have the breach repaired so that the pure wall of His word that protects can be built up with joy! We need to speak out against the whitewashers – and listen to the charge given to Timotiyos which is for us today too and lines up with Yeḥezqĕl 13:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Timotiyos Bet/2 Timothy 4:1-5 “<span style="color: red;">In the sight of Elohim and the Master </span></b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="color: red; font-family: "Ezra SIL"; mso-ansi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HE;">יהושע</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span> Messiah, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His reign, I earnestly charge you: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> proclaim the Word! Be urgent in season, out of season. Reprove, warn, appeal, with all patience and teaching. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For there shall be a time when they shall not bear sound teaching, but according to their own desires, they shall heap up for themselves teachers tickling the ear,</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 4 </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and they shall indeed turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> But you be sober in all <i>matters</i>, suffer hardships, do the work of an evangelist, accomplish your service completely.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Today many are heaping up for themselves the ear tickling false prophets and prophetesses – and they are not builders in the kingdom – they are destructive foxes that ravage the ruins and feed on the sorrows of the masses luring them into a false message of peace and hope .<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The sad reality is this – trials will shatter false hope.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">True prophets point out the cracks whereas the false slap some whitewashed grace message on top of a problem and I wonder how many of us at times fall into this trap of entertaining the soothing sound of false hope. Think about it – when you last compromised in your total obedience, be it for the fear of man or any other stupid reason, and felt convicted yet whitewashed the conviction with a “<b><i>He’ll forgive me this time and I am sure He understands</i></b>” when you in fact have acted in rebellion and deliberately been disobedient, even in the little things that many of us often think can be brushed under the whitewash of a false grace that is used as a self-imposed licence to sin!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">False prophets are often well spoken of and of course they will be as they tell people what they want to hear – it is easy to draw a large crowd of people if you can tickle their ears. True prophets as we see clearly in Scripture are despised and rejected among men – let me ask you at this point, “<b><i>Are you up for the task of speaking Truth and speaking against the false?</i></b>” – For you will be persecuted and hated and despised!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The Word challenges the True to stand up and speak against the false and put them to shame! We cannot tolerate compromised and whitewashed lies any longer and we need to realise that, as I am not so sure if we all do actually get it just yet, and in order to do this we need to let go of the false mixed whitewash completely – no more excuses – strengthened by Elohim and empowered by Messiah to speak up and raise a shout, sounding the alarm!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The whitewashed walls will fall – why? Because as <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> told us that the foolish build on sand and when the rain comes and the wind comes it will collapse. The storm is coming and we need to be telling those living under the allusion of a whitewashed safety that it shall fall – yet we who build on the Rock – <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah – the Word made flesh - the Living Torah will be safe. The Torah is as important for us today as it was in the days of Yeḥezqĕl and sadly the same whitewashing is going on today as it was back then. The good news is this – we sitting here can be used like Yeḥezqĕl – those willing to face being rejected and despised and persecuted for righteousness sake and although we may be few in number we are more than the one Yeḥezqĕl, when empowered by messiah can do all, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We are to be salt and light – not unseasoned and dark and we the salt and light must put to shame the saltless and dark!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Yeḥezqĕl was to also set his face against the women who were prophesying out of their own heart – and boy is this happening today – all the false teachers who are prophesying lies – just think about all the well-known women who are taking up spotlight of tickling many ears and using many tactics to do this. They sew cushions for all joints of the hand which can also be rendered as cover the knuckles – and more specifically ‘cover the knuckles of <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> – as they cover the ‘saving hand of Elohim’ through false lies and hope, causing many to adulterate themselves. It can also give the allusion to providing false comfort making them comfortable in their current lives that are riddled with disobedience to the torah as they provide a false security. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I also see this as a picture to the church as being described as the daughters who promise a rapture and false security, and that lie will certainly be exposed when the storms come. The false daughters put veils over people’s heads in order to hunt them – that is they clothe and veil the truth with an allusion of security yet have profaned <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> for barley and bread – they are in it for the money!!! They put to death those who speak truth and keep alive those living whitewashed lives as they continually lie in order that they are kept afloat. But there is coming a time when all the magic spells of the women/daughters will be torn away. The daughters or women have not led people back to Torah – they have only led them to their bank accounts and all the false comfort they teach will be exposed. There are many lies out there telling people they do not have to understand the book of Revelation because they will not be here as they will be whisked away – this is a lie. <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> is coming at the 7<sup>th</sup> trumpet –not before – and there is certainly no picture of peace before then – yet we who are steadfast on the Rock will be able to weather the storm, aměn!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This woe in Yeḥezqĕl given to the women is a big woe! And we need to say woe to the daughters who are prophesying lies!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Here the message to the assembly is Thyatira:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Ḥazon/Revelation 2: 18-29 “<span style="color: red;">And to the messenger of the assembly in Thyatira write, ‘This says the Son of Elohim, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished brass: </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “I know your works, and love, and service, and belief, and your endurance. And as for your works, the last are more than the first.</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 20</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “But I hold against you that you allow that woman Izeḇel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and lead My servants astray to commit whoring and to eat <i>food</i> offered to idols. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">21</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And I gave her time to repent of her whoring, and she did not repent. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “See, I am throwing her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction, unless they repent of their works. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And I shall slay her children with death. And all the assemblies shall know that I am the One searching the kidneys and hearts. And I shall give to each one of you according to your works. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not possess this teaching, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they call them, I am not putting on you another burden. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “But hold fast what you have until I come. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And he who overcomes, and guards My works until the end, to him I shall give authority over the nations, </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and he shall shepherd them with a rod of iron, as the potter’s vessels shall be broken to pieces, as I also have received from My Father. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">28</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “And I shall give him the morning star. </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">29</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.” </span></b><b>’<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">He who has an ear let him hear – there are so many not listening to the Word of </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> and many are listening to whitewashed teachings or are themselves whitewashing their lives as they hang on to false prosperity teachings that allows for unrighteousness, which is lawlessness, to be acceptable and we need to stand up and speak out against the whitewashers and Jezebels! When we find ourselves saying, “Thus says <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>”, we better be sure to be quoting His unadulterated Word in line with the plumb line of the Torah<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Mishlĕ/Proverbs 28:4 “<span style="color: red;">Those who forsake the Torah praise the wrong, those who guard the Torah strive with them.</span>”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">Those against the Torah praise the whitewashers and Jezebels and those who guard the Torah strive with the whitewashers and Jezebels – which one are you!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">We need strong walls – </span><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>’s protection – for the battles that lie ahead – whitewashed living standards are not going to make it – let us hear, guard and do and raise the sound of the ram’s horn as we live reverently in Messiah and speak out against the whitewashers and the Jezebels – they will soon know as we know – that He is <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span>!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהוה</span> strengthen you and empower you to hold fast and guard His works until He comes – and until then be not deceived with whitewash, fancy cushions or veils but keep your eyes fixed on our Master and Saviour <span style="font-family: "Ezra SIL";">יהושע</span> Messiah!<o:p></o:p></div></div>Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15374967539089759088noreply@blogger.com0