Reflections
A “reflection” to end the reading cycle
A “reflection” to end the reading cycle Joshua 1:1 -18
This week sees the end of the annual reading cycle. The final parashah for the year. Moses had just died. The faithful Joshua, son of Nun, colleague of Caleb, is appointed by God to lead the new nation of Israel into the land of Promise. God had appeared to Abraham at Elon Moreh on his journey south. There, from that mountain location, Abraham was able to see the extent of the land. It was much larger than the nation we know as Israel today. To my mind it seems symbolic. Abraham shown the extent, but not the detail, of what God had promised him. And as we begin our journey into Torah again next week, a new year of readings, and a new year of discovery of what God has in store for us. It looks like a huge undertaking. But as we look, week by week, at the detail God had in store for them, and for us, we will be blessed.
God showed immense faith in Joshua. The promises of God, given at this inauguration were unequivocal, unconditional, and plain. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you (not will give you, but have given you) as I said to Moses.” It was a done deal. ‘From the Euphrates River, all the land of the Hittites, to the Mediterranean.’ The Hittites were descendants of Heth, they were an important Canaanite group, and their land was extensive. It was a Hittite, Ephron, who sold the ‘cave at Machpelah’ to Abraham as a burial place!
Now it is interesting that the Land of Promise is specified in a number of places in Scripture, (students among us, look at Genesis 15, Exodus 23, Numbers 34, Deuteronomy 11 and Ezekiel 47), so here in Joshua 1 it seems that the Lord instructed Joshua that in order to possess the land all he had to do is to set foot in it. He cannot, (i.e. will not be able to), take more than is promised. I am reminded of that injunction in the Living Bible paraphrase of Jude 20 “Stay always within the boundaries where God’s love can reach and protect you”.
However, from other Scriptures we know that the Canaanites would not simply walk off the land, they would have to be driven out, sometimes with significant loss of life. But God had not finished with His proclamation to Joshua. He went on to bolster him with many encouraging statements. They are words which are often appropriated to ourselves as a timely encouragement for the fulfilment of some perceived God given task. Perhaps we should take careful note of the relationship God had with Joshua before making overly presumptive claims for ourselves! But they are very encouraging words anyway. Just look at them. “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life” “As I was with Moses, so shall I be to you” “I will not leave you nor forsake you”
These are immensely reassuring words from Almighty God. They are words, which, to a lesser person, might engender pride and even arrogance. But not to Joshua. Because there is an over-riding clause in this encouragement. When we presumptuously appropriate these promises to ourselves, we should, but often do not, look at the condition God made for the success which Joshua was to enjoy.
“Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do all the Torah which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go”. And if that was not enough, the Lord continued “This Book of the Torah shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.”
Dear friends, God is not encouraging Joshua to fight battles, to do exploits, to clear the Land of the Canaanites, to lead a great army in warfare, or even to stand before the people in judgement. This is an encouragement to Joshua to be strong and faithful to God’s Word. To have the courage to stand up to the dissenters in his midst. To put scoffers in their place, so to speak. To be strong in upholding the Torah of Moses before the people. Inevitably, that would require Joshua to be an example. Unwavering. Steadfast. Consistent. When we see such a record of God’s promises to His servants, like Joshua, are we ready to also take on board the conditions under which such promises are given?
If you doubt God’s righteous judgement in His promises, move on a few chapters and read how and why God chastised the people by defeat in the battle for Ai.
As we enter a new year of study in God’s Word, let us covenant with Him to learn the lessons which are contained therein. Let us ask God to prompt us by His Holy Spirit, to be the kind of believers, doers of His Word, that He has called us to be.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections “Tabernacles”
Torah Reflections “Tabernacles”
Torah portions Leviticus 22:26 to 23:44 and Numbers 29 :12 - 16
Haftarah portion Zechariah 14 : 1-21
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 have the commandments about annual observances of the “mo’edim”. (The Hebrew word for “appointed times”, which in turn is usually translated into English as “feasts”). These are times when God specified He would meet with His chosen ones.
Today, they are most often referred to as “Jewish Feasts”. That correctly describes the fact that they are observances remembered by Jews. But it is an incorrect understanding of the Scriptures.
When God gave these instructions to Moses, He carefully worded these ‘appointed times’ (mo’edim) as MY ‘mo’edim’. They may be characterized as times when God says, in effect, “I will be there to meet with you on these specific occasions”. Those who choose not to attend miss an opportunity of blessing through meeting with Him at His invitation.
This festival is a happy occasion. It lasts for seven days and begins and ends with a Sabbath rest. Following just 4 days after the most solemn remembrance of Yom Kippur it is celebrated in a very special way in Israel particularly. The festival is actually known by THREE different English names. Tabernacles, Booths and Ingathering. In Hebrew” Sukkot”.
Each family builds a kind of makeshift shelter, which they call “booths”, outside their home. It is deliberately constructed so that the roof is lightly covered with palm fronds which easily allows those inside the shelter to see the sky above. Observant Jewish families then carry on all normal family activities in and around this shelter. That includes having meals and sleeping. The purpose of these constructions is to cause the family to remember the time when their ancestors lived in this manner in their wilderness journeying’s from Egypt to the Promised Land. Naturally, there is also much storytelling and appropriate scripture reading to encourage and enlighten the experience for the children of the family.
As mentioned above, it is an especially joyful festival.
In terms of our understanding of the prophetic significance of this festival, we need to recall the teaching which accompanied the first two festivals of this season. TRUMPETS heralds the return to this Earth of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach in power and great glory. Then follow 10 days of putting things right, before we remember the very solemn festival of YOM KIPPUR which is prophetic of the Great White Throne Judgement.
As the old hymn puts it “When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there”. Well this festival is effectively the time for ‘roll calling’. Those who have been judged worthy at the Great White Throne Judgement are invited to attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. That is consistent with the joyfulness of the occasion isn’t it? In fact, “the Bride” of the Lamb is the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21 : 9 – 27) and there is no place for impurity within its walls. Only those cleansed by the blood of the Lamb participate in the Marriage Supper.
There is ONE more activity associated with this festival in Judaism. On the last day of the celebration is the most joyous parading of the Torah Scrolls through the Streets in Jerusalem, and I suspect, but have not personally witnessed, in other Jewish communities. This is called “Simchat Torah” (Rejoicing in the Torah). It marks the fact that the whole cycle of reading the Torah starts again for another year.
Take time to study and learn the significance of all the “mo’edim” of the Lord. They are full of rich meaning and this festival has been singled out for special mention in the millennial Kingdom. Read it for yourself in Zechariah 14 : 16 -19. It forms part of the Haftarah portion for this week.
Why is this ‘mo’ed’ singled out? For your thoughtful consideration, the first clue comes in Jeremiah 16:14,15. Probably the most memorable day in the Hebrew calendar superseded by a bigger event! Jews restored to the Land in preparation for the return of Messiah. Pesach (which includes Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits) no longer celebrated. Shavuot, traditionally the time of giving of Torah superseded by a New Covenant. Yom Teruah completed by the appearance of Yeshua as King of kings.(No third appearance expected) Yom Kippur, already completed at the White Throne Judgement. And what remains is the joyful time when Yeshua Tabernacles with us for the rest of time. It is the ONLY festival which remains when Yeshua returns to reign. Hallelujah, what a Saviour. Be part of “The great ingathering”.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections "Yom Kippur"
Torah Reflections “Yom Kippur”
Torah portions Leviticus 16 : 1- 34 and Numbers 29 : 7 - 11
Haftarah portion Isaiah 57 : 14 to 58 : 14
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 have the commandments about annual observances of the “mo’edim”. (The Hebrew word for “appointed times”, which in turn is usually translated into English as “feasts”). These are times when God specified He would meet with His chosen ones.
Today, they are most often referred to as “Jewish Feasts”. That correctly describes the fact that they are observances remembered by Jews. But it is an incorrect understanding of the Scriptures.
When God gave these instructions to Moses, He carefully worded these ‘appointed times’ (mo’edim) as MY ‘mo’edim’. They may be characterized as times when God says, in effect, “I will be there to meet with you on these specific occasions”. Those who choose not to attend miss an opportunity of blessing through meeting with Him at His invitation.
The 10 days between the Feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur are referred to as “the days of awe”. In Judaism, they are days of intraflection and reconciliation … putting things right.. putting things right with God and putting things right with those we live with and associate with on a daily basis. In fact the Scriptures clearly tell us that we cannot be right with God, and be at odds with each other (Matthew 5 : 24).
Those who have visited Israel at this time of year will know that everything stops on Yom Kippur. It is a day of fasting and reflection.( It is the reason why, in 1973, the Arab nations around Israel attacked them on that specific day. There is No Radio, No Television, No answering phones.. NOTHING goes on). The Scriptures declared that all the people have a day of solemn rest and strict Sabbath keeping. A day to “afflict your souls”.
It was the one day in every year, appointed by God, for the Chief Priest to enter the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle and the Temple when they were functioning. The whole purpose of that visit by the Chief Priest was to ensure that he himself, and the Nation of people he represented, were made right with God in preparation for the year that lay ahead.
The awesome significance of this very special day is, regrettably, totally lost to the church. In addition to its special anointing by God, being set apart from all other days as it is, there is a unique event recorded in Revelation which we should all be acutely aware of. It is the day of the WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT. It is represented for us today by the day of Atonement. It is a special day ‘to put things right’.
Revelation 20 : 11 – 15 describes that day of Judgment. It needs no comment from me. The judgement is to determine who is right with God, and who is not. It is there for everyone to read, but before you read it I caution you to read Revelation 22 : 18,19 first. Many ‘Christians’ today have never taken time to even read Revelation, let alone try to understand its message. It is a letter written by Yeshua Himself, or at least dictated by Him to John.
The climax of the whole letter, in fact the climax of the whole message of the Scriptures comes in the next festival of the Lord, the Feast of Tabernacles, which is why these “mo’edim” of the Lord are so important to celebrate, be part of, and to remember.
I am saddened that the modern Christian church, which is largely ignorant of the “mo’edim” of the Lord, has missed a blessing which God intended us to enjoy.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections “Yom Teruah”
Torah Reflections “Yom Teruah”
Torah portions Genesis 21:1-34 Numbers 29:1-6
Haftarah portion 1 Samuel 1:1 to 2:10
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 have the commandments about annual observances of the “mo’edim”. (The Hebrew word for “appointed times”, which in turn is usually translated into English as “feasts”). These are times when God specified He would meet with His chosen ones.
Today, they are most often referred to as “Jewish Feasts”. That correctly describes the fact that they are observances remembered by Jews. But it is an incorrect understanding of the Scriptures.
When God gave these instructions to Moses, He carefully worded these ‘appointed times’ (mo’edim) as MY ‘mo’edim’. They may be characterized as times when God says, in effect, “I will be there to meet with you on these specific occasions”. Those who choose not to attend miss an opportunity of blessing through meeting with Him at His invitation.
This festival is known as “The Feast of Trumpets”, because God ordained that it was to be heralded by the blowing of trumpets, it is known as “Rosh Hashanah” because it brings in the civic New Year in the Hebrew calendar. It is a Sabbath, a Holy convocation, a day of rest. It is the first of a series of THREE festivals which closely follow each other at this season of the year.
Many, like me, believe that it is prophetic of the time of the Lord’s return, and there are good Biblical reasons for this. Others will say ‘no man knows the day nor the hour”, but an elementary knowledge of Judaic biblical history easily explains this. In Israel, even today, the beginning and end of festivals (Numbers 10:10) relies on the observance of TWO stars in the sky by TWO witnesses (and that is normally announced by the blowing of shofars). The appearance of the New Moon heralds the beginning of a new month, again reliant on TWO witnesses. There are a number of good reasons why these observances could be one day or the next. “No man knows the day”. The presence of cloud will affect the precise timing of the first appearance of stars, “no man knows the hour”.
The most compelling reason is however because it is consistent with the evidential significance of the first FOUR ‘mo’edim’. Pesach, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits are perfectly fulfilled in the death, burial and resurrection of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. Shavu’ot, the traditional time of the giving of Torah to Moses on the mountain, is also the time of the giving of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem a mere 10 days after the ascension of Yeshua into Glory.
The Scriptures reveal that Yeshua will return with the sound of trumpets. (Matthew 24:30,31 1Corinthians 15:52 1Thessalonians 4:16)
It is certainly a time to watch and pray isn’t it?
The Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of a period of 10 days of preparation for the next solemn appointed time, the Day of Atonement. It is enlightening to read Revelation 18, 19 and 20 in conjunction with the reflection on these last three festivals. That passage of Scripture appears to fill in some detail of things to take place upon the return of Yeshua when He comes, not as the Lamb to be slain, but as King of kings and Lord of Lords in order to put into place the millennial Kingdom of God.
In concluding this reflection, please consider this thought. When God instituted the ‘mo’ed’ of the Feast of Trumpets, He could have had in mind not only the annual introduction of a New Year in the Hebrew calendar, but also the New Year which marks the commencement of Yeshua’s everlasting Kingdom.
I am saddened that the modern Christian church, which is largely ignorant of the “mo’edim” of the Lord, has missed a blessing which God intended us to enjoy.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 47
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
The final part of the vision John was shown relates solely to the New Jerusalem. The place of eternal abode of the faithful. That city is complete in its structure and sustainability, but it does not have a comparator in our present world.
“The pure water of life, clear as crystal, which proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb” is reminiscent of the river (Genesis 2:10) which watered the Garden of Eden when God first created the world. It is as though ‘right order’ will be restored, as God determined things should be, when He created this universe with the ‘breath of His mouth’. The tree of life is there, perpetually bearing fruit month after month. Paradise. “There shall be no more ‘curse’ there” (that word means ‘imprecation’, spoken curse, as in no more conflict) “but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it.” Who would dare to speak any abomination in their presence?
Those who inhabit the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, “shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.” It is interesting to recall the encounter Moses had (Exodus 33) when he asked God “Please, show me Your glory.” God responded with the statement “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” That was then. In the future New Jerusalem, all will see Him, and live for eternity in His presence. “And they shall reign forever and ever.”
And that, it seems is the end of John’s vision. It started with that visit into the throne room of heaven, and the sealed scroll. There was no-one in heaven or on earth found worthy to open the scroll then. And it has ended with the establishment of the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, which will live for eternity. Then the voice again “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Repeating the promise found right at the beginning. “Blessed is he who reads, and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Must be important eh! And suddenly the angel who had been escorting John at this late stage of the vision found John on his knees worshipping him. The angel scolded John, “See that you don’t do that.” He said, “for I am a fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”(he might have added, “and Him alone”). I find these words quite challenging. Think about the way so many of us don’t think like that. Think about the veneration and honour given today to some of the gifted teachers of the gospel. Think about the way in which the gospel writers, Paul (a veritable giant of the faith) in particular, are viewed. Some even perceive Paul’s words superior to the very words of Yeshua! Listen again to the words of this angel “See that you don’t do that, Worship God.”
But there is still a little more for us to learn here. The voice sounded again “And behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” Which city? The New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ. “I, Yeshua, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the “ekklesia”, I am the Root, and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning star.”
We have already quoted the promise of blessing to those who read, who hear, and who DO, what is written in this prophecy. And the book ends with another equally faithful promise.
“And if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of this book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
No other part of the whole of Scripture has such a codicil attached to it! So we may well ask ourselves. How important does God view this book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John?
I pray you will receive the blessing of YHWH Elohim, as you read, or hear read, and do, the things which are written in this book, to the glory of God and for your own salvation blessing.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 46
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
The Great White Throne judgement is completed. The lake of fire now contains the devil and his cohorts. Death and Hades are consigned to that lake too. Furthermore, anyone who does not have their name written in that Book of Life, has also joined Satan in that lake as well. The thousand year reign of Messiah Yeshua has passed. Satan’s deception is finished. In another place, the eternal home of the faithful is ready for occupation. What a picture!
John seems awestruck, not for the first time either. He who sat on the throne said “Behold I make all things new.” And followed that up with the urgent instruction to John. “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” It seems that John was so absorbed in what he was being shown, that he stopped writing, just staring in wonder at what was before him. “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. (Then, as an aside, in a kind of message for the day, as up to date as it can be, even today) I will give of the water of the fountain of life freely to him who thirsts.” That water of the fountain of life is freely available TODAY, now, as you read this ‘reflection’. But it was no longer available to those who had already been consigned to the lake of fire was it?
John was shown “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth has passed away.” And there was NO MORE SEA. The earth on which we now live is over 70% covered by the seas!! There is almost too much detail here to grasp on first reading. Some of it is in a kind of reflective recall of events which will have already passed, and some, so enlightening that one wonders how we could have got it so wrong! Ask the question of any of your Christian friends “Who is the ‘bride’ of Christ’?” A huge majority will quickly respond that ‘the church’ is the bride of Christ. Well, surprise, surprise! That is not what John saw in his vision. “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” And as this spectacle unfolds, one of the angels who had previously carried one of the seven ‘bowls of God’s wrath’ and poured it out on the earth, came and talked to John. “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife” he said. At that point, John was carried away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain. A place where he could clearly see. And what did he see? “The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God.” That city is described in some detail.
It had an appearance of a very special and costly precious stone, but clear as crystal. It had high gates, twelve of them, each being named after one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was obviously square in dimension, and each side had three gates. Then we are told that the walls had twelve foundations! Each of which was named after one of the twelve ‘apostles of the Lamb’. It seems to be a remembrance of the work of the Apostles, all of whom were eventually martyred for their faith. A permanent, eternal, tribute to their faith.
Are you ready for a shock? How BIG is this New Jerusalem? The Bride of the Lamb. Well today, a “furlong”, the length of which was standardised in England about 700 years ago, is 660 feet, about 200 meters. The angel who spoke to John had a measuring line to accurately define the city size. IF that measure were the same then as it is today, the New Jerusalem would be 1,500 miles long, 1,500 miles wide, and 1,500 miles high. Imagine a city extending from Adelaide to Perth, Perth to Broome, Broome to Alice Springs, and Alice Springs to Adelaide. And 1,500 miles high. Well, of course, for us it is unimaginable isn’t it? But it is BIG. And the walls! Well they are to be about 65 meters thick! Made out of gold and precious stones. Spectacular. Glorious. Unique.
But, considering the fact that the whole of the Scriptures are centred upon Jewish people, Jewish customs, Jewish heritage, Jewish future, Jewish everything! There is NO temple in the New Jerusalem. It is very important for us to distinguish the differences between the millennial kingdom of God, when Yeshua reigns on this earth, where there WILL be a temple. (The temple described in Ezekiel 40 to 48). And the New Jerusalem, where a temple is not required.. Why? “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Worship, praise and honour will be theirs alone.
The sun and the moon will NOT be required either. Why? “For the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” There will be NO night. No darkness. So completely different to the functioning of the world we live in isn’t it? “The nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth (that is, the ones who will be in that New Jerusalem) bring their glory and honour into it.” All glory will be to God and the Lamb.
Finally, the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem. It is a BIG city, lots of room, but who will its inhabitants be? We learned earlier that “The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which IS the second death.” They are gone. Nowhere to be found anymore.
“But there shall by no means enter it (the New Jerusalem) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Friends, the Scripture could not possibly be any clearer. The ONLY qualification for having ‘eternal life’ in the New Jerusalem, is having your name written in THAT Book. NOTHING else suffices. Make all the logical exceptions that come to your mind. Not one of them will “cut the mustard”! This is why this Book of the Revelation of Yeshua, given to John is such a blessing. It spells out unequivocally, so no doubt can remain, how each of us can become inheritors of the eternal life which is offered by the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Master and Saviour, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 45
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
We ended last week with those who were blessed to participate in the first resurrection. “Over them the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him for a thousand years.”
At the end of this thousand years, for reasons that are the exclusive domain of YHWH Elohim, (don’t even try to work it out), Satan is amazingly released from the ‘bottomless pit’. Whereas he had earlier been allowed access into the heavenlies, prior to his downfall, on this release from the ‘bottomless pit’ he is confined to the earth only. And that for a specific time and purpose. We do not know how long he will be allowed, but his purpose is the same as now. “A leopard does not change his spots” says the proverb. Again Satan engages in deception. He will be allowed to go to nations that extend to the far corners of the earth. Then for reasons that are inexplicable, he presumably will find multitudes (the Bible describes the number of them “as the sands of the seashore”), who, having lived throughout the thousand year reign of Messiah Yeshua, can still be deceived into entering into battle with Him.
The description is concise, and the result conclusive. “They (those who were deceived by Satan) went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city (Jerusalem). And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.” But Satan, the deceiver, has a different end. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet (already) are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Selah. As at this time, there will be THREE identities in that lake of fire. The beast, the false prophet, and the devil. As we proceed with this ‘reflection’ we will find that there are yet more to join them! It is the final ‘cleansing’ of the earth’s population. All opposition to the reign and rule of Messiah Yeshua will finally be numbered and dealt with.
John, in his vision, was then witness to an awesome event which is to take place in the future. He saw “The Great White Throne” on which the Judge of all the earth, the Judge of all those who have inhabited the earth, sits. No-one will be able to look upon that Throne, such is the Might and Majesty of Him who sits upon it.
Look carefully at this next phase of events. It is absolutely vital that we all understand this. John said “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God.” These are NOT resurrected. They are the dead. And what did John see? The BOOKS were opened. What is that again? BOOKS? Do you mean that there is a record of MY life … written in a book? O NO!! O yes my friend, and those books are opened by the Judge. We are even told the basis of that judgment. According to the vision John saw, “the dead were judged according to their WORKS, by the things which were written in the books.”
But there is another book. It is called “The Book of Life” (sometimes referred to as “The Lambs Book of Life”). A friend of mine once described this heavenly scene in layman’s language. The picture is that of a person standing before that Throne and being asked the question by the Judge as He looked to take that person’s book from the shelf. “And who are you?” Then Yeshua steps forward and gently speaks to the Father. “He is with Me Father.” So the Judge says “Come in, well done good and faithful servant.” That is what having one’s name in the Book of Life might look like.
But there is no such comfort for others. Death and Hades gave up their dead for judgment. No advocate to stand before the holy Judge pleading the case. Alone, with the books opened. Judged according to one’s works.
The final words of this ‘reflection’ need no further comment.
“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.” Thus joining the beast, the false prophet, and the devil. But that is not the last of it. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was (also) cast into the lake of fire.”
Sounds like the end of a very bad experience doesn’t it? And it is. But it need not be. The blessing of God, given to us in this horrible description of these future events, is that there is still time for you to have your name written in that Book of Life.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 44
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
An interesting comment to begin this account of events which will bring us closer and closer to the millennial reign of Yeshua on this earth. John saw an angel coming DOWN from heaven. Have you ever wondered where ‘heaven’ actually is? Is it a place? Is it somewhere just ‘in the presence of God’? Well, of course John had been given a guided tour hadn’t he? So it must have a physical location, and now we know it is UP. And the angel who comes down is holding a large chain, and a key. This angel must be powerful, acting with the complete authority of YHWH Elohim, because he will take hold of Satan, bind him with the chain and cast him into that bottomless pit. John is here given a vision of this momentous future event. Satan bound, restrained, powerless, locked in that bottomless pit for one thousand years (or is it two thousand?). And right here we are given a glimpse of that moment when this earth becomes free from satanic influence. But this is NOT the end of Satan, it is NOT the lake of fire, into which, at this stage, the Beast and his prophet will have already been cast. That comes later. Much later.
Neither is it the end of John’s vision. Because John was then shown “thrones” with people sitting on those thrones. They were powerful people to whom “judgement was committed.” That is very high office. BUT who are the “they” sitting on those thrones? At the risk of ‘throwing a spanner into the works’ regarding the teaching of sincere Christian doctrine regarding the resurrection (otherwise known as “the rapture”), there is no support for such doctrine in this scripture! We may speculate about the identity of those who sit on those “thrones”, but that is all. My speculation was that it was the ‘martyrs’ from the ‘great tribulation’. But that cannot be because we are immediately informed that John then saw ‘the souls of those martyrs’. They were not bodily resurrected. But they lived and reigned with Yeshua Ha’Mashiach for a thousand years.
Friends, avoid the temptation to argue this point. We simply do not know. God knows. The wise among us will be content to stick with scripture. Be cautious to remember both the blessings and the curses which accompany this Book, about adding or taking away from it. The blessings declared at the beginning, and the curses clearly enunciated at the end.
What we do know however, is that those who are alive during this tumultuous period of time, which is referred to as ‘the great tribulation’, will be rewarded with privilege for their faithfulness. That is clearly stated in this passage. “They will live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.”
The very next verse in our Bible is a ‘conversation stopper’. “But the rest of the dead (have a think about that) did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” “protos anastasis” in Greek. Now you have to do some fancy word manipulation to read anything into that other than what it actually says. BUT, I hear, Paul said in his letter to the Thessalonian “ekklesia”, “The dead in Christ shall rise first etc etc.” Yes he did. But the only conflict there is related to what we have been taught that to mean. It is a comforting teaching. It teaches that the “church” is removed from the earth, and so avoids the great tribulation. But as we have just seen, there are a number of ‘saints’ beheaded for their faith in that tribulation period. Where did they come from? They are the very ones whose souls “live again and reign with Christ for a thousand years” aren’t they? Be very careful to understand the actual words used in the scriptures!
If that isn’t enough, look at what comes next. There is immense comfort in these words. “Blessed and holy (set apart) is he who has part in the first resurrection (protos anastasis). Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
Here commentators are divided on this period of ‘a thousand years’. Is there ONE period of ‘a thousand years’ or are there TWO distinct periods. In the scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter does it? What does matter however, is that those of us who live today are informed about these events, The key issue, about which we should all be concerned, is that we place ourselves into that situation where “the second death has no power.” There is little we can do to avoid the first death. But there is plenty we can do to be part of the “first resurrection”. Selah.
Shabbat Shalom.
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 43
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazingjohn is shown spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
John returned to the vision of the risen Saviour, now riding on a white horse, followed by the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, also riding white horses. An awesome sight for sure. The description is not as full as the one John gave us in chapter 1, but there is no doubting the Person he described. But now, His garment is “dipped in blood”. The battle is described in some detail in Ezekiel 38:18-23 and again in Zechariah 14. The major factor being the very presence of the One who Himself engages in that battle so that His garments are bloodstained.
To add to the revelation, John is shown His Name, which, he said, no-one previously knew. That name is called “The Word of God”. However, John had also told us at the commencement of his gospel account of the life of Yeshua, that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” and a little later that “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Could it be that John felt that he was uniquely privileged in that he was the only one previously entrusted with this knowledge?
In verse 15 he described the dominance of Yeshua in the battle. Our previous knowledge of Him on His earthly sojourn was of a man of great patience, tender, loving, gentle. Even refusing to speak in His own defence before the Chief Priest in the face of false accusations about Himself, until the High Priest ‘put Him under oath’ in Matthew 26:63. It was at that point, if He had He remained silent, He would be considered guilty as charged (albeit falsely). Look at Leviticus 5:1 for the reason He was forced to respond!
But the Yeshua John now described was very different. Now we are introduced to Yeshua, “King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.” Mighty in battle, ruling nations with a rod of iron, executing the righteous judgement of YHWH Elohim. As I write, I am reminded of the famous Hymn, written by Francis Ridley Havergal about 150 years ago.
Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers,
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who for Him will go?
Well, the truth is, that He does not seek our help in this battle. He is more than capable of defeating these oppressive foes on His own. And He surely will. And the result of that conflict provides the fulfilment of the prophetic writing of Ezekiel two and a half thousand years ago (Ezekiel 39). The feast of the birds. The Lord told Ezekiel to prophesy to the birds of that great feast day which would occur. The Lord also told him that after this great battle, the people would be ‘cleansing’ the land by burying the remnants of the dead for seven months after the battle had ended. They would need to search the land for bones left behind by the birds in order to commit them to the ground in burial.
But not everyone in opposition armies will be killed by the sword. Two persons are singled out for a different end. ‘The beast’, that man of peace who appeared seven years earlier to make the treaty with Israel. And the one identified as his ‘false prophet’, the one who deceived the people with his miraculous powers. The one who deceptively caused people to accept the ‘mark of the beast’ on their bodies. Both will be taken alive, and cast unceremoniously into the ‘lake of fire burning with brimstone’.
Yet this is still not quite the end! But it is the beginning of the end. The forces arraigned against Israel in the last days will have been defeated. It will be the end of the tribulation years. It will mark the time when “all Israel will be saved” as the Apostle Paul wrote. It marks the time when Israel will “look on Me, whom they pierced, and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.” (Zechariah 12:10) It marks the time when “the world will know that I am the LORD.” The prophetic fulfilment of Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets, has at last occurred..
So what is left? Satan is still to be dealt with, and Judgement Day, that day, still prophetically unfulfilled, Yom Kippur, lies ahead. This vision given to John leaves nothing unrevealed, but we need to ready ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 42
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
It seems that the worst is over doesn’t it? Babylon has fallen. Conquered. Destroyed. “Her smoke rises up for ever and ever”. Perpetually desolate. The hosts of heaven join in loud praise. “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honour and power belong to the Lord our God!” In the throne room of heaven, the 24 Elders and the 4 living creatures which are full of eyes, fell down in worship, adoration and praise. It will be, because we are still looking at a future situation, a triumphant, yet personally distressing few years for the faithful, as Satan and his disciples resist their inevitable end. Beginning with the appearance of ‘the man of peace’, and ending with the fall of the system we identify as ‘Babylon’.
So the proclamation from the throne of heaven saying “Praise our God, all you His servants, and those who fear Him, both small and great!” The response from the multitudes in heaven is loud and clear. “The Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”
We should take a moment or so to find out who this “wife” is. Most people will quickly identify that “wife” as ‘the church’ (whatever we think that to be). That very word ‘church’ is widely misunderstood today because it has been so commonly used to describe a building on the corner of the local High Street. Additionally, there are several different groups identified with that word, even though their understanding of discipleship and servanthood varies enormously.
In the gospels, the only mention of the bride and the bridegroom in the same sentence is John the Baptizer in John 3:29. Elsewhere only the bridegroom is mentioned. By inference there has to be a bride if there is a bridegroom! Paul, writing to the Ephesian “ekklesia” about the order in families, compares a husband as head over the wife, to Christ being the head of the “ekklesia’. This is the single most quoted reason for thinking that the “ekklesia” IS the bride. However, we will see when we ‘reflect’ on Revelation 21 that John is shown "the bride, the Lamb’s wife”. It is clear, unequivocal, and described in great detail.
John is again dumbstruck in his vision of the things he was shown, so that the angel conducting him around the heavenlies had to remind him to “Write”. This is so important. “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” We know from other places in the Scriptures that there will be many disappointed folk on that day. Probably the most condemning verses in all the Scriptures are found in Matthew 7:21-23. I have pondered what they declare many times as I review my own walk with the Lord. And I respectfully encourage you to do likewise. It is that important. I especially encourage anyone interested enough in their future to come to terms with the last phrase of verse 23. What does it mean to “practice lawlessness.” Remembering that “law” is an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word “Torah” in our Bibles. Selah.
John was so impressed that he fell on his face before the angel to worship him. The angel roundly scolded him. “See that you do not do that!” Why? Then the angel said “I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Yeshua. Worship God! For the testimony of Yeshua is the spirit of prophecy.” The angel identified himself as an equal with John. Could he have been a Jewish believer who had pre-deceased John? Well we don’t know, but what we do know is that the clear message is that God alone is to be worshipped. Not Abraham, not Moses, not Elijah, not Paul, not Peter, or John, or any other proclaimer of the good news. Not one’s favourite TV evangelist, or preacher, teacher or commentator on the Scriptures.
Before anyone accuses of excluding our Saviour and Master. Yeshua from this list, I am mindful that Yeshua, during His earthly ministry, went to great pains to express His Unity with the Father God. I am mindful that we are told that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” That says it all doesn’t it? He is the One, that inexplicable part of our God, who left His heavenly abode to identify with humanity and pay the price for our eventual redemption. To Him be glory, praise and honour. But that is honour NOT to be given, or shared, with any other on earth or in heaven.
Blessing continues as we delve more into this unique view of the heavenly realm, which John was privileged to see in his vision.
Shabbat Shalom
RS