Reflections
Torah Reflections “Shavuot”
Torah Reflections “Shavuot”
Torah portions Exodus 19:1 to 20:23 and Numbers 28 :26 - 31
Haftarah portion Ezekiel 1 : 1-28 and 3 : 12
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 ‘appointed time’ is fixed in relation to Pesach. Seven Sabbaths plus one day later.( In the Christian reckoning, it is called “Whitsun” and is seven weeks after Palm Sunday, but it bears no relationship at all to the ‘mo’ed’ of the Lord specified in Leviticus 23.) Some pretty exciting things happened at Shavuot, and the festival (also known as the Feast of Weeks) figures most significantly in the prophetic calendar as it relates to Yeshua.
Firstly, by Jewish calculation, and there is good evidence for it, this was the time when Moses was on the mountain communing with the Lord and receiving the instructions for righteous living, which we know as Torah. (see Exodus 19:1) That, in my view is cause enough to celebrate. The very Word of God, which is ‘sharper than any two-edged sword’, came to us at this time of the year. An immeasurable blessing. My Bible tells me that Moses spoke “all that the Lord had told him” and wrote it in a book.(Exodus 24: 3 and 7). More importantly, that was the exact time that the first covenant was sealed, when the people voluntarily agreed as they said “all that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient”.
Secondly, according to Acts 1, Yeshau returned to His Father 40 days after his resurrection from the grave. But He told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem. Just 10 days later was the festival of Shavuot. Jerusalem was overflowing with people, there for the festival from all over the known world (as it is today for the three pilgrimage festivals). Then came a sound ‘like a mighty rushing wind’. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, the One who points to Messiah, was sent to minister His blessing to those who would receive it.
The disciples, already emboldened at meeting the resurrected Lord Yeshua, were imbued with power from on high. No longer the ‘shrinking violets’ who were shattered by the death of Yeshua on that cruel Roman cross. They spoke boldly to the throngs of people in the Temple courtyard, and miracle of miracles, the foreigners present all heard these fishermen from Galilee speaking in their own several languages. It is almost impossible to imagine. But by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, over three thousand were added to the company of believers that very day. Now that surely is another reason to celebrate.
But there’s more!! Both events related above did not stop.
Today, we have the precious Holy Scriptures, written in so many of the world’s languages. The faithful Jews who were entrusted with those Scriptures have carefully preserved them for our blessing and instruction down through the ages. In the early days, meticulously copying by hand every ‘jot and tittle’. Every yod and vav.
The Holy Spirit of God is alive and well in the earth today. His role on earth is to point us to Messiah Yeshua, by any and all means possible. He brings strength to the ‘weary’, comfort to the ‘afflicted’, guidance to those who seek, and blessing to all who ask.
So if any still wonder why we should celebrate Shavuot, I trust that this ‘reflection’ will provide some answers. But there is a much greater and compelling reason. God commanded it. His promise, is included in the introductory remarks of this ‘reflection’. He will be there to meet all who come. It is a special time. It has never been revoked.
You will be blessed as you meet together and thank Him for His unspeakable gift.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 31
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 angel, from whom John had taken the ‘little book’ and ate it, told John that he would “prophecy again about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings.” And so it seemed that John was being prepared for that task. He was given a ‘measuring rod’ and instructed to “measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.” However, he was clearly told NOT to measure the outer court because that would be given over to the Gentiles to be trampled underfoot for three and one half years. So we should attempt here to identify to which temple this refers.
The Temple which Yeshua knew in Jerusalem, had been destroyed by the Romans about 20 years before John had this vision. We know from Daniel 9:27 that the one identified as Anti-Christ, will demand to be worshipped in a temple in Jerusalem, so we conclude that a new temple will be built before these things can occur. Ezekiel also describes a temple (Ezekiel 40 -48) which is of massive scale, and obviously not yet in existence. Scholars and others have tried to identify the relationship (if any) between these two future temples. A possible crucial clue may be found in Daniel 8:14. This declares that the temple which is “trampled underfoot for 2,300 days”, and desecrated by Anti-Christ “will be cleansed”. That means that it could again be used for proper and regular worshipful activity. In the temple described by Ezekiel, there are several square miles of outer court!! It is generally understood that this will be the temple in use during the earthly millennial reign of Messiah Yeshua. But the study of the various temples mentioned in Scripture is a subject in its own right, and other than the remarks already made, I will not attempt to cover that topic in this ‘reflection’.
We are then advised that there will be TWO witnesses who will prophecy (at this time) for 1260 days. That is very close to the three and one half years we are familiar with in relation to the great tribulation. Daniels 70th week (seven years) is divided into two 3 ½ year periods in which the “man of peace” will make a peace treaty with Israel and the Nations. Now during this time, the two witnesses will be protected to go about their task, and they will possess supernatural powers. Their prophetic pronouncements against the unrepentant on the earth will be a source of great anguish for them, and they will be severely challenged as a result. However, after the 1260 days the two witnesses will be overcome and will be killed and their bodies will be left in the streets to rot. This will be cause for much rejoicing on the earth over their demise. There will be unbridled celebration among the unrepentant.
This is not easy to understand and the reasons are somewhat obscure. Never-the less, after 3 ½ days, to the dismay and horror of these joyous celebrants, the two witnesses will be restored to life. In amazement, the people will hear a loud voice calling the two witnesses to heaven. Then without further warning, the two witnesses will be transported, in a cloud, much as Yeshua was in Acts 1, into heaven. A great earthquake will occur. Seven thousand people will die instantly, a tenth of the city will be wrecked, and then, at last, those left on the earth will recognize that God Almighty is to be praised. He is the one in control. Immediately, the angel sounded the seventh trumpet. At last. The time has come.
“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and Saviour, and He shall reign forever and ever.” The battles are won. Satan has been defeated. There is great rejoicing, praise and worship of Almighty God. He has established His authority. But there is still one more act to take place. We read about it much later in this prophetic Book of Revelation. Satan has still to meet his ultimate destiny.
At this stage however, we, whose trust is in Him, could join with the twenty four elders in their rejoicing. The events are still future, but the promise of God can be relied upon. “We give you thanks O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come. Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.”
Despite currently being in isolation, we live our lives today in relative tranquillity and comfort. It is not difficult to avoid the prospect of dealing with what we have just read. We blot it out. It is just too hard. But dear Christian friend, there are places in this world today, 2020, where similar atrocities are a way of life for believers. Join me in praying God’s mercy love, grace and Shalom to be with those so perilously challenged for their faith. Our turn might come, and sooner than we think.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 30
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 are still in the period of the sixth trumpet sounded by an angel of God. That trumpet released four angels of Satan who were at the ready to bring great devastation, carnage, and loss of life. One third of the earth’s population slaughtered by a mighty army of two hundred million creatures who arose, like ‘locusts’, out of the ‘bottomless pit’. Those who remain on the earth are the ones who have steadfastly rejected the hand of salvation. Those who worship ‘the beast’, have taken his mark on their bodies, and are now completely in his control.
But then another angel of God appeared out of heaven. The description of this ‘mighty angel’ suggests a number of things. His task is very important in the context of the happenings which had just taken place. The rainbow on his head is indicative that his mission is a peaceful one, and his face and his feet are characteristic of the manner which has previously been descriptive of the risen Yeshua. But look! He is holding a booklet in his hand. His feet are spread so as to stand on both land and sea. His message is for all who are left. As he opened his mouth to speak, his voice was like seven thunders, and those seven thunders proclaimed a message. John quickly took up his pen to write the message, as he had been commanded to do previously, but immediately another voice came from heaven. From the reaction of the mighty angel, we may assume that voice to be the voice of Him who sits on the throne. “Do not write what you have just heard from the seven thunders.”
We can only speculate why. God is in absolute control and He had determined that the end was not to be revealed yet. But the mighty angel had been assigned a task. He had fulfilled that task. The programme of events were progressing according to plan. They still are. But God was not ready for John to reveal the next phase just yet. So He stopped him. The ‘mighty angel’ raised his hand to heaven. “Lord, do not delay any longer.” Can you hear him continue? “It is time for the seventh trumpet Lord.” The righteous had been tested and removed from the earth. The angel thought everything was ready for the mystery of God to be revealed. But God had one more thing for John to experience as he was consumed by this Spirit led vision of events to take place at the end of the age.
God spoke directly to John. “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” And He continued. “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”
Wouldn’t it be good to know precisely what this means? And to have the interpretation of it clearly spelled out in our Bible? Well, yes it would. But God has not told us ‘precisely’, so we don’t know ‘precisely’ do we? And neither is there much of a clue in the text to give us a reasonable start to our investigation. Many commentators have bravely attempted an interpretation, but in all honesty, we are left to speculate if we require some explanation. It is a booklet, so it is not the Bible, which contains many books. It is not the “Lamb’s Book of Life” because that is never referred to as anything else. It is not a “NEW book of Scripture” as some have speculated (in the manner of the Book of Mormon, or the Quoran of Islam). Others, taking a cue from Revelation 9:20,21 have suggested that it is a book recording the sin of man, which appears sweet to some, but in the end goes horribly bitter in the end. Again we should take heed to the caution contained at the end of this Revelation, not to add to nor take away from, anything which is written herein. Best we leave it at that eh?
Finally, in our reading this week, the angel spoke to John about what he must do as a result of the experience he was having by being given this visionary guided tour of the heavens. “You must prophecy again about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings.” We all know that John the Apostle was a faithful prophet of God, having penned the gospel account which bears his name and had written three loving letters of encouragement to the saints on earth. His record is a good one. Certainly countless numbers of people can attest to that. One can only think that this is a statement of reference to this Book of Revelation, which might almost be considered to be all prophetic. It definitely refers to a time still future to us today, and possibly to generations still to come. The fact that we are ‘reflecting’ on it today is proof that John was faithful to the command of that angel on his visionary journey.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 29
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!
Our human understanding leads us to see events in sequence as they are reported, but in this Book of Revelation, I believe that we are told of some events which are simultaneous, even though they are textually sequential. The events heralded by this fifth trumpet is one such. The ‘star’ fallen from heaven to earth is Satan himself. He is the one given the key of the ‘abyss’ (the bottomless pit). Remember the demon possessed Gadarene man? (Luke 8:38). Those demons begged Yeshua not to send them into that pit. The scene at the sounding of this fifth trumpet is at the beginning of the 42 months of the tribulation period, as, at “the end of this age”, things continue to go horribly wrong on the earth. The ‘smoke’ from the pit further darkens the scene which is already significantly dimmed at the previous trumpet call. Some, using a symbolic rather than an actual interpretation of these events, have equated this ‘darkness’ to the absence, on the earth, of the light of the righteous who have been slain because of their faith. It may even be a combination of both, but because of the dire warnings contained at the end of this Revelation, I prefer not to “add or take away” anything from the words as they appear.
From this pit there will arise ‘locusts’. There is enough of a description of these creatures to conclude that whilst their swarming and destructive behaviour may be similar, their appearance is quite different and their target is people. But the ‘faithful’ are protected from this torment by the 'seal of God', who do not yield to the ‘beast’ by having his mark on their body. They are certainly not like the locusts who plagued the Egyptians in Moses’ day (Exodus 10:14). And unlike the normal locust, who has no king (Proverbs 30:27) these are led and directed by one of Satan’s angels. This is graphically descriptive of the complete power on this earth which will be gained by Anti-Christ, ‘man of peace’, ‘the Beast’ who will deceive nations to trust him when he first appears. John was shown that these creatures have power, not to kill, but to harass, hurt, and torment men for five months. That is a very long test of endurance for those who remain ‘faithful’ to the Lord at the end of this age. The reward is eternal life in the presence of Him who sits on the throne. But the end is not yet. Two more angels have trumpets to sound!
The angel holding the sixth trumpet was summoned to his task. There are four other angels, securely bound, waiting for this call. The fact that they are ‘bound’ speaks of the fact that they are angels of Satan. But they cannot go about their task until the God appointed time. I find that so interesting. They are released to create great havoc. The word tells us that one third of the world’s population will perish at the hands of the armies commanded by these four angels. An army of two hundred million equipped and trained for slaughter. Their weapons, referred to as plagues in this passage of Scripture, are fire, smoke and brimstone. Staggering. In very broad terms that is equivalent to a world with no-one living in China and India combined!! Or perhaps a world with no-one alive in Europe, U.S.A., and Africa combined. The scale of the carnage is mind-boggling. And, my dear friends, it is written in God’s word. Treat it lightly at your peril.
The question that then remains is “Who are those who are not killed in this carnage?” Who are the two thirds that are left? The Scripture is quite unequivocal on this. One might be tempted to think of them as being the ‘favoured ones’. But that is not how they are described. They are ones who are unrepentant of their lifestyle choices. They are demon worshippers, idolaters, murderers, fornicators, adulterers, thieves, and the like. They are just like many walking our streets today. Outwardly joyful and self-confident, fulfilled, the ‘life and soul of the party’. Envied by many. But, they are destined to spend eternity in the ‘bottomless pit’ with their sin intact. A most unenviable situation brought about by wrong choices.
It is not difficult to see why many teachers shy away from the subject matter of this revelation because of the content of this exposition from John. It is horrible. It is depressing. It is avoidable and avoided because there is much else to teach. But it is also important. It is important because God wants us to know, to be prepared, to get ready, to resolve to endure to the end. It is important because it heralds life eternal …. in heaven … or in the bottomless pit. No middle ground.
And there is still another trumpet to sound! What will that bring? Be blessed as you continue to study God’s word, and we will shortly find out!
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 28
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!
“When He opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” That, to me, is an amazing observation. Bear in mind that the whole scene in heaven up till this moment was of loud praise and worship. Everyone there was intent on offering their verbal tributes to Him who sat on the throne and to the Lamb. Then silence. And for half an hour. Wow!! That is a long time to maintain silence with such a large gathering. But, as we will see, this is the calm before the storm! It is as though, as that seventh seal was opened, everyone knew what was about to take place, and held their breath waiting for the action to commence.
There were seven angels standing before the throne, each was given a trumpet. A golden altar stood in front of the throne, and another angel, who had a golden censer, was given much incense which, together with the prayers of the saints, he offered on that altar as a sacrifice to God. The smoke of the incense ascended before God. Then the angel took fire from the altar, put it into the censer and he threw it to the earth. Then the noise and the action commenced. Loud thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. The angels with the trumpets raised them to their lips.
There is a brief description of the chaos on earth at the breaking of the sixth seal. Men hiding themselves as best they could from the carnage taking place around them. But as the angels, in turn, begin to sound their trumpets, those trumpet sounds herald new horrific waves of destruction. It is not difficult to see why some people find this passage of Scripture so confronting, even to the point of denial. The events described are beyond our imagination, and with the possible exception of the “Sodom and Gomorrah” incident in Lot’s day, there has never been anything like it. That was localised. This is on a global scale. It is terrifying. But God in His infinite love, mercy and grace, is providing this warning. It will happen. Be prepared. These events are still future to us.
When the first trumpet sounded, there was great hail and fire mingled with blood. One third of the trees were burned up and all the grass caught fire and was consumed by it. (In recent years, in Israel, the terror group Hamas has sent hundreds of incendiary kites into Southern Israel, consuming thousands of acres of fertile crop land. It is most destructive. The event described here is on a global scale) At the very least, we can imagine that can’t we?
At the sound of the second trumpet “something like a great mountain burning” (we could equate it to a VERY large blazing meteorite) plunged from space into the sea “and a third of it turned into blood” (that is a LOT of sea). One third of all sea creatures killed. A third of all ships at sea lost (that would amount to about 18,000 ships today, and some millions of shipping containers cast into the sea!!)
The third trumpet brought catastrophe to rivers and streams. Fresh water contamination on a huge scale. The word “Wormwood” is used to describe this invasion from space. It is a word associated with ‘bitterness’. This phenomenon will be responsible for the death of many who drink this contaminated water.
There is so much of God’s bountiful provision on this earth which is taken for granted, almost as of a ‘right’ by all of us living on this planet. The events which John is witnessing in this visionary visit into the heavenlies should be enough to jog all mankind out of complacency. Instead, even within our ‘churches’ there are many who teach that these declarations of the coming “day of the Lord” are fanciful and fictitious. But, my friends, just as the Lord is fulfilling prophecies before our eyes in regard to Israel today, so in these events, He has a purpose. The purposes of God are to show mankind that “I AM THE LORD” (to quote His own words). In that day, there will be no more doubting.
The fourth trumpet will bring devastating consequences. One third of the sun, moon and stars darkened. The whole of this earth is sustained by the energy emitted by the sun. The resultant devastation is truly hard to quantify. And if that weren’t enough to cause men to cry out for mercy and relief, John was then shown another angel flying around heaven shouting with a loud voice. “Woe, woe, woe o the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels which are about to sound.” Can things get any worse? Well they can, and they will. It is no wonder that people WANT to believe that these things won’t happen. But these are the words of the living God. They are a warning. There is still time to get right with God. That is the blessing offered to those who read and take careful note of the words of this prophecy.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 27
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 seventh seal is not yet. But an angel appears having “the seal of the living God”. After the treachery and turmoil and chaos and death revealed by the opening of the first six seals, visited on this earth by the person who first represented himself as ‘a man of peace’, which he was not, John is now shown some real peace. Four angels appear, holding back the elements so that there was complete calm in the earth. They were charged with causing weather and climate to influence times and seasons on the earth. Then the angel holding ‘the seal of the living God’ cried out to them with a loud voice to maintain some degree of peace and tranquillity in the earth (holding back the full force of God’s wrath) because there is an important job to be concluded.
However, our understanding of these events is constrained by our human measure of time. We naturally progress through these events as though they are sequential. It is difficult for us to perceive these events as being coincidental or combined in some other order. None more so than our attempt to place the seals in some correct perspective. Scholars suggest that the revelation of the happenings described in our reading today covers a time scale which overlaps and coincides with the events between the third and sixth seal. The reason for this being that the 144,000 must come from that time, probably from the time of the fifth seal. This might explain the words of Revelation 6:11. “Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who would be killed, as they were, was completed.” And there is much more to be observed about these 144,000.
Firstly, we note that this number is to come from “all the tribes of Israel”. Now that is significant. This 144.000 are sealed by God for an express purpose as His servants in the Kingdom to come. They are all Jews. His special treasure. But as we read the list there appear to be some anomalies, hard to explain, maybe unnecessary to explain even. But we note that the tribe of Dan is not there. The tribe of Levi is there, but they were treated separately for priestly duties in former times. And the tribe of Ephraim is renamed as the tribe of Joseph. But the 144,000 were not alone. There were multitudes of others present too. People from every tribe and nation and tongue. So there will be a mixed multitude martyred in the chaos and mayhem in the last days of the anti-Christ, which we broadly identify as ‘the great tribulation’.
It is an amazing sight. John was given a preview of events still future to us today. Multitudes of people standing before God seated on the throne, and before our precious Saviour Yeshua, the Lamb slain for us, palm branches waving in our hands and shouting out aloud “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”. And as we shout our praise to Him, the elders, the four living creatures, and all the angels around the throne join in, falling on their faces before the throne in worship. Then one of the elders asked John the question “Who are these people in white robes, and where did they come from?” John said “You know who they are.”
The elder confirmed what John already knew too. And followed up his confirmation with the words of promise which we trust our God to perform. In many respects it is the reward of our faith. The promise for which we placed our trust in Yeshua in the first place. “He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of them will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” What a promise. On a personal note, so precious a promise for me, having so recently lost the love of my life on this earth. But it is personal for every believer.
The events John is witnessing ‘in the Spirit’, the events still future to us as I write this ‘reflection’, are amazing. But we should take note that the promises we have just read are specific to those who overcome. To those who remain faithful in the day of fiery trial. As for those who leave this earth before that happens, we will be required to stand before that throne of which we have read so much, and give account. But the good news is that those who have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will receive the welcoming words “well done, good and faithful servant.” Safe for eternity.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 26
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!
“Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever.” The only One qualified to open the seals of the scroll. And so it began, one by one the seals were opened. As that happened, one of the four living creatures, each with six wings, and being full of eyes spoke with a loud voice. “Come and see.” They each took turn to show John that which was revealed as the seals were broken open. And so began the revelation of the events which are to take place before the end of this present age. These events comprise “the fiery trial” from which the “ekklesia” in Philadelphia was promised protection because they had kept the Lord’s command to persevere in the hour of trouble, and did not deny their faith when persecution came. They are events which accompany “that great and terrible day of the Lord.”
The first seal revealed a man on a white horse! “He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” A man of peace. A strong man. A man trusted by people. He is revered and given great power, position, and authority to act for the people. He has a name by which he is known. The Scriptures describe him as “the Beast”, but is more commonly referred to as “the Anti-Christ.” The revelation of that person, and the timing of his appearance, marks the beginning of the end.
The second seal reveals more about this person as he parades about on his red horse. A war horse no less. A man of war. A very strong man. He is one who divides people, setting one against the other. Anarchy. The first impressions pass, the promises made as he swayed people, promises of peace under his rule and many other good things, fade quickly as he begins to reveal his true nature.
The third seal is opened. This time there is a black horse. This man of war has become a tyrant. The rider now holds in his hand some weighing scales. He seeks to profit from the chaos which he has brought about. Great famine is revealed. The price of food has sky-rocketed. In fact, in another place we find that without his special mark on one’s hand or forehead that one is not even allowed to buy food at any price. These are perilous days indeed.
At the opening of the fourth seal, the absolute horror of what takes place is truly frightening. This time, riding on a pale horse, is one called “Death, and Hades (often translated ‘Hell’ in our Bibles) followed him.” The tyrant unrestrained. This takes some getting used to! We cannot readily come to grips with the picture here. Death we know a bit about, but what is Hades? At its simplest it may be explained as the part of the death process in which body decay occurs. Neither Death nor Hades had any impact on Yeshua because even though He experienced real Death, Hades had no hold on Him. However, this fourth seal describes a time when one quarter of the earth population will be overcome by “the Beast” and his accomplices. Terrifying.
The fifth seal reveals the enormity of the carnage. Explicitly, the souls of those who were martyred for their steadfast faith cry out to the Lord, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood.” And the comforting words of the Lord as He placed a white robe on each of them. In paraphrase “Not much longer now, there some more to join you, and when that number is complete it will all be avenged.” We do not know God’s precise plan regarding those numbers, or even why there is a specific number, but God knows, and we have to be content with that. What we do know, however, is that these are the ones who will reign with Yeshua in the millennial kingdom on earth. (Revelation 20:4)
At the revelation of the sixth seal, great fear fell on all men who remained on the earth. A great earthquake, sun darkened, the moon blood red, the firmament shaken above. Those who are able seek shelter in rocks and caves. The sudden realization that THIS IS THE DAY OF THE LORD. For centuries men have been warned that this would occur. Even within the “ekklesia” (in our churches today) there are many who didn’t believe that this would be a reality. And here it is. In all its fury. God has said “ENOUGH”. It is comforting to hear preachers tell us that ‘the church’ will be ‘raptured’ before all this takes place. But, so far, I haven’t found that in my Bible. (read Revelation 20:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 together)
But there is more to follow. Next week we will find out what happens when the seventh seal is opened.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections Pesach 2
Torah Reflections “Pesach 2”
Torah portion Exodus 13 : 17 - 15 : 26
Haftarah portion Numbers 28 : 16 – 25
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
We come to the last day of the celebration and remembrance of “Pesach”.
The parashah narrative begins with the statement of fact that the Pharoah had finally agreed to “let the people go”. It continues with the story of the journey of escape from Egypt, and the drowning of the pursuing Egyptian army, and it ends with the provision of “sweet water” to drink out of the bitter waters of Marah. A fascinating story.
These events are well known. Even non-Christian sceptics are familiar with the story, so we do not need to re-visit the detail. But we need to find the lessons for ourselves as the story unfolds.
Last week we focussed on the prophetic significance of the whole season of the three Pesach festivals. This week we learn of the detail of the way the event unfolded for them in practical terms. In fact, as we arrive at the very end of the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” in our study this week, we see the hand of Almighty God, and a picture of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach in this parashah.
We could look at the provision of food, which rained down from Heaven each night, sufficient to satisfy each family for the whole day ahead. And that which was not eaten that day rotted before the next day! It was to be gathered and eaten FRESH each day (Miraculously, the same food lasted TWO days when the weekly Shabbat came around).
The Apostle John, in Chapter 6 from verse 32, records the words of Yeshua when He described Himself as “the Bread of Life”. He goes further by relating the “bread from Heaven” in Moses time with Himself.
“Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
It is not going too far to equate the Israelites need for a daily gathering of that bread, with our need today for a ‘daily gathering’ of the bread which Yeshua is. He taught us to pray ‘give us this day our daily bread’. I believe that this phrase has both a literal and a spiritual meaning. We need to gather our ‘bread’ DAILY, just as those Israelites did in our parashah.
We could look at the provision of water. Moses was told to strike the rock, out of which poured an abundance of clean fresh, life-giving water. Our beloved Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Corinth used a most interesting description of this water.
“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ” 1 Corinthians 10 : 1- 4.
Paul is suggesting here that the miracle of the provision of water from the Rock extended to that Rock actually following them around!! The plain sense of this is that it was Yeshua Himself, there with the Israelites on their journeying’s in the wilderness who sustained them with life giving water. On another occasion, when Yeshau was attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, at the time of the water libation Ceremony in the Temple He said:-
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."” John 7 : 37,38
So then, as the “mo’ed” of Pesach concludes for another year, we remind ourselves that the Passover Seder which starts the celebration of this season always ends with the participants saying “Next Year in Jerusalem”. An anticipatory statement about the coming of Messiah. So we who are believers in Yeshau, can see the way in which this “appointed time” of Pesach not only speaks of Yeshau perfectly fulfilling His role as the ‘Lamb that was slain’, but also throughout the whole parashah we have reminders of His role in our lives as the sustainer of our life
For the believer, without Him there is no hope of life. With Him we have abundant life …. IF we choose to access it. Praise be to Him.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 25
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!
John, in his vision, had just witnessed the profoundly worshipful scene constantly taking place in the throne room of heaven. But at the same time a problem arose! He who sat on the throne was holding a scroll in His right hand. It obviously was a scroll waiting to be read, but it was sealed with seven seals. John was eager to know what was written on the scroll. Why else had he been taken into the throne room? A ‘mighty angel’ appeared and spoke in a loud voice. “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” Imagine John’s disappointment. He wept openly because neither in heaven nor on earth was anyone able (qualified) to break the seals, to open the scroll, and to read it. The suspense was palpable. But the question remains. Why was there no-one able to break open the seals? And the answer to that has to be because the scroll contained the details of changes which must take place at the end of this present age, in order to usher in the new age to come. The present age is under the control and influence of one (known as satan) whose authority has to be broken. Conquered. Defeated.
So because we see time the only way we are able, sequentially, I believe this part was a vision “out of time”. That is, in time before Yeshua came to this earth. Hence the agony and frustration of the sealed scroll. But then the vision moved into time that we do understand. One of the elders spoke words of great comfort to John. “Do not weep. Behold (look) the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed (over satan) to open the scroll and to loose (break open) its seven seals.”
John looked again, and there, ‘centre stage’ as it were, stood the One who has prevailed. Right in the very centre of all the glory of heaven. In the very centre of those who worshipped. “A Lamb as though it had been slain”, with Him who sat on the throne. “Seven horns, seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God sent with the Lamb into all the earth.” It was a truly amazing sight, worthy of closing one’s own eyes to quietly try to get a glimpse of the wonder that John beheld. And there was so much more to see, and hear, and experience. The elder who had spoken to John took the scroll out of the hand of Him who sat on the throne, then all those close to the throne, the four living creatures, the twenty four elders “each having a harp, each with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints”, sang a new song. They were joined by billions, YES billions, of angels in that new song. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” Whatever else could possibly be added to that? It is a song of triumphant praise and thanksgiving. Our Lord Yeshua had returned to His heavenly abode! He had conquered death, and hell. He was dead, but is alive. He had accomplished the task for which He left His heavenly home for a season. The song was a clear proclamation that salvation had been secured. The days of satan’s influence were coming to an end. The age of “the Kingdom of Heaven” was about to arrive. A Kingdom of peace, a ‘new covenant’ Kingdom which Yeshua declared many times to be “at hand”. His purpose on earth was to make that possible. But before that occurs, there are other events to take place. Those events are already written on that sealed scroll. And it is about to be opened. The “ekklesia” (and we are surely included in that) have already been prepared, by what is written (or dictated) by Yeshua in the letters to them. There will be no excuses possible. No-one will be able to claim ignorance when these events unfold. Get ready.
And what John saw next is prophetic of a future day. Count on it!
“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them.” spoke. Friends this is a description of all of God’s creation. The whole Universe, and all that it contains. And what exactly did John hear? The whole of creation joins in the new song. “Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne (YHWH Elohim), and to the Lamb (Yeshua) forever and ever.” That is for eternity.
All this is given to us as a prelude to the events, as yet not revealed. The victory is assured. The battle has been won. There is no more doubt. As believers we are on the winning side! Praise be to Him who sits on the throne. BUT, there are still events to be endured, and he who endures to the end will be saved. The contents of the scroll are about to be revealed..
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections Pesach 1
Torah Reflections “Pesach 1”
Torah portion Exodus 12 : 21 - 51 Numbers 28 : 16-25
Haftarah portion Joshua 5 : 2 to 6 : 1
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
The regular sequence of Torah readings is interrupted this week because of the “mo’ed” of Pesach.
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, known as “Pesach” (Passover), embraces THREE festivals in a period of eight days. The first of these remembers the actual day in history (the 14th day of the first month, Nisan) when the Israelites experienced the ‘salvation’ of the firstborn in their families by placing the blood of the Pesach Lamb on the doorposts and lintels of their houses in Egypt. The Lord ‘passed over’ their houses when He saw the blood.
It also is the exact Hebrew calendar date of the crucifixion of Yeshua. The Christian celebration of Easter (replacing Passover) was formalized at the Council of Nicea in the days of the Emperor Constantine of Rome. It signalled the official separation of the “church” from its Hebrew roots. (In my view one of Satan’s major victories over mankind).
The second remembrance is known as the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” which occurs on the very next day, Nisan 15. (It is a High Sabbath), and it lasts seven days, and begins and ends with a special Sabbath, Note that there are always three Sabbaths during this Pesach festival. The “High Sabbath” which marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, (and the Sabbath which marks the end of the festival, PLUS the normal weekly Sabbath). It is this “High Sabbath” which is the Sabbath mentioned in John 19:31 before which the Jews were anxious to confine Yeshua’s body to the grave. Then the ‘normal’ weekly Sabbath occurred immediately prior to the resurrection of Yeshua. This confirms the statement of Yeshua in Luke 11:29 (as well as in Matthew and Mark) when asked for a sign. Read it. The complete lack of understanding of this fact has caused conventional church teaching to major on an incorrect “Good Friday” crucifixion story !
Unleavened Bread is eaten during the whole eight day period of the Pesach remembrance. To Jews it is a remembrance of the fact that they ate unleavened bread,(as commanded in Exodus 12:18) as they fled from Egypt on the night of Passover. Leaven is a symbol of SIN, so to believers, the Unleavened Bread also represents the sinless body of the Messiah which was buried in the grave for three days and three nights.
The third festival in this Pesach season is the “Feast of Firstfruits”. It occurs on the day AFTER the weekly Sabbath in Pesach week. (Always a SUNDAY). It signified the beginning of the Barley Harvest and was celebrated by a priest waving an ‘omer’ (a measure) of Barley in the temple in Yeshua’s day. But it was also the day on which Yeshua was resurrected from the grave. Believers refer to it as Resurrection Sunday. (but in association with Easter rather than Passover!) It signifies that Yeshua became the “Firstfruits from the dead”. (see 1 Corinthians15:23).
We should be grateful that churches worldwide (all varieties) remember the death and resurrection of Yeshua. And that they do so sincerely. But more and more, many people are realizing that our roots are inextricably founded in Judaism and the Lord’s “mo’edim” (appointed times). Those that do then focus more on Passover than Easter.
Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday)
Shabbat Shalom
RS