Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 4
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
A wonderful letter to Jews exalting the Name and Person of Yeshua. No-one knows the identity of the author or the time of its authorship. The most speculated names associated with this letter are Rabbi Sha’ul and Barnabas, but that matters little to the content. The author was one who had a fervent desire to see Jews come to faith in Yeshua, and just as importantly to continue in that faith in the face of opposition and discouragement. However, its content has often been portrayed by Christian teachers as abrogating the Torah. That was not its purpose, and there are great lessons for believers of every culture and background contained in its message. Again we remind ourselves that the chapter and verse convenience was not present in the original, even though we will take the chapter divisions for our study and ‘reflection’. Additionally, there is significant quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures in this letter. The source document for these quotations is the Septuagint, also known as the LXX, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and which was completed about 130 years before the birth of Yeshua. (so where those Scriptures are quoted the wording may not exactly accord with your own favourite translation!)
So far, the writer of this letter has declared that Yeshua, our Saviour and High Priest, is by far superior to angels and to Moses. Both are most highly regarded in Judaism, and the recipients of this letter were Messianic Jews. He also has warned these Messianic Jews of the dangers which befall any who abandon the faith they have once embraced. And that is how our reading this week commences. The “them” referred to in verse 2 is of course the Israelites of Moses’ day, but since they had not experienced the life of the Messiah on this earth, their call was to exercise faith in the promise of His coming, (Moses was the ‘type’ of Messiah to them in that day). In the grace of God to them, Moses revealed the instructions he was given in his close walk with God. The human mind has difficulty in fully understanding the mind of God, but we may be sure that His judgments are righteous and will be seen to be fair according to the knowledge of the hearer.
In Genesis, God spoke of ‘resting on the seventh day’. Since there was no eighth day in creation, we are still in ‘the seventh day’. It is a place of God’s resting. To be there with Him, we need to be qualified to enter that ‘rest’. And so it is that the writer quoted Psalm 95, now for the third time. Those with ‘hardened hearts’ will not enter His rest. They are reminded again that there were many, in Moses day, who did not enter that rest because of disobedience. But, under the command of Joshua, those who did enter the land of promise were obedient in the task set for them, and in so doing they settled in the land. In that, they entered ‘the rest’ which God had promised them. It was a land ‘flowing with milk and honey’. A ‘type’ of heaven. It is entered by obedience to the commands and will of Almighty God. “For the word of God (to which we have to be obedient) is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Do you think you can hide from God? Think again! “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to Him to whom we must give account.” Wow!
At this point, the writer uses the words “Great High Priest” to describe Yeshua. We will comment on that later in our studies, but the recipients of this letter were well familiar with the role and position of the person in the office of High Priest. He would have been a descendant of Aaron in the early days of the Israelites. Much later, in the days of the Roman occupation the office was so lucrative that it became a mercenary office of favour and graft to people not of Aaronic lineage. In some respects the position was diminished as a result. But Yeshua was not of that lineage, and neither was He a mercenary. He was of the tribe of Judah. In His role as Great High Priest, interceding before the Father on behalf of those who are His, He had the experience of living among the people as a regular citizen. The word tells us that “He was in all matters tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Well qualified to know the hearts of the people.
Because of that, the writer confidently exhorts the Messianic Jews to “come boldly to that throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” In that statement he metaphorically asks the question of them ‘Why do you even think of going back to the old ways? What we have before us in Yeshua is infinitely better than all we have known before. Better than angels, better than Moses, better than the High Priest. It is such a privilege to have found such grace as is found in Yeshua.’
The whole letter is a statement of the superiority of Yeshua in every aspect of His life and sacrificial death. Speaking about Yeshua in the presence of the High Priest Caiaphas and his family, with others present after the day of Pentecost the Apostle Peter declared “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The writer to the Hebrews didn’t want any of them to forget. And neither should we.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 3
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
A wonderful letter to Jews exalting the Name and Person of Yeshua. No-one knows the identity of the author or the time of its authorship. The most speculated names associated with this letter are Rabbi Sha’ul and Barnabas, but that matters little to the content. The author was one who had a fervent desire to see Jews come to faith in Yeshua, and just as importantly to continue in that faith in the face of opposition and discouragement. However, its content has often been portrayed by Christian teachers as abrogating the Torah. That was not its purpose, and there are great lessons for believers of every culture and background contained in its message. Again we remind ourselves that the chapter and verse convenience was not present in the original, even though we will take the chapter divisions for our study and ‘reflection’. Additionally, there is significant quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures in this letter. The source document for these quotations is the Septuagint, also known as the LXX, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and which was completed about 130 years before the birth of Yeshua. (so where those Scriptures are quoted the wording may not exactly accord with your own favourite translation!)
The writer has established that Yeshua has a higher standing than angels. He also established the qualification of Yeshua as High Priest to intercede before God for mankind. And now another comparison is introduced. Moses needed no introduction to this Jewish audience. He is possibly the most revered person in Judaism after Abraham, and is cited here as a most faithful servant of the people of his day, they all knew that very well. It was Moses who God chose to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through 40 years of wilderness wanderings to the very brink of the Land of God’s Promise to them. It was Moses who taught (under God’s supernatural instruction) the people how to function as “a house” (a family, a people, a nation). But, said the writer, whilst it was the respected Moses who lead the “house”, it was Yeshua, the Messiah of God, who owned the “house”. And by the grace of God, they were part of it.
To make it abundantly clear that the writer is not merely conjuring up words of his own to influence the people, he invokes the authority of the Holy Spirit of God, in the written word of the Hebrew Scriptures (in this case quoting Psalm 95) to show them that God is righteous and just in all His ways. And He is consistent in His application of that justice. This letter is written to Jews, Messianic Jews, those who had come to faith in Yeshua. But the writer cautions them in regard to the distractions and doubts which were capable of causing them to falter in their faith. He reminded them of the history of their forefathers. A history which all Jews, right up the present day, are most familiar with because of its frequent telling, especially at Passover. “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion”. There were two parts to this rebellion. Firstly, there was the instance of the report of the ‘spies’ who were sent to survey the land. The decision of the people amounted to rebellion against Moses which resulted in a 10 day journey lasting 40 years! Secondly, there were numerous occasions of rebellion during that 40 year journey, as in the instances of “the golden calf” and the grumbling about God’s provision of “manna”. The rebellion against Moses himself, by Aaron and Miriam and by the sons of Korah. These instances are part of the history of the Jews, recorded in Scripture, of which they were well aware. And then the writer reminded the people of the result of those rebellious acts. “So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest”. And neither did they.
Immediately following this quotation of the Scriptures, the writer, in the clearest possible terms said “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Referring again to Psalm 95.
Because the events following the departure from Egypt were so real to the Jews, there could be no mistaking the consequential judgment of God which was visited upon those who rebelled by their lack of faith and unbelief. And the writer is telling them that God has not changed. His wrath, and His righteous judgement, is just the same in their day as it was in the days of Moses. It would be naïve in the extreme if we did not see that God still has not changed (see Malachi 3:6) and the conditions which cause Him to exercise His wrath and judgement have not changed either. Ah! I hear some say, ‘but we have Jesus and He has paid the debt for our sin’. Absolutely true. But so did the Messianic Jews receiving this letter! “To whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey (were disobedient)? To what? To His instructions for righteous living. It’s in the Book. It is written. They had the Book didn’t they? And so do we. The Book is called the Hebrew Scriptures.
Friends, the Scriptures have application for all ages, but they do not change. God’s word IS God’s word. All manner of verbal gymnastics are used to try to circumnavigate the parts of it we do not like. But that does not change God’s word. Our very salvation security is vested in Almighty God being faithful to His word.
God will bless you as you read, and study that word.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 2
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
A wonderful letter to Jews exalting the Name and Person of Yeshua. No-one knows the identity of the author or the time of its authorship. The most speculated names associated with this letter are Rabbi Sha’ul and Barnabas, but that matters little to the content. The author was one who had a fervent desire to see Jews come to faith in Yeshua, and just as importantly to continue in that faith in the face of opposition and discouragement. However, its content has often been portrayed by Christian teachers as abrogating the Torah. That was not its purpose, and there are great lessons for believers of every culture and background contained in its message. Again we remind ourselves that the chapter and verse convenience was not present in the original, even though we will take the chapter divisions for our study and ‘reflection’. Additionally, there is significant quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures in this letter. The source document for these quotations is the Septuagint, also known as the LXX, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and which was completed about 130 years before the birth of Yeshua. (so where those Scriptures are quoted the wording may not exactly accord with your own favourite translation!)
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” The writer continued his theme of comparison of Yeshua with angels. There are many instances in the Hebrew Scriptures where angels were used by God to convey messages to the prophets. These messages were highly revered because they are foundational to faith in God. As this letter stated at the commencement “In time past God spoke to them by the prophets.” And they had been reminded that some, if not all the prophets were persecuted and reviled for their efforts by the people who heard the message at first hand. A prophet of God was a hazardous calling, to say the least! Luke, recording the sermon of Stephen to the Council of the Jews before he was stoned to death, wrote in Acts 7 “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One (Messiah Yeshua), of whom you have become betrayers and murderers, who have received the Torah by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” The writer of this letter to the Hebrews was not letting them off the hook so to speak. The salvation of which they were beneficiaries was bought with a hefty price, not only by Him who died on that Roman cross, but by those who brought the message to them as well.
We do well to remember this fact ourselves. We are “bought with a price” too. Our salvation is just as costly as it was for the Jewish recipients of this letter. It is the most valuable gift of God to mankind. Now “if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast (which it does) and every transgression and disobedience (of that word) received a just reward, how shall we escape (death and the lake of fire) if we neglect so great a salvation.” Evidently, the writer was intent on conveying the dire consequences which befalls any who reject the salvation of which they had been partakers. This is written to believers. Today we apply it to the unsaved don’t we? But just as Paul warned in Romans 11, branches once attached to the natural Olive Tree can be broken off through unbelief, through rejection of faith, through disobedience to God’s instructions for righteous living, through backsliding (to use a modern expression).
“God has put ALL things in subjection under the Yeshua we worship” said the writer. “But we can’t see that at present”. Why? Because Satan is still wreaking havoc in this world of ours. This situation will not continue for ever. God has a timetable which only He knows, and in the fullness of His perfect timing Yeshua will return to take His appointed place as King of kings, ruling and reigning on this same earth, in Jerusalem, which He left about 2000 years ago. Count on it. “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons (all who believe in faith) to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through (His) sufferings, for both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified (we haven’t arrived yet) are all of one (family) for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” We have confirmation in Scripture as the Apostle John wrote “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1) Quite remarkable.
Now the writer warmed to his task as he moved to one of the main messages of this whole epistle, that of Yeshua as High Priest. Still comparing Him to angels he declared that God does not “give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.” Angels do not experience death, so they are unqualified to provide the necessary blood sacrifice for sinful man to be reconciled to a holy God. Those who are the ‘seed of Abraham’ do. In this, Yeshua, by taking human form, was subject to the exact same conditions (requirement to be obedient to Torah, God’s instruction for righteous living) as those to whom He would become High Priest. In this situation He was perfect, unblemished, without spot or wrinkle. The perfect Lamb of God. Perfect to be the Priestly advocate for humankind before a holy God. And so He has become “better than the angels” who are so revered in Judaism for their role with the prophets.
The writer has emphasised the superiority and worthiness of Yeshua to command our worship and our praise. Selah.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 1
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
A wonderful letter to Jews exalting the Name and Person of Yeshua. No-one knows the identity of the author or the time of its authorship. The most speculated names associated with this letter are Rabbi Sha’ul and Barnabas, but that matters little to the content. The author was one who had a fervent desire to see Jews come to faith in Yeshua, and just as importantly to continue in that faith in the face of opposition and discouragement. However, its content has often been portrayed by Christian teachers as abrogating the Torah. That was not its purpose, and there are great lessons for believers of every culture and background contained in its message. Again we remind ourselves that the chapter and verse convenience was not present in the original, even though we will take the chapter divisions for our study and ‘reflection’. Additionally, there is significant quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures in this letter. The source document for these quotations is the Septuagint, also known as the LXX, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and which was completed about 130 years before the birth of Yeshua. (so where those Scriptures are quoted the wording may not exactly accord with your own favourite translation!)
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” A statement of fact. The Jews were well aware of the Tanakh, (the Torah, the Nevi’im (Prophets) and the Ketuvim (Writings)), and those gentiles who had joined them in faith would also have been taught about them too. So to these authoritative Scriptures, on which the whole concept of worship of God was founded has been augmented, expanded, confirmed and established in the appearance on this earth of Messiah Yeshua. He is portrayed here as the ‘crowning glory’ of God’s revelation. The very best has been kept until His earthly appearance, and the writer then proceeded to amplify the reasons why. But before we go on let us note that He is not portrayed as superseding the earlier revelation but as being part of it. And in verification of that look at Yeshua’s own words in Matthew 5 : 19. “Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets, I did not come to destroy but to fulfil (Gr. pleroo).” (see Brit Hadashah ‘Reflections’ 03 two years ago for a more full exposition)
The Heavenly host comprises those whom God has both created and appointed, and it would seem there are ranks of authority and distinction clearly identified. Angels have special tasks appointed by the Father, sometime defined as “armies”. There are many people alive today who have a firm conviction of being visited by an angel at a specific moment in their life for the purpose of receiving a particular message from God. I can identify with that. There are Archangels, Cherubim, Seraphim, and Guardian Angels etc. The list may include many more, we do not know, but what we do know is that Yeshua was made ‘a little lower than the angels’ in order to secure salvation for those whose trust is in Him, and yet His place in Heaven is here described as “so much better than the angels”. The writer tells us that God did not entrust the role of Saviour to an angel, but to His own Son, He “who was in the beginning with God and then ‘took flesh’ and dwelt among us.” Selah.
Then the writer seems to say “Don’t just take my word for it, look it up for yourself.” Because he quotes a number of relevant Scriptures to verify God’s prophetic word concerning Yeshua. He asks the rhetorical question, “To which of the angels did He ever say?” Why do you think he asks this question? The reason is that angels are spoken about multiple times in the Hebrew Scriptures. They are well respected emissaries of God in those Scriptures, bringing enlightening words and direction to the prophets of God. Their authority is unquestioned within Judaism. They are integral to the whole revelation of God. Now this is an extremely important lesson for us. Don’t just take the word of some preacher on any issue UNLESS you can verify, from the Scriptures, that what you are being told is of God. That is what the writer to the Hebrews is saying here. “It is written.”
The writer could have chosen any number of Scriptures which speak of the advent of the Messiah. The whole message of the Hebrew Scriptures is of His coming. There are direct references, analogous references, clear references and hidden references. But the writer chooses just seven here. “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” Speaks of the moment in antiquity when God knew that mankind would need a Saviour. “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?” Put as a question here in a manner which invites the recipients of this letter to consider what that mystical statement in David’s day means. King David had desired to build a “house for the Lord”. God refused him, but promised that after David’s days He would raise up an everlasting King. The writer points to Yeshau as the fulfilment of that promise to David.
Finally, in this discourse, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Yeshua Himself used these very words in answer to a question from the Pharisees in Matthew 22: 44. David’s words were well known to this Jewish audience. These words were never spoken to any of the host of well-respected angels. But they were reference to Him who was crucified on a Roman cross. The One in whom this audience has already professed faith. As indeed have you!
Shabbat Shalom.
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 55
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
There is a remarkable similarity in the message of Jude, the brother of James, (exactly which James is a matter of debate and has no bearing on the message) and Peter’s second letter to the Jews of the diaspora. Jude does not claim, as Peter does, apostolic credentials, and apart from that both have almost identical introductions, and many commentators believe that these two men had close collaboration in penning their epistles. Each has some quotable ‘quotes’, and are as enlightening for the Christian church today as they were for the original recipients. Dating this epistle with accuracy is difficult, but the probability is that it was written in the mid 60’s C.E., before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Jude (Judah) opened the letter with a regular salutation and then wrote in a manner of common identification with the recipients. The letter is of a general nature to “ekklesia” in the diaspora and its content assumes that the recipients, mainly Jews, have a good understanding of the historical books of the Scriptures. There was evidently great concern about the intrusion of heretical teaching, and the apostolic writers each added their voice in condemnation of that, together with their encouragement for the believers to ‘keep the faith’. We should keep in mind that Messianic Judaism was in its relative infancy. Satan was desperate to ‘snuff it out’ as quickly as he could, because he understood then, what we see today, that this was God’s salvation gift to mankind which offered freedom from the bondage of sin and destruction in Satan’s grasp . It was a battle Satan was desperate to win, and he knew that heresy is most effective when it has an element of truth attached to it. Very subtle. But God knew that too!
The fact that it was a battle is confirmed early in this letter. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (This was never more relevant to believers than it is today as we see attacks on our faith from so many directions, and some, dear friends, are losing their lives in the battle as they contend earnestly for the faith) Then Jude reminded the “ekklesia” of the history with which he knew they were familiar. He instanced occasions with which they were familiar to indicate how God rewarded the faithful, and pronounced terrible judgement on the unfaithful. When the Israelites were about to embark on their journey to the Land of God’s promise, they sent in spies to survey the land and assess their prospects of victory there. The result was that they chose not to ‘risk it’. They lacked faith in God’s promise to them. Forty years later, apart for Joshua and Caleb, only those under 20 years of age at that time, and those born in those 40 years were allowed to enter the land. Such was God’s judgement on them.
There are angels who chose to follow Satan rather than to keep their appointed place in heaven. They are now constrained in chains and in darkness awaiting the day of Judgement. The citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah ignored the pleas of the prophets of God to abandon their life of wanton debauchery, choosing rather the ‘pleasures’ of satanic worship. So God has made those cities an example of the fiery wrath that awaits others who choose Satan rather than faith in Himself. But then Jude gives a solemn warning to these saints in the “ekklesia”. He knows that Satan is not to be trifled with. (I get alarmed when I hear well-meaning Christians today ‘taking on Satan’ in their prayers with words like “I rebuke you”) Jude reminded the believers that even the archangel Michael in contending with Satan over the body of Moses did not challenge him directly, but rather called upon the Lord Himself to provide that rebuke. We have no need to fear Satan, but we need to recognize that we are safe from him ONLY when we are covered and protected by the blood of the Lamb. Selah.
So Jude condemns the “peddlers” of false doctrine. He reminded them that all the apostles had warned them that these things would happen in the last days. There would be mockers, there would be scoffers. There would be false teachers. It’s no different today, and if Jude considered the time to be short, as in ‘the last days’, we are closer now than they were then. (don’t be confused by ‘the last days’ because God is not constrained in counting time as we count time) We are still in ‘the last days’. And for us, as for them, Jude provided the perfect answer. I confess that I am not a great fan of ‘paraphrase’ versions of the Scriptures. However, the Living Bible has these words for verse 21 “Stay always within the boundaries where God’s love can reach and protect you.” It is a verse of Scripture I MANY times quoted to my teenage daughters as they left home to go out with friends. It is a statement of wise counsel for anyone who wishes to live righteously, in obedience to YHWH Elohim. His love is everlasting. His protection is perfect. His concern for our welfare is undiminished. But He does not force Himself on anyone. It is our choice. It was the choice of Jude’s audience, to avail themselves of that protecting love which would see them safely standing before the Great White Throne of Judgement and hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord”.
Will that be our experience? The choice, at this time. is ours to make.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections "Tabernacles"
Torah Reflections “Tabernacles”
Torah portions Leviticus 22:26 to 23:44 and
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
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 54
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
2 John 1 : 1 - 13 and 3 John 1 : 1 – 14
These two letters are quite short, and personal. Unlike the first letter, which was addressed to “ekklesia”, John writes to people whom he considers close and valued friends. There is no indication in the letters of precisely who these folk were, where they fellowshipped, the precise nature of the friendship, or even if “the Lady” and “Gaius” knew each other. We do not know where John was when he wrote these letters, nor the date of their authorship. So they have to be dealt with as they appear and take from them the lessons which are there to be learned.
“The Elder,” is John’s description of himself in both letters. That could signify both that he was of senior age, and that he considered himself to have oversight of the particular “ekklesia” where “the Elect Lady” and “Gaius” fellowshipped. Let us deal with “the Elect lady” first. As a matter of interest the word ‘elect’ may also have been translated ‘chosen’, and we are left to speculate by whom she was ‘chosen’. The obvious one is the Person of the Holy Spirit of course. This letter might be a response to a communication John had received from this person requesting counsel, and there is reason in the text to validate this. On the other hand, there is also evidence that the lady might have been hosting an “ekklesia” in her home, and this is a pastoral note encapsulating the broad message contained in John’s first general epistle. We don’t know.
The verses provide convenience, but were not put there by John! However, in those first six verses John uses the words “truth” and “love” many times. These provide the basis from which John is able to compare deception, a major concern with which he was dealing in these fledgling “ekklesias”. There is also the likelihood that this fellowship was quite small and had not yet been subjected to the attention of the false teachers which we discussed in ‘reflecting’ on John’s first epistle. Speculatively, I can see a possibility that the lady might have heard about these false teachings and wrote to John about them, so John wanted to pro-actively head this off and deal with it before it arrived. There are ‘children’ mentioned by John. They may have been the lady’s own offspring, or they may have been ‘children in the faith’, but the fact that only ‘some of them’ were ‘walking in truth’ suggests the former.
“And now I plead with you, lady, (I wonder why he didn’t use her name!) not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. This is love that we walk according to His commandments.” And immediately he launched into the fact that there were many deceivers in the world seeking to snare those who might be somewhat weak, or new, in the faith. “look to yourselves” he said, not to the ‘peddlers’ of false doctrine, “that we do not lose those things we worked for,” ( presumably referring to those who had been won to the faith and who fellowshipped with her in her home). Then, with his ‘Elders’ hat firmly showing, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine (of Christ), do not receive him into your house nor greet him.” There is some sound advice for us today as we face such antichrist doctrine in our media and in the political class, even in some churches!
There are a number of men named ‘Gaius’ in the Scriptures. One baptized by Paul (1 Cor 1 : 14), one of Macedonia (Acts 19), one of Derbe (Acts 20), and this friend of John. Two of these are noted in the Scriptures for their hospitable acts, and it is a note of trivial interest that it is said that John Bunyan, in his famous work “Pilgrims Progress”, gave the Innkeeper the name Gaius, due to that hospitable nature! In any event, some friends of John had met this Gaius whilst on a mission trip and upon their return had testified, to John, of his notably upright walk of faith, and the warmth of hospitality which he had evidently extended to them. (Isn’t that the kind of testimony to be admired and which should be coveted by all believers?) However, as John wrote to encourage Gaius for his faithfulness, he also mentioned another of the brethren, Diotrephes, who had a very different testimony. Mercifully, not every “ekklesia” had a Diotrephes in their congregation! He was one who coveted ‘position’. He must have been in a situation of leadership because he had the authority, (possibly meeting in his own home) to expel people from fellowship. He even failed to recognize John’s authority, by refusing to have his letter to the “ekklesia” read to them.
It is not difficult to imagine such a situation today, for there are many examples of folk elevated to a pastoral role, who treat that as a position of almost ‘papal like’ authoritarian anointing. That is quite unbiblical.
It is wise to consider these three epistles of John as a continuous trilogy. First is the open letter dealing with false teaching in general and a more basic entreaty to remember the call to stay with the Scriptural teaching of inclusion and obedience to the authority and commands of Almighty God. “if it does not accord with the ‘Book’, be very cautious!” And then the two more personal letters dealing with leadership and example in the confines of the smaller “ekklesia”. There is much for us to glean from John as he tries to shepherd believers to be steadfast and true to what God has revealed in the Scriptures. May it be so for each of us too.
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
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 53
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
Commentators consider there to be two possible authors of the epistles carrying the name JOHN. Firstly, the same person who wrote the Gospel by that name, and secondly a member of an “ekklesia’ called John the Elder, because of the use of that title in them. There is no positive identification in the letters but most scholars believe the Apostle John to be the author. It is also considered that these letters were written whilst John was centred in Ephesus after the dispersion following the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Timothy is not mentioned so he had most likely left Ephesus before John arrived. Like other apostolic epistles the purpose of the letter was to encourage believers to hold their faith in the face of much errant teaching. It is also difficult to accurately time these letters, but a date around 80 C.E. is thought likely.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God.” Isn’t that an amazing thought? Joint heirs with Yeshua! Mystery of mysteries. The ‘love’ here is “agape” (unconditional love). What did they (or we) do to deserve that? Nothing. Only exercise faith in Him who died for them. Faith which was counted as righteousness. Faith which caused them to live according to His standards and be obedient to His commandments. Faith which allowed them to know that their sins were forgiven. That’s what John taught us last week.
And he is teaching us a bit more this week! John told them what sin is. “Whoever commits sin also commits ‘lawlessness’ (Greek ‘anomia’), and sin IS ‘anomia’.” That word ‘anomia’ is the antonym of ‘nomos’, the Greek word used to translate the Hebrew word ‘Torah’ (teaching). Having regard to the fact that John’s target audience were Jewish believers, we see that his message to them was that “Torahlessness” (disregard, abandonment, or disobedience of Torah) was for them sin. Now that leads us a question. Most of us see the Apostolic Scriptures as pastoral teaching for the church don’t we? But John hasn’t finished yet! He continued with “Whoever abides in Him does not sin (commit Torahlessness). Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” I have made up my mind about what it means. You have to make up your mind. And what the Lord tells you to do, DO. It is incumbent on all of us to be consistent in our interpretation of the Scriptures. We are not at liberty to pick and choose between the bits that suit us and the bits that don’t.
John’s message is powerful. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” And he followed that with the exhortation for them to love one another. John used that word ‘love’ so many times in this letter and in almost every case it was the ‘agape’ word, the ‘unconditional love’ word, he used. To stay close and unconditionally supportive of each other. A huge part of his concern was for their protection from heresy which was being ‘peddled’. Evidently the heretics were presenting their wares in the name of the Spirit of God. (see ‘reflection’ No. 52 for a brief description of their beliefs) So John warned them to “test the spirits, whether they are of God.” Now there is care to be exercised here. The test is not whether we agree with their theology or interpretation. The test is “Every spirit that confesses that Yeshua Ma’shiach has come in the flesh is of God”, and that does not mean the confession of one giving mere verbal assent, it means persons whose lives show that confession in action. Words are easy aren’t they? But it’s how one lives (“in deed and in truth”) that provides the proof.
Over and over again John stressed the importance to them of their unity in love. And he became somewhat repetitious in his emphasis. He wrote, so they would have no misunderstanding, how to recognize the believer as opposed to the unbeliever, or someone on the fringe. The observation and practice of Torah was a key, in fact the principal, factor in that recognition. It cannot be under-stated. “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments”. Then “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” It absolutely amazes me that such clarity can ever be misunderstood. So many times I have heard respected Bible teachers declare that the “Torah” is obsolete. “Jesus kept all the commandments so we do not have to” is a common declaration. Well, I do not know where that came from because it certainly is not in my Bible! And it was not the view of any of the Apostolic writers.
Finally, John encouraged the “ekklesia” members to make requests of Yeshua, our advocate in the Throne room of Heaven. “Now this is the confidence we have in Him (Yeshua), that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” Wow! How many times do we hear “God hasn’t answered my prayer yet.” There may well be the reason right there. The condition of certainty which John promised them was “according to His will.” Our responsibility is to seek God’s will for our lives. Then to ask Him to fulfil in us what He has purposed for us to do. Be blessed as you seek His face.
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)
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