Zion's Voice

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.

In addition to your own church fellowship, this year, take the trouble to find a fellowship of believers who celebrate Passover, and join them in that celebration. You will be enlightened, blessed and immeasurably enriched as you do.

Chag Sameach   (Happy Holiday)

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections     25  

Torah portion                Leviticus 9 : 1 –11 : 47

Haftarah portion         2 Samuel 6 : 1 – 7 : 17

Brit Hadashah               Luke 10 : 1  - 12 : 59

 Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

​

The reading today opens with the appointment of seventy disciples who were given the task of visiting towns and villages in the land where Yeshua Himself planned to go later. Sounds like a pretty easy task, but then came the conditions. “You go just as you are! No money, no food, no change of clothes, no extra shoes, no prior accommodation bookings, and don’t dilly dally on the way!” Then just to make it more interesting “You will be going as lambs among wolves!”

The message was that having shown faith enough to be entrusted with the assignment, it was now time to put that faith into action. Yeshua was saying “Trust Me”. He also gifted them with the power to heal the sick in places where their message was willingly received. They were expressly told not to seek accommodation, but rather to accept hospitality where it was willingly offered. Those were to be told that “The Kingdom of God has come near you”. Where they encountered rejection, the message was blunt. ‘The Kingdom of God has come near you, but it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for your city” Wow!

Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum formed the corner point of a triangle in Northern Galilee. Within this triangle Yeshua performed many miracles. They had seen the Messiah of God with their own eyes, and yet many had wilfully rejected His deity. In my research for this ‘reflection’ I discovered an organization called  “Associates for Biblical Research”. Some of their notes in advertising a proposed study trip to Israel included the following, which I print without edit.

“Many people personally witnessed his divine power, authenticating his claims to deity and the office of Messiah. They willingly and purposefully chose to reject him and remained unrepentant. Note the serious nature of the sin: it would be worse for these three cities than it was for Tyre, Sidon and Sodom. Space limitations do not allow for a discussion of these previous judgments in detail, but one thing should be noted: God himself visits Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum and is summarily rejected. The depth of the sins at Tyre, Sidon and Sodom were quite egregious…the sin in the triangle was even worse.

The modern church often tends to focus primarily on the pleasant and appealing parts of God's character: grace, mercy, peace, love, etc. While these aspects of God's character are attractive, it is improper for the church to focus solely on these characteristics. To ignore the holiness, wrath and judgment of God is to ignore the entirety of his being. A balanced view of God as presented in the Scriptures and understood in the context of orthodoxy should lead the church to appreciate the love and grace of God even more. Sin is a serious matter. It is an offense against a just and righteous God who reigns supreme in perfection.

Let us all take a great lesson from the residents of the triangle: embrace the full character of God so we can appreciate his love, mercy and grace in a much more profound way. Only understanding the bad news about sin and God's authority to judge us can we better grasp the good news of the Gospel.”

The observations above, relating to the church, are equally applicable to the individual. We should all take heed to these warnings of Yeshua to the cities ‘in the triangle’. In chapter 11 of our reading, there is another “woe” directed at the religious Pharisees. “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness”. Harsh criticism indeed, but striking at the very heart of the matter. It is easy to be deflected from our own pious shortcomings by focussing on the legalistic Pharisees who practised the ‘traditions of men’.  But a moment or two of reflection about ourselves might reveal that the charge has a much wider application.

This is highlighted again as we read chapter 12. The challenge of the Scripture is unmistakeable. Look at the words directed to His disciples in the first instance. “Beware of the leaven (sin) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops”.

I pray that as you read this Scripture passage this week, the Lord will speak into your heart, as He has mine, the things that need to be learned that we all, who love Him, may be good witnesses in the places to which we are sent .. daily.        

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections      24    

Torah portion                 Leviticus 6 : 1 – 8:36

Haftarah portion          Malachi 3 : 4 – 24

Brit Hadashah                Luke 8 : 1 - 9 :62

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

​

“What does this parable mean?”.  The disciples asked.

Yeshua’s answer is quite remarkable. Even though it was the disciples who posed the question, His answer was “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, …” He then quoted from Isaiah 6. “Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.”

This conversation took place very early in Yeshua’s teaching ministry. The disciples still had much to learn. But this exchange is picked up by the Apostle Paul in Romans 11 wherein he describes the ‘partial blindness’ of the Jews. Now we may extrapolate and apply the words of Yeshua to those of us who count ourselves to be His disciples today. It is given to us to ‘know the mysteries of God’. How? Primarily by the careful reading and study of His written word and the revelation of that word by the Holy Spirit. Did you know that king David tells us that “God has magnified His word above all His name” (Psalm 138:2)? There is no excuse for any who can read to be ignorant of what the Scriptures say. Paul told Timothy that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for all good work”. (2 Timothy 3:16)

I want to suggest to you (understanding the Hebraic patterns of our text today) that an evangelist, preaching to an unsaved people group uses ‘parables’. Examples, anecdotes, stories, testimonies etc. in his proclamation of the gospel. But a teacher (and we should all be self teachers) seeking to ‘feed his flock’ uses exposition of the very word of God.

Following that, Yeshua, still accompanied by a multitude of people seemed unable to even have a brief conversation with His own earthly family. So, He and His disciples got into a boat to cross the Lake from West to East (the country of the Gadarenes) for some respite from the crowds. Immediately, they encountered a tormented man, plagued by demons, who instantly recognized Yeshua as the Son of God. Do you find it interesting that whereas the local population, certainly those with religious credentials, failed to recognize Him, those of the spirit realm, not only recognized Him but were scared stiff at the sound of His voice? Well that’s the fact. The rest of the story is well known, and the herd of pigs, complete with demon accompaniment, drowned in the Lake. Now, when the poor man was freed from his torment, and in his right mind, he naturally wanted to stay in the company of his Healer. But Yeshua instructed him to return back to his own and testify of the great healing work which had taken place in his life. Which he did. He was a gentile. In many other situations, where Yeshua healed Jews, He forbade them from testifying. Why? Well I think that for the Jews, His time was not yet. He seemed intent, given that His mission was to the “lost sheep of the House of Israel”, for the revelation of His identity as Messiah to come from inner conviction rather than external influence.

A little later, at Banias, He pointedly asked His disciples who people thought He was. They proffered a few names, but then He put the direct question to them. “But who do YOU say that I am?” Bear in mind that at this point they had been travelling with Him for some time and were eye-witnesses to many miraculous happenings. Peter boldy stated “You are the Messiah of God”. Correct answer. But Luke tells us that Yeshua then “strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no-one”. Of course, three years later they could not stop themselves could they?

Now we need to dwell on the question Yeshua put to His disciples for a moment. It is a question that everyone has to answer. If you doubt that turn to Revelation 20. It will take you 5 minutes to read, and lifetime to acknowledge. The question is inescapable. Your answer will change your life … for ever.

One final ‘reflection’ on this passage of Scripture. Yeshua was on His way to Jerusalem, I assume for one of the festivals. Their journey took them via Samaria (where much earlier their own worship centres had been established as alternatives to Jerusalem). Some of the Samaritans refused to help them. The indignant disciples urged Yeshua to let them call down fire from heaven to consume them. Yeshua’s responded with a sobering rebuke. Read it in Luke 9:55,56.      

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections     23    

Torah portion                      Leviticus 1 : 1  – 5 : 26

Haftarah portion              Isaiah 43 : 21 – 44 : 23

Brit Hadashah                    Luke 5 : 1  - 7 : 50

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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Last week our reading ended with Yeshua healing ALL the sick people who came to Him in the region of Galilee. Many people were also released from the grip of demons (all of whom recognized Yeshua as “the  Messiah, the Son of God”) But Yeshua told the people that it was necessary for Him to visit other cities and regions of Israel in order to fulfil His mission on earth. (which He said was to seek out the ‘lost sheep of the House of Israel’).

It was at this time that Yeshua began to call men to follow Him. We know them as “disciples” (Heb, ‘talmidim’). It is quite noteworthy that He did not seek out the ‘religious’ people as His close associates, but, in the first instance uneducated fishermen. Peter, James and John. Men who became ‘giants of the faith’. Men whose words are recorded and taught today throughout the whole world, because of their faith. How amazing is that? On the face of it, by human standards, they had nothing to offer, but God looks at the heart of a man. What He saw was pure treasure. Men of faith … and faithful men. What does He see when He looks into my heart? And yours? Good question eh! Show us Your ways O Lord.

In Chapter 6 we find Yeshua having another dispute with the religious Pharisees about what they thought was acceptable Sabbath activity and what was not. My Bible says that after that encounter the Pharisees were “Filled with rage, and plotted what to do to Yeshua”.  Then Yeshua went out to the mountain to pray. He continued all night praying to His Father. What an example. Yeshua, about to make a momentous decision, (in the event a decision which actually affects our lives to this very day), spent all night in prayer. I don’t actually time my periods of intercession and prayer, but at a guess I think between 2 and 20 minutes probably covers the whole spectrum!

The decision He made was to choose, from all His disciples, probably hundreds of them, just twelve. And those He called Apostles. (Heb. “shaliach” sent ones. Those with complete authority of the sender) The Apostles were gifted with the substantial power of healing and casting out demons on the authority of the One who ‘sent them’. Those who endow themselves with such a title today should be very sure that it is not a mere hierarchical role, but one which carries the full meaning of an original “Shaliach”. It is not insignificant that Yeshua then spent the next three years in close company with these men, teaching them, correcting them, encouraging them and trusting them.

That can only really be appreciated when we have an understanding of the Hebraic thought in that ministry. It is a DOING function, not a badge of rank. Yeshua taught many things, perhaps one of the clearest lessons was in a parable immediately after His famous ‘sermon on the mount’. He said “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?  A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.”  Then “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?”  Let us clearly understand His words. Take a moment to ponder what they mean. What did they mean then? What do they mean today?

Our reading this week ends with a most emotion charged account of a meal Yeshua took at the invitation of one of the Pharisees. A woman with a ‘sinful past’ (just like the rest of us) gate- crashed the event, but not before she had purchased a very costly jar of fragrant oil. She stood close to Yeshua, crying, penitent, humbled, expectant and unashamed to be there. She washed Yeshua’s feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and massaged them with the expensive fragrant oil. The atmosphere must have been ‘electric’. The host who had issued Yesua the invitation was taken aback. Surely Yeshua must know what sort of background this woman had! How could He allow this woman to touch Him?

Discerning those thoughts, Yeshua told the parable of the two debtors. One was forgiven much debt, the other less. Then He asked his host which of the two would be most grateful. The answer was obvious. With that He turned to the penitent woman. “Your sins are forgiven you, your faith has brought you salvation, go in peace”.

The lesson for us is clear. Yeshua speaks to us through these Scriptures. He poses the same questions. He discerns our hearts and our minds. He reaches out in love and forgiveness to all who repent and turn to Him, as did the woman in the story. His words to us are identical to His words to her. Read them again. Then give Him thanks and praise for His unspeakable gift of salvation.      

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections      22    

Torah portion                Exodus 35 : 1 –40 : 38

Haftarah portion        Ezekiel 45 : 16 – 46 : 18

Brit Hadashah              Luke 3 : 1  - 4 : 44

 Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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Since our last reading, the text jumps a period of approximately 18 years. Luke is quite precise about the date. John the Baptizer, cousin of Yeshua, in response to the calling of Almighty God, began his powerful repentance ministry. He was absolutely fearless in his proclamation of the sin of the people of his day. In particular it was their neglect of the commands of Torah (which was a consistent theme of the ministry of Yeshua later), which included the care of the poor and disadvantaged, which caused his apparent anger at the situation.

Luke makes very clear that this message was in direct fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah 52. I note that Isaiah said “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God”. That is an interesting prophecy. I think it has at least two possible interpretations. It is undoubtedly true that all will SEE the salvation of God, but I do not think that ALL will experience that salvation.

“Brood of Vipers” doesn’t seem to be a charitable phrase to use to people who come to be baptized does it? And yet, both Matthew and Luke record these words used by both John the Baptizer and Yeshua. Evidently, there was a discernment that these people were playing some kind of lip service, in a manner of ‘keeping up appearances’, when they presented themselves for baptism. Luke records the reaction of a small selection of those people. As we look at these groups of people, just see if you can recognize any who still might well be alive today!

“What shall we do then?” was the common question put to John. “If you have more than you need, and see someone without, share what you have” was the first response. The Tax gatherers were enriching themselves at the expense of the community. (brings visions of our politicians to my mind). “Collect what is necessary and no more” was John’s response. (He might have said ‘be careful with other people’s money’). Then to the soldiers who were harassing people and taking money to ‘go easy’ on them. “Don’t intimidate people and make false accusations. Be satisfied with your wages as they are”.

In each of these cases, John the Baptizer might have said “Live righteously, be honourable, and don’t take advantage of others”. It sounds easy, but today we could list dozens of examples where in our everyday lives we can recognize those who could be “spotted” for similar conduct. So the message of John is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. Just ponder that for a moment. Because John hadn’t finished. He proceeded to warn them, that the One coming after him would be even more thorough. “He is the One with a winnowing fan in His hand, and He will THOROUGHLY clean out the threshing floor, take the “wheat” into His barn, and the ‘chaff’ He will burn with unquenchable fire”.  Read Hebrews 10:31. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”. And if any is unsure what that means, just read the verses of Scripture which precede it. John’s reward for his preaching was that he ended up in prison!

Salvation is NOT by works, but the way we choose to live our lives is a pretty good indicator of genuine repentance of past sin.

Our text then moves to the baptism of Yeshua, followed by a genealogy of His earthly ancestry. Chapter 4 begins with His wilderness sojourn during which He endured a quite appealing time of testing by Satan. It was ‘appealing’ because what He was offered was a shortcut to ‘glory’ which did not involve dying on a Roman cross. Dear friends, EVERYONE who repents of sin and turns to Yeshua is tested by Satan, and very often the temptation he offers us can appear quite appealing!  So we should take very careful note of the way Yeshua dealt with those tests. On each occasion, Yeshua directly, and accurately, quoted from the Scriptures. Learn from this how important it is for us to both read and study the Scriptures in order to equip ourselves for the challenging temptations which come our way. “For the word of God 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.”  Says the writer to the Hebrews.

We conclude our ‘reflection’ today with Yeshua back in His adopted ‘home’ of Capernaum. There He encountered a man, in the synagogue, who “had a spirit of an unclean demon”. The demon quickly recognized Yeshua as “the Holy One of God”. And he was terrified of Yeshua. A lesson for us here. Demon spirits (and they do exist) have little fear of you and me, but at the Name of Yeshua of Nazareth, they will run a ‘proverbial’ mile. In His Name, he gave power to His disciples to heal the sick, and to cast out demons. To receive that power dear friends requires repentance of sin and a close walk with the One of whom those spirits are terrified. His Name is Yeshua. (Salvation)         

Shabbat  Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections      21         

Torah portion                  Exodus 30 : 11  – 34 : 35

Haftarah portion          Ezekiel 36 : 16 – 38

Brit Hadashah                Luke 1 : 1  - 2 : 52

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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We begin our ‘reflections’ in the Gospel of Luke this week. It would be interesting to discover when this account was penned. Scholars have put this, together with “The Acts of the Apostles” (as a kind of two part series) as late as 80 – 90 C.E. I have a problem with that date in that two major events took place before that time, and neither is mentioned by Luke. Firstly, the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. by Titus of Rome, and secondly, the death of his friend Paul. (Who also does not mention that destructive event, because he is believed to be have been condemned to death by decapitation by the Emperor Nero soon after the great fire of Rome in about 66 C.E.)

However, regardless of the date, both Luke and Acts, are dedicated to a person called Theophilus, of whom very little is known. But one suggestion which came to some prominence about 500 years ago is that he might well have been a righteous and influential Priest operating in the Temple in Jerusalem. Remembering that almost 30% of the Apostolic Scriptures is contained in these writings to Theophilus. And with the small exception of one passage in Matthew’s gospel, ALL the emphasis on “Alms and Almsgiving” is contained in these books. By the time they were written, the general Temple Priesthood had been corrupted, not the least because the High Priesthood was no longer hereditary, but because it had great wealth potential was sold to the highest bidder. Hence “Alms and Almsgiving” for the poor was an extremely low priority. But not for Luke!

Then right up front, Luke gives us the account of the appearance of an angel, Gabriel by name, to a righteous Priest called Zacharias. It is also possible that Luke’s detailed knowledge of these events may well have been because of a close friendship between these two upright and righteous Priests, Zacharias and Theophilus (but that is pure conjecture on my part).

Understanding the Hebraic nature of the gospels delivers one of the most interesting deductions which may be made out of this angelic appearance to Zacharias in regards to its timing. Based on the reasonable assumption that Elizabeth became pregnant with John the Baptizer very soon after Zacharias’ week of duty in the Temple was completed, it is easily deduced that our Master, Yeshua, would have been born at about the time of the Feast of Tabernacles the following year. Probably early September by our modern calendar. The clues to this (do your own research) are in Luke 1:5, 1 Chronicles 24:3 and 10, Luke 1:23 and 24, Luke 1:26. (Hint! Priestly service in the Temple was for one week at a time, by divisions, commencing at Passover.)

We are also told in chapter 2, regarding the birth of Yeshua in Bethlehem (Hebrew ‘Beit Lechem’ meaning House of Bread!)  that there was ‘no room at the inn’. If you have deduced from the last paragraph, as I have, that Yeshua was indeed born at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the three ‘pilgrimage’ festivals when all males were required to attend Jerusalem for that eight day celebration, you will readily understand why there was no lodging available because of the vast crowds of visitors. (Bethlehem is a mere 5 miles from Jerusalem) Messianic believers would also know that it was, and STILL IS, the commandment of God to build “booths” called ‘Succahs’ as a temporary shelter during this festival as a reminder of the Israelites wilderness journey. Many conclude that the temporary dwelling of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem was, in fact, in one of those “booths”.

All of the above indicates the importance of a Hebraic understanding of the Scriptures to appreciate the message. Chapter 2 covers a lot of ground and many years with little comment. But we are told about two righteous people who knew the Scriptures and who had been anxiously awaiting the appearance of the Messiah. Firstly Simeon. His words of thanksgiving to the LORD are prophetically astounding. As he held the baby Yeshua in his arms he said “For my eyes have seen Your salvation (‘yeshua’ in Hebrew) which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”  Isn’t that amazing. Secondly, an elderly lady Anna, a prophetess who proclaimed the Messiahship of this baby to all those who faithfully worshipped in the Temple. Finally, we are given an account of the 12 year old Yeshua, having had His Bar-Mitzvah (otherwise He would have been not be allowed to speak in the Temple) not only reading, but teaching with authority in the Temple.

But Miriam, His mother watched this Child’s development with awe. As indeed do we.      

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections      20  

Torah portion               Exodus 27 : 20 – 30 : 10

Haftarah portion       1 Samuel 15 :2–34

Brit Hadashah             Mark 15 : 1 - 16 : 20

 Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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As we saw last week, the die was cast when Yeshua confessed that He is indeed the Son of the living God, YHWH. His appearance before Pontius Pilate was something of a formality. Yeshua was charged with blasphemy and sentenced to be crucified on a Roman cross. But, to his credit, Pilate made one final bid to release Yeshua. It was Roman custom to release one prisoner at the Feast of Passover. Those who sat on the Sanhedrin, stirred up the large crowd, and given the choice of releasing Yeshua or Bar Abbas, a convicted murderer, they chose the murderer. It sounds, and indeed is, a very sad commentary on human behaviour. But the mitigating factor in this story is that God was totally in control of the outcome.

Jews have, for all time since that event been taunted with the label of being “Christ killers”. Dear friends, make no mistake, this was the deliberate act of a holy God, providing for Himself the Lamb without blemish to be slain in sacrifice for our sin that we might draw close to Him in worship and praise. Mankind will NEVER understand the love that was extended to us on that awful, yet triumphant day. But throughout the ages there have been millions who have miraculously come to faith in Yeshua as a result. Praise God.

Understanding the very Hebraic nature of this event ought to quite naturally cause us to celebrate this mighty act of salvation at the time appointed by God for such celebration. Yet very few Christians do. How odd. It is the first annual “mo’ed” (appointed time) mentioned in Leviticus 23. It is the first of seven “mo’edim” (appointed times), which Almighty God described, not as Jewish Feasts as many Christians interpret them, but as MY FEASTS. In effect God is saying “I will be there to meet with those who come at MY appointed time”. There is great blessing available to all who celebrate that time, not the least because it is the remembrance of the act of our salvation. Of course, Jews remember the time when God saved them out of Egypt. Jews who have additionally come to faith in Yeshua have a double reason to celebrate don’t they?

How many of us would turn down an invitation to meet with some high ranking dignitary who specially invited us to an appointment? And yet millions of Christians do. Not once only, but SEVEN times every year.

Earlier, in Matthew 12:39, Yeshua had told the Pharisees that the only sign they would receive of His deity would be the sign of the prophet Jonah. That sign was about to unfold before their eyes.  As Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of the fish, so Yeshua would be 3 days and 3 nights in the grave. And so it was. Many Christians have engaged in all sorts of date and day manipulation to try to get 3 days and 3 nights out of the time from Good Friday to Easter morning. Friends, it didn’t happen like that. When we understand the Hebraic nature of this event it all falls quite naturally into place.

Yeshua was put into the grave before the Sabbath. YES. But it was NOT the weekly Sabbath which is how Christians have mistakenly identified Good Friday as the day of Yeshua’s crucifixion. It was the Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is the day after Passover. (Please read  Leviticus 23: 5 – 7.) And He was resurrected from the grave immediately following the weekly Sabbath. Then the ladies discovered the empty tomb very early on Sunday morning. Thus completely fulfilling the sign of the prophet Jonah.

(I put it to you that Yeshua was crucified on a Wednesday afternoon, the next day being the Sabbath of Unleavened Bread, spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday (3 days) and Wednesday night, Thursday night and Friday night (3 nights) in the grave. Resurrection took place on Saturday evening, immediately after sunset, which a Hebraic understanding will tell you was the first day of the week).

 We end our ‘reflections’ in Mark’s gospel, with the record of Yeshua’s ascent into the heavenly realm and “sat down at the right hand of God”.  (which is a bit of a problem for those of the Seventh Day Adventist Church who are erroneously taught about what they term ‘investigative judgment” following the stoning of Stephen).

There are at least twelve records in Scripture about Yeshua appearing to various ones after His resurrection and before His ascent into heaven. The Apostle Paul records (1 Corinthians 15:6) that He appeared to more than 500 persons at one time. And today, dear friends, He enters into conversation with any who approach Him in prayer. In my personal experience He talks to me directly through His written word. May god bless you as you engage with Him too.             

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections    19

Torah portion                   Exodus 25 : 1  – 27 : 19

Haftarah portion           1 Kings 5 : 26 – 6 : 13

Brit Hadashah                 Mark 13 : 1  - 14 : 72

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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Yeshua and His disciples left the Temple (after He had thrown out he traders as we discussed last week) and returned to the Mount of Olives, from where one is able to see the whole city of Jerusalem, including the Temple area. It is truly one of the most captivating sights in the world.

“Do you see these great buildings?” Yeshua said. “They are going to become a heap of rubble”. Wow!! Talk about a conversation stopper. The disciples were naturally curious about when it would be, but they certainly did not express any doubt that the Master might be mistaken. Then, carefully and clearly, Yeshua spelled out the programme of events which we refer to today as “the end times”. There are libraries of books and commentaries written on this subject, (much of it speculatory) and I do not feel that I can cover such a topic in this brief ‘reflection’. It is indeed a study in its own right. Sufficient to say that in reading carefully through Yeshua’s words, it is possible to conclude that we appear, at the very least, to be at the beginning of the end (and we might even be much closer to the end than most of us realize). For those who wish to delve into this topic, your study might well start in the book of Daniel, and will end in the Revelation of Yeshua given to the Apostle John.

As a matter of fact, the Temple was destroyed by Titus of Rome less than 40 years after Yeshua’s prediction, and scholars have calculated that Jerusalem itself has been ‘laid waste’ about 17 times during all its history.

Yeshua had entered the city in great triumph and with much adulation in last week’s reading. But, the Scribes and Pharisees, with the active encouragement of the Chief Priest sought, by trickery, how they could get rid of Him once and for all time. But they were conscious that with Passover just two days away, and with Jerusalem crowded by visitors for the festival, there could be an uproar if they moved too quickly. However, what they could not control was the fact (as we know from history) that this was precisely “God’s appointed time” to transact the final sacrifice by which mankind, forever afterwards, could draw close to Himself. They could not possibly have known, that what they conceived as an evil act of murder, was, in truth, the way in which God Himself voluntarily provided the gracious means of salvation for a sinful people.

There are just two observations to be made as we read the rest of this chapter of Mark’s gospel. Passover is the first of the annual Hebraic ‘feasts’ called “mo’edim” in Hebrew (‘appointed times’ in English) which are specified in Leviticus 23.  It is a perpetual remembrance of the time when God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. A lamb without blemish was killed and its blood was painted on the doorposts and lintels of their homes. On this occasion, exactly to the timing God had specified, Yeshua became the voluntary Passover Lamb, and through the sacrifice of His blood, forever afterwards, those who metaphorically paint that blood on the doorposts  and lintels of their life receive salvation from the ‘slavery’ to sin by which we are bound.

The second observation, which emphasizes the voluntary nature of Yeshua’s sacrifice, is gained by an understanding of the ‘hebraic’ nature of the encounter Yeshua had with Caiaphas the High Priest. The story is well known. Yeshua was silent during most of His interrogation, but there came a moment when He spoke. And for that He was condemned.

Now we need to understand some of the commandments in the Hebrew Scriptures to grasp the significance of this encounter. Firstly, Leviticus 21 :10 has a specific instruction for the High Priest that he is not to tear his clothes, in particular referring to the holy Priestly Garments. Secondly, Leviticus 5 : 1 specifies the guilt consequences for any person, who put under oath to speak, does not do so.

In the first matter, of course, the High Priest violated that instruction by tearing his garment, and in so doing rendered himself ineligible to enact the Priestly function of slaughtering the Passover Lamb. In the second matter, Yeshua fulfilled that commandment by confirming His identity as the Son of God, In so doing, He ‘signed His own death warrant’, and fulfilled the absolute requirement of the Passover Lamb, which was to be completely ‘without blemish’. Perfect in accordance with the Torah instruction. At the same time, establishing Himself as “The Great High Priest” who sacrificed Himself, the Lamb without blemish, at that Passover.  Hallelujah, what a Saviour.

Be blessed as you study the depths contained in this portion of Scripture. Share that which God reveals to you with someone you love. 

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections   18         

Torah portion                  Exodus 21 : 1  – 24 : 18

Haftarah portion           2 Kings 12 : 1 – 17

Brit Hadashah                 Mark 11 : 1  - 12 : 44

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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Yeshua begins the last week of His life on earth in triumphant fashion. The people recognized that He was their Messiah. “Hosannah! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” was their joyful proclamation. How could they have been so sure? Because here He was riding into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, EXACTLY as Messiah was prophesied to come by the prophet Zechariah 500 years earlier. (Read Zechariah 9:9.)

This would be the turning point, hundreds of years of oppressive occupation by foreigners was about to come to an end! Their joy almost palpable. “Our Messiah has come to set us free. Hallelujah.” One can hear them shout. Anyone who has visited Israel will readily picture the scene. The walk down the hill from the Mount of Olives and into the Old City through the Lions Gate is a ‘must do’ tourist experience. The Temple on your left, and the Antonio Fortress slightly to the right. The Apostle Mark records that Yeshua had a good look around ‘at all things’, and then went back up the hill to Bethany on the Mount of Olives.

The next day, Yeshua returned to the Old City, but shock! horror! instead of turning right to clear out the Romans from their base in the Antonio Fortress, He turned LEFT, into the Temple courts and cleared out the traders who had set up shop there. The Temple had been turned into a place of business. (It is not too much of a stretch to see some parallels in some of our church structures today is it?)

Christians are apt to miss the decidedly ‘Hebraic” nature of the charge laid by Yeshua at this Temple scene. We all know the charge, but not its origin. “A house of prayer for all nations” is actually a conditional promise contained in Isaiah 56. Read the first 6 and ½ verses and the condition is clearly set out. It is for those who “keep the Sabbath”, a key covenant promise made by the Israelites. The “den of thieves” reference is a quotation from Jeremiah 7. Read the whole chapter. To put this into a modern context, Yeshua is effectively saying “Do you think you can do all the religious stuff, say the right words, go to church every week, and by that get a licence to live just as you please?”  Then He says, “remember Shiloh”. (Read the account of that in 1 Samuel 4, wherein the Israelites misused the Ark of the Covenant and lost it to the Philistines as a result.)

So Yeshua gave them a sermon in just those two phrases. And it is a sermon from which there is much to be learned even today for any willing to take note. And there is MORE.

Mark chapter 12 declares the parable of the owner of a vineyard who, when He had completed it and made it fruitful and profitable leased it to some tenant vinedressers. The parable is full of meaning for every age of mankind. The servants who were sent to gather some of the produce were rejected and killed. There were many of them over a period of time. They are interpreted as being analogous to the many prophets and leaders who have been sent, to the Israelites, and by extension to all of humanity, over the centuries, their deeds and warnings documented in Scripture for our understanding.  Then, because we know the end of the story, Yeshua makes reference to Himself, the Son of the Owner of the vineyard. He knows that He is shortly to be rejected and killed. He is the “stone which the builders rejected, and is now the chief cornerstone”. That on which the whole ‘building’ is erected and stands firm. That which we know today as “the church”. Not ‘a church’ but “the church”.

Then at the end of our reading, Yeshua again speaks a warning and condemnation of those who found themselves in positions of authority, leaders of the assemblies. They dress the part, they speak the right words, they are always found in the best seats, are found mixing with the ‘important’ people in the community. Does any of that strike a chord?

He completed the picture by contrasting the plight of the poor widow (and make no mistake, in their community a widow would be poor, which is why so much emphasis in ‘living righteously’ was put on caring for ‘widows and orphans.) who out of her poverty, gave so much, and which was used to support the lifestyle of the leaders.

Yeshua did not mince His words. He still doesn’t. All throughout the Scriptures we are told that when we belong to Him, we are required to show that relationship in the way we live our lives. It is not a self-seeking or self-indulgent lifestyle. It is a life of service, in another place described by the Apostle Paul as a ‘life of slavery’ to Yeshua. So much for the teachers of the ‘prosperity gospel’.        

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections    17

Torah portion                    Exodus 18 : 1  – 20 : 23

Haftarah portion            Isaiah 6 : 1 – 7 : 6 and 9 : 5 – 7

Brit Hadashah                  Mark 9 : 1  - 10 : 52

 Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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Yeshua took Peter, James and John with him to a ‘high mountain’. It is traditionally thought this to be Mt. Tabor, a few miles east of Nazareth. But the site of the ‘confession of Peter’ which we discussed last week is in Banias, in Northern Galilee. That is much closer to a higher mountain, Mount Hermon. However, the site is immaterial to the event. Yeshua’s appearance was visibly changed to a brighter than bright whiteness. He glowed. Not only that, but two other men, identified as Moses and Elijah, appeared there on the mountain in conversation with Yeshua. Wow!!

My Bible describes the disciples as ‘greatly afraid’. I think we can all identify with that can’t we? It was an amazing spectacle to be sure. I have no idea how these men recognized Moses and Elijah, whom they had certainly never met. Maybe Yeshua introduced them. What we do know is that neither of them had an earthly burial place. In fact, Elijah did not die a natural death, he was transported into heaven, and Moses, even though he had a ‘normal’ death, where he was buried is a “God secret”.

The other thing we know is that both Moses and Elijah had very high standing in the eyes of the disciples (in fact in the eyes of all Jews). Moses is forever identified as God’s messenger in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, and subsequently bringing ‘Torah’, and Elijah was known to them as the “prince” of prophets, not least because of the way he faced down the 400 prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel. And now, before their very eyes they see their Master, Yeshua, in conversation with these giants of their faith. IF they needed any proof of Yeshua’s identity, here they see Him in close company with Moses and Elijah. But there was more. The VOICE. “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.”

Talk about a ‘life changing’ experience! It is hard to imagine anything to compare with what they witnessed.  But they had questions. “Why do the scribes say Elijah must come first?”  Yeshua told them, not only must Elijah come first, but he has already come! He spoke of His cousin, John the Baptizer. There are a number of reasons why. From the Hebrew Scriptures we know that they dressed alike (2 Kings 1:8 and Matt 3:4). We know that they preached a similar message (Malachi 4:5,6 and Luke 1:17) Both of them had very high profile enemies (1 Kings 18:17 and Matthew 14:3). Some may point out that in John 1:21, John flatly denied that he was Elijah, but this may be explained because there was a belief that because Elijah had never actually died, that he was still around roaming the earth. John’s denial was that he was NOT the ACTUAL Elijah who had been transported into heaven many years earlier.

Later, when the three had returned to the where the crowds were gathered, they were confronted by a discussion about the failure of the disciples to exorcize a particularly nasty demon from a man who had suffered the agony from childhood of being rendered deaf, dumb and smitten with uncontrollable fits. To my mind there are two notable features of this healing. The first is the action and words of the distraught father of the man. He had the faith to bring his son to Yeshua. But he said “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”  Yeshua’s response, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes”. Sounds so easy doesn’t it? With tears of pleading the distraught father said words which so many of us need to learn. “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!”  I think the father was saying “I’m doing my best, I’m doing all I know to do, but I still need help, I need Your healing touch too.”

Maybe, as some evidence of this, we find Yeshua travelling south again, with His disciples. During the journey, He told them about His impending death and resurrection. They clearly did not understand this, but were afraid to ask Him any more details. What they did discuss however, and evidently with some disputation was what their ‘pecking order’ would be after the announced death of the Master. How human is that?

But Yeshua, discerning their hearts, called them together and said more words that need to be burned into our spirit as followers of Him. It is plain and unequivocal. “If you desire to be FIRST, then take your position as last of all, and servant of all”.  Friends, we have generated a hierarchical structure of authority within our modern day churches which is diametrically opposed to that statement. We have adopted the hierarchical business model with high sounding names, adding words like “senior” and “chief” to Biblical ministries which were intended to be ‘servant ministries”. Dare I say it?  We would do well to abandon the “greek” and put on the “Hebraic”.                    

Shabbat Shalom

RS