Zion's Voice

Brit Hadashah Reflections      06    

Torah portion               Genesis 25 : 19  – 28 : 9 

Haftarah portion        Malachi 1: 1 – 2: 7

Brit Hadashah              Matthew 12:1  - 13 : 58

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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We ended last week by ‘reflecting’ on the heavy ‘yoke’ which the Pharasaic Rabbi’s had made for the people by constructing ‘fences’ around the Torah to make certain that none of the commandments was unintentionally broken. Chapter 12 opens with an example of such a ‘fence’. The Sabbath instructions include “doing no customary work”. Harvesting grain is “customary work”. They observed Yeshua’s disiciples plucking grain to eat as they passed through a field of grain on the Sabbath. “Gotcha” they said. There are many other ‘fences’ which observant Jews feel compelled to observe today, which non-Jews see as unnecessary and restrictive. It is a matter of regret that many gentile believers ridicule the Torah of God on the basis of some of these ‘fences’. In so doing, “the baby has been thrown out with the bathwater!” Yeshua was quick to illustrate, from the Scriptures, the unreasonable nature of some of these ‘fences’. In other places in the Scriptures He refers to them as “the traditions of men”. He declares that “He (in His role of Messiah) is Lord of the Sabbath.” And in saying that, He is telling them that what He is teaching is the true Torah of God, which is what they should be observing.

And if we count ourselves disciples of Messiah Yeshua, so should we!

The Pharisees then wanted some ‘sign ‘from Yeshua that He was indeed the Messiah of God. His response was short and pointed. These Pharisees knew the Scriptures. “The only sign you will get is the sign of the Prophet Jonah” He said. They understood that perfectly, but He knew that it would be some time before they would actually see that sign. Now here we have a problem for gentile believers today. The ‘sign’ is ‘the sign” right? Accepting that is not difficult for us because we have the historical account in verification. We also know that Yeshua was put into the tomb the day before the Sabbath of “Unleavened Bread”. It is all very clear. Why then do we persist in celebrating that on the pagan festival of Easter? Agile Christian theologians have tried to make the ‘sign’ work, with an Easter observance, but it never will. God has clearly indicated (Deuteronomy 12) that He would not be worshipped in the high places of pagan worship. When, if ever, will we wake up?

Matthew chapter 13 is the great chapter of “Kingdom of God” parables. Our Bibles use the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven”. They are the same. Even today, Jews will not use the word “God” or His proper Name YHWH (another ‘fence’ to comply with the third commandment regarding ‘taking the name of the Lord in vain’). The Torah does not forbid the use of His name. But it forbids profanity. Hence the ‘fence’.

Yeshua said that He spoke in parables in order to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah. The main issue regarding these parables of the Kingdom, is that all the “Kingdom is like … ” are examples taken from their everyday life, in agriculture and the home. Easily understood. The sower of seed, which does not all fall on fertile ground. The wheat and tares growing together. The small mustard seed which grows into a big bush. The leaven which affects the whole dough. A treasure hidden in a field. The pearl of great price. The dragnet of the fisherman.

Today, there would be other examples which may be cited, but in Yeshua’s day, every one of them had real meaning to the hearers. And the resulting message is the same today as it was then. The Kingdom of Heaven is worth all it might cost you, and there is a cost! It is a privilege to be included, and worthy of our best endeavours to secure. All the more reason to order our lives in accord with the instructions God Himself has laid down for our understanding. The solemn warning of Matthew 7:23 should be ringing in our ears as we seek to be part of God’s Kingdom. Simply put, there is no mystery about it, it is the Kingdom where God reigns. Yeshua came to seek the “lost sheep of the house of Israel”. We talked last week about how they got lost. But, praise God, many were found again and restored to a place of right living.

There is a salutary lesson to end our refection today. Yeshua went back to Capernaum (His own country the Bible says). He taught them in their local synagogue. No doubt the message would be no different to that which He taught in other towns and villages. But in Capernaum they said “Where did this fellow get all this knowledge, He is the carpenter’s son isn’t He? We know His mother, His brothers and His sisters. Who does He think He is?” Their familiarity bred contempt. They discounted His message, and it would be true to surmise that they missed out on great blessing as a result. Let us not fall into the trap of familiarity.                          

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections      05        

Torah portion                 Genesis 23 : 1 – 25 : 18 

Haftarah portion          1 Kings 1: 1 - 31

Brit Hadashah                Matthew 9:1  - 11 : 30

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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After the episode with the demons and the pigs, Yeshua returned, across the Sea of Galilee, to Capernaum, which is referred to as ‘His own city’. His healing ministry was well known, and a man who was paralysed was brought to Him. Recognizing their demonstration of faith by so doing, Yeshua saw an opportunity to both heal the man and demonstrate His credentials as the Messiah of God. In paraphrase, He said “Cheer up son, your sins are forgiven”. Discerning the thoughts of some of the religious Scribes, that He had overstepped the mark with that statement, He said “Would you prefer that I just told him to get up and walk?”  Which He then did.

In their eyes, Almighty God alone had the power to forgive their sin. Yeshua appropriated that power to Himself, and backed it up with the miraculous healing of paralysis. He was demonstrating that He had power to do both. That He was in fact “One” with the Father. Healing is the most recognizable act of the power of God. Forgiving sin is the most valuable. Upon seeing the faith of the paralysed man, Yeshua gave him the most valuable gift He could. He forgave his ‘sin’. To demonstrate that, He then healed him.

Chapter 9 contains other examples of miraculous healing. Verse 35 tells us that Yeshua spent much time teaching, preaching and healing people of every sickness and disease, in their synagogues. There is no doubt in my mind that at the same time, those who, by faith, were healed, were also forgiven of their ‘sin’. The ‘sin’ of which they were forgiven is made clear in the next chapter of our text.

A ‘disciple’ is a student and close follower of another person. His goal was to be, to act, even to dress and learn mannerisms which reflect the character and attributes of his Master. Yeshua empowered His disciples (‘Talmidim’ in Hebrew) to also demonstrate this miraculous healing gift. He then commissioned them to go into the towns and villages of the region and seek out “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”. We discover later that He told a Canaanite woman that His mission on earth was ONLY to the house of Israel. So how did these Israelites get lost? The short answer is through ‘sin’ which separates one from God. But the specific ‘sin’ from which they were required to repent (turn away from) was the sin of living a life of “Torahlessness”. (see Matthew 7:23) You see, to live righteously, as required by Torah, covers everything that we normally associate as ‘sinfull”. Yeshua is “the living Torah”, sinless, perfect, without blemish. And that is exactly how the first century believers would understand this passage of Scripture. Our difficulties today arise from having being taught that Torah is obsolete!

In chapter 11 we find John the Baptizer languishing in prison. John had incurred the wrath of Herod Antipas by criticizing his choice of his Sister in Law as a wife. Just like every other citizen, John had the expectation that the Messiah would be forceful in ridding them of their tyrannical Roman invaders. There had been no news of uprising or overthrow of government. Everything seemed to be rolling along without change. So John sent two of his own disciples to find out what was happening. Yeshua told them what to say to John. Verses 4-6, contain references to the Isaiah Scroll, which John would immediately recognize, which speak of the time when Messiah comes. Yeshua is confirming to John that He is indeed the One. Then Yeshua told the crowd of followers about the role of John the Baptizer. “What did you expect him to look like?” He said. “He is nothing like the stereotype” Then He quoted from Malachi 3:1 to identify John as the forerunner to Messiah.

Finally, for this ‘reflection’, we have those oft quoted words of Yeshua, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me…”. The ‘yoke’ is almost invariably a metaphor for Torah in the Scriptures. The “Talmud” and the “Mishnah” are Rabbinic rulings which have put a ‘heavy yoke’ of restriction surrounding the Torah to ensure that the commands are not accidentally broken. And it IS a heavy yoke. Yeshua is telling His followers that “His ‘yoke’ is easy and His burden light”. It is the same Torah, but is meant as an aid to righteous living, so that all in the community can enjoy life to the full, in harmony and in love. God intended the Torah to provide safety and peaceful co-existence for all. The judgmental Rabbinic rulings and interpretations, ‘the traditions of men’, caused many to abandon that altogether. And so they got ‘lost’. Yeshua’s mission was to restore them into right relationship, with the Father, and with each other.                                                                     

Shabbat Shalom

RS  

Brit Hadashah Reflections     04    

Torah portion               Genesis 18 : 1 – 22 : 24 

Haftarah portion       2 Kings 4: 1 - 37

Brit Hadashah             Matthew 7:1  - 8 : 34

 Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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“Judge not, that you be not judged.”

What an opening to this week’s reading. Yeshua did plenty of judging. Paul did plenty of judging. We are told elsewhere in the Scriptures to judge the prophets, and to be careful of the company we keep (which is a form of judgement). So what does this mean? In the context of this discourse, which we call ‘the sermon on the mount’, it means to take your eye off what others are doing and concentrate on your own position. Time here does not allow for a complete reflection on that sermon, but sufficient to say, read it ALL in one reading, and you will discover that the general thrust is about repentance from past allegiances (to the traditions of men) and to turn (repent) to the correct observances of the Torah which God gave to Moses, on another mountain, centuries earlier.

Yeshua then states that the gate is narrow, and difficult is the way that leads to life. What a challenge that should be to the ‘greek mindset’ of those who preach a prosperity gospel in our day if they took heed to the words of Yeshua. “Come to Jesus and all your problems will be solved” is the disingenuous message of those who should know better. “Make a verbal proclamation of faith and you are in” is the equally deceptive call. Where in our churches today do we hear the call to repentance? To turning around. To right living.

Look carefully at chapter 7 verses 22,23. Probably the most judgemental words in the whole of the Scriptures. Do you think, as I do, that there may be many very disappointed people when ‘the roll is called up yonder’?  Even though the consistent message throughout the Scriptures is that God requires obedience to His instructions for righteous living (Torah) from ALL who are His. Many of our churches today persist in teaching that the Torah of God is obsolete. Well, let us look just one more time at Matthew 7:23. “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice Torahlessness (‘anomia’ in greek). How plain is that? It is more than plain, it is frighteningly plain.

Now, the first century audience of Yeshua would not have had the slightest difficulty in understanding the message. Torah observance was the way of life for them, from which they had become diverted. Most of us (gentile believers) were taught from childhood that Torah was obsolete. It is only when one reads the Scriptures through Hebraic eyes that the truth becomes crystal clear.

And what does Yeshua tell us is our reward? We will be likened to a wise man, who built on rock and not on sand. So when trials and tribulation appears, we will be established on solid foundations. What a privilege. Following this discourse, there are two examples of divine healing recounted. The first, a leper, was Jewish. When he was healed Yeshua told him to go and show himself to the local priest. This was pure, simple Torah observance.  (Torah reflection “Tazaria” on Leviticus 13 for my comment).

The second was a Roman Centurion, a man of authority in Capernaum. His great faith was used to intercede on behalf of his faithful servant. Yeshua used this occasion to prophecy that many non-Jews would be included in the Kingdom of heaven. The basis of that inclusion is by faith alone. However, it is reasonable to conclude that such faith would manifest itself in more than mere words. On the basis of the earlier statement in Matthew 7:23 above, such faith should lead us to live, to actually practice, the life prescribed by God Almighty for those who are His. The Apostle Paul referred to this (Romans 11) inclusion as a ‘grafting in’ to the natural Olive Tree, which is Israel.The text continues with even more people healed, drawing Matthew to remember the prophecy in Isaiah 53 about Messiah bearing our sickness in His own body.

But there is one more observation to be made from the very last verse of our passage. It seems unthinkable that a whole town would band together to implore Yeshua to leave them. To go away and not come back. The reason would appear to be that they had been persuaded by the swine herders, into whose pigs the demons had entered before they were drowned, that Yeshua was bad for business! It is true today isn’t it. If you are running a business that trades on the Sabbath, and people were persuaded to observe the Sabbath commandment (very few of us do), it would be very bad for that business. BUT our first century believers had no difficulty in keeping that commandment. It was their way of life.                   

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections      03

Torah portion                     Genesis 12 : 1 – 17 : 27 

Haftarah portion              Isaiah 40 : 27 – 41 : 16

Brit Hadashah                   Matthew 5:1 - 6:34

 Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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Yeshua had taken up residence in the Galilee region of Northern Israel. Evidently, people had heard of His remarkable healing ministry and travelled great distances to see Him, hear Him speak, and to be healed of all manner of sickness and disability. The audience, completely Jewish.

Even today, in the place known as Tabgha, just above Capernaum, it is possible, to imagine the scene with which our text opens today. On gently sloping ground, the Sea of Galilee spread out below them, the Master sitting on the grass and teaching the very large crowd who had gathered to hear Him. Hanging on every word, they heard Him bless and comfort those who are ‘poor in spirit’, ‘those who mourn’, ‘the meek’, ‘those who hunger and thirst for righteousness’, ‘the merciful’, ‘the pure in heart’, ‘the peacemakers’, and ‘those persecuted for righteousness sake’. No one who is a true follower of Yeshua is excluded from the blessing and promise of great reward for their perseverance.

Using His followers as a symbol of light in a dark world, He urges them to let that light shine before men. And what is the evidence of that light? It is the good works that we do in His name. The good works which bring blessing to those around us, and glory to our Father in heaven, Here is the outworking of the Hebrew mindset. We worship God by what we do, not by what we say! The Greek mindset talks about it, the Hebrew mindset does it, lives it, and shows it in action. We praise God in our words, we worship Him in our actions.

The next verse clarifies how they were to make good on letting that light shine. It is by taking heed to the instructions God gave to Moses on the mountain, in words known as the Torah. Yeshua’s Jewish audience would have had no difficulty understanding what He was saying. It was as clear as the nose on their face! But this statement is so immensely underrated and misunderstood by gentile believers. “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law (Torah) or the Prophets (their words of chastisement and encouragement), I did not come to destroy but to fulfil (Greek ‘pleroo’). It is the word ‘fulfil’ which has been so misunderstood. In spite of the clarity of the statement that ‘destruction’ of the Torah was never His objective, we are still taught in many of our churches that ‘fulfil’ (Greek ‘pleroo’) still means bringing Torah  to a close, ending, making obsolete, doing away with. But the correct translation of that word ‘pleroo’ is ‘to give full and complete meaning to’, or ‘making full’.

As evidence of this, that Greek word ‘pleroo’ is used in some other notable places in our Bible. In Philippians 2:2 Paul says” ‘pleroo’ my joy by being like-minded”. In 1 Colossians 2:26 he says “… which was given to me for you to ‘pleroo’ the word of God”. And 1 Colossians 4:17, “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may ‘pleroo’ it”. Then another in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 “.. that our God would count you worthy of His calling, and ‘pleroo’ all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power”. In all these places, just like Matthew 5:17, the word ‘pleroo’ is translated as fulfil.

Then as if to hit the point home with additional force, the Master declares that “not one jot or tittle (in the Hebrew language this refers to the smallest letter and emphasis point) will pass from the Torah until all is fulfilled”. And that, my friends will be when He returns to this earth in triumph to rule and reign from Jerusalem. But there is more !!  Anyone who teaches that the Torah is obsolete will be least in the kingdom of heaven. Wow!! Does ANYONE believe that our beloved Apostle Paul will be ‘least in the kingdom of heaven’? Because what we are taught about Paul in many of our churches today would relegate him to that unenviable position.

Our text continues with the Master teaching Torah Himself. Not the bald re-statement of the commandment, but in explanation, expanding the fullest meaning of the commandment. For example, He likens murder to being angry without cause. Commiting adultery to looking at a woman in lust. Loving your neighbour to include those who see themselves as your enemy. Far from being an expression of obsolescence of Torah, the Master teaches that we are to embrace the very essence and sense of the commandments in the way we think, as well as the way we act. As always, there is so much more to learn from this “sermon on the mount”. A good note to conclude this ‘reflection’ is with chapter 6:33. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, (which the Torah explains in detail of how to live righteously) and all these things will be added to you.”  His Jewish audience understood this completely.                  

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections   02        

Torah portion                     Genesis 6:9  – 11:32 

Haftarah portion              Isaiah 54:1 – 55:5

Brit Hadashah                   Matthew 3:1  - 4:25

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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John the Baptiser, was only six months older than Yeshua. The priests (John was the son of Zechariah, a ‘cohen’) undertook many years of study before beginning to perform their Temple duties. And that was generally at the age of 30. This would indicate that there is a significant time gap between the end of Chapter 2 of our text and chapter 3. However, John did not take up his Temple duties, instead we find him living very simply in a desert place, where people came to him for ministry.

We also see, verse 3, that Matthew recognized the authority of John by reference to the Isaiah Scroll (an almost complete copy of which is today carefully preserved and exhibited in “The Shrine of the Book” museum in Jerusalem”).  John had a clear and singular message. “Repent and be baptized”. Why? “Because the Kingdom of God is at hand.”

John did not invent Baptism. It was a very familiar practice amongst Jews. It was the ritual of immersion for the purpose of cleansing oneself in order to appear before a holy God. Religious men would immerse themselves before prayers three times a day. (In Jerusalem today, men visiting the “Kotel” will wash their hands before entering the compound adjacent to the wall in symbolic cleansing). All over Israel, in many excavation sites, there is much evidence of numerous “Mikvah”. The Hebrew word for the open baths where this ritual cleansing took place. Both in homes and in public places.

Repentance is evidenced by a ‘turning around’. A change of lifestyle. A commitment to act differently in this case. So what was the ‘sin’ that was being repented of? Why was John so vehement in his condemnation of the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him to receive his baptism? It was because the sin (the ‘chata’ in Hebrew) was their neglect of living according to the Torah lifestyle which God required of them. And what was the lifestyle from which repentance was required? It was that preached, practised and taught by the Pharisees and Sadducees. Otherwise known in the Scriptures as “the traditions of men”. John went further with these Pharisees and Sadducees. He told them that they should ‘bear fruits worthy of repentance’. In other words, don’t just talk about it, DO it.

How do we know this? We will discover later in Matthew’s gospel that Yeshua clearly taught that His mission on earth was ONLY to the ‘lost sheep of the House of Israel’. They became ‘lost’ through their disobedience. Replacing the Torah of God with the ‘traditions of men’.

Chapter 3 of our text concludes with the dialogue about baptism between Yeshua and John. Why was it necessary that Yeshua, the very Son of God, indeed, God incarnate in human form, be baptised with water at all? The answer is in the example that was set by such action. Yeshua is the living Torah. Practicing God’s instructions for righteous living, perfect in every way according to the Torah given to Moses. He complied with every condition of the Torah, as Prophet when He walked this earth, as Priest, now interceding before His father on our behalf, and eventually when He returns to rule and reign as King.

When He submitted to the Baptism in water by John, Matthew records that a voice was heard, coming from Heaven and saying “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Are they not words every son would like to hear from his father’s lips? To the extent then, that we are ‘joint heirs’ with Messiah in the Father’s eyes, and therefor sons of the Father, should we not act in a manner which draws such words from our Heavenly Father ourselves?  Yeshua drew such words by His obedience to God’s commands. A timely lesson for us today perhaps as we contemplate our present lifestyle, and ponder whether or not John’s call to repentance is appropriate for us too.

Chapter 4 of our text deals with Satan’s temptations of Messiah. The noteworthy element of that account is the way in which Yeshua dealt with every statement of promise made by Satan. Yeshua accurately quoted from the Scriptures, correcting the quotation errors made by Satan, and standing firmly on the authority of the true Word of God.

Then, following that, Yeshua Himself commenced His ministry of teaching. What was His message? “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. And so He gathered to Himself, men, ordinary men, who could be trained in the ways of life and obedience. Men, not from a religious background with ‘baggage’ to carry, but men who had a simple faith in Yeshua as the Messiah of God. He still seeks those who will follow Him in simple faith and obedience.     

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Brit Hadashah Reflections   01    

Torah portion                      Genesis 1 : 1  – 6 : 8 

Haftarah portion               Isaiah 42 : 5 – 43 : 10

Brit Hadashah                   Matthew 1:1  - 2:23

Hebraic understanding of the Gospel of Yeshua

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As we begin our third series of ‘reflections’, we look at the Gospels and Acts, seeking to see those writings in the context of first century life. At the same time to discover truths for our generation. The plan is to work sequentially through the Gospels and Acts, so there is no specific relevance of the weekly ‘reflection’ to the assigned Torah and Haftarah reading for a particular week.

It is quite natural for us to interpret the words of Scripture with contemporary familiarity, often without regard for original context.  Most of us have been trained by our upbringing to see our world with a distinctively “greek” mindset. Jesma O’Hara, in her book “In Our Image” (page 50) gives an excellent appraisal of the differences between “Greek thought” and “Hebraic thought”. I commend it to you. In simplistic essence, she describes Greek thought as being quite subjective in nature, concerning itself with a knowledge of truth. Hebraic thought is concerned more with function. The actual doing and living of truth.

We seem to have been ‘trained’ to see Yeshua, sanitized from his Jewish upbringing and Judaic practises, with a distinctly ‘gentilized’, anti-semitic bias. But a more accurate understanding is gained by taking account of the original Hebraic context in which His words and actions transpired.

Our reading opens with a ‘bang’. This is about Yeshua, who was the Son of David, who was the Son of Abraham. His Messianic credentials specified immediately. King David was crowned king in Hebron, Judea. He reigned there for seven years before moving to Jerusalem, eventually becoming King over ALL Israel. That David was a descendant of Abraham is unquestioned.

An early lesson for us here is in relation to His actual name, which most English language Bibles tell us is JESUS. He was obviously born into a Jewish family, and His Hebrew name is YESHUA. It was transliterated into English, through the Greek, as JESUS. Why is this significant? Because the word, and hence the name, YESHUA in Hebrew, means SALVATION in English. It is a word still in use in the Hebrew language today, and there are many references to that translation in our Scriptures. A good concordance will give you all the evidence you need for this.

Read again Matthew 1:21, using the Hebrew name for our Saviour. “And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name YESHUA, for He will save His people from their sins.”  Now doesn’t that make good sense?

Chapter 2 of our reading confirms the place of birth of Yeshua. There were people, referred to as “wise men”, who came to Jerusalem seeking the Messiah of God. Naturally, they expected “the King” would be born in the capital city. It is evident that God had miraculously conveyed to them the news of His birth. Upon their enquiry, Herod called together learned men, priests and scribes, in order to discover the place of Messiah’s birth.

Bethlehem was prophesied by Micah to be that place (Micah 5:2). And a little later in the text, another prophetic fulfilment, from Hosea 11:1. Whoever would have expected the Jewish Messiah would be called out of Egypt? These prophecies are remarkable in that they were made some 500 years earlier. But, of course, Satan also had knowledge of Messiah’s arrival, and pulled out all the stops to bring His life to an early end. But to no avail.

There is an interesting comment in Matthew 2:23 regarding Nazareth being the place where Yeshua would live and be brought up. But there is no written account in the Scriptures about this prophetic statement. Jews of the first century would know, (as Daniel Lancaster of FFOZ points out) that ‘Netzeret’ (Nazareth) in Hebrew from the root word ‘netzer’ which means branch or sprout, had a connection with the prophetic announcement in Isaiah 11:1,2 regarding ‘the shoot which will come from the stump of Jesse’, which accurately describes the person of Messiah.

Furthermore, the early followers of Yeshua were called “Notzrim” (branches), because they were followers of “the Netzer”, the Branch. Now isn’t that interesting?                  

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections    53

Torah portion              Deuteronomy 33:1 – 34:12

Haftarah portion       Joshua 1: 1 - 18   

Listen to the Prophets

This week sees then end of the annual reading cycle. Our final parashah for the year. In it, Moses had just died. The faithful Joshua, son of Nun, colleague of Caleb, is appointed by God to lead the new nation of Israel into the land of Promise. It seems symbolic of the fact that next week we begin again, entering a new year of readings, and a new year of discovery of what God has in store for us.

God showed immense faith in Joshua. The promises of God, given at this inauguration were unequivocal, unconditional, and plain. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you (not will give you, but have given you) as I said to Moses.” It was a done deal. ‘From the Euphrates River, all the land of the Hittites, to the Mediterranean.’ The Hittites were descendants of Heth, they were an important Canaanite group, and their land was extensive. It was a Hittite, Ephron, who sold the ‘cave at Machpelah’ to Abraham as a burial place!

Now it is interesting that the Land of Promise is specified in a number of places in Scripture, (students among us, look at Genesis 15, Exodus 23, Numbers 34, Deuteronomy 11 and Ezekiel 47), so here in Joshua 1 it seems that the Lord instructs Joshua that in order to possess the land all he has to do is to set foot in it. He cannot, (i.e. will not be able to), take more than is promised.

However, from other Scriptures we know that the Canaanites don’t simply walk off the land, they have to be driven out, sometimes with significant loss of life. But God has not finished with His proclamation to Joshua. He goes on to bolster him with many encouraging statements. They are words which are often appropriated to ourselves as a timely encouragement for the fulfilment of some perceived God given task. Perhaps we should take careful note of the relationship God had with Joshua before making overly presumptive claims for ourselves! But they are very encouraging words anyway. Just look at them.

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life”       

As I was with Moses, so shall I be to you”                                                      

“I will not leave you nor forsake you”

These are immensely reassuring words from Almighty God. They are words, which, to a lesser person, might engender pride and even arrogance. But not to Joshua. Because there is an over-riding clause in this encouragement. When we presumptuously appropriate these promises to ourselves, we should, but often do not, look at the condition God made for the success which Joshua was to enjoy.

“Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do all the Torah which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go”. And if that was not enough, the Lord continues .. “This Book of the Torah shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.”

Dear friends, God is not encouraging Joshua to fight battles, to do exploits, to clear the Land of the Canaanites, to lead a great army in warfare, or even to stand before the people in judgement. This is an encouragement to Joshua to be strong and faithful to God’s Word. To have the courage to stand up to the dissenters in his midst. To put scoffers in their place, so to speak. To be strong in upholding the Torah of Moses before the people. Inevitably, that would require Joshua to be an example. Unwavering. Steadfast. Consistent.

When we see such a record of God’s promises to His servants, like Joshua, are we ready to also take on board the conditions under which such promises are given?

If you doubt God’s righteous judgement in His promises, move on a few chapters and read how and why God chastised the people by defeat in the battle for Ai.

As we enter a new year of study in God’s Word, let us covenant with Him to learn the lessons which are contained therein. Let us ask God to prompt us by His Holy Spirit, to be the kind of believers, doers of His Word, that He has called us to be.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections    52

Torah portion              Deuteronomy 32:1 - 52

Haftarah portion      2 Samuel 22: 1 - 51

Listen to the Prophets

King David had reigned in Israel for 40 years. Under his leadership, Israel had prospered and had largely subdued their enemies. In our parashah today, we find the ageing David in a reflective mood. There had been some recent fierce battles with the descendants of Goliath the Gittite. David had been successful in battle, but, the Scriptures tell us that during these altercations, “David grew faint”. His close friends and associates told him that he was no longer to lead them in battles. It was time for him to step back from the fray.

We are privileged to have, in our parashah today, this appreciation, in words that perhaps only David could express, so that we may ponder and wonder at the amazing relationship which David had with the Lord.

Because of his ageing frailty, he has been kept away from the stresses of the battleground. Yet he writes “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: the God of my strength, in whom I will trust.”  He had seen many battle victories. Many might have taken pride in those achievements, in their own tactical prowess, in their own leadership skills. Not David. He knew very well that when he was anointed to be king (1Samuel 16:13), that the spirit of the LORD was upon him from that time forward. He never forgot it. It was the abiding presence of God, in his life, that sustained him. When he stumbled, and he sometimes did, he was quick to confess his error and to put things right with God. What an example.

This song, for that is what we are ‘reflecting’ upon this week, provides many lessons for us today. “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies”.  We do not have the kind of enemies, who are plotting to take our lives such as David had. But we do have difficulties to overcome. Enemies of our soul, enemies of our body and mind. Enemies who are intent on dragging us down. Is “calling on the LORD” our first option? Or is it when all else fails? Where is our trust? It is clear where David put his trust isn’t it? A good lesson.

David’s reflective memory caused him to recall the many times when God had rescued him. He sees his enemies pursuing him and God hunting them down. He sees God as a consuming fire. One against whom no-one can stand. And it is Almighty God who is at David’s side.

“The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness” he said. That’s a bit of a shock isn’t it? Can it be? God is not a respecter of persons. (Peter in Acts 10 and Paul in Romans 2) He does not play favourites. So if it is right for David, it’s right for others too. Even us! It is clear from what follows that David is referring to his obedience to the commands of God. It certainly does not mean his own righteousness, self-righteousness, because we are also told in Scripture (Isaiah 64) that that kind of righteousness God sees as ‘filthy rags’.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him”. David is unable to see any fault in God. In all his experience he has found God faithful and true. And remember, David had been in some perilous scrapes in his life. There were times when, without God’s protection, he would surely have lost his life. Of all people, David might be the most trustworthy advocate of God’s perfect protection, His provision, His counsel. The Word of the Lord of which David writes is found in the Torah of Moses. It is found in the counsel of the Priests. Zadok in particular. For a more exhaustive appreciation of David’s view of the Word of the Lord, read Psalm 119.

“He makes my feet like the feet of deer”. Deer are sure-footed. They are fast runners. But it is also possible that David also had in mind the sure-footed animals (Ibex) which today may be seen in the slopes of the Ein Gedi valley at the Dead Sea, which was once a hiding place for David. He sees God’s protection in the special skills attributed to these wild animals which allowed his to escape from his enemies many times. That is also a picture of God’s protection, as they are able to safely navigate terrain which to most would be exceptionally hazardous.

“Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation”. Perhaps the finest lesson of all for us this week. Here, as in many of his other songs, the Psalms, Davis is ever ready to give God Praise for just who He is. Not for what He has done, but for who He is.

“O Lord our God, how excellent is Your Name in all the Earth.”

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections    51   

Torah portion                Deuteronomy 31:1 - 30

Haftarah portion        Hos 14:1–9 Mic 7:18-20 Joel 2: 15-27  

Listen to the Prophets

This week we look at the words of three prophets, called by God to take a specific message to different groups of people at different times. Yet in God’s wisdom and grace, they each have a message which was not only for their time, but resonates strongly with us today. It is a timely message. Be blessed as you study these Scriptures with me.

Hosea was given the task of warning the Northern Kingdom of Israel about their wanton disregard of, and unfaithfulness to, their covenantal promises. It was likened to the harlotry of an unfaithful wife, and to show Hosea the depth of His feeling about this situation, God caused Hosea to take the unfaithful Gomer, a prostitute, as a wife. What a painful experience that must have been for Hosea. But he understood exactly what God felt for Israel, His beloved. Hosea eventually witnessed the judgement of God on the unrepentant Israel when, in 722 b.c.e. the nation was taken captive by the Assyrians under the leadership of king Shalamanezer V.

Micah, a contemporary of Hosea, (as well as Amos, Isaiah and Jonah) also witnessed the downfall of Israel, but his message was principally to the Southern Kingdom of Judea. His concern was that Judea was treading the same perilous idolatrous path that Israel had walked.  Like Amos, he was a ‘man from the country’, and he could plainly see the way the ‘city people’ (Jerusalemites) were uncaring of the poor in their community. His prophetic writings (because we have the convenience of chapter delineations), may be viewed in three sections. The prediction of judgement Chapters 1-3, the prediction of restoration Chapters 4,5 and the plea for repentance Chapters 6,7. Our parashah today is covered in the last mentioned.

Joel is more difficult to date. Scholars believe he pre-dated the other two by about 100 years, in which case he would have been a contemporary of Elisha. His detailed knowledge of Zion, and references to the priesthood cause some to think that he might well have been a priest himself. But his message, mostly remembered because of his references to the coming “day of the Lord” is consistent with both Hosea and Micah in that he pronounced judgement. His descriptions of locust plagues, famine, raging fires and invading armies is interspersed with hope for the future.

So what is our lesson from these three men of God for today?

Obviously, the times, in terms of lifestyle and environment have changed markedly. But attitudes and lifestyle practises seem to be unchanged. Men are still dismissive, or indifferent, to the claims of God on their lives. Idolatry, in its many forms, is rife in our society. There are many prophetic voices today proclaiming the coming day of the Lord. There are also some ominous signs, available to any who care to look, that we are in a period which the Bible describes as ‘last days’. But in arrogant disregard, the world is not listening. Just as the Israelites and Judeans in our parashah did not listen.

The good news is that God has not given up. Our three prophetic voices this week all tell of the fact that God has the last word. That does not mean that His righteous judgement is withheld, but His covenantal promises are assured. Plan A, if you like, is in the true, heart rending repentance of the people. It involves an act of will for sure, but it is more than just in the mind. It is a repentance that brings about a necessary, willing, change of lifestyle. That is the message of God which is conveyed in our parashah this week. But in the absence of that repentance, God’s righteous judgment precedes His restoration, and in a way that is both assured and costly. God alone is the Judge of our righteousness before Him, and how that is acquired and maintained. There are many words in our Bibles to guide us in the right direction. There are also many words of warning to those who choose to ignore His direction. God’s patterns are set out for us in our weekly reflections on His word.

Our study this week is sad, in the fact that we know that the audience addressed by the prophets ignored the warnings. That record alone leaves us without excuse, because we clearly see God acting in righteous judgement according to His word to them.

The message of hope, God’s restoration, was not seen by those who heard the message at first hand from the prophets. Israel’s restoration, the New Covenant, is assured, in God’s time, in God’s way. We, Gentiles, are privileged to participate in that restoration, by our faith in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. That faith is born of repentance, just like the prophets told the Israelites in our parashah.                   

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Reflections   M6

Torah portions               Leviticus 22:26 to 23:44  and Numbers 29 :12 - 16

Haftarah portion          Zechariah 14 : 1-21

Listen to the Prophets

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