A Letter to Christian Zionists

 Shalom Fellow Zionist Israelite,

The thought that led to this greeting focused on the Christian Zionists; those who have a heart for the Messiah of Israel, the land of Israel, Jerusalem, and the Jewish people.  Why do I address you as a 'Zionist Israelite'?  Very simply, because that is your new identity in Messiah.  But you might say, "I’m not Jewish". True, you may not be Jewish.  The Jews who are Israelis live in the land of Israel and have an I.D. to prove it.  I know that this does not answer your question as to how you, being a Christian, can be an Israelite.

Paul, the apostle, itemizes in Romans 9 that which belongs to, or is the heritage of an Israelite: “… to whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Torah and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Messiah according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 9:4-5).

Can any believer in the Messiah of Israel and who has received the promise of the Holy Spirit claim that list even though a non-Jew? The apostle answers this question for you in the following scripture: “Therefore remember, that formerly  [i.e. in the past] you [the non-Jew in the flesh], who are called Uncircumcision by the so-called Circumcision, which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- remember that you were at that time separate from the Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without Elohim in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua you who formerly were far off have been brought near [you were far off but that is no longer the case] by the blood of Messiah” (Ephesians 2:11-13 emphases added).  

How near is it to be "grafted in" or "adopted"?

Now that you belong to the commonwealth of Israel, you are in it.  If that is the case then the Romans 9 list includes you too.  You cannot be adopted or grafted into the rich root of the olive tree – Israel (ref. Romans 11) - and not be part of it, nor can you be apart from it.  The promise of the Holy Spirit was given in the New Covenant to the House of Israel and the House of Judah (see Jeremiah 31:31, Ezekiel 36:22-28).  There is no mention of any other group of people, unless you enter the covenant via the blood of the covenant, as mentioned above. This is judicially true according to the laws governing all the covenants and promises with and to an Israelite. One of those on the list is “the adoption of sons”.  Are you not included in this through the redemption in Messiah Yeshua?

According to Luke 1:31, the House of Jacob is the only nation chosen to be the throne of Messiah as King. Before Yeshua’s return, His governmental authority will already reside in the hearts of those who are "called" and "chosen" (Romans 14:17).  The commonwealth of Israel at this time is to be found wherever two or three are gathered in His (Yeshua's) Name. It is a heart matter as the roads to Zion (which includes the land and its capital Jerusalem) go through the hearts of those who come under His authority via the Holy Spirit. Thus, they are constituted legal subjects in Yeshua's Kingdom, which is in the House of Jacob/Israel.  Yeshua said: "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law [and the prophets], until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17-18).  The Father raised Yeshua from the dead and set Him at His right hand giving Him the authority to accomplish all that has been written.  Until we see “all things spoken by the prophets of old fulfilled” Yeshua’s physical return from the heavens to the earth will remain on hold (see Acts 3:19-21). "For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it" (Hebrews 2:1).

A true Zionist realizes that the complete redemption of the land that Elohim gave Israel as an inheritance must take place. Yeshua will not be satisfied until we, who are called by His Name, are back living in all the lands promised to our fathers.  Whether you are of the natural branch or are identified as being from the uncultivated/wild branch of the olive tree, the calling and mission are the same.  A true Zionist, whether Jew or non-Jew, cannot escape the "deep calling to deep" when it comes to the fulfillment of Elohim's Word spoken through the Torah and prophets of old.

We just completed the lighting of all eight candles of Chanukah, in remembrance of those who gave their lives for Zion, Jerusalem, the land, and the preservation of the national identity, as mentioned in last week’s article. Let us, too, continue to walk on the path toward the same goal – Zion.

May the Shalom of Messiah rule your heart in 2025!

Ephraim and Rimona

Aspects of Chanukah

 

Chanukah is upon us again, and with it the traditional customs, but more so the recounting of the Maccabees' bravery in overcoming the oppressors of the Jewish nation, the purification of the temple and mainly the altar, the miracle of the crus of oil, and so on. All this is not without challenging questions as to the veracity of the oil miracle, the nature and behavior of the Hasmonean family, and the outcome of the successful uprising, which ultimately failed, etc. Yet should we not be honoring all those who gave their lives for Zion's sake, the land, Jerusalem, and for the preservation of our national identity, not only those from the era of the Greeks but also those who returned from Babylon? This article looks at Chanukah in a new and more positive light.  May we also, Jew or Christian Zionist, take a stand to preserve what the Elohim of Israel has begun in the restoration of the whole house of Israel today.  With the celebration serving as a centerpiece, let us delve into an earlier era, preceding the Chanukah events of the 2nd century B.C. According to the Hebrew calendar (being in and of itself another controversial topic that we must lay aside), Chanukah starts on the 24th of the 9th month (Kislev).  In the 6th century B.C. Haggai, who prophesied during the return from the Babylonian exile and saw the start of the building of the second temple, refers to this date three times in his very short book. The essence of Haggai's message was to scold the people for delaying the construction of YHVH's house.  "Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,' says YHVH" (Haggai 1:8), which is but one example of Haggai's exhortations. "Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of YHVH their Elohim, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as YHVH their Elohim had sent him; and the people feared the presence of YHVH" (Haggai 1:12). Haggai's instructions were heeded. But it seems that the words that YHVH put in His mouth were not only for his contemporaries but also contained future scenarios, such as: "For thus says YHVH of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land, and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says YHVH of hosts" (Haggai 2:6-7).  Continuing to declare the words of YHVH, Haggai does so specifically on the 24th of the 9th month (again, a date that is mentioned not just once but three times!) Two of these messages are significant but somewhat veiled: "Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the YHVH's temple was laid –" (Haggai 2:18).  And, "And again the word of YHVH came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, ‘'Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying: 'I will shake heaven and earth. I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them; The horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. 'In that day,' says YHVH of hosts, 'I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says YHVH, 'and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,' says YHVH of hosts" (Haggai 2:20-23).    Even if these prophecies were partially fulfilled during Haggai's lifetime or thereafter, which was a season of restoring Jewish nationalism (sans sovereignty), they cast a more significant vision than for that time. The central place occupied by the people and nation of YHVH, and their influence over "heaven and earth" and "kingdoms" cannot be missed in these utterances. At the same time, and touching upon some of the same issues as Haggai, is the prophet Zechariah. He, of course, was given many more messages in a variety of ways. Among his prophecies, some for his day and some for a later time, he dealt with the immediate state of his people and the emerging restoration of Zionism and nationalism (ref. Zechariah 8). Zechariah highlights what was to become one of the main symbols of Chanukah: the menorah. This he does in his very momentous and familiar depiction of a vision in which he saw a candelabra flanked by two olive trees (ref. Zechariah 4). The backdrop of this vision also serves as its context, i.e., the meaning of these two olive trees. Both the high priest, Joshua, and the Jewish governor, Zerubbabel, who hailed from the house of David, are mentioned as the "sons of fresh oil" or "anointed ones" – sons of yitzhar. This vision is followed, later on, by a promise that the positions of authority that they represent will be united (and as we know, there is only One who can hold both these offices). "Thus says YHVH of hosts, saying: 'Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of YHVH. Yes, He shall build the temple of YHVH. He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both" (Zechariah 6:12-13).   We thus see how the vision expands, as it touches (Chanukah's) 'oil', the 'menorah', and the olive trees that pour their oil into it (the Menorah). All of this symbolizes the dual authority of the Messiah and that of Israel's two houses. The picture broadens and increases from 'mere' nationalism and sovereignty to the Kingdom and its Head (not to mention the emphatic descriptions of the collaboration of Judah and Israel and their joint tasks in Zech. 9:13-10:12). Another aspect of the Chanuka story is the enemy whose defeat is the "reason for the season".  Antiochus Epiphanes and the historical background that brought him to the foreground are meticulously and prophetically described by Daniel in chapter 11 of his book. This particular character and his depiction by Daniel sheds light on what is still to take place upon the rise of an entity that will be in the likeness of Antiochus. Daniel is thus granting knowledge and discernment to those who will need them when YHVH's arch-enemy attempts to take full control of humanity.

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 [EF1]

I am the Truth

 In my last letter, I stated the following: “So why would we, in any given moment, engage ourselves and our emotions in unknown future events disrupting our present relationship with He Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?"  This was, of course, part of a quote from John 14:6 where Yeshua declared to Thomas: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (v. 6). As I continued to ponder these words, what stood out were the first two words: “I am”.  These words form a statement of personal identity as if to say, this is who I am as a being (or an entity). Yeshua further stated: "'If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.' Philip said to Him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Yeshua said to him, 'Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, 'Show us the Father '? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works” (John 14:7-10 emphases added).  This statement is so profound that, like Philip (or even the rest of the disciples), our natural minds cannot grasp the true essence as to the oneness of the Father-Son relationship.

In this article, I want to highlight Yeshua as the “I am the Truth”. This ‘concept’ was amplified in our local Monday night meeting while we were studying the “church of Pergamum” (Revelation 2:12-17).  What remains of the ancient city of Pergamum is in modern-day Turkey. In its heyday, Pergamum was noted for being the place of the “throne [or authority] of Satan” (v. 13). Verse 16 describes Yeshua as having a double-edged sword in His mouth.  Why does Yeshua’s mouth constitute a weapon? Let’s look at the following description of Satan:  “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies"(John 8:44 emphasis added).  This means that Satan steals, kills and destroys" (ref. John 10:10) with the sword of his mouth.  Yeshua, on the other hand, is the epitome of Truth.

Thus, ‘Yeshua the Truth’ will unavoidably be in conflict with Satan, whose sword is the embodiment of the “Lie”.  The mention of Satan’s throne indicates that the believers in Pergamum were engaged in a battle between two kingdoms, one of truth and the other of lies.  We all know about the power of spoken words: “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).   The comparison of the tongue to a sword is found in Psalm 57:4: “My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword”.  The mouth seems to be like an arsenal of weapons. (Perhaps the end-time battle will take the form of the mouth of the Dragon fighting the mouth of Yeshua.)

As to the Pergamum community, mention is made of those in their midst who are likened to Balaam, a greedy diviner who was hired by Balak to curse Israel but ended up blessing them (ref. Rev. 2:14; Num. 22-24). Ultimately, though, he did teach Balak to cause Israel to eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual sin, and thus, they brought the curse upon themselves (Num. 25:1ff). Another subtle inference to what can be construed as a form of a throne is in connection to the Nicolaitans, who are also addressed here. These were proud, self-righteous religious leaders who set themselves up, striving to lord it over others.  In his 3rd epistle, John refers to such a person and his mode of action: “Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.  For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so, and puts them out of the church.  Beloved, do not imitate what is evil” (vs. 9-11 emphasis added).

 “We know that we are of Elohim, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.  And we know that the Son of Elohim has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Yeshua the Messiah. This is the true Elohim and eternal life” (1^st John 5:19-20).

Let us pray: “O Father send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill, and to Your dwelling places” (Psalm 43:3).

As an example of this battle as it wages today, go to the following letter by Dennis Prager to Candace Owens:

https://www.prageru.com/dennis-pragers-letter-to-candace-owens

A Now Moment in Life

 The other day, an old friend and I had our weekly meeting.  He helps me with my Hebrew, and I help him with issues of the faith. Although he has been a believer for many years now, because of ADD and other comprehension difficulties, he has a hard time with abstract biblical concepts.  Even though he is familiar with many of the biblical stories and believes the gospel, his grasp is restricted to a more child-like faith. On the other hand, his wife is a firm believer with extensive knowledge of the scriptures.  She also keeps up with events unfolding in today's world and relates them to biblical prophecy, especially the end times.

Before our recent meeting, his wife compared my friend to one of the five proverbial virgins who did not have enough oil in their lamps to make it to the midnight hour.  Along with that observation, she exhorted him to take an interest in Matthew 24’s end-time description and in Revelation.  My friend told me frankly and straightforwardly that he wasn’t interested in these speculations and interpretations of biblical events pertaining to the future, and that even if he did, what does it have to do with oil…. ?!

For my part, I wasn’t about to try to convince him that looking into the future for fearful disasters would help him fill his lamp.  But I did say that he needed to understand his present moment-by-moment relationship with Yeshua and the Father in the Holy Spirit. Having an awareness that He never leaves or forsakes us and that He is present with us, pouring out His oil of love and embracing us with His faithfulness, we will be experiencing His kingdom of peace and contentment.

In the wake of these shared thoughts, I asked my friend how he felt. He responded positively, stating that these words made him feel good.   I continued to ask him to think about a news article concerning an asteroid that was supposed to hit the Earth, causing many to die. I then asked how that made him feel.  His reply was like any of us would respond, scared, fearful, and ill at ease.  So why would we, in any given moment, engage ourselves and our emotions in unknown future events distracting our present relationship with He Who is the Way, the Truth, and our Life?  We can only know His present Presence in a moment-by-moment conscious awareness. This is why Yeshua instructed His followers in Matthew 6:25-34: “For this reason, I say to you, do not be anxious for your life… Are you not worth much more than they [birds]?  "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?  And why are you anxious about clothing?... "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.   Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

"He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27-28).  

Yeshua admonishes us to be careful and discern what we draw from the past or speculate about the future and then bring into our present thought life.  When we seek Him first, above all else, we are set on the Way that leads to the Truth and Life that make up Elohim's Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Being in a state of worship, we are known in YHVH's present presence, allowing us to partake of His goodness and faithfulness, which yields the fruit of the Spirit. Children typically live in the moment with very little care about the past or future. This is one of the reasons why Yeshua states so emphatically: "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven and, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3;19:14).

Zion and Yeshua's Return

 "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against YHVH and against His Anointed…? ( Psalm 2:1-2). "For YHVH has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place:  'This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it'" (Psalm 132:13-14).  "And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east" (Zechariah 14:4).

There isn't a more maligned word or term in our day than "Zion", including all the adjectives, nouns, etc. associated with it. Anti-Semitism - Jew hatred - has taken on a new label. Any Jew is now named, derogatorily, a Zionist, or a Zio. However, in great contrast the Scriptures lift Zion up and make mention of her 164 times, mainly as a reference to Jerusalem, or specifically to Mount Zion. 

Psalm 48's 14 verses constitute a love song to YHVH's city: "In the city of our Elohim, in His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.   Elohim is in her palaces; He is known as her refuge. For behold, the kings assembled, they passed by together.  They saw and so they marveled; They were troubled, they hastened away.  Fear took hold of them there, pain, as of a woman in birth pangs… As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of YHVH of hosts, in the city of our Elohim; Elohim will establish it forever. Selah… Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of Your judgments.  Walk about Zion, and go all around her. Count her towers; Mark well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces; That you may tell it to the generation following.  For this is Elohim, our Elohim forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death" (emphases added). 

Every verse in this psalm is loaded and worthy of highlighting and/or exclaiming. What a glorious future for YHVH's home city, the "marked one" (one of Zion's meanings), the one He loves and longs for! Thus, in raging and plotting vain things the people and the world's rulers, who are nothing but proxies of YHVH and Messiah's enemy, invariably turn against His people, His land, and chiefly and ultimately against His beloved Zion. It is no wonder that these ones identify everyone who is, at least ethnically, part of Israel as a "Zionist", being ignorant of the many different, positive, connotations of this term. 

Spiritual and physical Zion is surrounded by several outer layers: The people of Zion, such as the "daughter of Zion", Jerusalem, in the physical and literal sense, and the land of Israel. Isaiah 62 provides an excellent example of these close associations, all connected with Zion and its "layers". Let's traverse through this chapter, moving from one phase to another until we reach the ultimate goal, which is presented so impressively in this text. Isaiah 62 depicts the pathway of Messiah’s return, and notably sets it off by mentioning Zion.  

"For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns". YHVH's topmost priority concerning this physical location and its spiritual goal is clearly stated here.  "The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of YHVH will name.  You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of YHVH, and a royal diadem in the hand of your Elohim". YHVH's intention for His beloved city is to be highly esteemed and recognized by all of humanity and be a symbol of His own glory.  "You shall no longer be termed forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for YHVH delights in you, and your land shall be married.  For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your Elohim rejoice over you". This section now 'spills' into the land in which Zion/Jerusalem is situated, like a jewel in its setting. This is a call that involves Zion's sons and their devotion, love, and investment in the Land. "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace, day or night. You who make mention of YHVH, do not keep silent and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth". Zion's sons are now enjoined to not only 'marry' the Land, the location where Zion/Jerusalem is situated, but they are also to be spiritually engaged in intercession that emanates out of genuine care and love, cooperating with their Elohim in wresting His beloved abode until it is established according to His desire for her. "YHVH has sworn by His right hand and by the arm of His strength: 'Surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies; and the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine, for which you have labored.  But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise YHVH; Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts". Again, it is not only the natural and spiritual condition of Zion/Jerusalem that is being brought to bear, but the entire land. Its freedom from bondage and its fruitfulness form an integral part of the instatement of Zion. The "watchmen" are "shomrim", which also means "protectors" or "guards". Marrying the land and rescuing it from its desolation (v. 4), means caring for and tending it. Concerning man’s role in the Garden of Eden it says: "Then YHVH Elohim took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:15, emphasis added). 

 "Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!" This call takes us to yet one more phase; the return of those who are still in the diaspora.  All this for the sake of the next eventuality: "Indeed YHVH has proclaimed to the end of the world: 'Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him'" (emphases added). We have now reached the peak and goal of this missive of grandeur. Zion, its surrounding landmass, its people, their collaboration with their Elohim, the preparation for and return of those who had been outside the land, all of that precedes the coming of Zion's Salvation! Yes, Messiah's coming is heralded by all of the above-mentioned: "And they shall call them [they shall be called] the Holy People, the Redeemed of YHVH". And as for the city: "And you shall be called Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken".  Zion’s lofty role explains YHVH’s disdain for the high places (bemas) that have so often been erected throughout the land, even when used for His worship. He is not satisfied with substitutes or alternatives. This is something that we too should take note of in our relationship with Him and His Word. 

The following verse (in the next chapter, 63) immediately announces again:  "Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah. This One who is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength? – 'I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save'" (Isaiah 63:1). Before our Messiah's return, and contingent upon it, there is a call to be spiritually and physically involved in the location He has chosen. Much of this is taking place right now before our very eyes, and yet there is more to heed and respond to.  Abba's ongoing actions and inspiration regarding these matters have seen some of their literal fulfillment, even if many are not aware of such, yet there is more if what the Word describes is anything to go by, which of course it is!!!! 

A study of Isaiah 62, which highlighted this train of events, took place at an evening gathering that we attended in Jerusalem. Just prior to that meeting, 5 of us went to the Friends of Zion Museum in town. This place "brings to life the stories of Christians who loved and supported the Jewish people". It is the story of non-Jewish Zionists who had the vision, took action, and were committed to the return of the Jews to their homeland, some of whom did so even before the Jewish awakening.  https://fozmuseum.com/

Earlier in the day, coming up to Jerusalem, we stopped at a major junction, where there is now a national heritage site. The khan, which was built as a wayside inn during the Ottoman period, is situated in the narrow opening of Wadi Nahshon on the main road connecting the lowlands with Jerusalem. This road saw fierce battles during the War of Independence, and in memory of the men and women who took part in them, a heritage center was established in the khan, dedicated to those who broke through the road to sieged Jerusalem bringing much needed water, food and ammunition to its residents at a great risk to their lives. https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/gay / 

Above we saw that according to Isaiah 62, involvement in Zion's destiny and her surrounding environment is to be both spiritual and physical.  Psalm 84 highlights the heart of those who long for YHVH's courts in Zion. In fact, it may be stated that the roads to Zion go through their hearts. Verse 7 tells us that "they go from strength to strength; Each one appears before Elohim in Zion". The early Christian Zionists and the local Jews of 1947-1948 who were willing to give up their lives for the sake of breaking the siege of Jerusalem did not forget her. They all responded in some way to, "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth -- If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy" (Ps. 137:5-6). 

The raging flames of the present global conflagration are surely signaling that the day of Elohim's union with His beloved city is closer at hand. 

Caught-Up

 Caught-Up

No, this title is not associated with the rapture. It actually points to the opposite.  In this case "caught-up" is meant to convey something more like a situation when a criminal is caught up with and arrested by the police. 

In Jewish tradition, the book of Jonah is read on Yom Kippur. (Oops, haven't we just completed celebrating Succot? 😊) Yeshua refers to an episode in this prophet's life that foreshadows His act of redemption, by comparing the former's circumstances to His own three days and nights of internment in the grave (ref. Matthew 12:39-41). Moreover, the story of Jonah's flight from his divine calling and assignment may also cast light on the corporate entity of Israel, especially the redeemed ones.

YHVH calls Himself the Elohim of Israel, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  In the "last days" the Spirit of the prophets of old, especially Elijah, will be (and is) turning the hearts of the progeny of those forefathers back to their true identity, as a witness and testimony of His faithfulness in keeping the covenant with the progenitors. YHVH's faithfulness forms one aspect of this destiny, while the other one is the role that His chosen people are called to fulfill in the latter days.

YHVH’s people (Israel and Judah) have a responsibility, a task in this world not unlike Jonah’s.  But when the called-out ones, from Judah and Ephraim/Israel, try to dodge their mission YHVH brings on tribulations so that the nations find themselves crying out to their gods for help and are looking for the cause or culprit. The ship's Captain may just have to cry out, “Awake oh Israel, and put off your slumber, come up on deck and raise your voice to your Elohim!” Like Jonah, Israel cannot escape, or remain asleep at the bottom of the ship, but will have to face all those on deck being tossed to and fro by the storms of distress and fear.  The Elohim of Israel will make it evident who is the cause of this frightful situation. Among the unredeemed, there may be those who will try to spare us, as they row and even discard all their precious cargo overboard, but to no avail. Just as was the case with the sailors in the Jonah narrative, so will they be faced with a great dilemma once they find out that there are people on board whose Elohim is the Creator of heaven, the seas, and earth.

When YHVH's people realize that they are the culprits, responsible for the dangerous life-threatening storm, they will be forced to decide what to do about the situation.  Let’s follow the Jonah narrative: “Then they said to him [Jonah], 'Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?' So he said to them, 'I am a Hebrew; and I fear YHVH, the Elohim of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.' Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, 'Why have you done this?'" (Jonah 1:8-10a). The end-time tribulation is (at least in part) the consequence and catalyst that falls on the nations, including Israel and Judah, because Israel refuses to respond to their identity and the calling that goes along with it (see Malachi 4:5-6).

"For the men knew that he fled from the presence of YHVH, because he had told them.  Then they said to him, 'What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?' -- for the sea was growing more tempestuous. And he said to them, 'Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. for I know that this great tempest is because of me'" (Jonah 1:10b-12).

Under comparable circumstances, we too will be forced into confessing our true identity, the reason for the storm, and the impending ruin of the ship. But this is not the end of our lesson. The world, by necessity, must throw us overboard, cut us off from their way of life (maybe we will not even be able to buy or sell).  If they do not get rid of us, the seas will become even more turbulent. Since we will not cast ourselves into the depths of the sea, having no other choice, even those well-meaning from among them who would prefer not to stain their hands with innocent blood, will end up throwing us overboard.  

When Jonah is thrust into the fathomless depths, he finds himself swallowed by an enormous fish. While there "… Jonah prayed to YHVH his Elohim (Jonah 2:1).  Notice that Jonah did not pray on the deck of the ship.  “And he said: 'I cried out to YHVH because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol. I cried, and You heard my voice” (2:2). Jonah, recognizing his low estate brought on by his own actions, admits to YHVH:  "Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O YHVH, my Elohim" (2:6).

Observation: This morning while standing in our 'saferoom' (bomb shelter), listening to the siren of an incoming rocket, I opened an email that had a YouTube attachment of Trump speaking at a Christian rally. Along with it was a clip of Kamala telling Christians that they were not welcome at her meeting.  A week or so ago the polls showed that Trump was ahead in all areas of American issues of concern and that if the Democrats were to win this election, they would have to pull a rabbit out of the magician's hat.  Religion, including humanism, is very much at the forefront of American politics.  Thus, in the last four years, especially from January 6, 2020, what has been labeled “radical Christianity” has been demonized and is being used now as Kamala’s trump card to win over many who have been worried about the Christian right-wing. In response, Trump showed his hand at a Christian rally where he seemed to no longer be on the fence but confessed to being a 'believer' and lauded the brave missionaries, pastors, rabbis, etc. who have laid the foundation of morality in America. 

I thought it interesting that this communication came before concluding my thoughts on the above, “Caught-Up”, letter.  Additionally, I read this morning the episode portraying Ahab's unrequited desire for Naboth’s vineyard and Jezebel's solution, when she had Naboth falsely accused of cursing Elohim which then led to his execution by stoning (1^st Kings 21). False accusations are also being hurled at Christians and Jews for undermining American rights to freedom and liberty or liberality. 

As believers in Messiah Yeshua, we may be at the point of being brought up to the deck to face our Elohim-given destiny.  

Out of the Archives "Paradigm Shift" (2001)

I'm sure you all have been following the news and are aware of the shifting sands of our history-in-the-making. We no sooner blew the shofar of the 1st of the 7th month on the mo'ed of Yom T'ruah, and violence broke out not only in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza but also in the Arab communities of what is termed 'Israel proper.' This did not come as a surprise to those with a keen sense of the prophetic or even to those with a little common sense and knowledge. 

 

When I awoke this morning, I had a strong feeling that we were experiencing a paradigm shift.  One which will take us from  'the Moses wilderness anointing and ministry' to the 'Yehoshua (Joshua) call'; from 'the Saul government' to the 'Davidic'; from 'the Elijiah mantle' to that of  'Elishah'; from 'the Zerubabel and Joshua' to 'the Ezra'. No matter which way we look at the change, there is an overlapping time period.  Just like the waves of the sea, each of these waves also has its time and space to reach the sands of the sea (Israel was to be like the sand of the sea).

Back in 1977, just before going to Israel for the second time, scriptures from Ezekiel 2 and 3 stirred my innermost being.  I am trying to remember if the following dream came before the trip, during, or after.  Anyhow, I saw a huge black rock mountain with the waves of the sea pounding up against it.   Suddenly a large wave came in from the sea, which had faces in it, among whom were the leaders of the Reformation such as Luther, Calvin, Zwingli and others that I did not recognize.  The wave covered the top of the mountain, but when it retreated to the sea, the massive rock had been broken into very large boulders.  As that wave receded, the waters of the next wave began to swell and it was actually formed from the very resistance of the first. This second wave seemed larger than the first. Once again, there were faces of men in the wave.  But this time, I did not recognize any of them.  As that wave moved up over the boulders and back out to sea, the large stones had been broken into smaller stones and pebbles, whose color was no longer black but much lighter.  Again, this wave resisted the next one but, at the same time, helped build it into an even larger wave.

 

As the third wave came in, again it had faces, this time of Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, Derek Prince and others. It washed over the stones of the beach and as it retreated to the sea these stones became small pebbles of varying colors.  Then, as before, this wave resisted the one that was arising behind it.  As the fourth wave grew it looked like a wave of seed, either wheat or barley.  As it passed over the pebbles and receded from the shore, they (the pebbles) turned into a beautiful white sandy beach.  This wave too, like the others, resisted the next one, but helped bolster it. This one looked like fire.  As this wave of fire descended upon the white sand, it covered it for only a short time and subsided as if absorbed by the sand.  But this time there was not another wave as the sea and the sand became like one sheet of glass. 

 

This is the time of a paradigm shift when one wave is moving off of the shore and another is forming.

  

Will we be riding in on the next wave or will we be resisting it?

 

Repentance and consecration always proceeded the next move of the Spirit.

 

Let's not be found sitting on what was, but what is and will be, in the words of Peter: "be established in present truth" (2Pet.1:12).

 

Shabbat Shalom, have a meaningful Yom Kippur.

 

And now, Israel, what does YHVH require from you, but to fear YHVH your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve YHVH with all your heart and with all your soul, to keep YHVH's commandments and His statutes (Deut. 10:12).