One Foundation

 While reading the Epistle of James recently, I was arrested by the following:  “Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?  Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs, neither can salt water produce fresh” (James 3:11-13).   There is no question that the universe of YHVH’s creation is governed by unalterable laws. 

The creation would not be able to exist without constraints and limitations. Elohim put fences around every item that He created in order to protect its particular nature, species or kind, doing so for the sake of its very existence.  Any attempt to change or alter those laws launches a process of deterioration, decay, and/or confusion.  YHVH’s laws are meant to stabilize the environment in which its forces are governing. This also holds true for His Word and Kingdom, and the way we are to relate to their absolute standards.  For example, “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Galatians 5:17).  To reiterate, everything in this world and in the unseen realm has its limitations or boundaries, its causes and its effects, its days and its nights, seasons and years.

We, as the redeemed of YHVH, are called to be the Body of Messiah (and His dwelling place), and are under or surrounded by the laws that govern His Kingdom. We are no longer under the “laws of sin and death”, but are now ruled by the laws of Life and Godliness that are in Messiah Yeshua.  He is the foundation of YHVH’s Holy Temple that we, as living stones, are being built upon by a learning process so that we may take our stand and rely on the solid rock of Yeshua the Messiah (the Word). Paul writes: “According to the grace of Elohim which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it.  For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Yeshua the Messiah” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).  Yeshua is the Spirit of Life and the giver of that life, while we are the living stones that are being built together upon this foundation.

Thus, “having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Messiah Yeshua Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in YHVH; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of Elohim in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22).  Any builder knows that the construction of an edifice calls for adhering to many rules and building codes.  How much more so when it comes to the very dwelling of Elohim!  After the Tabernacle in the wilderness was completed Moses, for example, examined every single part to make sure that the entire structure and its components looked exactly like the one he saw in the heavenly realm (Exodus 39:43).  Yeshua will do the same with His temple.  There will be no defect or flaw - every stone will reflect the glory of His holiness. (see Hebrews 3:5-8).     

In this day of mass communication, when thousands of voices are interpreting the scriptural blueprints for the dwelling place of the Most High, it is extremely important to take heed. It is incumbent upon each of us, individually, to take responsibility so that our feet may be planted firmly on the foundation that has been laid by the Biblical apostles and prophets, with Yeshua being the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.  “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua the Son of Elohim, let us hold fast our confession” (Hebrews 4:14). Yeshua, even more so than Moses, is the master builder over the heavenly temple, and has given His Spirit to lead, guide and conform us to His likeness.

In all honesty, I had to examine myself as to how much time I spend listening to men and their sermons, compared to paying attention to the voice of the Shepherd, as He speaks through His Word.  The Father has laid a foundation, and that is His Son.  Thus, in order to ensure, bolster and reinforce this truth, everything will be shaken and tested by fire, whether in our personal life or in this world.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. How blessed are the people who discern the truah sound! O YHVH, they walk in the light of Your countenance.  In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted” (Psalm 89:14-16 emphasis added).