Independence Day

 I’m sure that all of you have heard by now about the fires set by the enemy’s arsonists here in Israel. It is not uncommon for these individuals to attack us in this way when we have hot, dry, and windy days. They especially love to target the forests around Jerusalem. 

We mark three special days in Israel shortly after Pesach (the latter being the original birth of the nation).  The first is Holocaust Day, in memory of the 6,000,000 Jewish lives who perished during the Second World War. A week later, we remember all those who have sacrificed their lives, making it possible for this country and State to exist, and along with them we also recall all the many terror victims whose lives were snuffed since the very beginning of the Jewish Aliya (returning to the land), starting in the 19^th century. It is only when this foundation is laid that on the subsequent day we celebrate our independence, on the date, Iyyar 5^th, that our first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, declared the establishment of the State. However, many of Independence Day's events were canceled because of the spread of the fires on Memorial Day. Our enemies within and without celebrated another victory, as they honor all those who gave their lives to destroy this country so that it will be just a memory in Jewish history. (And just as a reminder, the sirens woke us up again at 5:30 this morning, with a ballistic rocket from Yemen.)

Thus, typical of life in Israel, we did succeed in honoring the Day of Independence despite the fires, the evacuations from many places, and other situations, as the weather became very comfortable and most of the fires were contained. Independence Day is fraught with many official and State events and ceremonies, some of which occur at the President’s residence, while others also include members of world Jewry. The public celebrates mostly outdoors, with music in the evening and with picnics and barbeques during the day. This year, many of the parks surrounding Jerusalem could not be used for this purpose. So life goes on – amid the ongoing war we mourn our dead (past and present), we grieve with their families, we remember, we celebrate, we eat, we sing, we dance…. and as things stand now, sometimes in the midst of it all we run to the bomb shelter (and hopefully many of us to YHVH’s hiding place).

A couple of weeks ago, after reading Parashat Shmini (Lev 9-11), the two fires that played such an opposing role in the described scene loomed large in relationship to our situation here in the land. It seems that we are placed between two choices – either lifting a “holy sacrifice, acceptable to Elohim” (ref. Romans 1:12), or lighting up a “foreign fire which He had not commanded” (Lev. 10:1) by kindling flames of defiance, rebellion, anger and retaliation, something which has been all too frequent here among us. Then came the fires, especially in the vicinity of Jerusalem, which brought to bear the above thought all the more.

As we drove home from our private celebration with many friends, local and visiting, we discussed and wondered if our brothers from the Christian Zionist camp, as well as the Ephraimite camp, celebrated with us and with the Jewish communities out in the nations.  Hopefully none of us forgot that the gathering of the first stick/nation of Judah came about by a divine decree, which means that the same prophecy heralds the ingathering of the second stick of Joseph in the hand of Ephraim (see Ezekiel 37:19).  “Drawing closer” to one another, as it says in the Hebrew original, means celebrating and honoring the Almighty for this national day of Israel’s (re)birthday - a nation that was born in a day. "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons” (Isaiah 66:8).  Is Israel’s Independence Day a time to celebrate the hope of one day being united as one nation in the hand of YHVH?  'Thus says Adonai YHVH, ‘Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand"' (Ezekiel 37:19).

Gullible or Credulous

 Before getting into this article entitled Gullible or Credulous, let’s define these two words. “Gullible” is based on having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.   “Credulous” is very similar; gullibility stresses being duped or made a fool of, suggesting a lack of intelligence, whereas credulity stresses forming beliefs uncritically, thus indicating a lack of skepticism and/or discernment. 

In between the two World Wars, and especially after the latter, in the wake of the establishment of the State of Israel, the West (including Israel) has had to deal with a very distraught and hostile Islamic world. The Arabs maintained that their lands had been stolen from their (now defunct) Caliphate. Being subjects to and of their superior-to-all-others religious system, it was and is incumbent upon them to try to convert all non-believers to Islam.  If met with resistance, it gives them the right to use force, or, in the event of being at a temporary disadvantage, negotiations are in place. All means are kosher in order to achieve the ultimate goal of dominance. Thus, when dealing with the “infidel,” it is obligatory to do so by the usage of cunning and deception. This approach is being applied today in the negotiations with the gullible peace-seeking Western world. Scripture points out that this kind of peace, “when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11) is futile and dangerous. Such is our reality today, with this credulous mindset being exploited very boldly. We, who are not naïve, see red lights flashing everywhere when, for example, an ISIS leader takes over the government in Syria and declares his desire to join the Abraham Accords. Strangely enough, though, even here in Israel, there are those whose eyes are still blinded to the enemy’s tactics, being gullible, credulous, and… stupid.  

A personal anecdote, veering somewhat off the subject but landing on the same spot….

Recently, I had to renew my American Passport. I sent it to the American Embassy in Jerusalem, but I had no idea, until I arrived, about the location of the compound in question. Getting off a city bus and having to walk a couple of blocks, I resorted to Google Maps, which showed that I was crossing the so-called “green line” (the 1949 armistice border) in order to arrive at my destination.  Once at the Embassy, it was hard not to notice that most of the staff were made up of Palestinians (Israeli residents from East Jerusalem, who are not citizens).  Was this situation, of chosen location and staff, indicative that in “real-life” this American representation venue is actually designed for a future Palestinian state? Over the past several decades, Jerusalem has been expanded to include this area, but was it ever intended as the site for a future American Embassy in Israel? By the way, the old Tel-Aviv one still functions, just like the new one.  

A show of strength, i.e., military power, may cause the enemy to allegedly negotiate a ceasefire or maybe even a peace treaty. However, that too is a war tactic to keep maintaining the upper hand.   Islamic leaders have had 1400 years of dealing with their Western enemies. This Islamic history has helped them advance their agenda. In the past 30 years or so they have made almost more strides forward, in subduing their western enemies than at any other era. Time is on their side. Even if Israel and the United States penalize them by force, they will still come out on top through their style of negotiations. Conversely, wars (even among themselves), for example, are a means for multitudes of refugees to flee to other countries, mainly western ones, and start the process of taking over by becoming landmines in the enemy’s homeland.  This has been the case for several decades, and everyone is in fear of stepping on one of these explosive traps. Humanitarianism has won the hearts of the ‘Christian’ world, blinding them to YHVH’s scriptural realities and solutions for His people’s future. Yet there is always a remnant that the Father will keep for His purposes.  May we be counted among them!

Compromise

If one is going to walk on the road toward Zion, the dwelling place of the Most High Elohim and His Son Yeshua, compromising the reality of identity to the promised seed of Abraham is out of the question. If one is going to bear the testimony of YHVH’s covenant-keeping faithfulness, then one cannot compromise the truth that Elohim raised Yeshua from the dead. The Messianic birthmark of our coming forth from Sarah is the faith of Abraham, who believed resurrection life from a dead womb (and also the ‘sacrifice’ of his only son Isaac). The latter foreshadowed the even more significant event, namely, the Life that came forth from the tomb.

The Abrahamic faith has been passed down, generation after generation, in seed form, as YHVH watched over its sowing until the fields were ripe for the harvest. The Word of Elohim strongly exhorts us that unbelief is tantamount to disobedience. “And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:18-19).  Compromise is unbelief and will quickly lead one off of those narrow highways to Zion. Compromise is dangerously close to causing one to become a false witness to YHVH’s Covenant faithfulness.

“For when Elohim made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply you.’ And thus, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.  For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. In the same way Elohim, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for Elohim to lie, we may have strong encouragement…” (Hebrews 6:13-18 emphasis added).  The Father’s anointed seed’s identity in this generation is bearing witness to His faithfulness in keeping His promise to Abraham and Sarah.  “For this is a word of promise: ‘At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son’" (Romans 9:9)…”for neither are they all children because they are Abraham's seed, but: ‘through Isaac [Sarah’s son] your seed will be named… the children of the promise are regarded as seed” (Romans 9:7-8).  “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, ’In Isaac your seed shall be called’" (Hebrews 11:17-18).

 “He [Elohim] has remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations, the covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac. Then He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant…" (Psalm 105:8-11). 

YHVH has been faithful to keep His promise to the forefathers’ seed; how much more will He be faithful to keep the New Covenant promise to the same seed. The Christian world is celebrating “resurrection day,” but little do they know that believing Elohim raised Yeshua from the dead (see Romans 4:24) is a declaration of Elohim’s faithfulness to the first Covenant made with their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. “For those who are of the faith are all the seed of Abraham” (Romans 4:16). 

Judgment - Compassion - Resurrection

 Judgment – Compassion - Resurrection

During the Passover season, the figures of Elijah and Moses are highlighted. What do the scriptures say about these prophets and their relationship to the House of Israel today? Malachi, for example, concludes his book by saying that Elijah will come “before the great and terrible day of YHVH” and “will turn the hearts of the children to the fathers [Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]” and vice versa, with the exhortation which precedes these words being, to “remember the Torah of Moses… and the statutes and ordinances for all Israel” (see Malachi 4:4-6). Of course, one would have to know that they are Israel - YHVH’s covenanted people - to heed this message and its warning. (Psalm 78 is a perfect Psalm for Passover.)

If this message to “all Israel to remember…” is ignored, the Father promises “to strike the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:6). This is not to be taken lightly or fugitively!  This world is no stranger to scourges, and no doubt many more will follow, as there has been very little response to this call that has gone out, not only to the Jews but also to the believers in the New Covenant who, according to Paul, are the children of those forefathers (e.g., Romans 4:16).  Thus the prophetic word is equally applicable to both groups. The prophet Jeremiah announces the wrath and anger of YHVH in the last days: “The anger of YHVH will not turn back until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart; In the last days you will clearly understand it” (Jeremiah 23:20, emphasis added. See also Jeremiah 30:24).

On October 7th, 2023, we had a wake-up call in Israel. What took place here was already foreseen by the prophet Ezekiel and has been fulfilled many times ever since these words were uttered.  YHVH’s warnings and judgements came upon His adulterous people through the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans, to cite a few examples. There have been ample warnings for years, but they have fallen on deaf ears.  This is one reason our hearts must return to our forefathers, for they are our example (see 1^st Corinthians 10:1-11) and the bearers of YHVH’s promises. Paul reminds us of our forefathers’ rebellion in the wilderness and the consequences of their waywardness. Ezekiel also describes what can happen when we turn our backs on the prophetic warnings: 

"I shall also give you into the hands of your lovers, and they will tear down your shrines, demolish your high places, strip you of your clothing, take away your jewels, and will leave you naked and bare. They will incite a crowd against you, and they will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. And they will burn your houses with fire and execute judgments on you in the sight of many women. Then I shall stop you from playing the harlot, and you will also no longer pay your lovers” (Ezekiel 16:39-41).

The above scripture is uncannily descriptive of what took place on October 7^th. We all know by now that the enemy's main plan was for this to erupt on all fronts. But why did it happen in the first place? Could it be because His people who are called by His name fell into gross sin and iniquity by profaning YHVH’s name (e.g. Ezekiel 36:20) in a variety of ways, one of the worst being by mutual hatred?  History proves how we have incurred the wrath of Elohim for such attitudes and actions. But YHVH's feast of Passover promises that even though “we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself” (2^nd Timothy 2:13). 

Passover reminds us of Elohim’s great and undeserved love and mercy.  YHVH hears our cry and will come to deliver us no matter how deep and severe our bondage to sin is. This is the hope of resurrection life that Moses heard from the voice that spoke to him at the burning bush: "I am the Elohim of your father, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6, emphasis added). Interestingly, in His address to Moses, YHVH mentioned each forefather, but notice “your father”, which is singular. The point is that our identity as Israel is a corporate identity of ONE life, ONE father, even though we have had many. Yeshua unveils the mystery behind the burning bush scene when he illustrates the principle of resurrection life in His dialog with the Sadducees, who did not believe that the dead can or will rise.  

"But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how Elohim spoke to him, saying, 'I am the Elohim of Abraham, and the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob '?  He is not the Elohim of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken" (Mark 12:26-27). Resurrection is embedded in the principle of the seed. The seed falls to the ground and dies so that its life can grow and produce after its kind in time. Yeshua’s resurrection was the “beginning” of the new creation life, and Israel is the “first fruit” of the same (e.g., Jeremiah 2:3; Acts 2:1-4). Passover is the “feast of freedom”, away from the old bondages and into newness of life. It represents the Aviv, which is the new beginning of a seed that has fallen to the ground and now is in the season of spouting, embarking on its journey of new life, knowing that it will bear its fruit for YHVH’s harvest -   “… the old things passed away; behold, new things have come”(2^nd  Corinthians 5:17).

Finishing the Finished Work

 Last week we focused on the preparations that were made for constructing both the Tabernacle (Mishkan) in the wilderness, as well as Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. I also said the following, ending it with a question: “It is interesting to note that the glory filled the Tabernacle and the Temple when Moses and Solomon finished building them.  Now, what about the tabernacle/temple that Yeshua is building out of what His Father prepared for Him to build and finish?”

For the edifices mentioned above, Elohim, at times, provided the materials from unlikely sources. In the case of Solomon’s Temple, his father, David, had been gathering or assembling materials in a variety of ways, for example war booty (2^nd Sam. 8:7,8,1112), purchase (the site for the Temple, 2^nd Sam. 24:24), gifts (1^st Chron. 14:1), etc.  He then gathered everything together and made meticulous plans for the materials and the workmen (and later for the ministers’ roles), as enumerated in 1st Chronicles chapters 15-16. In chapter 22 of 1^st Chronicles, we read: “So David gave orders to gather the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to hew out stones to build the house of Elohim. And David prepared large quantities of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gates and for the clamps, and more bronze than could be weighed;  and timbers of cedar logs beyond number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large quantities of cedar timber to David”. This illustrates the thoroughness and all-inclusiveness of the plans, the preparations, and the assembly of the different elements and people involved in the setting up of the Temple, even before its actual construction.

To return to the question posed above (and last week) regarding the tabernacle/temple that Yeshua is building out of what His Father prepared for Him to build and finish, let us go all the way back to the beginning of Genesis (chapter 2 and verse 5): “Then Elohim blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which Elohim had created and made” (emphasis added). This verse seems to bring to an end to the process of creation as described in Genesis chapter 1. However, a closer examination of this text, as it appears in Hebrew, indicates a rather curious wording. What is translated as, “and made” is in the infinitive form, i.e., “to make”, thus presenting a somewhat different reality. The first chapter’s enumerated-chronology describes what Elohim prepared in order to start the process of making Man in His image and according to His likeness, which is what the following account (in chapter 2) delineates.   

“Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for YHVH Elohim had not sent rain upon the earth; and there was no man to cultivate the ground” (Genesis 2:5, emphasis added). Please note the citation of the man’s absence and also the fact that until now, Elohim’s name – Yod Hey Vav Hey – has not been used. The four consonants that make up this name are equivalent to the sound of breath or breathing (using onomatopoeia). All living things have breath because Elohim is breathing!

“But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground” (Genesis 2:6). This was part of the preparation for the making of earthy Man.

As we can see from 2:5-6, YHVH-Elohim’s actions are taking us back to the beginning of the 6^th day, where He starts the actual making of man after having created a proper place for him (the environment – celestial and terrestrial, spiritual and material) and will be gathering, as it were, the components and presenting directives/manual (the Torah) for his final “shape” – again, in the image and according to the likeness of Himself,  until we “grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Messiah” (Eph. 4:15). Therefore, one can observe throughout Scripture - “the works of YHVH Elohim”, making it evident that He is not resting yet.  His Breath/Word is the history of the sixth day of creation. The seventh day does not show up until the end of the complete revelation of Yeshua (see Revelation 19-22). These Revelation chapters are the grand finale of the seven ages of the sixth day of Creation. At this point in time, we are only at the end of the sixth age and will be entering the seventh age of the sixth day. (see Creation Revisted)

In the meantime, YHVH Elohim is still assembling His materials and shaping and preparing them. Before us is one aspect, or example, of His temple preparation. "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, who seek YHVH: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain; When he was one I called him” (Isaiah 51:1-2 emphasis added).  Out of the soil of humanity (the ‘one Man’, see Gen. 2:7) YHVH queried a rock that contained precious stones which He hewed and is in the process of cleansing, chipping them into the shape that will cause each of them to fit perfectly into oneness, and readying them for polishing (the ‘one new Man’).  The twelve living stones, precious gems (seen on the breast plate of the High Priest) will make up YHVH’s Temple, that when finished will be filled with His glory - the full expression of the image and likeness of Elohim.  Just as with Moses and David, Yeshua, the Spirit of the Word, will finish His work and present it to Elohim the Father.  “And when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, that Elohim [the Father] may be all in all”(1 Corinthians 15:28).

Preparing for a Purpose

In the last few Parashot, we have been reading about and studying the making of the Tabernacle in the desert and all its individual parts.  But where did the Israelites get such expensive materials as gold, silver, bronze, and precious fabrics and hides since they were slaves in the land they had just fled from?  What’s more, although they had these treasures in their possession, they were still dependent on YHVH to feed and provide them with water.  Doubtlessly, all those material goods were given to them by the Egyptians who were eager for them to leave, especially after the slaying of the latter’s firstborn (see Ex. 11:2, 3; 12:36).  But why did the Elohim of Israel cause this to happen? He obviously knew that one day they would need all those goods to contribute to building His dwelling place.  

Many years later, King David, Solomon’s father, was inspired to prepare all the means for constructing a grand edifice for YHVH (see 1st Chronicles 17:1). David gathered and amassed all the materials beforehand. And although he was prevented from building it himself, he saw to it that all the necessary components would be provided for (see 1st Chronicles 17:4; 22:2-17; 28:11:19; 29:2-9). Thus, Solomon was tasked to build the Temple for YHVH’s dwelling place in Jerusalem.   But as it was in the case of the Tabernacle, preparations were made beforehand by another. 

In the New Covenant, we read about another temple or tabernacle that is being prepared for the Glory of YHVH to dwell in (see 1st Corinthians 3:16-19; 2nd Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21; 1st Peter 2:5).  But this time, it is made up of living stones. Where is YHVH getting these precious stones, and who is preparing them?  This begs another question: Who will YHVH entrust or anoint to construct this last building for His Glorious presence? 

Notice in the following it was not until the structure was finished that the glory fell. “Thus Moses finished the work.  Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of YHVH filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of YHVH filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:33-35).

“Now it came about when Solomon had finished building the house of YHVH”… (1 Kings 9:1).  And after, “the priests brought the ark of the covenant of YHVH to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the holy of holies”… (2 Chronicles 5:7). “And it came about when the priests came out from the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of YHVH, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of YHVH filled the house of YHVH”  (1 Kings 8:10-11). 

It is interesting to note that the glory filled the Tabernacle and the Temple when Moses and Solomon finished building them.  Now, what about the tabernacle/temple that Yeshua is building out of what His Father prepared for Him to build and finish? Revelation chapter 21 gives us a glimpse into that glorious Day.

From these three examples, we can extrapolate the Creator’s original purpose in preparing for His ultimate intention to make Man in His image and according to His likeness, in order for him to become the indwelling expression of Elohim’s unseen presence… 

Rapture and Wrath

 There are two connected subjects that I love staying away from - they are the “rapture” and the “wrath of Elohim”. In a recent discussion with someone who is becoming increasingly interested in the two-house message and the restoration of the whole house of Israel, the latter asked the inevitable question, “Do you believe in the rapture?” (Years ago, when sharing about the two houses of Israel, we would occasionally get this response: “I guess you don’t believe in hell”. To this day I don’t understand the connection.)

Since he had asked the question about the rapture, and we had just finished a conversation about the book of Daniel, I thought to remind him about the three men who were thrown into the fire and, in the midst of the burning furnace, experienced the presence of the Fourth Man. Daniel himself witnessed the 'strange' behavior of hungry lions. How about the Israelites surviving forty years in the desert? Or what about Stephen getting stoned to death while others faced even worse trials (e.g. Hebrews 11:35b-37)?  Was it the "wrath of Elohim" that brought about their suffering or a demonstration of Yah's grace?  And how many times did the Almighty save or preserve His people while simultaneously pouring out His wrath on His/their enemies?

The Spirit of Elohim, residing in us, shelters us from the enemy so that we would come to know Him. However, there are times when that does not happen. But that, too, is designed for us to draw closer to Him. One way or another, our Father’s chief motivation is for us to be bonded to Himself.

 Many of His names/titles relate to our needs during life’s good and bad circumstances. Instead of fearing hardship or even the great tribulation, we should be more confident that He will be our shelter (Elohim Mach’sey’nu). We are assured that even though “ten thousand fall at our right hand” (ref. Ps. 91:7), He can still protect us because of Who He is in us! He is our Miphlatey’nu (our Refuge), our Moshi’ey’nu (our Savior/Deliverer), our M’tzuda’tey’nu (our Fortress) -”a present help in troublesome times” (ref. Ps. 46:1). Indeed, the Psalms provide great encouragement to our faith, hope and trust, as does the great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 11. Thus, our relationship with the Almighty Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and our Messiah Yeshua is strengthened. What does it matter to my flesh whether it goes the way of so many martyred believers in history or if we take a fiery Tesla to heaven? What do we have to fear other than fear itself? 

For some, the word “wrath” seems to conjure up the worst of possibilities, but YHVH’s wrath is always poured out on the unrighteous and wicked who practice that which is deserving of such a response. “For the wrath of Elohim is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).  

YHVH has given a New Covenant believer His righteousness via the indwelling Holy Spirit. By His grace, we walk in His righteousness, keeping His commandments and putting our faith, hope, and trust in Him, our Redeemer Elohim and Father. He asks us not to worry about tomorrow because we live in His present Presence. The “now” (this moment) is the time to prepare for any future event. Through this daily relationship, we will grow in our understanding and knowledge of YHVH. He is just in all His ways and stays holy in executing justice. The more we know Him, the less we will be afraid of His wrath, but greater will be our reverence for Him as we learn to rest in the joy of His Shalom. 

“YHVH also will be a refuge – Misgav [a "high tower"] - for the oppressed, a refuge - Misgav - in times of trouble.  And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, YHVH, have not forsaken those who seek You. Sing praises to YHVH who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people” (Psalm 9:9-11).

Could It Be?

 Could It Be?

Could it be that we are in YHVH’s end times or spring rain?  “Ask rain from YHVH at the time of the spring rain-- YHVH who makes the storm clouds; and He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each man” (Zechariah 10:1).

Could it be that lying spirits and false visions have invaded the nations?    “For the teraphim speak iniquity, and the diviners see lying visions, and tell false dreams; they comfort in vain” (Zechariah 10:2).

Could it be that YHVH’s anger is aroused against the false shepherds of Judah and Israel?  "My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the male goats; for YHVH of hosts has visited His flock, the house of Judah…” (Zechariah 10:3).  “Behold, I am against the shepherds [of Israel], and I shall demand My sheep from them and make them cease from feeding sheep” (Ezekiel 34:10).

Could it be that during the past century, the Jewish Nation has been gradually reborn as a national entity and has become a mighty military power?  “And will make them [Judah]) like His majestic horse in battle. From them will come the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow of battle, every ruler, all of them together.  And they will be as mighty men, treading down the enemy… they will fight, for YHVH will be with them… and will make them like His majestic horse in battle” (Zechariah 10:3-6 emphasis added).  

Could it be that while Judah is undergoing restoration, Yeshua the True Shepherd of Israel is gathering the “Lost Sheep of the House of Israel/Joseph" - the second stick? "And I shall strengthen the house of Judah, and I shall save the house of Joseph, and I shall bring them back, because I have had compassion on them; and they will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am YHVH their Elohim, and I will answer them. And Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their heart will be glad as if from wine; Indeed, their children will see it and be glad, their heart will rejoice in YHVH" (Zechariah 10:6-7) (emphases added).

Could it be that those who are redeemed, living in far countries and awakening to their Israelite identity, are the found “sheep of the House of Joseph”, the mighty men of Ephraim?  "I will whistle for them to gather them together, for I have redeemed them; and they will be as numerous as they were before. When I scatter them among the peoples, they will remember Me in far countries” (Zechariah 10:8-9). “And He will lift up a standard for the nations, and will assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12).  

Could it be that these mighty men of Judah and Ephraim will go to war with the surrounding nations?   “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up!  Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am a mighty man'" (Joel 3:9-10).  “And they will swoop down on the slopes of the Philistines on the west [Gaza]; Together they will plunder the sons of the east” (Isaiah 11:14).  

Could it be that these mighty men of Judah and Ephraim are the sword in the hand of YHVH?   “For I will bend Judah as My bow, I will fill the bow with Ephraim. And I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece; and I will make you like a warrior's sword.  Then YHVH will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning; and Adonai YHVH will blow the trumpet, and will march in the storm winds of the south” (Zechariah 9:13-14).  

Could it be that the "sons of the east" are the ones that hate the Jewish nation, and want to do away with her, so that the name Israel will cease to exist? “For, behold, Your enemies make an uproar; and those who hate You have exalted themselves.  They make shrewd plans against Your people and conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, 'Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more'" (Psalm 83:2-4 emphases added).

Could it be that the seed of ancient people groups is still alive and well today in the surrounding nations of the State Israel, such as those mentioned in Psalm 83?  ^“For they have conspired together with one mind; Against You do they make a covenant:  The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab, and the Hagrites;  Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; They have become a help to the children of Lot” (Psalm 83:5-8 emphasis added).  

Could it be that YHVH’s mighty men of Zechariah, are the ones whom He calls to join together against these nations that hate Him and His chosen seed? “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up” (Joel 3:9 emphasis added). “Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down, YHVH, Your mighty ones” (Joel 3:11 emphasis added).

Could it be that we, like the prophet Habakkuk are to: “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am [YHVH] doing something in your days-- You would not believe if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5)?

Could it be that we should respond like this prophet of old? “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart, and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved” (Habakkuk 2:1 emphases added).

The Obvious

 The word "obvious" refers to something that is easily perceived or understood, something that is apparent to everyone. If something is obvious, it doesn't require much thought or effort to recognize or grasp.

When it comes to the Word of Elohim, that which is obvious to some is not necessarily obvious to others since it is subject to interpretations of every kind.  But as believers in the Word of Elohim, we share a certainty that Elohim is sovereign over His creation. Other matters that are obvious to us we have either obtained because they are common conventions or by what we have learned by experience throughout life.  But when it comes to understanding matters that we have not experienced as fact or truth, we may look into them, examine, ponder, wonder, or even be perplexed regarding what appears to be a complex and/or new phenomenon.  

At the beginning of the creation narrative, as described in chapter 1 of Genesis, two Hebrew terms are used for "void and without form" – "tohoo" and "vohoo", which literally mean wonderment and perplexity. That is, if a human eye were to observe that condition, such would be its reaction. Being "perplexed" refers to a state of confusion or bewilderment (the latter also gives cause for fear). If one is perplexed, he or she is puzzled and unsure of thoughts, possibilities, or actions. Such a state often implies difficulty in understanding or figuring out a given situation. This well describes the overall condition prevailing in a world without faith and knowledge of a Creator. 

After partaking of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam fell into the spirit realm of darkness. Consequently, he bequeathed to his progeny an inheritance of hopelessness, confusion, and fear. Man struggled within himself to rectify the “obvious” but had no light with which to combat the power that the fruit of this tree of darkness and death produced in him.

The solution that resolves Man’s perplexity and dilemma is realized by the Heavenly Father’s only begotten Son, “who was crucified before the foundations of the world” (Revelation 13:8).  So, is the Scripture/Bible the story of Man suffering under the tyranny of “sin and death”, or is it the obvious reality of a sovereign Elohim Who is intimately involved with His creature?  Is it “obvious” to us that “all those who are of the faith", who believe that Elohim raised Yeshua from the dead and have received the covenant promise of the Spirit, are the progeny/seed of the forefathers? Is it “obvious” that Yeshua is the Kinsman Redeemer of His Father’s inheritance, and that is the reason why He said that He "only came for the lost sheep of the House of Israel" (Mathew 15:24)? Is it obvious that Yeshua is gathering in our day the stick/nation of Judah and the stick/nation of Joseph? Is it obvious that He is gathering them from every tribe, tongue, and nation, from the four winds of the earth (see Rev 5:9), where they are scattered?  Isn’t it obvious that the promise to Israel is to make them “a kingdom and priests to our Elohim; and that they will reign upon the earth" (Revelation 5:10)?  Isn’t it obvious that Yeshua has to remain in His “place in the heavens until all that has been spoken" and promised to the House of Judah and Israel "through the prophets of old is fulfilled" before He returns (Acts 3:19-21)? Is it not obvious that YHVH keeps His covenants, promises, and word to His inheritance, His people, that is, those who came forth from the wombs of Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel? (See Genesis 12 – 50.)

 Because of the Fall, Man will continue to speculate, using what he knows by experience and what he doesn’t know for a fact, thus theorizing or conjecturing without firm evidence. This involves guessing or hypothesizing based on limited information, and in the case of Scriptures, an absence of revelation-understanding and knowledge that only the Spirit can impart. Or, conversely, unregenerated Man will be watching from hindsight as YHVH brings His word to pass. Until, in the end, all will know that He is YHVH, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. “By Myself I swear, uttering My just decree and my unalterable word: To me, every knee shall bend; by me every tongue shall swear, saying, ‘Only in YHVH are just deeds and power.' Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against him. In YHVH shall be the vindication and the glory of all the seed of Israel" (Isaiah 45:23-25).

Which Cup?

 We pray that all is well with you, as "times they are a-changin’" (in the words of that old bard – 'Bobby the Dylan' aka Zimmerman) and very rapidly, I might add. We thank you for your prayers and concerns for the whole house of Israel. 

Since the U.S. election, countless Americans, many of them Christians, have come to believe that Elohim has had mercy on that nation. Others are undecided as to whether this is a good thing or not. Then, some are of the opinion that the election results represent the lesser of two evils. Nevertheless, YHVH remains in charge and is sovereign over every nation. 

A few weeks ago, I had an impression from the Spirit which had an unusual origin. I had been talking with a friend about an episode that took place in the United Nations when Yasser Arafat stood (in 1974) before the Assembly and made the following declaration: “I have come to you bearing an olive branch in one hand, and a freedom-fighter’s gun in the other, don’t let the olive branch fall from my hand!”  A few days after this conversation, in the early hours of the morning, I felt that Yeshua was standing, as it were, before America with a golden cup in one hand and a silver cup in the other. They were both full of wine.  The golden cup’s wine was toxic, while the silver cup's (wine) was blood-red (pure). Later that morning I looked into the scriptures and found these two:  "For thus YHVH, the Elohim of Israel, says to me [Jeremiah], 'Take this cup of the wine of wrath from My hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it. And they shall drink and stagger and go mad because of the sword that I will send among them'" (Jeremiah 25:15-16). The other was: “I shall lift up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of YHVH" (Psalm 116:13).  

In his inaugural speech, the newly re-elected American president mentioned that his coming term would be "the golden age of America". For a long time now, the United States has taken up the image of Babylon, displaying characteristics that are not unlike the original one. Even though the USA has also been responsible for many 'good things', these words from Revelation are sadly quite applicable: "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality" (18:3). Right at the close of Trump’s address, I felt like adding “But God…?” And for whatever it's worth, two names came to mind - Nimrod and Nebuchadnezzar. Disclaimer: I’m not asserting that Trump is imaging the above mentioned, but that we need to take to heart that they would not have had the authority to accomplish what they did without YHVH’s sovereign will to do so (see Daniel 2:39ff). The same, of course, applies to the present circumstances.

Yes, YHVH’s "mercies are new every morning", and "great is His faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23). This may be a new morning, OR, it could be a new warning - for the people of the U.S. and Israel, or even the world.  I believe that YHVH is offering these two cups, not only to the United States but also to many other nations.  However, judgments start with His own house. "Don't let the cup of salvation fall from My hand" (to echo Arafat's foreboding statement. Please forgive the analogy.)

The false 'Christian' bishop, who addressed President Trump at the Cathedral in Washington, announced that "her people" feared what Trump might do to the (woke) folk that she represents. Actually, they should be more fearful of a righteous Creator Whose laws govern iniquity and wickedness.  In the past four years, the United States has added to that cup of the wrath of Elohim. If and when it is poured out, His called-out ones must be prepared for the great exodus.  As it was in the first exodus, when the sin of the Amorites had to come to full measure before the Hebrews were released from Egypt (see Genesis 15:16), so too now – the cup of iniquity must overflow before this great event unfolds.  Might we be witnessing the beginning of the judgments mentioned in Revelation being executed? Conversely, will we see a powerful outpouring of the cup of salvation in YHVH's hand? Or will these two cups be served at the same time?

In Search for Identity

 "Ephraim* has mixed himself [assimilated] among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake unturned" (Hosea 7:8 emphasis added).  Or in Joseph's words: "… Elohim has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house" (Genesis 41:51 emphases added).

Forgetfulness has set in, and in the waking up process, Ephraim/Joseph/Israel realizes that there is almost a 2,300-year gap in his autobiography.  Waking up is a blessing, but it can also be painful. Looking back, one finds that there is no background to rely on for one's identity, no common memory that this group of people shares, and no commonplace that binds them together, or customs, culture, language, and so on… this can lead to confusion, to resorting to self-help methods, and even to anger and bitterness. There is no question that when relying on man's wisdom and/or displaying anger, resentment, and the like the point is being missed.

The 'point' is that Ephraim/Israel will not be restored to his national identity and to the land in the same condition he was when he was expelled from his home, and was issued a bill of divorce from his Elohim. Fortunately, embedded in the fathomless Word are treasures that reveal certain traits of this prodigal son which, like those of Judah, may be still present today and may help the 'lost one' to navigate his way back to himself.

An Israeli Bible teacher, who has been an inspiration in the past, Natanel Ellinson, has been writing and teaching extensively about the distinct characteristics of each of Israel's houses, applying findings about Judah even to the present. However, for the "lost" tribes he has less to say in regards to the present. But couldn't such an application be also true regarding the scattered people of  Ephraim (albeit perhaps not so distinctly)?

There is much more to say about Ephraim's ultimate return and the reformed nature he will display as a redeemed and reborn entity. Therefore, this present portrayal refers only to the 'natural' aspect of the sons of Joseph and their affiliates (hence by necessity must be sketchy and general). The traits that characterize Israel's 'northerners' were determined, at least partially, by their geographical allotments. Unlike Judah's territory, theirs were much more expansive plots of land that included vast areas of arable and fertile soil. Agriculture was a central way of life, whereas in Judah rearing goats and sheep, along with a nomadic lifestyle, was more prevalent.  

This large territory bordered several nations and had a long stretch of seashore, as well as the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. By contrast, Judah (with its affiliates, Benjamin, Levi, and many Simeonites) received a much more secluded inheritance, which was also far less conducive for agriculture and was compatible with Judah's tendency to stay insulated. Ephraim's geographical location allowed much more interaction with the outside world and engagement in trade and commerce far afield.  Being composed of at least eight tribes meant great versatility, individuality, and open-mindedness. For example, during the era of the judges (lasting over 3 decades), each tribe produced an individual leader. This was not so under the monarchial system, which required a single dynasty (a fact that was adhered to by Judah but was not carried out in the northern kingdom with its multiple short-lived dynasties).

The substantial assets available to the House of Joseph/Israel had a strong materialistic influence over this people group. Their capital Samaria was far richer and larger compared to Jerusalem. On the other hand, in Judah there was a greater focus on the nearby Temple (in Benjamin's territory) and spiritual matters. Thus, even during the long-lasting exile, Judah maintained its identity, while Ephraim lost his, within one and a half generations.

It is quite evident that some of the above-described features have not been lost among the Jewish people. Perhaps the ones that once characterized Ephraim still exist among its descendants, for better or worse…

Yet, as already mentioned, beyond these natural qualities there is a repentant, redeemed, new-creation being who is destined to return to the land of his forefathers; an entity that has the heart of his Heavenly Father, to be revealed as the "sons of the living Elohim" (ref. Hos. 1;10), for whom all of creation is yearning (ref. Romans 8:19) to display the character of the firstborn (1^st Chron. 5:2), like his Messiah, forming the company of the (literally) saviors who go up to Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau, so that YHVH's Kingdom may be established (ref. Obadiah 1:17).

The process of redemption, the preceding birth pangs, and the ultimate birth are marked by the current raging battle between Esau and Jacob in the proverbial womb. Yet Jacob must not only overcome Esau. He must also complete his struggle with the Man, so as to grow to the full measure and stature of Israel-Messiah (ref. Gen. 32:24ff; Eph. 4:15) …

* The name Ephraim is generic to all the lost tribes. 

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