Understanding with Discernment

 Understanding with Discernment

In a few days, Americans will be looking back at September 11^th (9/11) and remember those who lost their lives on the day that Islamists attacked the “Great Satan”, the United States of America.  A month later, another date will be remembered, October 7th, when the State of Israel, “the little satan”, was brutalized in an attack from the Palestinian territory governed by Hamas. These attacks have led to wars in Iraq, ISIS in Afghanistan, and more recently, with not only Hamas, but also Hezbollah from Lebanon and factions in Syria, Iran, and the Houthis in Yemen. Most Westerners do not realize that every Muslim country supports Islam’s war against the “big” or the “small satan”. That is, by necessity, it is incumbent upon every Muslim who reads the Koran to identify in one way or another with its (the Koran’s) agenda.   

When Iraq’s Saddam Hussein declared that he would begin the “mother of all wars” (1991), He was prophesying the beginning of the war of revenge against the Western allies, who defeated the Islamic Caliphate (Ottoman Empire) in WWI.  Saddam launched his attack against both the big satan’s military infrastructure in Kuwait and other regional Arab countries, and directly the little satan who had been supplying Iran (Iraq’s enemy) with weapons. 

In 1917, the British awarded Islam’s worst enemy (the Zionists) the Islamic land of Palestine as a home for the Jewish people (Balfour  Declaration).  Ever since then, there has been an all-out war, “Jihad”, against the Jewish state, a war which has now morphed into a contagious worldwide anti-Jewish, anti-Israel sentiment and hatred. The so-called Arab Spring (2010-2011) sent millions of Muslims, "fleeing" from their own countries, into Europe and other non-Muslim nations. Why were they not taking refuge in nations of their own ilk? The answer is very obvious if one understands and discerns the biblical times in which we live. 

Before the October 7^th’s massacre, Evangelical Christians were the largest gentile group that supported the Jewish state. Still, over the course of this two-year war with Hamas and the Islamists (Palestinians), their support has dropped to an all-time low.  This decline has also occurred in the Hebrew Roots movement to the point where a claim is made that the Jews in Israel are not the authentic Israelites, and worst of all, the land is not important.  But obviously IT IS, to the spirit of Islam, fighting against YHVH’s plans! If one truly knows the Elohim of Israel and His faithfulness to the covenant promises, one should be ashamed and repent for even entertaining such thoughts. 

How are we to understand, discern, and respond to those brothers and sisters in the faith who are beginning to doubt the Jewish State/Israel’s biblical legitimacy, and the Jewish people’s restoration to the land promised, and our course of action taken to defend ourselves against the Islamic agenda? Just because Israel’s military destroyed their residences, along with Hamas’ underground tunnels, thus causing most of Gaza’s two million residents to be homeless, the so-called human rights organizations have attacked Israel’s government with accusations of genocide and starvation. Incidentally, the evidence originates solely from Hamas sources and their sympathizers. Believers must seek truth from the scriptures and the reality as YHVH presents it to us, from His perspective.  We cannot depend on humanistic morality, which judges from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  

Drawing morality from this tree only produces self-righteousness and ultimately death.  It can and will most likely turn one away from "the fear of YHVH" who claims to "watch over His word to perform it, not turning back until He (in zealousness, anger and wrath) will perform and accomplish the intent of His heart; In the latter days you will understand this" (ref. Jeremiah 1:12; 30:24, my modifications). Notice that in the latter days, we are required to have understanding, and may I add, discernment.

This month (Elul) is a season of repentance. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to convict us of anything that we have eaten from the Tree of Knowledge, as its fruit can only produce deception. But seeing through Yeshua’s eyes of biblical truth and reality will encourage us to press on, even though the circumstances seem confusing. 

Curse without Cause

 Proverbs 26:2 states: “Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight.” The blessings and the curses that are recorded in YHVH’s Torah form an integral part of His statutes, ordinances, and laws that govern humanity. They are as active and operative as nature’s forces, whether we are aware of them or not. This is why iniquity and sin have their boundaries, and the fruit they produce causes transgressors-turned-victims to suffer the consequences of the curses. YHVH gave the Torah for our instructions, so that we could enjoy life within His boundaries of righteousness. The blessings and the curses are intended to teach us to live righteously. How? Here is an everyday illustration: As a Special Education teacher, I used what was called “behavior modification” methods to help the students learn that they could not do what was right in their own eyes. In the classroom, just as in the family and society at large, there are standards of acceptable behavior. So we helped our students learn and change through positive (blessings) and negative (consequences) feedback. Paul stated that reaps what one sows (ref Galatians 6:7-8), which is another way of explaining the laws of cause and effect.

In biblical times, to chasten His nations, Israel and Judah, YHVH often raised up foreign powers. I know that nowadays it is not ‘in vogue’ (or politically correct) to point out to Israel and Judah that unless they repent and turn away from their gods of humanism and all their beastly/fleshly behavior, the consequence may come in many different forms. War, famine, pestilence, or flooding are the more obvious ones.  One cannot help but wonder if October 7th, the floods, record-breaking heatwaves, and so on, are not wake-up calls.   Yet YHVH is merciful, and many times the results of our behavior are slow to appear; that is, if we can read the signs and repent. The Torah tells us that the sun, moon, and stars were given governance over the elements of the earth. In Psalm 91, we are told that the sun and moon would not harm us, but that also means they can, if the Creator so desires.  Man may pollute the earth and atmosphere, but the celestials will correct those conditions, to man’s detriment. Maybe this is why scriptures remind us that the last days will be like the days of Noah. (Matthew 24:37-39).

 YHVH, being sovereign over all nations, is involved in the assembling of the kings of the East (Islam) who are gathering to execute His purposes. Many of us have been pointing out for years that Israel’s leaders, along with those of the other nations, have been dividing up YHVH’s land, handing portions of it to the Islamic entity for the sake of peace. But because of YHVH’s prophetic destiny for the land and His redeemed people, this move will not succeed. That, however, may not be the case for the Western Nations, where Islam is slowly taking over.   Why is Elohim allowing these enemies to flood these countries? Could it be because of unrighteous and rebellious hearts in what were once Christian nations? But at the same time YHVH has also promised that if we would repent and turn back to Him to walk in His righteousness, He “will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways” (Deuteronomy 28:7). But if (YHVH forbid) we are found deserving of the curse, then just the opposite will happen (ref. Deut. 28:25).

The fall feasts are drawing close, and soon we will again be honoring again the purposes for which YHVH has ordained for His people. Perhaps it is time to examine the “Word of Elohim” concerning what is happening in our respective nations. Repentance is ineffective if we do not know what we are repenting of.  Leviticus 18 records a long list of sexual sins and also mentions the sin of sacrificing children to Molech. At the moment, our nations are steeped in these abominations, having no fear of the consequences. YHVH’s people, on the other hand, are cautioned very severely regarding these kinds of activities: “You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations, either any of your nation or any stranger who dwells among you (for all these abominations the men of the land have done, who were before you, and thus the land is defiled), lest the land vomit you out also when you defile it, as it vomited out the nations that were before you” (Leviticus 18: 26-28).

Fear Not

 Fear Not

 What is our reaction, or how do we respond to mounting storms raging around us, or even within our very own circumstances? 

 

“Pharaoh and his army drew near...the sons of Israel looked up...they were filled with fear and cried out to YHVH” (Exodus 14:10).

 

Do we sometimes feel that the kingdom of “sin and death”, in which we were once slaves, is breathing down our necks again?  We may even feel that the ruler of this world and his armies are drawing ever nearer to us. At times of trials and tribulations, we wonder: Why did Elohim bother to take us out of Egypt in the first place? “Were there no graves in Egypt?” (Exodus 14:11).

 

Is our situation and circumstances so trying that we wish Elohim would remove us from this life?  “Oh Elohim, just take me back to Egypt, spare me this wilderness trial, or please whisk me off to the Promised Land!” Times like these enable us to better identify with our forefathers. They also faced real-life situations, which were loaded with real needs and fears daily. For instance, the twelve spies, who returned to camp bearing (according to the Hebrew text) a “slanderous” report regarding the Promised Land. The level of fear that they entertained caused them to make the following observation about themselves: “We were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their [the local population] sight" (Numbers 13:33).

 

Examples, such as this one, are for us to learn from.  “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). These recorded experiences are living blueprints and may serve as roadmaps as we learn to walk in faith. Even in life’s darkest valleys, “He never leaves us nor forsakes us…" (Hebrews 13:5-8). As the words in the familiar Psalm exclaim: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me!” (Psalm 23:4).  YHVH’s solution to this level of fear, is His comforting love.

 

Oh yes, there are times for loud praises, crying out in prayer or doing many exploits, but there is also a time for the Holy One of Israel to declare the following, from the mouth of the prophet: “In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah.30:15). “DO NOT FEAR!  Stand by and see the salvation of YHVH which He will accomplish” (Exodus 14:13). “YHVH will fight for us while we keep silent” (v.14). We have no choice, we cannot turn back. But, can we hear the voice of YHVH saying to us: “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward!” (Exodus 14:15).

  

The word combination, “fear not” or “have no fear,” occurs over 170 times in the scriptures. The only “fear” we are instructed to develop is the “fear of YHVH”. With this perfect fear, reverence, awe, comes wisdom: “The fear of YHVH is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pro. 9:10). Thus the secret of moving forward is to know Him and His perfect love, as, “there is no fear in love, perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). We may not know right away the reason for the trial or tribulation, but He does, and He knows the pathway that will lead us through those times. Particularly relevant for each of us, at this season, are the words that YHVH spoke to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for YHVH your Elohim is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). 

 

As just mentioned, "at this season", what season? No one fails to see that for the past number of years, the shifts and changes have been dramatic. Hence the “fear” issue (addressed here). Yet, to state the obvious, at any time YHVH is about to launch a new day, shifts and changes, upheavals and storms are necessary preliminaries. So, wherever you may find yourself at this moment in time, "look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your Elohim. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41:10).

A Brilliant Strategy

A Brilliant Strategy,

Back in the days of Joshua, and right after YHVH delivered Jericho into the hands of Israel, the commander of the army dispatched a small band of warriors to take the city of Ai.  However, the attempt failed dismally, leaving Joshua’s troops astonished at being defeated by this town's military, which chased them back to camp.  YHVH informed Joshua that something was amiss in the camp of Israel, and thus the utter failure they encountered at the hands of the enemy.  As we know, there was sin in the camp.  A family from Judah had stolen what belonged to YHVH. After rectifying the matter, Joshua devised a strategy to defeat the army of Ai.  He sent part of his military by night on a stealth mission to the opposite side of the city, there to set up an ambush. In the meantime, he and the rest of the company camped in front and in plain sight of the town.  In the morning, when the Canaanites saw Israel’s army, they, in complete confidence, left their enclave to fight against their adversary. Joshua feigned fleeing before this foolish army, and at one point signaled to his ambush commanders to attack Ai and burn it.  When Ai’s military turned and saw their homes on fire, they stopped pursuing Israel, but Joshua turned on them with full force and routed them.

You may wonder what this has to do with the current events in Israel. (I wrote this on Thursday, June 12th, today is Friday the 13th, and reality has changed. “Today,” we are at war with Iran.) One might think that the title I am using has to do with the present state of affairs, with Israel’s preemptive strike in Iran, but that is not what I had in mind.  We know that even though Israel will destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities, it will not change the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. 

This conflict began way before the establishment of the State of Israel, between two people groups, each claiming that the territory called Palestine (today Jordan, Israel, and Gaza) belongs to one or the other. However, the Jewish people did not insist on settling on the entire landmass; they made significant compromises and were willing to go even further, for the sake of peace. But with this said, Israel, of course, isn't willing to concede to every demand made by this group, which names itself "Palestinians". This is why there cannot be a two-state solution in the territory once called “Palestine” or in ancient times “Israel”.  Both groups lay claim to it! 

Let’s look at today’s demographics: In Jordan (Eastern Palestine), out of 12 million people, the Palestinians make up around 7 million. In Gaza, there are 2 million. In Israel, 2 million, while in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) 2.7 million. altogether 13.7 million people define themselves as Palestinians. There are no Jews in Jordan or Gaza.  In Israel, the population of Jews is around 7.2 million, including Judea and Samaria.  Together with Israel's Jewry, there are 16 million Jews in the world.

As mentioned, Israel and the Jewish people do not have a strategy to take over all of the territory in question.  As far as I know, there are no strategic plans or attempts to take over Jordan or Gaza. Judea and Samaria, and the Golan Heights are another matter. But do the Palestinians have a plan to take over the lands that Israel claims? If so, how are they going about it?  What is their strategy?

Here is my take on how our opponent is slowly and surely conquering all the land of what was once known as Palestine. Hamas and the Gazans on the western side of our border are openly attacking us and hoping that we will exhaust our military and our resources to fight them as long as they can hold out, and thus also uphold their cause in front of a highly sympathetic world.  On the east side (the West Bank), the approximately 2.7 million Arabs living there are working on planning ambush attacks on our homes in Judea and Samaria and inside Israel, while we are engaged in fighting on the western front.  Unlike Joshua, they also have a third column inside Israel (2 million). These are at a great advantage, as they are well mixed into the fabric of Israeli society. 27% are our doctors and nurses, 80% are pharmacists, others are employed by the government, 80% are builders, and many more are in various forms of services. How has this happened? Very simply, while the Jewish young men and women are training to fight and protect our borders, and giving up a good number of years for this service, the Arab Palestinians are exempt and free to attend universities and be trained in the vital services of the nation.  Their "fight" in this conflict consists of being nice, cordial, and helpful.  Our family doctor, for example, is Muslim and is one of the nicest people you would want to know, and there are many more that we deal with daily who are just like him.  Most of the Muslim Israeli citizens do not identify themselves as Israelis but as Palestinians first.

The Islamic agenda, which the Jihadists are carrying out, is to be at war with any non-Muslim entity and its territory, especially targeting Western civilization.  On the other hand, most Muslims do not consider themselves Islamic extremists. They 'merely' express and uphold higher moral values than other religions or societies.  Thus, this arm of Islam is more dangerous than the evil one.  The entire Muslim world (2 billion) sees Palestine as Islamic territory, one whose cause may be used as a platform for imposing Muslim morals and justice while applying it far and wide (not that the "Palestinians" themselves are particularly loved or cared for by the rest of the Islamic world). 

This conflict and the so-called struggle for Palestinian statehood, along with the Israeli one, is not at all the desired solution.  They may allow Israel to have an autonomous section, but if the Jews stake a claim on the land, only war is and will be the answer. The Arab world is also using the “nice-guy” approach to infiltrate Western (and other) countries, making this a method to accomplish their mission.  As the old saying goes: "If you can’t beat them, join them", but make sure to keep the language, religious customs, and laws intact—a brilliant strategy to accomplish an eighteen-hundred-year-old objective.

 

Betrothal in the Wilderness

 Betrothal in the Wilderness

A few words before we get into the subject matter. The subject of this letter has to do with Ephraim's diaspora, or exile if you will. Perhaps there is a purpose and a reason for a delay in the return of the House of Ephraim to the Land. Bear in mind that you didn't know that you were outside of your homeland until just a few years ago (when you discovered your Israelite identity), and your forebears were even less aware that they were living in exile.  

After YHVH’s chiding, rebuke, and action against our forefathers (faithless Israel), in Hosea 2:14, YHVH lures Israel to the wilderness, there to renew and restore their original relationship. Since this relationship started in the desert, it is only right to return there to make amends. Jeremiah 2:2 reminds us of the 'original' event: "I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown" (Jer. 2:2). Thus, the (renewed) betrothal is also to take place in the wilderness, outside the land (2:19-20).  The restored relationship must be cemented in trust and a genuinely love-motivated heart, and not by any selfish interests. The wedding and its consummation will occur in the future, in the land, which is being prepared for Ephraim's return (2:18). Meanwhile, the betrothal in the diaspora is necessary before the marriage can happen. YHVH's heart toward Israel is one of loving-kindness and mercy, while she, for her part, is to display righteousness and justice (v. 19). In verse 20, emphasis is put on mutual faithfulness – only this way can the relationship be restored in a proper manner.

The proverbial scenario of chapter 2 is repeated in chapter 3. In verse 2 the prophet is told to love an adulteress woman, whom he sanctifies/buys with a number of measures of barley. As we recall, Barley was what the jealous husband was to bring to the priest on behalf of his wife (Numbers 5:14-15).  In verse 3, a period of testing is described. The relationship, again in a form of betrothal, is marked by fidelity and love, but there is no wedding yet. According to the description in verse 4, the sons of Israel "abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim". In other words, a substantial time period is spent outside the land, in the diaspora or exile, without sovereignty or a central worship place. Again, both parties are to display their love and faithfulness toward one another during this season, if the marriage is ever to be consummated. 

Verse 5 (compare to 2:21-23) speaks to the final return of Ephraim to Elohim, and their seeking "David their king". Ephraim is now seen as accepting Judah and its leadership, implying, of course, King Yeshua but also the house that He hails from. When these two parts of the Bride are united as one and "appoint" the Bridegroom as their "head… they shall come up out of the land for great will be the day of Jezreel [YHVH's sowing]" (Hosea 1:11). So, if the present-day "life outside the homeland" is of great necessity, according to this exposition of Hosea's prophecy, then being in the "wilderness of the peoples", per Ezekiel 20:33-38, becomes very relevant and may be the times we are living in - a time when the diaspora experience is highly intensified, as shown by this passage:

 "As I live, says Adonai YHVH, 'surely with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out, I will rule over you.  I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered [is this a proverbial 'taking out', meaning, being extracted from the world system?], with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out.  And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will plead My case with you face to face.  Just as I pleaded My case with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will plead My case with you,' says Adonai YHVH.  'I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; I will purge the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am YHVH'" (Ezekiel 20:33-38). Here it may be added that the ones who do not rebel will enter the land.

Once more, if indeed these are the very days we are living in, we must heed these words more seriously than ever, wherever we are (of necessity), as this is the betrothal stage with our Bridegroom and thus need to be fully devoted to Him, and wholly engaged (pun intended) in the process. After all, as mentioned above, Ephraim has only recently discovered his identity; hence, the diaspora experience is very new to most. Therefore, an essential requirement is to consent to the present YHVH-ordained conditions and redeem the time (ref. Eph. 5:15) to its fullest extent to be ready for the marriage feast in the homeland.

YHVH's Seven Eyes

 Zechariah's prophecies are replete with descriptions that "dangle" in front of the reader like a grandfather clock's pendulum moving back and forth from one time period to another – contemporaneous with the prophet, his future, and all the way to our day and beyond. With this said, it would seem that one could make this kind of claim regarding much of the prophetic word. However, what is special about Zechariah is that he lived during a time of restoration (the return of the Jewish diaspora from Babylon). Many of his utterances, therefore, were focused on this topic, for his day and the future of a greater restoration, thus forming a template or a model for our day's restoration.

Zechariah's futuristic predictions also touch on the Messiah's first coming, AND on His second, as well as on other related events. The symbolism he uses in his multi-layered narratives, while having a profound meaning for his time, has an even greater significance for ours and for those yet to come. Thus, when Zechariah describes the articles for the Temple that was being built in his day, he does so in a manner that is far more than technical or matter of fact (in contrast to Ezra and Nehemiah, for example). Take, for instance, the seven-candle-branched menorah of chapter 4 with the two olive branches pouring their oil into it, and the appended statement to their description, regarding YHVH's Spirit. Encouraging his contemporaries to be involved in the construction of the Temple, Zechariah elaborates on the spiritual significance of its various parts and also their immediate (Spiritual) relevance to the events at hand.

As mentioned, these narratives are multi-layered, especially as they pertain to "restoration" and therefore have a current meaning for us. Here, for example, is a striking picture (though if the translation deviates from the original, it may not be seen): In chapter 3:9 Joshua the high priest is handed a stone with seven eyes (with the futuristic proclamation of "the iniquity of that land being removed in one day"). In chapter 4:10, these seven eyes are mentioned again: "For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of YHVH, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth." In the Hebrew original, the reference to the seven eyes is highlighted thus: "these seven are the eyes of YHVH… that are wandering throughout the earth".

At the beginning of the same chapter, the golden lampstand – menorah – with its seven candles is described in detail (v. 2). When it states in verse 10 (in the Hebrew), "THESE are the eyes of YHVH," the question arises: what is the "these" pointing to? Is this an echo of YHVH's seven eyes? The Menorah was the only light source in the Mishkan and the Temple. Some of the Menorah's features resemble a tree (almond). Moreover, the Menorah was fed by the purest olive oil. It is easy to see Yeshua in these descriptions as the light of the world (John 9:5), the tree of life – the life giver (Mat. 20:28; John 1:4, 4:14; Revelation 22:14 etc. etc.), and the anointed high priest (Heb. 1:9; Ps. 45:7). Yeshua tells us that a lamp is not to be hidden, but is to be put on a stand to give off its light (Matt. 5:14-15), while in the next verse He proclaims that His followers are "the light of the world". According to Proverbs 20:2, "the lamp of YHVH is the soul of man which searches the innermost parts" (literal translation).

Together with the lampstand, YHVH's eyes, and the olive branches, notice the mention of the plumb line in chapter 4:10. Zechariah's prophetic pictures line up and reflect the natural and spiritual reality of his day, casting a vision on an even more glorious future.

If we were to summarize, YHVH's eyes, reminiscent of the lights of the Menorah, which is our soul/spirit, scan our innermost being, lighting us up so that we may become His light set up in the world. In this very dark world, these lights turn into revolving search beams of discernment that are needed, as Elohim ushers in the Restoration. Concurrently, with plumb line in hand, YHVH is measuring and preparing His living-stones Temple.

Out of the Archives - Updated "Ancestry and Identity"

 In today’s Hellenistic world of humanism, we tend to focus on our individual identity, choosing what is right in our own eyes. This Greek philosophy of life has led this generation to the ultimate state of no values and no true identity. It ignores any absolutes regarding divine law and order. It perpetuates the selfish, self-centered lifestyle to the point of complete blindness to the operation of the principle of cause-and-effect, or reaping and sowing, and hence exempts the individual from any accountability. The “Woke” mindset that is currently sweeping the Western world and causing chaos within its societies is a direct outcome of the loss of a moral compass and absolute values and standards.

The apostle Paul, writing to the Believers in Rome, makes note of the following: “For this reason Elohim gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain Elohim in their knowledge, Elohim gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…” (Romans 1:26-29).

When a person does not have a clear idea of his identity, where he has come from, or his destiny, he is lost and prone to search in all the wrong places. In our day, one of those “wrong places”, which is examined and accepted by many, young and even old, is the growing affinity with Jihadist ideology. This is extremely dangerous for the younger generation, as they are presented with a lifestyle of breached boundaries, no guidelines, sexual promiscuity, low moral standards, and violence, especially as the latter is accompanied by some kind of “ideology”. Even before these young ones reach puberty, they think these trends and behaviors are the norm. Again, is this connected to the loss of identity or roots? What about us, as the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who have lost their corporate identity as “Israel/Ephraim?

Through the Prophet Jeremiah, YHVH says: "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: 'You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained bull; Restore me, and I will return, for You are YHVH my Elohim. Surely, after my turning, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated, because I bore the reproach of my youth.'” (Jeremiah 31:18-19).

If Ephraim is still lost to his ancestral identity, how will this recognition of guilt for the sin of youth, his repentance, and return to his Elohim ever come to pass? Hundreds of prophecies pertain to Ephraim/Israel, the lost tribes, and their restoration, but with the objects of these prophecies being bereft of the knowledge of identity, some of those prophecies will never be fulfilled (at least not for the ones who are ignorant of who they are). However, has the Word of YHVH ever failed? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

“Not a word failed of any good thing which YHVH had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass” (Joshua 21:45), and I might add, “all still will come to pass”.

YHVH sent His Spirit to blow from the four corners of the earth, to bring the whole House of Israel out from their graves and cause them to stand up as a mighty army in these days. Judah is to be the bow and Ephraim the arrow, and together they are to be a weapon in the hand of the Almighty (ref. Zech 9:13-14). Those sons of Zion are to come against the sons of Greece. But if the sons of Zion are still acting and behaving like the sons of Greece, whether by ignorance or willfully, how can they become a weapon against the Hellenistic influences of our day? Let us pray that the sons of Zion will return to their identity as YHVH’s firstborn, and: “Set up signposts, make landmarks; set [their] heart toward the highway, the way in which [they] went. Turn back, O virgin of Israel, turn back to these your cities. How long will you go about, O you backsliding daughter?” (Jeremiah 31: 21-22).

If we, the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, do not know who we are as their seed in this generation, none of the above scriptures, or for that matter, no prophecy that pertains to all Israel, will be of any consequence. To all of you who have the faith of your father Abraham (ref Rom 4:16), let no one deprive you of your identity, it is your birthmark and hope at present and for the future!

 

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).