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