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1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. Measure for measure is so real. So much of what happens to us is the returning of our own actions. The dish life serves us often proceeds from the kitchen of our own cooking. The harvest we reap is surely the result our own sowing. By this standard a man’s life is easily assessed and his character revealed. If someone has many friends, he must have been friendly. If others are generous with him, he must have been sharing. By the same token, if someone finds the heart of others like desert sand or a sky of brass, closed to his needs and pleas, maybe he lived his life as selfishly as a closed book. We are all too often to blame for the hell we create with our own two hands. Jacob deceived his father Isaac by concealing his identity, several years later Jacob becomes victim of the same as Laban conceals Leah’s identity in the nuptial chamber. This would result in a family’s sibling rivalry that would cause Leah’s children to later try to kill Joseph. Joseph would later trick them by concealing his identity, appearing to them as an Egyptian viceroy (Genesis 40-45). When Leah’s children headed by Judah returned from pasture with the news about Joseph, Judah showed Jacob the ‘hard evidence’ of Joseph’s bloody coat to prove their case. Judah used the Hebrew words, ‘haker-nah’, meaning ‘Please, recognize these’. Many years later, Judah would be tricked and exposed by his own daughter-in-law using the very same words, ‘Haker-nah’. These must have pieced his heart as he remembered the treachery of lying to his own father (Genesis 37:32; 38:25)! The concealing identity theme is a common one throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. Kings, queens and prophets used it, sometimes even under God’s own purpose. It could even be said that today Messiah hides His Jewish identity from both Israel/Jacob, and the Gentiles. To the Western world He conceals His Jewish identity appears and appears to them as a Westerner, thinking and dressing, eating and living as they do. This in turn makes Him unrecognizable to His people. But as with Joseph with His brethren, the day will come when Yeshua will throw off His ‘Egyptian garb’ and say to them, “I am Yeshua, your brother” (Genesis 45:3). At that time Yeshua will show the whole world who He really is: the King of the Jews. He will also reap the harvest of His own labor and doing. At that time He will reunite Rachel and Leah’s family (the whole twelve tribes) under one banner (Ezekiel 37), and rule over the whole world from His throne in Jerusalem (Revelations 19 and 20). In this day and in the World to Come we will each reap the harvest of the actions of our lives. What will it be for you?
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The disciples of Yeshua of the fist century C.E. believed they would see the return of their Master in their lifetime or that of their children. In Emperor Nero and Domitian, they saw the Antichrists often spoken of by the prophets Daniel and Ezekiel, by Yeshua, Paul, and John. For that reason, much of Paul's writings are in the context of preparing the congregations of Messiah for evil days ahead.
Just like Messiah had His foreshadows in some of the patriarchs and prophets, the Antichrist has his foreshadows in the heads of world Empires and evil dictators of History. Whereas Nero and Domitian were not the 'Antichrist', they were foreshadows of him. Today, while we may not live under the 'Antichrist', maybe our children will, and if not them, maybe our grandchildren. Each year we celebrate the Fall Feasts which in Hebrew are called 'rehearsals'. The Fall Feasts speak of the time when the Messiah comes, when Yeshua will return. They are therefore rehearsals for that Blessed Day. In Judaism we do not try to figure out the date of the Messiah but are taught to be ready each year by preparing ourselves for it at the Fall Feasts, especially during the forty days preceding Yom Kippur, the most likely 'time' Yeshua will set His feet on the Mt of Olives. These forty days start with the first of Elul which was in this year's Gregorian calendar last 18th of September. If our grandchildren are to be ready, we better live lives that reflect that readiness in the sight of our children, so they will in turn teach their children, our grand-children. Paul gave to the Thessalonians congregation a readiness class in the form of a 'checklist' for that day. Oddly enough, unlike some to day who urge us to be ready, this 'checklist' did not have anything to do with self-preservation or survival such as changing money to gold, growing beans in their yard, or live outside the city in a self-contained environment. Paul's idea of preparation was first and foremost concerning inter-personal relationship, as well as their relationship with God. Here is what Paul said to prepare the congregations for that Day (my comments in italics): 1 Thessalonians 5 "Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you (You know the 'season' of the coming of Messiah: the Fall Feasts). For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of Adonai will come like a thief in the night (a Talmudic expression referring to Rosh Hashana, 10 days before Yom Kippur). While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief (you are enlightened by the knowledge and teachings of the Word about the Fall Feasts, so you will not be surprised like the others). For you are all children of light (light = knowledge), children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness (darkness = ignorance). So then;
Now the checklist continues:
Here is more instruction: Therefore:
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Master Yeshua HaMashiach. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. This was Paul's checklist for the Congregations to be prepared for the Day of Messiah. Remember these exhortations were given within the context of preparing the congregations for the imminent Day of Adonai. I think that if it was good for them, it must be good for us to use as a list to check our hearts during the next 40 days to prepare for Yom Kippur! Paul then added:
James 5:7-8
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of Adonai. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of Adonai is at hand. Egypt received its water from below, from the regular flooding of the Nile leaving fertilizing sediments behind. Anyone could grow a crop in Egypt; it was almost guarantied (Deuteronomy 11:10). The Children of Israel were now going to a place where their increase and their success will require for them to be on good terms with 'Heaven' (Deuteronomy 11:11-14). I live in Western Oregon, a place that receives its fair share (and more) of rain from September to May, sometimes even June. I drink water from my own well tapping an underground spring of melted snows. Water is never an issue here but in the Middle East downpours and water rights are at the heart of economics, politics, and even religion. It used to even be the sources of wars. Grain, wine, and oil speak of abundance and form the imagery of Messiah and the Messianic age. In the Promised Land this abundance will be dependent on obedience, and the 'early' and 'late' rain from 'above'. As well as being a natural reality, it is a reminder of where our attention should be! These two seasonal downpours have particular names in Hebrew: 'yoreh', and 'malkosh'; they could respectively be translated as 'Spring', and 'Autumn' rain. They refer to the rains that come in the Spring around the season of Passover, and the Fall after the Feast of tabernacles. Messiah manifested Himself to the world at the time of the 'Yoreh', the Spring festivals rains around the time of Passover. It is significant that the word 'Yoreh' originates from the verbal root 'to teach, to instruct', and therefore is connected to the word 'Torah': 'Instruction'. The prophets often poetically play on those words alluding between rain, teaching, and Torah which come down from Heaven, as well as the Messiah (Deuteronomy 32:2;Joel 2:23; Hoseah 6:3; 10:12). After the Spring rains, comes the long hot summer of Messiah's absence, a time of harvesting wheat and barley, ending with the fruit harvest in the Fall and the Feast of Tabernacles also called 'Ingathering', because this is when the harvest is gathered into barns. As reliable servants, may we be faithful with the harvest of souls He has entrusted with at His first manifestation (Matthew 28:18-20), that when He returns in the Fall, He may receive His own with interest. Revelations 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds. 3,400 years ago the Children of Israel celebrated a great victory on the Eastern bank of the Gulf of Aqaba. Miraculously supplied with ‘bread from heaven (John 6:31)’ they crossed the Sinai Desert Pharaoh’s armies at their heels. Later they saw more of the majestic power of God as the waters of the Red Sea stood as walls at their sides to give them passage. Then they witnessed the same receding waters swallow the army of their enemy whole dealing a deathly blow to the power that once was Egypt. The Biblical records tell us that of, “all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained (Exodus 14:28).” On the other side, in the Land called today Saudi Arabia but then Midian, under the leadership of Moses and Miriam the Children of Israel erupted into a song of praise that will echo through the centuries (Exodus 15). The song of Miriam finds an echo over a hundred years after the initial conquest of the Land. After Joshua’s death, Israel was left without central leadership. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6), so, the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor (Judges 4:2). Eventually, when Israel is ready to amend his ways, God allows Judge/prophetess Deborah and military leader Barak to muster an army to challenge Jabin. As Sisera, Jabin’s general, positions his army to intercept Israel, God again works in Israel’s favor. He shows His great glory and power while unleashing from the sky a torrential storm thus flooding the Kishon waterway (Judges 4). The flood waters and muddy ground rendered Sisera’s chariots helpless and vulnerable to Israel’s army. The Biblical records again tell us that ‘all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left (Judges 4:16). Again, an army trying to trap Israel was rendered helpless through a flood of waters. Like with Moses and Miriam, Barak and Deborah celebrated with a song (Judges 5). Is there another echo? Zechariah tells us of another war against Israel; a war where all nations will rise against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14). At that time it is a flood of blood that will render the armies of the enemy useless (Revelations 14:20). By the Mountain of Megiddo, at the same place where Sisera’s army fell, the armies of the Anti-Messiah will gather against Jerusalem and fall. Again, none will be left (Revelations 16:16; Revelations 19). At that time, Miriam’s song will echo, this time in the mouth of the Children of God of all ages, through a spontaneous eruption of praise and adoration to our mighty God (Revelations 5:9; 14:3; 15:3). May it be soon Abba, even in our days! Matthew 3:8
Bearfruit in keeping with repentance What is repentance? What does a true change of heart look like? John the Immerser told some who came to him, Bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8), meaning that even before a confession to repentance is accepted, it must be proven with works documenting the statement. In order to save their skin and inheritance, Joseph’s brothers did not hesitate to sell him breaking his and their father’s heart. As a foreshadow of Messiah, Joseph was sold to the gentiles upon whom he eventually became ruler. Many years later during a famine that threatened to extinguish their family, Joseph’s brothers sought help from Egypt. Unbeknownst to them, they had to deal with the Egyptian Viceroy who by a twist of ‘fate’ (so-called!) was actually Joseph, who chose the opportune moment to test his brother’s hearts. Through a well orchestrated ruse, Benjamin, Joseph’s full biological brother, was accused of stealing the Viceroy’s special cup. The Egyptian wanted to keep Benjamin as a slave, but Judah won’t stand for it and pleads for his brother. Judah takes the lead and pleads for the uncomforted heart of his father who still mourns Joseph’s loss. He pleads and offers his own self as a substitute for Benjamin’s, the brother who in fact did not sell Joseph. To his father Judah had said, I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever (Genesis 43:9), and to the Viceroy he now says, how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father (Genesis 44:33-34)." It is at this moment that Joseph finally decides to reveal himself to his brothers (Genesis 45:1-3). Even so today, while gentiles have acknowledged Him as Messiah, Yeshua’s true identity is hidden from his brethren, the Sons of Israel. Even today messianic believers in Israel suffer intense harassment and persecution from a small but very vocal minority of their brother Judah called the Haredim. The question we must ask ourselves is, will there be a test? Will there be a test where the ‘Judah’ community of those who refused Joseph/Messiah’s leadership and therefore sold him for silver in the end will at great cost come to the rescue of the ‘Benjamin’ community, of the messianic believers sons of Israel who believed in Joseph/Messiah and did not sell him away? The Israeli government is facing difficult choices about this issue. Will there be a time in the future when ‘Judah’ is fully put to the test? Judging from the story of Joseph it seems to be a plausible course of events. May at that time ‘Judah’, the repentant formerly unbelieving brother, make the right choice showing his true repentance by making right choices concerning ‘Benjamin’, his messianic believer younger brother rather than break his Father’s heart again! May it be soon Abba, even in our days! Matthew 24:37
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. The Master compared the coming apocalyptic events surrounding His return to the times of Noah (Matthew 24:37). Much teaching has been drawn from the comparison, but one in particular may need to be reviewed, the one surrounding the idea of, ‘left behind’. Here is our Master’s saying, Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left (Matthew 24:41-41). This passage is usually viewed as the people ‘taken’ being those going to be with the Master (1 Thessalonians 4:17), while the ones remaining on earth endure the final wrath of God. The disciples felt that Yeshua’s statement was important so they asked for clarification. They said to him, "Where, Lord?" To which Yeshua answered, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather (Luke 17:37)." (The Hebrew word used in the text is ‘nesher’, which is either ‘eagle’ or ‘vulture’). The ‘vultures’ referred to by the Master give us an invaluable clue as to the meaning of the verse. The ‘Days of Noah’ represent a microcosm foreshadowing future events. As flood waters rose on the earth many corpses floated to the surface becoming food for scavenger birds such as vultures. Both Ezekiel and John had visions of endtime events where scavengers came to ‘clean up’ the mess left by an apocalyptic war. Here is Ezekiel’s, "As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD: Speak to the birds of every sort and to all beasts of the field, 'Assemble and come, gather from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great sacrificial feast on the mountains of Israel, and you shall eat flesh and drink blood (Ezekiel 39:17), and now John’s, Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, "Come, gather for the great supper of God (Revelations 19:17). Fitting Yeshua’s statement with His explanation, we can easily conclude that the ones remaining are the ones who will enjoy the Yeshua’s Kingdom on earth, while the others will be ‘taken’ to a less pleasant future by the birds of prey. The Kingdom of God is not somewhere in space. It is on the earth. We may only have a little bit of it right now, like a ‘guaranty’ (Ephesians 1:14) that we find in obeying His commandments, but one day it will cover the earth as waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9). On that day, do you really want to be ‘left behind?’ Mark 13:27
And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. Over many centuries now God has punished Israel, banishing it from His Land. The world needs to finally realize that that strip of land by the Mediterranean Sea which was historically called 'Israel' but which the Romans renamed 'Palestina', ultimately belongs to God and that He gives it to whoever He pleases, regardless of world opinion. The fact that God banished His first-born son to exile in the nations of the world never authorized these nations to get onto the act of also 'chastising' Israel. Can you imagine yourself disciplining your son when suddenly the whole neighborhood wants join in on the act? God's discipline is measured; His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalms 30:5). All the prophecies of what would happen to Israel if they stubbornly disobeyed have been fulfilled under the Roman invasion, occupation, sacking and destruction of Israel and exiling its people (Deuteronomy 28; Matthew 24). As the Assyrians and the Babylonians were moved by God to punish Israel so were the Romans, but whereas these powers had sort of a divine mandate (which they abused) to punish Israel, neither the Catholic, Protestant Churches, nor Germany received such a mandate, even less today’s radical Islam. Ancient history teaches us that every world power who persecuted God's people lost their right to domination, even if they were doing it by divine mandate. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greece and Rome all saw their downfall as a punishment for their oppression of God's people. The prophecies of Scriptures teach us that a day comes when God reinstates His people in the land He promised to give them through Abraham (Deuteronomy 30:1-7). The Scriptures also tell us that many nations will rise against re-instated Israel (Ezekiel 38-39), and that these nations will pay a devastating price for it (Deuteronomy 32:40-42; Ezekiel 39:4; Matthew 24:28; Revelations 19:17-18). Countries today are faced with very important decisions. A simple study of Scripture would should the world that God has turned His favor again on His people of old, on His first-born son, and that whereas the world is already indebted to God for the persecution of His exiled people, those who stand in the way of His present will will most certainly be the recipient of His great wrath. Whatever anyone does, God's will will be done! John 10:3
… He calls his own sheep by name … The Torah tells us that when a census is taken, each man is to bring the price of his atonement to avoid the plague (Exodus 30:12-13). A census in the Bible was a very serious and dangerous thing. It means to be counted and recognized as a full subject of the Kingdom of God. At that time, regardless of our social standing, our worth is the same as anyone else. At that time, our name and lineage are fully recognized in front of all. At that time, we can stand in full posture and be counted. The price of a man’s ransom is the same for all: half a shekel. The half a shekel price is not to be understood as a payment for salvation or as ‘indulgences’ for sins; the Hebrew word used here is ‘kaphar’, a word meaning: covering’ or ‘atonement’. It is an awesome thing to come into the presence of God. We need a covering. In the Hebrew Scriptures, Messiah is often called the ‘Shield” (Psalms 5:12). The money collected is to be used for the maintenance of God’s sanctuary. By giving it, we all take personal responsibility for our enrolment into Israel and for the care of the Temple. Our giving makes us part of the work of God. Censuses were often taken for the purpose of military enrolment when only male twenty on up were counted. The reasons a census incurred a plague are not given to us clearly in the Torah text, so they have been left to scholars’ personal deduction and speculations. One thing is sure though, is that we want to be part of such census’. From Genesis to Ezra, Israel was numbered on nine occasions. The Tenth time will be in the future when ‘… flocks shall again pass under the hands of the One (Messiah) who counts them, says the LORD (Jeremiah 33:13). In that day, the Messiah will be the one counting His sheep from both Israel and the nations: He is our ‘half-shekel’, whose confession is at the same time priceless and dangerous. In my case, a long time ago it caused me the scorn and separation of my family; hasn’t He said that He came as a stumbling and an offence (1 Peter 2:6-8)? No matter what anyone does though, to those counted part of His final census He says, I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:28). |
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