Have We Finished the Great Commission — and Triggered the End Times?

by | Jan 9, 2026 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections

Welcome, beloved saints of the Most High! I’m Rod Thomas, and I’m honored to bring you another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. On this unusually warm Preparation Day here in DFW, I invite you to join me as we tackle a provocative question: Have we truly finished the Great Commission—and could this be the very thing that triggers the End Times?
In this episode, I share my personal reflections and biblical analysis after reading a recent BlazeTV article featuring global missions leader Douglas Cobb. Cobb claims that within the next decade, every people group on earth will have access to the Gospel, and that this milestone could unleash the End Times and prompt the return of Messiah. But is this really what Scripture teaches?
Here’s what you can expect as I walk you through this timely discussion:
  • My take on Cobb’s claims: I break down the metrics and milestones cited by mission organizations, including Bible translation efforts and church planting, and ask whether these truly fulfill Yeshua’s mandate.
  • A deep dive into the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24): We’ll explore the sequence of events Yeshua said must occur before the End comes, and what it means for the Gospel to be preached to all nations.
  • The true meaning of the Great Commission: I challenge the idea that simply distributing Bibles or building churches is enough. Instead, I emphasize the importance of teaching, modeling, and living out the Gospel of the Kingdom—Yeshua-focused Torah Living.
  • Why I believe the Great Commission is far from complete: Drawing from Scripture and history, I argue that the true Gospel has not been proclaimed to any appreciable degree since the early centuries AD, and that the Church Triumphant has missed the mark.
  • Comparing Christian traditions: I discuss how Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, Evangelicals, and Charismatics each interpret the Great Commission differently—and why many approaches fall short of true discipleship.
  • Who decides when the mission is complete? Only Abba Yah knows the times and seasons. I reflect on what it means for us to walk in covenant, obey Torah, and embody Kingdom principles as we await Messiah’s return.
  • A call to action: I invite you to consider your own relationship with Yehovah and encourage you to seek true discipleship, covenant living, and a deeper understanding of the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Throughout this episode, I share my heart, my convictions, and my hope that we, as a remnant of elect and chosen ones, will rise to fulfill the true Great Commission in these last days. If you have questions, need prayer, or want to connect, please reach out to me at perceptionwp@gmail.com or leave a voice message at themessianictorahobserver.org.
Referenced links:
Thank you for spending time with me today. May you be most blessed, fellow saints in training. Take care, and let’s continue to walk the narrow path together until our King returns!

Runway to the Royal Priesthood-How Hebrews Builds the Case for Yeshua as our Melchizedekian High Priest: Part 8 of our Melchizedek Series

by | Jan 1, 2026 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Title: Runway to the Royal Priesthood—How Hebrews Builds the Case for Yeshua as Our Melchizedekian High Priest
Episode Description: Are you ready to discover the deeper meaning behind Yeshua’s role as our Melchizedekian High Priest? In this powerful episode, Rod Thomas guides you through the Book of Hebrews, revealing how its author builds a compelling case for Yeshua’s unique priesthood and what it means for Messianic believers today.
What You’ll Learn:
  • Why the Melchizedekian priesthood is central to the true faith once delivered
  • How Hebrews connects Yeshua’s ministry to Torah, covenant, and spiritual identity
  • The difference between Levitical and Melchizedekian priesthood—and why it matters now
  • Practical responsibilities of believers as royal priests: praise, prayer, teaching, and living set-apart lives
  • The “runway” of Hebrews chapters 1–4: Yeshua’s superiority to angels, humanity, Moses, and the promise of true rest
Why Listen? If you’ve ever wondered how Yeshua fulfills the Torah, why the priesthood matters, or how your faith connects to the Kingdom, this episode will equip you with assurance, hope, and a deeper sense of identity in Messiah.
Resources & Links:
Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies—your journey as a royal priest matters!

Israel’s Inextricable Link to our Salvation Part 7-My Thoughts & Reflections on Torah Reading Vayigash-And He (Judah) Approached

by | Dec 26, 2025 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer's Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections

Character Trait Similarities with Yosef and Yeshua

Show Notes

Title: Israel’s Inextricable Link to Our Salvation—Reflections on Torah Reading Vayigash
Host: Rod Thomas, Messianic Torah Observer
Date: Preparation Day, Friday, December 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this installment of TMTO, Rod explores the prophetic significance of Torah Reading Vayigash (Genesis 44:18–47:27), focusing on the powerful themes of repentance, revelation, restoration and salvation. Discover how Joseph’s story serves as a shadow picture of Yeshua Messiah’s mission, the unity and redemption of Israel’s tribes, and the ultimate salvation promised to both houses of Israel, all of which is inextricably linked to every believer’s salvation.

Key Topics

  • Vayigash Torah Portion: The meaning of “And He (Judah) Approached” and its tradition in Messianic and Orthodox communities
  • Joseph’s Revelation: How Joseph’s revealing to his brothers mirrors Yeshua’s future revelation to Israel
  • Repentance and Restoration: The sequence of repentance, revelation, and restoration as a prophetic pattern for Israel’s final redemption
  • Lost Tribes and the Remnant: Insights on the lost tribes of Israel, the concept of “all Israel will be saved,” and the importance of covenant relationship over biological descent
  • Messianic Prophecy: Connections to Romans 11, Ezekiel 37, and other key passages about the unity and salvation of Israel
  • Practical Application: Encouragement to enter into covenant with Yehovah through Yeshua Messiah and walk in obedience

Resources & Contact

  • Scripture References: Genesis 44–47, Romans 11, Ezekiel 37, Isaiah 10, Jeremiah 31, Revelation 7, and more.
  • Contact: For questions or feedback, email Rod at perceptionwp@gmail.com or leave a voice message via SpeakPipe at themessianictorahobserver.org
Closing Blessing: May you be most blessed, fellow saints in training. Have an overcoming Sabbath and a productive week in Yeshua Messiah!

Torah Reading Miketz: Kingdom Character: Emulating Humility, Faith, and Wisdom from Torah to Messiah

by | Dec 19, 2025 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer's Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

Character Trait Similarities with Yosef and Yeshua

This episode of the Messianic Torah Observer, hosted by Rod Thomas, explores the Torah portion Miketz (Genesis 41:1–44:17), focusing on the life of Joseph (Yosef) and drawing prophetic parallels to Yeshua (Jesus). The teaching highlights how both figures exemplify essential Kingdom character traits—humility, faith, wisdom, the Spirit of Yehovah, and forgiveness.

 

The discussion begins with a summary of Joseph’s rise from prison to becoming second-in-command in Egypt, his interactions with his brothers during the famine, and the tests he sets for them. The episode then delves into the spiritual significance of these events, emphasizing how Joseph’s journey mirrors the ministry and character of Yeshua.

 

Key themes include:

  • Humility: Both Joseph and Yeshua endured humbling circumstances before being exalted, modeling the Kingdom principle that exaltation comes through humility.
  • Faith: Their unwavering trust in Yehovah enabled them to endure trials and fulfill their divine purposes.
  • Wisdom: Joseph’s God-given wisdom saved nations, while Yeshua embodied divine wisdom, teaching and guiding others.
  • The Spirit of Yehovah: Both were recognized as being filled with the Spirit, empowering their ministries.
  • Forgiveness: Joseph forgave his brothers, and Yeshua taught and demonstrated forgiveness, making it a central Kingdom imperative.

The episode concludes with a call for listeners to emulate these traits, seek God’s wisdom, and pursue spiritual growth, assuring that Yehovah equips and empowers those who earnestly seek Him.

Hanukkah Unveiled: The True Meaning, History, and Relevance for Messianic Believers

by | Dec 14, 2025 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer
This episode of TMTO explores the origins, meaning, and relevance of Hanukkah from a Messianic Torah Observer perspective. Rod discusses the biblical and historical foundations of Hanukkah, its connection to the dedication of the altar, and whether modern Messianic believers should celebrate it.
Key Topics Covered:
  • Biblical Roots of Hanukkah: Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication, commemorates the cleansing and rededication of the altar and temple by Judas Maccabeus after desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes. The festival is rooted in the events described in 1 Maccabees and is observed for eight days starting on the 25th of the ninth month (Kislev).
  • Significance of the Altar: The altar represents the authority and holiness of Yehovah on earth. Its restoration by the Maccabees symbolized the renewal of covenant relationship and proper worship practices. The episode highlights the altar’s role as a mediator between humanity and the Creator.
  • Hanukkah in the Life of Yeshua: The podcast notes that Yeshua (Jesus) attended Hanukkah in Jerusalem (John 10:22-23), suggesting its importance and legitimacy for believers, even though it is not one of the seven mandated feasts in Leviticus 23.
  • Traditions vs. Biblical Observance: Listeners are encouraged to focus on the biblical meaning of Hanukkah rather than extra-biblical traditions (such as the miracle of the oil and the dreidel game), which are not found in the original Maccabean account.
  • Renewed Covenant Perspective: The episode emphasizes that, under the renewed covenant, believers’ bodies are now the temple, and Yeshua is the ultimate High Priest and mediator. Hanukkah serves as a reminder of spiritual dedication and the work of Messiah, rather than just a historical or cultural event.
  • Unity and Respect: The host encourages respect and love among believers, regardless of whether they choose to observe Hanukkah, and stresses that the festival should not be a source of division within the faith community.
Takeaway: Hanukkah is presented as a meaningful memorial of rededication, both historically and spiritually. Observance is a personal choice, guided by the Spirit, and should be approached with understanding, respect, and a focus on the deeper covenantal significance.