Before moving in to the focal point of this thoughts and reflections episode, I want to first touch upon one housekeeping item if you don’t mind.

Last week on 3/29/2017, we began a new calendar year. We celebrated–or should have celebrated, Biblical Rosh HaShanah which is the Biblical Head of the Year (Exodus 12:2).

Torah requires that we keep–we guard–that we observe this set-apart-time of the year in commemoration of our exodus out of the land of Egypt (Deuteronomy 16:1).

Many reject this month as the head of the biblical calendar year, even some Hebrew Roots sects. Most choose to follow a Rabbinic teaching that places the head of the calendar year in the fall, on the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur. I believe the Rabbis deem this fall placement of Rosh HaShanah as a so-called “civil new year.”

Such a misplacement of this crucial feast completely ignores what is written in Torah and serves only to place man-made traditions over the instructions of our Creator. Master confronted the sages and Pharisees on this sort of thing–that of placing their traditions above the instructions–the Torah–of Elohim:  ⁹ Indeed,” he said to them, “you have made a fine art of departing from God’s command in order to keep your tradition!…¹³ Thus, with your tradition which you had handed down to you, you nullify the Word of God! And you do other things like this.” (Mar 7:9-13 CJB)

Torah is clear in that we are to guard this month of the Aviv as the head of our calendar year. And this is some of the problem I have with the use of the Calculated Jewish Calendar in that the Rabbis, in putting this thing together, establish when the Feasts of Yahuah will take place, and in this case, when the head of the new year will occur. Granted, the Jewish Calendar is based upon sound mathematical calculations, nevertheless it still remains a man-made instrument that encourages us to trust  man–trust the rabbis over trusting our Creator.

Thus, in determining the new year or Rosh HaShanah, trusted individuals residing in the land of Israel, identified a crop of barley that was in a state of maturation call “aviv” or “abib” on 3/29/2017.

The term “aviv,” when found in the Bible, is only applied to barley and its ripened-state of maturation. We know that the maturation state was relevant in terms of determining the time of year because when we were about to exit Egypt, Torah records that the barley was ripe or in an aviv state (Exodus 9:31).

From there, the renewed moon signals the start of a new month–aka, Rosh Chodesh. The combination of a visual sighting of the renewed moon over the land of Israel and sighting of aviv barley together signal the biblical new year and the kick-off to the Spring Feasts of Yahuah.

It is my hope, trust and prayer that you had a wonderful Rosh HaShanah and will have a blessed and prosperous Passover which is looming right around the corner in less than two weeks.

It’s time to prepare–emotionally, physically and spiritually for this special time–this set-apart time–of the Creator’s Calendar. And Abba knows, there is no time like today that we need to give ourselves fully over to the observance–the guarding–the keeping of Yahuah’s Month of Aviv and Passover (which is comprised of Pesach and the seven-day-Feast of Unleavened Bread) (Deuteronomy 16:1).

Man’s world is being shaken, but the Torah of Yahuah and the Besorah of Yeshua Messiah remains firmly established and eternal. Praise Yahuah!

If you have any questions as it relates to this time of the Biblical Calendar Year and what is expected of all Spirit-Filled Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah, either leave me a comment in the comment box that proceeds this post on our website www.themessianictorahobserver.org; leave your comment or question on our SpeakPipe feature that hovers off to the rigth side of our website; or email me at perceptionwp@gmail.com. I will be happy to provide you with information that will help you in your understanding of this wonderful time of the Biblical Calendar Year.  Don’t allow this time to pass without you understanding what it’s all about and participating in its observance.

Amein.

The Situation Facing Every Individual on the Planet

So here we are in the midst of total and utter chaos in our world:

• We are learning more and more seemingly each day that we can not trust our government and that our government does not have our best interests at heart.
• Our national and world economies are fluctuating and uncertain.
• Islam is emerging as a dominant religion that some believe the globalists are using to control the world’s population and usher in the long-prophesied New World Order.
• Morality is a non-existent commodity in our world.
• What was once considered bad or evil is now considered good or wholesome and what was once considered good is now considered bad.
• Our constitutional first and second amendment rights are rapidly eroding and being stripped away from us.
• The lines between the two sexes are being purposely blurred and broken-down into a multitude of gender identities.
• The Word of God is dismissed as irrelevant and nothing more than a compilation of myths and fairy-tales.
• Pastors are worried more about establishing credibility with the members of their communities than with establishing credibility with Yahuah our Elohim.
• Feminism is teaming up with Islam to destroy the biblical concept of family and to destroy what it means to be a man as Abba originally intended.
• At the expense of eliminating racism, the efforts of many in the Godless minority, are conjuring up a race war in this nation, the likes never seen before in the history of this country.
• Hatred and violence abound in many of the streets of our nation’s cities.
• Men with satan-granted powers are seeking to drag the Western world into an unwarranted war with the East.
• The constitutionally protected press in this country has proved over and over in recent months that it is utterly untrustworthy to deliver accurate and truthful news to the American public.
• We are being conditioned as individuals and as a population to be as sheep and chattel that serve a higher power with no questions asked.
• The Creator of the Universe–His Name–His purpose and will for mankind–His life-line for fallen man–is virtually unheard and unheeded, even in many Christian churches throughout the world.

There is no doubt in my mind that we are in the midst of “perilous times” as described by Paul in his second pastoral epistle to the evangelist Timothy (2:1).

I am not so presumptive to deem these the last days, at least not in the classical sense of our understanding of what the last days is supposed to look like. What I am saying though, is that these days in which we are living are certainly unique and unprecedented. There are so many differing elements, issues and problems plaguing the citizens of this planet such that the average person is completely distracted from the very things that matter the most in life: the relationship we are to have with our Creator and the God-centered and ordered relationship we are to have with one another, including the relationships we are to have with members of our families and of our Faith.

I believe we are seeing a full-frontal assault against the world’s population right now by hasatan and his hand-picked minions. This is occurring in full-hasatan fashion whereby he, in symbiotic-combination, plays upon our individual and collective fears, our likes and dislikes, our lack of faith, our ignorance with a complete and utter distortion of all truths with the express purpose of turning our hearts and minds away from the One True God–Yahuah our Elohim.

Where is the Spirit-Filled Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah?

So where does all this mess leave us who see ourselves as individual and significant parts of the True Faith once delivered? Apart from our niche enclaves on the internet and in social media and secret-exclusive fellowships, where is our individual and collective voice in the world? With all that is going on in the world about us (as delineated in my opening list of problems to this thoughts and reflections), how are we fairing in our day-to-day walk with Yeshua Messiah? Are we relevant, not just in our Faith community but in the communities of the world? Are we still growing and confirming to the very-splitting image of Master Yahoshua that was part of the benefits package that we all signed up for when we first came in to this Faith? Is our eternal life certain? Are we going to collect when the terms of this spiritual contract of ours is finalized? When Master returns, will we for certain be guests and participants of the marriage supper of the Lamb?

I know that tradition and long-held dogma teach us that we are guaranteed spots in the great world-tomorrow, despite how much we ultimately conform to the image of our Master; despite how much we stay true to the tenets of the True Faith once delivered; despite our steadfast love and obedience to Master and Father’s Torah–or should I say instead, lack thereof.

I don’t doubt for any second of any day that Yahuah exists nor do I doubt that our Master paid the ultimate price for my freedom from the penalty of sin. I don’t doubt for any second of any day that this Faith of ours and the Bible is true and that these two elements contain within their respective existences, the true Word and purpose of Yahuah our Elohim. I don’t doubt for one second of any day that Master Yahoshua is returning for His bride.

I guess the sticking point in this last thing–that is Master returning for His perfect bride–is the perfect state of that bride: what will be the state of the Bride of Mashiyach when He returns? What will be our situation when Master returns? Will He find us ready and perfect and beautiful and good-to-go as a picture-perfect female bride we see depicted on the cover of “Bride” magazine? No, not in the physical sense of physical beauty and good looks, but instead, in the sense of spiritual perfection–blameless in our keeping of Torah and in our walk with Mashiyach.

Paul clearly suggests to us that Master is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle–blameless and perfect in all aspects of her being (Ephesians 5:27). Yet so many of us have chosen to read into this Pauline passage as nothing more than an allegory–an ideal–something that each of us should strive to achieve, knowing full-well (at least that’s what we’ve been taught to accept) that we will never achieve such a level of perfection. We as a body and as individuals have settled upon an understanding of this concept of perfection and beauty as more of an imputed thing than it is actually something that we must all spiritually and physically achieve before Master returns.

In association with the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, Master asked a poignant question of His inner circle of disciples and a few hanging Prushim just before His passion: when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luk 18:8 KJV)

Why have we in the Faith left this thing to chance? Is it because we’ve taken with us into this Faith provisions of the old Christian “grace” perversion and Calvinism that certifies our inability to attain this stated perfect-blameless-bride status? Or are we simply hoping and gritting our teeth that Master is going to overlook our imperfections and take us in whatever sullied state He finds us when He returns?  I’m inclined to think the latter here.

The problem with accepting a shaky belief that Master will overlook our imperfections when He returns sort of negates the concept of being one of His elect–a chosen one. Elect by its nature connotes individuals who have been hand-picked for a specific purpose because they have qualities that separate them from the rest of humanity. (And maybe someday I’ll reflect further upon this concept of being one of Father’s elect.) Now, if we are given that free pass when Master returns such that He overlooks our imperfections and takes us as we are–in a spotted and imperfect state–then we would by default be no different than the rest of humanity and thus we will have forfeited our elect status, right?

Oh, some will default back and defend their position that Master will overlook our imperfections because, one, the perfection Master and His Father desire of us is unattainable by any human (although Master has assured us that it is attainable, given the help of His Ruach HaKodesh); two, we are saved by grace and not of ourselves and that salvation is a gift from Yahuah; and three, when we repent and turn from our life of sin and become disciples of Yeshua Mashiyach, the blood of our Master justifies before a holy God, places us in a right-standing before the Father, and we are, in effect, eligible for eternal life. And indeed, salvation is unattainable through any works that we can ever perform. Salvation is a free gift administered to us by Abba Father through the atoning sacrifice of His Son Yeshua HaMashiyach.

So if we are not obligated to present ourselves to the Bride-Groom as a chaste virgin bride, pure, blameless and perfect, why was Paul so anxious to ensure that the Assembly of Believers in Corinth were not hoodwinked into following the teachings and lies of false teachers who were in that region presenting a false gospel to the masses? Why was Paul so concerned that all the work that he invested into developing the Corinthian Assembly was in peril if he didn’t get the Assembly of Believers back on the right track–back to the true Faith he had delivered to them? Why did he have an all consuming zeal and desire to present this one Assembly of Believers to Master Yeshua as a chaste, perfect, holy and pure bride (2 Corinthians 11:2)? Because Paul took seriously that our Master was returning for a perfect bride: perfect in profession of Faith, belief, works, and obedience to the commands of Yahuah and Master Yeshua.

Master taught: For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:20 KJV). Abba requires that we submit ourselves to His righteousness (Romans 10:3). Although we are justified before a Holy God by the covering of Yeshua’s shed blood, we are still required to submit ourselves to the righteousness of Abba Father. That righteousnesss is achieved only via keeping Abba’s commandments (Matthew 19:17; 1 John 5:2,3; Revelation 14:12). Commandment keeping is the method by which we meet the purity and blameless requirements of the Bride-Groom, Master Yeshua.

And let me just say this: it’s not just rote commandment keeping, for Israel tried to keep Torah through rote obedience, mechanical obedience. The problem with simple-blind obedience to God’s commandments is that our hearts are typically not factored into our efforts. Our hearts must be in the right place first before we can be truly perfect in our keeping of Abba’s commandments, for Father’s desire is:  ²⁹ O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! (Deu 5:29 KJV)

With all that is going on around us in the world today, even with our hearts being in the right place and with the help of the Ruach Kodesh, it is exceedingly challenging and almost impossible to meet that blameless and perfect mark. Our minds, hearts and spirits are being pulled and pushed in a million different directions virtually each and every day. It’s crazy and often disheartening. There are some days when I am spiritually exhausted and demoralized, knowing that I’ve let Abba down in one way or another. There’s just so many times that we can say I’m sorry Father before it starts to get old.

So it recently came to me how we may be better disciples of Yeshua Messiah and meeting the mark for the prize of the high calling of Yahuah in Yeshua Messiah (Phi 3:14 KJV) especially in these perilous days.

The Apostle John was taken up to heaven in a vision as recorded in the Book of Revelation. Yeshua instructed John to write a letter to each of the seven-assemblies in Asia Minor in anticipation of the perilous times about to come upon each of these assemblies. This story is depicted in the second and third chapters of Revelation and what I see in this passage of the Holy Writ is a prescription for righteous living for the 21st century Spirit-Filled Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah. And why do I believe this to be so? Well, our Faith community today finds itself all over the place in terms of her appeal to Master Yeshua as His Bride–His elect–His chosen–His disciples. Each of the seven assembles of Revelation two and three had its own set of unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as there were areas of spiritual performance or the lack thereof that seemed to transcend across assembly borders such as paganism and sexual immorality in both the Pergamos and Thyatira assemblies.

What the second and third chaptesr of Revelation offers us beyond a historical record of seven kehilot (assemblies) in Asia Minor is a checklist and or a road-map for meeting that mark for the prize of the high calling of Yahuah in Yeshua Messiah.And I believe that, if we are willing to look beyond the inherent difficulties associated with a sound prophetic understanding of the Book of Revelation, but instead, look at the testimony presented to us about these seven-assemblies by Master Yahoshua, we will discover a gold mine of instructions that will put us on the proper path of righteous living and bring us ever so closer to the image of that blameless, pure and perfect chaste Bride that Master is soon to return for in the end times.

So if you will indulge me for the remainder of this episode and allow me to briefly expound upon the strengths and weaknesses of these seven-assemblies, I believe we will leave our session together are more equipped to operate as effective disciples of Yeshua Messiah than when we began this episode, as well as we will begin our journey towards perfection in Yehoshua Messiah.

Now before we get started, let me just say that I will not read chapters two and three of Revelation. I intend to simply summarize each learning element–each revelation–such that we all may reflect, think, meditate and act upon each element without being bogged down with the Scriptural recitation. I will, however, provide the specific passage  for your reference so that after we are done, you can in your own time and wherewithal, pull up these passages and read them in context and with greater understanding.

Secondly, I don’t wish to get into any debates as it may relate to symbolisms or real-life historical applications that may be associated with these 7-Assemblies. The one thing that is certain about these assemblies is that there is no clear agreement among eschatology scholars and teachers as it relates to how they each fall out historically and prophetically. Some contend that these 7-assemblies actually existed and that each assembly had its own unique strengths and weaknesses as portrayed in Yeshua’s revelation to John. Others apply a dispensationalism to their understanding of the 7-kehilot of Revelation, standing firm that each of the assemblies represent clearly defined periods of time in Church history. Still others contend that the 7-assemblies represent areas of concern and spiritual idealisms that believers must be cognizant of in the end times in order to make it and to be part of the rapture. Of course, there are other variations on this theme. Nevertheless, suffice to say that Yeshua’s review of these either mythical or historical assemblies has tremendous learning opportunities for the Spirit-filled Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah, especially in these perilous times.

Throughout the synoptic gospels, Master repeatedly ushered the phrase: “those who have ears to hear let him hear…” and then for each of the 7-assemblies the same admonishment (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8; 14:35–compared to Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). The question then arises: will we “shema” the admonishments of Master Yahoshua while we still can and before it’s too late?

Of our Master, Abba stated:  I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. (Deu 18:18 KJV) I think it’s about high-time that we hearken unto the voice of our older Brother and Master and not leave this life and our walk to chance and happenstance.

3.  Exercise patience in our day-to-day walk with Mashiyach(2:3,19–addressing Ephesus and Thyatira). When working with those who may not be as committed or mature in the Faith, we must exercise patience. Furthermore, we must learn to endure trial and tribulations patiently. We are operating on Abba’s time and dime. One thing is for sure: like fine wine, that which comes with time is an uncanny property of refinement that works to fashion us into a thing of perfection, which is what we are all striving to achieve, are we not? Of course, failure to exercise insufferable patience, when necessary, leads only to frustration and premature disengagement from situations that would otherwise offer us tremendous growth opportunities.

4.  Labor in the Faith without ceasing (2:3,19–addressing Ephesus and Thyatira). Always seek to expand our labors and not shy away from good works. Ever growing; ever increasing our work. This is what I struggle with the most I fear: that of laboring in the fields and making disciples for Yeshua Messiah. As I’ve mentioned in previous episodes of Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections, I have an issue dealing with people. Labor in the Faith requires that we love people, plain and simple. And it’s this issue of dealing with people that I now understand that I must overcome through the help of Master’s Ruach HaKodesh. I doubt I’m the only one with this spiritual deficiency. May we seek Abba’s forgiveness and assistance in pulling down this stronghold that has the potential of keeping us from meeting the mark of the high calling of Yahuah through Yeshua Messiah. People–Yeshua’s love for humanity, is where the true gospel message and work is built.

5.  Maintain the love we originally had for Yeshua Messiah and the Faith He delivered to us. That love translates over to the love we originally had for Him when we first came to this Faith (2:4,5–addressing Ephesus). Of all the elements that we’ve discussed thus far, this is by far the most personal of the bunch. This is something that each of us must routinely examine and search out in our respective lives–whether or not we still have that fire in the belly that Master requires from each of us to maintain a vibrant and significant relationship with Him. Do we still have the same zeal that drove us to insane lengths of study, inquiry, sleepless hours searching for His truths; the self-examinations and wondering and desire to be His best friend? Remember when we first stumbled upon and came into this Faith? Think about the parallels to that of when we first fell in love with our spouses (for those of you who are married), how we would do outrageous things in the name of love? Master promised the Ephesian assembly that if they did not somehow find their first love–reacquire their original zeal for Him and the True Faith once delivered, they would simply be removed out of contention for being Abba’s elect. That is serious stuff folks. Yeshua is as jealous as His Father. He demands that we love Him with a love that rivals the stuff that makes for romance novels. Why would Master require us to love Him so? Simply because: when we fail to love Him to the point of insane full-bore preoccupation, we leave open the possibility of another Master coming in and taking His place and that is something that Master does not like to give ground to. So serious an offense was the loss of love for Master Yeshua by the Ephesian Assembly that he threatened to essentially take them out altogether. A sobering prospect that many will gamble away and take for granted.

6.  Assess where we are in our walk with Mashiyach frequently (2:5–addressing Ephesus). It becomes imperative that we use these days to determine how far we’ve strayed from the true Faith once delivered; how far we’ve strayed from the love we once held for the Master. This is a brilliant analogy that turns out to be a tacit reference to the silting problem at Ephesus that shifted the city proper some 7-miles inland from its original harborside location. Somehow we must find our way back to the original locale of our calling through an assessment of where our hearts and thoughts are at any given time. For Abba searches the innermost thoughts and the status of our hearts.

7.  Endure the struggles that come with walking out this Faith and those who claim to be true disciples of Yeshua but who are not fully there (2:9–addressing Smyrna). Smyrna appears to be yet another haven of Judaizers who sought to enforce their own brand and twist of the Faith which placed insufferable stress and hardships upon true converts. How often do we find ourselves having to deal with those individuals in our Faith community who seek to usurp authority over the rest of us with their own brand of the Faith that is nothing like that which we find in our Bibles? Master described such individuals as being of the assembly of hasatan. Unfortunately, we can’t always control who comes and goes in our community. Yet we must find a way to endure such individuals and the situations they often create. Now that’s not to say that we don’t control as much as we can their access and influence over our assemblies. We are compelled to inhibit their influences as much as we possibly can. But Master likened these individuals as weeds growing among wheat. But in terms of what to do about them, Master gave the following instructions: ‘Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but ^agather the wheat into my barn.”‘” (Mat 13:30 NAU)  Nevertheless, we must understand that such individuals talk a big talk but their hearts and minds are not right. As with the issue noted with the Ephesians in taking frequent assessments, and that which I’ve spoken to a great deal on this program, Abba is big on hearts and minds. As long as our hearts and minds are in the right place and we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, Abba will take care of the rest. What was it that Paul mentioned regarding these troublesome individuals who profess to be something they are not while insisting that the rest of us follow their biddings: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Rom 2:29 KJV)

9.  Hold fast and persevere in the true Faith once delivered, even in the midst of tribulation and persecution (2: 13, 26; 3:2, 8, 11–addressing Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia). This involves keeping master’s commandments without fail. In other words, let us not compromise in our Faith. Secondly, correct those areas in our lives where we are lacking through the aid of the Ruach Kodesh. Strive constantly for perfection (3:2). If we falter, get up and return to where we’re supposed to be. Keep Torah–guard Torah. (3:8)

10.  Reject those in our lives who adhere to evil in all its forms, especially paganism and lawlessness (2:14, 15, 20, 21–addressing Pergamos). This is a no-brainer. Yet I fear that this is one area where many of us choose to compromise. How many of us know that lawlessness is transpiring in our midsts yet we do nothing about it? I can’t tell you how many Torah Observing Believers in Yeshua Messiah I’ve run into over the course of time who allow their children to live in their homes and violate Torah without any intervention to the contrary whatsoever by the believing parent. I’m talking allowing their kids to shack up and have sex with others in their own homes; do drugs; curse them out and disrespect them in their own homes; turn a blind eye to criminal activity and the like. In our fellowships, how many of us know of outright sin taking place in our midst yet we do nothing about it. Silence in response to such lawlessness is condoning the lawlessness. I would say, if we are not ones to confront issues with members of our fellowship, then at the very least, maybe it’s time to leave that fellowship. If lawlessness transpires in our homes, we must put a stop to it. That’s not to say that we don’t love our children, but there is a thing called “tough love” that we may be forced to adopt. If they are grown enough to shack up and have sex in our homes, then they are old enough to launch out in to the world and live their own lawless lives. Otherwise, they must adhere to the rules we establish in our homes based upon Torah. If we fail to act upon the evil that is ongoing in our lives, then we have essentially compromised our Faith and given hasatan firm control of that portion of our lives. The penalty for not acting against the evil? We will endure “great tribulation” until such time as we repent and do what we’re supposed to do. Ultimately, those who commit the evil will be eliminated as well in one way or another. This is not something that we can turn a blind eye to as so many of us do throughout our lives. Now is the time to correct these wrongs and eliminate evil in our lives.

11.  Repent when we stumble and fall into divers temptations. (2:16–addressing Pergamos) Once again, compromise stands at the heart of much of the problems in the assemblies of Revelation 2 and 3. And if there’s one thing that Abba hates over any evil, it’s adultery, especially spiritual adultery. Abba is a jealous God (cf. Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9; 6:15; Joshua 24:19; Nahum 1:2). We must always be cognizant as to where we are in terms of our fidelity with the Creator and always operate with a repentant spirit. If anything, we must be cognizant of the areas in our lives where we are weak and subject to compromise. Thus, we might want to always be in a place in our day-to-day walk where we take the appropriate precautions and avoid those situations that may cause us to stumble. If we are prone to drinking a little too much alcohol at social events, maybe avoid drinking alcohol at those social events and instead have a bottle of water or dare I say a can of soda. If we, men, are prone to have wandering eyes when it comes to members of the opposite sex, maybe limit those opportunities where we come across women that may catch our eye, or simply focus our attention on Abba and it doesn’t hurt to remember the tzitzits dangling along our sides. If things come out of our mouths that shouldn’t be or we routinely engage in questionable conversation, maybe we need to learn to keep our mouths shut more and let others do the talking for a change. And when we slip up and we find that we’ve compromised on Torah or any of the tenets of our Faith, then we need to get down on our knees, repent, seek Abba’s forgiveness and sin no more. Again, it’s dying to self and living in accordance to the ways in which Master instructed us.

12.  Practice being charitable, righteous and a servant to all (2:19–addressing Thyatira). This should be of no secret or shock to anyone. These are foundational elements of kingdom living. It’s all about living in accordance with the principles of Torah (i.e., righteous living) and serving others as we are led by the Ruach Kodesh. Paul describes these elements in Galatians 5:22 and 23 as fruits of the spirit. Unfortunately, too many of us in Hebrew Roots lack these key essential elements. Now is the time to strengthen ourselves in these areas so that we will not be found wanting when Abba searches out our hearts and minds (2:23). In the end, we will be rewarded for our works.

15.  Remain zealous for the Faith (3:15, 19–addressing Laodicea). As with the other Kehilot, Master demands unwavering commitment from us in every aspect of our existence. As it relates to our living and walking out this Faith, Master wants us to pay particular attention to the level of attention, excitement and fervor we have for Him and the Faith once delivered. Remember what He warned Ephesus about? Master pointed out to the Ephesian Assembly that they lost their zeal–their first love of Him and the Faith that He delivered to them. Could it be that we are heading down that same road in our Faith Community. Laodicea as an example of what not to be as a Faith Community seems to fit us too close for comfort. I declared at the outset of this exposition regarding the 7-Assemblies of Revelation that I would not read these 2-chapters. However, I feel led to read Laodicea’s account to bring the severity of their deficiencies into the light of day. Master says of Laodicea:

“I know your works, that you are neither hot nor cold. I would desire that you would be either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you from my mouth. Because you say ‘I am rich and affluent and have all I need and don’t know that you are helpless and miserable and needy and blind and naked!’ I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire that you may become rich; and white robes to be clothed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be seen. And put eye-salve on your eyes that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. Be faithful emulators therefore, and repent. Behold, I have been standing at the door and I will knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me. And to him that is victorious, to him will I give to sit with me on my throne, even as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne. He that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies” (Revelation 3:14-22; AENT).

The water that flowed into Laodicea was lukewarm and unfit for quenching thirst. It was known to be of a putrid smell and taste due to its high mineral content. Other surrounding cities were blessed with either cold, refreshing water good for drinking and sustaining health and wellbeing, or hot, suitable for soothing aches, pains and ailments. The waters of Laodicea were good for healing purposes, but as it related to drinking, it was disgusting. This serves as an apt analogy to the state of much of our Faith Community these days. Master is telling us to commit and be zealous for Him, either wise we are good for nothing and eventually He will purge and eliminate us. Abba warned us prior to our entering the land the following:  ‘You are therefore to keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and do them, so that the land to which I am bringing you to ¹live will not ^aspew you out. (Lev 20:22 NAU) In other words, if we did not stay true to His Torah, the land would even spew us out. Master is begging us to stay true to Him and to regain the zeal that we once had for Him before we end up losing everything. He may have to chasten us for our obstinacies and for purposes of getting our attention. But we’re either going to do it Abba’s way or Abba’s way. Our way doesn’t matter nor does it count.

16.  Focus on Yahuah our Elohim–sell the farm; become a company-man/woman for the faith–in every aspect of our lives–(3: 18–addressing Laodicea). Indeed, none of all that is being revealed about the 7-kehilot can be truly received and applied by us if we are not committed to a focus–a singleness of mind , heart and mind. The world today is pulling and tugging at us from every angle and is vying for our limited attention spans. It doesn’t take much for us to lose focus and veer off and away from the call and requirements of Master. Focus requires discipline and understanding. And maybe if we have difficulty focusing on Him and His Word these days, maybe we need to set some priorities. You see, we do only that which we deem is important to us in life. Otherwise, that which we deem as not important, we won’t do, despite what we may say or espouse to the contrary. Oh, I love the Word. Yet we won’t find the time to read and study His Word. Oh, I know I need to pray more. Yet we won’t parcel out the necessary time each day to enter into a season of prayer. I need to be about my Father’s business. Yet we will always defer over to the business that pays our bills and buys food for us to put on the table over the business of the Kingdom. Somehow, someway, somewhere, we have to regain our focus and orient our lives to be effective disciples of Yeshua Messiah. Otherwise, we stand the risk of being rebuked and disciplined and that’s no fun, now, is it?

17.  And lastly, listen for the call and knocking of Master in our lives–do not overlook or ignore even the smallest of opportunities (3:20–addressing Laodicea). With all the distracting noise buzzing about our ears these days, it is often impossible to hear the voice of our Master speaking to and instructing us. Somehow, someway, we must figure out a way to tune out the world’s noise at times so that we may hear the still, small voice of Master Yahoshua. We often err in our lives because we fail to listen and respond to the voice of our Master. And we fail to listen and respond to the voice of Master because the world drowns out His voice. This means that we have to isolate ourselves from the world on a frequent basis. My time for this is in the mornings–typically beginning sometime between 4 and 5 each morning, while the house is still and the world is still finishing up its night of sleep and slumber. And throughout the day, it requires that I stop what I’m doing and just communicate–talk to and listen to Abba. This is the only way that I’ve found for me to open my ears and spirit to hearing His voice. For you it may be an entirely different set-up and that will come with trial and error. Regardless, this has to be done, otherwise, we stand the chance of missing out on what Master has in store for us. Besides, the world doesn’t own us anymore–well, it least it shouldn’t own us anymore. We’ve been bought with a great price and given that we’ve agreed to the terms of that covenant, we no longer should be hearkening to the whims of this world (I Corinthians 7:23). Master promised that if we but answer the door, listen to Him and do what He asks us to do, He will come and dine with us (Revelation 3:20). And I will submit to you today, there is no one else in the world that I would rather sup with than our Master Yahoshua Mashiyach. Halleluyah.

Closing Thoughts

Master deeply desires that we be successful in our walk with Him and in our commitment to Abba Father. He sent His Ruach HaKodesh to inspire His appointed and anointed disciples to record His earthly ministry and revelation of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Yahuah. Then He revealed his Truths to John in His Revelation that foretells of hard but amazing times ahead that His followers must endure. And even today, Master continues to send His anointed teachers and preachers our way to equip us for the times ahead and for the work of the Gospel of the Kingdom.

With all that is going on about us these days, it is imperative that we find our way and search out those things that Master would have us do. In so doing, we must be equipped to handle “life.” Yes, “life.”

Ever heard the phrase: “life happened” or “life happens?” And what does that really mean I’ve always pondered. Well, from a spiritual standpoint, life happens simply means that things occur in our day-to-day lives that distract us from our call and our purpose as Sons and Daughters of the Most High God. Those distractions, if not aggressively dealt with, will result in dire repercussions.

So to sum up, the message that Master had for the 7-Kehilot of Revelation that is undeniably relevant to our day-to-day walk with Messiah is: (1) let us not tolerate evil in our lives; (2) vet those who come to us as teachers; (3) exercise patience when dealing with members of the Body of Messiah; (4) tirelessly work in the fields of our Faith; (5) if we’ve lost hold of the love we first had for the Faith, get it back now; (6) conduct frequent self-assessments of the progress of our walk with Messiah; (7) learn to endure the struggles that come with operating in our Faith; (8) don’t fear the times of today and of tomorrow; (9) hold fast and persevere in the Faith; (10) reject/turn away from those who are evil in our lives; (11) repent when we fall and sin no more; (12) be a righteous, charitable and obedient servant of Yeshua Messiah always; (13) always remain watchful and vigilant, both spiritually and physically; (14) do not compromise in any area of our walk with Messiah; (15) remain zealous for the Faith and our Master Yeshua; (16) remain focused on the Faith once delivered and in remaining in the perfect will of Abba Father; and (17), listen for and to the voice of Master at every opportunity.

My hopes, thoughts and reflections this Shabbat is that we be mindful of the example provided to us by Master Yahoshua as it relates to the 7-Kehilot of Revelation. Much that is contained in the pages of our Bible were lovingly provided to us by the eternal wisdom of Abba for our edification, equipping, knowledge and understanding.

Kefa wrote: But if ^awhen you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds ¹favor with God. ²¹ For ^ayou have been called for this purpose, ^bsince Christ also suffered for you, leaving you ^can example for you to follow in His steps, (1Pe 2:20-21 NAS)

And then the Brother of our Master, Jude, ominously wrote: Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.¹  (Jud 1:7 KJV)

As I mentioned at the outset of this episode, we are seemingly heading towards perilous times. Now is the time for us to heed the information Master gave to us regarding the 7-Kehilot/Assemblies of Revelation. Now is the time to keep our noses buried in the Book, take that which Master and His Father provided us and apply those lessons to our day-to-day walk so that we may finish the race set before us in the finest fashion, and receive the reward Master promised us if we trust and obey Him.

Comment, opine, question and the like as you are so led by His precious Ruach HaKodesh. Stay blessed, grounded in His Word and in His perfect eternal will.

This Thoughts and Reflections has been faithfully submitted by me, your brother in the true Faith once delivered and fellow saint in training, Rod Thomas–Shabbat Shalom, Shavuatov and have a blessed Passover this coming week.