Living a Life Beyond the Norm–Lessons Learned from the Levitical Priesthood

by | May 14, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Living a Life Beyond the Norm–Lessons Learned from the Levitical Priesthood

Living a Life Beyond the Norm--Lessons Learned from the Levitical Priesthood

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

Organizations establish standards by which its members’ job performances are judged. There are set standards and job performance levels that separate an average from an exceptional worker. A member’s job performance when compared to those standards may determine that member’s standing in the organization; advancement opportunities in that organization; and even the amount that member will be paid. Those members who find themselves rated as exceptional employees tend to be rewarded with higher responsibilities, privileges and salaries within the organization. Unlike any other human organization or activity, YHVH established the standards by which our performance will ultimately be judged by our Master, Yahoshua Messiah. Our positions and privileges in the Kingdom of YHVH will depend upon how we measure up to those basic, and most importantly, exceptional expectations. In this post, we focus on the exceptional life to be lived by disciples of Yahoshua, using the expectations that were modeled for us by our Master Yeshua and the expectations that were established for members of the Levitical Priesthood in Leviticus 21: 1-22:16. In so doing, the true disciple of Yahoshua HaMashiyach is expected to live a life beyond the norm.

YHVH’s Expectations Established

YHVH provided us the standards by which we are expected to live. Those expectations are encapsulated in His eternal Torah and through the teachings and example of Yahoshua Messiah. As with any human organization, there are basic standards and expectations, as well as exceptional standards and expectations. The basic standards YHVH established for day-to-day living are embedded in Torah–the first-five books of the Old Testament. The exceptional standards and expectations established by YHVH were delivered to and modeled for us by His Son, Yahoshua our Messiah. I believe we also see exceptional expectations and standards that were given by YHVH to the Levitical Priesthood. Those exceptional standards and expectations offer us, in a sense, a shadow picture of the exceptionally high standards that Yeshua requires of all of His disciples.

Levitical Priesthood Standards/Expectations Were Higher Than the Norm

One-fifth of Torah is dedicated to the rigorous, exceptional standards and expectations that YHVH established for the Levitical Priesthood. At the time these instructions were handed down to us, very little of those priestly expectations and requirements applied to the average Israelite. Those standards were established specifically for the Levitical Priesthood. The Levitical Priests were expected to meet, not just the basic, core, rote-mechanical standards and expectations of Torah that applied to every Israeli male. They were expected and required, in addition, to meet exacting, ritual-holiness-cleanliness standards that exceeded the universal standard, basic instructions of Torah. Failure to meet both the standard and exceptional standards and expectations disqualified a Levite from serving in the sanctuary and serving the nation.

Higher Standards and Expectations For Every Disciple of Yeshua

I contend that we who are Torah Observant Believers in Yahoshua Messiah are now, and in the future, expected to not only meet all applicable Torah instructions (i.e., commandments), but also every applicable aspect of Torah that is over and above each rote-mechanical aspect of Torah (e.g., not only are we to not commit adultery or fornication, but we are not to look upon another member of the opposite sex who is not our spouse in a lustful manner).

The Levitical Priesthood

The expectations and standards set for a Levitical Priest was beyond the basic standards for men by Torah.

It is about living a life that is above and beyond the NORM. This is about living and exceptionally righteous life. I would submit to you that failure to meet both the basic and those exacting, exceptional standards and expectations will adversely affect our role and inclusion in the Kingdom of YHVH.

Torah Is NOT Just a Jewish Thing

Many outside of our Faith Community adamantly contend that Torah was created and implemented for the Jews. These maintain that the Jews failed to keep Torah and thus forfeited their opportunity for salvation and that Christians have replaced the Jews in God’s great plan of salvation for mankind. Is this an true line of thought and teaching? Well, when Torah was given to us during our sojourn in the Sinai Desert, and even after we entered the Land of Promise, the bible clearly indicates that all 12-tribes of Israel were subject to Torah. By the first half-of the 6th-century B.C., 10 of our 12-tribes had become scattered by the Assyrians leaving only the tribes of Judah and Levi. Today, the identities and locations of those scattered 10-tribes of Israel are lost to the memory of world history. Interestingly, during the time our Master, Yahoshua and His handpicked disciples walked, taught and preached on this earth, the identities and locations of those 10-tribes was well known to the Jews of the Ancient Near East (Matthew 10:6; 15:24; 9:36; Jeremiah 50:6). Scholars who have attempted to identify some of the lost “Sheep of Israel;” or rather the misnomer “Lost 10-Tribes of Israel,” have found archaeological evidence that is scattered throughout the eastern and western world that many of the scattered peoples have kept Torah to a lesser or fuller extent throughout the ages.

The Pharisaical religious establishment has successfully duped the world into thinking that Torah (and the Land of Promise) was given only to the Jewish nation. Christianity then took this Jewish-only mindset and understanding a few steps further by hijacking and corrupting the concept and doctrines of “grace.” Christianity teaches the “Law” was for those evil Jews who will suffer for their refusal to play by God’s rules, but we Christians are under grace and not required to keep one jot or tittle of the “Law.” By default, the Christian worldview has separated would-be disciples in Yeshua Messiah (thought of mainly as Gentiles) from their naturalized Israeli heritage and Faith that is based upon Torah. Therefore, the hijacked doctrine of grace has unceremoniously completely eliminated Torah as a life-expectation and requirement for any would-be disciple of Jesus Christ (i.e., Yeshua Messiah). This doctrine is not only false, it is also the vehicle by which countless well-intended, sincere, but grossly misinformed souls will NOT be admitted to the Kingdom of YHVH in the World Tomorrow.

None of this is to say, in the least, that a would-be disciple of Jesus Christ (i.e., Yeshua Messiah) receives admittance to the Kingdom of YHVH or eternal life by keeping Torah. To the contrary, eternal life and admittance into the Kingdom is a gift of YHVH that was won and will be delivered as a result of the atoning sacrifice of Yahoshua on the execution stake on that fateful Passover Day on or around 28 C.E. Nevertheless, for the true Disciple of Yeshua HaMashiyach, Torah stands as YHVH’s house rules that every disciple is expected to honor, keep and obey as applicable under the Renewed Covenant.

Torah Expectations and Requirements For Levitical Priests Were Over and Above The Basic Torah Instructions

Abba passed on to Moses (i.e., Moshe) and Aaron (i.e., Aharon) and Aaron’s posterity, the exceptional standards and expectations that would be required in order for the males in Aaron’s lineage to serve the nation of Israel. As we can see throughout the book (i.e., the Cepher) of Leviticus, these standards and expectations were often rigid and were overall, over and above the baseline instructions given for every Israeli male. It was these exceptional expectations and standards set the would-be Levitical Priest apart from the rest of the nation in the manner of:

  • His conduct
  • His behavior.
  • His home life
  • His diet
  • His finances
  • His cleanliness (both physically and ritually speaking)
  • His service in the Sanctuary
  • His service in the community
  • His attire (i.e., his clothing)
  • His reputation.

Things to Keep in Mind When Studying Leviticus

When reading through and studying Leviticus and the Levitical Priesthood, it is important to keep the following in mind:

  1. the Levitical Priesthood has passed away.
  2. As Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah, we are no longer under the Levitical Priesthood, but under the Melchizedekian Priesthood whose High Priest (i.e., Cohen Gadol) is our Master Yahoshua Messiah.
    1. “YHVH has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek'”(Psalm 110:4; cf. Hebrews 5:6; 6:20; 7:15-17).
  3. As a Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah, each of us is fully naturalized Israelite possessing all of the privileges and benefits afforded any true, Torah-keeping, naturally-born Israeli Disciple of Yeshua.
  4. As Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah, we have been commissioned to be a nation of priests unto YHVH (Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
  5. Like the Levitical Priests of old, as Torah Observant Believers of Yahoshua Messiah, there are rigid, exacting standards and requirements that we are expected to meet and maintain. Those standards and expectations were enumerated, taught and modeled for us by our Master Yeshua.
  6. As Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah, we will be judged accordingly by Yahoshua based upon those standards and expectations.
  7. What good is studying this or any other similar portion of Torah addressing the Levitical Priests?
    1. Torah provides us an example (although a crude one) of heavenly things and of prophetic shadow pictures of good things to come. (cf. Hebrews 8:5; 10:1)
    2. We are NOT obliged to keep the instructions directed to the Levitical Priesthood (e.g., wearing priestly clothes; purification rituals; serving in a make-shift sanctuary; etc.).
    3. Since we are to serve as Priests of YHVH, under the leadership of Yeshua HaMashiyach, these instructions serve as a wonderful reminder of the high standards and expectations a would-be Priest of the Most High Elohim is required to meet and live out.
    4. Master established similarly established high standards and expectations for us, His Disciples. These standards rival the most exacting requirements of the Levitical Priesthood. THEY ARE NOT EASY.
    5. These standards and expectations are, in effect, the fullness of Torah, that we are expected to measure up to in our day-to-day lives and in our work for the Kingdom of YHVH. Unfortunately, most of the world will not meet those high standards and expectations. Case in point is the story of the Rich Young Man (Pharisee, found in Matthew 19:13-20:16; Mark 10:13-31; Luke 18:15-30. Here we see a level of commitment and responsibility established by Father and implemented by our Master that disqualifies most from entering the Kingdom and service of YHVH.

We Are A Nation of Priests

Yahoshua has made us to be a kingdom of priests to His Elohim and Father (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). As priests of the Most High, the examples given in Torah relating to the required ritual cleanliness of every Levitical Priests 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, should serve as a reminder to us of our Master’s expectations for us. When these expectations and requirements are understood through the doctrines and teachings of Yeshua our Messiah, we should come to realize how important our personal and spiritual cleanliness is to YHVH. Father requires that we be “holy as He is holy” (I Peter 1:15, 16). That requirement has not changed in the least, despite the Torah naysayers that teach a perverted grace doctrine that inputs upon a Christian believer perpetual cleanliness and holiness. What this perversion is actually saying to the world is that all you need to do to inherit eternal life and have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe is ask Jesus Christ into your heart. Upon asking Jesus Christ into one’s heart, then grace takes over and your eternal life ticket is punched. You can live anyway you choose to live because God’s grace inputs perpetual righteousness to us and we become “holy” by default, forever.

This perverted version of grace is so far from Truth that it’s not even funny. We are required to “be” holy–to live holy lives; to live a life that is beyond the norm of all humanity, or even Christianity for that matter. The Apostle Peter wrote:

Gird up the loins of your mind (Greek for mind is Anazunomi, which means to prepare one’s mind for action); be sober; and hope to the end for for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Yeshua Messiah. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance, but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written: “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (I Peter 1:13-16; cf. Leviticus 20:7; KJV).

Thus, we are not to defile ourselves or become spiritually and physically tainted by the things of this world, which when given over to, serves to blunt our service and effectiveness as priests of YHVH. By default, then, we are to die to self (reference Romans 6:2, 11; 2 Timothy 2:11).

Like the Levitical Priests of old, the standards by which we are to live are higher than most people will ever aspire or conceive to meet. Those lofty, but doable standards and expectations, affect how we conduct every aspect of our lives:

  1. Our family, work, community and other personal relationships
  2. Our diets
  3. Our behavior and habits
  4. Our individual thoughts and feelings
  5. Our participation in modern life activities
  6. Our obedience to YHVH’s instructions (i.e., His Torah).

An entire book (i.e., cepher) of Torah was dedicated to instructions for the Levitical Priesthood. The requirement for exacting ritual purity and cleanliness in order for any priest to serve the nation in the community and in the sanctuary cannot be understated. YHVH requires, without exception, cleanliness and purity in order for any to worship and commune with Him. The priestly ritual instructions were primarily in place to allow the priests to serve in the sanctuary and in worship of YHVH. The sanctuary was the place where YHVH’s presence rested. Thus, in order to approach the sanctuary (as a non-priest) and the inner sanctum (as a priest), one had to be in a state of ritual cleanliness.

Although the sanctuary no longer exists, Father still requires that each of us be in a state of cleanliness and purity when we come before Him in worship, prayer and service. We have a baseline cleanliness afforded to us by the shed blood of Yahoshua HaMashiyach. There are, however, ongoing things in our lives that cause us to be impure and unclean that we must constantly be cognitive of and constantly address. Such impurity and filth hinders our worship, walk and witness and service to YHVH and His Kingdom. Intentional and perpetual and unresolved uncleanness (i.e., sin, unholy behavior and habits, improper thoughts and feelings and a lawless life) will adversely impact and hinder, (1) our personal relationship with the Most High Elohim; (2) our service to the Kingdom of YHVH and our Faith Community; and (3) our present and future standing in the Kingdom of YHVH. Yeshua revealed:

“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20; NASB).

 

Many will say to me in that day, :Master, Master, have we not prophesied in they Name? And in thy Name, have cast out devils? And in thy Name done many wonderful works?” And then will I profess unto them, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22, 23).

Yeshua Set the Bar High

The Rich Man and Yeshua

The story of the rich man and Yeshua is an excellent example of the high expectations set for disciples of Yeshua.

Master set the bar high for true discipleship. The sad, sorry and tired adage that so many so-called people of faith like to say, that God knows their heart, just doesn’t fly when one truly considers Master’s true discipleship standards and expectations. For it will be upon that great, end time revealing of the Sons of the Most High, that Yahoshua will separate those who are righteous from those who are unrighteous, and unfortunately for many, there will be no excuse accepted.

Master prophesied:

When the Son of Man shall come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory. And before Him shall be gathered all nations. And He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth His sheep from the goats. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…Then shall say also unto them on the left hand, depart from me, ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:31-41).

Our Master set the bar high for true discipleship and service, just as Father set the bar high for Levitical Priesthood service. Are we then to follow the example of the Levitical Priests, per se? Well, no. The fact of the matter is that we follow exclusively the example of Yeshua HaMashiyach, our Master. The exceptional standards of the Levitical Priests are excellent shadow pictures of the standards and expectations that Master requires of us who are His disciples; we who are being made into a Kingdom of priests unto YHVH; conforming to the image of Yahoshua Messiah.

Faithfully,

Shalom and warmest blessings to you, your family and fellowship.

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Biblical Illiteracy Behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda

by | May 2, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Biblical Illiteracy Behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda

Is Biblical Illiteracy Behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda?

by Rod Thomas--The Messianic Torah Observer | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections Moment

Is Biblical Illiteracy behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda these days. In this post I reflect upon a recent experience I had on Facebook that suggested to me that Biblical Illiteracy may, in part, be behind the animus Christians have towards our Hebrew Roots/Messianic Community.

I happened upon a Facebook page today, the sole purpose of which, was to demonstrate via the Holy Scriptures, just how dangerous Hebrew Roots is to the world.

Aside from the dozens of other religions and movements (both religious and secular) in existence throughout the world today that one would naturally reason are of an existential threat to mainstream Christianity, I found it quite unnerving that the Facebook page owner would focus his ire upon our small, but harmless community. I mean, it’s one thing to post an article or two about one or more things germane to Hebrew Roots that you take exception to, but it’s an entirely different level of disdain one would have towards Hebrew Roots in order for them to dedicate an entire Facebook page badmouthing our Community. The sad part to this is that the page’s owner did not provide his readers with any content that would help them live the life abundant. The only thing the page owner provided was a warning–over and over and throughout the whole of his very robust page–of how heretical our Faith Community is to the world.

Biblical Illiteracy

Biblical Illiteracy may behind the animus Christians have towards Hebrew Roots Community.

Look, I get it: there are always going to be haters of the True Faith once delivered out there. Clearly, it would have been so much easier for me to ignore such content.

The problem I saw with this page, however, is not an innocuous one if you ask me. The problem is actually bigger problem than we might think it to be. The owner of the “hate on Hebrew Rooters” page went to great lengths to look up and use bible passages to spew his disdain towards our community; our lifestyle; and our beliefs. And after reading a handful of postings on his page, I could clearly see how millions of potential Christian readers would be misled and manipulated and be denied the Truth as a result of their own Biblical illiteracy.

As I’ve mentioned and written about quite extensively over the course of the last several years we’ve ministered to the Body of Messiah via this website, Biblical illiteracy is an epidemic in Christianity. People, such as the owner of this anti-Hebrew Roots Facebook page, are either wittingly or unwittingly leveraging the blight of Biblical illiteracy to their advantage. These individuals are counting on their readers to not have the wherewithal to conduct serious, Spirit-led and administered, in-depth study of the Holy Bible in order to make up their own minds as to what is Truth and what is not. Such individuals are, essentially, practicing witchcraft. Whenever you take something of value to individuals and manipulate it such that it has an effect that will get those individuals to do what you want to them to do, you are practicing witchcraft in my book.

The chasm that exists between our community and our cousins in Christianity is based in great part on Biblical illiteracy.

Case in point: the page owner’s most recent posting targeted our beliefs in the efficacy of the Torah-based food instructions (i.e., Laws). The writer used the passage in Mark 7 where it is recorded that Master defended Him and His disciples’ practices of not following the Rabbinic-based tradition of ceremonially washing one’s hands before they eat. In this particular incident, Master was going up against a handful of Rabbinic Jewish leaders. Master railed against the Rabbinic Jewish leaders in their adherence to Talmudic practices that they themselves help elevated to the level–even surpassing in many respects–Torah. Master summarized His position on such man-made traditions that carried the authority of Torah with them, by saying to the group that, washing one’s hands in accordance to any man-made manner as a requirement of the overall set of God-given instructions, does not in any way eliminate one from being inwardly defiled and unclean. Master went on to say that that which comes out of, or from within an individual is the very thing that actually defiles that individual–such as hatred, envy, strife, covetousness, anger, etc. Failure to ceremonially wash one’s hands as stipulated by the Rabbis of old would not in any regard cause one to be defiled. That defilement would come about only in the eyes of the Rabbinic traditionalists; certainly not in the eyes of YHVH.

Now, this passage, in effect, had nothing whatsoever to do with the consumption of food–be it YHVH sanctioned or non-sanctioned foods. It was all about traditions trumping the rule of Torah. The writer of the post using this passage of Mark, however, failed entirely to discuss and use this passage via its truest context. Instead, the writer misinterpreted the passage–either intentionally or unintentionally–I’d probably think it was unintentionally; the writer being another likely victim of Biblical illiteracy himself. Regardless, what the writer has done through his ignorance is mislead and manipulate individuals into hating on Hebrew Rooters. I would go even further and submit that this writer may have succeeded in creating a stumbling block for countless Truth-seekers in finally finding the True Faith once delivered to the first centuries saints.

I thought initially to just move on and not pay the page any mind. (Oh, by the way, the Facebook page is entitled Hebrew Roots Heresy. I don’t necessarily recommend you check it out for yourself. I only wish to put this point that I am about to make into its proper context by referencing the actual page, if you will.) But I felt led to respectfully and lovingly correct the false writings of the page’s owner. In so doing and upon reflection, as bought and paid-for Torah Observant Believers in Yahsohua Messiah, it falls to each of us to in some way correct the scourge of Biblical illiteracy in the world. We have been called to make disciples for Master Yeshua of the nation peoples of this world. In order to do that, we must work to end Biblical illiteracy. Failure to do so will result in a failure to complete our mandated roles in the Great Commission.

But first,. we must eliminate Biblical illiteracy in our own Community, which seems to be a bigger problem than one might ever concede. The reason we have so much variation in our Faith Community today is because so many of our members refuse to read their Bibles. Many members elect to glob on to so-called Hebrew Roots teachers who feed them “processed content” that these bad teachers have taken and manipulated for their own purposes in many cases. If the the True Body of Messiah is well versed in their Bibles and are in alignment with the Holy Spirit that is operating within them, they will not fall victim to the inaccurate and false teachings that are unfortunately circulating throughout our Faith Community.

I have a love and passion for the lost and truth seekers of this world. In general, these are the individuals that we have been called to serve. Thus, I pledge to take on this mantle and work towards reducing the scourge of Biblical illiteracy in this world. The first place to start, of course, is to accurately put out through this blog and podcast program, that which Master Yahoshua taught and modeled for us. To that end, we can then begin to move forward to helping remove the blinders that the enemy has placed over the eyes and minds of the peoples of this world to the True Gospel Message and the benefits of an abundant life of Torah Living. It’s going to take fervent prayer, fasting and a major move of the Holy Spirit to effectively tackle this beast.

I invite you to join with me in this effort by seeking Father’s will for your life in this endeavor. Thus, I encourage you to seek of Father how you will serve His kingdom and fulfill your role in Master’s Great Commission.

Let us with great zeal and leading of the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Ruach haKodesh) go forth and do that which Father has given us to do.

Faithfully Submitted,

Shalom

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A Call for Unity in the Body of Christ/Messiah

by | May 1, 2018 | Podcasts

A Call for Unity in the Body of Christ/Messiah

A Call for Unity in the Body of Christ/Messiah

by Rod and Hilary Thomas | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

By virtue of our role as disciples of Yahoshua Messiah (Jesus Christ), we are called to be a united and unified body of believers in every respect. Just as Master was united with His Father, we too must be united with the Father, our Master and with one another in the Body of Christ (Messiah). This is a call for unity in the Body of Messiah.

A Quiet Call for Messianics to Unite with Christians as One Happy Family

We have recently stumbled upon some quiet calls for uniting or unifying with our cousins in Christianity (aka, churchianity).

I believe Father is going to do a great work on the earth that will ultimately bring Messianics, Christians, the Lost Sheep of Israel and Jews together as One Body in Messiah (Joel 2) In the interim, we as Torah Observant Believers in Yahoshua Messiah must stay true to our Faith’s Constitution—Torah—and to the teachings of Yeshua our Master. We must not compromise our beliefs and convictions surrounding our Faith (Deut. 5:32; 17:20). That being said, I believe also that we must be careful to not be so willing to hook up with those who do not support the tenets of our Faith.

Paul wrote to the Assembly of Messianic Believers in Corinth:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14)?

We Hebrew Rooters Are Divided as a Faith Community

There is no secret—no mystery—that our Faith Community is divided along several lines. Those new to Torah Living, however, are faced with horrendous challenges in sorting out how to walk out their Faith. Thus, the underlying tragedy we have lingering about within our Faith Community is a gross lack of unity.

Unity is a Recurring Theme Throughout Scripture

Unity is an Essential of Hebrew Roots

While some call for unity between Christians and Messianics, there needs to be unity within the Hebrew Roots Community first and foremost.

Unity is a recurring theme throughout the bible as it relates to the unique character of the Creator’s chosen people. The writer of Psalm 133:1 suggested that the ideal society under YHVH and His Torah is fostered in great part by YHVH’s children dwelling together in unity.

Love for one another becomes the binding agent that brings about that unity (Heb. 13:1).

 

The ideal unified and united society we’re actually referring to today is none other than the Body of Messiah that consists of Torah Observant Disciples of Yahoshua.

Master Was and Continues to be United with His Father

It was while Master was contending with the “rabbinic Jewish religious leaders” on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, sometime around Hanukkah, possibly 27 C.E., in responding to those leaders’ demands that He reveal to them whether or not He was the long anticipated Messiah that Master exclaimed:

“…the works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness of me. But you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me. I will give them eternal life and they shall never perish. Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE” (John 10:25-30; Rood).

The English term “one” in this and similar passages of the Gospel record is the Greek term “eis.” The Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines “eis” as being “united” most closely; that being united in will and spirit. Thus, Master’s proclamation to the Jewish leaders on the Temple Mount that day was that He and the Creator of the Universe, whom He identified as His Father, were united.

The Unity of the Father and Master

Our Master taught what was expressly given to Him by His/our Father. Master did only what His/our Father instructed Him to do. Yahoshua thought and saw things (that being their respective worldviews) the exact way Father sees them. The love they shared was beyond human description and understanding.

Both sides of their relationship was in perfect harmony and was completely united and unified.

In like manner, Master desires that we as individual members of His Body of disciples would be unified and united with He and Father.

A Prayer of and For Unity

As Master’s Passion loomed just beyond the dawn of the next day, He prayed with and for His disciples in the Kidron Valley on their way to Gethsemane. Master prayed:

 

“I do not pray only for these alone, but for those also who shall believe in me through their word, THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE. As you, Father, are in me, and I in you, I pray that they also may be one in us and that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave to me so that they may be made perfect in one—and that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom you have given me, be with me where I am so that they may behold my glory, which you have given me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not know you, but I have known you and these now know that you have sent me. I have declared your name to them and will declare it so that the love wherewith you have loved me may be in them and I in them” (John 17:20-26; Rood).

The writer of Psalm 86 prayed that Father teach him His ways so that he would obediently walk in Torah. In so fulfilling that prayer, he would be fully united with and by default, committed to YHVH (Psalm 86:11).

Unity of Heart and Truth

It was always Abba’s intention that each of us would be united in Him by singleness of heart and Truth—the Way–that is Torah; and that we would fear Him and live good lives (Jer. 32:39). That singleness of Way or Truth was taught and modeled for us by Yeshua our Master.

Unity Through Death to Sin

We must endeavor to be united with Yeshua our Master.

We have chosen a life whereby we are supposed to be dead to sin. Sin is defined as “a violation of Torah” (I John 3:4; cf. Rom. 4:15). Thus, we have become united with our Master through our death to sin and through our walking in the newness of life (Rom. 6:1-7).

Paul Calls for Unity

The Apostle Paul begins his discussion on the topic of unity in the Body (the 4th chapter of Ephesians) by sort of calling the Ephesian assembly members to get their acts together as individuals and to walk out their chosen Faith in a manner worthy of the calling that each of them had received (verse 1). In particular, Paul called out the necessity in exercising:

  • Humility
  • Gentleness with patience
  • Showing tolerance for one another in love (verse 2).

Then Paul encourages the Ephesian disciples to preserve the unity of their assembly through the bond of shalom (i.e., peace) (verse 3). He then reminds them of a central element of the True Faith: that there is One Body and One Spirit; One Master and One Faith; One baptism; One God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (verses 4 through 6).

The Body of Messiah is Unified by Various Offices

Within the framework of the unified and united Body of Messiah, the Father in His infinite wisdom gave offices:

  • Apostles
  • Prophets
  • Evangelists
  • Pastors
  • Teachers

This offices were given for the equipping of the Body for the work of service and the building up of the Body such that the Assembly would attain unity of Faith and knowledge of the Son of YHVH.

Unity in Spirit

Going back to the prayer that Master prayed the evening before His Passion, one of the last requests He made of His Father was that we be one (i.e., “eis”), as being united in spirit (i.e., will and purpose). It stands to reason that our unity of spirit (i.e., of will) also includes the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Ruach HaKodesh). This unity in spirit and in the Holy Spirit should in theory and in reality be our Faith Community’s badge of honor. It should also be the thing that draws people to us; to incite curiosity and desire to be affiliated with such a cohesive community.

The Holy Spirit dwelling in us, coupled with a common mindset (i.e., the Mind of Messiah) serves as a natural unifier and uniting agent (John 17:22).

Our unity of Spirit consists of:

  • The one body which is the ekklesia—the assembly of believers
  • The Holy Spirit which binds us together and teaches us
  • A common hope which is the glorious promise we’ve been given for life eternal in the Kingdom of Yehovah
  • Our Messiah of whom we belong and are disciples of
  • Our Faith which is our commitment to walk out a life of Torah in Yeshua Messiah by the power and might of the Holy Spirit
  • Baptism (i.e., mikveh)
  • And our Heavenly Father.

The Holy Spirit Unites the Body of Messiah

In bringing all the various members of this united and unified body together, Father in His infinite wisdom provides operational control through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit operates throughout the Body of Messiah and produces members who exercise various talents and gifts that are designed to help strengthen this unity of Body we’ve been reflecting upon.

Those ministries, talents and gifts that are exercised by members of the united/unified Body of Messiah include (Rom. 12 and I Cor. 12):

  • Wisdom
  • Knowledge
  • Faith
  • Healing
  • Working of Miracles
  • Prophecy
  • Discernment
  • Tongues or Languages and the interpretation thereof
  • Service
  • Teaching
  • Exhorting
  • Giving (i.e., those with unique means who can provide substance for the functioning of the Body)
  • Leaders
  • Mercy (i.e., those who render help to those in need).

Additionally, Father provided the Body the means of being self-sustaining and perpetually united and unified. He did all this for His purpose and glory (I Cor. 12:18).

No One in the Unified Body of Messiah is Above Another

No member of this united, unified, unique, multi-talented and gifted Body is insignificant or inconsequential. Whether weak, strong or medium strength member, each has their place in the Body of Messiah (I Cor. 12:22). Every level of membership is important and no one is to esteem themselves above another (Phil. 2:3).

So if one member suffers, all the members of the Body suffer with him/her; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with him/her (1Co 12:26 CSB).

Therefore, there should be no lack or need among us as a united Body. Did you know that in Torah, Father made provision for the poor, widows, orphans and the priests of the congregation? Do we see this care for the needy within our Body exercised today as much as it should be seen among a Torah-keeping people that are married to their Messiah?

The Unified Body: A Composite of Many and Varying Peoples

In the World Tomorrow, this amazing unified and united Body will be composed of:

  • The House of Israel
  • The House of Judah
  • The engraffed peoples of this world—being varied and many.

All destined to be “one Body in Messiah” (Rom. 12:5).

 

Faithfully Yours in Yahoshua our Master and Messiah.

 

Shalom

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Day of Firstfruits and Keeping the Sabbath Holy

by | Apr 10, 2018 | Podcasts

Day of Firstfruits and Keeping the Sabbath Holy

Day of Firstfruits and Keeping the Sabbath Holy

by Rod & Hilary Thomas | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

Keeping the Day of Firstfruits

The Day of Firstfruits is a little known or publicized feast in our Faith Community. Firstfruits is also referred to as Yom haBikkurim (Hebrew) and the Wave Sheaf Offering. It is sandwiched into the week of Passover–Unleavened Bread and always occurs on the first-day of the week after the weekly Sabbath during the Passover–Unleavened Bread week.

Image of a Levitical Priest waving an omer of barley before YHVH

We were instructed to bring an omer of barley–the firstfruits of our spring harvest–to the Levitical Priests who would wave it before YHVH on the Day of Firstfruits.

This Gregorian Calendar year, Firstfruits took place on the first day of the week—4-8-18 according to the Observational Calendar and on the first-day of the week on 4-1-18 according to the Jewish Calculated Calendar. On the Jewish Calendar, it is noted as Pesach II and the 1st Day of the Omer.

The instructions Father gave regarding the keeping of Firstfruits is found in Leviticus 23:10-14. As with each of the Torah-instructed Feasts of YHVH, Firstfruits is rich in prophetic and spiritual application.

How Do We Keep Sabbath Holy–Is it Permissible to Have our Children Play Organized Sports on the Sabbath?

Is it permissible to have our children play organized sports on the Sabbath? Would this be a violation of Torah and of Sabbath-Keeping?

This situation and many, many others are not addressed in Torah. We must be careful not to add to or take away from Torah.

The applications related to this question goes well beyond simply allowing our children to play organized sports on the Sabbath. Torah’s silence on this and many other aspects and issues of Sabbath-keeping require us to examine:

–Our relationship with the Almighty

–What it means to keep the Sabbath Holy

–What it means to proclaim a holy convocation on the Sabbath

–What it means to do no work on the Sabbath

Why did Father make Sabbath-keeping so vague in the first place? It was likely to test our hearts and commitment to Him. It also serves as a gauge to measure the level of relationship we have with Father.

The silence of Torah on the keeping of Sabbath (as well as a great many other issues and topics) resulted in the Rabbi’s creating hundreds of rules and traditions around the keeping of Sabbath that include 39-general categories of what is required to keep Sabbath (http://www.pursuegod.org/rules-pharisees/). These 39-general categories  in turn include hundreds of specific individual rules for Sabbath-keeping. These rulings and instructions are contained in the Talmud.

When addressing the concerns of the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well regarding where YHVH had established the place of worship, He was noted as saying:

“You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews (i.e., from the lineage of Judah and the oracles entrusted to Judah by Father as opposed to the religion of Judaism). (Continuing) But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. Yah is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:22-24; Holmann CSB).

Thus Master foretold of a two-prong formula for worship of Yah that would be practiced under the renewed covenant: Spirit and Truth.

As it relates to Truth, our worship is founded upon Torah and the teachings of Yeshua Messiah:

Psalm 119:160—”Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever” (KJV).

In terms of Spirit, our worship is founded upon having a substantive–personal–relationship with YHVH:

“And this is eternal life, that they (they being Master’s disciples which ultimately includes us)—that they know you the only true God, and Yeshua Messiah whom you have sent” (John 17:3; ESV; adjusted).

“To know” here is the Greek term “ginosko,” which means to “learn to know a person through direct personal experience, implying continuity of relationship” (Louw-Nida Lexicon). This “knowing” that Master was referring to is more than a simple cognitive awareness that God exists.

The relationship we have with Father, when coupled with His Torah—His Truth–through the agency of the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Ruach HaKodesh)–help us navigate through such questions of Sabbath-keeping.

Once we establish a true and substantive relationship with the Creator, we get to know what He approves of and what He does not approve of, even in the areas where Torah is silent.

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Our First Passover–A Survey of Exodus 12 and 13 and How it Applies to Us Today

by | Mar 31, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Our First Passover–A Survey of Exodus 12 and 13 and How it Applies to Us Today

Our First Passover--A Survey of Exodus 12 and 13 and How it Applies to Us Today

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

Passover Like All Feasts are Shadows of “Good Things to Come”

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, embodied and explained to us in Father’s Torah, was aptly described by the writer of the Book of Hebrews as “Shadows of Good Things to Come:”

Hebrews 10:1—Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the actual form of those realities, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year (CSB).

 

Colossians 2:16—Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of what was to come, the substance is the Messiah (CSB).

 

When is Passover to Take Place?

 

Passover occurs only during the Month (Hebrew=Chodesh=New Moon) of the Aviv. Aviv is to be the beginning/head (Hebrew) of Months (Chodesh) for us. It is to be the first (Hebrew=Rishon) month of the year.

 

Rabbinic Judaism is at Odds with this Instruction

 

It should be noted that the Rabbis (e.g., B. Jacob) contend that the intent of this passage was not to make the Month of the Aviv in the spring the New Year. Instead, it was to be the autumn. To Judaism, the Month of the Aviv was to serve only as a memorial to “Jewish Freedom” from Egypt.

 

But not all Rabbis saw this as B. Jacob saw it. In the Babylonian Talmud, Vol. 2—Eruvin, Sheqalim, Roshashanah—supports Aviv as the head of the year.

 

Selecting a Proper Lamb

 

We were instructed to select a lamb (Hebrew=she) of the flock (could be goat or sheep) per household/family (Hebrew=Mishpachah). The lamb was to fit the size of family that could consume it within one night. Thus, a small family would partner with another family and share the lamb.

 

Selecting an acceptable lamb was the focal point of Pesach (Passover). There were two requirements in the selection process:

 

  • Unblemished (Hebrew=tamim=complete; sound).
  • Tamim is only applied to the state of sacrificial animals
  • Faultless; without defect (Leviticus 22:18-21)
  • Defected animals will not be acceptable
  • Of the first year—within the first-year of the animal’s birth.

Some believe that this age marked a level of innocence that made it ideal for sacrifice. (But there is prophetic meaning.)

 

What Were We to Do with the Select Lamb?

Passover Lamb

Which Lamb will you select today for your Paschal Lamb? This is key to a successful keeping of Passover.

We were to keep the Lamb till the 14th day of the Month of the Aviv. The entire congregation were to kill their select animals at dusk; twilight.

 

When is dusk or twilight? According to Talmud (Jewish Oral Tradition), it was between when the heat of the sun begins to decrease (~3 P.M.) and sunset.

 

From a historic perspective, Josephus wrote in his Wars 6.9.3:

 

In the time of Cestius, the sacrifices were made from the 9th to the 11th hour (i.e., 3 P.M. to 5 P.M.). Some 256,500 lambs were sacrificed for 2,700,200 persons.

 

We were instructed to apply the blood of our sacrifice to the doorposts and lintels of our homes and roast the lamb with fire (out of haste) that night. We were to eat the flesh—the paschal lamb–with unleavened bread (Hebrew=matzoth which is the plural of Matzah—also called the bread of affliction—Deut. 16:3) and bitter herbs (Hebrew=merorim which is plural of maror) to symbolize the bitterness of our Egyptian bondage.

 

We were not to eat the lamb raw. Pagan nations would eat their sacrifices raw, contrary to that which we were instructed here. Our lamb was to remain whole during the roasting process. Nothing of our lamb was to remain till morning. We were to burn any residue not consumed by morning. Why? Because this was to be NO ordinary meal to be consumed leisurely and then discarded disrespectfully.

 

Passover is a Shadow of our Redemption—Good Things to Come

 

Our unblemished lamb is none other than Yeshua HaMaschiyach.

 

John 1:29—Yochanan Ben Zechariah remarked of Yeshua: Behold the Lamb of Yah that takes away the sin of the world…

 

I Cor. 5:7—Get rid of the old hametz so that you can be a new batch of dough, because in reality you are unleavened. For our Pesach lamb, the Messiah, has been sacrificed.

 

What Qualified Yeshua to be Our Paschal Lamb—Our Passover?

 

He was unblemished—Yah only accepts the very best. Unblemished is being without sin—perfect in all His ways.

 

Heb. 9:28—So also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to deliver those who are eagerly waiting for Him (CJB).

 

Sin Is a really big deal to Father and He requires holiness and perfection in order to have a viable relationship with Him. Messiah Yeshua fit that bill perfectly and paid the price for our sin. Thus we have the opportunity to escape eternal death.

 

2 Cor. 5:21—For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew NO sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Yah in Him (KJV).

 

Heb. 7:26—For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens (KJV)

 

I Pet. 2:22—Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth (KJV) cf. Isa. 53:7

 

Heb. 4:15—For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin (CSB).

 

Our Master was of the first year.

 

Luke 3:23—Yeshua was about 30-years old when He began His public ministry…(CJB)

 

We find spiritual and prophetic parallels regarding the first-year aspect of qualifying to be the Passover Lamb in Num. 4:1-3, 21-23, 29-30. Age 30 was when Levitical Priests began serving in the Temple.

 

Those who are obedient and properly apply the blood of Messiah to their lives escape eternal death. Yeshua knocks on the door of each man’s heart.

 

Consider Rev. 3:14-22 where we find that Laodicea’s wealth made her lax and she lost her commitment and zeal for Messiah. Messiah wants to be a the sole focus of our entire life. Thus, the very lamb that takes away the sins of the world stands just outside the doors of our lives and asks to come in and sup with us (verse 20).

 

How Were We to Carry Out Passover

 

We were to consume the paschal lamb in haste and in a watchful manner. We were to have our loins girded. (I believe this would apply only to this first passover in Egypt.) Furthermore we were to be ready at a moment’s notice to hit the road as our salvation drew nigh!

 

The focus for this and succeeding Pesachs/Passovers would be:

 

  • The lamb
  • The blood
  • The unleavened bread

 

We were reminded that Pesach was Father’s Passover: thus a Passover unto YHVH. The Paschal sacrifice is to honor YHVH.

 

Passover is derived from the verb “Pasach” which means to: passover; protect; deliver.

 

Reminders and Applications

 

We were reminded that Abba’s plague(s) against the Egyptians was “against all the gods of Egypt.” The objects of Egyptian worship tended to center upon the firstborn of man and beast. Thus all firstborn of Egypt were struck down. Every Egyptian deity was represented by some beast and Yah spared not one.

 

Father proclaims His sovereignty in judging the gods of Egypt by stating: “I am YHVH!”

 

Abba instructs that the blood of the sacrificed lamb/kid upon the doorposts and lintels of our homes would serve as a token for us. Abba always seals His covenants with blood. This passover event was a covenant although Yah did not expressly spell this out. Thus, here Abba’s covenant with us—to protect us from the Angel of Destruction—would be sealed and insured by the blood when properly applied that night.

 

What was this covenant? Abba stipulated that He would spare us and our families from the Angel of Destruction when He saw the blood properly applied to our homes’ doorways.

 

We were to eat unleavened bread for 7-complete days, including eating it with the Pesach meal. This was in force from the 14th at evening to the 21st at evening. (For us today: 4/1/18 through 4/8/18).

 

Leaven and What it Means

Matzah

Leaven symbolizes sin. Unleavened Bread is a shadow of the redemption plan and the elimination of sin from our lives.

Leaven is symbolic of corruption, passion and sin. As it applies to the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzah), he/she who for whatever reason consumes leaven bread during this week will be cut-off from Israel (i.e., cast out from the congregation of Israel).

 

How does this apply today in the Body of Messiah?

 

The Feast of Unleavened Bread Requirements

 

We were instructed to convene a holy convocation (Hebrew=miqra=public meeting; a rehearsal; a public reading) on the 1st and 7th day. No manner of work is to be done on these holy days with the exception of food preparation. No leaven is to be found in any of our dwellings. This instruction applies to any place an Israelite will dwell or call home at the time of Pesach.

 

NOTE 1: True freedom comes only when we eliminate leaven (sin) from our lives. It is a process of sanctification; correction; repentance; obedience and dying to self.

 

NOTE 2: This passage serves to prove (in a sense) that what many of us refer to as the Last Supper/Holy Communion/The Lord’s Supper was NOT the Passover meal. Master was the Passover Lamb who was crucified on the execution stake on the afternoon Passover.

 

NOTE 3: Leaven is analogous to sin. Sin has no place in the Body of Messiah. As Abba instructed that leaven not be found in our homes, He also instructed that leaven not be found in the entire community. Thus sin cannot be tolerated in the Body of Messiah. It must be quickly dealt with because “…a little leaven leaventh the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).

 

Identity—Identity—Identity

 

We must constantly ask the question of ourselves: who are we and to whom do we belong?

If we identify ourselves as Israelites and we’ve chosen to obey Father’s Torah and to be disciples of Yeshua, then Passover and Unleavened Bread keeping applies to us (Rom. 11:17-24). This is NOT a Jewish thing! This is a Hebrew thing!

 

Application of the Paschal Lamb to the Doorposts and Lintels of Our Homes with Hyssop

 

We were instructed to apply the blood of our selected, unblemished, of the 1st-year lamb/kid to the doorposts and lintels of our dwellings using “hyssop.”

 

Hyssop when used in a bunch acts as a sponge when taking on liquid—such as blood.

 

John 19:28—”After this Yeshua knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the scripture said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine (vinegar) was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Yeshua had received the sour wine He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (NASB).

 

Hyssop is symbolic of spiritual purification from sin. As a substance used in Torah, hyssop has detersive, cleansing and medicinal properties. Leviticus 14:6,7 and Num. 19:18 both define the use of hyssop for purification purposes.

 

Psalm 51:7—”Purge me with hyssop and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow” (KJV).

 

The Destroyer Will Be Stopped

 

When Abba sees that we were obedient in applying the blood of the Paschal Lamb to the doorposts and lintels of our homes, He will NOT allow the “destroyer” to enter our homes and destroy us.

 

This “destroyer” makes a series of appearances throughout the Tanach: 2 Sam. 24:16; 2 Kin. 19:35; I Chron. 21:15,16; Act. 12:23.

 

Have We Properly Applied the Blood of the Lamb to our Lives?

 

Have we properly applied the blood of our selected Lamb to the doorposts and lintels of our lives so that we may be spared the eternal ravages of Father’s “destroyer?”

 

Food for Thought: Someday, in the World Tomorrow, the “destroyer” is going to be put out of work! Praise Yah!

 

Any Doubts that We as Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah Should Keep Passover and Unleavened Bread?

 

If there is any question whether Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah are to keep Passover and Unleavened Bread, this verse should sufficiently answer those concerns:

 

“And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever.”

 

Again—Identity-Identity-Identity

 

Our First Passover in Egypt was Also a Look to the Future

 

We were to especially prepare ourselves to keep Passover and Unleavened Bread in the Promised Land. Deut. 4:5, 12 and 16:5-8 provide us with an unfolding of this Feast which transitioned over time to that of a individualized/family-centric observance to that of a congregational observance. Josh. 5:10-12 records that we celebrated our first Pesach/Unleavened Bread in the Land of Promise.

 

Passover/Unleavened Bread Given In Part for Feast Celebration

 

Psa. 105:44,45 records that one of the reasons Abba gave us the Land is so that we may observe His statutes and keep His Torah in perfect harmony with Yehovah our Elohim. Our 40-years wandering in the wilderness served as training and preparation for when we would enter the Land of Promise. Upon entering the Land, we would be united and ready to serve Abba to the fullest extent of His Torah possible.

 

In one sense we are like our wandering forefathers: as we wander in the wilderness of our 21st centuries lives, we are training and preparing to enter Father’s eternal Kingdom where we will keep His moedim/His Feasts with Him in attendance.

 

Passing on the Significance of Passover to our Children

 

Although each of us was instructed to keep Passover, we were also instructed and made responsible for passing on these instructions to our children. This training of our children as it relates to Passover and Unleavened Bread is not a transferable responsibility.

 

The Destruction of the Firstborn of Egypt

 

All the firstborn of Egypt, including livestock, were slain. Prophetic justice plays out here, for we see that a previous Pharoah ordered the execution of Hebrew firstborn children during the time of Moses’ birth (Exo. 1:8-22).

 

We were hurried out of Egypt by night—thus the admonishment by Moses that we take the Pesach in a watchful/vigilant/expecting temperament. Our former Egyptian overlords were concerned that after this last plague, the next shoe to drop would be the total annihilation of all Egypt (vs. 33).

 

Our hurried departure necessitated the making of “unleavened bread” (vs. 33,34) which served as part of our Pesach meal and our food during our journey to Mount Sinai.

 

We ravaged the immense wealth of Egypt. This ravaging was facilitated by our having curried favor with our Egyptian taskmasters (vs. 36). This serves to teach us that although we may be persecuted by the world, Father has a way of granting us favor with the peoples of the world.

 

We Were a Mixed Multitude Leaving out of Egypt

 

We numbered some 600,000 men (heads of households) which scholars have indicated totaled upwards of 2-million souls when one factors in women and children exiting Egypt on this Night to be Most Remembered (cf. Num. 1:46).

 

We were a mixed multitude that some scholars say included non-Israelite slaves and prisoners of war.

These souls would prove troublesome for Moses and our overall assembly in the days, weeks and years to come (cf. Num. 11:4,5).

 

Even today within the Body of Messiah, we are composed of a “mixed multitude,” some of which are not true Israelites.

Master likened them as “tares”…whom we are required to live with until such a time that Master separates them from those of us who are true Israelites.

 

We brought with us a great many domesticated animals for sacrifice and food (vs. 38).

 

We began our Exodus on what has become known to us as the 1st day of Unleavened Bread.

 

A Night to be Much Remembered

 

This fateful night in Egypt which led directly to our departure out of Egypt was to be, what Torah describes as: A NIGHT OF WATCHING (JPS/ESV); A NIGHT OF VIGIL (CSB/NIV); A NIGHT TO BE MUCH OBSERVED (NASB/ASV/KJV). Watching/Observed—Hebrew=“shimmurim”=of celebration; vigilance

Pesach is to be a time of watching—better rendered: A TIME OF REFLECTION AND ANTICIPATION because of Abba’s timely redemption and grace!

 

Specific Rules for Keeping Passover

 

Non-Israelites are not to partake in Passover (vs. 43). (Identity again!) Our bought and paid-for servants, as long as they are circumcised, however, may partake in Passover (vs. 44). This is because these souls become members of our family who will by consequence become extended members of the congregation/commonwealth of Israel.

 

We were to be circumcised. Circumcision (a hot button topic) is a requirement to take Pesach according to Torah. It is non-negotiable; an identity issue once again. Nevertheless, there’s more than just identity and direct obedience required here.

 

There are two required circumcisions in order to partake in Passover:

 

  • One of the heart (Deut. 10:16; 30:6).
  • Physical circumcision which serves as a sign between that we (males) are of Israel.

 

Furthermore, temporary residents and hired servants are prohibited from partaking (vs. 45).

 

We were instructed to keep Pesach as a family and unified community (vss. 46, 47).

 

Any non-Israeli who desires to be a part of the true community of Yah is to be circumcised and to fully adopt the ways of Yah before partaking (vs. 48).

 

One Torah for All

 

Torah applies equally to both biological Israelis (not just Jews) and foreigners and new-comers to the Faith (vs. 49). Thus, the Rabbinic concept of Noahide Laws applying to Gentiles who wish to adopt a Jewish lifestyle are herein is quashed. There is one Torah for all! Period.

 

Israelite Firstborn

 

We were instructed to consecrate (Hebrew=qadash=sanctify; dedicate; hallow; be holy; to be separated) our firstborn unto YHVH.

 

All firstborn of Israel—human and animal—belong to Yah—Num. 3:13; 8:16; 18:15; cf., Luk. 2:23).

 

How many of us have taken this instruction seriously in our lives and in our home? This is emblematic of our status in the Kingdom of Yah:

 

Heb. 12:22—”…to the great assembly and ekklesia of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven…”

 

Rom. 8:29–Yeshua is the firstborn among many brethren. We have been predestined to become conformed to the image of Yeshua.

 

Firstborn is an important concept that has wide-reaching implications throughout various areas of our Faith Community and throughout Torah.

 

Passover is a Sign

 

Father instructs that Passover/Pesach/Unleavened Bread is to serve as a sign to us (vs. 9) likened unto a sign on our hands and between our eyes. Judaism interprets this verse to mean that Jews are to adorn Tephillin/Phylacteries and recite associated Meditations from the Authorized Prayer Book.

 

Matthew records Yeshua making mention of this tradition in Matthew 23:5 whereby the Pharisees made much to do about their phylacteries as visual indications of their self-righteousness.

 

Tephillin/Phylacteries are small boxes containing tiny scrolls worn by devout Jews on their arms and foreheads during times of meditation. The scrolls contain 4-sections of Torah that are then placed in these small boxes. The Rabbis have issued rules on the wearing of these devices to include not wearing adorning them on Sabbaths/Festivals; not at night; to be worn from the age of 13 (barmitzvah).

 

This is a Rabbinic construct that may not be accurate or what Father originally intended as an interpretation for the Passover being as a sign on one’s arm and between one’s eyes. Another interpretation to be considered is that

This verse instructs us to embrace the full revelation and commandment to keep Passover to the fullest extent possible such that it is fully and clearly manifested in everything we physically do in our day-to-day lives (our hands) as well as manifested in our every thought, desire and intention (between our eyes). Our entire being is to be subjected to the service of Yah and the Kingdom.

 

Closing Thoughts and Reflections on our First Passover

 

We were commanded by Yah to keep Passover/Unleavened Bread forever.

 

Yeshua Messiah is the goal of Torah:

 

Rom. 10:4—For the goal at which the Torah aims is the Messiah who offers righteousness to everyone who trusts.

 

Yeshua is our example—He kept Passover and so did His disciples.

 

Yeshua offers us righteousness if we keep His commandments. Father demands righteousness in order for us to have a viable relationship with Him.

 

Therefore, first and foremost, Passover is about Yeshua Messiah. Easter and Christmas are NOT about Yeshua. They are about another Christ.

 

Secondarily Passover must be kept by every Israelite. Who are we? Are we Israelites? If so, we must keep Passover and Unleavened Bread.

 

Thirdly, there is one Torah for all—native-born-Jew—male—female—non-Jew—black, white, Asian, Hispanic—Torah applies to one and all.

 

Have a blessed Passover and Unleavened Bread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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