by Rod Thomas | Sep 7, 2014 | Podcasts
A practice that I’ve begun following of late is incorporating the Michael Rood Chronological Gospels into my regimen of Torah Study. I do this following the Rood Astronomically & Agriculturally Corrected Biblical Hebrew Calendar and looking at the corresponding events based upon Rood’s presumed calendar dates. Those of you who haven’t and are so led, I would highly encourage you to get your hands on a copy of the Chronological Gospels and the Creator’s Calendar. These two tools work together to provide perspective in terms of the time frames that each Gospel event occurred. The time frames, of course, are highly connected and embedded in the Feasts of Yehovah, the Sabbath and Torah. Michael’s commentary on key events also illuminates the issues being addressed through the sighted events in the light of Torah, Judaism, history and the Hebrew language. This perspective has taken my study to a whole new level; beyond anything that I’ve ever experienced, just in the past year. I can’t recommend this invaluable tool enough.
Being transparent, I can’t say emphatically whether or not the events exactly correspond to every assigned date as Michael assigns in his Bible, but I truly believe at the very least, the dates and events as assigned are reasonable. I had the great privilege to speak to Michael last year, at an event launching the Chronological Gospels, regarding this very question about assigning dates and time frames. I expected Michael to provide me with some type of nebulous answer. However, I was highly impressed and surprised to learn from him that a great deal of research and study was placed in the assignment of dates/time frames to every event. In some cases, the events could be assigned to specific dates simply by correlating obviously-associated feasts and known documented history. Other, less than obvious events, required Michael to actually extrapolate distances and cultural practices in association with various historical markers–the biggest marker being the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, which Michael used as a primary reference point for much of the Chronological Gospels construction.
The most recent event correlation was 68–“Yeshua and His disciples ‘harvest, winnow, and grind’ grain on the second Sabbath after the first of the month, incurring the wrath of the Pharisees.” This event, as recorded in Matthews 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; and Luke 6:1-5, is believed to have occurred on the Shabbat, 10th day, of the 5th Biblical month which certain computers have been used to extrapolate back in time to specific dates, assigns this day to August, 2, 27 of the common era. This is a well-known story. Yeshua and His disciples happen to have been traversing a wheat field on the second Sabbath of the 5th Biblical month when certain religious leaders witness them plucking wheat and eating grains of wheat to cull their hunger. The religious leaders attributed the act of plucking wheat and extracting the kernels as violating Sabbath laws; specifically the Pharisees accused the group of conducting work on the Sabbath. Yeshua’s response to the accusation was one of outrage in that the violation of the Sabbath laws as seen by the Pharisees was in no way Torah-based. The fact of the matter was that the oral tradition in this and virtually every other commandment, law and precept of the Torah was refashioned by the religious leaders to create a form of righteousness that was not of Yehovah but of man. To get His point across, Yeshua referred the Prushim to the story of David while hiding from King Saul who sought to kill him, took Shewbread for him and his men from the tabernacle to eat (1 Samuel 21:14-16). The showbread, by Torah, was restricted to the consumption by the Tabernacles priests (Exodus 25:30 and Leviticus 24:5-9). The showbread was considered to be holy (Leviticus 24:9) and only to be eaten by Aaron and his sons. In general. The letter of Torah would indicate that consumption of the shewbread by anyone other than the Levitical priest was out of the question. Yet Yehovah never instructed that this was emphatically the case. Consequently, David, hiding from King Saul, hungry, and in need, found a source of provision through the grace and providence of Yehovah. If this David and the shewbread situation were to have been played out by the Prushim who rebuked Yeshua, likely David would have been sent away without sustenance and we can only surmise what would have become of him afterwards. Interestingly, the attending priest who provided the showbread to David, although having a degree of angst over the entire situation, capitulated and provided the bread to David with the understanding that David and his men were in a state of purity. Also interestingly, Yehovah, who enjoyed a close relationship with David, seemed to have not had any issue with David taking the shewbread for emergency sustenance.
Letter of the Law, without any consideration for the spirit of the Law, can be problematic, especially as it relates to our Hebraic Roots/Messianic Faith. I recall coming in to this Truth going on 10-years ago and having to work through the many challenges and questions regarding the Sabbath. The Torah is clear on there being no work conducted on the Sabbath. But the questions that floated around us constantly was, what constitutes work? Thus, we went through a million and one permutations and adjustments regarding the observance of Sabbath. In our home, we went from one extreme to the next because we didn’t fully grasp what the expectation was regarding the Sabbath and the whole concept of what we can and can’t do on the Sabbath. I’m certain that many of you have faced the same situation. I can tell you, this very situation had a tendency to create a lot of turmoil in our home during the early days of our transitioning to Sabbath observance. Very early on, we swung heavily over towards total, systematic, shutdown on the Sabbath. I mean, absolutely NO television watching allowed; no preparation of meals; prayer beginning at sundown and again at the end of Sabbath; no running of appliances; and there were other things implemented that escapes me at the moment. Well, the pendulum swung from extreme conservative to more liberal, especially after we affiliated with United Church of God and then Rock Valley Christian Church. Being in these fellowships, we experienced working hard to facilitate the conduction of weekly Sabbath services as well as eating out in restaurants and other peoples homes during the Sabbath. So, it was indeed interesting how things can change in terms of how we as humans apply Torah to our lives, especially as it relates to something as foundational as the Sabbath.
As it related to this particular event, the Torah by this point in history had become nothing more than a broken egg shell (my wording and description) whereby the whole egg (i.e., the Torah as given by Yehovah to the children of Israel) had been cracked open by men and the contents spilled out into a skillet. The purity of the egg was then comprised by the heat of the stove and the extra “stuff” (i.e., seasoning, butter, etc.) that is added to suit the taste of the one who is cooking it. The Law as known to the Jew in first century Palestine was not Torah. The original 613 laws, commandments and precepts that were stipulated in the five books of Torah had morphed into 1000’s of additional laws and rules, all designed according to the Prushim, to keep the Jew from violating the original 613 laws. This erecting of a fence around Torah by these man made laws (as it has come to be known in Judaism) was never intended nor sanctioned by Yehovah and it was this system of laws (i.e., the Talmud; takanots; ma’hasim) that enraged the Master and ultimately resulted in His crucifixion. The instance of Yeshua’s disciples plucking wheat and rubbing the kernels in their hands to strip away the chaff as they traversed that wheat field that August day in 27 C.E. was deemed a violation of the Law, when in fact it was only a violation of Jewish law. The Prushim’s interpretation of Torah through the lenses of Judaism regarding the Sabbath was in many cases absolutely ludicrous. Instead of a people (specifically Jews) experiencing freedom from sin through the keeping of Torah, the people instead experienced an intense form of bondage to religion. I recall reading something a few years ago that certain sects of Judaism weren’t allowed even to tear toilet paper to take care of their personal toilet needs on the Sabbath. Thus, the toilet paper had to be torn into prepared strips on Friday so as to not incur the work of tearing a piece of toilet paper on the Sabbath. I mean, how silly is this. One can only surmise that hasatan and his imps have over the centuries fallen over themselves laughing at the absurdity of some of these rules.
As it relates to us: the redeemed and elect of Yeshua HaMaschiach, our observance and keeping of Sabbath must be done within a healthy and proper perspective. Indeed, Torah is clear that we must not do any work. Most will agree that work would refer to servile activity–especially activity that we do on a daily basis to provide financial support for our families. This work would be considered income. But then, what about the work of cleaning up the house, mowing a lawn, washing clothes, preparing meals, baby sitting, and the like? I guess the best way to look at this is, there is absolutely no reason to do any of these tasks on the Sabbath when there are six other days in the week in which to complete this tasks. These tasks may not be activities for which we earn a living, but they could be classified as servile work. Then what about those who work in socially critical positions such as paramedics, firemen, policemen, doctors, nurses and soldiers–these professionals keep our society safe from the dangers of everyday life? Surely Yehovah would be okay if a believer who happens to be one of these critical professionals was required to fulfill the tenets of their profession (i.e., work) on the Sabbath. I think most would concede that the believer in Messiah is compelled to honor the Sabbath by not fulfilling the tenets of His profession on the Sabbath. I believe that it comes down to one who finds themselves in such a situation to petition Yehovah to provide the right organization that would grant him or her the Sabbath off. I found myself in a similar situation and it was the grace of Yehovah that worked a wonder and I was promoted to a position that did not require me to work on Sabbaths. Yehovah can do wonders if we seek Him and never doubt Him. It’s a trust issue. And if we aren’t able to make headway in the company or organization in which we are employed, then maybe Yehovah has another, even better, opportunity out there for us that does not require us to work on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, this is an individual issue that one must face alone and make the decision of what to do about the Sabbath. True believers must make a stand. However, true believers must keep Torah real and not fall pray to personal perceptions and ideals as to what constitutes proper Sabbath observance. The Torah is clear as to what justifies generally the proper observance of the Sabbath–that is there will be no work. The minute details, however, rests with the leading of the Holy Spirit and common sense. If you’re hungry on the Sabbath and your options are limited, by all means find something to eat. Next time, maybe you might want to be more prepared so as to not find yourself in the same situation. Just saying.
by Rod Thomas | Sep 7, 2014 | Podcasts
Continuing on with the inclusion of Michael Rood’s Chronological Gospels and its date-sensitive corresponding passages in addition to my daily Torah studies, I came to the passage in the chronology where the Master responded to a question as to why His disciples did not fast on as frequent a basis as the disciples of John the Immerser (or Yochanan) and the Pharisees (or Prushim) as recorded in Matthew 9:14-17. In this Torah Living episode, I would like to look at this passage from the perspective of what exactly Yeshua mean by this analogy of new wine being contained in old wineskins in His addressing the fasting question as well as glean from this story, life-applications that will aid us in our walk with Messiah. This is Torah Living, Episode 33–The Age-Old Problem of New Wine in Old Wineskins
I’ve always been intrigued by this most profound passage which obviously contains a significant message with far reaching spiritual applications. As a former Christian, I looked at this story and its associated spiritual meaning from the perspective that Christianity (aka new wine) would become an entirely new religion that would supersede Judaism–especially the Law (at that point in my life I saw the Law of Moses as being synonymous with Judaism) which translated in my mind as being an old wineskin. Thus the new wine of Christianity would essentially break/burst anything having to do with the old wineskins of the Old Testament and the Law into a useless shell of a religion. My perceptions have of course changed and I believe I better understand the thrust of the Master’s parable or analogy in this story.
The passage reads as follows: Then the disciples of Yochanan (aka John the Immerser) came to Him saying, “Why do we and the Prushim (aka: the Pharisees) fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Yeshua said to them, “Can the children of the bridechamber mourn while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then they will fast. No man puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment because that which is put in to repair it pulls away from the garment and the tear is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old wineskins because the wineskins will break, the wine will run out, and the wineskins will perish. They put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved.” (Matt. 9:14-17–Rood’s Chronological Gospels rendering). It should be noted that askos, ou, o=wineskins; a bag made of skin or leather in which water or wine was kept–Mar. 2:22 and Luk. 5:37. A number of translators have attempted to substitute “bottles” for wineskins. The fermenting of new wine would not break glass bottles however. Fermenting of wine would, however, break old wineskins.
As the story goes, disciples of Yochanan (aka: John the Immerser) confronted Yeshua regarding Yeshua’s disciples’ apparent practice of NOT fasting on a regular basis as was the practice of the disciples of Yochanan and the Prushim . By now, word had likely reached the ears of Yochanan’s disciples and the Prushim that Yeshua and His disciples had occasion to socialize with publicans (aka a collector of taxes or tolls–a profession formerly held by the Matthew the disciple of Yeshua) and sinners–specifically at an dining affair hosted, at that time, by Mattiyahu haLevi (aka: Matthew)–reference Matt. 9:9-14, Mar. 2:14-22 and Luk. 5:27-39). Needless to say, Mattiyahu haLevi was ostracized by His people and viewed as a traitor, for he essentially worked for the Roman and Herodian governments. Regardless, it was during this affair, which apparently was well attended by what the CKJV describes as “many publicans and sinners who came and reclined with Yeshua and His disciples.” The passage goes on: “When the Prushim saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your rabbi eat with publicans and sinners?” Of course, Yeshua always used confrontations and conflict as a means to teach the Gospel of the Kingdom which He often did ever so skillfully through parables and analogies. In this brilliant and well known discourse, Yeshua’s response was: “Those who are whole do not need a physician, only those who are sick…I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” What a tremendous truth we find here that many of us fail to fully grasp and comprehend. Indeed, the Master saw a great potential harvest among the common folk of His day and of the region where His message was being preached. Contrary to what one would naturally think the focus of the Gospel would be, the harvest would not be made up of the religious and of the wealthy and affluent. These individuals were heavily entrenched in their traditions and their religion and their wealth and positions in society. They had no need for a Faith that would be based upon the Laws and Commandments of Yehovah and that would demand a parting of the ways from the traditions of their culture and national religion. Interesting, one could imagine that the Prushim challenging Yeshua at this affair had absolutely no idea what Yeshua was saying. Yeshua must have been thinking to Himself: Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?! Needless to say, they had absolutely no idea what Yeshua (and for that matter Yochanan) was all about. If it was not of the tradition of the elders, it was heresy and it had to be dealt with with extreme prejudice.
Why were these disciples of Yochanan so bold as to suggest that Yeshua and His disciples needed to conduct themselves in a more disciplined way; in a way that was consistent with the pattern established by the elders and sages and their religion? I see two problems driving this situation here in this passage:
Problem #1–Yeshua’s disciples were not fasting as were Yochanan’s disciples and the Prushim
On the surface, most would not consider the fact that Yeshua’s disciples were not fasting as Yochanan’s disciples and the Prushim were as problematic. Essentially, different strokes for different strokes, huh? Yet there indeed existed a problem here. The problem was not that of Yeshua’s disciples not doing something they were supposed to do as if fasting was a salvation issue. Indeed, fasting as was being debated here by Yochanan’s disciples was entirely based upon Jewish tradition. No sir, no ma’am, the problem here seems to be an insinuation that Yeshua and His band of followers were–as described by Bible Commentator Matthew Henry–“loose in their profession.” In other words, this group (that is Yeshua and His disciples), were supposed to be on the same page of the Faith as Yochanan and his disciples were, but for whatever reason, they seemed to Yochanan’s camp to be very liberal in the exercising or practice of their Faith. Again, the whole socializing with publicans and sinners must have remained fresh in their minds. That incident in addition to their failure to fast as often as tradition dictated must have sent Yochanan’s group over the edge in terms of their patience with the Messiah. The accusers’ challenge simply put out there that Yeshua and His disciples were liberals and that they needed to be conservatives. In other words, their behavior was not becoming of a pious student of the True Faith.
Problem #2–Yochanan’s Disciples Become a Most Unlikely Tool of the Enemy
As mentioned in problem #1, the issue of fasting was more a case of traditional religious practice than Torah Law. So this whole exchange between the Yochanan disciples and Yeshua should not have even come up. Instead of the two parties coming together to further the Kingdom under the leadership of Yeshua, a benign issue such as fasting had the potential of ripping the True Faith apart at the seams. In other words, someone or someones saw in this issue the opportunity to undermine the Faith from the inside out. (Actually an ingenious ploy when you stop to think about it.) The someone or someones were likely the Prushim who had by now become quite disturbed over Yeshua’s influence over the people and notoriety in the region. Given the popularity of Yeshua, the Prushim held absolutely no opportunity to destroy Yeshua without bringing upon themselves certain destruction. So an outward assault upon the camp of the Master was out of the question at this juncture of the game. However, if somehow some form of subversion could be incited within the camps of Yochanan and Yeshua, then the problem of Yeshua and Yochanan would all but take care of itself. To the Sanhedrin, that would be the best scenario and solution to their perceived problem.
The Sanhedrin saw the camps of Yochanan and Yeshua as public enemies number one and two–although not necessarily in that order. The plan was to somehow use the traditional Jewish practice of fasting to bond with the group that was closer to them in their observances of the traditions of their religion than the other and that of course was Yochanan’s group. The common bond: fasting. Jewish tradition provided for a number of fasts for various occasions–to address drought, pestilence, famine, war, sieges, inundations, etc. according to Gill’s Commentary– (reference Misn. Taanith, c.1. sect. 4.5, 6. and c.e. sect. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Maimon. and Bartenora in ib.), the most common practice appears to have been twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Thursdays (reference Luk. 18:12). Upon bonding with the group through the commonality of fasting, the Prushim could handily encourage Yochanan’s disciples to challenge Yeshua and His disciples on their seeming failure to exercise this highly valued, frequently displayed, physical, outward show of righteousness. I’m thinking that the instigators were betting that Yochanan’s disciples were dealing with just another holy man with a burgeoning popular following and an ego the size of Palestine. And the Prushim were no doubt betting that it would be that ego that would potentially inflame the passions of both groups and cause the rift from within that would ultimately lead to the self-destruction of this competing and troubling Faith. Of course, the instigators of this incident had no true idea as to whom they were dealing. Yeshua had no ego as man would understand an ego to be. Yeshua’s only purpose was to do the will of His Father who is in heaven. (Reference Matt. 7:21 and 12:50)
Now this is not in any way meant to suggest that Yochanan was a tried and true, card carrying Pharisee. This could not be so because Yochanan made it a point to routinely speak out against the Jewish establishment–But when Yochanan saw many of the P’rushim and Tz’dukim coming to be immersed by him, he said to them, “You snakes! Who warned you to escape the coming punishment? (Mat 3:7 CJB) So it is clear that there was no love lost between either sides of this equation. However, many denominational and self-professing Biblical experts believe that Yochanan was an Essene, or at the very least, that Yochanan lived at some point an Essenic-life. Now you many be aware that the settlement of Qumran (the origin of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls) is believed to have been inhabited by an ultra-conservative Jewish sect known as the Essenes. One author that I’ve come across in recent years has even gone so far as to suggest that Yochanan actually lived in Qumran as an Essene (reference “James the Brother of Jesus,” by Robert Eisenman). There are some problems with Mr. Eisenman’s theory in that many scholars place the extinction of Qumran and the Essenes years before the birth of Yeshua. Well, I have to say that I believe Mr. Eisenman has certainly done his homework and some of his theories may not be out of the question. There are certain similarities between the Essenic lifestyle as we know it today and what would be expected of a man like Yochanan who lived in the desert and ate locust and wild honey and lived an extremely austere life. It is likely that several, if not the bulk, of Yochanan’s disciples may have been Essenes or practiced an Essenic life before the start of their calling by Yochanan. Furthermore, these same disciples likely imitated Yochanan in every aspect of his existence–and that would include frequent/regular fastings. Certainly, Yeshua and His disciples’ seemingly relaxed life-style would have appeared odd if not irritating to the members of Yochanan’s camp. Indeed, the austere living conditions and religious practices of the Essenes (as we’ve come to understand through the reading and study of the Dead Sea Scrolls), was a life style that was highly disciplined and was not for the average person living in the first century C.E. It would not be too much of a stretch to say that those who chose to live such an austere life, such as Yochanan, out of the total number of practicing Jews in the region, were minuscule. Consequently, these individuals were seen as extremists and mystics to either be drawn to or to be avoided. In Yochanan’s case, people flocked to the desert to see him and listen to His very strange but energizing message of repentance and then be mikvehed by the man.
Yeshua’s Response
As I’ve just discussed, Yeshua had a potentially damaging problem cast before Him. His response to this critical challenge by the Yochanan disciples was crucial in terms of how both camps would reconcile their differences and continue on. As in times past, Yeshua, who was unique in every facet of His being when compared to any other man, living or dead, approached or responded to this situation not as a challenge to Him, His authority or to the Gospel that He was going about the region proclaiming and teaching. Knowing my disposition as a somewhat sensitive kind of guy, I would have probably been somewhat insulted by such a challenge, but determined to make amends and resolve any perceived notions that our two camps were at odds with the other. Yeshua as in times past, used this opportunity to teach and He did so using His common method of teaching–parables or maybe better stated, the use of two analogies to get His perspective and position across. And what a response that was. Yeshua’s response was thought provoking and disarming. It was not so much a response to defend His and His disciples actions (or lack thereof) as it was a response to explain to the challengers the deeper perspectives of the Faith and how the true believer must approach this and other similar matters that may affect the Faith and the members of that Faith. Now I have absolutely no doubt that Yeshua knew the insidious nature behind this challenge. Yet, instead of getting all worked up over the audacity of the Yochanan party’s efforts to challenge His and His disciple’s religious practices, as the true Messiah He was, He set about to continue to spread His Gospel message. The Master used two very precise analogous real-world (in the first century world of Palestine) examples to express the differences between religious practice and dogma and the True Faith that came from the mouth of Yehovah and that He was delivering.
Example #1– No one patches an old coat with a piece of unshrunk cloth, because the patch (eventually) tears away from the coat and leaves a worse hole. (Mat 9:16 CJB) Indeed, this concept or example should have been pretty clear and descriptive–one does not mend his or her old garment using a new piece of fabric to patch the holes. The old fabric no doubt has been worn and washed dozens of times if not hundreds. By the time it has become tattered, it has fully reached the limits of its shrinking. However, the patch of new cloth has not been worn and washed and it will respond to the cycle of wearing and washing as the old cloth has. Thus, when that new cloth is applied to the old, tattered garment, and that seemingly repaired garment is then worn and undergoes washings, that new patch of cloth will shrink. The old garment has no more room to shrink and the shrinking of the new cloth will cause further damage to the original garment as it shrinks and pulls from the old garment. Indeed, an interesting example.
Example #2–Nor do people put new wine in old wineskins; if they do, the skins burst, the wine spills and the wineskins are ruined. No, they pour new wine into freshly prepared wineskins, and in this way both are preserved.” (Mat 9:17 CJB) For us in the 21st century, this concept or example would likely be foreign, but to the first century inhabitant of Palestine, it would be common sense and in some cases, information that if not heeded, could be the difference between life and death (i.e., the extreme climate conditions of the region). New wine when received continues through a process called fermentation for a period of time. According to wikipedia–Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases and/or alcohol. Bottles as referenced in the KJV, but in other translations as wineskins, were constructed from the flesh of animals. The closest thing we have to compare it today with is called a “bota bag,” which is a Spanish liquid receptacle. According to wikipedia–they are made of leather (when made of goatskin it is of course referred to as a goatskin), and is typically used to carry wine, although any liquid can be poured into it. Traditionally, bota bags were lined with goat bladders, in other cases tree sap or other resins were used to prevent liquids from seeping through. The fermentation process would cause the wine contained in whatever receptacle it was placed, to expand. The container holding this expanding wine must be able to expand along with the fermenting wine or it will break or tear open the receptacle, causing the wine to spill out. Indeed, another interesting example provided by Messiah.
These two examples, being excellent analogies to a spiritual concept, seem to have provided the Yochanan disciples (as well as Yeshua’s disciples) and even us today with a few interesting perspectives. I am not dogmatic to say that there is one and only one interpretation here. I realize there are many teachers out there that will doggedly contend that their interpretation is the absolute correct interpretation. Personally, I can’t see how anyone honestly believes that their interpretation of this parable is proper over another’s, with the exception of those who are simply interpreting from the perspective of their denomination’s teachings or from some mystical method of interpretation. All we can rely upon is revelation by the Ruach Kodesh and the use of sound Biblical exegesis methods. Otherwise, one believer’s interpretation is as good as another which is why we have some 30,000 denominations. Furthermore, even the inner circle disciples had to from time-to-time seek the Master’s plain language explanation of some of His teachings. What makes us feel that we have the corner on Biblical interpretation? Oh sure, many of us have received the blessing of Ruach HaKodesh sometime during our conversion to the true Faith, but from my perspective that doesn’t guarantee that we will always receive the correct interpretation of certain Biblical passages. I’m a firm believer that there are areas and times of our lives where certain things are not meant to be revealed to us according to the workings of the Spirit. Try and try as we might; seek and seek as we may; ponder and ponder as we do, the interpretation will not come until Yehovah’s good and appointed time. In this particular passage, I’ve come upon at least three (3) interpretations or applications as it relates to patches and old wineskins.
Application #1–sticking to the context of the passage (which is always a safe way in which to gain proper interpretations of most Biblical passages), we see that we have a very conservative band of disciples (Yochanan’s) challenging a seemingly liberal band of disciples (Yeshua’s) over the liberals’ apparent lack of discipline when it came to the traditional practice of fasting. Yeshua’s response to this challenge was one of turning the tables on the accusers, highlighting not the act of fasting or the lack of fasting (no-pun intended of course), but accentuating the wisdom of requiring a novice to display advance character traits and behavior. In other words, we have come to some conclusion in this study, that Yochanan’s disciples were likely made up of the most disciplined Jews of the day and of the region. These Jews were well practiced in many of the traditions of the Jewish faith, no doubt including fasting. On the flip-side, Yeshua’s disciples were made up of the average Jew on the street if you will–i.e., fishermen, tax collectors, builders and the like. These men were not so well versed in many of the traditions of the elders, especially the more disciplined traditions such as fasting. Yeshua would of course have been very cognizant of the spiritual novice state of His disciples and thus His expectations of them as it relates to the Faith was likely much much lower than the expectations likely held by Yochanan of his disciples. Could it have been that Yeshua, being cognizant of the relative greenness of His disciples, was very careful not to over-tax them by heaping upon them the same austere-life practices as practiced by the much more experienced Yochanan disciples–who we surmised could have been Essenes or even Nazarites? Thus, could the old fabric and old wineskins in this scenario be the untried and untested lives of Yeshua’s disciples and the new fabric and new wine be the austere existence that the most ardent disciple of the true Gospel was expected and often observed to live? In other words, if such an austere existence was placed upon the Master’s disciples right off the bat, what would be the likelihood that these disciples would remain faithful to the very end? Would these same nascent disciples reach a point in following the Master, after being subjected day-after-day to such a disciplined existence, that their dedication and loyalty would burst and they would thus leave the Faith? The very fact that a handful of individuals came to Yeshua upon hearing His message and seeing the miracles He wrought, wanting to follow Him throughout the region, but were discouraged to find that they would have to give up everything and every person in their lives for the work of the Gospel, was enough to dissuade the casual Yeshua “roadie,” if you will, from taking to the road with Yeshua. Simply leaving behind all that you were used to in your day-to-day life to follow Yeshua was virtually impossible for some to conceive. Indeed, the desire and hope that these individuals expressed to the Master in terms of following Him, ruptured as if old wineskins containing new fermented wine and the pulling away of new fabric from old fabric once the garment is washed a few times. The great Biblical commentator Gill writes to “the unreasonableness of putting young disciples upon severe exercises of religion as fasting and that young converts are to be tenderly dealt with.” These austerities–i.e., fasting–could be seen as new, yet burdensome and troublesome to the novice. Yeshua’s disciples, on the other hand were “weak, easily staggered, arguable to austerities–especially given the “Bridegroom was in their very midst” so says Gill. This analogy or interpretation is certainly different than any that I’ve ever come across. But the intricacies and application, especially related to the context of the entire passage, make sense to me and I hope the same applies to you. I tend to agree with this interpretation over those that I will bring to your attention next simply because contextually this application or interpretation makes the most sense.
Application #2–still looking at this thing from the perspective of strict adherence to the context of the passage, one could see things reversed from that of application 1 above. This has to do with the religiosity of outward acts such as fasting and contrasting these acts’ applicability within the Kingdom and the Gospel message. Indeed, fasting when it is done extensively and when it is done for others to witness and take note of, is plastic and self-edifying to say the least. Typically the hearts of such individuals is not in the right place. As it relates to fasting, Yeshua taught that fasting was to be a very private affair such that no one but the fasting individual and Yehovah would know that that individual was actually fasting. In fact, Yeshua instructed His followers to wash their faces and display a pleasant disposition when fasting so as to not bring attention to one’s self–16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Mat 6:16-21 KJV) Knowing what we know about the person of Yochanan, we can safely assume that whatever fasting he undertook was from an inward place that was pure in heart and fully dedicated to service of Yehovah.
It is indeed interesting that the Prushim elected to pair with their enemy’s disciples to address an issue with the disciples of Yeshua that the Pharisees were renown for abusing and exploiting to their own glory and benefit. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. But going back to this particular application, one can see that the righteousness of the accusing disciples of Yochanan as well as the instigating Pharisees could be viewed as “old school stuff” in light of the Gospel message in contrast to the way of life that was being portrayed by Yeshua. Thus, the traditions of Judaism that were no doubt being steadfastly followed by the Pharisaic establishment and probably even Yochanan’s disciples–translated as ceremonial and moral traditions that made up the self-righteous core of Judaism which Isaiah equated as “filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6)–could easily be likened unto an old, worn garment or an old and much used wineskin. Thus, by attempting to mend or treat the traditions (the old, the orthodox, the man made) with the True Faith being brought to the attention of the Jews through the teachings of Yeshua and Yochanan, the old traditions could not stand and would effectively rupture into complete disrepair. The disciples of Yochanan sought to incorporate the traditions of Judaism into the true Faith as delivered by Yeshua and Yochanan and that true Faith is Torah-based. How true to life is this application? Segments of the Hebraic Roots community are fully entrenched in Judaism while other sects of the Messianic community are holding on to many Christian traditions. Indeed, the true Faith has no ability to incorporate extraneous religious traditions. We are not to mix the true Faith with anything. When we seek to incorporate traditions into the true Faith, the true Faith quickly unravels and crumbles into thousands of denominations and sects; or in the case of Catholicism, the Faith becomes snatched from Yehovah and given over to the carnal and evil devices of men to oversee and run. All of this is a recipe for destruction. According to the Commentator Gill, “self-righteousness based upon man made traditions must be thrown away as the tattered garment it analogizes. For it can not be mended…” Thus, any attempt to amend or augment the true Faith once delivered through traditional acts of righteousness will result in any existing rent or tears in the fabric of the Faith becoming worse. Bottom line: our attempts at being righteous–of living righteous lives–outside the strict adherence to Torah and the commandments and example of Yeshua will only lead to a tattered and completely error-ridden life of faith. Gill goes on to suggest that those who come in to the true Faith directly from society, having not been influenced by denominations and traditions of religions, stand the best chance of fully accessing the Kingdom over the myriad of religious gatekeepers who try to bring religion in to the true Faith. How it breaks my heart to see some of our brothers and sisters holding on for dear life to man made religious traditions (i.e., Judaism and to a lesser degree Christian traditions) as they profess allegiance to the true Faith once delivered to the first century Saints–that is a Torah based life. Traditions such as praying towards the east, reciting prayers, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, wearing yarmulkes or kippahs, and the list goes on; are being practiced with dogged loyalty and ignorance by countless Messianics who for whatever reason are unable to rationalize that Yehovah and His Word is all that we need and not the inclusion or augmentation to our faith of such silly-baseless traditions. Does the incorporation of traditions in to the true Faith disqualify us from the Kingdom? Probably not the actual traditional practices, but certainly being distracted by the shiny objects that represent man made tradition will only serve to pull us away from the true mission of the Gospel as instructed by Yeshua HaMashiach. And certainly the enemy uses every opportunity and every object in his arsenal to create distractions in our walk with Messiah as we saw in this story. Why give hasatan a foothold in to our lives and our walk for no good reason I ask? The true Gospel can not be contained in the ideals of man made constructs such as Judaism, Christianity and Catholicism.
Application #3–lastly, this application was what I grew up hearing in the Baptist Church and other similar denominations of my youth–that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the new wine and the fresh patch of fabric) could not be fixed to the old tattered fabric of Judaism and the old wineskins of the Law of Moses; for the Gospel will only rip those old attempts at the true Faith to shreds. I can see to some degree why this application would garner so much acceptance by Christians, simply because Western Christianity and even Catholicism can never accept for its members a Torah based Faith. Torah requires obedience and complete trust in Yehovah and Yeshua was the walking and talking Torah who showed us how to live Torah properly. Yet Christianity teaches an inputted righteousness that is devoid of any need for obedience to Torah. Traditions have replaced Torah obedience–the sinner’s prayer; the right-hand of fellowship; Sunday worship; praise and worship service; Sunday school, Christmas and Easter observance; and a litany of other minor traditions.
The Take Away and Call to Action
The take away that I would like to propose to you here today is that we avoid the intrusion of any man made, religious traditions in to the one true Faith. That we remain loyal and steadfast in our profession to the true Faith that is based upon obedience to Torah. That we seek first the kingdom of Yehovah and His righteousness and not be distracted by the traditions of denominationalism. Furthermore, that we avoid conflict with our brothers and sisters in the Faith over differences of opinion and in some cases differences in belief such as the use of the true name of the Father and Messiah. That our lives as disciples of Yeshua and servants of Yehovah be the example by which others will be drawn to Messianic Torah Observance and the true Faith once delivered. That we adhere to intense study of the Word of Yehovah and seek the revelation of that Word through the Ruach Kodesh and Yehovah’s anointed teachers. That we present our bodies as living sacrifices that is holy, acceptable to Yehovah, which is our spiritual service (reference Rom. 12:1).
And as it relates to this particular passage of the Holy Writ, those who are new to the true Faith, may we resist the urge to indoctrinate and instill idealistic traditions and personal spins about the Faith. These individuals, being young and very delicate in relation to the Faith, may break and fall away from the Faith if subjected to an overwhelming amount of truth and teachings. I recall Michael Rood once warning his listeners to be aware of the level of content they relay to proselytes so as to not overwhelm them. When the expectations for learning and adherence are high, especially when we seek to hold these newbies to the level of our individual understanding and adherence to the faith, then those new to the Faith may suddenly shut down and step away from the Faith. Indeed, the example we as older brothers and sisters to these new proselytes should be that as demonstrated by Yeshua as He watched over and nurtured His disciples. As time goes on and as Yeshua’s proselytes grow in the Faith, then they become more apt to take on more responsibility and instruction in the Faith.
I trust that this Torah Living episode has blessed you as much as it has blessed me in preparing it for you. If you were blessed by this and other episodes, please support us by registering–please go over to the right-hand column of our website at themessianictorahobserver.org; fill in your name and e-mail address; then follow us on social media utilizing the icons on the top right-hand column; or for any questions or comments or feedback you may have, simply drop us an e-mail at perceptionwp@gmail.com, call us at 714-353-4043, leave a written comment utilizing the comments feature at the bottom of this post at themessianictorahobserver.org, or an audible message utilizing the speakpipe feature hovering off to the right of the page at themessianictorahobserver.org. Otherwise, join us for the next episode of Torah Living. Until then, may Yehovah bless you and keep you; may Yehovah make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and your family; may Yehovah liftup His countenance upon you and give you peace. In the name of Yeshua HaMashiach, our soon and coming King, Amein, Amein, and Amein. Shalom Saints!
by Rod Thomas | Aug 19, 2014 | Podcasts
* Shabbat Night Live–Michael Rood and The Ark of the Covenant–Into the Wilderness
Shabbat Night Live
* Michael continues on the subject of discovering the location of the Ark of the Covenant–sets the foundation of His coming in to the truth about the end times. He picked up from last week and gave his personal testimony
* House of Israel and Arthur Bailey–Now Concerning Spiritual Gifts, Part 5
* Arthur picked up where he left off regarding the spiritual gifts–specifically the gift of Faith
* Commentary on belief systems based on teachings and lazy believers tend not to research issues themselves
* Our actions are synonymous with our Faith
* Faith-1 Cor 12:9, the gift to believe with extraordinary confidence in Yehovah promises, power and presence in order to honour YHWH, inspire others, and build up the messianic community. Heb. 11:1, 6; Phil 3:9; Luk 17:5; Rom 10:17
*
* Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1 KJV)
* 5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye would say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would obey you. (Luk 17:5-6 ASV)
* So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Rom 10:17 NAS)
* Yehovah is supposed to be in each of us, but we can’t see Him. The challenge is being able to see Yehovah in us when there are no other believers in the room
*
* 4102-pistis; from(3982) persuasion, ie credence; moral conviction(of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstract constancy in such profession; by the extensive system of religious(Gospel) truth itself:-assurance, belief, believe, Faith, fidelity
* Also derived from aman is emunah meaning firmness, something or someone that is firm in their actions. When the Hebrew word emunah is translated as Faith, misconceptions of its meaning occur. Faith is usually perceived as a knowing while the Hebrew emunah is a firm action
*
* but the just shall live by his faith. (Hab 2:4 KJV)–a human character that leads to righteousness (Prov. 12:17) Thus as Psalm 33:4 points out, one’s faith is shewn in his or her works–For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth [or emunah or faith]. (Psa 33:4 KJV)
* Thus: BIBLICAL FAITH IS ACTION
* To have faith in God is not [just] knowing God exists or knowing that he will act. Rather it is that the one with enumah will act with firmness toward God’s will. Ancient Hebrew word meaning Faith by Jeff A. Brenner
* Of all the gifts mentioned, none is written about, spoken of or taught more than faith. Faith is the foundation on which all gifts are operated. You can not operate in the spirit without the gift of faith
* The first time the Word is used in a positive sense is during a time when Yehovah is giving a word to the prophet Habakkuk concerning the captivity of Israel by the Chaldean/Babylonians
* Yehovah is not subject to our likes or dislikes. We often act like we are our own God. We tend to be concerned about things that please us over what concerns God.
* Hab 1:5–>2:4–>; Yehovah is raising up an evil nation to overtake His people [Chaldeans]. Yahovah always has a people of faith–the just shall live by their faith. This likely influenced Daniel and the 3 Hebrew boys. These endure persecution because of their exercised faith. These words also inspired Shaul as evidenced in Rom 1:16-17 (cf Joh 3:36)
* Faith is a gift from Yehovah-Eph 2:8; our belief is a gift . Faith is a powerful force given to us by Yehovah. Yahovah gave us faith that we might please Him for with our Faith we can’t please Him. Thus we’ve been given the ability to please Father thru faith
* Heb 11:6. It is impossible to please Yehovah without the gift of faith
* You can use your Faith to work for you or use your Faith to work against you. Faith is seen in actions and in words. Do we speak Faith or fear or doubt? Are we in the flesh or in the spirit. Our words become a confession of our Faith or lack thereof. Our words justify or condemn us. Mat 12:36, 37
* Religious people don’t take the Word seriously. Instead, they take the preacher seriously
* The things that come out of our mouths can cause life and death. Gossipping and the like are considered terrible behavior by Father. We need to cease speaking negativity over and in our lives
* Walking by faith can be a painful ordeal. You can not confess to operate in Faith but confess oppositely (ie talk must match our walk). We must watch/guard our tongues
* Rom 14:23-whatever is not of faith is sin
* Rom 10:17
* We build ourselves up by praying in tongues
* Mar 11:22-26– 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17 KJV)
* We should surround ourselves with people who operate in Faith.
* Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word
Main Discourse
* Are the Gifts of the spirit applicable to Messianics/the Hebraic Roots Community today?
* The Messianic community as a whole seems to reject the spiritual gifts
* Abuses
* Lies
* Affiliation with churchianity
* Affiliation with Messianic community
* There is no clear understanding of the applicability of the gifts
* Ignorance-focus on Torah
* Fear
* Arrogance
by Rod Thomas | Jul 30, 2014 | Podcasts
If you have been keeping up with news of late, you should be aware of the conflict that wages on between the Palestinian peoples and Israel. You may recall that this all started about a month ago–June 12th to be exact–when 3 Israeli teenagers were abducted by militants as they made their way home by foot in the West Bank. A few days later, after worldwide appeals were made, the bodies of the 3 teenagers were found–July 2nd. They had been brutally executed by their captors. The next day, July 2nd, a Palestinian teen was abducted and his body was found an hour later. Shortly thereafter, suspects were arrested and the abduction and murder of the Palestinian was deemed to be a revenge killing by the Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, rocket attacks from Gaza in to southern Israel began in earnest. In response Israel carried out air-strikes targeting militants in Gaza. (Reference:http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/10/world/meast/israel-gaza-timeline/). Needless to say, since July 2nd, the conflict has broadened and many lives have been lost. Let me provide you with an an update on this week’s events:
- July 23–According to Washington Times Dave Boyer, Hamas had rejected the United States Secretary of State’s call for a cease fire. As news of the conflict reaches many destinations throughout the Middle East, fears grow that other Jihadists will join Hamas to fight the Israelis. According to one Jihadi cleric in Syria, he and his fighters in Syria wished to join the battle in Gaza. At this point in the conflict, estimates placed the death toll at some 680 Palestinians and 34 Israelis. Israeli troops backed by tanks and aerial drones are attacking Hamas fighters that are reported to be armed with RPG’s (rocket propelled grenades) and assault rifles on the outskirts of Kan Younis. In a recent conflict here, 8 militants were killed. The Palestinian Red Crescent has been trying to evacuate a couple hundred people from the area but are hampered by Israeli airstrikes and shelling
- July 24–According to the Associated Press, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned a deadly attack on a U.N. school for Palestinian refugees in Northern Gaza. That attack killed many Palestinians and some U.N. personnel, who’ve sought refuge from Israeli shelling. The secretary demanded that Israel and Hamas abide by International humanitarian law during this conflict and “respect the sanctity of civilian life, the inviolability of U.N. premises, and protect humanitarian workers. As of July 24th, the circumstances surrounding this incident remained unclear. The United Nations has been busy attempting to arrange a “humanitarian pause in hostilities so that civilians could be evacuated.” The secretary went on to say that “Today’s attack underscores the imperative for the killing to stop and to stop now.”
- July 24–You probably also heard about the United States government banning flights in to Tel Aviv as a result of the violence going on in the region. Well, the stoppage in flights went beyond the United States it would appear. According to Michael Wilner of The Jerusalem Post, Turkey would not allow El Al to land at is airports for purposes of airlifting out its citizens who have been stranded in that country during the last week of violence. Turkish airlines have extended its ban on flights in to Tel Aviv to July 31st. This means that some 4000 Israelis remained stranded in Turkey as they await outbound flights. This poor souls are likely to incur some hefty expenses as their stays are extended.
- The most compelling news to make the international press has to do with the Israeli discovery of a large number of sophisticated tunnels throughout Gaza that are believed to be used by Hamas to traverse Gaza undetected, quickly pop up out of no where, erect and launch missiles in to Israel. Not to mention, these tunnels provided Hamas with hidden storage for weapons and other equipment. According to Paul Alster of Fox News, Israeli ground forces were investigating these underground tunnels in what they call Operation Protective Edge. This operation has netted the discovery of 60 access shafts leading to 28 tunnels. Israeli forces have found weapons, maps, and IDF uniforms in some of these tunnels. The IDF says that these tunnels weave their way through much of Gaza. Access points are found in homes, mosques and public buildings. Recently, there were 2 discoveries of missile caches in UNRWA schools. Some of these missiles after being discovered were handed over to Hamas by UNRWA officials
- July 27–USA Today reported that a 24-hour humanitarian cease-fire occurred on Saturday the 26th. Immediately after the 24-hours ended, the rocket launches resumed and Israeli military actions resumed.
The Palestinian–Israeli conflict is not by any stretch of the imagination, an easy conflict to understand. One must dig in to the last 2,000-years and even beyond to get a full sense of who started the mudslinging in the first place. Even when one dissects the known history of the region they still find no real defining point where one could attach responsibility to the years of conflict between these two peoples. Many editorials and books line the shelves of libraries and book stores and most point the finger of responsibility at Israel, citing Israel’s occupation of Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem and much of the Golan Heights. Modern history tells us that Israel occupied these territories during the Six-Day War of 1967. In this war, Israel miraculously triumphed over the overwhelming invading forces of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel, however, will tell you that she no longer occupies Gaza after 1982, yet the Palestinians would beg to differ.
The point of this Torah Living episode is not to debate or discuss per se whether or not Israel or the Palestinians are responsible for all the violence, death and destruction that is going on in that region of late. For purposes of this episode, I wish to look at what believers are compelled to do about this terrible situation. Initially, the tide of human opinion and compassion swung over on the Israeli side. But once the media began to post images of children and families being innocently decimated by the IDF, the tide has swung fully it would seem over towards the Palestinians. My Google+ pages is festooned with images of innocent (seemingly) Palestinian victims with emotionally charged comments casting horrible judgments upon the Israelis. It breaks my heart to see these images. Despite my pro-Israeli stance on this matter, I still hurt for the thousands of innocent Palestinians who are caught in the middle of this conflict. We know that the conflict is not between the Palestinian peoples and Israel per se. It conflict is really between Hamas and its evil militants and Israel.
The world believes that the conflict is about the necessity of a homeland for the Palestinian peoples. Throughout the last century, indeed, the biggest issue stoking the flames of conflict between the Palestinians and Israel has been the Palestinians’ desire and even demand for a portion of Israel property that they can call their home. The most extreme of the Palestinians has even gone so far as to insist that Israel completely leave the land entirely to them and go elsewhere (which we know will never happen). So in response, Israel has embarked on many discussions and deals that would swap land for peace. These endeavors seem to have royally failed. Whenever extremists see an opportunity to take advantage of the Palestinian situation, Israel is forced to be a responsive aggressor in order to secure the safety of the Jewish nation. When Israel reacts to such agitation by groups like Hamas, the Palestinian peoples become the central victims, more so than Israel.
In one form or another, the Palestinian peoples have resided in the land of Israel (aka Canaan) even before Israel came to occupy the land. Israel when she was sent to finally take the land as Yehovah had promised and led them to do so, failed to wipe the land free of her indigenous inhabitants, both physically and spiritually. This failure on the part of the children of Israel has proven over the centuries to be the proverbial “thorn” in their sides and they remain so to this very day. Yehovah was very clear about what was going to happen if the Israelites failed to do as He’d directed them to do. I refer you to Judges 2: 1-5 and 3:1-7: “And the Angel of Yehovah came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you to the land which I swore unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you; you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall throw down their altars: but you have not hearkened unto my voice. Why have you done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be [scourges] in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. And it came to pass, when the Angel of Yehovah spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice and wept. And they called the name of that place Bochim; and they sacrificed there to Yehovah…And these are the nations that Yehovah left, to prove Israel by them, all that had not known all the wars of Canaan; only that the generations of the children of Israel might know war by learning it, at the least those who before had known nothing thereof: five lord ships of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwell on mount Lebanon; from mount Baal-Hermon unto the entering into Hamath. And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of Yehovah, which He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites: Hittites and Amorites and Perizzites and Hivites and Jebusites; and they took their daughters as wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yehovah, and forgot Yehovah their God, and served the Baals and the Asherahs.”
Indeed, the land of Israel, originally name Canaan, was promised to Abraham and his descendants. Many bumps along the way delayed the progeny of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from receiving this promised land, but ultimately the land was given to them. In the most inspiring opening to his Truth and Tradition telecast, Michael Rood describes the sum of the territory promised to Israel as “From the Euphrates to the Nile belongs to the sons of Israel”–reference: Numbers 33:50-34:12.
Israel forfeited the land as a result of her continued disobedience, despite Yehovah giving Israel chance after chance, prophet after prophet and warning after warning. The nation of Israel ultimately split into 10 northern tribes that retained the name of Israel and 2-southern tribes that took the name of Judah. Because of her refusal to obey Torah, Israel (the northern tribes) were uprooted from the land by the Assyrians in 722 BC. Judah followed in Israel’s shoes and by 586 B.C. she was riped from the land and taken into captivity but eventually over time she returned under the rule of Cyrus II (538 B.C.) who commissioned the rebuilding of the then destroyed Temple by Nebuchadnezzar a half-century earlier. Judah was given many more chances to retain the promised land but ultimately lost it in 135 A.D. when Simon Bar Kochba led a rebellion against the occupying Romans, resulting in what Ian Carroll in his book “Israel Palestine–A 4000 Year History called “the punishment that wiped the Jewish territory off the map. Jerusalem was renamed Aelia Capitolina and a shrine to Jupiter was built where the Jewish temple had stood. The names of Judea and Samaria, synonymous with the Jewish presence, were abolished and the area renamed Aelia Palestina. Many Jews fled to the hills of Galilee and they were forbidden from entering Jerusalem and were not allowed to recruit to their religion. They had no place to pray, they were banned from the Holy City, and their homeland had been renamed after their greatest enemies, the Philistines.”
For all intents and purposes, Israel as a nation was estranged from the land until she formally became a nation once again on May 14, 1948, although throughout the preceding decades Jews immigrated to the land in varying numbers and began to establish homes, all the while cohabiting in the land with her Palestinian neighbors. Over time and leading up to Israel being established as a nation, the Palestinians who were mostly poor and without much in the ways of political clout in the post 2nd war world, became displaced as more and more Jews arrived and began to buy up and establish permanent homes on the land once held by the Palestinians. The Palestinians after a while began to fight back–violently–over their seemingly systematic expulsion from the land. And so the battle continues to wage to this very day as the pendulum of the world’s support and compassion alternates between the two.
So then, what is a believer suppose to do about this situation? Who should the believer support in this situation? Should the believer remain neutral and wait for the Lord to sort it all out? What are our responsibilities as the light of the world and the salt of the earth? Is it appropriate for true believers to engage in incendiary discussion about who is right and who is wrong in this conflict?
To begin with, I believe strongly that we must side with our spiritual brothers the Jews in this conflict. Indeed, the Israelis are human and they will not always do the right thing. Certainly, the methods the Israelis are using to address this conflict from time to time may be questionable, although in a broad sense, Israel’s hands are seemingly tied.
One commentator I watched on youtube said something to the effect that we’ve engaged throughout the last several years with the Palestinians this land for peace thing. However, when the Palestinians are awarded land, there remains no peace to be found. More and more land is awarded and still there is no peace. So what’s this land for peace all about then?
To answer that commentator’s question, it would seem perfectly clear to me that the issue is only in a small part about the land. The bigger piece of this pie seems to be more in line with the Palestinians and their Arab supporters desiring to wipe Israel off the map. Thus the land for peace seems only to be a distraction for the real purpose behind all the violence. The hope is to incite Israel to such eggregious retaliation against the Palestinian peoples that the world along with the Arab federation of states will engage Israel politically and ultimately militarily and eliminate once and for all the scourge of the Jew from the world. Indeed, hasn’t this been one of the goals of hasatan from time immemorial?
So siding with Israel would seem to be the appropriate and right thing for the believer to do. Yehovah promised the land to the sons of Israel and that promise has not been lifted, despite Israel’s poor record of obedience to the Almighty–Yehovah was emphatic that He would never break the covenant with Israel as stated in Judges 2. That essentially remains a matter between Yehovah and Israel. Regardless, if Yehovah stands with Israel, no matter what the world’s so-called experts opine on this matter, I say we better side with Israel. Probably the most compelling reason why a believer must stand on the side of Israel is given by the Father Himself as he addresses Abraham–“I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you, and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed”–reference: Genesis 12:3.
Some believers for whatever reason have shunned the Jew, giving way to some degree of anti-Semite tendencies. The reasons vary, but probably the biggest reason goes back to the hasatan perpetrated complaint that “the Jews killed our Savior Jesus Christ.” Well, any believer with a modicum of Biblical knowledge will know that actually the Romans crucified Yeshua, although the crucifixion was instigated by several individuals who made up the Jewish leadership of the day. Other believers will contend that the Jew has lost his or her chance at salvation because they’ve failed to acknowledge Yeshua as their Messiah while the Gentile, through the evangelistic work of Shaul, usurped the Jew’s place so-to-speak. If these and other reasons are clouding any believer’s opinion about the Jewish people or the nation of Israel, I have to say that this is a very dangerous perspective to maintain. The Bible contains a ton of reasons why any believer and disciple of the Master must hold Israel and the Jew in proper perspective. To begin with, the Apostle Shaul, who of anyone in the history of mankind had so many daily challenges dealing with his Jewish counterparts, made it clear why the Jew is important to the believer. In response to a question that obviously was posed to him, most likely from a member of the Roman congregation of believers, about the significance of the Jew to the believer and to the Faith: “What then [is] the superiority of the Jew? or what is the profit of the circumcision? Much every way: and first, indeed, that to them were entrusted the oracles of God.” (Romans 3:2) Thus the Jew must be respected by believers because Yehovah has entrusted unto them His Word–His Torah!
Moving forward, the Jew and or the nation of Israel, is currently not in tune with the True Faith once delivered. They continue to reject Yeshua as their Maschiyach. But this was anticipated and foretold by the Spirit through Shaul–“…blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentile has come in; and so all Israel shall be saved”–Romans 11:25, 26. Who are we to turn our backs on the Jew and on Israel? Yehovah has an active covenant with her and beyond that He intends to bring the Nation to Him through Yeshua HaMaschiyach. The time of the Gentile seems to have an expiration date so to speak; then Israel will have her time. Those of us who are chosen of Yehovah will have a job to do in the future and that is to disciple the children of Israel. Interestingly, Zechariah tells of a time in the future when the Jew will fully accept Yeshua as their Maschiyach and nations will flock to them for spiritual guidance–Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days shall ten men take hold, out of all languages of the nations, shall even take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you; for we have heard that God is with you. (Zec 8:23 DBY) Indeed, the day of the Jew is in no way over and we believers in Messiah must stand by the nation of Israel in any way that we possibly can. (Other related passages tell of a time when Israel will awaken from their spiritual slumber–Isaiah 29:20; 62:1-7; Romans 11:7; 12:16; Luke 21:24; 2 Corinthians 3:14.
So what then should a believer do about this terrible situation? Well, indeed, the Scriptures provide us with a very clear instruction– 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good. (Psa 122:6-9 KJV) Then there’s Jeremiah 29:7– 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. (Jer 29:7 KJV)
So it would seem that the one thing that all believers can and absolutely should do in support of Israel is pray. Indeed, a psalmist and a major prophet was moved by the Spirit to encourage the true Believer to pray for the security of Israel. The Psalmist goes even to the point of saying that a benefit to be had by any believer who prays for the peace of Jerusalem is prosperity. What that prosperity will be is not entirely clear, but Yehovah is not void in His promises and whatever prosperity is to be had will be indeed worth every moment a believer falls to his or her knees and seeks the face of the Father on behalf of Israel.
Secondly, it would seem a Godly way to support Israel would be in some form of assistance. Although the Scriptures do not come right out and say so, Yehovah made it clear to Abraham that He would bless those who blessed his progeny (reference: Genesis 12:3). I know of a charity that is providing financial and material assistance to Messianics in the state of Israel as resources are made available. I would encourage you to check this organization out and see if it is something that you would be led to covenant with and support our suffering brothers and sisters in Israel. The name of the charity is The Lydia Project. Not only is the Lydia Project helping those Messianics living in Israel who are suffering through some of the conflict with the Palestinians, the project also aids Messianics who are oppressed and rejected by Jews as a result of their profession of Yeshua as Maschiyach. I will vouch for the integrity of the Lydia Project. Additionally, there are several other charitable organizations who are out to assist Israelis such as “Stand by IDF Soldiers,” IFCJ.org,” and “Stand with Israel” which I can not vouch for personally but would only encourage you to research and see which organization you are led to covenant with.
Lastly, and this will seem lame to some, but I wholeheartedly support this because I done this myself: embark upon a self-education and immersion in the land of Israel and its people. Psalms 102:15 states: “For your servants love her very stones; they take pity even on her dust.” Indeed, Jerusalem is the future home of every elect-believer of Yehovah. The Book of Revelation tells of a time in the seeming near future when Yeshua will return to this earth along with His spiritually converted Saints, and establish His kingdom to be headquartered in Jerusalem. John records in the most brilliant prose all that he witnessed on that great day:
“Then I saw thrones and those who sat upon them. Authority to judge was given to them. I also saw the souls of those who were beheaded for the witness of Yeshua, and for the word of Yehovah–those who had not worshiped the beast, nor his image; neither had they received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands–and they lived and reigned with Messiah a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection! Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them. They shall be priests of Yehovah and of Messiah–and they shall reign with Him a thousand years!” (Revelation 20:4-6).
How can we be certain that Jerusalem/Israel will be Yeshua’s millennial headquarters? Verses 9 and 10 clarify: “They went up from the far reaches of the earth and compassed the camp of the saints, the beloved city (always a reference to Jerusalem), and fire came down from Yehovah out of heaven and consumed them all. Then hasatan who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were cast, and hasatan shall be tormented day and night, from age to age.”
Indeed, the believer is connected not only the Jew of Israel; he or she is connected to the land itself. Our destiny lies within the confines of Israel. Thus, we have jobs to do to address the current crisis that has gripped our beloved land. I therefore encourage each and every reader of our blog and listener of our podcasts to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem. I would even encourage those of you who are even more invested in this that you consider as I am planning to do, and that is to fast and pray over this situation. Tremendous movement in the spirit realm happens when we pray and inflict our souls and give in to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, I would encourage you to consider supporting one of the many organizations that are out there that are in place to provide support for those in need in Israel. Lastly, let us look forward to that day when Yeshua will split the sky and we accompany Him down to this earth and serve Him and the billions remaining on the earth in the Master’s millennial Kingdom.
