January 2020
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 15
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Why? The words of this prophecy comprise the words of the risen Messiah, which God gave to Him to reveal to His servants (any who name the Name of Yeshua as Saviour) because these things must shortly take place. Then the Apostle John testified that he has faithfully written all the things that were shown to him. It is the only book in our Bible which has such a promise of blessing attached to it. One of the blessings is that those who are alive at that time will possess ‘inside information’ which will allow him/her to watch events unfold and to be prepared as they witness the coming of the end of this age. But though it won’t be pretty, there is great reward for those who endure to the end.
It is quite interesting that this Revelation (unveiling or disclosure) is addressed to the seven “ekklesia” which had been established in “Asia Minor”. (which is modern day Turkey) Interestingly, from other prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures it is not difficult to discern that this is precisely the region of the globe from whence comes the promised ‘final battle’ to overcome Israel. (i.e. from the north) It may also be significant that there are no “ekklesia” from Israel itself included, possibly because after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple (which is when this was written) the Jews had been significantly dispersed. Also at the same time, even though it is difficult to determine the actual significance, the “ekklesia” being addressed would have been ‘mixed’ congregations comprising both Jews and gentiles.
Very early we have confirmation, first spoken by angels, appearing as two men in white apparel to the disciples at on the Mount of Olives (Acts 2:11) that Yeshua will return to this earth. “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Why will they mourn? Isn’t this a time to rejoice? Well I think that is the time when there no longer will ‘faith’ be required to believe. Everyone, and perhaps especially those who are unbelieving Jews, will see how wrong they have been to treat their Messiah with such contempt. The sceptics, the scoffers, the indifferent, the arrogant atheistic hordes, will all gaze in amazement at the spectacle of the coming again of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is, who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Is the announcement to John as he enters the realm of Spirit led revelation. But before that day arrives, John is shown many things which will happen as that day approaches.
John said “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet.” Commentators are divided about the precise meaning of this declaration. Certainly it would appear that John was in a state of elevated spirituality, however that might have come about, and was receptive to the revelation of these prophetic events which are later described in detail. No-one can accurately determine exactly what day this occurred, but all are convinced it was not a Sabbath day. Others suggest that it was a “Lordy day”. A day of contemplation with the Lord. It really has no relevance to the actual revelation does it? That which fascinates me is the description of the One who describes Himself as “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” standing in the middle of the seven lampstands, and having seven stars in His right hand. Dressed in a full length garment with a golden band around the chest. Head and hair white like snow, and eyes like a flame of fire. Deep resonant voice. Spectacular sight and sound. Authoritative. Close your eyes and try to take it all in. Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, His face like bright sunlight. John was absolutely dumbstruck, and fell down at His feet as dead. Motionless. Then the words of comfort, laying His right hand (the one holding the seven stars) on John “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.” Followed by the instructions to write everything down. In paraphrase “Don’t trust your memory, write it as you see it, the things you have already seen and the things which you are about to see.” But first the mystery of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands.
“The seven stars are the angels of the seven “ekklesia”, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven “ekklesia”. And that is where we will go next week!
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 14
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
Revelation introduction
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
The very name of this book is intriguing. The Greek text calls it “Apokalypsis Ioannou”. Translated into English it means the “unveiling” or “disclosure” or “revelation” of John. But in the very first sentence of this book, John takes all focus off himself and attributes it as “The Revelation of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.” And so it is.
It is the only book in our Bible which begins with a promise of blessing. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it.” And as indicated in that promise, it is a book which is largely prophetic of future events.
Additionally, it is the only book in our Bible which ends with a similar promise of blessing, and then contains a dire warning to those who discuss, teach, or otherwise communicate its content. Firstly the blessing. “Blessed are those who DO His commandments that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the (holy) city.” For me they are words of great comfort, because as I have ‘reflected’ on the Scriptures over the past four years (published by Zion’s Voice) the one outstanding thing with which I have been impressed is the way in which the Scriptures, over and over again, have declared and reminded us to DO the commandments of God. Secondly the warning. “For I testify to everyone who hears (I take very careful note) the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.” Wow! What a warning eh!
Then we come to the content itself. In His dictation to John, Yeshua starts by writing a personal letter to the seven “ekklesia” situated in the region we now recognize as Turkey. Many have seen these “ekklesia” as representative of the ‘types’ of churches we have in our modern society. There is no doubt that they may well be representative in some respect, but the broader message in these letters is that of the intimate knowledge of our Master Yeshua with their actions, activities, attitudes, and conduct. I think that is very important. No church, or individual member of that church, should regard that lightly. There are commendations and there are accusations. None of it without His perfect knowledge. He really does know what is going on in this world of ours, and especially with those who claim to belong to Him.
Much of what we will attempt to unravel is contained in the prophetic elements of this vision of John’s. Some of the detail is unfamiliar to our present understanding. But there are a number of references to earlier writings from the major prophetic books of our Bible which give us a clue to the events which are about to happen. The focus is on the end of this present age. This present age will not pass without significant upheaval, distress and challenge. It is clear that Satan will not go ‘quietly’. There will be horrendous carnage before Satan is finally dealt with.
Having read the book through, I am unsure at this stage of the exact sequence of the events described. Some things appear to be clearly chronological, but other times it appears that some events may overlap or even be in a different order to which they are referred in the text. None of that has any effect on the events themselves, which are described in amazing detail.
It is uncertain that this book can follow the rigid structure of my previous ‘reflections’, which is chapter by chapter. From my recent reading it seems not to lend itself to that kind of rigidity. Additionally, considering the warning already referred to, I am anxious to avoid any speculative comment on what some of the unusual detail might be referring to.
The good news is that we see how things will end. Those who have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life may look forward to the chapters 19 to 22 with eager anticipation. Satan will have been dealt with, as indeed are his followers, and the deceived. But there may also be some shocks in store for us too. The book does not skip lightly over detail and there is absolutely no reason for any who read the book to be surprised when the end comes. Nothing is left out.
Be blessed yourself as you read this book in anticipation of what our ‘reflective’ study reveals.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 13
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
A wonderful letter to Jews exalting the Name and Person of Yeshua. No-one knows the identity of the author or the time of its authorship. The most speculated names associated with this letter are Rabbi Sha’ul and Barnabas, but that matters little to the content. The author was one who had a fervent desire to see Jews come to faith in Yeshua, and just as importantly to continue in that faith in the face of opposition and discouragement. However, its content has often been portrayed by Christian teachers as abrogating the Torah. That was not its purpose, and there are great lessons for believers of every culture and background contained in its message. Again we remind ourselves that the chapter and verse convenience was not present in the original, even though we will take the chapter divisions for our study and ‘reflection’. Additionally, there is significant quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures in this letter. The source document for these quotations is the Septuagint, also known as the LXX, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and which was completed about 130 years before the birth of Yeshua. (so where those Scriptures are quoted the wording may not exactly accord with your own favourite translation!)
We come to the end of the letter. The bulk of it has concerned the superiority of Messiah Yeshua over every other person and ordinance that these Messianic Jews valued. Things in heaven and things on earth. The great faith of the patriarchs and prophets are cited for emulation. The temporary sacrificial system of ‘drawing near to God’ superseded by the once for all time sacrifice of our Saviour. Yeshua, the Great High Priest seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on behalf of those who have put their trust in Him. And there is just one more step for these Messianic Jews to take. It is practical. It is lifestyle. It is community. “Let brotherly love continue.” Sounds easy but it contains much more than a suggestion!
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (A text oft quoted to me by my late wife) What a blessing it is to be able to share one’s home and table with others. And if our experience is typical there is bountiful blessing for the hosts! And the exhortation continued. “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them.” That is something with which I cannot easily relate because in all my life I have only ever visited five prisons, and that to distribute gifts at Christmas time. I cannot even imagine what incarceration for long periods is like. But that is the exhortation to these Messianic Jews. Friends of mine, firmly committed to ‘prison ministry’ have encouraging stories to tell of that ministry. May God richly bless them for their diligence. At the other end of the scale, “Let your conduct be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have.” Maybe a timely word for our overly covetous society today. The ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ syndrome. It behoves each individual reader of this letter to take from it that which the Lord speaks through it. And trust me on this, for those who belong to the Lord there is always a message. Just ask the Lord to show you.
“Remember those who rule over you” is often considered to be the people in government. But that is not what the writer means here. The reference is to those in teaching roles in the “ekklesia’. Listen to them, watch them, note the outcome of the way they conduct themselves. And if I may be permitted to add a suggestion, take the trouble to check their words with the injunction of the Scriptures. Engage in edifying conversation. Be active in the application of the Scriptures to everyday life. The writer said “Yeshua Ha’mashiach is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Since we know that “He is the Word, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, the Word that was in the beginning with God, the Word that was God.” It is perfectly safe to say that the written Word of the Scriptures must be our ultimate source of safety in what we believe. And so the writer warned them “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines.” The warning is the same today. Check if what you are being asked to embrace accords with the written Word of Scripture. It is a matter of life and death.
And finally, the writer returns to sacrifices. For all the reasons laid out in this letter, everything that has been said about the superiority of Yeshua, Prophet, Great High Priest, and coming King, “by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” That is vitally important. Take time to appreciate all that has been accomplished by Yeshua on your behalf. Thank Him and praise Him for that. But that is not the end of matters. In life it is the beginning. The writer continued. “But do not forget to do good and to share (from all that has been written in this letter ask God to show you what, of yourself, you should share) for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
We are often taught that there is nothing one can do to please God! Well here it is clearly written. There is blessing in pleasing God, and many times it involves ‘putting yourself out’, even inconvenient to your own plans, the writer calls it “sacrifice”. It may better be referred to as being obedient to the call of God on one’s life. God does not ‘call’ anyone without purpose. Find out what it is for you. Read the letter again. You will be blessed.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 12
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
A wonderful letter to Jews exalting the Name and Person of Yeshua. No-one knows the identity of the author or the time of its authorship. The most speculated names associated with this letter are Rabbi Sha’ul and Barnabas, but that matters little to the content. The author was one who had a fervent desire to see Jews come to faith in Yeshua, and just as importantly to continue in that faith in the face of opposition and discouragement. However, its content has often been portrayed by Christian teachers as abrogating the Torah. That was not its purpose, and there are great lessons for believers of every culture and background contained in its message. Again we remind ourselves that the chapter and verse convenience was not present in the original, even though we will take the chapter divisions for our study and ‘reflection’. Additionally, there is significant quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures in this letter. The source document for these quotations is the Septuagint, also known as the LXX, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and which was completed about 130 years before the birth of Yeshua. (so where those Scriptures are quoted the wording may not exactly accord with your own favourite translation!)
Last week we were reminded of the many faithful servants of the Lord who had lived their faith in their actions, all of whom were known and greatly revered by Jewish people through the ages. The writer this week starts off with another “Therefore” (having regard to all those giants of faith who have gone before us), “let us lay aside every weight (the baggage we hang on to from our past life), and the sin which so easily ensnares us (a common factor for all humanity), and let us run with endurance (that which requires stamina, determination, application and obedience) the race that is set before us.” Why? “Looking unto Yeshua, the author and finisher (complete assurance) of our faith.” He who ran the race set before Him by the Father. The record of His selfless application to the task He was set is recorded in the Scripture account of His life, death, and resurrection. And that is attested to by those who met with Him after His death on that cruel Roman cross, and witnessed His ascension into the clouds with a promise of return in like manner.
The writer is in ‘chastening’ mode as he continued this encouragement to persistence in the faith. He wrote as from the Lord. “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” What son is there who hasn’t been chastened, corrected, guided, taught, and encouraged, by an earthly father? How much more then can we expect our Heavenly Father to do likewise, and that all for our own ultimate benefit. And then the writer said words which demand careful consideration. “But if you are without chastening, of which you have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” Take time to let that sink in. The writer is telling them that if the life of faith appeared easy, not much different to what it was before they became believers, they should carefully evaluate the situation. There is an important lesson here. By putting our trust, by faith, in Yeshua for our salvation, we literally ‘join another Kingdom’. We are no longer ‘of this world’ even though we are still in it. That brings many challenges and situations which were once familiar, but are no longer part of our new Kingdom. Putting it bluntly, do others, our friends, workmates, and family notice any difference in our behaviour, attitude, habits, and lifestyle? Does the reading of the word of God challenge me, or do I find it boring? Does God speak through His word, in correction, instruction, encouragement, direction and faith building? If not, it is time for a spiritual stocktake. “Therefore strengthen the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”
The writer then contrasted Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. He reminded the Messianic Jews that in time past, when God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, Moses declared that just being on that mountain terrified him. Moses trembled at the prospect of approaching YHWH Elohim. No-one else, just Moses alone, dare go near the mountain, such was the awesome holiness of the place. It was on Mount Sinai that God spoke, and wrote, the instructions for righteous living. It was on Mount Sinai that God taught Moses the way to lead the Israelites to the Land of Promise. But in absolute contrast, Mount Zion, represented by the very Son of the living God, Yeshua, is approachable by anyone who so desires, without fear, without pre-condition, without anything but a repentant heart. Mount Zion had become representative of “The Land of Promise”, the heavenly Jerusalem, in which the righteous are destined to dwell for all eternity. The Messianic Jews had made that decision. They had come in faith to the One who had the power to invite them in. The writer had spent time in the declaration of the excellence, the superiority, of Yeshua over everything else they had encountered and known, even the most revered Moses. The kingdom of heaven is established in Yeshua, Prophet, Great High Priest and King. Unshakeable, unmovable, permanent.
“Therefore since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire”. Hold fast to your faith.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 11
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
A wonderful letter to Jews exalting the Name and Person of Yeshua. No-one knows the identity of the author or the time of its authorship. The most speculated names associated with this letter are Rabbi Sha’ul and Barnabas, but that matters little to the content. The author was one who had a fervent desire to see Jews come to faith in Yeshua, and just as importantly to continue in that faith in the face of opposition and discouragement. However, its content has often been portrayed by Christian teachers as abrogating the Torah. That was not its purpose, and there are great lessons for believers of every culture and background contained in its message. Again we remind ourselves that the chapter and verse convenience was not present in the original, even though we will take the chapter divisions for our study and ‘reflection’. Additionally, there is significant quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures in this letter. The source document for these quotations is the Septuagint, also known as the LXX, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and which was completed about 130 years before the birth of Yeshua. (so where those Scriptures are quoted the wording may not exactly accord with your own favourite translation!)
The faith chapter!!
The previous chapter ended with a warning. “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith (in His return) but if anyone draws back, (from that faith) My soul has no pleasure in him.” And the writer declares that “we (the Messianic Jews) are not of those who draw back.” Our faith is, and continues to be, in Him who died for us. And then he begins a long list of faithful people who had preceded them, pointing to the great benefits which accrued as a result of their faith.
No-one can possibly know how this world came into being. It is our own faith that convinces us to trust that “the worlds were framed by the word of God.” I always shudder when I hear some celebrity historian or anthropologist declare that ‘such and such’ happened, or was formed, ‘x billions of years ago’, where x is a small number and ‘billions’ is absolutely beyond man’s capacity to determine with any meaningful understanding. What appalling arrogance. It is ‘by faith’ that we trust the written word of God. Scholars have determined that at the time the various books of the Hebrew Bible were written, over one quarter (27%) was prophetic, it told of things which would happen in the future! I recently listened to a 2007 teaching CD by David Pawson, in which he stated that of all bible prophecy, over 85% had already been fulfilled. And the rest of the prophecies related to a time still future to us today, i.e. to the return of Messiah Yeshua to this earth. That statistic alone should provide enough to convince anyone that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is worthy of our trust. But the writer to these Messianic Jews chose events with which they were familiar from their own upbringing, things they were taught at home, events and people they ‘knew’ from their own Mum and Dad, to emphasize the efficacy of the faith to which they had committed themselves.
Most of us are also familiar with the events listed, and it is good to remind ourselves of the detail of each one, to strengthen our own faith today. The first mentioned is the relative offerings of Cain and Abel. In Genesis 4, both boys brought ‘offerings’ which were appropriate to their occupation. The simple words of the text say that God ‘respected’ Abel’s offering, but had not ‘respected’ Cain’s offering. This made Cain very angry, and as a result of his anger he killed Abel. You will search in vain for a Biblical explanation of this, but it is difficult to rationalize the killing of a brother for something beyond his control. In any event, Cain is forever cast as evil as a result. That is not the way to behave, and the record of the incident is a constant reminder of that fact.
Because of his faith, Enoch ‘pleased’ God, so much so that he did not experience death. I see that as an excellent testimony. As a young boy I always wanted to please my Dad, and as a man I seek to ‘please God’. Some say that you can do nothing for God because He has done everything for us. It is foolhardy to compare ones-self to Enoch, but the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:25 speaks of ‘God’s face shining on us’, and that is to me a sign of God’s pleasure in us. He must be pleased with our obedience to His word surely! Noah is next mentioned. How obedient was he? Scholars have determined that the Ark must have taken between 50 and 70 years to construct! As far as we know he didn’t even live on the seashore either. One can only speculate on the comments of his neighbours! Noah’s amazingly consistent faith and trust, resulted in God starting all over again with His mankind occupation of the earth. The story of Abraham is very well known, the father of the Hebrews. It is not always appreciated that Abraham and Noah were alive on this earth for about 58 years at the same time! They might even have met. Certainly Abraham would have heard of the faithfulness of Noah. There is so much written about Abraham’s faith and he is revered by all Jews especially.
But there is a most interesting comment here about these men. God had made specific promises, even covenants, with Noah and Abraham. To both men, the covenant which God made was absolutely unconditional on anything they could or should do. And each in turn trusted God implicitly for the fulfilment of those promises. But neither of them saw the complete fulfilment of those promises. They both died without seeing the end of God’s promise. In fact, we who live today have seen more evidence of God’s unfailing commitment to those promises than either Noah or Abraham ever did. Selah.
God made a solemn promises which are conveyed to us by the prophets of old, not the least being that of a new covenant to replace the one made through Moses. We trust in that promise by faith, which we are assured is guaranteed by the blood of Yeshua, but we don’t yet see it in its fullness. The writer to these Messianic Jews listed many more examples of faith in past ancestors, none of whom witnessed the greatest promise of all to them, the coming of their Messiah. But that did not prevent them from their worship of the King of this Universe. We are different today. We have witness and testimony of those who met with the risen Messiah. Who ate with Him, who talked with Him, who saw Him ascend into the heavenly place where He is today seated at the right hand of the Father awaiting His call to return to this earth.
We worship and praise YHWH Elohim who alone is worthy of our praise. And that is what the writer of this letter encourages its readers.
Shabbat Shalom
RS