April 2020
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 27
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!
The seventh seal is not yet. But an angel appears having “the seal of the living God”. After the treachery and turmoil and chaos and death revealed by the opening of the first six seals, visited on this earth by the person who first represented himself as ‘a man of peace’, which he was not, John is now shown some real peace. Four angels appear, holding back the elements so that there was complete calm in the earth. They were charged with causing weather and climate to influence times and seasons on the earth. Then the angel holding ‘the seal of the living God’ cried out to them with a loud voice to maintain some degree of peace and tranquillity in the earth (holding back the full force of God’s wrath) because there is an important job to be concluded.
However, our understanding of these events is constrained by our human measure of time. We naturally progress through these events as though they are sequential. It is difficult for us to perceive these events as being coincidental or combined in some other order. None more so than our attempt to place the seals in some correct perspective. Scholars suggest that the revelation of the happenings described in our reading today covers a time scale which overlaps and coincides with the events between the third and sixth seal. The reason for this being that the 144,000 must come from that time, probably from the time of the fifth seal. This might explain the words of Revelation 6:11. “Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who would be killed, as they were, was completed.” And there is much more to be observed about these 144,000.
Firstly, we note that this number is to come from “all the tribes of Israel”. Now that is significant. This 144.000 are sealed by God for an express purpose as His servants in the Kingdom to come. They are all Jews. His special treasure. But as we read the list there appear to be some anomalies, hard to explain, maybe unnecessary to explain even. But we note that the tribe of Dan is not there. The tribe of Levi is there, but they were treated separately for priestly duties in former times. And the tribe of Ephraim is renamed as the tribe of Joseph. But the 144,000 were not alone. There were multitudes of others present too. People from every tribe and nation and tongue. So there will be a mixed multitude martyred in the chaos and mayhem in the last days of the anti-Christ, which we broadly identify as ‘the great tribulation’.
It is an amazing sight. John was given a preview of events still future to us today. Multitudes of people standing before God seated on the throne, and before our precious Saviour Yeshua, the Lamb slain for us, palm branches waving in our hands and shouting out aloud “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”. And as we shout our praise to Him, the elders, the four living creatures, and all the angels around the throne join in, falling on their faces before the throne in worship. Then one of the elders asked John the question “Who are these people in white robes, and where did they come from?” John said “You know who they are.”
The elder confirmed what John already knew too. And followed up his confirmation with the words of promise which we trust our God to perform. In many respects it is the reward of our faith. The promise for which we placed our trust in Yeshua in the first place. “He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of them will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” What a promise. On a personal note, so precious a promise for me, having so recently lost the love of my life on this earth. But it is personal for every believer.
The events John is witnessing ‘in the Spirit’, the events still future to us as I write this ‘reflection’, are amazing. But we should take note that the promises we have just read are specific to those who overcome. To those who remain faithful in the day of fiery trial. As for those who leave this earth before that happens, we will be required to stand before that throne of which we have read so much, and give account. But the good news is that those who have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will receive the welcoming words “well done, good and faithful servant.” Safe for eternity.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 26
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!
“Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever.” The only One qualified to open the seals of the scroll. And so it began, one by one the seals were opened. As that happened, one of the four living creatures, each with six wings, and being full of eyes spoke with a loud voice. “Come and see.” They each took turn to show John that which was revealed as the seals were broken open. And so began the revelation of the events which are to take place before the end of this present age. These events comprise “the fiery trial” from which the “ekklesia” in Philadelphia was promised protection because they had kept the Lord’s command to persevere in the hour of trouble, and did not deny their faith when persecution came. They are events which accompany “that great and terrible day of the Lord.”
The first seal revealed a man on a white horse! “He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” A man of peace. A strong man. A man trusted by people. He is revered and given great power, position, and authority to act for the people. He has a name by which he is known. The Scriptures describe him as “the Beast”, but is more commonly referred to as “the Anti-Christ.” The revelation of that person, and the timing of his appearance, marks the beginning of the end.
The second seal reveals more about this person as he parades about on his red horse. A war horse no less. A man of war. A very strong man. He is one who divides people, setting one against the other. Anarchy. The first impressions pass, the promises made as he swayed people, promises of peace under his rule and many other good things, fade quickly as he begins to reveal his true nature.
The third seal is opened. This time there is a black horse. This man of war has become a tyrant. The rider now holds in his hand some weighing scales. He seeks to profit from the chaos which he has brought about. Great famine is revealed. The price of food has sky-rocketed. In fact, in another place we find that without his special mark on one’s hand or forehead that one is not even allowed to buy food at any price. These are perilous days indeed.
At the opening of the fourth seal, the absolute horror of what takes place is truly frightening. This time, riding on a pale horse, is one called “Death, and Hades (often translated ‘Hell’ in our Bibles) followed him.” The tyrant unrestrained. This takes some getting used to! We cannot readily come to grips with the picture here. Death we know a bit about, but what is Hades? At its simplest it may be explained as the part of the death process in which body decay occurs. Neither Death nor Hades had any impact on Yeshua because even though He experienced real Death, Hades had no hold on Him. However, this fourth seal describes a time when one quarter of the earth population will be overcome by “the Beast” and his accomplices. Terrifying.
The fifth seal reveals the enormity of the carnage. Explicitly, the souls of those who were martyred for their steadfast faith cry out to the Lord, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood.” And the comforting words of the Lord as He placed a white robe on each of them. In paraphrase “Not much longer now, there some more to join you, and when that number is complete it will all be avenged.” We do not know God’s precise plan regarding those numbers, or even why there is a specific number, but God knows, and we have to be content with that. What we do know, however, is that these are the ones who will reign with Yeshua in the millennial kingdom on earth. (Revelation 20:4)
At the revelation of the sixth seal, great fear fell on all men who remained on the earth. A great earthquake, sun darkened, the moon blood red, the firmament shaken above. Those who are able seek shelter in rocks and caves. The sudden realization that THIS IS THE DAY OF THE LORD. For centuries men have been warned that this would occur. Even within the “ekklesia” (in our churches today) there are many who didn’t believe that this would be a reality. And here it is. In all its fury. God has said “ENOUGH”. It is comforting to hear preachers tell us that ‘the church’ will be ‘raptured’ before all this takes place. But, so far, I haven’t found that in my Bible. (read Revelation 20:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 together)
But there is more to follow. Next week we will find out what happens when the seventh seal is opened.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections Pesach 2
Torah Reflections “Pesach 2”
Torah portion Exodus 13 : 17 - 15 : 26
Haftarah portion Numbers 28 : 16 – 25
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
We come to the last day of the celebration and remembrance of “Pesach”.
The parashah narrative begins with the statement of fact that the Pharoah had finally agreed to “let the people go”. It continues with the story of the journey of escape from Egypt, and the drowning of the pursuing Egyptian army, and it ends with the provision of “sweet water” to drink out of the bitter waters of Marah. A fascinating story.
These events are well known. Even non-Christian sceptics are familiar with the story, so we do not need to re-visit the detail. But we need to find the lessons for ourselves as the story unfolds.
Last week we focussed on the prophetic significance of the whole season of the three Pesach festivals. This week we learn of the detail of the way the event unfolded for them in practical terms. In fact, as we arrive at the very end of the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” in our study this week, we see the hand of Almighty God, and a picture of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach in this parashah.
We could look at the provision of food, which rained down from Heaven each night, sufficient to satisfy each family for the whole day ahead. And that which was not eaten that day rotted before the next day! It was to be gathered and eaten FRESH each day (Miraculously, the same food lasted TWO days when the weekly Shabbat came around).
The Apostle John, in Chapter 6 from verse 32, records the words of Yeshua when He described Himself as “the Bread of Life”. He goes further by relating the “bread from Heaven” in Moses time with Himself.
“Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
It is not going too far to equate the Israelites need for a daily gathering of that bread, with our need today for a ‘daily gathering’ of the bread which Yeshua is. He taught us to pray ‘give us this day our daily bread’. I believe that this phrase has both a literal and a spiritual meaning. We need to gather our ‘bread’ DAILY, just as those Israelites did in our parashah.
We could look at the provision of water. Moses was told to strike the rock, out of which poured an abundance of clean fresh, life-giving water. Our beloved Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Corinth used a most interesting description of this water.
“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ” 1 Corinthians 10 : 1- 4.
Paul is suggesting here that the miracle of the provision of water from the Rock extended to that Rock actually following them around!! The plain sense of this is that it was Yeshua Himself, there with the Israelites on their journeying’s in the wilderness who sustained them with life giving water. On another occasion, when Yeshau was attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, at the time of the water libation Ceremony in the Temple He said:-
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."” John 7 : 37,38
So then, as the “mo’ed” of Pesach concludes for another year, we remind ourselves that the Passover Seder which starts the celebration of this season always ends with the participants saying “Next Year in Jerusalem”. An anticipatory statement about the coming of Messiah. So we who are believers in Yeshau, can see the way in which this “appointed time” of Pesach not only speaks of Yeshau perfectly fulfilling His role as the ‘Lamb that was slain’, but also throughout the whole parashah we have reminders of His role in our lives as the sustainer of our life
For the believer, without Him there is no hope of life. With Him we have abundant life …. IF we choose to access it. Praise be to Him.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 25
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!
John, in his vision, had just witnessed the profoundly worshipful scene constantly taking place in the throne room of heaven. But at the same time a problem arose! He who sat on the throne was holding a scroll in His right hand. It obviously was a scroll waiting to be read, but it was sealed with seven seals. John was eager to know what was written on the scroll. Why else had he been taken into the throne room? A ‘mighty angel’ appeared and spoke in a loud voice. “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” Imagine John’s disappointment. He wept openly because neither in heaven nor on earth was anyone able (qualified) to break the seals, to open the scroll, and to read it. The suspense was palpable. But the question remains. Why was there no-one able to break open the seals? And the answer to that has to be because the scroll contained the details of changes which must take place at the end of this present age, in order to usher in the new age to come. The present age is under the control and influence of one (known as satan) whose authority has to be broken. Conquered. Defeated.
So because we see time the only way we are able, sequentially, I believe this part was a vision “out of time”. That is, in time before Yeshua came to this earth. Hence the agony and frustration of the sealed scroll. But then the vision moved into time that we do understand. One of the elders spoke words of great comfort to John. “Do not weep. Behold (look) the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed (over satan) to open the scroll and to loose (break open) its seven seals.”
John looked again, and there, ‘centre stage’ as it were, stood the One who has prevailed. Right in the very centre of all the glory of heaven. In the very centre of those who worshipped. “A Lamb as though it had been slain”, with Him who sat on the throne. “Seven horns, seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God sent with the Lamb into all the earth.” It was a truly amazing sight, worthy of closing one’s own eyes to quietly try to get a glimpse of the wonder that John beheld. And there was so much more to see, and hear, and experience. The elder who had spoken to John took the scroll out of the hand of Him who sat on the throne, then all those close to the throne, the four living creatures, the twenty four elders “each having a harp, each with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints”, sang a new song. They were joined by billions, YES billions, of angels in that new song. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” Whatever else could possibly be added to that? It is a song of triumphant praise and thanksgiving. Our Lord Yeshua had returned to His heavenly abode! He had conquered death, and hell. He was dead, but is alive. He had accomplished the task for which He left His heavenly home for a season. The song was a clear proclamation that salvation had been secured. The days of satan’s influence were coming to an end. The age of “the Kingdom of Heaven” was about to arrive. A Kingdom of peace, a ‘new covenant’ Kingdom which Yeshua declared many times to be “at hand”. His purpose on earth was to make that possible. But before that occurs, there are other events to take place. Those events are already written on that sealed scroll. And it is about to be opened. The “ekklesia” (and we are surely included in that) have already been prepared, by what is written (or dictated) by Yeshua in the letters to them. There will be no excuses possible. No-one will be able to claim ignorance when these events unfold. Get ready.
And what John saw next is prophetic of a future day. Count on it!
“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them.” spoke. Friends this is a description of all of God’s creation. The whole Universe, and all that it contains. And what exactly did John hear? The whole of creation joins in the new song. “Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne (YHWH Elohim), and to the Lamb (Yeshua) forever and ever.” That is for eternity.
All this is given to us as a prelude to the events, as yet not revealed. The victory is assured. The battle has been won. There is no more doubt. As believers we are on the winning side! Praise be to Him who sits on the throne. BUT, there are still events to be endured, and he who endures to the end will be saved. The contents of the scroll are about to be revealed..
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections Pesach 1
Torah Reflections “Pesach 1”
Torah portion Exodus 12 : 21 - 51 Numbers 28 : 16-25
Haftarah portion Joshua 5 : 2 to 6 : 1
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
The regular sequence of Torah readings is interrupted this week because of the “mo’ed” of Pesach.
Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 have the commandments about annual observances of the “mo’edim”. (The Hebrew word for “appointed times”, which in turn is usually translated into English as “feasts”). These are times when God specified He would meet with His chosen ones.
Today, they are most often referred to as “Jewish Feasts”. That correctly describes the fact that they are observances remembered by Jews. But it is an incorrect understanding of the Scriptures.
When God gave these instructions to Moses, He carefully worded these ‘appointed times’ (mo’edim) as MY ‘mo’edim’. They may be characterized as times when God says, in effect, “I will be there to meet with you on these specific occasions”. Those who choose not to attend miss an opportunity of blessing through meeting with Him at His invitation.
This festival, known as “Pesach” (Passover), embraces THREE festivals in a period of eight days. The first of these remembers the actual day in history (the 14th day of the first month, Nisan) when the Israelites experienced the ‘salvation’ of the firstborn in their families by placing the blood of the Pesach Lamb on the doorposts and lintels of their houses in Egypt. The Lord ‘passed over’ their houses when He saw the blood.
It also is the exact Hebrew calendar date of the crucifixion of Yeshua. The Christian celebration of Easter (replacing Passover) was formalized at the Council of Nicea in the days of the Emperor Constantine of Rome. It signalled the official separation of the “church” from its Hebrew roots. (In my view one of Satan’s major victories over mankind).
The second remembrance is known as the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” which occurs on the very next day, Nisan 15. (It is a High Sabbath), and it lasts seven days, and begins and ends with a special Sabbath, Note that there are always three Sabbaths during this Pesach festival. The “High Sabbath” which marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, (and the Sabbath which marks the end of the festival, PLUS the normal weekly Sabbath). It is this “High Sabbath” which is the Sabbath mentioned in John 19:31 before which the Jews were anxious to confine Yeshua’s body to the grave. Then the ‘normal’ weekly Sabbath occurred immediately prior to the resurrection of Yeshua. This confirms the statement of Yeshua in Luke 11:29 (as well as in Matthew and Mark) when asked for a sign. Read it. The complete lack of understanding of this fact has caused conventional church teaching to major on an incorrect “Good Friday” crucifixion story !
Unleavened Bread is eaten during the whole eight day period of the Pesach remembrance. To Jews it is a remembrance of the fact that they ate unleavened bread,(as commanded in Exodus 12:18) as they fled from Egypt on the night of Passover. Leaven is a symbol of SIN, so to believers, the Unleavened Bread also represents the sinless body of the Messiah which was buried in the grave for three days and three nights.
The third festival in this Pesach season is the “Feast of Firstfruits”. It occurs on the day AFTER the weekly Sabbath in Pesach week. (Always a SUNDAY). It signified the beginning of the Barley Harvest and was celebrated by a priest waving an ‘omer’ (a measure) of Barley in the temple in Yeshua’s day. But it was also the day on which Yeshua was resurrected from the grave. Believers refer to it as Resurrection Sunday. (but in association with Easter rather than Passover!) It signifies that Yeshua became the “Firstfruits from the dead”. (see 1 Corinthians15:23).
We should be grateful that churches worldwide (all varieties) remember the death and resurrection of Yeshua. And that they do so sincerely. But more and more, many people are realizing that our roots are inextricably founded in Judaism and the Lord’s “mo’edim” (appointed times). Those that do then focus more on Passover than Easter.
Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday)
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 24
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!
For the past eight weeks we have ‘reflected’ on the letters our Lord Yeshua instructed John to write to the seven “ekklesia”. In large measure, the state of these “ekklesia” may be compared to that which exists in our time. Some good things, some less so. By attending to the deficiencies noted, Yeshua encouraged these “ekklesia” to repent of wrongdoing, invite Him into their lives, and be fully prepared for what is about to be revealed to John. The corrective measures within the “ekklesia’ are essential to overcome the trials which are ahead.
John looked up and saw an open door into heaven. A voice beckoned him to enter so that he could see the things which are about to take place. The things he was shown are still future to us, so we remind ourselves that God’s timing is perfect. Never early, never late. But He has provided, within the Scriptures, signs which identify the proximity of the events foretold. But first, a description of the heavenly place. “A throne with One sat on that throne.” The One on the throne is described as having rich colouring, brilliantly multi-coloured, opaque but with red, yellow, brown, purple. The whole surrounded by a greenish rainbow. Probably better seen than described, but majestic. And around that throne were 24 other thrones. They were occupied by the 24 elders wearing white robes with gold crowns on their heads.
Can you imagine John, as I can, absolutely transfixed, mouth open, as he took in all that he was seeing? Then if that wasn’t enough there was sound, and light, and movement. Things never before witnessed by man. Lightening, thunder, voices projecting out of the central throne. It is almost too much to take in. Seven lamps of fire burning before the throne. And in front of it a smooth sea of glass, as crystal, clear and bright, reflecting the majesty of all the action taking place.
We are told that the seven lamps of fire are the seven Spirits of God. Scholars have turned to the prophet Isaiah for help in identifying these seven Spirits. Isaiah 11:2,3 describes Yeshua as a “Rod from the stem of Jesse” and the Branch which will grow out of its roots. On Him will rest “the Spirit of the Lord”, and then lists six other Spirits. Wisdom, Understanding. Counsel. Might. Knowledge. And the Fear of the Lord.
Then John is shown things which most people have no idea about. Heavenly things which do not appear on this earth, and because we don’t understand them they are sometimes dismissed. But John saw them. “Four living creatures full of eyes front and back.” One was likened to a lion, another to a calf, the next like a man, and the fourth like a flying eagle. Each of them had six wings. They moved constantly in and around the throne, never resting. All the time identifying and proclaiming the One who sat on the throne.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
A constant and continuous proclamation of praise to our Creator, Who lives forever. Eternal. Without beginning and without end. And as the 24 elders hear the voices of the four living creatures, they join in. They leave their thrones which surround the main throne, fall down in worship, cast their own golden crowns before the main throne and proclaim.
“You are worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
Friends, this is a mere glimpse into the very throne room of heaven. Every being in that room giving glory and honour and worship to our Creator. We do not have any description of any other in there. This is what John was shown. This is what he was instructed to write. This is just an introduction, giving us a tiny glimpse of the absolute majesty of God who commands worship, honour and praise from all he heavenly host.
He is the same God who sent Yeshua into this world to secure salvation for all who will trust in Him. If that is what the heavenly host of beings do, shouldn’t we also offer the sacrifice of praise to our God. The fruit of our lips. The Apostle Peter referring to Israel, into which we are grafted, tells us why. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Shabbat Shalom
RS