Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 28
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!
“When He opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” That, to me, is an amazing observation. Bear in mind that the whole scene in heaven up till this moment was of loud praise and worship. Everyone there was intent on offering their verbal tributes to Him who sat on the throne and to the Lamb. Then silence. And for half an hour. Wow!! That is a long time to maintain silence with such a large gathering. But, as we will see, this is the calm before the storm! It is as though, as that seventh seal was opened, everyone knew what was about to take place, and held their breath waiting for the action to commence.
There were seven angels standing before the throne, each was given a trumpet. A golden altar stood in front of the throne, and another angel, who had a golden censer, was given much incense which, together with the prayers of the saints, he offered on that altar as a sacrifice to God. The smoke of the incense ascended before God. Then the angel took fire from the altar, put it into the censer and he threw it to the earth. Then the noise and the action commenced. Loud thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. The angels with the trumpets raised them to their lips.
There is a brief description of the chaos on earth at the breaking of the sixth seal. Men hiding themselves as best they could from the carnage taking place around them. But as the angels, in turn, begin to sound their trumpets, those trumpet sounds herald new horrific waves of destruction. It is not difficult to see why some people find this passage of Scripture so confronting, even to the point of denial. The events described are beyond our imagination, and with the possible exception of the “Sodom and Gomorrah” incident in Lot’s day, there has never been anything like it. That was localised. This is on a global scale. It is terrifying. But God in His infinite love, mercy and grace, is providing this warning. It will happen. Be prepared. These events are still future to us.
When the first trumpet sounded, there was great hail and fire mingled with blood. One third of the trees were burned up and all the grass caught fire and was consumed by it. (In recent years, in Israel, the terror group Hamas has sent hundreds of incendiary kites into Southern Israel, consuming thousands of acres of fertile crop land. It is most destructive. The event described here is on a global scale) At the very least, we can imagine that can’t we?
At the sound of the second trumpet “something like a great mountain burning” (we could equate it to a VERY large blazing meteorite) plunged from space into the sea “and a third of it turned into blood” (that is a LOT of sea). One third of all sea creatures killed. A third of all ships at sea lost (that would amount to about 18,000 ships today, and some millions of shipping containers cast into the sea!!)
The third trumpet brought catastrophe to rivers and streams. Fresh water contamination on a huge scale. The word “Wormwood” is used to describe this invasion from space. It is a word associated with ‘bitterness’. This phenomenon will be responsible for the death of many who drink this contaminated water.
There is so much of God’s bountiful provision on this earth which is taken for granted, almost as of a ‘right’ by all of us living on this planet. The events which John is witnessing in this visionary visit into the heavenlies should be enough to jog all mankind out of complacency. Instead, even within our ‘churches’ there are many who teach that these declarations of the coming “day of the Lord” are fanciful and fictitious. But, my friends, just as the Lord is fulfilling prophecies before our eyes in regard to Israel today, so in these events, He has a purpose. The purposes of God are to show mankind that “I AM THE LORD” (to quote His own words). In that day, there will be no more doubting.
The fourth trumpet will bring devastating consequences. One third of the sun, moon and stars darkened. The whole of this earth is sustained by the energy emitted by the sun. The resultant devastation is truly hard to quantify. And if that weren’t enough to cause men to cry out for mercy and relief, John was then shown another angel flying around heaven shouting with a loud voice. “Woe, woe, woe o the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels which are about to sound.” Can things get any worse? Well they can, and they will. It is no wonder that people WANT to believe that these things won’t happen. But these are the words of the living God. They are a warning. There is still time to get right with God. That is the blessing offered to those who read and take careful note of the words of this prophecy.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
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
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 23
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 One who wrote the letters to the seven ‘churches’.
When I commenced these ‘reflections’ I had not intended to include this one. However, I have been so impacted by the revelation of Yeshua from these letters that I consider this aspect to be worthy of further ‘reflection’. It constitutes a compilation of the attributes and weaknesses in the “ekklesia” which was observed by Yeshua.
The nature and character of the Author, Yeshua.
“I am the First and the Last”
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.”
“I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
“I hold the seven stars (the angels of the “ekklesia”) in My right hand.”
“I walk in the midst of the golden lampstands (the “ekklesia”).”
“I have the sharp two-edged sword.”
“I am the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass.”
“I have the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.”
“I am holy, and I am true. I have the key of David. I open and no-one shuts. I shut and no-one opens.”
“I am the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.”
Has there ever been a more complete description of the One who is the Only One qualified to “open the scroll and loose its seven seals”. (Rev 5:5) Each one of these descriptive salutations reveals the awesome majesty and might of our Saviour. Take time to ponder each one. Look carefully at the implication for every believer. “O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!” (Psalm 9:1)
There are commendations to be appreciated. “I know your works!”
“You labour patiently, and you cannot bear those who are evil. You have tested the teachers among you, and found them to be liars.”
“You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
“You don’t have wealth, but you are rich. You have exposed the fakes in your “ekklesia”.”
“You are faithful, and in the face of persecution you do not deny Me.”
“I appreciate your loving service, your faith, and your good works.”
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will keep you from the hour of trial which is coming.”
“He who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and I will write upon him the name of My God.”
And there are faults to be addressed.
“You have left your first love.”
“You hold the doctrine of Balaam.”
“You tolerate false teaching in the “ekklesia”.”
“You are neither hot nor cold, so I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
“Your wealth has blinded you to your true spiritual state.”
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” This written to those inside the “ekklesia”, anticipating a return to true worship and obedience.
It is my fervent hope that any who read this will take time to go through each aspect of characteristic, each commendation of service, and each fault to be addressed. It is not difficult to make generalizations of each of these things, but what is required is for each one of us, individual believers, to carefully appraise our own position before our holy God in the light of these letters. There is blessing to be received, but there is much worse ahead for any who treat the words of our Lord and Master lightly.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 22
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 letter to Laodicea. Possibly the most preached about of the seven letters contained in this book. And who is He that writes this letter? “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.” Each salutation is unique, descriptive of the One who we will one day meet in the Throne Room of heaven. But this salutation is quite direct. Our Creator. We will take very careful note.
Laodicea has been extensively excavated in the last several years to reveal a thriving metropolis thought to have had about 100,000 residents in the first century. Close by is the famous Hierapolis, spectacular with its white waterfall of salt laden water overflowing from the hot springs there. And adjacent to that is Necropolis, a large burial place, cold and dark yet interesting. Laodicea was home to a quite large hospital, specializing in treatment of eye problems. Situated on the River Lycus, and about 10 Km. away on the same side of the river, was Colossae, from where the cold drinking water was piped. So the hot therapeutic water from nearby Hierapolis on the opposite side of the river, (the white salt laden deposits on the hillside clearly visible today from Laodicea) mixed with the river water close to Loadicea to produce a lukewarm water which was unsuitable either for drinking (which hence came from Colossae) or for medical purposes. This provided the metaphor which Yeshua used to describe the state of the “ekklesia’ there. Practical and easily understood.
The wealth of the people probably emanated from the numerous visitors attracted by the reputation of the city for its medical treatment facilities. And yet they were part of an “ekklesia” of believers. I suspect that most of us could readily identify similar issues today within modern day churches. The description of such is unflattering. “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ – and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” Unflattering is an understatement isn’t it? It is a shocking indictment, especially since it is addressed to those identified as believers.
Then the counsel of the Lord to make changes. “Buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be (truly) rich, and white garments (the symbol of spiritual purity) that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve (a clear reference to the medical facilities of the city in which they lived and the ready availability of the cure) that you may see.” These are the caring words of a loving Saviour. Yes, they are words of chastisement. Yes, they are words which many find hard to grasp because of self-righteousness. Yes they are obvious. But there are none as blind as those who do not wish to see. To those who are comfortable with the offerings ‘of the world’, oblivious, until told, that they are on a path which leads to death, the second death. They are words which require action, change, humility, repentance. But as the metaphor alludes, they are remedies which are close at hand and readily available to the willing. Yeshua put it better than I ever could. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
The final appeal to these dear folk in Laodicea is so often misapplied by preachers today. “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” An appeal of the evangelist to the unsaved. There is nothing wrong with inviting the unsaved to become disciples of Yeshua. It is what we are all called to do. But these words before us today are specifically addressed to believers in the “ekklesia”. To you. To me. To the person sitting in the pew in front or behind you. It is the call of Yeshua to “Let Me in.” Don’t discard or discount what He is offering us. He desires to walk with us through life’s journey. To teach us things of eternal value, as He sees us waste precious time wallowing, almost aimlessly in the mundane affairs of this world. And to what end? There is a wealth of fulfilling joy available to all who, in faith, believe, and let Him in. But just like these folk in Laodicea, our own agenda often impedes our progress in the faith.
His promise? “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door (that’s positive action) I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.” Just TRY to take that in. Ponder what is being promised here. If it doesn’t bring a tear to your eye … well it should. And all this is in order that we, the “ekklesia” of the Lord, be fully prepared for all the things which are ahead of us, which we are about to discover as the Lord Yeshua reveals them to John, and he to us.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 21
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!
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write.” One of only two churches which did not receive a rebuke from the Lord. Known today as Alasehir, with about 50,000 inhabitants, and another 50,000 in the surrounding districts, it is about 105 Km directly east of Izmir, and just south east of Sardis. It was subject of a massive fire towards the end of the Greco Turkish war in 1922, so there is not much left from ancient times. It is famous today for its production of Sultana Raisons!
But it did have a thriving “ekklesia” there. Careful observation will reveal that the churches of Revelation are grouped, and are mentioned in that order, in an approximate clockwise circle of maybe 150 Km diameter. So what is the lesson today from this letter? The now well familiar “I know your works” is preceded by the description of the author. “He who is holy, He who is true. ‘He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts, and no one opens’.” As I read this I was immediately drawn to the story of Noah and those who entered the Ark. There was a door into the Ark. And that door was eventually closed by God Himself. When those appointed to enter were inside, God closed the door. No amount of appealing to Noah could cause that door to open. But here in the ‘ekklesia’ in Philadelphia, the door was open, whatever that door represented to them, possibly the efforts of their opponents to close them down, possibly the efforts of those ‘who say they are Jews but are not’, to take over the teaching. Whatever it was, God was in control and was supporting and strengthening them. Why? “You have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
When God opens doors, no one can shut it. And at the same time, when God shuts a door, no one else can open it. Let that sink in. All the struggling and pushing, the pleading and the all the money in the world will not open a door that God has closed, nor close a door that God has opened. It is significant that this “synagogue of satan” is mentioned in close relationship to this ‘opening’ and ‘closing’ promise. Those who of this ‘synagogue’ will one day be made to recognize the faithfulness and love of those who “Keep My word, and have not denied My name.” They, (those of the synagogue of satan) will see the love of God for them, and says the Lord “they will worship before your feet.” That is a reference to a future date because it evidently did not happen in their lifetime. But there is more good news for this faithful “ekklesia”. “Because you have kept My command to persevere (to the end), I will keep you from the hour of trial which will come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”
Confirmation here that there is a “day of trial” ahead. It will be visited upon the whole world. Its purpose. To discern the ‘faithful’ from the ‘unfaithful’. The real from the counterfeit. But the faithful of this “ekklesia” are to be preserved from that trial. God is just, so we may conclude perhaps that others who belong to Him and ‘persevere’ to the end will be granted similar exemption from that ‘hour of trial’. And there is more. “He who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more (safe for eternity). I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem (which IS the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9-11)) which comes down out of heaven from My God.” Then the crown of crowns for the faithful servant of the Lord. “And I will write on him My new name.”
There is such a description here of that future day when God Himself, seated on that Great White Throne, will sit in judgement of mankind. There are those who teach that because God is merciful, kind, gentle, not willing that any should perish, He will overlook the sin and contempt of mankind. That is NOT in our Bible. Didn’t we read in Hebrews “it is appointed to man once to die, and after death the judgment.”? Well here it is again. YHWH Elohim, will require each of us to give account. Some will have “My new name” written on them said Yeshua in this letter, and some will not.
The wise, who receive the blessing promised to those who read this ‘revelation’ to John, will understand that there are conditions attached to entry to “the New Jerusalam”. The blessing is eternal life. Advance warning of the things to come. Sanctuary from the “hour of trial”.
Each letter to these seven ‘churches’ has its own message. Those who are wise will take careful note, and find eternal life.
Shabbat Shalom
RS