Zion's Voice

Haftarah reflections    52

Torah portion              Deuteronomy 32:1 - 52

Haftarah portion      2 Samuel 22: 1 - 51

Listen to the Prophets

King David had reigned in Israel for 40 years. Under his leadership, Israel had prospered and had largely subdued their enemies. In our parashah today, we find the ageing David in a reflective mood. There had been some recent fierce battles with the descendants of Goliath the Gittite. David had been successful in battle, but, the Scriptures tell us that during these altercations, “David grew faint”. His close friends and associates told him that he was no longer to lead them in battles. It was time for him to step back from the fray.

We are privileged to have, in our parashah today, this appreciation, in words that perhaps only David could express, so that we may ponder and wonder at the amazing relationship which David had with the Lord.

Because of his ageing frailty, he has been kept away from the stresses of the battleground. Yet he writes “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: the God of my strength, in whom I will trust.”  He had seen many battle victories. Many might have taken pride in those achievements, in their own tactical prowess, in their own leadership skills. Not David. He knew very well that when he was anointed to be king (1Samuel 16:13), that the spirit of the LORD was upon him from that time forward. He never forgot it. It was the abiding presence of God, in his life, that sustained him. When he stumbled, and he sometimes did, he was quick to confess his error and to put things right with God. What an example.

This song, for that is what we are ‘reflecting’ upon this week, provides many lessons for us today. “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies”.  We do not have the kind of enemies, who are plotting to take our lives such as David had. But we do have difficulties to overcome. Enemies of our soul, enemies of our body and mind. Enemies who are intent on dragging us down. Is “calling on the LORD” our first option? Or is it when all else fails? Where is our trust? It is clear where David put his trust isn’t it? A good lesson.

David’s reflective memory caused him to recall the many times when God had rescued him. He sees his enemies pursuing him and God hunting them down. He sees God as a consuming fire. One against whom no-one can stand. And it is Almighty God who is at David’s side.

“The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness” he said. That’s a bit of a shock isn’t it? Can it be? God is not a respecter of persons. (Peter in Acts 10 and Paul in Romans 2) He does not play favourites. So if it is right for David, it’s right for others too. Even us! It is clear from what follows that David is referring to his obedience to the commands of God. It certainly does not mean his own righteousness, self-righteousness, because we are also told in Scripture (Isaiah 64) that that kind of righteousness God sees as ‘filthy rags’.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him”. David is unable to see any fault in God. In all his experience he has found God faithful and true. And remember, David had been in some perilous scrapes in his life. There were times when, without God’s protection, he would surely have lost his life. Of all people, David might be the most trustworthy advocate of God’s perfect protection, His provision, His counsel. The Word of the Lord of which David writes is found in the Torah of Moses. It is found in the counsel of the Priests. Zadok in particular. For a more exhaustive appreciation of David’s view of the Word of the Lord, read Psalm 119.

“He makes my feet like the feet of deer”. Deer are sure-footed. They are fast runners. But it is also possible that David also had in mind the sure-footed animals (Ibex) which today may be seen in the slopes of the Ein Gedi valley at the Dead Sea, which was once a hiding place for David. He sees God’s protection in the special skills attributed to these wild animals which allowed his to escape from his enemies many times. That is also a picture of God’s protection, as they are able to safely navigate terrain which to most would be exceptionally hazardous.

“Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation”. Perhaps the finest lesson of all for us this week. Here, as in many of his other songs, the Psalms, Davis is ever ready to give God Praise for just who He is. Not for what He has done, but for who He is.

“O Lord our God, how excellent is Your Name in all the Earth.”

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections    51   

Torah portion                Deuteronomy 31:1 - 30

Haftarah portion        Hos 14:1–9 Mic 7:18-20 Joel 2: 15-27  

Listen to the Prophets

This week we look at the words of three prophets, called by God to take a specific message to different groups of people at different times. Yet in God’s wisdom and grace, they each have a message which was not only for their time, but resonates strongly with us today. It is a timely message. Be blessed as you study these Scriptures with me.

Hosea was given the task of warning the Northern Kingdom of Israel about their wanton disregard of, and unfaithfulness to, their covenantal promises. It was likened to the harlotry of an unfaithful wife, and to show Hosea the depth of His feeling about this situation, God caused Hosea to take the unfaithful Gomer, a prostitute, as a wife. What a painful experience that must have been for Hosea. But he understood exactly what God felt for Israel, His beloved. Hosea eventually witnessed the judgement of God on the unrepentant Israel when, in 722 b.c.e. the nation was taken captive by the Assyrians under the leadership of king Shalamanezer V.

Micah, a contemporary of Hosea, (as well as Amos, Isaiah and Jonah) also witnessed the downfall of Israel, but his message was principally to the Southern Kingdom of Judea. His concern was that Judea was treading the same perilous idolatrous path that Israel had walked.  Like Amos, he was a ‘man from the country’, and he could plainly see the way the ‘city people’ (Jerusalemites) were uncaring of the poor in their community. His prophetic writings (because we have the convenience of chapter delineations), may be viewed in three sections. The prediction of judgement Chapters 1-3, the prediction of restoration Chapters 4,5 and the plea for repentance Chapters 6,7. Our parashah today is covered in the last mentioned.

Joel is more difficult to date. Scholars believe he pre-dated the other two by about 100 years, in which case he would have been a contemporary of Elisha. His detailed knowledge of Zion, and references to the priesthood cause some to think that he might well have been a priest himself. But his message, mostly remembered because of his references to the coming “day of the Lord” is consistent with both Hosea and Micah in that he pronounced judgement. His descriptions of locust plagues, famine, raging fires and invading armies is interspersed with hope for the future.

So what is our lesson from these three men of God for today?

Obviously, the times, in terms of lifestyle and environment have changed markedly. But attitudes and lifestyle practises seem to be unchanged. Men are still dismissive, or indifferent, to the claims of God on their lives. Idolatry, in its many forms, is rife in our society. There are many prophetic voices today proclaiming the coming day of the Lord. There are also some ominous signs, available to any who care to look, that we are in a period which the Bible describes as ‘last days’. But in arrogant disregard, the world is not listening. Just as the Israelites and Judeans in our parashah did not listen.

The good news is that God has not given up. Our three prophetic voices this week all tell of the fact that God has the last word. That does not mean that His righteous judgement is withheld, but His covenantal promises are assured. Plan A, if you like, is in the true, heart rending repentance of the people. It involves an act of will for sure, but it is more than just in the mind. It is a repentance that brings about a necessary, willing, change of lifestyle. That is the message of God which is conveyed in our parashah this week. But in the absence of that repentance, God’s righteous judgment precedes His restoration, and in a way that is both assured and costly. God alone is the Judge of our righteousness before Him, and how that is acquired and maintained. There are many words in our Bibles to guide us in the right direction. There are also many words of warning to those who choose to ignore His direction. God’s patterns are set out for us in our weekly reflections on His word.

Our study this week is sad, in the fact that we know that the audience addressed by the prophets ignored the warnings. That record alone leaves us without excuse, because we clearly see God acting in righteous judgement according to His word to them.

The message of hope, God’s restoration, was not seen by those who heard the message at first hand from the prophets. Israel’s restoration, the New Covenant, is assured, in God’s time, in God’s way. We, Gentiles, are privileged to participate in that restoration, by our faith in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. That faith is born of repentance, just like the prophets told the Israelites in our parashah.                   

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Reflections   M6

Torah portions               Leviticus 22:26 to 23:44  and Numbers 29 :12 - 16

Haftarah portion          Zechariah 14 : 1-21

Listen to the Prophets

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 is a happy occasion. It lasts for seven days and begins and ends with a Sabbath rest. Following just 4 days after the most solemn remembrance of Yom Kippur it is celebrated in a very special way in Israel particularly.  The festival is actually known by THREE different English names. Tabernacles, Booths and Ingathering. In Hebrew” Sukkot”.

Each family builds a kind of makeshift shelter, which they call “booths”, outside their home. It is deliberately constructed so that the roof is lightly covered with palm fronds which easily allows those inside the shelter to see the sky above. Observant Jewish families then carry on all normal family activities in and around this shelter. That includes having meals and sleeping.  The purpose of these constructions is to cause the family to remember the time when their ancestors lived in this manner in their wilderness journeying’s from Egypt to the Promised Land. Naturally, there is also much storytelling and appropriate scripture reading to encourage and enlighten the experience for the children of the family.

As mentioned above, it is an especially joyful festival.

In terms of our understanding of the prophetic significance of this festival, we need to recall the teaching which accompanied the first two festivals of this season. TRUMPETS heralds the return to this Earth of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach in power and great glory. Then follow 10 days of putting things right, before we remember the very solemn festival of YOM KIPPUR which is prophetic of the Great White Throne Judgement.

As the old hymn puts it “When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there”. Well this festival is effectively the time for ‘roll calling’. Those who have been judged worthy at the Great White Throne Judgement are invited to attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. That is consistent with the joyfulness of the occasion isn’t it?  In fact, “the Bride” of the Lamb is the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21 : 9 – 27) and there is no place for impurity within its walls. Only those cleansed by the blood of the Lamb participate in the Marriage Supper.

There is ONE more activity associated with this festival in Judaism. On the last day of the celebration is the most joyous parading of the Torah Scrolls through the Streets in Jerusalem, and I suspect, but have not personally witnessed, in other Jewish communities. This is called “Simchat Torah” (Rejoicing in the Torah). It marks the fact that the whole cycle of reading the Torah starts again for another year.

Take time to study and learn the significance of all the “mo’edim” of the Lord. They are full of rich meaning and this festival has been singled out for special mention in the millennial Kingdom. Read it for yourself in Zechariah 14 : 16 -19. It forms part of the Haftarah portion for this week.

Why is this ‘mo’ed’ singled out?  For your thoughtful consideration, the first clue comes in Jeremiah 16:14,15. Probably the most memorable day in the Hebrew calendar superseded by a bigger event! Jews restored to the Land in preparation for the return of Messiah. Pesach (which includes Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits) no longer celebrated. Shavuot, traditionally the time of giving of Torah superseded by a New Covenant. Yom Teruah completed by the appearance of Yeshua as King of kings.(No third appearance expected)  Yom Kippur, already completed at the White Throne Judgement. And what remains is the joyful time when Yeshua Tabernacles with us for the rest of time. It is the ONLY festival which remains when Yeshua returns to reign.  Hallelujah, what a Saviour. Be part of “The great ingathering”.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections  50   

Torah portion                    Deuteronomy 29:10 to 30:20

Haftarah portion             Isaiah 61: 10 –63: 9     

Listen to the Prophets

Isaiah proclaims the clear message of Messiah Yeshua in this parashah. It contains some of the most often quoted prophetic Scriptures in our Bible. It is worthy of our attention because it speaks of events which have captivated the thoughts of believers in Yeshua for 2,000 years. His triumphant return. We rejoice in that together.

But the very last verse of this reading says so much more. “In all their (Israel’s) affliction, He (Yeshua) was afflicted”. Sense the pain here. Turn your thoughts for a moment to the anti-Semitic pogroms, the holocaust, the reviling taunts, the dismissive attitudes, the arrogant humiliation, to which these beloved of God have been subjected throughout their history. That is “their affliction”. And Isaiah tells us that every hurtful act was experienced and felt personally by Yeshua. What shame we bear.

This prophetic writing has to be read with care in order to discern the person or people being addressed by Isaiah, so as to get the full understanding of the sequence. It opens with the statement about Yeshua’s time on this earth, and the purpose for which He came. It is Yeshua who was anointed by God to preach the ‘good tidings’, to ‘heal the broken-hearted’, to ‘proclaim liberty to the captives’. It is Yeshua who ‘gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness’. It is Yeshua who declares them (Israel) to be ‘the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified”.

Sense the love which is embodied in those words. God sent Yeshua, His only Son, to make these changes in the lives of His chosen ones. It was God’s declared intention to heap His love upon them. It remains His intention. But there is a God ordained interval in His programme. The gospel of John, chapter 12, quoting Isaiah 6:9,10, spoke of the ‘blindness’ of Israel. The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Rome captured it with these words. “.. have they (Israel) stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not. But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.”  He goes on “ … if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!”

And it is in glorious anticipation of this “fullness”, their restoration, and the “blindness” removed, that Isaiah’s prophetic words continue.

The Messianic Kingdom, where Yeshua will reign, (and rule with a rod of iron) comes clearly into focus. But in case we think that God is slow to bring this about, the prophet exhorts the hearer “you who make mention of the Lord, (that’s US isn’t it?) do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth”.

Look what happens to Israel. “The Gentiles shall see your righteousness (all iniquity forgiven), and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord”

Is it any wonder that the prophet Zechariah, speaking of the same era, said: “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”

Earlier in our study, we saw the pain of affliction felt by Messiah Yeshua for the agonies of rejection endured by His chosen ones. Our parashah ends on a note of righteous judgement on those who were the enemies of these chosen people. “Who is this who comes from Edom?” is the question. The description is of One whose garments are stained with blood. The blood of battle. Of One who is victorious in that battle. “For the day of vengeance is in My heart and the year of My redeemed has come” He says.

Then He said: “Surely they are My people, children who will not lie” So He became their Saviour.

There was a time, some 4,000 years ago, when God said to the righteous Abram “I will bless those who bless you, and I will “a’rar” (bitterly curse) those who “qalal” (treat with contempt) you.” The descendants of Abram, through the line of his son of promise, Isaac, were included in that promise.

Let’s take God at His word. Listen to the voice of the Prophets.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Reflections   M5  

Torah portions      Leviticus 16 : 1- 34   and

Numbers 29 : 7 - 11

Haftarah portion  Isaiah 57:14  to 58:14

Listen to the Prophets

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.

The 10 days between the Feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur are referred to as “the days of awe”. In Judaism, they are days of intraflection and reconciliation … putting things right.. putting things right with God and putting things right with those we live with and associate with on a daily basis. In fact the Scriptures clearly tell us that we cannot be right with God, and be at odds with each other (Matthew 5 : 24).

Those who have visited Israel at this time of year will know that everything stops on Yom Kippur. It is a day of fasting and reflection.( It is the reason why, in 1973, the Arab nations around Israel attacked them on that specific day. There is No Radio, No Television, No answering phones.. NOTHING goes on). The Scriptures declared that all the people have a day of solemn rest and strict Sabbath keeping. A day to “afflict your souls”.

It was the one day in every year, appointed by God, for the Chief Priest to enter the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle and the Temple when they were functioning. The whole purpose of that visit by the Chief Priest was to ensure that he himself, and the Nation of people he represented, were made right with God in preparation for the year that lay ahead.

The awesome significance of this very special day is, regrettably, totally lost to the church. In addition to its special anointing by God, being set apart from all other days as it is, there is a unique event recorded in Revelation which we should all be acutely aware of. It is the day of the WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT. It is represented for us today by the day of Atonement. It is a special day ‘to put things right’.

Revelation 20 : 11 – 15 describes that day of Judgment. It needs no comment from me. The judgement is to determine who is right with God, and who is not. It is there for everyone to read, but before you read it I caution you to read Revelation 22 : 18,19 first. Many ‘Christians’ today have never taken time to even read Revelation, let alone try to understand its message. It is a letter written by Yeshua Himself, or at least dictated by Him to John.

The climax of the whole letter, in fact the climax of the whole message of the Scriptures comes in the next festival of the Lord, the Feast of Tabernacles, which is why these “mo’edim” of the Lord are so important to celebrate, be part of, and to remember.

I am saddened that the modern Christian church, which is largely ignorant of the “mo’edim” of the Lord, has missed a blessing which God intended us to enjoy.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections   49

Torah portion                    Deuteronomy 26:1 to 29:9

Haftarah portion             Isaiah 60: 1 – 22        

Listen to the Prophets

To get the clarity of mind we need to understand this amazing prophetic passage of Scripture, we have to remember that chapter and verse separations, whilst immensely convenient for reference purposes, are a very modern addition to the Bible. Just a few hundred years in fact.

So if we start reading from Isaiah 59:20, it becomes immediately obvious that the Lord is looking forward to the time when He will make a New Covenant with the people. Almost 100 years later, God spoke to Jeremiah on the same subject, but with a lot more detail.

It is almost invariably true that prophetic pronouncements have more than one fulfilment. Someone once described it as being like the view of a distant mountain range. When one gets to the first range, one can see further ranges beyond that. This would appear to be the case, in part, with our parashah today.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”  would appear to be an announcement of the first coming of Messiah. And it is. But what we know is that it also speaks of a time when Messiah Yeshua will return to this earth. A future time even for us. And it is this future coming of Messiah which makes this prophecy of Isaiah so important to us.

Isaiah writes about the ‘Gentiles coming to your light’. About 700 years later, God called Rabbi Sha’ul (the Apostle Paul) to be His emissary to take that light to the Gentiles. They came in their thousands .. and are still coming!! Praise God. But there is a much greater attraction still ahead of us. Zechariah 8:23 prophecies that “ten men from every language shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”  What a day that will be. And God revealed it to Isaiah 2,700 years ago!

“Lift up your eyes all around and see; … your sons shall come from afar.”  Now it is certainly true that the exiles came from Babylon closer to Isaiah’s day, but do you also see that when God uses the word “afar” He was including all nations in the ‘Aliyah’, that includes nations which did not even exist under their present known names at that time. It is happening NOW, and it will continue until the “time of the Gentiles is fulfilled”. God alone knows when that will be, but Isaiah confirms it, because following this return of the sons of Israel, we have a description of events which are only used in connection with the Lord’s return.

“Whereas you have been forsaken and hated  … I will make you an eternal excellence”  We haven’t arrived at that time yet have we? What an extraordinary statement of restoration that is. This is the destiny of those who are the natural descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob,  And dare I say it, for those who are grafted into that ‘natural olive tree’ by faith in the Messiah Yeshua.

Earlier, I said that this passage of Scripture looks forward to the New Covenant which God will make with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.  “The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon be light for you”  Dear friends, this precisely describes the situation which God tells Jeremiah that Israel will no longer be a nation before Him. (Jeremiah 31:35,36). That immediately follows the terms of the New Covenant which God will make with His chosen ones. No longer Israel, but the Messianic Age, Yeshua reigning in Jerusalem. His  kingdom, given a name that He alone knows.

This parashah is a glorious anthem of praise to our God. One of the most enlightening prophetic chapters in the whole of the Scriptures. An absolute feast of teaching. A diverse range of commentary has applied this chapter to Jerusalem, to Israel, to the people, to the land, and even to the church. The truth is that God is able to quicken His word to each of us according to our need, and the best way to know what this means is to study it for yourself and ask God to reveal His truth.

But some things are immediately evident. Isaiah had Jerusalem, the city of his birth and residence, in his mind’s eye as God spoke to him so clearly. Just as chapter 54 describes the parlous state of Jerusalem, likening it to a barren woman, but with some hope for the future, chapter 60 describes a glorious future. That future being the New Jerusalem of the Messianic Age to come where the only light will be the shekinah of God

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Reflections   M4     

Torah portions                    Genesis 21:1-34     Numbers 29:1-6

Haftarah portion               1 Samuel 1:1 to 2:10

Listen to the Prophets

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 is known as “The Feast of Trumpets”, because God ordained that it was to be heralded by the blowing of trumpets, it is known as “Rosh Hashanah” because it brings in the civic New Year in the Hebrew calendar. It is a Sabbath, a Holy convocation, a day of rest. It is the first of a series of THREE festivals which closely follow each other at this season of the year.

Many, like me, believe that it is prophetic of the time of the Lord’s return, and there are good Biblical reasons for this. Others will say ‘no man knows the day nor the hour”, but an elementary knowledge of Judaic biblical history easily explains this. In Israel, even today, the beginning and end of festivals (Numbers 10:10) relies on the observance of TWO stars in the sky by TWO witnesses (and that is normally announced by the blowing of shofars).  The appearance of the New Moon heralds the beginning of a new month, again reliant on TWO witnesses. There are a number of good reasons why these observances could be one day or the next. “No man knows the day”. The presence of cloud will affect the precise timing of the first appearance of stars, “no man knows the hour”.

The most compelling reason is however because it is consistent with the evidential significance of the first FOUR ‘mo’edim’. Pesach, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits are perfectly fulfilled in the death, burial and resurrection of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. Shavu’ot, the traditional time of the giving of Torah to Moses on the mountain, is also the time of the giving of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem a mere 10 days after the ascension of Yeshua into Glory.

The Scriptures reveal that Yeshua will return with the sound of trumpets. (Matthew 24:30,31  1Corinthians 15:52  1Thessalonians 4:16)

The Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of a period of 10 days of preparation for the next solemn appointed time, the Day of Atonement. It is enlightening to read Revelation 18, 19 and 20 in conjunction with the reflection on these last three festivals. That passage of Scripture appears to fill in some detail of things to take place upon the return of Yeshua when He comes, not as the Lamb to be slain, but as King of kings and Lord of Lords in order to put into place the millennial Kingdom of God.

In concluding this reflection, please consider this thought. When God instituted the ‘mo’ed’ of the Feast of Trumpets, He could have had in mind not only the annual introduction of a New Year in the Hebrew calendar, but also the New Year which marks the commencement of Yeshua’s everlasting Kingdom.

I am saddened that the modern Christian church, which is largely ignorant of the “mo’edim” of the Lord, has missed a blessing which God intended us to enjoy.

Shabbat Shalom 

RS

Haftarah reflections  48

Torah portion                    Deuteronomy 21:10 to 25:19

Haftarah portion             Isaiah 54: 1 – 10

 Listen to the Prophets

Our parashah this week comprises the fifth of seven consolations, or ‘comforts’ which Isaiah speaks to the Israelites. But it starts with a most unusual expression. “Sing, O barren, you who have not borne!” That is probably the last thing you would expect of someone who was unable to bear children, especially since that was the principal reason fpr women to marry. “Be fruitful and multiply” was God’s command.

The metaphor is not lost on these people. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Samson’s mother, Ruth (according to rabbinic interpretation), Hannah, and the Shunamite woman of 2 Kings 4, were all ‘barren’ until the Lord miraculously healed their barrenness. Their firstborn offspring were all used by God to bring great blessing.

“For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman” says the Lord.

But Isaiah is speaking here of Jerusalem of course. The Jerusalem of the Messianic age no less, when her sons will be returned to her glory. Although once thronging with people, the city is now seemingly desolate. It had seen ‘better days’. There was an emptiness. Isaiah likens it to the emptiness of a widow, or a woman without children. Jeremiah spoke about the same thing in Lamentations 1:1-4.

 “How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow is she, who was great among the nations!  … She weeps bitterly in the night, her tears are on her cheeks; … She has none to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; …. No-one comes to her set feasts, …. And she is in bitterness”

Then the Lord shows Isaiah a very different scene. One of which He speaks encouragement and of joyful expansion. The city will be restored to its former glory, and more.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes, for you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited”.

The history of the Israelites has been ‘chequered’, to say the least. God refers (in verse 4) to the times of shame which Israel brought upon itself when in its youth, and to times of His disappointment and frustration which caused God to allow them to stray as they got ‘older’. Any student of Israelite history will know that during the period of the “kings”, when the nation was divided, the North had 19 kings, not one of them followed God’s instructions. They were eventually taken captive by the Assyrians. The South had only 8 kings out of 20 who were described as ‘good’ kings, in that they followed the instructions of God. The nation prospered under the good kings, but was plundered by their enemies under the bad kings. The choice was always theirs, as indeed it is ours today, to follow God’s way, or to go their own way. But this expansion of the city is in preparation for when the King of Righteousness will reign. Not a choice of the people, in God’s perfect time, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach will return to the city to reign and rule from Jerusalem.

“For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but in great mercies I will gather you. With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you says the Lord, your Redeemer”.

I believe that the gathering of the Jews from every corner of the globe in our day, today, heralds the commencement of the ingathering of which Isaiah spoke. We remind ourselves that the prophet Ezekiel told us of this same ingathering (Ezekiel 36) but God revealed to Ezekiel that it was not for their sakes that these folk would be regathered to the Land, but for “My Holy Name’s sake, that the world may know that I am the Lord.”

But there is more. It heralds the time (Isaiah 40) when Israel’s “iniquity is pardoned”. It heralds the time when God will put a new spirit within the people (Ezekiel 36:26,27). It describes the time when God will make His New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.

Is it any wonder then, that God said “Sing O barren!”. What a day of rejoicing that will be.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections   47

Torah portion                    Deuteronomy 16:18 to 21:9

Haftarah portion             Isaiah 51:12 – 52:12

Listen to the Prophets

The first ‘consolation’ prophecy in this series opened with the words “Comfort, yes comfort My people”. In the fourth of these seven words of ‘consolation’ brought by Isaiah, which is our parashah study this week, the Lord plainly declares that it is He Himself who is the ‘Comforter’.

In the midst of all their desolation and harassment, God says “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and the son of a man who will be made like grass”.

This is a ‘comfort’ for all who believe. Isaiah is making a prophetic announcement which is still to come. It is a prophecy about the Messianic Kingdom. Regardless of the circumstance we may see in the world of today, widespread apathy, Islam in rampant militancy and murderous hatred, erosion of morality both in the populace and globally in the political class. We are being reminded here that these matters are in the hands of mere men. Men will die. Sons of men will fade like grass fades. Our God is in control, nothing is out of His control, and He will bring the change that is necessary, but in His own perfect timing.

But the prophet reminds us too that the calamitous situation which Jerusalem then experienced, (and which we see happening in our fallen world today) was because of their disregard of God’s instructions. “You have drunk of the cup of trembling” he says “and drained it out”. In paraphrase, he goes on to tell them that they have lost direction, they have no-one to guide them. He asks the questions “Who will be sorry for you?” and “By whom will I comfort you?” They are hard questions, because the prophet was perfectly aware of the plight they were in, and that their plight would continue.

The questions are the same for us today. The arrogant disregard shown by the vast majority of nations and individuals to the commands of a Holy God is appalling. Even nations which are basically, but nominally, Christian, show scant regard for the authority of the Scriptures which is the ‘guide book’ of Christian living. The boundaries of secularism are extending beyond belief. God is treated like some fairy tale Santa Claus who is there to do our bidding. And to be blamed for every catastrophe that man is powerless to prevent.

But there is good news.

There will be change. Jerusalem will be a praise in the world again. “Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city!”  In paraphrase again, the Lord says that when He allowed them to experience the calamity of dispersion, He did not sell them. They were not traded off for anything or anyone else. So He does not have to buy them back, they are His to restore at any time of His choosing. And when He does, they will again be free to worship Him as he has instructed them. “For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you”, He says.

This raises a question about Gentiles, doesn’t it?  Lamentations 1:10 tells us “For she has seen the nations enter the sanctuary. Those whom You commanded not to enter Your assembly”. And Ezekiel 44:9, speaking about the Temple in the Messianic Age says “No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart or uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter My sanctuary”. Well, the Apostle Paul comes to the rescue here. He teaches in Colossians 2:11 that Gentile believers are circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands. And in Romans 2:26 that the uncircumcised man who keeps the requirements of Torah, then his uncircumcision will be regarded as circumcision. In Revelation 21 and 22 we read of the salvation of those whose names are written in the Book of Life. That includes many Gentile believers of course. It is the time when Jew and Gentile will be One New Man before the Lord. The One New Man who will worship before the Throne in the Messianic Kingdom to come. Hallelujah!

“For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all he ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God”

What greater ‘comfort’ could there be than that. Blessed be His name.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Haftarah reflections  46   

Torah portion                    Deuteronomy 11:26 to 16:17

Haftarah portion             Isaiah 66:1 - 24

Listen to the Prophets

“Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word.” There may be people today who ‘tremble at His word’ but I am not privy to anyone’s innermost thoughts, and I have never actually witnessed anyone ‘tremble at His word’. Have you?

It is certainly true that Isaiah was addressing a people who, in the most part, did not ‘tremble at His word’. The whole thrust of Isaiah’s prophecy was to give warning to the people of Judea because of their indifference to God’s word. But it was not always so. There was much trembling when God led the people out of Egypt and through their wilderness wandering. The ones who ‘trembled at God’s word’ in Isaiah’s day were described as ‘poor and of a contrite spirit’. They are the ones who would be comforted then, and they are ones who will be receive comfort from this prophetic parashah today.

That “trembling” can only result from a deep and abiding respect for God’s word. A faith in God’s word which understands that God says what He means and means what He says.

The Temple in Jerusalem was in poor state of repair. Neglected by the very people who actually received money to maintain it. The parashah opens with the question “Where is the house that you will build Me?” In his exhaustive study “The Footsteps of the Messiah”, Fruchtenbaum sees this as a reference to a temple yet to be built, not Solomon’s Temple, which already existed, and not the Temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 either. His argument is based on the words in verses 3 and 4 of this parashah, which indicates that God wanted nothing to do with this particular temple, (which Fruchtenbaum identifies as the ‘tribulation’ temple in which ‘the Beast’ of Revelation will demand to be worshipped) whereas God had both commissioned and designed the ‘place where He was to be worshipped”.

So having rebuked the hearers for their neglect and indifference, even their propensity to worship ‘other gods’ in idolatry, (words which sadly, framed slightly differently, may well be applied to many ‘christian’ followers today). Isaiah goes on to speak his final encouraging words of prophecy. And they are words which foresee a time still future to us today.

Talking about Jerusalem, “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad with her all you who love her” for “I will extend peace to her like a river.”  Jerusalem today is a busy vibrant city, but it does not enjoy the kind of peace referred to by the prophet. It is a peace which will be preceded by the Lord “rendering His anger with fury .. by fire and by sword”.  It follows the time when ‘the Beast’ (known to most as the Anti-Christ) will demand worship in the temple, and when pigs will be offered there as a sacrifice. ‘Unclean’ animals offered in sacrifice in the temple, what an abomination to the Lord that will be.

But that is when God will enter into judgement with the nations that come against Israel, and the carnage will be staggering in its proportion. The birds will be called to clean up the mess! (Revelation 19:21)  It is, in my view, most likely the time when the 144,000 righteous (Revelation 7) who were ‘sealed’ in the tribulation period, will be revealed. It is certainly the time when the indifferent hordes of men of all the nations will have a reality check.

It is also the time when, according to my study of the Scriptures on this subject, God will make that New Covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. The covenant, sealed with the precious blood of Yeshua  of which we presently have a foretaste. A covenant which no man can break. A covenant put in the mind of man and written on his heart.

It is the time when Israel will have the veil lifted from their eyes.

It is the time when once again men will “tremble at His word”. A time when the Scriptures tell us He will rule with a rod of iron. But it is a time when men will rejoice before the Lord for His unspeakable gift of life and salvation.

“And it shall come to pass that from one New moon to another, and from one Shabbat to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me” says the Lord.

The Lord revealed all this to Isaiah almost 3,000 years ago. Thankyou Isaiah for your faithful record of God’s revelation to you

Shabbat Shalom

RS