Tisha B’Av–The 9th of Av–“The Saddest Day of the Jewish Calendar Year.”

 

According to Hillel’s Calendar, which I frequently refer to as the Jewish Calculated Calendar, as I am recording and posting this installment of TMTO Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections—8/6/2022, it is the 9th of Av or Tisha B’Av according to their calendar’s reckoning.

 

However, because the 9th of Av has fallen on a weekly Sabbath this year—again, according to their calendar reckoning, the rabbis have determined that this Memorial Day cannot be observed until tomorrow, which of course will be the first day of the week—the 10th of Av, or 8/7/2022.

 

I guess it really doesn’t matter since the 9th of Av is a rabbinically invented holiday. It is NOT a mandated feast of Yehovah.

 

No doubt, however, many within and outside our faith will observe this day in accordance with the very comprehensive traditions associated with keeping this day. And we’ll briefly get into what some of those comprehensive traditions are in just a second.

 

But today being, supposedly, the Shabbat before the 9th of Av, it is treated as special according to rabbinic tradition. This Shabbat is formally referred to as “Shabbat Chazon” which means “Shabbat of Vision.”

 

Now, the so-called rabbinic sages contend that on this Shabbat, Shabbat Chazon, Yah’s people are granted a vision of the 3rd Temple. Why are these sages referring to a vision of the 3rd Temple on this Shabbat? Well, they refer to the devoted having a vision of the 3rd Temple because in great part, the 9th of Av memorializes the destruction of not just Solomon’s Temple, but also the destruction of Herod’s Temple, or the 2nd Temple. And because of this, the sages, through their creation of this special Shabbat, encourage their devoted ones to not just commemorate the destruction and passing of Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples, but to look ahead with hope for the 3rd Temple that will be the centerpiece of the coming Kingdom of Elohim.

 

The sages of course realized that it is impossible for one to physically see this illusive 3rd Temple of the future. So, their emphasis is seeing a vision of the 3rd Temple is more of an esoteric viewing of it. To these rabbis, the vision of the 3rd Temple is seen by one’s soul. And in seeing this temple via one’s soul, he or she receives the empowerment to break free from their present state of being in some degree of physical exile. For even though one may be residing in Yisra’el proper, without the presence of the Temple, he or she is still in a state of exile. However, if one reaches out with their soul to embrace this 3rd Temple, they will effectively bring about their redemption and the eventual building of this 3rd Temple.

 

Sounds to me like some pretty Kabbalistic stuff, doesn’t it.

 

But I get it. The Jew’s focus has always been the Temple. For the Temple represented the heart and soul of Judaism. So, even today, with the Temple having been long destroyed, the heart of the Jewish people is still looking back to the glorious years when the Temple stood and operated as the central element of their religion.

 

I don’t know about you, but this level of devotion to the Temple sort of borders on worship of the Temple, which we know was part and parcel of 1st-century Palestinian Judaism. And let me just say: I am in no way denigrating or downplaying the central role the Temple played in our sacred history. But we must understand which side our spiritual bread is buttered in this respect. Yah clearly sanctioned the destruction of both Temples for some obvious, and for some not so obvious reasons.

 

The Prophet Ezekiel, in chilling detail, describes Yah’s presence leaving Solomon’s Temple (chapter 10) because Judah brazenly syncretized pagan idolatry worship with worship of the One True Elohim of Avraham, Yitschaq, and Ya’achov. Yah’s vacating of the Temple left Yerushalayim and Judah vulnerable to enemy attack and destruction, which we know did occurred sometime around 587/586 BCE.

 

Yah warned our ancient Jewish cousins:

 

“I am Yehovah! That is My Name. And My glory will I not give to another. Neither My praise to graven images” (Isaiah/Yeshi’Yahu 42:8; KJV).

 

And then Herod’s Temple, otherwise known and often referred to as Zerubbabel’s Temple, named accordingly because it was Herod the Great who bankrolled the vast improvements to Zerubbabel’s Temple, which was dedicated around 515 BCE, was destroyed by the Romans between 68-70 C.E.

 

Now, there are many reasons offered as to why Yah sanctioned the destruction of Herod’s Temple. Some postulate it was because the Jews of Palestine were responsible for our Master’s crucifixion. Others take a more practical perspective and view that it was the result of political and religious unrest among the 1st century Jews living in Yerushalayim, leading to revolt against Rome.

 

And still others, such as I, believe that Yah sanctioned the destruction of Zerubbabel’s Temple for purposes of scattering His chosen ones, who had become quite content to flourish and walk out their Messianic Faith in Yerushalayim. Herod’s Temple remained for those Messianic Jews, a focal point of their day-to-day walk with Messiah. And many surmise that if Yah did not remove the Temple from their sight—physically and spiritually—the spread of the Gospel Message would have been stunted and inhibited.

 

Consequently, it is the destruction of these two Temples, along with a few other tragic incidents in Yisra’el history, that is memorialized by Tisha B’Av or the 9th of Av. Pious Jews around the world recognize Tisha B’Av/the 9th of Av as “the saddest day” of the sacred calendar year.

 

Tisha B’Av is observed by religious Jews with a full fast and prayers throughout the day at their local synagogues. A full fast being no drink or food for the duration of the 24-hour day.

 

The following events are all believed to have taken place on the 9th of Av:

 

• Our ancient Hebrew cousins were condemned to wander the wilderness for 40-years for refusing to enter the Promised Land when told to do so by Yah.

 

• Both Solomon’s and Zerubbabel’s/Herod’s Temples were destroyed.

 

• The Bar Kochba Revolt against Rome in c. 133 C.E. resulted in the extensive depopulation of all Jewish communities in Palestine, especially in Yerushalayim. Some place the number of dead from this revolt at around 600,000 Jews.

 

• All Jews were expelled from England in 1290 A.D.

 

• All Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492 A.D.

 

And just to show you how comprehensive the rules and traditions are surrounding this Memorial Day:

 

• As previously mentioned, religious Jews observe a complete, 24 hours fast.
• No leather footwear is to be worn.
• No one is permitted to be immersed in a mikveh—which by the way, will be one of our next discussion topics in our Paul and Hebrew Series, coming up, Abba willing, next week. Looking forward to that discussion and teaching. You won’t want to miss these teachings.
• No creams or ointments are allowed to be applied to one’s body.
• Marital relations are prohibited.
• Torah readings are prohibited.
• Gift giving is prohibited.
• No pleasure travel is permitted.
• Festive or fine attire is not to be worn.
• The religious are expected to attend synagogue services.
• Work is permitted, but it is highly encouraged that one begins work, if they must, after noon.
• One’s focus during this 24-hour period is on mourning and repentance.
• One is expected to contribute extra to charities.

 

Now, I wanted to make you aware of this Jewish holiday and all its trappings because I understand that a great many folks in our faith community will be keeping this day in one form or another.

 

I have no feelings one way or another about true Messianics choosing to observe this rabbinic made Memorial Day. My only concern is the focus and perspective one should have regarding such extra-biblical holidays.

 

As redeemed of Yah, through the Person and Ministries of Yahoshua Messiah, we’ve been called to walk in covenant relationship with the Creator of the Universe. And in that calling, our Master instructed us to (1) seek first and foremost the Kingdom of Yah—live—walk in Kingdom and (2) seek Abba’s righteousness—walk in righteousness. Whatever mourning there is to do, it should be turned to joy, for our redemption draws ever so close each passing day.

 

Our joy should be in the things of Yah and the promises He has made to us who are His chosen ones.

 

Mourning only distracts from our covenant mandate.

 

Furthermore, we are to be about making disciples of the nation peoples of this world for our Master Yahoshua. So, our focus should not be of the tragic things that occurred previously in our history—although we are wise to take heed and learn from those tragic events—but rather, our focus should be ahead of us as we await our Master’s glorious return.

 

Is it wrong to keep or observe Tisha B’Av? Probably not. But a better question would be: What should I be doing on Tisha B’Av to further Yah’s Kingdom and glorify His Name in all the world.

 

And with that beloved, let’s move into our Torah Reading discussion.

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 He Called You by Name–Isaiah 43:1-7

I’ve chosen to title this discussion: “He called you by name.” And by the end of this discussion, I’m certain you will be able to identify with this themed title.

 

Our Reading Discussion today will be taken from the 44th Reading of our 3-Year Torah Reading Cycle. The Torah portion of today’s reading is found in Genesis/Beresheit 48:1-49:26. Consequently, we won’t be discussing this passage today. But rather, I want to discuss a verse from the Haftarah portion of this week’s reading, found in Isaiah 43:1-7, with a focus on just verse 1.

 

“But now thus says the LORD, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine’” (ESV).

 

 

Here we find the Prophet Yeshi’Yahu (aka Isaiah)—Yehovah is Salvation—very similar in meaning to our Master’s name—Yeshua (contracted form) or Yehoshua (compound form) which means “Yehovah saves or delivers [His people]—speaking to the nation Yisra’el.

 

Our focus verse is essentially a continuation of chapter 42 in which Yah addresses with Yisra’el, through Isaiah—Yeshayahu—the spiritual elephant in the room which was Yisra’el sin and the impending judgment and punishment that would come against the nation (verses 22-25).

 

And so, Yah calls Yisra’el out for her abandonment of the covenant she had with Yah:

 

Who gave up Jacob to the looter, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned, in whose ways they would not walk, and whose law they would not obey? So he poured on him the heat of his anger and the might of battle; it set him on fire all around, ^abut he did not understand; it burned him up, ^bbut he did not take it to heart. (Isa 42:24-25 ESV)

 

So, what we clearly see portrayed here is that Yah is not happy with Yisra’el at all. And because Yisra’el refused to keep her end of the covenant bargain or agreement, Yah had to harshly judge and then punish Yisra’el through Babylonian destruction and captivity.

 

But the amazing thing we see in our Haftarah Reading for today—Yeshi’Yahu—Isaiah 43:1-7–is a profound expression of Yah’s abiding—steadfast love for Yisra’el, despite the wrathful anger He just expressed towards her.

 

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. ² When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. ³ For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. ⁴ Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.^{1 5} Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; ⁶ I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; ⁷ Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. (Isa 43:1-7 KJV)

 

Despite Yisra’el’s obstinacy; despite her stiff-neckedness; despite incessant propensity to engage in idolatry and violate the terms of the marriage covenant between she and Yah, Yah remains steadfast in His devotion; His love; His keeping of the covenant promises to Yisra’el.

 

But being the holy and righteous Elohim He is, Yah cannot allow Yisra’el’s unrequited sins and her breaking of the covenant go without judgment and punishment.

 

And we see here a very touching explanation and expression of Yah’s abiding love for Yisra’el from the Creator’s own mouth. And Yah frames this quasi-intervention, if you will, as though He were the Father of an unruly child who just won’t do right, regardless how hard the Father tries to get the child to listen to reason and straighten up and fly right. Thus, Yah explains to Yisra’el just how special she is to Him and how He came to choose her as His chosen one; His redeemed one; His precious one; His beloved; the one He will in the end rescue and protect.

 

And through all of this dichotomous rhetoric of disappointment to be followed by wrathful judgment and steadfast love and devotion to be followed up with deliverance and restoration, Yah always leaves a pathway and light home for His wayward loved one, Yisra’el. Just as He does with us beloved. He always leaves a pathway and a light for our return to Him if we mess up.

 

But I must say that I found this reading to be quite powerful. I rarely if ever pay much attention to the Haftarah Readings each week, but I will concede that I’m certainly glad Abba’s Ruach—His Spirit—led me to study this week’s Haftarah reading.

 

As far as we’re concerned for this post, I want only to focus on the first verse of the 43rd chapter of the Book of Isaiah. This verse alone could take us hours to unpack if we really were led to drill down and dig deep into its eternal riches. But for today, I want to share with you some of my thoughts and reflections that I pray will lead you to conduct your own study of this passage.

 

In verse 1, Yah mentions or addresses the names Jacob (aka Ya’achov) and Israel (aka Yisra’el).

 

We know from Genesis/Beresheit 32:28 that Yah changed Jacob’s/Ya’achov’s name to Israel/Yisra’el after his wrestling match with an angel of Yah:

 

“Then he (the angel Jacob had just wrestled with) said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob (I.e., heel holder), but Yisra’el (I.e., Yah Prevails or Yah is God), for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed’” (ESV).

 

Here in our reading, Yah declares to Yisra’el that He created (I.e., bara’)—that He formed Yisra’el.

 

The Hebrew term “bara’ means bringing something into existence. Bara’ is used in Torah to describe the creation of the universe and the natural phenomena (Genesis/Beresheit 1:1, 21, 27; 2:3; etc.). The creation without ambiguity exemplifies the magnitude of Yah’s power. The ancient Hebrew term is associated with the feeding of livestock, believe it or not. Grain of course is fed to livestock. And it is that grain that makes one’s livestock fat or full. So, there is an allusion of Yah birthing and raising Yisra’el to serve His purpose, in part, by providing and nourishing them with His Words of life—His Torah, making Yisra’el fat and prosperous.

 

Our English term “formed” in the Hebrew of our text is “yatsar,” which carries the meaning of Yah fashioning or framing something such as the nation of Yisra’el. There is a distinct understanding here with the use of “yatsar” that Yah brought Yisra’el into existence.

 

The Prophet Isaiah/Yeshi’Yahu is the only author to use this term in this way.

 

Yatsar, thus, denotes Yah’s creative and forming activity in the world, in particular, the creation and forming of Yisra’el, which the Book of Genesis/Beresheit brilliantly documents.

 

Anciently, Yatsar alludes to the pressing of clay to form a useful implement such as pottery. It would involve pressing and squeezing of the intended object out of or into shape, again, as one would see done to clay that will ultimately formed and shaped into pottery.

 

Consequently, taking what we’ve discussed here into consideration, we see that Yah brought Yisra’el into existence, and He formed Yisra’el into a nation to fulfill His divine purpose in the earth. We’ll talk more about this a little later in our discussion.

 

 

So, what did Yah form Yisra’el into. Or rather, what was Yah’s intent when He brought Yisra’el into existence and formed her into the nation He chose to enter into covenant with?

 

Deuteronomy/Devarim 7:6—Yisra’el would be a holy people unto Yah. She would be a set-apart people whom Yah chose to be a special people unto Himself.

 

Deuteronomy/Devarim 7:7, 14; 14:2; 4:37—Yisra’el would be, of all the nation peoples of the world, Yah’s exclusive, special possession.

 

Deuteronomy/Devarim 32:9—Yah’s portion. Yah’s possession from all the nation peoples of the earth. The lot of Yah’s inheritance.

 

Isaiah/Yeshi’Yahu 44:21—Ya’achov and Yisra’el would be Yah’s servant. And because Yisra’el was a special, beloved servant, she would not be forgotten by Yah.

 

Isaiah/Yeshi’Yahu 44:2-22—Yah formed Ya’achov/Yisra’el from the womb. She would be Yah’s special servant. Yah’s chosen one in the earth.

 

Isaiah/Yeshi’Yahu 45:4—Yisra’el would be Yah’s elect whom He called by name.

 

Clearly, with all this and so much more, Yisra’el had the potential to be the most favored nation on the planet—the most blessed nation—the most powerful and prosperous nation on the planet. But Yisra’el failed to live up to that potential and fulfill her end of the covenant bargain. Thus, she was facing Yah’s wrathful judgment.

 

Nevertheless, Yah tells Yisra’el that she should not fear because He has redeemed her. (Verse 1).

 

Our English term “redeemed” in the Hebrew is “ga’al,” which implies that Yah was Yisra’el’s Redeemer who would stand-up for His chosen people; deliver them and vindicate them. And speaking of Yah’s wrathful judgment coming upon Yisra’el for her abandonment of Yah’s covenant and her sin, there is a sense of judgment to be meted out or upon Yisra’el’s oppressors as a ransom for Yisra’el.

 

Anciently, “ga’al” alludes to a restoration of one to their former or original state or position, as well as it alludes to the avenging of a loved one’s death.

 

Yah in our text informs Yisra’el that He called them. Our English verb “called” in the Hebrew is “qara’”. In this context, “qara’” suggests that Yah had appointed and commissioned Yisra’el to accomplish special purposes in the earth, which would make them a special possession unto Yah.

 

We get a real sense of what that calling, and purpose was in Exodus/Shemot 19:5-6:

 

 ⁵ Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: ⁶ And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Exo 19:5-6 KJV)

 

Yisra’el was and is meant to be a kingdom of priests and a set-apart nation people in the earth for the glory and honor of Yehovah our Elohim.

 

Yah declares unto Yisra’el in our reading that He called her by name. Our English term “name” in Hebrew is “shem” {shame}. Hebraically-speaking, it denotes breath/breathe and character. It turns out that Hebrew names are generally words given to someone or to places to describe the character of those individuals and places.

 

The breath of a man is associated with his character. It is that which makes one what he is. So, the name of an individual, again Hebraically, is more than an identifier. It is a descriptive of his or her character or breath.

 

 

Yisra’el was called by name according to her purpose and character. And because we have become engrafted into the commonwealth of Yisra’el through the auspices of Yahoshua’s atoning sacrifice and Yah’s Plan of salvation, redemption, and restoration, we can legally and righteously claim the name of Yisra’el as our own.

 

 

Now, the name or title Yisra’el means “Yah prevails” and or “Yah rules as Elohim;” or “Yah retains Elohim;” or “Yah is upright.”

 

Clearly, there is some disparity in the meaning of the name Yisra’el. Maybe better described, the title and name of Yisra’el is multi-faceted and is not restricted to just a single meaning.

 

But we can clearly see that the nation and her people carry upon themselves the Name and authority of the Creator of the Universe: Yehovah Elohim.

 

The name Yisra’el consists of two-elements:

 

1. A verb—to fight or contend.

 

2. A personage, who is El, the condensed form of Elohim.

 

Now, the theophoric element of the name/title Yisra’el defines the subject of the verb to fight and contend.

 

As mentioned previously, we find in Genesis/Beresheit 32:28 that Yah renamed Jacob/Ya’achov, Yisra’el. Within the context in which Ya’achov’s name was changed to Yisra’el, we get a sense that Ya’achov, having been chosen over Esav/Esau by Yah, would most certainly receive the victory and Yah’s covenant promises, as Yah would fight for and deliver him.

 

 

Hebraically-speaking, names are extremely important to Yah and to the Hebrew historical, biographical context.

 

Recall that one of the first tasks assigned to Adam after he was placed in the Garden of Eden, was for him to name every creature of Yah’s animal creation (Genesis/Beresheit 2:19).

 

Next, Adam named his wife, Eve, aka Chavah (Genesis/Beresheit 3:20). The texts says that Adam named the woman “Chavah” or Eve because she was the mother of all living. Again, the naming that was rendered unto Eve defined her purpose in Yah’s grand Plan of salvation, restoration, and redemption.

 

Torah tells us that Ya’achov was named accordingly because he’d taken hold of his twin-brother Esau’s/Esav’s heels when they were being born (Genesis/Beresheit 25:26). It also follows that Ya’achov would later seek to usurp his brother’s birthright, despite him being the chosen one of Yah who would ultimately become the patriarch of the 12-tribe nation of Yisra’el.

 

In our Torah-Reading this week, we find that as Ya’achov was dying on his death bed, he blessed his 12-sons and 2-grandsons. But in that blessing, he described each of his sons by name (Genesis/Beresheit 48-49). It’s a fascinating and important read, with tremendous spiritual and eschatological significance attached to it. I would highly encourage you to take the time to read it if you are so led.

 

 

Lastly, Yah claims Yisra’el as His possession: “Thou art mine.”

 

Once Yisra’el straightens up and flies right, as Yah removes the scales from their blinded eyes (Isaiah/Yeshi’Yahu 42:7) and turns their hearts towards Himself and the children of promise (Luke 1:17; Mal. 4:6). Yisra’el will ultimately teshuvah, on that day, says Yah, they, Yisra’el will be mine. Yah says He will spare Yisra’el (Malachi 3:17).

 

Yah chose Yisra’el for reasons we may not understand until all is made known to us in the Kingdom. He sees Yisra’el as His peculiar treasure (Psalm 135:4). Yah says that Yisra’el is not a happenstance. For He, Yah, formed the nation for Himself. In other words, Yah’s purpose in the earth will be fulfilled, in part, through Yisra’el. And because of Yisra’el, again in part, He will receive the praise and honor He so justly deserves (Isaiah/Yeshi’Yahu 43:21).

 

 

But what about the other nation-peoples of the world?

 

Yah, through the pen of Moshe, reveals that He, Yah, apportioned the nations of this world and left them to the oversight of the Sons of Yah. That is, Yah left those other nations to the oversight of certain angelic overseers (Deuteronomy/Devarim 32:8). Some of these angelic overseers were apparently evil.

 

The Masoretic Text sights these overseers of the nations as “the Sons of Yisra’el,” or “bene Yisra’el.” This appears to be a patently, intentional mistranslation. For the most ancient, extant Hebrew texts of this passage, which predates the Masoretic Text by more than 1,000-years, renders these overseers as “bene Elohim” or “Sons of Elohim.”

 

Other ancient sources that predate the Masoretic Text by a millennium or more, the LXX—the Septuagint—renders these overseers as “aggelon Theo” or “angels of Yah.”

 

Now, this gets us into what some refer to as “Divine Council” stuff that I’m not prepared to go into today. But suffice to take in verse 32:9 where Moshe wrote that Ya’achov—aka Yisra’el—is Yah’s “special possession” or “the portion of His inheritance” (NET). Yisra’el would be assigned/belong to Yehovah Elohim.

 

 

The central point I’m attempting to get to here, although I’ve only scratched the surface of this amazing truth is that Yah’s focus is Yisra’el. Yah’s focus is not the Church, despite the Church’s insistence to the contrary.

 

It is through Yah’s great Plan of Salvation, Restoration, and Redemption, however, that we who were once far off have now been brought near by the blood of Messiah (Ephesians 2:13).

 

Contrary to denominationalists’ insistence, the Church as not and will not replace Yisra’el as Yah’s chosen one. American conservatism has not displaced the nation of Yisra’el.  Our Faith is not a separate Faith from that of our ancient Hebrew cousins and the patriarchs. But rather, our Faith is a blessed extension, dare I say, our Yeshua-focused Torah-living-based Faith is our ancient Hebrew cousins’ Faith on steroids. It is the fulfillment of the original Faith of our wandering cousins.

 

 

None of this is to say that we convert to orthodox, rabbinic Judaism and behave and worship as though we are orthodox Jews or even Messianic Jews—I.e., donning the attire and garb; reciting the liturgy; observing the traditions and such. And if that’s your thing and you believe you’ve been called to take-up and live and walk out Judaism as part of your walk with Mashiyach, have at it. Godspeed to you.

 

But just take heed beloved: Know which side your spiritual bread is buttered in this respect and don’t blindly fall into the trap of placing your eternal security and trusting faith in Judaism’s traditions and laws and culture. For the truth of the matter is this: and the Master’s disciples turned apostles had to find this out the hard way:

 

“And there is salvation in no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

 

And that Name of course is Yahoshua/Yeshua HaMashiyach.

 

 

Our eternal focus must be on seeking and walking out Yah’s Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

 

We achieve or put on or clothe ourselves, individually speaking that is, in Yah’s righteousness through the Person and Ministries of our Master Yahoshua HaMashiyach and Abba’s precious Holy Spirit—His Ruach HaKodesh.

 

Thus, on an individual level, we must identify ourselves with Yahoshua Messiah, the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2); the Mediator of the Renewed Covenant, that provides the framework by which we may enter in and remain in covenant relationship with Abba (Hebrews 12:24). And this is facilitated by our being grafted into the commonwealth of Yisra’el (Romans 11:17-24) —that is, True, Believing Yisra’el—not Zionist Yisra’el that so many of us have been duped over the decades to align ourselves with.

 

Because we have this unique calling and mantle over our lives within the corporate homestead, if you will, of the commonwealth of Yisra’el (Ephesians 2:12), the way we conduct ourselves as disciples of Yahoshua HaMashiyach is meant to , in part, provoke our Jewish cousin to jealousy (Romans 10:19), which will no doubt in part lead to the removal or healing of the blindness that has gripped orthodox-rabbinic Judaism—religious Yisra’el—for millennia:

 

²⁵ For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.^{1 26} And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. (Rom 11:25-27 KJV)

 

Beloved, all Yisra’el will be saved. That’s quite a statement and promise, is it not?

 

So, what’s in a name? Well, in this case, a great deal. Let us be fully aware of the name by which we’ve individually and corporately been called. And walk in that calling with fear and trembling and joy, knowing that our redemption draws ever so closely nigh (Luke 21:28; Philippians 2:12).

 

 

Until next week beloved, may you be most blessed, fellow saints in training. Shabbat Shalom—Shavu’tov—Take care.