Greetings, Saints of the Most High!
Welcome to another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. I’m Rod Thomas, coming to you on a crisp fall afternoon in DFW. Thank you for taking the time to fellowship with me. I hope this post finds you and your loved ones well and blessed.
Today’s Date and Significance
As I publish this, it’s the 29th day of the 8th biblical month, which translates to Monday, December 2nd, 2024. We are just a few hours away from the start of the 9th biblical month. The 9th renewed moon was sighted in Yisra’el, so we will begin the 9th month at sundown this evening.
Torah Reading for Rosh Chodesh
Our Torah reading for today is from Numbers 28:1-15, focusing on verses 11-15. Yah, through Moshe, instructs the Sons of Yisra’el to present offerings made by fire at the beginning of each month. These offerings are a fragrant appeasement to Yah and are to be done at their appointed times.
Key Concepts
- Ram (a-yil): Symbolizes a ruler or mighty one.
- Gift (min-ha(h)): Represents veneration, thanksgiving, and homage.
- Sacrifice (o-la(h)): Refers to offerings wholly burnt upon the altar.
- Chodesh: Refers to the renewed moon.
- Sin (hat-ta’t): For expiation and purification.
- Libation (ne-sek): A drink offering.
The Importance of Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh, or the “head of the month,” is a significant day on Yah’s calendar. It involves blowing shofars, offering sacrifices, and conducting worship services. Despite the absence of a functioning temple, the day remains relevant and sacred. We now offer sacrifices of praise, service, and gifts in accordance with the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Observing Rosh Chodesh Today
Many Messianic and Jewish congregations observe Rosh Chodesh with services and meals. Yah has declared that Rosh Chodesh will be a mandated set-apart day in the Kingdom Age (Isaiah 66:23).
Encouragement to Observe Rosh Chodesh
I encourage you to prayerfully consider observing Rosh Chodesh each month. Hilary and I welcome each Rosh Chodesh with the blowing of shofars, special meals, and worship services. Let us keep this day with joy, focusing on Yeshua as our redeemer and soon-coming King.
Rosh Chodesh Tov, beloved of Yeshua Messiah. Take care.
TMTO Update and Thoughts and Reflections on Kenya Missionary-Sukkot Trip
As I am posting these thoughts and reflections, it is the very last Sabbath of the 7th Biblical Month, November 2, 2024. And assuming our contacts in Israel are successful in sighting the renewed moon the evening of this post, we will enter the 8th Month of Yah's...
When Torah Becomes a Witness Against Us — My Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 148
These are my thoughts and reflections on Torah Reading 148. I’ve been led to entitle this discussion: When Torah Becomes a Witness Against Us.” Our reading this week is found in Deuteronomy/Devarim 31.14-30. Key Themes and Concepts Found in our Parashah this...
Be Strong and Courageous — My Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 147
Greetings saints of the Most High. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to fellowship with me here on this blessed day of rest in Yeshua Messiah. And as always, it is my hope, trust, and prayer that this installment of the Messianic Torah Observer...
Operating in Set-Apart Community Relationships — Torah Reading 142 Thoughts and Reflections
Shalom and Greetings Greetings saints of the Most High. Rod Thomas coming to you on a warm by beautiful Sabbath in the DFW. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to fellowship with me here on this blessed day of rest in Yeshua Messiah. And as always...
The Realities of the Messianic’s Ongoing War Against this World — Torah Reading 141 Thoughts and Reflections
As I am recording and publishing this installment of TMTO, it is July 20, 2024. It is the 13th Day of the 4th Month of Yah's Calendar Year. So much is going on in the world today. And if you miss a news cycle, you stand a good chance of missing some...
Operating in a Set-Apart-Kingdom Fashion– Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 140
Greetings saints of the Most High. This is Rod Thomas coming to you from the DFW on a rather steamy but blessed Sabbath. I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to fellowship with me here on upcoming day of rest in Yeshua Messiah. And as...
John’s Baptism of Repentance–Part 4 of True Biblical Baptism Series
Quick Rehashing of the Previous Parts to this Series This is “John’s Baptism: A Baptism of Repentance.” It is part 4 of our True Biblical Baptism Series. If you’ve not already either read or listened to the previous 3 installments in this series, I humbly...
Offering Unblemished Animal Sacrifices – Idolatry and Paganism Warrants Capital Punishment – God’s Choice of King to Reign Over Us-Thoughts & Reflections on Torah Reading 139
This is the 139th Reading of our 3-year Torah Reading cycle that is found in Deuteronomy/Devarim 17:1-20. It is a continuation of Reading 138 (the previous week's reading). I've entitled this teaching: "Offering Unblemished Animal Sacrifices-Idolatry and Paganism...
The Immersion of the Two Pentecosts/Shavuots–Part 3 of our True Biblical Baptism Series
As I am recording and posting this installment of TMTO, it is Preparation Day, June 14, 2024. It is the 48th day of the counting of the omer, which means that Shavuot/Pentecost/Feast of Weeks is just two-days away, on Sunday, June 16, 2024. And yes, some members of...
Shavuot-Pentecost-Feast of Weeks — Timing is Everything
Shalom and greetings from the DFW. Trusting, hoping, and praying that this post finds you, your families, and your fellowships are well and blessed. This very short post is entitled: Shavuot-Pentecost-Feast of Weeks-Timing is Everything. As I write and record this...