Torah Reading 46–Ekev (Because)–A Focus on the Kingdom of God

by | Aug 7, 2020 | Blog

Highlights and Comments

Shalom Saints. This week’s Torah Reading is entitled, “Ekev,” or “Because.” The portion covers Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25.

I wish to share with you some of my thoughts and reflections on the many life truths that I drew from my study of this reading.

Our God Will Honor the Covenant

YHVH will honor the covenant and mercies He promised our Hebrew forefathers when we choose to listen, keep and obey His Torah. Thus, He promises to love, bless and increase our numbers in the Land of Promise. In fact, we would be blessed above all other peoples on the planet. Furthermore, no illnesses would be known among us. Instead, all destructive diseases wouild be experienced by our enemies.

When we consider the immense opportunity this nation of ours would have if she only turned to and obeyed the Creator’s Word. This so-called COVID pandemic would not affect us. We would be prosperous and protected. The world would look to us and seek to know what we were doing differently to stay the virus from our nation.

Unfortunately, our nation has chosen instead to put her trust in men. That choice can only lead to destruction.

Whom Do We Serve

Father requires that we not serve the so-called gods of our enemies. One would think this would be commonsense. Yet Father explains to us that by our inquiring about our enemies’ gods, we would be stepping into a trap that will inevitably lead to our not being able to free ourselves from. It’s best then to simply not even mention or inquire about them.

Remember When Difficult Times Come Our Way

Father counsels us to remember the mighty exploits YHVH did on our behalf when faced with difficult times. For we will recall that it was YHVH that delivered us from our captors and our enemies. Thus, we are not to fear our enemies.

Father told us that He would send His hornets out ahead of us and drive our enemies from the Land of Promise. You see, Father has methods of taking care of business that may not make any sense to us at the time. Nevertheless, Father knows best how to defeat our enemies on our behalf.

Here’s a fun fact: Palestinian hornets nest in rock caves and are exceptionally aggressive. So pervasive can these insects be to humans, in the Canaanites’ case, a plague of Palestinian hornets would reduce the Canaanites’ ability to wage war against us. Thus, since the whole earth belongs to Yah and He controls the earth’s creatures, we can safely conclude that Yah will be with us and fight for us. And Yah may fight for us in the most unconventional ways.

We Must Abandon the Carved Images

Father commands us not to possess any carved images. Such things have the potential of being worshiped and treated as idols. Father commanded us earlier that we were not to worship any created thing, either in heaven, on or under the earth or in the seas.

Father warns us that these carved images that we turn into idols are effectively cursed. And those who choose to possess them by extension receive the curse that is upon the carved image.

Torah teaches us to strive to be like YHVH our Elohim in all our ways. Thus, we are to see things the way He sees things; feel about things the way He feels about things; behave in a holy and righteous manner as He is Holy and Just in all His Ways. So, when it comes to carved images, our attitude toward them must be one of loathing.

We must remember that Father set the Canaanites’ carved images/idols apart from destruction. And by extension, the people attached to those idols were also marked for destruction.

Yah Humbles Us to Test Us

YHVH humbled us for 40-years in the wilderness to test what was in our hearts. The goal of Father’s testing was to reveal whether or not we would obey His mitzvot or not. Some may take exception to Father’s methods. But this is how Father vets His elect: He tests them and humbles them to determine whether or not they will obey Him. Case in point: Abraham.

How did Yah humble us? He humbled us through hunger and thirst. When we hungered, he provided us manna. Manna was food that we’d never known before. It served to teach us that we do not live by bread alone. We live by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of YHVH.

During our 40-years sojourn in the wilderness, our clothes did not wear out. Our feet did not swell up. And throughout this trial, Father was disciplining us as a human father disciples his children.

From this we must recognize that our minds and hearts must be Kingdom focused. We would be foolish to focus on the things presently going on around us. In fact, our focus must be, as Yeshua taught, on the Kingdom of Yah and His righteousness. Thus, by our focusing on the Kingdom and Abba’s righteousness, Father will take care of the many cares we otherwise have in this life.

As Father did for our Hebrew forefathers in the wilderness well over 3,500-years ago, Father is doing for us today. Back then, Abba prepared our forefathers’ to receive the Land of Promise. Today, Father is preparing us to receive His coming Kingdom.

We Must Do Our Part in Preparing to Receive the Land

Father instructed us to circumcise the foreskins of our hearts and no longer be a stiffnecked people. He reminded us that He was above all entities on the earth and in heaven. We are to imitate Him in all our ways. He being holy and righteous, we must be holy, righteous and just in our ways.

Father commanded us to (1) fear Him; (2) serve Him; (3) cling to Him; (4) and swear by His Name only.

In other words, YHVH requires everything from us. We are to have nothing else remaining. We have been bought with a price. Thus, we no longer belong to any other entity, nor do we belong to ourselves. We are the sole property of YHVH. And our admittance into the Kingdom will be given based upon our loyalty and obedience to Him.

Father does not require something from us that we are not capable of giving Him. As He mentioned to our Hebrew forefathers, if they would simply do all that He has asked them to do, then He would fight for them. In fighting for them, Father would handily overcome our forefathers’ enemies and they would go in and take possession of their inheritance. Furthermore, Father would expand their territory.

So What?

Essentially, what these three-chapters must say to us is that in order for us to receive the Kingdom, we must seek YHVH’s Kingdom and keep His Torah and imitate His holiness and righteousness. In so doing, Father will take care of everything else. We simply must have personal skin in the game. Father will do all the rest.

This is all about getting into the Kingdom. And we must ask ourselves: do we have the wherewithal to give our all to the service of Yah and to conform every aspect of our lives to Him and His ways. It’s all or nothing. No one said that this life choice was to be an easy one. Indeed,. there’s nothing easy about it. But if we are willing to turn over the reins of our lives to Him, He will do all the hard work for us.

Fatihfully

Rod

To Whom Do You Pray?

by | Aug 6, 2020 | Blog, Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Who do you pray to and worship and give thanks? Yeshua? YHVH? Both? 

Is it Biblical to pray to and worship Yeshua as so many Christians routinely do? 

In this installment of the Messianic Torah Observer, we will continue our review of the Book of Romans and Paul’s difficult and challenging passages by briefly looking at a rather innocuous passage: Romans 1:8. 

Today’s discussion is entitled, “To Whom Do You Pray?”

And the biblical basis for our discussion this evening is Romans 1:8 which reads: 

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world (KJV). 

The portion of this verse that I want us to focus on is the very first half of the verse:

I (Paul) thank my God through Yeshua Messiah for you all…

 

 An Easy to Overlook Key Passage

Now, the average reader would gloss right over this verse and not think much about what Paul is saying here in this rather short statement. But truth be told, the apostle is saying, from a universal, doctrinal perspective a great deal to not just his Roman readers, but by extension us today in the set-apart Faith.

 

In order for us to understand Paul’s letter writing style as well as understand how the apostle viewed the Person and Office of Yahoshua Messiah, must unpack this 8th verse.

 

We Will Unlock the Full Meaning of this Passage

 

And by the end of our brief fellowship here today, you should have full understanding and knowledge as to whom we are to pray to.

 I don’t wish to turn this into a long, drawn out discussion on the Trinity, or debate on the Divinity of Messiah. Nevertheless, the focus of this brief discussion is on the manner in which we pray. I specifically want to answer the question of: to whom are we to direct our worship and petitions to?

And what we will see in just a moment is that Paul was affirming an absolute and evergreen format for proper worship, prayer and thanksgiving to the Romans; and by extension us today in the set-apart Faith. For I believe the principle Paul puts forth here is a “normative” one; that is, although Paul is specifically addressing this principle to the Romans, this principle is also evergreen and applicable to all assemblies the apostle oversaw as well as all set-apart assemblies of Messiah today. 

 Romans 1:8 Is a Standard Ancient Middle East Letter Opening 

Believe it or not, what we are seeing here, some 8-verses into his letter to the Romans, is Paul’s (and other ancient writers’) standard letter opening. In these forms of writing, the sender posts a prayer on behalf the one to whom the epistle is sent: “I thank my God through Yeshua Messiah for you all. 

So we see here the apostle affirming his deep abiding love and affection for the Roman assemblies. And this is further reflected in Paul’s heartfelt claim that he upholds the assemblies in Rome in unceasing prayers. 

 We Express Our Love For One Another Through Ceaseless Prayer 

Under our present spiritual dispensation, one of the ways we express our love for individual brethren is to pray without ceasing on their behalf. So as antiquated as this principle may seem to us today, the principle in biblical reality is something that we as set-apart believers in Messiah should be practicing throughout each and every day, as the Spirit leads. 

Clearly Paul has a noteworthy appreciation for the Romans. So much so that the apostle leads off his letter with that acknowledgment. 

Paul’s Love For the Assemblies Repeated 

Paul expressed a similar admiration for the Assemblies in Thessalonica:

1 Thessalonians 1:8—For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.

 J.K. McKee (Messianic Author and Teacher) suggests that Paul may have been asserting some degree of intentional exaggeration as it relates to him mentioning that knowledge of the Romans’ faith had circulated all over the world (NLT). McKee suggests that Paul was touching more on the Romans’ global reach and appeal maybe…it’s not clear what McKee means. 

I do kind of get in a sense what McKee is saying regarding the embellishments that Paul seems to lavish upon the congregations he oversaw. Yet I wouldn’t necessarily perceive the apostle’s embellishments (assuming that they are indeed embellishments) as a negative or disingenuous.

Paul Was An Encourager of the Faithful 

Paul was all about encouraging and lifting the hearts and souls of his followers to a place where they would have the potential to overcome their deficiencies and even expand on their positives. And I think that maybe this was what the apostle was trying to do here in verse 8–elevate the hearts and souls of the Romans as well as inform them that the eyes of the world (I.e., both the believing and unbelieving world) was upon them.

 To Whom Do We Give Thanks and Direct our Prayers?

 Here we also gain a valuable understanding as it relates to the mechanism of prayer. We direct our prayers to YHVH, through Yeshua our Messiah. This is affirmation that Yeshua and YHVH are NOT one and the same Person. I’ve personally come across a great many individuals in various Christian denominations throughout my life who direct their prayers to Jesus Christ, which biblically undermines the intermediary office of Messiah (Eph. 3:14; 1 The. 1:2; Phm. 1:4).

The Biblical Concept of Mediation 

Messianic Torah teacher and scholar Tim Hegg refers to this prayer format and mechanism as “mediation.” 

Essentially, mediation factors into our worship, praise and petitions the means by which the Father (I.e., YHVH) may be rightly approached (pg. 12). Thus, it is Yeshua HaMashiyach, acting as our “cohen hagadol” (I.e., our high priest), that provides us the means by which we can approach the Creator of the Universe with our praise, thanksgiving and petitions. Bottom line saints: It is through Yeshua that we are permitted to enter into the presence of the Almighty.

 

Hebrews 8:1—Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.

 

Hebrews 9:24—For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

 

No Other Means of Approaching the Almighty 

Hegg goes on to assert that apart from our Cohen HaGadol, the Almighty has established no other method of approaching Him and His “Mercy Seat.” (cp. The model of the Levitical High Priestly role and office.) 

It is indeed as a result of Yeshua’s redemptive work that we, Yah’s elect, go confidently before Yah’s throne of grace with our thanks and our petitions. Yeshua is the medium through whom Yah is to receive all worship, thanksgiving and through whom salvation came to the Romans. 

 Everything Comes Through the Mediatory Office of Yeshua Messiah 

Everything regarding our Faith walk comes through the intermediary auspices of Yeshua. Everything. And this was the very thing that Father factored into His plan to redeem mankind unto Himself from the very beginning and to bring many sons and daughters into His holy, royal family. 

1 Timothy 2:5—For there is one God, and one mediator (intermediary–NLT) between God and men (anthropos), the man (anthropos) Christ Jesus… 

Mesites–Mediation or Intermediator? 

Traditionally the word μεσίτης, mesites is rendered “mediator” in most modern English translations. In reality, Yeshua was not a mediator, at least not in the way we westerners understand the process of mediation and the role of a mediator.

A better English rendering of “mesites” is “intermediary” which accurately factors into the meaning of the term the understanding that Yahoshua is the only Being able to go between man and the Almighty–the Creator of the Universe–to make and restore peace between YHVH and man; and to provide mankind the only means by which he/she may have a true and substantive relationship with YHVH. 

1 Timothy 2:5 Spin-Off Passages 

Two things should jump out at us when reading 1 Timothy 2:5:

(1) Paul distinguishes between YHVH (I.e., there being One God–hearkening back to Deuteronomy 6:4, 5–the Shema) and Yeshua Messiah (I.e., the absolute intermediary between Yah and man); and

(2) the fact that Paul emphasizes the humanity of the intermediary, Yeshua HaMashiyach. (We won’t touch upon the humanity aspect of this verse here so as to no dilute the focus of the discussion and for the sake of time.)

Hebrews 8:6—But now hath He (Yeshua) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which as established upon better promises.

 

Hebrew 9:15—And for this cause He (Yeshua) is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

 

Hebrews 12:24—And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

 The Controversy and Challenge of Philippians 2:11 

Many point to Philippians 2:10,11 as biblical proof that Yeshua and the Almighty are one and the same Person:

That at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

The Book of Yahweh reads–beginning at verse 4:

Let every one of you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Yahshua Messiah, Who, being in the form of Yahweh, did not think it was something to be seized upon to be equal with Yahweh; But abased Himself, taking the form of a servant, made like men being born. And being found in fashion; appearance and conduct, like a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death: the death of the sacrifice on the stake. Because of this, Yahweh also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every Name; That in the Name of Yahshua, every knee in heave, on earth, and under earth, must bow, and every tongue must confess that Yahshua Messiah is King, to the glory of Yahweh the Father.

 Missing Distinction Between the Creator and the Mediator 

Unfortunately, folks within and without our Faith community fail to recognize the distinction between the Creator of the Universe and the Mediator/Intermediary Yahoshua HaMashiyach. These put forth the erroneous doctrine that Yeshua and YHVH (the Creator of the Universe) are one and the same Person. Thus passages akin to Philippians 2:11 prove that the two are actually the self-same Person. Thus when we pray, we pray to Yeshua, not necessarily to YHVH.

 Dr. Stephen Pidgeon’s Take on Philippians 2:11

Dr. Stephen Pidgeon, the big guy over at Cepher Publishing Group; the LLC that publishes the Cepher Bible, took extreme liberties with Philippians 2:11 and reworded it to read:

“And that every tongue should confess that  Yahuah is Yahusha HaMashiach, to the glory of Yah the Father.”

 Clearly Dr. Pidgeon’s intentional rewording of this key text has completely altered the original understanding and interpretation of this Pauline passage. When questioned in the past why he took such liberties with Philippians 2:11, Dr. Pidgeon pointed to Isaiah 45:22-25 as proof that Yeshua has to be YHVH Himself. The abridged passage reads:

Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself…that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

 Philippians 2 and Isaiah 45 Contrasted and Compared

Paul expends precious parchment and ink prior to verse 10 and 11 telling the Philippians that Yeshua abased Himself for the service of His Father, not seeking whatsoever to be on par with His Father. He took on the appearance and conduct of a man in humble fashion who was obedient to His death to the Will of the Almighty. And because He remained obedient unto death, Father highly exalted Him and gave Him a Name (not so much the identity by which we verbally and aurally know our intermediary; but Name from the perspective of His presence; His Person; His Office; and most importantly, His authority) that is above all names.

 A More Accurate Approach to Philippians 2

Dr. Pidgeon’s liberal interpretation and accompanying rewording of Philippians 2:11 in no way is supported by Isaiah 45:22-25. The simple fact of the matter is that Isaiah was reporting that YHVH is the only Being to whom we must worship, praise and offer our petitions to. Paul then takes Isaiah’s passage some 700 or so years later and inserts Yeshua intermediary office and work into it to bring the Philippians into a complete understanding of what glorifying the Almighty will ultimately look like. For according to Paul, there’s coming a time when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Yeshua is King/Master/Messiah. In so doing bringing the greatest glory and honor to the Almighty man has ever known. Halleluyah.

_______________________________________________________________________

 Other Points of Contention to the Mediatory Office of Yeshua 

Many proponents of Yeshua and YHVH being one and the same Person also point to (1) the Shema, (2) Yeshua’s statement of unity with His Father; and (3) John’s proses suggesting this to be true.

 Unity Between Father and Son 

As it relates to our Master’s statement of unity with His Father in John 10:30 and 17:22:

 

John 10:30—I and my Father are one.

 

John 17:22—And the glory which thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one…

 

Despite most Greek lexicons being Trinitarian-based in their content leaning, most of the ones I consulted strangely take the position that Yeshua’s statement of unity with His Father in these passages are just that: statements of unity. In other words, Yeshua was simply stating that He was closely united with His Father in will and or spirit. He was in no way asserting that He and His Father were one and the same Person. Besides, if Yeshua was in fact YHVH the Creator, when He prayed, who was He praying to? Himself? I can tell you, I’ve never gotten a reasonable answer to that question.

 Yeshua Never Claimed to be YHVH

And the other thing I would add to this quagmire is simply this: During the short time Yeshua ministered here on earth, if He was in fact YHVH, the Creator of the Universe, why didn’t He reveal that about Himself to them? The truth of the matter is that He never made any mention to such an understanding. In fact, He simply affirmed Peter’s acclamation that He was the Messiah, Son OF THE LIVING GOD (Matthew 16:16). Not YHVH. Son of the Living God.

 The Biblical Concepts of One

The Greek concept of “One” (I.e., ‘eis) denotes unity and or togetherness which is consistent with our Master’s statement about He and His Father. Paul applies this very same concept to the Body of Messiah:

 

Romans 12:5—So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Paul here is obviously talking about unity in the Body of Messiah. That unified Body is made up of many members.) Cf. 1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:12.

 

1 Corinthians 3:8—Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (In addressing divisions in the Corinthian Assemblies, the apostle in this passage informs the Corinthians that the evangelistic efforts of Apollos and himself, although conducted separately, serve a single, united purpose of bringing the Corinthians to Faith.)

  The Shema and Yah’s Oneness

Now, as it relates to the Shema, many brethren, within and without our Faith, go to great lengths to point to the Shema as proof that Yeshua and the Creator are one and the same Person:

Deuteronomy 6:4—Hear, O Israel: The LORD (YHVH) our God (our Elohim) is one LORD (YHVH). 

These Messianic Trinitarians or Binarians contend that the LORD (YHVH) here in the Shema is a single Entity in 3-Persons or who is exercising 3-offices in the “great work of redemption–Father-Son-Holy Ghost). 

 

The Hebrew concept of YHVH as expressed in the Shema is simply that Yehovah is NOT a multiplicity of gods like the pagan gods of the nations in Canaan. There is only one, true and living God and His Name is YHVH. There is no other God Almighty. Period. There are created beings out there that call themselves or have been elevated by men to some level of god status. But these are all created beings.

 

And the most baffling thing to me is that Messianics, of all people, you’d think would have a proper understanding of who Yeshua truly is. Yet, Messianics in great numbers, ascribe to the concept that Yeshua and YHVH are one and the same person, erroneously pointing to the Shema as proof of this doctrine. 

Summary and Call to Action

Bottom line saints: it falls to each of us to approach the Almighty in the manner He established from the foundations of the earth. We saw this as an example with the Levitical and Tabernacle system back in the day. Father established a hard and fast method by which His people would approach Him and come into a right relationship with Him. There was only one way. And that way was spelled out to us through Yah’s Torah.

Today, the way that we come into the presence–the Throne–the Mercy Seat of the Almighty is strictly through  the Name (the authority, Person, work) of Yeshua. Thus, Yeshua is not the Almighty. Yeshua is our intermediary whom we must Shema and respect and obey.

So when we thank Yah for what He’s done for us; when we petition Yah for things and on behalf of the brethren; when we worship and praise Yah from the depths of our souls, we must do it in the Name of Yeshua HaMashiyach.

Thanking, praising, worshiping and petitioning Yah in Yeshua’s Name is simply having the divine opportunity to come into the presence of Yah through the authority, presence and Person of Yeshua: all that Yeshua represents, has done and is doing for us in the heavenly Mishkan today. When it comes to our interactions with YHVH our Elohim, we do it all through Yeshua.

But Yeshua is not the Person we praise, thank nor worship: It’s our Heavenly Father, YHVH our Elohim.

 

Check out my discussion on the Divinity of Yeshua.

 

Messianic Sainthood–Paul and the Book of Romans

by | Jul 23, 2020 | Blog, Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Paul Calls His Roman Readers Saints. What Gives?

Our next challenging Pauline passage of the Book of Romans is found in chapter 1 verse 7 and it reads as such:
“To all those in Rome who are loved by G-d and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from G-d our Father and the Master Yeshua Messiah” (ESV). 
And if you’ve paid any mind to the title of this week’s post, you should immediately catch the focus of our discussion for today: that being sainthood. Paul referred to members of the Roman assembly as saints.
 
What is a saint? I would say that much of any understanding many of us have related to the concept of a saint has been influenced by organized religion over the centuries. And that understanding, as you will see, is steeped in tradition, paganism and even religious politics.

Sainthood (Catholicism)–The Greatest Influence on the Concept

In Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Oriental Orthodox, and Lutheran doctrine, all of their faithful deceased in Heaven are considered to be saints, but some are considered worthy of greater honor or emulation; official ecclesiastical recognition, and consequently veneration is given to some saints through the process of canonization in the Catholic Church or glorification in the Eastern Orthodox Church (Wikipedia).  Overall, however, saints are recognized either by official ecclesiastical declaration, as in the Catholic faith, or by popular acclamation.
We can get into a huge discussion on Catholicism and sainthood, especially in regards to veneration and canonization of saints. But the point I want to get across to you as it relates to sainthood from a Catholic standpoint is that the church leaders determine who is a saint from a very short list of Catholics. In other words, Catholics pick Catholic saints. 
 

Protestantism

 
Bear in mind that Protestantism, for all intents and purpose, is an offspring of Catholicism. For Protestantism, although having been weaned from her mother Catholicism some 500-year now, still retains many of her mom’s ways, traditions and beliefs to this very day.
 
But as it relates to the question of sainthood, many protestant denominations attempt to assert that any one of their upstanding members or parishioners qualify to be saints. They generally reject the orthodox and ecumenical practice of picking and naming dead individuals from a list of individuals the church hierarchy deems as “super holy” with miraculous manifestation punctuating the tenure of their holy lives. Generally speaking, one is a saint who is obedient to his or her particular sect’s or denomination’s ways, traditions and beliefs. 
 
But the key to any of these religions, denominations, sects and such is that the leaders of these organizations make the sainthood qualification and assignment determination: not the Almighty. And we will see through Shaul’s (the Apostle Paul’s) writing here that sainthood comes through a collaborative (spiritual) process that involves Yah and the would-be saint. Biblically speaking, the church has nothing whatsoever to do with assigning of true sainthood. 
 

Sainthood in Judaism

 
Now, when we consider Judaism’s perspective on sainthood, we find no specific mention of the term saint. But we find instead something close to what could be considered sainthood, bearing the deeper connotation of righteousness. Furthermore, Judaism’s concept of sainthood is confined specifically to a specific class of Jew during a specific span and period of time in Jewish history. (Get that?)
 
The closest thing to a saint or sainthood in Judaism is this concept of tzadik. Tzadik carries with it this strong connotation of one who is exceptionally righteous in his day. 
 
Interestingly, tzadik is the 8th letter of the alef-beit (i.e., the Hebrew alphebet) with a gematria equivalent (a numerical equivalent assigned to each Hebrew letter and word) of 90. 
 
Tzadik means “righteous one” and is generally used to describe a leader and or teacher of a certain generation. 
 
The plural of tazdik is tzadikim. 
 
Tzadik is often used in reference to a Rebbe. A Rebbe is a Hasidic term for a certain Rabbi on steroids if you will. It seems that all Rebbes are Rabbis, but only a very small handful of Rabbis are considered Rebbes. 
 
So Rebbes are Rabbis who are often referred to as Tzadik or Tzadikim. And when a Rabbi is assigned the distinction of tzadik or one of the tzadikim (he is essentially dubbed a Rebbe) who essentially is viewed in a certain era as the head of the Jewish community: that is he is considered literally and figuratively to be the spiritual leader of his Jewish sect during his lifetime. These leaders are considered to be completely “righteous” people. And Judaism holds that every generation has a tzadik who serves as the spiritual leader of his sect for his era. 
 
Now, it is believed that the Rebbe’s or tzadik’s natural leadership is a result of his “righteousness.” Interestingly, it is also believed that a regular Jew can get closer to YHVH through communication with a Rebbe or a Tzadik. The sages contend that in order for one to cleave to Yah, he or she must cleave to wise men and to their disciples (who are also referred to as tzadikim). Thus one gets closer to Yah through the connection that is to be had between a Jew and a tzadik who is one with Yah. And the Scriptural proof the Rabbis use for this understanding is found in Exodus 14:31 which reads: “The Jews] believe in G-d and Moses His servant.” (The unaltered translation reads: “Israel saw the amazing power of YHVH against the Egyptians. The people were in awe of YHVH, and they believed in YHVH and his servant Moshe” (KJV)).  
 
Now Rabbinic and Hasidic Judaism contend that this all was handed down to them from Moshe who they believe to be the very first Rebbe of the Jewish people. Another Rebbe revered as a tazdik in Judaism is Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi who is famously known as the redactor of the Mishnah. 
 

Examination of Verses 4 through 7–Context

Verse 4–[Paul is referring to Yeshua here] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 
Verse 5–By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name:
We spoke on this in my previous post discussing what Shaul meant by “obedience of [the] faith.” I refer you to that important installment to this series.
Continuing on:
Verse 6–Among whom are ye also the called  (i.e., the “kletos,” those called to belong to) of Yeshua Messiah.

We must stop and look at this verse before moving on to our focus passage, verse 7.

 
“Kletos” speaks of someone who has received a general calling or invitation. The example that is given by a couple Greek Lexicons I referenced in my studies is that of one being invited to a banquet (1 Kings 1:41, 49; Maccabees 5:14). As used in the Brit HaDashah (i.e., the New Testament), “kletos” describes one who is invited by YHVH through the general call of the gospel message for purposes of obtaining eternal life in the Kingdom of Yah through Yeshua Messiah. 
Now, it must be recognized that kletos is distinguished from “oi eklektoi,” that being one who is chosen or elected. “Oi Eklektoi ” is indicative of someone who has a much greater response to the general call (i.e., Matthew 22:14; Revelation 17:14). According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, “kletoi” and “eklektoi” are distinguished, again evidenced by Master’s proclamation as stated in Matthew 20:14 which reads:
 
“For many are called, but few are chosen (i.e., eklektos).” 
 
So we see here that Paul is acknowledging that his Roman readers are among those global individuals (individuals who accepted the general call to discipleship throughout the known world) who name Yeshua as their Messiah. However, we will see in the very next verse, that Shaul will also acknowledge a class of individuals who are part of this general call to discipleship, but who are exceptional in their calling. These are set-apart from all those of the general calling.
And our focus verse: Verse 7—
“To all that be in Rome, beloved of Yah, called to be saints: Greace to you and peace from Yah our Father, and the Master Yeshua Messiah.” 
Saints–Holy–“agios”–to be “marked off;” “separate;” “withdrawn from common use.” Used by Yah when [primarily] claiming absolute allegiance of His people. 
Paul’s use of “agios” rests upon the Tanach’s definition of Holiness. Those who are called by the Holy Elohiym are holy by virtue of Yah’s calling and thus are claimed for holiness of life (i.e., obedience of Faith).
There is an inextricable link between the “beloved of Yah” (i.e., those who Yah loves above all others in His human creation) and sainthood. The mixed population of the Roman Assemblies is given the same designation by the apostle as was given to ancient Israel by YHVH in Deuteronomy 33:1-3:
“And this is the blessing, wherewith Moshe the man of Yah blessed the children of Israel before his death. (Now remember: these are the children of the Israelites that left Egypt forty years earlier. These are obedient and holy people, ready to possess the land of promise.) And he said, YHVH came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; He shined forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of His saints: from His right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, He loved the people; all His saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet, every one shall receive of thy words” (KJV). 
According to Keener:
“Scripture portrayed Israel as ‘beloved’ (cf. 11:28), ‘called’ (cf. 11:29), and as ‘set apart’ for God (cf. 11:16). Paul readily applies all these titles to a majority Gentile congregation (cf. 1:13), since all who serve Israel’s rightful king are grafted into Israel’s heritage” (cf. 11:16, 17). “
Beloved of God is in the plural without the article such that it reads: “God’s loved-ones.” The authorized version reads: “Called to be saints.“ The “to be” is italicized, indicative of it NOT being in the original or earliest Greek texts. Obviously Greek to English translators took the liberty of adding this subtle and easy to overlook nuance to our focus verse.
The CJB seems to accurately capture this understanding better than most English translations who chose to keep “called to be saints…” Stern translates the passage accordingly:
“To all those in Rome who God loves, who have been called, who have been set apart for Him: Grace to you and shalom from Yah our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.”

What is the Biblical Understanding/Definition of a Saint?

“Saints” in the Greek is “hagios,” the noun form being”hagizo,” which means “to set apart for Yah.” Thus, saint, sanctify, sanctification, holy and hallow are all translations of this same root “hagi.” The root idea is that of “separation from the world and all others,” or “to separation to Yah’s expressed purpose.” It contrasts the secular from the religious or sacred; that which is unholy from that which is holy; the pure from the impure. 
 
So here we see that Paul was most interested in directing this letter to those of the Roman Assemblies who are “saints.” These individuals are beloved of Yah and they are set apart for a holy purpose unto YHVH through Yeshua Messiah. They are holy. And because they are holy, they are, through “obedience of faith,” required to live a set-apart life of separation.” 

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

There are thousands of well-meaning and beautiful souls who have come to Faith (i.e., the True Faith once delivered) through a general calling. In other words, something clicked in each called individual’s heart and mind when they received the True Word of Yah. Each convert recognized that this Faith that he or she is being called into is the right Faith; the true Faith. Remember Romans 10:17–
“…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Yah.”
So everyone who has come into the Messianic/Hebrew Roots/Set-apart Faith, comes to Faith as a result of hearing and believing the True Word of Yah. 
However, as Yeshua taught–“Many are called (i.e., “kletos”) but few are chosen (i.e., “eklektos”),” even in our Faith Community. And why is it so important that one be chosen? Isn’t it enough for one to be called?
Well, turns out that only the “chosen” (i.e., the “eklektoi) will enter the Kingdom of Yah and reign with our Master Yahoshua. John wrote regarding the chosen:
“…and they that are with Him (i.e., Yeshua Messiah) are called, chosen (eklektos), and faithful” (Revelation 17:14; KJV). 
Let us not forget what our Master said about those who would enter the Kingdom of Yah:
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven”  (Matthew 7:21; KJV).
Thus, saints are those that “doeth the will of YHVH.”
Folks, Messianic Sainthood is determined collaboratively by YHVH and by us as individuals, not by church organizations and their leaders. Rather, Scripture is clear that Father does the calling and sets us apart from all others on the planet for His purpose. We then, must decide and purpose in our lives to do Father’s will; to be faithful; to be obedient to YHVH’s Torah and the leading of Yah’s Ruach HaKodesh. Sainthood requires giving up everything for YHVH and His Will. 
Master taught: 
“He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he that loveth son or daught more than Me is not worthy of Me…And if any man come to Me, and hate not His father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and His own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Matthew 10:37 and Luke 14:26; KJV). 
This my friends is what Paul was writing about when he referred to some of his Roman readers as saints. 
For us, if the spiritual shoe fits, fellow saint of the Most High Elohim, let us wear it, walk out this Faith of ours with fear and trembling and await our glorious Master’s return.
Shalom

 

Chevra Kadisha-Honoring the Jewish Dead

by | Jul 21, 2020 | Blog

An Intriguing Article

I recently became intrigued by an article I came across on the “My Jewish Learning” website. The article was entitled: “Chevra Kadisha or Jewish Burial Society.” It was written by a Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.

And yes: I do from time to time visit various Jewish websites such as “Chabad” and “My Jewish Learning.” I generally consult such sites when conducting research for content of a Hebraic and Jewish nature. Despite these sites being orthodox and rabbinic in their content’s leaning, these two sites can’t be beat for Jewish and Hebraic historic and tradition information.

Back to the Article

Were you aware that certain orthodox Jewish communities have specialized societies whose purpose it is to properly prepare Jewish remains for burial? Until reading this article, I have to say that I was, but really wasn’t aware of such societies. I was aware from my years as a Coroner Investigator that Orthodox Jewish families would require their loved one’s remains be handled a bit differently from non-Jewish remains.

Specialized Handling

Orthodox Jewish handling of their dead often involve the following:

  • “Tahara,” which is ritualistic washing and purification of the remains.
  • A Jewish person (a “Shomer”) to stay with the remains till its buried.
  • Adorning the remains with a “Tachrichim,” which is a Jewish burial shroud.
  • Placing the remains in a kosher casket.
  • And burial of the remains as quickly as possible: generally by sunset of day of death.

Chevra Kadisha

Clearly, such requirements for the proper handling of orthodox Jewish remains would present quite a challenge for most non-Jewish morticians. But it turns out that many Jewish communities have a specialized society to handle these unique requirements. This society is “Chevra Kadisha,” pronounced “chev-ru-kah-dee-shah.”

Chevra Kadisha attends to all of the elements of proper Orthodox Jewish disposition of remains, including performing the “Tahara’ (i.e., the purification and ritualistic cleansing of the remains). Men attend to male remains, while women attend to female remains.

Society Membership

In general, the Jewish Community views membership in a local Chevra Kadisha chapter as honorable. Not very many Jews seek membership in this society. Chevra Kadisha’s aren’t generally recognized outside the Orthodox Jewish Community.

It turns out that members of the various Chevra Kadisha chapters conduct a yearly fast on the 7th day of the 12th month. The purpose of the fast is to atone for any disrespect they may have shown the remains they provided care for. As means to honor their membership in the society, the members of Chevra Kadisha chapters hold a joyous banquet. (Can you imagine? That banquet must be quite a hoot. Just saying.)

Traditions Versus Kingdom

Indeed, traditions are fine. And in this case we see that our Jewish cousins care deeply for their deceased loved ones. The great care given to Jewish remains is a reflection of their respect for the life of the deceased. Thus, we live lives worthy to be called disciples of Yeshua Messiah. And we seek to make disciples of Messiah in anticipation of His soon return.

As it relates to death, Father’s set-apart people focus on coming Kingdom of YHVH. Sure we care about how our loved one’s remains are cared for. However, we care more that they are part of the first resurrection.

John wrote in Revelation 20:5-6:

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yah and of Messiah, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.“

New Bodies When He Returns

Those of us who qualify for the Kingdom and the first resurrection will receive new, glorified bodies upon Master’s return. As mentioned above, we will reign with our Master a thousand years here on earth.

Therefore, we focus and invest fully in our spiritual future in the world to come. For we know this mortal frame will quickly pass away. Thus our focus should not be on this mortal frame, especially at the time of death. For that mortal frame will be replaced with a glorified one.

Halleluyah. Come even now Master Yeshua. Come even now.

Shalom

Guarding the Righteous Heart–The Breastplate of Righteousness–Paul and Hebrew Roots Series

Guarding the Righteous Heart–The Breastplate of Righteousness–Paul and Hebrew Roots Series

by | Jul 16, 2020 | Blog, Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Guarding the Righteous Heart–The Breastplate of Righteousness

If you’ve not already done so, read and listen to Part 1 of this Armor of God (Yah) Series entitled: “Putting on God’s Image-The Belt of Truth.”

 

Spiritual Problems In Ephesus

11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. (Act 19:11-19 NKJ)

The Bad Spiritual Elements of Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis has been deemed as one of the 7-Wonders of the World and was the headquarters of the Artemis cult.

 

Idol Making and Worship of Diana or Artemis drove the Economy much of Ephesian of life.

 

Jewish Mysticism was the crux of Paul and Timothy’s spiritual warfare battles in Ephesus.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (Eph 6:14 NKJ).

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the (1) rulers, against the (2) authorities, against the (3) cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the (4) spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12 ESV)

Authorities–Powers

 

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things were created through him and for him. (Col 1:16 ESV)

 

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (1Pe 3:22 ESV)

(The Parable of the Talents) And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ (Luk 19:17 ESV).

 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Col 2:15 ESV)

 

24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. (1Co 15:24 NKJ)

 

The Risks Posed By Authorities is High

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Eph 2:1-3 NKJ)

 

Pride and Temptation

3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Mat 4:3 NKJ)

1 Chr. 21:1-7—David’s Census brings pestilence to Yisrael: “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel..lBut God was displeased with this thing and He struck Israel.”

 

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. (Eph 5:1-5 NKJ) 

Enter God’s Righteousness

  • The Righteousness of God comes freely to those who seek and surrender themselves to His authority.
  • Yah’s righteousness is found in Yah’s Words (His Torah)—2 Tim. 3:16—instructions in righteousness.
  • Righteousness of God is found in Yeshua Messiah (2 Cor. 5:21)
  • Yah is righteousness—YHVH Tsidkenu

Un-regenerated humans establish and adhere to their own righteousness which is the righteousness of the world and the enemy.

 

Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness

Live by Faith

 

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:17 NKJ)

8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. (1Th 5:8 NKJ)

 

Learn the Ways of Yeshua

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Rom 3:21-23 NKJ)

See Ourselves as Abba Sees Us

 

5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? (Rom 3:5-6 NKJ)

 

Conduct Ourselves According to Yah’s Standards

 

Treat One Another As Abba Instructed

 

We conduct our affairs in accordance with Yah’s Ways

 

 We maintain peace and prosperity in our community and homes

We serve Yah only (Malachi 3:18)

Obey Yah’s Torah

 

29 Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever! (Deu 5:29 NKJ)

 

Give freely without regard for gain (Psa. 37:21)

 

Allow The Holy Spirit Work in Us

 

 25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (Eze 36:25-27 NKJ)

Control Our Thoughts

 

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2Co 10:3-6 NKJ)

Jam. 1:12—Blessed is the man who endures (withstands; stands up to) temptations… 

Shalom and Blessings to you…Faithfully