Hebrew Roots and Torah Portions–Are Torah Portions Valid for Messianics

by | Jun 22, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Hebrew Roots and Torah Portions–Are Torah Portions Valid for Messianics

I have always been one to think: if one person has a question on a particular topic or issue that I have posted on this program, it stands to reason that there are others out there who have the same question. Recently I received feedback from a dear listener of this program who had heard me comment or reference Torah Portions during a recent post. That listener requested more information about Torah Portions and wanted to know the role Torah Portions played, if any at all, in the lives of Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah. In other words, what are Torah Portions and are they valid for Messianics today? That being said, I wanted to take a brief moment and share with you my perspectives on Torah Portions and Hebrew Roots and the Messianic Community. (I invite you to read or listen to our post entitled, “Torah Portions and the Body of Christ.”)

What Are Torah Portions?

Torah Portions have, what I believe to be, a beautiful and meaningful tradition and even history attached to them. Although they are of a man-made construct, designed for the systematic and timely reading of the entire Torah each sacred calendar year, Torah Portions are built upon the foundation of the Torah.

What do I mean by a man-made construct? Well, we essentially have the five-books of Moses which we in Hebrew Roots and the Messianic Community refer to as the Torah (aka: the Pentateuch consisting of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). As Torah Observant Believers in Yahoshua Messiah, we view Torah as our constitution; the foundation upon which we live our lives. The Torah contains the Words of the Creator of the Universe. It is the Creator’s instructions, rules, commandments and regulations intended for all the peoples of the world to live by. This of course, is contrary to the standard teachings of Judaism and even Christians worldwide. Yet Father clearly stated that Torah was intended for all:

One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. (Exo 12:49 KJV)

Lev 24:22 Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.

Num 15:15 One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.

Num 15:16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.

And then as Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah:

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Now, Father sees this “One Law fits all” as being of the utmost importance. So important is this principle, that He sent us His only begotten Son. Sadly, Christianity places the focus of Yeshua’s earthly ministry upon the Master’s death, burial and resurrection. As vitally important as the death, burial and resurrection of Yahoshua is to the world, the Gospel of the Kingdom message that He brought, taught and modeled for us is also vitally important. Torah was, is and remains the fulcrum of the Gospel of the Kingdom message.

Once Torah was delivered to us in the Sinai Wilderness, we were instructed to have it read to us in its entirety every seven-years at the Feast of Tabernacles (aka: Sukkot):

 10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. (Deu 31:10-13 KJV)

Was the reading of Torah only to take place at Shemitah during the Feast of Tabernacles every seven-years? No. It is safe to conclude that Torah was to be read annually at every sacred assembly of the nation (reference: Deuteronomy 12:5; 16:16; Joshua 8:34, 35; Jeremiah 36:6; Nehemiah 8:1).  In fact, it became the responsibility and practice of the righteous of YHVH to dwell upon Torah day and night:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psa 1:1-6 KJV)

Indeed, it was not a common thing for the average Israelite to possess Torah Scrolls, at a minimum as recently as the first millennium C.E. Torah Scrolls in ancient Israel were kept primarily in the possession of the Levitical Priests and the Kings and royal houses of Israel. Beyond this period, owning or having direct access to Torah was the privilege of the Jewish elite of society that possessed the influence and financial resources to commission a scribe to produce a set of Torah Scrolls. Even then, it took many months for scribes to complete their copying of the 305,000 letters that are said to make up the whole of Torah (reference chabad.org). Otherwise, we would have to await the assembling together of ourselves in a public forum, such as a Feast Day, or more so, on the weekly Shabbats. And this reading of Torah on the weekly Shabbat is what Torah Portions is somewhat all about.

Torah Portions

Torah Portions is simply a system by which the entire Torah is read annually.

I stated earlier that Torah Portions for all intents and purposes is a man-made construct for the systematic and timely reading of the entire Torah each sacred calendar year. Our present day Torah Portion system is apportioned into 54-separate, or what Jews refer to as parshas or parashot. This apportionment was done in accordance with the Calculated Jewish Calendar.

Now if you’ve been following me on this blog and podcast program for any length of time you would know that I follow the “observational calendar” which differs somewhat from the Jewish Calendar. (Read or listen to our installments entitled “When Tradition Eclipses Torah” and “Living a Life Beyond the Norm–Lessons Learned From the Levitical Priesthood” for more discussion on the calendars if you are interested.) For purposes of this thoughts and reflections, I will forgo any discussion on the calendars.

Each of the 54-separate parshas or parashahs were designed to be read in sequence each Sabbath in synagogues throughout the world. There is only one Torah Portion, so regardless where any Jew may find him/herself in the world at any given time during the sacred calendar year, if they are attending synagogue services on the Shabbat or during the week, they will hear the same portion of Torah read as would be heard by their counterparts around the world.

Yes, Torah Portions are a uniquely Jewish tradition and practice. As best as I can trace, Torah Portions seem to have its start around the time of Nehemiah and Ezra, just after we returned to the Land after being in Babylonian Captivity for 70-years. During those 70-years of captivity, the overwhelming majority of Israelites had lost much of their language, and worse, had forgotten most, if not all, of Torah. Thus, when we were repatriated to our Land of Promise, it fell to Nehemiah and Ezra to get us back on track in terms of being a People of the Book. And some of the most stirring pros you’ll ever come across in the Tanach you find in this chapter. Allow just a few verses to be read of the 8th Chapter of Nehemiah:

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. 2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.  And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: 6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground…and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Torah. 13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law. 14 And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: 15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written. 16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. 17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness. 18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner. (Neh 8:1-18 KJV)

Indeed, after reading this and other passages of the Cephers of Ezra and Nehemiah, it is not too much of a stretch, if you ask me, to point to Nehemiah and Ezra as the originators, or at the very least, we can see the inspiration for the development of Torah Portions through their story.

According to www.jewishencyclopedia.com, Torah was divided into 153 parts to read over a 3-year cycle. This system “prevailed in Palestine proper till the exiles from Spain brought this custom into the Holy Land.” Over succeeding centuries, the Torah was broken into 54-weekly lessons known as “Parashah” (plural “Parashiyyot) to be read in annual cycles. Each Parashah is marked in Hebrew Bibles by the particular number of the portion for the week and is entitled by the “names which are taken from the first word (e.g., 1, “Bereshit”) or from the first striking word (e.g., 2, “Noah”), or sometimes from two words (e.g., 3, “Lek Leka”; 50, “Ki Tabo”) (ibid).

How Torah Portions Work

The way it works in orthodox Jewish churches today is that the first parashah of the week is read on the afternoon of the preceding Shabbat on which the whole portion is read. Additionally, the first parashah of the week is read also on Mondays and Thursdays before the Shabbat on which the entire portion is to be read, unless a new moon, feast or fast falls upon those appointed days. The whole Torah Portion cycle begins and ends and begins anew on Simchat Torah according to www.hebrew4christians.com. In case you are unaware, Simchat Torah generally occurs on the day after Shemini Atzeret, or the Last Great Day. Shemini Atzeret is the day after the 7th day of the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot, which occurs in the 7th month of the sacred calendar year. The Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot and Last Great Day round out the year’s mandated Feasts of YHVH. Many of us in our Faith Community, like that which is done with Passover and Unleavened Bread where we combine the two holidays into simply one 8-day celebration we reference as Passover, we combine Tabernacles and Last Great Day to be referred to as the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot, an 8-day celebration. Throughout the year, the portions are read (or even chanted) in Jewish synagogues and in some Messianic services around the world. Yes, leap years are factored into the annual apportionment of the Torah, but the assigned readings are made clear in the annotations of Jewish Bibles.

I get it, a lot of rules hang around the use of Torah Portion in Rabbinic Judaism today. But what else is new? Rabbinic Judaism is designed to put a fence around Torah, and this is just one more fence that the rabbis have erected. Nevertheless, in the Messianic realm, we do not tend to follow these strict rules (for the most part that is). We are simply interested in using the system that has been put in place for communal reading of Torah each week.

Yeshua and Torah Portions

I contend that our Master, Yahoshua Messiah participated in the reading of an early version of Torah Portions. The reference for this is found in Luke 4:15-19 which reads:

15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias (likely the Haftorah for that particular week’s portion. Haftorahs are generally established passages from the prophets and history books of the Tanach or Old Testament). And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. (Luk 4:15-19 KJV)

I am not dogmatic about this as an example of our Savior using Torah Portions. I am simply pointing out the possbility.

Cons to Using Torah Portions

In terms of the cons associated with the use of Torah Portions by Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah, I will say that we have been called to worship YHVH in Spirit and in Truth. The reading and even study of Torah is an important element of our worship. When we rely upon man-made systems to aid us in our worship of YHVH, we run the risk of failing to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. We become reliant upon a man-made system. Although the use of Torah Portions does NOT entirely bar the move of the Spirit in our worship and study, Torah Portion may not give the move of the Spirit the room to work . Instead of relying upon the Spirit’s timing, we become reliant upon man’s timing. We also run the risk of worshiping the Torah Portion. What I mean by worshiping Torah Portions is that we place so much emphasis upon getting that Torah Portion reading in at the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner, that we run the risk of completely losing sight of what Father is trying to say to us in His Word for that Portion. In other words, we run the risk of putting the Torah Portion system above the content of Torah. And lastly, the use of Torah Portions may impact a member’s study of Torah. Certainly, it is a must for Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah to study Torah, not just read it. Unfortunately, Torah Portions for the most part, have been designed for use in organized assembly worship. Therefore, those who would become dependent upon Torah Portions as their only exposure to Torah and the Tanach in general, may not find it convenient or even palatable to actually delve deep into study of the various elements of each week’s portion. The Torah Portions become more about reading than study of Scripture.

Pros to Using Torah Portions

In terms of the benefits or the pros associated with the use of Torah Portions, the thing that attracts me to Torah Portions is the connection aspect that it offers. What I mean is that I know each week there are thousands of believers around the world reading and studying the same passages of Torah that I am studying and reading. There is a sense of community and communion that takes place when we use Torah Portions. Torah Portions also provide a great means of facilitating worship and study in fellowship gatherings and congregations. And there is the uniqueness of tradition and history that lends a sense of reverence to the reading of Torah at a set time with like-minded believers of our Faith Community.

Torah Portions and the Messianic

Indeed, some Messianics take exception to the use of Torah Portions citing as reasons some of the cons I provided previously. A lot of animus aimed at Messianic Torah Portion use seems to stem from its Rabbinic Jewish Roots. I get that. There are a lot of problems associated with Rabbinic Judaism. And certainly, all of the rules that have been placed around the Torah Portions by the rabbis and its close association to Rabbinic Judaism have certainly made it less palatable for many in our Faith Community. Therefore, I would not ascribe the use of Torah Portions, per se, by Hebrew Rooters. For me, the use of Torah Portions is strictly a personal thing and I would never push my personal practices upon anyone. I use Torah Portions mainly for the communal and regimental aspects that the system affords.

Do I believe Torah Portions are valid for Messianics today? When kept in proper context and perspective (i.e., the system does not supersede the Torah itself–that is, the system does not run or dictate how and when we study the Word of the Most High), I believe Torah Portions can be of great use to Hebrew Rooters and Messianics today.

What I Do With Torah Portions

I personally begin my reading of the week’s portion on the first-day of the week and I read a segment of the portion each day leading up to Shabbat. By Shabbat, I find one or two elements of the portion that resonated with me that week and I then do a deep study on those elements that I extract out of the week’s portion. If the Spirit so leads, I will share my thoughts and reflections with you on those elements that resonated with me out of that week’s Torah Portion.

Now, I tend to go to www.hebrew4christians.com to sync with the correct Torah Portion reading for that week on the first day of the week. I generally reference David H. Stern’s “Complete Jewish Bible” as my general guide for that week’s overall Torah Portion. I prefer Stern’s Bible because it not only outlines each week’s parashah, it also breaks down the parashahs into 7-segments (i.e., 7-days if you will) that breaks my reading of that week’s portion into 7-separate days. From there, I pull out the passages of that week’s portion and allow the Spirit to lead my studies of those particular passages.

Again, it’s what I do. I realize that this may not be the best thing for you in terms of your Torah studies. And I’ll be quite honest with you: there are some weeks when I do not follow the Torah Portions. There are some weeks when I’m led by the Spirit to study topics and issues that are not contained in that week’s Torah Portion. First and foremost, I stay obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit when it comes to my reading and study of the Word. At least I try.

So I hope this puts any confusion as it relates to Hebrew Rooters and Messianics using Torah Portions into a proper perspective for you. Remember, the use of Torah Portions by Messianics and Hebrew Rooters is NOT a salvation issue, and certainly we are not in the least commanded to use them by Master Yeshua nor by Torah. Torah Portions provide a wonderful option for Torah Observant Believers in Yahoshua Messiah to read and study Torah on a frequent and regular basis. But at the end of the day, it is simply an option.

Faithfully submitted,

Rod

 

Hebrew Roots and Torah Portions--Are They Valid For Messianics Today?

by Rod Thomas--The Messianic Torah Observer | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

Messianic Lessons From The Revolt of Korah

by | Jun 16, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Messianic Lessons From The Revolt of Korah

Messianic Lessons From the Revolt of Korah

by Rod Thomas--The Messianic Torah Observer | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

The Players of this Torah Portion

The players of this passage are: Moshe, Aharon (Cohen Gadol); Korah (a Levite of which he and his family and lineage served with the Aaronic Levitical Priesthood–he was not a priest but a most blessed assistant and servant to YHVH); Dathan and Abiram (of the lineage of Reuben) and the Children of Israel. (Listen to or read my post on Torah Portions.)

Reuben and the Lost Birthright

Reuben once held but lost her birthright as a result of Reuben sleeping with Jacob’s (i.e., Israel’s) concubine Bilhah (Gen. 35:22). Jacob, Reuben’s father, in his parting words cited:

Reuben, though art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed and defilesdst thou it: he went up to my couch (Gen. 49:3, 4; KJV).

Now it would appear that the Reubenites, under the leadership of Dathan and Abiram sought now to regain it (Num. 16:1-4).

Enter Korah the Levite

Korah, a Levite, was aggrieved with Aharon and his family who had been elevated to the priesthood. Korah was Moshe and Aharon’s cousin.

According to Hertz’ Torah and Haftorah, the Reubenites and Korah’s Levite tribes marched side by side and likely conspired jointly against Moshe and Aharon. This is confirmed by ESV Study Bible and Num. 2:10, 11; 3:29, which could explain their collaboration. However, Father diminished both: One became incorporated into the inner most circle of the nation. The other was placed on the outskirts of the land, ultimately doomed to a Bedouin tribal life. (Rabbinic tradition) The example of Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram is illustrative of the dangers associated with personal motives.

The Revolt Composition

This cabal collected 250 princes (KJV)/leaders (NASB)/key members (CJB)/chiefs (ESV) of Israel to confront and challenge the authority and leadership of Moshe and Aharon. The point of contention was that the nation as a whole was holy. That Moshe and Aharon were illegitimately usurping authority over a nation of holy people (16:2, 4). It’s almost as if we would have chosen members of Congress going up to the White House and challenging the President and Vice President of the United States. (Would never happen in a million years though, right?)

The Jude–Korah Connection

This rebellion prefigures false teaching in the Body of Messiah (ESV Study Bible), which happens to be highlighted in Jude, which also happens to be the B’rit Hadashah reading for this portion this week. Indeed, we see tucked away in the Body of Messiah, False Teachers, which I prefer the term opponents of Messiah (because they teach nothing; they only bring discord and dissension in the Body). The Jude passage describes these false teachers as being led astray by “relying on their dreams” which the ESV extrapolates as “mistakenly following subjective experiences that they claim are from Yah but that lead them to disobey Torah.” These are following “ungodly passions” as described in verse 18 of Jude. These same souls are sexually immoral (i.e., defile the flesh); they reject authority (i.e., Yah-designated authority); and they blaspheme the glorious ones (i.e., a probable reference to angels with an additional reference to the disputation of Michael with Hasatan over the disposition of the remains of Moshe).

There’s always going to be disagreements within any organization, even within the Body of Messiah. Despite there occasionally being points of disagreement, there is an order that must be reverently respected at the end of the day. That respected order must remain intact, regardless how much the disagreement may infringe upon our sensibilities. Even Michael respected the order that Yah put in place. Instead of causing a horrendous scene, Michael simply pronounced a rebuke of hasatan (reference: Zech. 3:1-5).

The Opponents of Messiah and of YHVH Refuse to Submit to Authority

Bottom line: the opponents of Messiah, as foreshadowed in the example and persons of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, reject the power and authority of Yahoshua and they simply refuse to submit to that rightful authority. They understand nothing apart from their bodily instincts and feelings. “They flout God’s moral standards…follow subjective feelings and desires” and failing to have a disciplined and governed Godly mind, they lead others to “ultimately be destroyed by their own sinful compulsions.” These types, (such as Jude cited of Korah, along with Cain and Balaam) were motivated by greed. Why greed? They were dissatisfied with “the place they occupied, so they engaged in rebellion against YHVH.” Their aim was to seek after personal gain and do so at all costs.

Opponents of YHVH and Messiah Are As Hidden Reefs

The Korahs of the Body are likened, by Jude, as “hidden reefs.” Such hidden reefs in the real nautical world have this devastating tendency of suddenly appearing and destroying ships that come too close to them. Such are the Korahs of the Body: they will participate in the Feasts and in the Master’s Supper, acting the part of a Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah. They could care less for their brethren. Jude describes them further as waterless clouds, promising rain that never comes; promising fruit but are as fruitless trees; as wandering stars that give misleading guidance to travelers. These are in “spiritual darkness” (ESV). Like Korah and his cohorts, their fate awaits them in “the gloom of utter darkness which is reserved for them forever” (ESV).

A Question of Authority

The ESV suggests that Dathan and Abiram enlisted Korah to be their chief spokesman. Korah spoke against and questioned Moshe’s and Aharon’s authority. This question of holiness on the part of Aharon was contrasted with the supposed holiness of the whole congregation. Korah’s contention was a foolish rationalization that was fueled only by his personal lust for power and authority. As noted above, Korah was not content with his place in the Congregation of Israel. He wanted to be seen and over everything and everybody. His argument had nothing to do with holiness and serving Abba and doing the will of the Most High. It was all about him.

Dathan, Abiram and their cohorts focused upon the same ole sad song and dance of the miserable conditions the nation was suffering under sojourning in the wilderness. These malcontents went on to dredge up the whole thing about returning to Egypt once again.

YHVH Does Not Take Well To Rebellion

Father does not tolerate rebellion in His Body, especially when that rebellion is directed towards His appointed leaders such as Aharon. Ultimately, Korah’s and the cohort’s rebellious acts sealed their doom. Judgment was rendered upon them by Yah. The earth opened up and swallowed them, along with their tents and their co-conspirators.

After the cabal state their positions against Moshe and Aharon, Moshe and Aharon fall on their faces (16:4). By now, after seeing how Father operates when it comes to challenges to His commandments, instructions and established institutions such as the Levitical Priesthood, you would think that Korah, Dathan and Abiram would have immediately thought to themselves: ‘Oh my, what have we done?!’ And then they themselves would fall on their respective faces and seek YHVH’s mercy through the intercessions of Moshe and Aharon. Yet these fools were too deluded in their own personal agendas and consumed by their greed and hatred of the things of YHVH.

Moses–A Leader With True Caring Love For People

But here’s where the True leaders and people of Yah shine through: instead of engaging the cabal in verbal and physical conflict, Moshe in great wisdom simply turned this whole thing over to YHVH. Moshe told the group: “In the morning YHVH will show who is His and He has brought whomever is holy near to Himself. The one whom He has chosen He will bring near to Himself” (16:5).

This foreboding, yet awesome statement from Moshe foreshadowed that which Shaul (i.e., the Apostle Paul) wrote to his young mentee, Timothy:

…solemnly charge them in the presence of Yah not to wrangle about words (i.e., quarreling; contend; dispute; engage in word-battles), which is useless, and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to Yah as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of Truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene…Nevertheless, the firm foundation of Yah stands, having this seal, YHVH knows those who are His,’ and ‘let everyone who names the name of YHVH abstain from wickedness (2 Tim. 2:14-19; NASB).

No Need For Debate or Argument

You see, there’s no need to debate or contend with one another over anything, both within and without the purview of our Faith. We see this commonly played out on social media. And I was once one who would regularly engage others who I felt were engaging in improper and ungodly discourse. It took some growth on my part, conviction by the Holy Spirit and repentance to come out of such behavior. And when I look back upon those social media battles, I can honestly say that no good came out of those fights. All it did was take glory away from Yah and fuel an ungodly fire that spread like gangrene amongst the brethren. The mature believer realizes, as Paul counseled, that Father knows who are His and it is not our role, purpose or even business to involve ourselves in pointless word battles. Nothing is ever gained.

So we see here that Moshe chose not to engage the Korah-Dathan-Abiram cabal. Instead, Moshe instructed Korah and his men to take unto them their censers, initiate fires within them and put incense atop the fires the very next morning and then allow Father to single out in the sight of the entire nation who are His (16:6, 7).

The Real Reason for the Uprising of Korah-Dathan-Abiram Revealed by Moses

Moshe did render a warning to Korah’s and his cohort. Moshe stated the obvious fact that it wasn’t enough that Korah and his family were chosen out of the nation to serve alongside the Levitical Priests. No. Korah and his family wanted to succeed the Aaronic Priests in position and service. No other family nor tribe possessed such a blessed position of service and place in the congregation (16:8-10). Sadly enough, Moshe brilliantly pointed out to Korah that his argument was not against Aharon, but was really against YHVH, the one who appointed Aharon and his family to the priesthood (16:11).

When Moshe turned to address Dathan’s and Abiram’s cohort, they refused to deal with Moshe, citing that Moshe’s authority has served only to cause them misery in the wilderness. The cohort cited that they had a good life in Egypt and now Moshe was using the people who were taking away from their once privilege lives in Egypt (huh? they were slaves remember?), only to lord over them and subject them to misery (16-12-14).

A Date That Will Live In Infamy

Korah's Rebellion

Korah’s-Dathan’s-Abiram’s-revolt led to the deaths of over 15,000 people. Personal ambitions and greed can be extremely dangerous to the Body of Messiah.

The next morning, Korah and his family brought their lit censers and stood outside the door to the Tent of Meeting. YHVH’s presence appeared to the congregation (16:18, 19). Oh, oh, Daddy’s home!

Needless to say, Daddy’s NOT happy. He instructs Moshe and Aharon to “separate themselves from among the congregation so that Yah could consume them with His wrath (16:21). Yet true to Moshe’s compassion for the who of the nation, He intercedes and reasons with Father. Moshe reasons that the nation as a whole should not be held responsible for the misdeeds of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, which Father conceded (16:22-24). The whole of the nation would not be punished for the Korah, Dathan and Abiram revolt.

I found it fascinating that Moshe isolated the Korah, Dathan and Abiram, along with their families and possession, from the rest of the tribes. And instead of just having the punishment handed down upon the offenders surely and swiftly, Moshe ensured that He and Aharon’s authority would first be cemented in the minds of the people by prophecying on the pending demise of the offenders. Moshe described exactly what was going to happen to Korah, Dathan and Abiram, and all that belonged to them. He added a disclaimer, however: if the offenders perished by any other means other than that which He prophecied, then Father has not appointed them overseers of Israel, as was originally challenged by the offenders (16:29). But if the earth happened to open its mouth and swallow the offenders and all that belonged to them up, then He was Yah’s man (16:30, 31).

Needless to say, the demise of the offenders came just as Moshe prophecied (16:31-33). Furthermore, the 250-leader-co-conspirators were consumed by fire. This harkens back to two-previous incidents where Father punishes problem children by consuming them with fire (Lev. 10:2; Num. 11:1). When would the people ever learn one wonders?

One of Aharon’s sons, Priest Eleazer, was instructed to gather up the censers of the offenders, discard the coals abroad the camp, but hammer the censers into sheets to cover the altar (17:2 NJB;; 16:37-40). Indeed, the censers were still considered holy by YHVH, having been previously used in the sanctuary service. This would serve as an “object-lesson” for the nation (NJB). The object-lesson being that that which Father has esteemed as holy and set apart for His purpose, is not to be trifled with nor challenged by anyone.

The Rest of the Story

Well, the story doesn’t end here with this object lesson. The nation as a whole confront Moshe and Aharon, accusing them of murdering their fellow Israelites (Num. 16:41). Moshe killed no one: Father punished the offenders. And as we’ve seen played out a number times in the past, the presence of YHVH descends upon the Tent of Meeting in response to this revolt (16:42). As they always do, Moshe and Aharon immediately respond themselves to the front of the Tent of Meeting. As we just saw happen during the Korah uprising, Father instructs Moshe and Aharon to separate themselves from among the rabble-rousers in anticipation of Father’s wrath consuming them for their revolt (Num. 16:45). This time we have no indication in the text that Moshe nor Aharon fell on their faces to plead the people’s case before YHVH. Instead, this time, Moshe instructs Aharon to quickly make atonement on behalf the people in anticipation of a plague that was then coming upon the nation for their revolt (16:46). It was as a result of Moshe’s quick instruction in response to the revolt that saved the nation from being entirely destroyed by the plague. Aharon stood between the living and the dead with his lit censer, making atonement on behalf the people, and the plagued was halted (16:48; CSB).

15,000 People Dead Because

In total, over 15,000 people died that day as a result of the selfish ambitions of a small handful of malcontents. Indeed, a sobering story that has tremendous applications even for every Torah Observant Believer in Yahoshua Messiah today. It takes very little to incite troubles and problems within the Body of Messiah. Yet those troubles and problems can easily be assuaged and avoided simply by respecting that which Father has put into place and the plans that He has set into motion. Father knows what He’s doing. All we need to worry about and focus upon is to behave ourselves and as Paul instructed:

⦁ Pursue after righteousness.
⦁ Refuse to participate in debates and quarrels–“The Master’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition…”(2 Tim. 2:23, 24; NASB).
⦁ Focus on preparing ourselves for the service of the Kingdom and of Yah, by being workmen and workwomen who do not need to be ashamed of our profession, accurately handling the Torah of YHVH (2 Tim. 2:15).
⦁ Let us become vessels for honor, sanctified, useful to our Master and prepared for every good work (2 Tim. 2:20, 21).

If we but take our eyes off what other people are doing and what other people have going for them, and instead, focus our attention on being the best servant we can be, then we will serve the Master well. We simply must give ourselves over fully to His service. We must simply empty ourselves of self and allow the Holy Spirit (i.e., His Ruach HaKodesh) to direct and guide our walk and lead us unto all understanding–all Truth (Joh. 16:13).

Faithfully Submitted,

Rod

Impediments to our Faith-Absence of Discipleship and the Holy Spirit Operating in the Lives of Believers (Part 2)

by | Jun 8, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Impediments to the Faith--Lack of Discipleship and the Holy Spirit Operating in our Lives

by Rod Thomas with Hilary Thomas | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

It goes without saying that many of us have a difficult time grasping the things of YHVH, especially when we first transition into our Faith Community. It’s one thing to decide to give up pork and shell fish and to start worshiping on Sabbaths as opposed to Sundays. But once we fully make that transition into the Faith, we begin accumulating more questions about our newly found Faith than we are ever able to find answers to.

Thus, many of us struggle:

  • In our understanding of how we are to properly walk out this Faith.
  • In our understanding of how to properly apply Torah to our day-to-day lives.
  • In our understanding of keeping Torah in accordance with the example and teachings given to us by Yeshua our Master (e.g., how does grace truly fit in with Torah-keeping? Why does Paul seem to teach in his writings that Torah was done away with? Do I circumcise my son(s)? How do I properly keep the Feasts and the weekly Sabbath? Am I doing this Hebrew Roots/Messianic thing right?
  • We struggle in our understanding of Father’s will for our respective lives? Are we supposed to evangelize the world/Christians/Jews? Or are we to focus all our energies on a vertical relationship with the Almighty?
  • We struggle in our understanding of scripture and spiritual matters in the midst of so many conflicting teachings, both within and without our Faith Community.

Indeed, there are a variety of reasons why so many of us struggle in our understanding of the things of YHVH. When we fail to accurately understand the things of Yehovah, which I truly believe are fully embodied in the Hebrew Roots/Messianic Faith, we become easy prey for the enemy. The enemy, according to Yeshua our Master, comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10). It is that catastrophic failure to understand the things of our Faith that the enemy uses to side-line us and cause us to doubt; to sin; to sully our witness; to give in to that old nature that is just waiting to spring back into action and rob us of the victory we are suppose to have as Disciples of Yeshua Messiah and Children of the Most High Elohim. And it is that lack of understanding that often gets in our way of making any substantive advancement in our walk with Messiah.

Many of us find ourselves in religious and spiritual traps at various points in our journey. As a result of our lack of understanding of the things of YHVH, we find ourselves in places we have absolutely no business being in. Those places include:

  • Rabbinic Judaism.
  • Kabbalah.
  • Fringe groups such as black Israelitism and other racial and culturally exclusive groups.
  • Other fringe groups that perpetuate extra-biblical doctrines and teachings designed to deter our attentions away from the teachings of Yeshua and of Torah. Such groups include: the flat-earthers; the lunar sabbatarians; the Enochian calendar followers; and so many others.
  • Dubious ministries highlighting the teachings of self-serving preachers and teachers.
  • Isolationism, whereby we feel no one else has Truth out there (or has Truth that will satisfy us) and we choose to go it alone and keep the Faith in isolation.
  • Back in Fundamental/Traditional/Charismatic Christianity.

For those of us who are experiencing an overall lack of understanding of the things of this Faith and who are going through a particularly tough period of confusion, isolation, uncertainty, regret, resentment, and the like, there is hope and there are indeed answers to our many questions. However, we must understand that there is no true course of study; there is no true outline; there is no sanctioned protocol out there that defines how we are to walk out this Faith. Unlike most every other man-made system in existence today, Hebrew Roots/the Messianic Faith has no true prescribed walk. And many of us who come into this Faith have an extremely difficult time adapting to this seeming lack of organized way of life.

Contrary to outward appearances, our Faith is not disorganized at all. Yes, we are divided in various areas of our Faith—in our understanding of the Creator’s and Master’s revealed names; in our understanding of the Feast Days and a few others. Nevertheless, most of us realize that the general tenets of the Faith are firmly established and we practice them to the best of our understanding and ability. Consequently, it would appear that Father is fine with this current situation. I believe Father is looking to see the state of our hearts and the level of our faith and commitment to Him. This life that we’ve chosen surpasses any faith and commitment to man-made systems and religions.

The absence of an established method for walking out this Faith serves as a natural shield against the blight of religion. Religion by its very nature seeks to control its members by establishing protocols, traditions and rules that every member of that body is required to follow. We saw this very thing played out in Yeshua’s day with Rabbinic Judaism. As a religion, Judaism was foisted upon the Jewish nation. Originally developed by the so-called sages, Judaism was developed to be a wall/fence around Torah. Thus, it served to control virtually every aspect of every Jew’s life. The focus is shifted from YHVH and His commandments and instructions, to that of the religion’s instructions, traditions and protocols. It goes without saying that Father would not be pleased with this set-up.

Yeshua railed against Judaism’s control over the minds, hearts and souls of the people. He proclaimed that part of His mission was to deliver us from such systems. So it stands to reason that Master did not deliver unto us this Faith so that we would be subject to another iteration of Judaism. He came to bring us into an abundant life (John 10:10), free from religion, authoritative traditions and burdensome rules. The basis of that Faith is love: love of Father and love for our sisters and brothers. And contrary to conventional thinking, Torah was Yehovah’s love gift to fallen mankind. We, Abba’s chosen, have the sobering responsibility of demonstrating that life and love to the world through our obedience to Torah the way Master Yahoshua taught and live it.

Our chosen life is not one of man made rules, protocols and traditions, although at the core of our existence as humans, we desire to be ruled over by something or someone greater than ourselves; to be subject to something or someone greater than ourselves. It’s just that those things or persons that we look to be ruled by and subject to is not Yah.

The Apostle Paul taught that the mindset of the flesh is naturally hostile to God because it does not submit itself to Elohim’s Torah (Romans 8:7). We don’t mind being subject to the Christian Pastor or Bishop; subject to our bosses; subject to the organizations we pledge our allegiance to; subject to our spouses, our desires, our habits, our hopes and dreams, our friends and so many other things. But the things of Yah, we naturally tend to resist with every fiber of our being.

So the reason many of us struggle so in our understanding of the things of Yah—in our understanding of the Faith—has nothing to do, necessarily, with things or persons beyond our control. The reason we struggle so is because of us—our nature—our mindsets—our inability to let the former life go—and oh so many other reasons. I would have us consider just 5 of the innumerable impediments that cause us to struggle in our understanding of the Faith. In identifying those 5-reasons or impediments our understanding, if you will, I would have us consider potential solutions to overcoming those impediments.

The point in going over this rather obscure subject/topic is my desire that we as a community find freedom, restoration, peace, happiness and the greatest faith possible in our walk. If we can identify the reason for the difficulties that so many of us experience in our walk and understanding of the Faith, then just maybe we can search out and implement proper fixes to our uncertainties and confusions.

Now, this is not meant to be an exhaustive discussion on the topic. It is meant to get us on the right track to receive proper direction from Yah’s Spirit for our lives. For many of us right now, there is just too much noise that is preventing us from hearing Yah’s voice and from understanding His way of life and this Faith.

So what do you say we consider two common impediments that can get in the way of our understanding things of the Faith and of YHVH? (If you’ve not already done so, read or listen to the first installment of this two-part series: Impediments to our Understanding Things of the Faith and God–Part 1–Understanding the Bible.) (Read or listen to my post entitled: Operating effectively as a Disciple of Yeshua Messiah.)

We Were Never Properly Discipled

Discipleship

Discipleship training is essential to our effectively walking out this Faith and understanding the things of YHVH.

Probably one of the greatest tragedies we see happen so often to new members coming into our Faith Community is that they are not discipled. Most of us transition into this Faith Community of ours—wide-eyed and bushy-tail—ready to live Torah the way Yeshua taught us—only to be left to figure this whole Torah versus Yeshua versus Christianity versus the world thing out for ourselves. Unlike Christianity, Hebrew Roots/Messianic ministries, for the most part, are not geared to disciple people coming to Faith. Most of them are in the business of delivering Truth (e.g., teaching on the Feast Days, the weekly Sabbath, and a whole host of other Messianic topics). But rarely, if at all, do we find Messianic ministries willing to devote their resources to discipling incoming members to our Faith.

Discipleship is not necessarily the same thing as delivering and receiving teachings, although part of the discipleship process must involve the giving and receiving of teachings.

Master instructed His disciples turned apostles:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

A disciple (in the Greek is matheteuo) is a pupil or student. A pupil or student is taught the ways of their master or teacher. There is a systematic and progressive course of training that is provided to the disciple by their master.

Yeshua systematically taught and modeled the Gospel of the Kingdom to His pupils who we’ve come to know simply as His disciples. Yahoshua systematically taught His disciples every aspect of living a life of Torah (i.e., the way Father originally meant for it to be understood and lived by His people) as well as living life in the Spirit. It was an intense time of training and preparation that culminated in the disciples being sent out and tested by Master (i.e.,. The 70). It was after Master ascended to Father that the process of discipling the nation peoples of the world became the ultimate responsibility and purpose of every disciple of Yeshua Messiah. That mandate has not changed in 2,000+-years.

Therefore, it goes without saying, that one of the top reasons so many in our Faith Community struggle in their understanding of the things of YHVH and of the Faith is that they’ve never been properly discipled. I was fortunate. When I first came in to this Faith walk, I was discipled for a short time by my brother-in-law. His guidance and instructions helped steer me in the proper direction and establish the basis upon which I was able to grow in my understanding of the Faith with minimal confusion and uncertainty. I’ve since come to realize that a great many converts to this Faith are not as fortunate as I was to have someone they trust disciple them. This is a serious problem that must somehow be remedied, more sooner than later.

Solutions to the Lack of Discipleship

It goes without saying that our Faith Community needs to assume the responsibility of discipling our newly transitioned members. When we are personally the conduit by which someone enters this Faith, it becomes our responsibility to get that individual discipled. It is irresponsible to leave that newly converted disciple to fend for themselves. The Messianic/Hebrew Roots landscape is filled with spiritual minefield and booby-traps, illusions, misinformation and false teachings and doctrines. If left alone, we stand to condemn our young to certain failure. It’s time that our community veterans step-up and provide the necessary discipleship.

Those of us who have never been properly discipled and who are still struggling in our understanding of the things of YHVH and of the Faith, must seek out competent discipleship training. We can approach responsible, doctrinally sound Messianic/Hebrew Roots ministries and ask if they have members who would help in our discipling and getting us up to where we need to be in the Faith. Or simply petition the Father to send the individual He has chosen to disciple us.

Now, it is certainly not unheard of to be discipled, I guess, by the Holy Spirit. Depending on the path that our respective journeys are taking, it is quite possible that Father will not have individuals in place to disciple us, at least not at the time we would prefer to have them at our disposal. In this case, it behooves us to give ourselves fully to the leading of the Holy Spirit, who will direct our path of discipleship.

We Don’t Have the Holy Spirit Operating in our Lives

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit helps us understand and recall to memory the things of the Faith.

This is the big one. I dare say that the Holy Spirit is not operating as it should or could in our Faith Community today. And part of the reason for this Holy Spirit drought, if you will, is that we tend to focus all our energies on accumulating knowledge. The other side to this is that many of us outright reject the things of the Spirit (e.g., some reject miraculous healings and other powerful manifestations of the Spirit in our lives). As a result of that rejection (or denial), we effectively cut ourselves off from revealed Truth and intervention by the Holy Spirit. We then lean to our own understanding of Scripture and the things of the Faith. We become no different than religious leaders and followers of first-century Judaism, dependent upon the traditions and rulings of the sages. We become cold and dismissive of those who we feel don’t measure up to our level of understanding. Some of us become odd-balls and outcasts in the Body of Messiah because we don’t possess the Spirit of Truth nor are we operating in the Spirit. In these cases, we are operating on our own and are distant from the Spirit of Truth.

Master promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit that is also known as the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 15:26). The Spirit of Truth, according to Master, would guide us into all truth; unto all understanding (John 16:13).

We should realize that Master Yeshua operated 24/7 in the Spirit as it was prophesied that “the Spirit of YHVH would be upon Him;” and indeed it was (Luke 4:18; cf. Isaiah 61:1). And it was because Yeshua exclusively operated in the Spirit that He knew the Truth and was able to rightly divide and deliver that Truth like no other before or after Him (Mark 1:27; Luke 4:36).

If Yeshua operated in the Spirit 24/7, and we are supposed to conform to His image (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2), why would we even consider NOT living in the Spirit? Refusing or denying the things of the Spirit is committing spiritual suicide (Luke 12:10).

When we do not have the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth–operating in us, it becomes virtually impossible at times to understand the things of YHVH and of the Faith. The things of YHVH are beyond the carnal man’s ability to properly process and appreciate. The things of YHVH and of our Faith are Spirit-driven (John 4:23, 24).

Father revealed of Himself through the Prophet Isaiah:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares YHVH. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8,9; NASB).

The things of YHVH are foreign to our carnal sensibilities. Therefore, it only stands to reason that we must figure out the means by which to make sense of the things of YHVH and of the Faith.

Solutions to not Having the Holy Spirit Operating in our Lives

It goes without saying that each of us must seek the infilling and revelatory power of the Holy Spirit so that we may understand the things of YHVH and of our Faith. Otherwise, we will continue to struggle in our understanding of a great many things of the Faith.

We must get on our knees and seek the infilling of the Ruach HaKodesh. We must also resolve to walk in the power and might of the Holy Spirit. Somehow we must get over the lie that the things of the Spirit are not for Messianics/Hebrew Rooters. It’s simply not true. If our Master operated exclusively in the Spirit, and His hand-picked disciples turned apostles operated in the Spirit; and we’re told to imitate Messiah, it then becomes a “no-brainer” that we have to somehow get the Holy Spirit working full-force and perpetually in our lives. Yeah, we are going to have to, once again, die to ourselves in order to make that happen I’m afraid.

If we have not already done so, we need to be baptized and receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit sooner than later. If this has not been done or if we have no idea how we would be baptized (e.g., logistically or circumstantially) and receive the Holy Spirit, even with the laying on of hands by true disciples of Yeshua Messiah, we simply must ask and trust YHVH to make provisions for that to happen. It may not happen in our time, but it will happen, if we trust and are obedient to Him. Let us allow Father to guide us where He would have us go or to whom He would have us contact, so that we may receive the Holy Spirit. Then let us walk and operate in the power and authority of Father’s precious Holy Spirit, His Ruach HaKodesh, at all times and not grieve the workings thereof in our lives (Ephesians 4:30).

Faithfully submitted,

Rod Thomas

Yeshua Messiah (aka Jesus Christ) as our Apostle and High Priest

by | Jun 5, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Yeshua Messiah (aka Jesus Christ) as our Apostle and High Priest

Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ)--Apostle and High Priest

by Rod Thomas--The Messianic Torah Observer | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflection Minute

During my morning studies today I was led to pick up where I left off from this past Sabbath’s Brit HaDashah reading that is found in Hebrews 3:1-6. Interestingly enough, roughly 1-1/2 to 2 hours after beginning the study, I had not progressed beyond verse one. For me, this single verse took me on an exploratory journey (which I had to ultimately bring to a prematurely abrupt ending) into the Person of our Master Yahoshua Messiah (known of course to most of the world as Jesus Christ). The author In this particular passage of the Holy Writ, which many scholars have attributed to Paul, mentions two vocational attributes of our Master’s that deserves our attention: His Apostleship and His High Priestly assignment. These two vocational attributes go a long way towards defining for us, in part I will concede, just who this man of sorrows and grief (Isaiah 53:3), presently exalted above all creation, really is.

The Writer Writes

The writer writes:

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus (i.e., Yahoshua), the Apostle (Gr. apostolos; an emissary; messenger; one who is sent forth) and High Priest (Hb. Cohen Gadol) of our confession (or profession); He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house (Hebrews 3:1,2; NASB).

Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiah) the Apostle

I would dare say that most Netzarim have never given any thought to the apostolic aspect of Yahoshua’s life and ministry here on earth, much less someone actually conferring upon Him a title of Apostle. And I would venture to suggest the reason many of us have failed to identify Yahoshua as an apostle is because we have been conditioned by churchianity to only identify Yeshua with His death, burial and resurrection. Truth be told, however, Yahoshua’s atoning sacrifice was only one aspect of His ministry. Master’s greater role, or ministry if you will, is His bringing the Gospel of the Kingdom to this corrupt and dying world. Contained in this greater role of bringing the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world where we find His apostleship.

Too Much Emphasis Placed on Another Gospel

Indeed, churchianity emphasizes a Gospel (i.e., good news) about Jesus Christ. However, the Body is obliged to emphasize the message brought to us by God’s (i.e., YHVH’s) Emissary and Messenger. It is then essential that we consider the fullness of that apostleship role that Master perfectly fulfilled. The delivery of the message did not stop with the death, burial and resurrection of Messiah. Indeed, it was passed along to those who would be Yahoshua’s disciples. For it was at the time that Master appeared to His select disciples after His Passion that He succinctly put forth the fullness of His greater calling. To His disciples Yeshua said:

Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you (John 20:21; NASB).

This is the crux of the Apostle’s purpose and mission in life: to go forth and deliver the Gospel of the Kingdom to the nation peoples of this dying world of ours (Matthew 28:19). Paul (i.e., Shaul) goes on to describe Master’s apostleship as a ministry with wide-sweeping implications, giving us an even closer look at the Person of Yahoshua:

Jesus Christ (i.e., Yeshua Messiah) was a minister of the circumcision (i.e., the Jewish people) for the truth of God to confirm the promises made unto the fathers… (Romans 15:8; KJV).

Shaul here describes Master as a Jewish minister delivering the “Truth of YHVH” to the Jewish nation. The Truth of YHVH is none other than Father’s Word: His Torah. Sadly, however, the Jewish nation rejected the Truth of YHVH that Master was sent to deliver to them as confirmed by the Apostle John who wrote:

He came unto His own and His own received Him not (John 1:11; KJV).

Furthermore the promises made to the fathers were contained in the Word of YHVH. These promises are embodied in the covenant that Father made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and to the children of Israel. The promises included making Israel a royal nation of priests; a special (i.e., a peculiar) and holy people unto the Creator of the Universe, above all the nations that are upon the earth (Deuteronomy 14:2; cf. Deuteronomy 26:18; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9).

Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiah) the High Priest

Yeshua Uniquely Qualified to be High Priest

Master Yeshua was uniquely qualified to be our High Priest, today operating in the Temple in Heaven.

The other aspect of the Person of Yahoshua that the writer of the Hebrew passage draws our attention to is the High Priest ministry He fulfills even today. If we follow the line of reasoning set forth in the first-verse of Hebrews chapter 3, we are led to the next chapter where we find an overview of the Person of Yahoshua from the standpoint of His High Priest function.

Master’s Unique Qualifications to be High Priest

The writer describes Yeshua as being a flesh and blood human being during His earthly ministry. Although the most unique human being ever to walk this planet, Yahoshua from the standpoint of creation was just like us: flesh and blood. He faced and dealt with every human emotion and physical challenge. And being a flesh and blood human being, Yeshua was subject to death and He possessed the free will that would afford Him the opportunity to sin if He so chose. Those who would say that Yeshua was the God of the Old Testament, the maker and supreme rule of heaven and earth, would be hard-pressed to defend their position against these crucial proofs to Master’s complete and full humanity. But then, this is not a discussion on the original divinity of Yeshua Messiah. (See my posts entitled, “Will the True God of the Old Testament Please Stand Up” and “Are the Father and the Son the Same Person?“)

The one aspect of Yeshua’s Person that separated Him from every other human being ever to live is that He was sinless: He lived a perfect life. This critical aspect of the Master’s life, coupled with His humanity, made Him uniquely qualified to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. Man gave over the title-deed of this world and of his life to the enemy, hasatan, when He disobeyed YHVH in the Garden. That single act of disobedience resulted in the enemy being handed over ownership of the entire world and this represents total and complete power over all creation.

Given His perfect, sinless life, and being a flesh and blood, human being, Yahoshua became the perfect sacrifice that would destroy the power the enemy (i.e., hasatan) holds over us, particularly those of us who are of Abraham’s seed. And being the perfect sacrifice that destroys hasatan’s power over us, Yeshua is also the perfect High Priest unto YHVH. He is merciful and faithful and stands before Father, interceding on our behalf in opposition to Lucifer’s constant accusations against us. Because He went through the human experience, Master can genuinely sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14, 15). Indeed, He was tempted in every way as we are. Yet He sinned not. Indeed, Yeshua knows all about us.

The Heavenly Versus Earthly High Priesthood

When we compare and contrast the Levitical High Priests (i.e., the earthly High Priests) with that of Yeshua’s High Priesthood (our heavenly High Priest), we find that the earthly high priests were men, like Yeshua, who could identify with the weaknesses of the people (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:1, 2). However, the earthly, Levitical High Priests before they could offer the atoning sacrifices on behalf the people, they were required first to seek atonement for themselves (Hebrews 5:3). Qualification-wise, the Levitical High Priests had to be of Aaron’s direct line and then be called or selected by YHVH to serve in that office (Hebrews 5:4). Yeshua, in like manner, was appointed High Priest by YHVH, who, as an aside, also adopted Him as His Son (Hebrews 5:5, 6). Even though Yahoshua was Yah’s favored Son, Yeshua still had to perform and do that which Father required of Him to do. Despite the brutal and arduous nature of the assignment given to Him by His Father which no doubt broke the Father’s heart from time to time, YHVH knew that Yeshua’s obedience would result in the Master’s perfection and ultimately salvation for all who would obey Him (Hebrews 5:7-9). Thus, Abba declared Yahoshua High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, which is an eternal, perfected High Priesthood that transcends the earthly, Levitical High Priesthood (Hebrews 5:10).

Before the foundations of the earth were laid, Father had this thing all figured out. Father knew the type of High Priest that would be required to win back from hasatan the title deed of creation. Such a High Priest would need to be holy; innocent; undefiled; sanctified and favored; and exalted. Indeed, we find this perfectly typified in the Person of our Master and Savior, Yahoshua Messiah.

Let us be blessed in the knowledge and affirmation that we have a High Priest operating in the Heavenly Temple even today, who is interceding on our behalf before Father and whose atoning sacrifice has forever bridged the chasm that once existed between us and our Creator.

Have a blessed day in Yeshua Messiah. Walk in the power and might of His Ruach HaKodesh. Shalom.

Faithfully Submitted,

Rod

Messianics Dedicated to Service

by | Jun 2, 2018 | Blog

This Week’s Torah Portion-Beha’Alotekha-The Menorah

On this Shabbat, I was blessed to read and reflect upon this week’s beautiful Torah Portion entitled Beha’Alotekha-The Menorah. The portion was contained in Numbers, chapters 8 through 12, And I don’t know if it’s me or simply the times in which we’re living today, on one hand I could not help but be inspired and refocused in my Faith and in my desire to serve YHVH, our Elohim. Yet on the other hand I see our Faith entering a period of time where there is little to no truth dedication to and zeal for the things of YHVH. There appears to be this sense of laziness and lack of dedication to serving the Kingdom as we’ve been directed to do by our Master. A cloud of uncertainty and coldness has seemingly gripped our community and members of our Faith are circling their individual spiritual wagons and stealing away behind the closed doors and enclosed walls of their homes. The Spirit of YHVH is becoming a rare commodity in the community of True Believers today. There is little thirst for righteousness and Truth.

A Sobering Email Received

I received an email this week from the company/organization that developed and distributed the Bible software that I’ve been using (virtually on a daily basis) now for some, going on, 4-years. That email announced that the company was closing its doors on 6-15-2108. And the reason that the writer gave for the closing down of the company had nothing to do with finances or loss of interest on the parts of the software developers and company owners. The reason given had nothing to do with scandal in the company or their product’s usefulness in the market being eclipsed and overtaken by a similar but superior product. No. The reason given was that “the need for their services had diminished to the point where they believed the Lord would have them use their gifts in other ways.”

How terribly sad and tragic. When one thinks how precious the Word of Yah is to the would be Torah Observant Believer, and should be for the average Christian, words cannot describe the ominous warning that this situation portends. This is not to tout the awesome value that this software system brings to those who would be serious students of the Bible, although I thoroughly believe it to be the absolute best Bible-based resource available to believers today. This is to speak to the apparent–the obvious lack of interest in Truth and the Word of YHVH that seems to be plaguing the world at large these days.

A Lack of Dedication to Bible Reading and Study

In a study conducted by LifeWay Research in 2017: although most Americans are fond of the Bible, over half the Christians (~53% to be exact)  sampled have actually read the Scriptures to any appreciable degree. In fact, the article goes on to show a very telling pie chart that reveals only 15% of those sampled have actually read 1/2 the Bible, while only 30% have read just several passages and or stories. It goes without saying that the remaining 55% have not even bothered to read their bibles. (There is indeed an epidemic of biblical illiteracy plaguing both the Hebrew Roots and Christian Faiths these days. See my post on Biblical Illiteracy for more commentary on the subject.)

The Purification and Dedication of the Levite

Levite Dedication

The Purification and Dedication of the Levite for service foreshadows the Messianic’s Service as Disciples of Yahoshua.

So what does this email from my bible-software provider and the study conducted by LifeWay Research have to do  with this week’s Torah Portion you may ask. Well, a lot, conceptually and spiritually speaking that is. The section of this week’s portion that captured my heart and spirit is contained in Numbers 8:5-26. In this section, the Moshe (i.e., Moses) describes the process by which the Levites would be purified and dedicated to the service of YHVH and His sanctuary. The purification and dedication process was quite notable. It required:

  • Each Levite to be sprinkled with purification water. Paul wrote that the Body was cleansed and sanctified by the washing of water with the word (Ephesians 5:26; cf. John 15:3-Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you; John 17:17-Sanctify them through they truth: thy word is truth). Thus, we see, in a sense, in this ritual a shadow picture of the Word purifying us and dedicating us for YHVH’s service.
  • Each Levite was instructed to shave their bodies, wash their clothes and bathe themselves. Process could be reminiscent of the process by which, when we come to Faith, we become born again (cf. John 3:3-7; cf. 1 Peter 1:23). Master told Nicodemus that unless His disciples of born of water and of the Spirit, he/she cannot enter into the kingdom of Yah (John 3:5). This re-birthing results in the introduction of a new creature. Essentially, the newly dedicated Levite was being born into the service of the sanctuary and of YHVH, assisting the Levitical Priests execute their day-to-day duties in the sanctuary.
  • A “Burnt” and “Sin” offering (consisting of 2-bulls) were offered to make atonement for the newly inducted Levite. Clearly, the shadow picture being presented to us is the redemptive and atoning sacrifice of Yahoshua our Messiah. His sacrifice not only made atonement for our sins, but established our role in the service of the Kingdom of YHVH.
  • Their service would begin at age 25 and end at age 50. They did not perform the actual sanctuary worship rites, they served the crucial role of assisting the priest in their conducting of the worship services.

The section went on to explain that this solemn dedication rite served to separate the Levite from the rest of the congregation of Israel. Most importantly, this rite certified that the Levite belonged exclusively to YHVH. The Levite was to have no property and no function in the nation (i.e., the Body) other than to serve YHVH.

Messianics Purified and Dedicated to Service Similar to the Levites

This amazing shadow picture, for me, puts our walk into the grandest perspective. We have been selected to serve YHVH as disciples of Yahoshua. We have no other true purpose when we actually look at this thing contextually. Master spelled this all out to us when He declared that we were to deny ourselves and take up our stakes each day and follow Him (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; 10:21; Luke 14:27). It comes down to even placing every aspect of our lives into secondary and even tertiary levels of importance when it comes down to our service to YHVH and Yahoshua. Master described it in no lesser harsh terms than:

“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 (Luke 14:26; KJV)…He that loveth father or mother more than me is NOT worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

It’s about perspective. It’s all about having an understanding that our God-given role requires that we give everything to His service. It comes down to our dedicating ourselves to His service and devoting ourselves to daily Bible study and reading; spirit-filled, fervent prayer and fasting; dying to self and following the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit; living sinless lives; serving the will of our Heavenly Father. (See our post “Living a Life Beyond the Norm–Lessons Learned from the Levitical Priesthood.”)

It is Possible with YHVH

I know, easier said than done, right? Well, Master’s handpicked disciples initially felt the same way. But Master corrected their pessimism by asserting that “with men it is indeed impossible, but not with Yah: for with Yah all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). In other words, all that seems to be required of us to truly make it into the Kingdom and to effectively serve YHVH is impossible indeed. That’s why Father provided us His Holy Spirit to help us achieve this thing and achieve it in the finest fashion.

Let us glean from this Torah Portion this week the importance of dedication and purification (i.e., always being in a state of purity and ready to serve) to our walk with Master. It’s not just the vertical attention that many of us place in our walking out this Faith. It is about service and doing the will of the Almighty as He directs because we have been set apart to serve Him as a royal nation of priests unto YHVH (Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).

Come even now Yahoshua (Marana ta!) (1 Corinthians 16:22).

Shabbat Shalom Dear Saint and Friend,

Faithfully submitted,

Rod Thomas