Biblical Illiteracy Behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda

by | May 2, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Biblical Illiteracy Behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda

Is Biblical Illiteracy Behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda?

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

Is Biblical Illiteracy behind the Anti-Hebrew Roots Agenda these days. In this post I reflect upon a recent experience I had on Facebook that suggested to me that Biblical Illiteracy may, in part, be behind the animus Christians have towards our Hebrew Roots/Messianic Community.

I happened upon a Facebook page today, the sole purpose of which, was to demonstrate via the Holy Scriptures, just how dangerous Hebrew Roots is to the world.

Aside from the dozens of other religions and movements (both religious and secular) in existence throughout the world today that one would naturally reason are of an existential threat to mainstream Christianity, I found it quite unnerving that the Facebook page owner would focus his ire upon our small, but harmless community. I mean, it’s one thing to post an article or two about one or more things germane to Hebrew Roots that you take exception to, but it’s an entirely different level of disdain one would have towards Hebrew Roots in order for them to dedicate an entire Facebook page badmouthing our Community. The sad part to this is that the page’s owner did not provide his readers with any content that would help them live the life abundant. The only thing the page owner provided was a warning–over and over and throughout the whole of his very robust page–of how heretical our Faith Community is to the world.

Biblical Illiteracy

Biblical Illiteracy may behind the animus Christians have towards Hebrew Roots Community.

Look, I get it: there are always going to be haters of the True Faith once delivered out there. Clearly, it would have been so much easier for me to ignore such content.

The problem I saw with this page, however, is not an innocuous one if you ask me. The problem is actually bigger problem than we might think it to be. The owner of the “hate on Hebrew Rooters” page went to great lengths to look up and use bible passages to spew his disdain towards our community; our lifestyle; and our beliefs. And after reading a handful of postings on his page, I could clearly see how millions of potential Christian readers would be misled and manipulated and be denied the Truth as a result of their own Biblical illiteracy.

As I’ve mentioned and written about quite extensively over the course of the last several years we’ve ministered to the Body of Messiah via this website, Biblical illiteracy is an epidemic in Christianity. People, such as the owner of this anti-Hebrew Roots Facebook page, are either wittingly or unwittingly leveraging the blight of Biblical illiteracy to their advantage. These individuals are counting on their readers to not have the wherewithal to conduct serious, Spirit-led and administered, in-depth study of the Holy Bible in order to make up their own minds as to what is Truth and what is not. Such individuals are, essentially, practicing witchcraft. Whenever you take something of value to individuals and manipulate it such that it has an effect that will get those individuals to do what you want to them to do, you are practicing witchcraft in my book.

The chasm that exists between our community and our cousins in Christianity is based in great part on Biblical illiteracy.

Case in point: the page owner’s most recent posting targeted our beliefs in the efficacy of the Torah-based food instructions (i.e., Laws). The writer used the passage in Mark 7 where it is recorded that Master defended Him and His disciples’ practices of not following the Rabbinic-based tradition of ceremonially washing one’s hands before they eat. In this particular incident, Master was going up against a handful of Rabbinic Jewish leaders. Master railed against the Rabbinic Jewish leaders in their adherence to Talmudic practices that they themselves help elevated to the level–even surpassing in many respects–Torah. Master summarized His position on such man-made traditions that carried the authority of Torah with them, by saying to the group that, washing one’s hands in accordance to any man-made manner as a requirement of the overall set of God-given instructions, does not in any way eliminate one from being inwardly defiled and unclean. Master went on to say that that which comes out of, or from within an individual is the very thing that actually defiles that individual–such as hatred, envy, strife, covetousness, anger, etc. Failure to ceremonially wash one’s hands as stipulated by the Rabbis of old would not in any regard cause one to be defiled. That defilement would come about only in the eyes of the Rabbinic traditionalists; certainly not in the eyes of YHVH.

Now, this passage, in effect, had nothing whatsoever to do with the consumption of food–be it YHVH sanctioned or non-sanctioned foods. It was all about traditions trumping the rule of Torah. The writer of the post using this passage of Mark, however, failed entirely to discuss and use this passage via its truest context. Instead, the writer misinterpreted the passage–either intentionally or unintentionally–I’d probably think it was unintentionally; the writer being another likely victim of Biblical illiteracy himself. Regardless, what the writer has done through his ignorance is mislead and manipulate individuals into hating on Hebrew Rooters. I would go even further and submit that this writer may have succeeded in creating a stumbling block for countless Truth-seekers in finally finding the True Faith once delivered to the first centuries saints.

I thought initially to just move on and not pay the page any mind. (Oh, by the way, the Facebook page is entitled Hebrew Roots Heresy. I don’t necessarily recommend you check it out for yourself. I only wish to put this point that I am about to make into its proper context by referencing the actual page, if you will.) But I felt led to respectfully and lovingly correct the false writings of the page’s owner. In so doing and upon reflection, as bought and paid-for Torah Observant Believers in Yahsohua Messiah, it falls to each of us to in some way correct the scourge of Biblical illiteracy in the world. We have been called to make disciples for Master Yeshua of the nation peoples of this world. In order to do that, we must work to end Biblical illiteracy. Failure to do so will result in a failure to complete our mandated roles in the Great Commission.

But first,. we must eliminate Biblical illiteracy in our own Community, which seems to be a bigger problem than one might ever concede. The reason we have so much variation in our Faith Community today is because so many of our members refuse to read their Bibles. Many members elect to glob on to so-called Hebrew Roots teachers who feed them “processed content” that these bad teachers have taken and manipulated for their own purposes in many cases. If the the True Body of Messiah is well versed in their Bibles and are in alignment with the Holy Spirit that is operating within them, they will not fall victim to the inaccurate and false teachings that are unfortunately circulating throughout our Faith Community.

I have a love and passion for the lost and truth seekers of this world. In general, these are the individuals that we have been called to serve. Thus, I pledge to take on this mantle and work towards reducing the scourge of Biblical illiteracy in this world. The first place to start, of course, is to accurately put out through this blog and podcast program, that which Master Yahoshua taught and modeled for us. To that end, we can then begin to move forward to helping remove the blinders that the enemy has placed over the eyes and minds of the peoples of this world to the True Gospel Message and the benefits of an abundant life of Torah Living. It’s going to take fervent prayer, fasting and a major move of the Holy Spirit to effectively tackle this beast.

I invite you to join with me in this effort by seeking Father’s will for your life in this endeavor. Thus, I encourage you to seek of Father how you will serve His kingdom and fulfill your role in Master’s Great Commission.

Let us with great zeal and leading of the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Ruach haKodesh) go forth and do that which Father has given us to do.

Faithfully Submitted,

Shalom

Torah Living–Numbers 11: 4–Hangers On Part 1

by | Feb 26, 2014 |

Numbers 11: 4 reads: CJB  Numbers 11:4 Next, the mixed crowd that was with them grew greedy for an easier life; while the people of Isra'el, for their part, also renewed their weeping and said, "If only we had meat to eat! (Num 11:4 CJB) This rich verse of Torah...

The Gospel Your Pastor Never Taught You, Part 5

by | Feb 24, 2014 |

The Gospel Your Pastor Never Taught You Part 5 Concluding the Parables of Matthew 13: In Matthew 13, Yahoshua gave the people eight parables about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Each parable contained its own message. After Yahoshua gave the last parable, He was...

When Tradition Eclipses Torah

When Tradition Eclipses Torah

by | Apr 14, 2018 | Blog

When Tradition Eclipses Torah

My Torah Portion Observation of the Week

I was profoundly moved by the section of this week’s Torah portion that recorded what on the surface seemed the very harsh and violent encounter we had with YHVH. It was Parashah 26: Sh’mini, Eight and I wish to briefly reflect upon Leviticus 9:22-10:11. In this story we can see how the introduction of traditions and practices not sanctioned by the Almighty can eclipse and ultimately nullify Torah as taught to us by Master Yahoshua.

Aharon and Sons Trained in Proper Worship

Aharon and his sons (the select priests of Yah) were in the process of being trained in the ways of Yah as it related to conducting acceptable sin and burnt offerings to our Elohim (Lev. 9:6-21). Initially, it appeared as though the training went quite well as the presence of YHVH appeared to us all (Lev. 9:22, 23).

“Fire came forth from the presence of YHVH, consuming the burnt offering and the fat on the altar” (Lev. 9:24).

This demonstration of acceptance on the part of Yah resulted in our crying out in one loud voice and falling to the ground on our faces. Can you imagine some 1.5-million of us shouting aloud (whether in stark fear or in fearful adoration) before Yah in the Sinai desert as we witnessed this awesome event? The sight of the Father consuming our sacrifice coupled with our response to this must have been an indescribable sight indeed.

The Tragedy of Nadav and Avihu’s Unauthorized Form of Worship

However, the brilliance of this event was eclipsed by the foolishness of a couple of Aharon’s sons, Nadav and Avihu. Nadav and Avihu, for whatever reason, took it upon themselves to create their own method of YHVH worship by, what Torah describes as,

“…offering strange or unauthorized fire before YHVH, which Father had not instructed” (Lev. 10:1).

This seemingly innocent and innocuous stunt on the part of Nadav and Avihu cost them their lives. The same fire that consumed our sacrifice consumed them, resulting in their summary execution, right before our very eyes (Lev. 10:2).

Consequently, Moshe instructed Aharon and his two remaining sons to not display any semblance of mourning, but to remain at their post at the Tent of Meeting. We as a nation, however, were permitted to mourn their deaths, but Aharon would have to remain resolute in his purpose and position as Yah’s Cohen Gadol as he was not permitted to mourn or react to his sons’ sudden and violent deaths.

Looking at this Tragedy Through Our Western Sensibilities

To our western sensibilities, this historical story on the surface may appear terrible and completely senseless, especially on the part of YHVH. Certainly this story and others like it have been the alleged reason for many in our modern, so-called enlightened, western society, to reject YHVH. I recall hearing about and reading stories of individuals who categorically reject the so-called “God of the Old Testament” because He appeared to them to be this cold, callous and violent God. To these: how could anyone in their right mind choose to worship such an entity?

Enter Humanism to Explain this Senseless Execution

The sudden and violent deaths of Nadav and Avihu are indeed senseless, but senseless from what perspective? Our so-called civilized, western-moral values were shaped over the centuries by men who took the teachings of Yeshua and blindly fashioned them into the fundamental and foundational supports for modern humanism.

Google dictionary defines humanism as:

“An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.”

Notice the first sentence of this definition: attaching prime importance to human rather than divine matters.

Notice that God is nowhere to be found in this concept.

The Danger of Dismissing Father’s Perspective in our Worldview

When we take Father’s perspective and sensibilities out of our “worldview” equation (if you will), we end up with a rather irrelevant worldview. Father’s worldview is the only thing that matters and the only thing that must matter if we are intent upon having any substantive relationship with the Most High. This is why denominationalism has fallen short in its purpose of being the True Faith once delivered. Denominationalism has taken select love-based teachings of Jesus Christ and made it the foundation upon which sola gratia was established. This sola gratia and “all you need is love” set of doctrines has gone a long way towards misrepresenting the True Person of YHVH and the true purpose and intent of Torah. Furthermore, this marginalizing, or better, demonizing of YHVH and His Torah, has resulted in the introduction of Humanism into the True Faith once delivered (Jude 4). Essentially, humanism has replaced the True Faith once delivered.

True Grace Seen in the Nadav and Avihu Tragedy

As strange and ridiculous as this may sound, the deaths of Nadav and Avihu were in a sense Abba’s grace being shed upon us and the future of the Body of Messiah. Essentially, if Abba were to have allowed the introduction of unauthorized worship practices into the ritual that He established through Moses’ instructions, over time, those unauthorized worship practices would lead to even more and worsening practices that would ultimately nullify Father’s overall instructions.

Blocking the Traditions of Men

By Father taking swift and decisive actions to nip in the bud the introduction of unauthorized teachings, practices and traditions into His Torah, we have available to us today the best representation possible, in His inspired Word—the Bible, what He expects of us as His chosen ones. That is, if we choose to consider the unadulterated Word and instruction of Torah as our instruction. Otherwise, we are prone to turn to the teachings, doctrines and traditions of men, the primary example seen during the ministry of our Master being Rabbinic Judaism. We see very clearly in Rabbinic Judaism that man made traditions, doctrines and teachings serve only to nullify the instructions of our Creator. Master highlighted this crucial truth when He was confronted by the religious leaders over His disciples not following the ceremonial traditions and instructions of the so-called sages:

“Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of YHVH, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of YHVH, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:5; KJV).

What Avihu and Nadav were attempting to do in a great sense was a foreshadow or precursor of what ultimately Yeshua had to deal with during the time of His earthly ministry. And to a great extent, this is what we are having to navigate through ourselves as we attempt to walk out this Faith of ours in the midst of so many teachings, doctrines and traditions that serve only to nullify the Torah of YHVH.

Whenever we come upon doctrines, traditions and teachings that urge us to go beyond what Father instructed us to do in His Torah, we really need to weigh and closely examine those things through the lens and weight of His eternal Word. If those doctrines, teachings and traditions are perhaps of pagan origin, then we need to run away from those types of worship and practices. I truly believe that what Nadav and Avihu were attempting to do was to introduce pagan rituals and practices into Father’s explicit worship rites. This could be why Abba responded to their offering so swiftly and violently.

Our Ways Not His Ways

Indeed, many in our 21st century western society see this incident as senseless and unwarranted on the part of Father, and thus, this plays into their rejection of Him and His Torah. Many contend that Father is a violent and war-mongering God who seeks nothing but to kill and destroy. (Interestingly, aren’t these the same descriptors we use to describe hasatan?)

Whereas there was a time when western cultures accepted the whole of the Bible as containing the Words of God, in recent decades, our so-called enlightened modern society has rejected the Person whom they identify as the God of the Old Testament for these stated reasons.

Well, if we view Father through the lenses of our corrupt nature, as strange as this may sound, yes, one would certainly see YHVH as a heartless, murderous and callous tyrant.

Interestingly, when we consider our Master’s (the Person who many refer to as the God of the New Testament who replaces the God of the Old Testament) perception of His Father and our Creator, He seems to not possess the same understanding of Him as most secular society does.

Of His Father, Master stated:

“…I am going away so that the world may know that I love the Father. Just as the Father commanded Me, so I do” (John 14:31; Holman CSB).

Now for someone who preached and spoke so much about love—love of Yah and for one’s fellow man—it doesn’t make sense that He would actually love the same Person who so many see as monstrous. Something just doesn’t jive here.

I submit that the Master’s love of Father was of such an indescribable degree was because Master sees and knows His Father for what He truly is. Master sees Father as the Holy Sovereign of heaven and earth:

“…if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for ALL THE EARTH IS MINE” (Exodus 19:5; ESV).

“For the earth is YHVH’s and the fullness thereof” (I Corinthians 10:26; KJV)

So the truth of the matter is that Father has full authority to do whatever He chooses to do in heaven and on the earth because ALL THE EARTH BELONGS TO HIM as well as all that is contained within both those realms.

Father’s Thoughts and Ways Are Above Ours

But still some will contend that what Father did here in this passage was senseless and cruel and that certainly, Father could have found another way. Well, we must also understand this one crucial thing about Father before we start imposing our sense of morality (our Humanism) upon Him. Of Himself, Father revealed:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways (i.e., my “derek” or manner) my ways, saith YHVH. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways (i.e., my manners) higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9, 10; KJV).

Therefore, no matter high and mighty we may see ourselves; no matter how far we believe we’ve arrived; we can never measure up to Father’s level of thinking nor match His ways of doing things.

The Mind of Christ

Unless…we adopt and possess the Mind of Christ (i.e., the Mind of Messiah) (I Corinthians 2:16). If we get to that place in our lives where we possess and exercise the Mind of Messiah, then we will begin to understand more and more of why Father does what He does. When we start possessing the Mind of Messiah, then we begin to think more along the same lines as our Heavenly Father does.

Well, you may question: how does having the mind of Messiah (i.e., Christ) cause us to understand why Father does the things He does or think along the same lines that He thinks? It’s simple. Master stated the reason:

“I and my Father are one” (John 10:30; KJV).

We must understand that although Yeshua and Father are two distinct Beings that reside in the throne room of heaven, they are one; that is, they are “eis,” that is united closely in will and in spirit and purpose (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

May we grow in our Faith and love of Father and His Son such that we become one with them. In so doing, we will begin to understand the ways of our Heavenly Father and appreciate all that He has, does and will do for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torah Living–Numbers 11: 4–Hangers On Part 1

by | Feb 26, 2014 |

Numbers 11: 4 reads: CJB  Numbers 11:4 Next, the mixed crowd that was with them grew greedy for an easier life; while the people of Isra'el, for their part, also renewed their weeping and said, "If only we had meat to eat! (Num 11:4 CJB) This rich verse of Torah...

The Gospel Your Pastor Never Taught You, Part 5

by | Feb 24, 2014 |

The Gospel Your Pastor Never Taught You Part 5 Concluding the Parables of Matthew 13: In Matthew 13, Yahoshua gave the people eight parables about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Each parable contained its own message. After Yahoshua gave the last parable, He was...

Our First Passover–A Survey of Exodus 12 and 13 and How it Applies to Us Today

by | Mar 31, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Our First Passover–A Survey of Exodus 12 and 13 and How it Applies to Us Today

Our First Passover--A Survey of Exodus 12 and 13 and How it Applies to Us Today

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

Passover Like All Feasts are Shadows of “Good Things to Come”

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, embodied and explained to us in Father’s Torah, was aptly described by the writer of the Book of Hebrews as “Shadows of Good Things to Come:”

Hebrews 10:1—Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the actual form of those realities, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year (CSB).

 

Colossians 2:16—Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of what was to come, the substance is the Messiah (CSB).

 

When is Passover to Take Place?

 

Passover occurs only during the Month (Hebrew=Chodesh=New Moon) of the Aviv. Aviv is to be the beginning/head (Hebrew) of Months (Chodesh) for us. It is to be the first (Hebrew=Rishon) month of the year.

 

Rabbinic Judaism is at Odds with this Instruction

 

It should be noted that the Rabbis (e.g., B. Jacob) contend that the intent of this passage was not to make the Month of the Aviv in the spring the New Year. Instead, it was to be the autumn. To Judaism, the Month of the Aviv was to serve only as a memorial to “Jewish Freedom” from Egypt.

 

But not all Rabbis saw this as B. Jacob saw it. In the Babylonian Talmud, Vol. 2—Eruvin, Sheqalim, Roshashanah—supports Aviv as the head of the year.

 

Selecting a Proper Lamb

 

We were instructed to select a lamb (Hebrew=she) of the flock (could be goat or sheep) per household/family (Hebrew=Mishpachah). The lamb was to fit the size of family that could consume it within one night. Thus, a small family would partner with another family and share the lamb.

 

Selecting an acceptable lamb was the focal point of Pesach (Passover). There were two requirements in the selection process:

 

  • Unblemished (Hebrew=tamim=complete; sound).
  • Tamim is only applied to the state of sacrificial animals
  • Faultless; without defect (Leviticus 22:18-21)
  • Defected animals will not be acceptable
  • Of the first year—within the first-year of the animal’s birth.

Some believe that this age marked a level of innocence that made it ideal for sacrifice. (But there is prophetic meaning.)

 

What Were We to Do with the Select Lamb?

Passover Lamb

Which Lamb will you select today for your Paschal Lamb? This is key to a successful keeping of Passover.

We were to keep the Lamb till the 14th day of the Month of the Aviv. The entire congregation were to kill their select animals at dusk; twilight.

 

When is dusk or twilight? According to Talmud (Jewish Oral Tradition), it was between when the heat of the sun begins to decrease (~3 P.M.) and sunset.

 

From a historic perspective, Josephus wrote in his Wars 6.9.3:

 

In the time of Cestius, the sacrifices were made from the 9th to the 11th hour (i.e., 3 P.M. to 5 P.M.). Some 256,500 lambs were sacrificed for 2,700,200 persons.

 

We were instructed to apply the blood of our sacrifice to the doorposts and lintels of our homes and roast the lamb with fire (out of haste) that night. We were to eat the flesh—the paschal lamb–with unleavened bread (Hebrew=matzoth which is the plural of Matzah—also called the bread of affliction—Deut. 16:3) and bitter herbs (Hebrew=merorim which is plural of maror) to symbolize the bitterness of our Egyptian bondage.

 

We were not to eat the lamb raw. Pagan nations would eat their sacrifices raw, contrary to that which we were instructed here. Our lamb was to remain whole during the roasting process. Nothing of our lamb was to remain till morning. We were to burn any residue not consumed by morning. Why? Because this was to be NO ordinary meal to be consumed leisurely and then discarded disrespectfully.

 

Passover is a Shadow of our Redemption—Good Things to Come

 

Our unblemished lamb is none other than Yeshua HaMaschiyach.

 

John 1:29—Yochanan Ben Zechariah remarked of Yeshua: Behold the Lamb of Yah that takes away the sin of the world…

 

I Cor. 5:7—Get rid of the old hametz so that you can be a new batch of dough, because in reality you are unleavened. For our Pesach lamb, the Messiah, has been sacrificed.

 

What Qualified Yeshua to be Our Paschal Lamb—Our Passover?

 

He was unblemished—Yah only accepts the very best. Unblemished is being without sin—perfect in all His ways.

 

Heb. 9:28—So also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to deliver those who are eagerly waiting for Him (CJB).

 

Sin Is a really big deal to Father and He requires holiness and perfection in order to have a viable relationship with Him. Messiah Yeshua fit that bill perfectly and paid the price for our sin. Thus we have the opportunity to escape eternal death.

 

2 Cor. 5:21—For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew NO sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Yah in Him (KJV).

 

Heb. 7:26—For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens (KJV)

 

I Pet. 2:22—Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth (KJV) cf. Isa. 53:7

 

Heb. 4:15—For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin (CSB).

 

Our Master was of the first year.

 

Luke 3:23—Yeshua was about 30-years old when He began His public ministry…(CJB)

 

We find spiritual and prophetic parallels regarding the first-year aspect of qualifying to be the Passover Lamb in Num. 4:1-3, 21-23, 29-30. Age 30 was when Levitical Priests began serving in the Temple.

 

Those who are obedient and properly apply the blood of Messiah to their lives escape eternal death. Yeshua knocks on the door of each man’s heart.

 

Consider Rev. 3:14-22 where we find that Laodicea’s wealth made her lax and she lost her commitment and zeal for Messiah. Messiah wants to be a the sole focus of our entire life. Thus, the very lamb that takes away the sins of the world stands just outside the doors of our lives and asks to come in and sup with us (verse 20).

 

How Were We to Carry Out Passover

 

We were to consume the paschal lamb in haste and in a watchful manner. We were to have our loins girded. (I believe this would apply only to this first passover in Egypt.) Furthermore we were to be ready at a moment’s notice to hit the road as our salvation drew nigh!

 

The focus for this and succeeding Pesachs/Passovers would be:

 

  • The lamb
  • The blood
  • The unleavened bread

 

We were reminded that Pesach was Father’s Passover: thus a Passover unto YHVH. The Paschal sacrifice is to honor YHVH.

 

Passover is derived from the verb “Pasach” which means to: passover; protect; deliver.

 

Reminders and Applications

 

We were reminded that Abba’s plague(s) against the Egyptians was “against all the gods of Egypt.” The objects of Egyptian worship tended to center upon the firstborn of man and beast. Thus all firstborn of Egypt were struck down. Every Egyptian deity was represented by some beast and Yah spared not one.

 

Father proclaims His sovereignty in judging the gods of Egypt by stating: “I am YHVH!”

 

Abba instructs that the blood of the sacrificed lamb/kid upon the doorposts and lintels of our homes would serve as a token for us. Abba always seals His covenants with blood. This passover event was a covenant although Yah did not expressly spell this out. Thus, here Abba’s covenant with us—to protect us from the Angel of Destruction—would be sealed and insured by the blood when properly applied that night.

 

What was this covenant? Abba stipulated that He would spare us and our families from the Angel of Destruction when He saw the blood properly applied to our homes’ doorways.

 

We were to eat unleavened bread for 7-complete days, including eating it with the Pesach meal. This was in force from the 14th at evening to the 21st at evening. (For us today: 4/1/18 through 4/8/18).

 

Leaven and What it Means

Matzah

Leaven symbolizes sin. Unleavened Bread is a shadow of the redemption plan and the elimination of sin from our lives.

Leaven is symbolic of corruption, passion and sin. As it applies to the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzah), he/she who for whatever reason consumes leaven bread during this week will be cut-off from Israel (i.e., cast out from the congregation of Israel).

 

How does this apply today in the Body of Messiah?

 

The Feast of Unleavened Bread Requirements

 

We were instructed to convene a holy convocation (Hebrew=miqra=public meeting; a rehearsal; a public reading) on the 1st and 7th day. No manner of work is to be done on these holy days with the exception of food preparation. No leaven is to be found in any of our dwellings. This instruction applies to any place an Israelite will dwell or call home at the time of Pesach.

 

NOTE 1: True freedom comes only when we eliminate leaven (sin) from our lives. It is a process of sanctification; correction; repentance; obedience and dying to self.

 

NOTE 2: This passage serves to prove (in a sense) that what many of us refer to as the Last Supper/Holy Communion/The Lord’s Supper was NOT the Passover meal. Master was the Passover Lamb who was crucified on the execution stake on the afternoon Passover.

 

NOTE 3: Leaven is analogous to sin. Sin has no place in the Body of Messiah. As Abba instructed that leaven not be found in our homes, He also instructed that leaven not be found in the entire community. Thus sin cannot be tolerated in the Body of Messiah. It must be quickly dealt with because “…a little leaven leaventh the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).

 

Identity—Identity—Identity

 

We must constantly ask the question of ourselves: who are we and to whom do we belong?

If we identify ourselves as Israelites and we’ve chosen to obey Father’s Torah and to be disciples of Yeshua, then Passover and Unleavened Bread keeping applies to us (Rom. 11:17-24). This is NOT a Jewish thing! This is a Hebrew thing!

 

Application of the Paschal Lamb to the Doorposts and Lintels of Our Homes with Hyssop

 

We were instructed to apply the blood of our selected, unblemished, of the 1st-year lamb/kid to the doorposts and lintels of our dwellings using “hyssop.”

 

Hyssop when used in a bunch acts as a sponge when taking on liquid—such as blood.

 

John 19:28—”After this Yeshua knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the scripture said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine (vinegar) was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Yeshua had received the sour wine He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (NASB).

 

Hyssop is symbolic of spiritual purification from sin. As a substance used in Torah, hyssop has detersive, cleansing and medicinal properties. Leviticus 14:6,7 and Num. 19:18 both define the use of hyssop for purification purposes.

 

Psalm 51:7—”Purge me with hyssop and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow” (KJV).

 

The Destroyer Will Be Stopped

 

When Abba sees that we were obedient in applying the blood of the Paschal Lamb to the doorposts and lintels of our homes, He will NOT allow the “destroyer” to enter our homes and destroy us.

 

This “destroyer” makes a series of appearances throughout the Tanach: 2 Sam. 24:16; 2 Kin. 19:35; I Chron. 21:15,16; Act. 12:23.

 

Have We Properly Applied the Blood of the Lamb to our Lives?

 

Have we properly applied the blood of our selected Lamb to the doorposts and lintels of our lives so that we may be spared the eternal ravages of Father’s “destroyer?”

 

Food for Thought: Someday, in the World Tomorrow, the “destroyer” is going to be put out of work! Praise Yah!

 

Any Doubts that We as Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah Should Keep Passover and Unleavened Bread?

 

If there is any question whether Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah are to keep Passover and Unleavened Bread, this verse should sufficiently answer those concerns:

 

“And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever.”

 

Again—Identity-Identity-Identity

 

Our First Passover in Egypt was Also a Look to the Future

 

We were to especially prepare ourselves to keep Passover and Unleavened Bread in the Promised Land. Deut. 4:5, 12 and 16:5-8 provide us with an unfolding of this Feast which transitioned over time to that of a individualized/family-centric observance to that of a congregational observance. Josh. 5:10-12 records that we celebrated our first Pesach/Unleavened Bread in the Land of Promise.

 

Passover/Unleavened Bread Given In Part for Feast Celebration

 

Psa. 105:44,45 records that one of the reasons Abba gave us the Land is so that we may observe His statutes and keep His Torah in perfect harmony with Yehovah our Elohim. Our 40-years wandering in the wilderness served as training and preparation for when we would enter the Land of Promise. Upon entering the Land, we would be united and ready to serve Abba to the fullest extent of His Torah possible.

 

In one sense we are like our wandering forefathers: as we wander in the wilderness of our 21st centuries lives, we are training and preparing to enter Father’s eternal Kingdom where we will keep His moedim/His Feasts with Him in attendance.

 

Passing on the Significance of Passover to our Children

 

Although each of us was instructed to keep Passover, we were also instructed and made responsible for passing on these instructions to our children. This training of our children as it relates to Passover and Unleavened Bread is not a transferable responsibility.

 

The Destruction of the Firstborn of Egypt

 

All the firstborn of Egypt, including livestock, were slain. Prophetic justice plays out here, for we see that a previous Pharoah ordered the execution of Hebrew firstborn children during the time of Moses’ birth (Exo. 1:8-22).

 

We were hurried out of Egypt by night—thus the admonishment by Moses that we take the Pesach in a watchful/vigilant/expecting temperament. Our former Egyptian overlords were concerned that after this last plague, the next shoe to drop would be the total annihilation of all Egypt (vs. 33).

 

Our hurried departure necessitated the making of “unleavened bread” (vs. 33,34) which served as part of our Pesach meal and our food during our journey to Mount Sinai.

 

We ravaged the immense wealth of Egypt. This ravaging was facilitated by our having curried favor with our Egyptian taskmasters (vs. 36). This serves to teach us that although we may be persecuted by the world, Father has a way of granting us favor with the peoples of the world.

 

We Were a Mixed Multitude Leaving out of Egypt

 

We numbered some 600,000 men (heads of households) which scholars have indicated totaled upwards of 2-million souls when one factors in women and children exiting Egypt on this Night to be Most Remembered (cf. Num. 1:46).

 

We were a mixed multitude that some scholars say included non-Israelite slaves and prisoners of war.

These souls would prove troublesome for Moses and our overall assembly in the days, weeks and years to come (cf. Num. 11:4,5).

 

Even today within the Body of Messiah, we are composed of a “mixed multitude,” some of which are not true Israelites.

Master likened them as “tares”…whom we are required to live with until such a time that Master separates them from those of us who are true Israelites.

 

We brought with us a great many domesticated animals for sacrifice and food (vs. 38).

 

We began our Exodus on what has become known to us as the 1st day of Unleavened Bread.

 

A Night to be Much Remembered

 

This fateful night in Egypt which led directly to our departure out of Egypt was to be, what Torah describes as: A NIGHT OF WATCHING (JPS/ESV); A NIGHT OF VIGIL (CSB/NIV); A NIGHT TO BE MUCH OBSERVED (NASB/ASV/KJV). Watching/Observed—Hebrew=“shimmurim”=of celebration; vigilance

Pesach is to be a time of watching—better rendered: A TIME OF REFLECTION AND ANTICIPATION because of Abba’s timely redemption and grace!

 

Specific Rules for Keeping Passover

 

Non-Israelites are not to partake in Passover (vs. 43). (Identity again!) Our bought and paid-for servants, as long as they are circumcised, however, may partake in Passover (vs. 44). This is because these souls become members of our family who will by consequence become extended members of the congregation/commonwealth of Israel.

 

We were to be circumcised. Circumcision (a hot button topic) is a requirement to take Pesach according to Torah. It is non-negotiable; an identity issue once again. Nevertheless, there’s more than just identity and direct obedience required here.

 

There are two required circumcisions in order to partake in Passover:

 

  • One of the heart (Deut. 10:16; 30:6).
  • Physical circumcision which serves as a sign between that we (males) are of Israel.

 

Furthermore, temporary residents and hired servants are prohibited from partaking (vs. 45).

 

We were instructed to keep Pesach as a family and unified community (vss. 46, 47).

 

Any non-Israeli who desires to be a part of the true community of Yah is to be circumcised and to fully adopt the ways of Yah before partaking (vs. 48).

 

One Torah for All

 

Torah applies equally to both biological Israelis (not just Jews) and foreigners and new-comers to the Faith (vs. 49). Thus, the Rabbinic concept of Noahide Laws applying to Gentiles who wish to adopt a Jewish lifestyle are herein is quashed. There is one Torah for all! Period.

 

Israelite Firstborn

 

We were instructed to consecrate (Hebrew=qadash=sanctify; dedicate; hallow; be holy; to be separated) our firstborn unto YHVH.

 

All firstborn of Israel—human and animal—belong to Yah—Num. 3:13; 8:16; 18:15; cf., Luk. 2:23).

 

How many of us have taken this instruction seriously in our lives and in our home? This is emblematic of our status in the Kingdom of Yah:

 

Heb. 12:22—”…to the great assembly and ekklesia of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven…”

 

Rom. 8:29–Yeshua is the firstborn among many brethren. We have been predestined to become conformed to the image of Yeshua.

 

Firstborn is an important concept that has wide-reaching implications throughout various areas of our Faith Community and throughout Torah.

 

Passover is a Sign

 

Father instructs that Passover/Pesach/Unleavened Bread is to serve as a sign to us (vs. 9) likened unto a sign on our hands and between our eyes. Judaism interprets this verse to mean that Jews are to adorn Tephillin/Phylacteries and recite associated Meditations from the Authorized Prayer Book.

 

Matthew records Yeshua making mention of this tradition in Matthew 23:5 whereby the Pharisees made much to do about their phylacteries as visual indications of their self-righteousness.

 

Tephillin/Phylacteries are small boxes containing tiny scrolls worn by devout Jews on their arms and foreheads during times of meditation. The scrolls contain 4-sections of Torah that are then placed in these small boxes. The Rabbis have issued rules on the wearing of these devices to include not wearing adorning them on Sabbaths/Festivals; not at night; to be worn from the age of 13 (barmitzvah).

 

This is a Rabbinic construct that may not be accurate or what Father originally intended as an interpretation for the Passover being as a sign on one’s arm and between one’s eyes. Another interpretation to be considered is that

This verse instructs us to embrace the full revelation and commandment to keep Passover to the fullest extent possible such that it is fully and clearly manifested in everything we physically do in our day-to-day lives (our hands) as well as manifested in our every thought, desire and intention (between our eyes). Our entire being is to be subjected to the service of Yah and the Kingdom.

 

Closing Thoughts and Reflections on our First Passover

 

We were commanded by Yah to keep Passover/Unleavened Bread forever.

 

Yeshua Messiah is the goal of Torah:

 

Rom. 10:4—For the goal at which the Torah aims is the Messiah who offers righteousness to everyone who trusts.

 

Yeshua is our example—He kept Passover and so did His disciples.

 

Yeshua offers us righteousness if we keep His commandments. Father demands righteousness in order for us to have a viable relationship with Him.

 

Therefore, first and foremost, Passover is about Yeshua Messiah. Easter and Christmas are NOT about Yeshua. They are about another Christ.

 

Secondarily Passover must be kept by every Israelite. Who are we? Are we Israelites? If so, we must keep Passover and Unleavened Bread.

 

Thirdly, there is one Torah for all—native-born-Jew—male—female—non-Jew—black, white, Asian, Hispanic—Torah applies to one and all.

 

Have a blessed Passover and Unleavened Bread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torah Living–Numbers 11: 4–Hangers On Part 1

by | Feb 26, 2014 |

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Select Your Passover Lamb

by | Mar 28, 2018 | Blog

Select Your Passover Lamb

I’m Reminded

I’m reminded when looking over our copy of the Hebrew Observational Calendar that today is the day that we would select the unblemished animal of the first-year that would serve as our paschal lamb.

Choosing a Lamb Today

Certainly, today, the vast majority of us who keep Passover would not consider actually taking a lamb or kid into our homes for four-days in anticipation of slaying and consuming it during a passover observance. I say this despite knowing that several members of our Faith Community make this very thing a yearly practice, which I find a bit bizarre since both Apostles Shaul (Paul) and Peter (Kefa) rightly taught that Yahoshua our Messiah is our Pesach (i.e., our Passover) (cf., I Corinthians 5:7 and I Peter 1:19 respectively). Thus there is no longer any spiritual reason to slay a lamb for Passover. Yahoshua paid the price for our reconciliation with the Creator of the Universe and our salvation once and for all.

The Literal vs. Spiritual

I get that some folks in our Community are literalists and choose to leave nothing to chance regarding their personal keeping of Pesach; or for that matter, the keeping of the whole of Torah. Indeed, Shaul (Paul) with great wisdom counseled that “each of us must be convinced in our own minds” regarding the various elements of our Faith (Romans 14:5). Thus, I can cast no judgment or criticism towards those who choose to take this very literal path of Pesach celebration. More power and blessings to them…that is, as long as they do not insist that the Body out of obedience to their version of Torah must follow their lead.

The Spiritual Arm of Choosing a Lamb

However, as it relates to this particular day of this Month of the Aviv—this being the 10th day according to the Hebrew Observational Calendar—I’m really focusing on the spiritual aspects of this instruction that was given to us during our very last days in Egypt. And yes, I realize that some question the whole “spiritualization” of Torah that I tend to do quite often, choosing instead, to view all aspects of Torah-keeping from a literal perspective. While I honestly do embrace the study and keeping of Torah from a literal perspective overall—with a handful of exceptions (those being a topic for another day)—I am more inclined to lean upon the instructions of our Master Yahoshua Messiah in my studies and keeping of Torah. Master proclaimed to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well:

 

“But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. God (Yah) is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23,24; CSB).

 

Keeping Passover in Spirit and Truth

Personally, I would like to think that I am one of those people who worship Abba in spirit and truth, just as Abba desires of all His chosen ones. So yes, I tend to view Torah first from a spiritual—Messiah-centric perspective and then from a literal perspective. This would probably give some of my readers pause for concern, but we must consider how Paul’s teachings put Torah into its proper perspective for us Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah when He wrote to the Roman Assembly of Messianic Believers:

 

“ For the goal at which the Torah aims is the Messiah, who offers righteousness to everyone who trust” (Romans 10:4; CJB).

 

Messiah is the Goal of Torah

So if our Master is the goal—or the “telos”–the fulfillment; the culmination; the utmost; the outcome—of Torah, it behooves us to factor Him into every page of Torah we read; every Feast/Festival we keep and observe and celebrate; every teaching we give and listen to. Otherwise, we run the inevitable risk of being mechanical Torah-keepers and deniers of Messiah, which I would summit that so many of us have succumb to.

So Which Lamb Will We Choose Today?

The Passover Lamb Selection

Which Lamb will you select today for your Paschal Lamb? This is key to a successful keeping of Passover.

Thus, the question I am asking you today is the same question I asked myself this morning: which lamb are you going to choose for your Pesach this year? And I suppose that some of you reading this post may be confused or even put-off by this question. And that’s okay. You see, when we are questioned about certain aspects of our Faith and those questions challenge us, make us uncomfortable, or even annoy us, we are forced to make a stand or take a position on that matter. And my challenge to each of us today—on this 14th day of the Month of the Aviv—is to choose the proper lamb for our Pesach observance, keeping and celebration.

Keeping Passover Individually

Indeed, we were instructed by Abba to keep the Passover unto Yehovah our Elohim (Deuteronomy 16:1). That instruction is obviously non-negotiable. No doubt, many of us will participate in a full-on Jewish Passover Seder this year along with all the traditions and trappings that tend to go along with it. That’s one end of the spectrum. The other end of the Pesach spectrum is simply acknowledging the day with maybe a passing scripture reading and prayer. Again, how any of us celebrates or keeps Passover is between Father and us as individuals. Yes, it would be nice if we all could agree upon one way to celebrate the day, but that is not likely going to happen anytime soon. The Body of Messiah has been tasked with actually working this thing out (Colossians 2:16,17). However, we have not reached that point as a unified Body and my hope and prayer is that someday we will get there.

 

Nevertheless, until that time, it falls to us as individuals and families to establish how we will keep Torah—specifically as it relates to this post—how we will keep Passover. I say first and foremost, we must look to Yeshua our Messiah and Father’s precious Holy Spirit (i.e, Ruach HaKodesh) for direction. And then Guard the Month of the Aviv with all diligence, faith, zeal, love, solemnity and hope that we can muster.

Yeshua is Our Passover

Yes, Yeshua is the Paschal Lamb that we must choose for our Pesach today. He offers Himself up to us freely and lovingly and it’s up to each of us to take Him into our lives—especially during these holy days. Master had the Apostle John write to the seven-churches (i.e., ekklessias) of the apocalypse):

 

“Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:20, 21; CSB).

We’ve Chosen Yeshua as our Paschal Lamb

We’ve decided to select Yahoshua again this year as my Paschal Lamb. And yes, we will be inviting Yeshua into our home and into our hearts, minds and souls this Passover to sup with us and we with Him. His sacrifice will be the focus of our observance. The renewed covenant He facilitated will be the covenant that we will embrace and dwell upon. His commandments we will lovingly keep. Abba Father we will jealously give praise, honor and glorify to.

 

Will you join me in selecting Him—Yahoshua HaMashiyach–to be your Paschal Lamb today?

 

May you have a blessed and meaningful Pesach season.

 

Warmest and blessed Shalom.

 

 

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Observing and Guarding the Month of Aviv–How to Observe and Guard the Month of Aviv

by | Mar 18, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Observing and Guarding the Month of Aviv–How to Observe and Guard the Month of Aviv

Observing and Guarding the Month of Aviv--How to Observe and Guard the Month of Aviv

by Rod and Hilary Thomas | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

Torah Instruction to Guard

  In Deuteronomy 16:1-3 Abba instructed us to “observe (i.e., shamar—guard) the Month of the Aviv,” and keep the Passover unto YHVH our Elohim.” Because in the Month of the Aviv YHVH brought us forth out of Egypt by night.  

What are we talking about here?

  In order to guard the Month of the Aviv we have to do some things:   1. We must know what it means to guard—from a Hebraic perspective. One must ask, does this guarding even make sense to us in the 21st-century West?   2. We must know that the Month of the Aviv is and when it occurs. This then becomes a calendar issue.   3. We must know what is required of us in the guarding of the Month of the Aviv. We must understand how we are to go about guarding/keeping the Month of the Aviv; not from man’s perspective, but from the Creator’s perspective.   Let’s look at each of these in some detail.  

1. Understand/Know what it means to guard/observe

  Deuteronomy 16:1 contains the instruction that we are to guard—to shamar—the Month of the Aviv.   The Google definition for guard is to watch over in order to protect or control.   The Hebrew definition for guard is to hedge about a thing as with thorns; with additional clarifications of protecting; to keep; to mark; to preserve; to wait for; to watch. Sadly, most of us focus solely on the Passover Seder. Yet we see here that we are commanded to do what? We are commanded to guard The Month of the Aviv.   Rabbinic Judaism has taken this instruction (and others like it) to place a hedge around the Month of Aviv (and thus all of the Creator’s Feasts) as authority to manipulate and control the Feasts of YHVH contained therein. Thus they have changed the instructions of YHVH and made them of no effect by their traditions and ordinances and rules (Matthew 15:3-6).   We are instructed to guard/keep the Month as opposed to just one Feast Day. Strangely, most commentaries (on both side of the aisle—Christian and Judaism) fail to mention this powerful commandment. They bypass the command to guard the Month and go straight on over to “keeping just the Passover.” In terms of Christianity, it’s keeping Easter. However, we’ve been called to do better and to obey the instructions of YHVH.
The Calculated Jewish Calendar

The Calculated Jewish Calendar was developed by the Sanhedrin in 359 C.E. and is based on mathematical calculations.

Father instructed:  
“Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am Yehovah” (Leviticus 22:31; ASV).
  Father exclaimed:  
“Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29; ASV).
  Our Master addressed this same issue when He instructed:  
“If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:15; ASV).
  The Apostle John took this concept even further when he wrote:  
“And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the Truth is not in Him” (I John 2:3,4; KJV).
  Thus we are instructed to guard the entire Month of the Aviv.  

2. Know what the Month of Aviv is and when it occurs—a calendar issue.

  Father instructed us:  
“This month shall be to you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you” (Exodus 12:2; QBE).
  Which month is Father referring to here? He clarifies in Exodus 13:4:  
“On this day in the Month of Aviv, you are about to go forth” (NASB).
  We see here that Abba is declaring that the Month of the Aviv is where our new Year begins. It is our New Year!
Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew Calendar is based upon the sighting of aviv barley and sighting the renewed moon in the land of Israel.

Thus Father has established with us His reckoning of time. He has established with us His calendar that we are to “shamar.” In this, we must bear in mind that we followed a pagan calendar during our sojourn in Egypt for centuries. Father was stopping that practice and now establishing His own calendar for us to follow. Do you see any spiritual and life parallels here? I say that our accepting Father’s calendar is part of our sanctification: that which sets us apart from the rest of the world.   Therefore, Father in this command is telling us that this is going to be the month that not only establishes the beginning of our annual calendar, but also marks our freedom from captivity and the start of a new life for us. Can you see the amazing spiritual and prophetic parallels here?   So what’s the deal with the Month of the Aviv? Aviv is a term that describes the condition—the state of maturation—of the barley crop in the Land of Israel. Thus Aviv denotes a specific harvest season—the spring harvest season. Can you recognize the tremendous spiritual and prophetic applications portrayed here as well?
Aviv Barley

The maturation of the barley in the land of Israel is essential to determining when the sacred calendar year begins.

The term “Aviv” (or Abib as used in most authorized English translations) means: fresh, young barley ears, barley; the month of ear-forming; of greening of crop; of growing green Abib that takes place exclusively during our spring time here in the west. The term “Abib” is used 6 times in the authorized versions of our Bible.
Renewed Moon

Sighting of the renewed moon signals the start of each month of the sacred calendar year.

  Why is the maturity of the barley in the Land important? Well, to begin with, Father says so. But the other things is that we needed the barley to be aviv so that it may be offered by the priests on Yom HaBikurim—the Day of Firstfruits as described in Leviticus 23:11-15. The prophetic and spiritual implications of this are nothing short of amazing and spectacular.   By knowing the state of the barley harvest in the Land, Father has given us the key to knowing when His year is to begin. From there, all we need to recognize then is when the new month begins. Torah tells us that each new month begins with the sighting of the renewed/new moon, which is the appearing of the first sliver of of the moon.   Thus Abba’s calendar is an agriculturally—celestial—based method for us to be in sync with His reckoning of time and to know when His Feasts are to be kept by us. This system of reckoning handed down to us by Father is not based upon traditions or calculations. Father set His order of the heavens and the earth to not only glorify Him, but also to provide a clear understanding of when His moedim occur. Father declared:  
“Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years…” (Genesis 1:14; NASB).
  The Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah must make key decisions as it relates to this time of year: whether to recognize who they are and to whom they belong. In determining who they are and to whom they belong, he or she must determine who they will obey: Torah or religion; Yah or man; truth or tradition.   Most Messianics adhere to the Rabbinic/Jewish calculated calendar. The rabbis changed the head of the year (Rosh Hashanah) from the 1st day of the month of the Aviv to the 1st of the Babylonian month Tishri, which is the 7th month. The focus shift was from that of the sacred start of the calendar year to the commercial start of the calendar year.   Consequently, several changes have been made to adjust Abba’s Feast days and assign guidelines for Feast observance through this calendar. The state of the barley and the sighting of the renewed moon has been entirely eliminated from consideration through the implementation of this calendar.   So enamored has Judaism become over this calendar that one Jewish scholar remarked about the calendar’s “mathematical exactness” (Hertz).   One should note also that Babylonian names were assigned to each month whereas in Torah, the only month assigned a title or name was the first month—the Month of the Aviv.   Please understand dear saint: this is in no way meant to be or appear anti-Semitic. I am using Torah and the rest of scripture to paint as real and fair a portrait of the current calendrical situation as possible.   Our western—Gregorian Calendar of course factors in Catholic/pagan-based horror-days and is based, like the Rabbinic Calculated Calendar, on precise mathematical calculations. There is no concern whatsoever for the Creator’s reckoning of time as stipulated in Father’s Torah. The Gregorian New Year begins, not in the spring of each year as Father requires, but in the middle of winter, on January 1st. Needless to say, this New Year celebration is filled with debauchery and is absent the solemnity that the Aviv Month observance is filled with. All in all, the Creator is intentionally and completely factored out of the celebration.   As Torah Observant Believers in Yeshua Messiah, we must pick a calendar. Sticking with the Gregorian Calendar will NOT put us in sync with Father’s reckoning of time simply because Father is not in the least factored into its development. The calculated Jewish Calendar on the other hand puts us under control of the Sanhedrin’s and Hillel’s reckoning of time that is based upon religion. The one thing that should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind here is: did we come out of religion only to find ourselves in religion all over again? The observational calendar puts us in sync with Father’s reckoning of time simply because it is Torah and faith-based.   I guess it comes down to determining within each of us: how important is it to each of us to be in sync with Father and on time for His set apart days?  

3. Know/understand what is required in terms of guarding the Month of the Aviv

  So how do we actually guard or keep the Month of the Aviv as commanded by Father in His Torah?   The answer to this bottomline question is found in Exodus, chapters 12 and 13; Leviticus chapter 23; and Deuteronomy chapter 16. We must keep in mind that we’re talking about keeping a season/keeping a month, as opposed to just a single night. Father knew we would reduce the significance of His command to guard the Month; thus He especially wanted to make this clear to us in Deuteronomy 16.   Thus we are instructed to celebrate the Passover. Now, if we take the time to actually read Torah in context, we will clearly see that Passover is not just one night’s dinner celebration. It’s much more than that dear friend.   We are instructed to sacrifice the Passover Lamb, which Master took care of for us on Calvary’s execution stake. So there is no longer any need to worry about that particular task. Certainly, there’s nothing with having a nice lamb meal on Passover night with friends and family. However, we have no business sacrificing lambs as so many in our Faith have made a tradition of during each year.   We are instructed to keep the Passover meal, which can include a traditional Passover Seder, but more importantly, Master encouraged us to keep the sacred traditions of eating the bread and wine and washing one another’s feet as He demonstrated and outlined for us in Matthew 14; John 13; and I Corinthians 11.   We are instructed to eat Unleavened Bread over the course of the 7-days that immediately follow the Passover Day. Thus, we are to rid our homes and dwellings of all leaven. Leaven during the Month of Aviv, symbolizes sin and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is rich in prophetic and spiritual symbolism and application.   Of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Paul wrote to the Assembly of Messianic Believers in Corinth:  
“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Messiah our passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (I Corinthians 5:7,8; KJV; adjusted).
  We are also instructed to celebrate Yom HaBikurim which is the Day of Firstfruits. This day provides us an opportunity to thank Father for His provision and blessings throughout the winter months and thank Him for the spring harvest (Leviticus 23:10-16). Today, it provides us an opportunity to give of our increase to the work of the Gospel. Needless to say, the spiritual and prophetic symbolism and applications here are spectacular as well.   Furthermore, we are to teach our children the significance of the season/month (Exodus 12:26). This month offers us the opportunity to redeem our firstborn children and dedicate them to Yehovah (Exodus 12:2-13). How many of us have taken the time to teach and train up our children, and then offer them—pray and anoint them—unto Yehovah our Elohim?  

Closing Thoughts

  In closing, when we look at guarding the Month of the Aviv, we must actually prepare ourselves to keep the month. It will require that we be zealous and non-compromising in our commitment and practices related to the month and its associated festivals. We must be teachable and obedient to Father’s Holy Spirit so that we are in-sync with Father’s timing and the lessons He’s trying to teach us. We must have in place the proper logistics and even finances to ensure that we are good to go through the month’s activities. We must be Johnny on the Spot to have the time set aside for observing the Month as Father’s has instructed. For those of us who work, it will require that we secure time off for work during key days of the festival.   Thus, it behooves us as we prepare to guard the Month of the Aviv, to pray and study, study and study.   Each of us must be convinced within ourselves that we are doing what Father would have us do. Paul stated to the Assembly of Messianic Believers in Rome:  
“One man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Romans 14:5; KJV).
  It is vital that each of us establishes, fosters and maintains as deep a relationship with Abba as we possibly can and then seek Father’s Holy Spirit to lead us and guide our guarding of the Month of the Aviv.   I’ve just given you the framework upon which to build your own guarding of the Month of the Aviv. It now falls to each of us to put drywall and finishing touches to our guarding of the Month of the Aviv.   Have a blessed and happy New Year.    

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