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

Impediments to our Understanding Things of the Faith–Part-1–Understanding the Bible

by | Jun 1, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Impediments to our Understanding Things of the Faith–Part-1–Understanding the Bible

Impediments to our Understanding Things of the Faith--Part-1--Understanding the Bible

by Rod Thomas with Hilary Thomas | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

Many of us have a hard time grasping the things of YHVH. There seems to be impediments to our receiving, understanding and applying the things of our Faith. Indeed, there are many impediments that we could explore. However, for this post we will consider those impediments that block our understanding of the Bible and thus applying the Word of YHVH to our lives.

Reason #1: We lack the time for bible reading and study.

Despite having ready access to modern technology, most of  still suffer serious time drains in our lives. Our daily schedules are more often than not, filled to overflowing. We have very little time to fit Bible reading and study into our daily lives. By the end of a busy day we are generally exhausted and lack the physical and psychological energy to read, much less, study our bibles.

The problem is not limited to our having full schedules: many of us simply do not value regular study of Scripture enough to factor it into our day-to-day lives. The other thing we must be cognizant and on-guard of is the effect that the kingdom of darkness can have on our successfully finding time to study Scripture.

Bible Read Me

Abba communicates with us primarily through His Word. When we don’t properly read and study the Bible, we miss that which Father has to tell us.

 

Reason #2: The Bible is too confusing.

Most of us lack knowledge of the vital cultural, historic and linguistic background upon which the Bible was written. This lack of knowledge not only creates confusion but also forces us to interpret the Bible through our western ideals and understanding or through established denominational constructs.

The other thing related to an inherent lack of knowledge of biblical culture, history and linguistics is that many of us simply lack an understanding of what the Bible truly is. The Bible is a compilation of inspired, ancient writings that is unlike any other literary work from the past or in existence. It is life; it is spiritual; it contains the Words of the Creator of the Universe and so much more. When we don’t internalize these truths about the Bible before we engage in any reading or study of it, we cannot and will not truly understand it.

Reason #3. The cares of life get in the way.

Life unfortunately happens to each of us. Life impediments such as family concerns, finances, job challenges, relationship conflicts and so many others, choke out the revealing and our ability to understand and process the Word of YHVH in our lives.

Reason #4. We lack sound teachers and teachings.

In addition to having a lack of cultural, historical and linguistic biblical knowledge to aid in our reading and study of Scripture, many of us face major challenges in finding teachers of Faith who rightly divide the Word of Truth. The story of the Ethiopian high-official (wrongly interpreted as eunuch in Acts 8) is a prime example of why having Godly teachers is vital to our spiritual growth and understanding of the Bible at various times in our walk.

Reason #5. Carry-on Baggage

Each of us brings with us excess, carry-on baggage, so to speak, when we come into Faith. Such things as religious traditions, doctrines and understandings; racial and cultural experiences and worldviews; political leanings and preferences; past and abiding sins; spiritual strongholds; habits; questionable mannerisms; anger; hatred; socio-economic biases; and the list goes on. This load of carry-on baggage, so to speak, serves to cover-over, hide and drown out the still-small voice of YHVH as He speaks to us through His Word.

Reason #6. Dependency upon man-made Biblical constructs

Many of us become dependent upon man-made constructs to make up for our deficiencies in bible reading and study. In so doing, we run the risk of  boxing ourselves into mechanical systems that may not allow for the movement and direction of the Holy Spirit in our reading and studies which is essential to any understanding and application of the Word in our lives.

The other thing to keep in mind is that commentaries, when indiscriminately used, may be misleading and cause us to go off-track in our understanding of Scripture. This is generally because the commentators are expounding upon the Scriptures based on their pre-conceived denominational worldviews.

Solutions to the Impediments Preventing our Understanding of the Bible and the Faith

The key to overcoming these and other impediments to our understanding of Scripture and the ways of YHVH and the Faith is to take a full and honest assessment of where we are in our walk and search for Truth. In so doing, we should aim to identify the areas in our walk–such as those impediments mentioned above–that adversely impact our ability to discern and process Truth.

What follows are solutions to the various impediments that prevent us from understanding our Bibles and applying the Word of Truth to our day-to-day walk with Yahoshua Messiah.

Solution #1. Approach bible study and reading with an intent and purpose to hear from YHVH.

It is also important to adopt a proper mindset (purity of heart and mind and soul; hungry for Truth; lacking any guile) when studying and reading Scripture. Must somehow put the baggage that impedes our understanding in their proper perspective, if not discard the baggage if it is not of YHVH.

Solution #2. Seek the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide our study and reading of Scripture. This may require fervent prayer leading up to the study and even after.

Solution #3. Seek out Godly, anointed teachers and teaching to help us bridge the gap of biblical knowledge and understanding. This too will require prayer and seeking the direction and will of the Father.

Solution #4. Let us empty ourselves of the things from our previous lives. In other words, seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit to divest us of those cultural, experiential, biases, sins, strongholds, Ungodly perceptions and opinions that cloud and block our minds from receiving Truth

Solution #5. Seek out others who have successfully walked this thing out and learn how they overcame such impediments.

Solution #6. Let us prioritize our days and make sure that scripture reading and study is factored into each day’s schedule.

Set aside time for study and learning each day. The week Sabbaths are a good place to start. Teaching our children Scripture on a regular basis is also paramount to our spiritual well-being. Torah requires that we train up our children in the ways of YHVH. This is our God-given responsibility.

That which we have learned, we are to share the information with others. One way of doing so is by posting what we learn on social media. It is important that we factor in that which we learn, otherwise, it will be factored out of us, eventually.

Solution #7. Seek out and maintain a substantive relationship with the Father. This is the most important thing we must do in this life. Everything else pales in comparison. When we put Father first, everything associated with our walk falls right in line. We don’t want to treat our relationship with Father lightly. The amount of time we give to our relationship with Father ensures how well we do in growing in and walking out this Faith. Scripture is one of Father’s primary means by which Father communicates with us.

Solution #8. Learn to properly study and read Scripture. Learn to read and study Scripture in proper context. Exegesis (pull out from the text that which Father has given) versus eisegesis (reading into the meaning of the text, which is likely going to be influenced by the excess, carry-on baggage we refuse to let go of. Also, let us make a concerted effort to learn the history, linguistic elements and culture that surrounds the passages and texts in question.

Solution #9. Acquire well-researched Bibles and Bible resources.

Solution #10. Let us resist the urge to be too independent in our study of Scripture. We should not be insistent upon studying alone; that is leaning to our own understanding of Scripture. We do need teachers and teachings to fill in the gaps of our biblical knowledge from time-to-time. It is important that every new believer coming in to Faith be discipled and we must be open to disciple others.

Solution #11. Let us be voracious consumers of the Word as we see described in the persons of the Bereans as recorded in Acts 17:10-12.

Faithfully

Hilary Thomas

Is Passover a Jewish Holiday?

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Torah Living Episode 6–The Hangers On, Part 2

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Torah Living–The Hangers On, Part 3

by | Mar 2, 2014 | ,

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

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The Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah as Slave

by | May 29, 2018 | Blog

Paul opens his letter to the assembly of Messianic Believers in Rome with an introductory bio of himself. He writes:
“Paul, a bond-servant of Christ (i.e., Messiah) Yeshua, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God (i.e., Yah)…” (Romans 1:1; NASB). Other translations defer to using the term “servant,” such as the KJV. But when you actually look at the Greek texts, the term used is “doulos.”
A bond slave (i.e., the Greek term being “doulos,” the derivation of which is “dew” which means to tie, bind, ensnare, capture), which denotes serving, subject to. According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, a doulos is a slave, bondman, man of servile condition. Metaphorically one who give himself up wholly to another’s will. The Thayer’s then goes to great lengths to describe doulos as one who is in the service of Christ, extending and advancing the cause of Christ among men and that the terms is particularly applied to “apostles.”
The Apostle Paul

Paul proclaimed himself a slave of Messiah. Can we honestly say that about ourselves today?

The concept of being a slave, in the classic sense, should not be diminished in not just this passage, nor in the hearts and minds of those of us who are true disciples of Yahoshua Messiah. To simply infer that a bond slave (i.e., a doulos) is one who works in the service of Christ, I believe, cuts the power and force of what Shaul was likely saying to his readers “off at the knees.”
I contend that most modern-day commentaries (most of which are denominationally-driven) downplay the seriousness of what Shaul is describing of himself. Simply being in the service of Christ carries with it a much lesser sense of servitude, so to speak, than simply being in the service of Christ.
Here’s what I mean by that. In my working years, I was in the service of various organizations such as the U.S. Navy and the County’s Sheriff-Department. I would never describe myself as being a slave to either vocation. I had full oversight of my work; I determined the course of my career; I determined the quality of work I performed; and I determined when my work with them would begin and when it would end. If I chose to “serve” either vocation below the level of that organization’s requirements or expectations of me, I would be subject to substandard performance appraisals and possibly termination. However, I remained in control of my destiny with that organization, not to mention that once I was off-duty each day, I was free to do whatever I desired to do. I could have a family life apart from work; I could have a hobby; I could purchase the things I needed or wanted. I could request time off and when granted, I could travel and do whatever I chose to do.
When we look at the concept of slavery, a few things come to mind:
  1. Slaves have no say whatsoever regarding their comings or goings or what their tasks and chores will be each day. They are entirely subject to the commands and desires of their master.
  2. Slaves receive all of their clothing, food and shelter from their master.
  3. Slaves own nothing, materially speaking.
  4. Slaves possess no identity beyond that of their master.
  5. Slaves are subject to punishment at the hands of their master if they disappoint their master.
  6. With few exceptions, the life of a slave one a difficult and challenging one.
So when we consider what we know of slavery-level servitude throughout the centuries and what we know of the post-conversion life of the Apostle Paul, to me it’s not too difficult to understand how Paul saw himself in the vocation that he had dedicated the rest of his life to. The moment he set his pen to paper under the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit and wrote that he was a “slave” (CSB, NET, CJB, NAB) or a “bond-servant” (NASB and DBY), he was declaring to the Roman Assembly of Messianic Believer, and by default all who would read his writings, he was establishing as an eternal fact that he no longer an independent person. Indeed, he was establishing as fact, before the eyes of every reader and in the hearing of every receiver of his read epistles, that he answered solely to Yeshua Messiah. He was not mincing words here. He was not in any sense insinuating that he “worked” in the field of ministry or that he was doing this as a gig or side hustle, to borrow a popular phrase to describe a part-time job or endeavor.
Essentially, this former Jewish Rabbi or better, Pharisee (Acts 23:6) and likely member of the Sanhedrin Council in Jerusalem, had abruptly walked away from his former life of privilege, prestige and favor for a life of arduous servitude unto Yeshua Messiah. It was as if Paul had fallen upon extremely hard-times and sold into slavery; coming under the oversight of a strict master who required everything of him, including his very life. And quite frankly, this is exactly what happened to Paul. Paul no longer had control over his life:
  • He went where his Master, Yeshua, directed him to go, even when he knew it would cost him his freedom and place his physical well-being at risk.
  • He preached and taught that which his Master gave him to preach and teach.
  • He wrote epistles to his charges under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Ruach HaKodesh).
  • He held absolutely no ambition for himself, but held high expectations for the net gain of souls that would result as a result of his work in the Gospel of the Kingdom.
So what does this have to do with us you may be wondering? Well, many in our Faith Community consider themselves servants of Yeshua Messiah. Yet I contend that most of us are completely in the dark as to what Paul means by being a servant–a slave–a bond-slave–a doulos for Yahoshua Messiah. Oh, we may see ourselves as proficient, dedicated workers in the Faith–uncompromising Messianic/Torah teachers and expositors of the Word; diligent students of the Bible; faithful supporters of Hebrew Roots ministries; or even loving and compassionate attenders to the poor.  We may be holy rollers speaking in tongues and setting our fellowships on fire each Sabbath; possess the amazing gift of prophecy and even have undeniable faith that moves mountains. But is having and being any or all of these indicative that we are slaves to Yeshua Messiah. Sadly no. I submit that many of us, despite the many great things we may be doing for the Kingdom, are nothing more than hired-workers for the Kingdom. Our work in the kingdom ends when we feel ready to quite. If we don’t want to do something or go somewhere that the Spirit has required of us, we simply don’t do it or we simply don’t go where we are supposed to go. If the work that we’ve been tasked to do doesn’t quite meet our sensitivities and preferences and desires, we pass.
For most of us, the servitude that we truly have towards YHVH places us in the driver’s seat and Yahoshua in the backseat. The work of and life in the Kingdom is about Him, first and foremost. Father makes the rules and dispenses the instructions “jump” that we are obliged to respond with a resounding “how high Father?!” (Listen or read our post entitled “Operating Effectively as a Disciple of Master Yeshua Today.“)
Master instructed: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and He who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37; NASB). And then Master instructed that any who would follow after Him must deny him/herself (that is, put him or herself to death), take up his/her stake “daily” (i.e., not just when it suits them) and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Indeed, this is often seen as a foreign concept in most Messianic circles. Many of us focus our servitude on man-made traditions, teachings and doctrines. Some of us focus our servitude on the acquisition of knowledge while the rest of us simply go through the motions of living a life of Torah. And I would submit that this is simply not good enough. (Listen or read our post entitled “Living a Life Beyond the Norm.”)
Sadly, many will be shocked when that great day comes and Master separates His chosen, sold-out workers from the seasonal, hired-servants-temporary workers and sends them packing, not to enter His eternal Kingdom (Matthew 7:21-23).
So I ask, how do we see ourselves in the work of the Kingdom of YHVH? Are we simply seasonal workers in the service of Yeshua Messiah, or are we slaves–sold-out–bought and paid for “douloi” whose lives are no longer our own, but belong to solely and completely to YHVH our Elohim? I say we take Paul’s pronouncement to heart and be that which we’ve been called to be.
Faithfully

Keeping Shavuot–The Feast of Weeks–Pentecost–Its Importance and Meaning to Messianic Believers Today

by | May 27, 2018 | Blog, Podcasts

Keeping Shavuot–The Feast of Weeks–Pentecost–Its Importance and Meaning to Messianic Believers Today

Keeping Shavuot-The Feast of Weeks-Pentecost-Its Importance and Meaning to Messianic Believers Today

by Rod Thomas | Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

For the Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah, Shavuot—The Feast of Weeks—Pentecost is about the giving and receiving of YHVH’s Torah and the establishing of the marriage covenant between YHVH and the Children of Israel. The Feast of Weeks is about the re-establishment of a broken covenant through the grace of YHVH and the outpouring of His Holy Spirit to aid fallen man in their keeping of the Creator’s instructions. Pentecost is about life and the establishing of the Body of Messiah through the atoning sacrifice of Yeshua Messiah and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

What is Shavuot—The Feast of Weeks?

Shavuot is one of the seven-annual one of the 3-pilgrimage Feasts of YHVH. The instructions related to its keeping is found in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus. However, the origin of this set-apart day is founded upon the story behind the Creator’s giving of the commandments to the mixed multitude at the base of Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus 19 through 24.

As the story goes, a mixed-multitude of souls, composed of the 12-tribes of Israel and various nationals from other nations, had escaped Egyptian-bondage roughly 50-days prior their settling at the base of Mount Sinai. YHVH, the Creator of the Universe, who bore this mixed multitude (with some estimates as high as 2 to 3-million souls) on eagles’ wings (Exodus 19:4) and brought them unto Himself. It was here and at this time that Father proposed a covenant between He and the Children of Israel that would be the shadow picture of an even greater covenant iteration in the years to come.

The First Shavuot at Mount Sinai

The first Shavuot was likely the day Israel received the Commandments of YHVH.

The 50-day trek from Egypt to Sinai foreshadowed the 50-day or 7-Sabbath Count (traditionally referred to as the Counting of the Omer) that begins at Wave Sheaf (i.e., Firstfruits) and culminates at Shavuot, also known as The Feast of Weeks and Pentecost in the Greek. (Read or listen to our discussion on the Day of Firstfruits.)

We find in Exodus 19 that Father proposes the establishment of a Covenant between He and Israel, whereby He would be Israel’s God and Israel would be His special and favored people above all the nation-people of the world (i.e., their Elohim) if they would hear His voice and obey His instructions (i.e., His commands). The Children of Israel agreed to the terns of this covenant and on that fateful day, at the foot of Mount Sinai, YHVH, in the midst of fire, lightening, smoke and loud shofar blowing, spoke His commandments directly to the people. Although the people were terrified by this indescribable manifestation, even to the point of demanding that YHVH speak exclusively through Moses to them so as to not repeat this terrifying manifestation, the covenant was ratified by the sprinkling of blood upon the written contract and upon the people.

Mount Sinai in Arabia

More and more evidence is emerging that supports the real Mount Sinai being in Arabia.

A covenant is an official, established agreement between 2 or more interested parties. A blood covenant, which is what the Sinai Covenant was, required that both parties swear to abide by the terms of the contract. YHVH, because He is Creator and Elohim, certified His agreement to abide by the terms of the covenant (i.e., He would be the nation’s God and the people would reap the benefits of being a special possession of YHVH), simply by stating His Name—I am YHVH. Israel’s certification to abide by the terms of the contract was embodied in the nation’s collective, verbal affirmation that they would obey YHVH’s instructions and not worship or follow any other god. Thus, the contract—the covenant—was ratified and sealed by the sprinkling of blood upon the written contract and the people.

For all intents and purposes: this very first Shavuot was a marriage. This was a marriage between YHVH and the nation of Israel.

The Covenant is Broken

It was only but a short time after the ratification of the marriage agreement between Israel and YHVH that the people broke the covenant.

Because this was a blood covenant, if either party were to violate the terms of the contract, their life would be required of them. It goes without saying that YHVH could not—would not—violate the terms of the covenant. Israel, on the other hand, because they failed to have the Spirit of YHVH and His Torah (i.e., YHVH’s instructions) implanted in their hearts, returned to the worship of their Egyptian god (i.e., the Golden Calf) while Moses was attending to sacred business on the Holy Mountain (Exodus 32).

Despite the nation breaking the Sinai Covenant, the Almighty continued to honor the covenant. Israel cheated on her spouse YHVH. Yet YHVH did not put Israel, His bride away immediately; at least not until many centuries later when Israel delved so deep into idolatry that they could no longer hear the voice of YHVH and had completely turned their back upon their Elohim. That’s when YHVH divorced His bride Israel and the nation was left to suffer through a severe fracturing of the nation into two, followed by several usurpations, exiles and captivities at the hands of pagan nations and rulers.

The New (Renewed) Covenant

The Father knew that His people would break the marriage covenant from the very beginning. Thus, He set into motion a plan that would re-invigorate that broken covenant and re-establish the nation of Israel (both Houses of Israel—Judah and Israel) back to her favored state as His chosen people. This re-established covenant would be the Sinai Covenant on steroids. For not only would the Father bring back the original covenant to be followed by a reconstituted nation of Israel, it would be extended to the nation peoples of the world if they too agreed to the terms of the agreement. But Father did not stop there. Knowing the inherent problems His people originally had keeping His instructions, He would give His children the help they needed to keep His instructions and to ensure their success in staying in covenant with Him. This He would accomplished through the outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon His elect. Thus the Creator of the Universe’s presence would be within each one of His chosen people, and that Holy Spirit would inscribe Torah—Abba’s instructions—upon each and every heart and mind.

Of this New Covenant, the Prophet Jeremiah wrote:

“Behold, days are coming, declares YHVH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them, declares YHVH. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares YHVH. I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:31-33; NASB).

This prophecy was confirmed by the Prophet Ezekiel who wrote:

“And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and givem them a heart of flesh that they may walk in My statutes and keep MY ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God” (Ezekiel 11:19, 20).

Down Payment on the Renewed Covenant

First Shavuot Foreshadowed Pentecost of Acts 2

The giving of Torah at Mount Sinai was a shadow picture of the Day of Pentecost when YHVH’s Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples of Yeshua.

Although the New (or Renewed) Covenant has not been fully enacted, we saw the down-payment of it played out on the Temple Mount on Shavuot, just 10-days after Yahoshua commissioned His disciples on the Mount of Olives and then ascended up on high. On that fateful day, Pentecost 28 C.E., the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Ruach HaKodesh) was poured out upon the disciples of Yeshua who were attending Shavuot, gathered on the Temple Mount (Acts 2). This was the fulfillment of the “shadow picture” of the very first Shavuot at Mount Sinai. At the first Shavuot, YHVH gave the Children of Israel His Torah—His instructions—His commandments. On the Day of Pentecost in 28 C.E., YHVH gave the Children of Israel (i.e., the disciples of Yeshua HaMashiyach) His Holy Spirit. Thus we see how Torah became fully manifested and is Spirit within the people YHVH. At the time of the first Shavuot, 3,000 souls perished because Israel chose to break the covenant. At the time of Pentecost on the Temple Mount, 3,000-souls entered the Body of Messiah and into life eternal.

The Importance of Shavuot For Messianic Believers Today

Shavuot remains relevant to every Torah Observant Believer in Messiah today. Beyond the fact that we are commanded by YHVH to keep Shavuot (Leviticus 23:21, 22), we gain invaluable and crucial understanding of the New (Renewed) Covenant that Messianics are now privileged to be under. Shavuot is important in reminding Messianic Believers of the importance of keeping Torah and being in a right-relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Shavuot also serves as a prompt for every Torah Observant Believer to seek the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives such that they live lives of their chosen status as Kings and Priests of YHVH Elohim. And Shavuot teaches the Messianic Believer that just mechanically keeping Torah is not to secure their place in the Kingdom of YHVH. Torah is Father’s house-rules that help us maintain a substantive relationship with Him. Admission into the Kingdom of YHVH is gained through the shed blood of YHVH, for salvation is a gift from Yah. YHVH’s Holy Spirit aids the believer in his/her keeping of the Creator’s house-rules in the midst of his/her living in this corrupt and dying world.

Shavuot then is about living the life that the Creator of the Universe always had in mind for His chosen people. Shavuot is living life in the Spirit.

Keeping Shavuot

The keeping of Shavuot by today’s Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah is pretty simple. We find in Leviticus 23: 21 that Messianics are to:

  • Make a proclamation on Shavuot; such that believers are to extol the glories of the Creator and speak to others of YHVH’s Word.
  • Have a holy convocation; such that believers come together (e.g., fellowships and congregations and assemblies) for the reading of Scripture and the breaking of bread.
  • Perform or conduct no servile or laborious work.

With the Temple in Jerusalem no longer in existence, Messianics can not truly keep Shavuot as one of the 3-pilgrimage Feasts of YHVH and as instructed in Torah (Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16). However, under the auspices of the renewed covenant, the believers’ bodies have replaced the Temple proper as the dwelling place of YHVH (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). Thus, wherever 2 or 3 have gathered together in their Master’s Name, there He will be in their midst (Matthew 18:20).

Thus every Torah Observant Believer in Yahoshua Messiah is obliged to keep Shavuot in Spirit and in Truth. The actual method for keeping the Feast of Weeks is strictly between the individual believer and YHVH (Colossians 2:16, 17; Romans 14:5).

Faithfully,

Rod and Hilary

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