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The Lamb’s Book of Life...

9/21/2020

I pray that you had a wonderful time with friends and family during Rosh Hashanah, and my prayer is that you will have a sweet 5781!

We continue in this holy time in the period known as the Ten Days of Awe or the Days of Repentance, which takes us to Yom Kippur.

Jewish tradition teaches that on Rosh Hashanah, ADONAI opens His books. The names of the righteous are inscribed in the book of life and the names of the wicked are written in the book of death. However, there are people whose names are not inscribed in either book. During the ten days of repentance, they get an opportunity to make teshuva (repent). If a person repents, his name is inscribed into the book of life, but the person who does not turn, will face the wrath of God on Yom Kippur. During these Days, the Jewish people greet each other by saying "may you be inscribed in the book of life!"

As believers in Yeshua, we know that the fall feasts and holy days hold prophetic significance for the future. These Days of Awe are no different. Just as Rosh Hashanah signifies His return and coronation as King with the sound of the trumpet blast, the Days of Repentance points to a window of time in the future when, by God's mercy, people will have a chance to turn and have their sins forgiven.

The Days of Awe would be a good time for introspection, repentance, and reconciliation with those we may have wronged. It is the perfect time for us to remember that Yeshua will one day return as King and Judge. Those whose names are not found written in the Lamb's Book of Life will face the wrath of God. It is a time to return to ADONAI in total and complete obedience to His will.

The King is coming! May we all be ready!

Shalom!

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One Man's Obedience

9/10/2020

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We all know the story of Abraham our father and how God instructed him to make a life changing decision. God told him:

"Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land that I will show you" and the account tells us "so Abraham left as the Lord had told him."

We often recount Abraham's story when we talk about faith and obedience to HaShem's instructions. Very few persons can barely begin to fathom being told to leave the security of country and family for the unknown. Abraham was not just going on a two-week vacation - he was walking away for good from life as he had known it.

The part of the story that resonates with my spirit every time is the far reaching impact of one man's obedience. Abraham moved out in faith not knowing that his "yes" would bring a blessing to the entire world.

Today, both Jews and Gentiles have a rich inheritance because Abraham chose to believe God. His life teaches us many lessons:

1) Our obedience not only impact our lives, but generations to come.

2) Blessings are tied to obedience

3) Our faith requires action

4) Not everyone will understand why we do the things we do, and that's ok

5) HaShem is faithful to do what He says He will do!

These are my thoughts; I would love to hear yours! What are the lessons that you have learnt from Abraham's story? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Shalom!

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Understanding Times and Seasons

7/10/2020

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Life, like the universe, is a series of repetitive cycles. The sun rises and sets, the tide ebbs and flows, generations come and go, and the only constant in this world is change itself. The human experience is one of contrasts; ups and downs, sadness and happiness, tragedy and joy. Oftentimes the changes are manifesting so quickly, its enough to make your head spin. The truth is however, we will never be able to escape change.

The wise teacher wrote in the book of Koheleth (Ecclesiastes):

For everything there is a season,
a right time for every intention under heaven --
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to discard,
a time to tear and a time to sew,
a time to keep silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

As human beings, having control over our lives is extremely important to us. We desire an environment that is stable and predictable; we crave security. The reality is, as hard as we try to have it all figured out, it is impossible to chart a certain path. Everything in this world is in continuous motion and so are our life experiences.

Jewish wisdom teaches us that by "changing our eye" (one's perspective), we can gain the necessary clarity to help us navigate our way through even the most challenging of times. Truth is, you can either allow change to overwhelm you, or you can embrace the season that you are in and learn the lessons that Heaven is teaching you. So, as we make our way through life, observe times and seasons in its literal sense. The sweltering heat of the summer gives way to the beautiful colours of autumn, and the blistering cold of winter leads to the newness of spring; a time of rebirth. Day gives way to night and out of darkness emerges the dawn. If you are willing to submit to the process, out of the unknown can arise opportunities to refresh, recharge, renew and grow - only if you submit yourself to the process.

What about when life seems to be a cycle of delays and unfulfilled dreams and desires? One of my favourite verses in Koheleth is “God has made everything beautiful in its time” (3:11). It means there is an appointed time when God’s promises will come to fruition in your life. See your period of waiting as a time of preparation. Take this powerful lesson from an expectant mother, who has to wait nine months for her baby to be fully developed. She goes through periods of anxiety as she waits to meet her bundle of joy. She wonders what he or she will look like and what character traits the baby will have. She sometimes feels as if she is on a constant roller coaster of emotions. The process of waiting is never easy but it is necessary for a healthy baby. Not only that, as the baby is developing within her, she is also going through a process of being prepared for her new role, mentally, emotionally and physically. It is the same with our dreams and desires – there is a time appointed for them to be birthed. In the meantime, you are being prepared on all levels to receive the promise.

If you are going through a trying season, remember that change is on the horizon. You will come through on the other side with more wisdom and strength. Challenges help to open our eyes to God’s sovereignty over life’s activities. They also build emotional and mental capacity within us and strengthen our spiritual muscles. We should never fear the trying times, we should see them as the catalyst to take us to the next level in our spiritual maturity. As human beings we have no control over life’s activities but we certainly have the power to control our response to them. Even within the ever changing cycles, one can choose to find meaning in life. The point that needs to be seen here is that what appears to be roadblocks, can either diminish or enrich our lives, depending on how we see it. Jewish wisdom teaches us that perspective is everything.

- From Jewish Wisdom and the Meaning of Life: A Journey through Koheleth

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The Menorah: A Symbol of Peace

6/12/2020

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This week's Torah portion is Beha'alotcha which means "when you step up". It opens with a discussion about the daily Menorah lighting in the Tabernacle. As I sat to write this blog, I was about to share on the Menorah as a symbol of light. Then came the still small voice of the Ruach (Spirit) "The Menorah: a symbol of peace"

The Menorah is a seven-branched lampstand formed from a single piece of pure gold which was hammered into shape. It was used to light the Tabernacle in the wilderness and then later the Temple in Jerusalem, and represented the bringing of God's Light into the world. ADONAI gave specific instructions to Moses about the Menorah in Exodus 25.

"You are to make a menorah of pure gold. It is to be made of hammered work; its base, shaft, cups, ring of outer leaves and petals are to be of one piece with it.
It is to have six branches extending from its sides, three branches of the menorah on one side of it and three on the other.
On one branch are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with a ring of outer leaves and petals; likewise on the opposite branch three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with a ring of outer leaves and petals; and similarly for all six branches extending from the menorah.
On the central shaft of the menorah are to be four cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its ring of outer leaves and petals. Where each pair of branches joins the central shaft is to be a ring of outer leaves of one piece with the pair of branches -thus for all six branches. The rings of outer leaves and their branches are to be of one piece with the shaft. Thus the whole menorah is to be a single piece of hammered work made of pure gold. "Make seven lamps for the menorah, and mount them so as to give light to the space in front of it." (Ezekiel 25:31-37 CJB)

The Menorah is one of the most important Jewish symbols with many interpretations and significance. Jewish tradition teaches that the lampstand is an illuminated tree that goes back to the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden, as well as the burning bush described in Exodus 3. However, the Menorah, like all the other things associated with the Tabernacle, is also a "shadow of the good things which are to come" and is featured prominently in Bible prophecy. In Zechariah 4:1-3 we read:

"Then the angel that had been speaking with me returned and roused me, as if he were waking someone up from being asleep, and asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I’ve been looking at a menorah; it’s all of gold, with a bowl at its top, seven lamps on it, and seven tubes leading to the lamps at its top. Next to it are two olive trees, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.” (Zechariah 4:1-3)

Later in his vision, Zechariah saw that the lamps on the Menorah were getting their supply of oil from the two olive trees. He was told that the olive trees were "the two anointed ones who stand with the Lord"

Like the Menorah, the olive tree has many symbolism. In the account of Noah, the olive branch is depicted as a symbol of God's promise of hope after the flood. In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul likened Israel to a cultivated olive tree and Gentiles to a wild olive tree. However, when gentiles come to faith in Messiah, they are grafted in, thus becoming one with the cultivated olive tree.

The Menorah represents Yeshua who is both the Light of the world as well as the Prince of Peace. He is the One who has removed the wall of separation, thus bringing peace between Jews and Gentiles. In Ephesians 2: 14 the Apostle Paul wrote:

"For he himself is our shalom (peace) - he has made us both one and has broken down the m'chitzah ( wall) which divided us"

In these times when there is so much darkness and chaos in the world, may we be reminded that as God's people, we carry His light. We should also seek to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18)

If and when you light the Shabbat candles, remember the Menorah. Remember that one day the Prince of Peace will return to Jerusalem, the city of peace, and He will bring peace to the earth.

Shabbat Shalom!

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Shavuot: The Wedding Ceremony

5/29/2020

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We are in another of the LORD's appointed feasts. It is Shavuot, also called the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. At this time we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai as well as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that occurred 1500 years later in Jerusalem.

Shavuot is also the end of the counting of the Omer and the beginning of the wheat harvest. Israel's three harvests are connected to the three pilgrimage feasts; Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, and each holds prophetic significance for God's chosen people and the nations of the world.

There are great insights to be gleaned from Shavuot. In this week's blog I want to highlight ADONAI's marriage ceremony with Israel at Mount Sinai and the terms of the Marriage Contract or Ketubah as we say in Hebrew.

Let's begin with the LORD's proposal to Israel:

"Now then, if you will obey Me faithfully and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all the peoples” (Exodus 19:5).

All of Israel accepted by saying: “All that ADONAI has spoken we will do!’” (Exodus 19:8).

After the proposal, the people were instructed to prepare themselves. HaShem spoke to Moses:

“Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people." (Exodus 19:10-11)

Just as a bride would immerse herself in the mikvah (ceremonial washing) before her wedding and anoint herself with perfume oil, so too Israel had to wash their clothing and consecrate themselves to meet their Groom.

We read in chapter 20 of Exodus that ADONAI descended upon Mount Sinai with great thunderings, smoke and the sound of the shofar, and all of Israel heard the Ten Commandments being spoken to them.

Interestingly, the erev rav (mixed multitude) who had come up out of Egypt with the Israelites also heard the Torah in their own language! Does this sound familiar? Indeed! At the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, all who were present heard the mysteries of God being spoken in his own language! This was also symbolic as it meant that Gentiles could also become a part of God's covenant.

The Torah was given to the people as the terms of the marriage contract or the Ketubah. Sadly however, not long after the beautiful wedding ceremony, Israel broke their covenant with the golden calf incident. What did ADONAI do? As Moses had to ascend the mountain for a second set of stone tablets, so too did God promise a new covenant. This time however, they would not be able to break it as it would be written upon their hearts instead of stone. We find the promise of a new covenant in the book of Jeremiah:

"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make pa new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when qI took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, rthough I was their husband, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: sI will put my law within them, and I will write it ton their hearts. uAnd I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jer. 31:31-33)

Fifteen hundred years later in Jerusalem, 120 disciples were gathered in a room in the Temple. They heard the sound of a mighty rushing wind and fire descended from heaven and sat upon each person's head. Very rarely do we make the connection between Jeremiah 31 and Acts 2 but prophecy was being fulfilled. It is the Holy Spirit who writes the Torah upon the hearts of God's people. This is the New Covenant that was ratified by the Blood of Yeshua!

As believers in Yeshua, we celebrate Shavuot/Pentecost giving thanks for the Torah and the Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit), as we anticipate the return of the Bridegroom!

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Shavuot Sameach!

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The Lamb’s Book of Life...

One Man's Obedience

Understanding Times and Seasons

The Menorah: A Symbol of Peace

Shavuot: The Wedding Ceremony

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