Sunday, December 14, 2008

He Will Whistle For You

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

I will just let the Word of YHWH speak for itself mostly in this letter.  I have underlined and bolded the word “whistle” in all the passages below.  In each passage it is the Hebrew word “sharaq”.  Ancient Paleo Hebrew is pictographic and opens up many rich meanings behind Hebrew words.   The pictographic meaning for “sharaq” means “to destroy the head who is behind.”  In Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 52:12 and 58:8, YHWH is referred to as our rear guard. 
I was in discussion with a brother about the times we are living in and was quoting to him from Yeshayahu 58 concerning being a repairer of the breach.  Yeshayahu 58 refers to Ephraim as having a commission to rebuild the ruined waste places and to be repairers of the breach.  Ephraim tore themselves away from Yehudah so just as they were initiators of division; they are now to be initiators of restoration.  So YHWH will be "whistling" for the restorers of the streets and repairers of the breach. The discussion then followed into the sharing of the following verses.  

Yeshayahu 5:13 Therefore my people have gone into exile, because they have no knowledge. And their esteemed men are starved, and their crowd dried up with thirst. 14 Therefore the grave has made itself wide and opened its mouth beyond measure. Their splendour and their crowd and their uproar, and he who is exulting within her, shall go down into it. 15 And man is bowed down, and mortal man humbled, and the eyes of the proud are humbled. 16 But YHWH of hosts is exalted in judgment, and the set-apart El is set-apart in righteousness. 17 And the lambs shall feed in their pasture, and strangers shall eat in the waste places of the fat ones. 18 Woe to those who draw crookedness with cords of falsehood, and sin as with wagon ropes, 19 who are saying, “Let Him hurry! Let Him hasten His work, so that we see it! And let the counsel of the Set-apart One of Yisra’el draw near and come, so that we know.” 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and clever in their own sight!  22 Woe to the mighty to drink wine, and brave men to mix strong drink, 23 who declare right the wrong for a bribe, and the righteousness of the righteous they turn aside from him! 24 Therefore, as a tongue of fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, their root is as rottenness, and their blossom goes up like dust – because they have rejected the Torah of YHWH of hosts, and despised the Word of the Set-apart One of Yisra’el.  25 Therefore the displeasure of YHWH has burned against His people, and He stretches out His hand against them and smites them, and the mountains tremble. And their carcass is as filth in the middle of the streets. With all this His displeasure has not turned back, and His hand is still stretched out! 26 And He shall lift up a banner to the nations from afar, and shall whistle to them from the end of the earth. And see, they come with speed, swiftly! 27 Not one of them is weary or stumbling, not one slumbers or sleeps. Not a belt shall be loosened on their loins, nor the thong of their sandals be broken. 28 Their arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent; their horses’ hooves shall seem like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind. 29 Their roar is like that of a lion, they roar like young lions. And they growl and seize prey, and slip away, with no one to rescue. 30 And in that day they shall growl over it as with the growling of the sea. And one shall look at the earth, and see, darkness and distress! And light shall be darkened by the clouds. (emphases added)

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 50:5 “They shall ask the way to Tsiyon, their faces toward it, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to YHWH, in an everlasting covenant, never to be forgotten.’ 6 “My people have been wandering sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.  7 “All who found them have devoured them. And their adversaries have said, ‘We are not guilty, because they have sinned against YHWH, the Home of righteousness, and the Expectation of their fathers: YHWH.’ 8 “Flee from the midst of Babel, come out of the land of the Chaldeans. And be as rams before a flock.  9 “For look, I am stirring up and bringing up against Babel an assembly of great nations from a land of the north, and they shall array themselves against her. From there she shall be captured – their arrows are like those of a mighty skilled man, not returning empty-handed. 10 “And Chaldea shall become plunder, all who plunder her shall satisfy themselves,” declares YHWH. 11 “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced, you who plunder My inheritance, because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain, and you neigh like stallions, 12 your mother shall be greatly ashamed. She who bore you shall be humiliated. Look, the last of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land and a desert. 13 “Because of the wrath of YHWH she shall not be inhabited, but she shall be deserted – all of it. Everyone passing by Babel shall be astonished and whistle at all her plagues. 14 “Set yourselves in array against Babel all around, all you who bend the bow. Shoot at her, spare no arrows, for she has sinned against YHWH. 15 “Shout against her all around. She has given her hand, her foundations have fallen, her walls are thrown down, for it is the vengeance of YHWH. Take vengeance on her. As she has done, so do to her. 16 “Cut off the sower from Babel, and him who handles the sickle at harvest time. From before the sword of the oppressor each one turns to his own people, and each one flees to his own land. 17 “Yisra’el is a scattered sheep, the lions have driven him away. First the sovereign of Ashshur devoured him, and now, at last, this Nebukadretstsar sovereign of Babel has broken his bones.” 18 Therefore thus said YHWH of hosts, the Elohim of Yisra’el, “See, I am punishing the sovereign of Babel and his land, as I have punished the sovereign of Ashshur. 19 “And I shall bring back Yisra’el to his pasture, and he shall feed on Karmel and Bashan. And his being shall be satisfied on Mount Ephrayim and Gil'ad. 20 “In those days and at that time,” declares YHWH, “the crookedness of Yisra’el shall be searched for, but there shall be none; and the sin of Yehudah, but none shall be found. For I shall pardon those whom I leave as a remnant." (emphases added)

Yeheskel (Ezekiel) 27: 1  The word of YHWH came again to me, saying, 2 “Now, son of man, take up a lamentation for Tsor, 3 and you shall say to Tsor, ‘You who dwell at the entrance to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coastlands, thus said the Master YHWH, “O Tsor, you yourself have said, ‘I am perfect in loveliness.’ 4 “Your borders are in the heart of the seas. Your builders have perfected your loveliness. 5 “They have made all your timbers of fir trees from Senir. They took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. 6 “From the oaks of Bashan they made your oars. They made your deck with ivory from the coasts of Kittim. 7 “Of fine embroidered linen from Mitsrayim was your sail to serve you as banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah was your covering. 8 “The inhabitants of Tsidon and Arwad were your seamen. Your wise men, O Tsor, were in you, they were your sailors. 9 “The elders of Gebal and its wise men were in you repairing your seams. All the ships of the sea and their seamen were in you to trade your merchandise. 10 “Those from Persia, Lud, and Put were in your army as men of battle. Shield and helmet they hung up within you, they gave splendour to you. 11 “The sons of Arwad, and your army were on your walls all around, and the Gammadites were in your towers. They hung their shields on your walls all around, they perfected your loveliness. 12 “Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth. They gave you silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise. 13 “Yawan, Tubal, and Meshek were your traders. They exchanged slaves and objects of bronze for your merchandise. 14 “Those from the house of Togarmah exchanged horses, and horsemen, and mules for your merchandise. 15 “The men of Dedan traded with you. Many isles were your market, they brought you ivory tusks and ebony as payment. 16 “Aram was your merchant because of the multitude of your works. They gave you emeralds, purple, and embroidery, and fine linen, and corals, and rubies for your wares. 17 “Yehudah and the land of Yisra’el were your traders. For your merchandise they exchanged wheat of Minnith, and early figs, and honey, and oil, and balm. 18 “Damascus was your merchant because of the multitude of your works, because of your great wealth of goods, with the wine of Helbon and with white wool. 19 “Wedan and Yawan from Uzal paid for your wares, they exchanged wrought iron, cassia, and cane for your merchandise. 20 “Dedan traded with you in saddlecloths for riding. 21 “Arabia, and all princes of Qedar, were merchants for you. In lambs, and rams, and goats they were your merchants. 22 “The traders of Sheba and Ra'mah were your traders. They paid for your wares with the choicest spices, and all kinds of precious stones, and gold. 23 “Haran, and Kanneh, and Eden, traders of Sheba, Ashshur, and Kilmad traded with you. 24 “They traded with you in perfect items, in purple clothes, in embroidered garments, in chests of multi-coloured clothes, in strong twined cords, among your merchandise. 25 “The ships of Tarshish were the travellers of your merchandise. And you were filled and richly laden in the heart of the seas. 26 “Your seamen brought you into many waters, but the east wind broke you in the heart of the seas. 27 “Your wealth, and your wares, your merchandise, your mariners and your sailors, your repairers of seams, and your dealers in merchandise, and all your fighting men who are in you, and the entire company which is in your midst, shall go down into the heart of the seas on the day of your fall, 28 the coasts shaking at the sound of the cry of your sailors. 29 “And all the oarsmen, the mariners, all the sailors of the sea shall come down from their ships. They shall stand on the shore, 30 and they shall raise their voice and cry bitterly over you, and cast dust on their heads, rolling themselves in ashes. 31 “And they shall shave themselves bald because of you, and shall gird themselves with sackcloth. And they shall weep for you with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing. 32 “And in their wailing for you they shall take up a lamentation. And they shall lament for you, ‘Who is cut off in the midst of the sea like Tsor? 33 ‘When your wares went out by sea, you have filled many peoples; with your great wealth and your merchandise you have made the sovereigns of the earth rich. 34 ‘In the time you are broken by the seas in the depths of the waters, your merchandise and all your company shall fall in your midst. 35 ‘All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at you, and their sovereigns shall be greatly afraid, their faces shall be troubled. 36 ‘The merchants among the peoples shall whistle at you. You shall become a horror, and be no more, forever.’ ” ’ ”  Yeheskel 28: 1  And the word of YHWH came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, say to the prince of Tsor, ‘Thus said the Master YHWH, “Because your heart is lifted up, and you say, ‘I am El, I sit in the seat of Elohim, in the heart of the seas,’ whereas you are a man, and not El, though you set your heart as the heart of Elohim!  (emphases added)

Zekaryah 10:1  Ask YHWH for rain in the time of the latter rain, YHWH who makes storm clouds. And He gives them showers of rain, the plants in the field to everyone. 2 For the household idols spoke emptiness, the diviners saw falsehood, and relate dreams of deceit, they comfort in vain. Therefore they have wandered about like sheep. They are afflicted, for there is no shepherd.   3 “My wrath burns against the shepherds, and I lay a charge against the leaders. For YHWH of hosts shall visit His flock, the house of Yehudah, and make them like His splendid horse in battle. 4 “From him comes the corner-stone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler, together. 5 “And they shall be like mighty men, who trample down the mud of the streets in the battle. And they shall fight because YHWH is with them, and the riders on horses shall be put to shame. 6 “And I shall make the house of Yehudah mighty, and save the house of Yoseph. And I shall bring them back, because I have compassion on them. And they shall be as though I had not pushed them aside. For I am YHWH their Elohim, and I answer them. 7 “And Ephrayim shall be as a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as if with wine. And their children shall see and rejoice, their heart exulting in YHWH. 8 “I shall whistle for them and gather them, for I shall ransom them. And they shall increase as they once increased. 9 “Though I sow them among peoples, they shall remember Me in places far away. And they shall live, together with their children, and they shall return. 10 “And I shall bring them back from the land of Mitsrayim, and gather them from Ashshur, and bring them into the land of Gil'ad and Lebanon, until no more room is found for them. 11 “And He shall pass through the sea of distress, and strike the waves of the sea, and all the depths of the River shall dry up. And the pride of Ashshur shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Mitsrayim be taken away. 12 “And I shall make them mighty in YHWH, so that they walk up and down in His Name,” declares YHWH.  (emphases added)

Shavua Tov,
--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
Blogged with the Flock Browser

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Abraham was the First Pilgrim

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

You have probably been wondering what has happened to Chazak. Well, we just took a little hiatus. While away for the last few weeks, we conducted a wedding. Yes, it was a surprise to us too! It happened during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). This made the festival very full indeed! Though it was on short notice it was an honor and a blessing to participate as we have seen Abba working in the lives of this wonderful couple. It was designed close to the ancient Biblical/Hebraic wedding. It was planned in lightning fashion as we found out we were doing it on Tuesday, the first day of Sukkot, and the wedding was on Shabbat of that week (3 days to plan)!! I think people were blessed because we were not concerned about how perfect it was. We can put our plans in order. But, sometimes we have to be ready and willing to allow our plans to be altered. Isn't that how life is? We plan as much as we can for what we may face, but really it is Abba who is there to assist us to guide the way.

Next week we will be return to our series on the Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages, Part 5 - Yoseph: A Dreamer for Our Times. For this week, I am going focus on the pilgrims and the day that is celebrated as Thanksgiving. I know some of you are not Americans, but I believe this message is still relevant because it focuses on the first pilgrim, Avraham.

The First Pilgrim was a Hebrew

Hear my prayer, YHWH, and give ear to my cry; hold not peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with You, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. (Psalm 39:12)

What are Pilgrims?

Current Understanding

Pilgrim fathers, a name popularly given to the one hundred and two English colonists who landed from the Mayflower and made the first settlement in New England at Plymouth in 1620. They were separatists from the Church of England, and most of them had sojourned in Holland.

Definition of A Pilgrim

Webster's definition of a pilgrim, “1. A wayfarer; a wanderer; a traveler; a stranger. ex. Strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 2 One who travels far, or in strange lands. 3. To journey; to wander; to ramble.  What they believed made them aliens or pilgrims to the people around them.

Abraham was the First Pilgrim

Bereshit (Genesis) 12:1 And YHWH said to Abram, “Go yourself out of your land, from your relatives and from your father’s house, to a land which I show you. 2 “And I shall make you a great nation, and bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing! 3 “And I shall bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you. And in you all the clans of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram left, as YHWH had commanded him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.

First reference to the word “Hebrew”

Bereshit 14:13 And one who had escaped came and informed Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshkol and brother of Aner, and they had a covenant with Abram.

In the Strong's Dictionary of the Bible it is numbered H5677. Hebrew = "one from beyond".

Some Americans can relate to the Pilgrims that came to America, but few Americans who believe in the Bible even see a connection in their lives to the first pilgrim in the history of the world, our father Abraham.  The Apostle Paul explained to all believers of the Saviour of their connection to the first Pilgrim Abraham in Galatians.  Galatians 3:29 And if you are of Messiah, then you are seed of Abraham, and heirs according to the promise.

The Promise to the First Pilgrim

Bereshit 15:18 On the same day YHWH made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I have given this land to your seed, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.....”

Bereshit 17:6 “And I shall make you bear fruit exceedingly, and make nations of you, and sovereigns shall come from you. 7 “And I shall establish My covenant between Me and you and your seed after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be Elohim to you and your seed after you. 8 “And I shall give to you and your seed after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Kenaan, as an everlasting possession. And I shall be their Elohim.”

Since we are ancestors and heirs of the first Pilgrim let us strive to grab a hold of the same inheritance and the same blessing given to our father Abraham the first pilgrim. May this give us a renewed understanding each year as we celebrate Thanksgiving. And may all believers understand who are dispersed in the four corners of the world, that you were once soujourners and strangers for Y'shua has brought you back to the covenant. The previous Scriptures have shown that the convenant involves both a Land and a People. So welcome home pilgrims for it is time to return home both in your heart and in your mind. YHWH asks of all us to prepare for the Second Exodus which will be greater than the first (see Yeshayahu/Isaiah 11:10-14)!

Shavua Tov,
--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
Blogged with the Flock Browser

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Chag Same'ach - Sukkot Blessings

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

I have just finished the Sukkah in time for our Succot celebration tomorrow at our home. I secured in the last boards, cleaned up and went it inside. Then, it began to rain!!

YHWH gave us wives to encourage their husbands. I started this Sukkah initially and was ready to give up. But, Reyyna only spoke words of encouragement and I rallied under those words. It really is a picture of the tribulation. When we are at our weakest, the Holy Spirit will encourage us to continue to fight the good fight of faith. This Sukkah really was an act of worship for me. Scripture says that whatever you do, do your work heartily as for YHWH rather than for man. For from YHWH, you will receive the reward of the inheritance for it is the Master Y'shua you serve (see Collosians 3:23-24). And since I was building a Sukkah, the reward of the inheritance will be living in the Land of Yisrael for my family!!

I pray that this Succoth season will be one filled with joy and strength. May you realize the greatness of the Spirit of Messiah that dwells in you!

Shavua tov,

--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Part 4: The Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages – Two Wombs, Two Houses

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

We return to our series, Part 4: The Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages – Two Wombs, Two Houses. We left off with seeing the completion of one of Lavan's deceptions when he gave his older daughter Leah and not Raqel as a wife to Yaacov. Since man is only capable of loving one woman, YHWH looked with compassion on the victimization of Leah in Lavan's scheme. Interestingly, most of Yisrael's tribes would come forth from her womb.

Two Wombs, Two Houses

Below is a table showing the sons coming from Leah's and Raqel's womb and the meaning of their name. Please note that in ancient times if a woman offered her female servant to bring forth children, these children were still considered to be from their master's womb (see Bereshit/Genesis 29 and 30).


Leah's children

Meaning

1. Reuven

Behold a son

2. Shimon

He has heard

3. Levi

Attached to YHWH

4. Yehudah

I praise YHWH.

Raqel's children


5. Dan (from Raqel's servant Bilhah)

Judge

6. Naphtali (from Raqel's servant Bilhah)

My wrestling

Leah's children


7. Gad (from Leah's servant Zilpah)

Overcome

8. Asher (from Leah's servant Zilpah)

Happy

9. Yissaskar

He will bring a reward

10. Zebulun

Habitation

Dinah (a daughter)

Justice

Raqel's children


11. Yoseph

Let Him add

12. Benyamin

Son of the right hand


The two wombs and two nations arising from Raqel and Leah would continue with much discord and strife throughout the years. Just as Raqel and Leah contended with each other so would these brothers of Yisrael. Yet despite a future civil war YHWH had plans to bring family unity.


What About Those Sheep?

Bereshit 30: 25 And it came to be, when Raḥĕl had borne Yosĕph, that Ya‛aqoḇ said to Laḇan, “Send me on my way, to go to my own place and to my land. 26 “Give my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go, for you yourself know my service which I have done for you.” 27 And Laḇan said to him, “If I have found favour in your eyes, please stay, for I have diligently watched that YHWH has blessed me for your sake.” 28 And he said, “Name me your wages, and I give it.” 29 So he said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. 30 “For the little you had before I came has increased greatly, and YHWH has blessed you since my coming. But now, when am I to provide for my own house too?” 31 And he said, “What do I give you?” And Ya‛aqoḇ said,Give me naught! If you do this for me, I shall again feed and guard your flocks: 32 “Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the black ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. And these shall be my wages. 33 “And my righteousness shall answer for me in time to come, when you come concerning my wages: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the lambs, it is stolen if it is with me.” 34 And Laḇan said, “See, let it be according to your word!” 35 And on that day he set aside the male goats that were speckled and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the black ones among the lambs, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 36 And he put three days’ journey between himself and Ya‛aqoḇ, and Ya‛aqoḇ fed the rest of Laḇan’s flocks. 37 And Ya‛aqoḇ took for himself rods of green poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, peeled white strips in them, and exposed the white which was in the rods. 38 And he set the rods which he had peeled before the flocks in the gutters, in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, and they conceived when they came to drink. 39 So the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted. 40 And Ya‛aqoḇ separated the lambs, and made the flocks face toward the streaked and all the black in the flock of Laḇan, but he put his own flocks by themselves and did not put them with Laḇan’s flock. 41 And it came to be, whenever the strong ones of the flock conceived, that Ya‛aqoḇ placed the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, so they would conceive among the rods. 42 But when the flocks were weak, he did not put them in, so the weak ones were Laḇan’s and the strong ones Ya‛aqoḇ’s. 43 Thus the man increased very much, and had many flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys. (emphases added)

I will have to admit that I've read this passage many times and scratched my head. Perhaps, that is why I have a bald spot in the middle of my head today!! Well, the Ruach lead me to look at 3 words in this passage and what I found significant was Yaacov's description of the sheep. Verse 37 speaks of flocks that were streaked, speckled, and spotted. The Hebrew meaning of the descriptions opens up a whole new revelation. The root word in Strong's for streaked means “to bind”, for speckled “to pierce”, and for spotted “to cover”.

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 53:4 Truly, He has borne our sicknesses and carried our pains. Yet we reckoned Him stricken, smitten by Elohim, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our crookednesses. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.....12 Therefore I give Him a portion among the great, and He divides the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His being unto death, and He was counted with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (emphases added)

Y'shua bound up our sicknesses, pains, and sin upon Himself. He was pierced for our transgressions. And He covers our present sin making intercession for us (see Hebrews 7:25).

Y'shua does not put us with the flocks of the world. As we “come out from among them” and are separate from the world as He is, we become strengthened (above verses in Bereshit 30:40-42).

The Propensity of Ephraim for Idolatry

In Bereshit 31, YHWH intervenes and speaks to Lavan to allow Yaacov to go freely. YHWH warns Lavan to not speak good or evil of Yaacov.

Also in this section, we see Raqel took the family idols with her and hid them in her tent. Is this the precursor to Ephraim's propensity for idol's?

Hoshea 4: 17 “Ephrayim is joined to idols, let him alone. 18 “Their drink is sour, they have whored continually. Her rulers wildly loved shame. 19 “A wind has bound her up in its wings, and they are ashamed because of their slaughterings. (emphases added)

Yet the promise of YHWH is sure to heal backsliding Ephraim:

Hoshea 14:4 I shall heal their backsliding, I shall love them spontaneously, for My displeasure has turned away from him. 5 “I shall be like the dew to Yisra’ĕl. He shall blossom like the lily, and cast out his roots like Leḇanon. 6 “His branches shall spread, and his splendour shall be like an olive tree, and his fragrance like Leḇanon. 7 “Those who dwell under his shadow shall return. They shall revive like grain, and blossom like the vine, and become as fragrant as the wine of Leḇanon. 8 “What more has Ephrayim to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after him. I am like a green cypress tree, your fruit comes from Me.” (emphases added)

Machanayim, Two Camps

In Bereshit 32, Yaacov so remembered the hatred fuming from Esau, it was as if his departure from his father's house was just yesterday. Fear gripped Yaacov as he divided his household into two camps (Hebrew machanayim). Yaacov took these precautions to protect his family by dividing them. All things work for the good of those who love YHWH and are called according to His purpose. Despite the reasons for the division of Yisrael into 2 nations, YHWH has used it to protect a large number of unbeknown Yisraelites. Was this prophetic as Yisrael is divided still today into two camps? Many Christians today have been hidden from their Yisraelite identity for Abba has divided them from their brother Yehudah to this very day. Is this to be until the destruction of the House of Esau (Edomites) has taken place? Or will these believers in Y'shua awaken to their identity in time to assist Yehudah to vanquish the Edomites? Perhaps the latter, for Yaacov soon receives his new name as Yisrael before his encounter with Esau.

The Y Chromosome

I believe that the revelation of one's destiny is a precursor to one's path to victory. Your destiny is your marching orders from the King. Yaacov received his marching orders from YHWH.

Bereshit 32: 22 And he rose up that night and took his two wives, and his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford of Yabboq. 23 And he took them and sent them over the stream, and sent over what he had. 24 And Ya‛aqov̱ was left alone. And a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 And when He saw that He did not overcome him, He touched the socket of his hip. And the socket of Ya‛aqov̱’s hip was dislocated as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I am not letting You go until You have blessed me!” 27 So He asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Ya‛aqov̱.” 28 And He said, “Your name is no longer called Ya‛aqov̱, but Yisra’ĕl, because you have striven with Elohim and with men, and have overcome.” 29 And Ya‛aqov̱ asked Him, saying, “Please let me know Your Name.” And He said, “Why do you ask about My Name?” And He blessed him there. 30 And Ya‛aqov called the name of the place Peni’ĕl, “For I have seen Elohim face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 And the sun rose on him as he passed over Penu’ĕl, and he limped on his hip. (emphases added)

In Part 3, I shared how Yah showed me a vision of Yaacov's ladder as that of a DNA strand (a double helix). Now we see the emergence of the Y chromosome. It is interesting that the English letter Y is the equivalent of the Hebrew letter yud. The name Yisrael begins with the Hebrew letter yud and the English letter Y. In genetics the Y chromosome is the chromosome that is carried by all males. Females are XX and males are XY. YHWH preserved the genetic code of Yisrael through the fathers. It stands as a witness of the Torah which declares that both curses and blessings will be passed on through the fathers (see Shemot/Exodus 20:5-6 and Vayikra/Leviticus 26:40-41). Was it prophetic to call the male chromosome the “Y” chromosome just as the “Y” is in Yisrael?

What other hidden meanings can be found in the Y chromosome? Look closely at an interesting characteristic of the English letter “Y”. Is not the “Y” 2 sticks coming together?! Who, in prophetic history, will be 2 sticks coming together? (see Yeheskel/Ezekiel 37) Patriarchal lineage has everything to do with the “Y” chromosome. In every male human being on earth a fossil remains to give testimony to YHWH's creative order. Yaacov's refusal to not let go until he was blessed imprinted a chromosomal fossil that to this day desires to express itself in the sons of men.

Romans 8: 19 For the intense longing of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of Elohim. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not from choice, but because of Him who subjected it, in anticipation, 21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage to corruption into the esteemed freedom of the children of Elohim. 22 For we know that all the creation groans together, and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only so, but even we ourselves who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, we ourselves also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (emphases added)

If we read chapter 9 of Romans, we realize that Shaul/Paul was talking about the redemption of the sons of Yisrael in the above verses. Could the “Y” chromosome of Yisrael be part of the creation that is crying out for the revealing of the sons of Elohim? If each “Y” chromosome responds to their call, shall redemption rage within the body? Could creative spiritual energy from YHWH alight the “Y” chromosome as it meets its spiritual and created order and destiny? Romans chapter 8 finishes with an exhortation that we are over-comers. Yisrael means to overcome with El (God). It appears as if Shaul himself is describing this to a part of the nature of the “Y”/ Yisraelite chromosome.

Can we then understand what the prophet Malachi said in chapter 4: 6 “And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with utter destruction. The “Y”chromosomes of the children when they turn to their fathers Abraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov who became Yisrael – the “Y” chomosome of the fathers through Y'shua will regenerate and redeem the bodies of YHWH's children, Yisrael, and set a prophetic, creative force loose into all the world. Yisrael will then truly be a light to the nations!

Shavua Tov,


Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!


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Monday, September 29, 2008

Sound the Shofar/Trumpet and Warn the People

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

I have been hearing prophetic reports that life as we know it may change very soon. I will echo that. With bank failure after bank failure occurring, I sense a black cloud descending upon this nation. I will admit I don't have my physical house in order. I don't have food or water stored up. Living in South Florida is hand to mouth. But, I have the assurance of the implanted Word inside of me. This is not a time to be tossed to and fro by sayings of men. This is a time to seek His face with all diligence. Y'shua our Messiah will be the only One to get us through the coming days ahead.

I believe events will take place that we never imagined could happen in this country and in this world. If our physical freedoms are taken away in the places where we live, we must remember that our only true freedom is in Y'shua freeing us from the power of sin.

Many will enter into despair hoping for a "rapture". Beloved ones do not let these events rob your joy! Throughout Scripture it was joy that defeated the enemy. His Word never changes. So we can count it all joy whatever trials
may be ahead.

Shavua Tov,

--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
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Sunday, September 21, 2008

The Ancient Paths Are Rest for You

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

First, if the Ruach leads we will return to our series next week. However, this week Abba put something on my heart based on a verse a brother shared with me. Here is the verse.

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith YHWH, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Today, Christianity is suffering the consequences of saying they will not walk in the old/ancient paths. I have talked to some believers where the resistance to the old paths was so strong that it brought about both anger and rage. And yet not once did I say to them about living a Torah lifestyle. I just lived my life and did not say anything. I guess my life example was even too much for them. I would hear responses, “I am not going under the law, I am free! Besides, I keep the 10 commandments. Those are the only laws that are necessary.” I have been in discussions where they will refuse to even listen to a verse from the Tenach (or Old Testament). They would, however, quote from the text if it served their own purposes. In their ignorance, they fail to look beyond the 10 commandments which are filled with guidelines to live a righteous life. For instance, admonitions against having relations with a beast are not in the 10 commandments. So does that mean this action is permissible since it is not in the 10 commandments? Yah forbid. The definition of sin has been lost – the transgression of the Torah (see 1 Yochanon/John 3:4).

But, some say it is not possible for us to live a righteous life. Yes, while it is true that we have no righteousness on our own, we have have a righteous Holy Spirit living inside of us that we can submit to who will empower us to live righteously!

I believe most have forgotten what freedom is. The Apostle Shaul/Paul asked the question, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" (Romans 6:12) Shaul answered may it not be so. Kefa/Peter said of Shaul's writings that they are hard to understand and unlearned and unstable will misinterpret them to their own destruction. (see 2 Kefa/Peter 3:16) In other words, if you do not know that the old/ancient paths are good for you, you will never understand the Apostle Shaul/Paul's writings. Today, when someone gets saved the first thing we do is give them a New Testament. Hmm. The first century believers who lived a life empowered by the Spirit never had a New Testament! They had a manual to the ancient paths – the Tenach. If you don't know the Tenach first, it will lead you to a life of not finding rest for your souls. If you refuse to walk in the ancient ways, you will even open doors to false prophets. Thus, the problems that plague modern Christianity.

This past Torah portion shows the great blessings that are awaiting those who walk in the old/ancient paths. But, it also spells out the curses that follow if you refuse. (Devarim/Deut. 27 and 28). By submitting to the Holy Spirit, we are released to live in the ancient paths and be a witness to a darkened world.

Shavua Tov,


Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
www.chazakyisrael.blogspot.com



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Monday, September 15, 2008

A Short Letter - Dividing Up His Land

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

I have been "under the weather" this weekend recovering from a bad cold, thus no Chazak letter.  But I would like to share two verses that encouraged me this morning.

Elohim delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.
--Psalm 72:12

Y'shua spoke:

Will not Elohim give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily.
--Luke 18:7-8

I heard a brother this weekend who compared Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ike moving up the backbone of this country as a warning against Abba's judgments to those who would participate in dividing His Land of Yisrael.  

Brothers and Sisters, if you love Yisrael and pray for her regularly; Abba knows.   He will not ignore your prayer.   You will be protected from His judgments.   Was not Lot rescued from Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction?

Shavua Tov,

--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
Blogged with the Flock Browser

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Part 3: The Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages - The White Lies of Lavan

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

After one week off, we return to Part 3 of the Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages series. I pray that you know that you are being kept and nestled in the palm of Abba's hand. I say that because we need to be reminded of this in these perilous yet exciting times.

We last left off learning about Yaacov and his flight to his uncle Lavan. We learned that Lavan means “white”. Thus, the title of Part 3 - The White Lies of Lavan. In Part 3, we will cover only one of the “white” lies of Lavan.

A White Lie

What really is a white lie? The common definition for a white lie is, “A little lie that does not harm anyone.” Isn't that what we always say about a lie? In fact, we fail to confess this behavior by even failing to say the word! “Oh, I didn't tell a lie; I told an untruth.” Now when I am talking about a lie I am not talking about Tamar's deception which was righteous because the motivation of the act was to continue a lineage which eventually led to Messiah. In addition, I am not talking about Rechab (Rehab) who lied about the spies with the destiny of Yisrael at stake, nor of Esther who hid her identity to save all the Jewish people from annihilation. I am talking about a lie that involves self gain.

May I propose a different definition of a white lie? How about this? A lie where the person giving it attempts to make themselves look good or giving a false impression of self. Have you ever been in a situation where somebody shared information with you and you said, “Oh I already knew that.” When in reality you did not have a clue! Have you reminded somebody of something they said several weeks ago and they said, “What are you talking about I never said that?” This sounds like a convenient bad memory. I will admit it I have been on the receiving end and I have doled it out too. But, the lie is not a harmless lie. You have harmed the relationship with the person you told this lie to. And you have done harm to yourself. Is this the character of the Ruach Ha Kodesh? No. What does this have to do with Lavan? Good question. Will you take a Scriptural journey with me?

Preparation Against the White Lies of Lavan

Bereshit (Genesis) 28: 5 So Yitsḥaq sent Yaaqov̱ away, and he went to Paddan Aram, to Laḇan son of Bethuĕl the Aramean, the brother of Riḇqah, the mother of Yaaqov̱ and Ěsaw. (emphasis added)

On his flight to Aramea, a significant event occurred which I believe spoke to Yaacov that YHWH was holding him in the Palm of His Hand. It also was confirmation to Yaacov that indeed he was the one to receive the blessing of the first born.

Bereshit 28: 10 And Yaaqov went out from Beĕrsheḇa and went toward Ḥaran. 11 And he came upon a place and stopped over for the night, for the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed and saw a ladder set up on the earth, and its top reached to the heavens, and saw messengers of Elohim going up and coming down on it. 13 And see, YHWH stood above it and said, “I am YHWH the Elohim of Aḇraham your father and the Elohim of Yitsḥaq. The land on which you are lying, I give it to you and your seed. 14 “And your seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and you shall break forth to the west and to the east, to the north and the south. And all the clans of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your seed. 15 “And see, I am with you and shall guard you wherever you go, and shall bring you back to this land. For I am not going to leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” 16 And Yaaqov̱ awoke from his sleep and said, “Truly, YHWH is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of Elohim, and this is the gate of the heavens!” 18 And Yaaqov rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a standing column, and poured oil on top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bĕyth Ěl, however, the name of that city had been Luz previously. 20 And Yaaqov made a vow, saying, “Seeing Elohim is with me, and has kept me in this way that I am going, and has given me bread to eat and a garment to put on – 21 when I have returned to my father’s house in peace, and YHWH has been my Elohim, 22 then this stone which I have set as a standing column shall be Elohim’s house, and of all that You give me, I shall certainly give a tenth to You.” (emphases added)

Why would someone use a stone for a pillow? The Hebrew word for pillow is very similar to a Hebrew word for dominion. Perhaps, Abba has hidden a mystery in the similarity of words. For it is at this place Abba reinforces the dominion given the descendants of Yaacov. Abba further reinforces the same blessing given to his grandfather Avraham years earlier that He would bring them back to the Land He had chosen for them.

Years ago while living in South Africa I had a vision of Yaacov's ladder. I saw a DNA molecule extending from the heavens and to the ground. The Ruach reminded me that DNA is the molecular building blocks of a people. It is also the molecular foundation for man. So the ladder was not only a reminder that Abba would set aside a people for Himself, but also Y'shua, the man, would be our ladder or bridge to the heavens as our Advocate. (see Yochanon/John 1:51)

This moment in Yaacov's life prepared him for the white lies of Lavan. This life is filled with man's manipulations, but we will never break from them and find our true liberty until it gets embedded into our being that Abba alone is sovereign over our lives. Truly, a foundation was laid that would aid Yaacov through many difficulties he would face from this time forward.

The Wells of Salvation

Bereshit 29:1 And Yaaqov̱ moved on and came to the land of the people of the East. 2 And he looked and saw a well in the field, and saw three flocks of sheep lying by it, for out of that well they watered the flocks, and a large stone was on the well’s mouth. 3 And all the flocks would be gathered there, then they would roll the stone from the well’s mouth and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the well’s mouth. 4 So Yaaqov̱ said to them, “My brothers, where are you from?” And they said, “We are from Ḥaran.” 5 And he said to them, “Do you know Laḇan son of Naḥor?” And they said, “We know him.” 6 So he said to them, “Is he well?” And they said, “Well. And see, his daughter Raḥĕl is coming with the sheep.” 7 And he said, “See, it is still high day, not the time for the livestock to be gathered together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.” 8 But they said, “We are not allowed until all the flocks are gathered together, and they have rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, then we shall water the sheep.” 9 While he was still speaking with them, Raḥĕl came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. 10 And it came to be, when Yaaqov saw Raḥĕl the daughter of Laḇan his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laḇan his mother’s brother, that Yaaqov went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laḇan his mother’s brother. (emphases added)

The wells of salvation are Yisrael's refreshment. Prophetically, Yaacov had to wait for all of Yisrael to receive the refreshment of the mayim chayim. The waters of the well itself represent Y'shua and the stone rolled away represent the covering over His tomb. The four flocks represent not only Yisraelites scattered to the four corners of the earth, but the gathering of all of Yisrael around the four corners of the Mishkan (tabernacle). YHWH's presence was the well of salvation for the Yisraelites assembled around the Mishkan. Yaacov (a father of Yisrael) rolling the stone away represented Abba Father rolling the stone away from the tomb of His Son Y'shua. The waters of the well of salvation, our Savior Y'shua, were the very waters that refreshed the thirsty nation of Yisrael and the world.

I believe a holy love kindled in Yaacov's heart for Rachel. He knew that Abba had shown him his wife. Many, I believe, have incorrectly romanticized (a pagan affection from Rome) the devotion Yaacov felt for Rachel. For this holy affection would be the same expression YHWH had for Ephrayim (descendant of Rachel), “Is Ephrayim a precious son to Me, a child of delights? For though I spoke against him, I still remembered him. That is why My affections were deeply moved for him. I have great compassion for him,” declares YHWH. (Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 31:20)

It is this holy unmitigated love for Rachel that would ease the anguish of being under manipulative spirits of control and domination found in the household of Lavan. Indeed, Abba was doing a tremendous work in Yaacov's life; preparing him for his destiny to be the first Yisraelite whose seed would manifest as a firstborn nation.

Lavan's Deception

Bereshit 29:13 And it came to be, when Laḇan heard the report about Ya‛aqoḇ his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Then he told Laḇan all these matters. 14 And Laḇan said to him, “You are indeed my bone and my flesh.” And he stayed with him for a month. 15 Then Laḇan said to Ya‛aqoḇ, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for naught? Let me know, what should your wages be?” 16 And Laḇan had two daughters, the name of the elder was Lĕ’ah, and the name of the younger was Raḥĕl. 17 And Lĕ’ah’s eyes were weak, but Raḥĕl was lovely of form and appearance. 18 And Ya‛aqoḇ loved Raḥĕl, so he said, “Let me serve you seven years for Raḥĕl your younger daughter.” 19 And Laḇan said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.” 20 So Ya‛aqoḇ served seven years for Raḥĕl, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. (emphases added)

Revelation (chapter 3, verse 7 and following) talks about the congregation of Philadelphia having a love so strong for one another and for Abba and His Son that they their lives will be preserved during the coming tribulation. Shall our love for Abba Father and for Yisrael be so strong that the seven years of tribulation seem like a few days?

Bereshit 29:21 Then Yaaqov̱ said to Laḇan, “Give me my wife, for my days are completed, and let me go in to her.” 22 And Laḇan gathered all the men of the place and made a feast. 23 And it came to be in the evening, that he took Lĕah his daughter and brought her to Ya‛aqoḇ. And he went in to her. 24 And Laḇan gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Lĕah as a female servant. 25 And in the morning it came to be, that see, it was Lĕah. So he said to Laḇan, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Raḥĕl that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?” 26 And Laḇan said, “It is not done this way in our place, to give the younger before the first-born. 27 “Complete the week of this one, then we give you this one too, for the service which you shall serve with me still another seven years.” (emphases added)

Lavan's white lie was now complete. Yet, all things work for the good of those who love YHWH and are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28). Yaacov did not allow his anger to get the best of him. Instead he chose to accept what he had been dealt for deep inside he knew Abba was seeing him through every situation. It was unfortunate that Leah was a victim in Lavan's greedy scheme. For Scripture is clear that man is only capable of loving one woman. Abba looked upon the victimization of Leah and with compassion blessed the fruit of her womb.

Continued Next Week Part 4 – Restoration of Yisrael Mystery of the Ages:

Two Wombs, Two Houses

I pray for a deep flowing love of Abba and the nation Yisrael to flow into your hearts. May it manifest itself in a greater understanding of your role in Yisrael which is the hope of your calling.


Shavua tov,

Tzefanyah Pappas

Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!


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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Birth Pangs: This Is Not Our Home - Signs of Redemption

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

I am interrupting part 3 of the series dealing with the Restoration of Yisrael. I sense that we are in the middle of birth pangs of the redemption of the sons of Yisrael to the Land. These birth pangs are just a reminder that this is not our home and the seed of Yisrael is to be planted in its own soil just as Scripture says.

This promise was given to Yaacov who was later named Yisrael.

Bereshit (Genesis) 28:13, “I am YHWH Elohim of Abraham your father and the Elohim of Yitshaq. The land on which you are lying, I give it to you and your seed. 14 “And your seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and you shall break forth to the west and to the east, to the north and the south. And all the clans of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your seed. 15 “And see, I am with you and shall guard you wherever you go, and shall bring you back to this land. For I am not going to leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you. (emphases added)

Abba woke me up very early Shabbat morning and I was thinking about these cataclysmic events that are taking place. Here in Florida, we have had Tropical Storm Fay bombarding us with serious flooding. In the Land, we have no rain with the Kinneret (sea of Galilee) in serious danger.

I hear Abba's cry, "Do not lose heart O my people Yisrael. For a woman is in labour. She is in much pain, the contractions are growing stronger.  But, when she gives birth there will be much joy!"

Tehillim (Psalm) 87: 5 And of Tsiyon it is said, “Each one was born in her; For the Most High Himself does establish her.” 6 YHWH does write in the register of the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah. (emphases added)

If you are living in the Land of Yisrael, do not lose heart. In Ha Eretz (the Land of Yisrael) you are experiencing these birth pangs as well. Ha Eretz is crying out for the redemption of the sons of Yisrael. The soil is reflecting back its thirst for the sons to return. If you are living in the diaspora, do not lose heart. The amniotic fluid is ready to burst (the various floods taking place both here and abroad) as a woman in child birth. Where you are living now is not your home. The birth pangs are reminding you that the redemption will not give birth on foreign soil!

I am reminded of Tehillim 137: 1 By the rivers of Babel, There we sat down and we wept as we remembered Tsiyon. 2 We hung our lyres upon the willows in the midst of it. 3 For there our captors asked us for the words of a song, and our plunderers for rejoicing, saying, “Sing to us a song of Tsiyon!” 4 How could we sing the song of YHWH on foreign soil? 5 If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand forget. 6 Let my tongue cleave to my palate, if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Yerushalayim above my chief joy. 7 Remember, O YHWH, against the sons of Edom, the day of Yerushalayim, who said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare, to its foundation!” 8 O daughter of Babel, who are to be destroyed, blessed is he who repays you your deed, what you did to us! 9 Blessed is he who shall take and dash your little ones against the rock. (emphases added)

This is not a time to live in dread. This is a time to live in anticipation! If you are living in dread, you will miss out! Your cloud of despair will hide all of the goodness that Abba is planning to do in the final redemption of the sons of Yisrael to the Land. This is a spirit related to what I believe is fear. We are not to live in fear. Scripture exhorts us in 2 Timothy 1: 7 For YHWH hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Thank You Abba for being in control of all things. We bless You and thank You for hiding us in the Shadow of Your Wings.

Shavua Tov,
--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
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Sunday, August 17, 2008

Part 2: The Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages - Yaacov: Freedom from the Pharoahs of Esau and Lavan

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

We return to Part 2 of The Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages series.  I will have to admit that I often do not know how these letters will turn out until I obediently set the hands to the keyboard, praying all the time that He will lead me.   So I pray that you have been encouraged, enlightened, and strengthened by the Elohim of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov to carry on and not lose heart as darker days approach.  We must remember that we are hidden in Him.   There may be thick clouds of darkness ahead, but Abba can use them to hide us and keep us so that we may be witnesses of Yah's final redemption into the Land of Yisrael for all of the children of Yisrael.

Part 2:  Yaacov: Freedom from the Pharoahs of Esau and Lavan

Bereshit (Genesis) 25: 20 And Yitsḥaq was forty years old when he took Riv̱qah as wife, the daughter of Bethu’ĕl the Aramean of Paddan Aram, the sister of Lav̱an the Aramean. 21 And Yitsḥaq prayed to YHWH for his wife, because she was barren. And YHWH answered his prayer, and Riv̱qah his wife conceived. 22 And within her the children struggled together, and she said, “If all is right, why am I this way?” So she went to ask  YHWH.  23 And YHWH said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples shall be separated from your body. And one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older serve the younger.” 24 And when the days were filled for her to give birth, and see, twins were in her womb! 25 And the first came out red all over, like a hairy garment, so they called his name Ěsaw. 26 And afterward his brother came out, with his hand holding on to Ěsaw’s heel, so his name was called Ya‛aqov̱. (emphases added)

Many have interpreted Yaacov's name to mean "supplanter", however, Scripture shows his name is called Yaacov because his hand was holding his brother Esau's heel.  We look at Yaacov as a conniver.  But, is this really accurate.   Perhaps, it is the following incident that leads us to think of Yaacov in this way:

Bereshit 25: 28 And Yitsḥaq loved Ěsaw because he ate of his wild game, but Riv̱qah loved Ya‛aqov. 29 And Ya‛aqov cooked a stew, and Ěsaw came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Ěsaw said to Ya‛aqov̱, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” That is why his name was called Eḏom. 31 But Ya‛aqov̱ said, “Sell me your birthright today.” 32 And Ěsaw said, “Look, I am going to die, so why should I have birthright?” 33 Then Ya‛aqov̱ said, “Swear to me today.” And he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Ya‛aqov̱. 34 Ya‛aqov̱ then gave Ěsaw bread and stew of lentils. And he ate and drank, and rose up and left. Thus Ěsaw despised his birthright. (emphases added)

Did Yaacov know of his destiny?  Did his mother Rivkah speak to him that he was selected by Yah as a child of promise?  Did Yaacov use this incident to prove to himself that, indeed, his brother despised the rights and responsibilities that go with being a first born?  By looking at the above verses, we can indeed conclude that this was a demonstration of the very nature of Esau.   His name means red, thus he was called Edom.  However, look at how the actions of this man were associated with being "weary".   This can definitely shed some light.

Galatians 6: 9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not grow weary. (emphasis added)

Who devised the plan for Yaacov to receive the first born blessing?

Bereshit 27: 1  And it came to be, when Yitsḥaq was old and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called Ěsaw his elder son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” 2 And he said, “See now, I am old, I do not know the day of my death. 3 “Now then, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt wild game for me. 4 “And make me a tasty dish, such as I love, and bring it to me to eat, in order that my being does bless you before I die.” 5 And Riv̱qah heard when Yitsḥaq spoke to Ěsaw his son. And Ěsaw went to the field to hunt wild game and to bring it. 6 And Riv̱qah spoke to Ya‛aqov̱ her son, saying, “See, I heard your father speak to Ěsaw your brother, saying, 7 ‘Bring me wild game and make me a tasty dish to eat, and bless you in the presence of YHWH before my death.’ 8 “And now my son, listen to my voice according to what I command you. 9 “Please go to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, and I make a tasty dish from them for your father, such as he loves. 10 “And you shall take it to your father, and he shall eat it, so that he might bless you before his death.” 11 And Ya‛aqov̱ said to Riv̱qah his mother, “See, Ěsaw my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. 12 “What if my father touches me? Then I shall be like a deceiver in his eyes, and shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.” 13 But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son. Only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.” (emphases added)

It is interesting to see that Yaacov did not want to be known as a deceiver.   Also this detailed plan was not concocted by him, but his mother.   Men of Yisrael, this is what happens when the order of the home is not right.   Yitzchak should have led the way in giving Yaacov the first born blessing.  But, instead, he was more concerned about feeding his belly.   YHWH already declared that the older shall serve the younger.   Rivkah did what she thought was right to make sure that Yaacov received the blessing of the first born.   Later in Scripture in the book of Shemot (Exodus) YHWH declares, "Yisrael is my first born."

From the Pharaoh of Esau to the Pharoah of Lavan

How is Esau seen as a Pharaoh?  Here, I am thinking of Pharoah as one who stands against the purposes of YHWH and even despises them.   Birthright also pertained not only to rights of inheritance, but also one's spiritual destiny given to them by YHWH.   Esau despised this destiny, yet manipulated his father through his father's appetites to receive the first born blessing.  So who really was the manipulator in all of this?  Rivkah assisted Yaacov to get out of the control of Pharaoh, and, in so doing a first born of Yisrael was saved as a prophetic act.   In the future, we will see a nation of first borns saved from the clutches of an Egyptian Pharaoh.

Bereshit 27: 42 And the words of Ěsaw her older son were reported to Riv̱qah, and she sent and called Ya‛aqov̱ her younger son, and said to him, “See, your brother Ěsaw comforts himself concerning you, to kill you. 43 “And now, my son, listen to my voice, and rise, flee to my brother Lavan in Ḥaran. 44 “And stay with him a few days, until your brother’s wrath turns away, 45 until your brother’s displeasure turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. And I shall send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?”

Yaacov now flees to his uncle Lavan's home.   Lavan in Hebrew means "white".  Soon Yaacov will experience the consequences of falling under Lavan's many "white" lies.

Continued next week:  Part 3:  The "White" Lies of Lavan

Shavua Tov,

--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!


Blogged with the Flock Browser

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I am Yisrael: Repentance Approved from the Heavens

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

Ezekiel 37:12 “Therefore prophesy, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus said the Master YHWH, “See, O My people, I am opening your graves, and shall bring you up from your graves, and shall bring you into the land of Yisra’el. 13 “And you shall know that I am YHWH, when I open your graves, O My people, and bring you up from your graves. 14 “And I shall put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall settle you in your own land. And you shall know that I YHWH have spoken, and I have done it,” declares YHWH.’ ” 15 And the word of YHWH came to me, saying, 16 “And you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it, ‘For Yehudah and for the children of Yisra’el, his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Yoseph, the stick of Ephrayim, and for all the house of Yisra’el, his companions.’ 17 “Then bring them together for yourself into one stick, and they shall become one in your hand. 18 “And when the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Won’t you show us what you mean by these?’ 19 say to them, ‘Thus said the Master YHWH, “See, I am taking the stick of Yoseph, which is in the hand of Ephrayim, and the tribes of Yisra’el, his companions. And I shall give them unto him, with the stick of Yehudah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in My hand.” ’ 20 “And the sticks on which you write shall be in your hand before their eyes. 21 “And speak to them, ‘Thus said the Master YHWH, “See, I am taking the children of Yisra’el from among the gentiles, wherever they have gone, and shall gather them from all around, and I shall bring them into their land. 22 “And I shall make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Yisra’el. And one sovereign shall be sovereign over them all, and let them no longer be two nations, and let them no longer be divided into two reigns. 23 “And they shall no longer defile themselves with their idols, nor with their disgusting matters, nor with any of their transgressions. And I shall save them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and I shall cleanse them. And they shall be My people, and I be their Elohim, 24 while David My servant is sovereign over them. And they shall all have one shepherd and walk in My right-rulings and guard My laws, and shall do them." (emphases added)

I just returned from a conference in St. Louis, Missouri relating to the above verses. Those in attendance at the conference declared themselves as part of the family of Yisrael. We marched through the gateway arch in St. Louis known as the gateway to the West.

Hoshea 11: 10 “Let them follow YHWH. Like a lion He roars. When He roars, then sons shall tremble from the west." (emphases added)

We declared ourselves to be the scattered remnant of Yisrael and acknowledged our exile and our desire to return home. We have been a people long forgotten because of our sins and the sins of our forefathers. We walked in teshuvah (repentance) toward the arch. We have been obscure and hidden for such a time as this for all the world to know that there are Jewish and non-Jewish sides to the family. We await a second Exodus greater than the first to bring all the people of Yisrael home.

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 31: 8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth, along with the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her who travails with child together: a great company shall they return here. 9 They shall come with weeping; and with petitions will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they shall not stumble; for I am a Father to Yisra'el, and Ephraim is My firstborn. 10 Hear the word of YHWH, you nations, and declare it in the islands afar off, and say, He who scattered Yisra'el will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd does his flock. 11 For YHWH has ransomed Yaacov, and redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he. (emphases added)

The impact of this event resonated strongly within the hearts of both my wife and myself. Tears streamed down our faces like a river. As we walked across the street up to the arch,  we continued to weep for the transgressions of our people that caused our banishment from the land of Yisrael. 

During the march, an incident occurred that profoundly impacted my wife and I that we are humbled to have experienced. We never know how our actions speak and minister to others.  Before crossing the street, a woman had observed the impact this was having upon our being and our serious heart-felt response.  This same lady while closely approaching the arch came over to us with a banner folded up.    She placed the folded banner in our hands and said something like this in broken English, "I don't know why. I don't know why. He told me to give this to you. I prophesy. When you prophesy say what's upon your heart." Tears were streaming down her face and ours. I noticed on her name tag that she was from Mexico City. During that space of time and tears, she was no longer Mexican; we were no longer American, but we were one people; we were Yisrael!  Still the message rang even more clear when we unfolded the banner and saw a representation of the restored and regathered nation. The banner was really a flag looking like the modern Israeli flag except in the center was a large golden seven branched menorah, a symbol of national Yisrael!

Several people came forward to make declarations. A descendant of Sitting Bull with arms open wide said something like this, "On behalf of the Lakota nation I welcome you. You are my brothers." An African American man stepped forward and declared with arms open, "On behalf of African Americans I welcome you. You are my brothers." A Messianic Jew came forward with arms open and said, "On behalf of the Jewish people, I welcome you. You are my brothers." And finally a native born Israeli woman said with arms open, "On behalf of the citizens of the modern nation of Yisrael, the land of Yisrael is your home. I welcome you."

The heavens even declared their approval of this event. Very gentle rains sprinkled down as Abba responded with tears Himself! Yes, the heavens were moved that day. We were immersed in Abba's tears.

Shavua Tov,
--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us
strengthen (encourage) one another!
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Thursday, August 7, 2008

The Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages - Part 1

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

Abba has directed me to begin a multi-part series entitled "The Restoration of Yisrael: Mystery of the Ages". I believe it is vitally important for you to understand why this has been held in mystery. Proverbs 25:2 says, "It is the esteem of Elohim to hide a matter, and the esteem of sovereigns to search out a matter." Since we are kings and priests of Y'shua it is critical we understand and search out the Restoration of Yisrael. This series will attempt to both further enlighten those who have an understanding of this mystery in the Scriptures and will attempt to open an exciting door of revelation to those who already have a love for Yisrael.

The powers of darkness want to keep us blind. Today we live under controlling governments and religious systems that act as our gods today. But, a government has been held in mystery by these forces to blind your eyes to the reality that YHWH intends to bring you out from under "Pharaoh" to experience a literal second Exodus that may even occur in our day. YHWH is in charge. He is not an Elohim who winds up a clock and allows human history to run its course. He knows the timing of all things.  Satanic forces are being allowed to function until prophecy is fulfilled to bring about what will be the greatest migration of people in all of history.

Abraham: One Man, One Purpose

Galatians 3:29 And if you are of Messiah, then you are seed of Abraham, and heirs according to promise.

By this verse, Shaul (Paul) has established that we are Abraham's seed. Remember, this verse was first delivered to a people two thousand years ago. Today, we compartmentalize everything. But, ancient peoples saw the physical and spiritual as being one. So they knew this reference was to literal seed who have a physical inheritance of that promise. Since the promise was given by YHWH it was spiritual.

What was the inheritance and what was the promise? Bereshit (Genesis) 12: 1 And YHWH said to Abram, “Go yourself out of your land, from your relatives and from your father’s house, to a land which I show you. And I shall make you a great nation, and bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing! And I shall bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you. And in you all the clans of the earth shall be blessed.”

Where did Abram (later Abraham) live and why did he need to leave where he lived? Bereshit 11 says that Abram lived in Ur of Chaldea. This region was also known as Babylon. Earlier in Bereshit Chapter 10 we see that this was the territory ruled by Nimrod. In a previous letter, here is what we found out about Nimrod (June 9):

He was the son of Cush, grandson of Ham, great-grandson of Noah, a Mesopotamian monarch, a mighty hunter before YHWH. He founded cities and was the ruler of the land of Shinar where the tower of Babel was built. This tower was an attempt to reach up into the heavens - YHWH's dwelling place. The people exalted themselves in their building by declaring, "Let us make a name for ourselves." (see Bereshit/Genesis Ch. 10 & 11)

What does his name mean? Dr. David Livingston on his ancientdays.net website says this, "It comes from the Hebrew verb marad, meaning "rebel." Adding an "n" before the "m" it becomes an infinitive construct, "Nimrod." (see Kautzsch 1910: 137 2b; also BDB 1962: 597). The meaning then is "The Rebel." Thus "Nimrod" may not be the character's name at all. It is more likely a derisive term of a type, a representative, of a system that is epitomized in rebellion against the Creator, the one true God." (emphases added)

Nimrod was a type of Pharaoh for Abraham. It was necessary for Abraham to get out from Nimrod's control and influence. So YHWH gave Abraham a glimpse into the future of a nation that would be built upon justice and righteousness, free of man's control and manipulations that would be a light to the nations of the world.

Abraham's Promise: They Called Him Laughter

Bereshit 15:1 After these events the word of YHWH came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your reward is exceedingly great.” 2 And Abram said, “Master YHWH, what would You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “See, You have given me no seed, and see, one born in my house is my heir!” 4 And see, the word of YHWH came to him, saying, “This one is not your heir, but he who comes from your own body is your heir.” 5 And He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward the heavens, and count the stars if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So are your seed.” 6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him for righteousness.

What did Abraham believe and why was it credited to him for righteousness? Eventhough his body was as good as dead, he believed that literal seed would come from his members. In addition, he believed that they would be as numerous as the stars of the heavens which cannot be measured or counted. Now that is faith and that is righteousness! It would have been much easier for Abraham to believe he was going to have spiritual children.

His son was called Yitzchak which means laughter. Bereshit 17: 18 And Abraham said to Elohim, “Oh, let Yishmael live before You!” 19 And Elohim said, “No, Sarah your wife is truly bearing a son to you, and you shall call his name Yitshaq. And I shall establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. From Scripture we learn that Hagar /Yishmael represent slavery and Sarah/Yitzchak represent freedom (Bereshit 21 and Galatians 4:30-31). Abraham and Sarah laughed when told they would have a son in their old age (Bereshit 17 & 18). Also when you think of his name meaning laughter you think of the joy of freedom and liberty, thus the name of the freeman Yitzchak. We are not talking about a freedom to sin, but a freedom to live righteously. The wickedness of this world seeks to destroy our liberty to live righteously. The freeman desires to be a moral agent through the Spirit of Holiness to live in a nation that affords that liberty. This freedom would make that nation a light to the world! So when Yishmael was cast out of the house of Abraham, Yitzchak was unshackled to carry out his destiny to bring forth righteous seed just as his father Abraham. Thus, the passing of the torch to bring forth the promise and the inheritance.

Messiah: The Ultimate Carrier of the Promise

Bereshit 22:2 And He said, “Take your son, now, your only son Yitshaq, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriyah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I command you.”

Yochanon (John) 8: 56 “Your father Abraham was glad that he should see My day, and he saw it and did rejoice.”

The verse above and following demonstrates the prophetic declaration of Messiah. Here we see Abraham's complete trust in Abba's promises to keep the promised seed alive and Abraham's glimpse into the future of the seed of Messiah who would lead Abraham's seed home to Yisrael in the latter days.

Part 2 - Next week: Yaacov: Freedom from the Pharaohs of Lavan and Esau

And report from a historic event taking place in St. Louis, Mo. from August 8 to August 11 that relates to end time prophecies of the seed of Yisrael returning once again to their homeland. Note: This historic event relates to this series which will show you that not all of Yisrael is Jewish, but a non-Jewish remnant with Judah, indeed, shall become one stick in YHWH's hand (see Ezekiel 37).

Shavua Tov,

--

Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us strengthen (encourage) one another!
Blogged with the Flock Browser

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Bamidbar (The Wilderness) Journey to the Promised Land

Shalom Kol Yisrael,

I have wrestled with Yah as to what He would have me write this week. I take the utmost care to write what comes from Him and not from myself. We are living in the day where it is very important to hear His voice. Last week, we saw how the Father speaks to us in a still small voice. This week we will learn that we cannot get to Yisrael, the Land of Promise, until we pass through the wilderness (Heb. Bamidbar).

The Wilderness

So often when we think of the wilderness, we think of the good aspects. Our clothes never wear out. We have abundant food and water. We have a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. But, we forget that the wilderness is full of contention and strife. Pride and arrogance were rampant in the wilderness. Is it any different today? Living in the diaspora should we expect anything different?

Through Gilgal to Yisrael

Just like our ancient forefathers we must pass through Gilgal to receive our inheritance. Gilgal is the place of cutting away of the flesh.

Yehoshua (Joshua) 5: 2 At that time YHWH said to Yehoshua, “Make knives of flint for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Yisra’el again the second time.” 3 So Yehoshua made knives of flint for himself, and circumcised the sons of Yisra’el at the Hill of Foreskins. 4 And this is why Yehoshua circumcised them: All the people who came out of Mitsrayim who were males, all the men of battle, had died in the wilderness on the way, after they had come out of Mitsrayim. 5 For all the people who came out had been circumcised, but all the people who were born in the wilderness on the way as they came out of Mitsrayim had not been circumcised. (Emphases added)

Notice how it is Yehoshua himself that does the circumcision. No one else is involved, Yehoshua circumcized all of the males himself. The cutting away of the flesh can only be performed by "YHWH is salvation" (Hebrew meaning of Yehoshua). Have we layed our lives down upon His altar and allowed our Salvation to set His flint knife to our lives? Are we seeking to justify an indulgent life or are we asking Him to cut away the self-indulgent attitudes that separate ourselves from Him?

If we truly allow Him to take His flint knife to our lives, we will understand the meaning of Gilgal. For Yehoshua further writes in verse 9, And YHWH said to Yehoshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Mitsrayim from you.” So the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. Are we still experiencing the disgrace and the shame of Mitsrayim (Egypt)? Are we allowing ourselves to still be enslaved by others? Has our Salvation become our only King? For Scriputure says you can only have one master. “No one is able to serve two masters, for either he shall hate the one and love the other, or else he shall cleave to the one and despise the other. You are not able to serve Elohim and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

Entering Our Inheritance Only by Faith

Yehoshua 3:6 And Yehoshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass over before the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. 7 And YHWH said to Yehoshua, “This day I begin to make you great before the eyes of all Yisra’el, so that they know that I am with you as I was with Mosheh. 8 “And you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the edge of the water of the Yarden, stand in the Yarden.’ ” 9 And Yehoshua said to the children of Yisra’el, “Come near, and hear the words of YHWH your Elohim.” 10 And Yehoshua said, “By this you shall know that the living El is in your midst, and that He is certainly driving out from before you the Kenaanites and the Hittites and the Hivvites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Yebusites: 11 “See, the ark of the covenant of the Master of all the earth is passing over before you into the Yarden. 12 “And now, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Yisra’el, one man from every tribe. 13 “And it shall be, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of YHWH, the Master of all the earth, come to rest in the waters of the Yarden, that the waters of the Yarden are cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and stand as a heap.” 14 And it came to be, when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Yarden, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as those bearing the ark came to the Yarden, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark dipped in the edge of the water – now the Yarden overflows all its banks during all the time of harvest – 16 that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Tsarethan. And the waters going down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Yericho. 17 And the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of YHWH stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Yarden. And all Yisra’el passed over on dry ground, until all the nation had completely passed over the Yarden. (Emphases added)

If you read further in this passage you will see that this occurred at the time of Pesach (Passover). The waters at this time would have been the highest and most turbulent. Yisrael would have to express their faith in the Elohim of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov by stepping into these turbulent waters and standing in the Land of Yisrael. Shall we enter Yisrael by any way other than faith?

Crossing the Yarden to a Holy Inheritance

We fail to realize how precious the Land of Yisrael is to YHWH. There is a holiness to the Land that goes beyond our understanding. The Land is so holy that it will vomit the unrighteous out in due time if they fail to repent.

Vayikra 18:25 ‘Thus the land became defiled, therefore I punished it for its crookedness, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. 26 But you, you shall guard My laws and My right-rulings, and not do any of these abominations, the native nor stranger who sojourns among you, 27 because the men of the land who were before you have done all these abominations, and thus the land became defiled, 28 So let not the land vomit you out for defiling it, as it vomited out the nations that were before you. 29 For whoever does any of these abominations, those beings who do them shall be cut off from among their people.' (Emphases added)

Yehoshua, himself, was confronted with the holiness of the Land of Yisrael.

Yehoshua 5:13 And it came to be, when Yehoshua was by Yericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked and saw a Man standing opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Yehoshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” 14 And He said, “No, for I have now come as Captain of the host of YHWH.” And Yehoshua fell on his face to the earth and did obeisance, and said to Him, “What is my Master saying to His servant?” 15 And the Captain of the host of YHWH said to Yehoshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is set-apart.” And Yehoshua did so. (Emphases added)

The Voice of Man Our Destruction

The Captain of the host of YHWH quietly stands with His drawn sword. But, the voice of man clamors for our attention. The voice of man will not fight the fight of faith for in the day of battle the voice of man flees. Trusting in the voice of man leads to our destruction. Yet, our Captain has quietly drawn His sword. If we fall on our faces before Him, He will lead us through every battle.

O Abba, may we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of YHWH. Let us patiently await the day that You and only You exalt us and lead us home out of the wilderness.

Shavua Tov,
--
Tzefanyah Pappas
Chazak Chazak v’nitchazek
Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us strengthen (encourage) one another!
Blogged with the Flock Browser