I want to share with you a prophetic friendship that has developed over the years with a sabra (native born Israeli). His name is Yisrael and he owns a Kosher market in the Miami area. I worked as an educational consultant around the corner from Yisrael's market. During this time of my life, the Spirit lead me to wear a kippah and a katan (4 corned garment with tassels). My boss who was a Reformed Jew turned Orthodox hired me and stated that it would be a mitsvah (good deed) to hire someone brave enough to wear a kippah since 9/11. This is how I ended up working right around the corner from Yisrael's market. As our friendship developed, whenever I would walk in the store he would express with joy in Hebrew, “Shevet achim gam yachad!” This translates into English as, “Brothers dwelling together in unity.” I explained to Yisrael that I was a non-Jew returning to Torah, but nothing more. Yet, still Yisrael would proclaim to me, “Shevet achim gam yachad.” Abba made it clear to me that I was to let my “light shine forth before men.” I was to allow the glimmer of light within me to testify of Y'shua, our King. I was to speak with my life and not my mouth.
Later, I moved to another job. It had been over a year since I had spoken to Yisrael. During a day off from work, my wife and I decided to visit the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach. Being prompted by the Ruach we decided to drive down to Yisrael's market and have lunch. Since Yisrael catered our wedding, my wife, Reyyna, has had the opportunity to come with me to his market and visit on numerous occasions. I asked Yisrael, “When was the last time we'd spoken? It's been too long.” Yisrael thought that it had only been a few weeks. Actually, I believe to him it seemed like we'd never been away! As we were talking he asked us if we'd ever visited a certain Messianic congregation. Stunned by the question we only answered, “No.” After that question he continued to call us mishpokah (family) and declared as we left, “Shevet achim gam yachad!” After leaving the market my wife and I left with great joy. We were praising the Father that an Orthodox Jewish man knew we were believers in Y'shua without us uttering a word! Truly the light of Y'shua shined forth!! In addition, we weren't treated as cast-offs, but family!
This past Pesach I purchased lamb from Yisrael. I paid for it in advance and he agreed to deliver it to our home. I needed to call him later and make final arrangements. I called one evening and before discussing lamb, Yisrael spoke with me and said, “Tzefanyah, people don't understand that “shevet achim gam yachad” is everything! If we only knew this, the whole world would be transformed.”
Within a few days, Yisrael delivered the lamb to our home. We are renting a room from a brother named Obed. He wanted to meet Yisrael and, therefore, came outside the house with me to greet him. When Yisrael was about to leave, Obed reached to give him a hug. Yisrael responded, “Yes, I like hugs.” I then gave him a hug too. We left that evening in the warm embrace of “shevet achim gam yachad.”
I pray that all of the children of Yisrael will discern and understand the message in this prophetic friendship.
Tehillim (Psalm) 133: 1 See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity –2 Like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aharon, running down on the collar of his robes – 3 Like the dew of Hermon, That comes down on the mountains of Tsiyon. For there YHWH commanded the blessing, Life forever!
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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