BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
PARSHA COMMENTARY AND STUDY
Lech Lecha "Go, Get Out"
Bless the Land Written by Hutch Church October, 2009
Torah: Genesis 12:1-17:27: Haftorah: Isaiah 40:27-41:16: Sugg. N.T.: Romans 3:1-4:6: Gospels/Acts: Matthew 5 through 7:
Welcome: This lesson plan will help Believers, through prayer, study, and worship disciplines, to return to and mature in the kingdom, power, and glory of the God of Israel. In addition, each individual lesson is particularly designed to help students--who truly desire to be instructed/led directly in the parsha study, in prayer, and in worship by the Holy Spirit--to hear, discern, and respond appropriately to His voice/word whatever form it may take. We are living in an hour when Believers must develop their spiritual senses to know the voice/word of the Almighty personally, become mature in the knowledge and experience of the Word (Torah) and Spirit, and thereby participate more effectually in the fulfillment of restoration and renewal prophecies. Hence, our education experience emphasis at Bless the Land is the maturing of Israel in both Spirit and Truth. Therefore, you will find in the year-long parsha commentary course a continual stress on the importance of hearing the voice of YHVH and learning to be led directly by the Spirit. "For all who are being [regularly, consistently] led by the Spirit [Ruach] of God, these are the [maturing] sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
Commit for a year. Study should require little more than an hour a day. Persevere in your undertaking. Remain resolved in your holy crusade toward greater revelation from the Word, personal transformation, and intimacy with Yeshua. You'll be rewarded for the effort. "...He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6).
Introduction to Lech Lecha
"Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee" (Gen. 12:1).
Last week: We have learned that after about 1650 years, the righteous family line that ran from Adam to Noah had been corrupted: First, because of the intermarriages of the godly descendants of Seth and the unrighteous descendants of Cain. And secondly, because fallen angels had forced physical relations with human females and produced Nephilim, giants of old, abnormal beings who possessed degrees of occult powers and who were worshiped and feared by the people they corrupted, controlled and abused. Noah alone was singled out by the Almighty as righteous, and he was given the word of deliverance. "Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose" (Psalm. 25:12). Approximately 292 years later, Avram (Abram, Abraham) was born.
This week: Abraham was a Chaldean. He alone, of all Terah's family, of all the descendants of Shem, of all the residents of Ur, of all the people on the earth, received a personal summons/a call from YHVH to separate himself from his homeland, leave his extended family and home, and make a long, dangerous, arduous journey to an unknown land! YHVH's call to Abraham distinguished him forever. The command was sobering and intimidating, but it was accompanied by a number of precious, wonderful promises which more than compensated for the difficulties and labors that the endeavor would visit upon him. They also provided an incentive and a sustaining measure of cheer for the patriarch. "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing" (Gen. 12:2). The divine call which was heard and received by Abraham is a type/symbolic of the Gospel call which goes forth to people today. The declared Word must always be received by faith. With that in mind, the faith of the patriarch, who submitted and responded to the call of YHVH, is an example, a pattern, a representation of how we all should embrace the Word/the Call of the Holy One once we hear/discern it.
In the story we observe several characteristics of the faith of our father Abraham which are worthy of our imitation. First, his faith was obedient. He called together his household and departed. Next, as was Noah, Abraham was prompt, and responded without hesitation. There is no indication in the record of reluctance or complaint as the flock-master put YHVH's order into operation. Further, his faith demonstrated intelligence and good reason. He left behind a dangerous, idol-infested culture, trading it in for the Almighty's strength, provision, protection, and Omniscient fellowship and love. That's wisdom! "Love not the world, neither the things that are in [knit into, being one with the fallen world system's values and moral fabric] the world" (1 John 2:15). Finally, his faith was persevering. Abraham was patient. He was delayed in Haran, but was not diverted or distracted from his journey. Undaunted by the troubles of the road, he did not halt until he entered Canaan.
What is here for Judah and Ephraim to learn? It is this: Faith must be sustained [renewed each day in prayer, worship, study, just as the fire on the Tabernacle's brazen altar was renewed each day, and kept always burning] and carry the Believer to the end of his/her pilgrimage. It is the one who not only begins the heavenward journey, but who completes it, who is recognized as an "over-comer". What does this say to Believers who are on the "journey of return" to the kingdom [Hebraic], power [Spirit] and glory [Intimacy of His Manifest Presence] of the Elohim of Israel? Do not be distracted from, or compromise with the Hebrew roots revelation, and thereby, like Esau, despise your birthright. Return all the way to your Israelite heritage, which are the completeness of Truth and fullness of the Spirit. See: Genesis 27.
To put this important point another way, don't camp at Haran. You too have a divinely ordained destiny to fulfill. Go all the way to Canaan, settle, and prosper.
Know His Voice/Be Led by the Spirit
"After these things [trip to Egypt, rescue of Lot, tithes to Melchizedek] the word of the Lord [first occurrence of this phrase] came to Abram in a vision [not a dream, but YHVH manifested Himself by speech to His servant] , saying, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and exceeding great reward" (Gen. 15:1).
This chapter contains a special dialogue between the Almighty and His servant, Abraham. He was probably sitting under the stars on a clear, warm night, somewhat fearful of the future, perhaps disappointed in the continued barrenness of Sarah, anxious about the fulfillment of the promise of an heir, and feeling his advancing age. Being without offspring had become a grief and an affliction to Abraham. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12). Though he knew by faith and experience that not one word of YHVH would fall to the ground, still, having human limitations and imperfections, doubts arose in his mind. Dejection may have followed quickly on the heels of doubt and disappointment. Despite earlier deliverances, Abraham sat on the ground with his legs pulled up and his head on his knees, depressed.
Then, suddenly and unexpectedly, "the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not...". He is comforted by the Creator, Who declares to Abraham that He was, is, and always will be his all-sufficient, always present Shield, his impregnable Fortress. He also informs Abraham that God Himself would be his great recompense, that His divine friendship and favor should more than amply compensate Abraham for his discomforts and sacrifices. The promise of an heir from Abraham's own loins was confirmed, but the message was clear: Do not seek your satisfaction, fulfillment, or happiness in things/gifts, but rather in the Almighty Himself Who provides them, and Who makes promises that He fulfills.
Then the Lord "brought him forth abroad" and had him gaze earnestly into heaven, into the clear, starry sky. Suddenly, we can surmise, YHVH opened his eyes and granted him miraculous, heavenly vision, even supernatural revelation by the Spirit, so his sight penetrated the deepest expanses and regions of the universe, enabling him to gaze on stars [each within their systems] of indescribable size, splendor, color, power, and radiance, billions upon billions, in galaxy after galaxy, until Abraham was so over-whelmed he could bear no more of the stupendous vision. When the indelible impression had been sufficiently emblazoned upon his soul, YHVH said, "So shall your seed [someday] be." Abraham went back to his tent a new man, with a powerfully confirmed hope, strengthened faith, and thoroughly rejuvenated by the Word of YHVH's mouth.
The prophet Daniel says of the resurrection at the end of the age, "And they that be wise [Abraham's seed] shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness [Torah and Spirit] as the stars forever and ever" (Dan. 12:3).
Abraham had finally come to the place where the object of his faith was the unadulterated, unadorned Word of God, the promise of a seed. [So it is with us today. We are saved and have His righteousness imputed to us through faith in the promised "Seed", Yeshua.] Abraham was therefore accepted as justified with YHVH. The basis for his justification was solely his belief in the holy promise. "And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him as righteousness" (Gen. 15:6).
This is the foundation of biblical faith--"in the Lord". It is a living assurance, a confidence, an inner knowing that produces obedience, that comes directly from YHVH giving a divine promise, a revelation, a quickened, rhema word. For, "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans. 10:17).
Thus, we learn from the experience of Abraham that the best, most needed words we will ever hear will come from the mouth of YHVH. He heard, "I am your exceeding great reward." We could paraphrase that as a holy slogan by putting it this way: I AM--Your Exceeding Great Reward.
Call on Him and let Him speak deep with your spirit. You also will hear/sense/see His voice, especially since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Read the parsha passages and pray, and put away distractions. Listen for Him. Yeshua, through the Spirit, is with you always. He will come with exhortation, edification, and comfort/assurance. Sometimes He will impart a "word of Wisdom" for insight and direction. He may quicken within you the "discerning of spirits". Perhaps He will inspire you to prophesy, by giving you a divine desire to speak out His thought/word/idea forming in your spirit. In any case, He knows exactly what you need to hear, and will speak affectionate, uplifting, and comforting words that will: (1) impart new vision (2) give hope (3) inspire faith, (4) bestow critical instructions and understanding, (5) or bring encouragement for yourself, or another person.
God speaks/communicates with individual people--Spirit to spirit, Mind to mind, Heart to heart. As we have said before, His word/voice comes to us in varying forms, such as visions, dreams, prophecy, thoughts, ideas, and more. His word/voice can be confirmed through two or three people, holy counsel, and even circumstances. Our duty and privilege is to listen (and look) with expectation and thanksgiving. Great religious movements and revelation truth are usually launched when just one, common, everyday person hears a fresh word from the Spirit, becomes inspired, and steps out to obey it.
It is important to develop our spiritual hearing and sight, by faith and practice. How much better/more effective/happier would our lives be if our decisions, words, and actions were conditioned by the Holy Spirit's leading. He says, "I will guide you in the way of wisdom and
lead you in straight paths" (Prov. 4:11). That is, if you're listening.
Many of you may already have already experienced what I would like to discuss next. But allow me to share with you practical, yet life-transforming steps/phases that Believers should progress through in developing knowledge and experience in hearing and knowing the Holy Spirit. [Note: The Scripture references are just starting points for your search. Nevertheless, each of these steps/phases will be discussed to a greater degree in the parshas to come.] Our journey should be an upward progression of experience in Spirit and Truth toward greater "oneness" with Messiah. The Feasts of Israel and the structure of the Tabernacle/Temple reveal the stages of this journey of sanctification and transformation of our souls as we advance from the kingdom of darkness into (1) His kingdom of Light-Salvation [Courtyard/Passover], and then (2) to His presence and power [Holy Place/Pentecost], and finally (3) into His glory, and oneness with Him [Succot/Most Holy Place]. Meditate on John 17.
1. Our first phase is our salvation. When we place faith in Yeshua, and are converted, we are "born of the Spirit" and enter His kingdom. Our spirit is regenerated and recreated by the power of YHVH through the Holy Spirit coming to dwell within us. This is our initial experience. John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:9. Water baptism, by immersion, should follow conversion.
2. Subsequent (usually) to the New Birth, we can be "filled with the Spirit" daily. The Spirit will "fill" everyone to the (a) extent of their desire for Him and their compliance/obedience to the light /truth they have received (b) to the degree of their yieldedness. Acts 4:8, 31; 9:17; Eph. 5:18, 3:19.
3. Next [Again, we are not insisting on this order, but it is common.], there is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit accompanied by the evidence of speaking with other tongues. Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8, 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 12. This Baptism is an immersion, resulting in the in-filling and over-flowing of the Spirit in the Believer. Speaking in tongues (our personal prayer language) is an integral part, and the initial consequence, of this Messianic/Pentecostal experience, and our Israelite heritage. A heightened sense of YHVH presence, an inspiration to sanctification, and an emboldened witness also accompany the blessing.
The Baptism in the Spirit brings to us the grace to "speak in tongues", which is the language of the Spirit. This is an important point to emphasize. Any attempt to deny or downplay this holy gift detracts from/reduces the significance of the event. Removing "tongues" from the Baptism, which represents and demonstrates the presence of the Spirit, leaves us with "a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Tim. 3:5). This is because the Baptism in the Spirit is the doorway (access), so to speak, to the operation all the gifts of the Spirit. Congregations that embrace the Baptism in the Spirit and promote speaking in tongues simply have more divine power manifesting and working in their ministries than those which do not. Yeshua is our Baptizer.
4. Once a Believer has experienced their prayer language, he/she would do well by using/releasing their prayer language in prayer on a regular, daily basis. There are many benefits associated with this holy practice, such as building faith and encountering His presence, that we will talk soon about in another study.
5. Once you are confident with your prayer language, the next step in the Spirit is to learn and experience a greater flow of anointing while functioning in the Gifts of the Spirit. There are nine gifts (spirituals) of the Spirit. Three are inspiration gifts, three are revelation gifts, and three are power gifts. They will all be discussed later. But a good place to learn to flow in the Spirit is with the inspiration gifts, which include the gift tongues, the interpretation of tongues, and prophecy. They are received by the direct, spontaneous inspiration of the Spirit, and faith. In this, the Holy Spirit's power moves within the Believer's spirit, and through it into the mind to influence that person to receive an idea, a thought, a revelation, an exhortation, or instruction, and then gently urges/quickens/influences that person to speak forth the imparted idea/concept, putting it into words. The gifts of tongues [not the personal prayer language, but the gift], interpretation, and prophecy may not always the first experiences you will have with the gifts, but these are the best with which to start, because they are usually the easiest to discern and flow in with regularity. You will learn as you go. A small group of Believers meeting in Bible study is a good place to develop your hearing and responding. Faith is required, and skill need to be developed. It takes time, exhortation, patience, and an earnest desire.
6. At some point begin singing in the Spirit also (individually, then corporately), as this is a pleasant, worshipful way of learning to flow in the anointing. 1 Cor. 14:12; Jas. 5:13.
7. Practice prophesying. Start by praying for inspiration. He will not withhold the blessing. "...how much more shall your heavenly Father [Abba] give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him" (Luke 11:13)? Then step out in faith. Don't allow the fear of mistakes or correction to bind you. Remember, we are talking about the gift of prophecy, not the office, and the gift needs to be exercised and developed with the aid of godly, experienced counsel and trusted fellowship. As you step out you will sense His anointing come and assist you in your holy exercise. We will discuss prophesying by faith in later studies. See: Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 14:1,39.
8. Rest/soak in His Presence. Psalm 119:15. Let Him lead you to still waters and quiet resting places where you can be away from disturbances for awhile and enjoy His company and His still, small voice speaking within you. "Be still and know [by faith and experience] that I am God" Ps. 46:10).
9. Pray to experience a revelation of His love, joy, and glory. This often brings healing and significant spiritual growth. These encounters with the presence of the Most High are life-changing experiences. Exodus 33:18-19; 34:5-6
Please take note, with each advance in the ministry levels of the Spirit you will become more intimate with Messiah, more aware of His presence and glory, more inclined to sanctification, more drawn to Holy Writ, and more prone to be in the company where His presence is tangible, manifested, and welcome.
Now, as you begin your reading, expect Him teach and touch you.
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: Lech Lecha "Go, get out"
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection [maturity/adulthood]; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment' (Heb. 6:1-2).
Paul summons the Hebrew Believers to progress from a childhood status--acquaintance with the six basic principles of Christianity--to the goal of full growth and maturity [adulthood], by (1)advancing in knowledge [for us, the higher/deeper Hebraic truth], (2) experiencing truth [by the full supernatural, divine, holy ministry of the Spirit/glory of YHVH], and (3) demonstrating godly conduct [by the truth and experience received being expressed in life and noble service]. Growth requires effort, but there is a great benefit in the joyful discipline.
As you "go on to perfection", read the parsha portions and expect to hear from your Elohim. He wants to speak with you and share His heart. Remember, your participation in this study paradigm is a divine appointment, a holy call to a deeper level of discipleship/fellowship with Yeshua in Word and in Spirit. Remember, before the two sticks, the House of Judah and the House of Ephraim/Israel, can become one stick in the hand of the Master, the "stick of Hebraic truth" and the "stick of the fullness of the Spirit" must become effectually joined/melded into one "stick of Word and Power" in the Believers' hand. In this, you and I can contribute to the restoration of the kingdom of Israel in a simple, but useful and productive way.
Study the Torah, Haftorah, and New Testament Scriptures. Find (according to your opinion) their common themes and inter-connecting teachings. Relate them to yourself, as a returning Israelite, and to your Hebraic heritage and destiny.
Finally, your individual or corporate study should be anointed with the tangible presence of the Lord, even as is your praise and worship. So, be sure to make room for Yeshua at the study table.
Genesis 12:1-17:27: Torah: YHVH calls Abraham [Abram] to leave Ur/Promises/Abraham and Sarah leave Ur/Egypt/Separation from Lot/War with kings/Melchizedek/Abraham promised a son/Abraham and covenant/Prophecy/Hagar and Ishmael/New names/Circumcision and covenant/Son promised to Sarah also.
Isaiah 40:27-41:16: Haftorah: YHVH Elohim has unlimited power and resources for the benefit of His friend, Abraham. Let Him carry you onward in your pilgrimage also, as He did with Abraham. YHVH has as much interest in you as He did in him.
Romans 3:1-4:6: New Testament: Abraham declared righteous. Why?
Relate the central truth/theme to the Gospel chapters, and Yeshua.
Matthew 5 through 7: Gospels: Features the Sermon on the Mount. What truth/theme connects this sermon with Abraham.
Questions
The following eight questions are repeated every week following the list of parsha Scriptures. Remember them as you read. The habit will enrich your learning experience. And listen for His voice. Pray for insight, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to be imparted to you-directly and personally-by the Holy Spirit as you answer each one. Week by week His personal response to you, concerning each weekly question, will be new, fresh, relevant. For the best result, answer in writing.
1. In your opinion, what is the main teaching/theme in the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting/complimentary truth found in the Haftorah?
3. What is the corresponding truth /idea in the New Testament passage?
4. Summarize the entire parsha's common message/teaching as you perceive it.
5. Relate the whole parsha's main truth/teaching with the Gospels/Acts reading. How does Yeshua illustrate/demonstrate your central truth?
6. What does the common/central truth of the combined Scripture readings teach you about your Israelite: a. identity, b. birthright, c. heritage, d. destiny, e. duty?
7. Did the Spirit of Truth come upon you, anoint you, or speak to you personally this week? How?
8. In your study and prayer time this week did you experience intimacy with your Betrothed, Yeshua? Please comment briefly.
Israel
"...go forth from your country...to the land which I will show you..." (Gen. 12:1-2).
As we have read, Abraham was told by YHVH to leave his comfortable, familiar home and proceed, under God's providential care and leading, to an unnamed land. There, he would begin to become a great nation--numerically, spiritually, and influentially--and bless the earth. The land to which Abraham was going would be a better place for his family than was the populated, idol-infested Mesopotamia. [Note: Sometimes a fresh start requires moving to a fresh local, away from old, persuasive habits and temptations, to assure success.] However, faith/complete trust in YHVH would be absolutely necessary/required of Abraham. And his faith would be refined, strengthened and developed under testing and stress, so that the promises of Elohim concerning his descendents and the land could be fully established.
"Then I knew that this was the Word of the Lord, and I bought the field..." (Jer. 32:8-9). In this passage Jeremiah discerns the Word of YHVH and is quick to respond. His response teaches us four things to understand about "faith". First, saving faith is not just a dreamy, mental exercise, but is connected to conduct, and revealed in good deeds. Secondly, faith is a spiritual grace and must not be confined to our religious meetings, but should shape our conduct in the secular world/market-place as well. Thirdly, faith leads to absolute, unquestionable obedience to His will. Jeremiah bought the field even though in the beginning he did not understand why he should. In time the purchase worked for his welfare. Fourthly, YHVH's Word justifies hope. His redemption promises for individual and corporate restoration are valid, even when things look dark and we are likely to despair. But He will accomplish all His good Word, and therefore we can speak and act as if we have already seen the fulfillment of each promise.
The woman with the issue of blood had the faith of Abraham. "For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole" (Mt. 9:21). She had learned of and believed a promise made by the itinerant Rabbi from Nazareth, and her faith motivated her to action. Yeshua had said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Bless are the poor in spirit, for they shall receive the Kingdom of God' (Mt. 5:3). So she came inconspicuously, humbly, quietly, without presumption, but in simple faith. The woman, meek and unassuming, pressed through the crowd, touched His garment, and divine healing power instantly coursed through her frail body, and she was immediately healed! Yeshua commended her faith, and confirmed her healing. The Kingdom of God moved into her body, preempting and defeating the work of the kingdom of darkness.
Faith in Yeshua is strength. Faith perseveres. Faith is "speaking (repetitively) and acting on the Word".
Thus, Abraham prevailed and secured the promises through faith, determination, and patience. The land to which he and Sarah went belongs to his seed today. And many continue to make aliyah.
The Law of Return was passed by the Israeli government in 1950. It provided that any person of Jewish ancestry/descent would be welcome to immigrate into the country. Though there has been much discussion concerning the definition/meaning of Jewishness (who is Israel), those claiming Jewish ancestry, and somehow verifying the claim, are welcomed. Jewish people have made aliyah from Russia, Eastern Europe, North Africa, America, Ethiopia, and more.
The work of recognizing and returning exiles goes on, and Christians have been instrumental over the years with their political and financial support in aiding Jewish returnees. Immigrants receive assistance, learn Hebrew, and generally integrate into the greater society in six to twelve months.
For those who believe that they are descended from the " Lost Ten Tribes" of Israel and want to return to the land also, the time of their recognition and return from their exile is in the hand of the Almighty, the Holy One of Israel.
The Latter Days
"And Lot lifted up his eyes and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar" (Gen. 13:10).
Lot [In Hebrew: hidden, covered], Abraham's nephew, was the son of Haran , Abraham's brother. He and his household went with Abraham, Sarah, and their family from Ur of the Chaldees into Canaan. Abraham was affectionate toward Lot. But when they could no longer dwell together in the same region of Canaan, because of their large flocks and quarreling shepherds, Abraham gave Lot the first choice of land to which his household could relocate.
Lot looked eagerly upon the well-watered lowland country [called El Ghor], the beautiful and fertile plain of Jordan, and without great thoughtfulness chose it for his home. Abraham was left with the hill country. On one hand, Lot's choice was a smart one. The land was lovely, had rich soil, was well-watered, and could be very productive. But, on the other hand, there were serious drawbacks to his choice. First, bad neighbors abounded in the region. The Jordanic Pentapolis was filled with sinners of the worst type. While it is not possible to escape contact with corrupt people/society entirely, it is wise for the righteous to keep as far off from wickedness as possible, especially of the type that affected Sodom. See: Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 5:1, 6:17. Socializing, mingling, and inter-marrying between the godly and ungodly families had contributed to the ruin of the antediluvian world. Flee temptation, don't flirt with it. Secondly, there was present a thick climate of moral contamination. By living near Sodom, Lot's pious and good nature would gradually deteriorate under the corrosive weight of the irresistible, contagious wickedness infecting his evil neighbors. " He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but the companion of fools shall be [end up] destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20). Finally, the likelihood of retaining family integrity and happiness was small, while the potential for bitter sorrow was great. We all know the sad but predictable outcome of his ill-considered choice.
We can safely conclude that Lot did not prayerfully calculate the moral hazards of his decision, and though he was in other ways commendable, his choice of land was covetous, selfish, and reckless. With this in mind, may all returning Israelites remember that Yeshua said, "Judge not according to appearance..." (John 7:24). Thus we learn: All that glitters is not gold.
We all face choices, both short-term and long-term, and thus our heavenly Father [Abba] has provided us with eternal counsel for steering our course. "But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mt. 6:33).
In 2 Peter 3:3 we read, "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts [self indulgence vitiates/dilutes faith and leads to skepticism], and saying where is the promise of His coming?" Sarcasms and mocking will come in these last days from secular, sensual, materialistic, godless quarters of society to shake Believers from their faith. Those who have been awakened and quickened by the Spirit, and have separated themselves from unholy mixes in order to return to their Hebraic identity and heritage, will face even greater ridicule and consternation from ignorant religious people. But we must not compromise and try to be accepted "in the gate" as did Lot, but choose instead to exhort one another, and to press forward to the higher calling of the restoration of all things.
We are in the Latter Days and therefore must gird up our loins for holy warfare. Yahveh is now identifying the House (Stick) of Ephraim in preparation of uniting him with the House (Stick) of Judah, that they may be restored as one "Stick" in Messiah's hand, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:18-19 and Ezekiel 37:19. To effectively participate in the fulfillment of "latter days" Scripture, awakening Believers, who are hearing the divine call/invitation to return to the Father's house, as prodigal sons must return to and be restored in their Hebraic heritage and in the full ministry/experience of the Holy Spirit. [Note: This is true revival. The Hebrew Roots/Spirit unity movement is the revival that many have been praying, but do not yet recognize. It is a revival of the renewal of both Spirit and Truth to all Israel] Our choice, as born-again Disciples of Messiah, is (1) to remain in the status of "elementary principles" or (2) to "go on to perfection" in the complete knowledge and fellowship of our Redeemer.
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, and being deceived, but continue thou in the things [Torah and all Scripture by the Spirit of Truth] which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, and of whom thou hast learned them" (2 Tim. 3:13-14). In these latter days, there are two choices for people to consider: There is (1) the upward course/revelation that ascends to Mt. Zion and the restoration of Judah and Ephraim in Spirit and Truth. It is pressing forward "toward the mark for the prize of the high[upward, heavenly calling of God in Messiah Yeshua" (Ph.3:14). There is (2) the downward course/deception of mockers and seducers. On this backsliding, descending course, a person's character and practice go from bad to worse. Lot's wife looked backward. These souls become degenerate and deceived, becoming convinced of their errors because of their spiritual blindness. "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke. 9:62).
The trials and judgments [One World Government, war, unemployment, restricted freedom, etc.] that are coming upon the earth, and our country, along with all the prosperous, Israelite-filled nations, will dissolve our lust and drive for material gain, and sensuality, and re-focus our attention upon the better things of heavenly value. Judgments, like funerals, if even for a moment, tend to turn our attention to eternal matters, and YHVH knows it. So, unlike unfortunate Lot (and his house), we will pray for wisdom before choosing attractive valleys. We will not be enamored by high public positions in the gates of cites. And, we will never be deterred by ignorant religious accusers, even when well-meaning. Our goal as Israelites is to possess Messiah, His likeness, His life, His law. In Him we have the good and perfect inheritance. He is our portion. May all our resources and energies be invested into this one great end in life. See: Ezek. 38 and 39; 1 Cor. 3:22-23.
Bless the Land
1. Pray for Israel and America.
This week, Fatah terrorist leader Barghouti called for a resumption of PA terrorism against Israelis. Pray/Intercede as led by the Spirit.
2. Sing the Song of the Lord to/over all Israel.
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, sing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:18-20).
In the Old Testament, especially in the reign of King David, the Psalms composed the book of Praise and worship, as they were sung by the Levites in the David's Tent in Jerusalem. In the New Testament traditional hymns have been composed and sung in congregations, and they effectively reinforced/taught doctrine and theology. Today, many new praise and worships songs have been composed and are used widely, including the employment of Scripture verses put to music. Today, as more and more Believers are being filled and baptized in the Spirit, (allow me to be repetitive; it's a good teaching tool) we are witnessing the return/rise of spiritual songs, that are the spontaneous songs coming from the heart of worshipers under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. These divinely inspired supernatural songs are considered "new songs", and "songs of the Lord", fresh from heaven. See: Psalm 98:1; Rev. 5:8-9. He has one for you.
Be filled with the Spirit and sing praises to the Most High this week. Ask Him to anoint your heart and mind with His new song, and as you sense His anointing. Singing under the Spirit's anointing, whether in tongues or with understanding, is an uplifting way to daily come into His flow and presence.
Next week: The two categories of Spiritual songs.
Conclusion
"But without faith it is impossible to please God...by faith Abraham...went out...through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed...Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars in the sky in multitude..." (Hebrews 11).
1. Complete all the Study Questions.
We recommend keeping a notebook.
2. Complete your Weekly Prayer Journal. Minister to Yeshua in your morning and/or evening sacrifices of praise and prayer, and record your experience. Use the four-point guide presented below as a help.
"...and His sheep hear His voice, and He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out...and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice" (John 10:3-4).
A. Did you experience/encounter Yeshua's manifested, tangible Presence this week as you worshiped and ministered unto Him?
B. Did you hear the voice or see the vision of the Spirit?
C. Are your senses being exercised by reason of use to discern His voice/word/message?
D. Have you met with others to pray together, and practice recognizing the anointing and ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit as referenced in 1 Corinthians 12? What were the results?
