(Luke 6) 5783 B”H

Luke 6:46 stood out to me today in my reading. It is part of the Sermon on the Plain, a fairly well-known passage that echoes the Sermon on the Mount, but goes beyond what we would call “beatitudes” and includes woes and warnings to ensure that God’s people seek to build their faith upon a firm foundation.

A Direct Question

“Why do you call me, ‘”‘Master, Master’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46, TLV

Yeshua (Jesus) is our Master, our LORD. Many of us are familiar with the New King James translation:

“But why do you call Me ‘LORD, LORD,’ and not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46, NKJV

He is LORD, and we are not.

Therefore, as followers of our Almighty and Merciful Savior, we are to very intentionally become servants of our Master Yeshua (Jesus).

Deliberate Faith

Oswald Chambers, a Scottish Baptist-Holiness evangelist, used the term “deliberately” to describe the relationship we are to be in: “The passion of Christianity comes from deliberately signing away my own rights and becoming a bondservant of Jesus Christ.”

Peter described himself this way:

“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ . . .” 2 Peter 1:1

This is all remarkably countercultural, of course.

The world seeks increase, but as John would preach, we must decrease (John 3:30).

Yeshua (Jesus) asks a very direct, but entirely fair question:

You call Me your LORD and your Master, so why don’t you do what I tell you to do?

Why don’t you do what I say?

Obedience

There are instances when we know we should have done one thing, but did another.

Times when we knew God was leading us in a certain direction, but we either ignorantly failed to really tune into His voice or we very deliberately or defiantly chose to ignore His leading.

Yet our Savior Yeshua (Jesus) died so we could be in relationship with Him. He gave His life so we could confidently live our lives knowing this life is not the end.

He simply asks us to obey Him.

Our Perfect Teacher

He is our Master as well as our Teacher:

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40

There is great truth in that statement.

If you have been taught by God-fearing men and women, you will learn to emulate them.

If you have been taught by the arrogant, a twinge of that arrogance will probably brush off on you.

As followers of the Perfect Teacher, we should absolutely be hearing His voice and seeking to be just like Him. That His Words would be our words and we would speak Truth and Life, Love, and the message of Salvation.

Yeshua (Jesus) taught using stories. This helps us visualize the lesson He is trying to help us to understand:

“Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:47-49

A Firm Foundation

Throughout the Scriptures, the LORD emphasizes the need for us to have a solid foundation:

“So this is what the Sovereign LORD says:

‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
    a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
    will never be stricken with panic.'” Isaiah 28:16, NIV

As someone who fights an ongoing war with anxiety, I love the translation here in the NIV. We who rely on our Savior, our sure Foundation, will never be “stricken with panic.” Our faith must help us win every battle! Anxiousness really has no place in the life of a believer so it is a battle we must fight and trust Him to help us win. ” . . . God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.

I am also a person who has a ton of faith. I’ve seen enough miracles to know His mighty power is still working today. Faith, built on a firm foundation will take you so very far and you will witness so many glorious works of the LORD.

Are you praying today for a loved one to be saved?

Trust in the LORD! Have faith!

Build your prayer life upon His promises and maintain a firm foundation.

No matter what comes up against you, you will prevail if you continue to build up your faith by reading God’s Word, listening to His voice, and obeying Him!

Rebuilding the Foundational Wall of Jerusalem

When Nehemiah oversaw the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem, there was adversity:

“But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are burned?” Nehemiah 4:1-2

Nehemiah was not deterred.

Nehemiah had a firm foundation, the anchor of his soul: he loved the LORD and wanted to do all he could to serve Him:

“So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” Nehemiah 4:6

The people had a mind to work.

When those who love the LORD set their minds to work for His Kingdom, amazing things can happen. Let those naysayers be, and keep working for the LORD. He will bless you and keep you safe from all harm because your foundation is found in Him.

Our Chief Cornerstone

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19:21, emphasis added)

Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) is our Chief Cornerstone and our faith is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.

When we are firm in our faith and understanding, we realize that we – together with God’s people all around the world of every nation, tribe, tongue – we comprise the temple, spiritually now. Our body, the Body of Christ, the Body of Messiah, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The Importance of Teaching our Children

“And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying:  “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’ ”

Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel,  that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:1-7 (emphasis added).

This account from Joshua (Yehoshua) is a perfect example of attention devoted to children. The Israelites were journeying, they were tired, they had to contend with their fears and foes, and yet the LORD inspired Joshua to instruct the twelve men to carry a stone that would serve as an object lesson “in time to come” when the children asked about the significance of the stones.

Have you invested time into training up your children to know the history of their faith?

Do you come from a blessed background in which you grew up knowing about Jesus?

Not everyone grew up with a firm foundation, but we can all work to change that for future generations.

When you children ask in time to come all the details of faith, may the story of Joshua be included, for those stones began to lay a foundation even there in the wilderness.

How firm is YOUR foundation?

Is your faith truly founded on the Rock who is our LORD?

Are you in true relationship with the LORD of all, the One who came to save you?

I love this hymn and want to share it with you today, that it would bless you. Take some time to pray and ask the LORD to confirm to you that your foundation is secure! May you be most especially blessed today, dear friend!

Leviticus and Children’s Ministry

What will be written on the gates in New Jerusalem?

(Luke 4; Va’etchanan (D’varim/Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11) B”H 5783

The Word of God provides for our deliverance from ha-satan’s attacks. Today, we look at how our Savior used Scripture during the wilderness temptation in Luke 4 to cause the enemy to flee!

The enemy’s limited tactics: he waits for us to be weak

Have you ever noticed that the enemy of our souls preys upon us in our weak moments?

David certainly knew it:

“For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in darkness,
Like those who have long been dead.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart within me is distressed.” Psalm 143:3-4, NKJV

When we are at our best, fully confident of our place as children of the Most High God because of what our Savior and Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) has done for us and we are walking in the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) – it is much more difficult for ha-satan (satan) to attack. When we are physically healthy and strong, it is also more difficult for the enemy to attack because our alertness is at a peak – we are prayed-up and fighting off those enemy darts!

So why does the devil have difficulty attacking?

The devil is limited!

Unlike ADONAI Tzva’ot (the LORD of Hosts),

the devil is

not omnipotent

not omnipresent

not omniscient.

Like any mediocre warrior, the devil waits for you to feel weak, and then he strikes.

Trials, tests, and temptation: augmented when hungry!

It was no different when our Savior walked the earth.

Yeshua (Jesus) was led by the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) into the desert wilderness for forty days.

Notice that Luke, a trained physician, mentions the physical hunger that Yeshua (Jesus) was experiencing:

“Now He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry.” Luke 4:2b

Our LORD Yeshua (Jesus), fully-God, fully-man was experiencing true physical hunger.

How do you feel when you are hungry?

It often depends on the day or the circumstances, but I observe that hunger can cause all sorts of issues:

tiredness

irritability

inability to think clearly without distraction

generalized weakness

Symptoms of hunger can make a person susceptible to giving into temptation.

Have you ever promised you would fast, and the first thing that happens when you begin is someone offers you the most decadent dessert or invites you out to eat?

Or maybe something less spiritual.

Maybe you simply want to keep a diet.

You commit to eating your salad greens and limiting your consumption of deep-fried deliciousness, but as soon as you get out of your car when you are heading to work or school you smell the most wonderful scent of fried chicken or some other fast food you love.

The devil knows this. As soon as Yeshua (Jesus) had completed his forty day fast in the wilderness, hasatan jumped at the opportunity to tempt Ben-Elohim, the Son of God.

How our LORD responded to temptation using D’varim

Attack/Temptation #1

“And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Luke 4:3

Our LORD Yeshua (Jesus) responded using His knowledge of Torah (Pentateuch) and more precisely, the book of “D’varim,” which translates as the book of “Words.” (We know it as “Deuteronomy”):

“But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” Luke 4:4

The LORD Yeshua (Jesus) quoted the Words:

“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” D’varim/Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasis added

Attack/Temptation #2

“Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” Luke 4:5-7

How did our Wise and Holy Savior Yeshua (Jesus) respond? Again with a passage from Torah, specifically Deuteronomy:

“And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Luke 4:8, emphasis added

But notice here: before quoting Scripture this time, our Messiah addressed the devil directly, ordering him to “Get thee behind.”

This is important for us today because the devil continues to be a bother.

The devil’s attacks are vicious and he looks for whom he may devour:

“Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour.” Luke 4:8, TLV

It is critical to put on the armor of God!

Keep it shined up and ready for battle, not rusting away in a closet somewhere!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

Deliverance is dependent upon confessing trust in the Liberator – the God of Israel and His Son Yeshua (Jesus) – and upon knowing the Word and how to use it! Remember, the LORD is your defense and He has provided His Incarnate Word to lead us to victory.

“He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.” Psalm 62:6

Another point of note: during the second temptation, hasatan adds pressure to his demand by citing his own (limited) authority. This tactic is further augmented in the third temptation as we will see.

Attack/Temptation #3

“Then he brought Yeshua to Jerusalem and placed Him on the highest point of the Temple. He said to Him, ‘If You are Ben-Elohim, throw Yourself down from here.'” Luke 4:9

If you noticed that the devil cited his own authority in the second temptation, notice that in the third temptation he goes so far as to cite the LORD’s own authority by using Scripture, specifically Psalm 91:

“For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you,’ and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Luke 4:10-11

The devil is desperate!

Surely, the devil doesn’t appreciate Scripture because he knows his future is sealed.

Yet hasatan (satan) will do absolutely anything and everything just for the chance to make a person fall into sin and destruction, and ultimately death.

The LORD again cites D’varim. Deuteronomy 6:16:

“And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ” Luke 4:12

You shall not tempt the LORD your God.

Yeshua (Jesus) is reaffirming that the LORD is God and that even the devil must acknowledge that Truth.

The devil was left speechless

Do you notice that after each Scriptural response, the devil had no comeback?

That ugly serpent couldn’t come up with a suitable counterargument.

So he left. Only for the time being, but the point is – the devil had to flee because he is put to shame by the power of the Word of God.

So be sure to study the Word for yourself!

Here is a wonderful song that can help you memorize Psalm 62:

When the devil wants to come against you, stand firm on the Truth of Scripture and he will have to leave you alone.

Let us look to our Almighty Savior for the best example of what to do when the devil wants to confuse us or twist Scripture for his own benefit. Know the Word for yourself and stand firm in your faith!

(Luke 1-2) 5783 B”H, updated 2/20/23

Last week, I focused on Dr.Luke, Gospel-writer. His purpose in writing was so that the beloved ones would “know for sure the Truth.” We will see today that Luke was also very interested in recording examples of Spirit-filled praise.

As we continue to look at Luke‘s writings, I’d like to point out his early focus on praise hymns. Before the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke ends, he has already shared with us the song of praise (often called the “Magnificat”) of Mary (Miriam), the mother of Jesus (Yeshua).

This indicates to me that Luke was a worshipper. It seems to me that Dr.Luke had a heart filled with praise which inspired Him to write and share the Good News with us.

Miriam the Prophetess & Miriam, Mother of Messiah

When we hear the name “Miriam” related to Scripture, it is not uncommon to immediately think of Miriam the Prophetess, Moshe’s (Moses’) brave sister (Shemot/Exodus 15:20).

Both Moshe (Moses) and Miriam sang praises to ADONAI for leading them to safety through the parted waters of the Red Sea (Shemot/Exodus 15). With tambourine in hand, Miriam led dancing and singing:

“Sing to ADONAI, for He is highly exalted! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” Exodus 15:21

The praises sang in the Sinai desert set a precedent for the way praise would be offered throughout the Scriptures. Even today, we ought use these patterns for our praise – unashamedly rejoicing before the LORD in song and celebration.

Every bit of the Bible is compelling, but I find it very fascinating that Miriam the Prophetess is not the only Miriam in Scripture.

The mother of Yeshua (Jesus) was also a Miriam. “Mary” is anglicized. Back in ancient Bethlehem, it wasn’t “Mary and Joseph:” it was “Yosef and Miriam” blessed with their beautiful Son, Yeshua.

Luke’s Gospel account records that when Miriam visited Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) filled Elizabeth “completely” (Luke 1:41, TLV).

In response to that Spirit-driven experience, Prophetess Miriam praised the LORD using the types of phrasing typical of Hebrew poetry. It is likely that Miriam, mother of Jesus (Yeshua) was inspired by the praise song sung by the other Miriam, sister of Moses:

“Then Miriam said,

‘My soul magnifies ADONAI,
and my spirit greatly rejoices in God, my Savior.
For He has looked with care upon the humble state of His maidservant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One has done a great thing for me,
and holy is His name.
And His mercy is from generation to generation
to the ones who fear Him.
He has displayed power with His arm
He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down rulers from thrones
and exalted humble ones.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent away the rich empty-handed.
He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering His mercy,
just as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his seed forever.'” Luke 1:46-55

Zechariah the Priest (Kohen)

Luke, being the very detail-oriented doctor that he was, made sure to record the song sung by Priest Zechariah because of its prophetic Truth.

Zechariah, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) and Luke makes sure to point that out.

Notice the parallels between the songs of the Miriams and Zechariah. They begin by magnifying the LORD, blessing His Holy Name. The Bible says that Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and therefore prophesied about his son Yochanan (John [the Baptist/Immerser]) as well as Messiah Yeshua our Savior Jesus:

“Blessed be ADONAI,
    God of Israel,
for He has looked after His people
    and brought them redemption.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ages past,
salvation from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us!
So He shows mercy to our fathers
    and remembers His holy covenant,
the vow which He swore to Abraham
    our father, to grant us—
rescued fearlessly from the hand of
    our enemies—to serve Him,
in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
And you, child, will be called a prophet of Elyon.
For you will go before ADONAI to prepare His ways,

 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
through removal of their sins.
Through our God’s heart of mercy,
the Sunrise from on high will come upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet in the way of shalom.” Luke 1:67-79

The Army of Heaven

Are you familiar with Chris Tomlin’s song, Whom Shall I Fear? (The God of Angel Armies)?

I particularly love the line, “The One who reigns forever, He is a Friend of mine!”

Think about that! Let it sink in! The God of the Heavenly Armies, the All-Victorious, Almighty One, who reigns forever – is also your Friend. A Friend of mine!? Then yes, whom shall I fear? The Commander-In-Chief, the Eternal Protector, just so happens to be the One I can call upon at any moment and He will send heavenly host reinforcements. Immediately. He’s that Powerful. He’s that Loving. He’s that good of a Friend. ADONAI-Tzva’ot!

“A multitude of heavenly armies” proclaimed the birth of our Messiah:

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth shalom to men of good will.” Luke 2:13-14

Luke recorded these songs of praise to inspire us to do the same.

Praise the LORD today!

Does your soul magnify ADONAI?

Do you sing praises to the LORD Most High?

Have you, like those who have gone before us, recognized the Sovereignty of God in your life?

Do you rejoice in God your Savior?

Have you been rescued and delivered by His Mighty hand of power?

Are you filled with the glorious Holy Spirit?

Praise the LORD for all He has done!

“For the Mighty One has done a great thing for me, and holy is His Name.” Luke 1:49

Asbury Awakening

We appear to be witnessing a revival, or what is often more historically termed, an “awakening,” at Asbury University. As I wrote on our Adonai Shalom Facebook page,

“Let’s pray for the students of Asbury University. May this be a true revival/spiritual awakening that our nation and world so desperately needs. I have been cautiously optimistic that what is going on there may become the Azusa Street of our day. This generation has been raised on coffee and donuts in the church and is hungry for real spiritual nourishment. I pray this generation learns true worship and experiences the authentic power of the Eternal One! I also pray for the administration because the logistics of what is going on at the university must be quite a challenge to navigate. But may the LORD have His way and may hearts turn to Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)!”

This is such an exciting event to witness! We are in the last days, and there will again be Spirit-filled songs of praise lifted to our Most High God who is worthy of all honor and glory forever and ever. With all the modern technology, people have found out about the revival and are traveling from all over the world, hungry to experience the LORD. The Spirit of God is not limited to that place, but there will be people who, like the wise men, need to go there to see what it is the LORD has done and they will go and spread that news elsewhere. We should pray that this wonderful spirit of repentance and revival will continue and truly have a global impact.

Keep your eyes fixed on our Savior Yeshua (Jesus) – because He will come back for His own!

May you be most especially blessed today!

(Luke 1) 5783 B”H

I really love the Gospel of Luke and his sequel, the book of Acts.

Luke was a doctor. A learned man. He valued people and wanted to see them live healthy, full lives.

Do you know a doctor like that? Someone who went into the profession less for the money and more for the people? It’s not always easy to find a physician like that, but when you do, it is a blessing.

All too often, doctors rely on their extensive medical knowledge more than they do on God – the Giver of all that intelligence.

But Luke was different.

A doctor who encountered the Healer

Dr. Luke was certainly well-prepared and intelligent, yet he valued the spiritual side of things and was humble enough to recognize that there is an Almighty Healer.

As evidenced by his chronicling of the ministry of Yeshua (Jesus), Luke was very detail-oriented. Like any wise doctor, he would make thorough observations knowing that attention to detail could mean the difference between life and death.

Luke would have known firsthand that human medical practices were limited.

Surely he had been bedside when a patient succumbed to illness or injury and knew the feeling of helplessness, unable to prescribe a curing remedy.

Can you imagine the curiosity Luke must have felt when he witnessed the healing miracles of our Messiah? How perplexing! Was he skeptical at first? Did he try to explain it away using scientific reasoning? Or was he overjoyed that there was a true Healer?

Luke encountered the One who made the true difference between life and death – the One who defeated death and grants new and eternal Life.

As Luke realized that the Great Physician, Yeshua (Jesus) had come, he began to carefully document what he had seen in order to provide an orderly record to his beloved friends in the faith (ie.Theophilus). He must have been so fascinated, so captivated!

I’m confident Luke wondered: how could it be that this Man, Yeshua (Jesus), had authority to cast out sicknesses, heal diseases, and resurrect the dead!?

Luke the Gospel writer knew others were doing the same thing – “undertak[ing] to organize an account of the event fulfilled among us . . . ” (Luke 1:1). The Tree of Life Version gives an appropriate heading to the opening of Luke: “A Doctor Charts the Facts.” Luke wanted to make sure his account was accurate, to give yet another layer of evidence that the testimonies about the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) were indeed true.

In his own words: “Therefore it seemed best to me also, because I have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, to write for you an orderly record, most excellent Theophilus, so you may know for sure the truth of the words you have been taught.”

Luke 1:3-4, emphasis added

That you may know.

For sure.

The Truth.

“Many convincing proofs”

Doctors would love to know things “for sure,” but usually they are making the best educated guess possible:

Maybe you have this going on…

We need to rule out x, y, or z . . .

Dr. Luke the Gospel writer was no exception. He didn’t believe that the Savior of the world came just because he saw one or two signs. His acceptance of Yeshua (Jesus) as the promised Messiah wasn’t based on what the crowds of people were saying.

He observed and concluded there were “many convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3) and wrote the second volume to his historical record, what is now known as the Acts of the Apostles.

Here he continues:

“I wrote the first volume, Theophilus, about all that Yeshua began to do and teach – up to the day He was taken up, after He had given orders by the Ruach haKodesh to the emissaries He had chosen. To them He showed Himself to be alive after His suffering through many convincing proofs, appearing to them for 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

Acts 1:1-3, emphasis added

If you are familiar with the book of Acts, you know that Luke doesn’t shy away from reporting on the miraculous. Luke trusted that what Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah came to do by the power of the Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit) was absolutely true and verifiable.

Yeshua (Jesus) showed Himself to be alive after being crucified

Doctors, even back in Bible times, are trained to read a pulse and understand vital signs. It is thought that Luke probably studied at one of the medical schools in Tarsus, Pergamum, or even Athens.

Obviously then, as a doctor, Luke would know when to pronounce someone dead. And living in the Roman Empire . . . harsh, cruel deaths were commonplace. He knew that Yeshua (Jesus) had been crucified. Crucifixion was one of the worst possible ways to die: a suffocating and bloody death.

Left hanging on a cross: chance of survival 0%.

Yet this Holy Man, this Yeshua (Jesus) . . . “presented Himself alive!”

He showed Himself to the disciples.

And not just once.

Luke tells us He showed Himself to be alive, appearing to the disciples for 40 days!

Who else has died, been buried, and then wakes up and presents themself to people for 40 days?

Had Luke or the disciples thought the resurrection and subsequent appearances were mere dreams or hallucinations, he had the credentials to identify them as such and dismiss them.

Before I became a believer, I heard something that helped me sort out the confusion. Maybe it will help you, too:

Muhammed is dead.
Ghandi is dead.
Buddha is dead.
But Yeshua (Jesus) is still alive.

Yeshua (Jesus) was dead and buried, yes, but that tomb is empty.

To this day, there is a sign at the tomb in Jerusalem that says, “He is not here for He is Risen.”

This is absolutely remarkable and Luke knew it! He knew there was abundant evidence confirming that the Savior of the world was alive and that what He taught was true.

Do you know this Gospel Truth?

Has your life been changed by the power of the Gospel?

If you are a person who needs proof, who needs evidence, then Luke is your guy! We will be going through the book of Luke together, and I hope that you will be convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Yeshua (Jesus) is indeed the Messiah, the Savior, the Redeemer, and King of all kings!

Parashot Miketz (B‘reishit/Genesis 41-44:17), Vayigash (B’reishit/Genesis 44:18 – 47:27, (B’reishit/Vayechi Genesis 47:28 – 50) 5783 B”H

Yosef (Joseph) was blessed with spiritual gifts that helped him overcome adversity and rise to an important position in the Egyptian government.

“Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can a man like this be found, one in whom is God’s Spirit?” Genesis 41:38

The Spiritual Gifts/Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh)

When we think about the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh), we very rightly turn to the B’rit Hadasha (New Testament), namely 1 Corinthians 12:8ff:

“For to one is given through the Ruach a word of wisdom, to another a word of knowledge according to the same Ruach, to another faith by the same Ruach, to another gifts of healings by the one Ruach, to another workings of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Ruach activates all these things, distributing to each person individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11.

We know that these spiritual gifts continue to operate today and that the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) provides these supernatural spiritual gifts to empower believers to reach the world with the life-saving and life-changing Good News of our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ). These gifts have absolutely not ceased! They continue to bless the people of God around the world.

The 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) include:

1. Word of Wisdom
2. Word of Knowledge
3. Faith
4. Healings
5. Working of Miracles
6. Prophecy
7. Discerning of spirits
8. Speaking in tongues
9. Interpretation of tongues

Yosef clearly walked in wisdom and faith. The Bible testifies that he was not only favored, but also productive:

“A fruitful son is Joseph, a fruitful son beside a spring — daughters walk along a wall.” Genesis 49:22, TLV

“Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well; his branches run over the wall.” Genesis 49:22, NKJV

Hebrew is a visual language, painting pictures with words. The same term is used to describe both “daughters” and “branches” which is why there are differences in the translations above. In any case, Yosef (Joseph) was revered as an exemplar son.

Romans 12:6-8 also describes spiritual gifts given to believers:

“We have gifts that differ according to the grace that was given to us — if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; or the one who teaches, in his teaching; or the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

The Gifts of the Spirit . . . in the book of Genesis?

The “infilling of the Holy Spirit” (Ruach haKodesh), also known as the “baptism of the Holy Spirit,” occurred following Yeshua’s (Jesus’) ascension into heaven. What made the Pentecostal event so unique is that it had lasting effect: every single believer present and in prayer received the promise of the Father. The Comforter would now dwell inside the believers and empower them with the spiritual gifts to reach the world with the Full Gospel.

In the book of B’reishit/Genesis, as well as the rest of Tanakh (the Old Testament), the Spirit of the LORD came upon individuals, for certain tasks, for certain times. One could be filled with the Holy Spirit, but it appears to have been more of a temporary anointing.

This is important because Yosef (Joseph) was therefore able to operate under the anointing of the LORD even though this was pre-Shavu’ot (pre-Pentecost). Yosef (Joseph) was filled with custom-tailored spiritual gifts that would manifest as he interacted with those around him.

Even Pharaoh noticed:

“Then Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can a man like this be found, one in whom is God’s Spirit?’” Genesis 41:38

The pharaoh – the king over a wealthy nation steeped in its own complex mythology was able to recognize that the Spirit of God was in Yosef (Joseph).

Yosef’s Prophetic Dreams and Ability to Interpret Dreams

From a young age, Yosef (Joseph) had prophetic dreams.

Rightly does Yeshua (Jesus) teach us: “Truly, I tell you, ‘No prophet is accepted in his own hometown.’” Luke 4:24

Those early dreams really didn’t need interpretation – their meaning was immediately evident to Yosef’s (Joseph’s) brothers, and they were infuriated.

While the means by which Yosef (Joseph) arrived in Egypt was far from pleasant, he was actually better off away from his native land. His prophetic giftings would be perceived differently in Egypt: his spiritual gifts were valuable to Pharaoh and the other Egyptian officials!

The Pharaoh’s cupbearer and the baker had dreams that they could not understand:

“Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Please tell me.” Genesis 40:8

Yosef (Joseph) wisely recognized that the ability to interpret dreams required submission to the God of Israel.

When Pharaoh, too, dreamed, Yosef (Joseph) was also able to interpret those dreams.

Shalom for . . . Pharaoh?

Demonstrating wise leadership skills, Yosef (Joseph) also very astutely helped the Pharaoh to have peace with the process:

“Then Joseph answered Pharaoh saying, ‘It’s not within me. God will answer with shalom for Pharaoh.’” Genesis 41:16

This granted him great favor in the land of Egypt and propelled his successful future forward. It didn’t matter where he was from or the struggles he had had to endure, he was an immigrant to Egypt and would serve as second-in-command to Pharaoh.

When the enemy has planned evil, remember, God plans it for good:

“Yes, you yourselves planned evil against me. God planned it for good, in order to bring about what it is this day—to preserve the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20

Pharaoh usually represents the enemy, but this pharaoh was actually good to Yosef and his people, so this Pharaoh was blessed with shalom.

Prophetic Giftings can make the enemy very nervous

A New Pharaoh

Yosef (Joseph) was like a token Hebrew. He represented the Hebrew/Israelite people (whether he wanted to or not!). They were a minority in Egypt, but their numbers were growing.

By Exodus 1:8-9, a new Pharaoh had ascended to the throne and was distressed about the number of God’s people who were living in Egypt.

Yosef (Joseph) had died by then, but his life had left a legacy and as spiritual gifts are meant to do – the Israelite people had been empowered in knowing that one of their own had served Pharaoh so closely.

The new Pharaoh didn’t know Yosef (Joseph) nor his spiritual gifts, but perhaps he had heard some stories. He didn’t have the shalom that was brought about by listening to God’s servant as in the days of Yosef (Joseph).

He clearly perceived the Israelites as a threat to the security of his nation.

Why a threat? Maybe he had heard that there lived among the Hebrews . . .

Some who had supernatural abilities . . .

Some who had the ability to interpret dreams without calling upon the gods of the Egyptians . . .

Some who served a God who foretold and controlled prosperity and famine . . .

Only the LORD God of Israel alone could provide true dream interpretation and true spiritual gifts.

That could be very unsettling to a ruler who had paid seers and magicians to plead with their gods and use works of imitation as part of the national culture.

If your spiritual gifting is making the enemy nervous, you are probably doing something right!

The Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim) is at work today

Do you realize that today, God has given us amazing spiritual power? It is so abundantly clear that we are living in the last days foretold by the Prophet Yo’el (Joel):

“And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” Joel 2:28-29

Those who serve the LORD will prophesy and dream dreams and see visions. The outpouring of the Spirit of the Most High has blessed entire nations.

Missionaries report that in Iran today, so many people are receiving dreams and visions of our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) that they are converting en masse! New believers are being baptized in a country that is so hostile to the Gospel. The LORD continues to work! We must pray for the Iranian believers!

There are so many other examples of how the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) is working in the world today. And YOU have the opportunity to be a part of that!

Pharaoh noticed that the Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim) was in Yosef (Joseph):

Has anyone ever said that about you?

Is it that abundantly clear to a nonbeliever that in YOU dwells the very Spirit of the LORD by adoption and mercy?

Is it obvious that God’s Holy Spirit works in you and through you to bless others and testify of His power and greatness?

How are you using your spiritual gifts for His glory?

Today, seek the LORD’s will for your life. Ask Him to use your spiritual gifts for the purposes of His Kingdom. May you walk in favor, like Yosef!

I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review here on the Adonai Shalom USA blog. #BG²

KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible Book Review & Description

The KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is an updated version of an original with the same name.

According to the introduction to this Bible, Dr. Frank Charles Thompson conducted in-depth Bible study beginning back in 1890 and wanted to make his findings accessible and available to the ordinary person studying the Scriptures. He highlighted what he felt to be the most important themes and topics and used a study system now known as “chain-reference.” As with any monumental task, Thompson’s original work contained some chain-references that were ultimately incomplete and needed revision. The editors of this new edition aimed to make appropriate corrections and reformat the margins to make it easier to use.

My first impression upon viewing this Bible was that it is bright and modern-looking.

The yellow coloring coupled with gray ribbon bookmarks will appeal to anyone and makes it stand out from other Bibles.

I also love the metallic lettering on the cover. I could immediately tell that the publishers wanted this Bible to be something the reader would treasure. After all, there is no greater treasure than to know the LORD through His Word!

I personally prefer the New King James Version of the Biblical text as I find it easier to read, but the New King James Version of the Bible was not published until 1982. Thus, Dr.Thompson would have utilized the 1611 King James Version that remains popular today.

Zondervan does have this Bible also available in other translations for those who would prefer.

A Very Practical Study Tool

The cross-references and numerical indices alone make this Bible well-worth the investment. Beyond that, Dr. Thompson included Bible character study outlines which include full Scripture references, map details, Messianic prophecies, an alphabetical index, and other charts including the harmony of the Gospels and topical studies.

Notice in this excerpt from the book of Ezra, there are many options for subsequent study found in the margins. The entire Bible is filled with these prompts and corresponding Biblical texts.

I really like how ample white space is given for short personal notes if desired and I also appreciate that the actual Biblical text isn’t broken up by commentary or other notes.

Moreso than a devotional Bible, the KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is a study Bible in the truest sense of that word: rather than relying upon the comments of others, the formatting of this Bible encourages readers to search deeply into the Scriptures for themselves.

Each suggested reference topic is relevant and can inspire significant study. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) as you read the Word of God using the references in the margins and I am certain you will make profound discoveries!

The KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is available in many formats including red letter, large print, hardcover, and bonded leather. It is available in the KJV, NKJV, ESV, NIV, and NASB translations. It seems apparent to me that the publisher genuinely wants the study of Scripture to be accessible to as many people as possible. What a blessing!

My recommendation:

★★★★★

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is definitely worth a 5 out of 5.

This is a Bible that will be beneficial to anyone who genuinely enjoys studying the riches of Scripture. It will be particularly helpful to those who prepare weekly sermons or messages as well as to those who lead Bible studies or other ministries.

The KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible would also serve well in an evangelistic encounter as cross-references can quickly and easily be located to help persuade an unbeliever to trust in the glorious Word of God.

Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University

Book details

Title: “KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Author: Dr. Frank Charles Thompson
Publisher: Zondervan
Release Date: 2022
Genre: BIBLES/King James Version/Reference

ISBN-13: 978-0-310-45921-7

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | FaithGateway Store

#BibleGatewayPartner

Parashat Vayeshev (B‘reishit/Genesis 37-40) 5783 B”H

Last week in our study of Timna & Amalek, we considered how rejection can fuel anger, bitterness, violence, and absolute hatred. These attributes exist to rob us of peace, of shalom, and we do well to learn from the Biblical examples of dysfunction and consequence to protect ourselves from falling into those same traps.

The marked divisions and dysfunction that plagued Esav (Esau) and Yaacov (Jacob)’s relationship would continue to stealthily inject the stains of sin into future generations.

Yaacov (Jacob) [now-Israel] had 12 sons, who would become the first of the tribes of Israel.

But before that would happen, many of the brothers would act as young brothers sometimes do –

selfish,

jealous,

and conniving.

Was there room for grace?

Would there be any shalom?

Could this family overcome the temptations brought on by rivalry and habitual distrust?

Yosef (Joseph) had favor, but . . . he, too, had to deal with a complicated family life

He was perceived as a tattletale

The second-to-youngest son in Yaacov’s family was Yosef (Joseph), and when he was just a 17-year-old young man, he “brought back a bad report about [his brothers] to their father” (Genesis 37:2c).

Well, no one likes a tattletale, and if he was already 17, maybe Yosef (Joseph) had been tattletaling on his older brothers ever since he could walk.

Now, I am not here to defend Yosef’s (Joseph’s) brothers.

Scripture does not tell us why Yosef (Joseph) felt he needed to give a bad report to Yaacov (Jacob)]; but given how these brothers treated Yosef (Joseph) in significant future events, it is absolutely probable that they were truly doing something terrible that was well-worth the risk of being labeled a tattler.

Indeed, Yosef (Joseph) “the informant” was well-received by his father, and

“[Yaacov] loved [Yosef] more than all his brothers . . .” (Genesis 37:4).

Yaacov made his son Yosef (Joseph) the famous long-sleeved tunic that is often called the “coat of many colors.” (Genesis 37:3).

His brothers resented him

“When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak to him in shalom.” Genesis 37:4, TLV, emphasis added

To me, this is a very appropriate translation.

But, let’s look at a few different translations of Genesis 37:4 because there is disagreement among scholars about the very best way to translate l’shalom here. (Any time you find a discrepancy between different translations, this indicates that the translators are having a difficult time expressing Hebrew idiom in modern English.).

Shalom is more than a simple “peace”

The Hebrew term, “shalom,” is usually translated quite simply as, “peace.”

But the true meaning of “shalom” has a greater depth to it.

“Shalom” refers to an all-encompassing peace, wholeness, completeness, healthfulness, and overarching prosperity.

Here is the original Hebrew:

 וַיִּרְא֣וּ אֶחָ֗יו כִּֽי־אֹת֞וֹ אָהַ֤ב אֲבִיהֶם֙ מִכָּל־אֶחָ֔יו וַֽיִּשְׂנְא֖וּ אֹת֑וֹ וְלֹ֥א יָכְל֖וּ דַּבְּר֥וֹ לְשָׁלֹֽם׃, WLC, emphasis added

Translators have wanted to express the fullness of the term, so they describe it in these ways:

“When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they began to hate him and reached the point where they couldn’t even talk with him in a civil manner.” Genesis 37:4, Complete Jewish Bible, emphasis added

“But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.” Genesis 37:4, NKJV, emphasis added

“And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.” Genesis 37:4, NASB, emphasis added

Each translation is basically saying the same thing, but their nuanced differences give us a clue as to the deeper meaning of “peace” that is intended by the original language.

In English, “peace” has lost a lot of its power in our culture today, but the God of the Bible wants you to experience a genuinely powerful and wholly total depth of peace – shalom – that is found only when you live under the favor of the Almighty!

Maintaining your shalom when those around you make that difficult

The term, “grace,” is commonly defined as “unmerited favor.”

Yosef (Joseph) walked in this type of favor – and to do so, he would have needed to know how to maintain his inner peace.

He faced so much adversity in life!

How did Yosef (Joseph) overcome being sold into slavery by his own brothers?! (Genesis 37:27)

He learned to walk in grace.

His brothers’ (also unmerited) evil actions toward Yosef (Joseph) helped form in him a perseverance and self-confidence that would lead him to become Egypt’s second-in-command.

Now, of course, Messiah Yeshua had not yet come to endow full-fledged grace and forgiveness and mercy, but the LORD did choose to use young Yosef (Joseph) to demonstrate and foreshadow the favor that comes when we trust in His Son.

So how can you, like Yosef (Joseph), triumph when those around you conspire for your demise, make false accusations against you, or look for ways to either literally or figuratively incarcerate you?

How can you walk in shalom?

1. Know the Word of God: “Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
2. Trust the Word of God
3. Be filled with the Word of God

Our Savior Yeshua (Jesus) is the Word made flesh – the Word Incarnate. “And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

When we know His Words – what He said, what He taught, what He proclaimed, and what He lived, we can learn to trust Him at His very Word. Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) embodied the Word and demonstrated that by His Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) we, too, can live in the peace that surpasses all understanding and find our shalom in Him.

As we mature in the faith, we learn that trust becomes synonymous with peace, because He fills us with His Spirit – the Spirit of the LORD – whose power overcomes all our fears and doubts. The enemy may stir up trouble like he did for Yosef (Joseph) or try to cause us all sorts of anguish and anxiety, but if we truly trust in the One who is Mighty to Save, we will maintain true inner shalom.

We must be filled with His Word! We need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh)! So seek Him today and be filled – Be filled with the Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 5:18) Learn about the true meaning of shalom and pray that the LORD will help you to truly live in the fullness of His shalom today!

Parashat Vayishlach (B‘reishit/Genesis 32:4-36) 5783 B”H (Updated 11/6/23)

Before the holidays, we left off in Genesis 32 and looked at Jacob’s (Yaacov’s) family life. Today, we will focus on Esav’s (Esau’s) side, namely his relationship with a woman named Timna.

Recall the prophecy given directly to Rivkah (Rebekah) by the LORD:

“ADONAI said to her: ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from your body will be separated.
One people will be stronger than the other people, but the older will serve the younger.'” Genesis 25:23, emphasis added

Rivkah’s older son, Esav (Esau) would serve the younger Yaacov (Jacob). This becomes quickly apparent in the passages that follow and by Genesis 35:11 the LORD blesses Yaacov (Jacob) and gives him a new name: “Israel.”

It is also at this point that the LORD also chooses to reveal that He is “El Shaddai.”

El Shaddai אֵל שַׁדַּי is a term that means “Almighty.”

The Almighty God, El Shaddai, had chosen Israel.

The names of God are wonderful to study, but today, I’d like to remain focused on the family lines extending from Yaacov and Esav and how this affects the nation of Israel today.

Esav – father of the Edomites

Esav (Esau) became known as the father of the Edomites. He had at least two wives and his sons’ names were Eliphaz and Reuel (Genesis 36:10).

Sadly for him, Esav gave up his birthright, remember, and as time went on, Edom faced desolation for constantly seeking to rule over the Jewish people. Ezekiel records:

“You have magnified yourselves against Me with your mouth. You multiplied your words against Me. I heard it.” Thus says ADONAI ELOHIM: “When the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. As you rejoiced over inheriting the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will do to you. You will be desolate, Mount Seir and all Edom—all of it. Then they will know that I am ADONAI.” Ezekiel 35:13-15

So to try to keep things succinct, just remember that there is enmity between Edom and Israel.

Timna of Edom

Esav’s son, Eliphaz, had a concubine named Timna.

“Now Timna was a concubine to Esau’s son Eliphaz, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz.” Genesis 36:12

Timna is not well-known, and there is not much written about her in Scripture. Jewish tradition has attempted to fill in some of the blanks, but being extra-Biblical, we cannot know with any certainty the validity of the story. That said, it is an interesting story!

We know from Genesis 36:21-22 that Timna (assuming she is the same Timna) was Lotan’s sister – and that Lotan was one of the chiefs of the Horites in the land of Edom.

That would suggest that Timna had an elevated status, a princess of her people.

Why would a princess become a concubine?

Well, midrash says that Timna was a convert.

The midrashic story goes that Timna had approached the patriarchs Abraham, Yitzhak (Isaac), and Yaacov (Jacob) wanting to join the nation of Israel.

But according to tradition, Timna was rejected. So as a response, this princess chose to become a concubine as a way to still be near to the nation of Israel.

“You are not to detest an Edomite, for he is your brother. You are not to detest an Egyptian, for you were an outsider in his land. The children born to them—the third generation—may enter the community of ADONAI.” Deuteronomy 23:7

Timna was with an Edomite, Eliphaz, so they were not to be detested but all of this potentially paved the way for generational bitterness and hatred . . .

The Consequences of Rejection

If you’ve ever felt rejected, you might know the swelling up of anger that can arise.

When the feelings associated with a rejection are permitted to fester rather than be entrusted to the LORD for healing, hatred can blossom and flourish.

Was Timna indeed rejected by Israel?

There is no Bible verse to confirm that.

But we do know she gave birth to a son, Amalek, whose lineage has become the greatest enemy to Israel in history.

Harboring Hatred: the spirit of Amalek

This is but speculation, but if indeed Timna was rejected, I could imagine her teaching her son to harbor hatred against the nation of Israel.

Consider the war between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinians have, generationally, been taught to harbor great hatred against Israel and now we see this spiraling into a huge conflict. This is a spiritual issue. Israel, because it is founded on the principles of Torah, is legitimately a morally superior nation – founded on God’s way of doing things. Despite all of the animosity Israel deals with, Israel does its best to exercise restraint, patience, and consider the humanitarian needs of civilians in conflict. In complete contrast, the Palestinians do not decry the horrors of Hamas, but seem rather to justify the violence and perpetuate it. Harboring hatred leads only to grief and more death and violence.

In our congregations and communities today, how often do we show genuine love and welcome to newcomers? Are we careful to ensure that children learn to love and model forgiveness and kindness? I had a conversation today with a homeschool mother who shared sentiments with me that the other “Christian” homeschoolers in the area do not demonstrate a welcoming attitude whatsoever. How often are we each guilty of making others feel unwelcome when they so very much would like to be a part of what we are doing? We must repent for our inhospitable actions and take notice when we are unwittingly contributing to someone else harboring resentment.

But resentment does NOT have to be the outcome. Ephesians 4:31 teaches us to

“Get rid of all bitterness and rage and anger and quarreling and slander, along with all malice.”

Some people will simply choose to stay in that dark place, ruminating on all the ways they have been hurt or rejected.

That’s the spirit of Amalek.

The Amalekites

The generations after Amalek became known as the Amalekites because they inherited Amelek’s hatred toward the Israelites:

ADONAI said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book, and rehearse it in the hearing of Joshua, for I will utterly blot out the memory of the Amalekites from under heaven.” Then Moses built an altar, and called the name of it ADONAI-NISSI. Then he said, “By the hand upon the throne of ADONAI, ADONAI will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus 17:14-16, emphasis added

“Remember what Amalek did to you along the way as you came out from Egypt—  how he happened upon you along the way and attacked those among you in the rear, all the stragglers behind you, when you were tired and weary—he did not fear God.  Now when ADONAI your God grants you rest from all the enemies surrounding you in the land ADONAI your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget!” Deuteronomy 25:17-19, emphases added

Did you notice in the Exodus 17 passage above that it was in this context that we see the name of God, ADONAI-NISSI? יהוה נִסִּי The LORD, my victory, the LORD my banner. When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, it was in this same spirit of Amalek, not fearing God and attacking the innocent.

But no matter what Amalek tries to do, if you are on God’s side, you’re with the Victorious One.

There is a stark difference between the Edomites and the Amalekites. While the Edomites have their undesirability, it is the Amalekites who are considered the very worst of the worst.

If you know the history of Queen Hadassah (Esther), you will know that evil Haman was a descendent of Amalek. There is no place for the Amalekites – their end will be one of destruction.

Haman’s wife Zeresh was right about this 1 thing

Demonstrate love

Timna may well have been a victim of rejection.

And in today’s world, there are so many people who have suffered in this way.

Amalek represents all that is evil and violent and terrible in this world, but we can each do our part to show the love of our Messiah whenever possible – to avoid the perpetuation of the vicious cycles of evil and terror that continue in the world.

We must pray for the people of Israel, who are fighting the spirit of Amalek. We must pray that they do not become discouraged, but that they, too, would know the love of our Savior and see that all of this terror going on is part of a much bigger, spiritual battle.

We need not befriend the devil, but we can certainly make his job harder.

We must acknowledge the Truth taught by our Savior that in this world there WILL be trouble. But be encouraged today:

We have shalom because our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) has overcome the world! (John 16:33)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

And neither Amalek nor Timna nor anyone else who would conjure up harm against us will be able to separate us from our Savior’s great and marvelous and victorious love!

How can we pray for you today? Have you ever felt rejected or ashamed? I assure you, the LORD can bring healing and restoration into your life, even right this very moment. He can even free you from bitterness and resentment. Do you need encouragement? Do you need peace? The LORD will give you His shalom and His salvation if you will invite Him to do a mighty work in you. And He will be faithful to do it. Please pray for Israel today and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you!