He was asking what is known as a sh’eilah – a question regarding the Torah. This Pharisee happened to be a lawyer. As such, he was trying to set up an argument against our Savior, but our LORD All-Wise and All-Knowing answered perfectly:
Yeshua quoted Scripture to answer the Pharisee’s question
Yeshua (Jesus) recited D’varim (Deuteronomy) 6:4-9 to respond to the Pharisee’s question about the Greatest Commandment. Messiah faithfully pointed back to the Scriptures that even the Pharisees knew so well. Rabbi Yeshua couldn’t be accused of “adding” or “inventing” a new faith.
He was pointing out that it was time tolive the faith!
Because in Him, having a living faith would be possible because the Lord Yeshua alone was Perfect and He alone would fulfill Torah, giving us the possibility of new and eternal life if we will trust in Him.
There are many Jewish people who know this passage very well, but have no idea it is the Greatest Commandment according to the Messiah! By reciting it with such passion and dedication, they are actually in agreement with the New Testament (Br’it Chadashah)! The testimony of generations proclaims the importance of Sh’ma, but not everyone has yet realized its fulfillment in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ).
When we speak or sing the words of the Sh’ma, all of us can be reminded of several important truths that I believe can be listed out like note-taking . . .
Important Truths about the Greatest Commandment:
The LORD: YHWH: ADONAI: He is.
The LORD is our God. This is collective. He is the God of our nation and our communities if we will choose to follow Him.
He is One. He has made Himself known as our Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is Elohim (a plural term in Hebrew), but He is also One. There are no other gods. We are not pluralists or polytheists. These verses establish monotheism.
We are Israel. These verses speak to a Holy Nation, a set apart people. Whether native-born or grafted in, those who have chosen to follow Messiah are part of Israel. So these verses are true for you and me.
We are to love the LORD our God. The Sh’ma points back to the First Commandment, which was given just one chapter earlier (D’varim/Deuteronomy 5). The Ten Words (aka “Ten Commandments”) cannot be lived out and obeyed without first loving their Author. Notice, the first four commandments require us to love God. The last six commandments require us to love our neighbor.
Children are valued. The Sh’ma assumes there will be children who must be taught. We are responsible to care for them and to “diligently” teach our children. If we are to do this task, we ourselves must be prepared. Therefore, study is expected and each generation is tasked to continue to teach the next.
We are to discuss the words of Scripture. We are to speak of these good things when we are in our homes but also when we are walking somewhere. We are to speak of the goodness of God when we are going to bed and when we wake up.
Our faith is a part of us – it is to be bound to us. It should be known by your kindness and hospitality that your home is a house where disciples live. Your home should not house idols or worthless things. Your home is a reflection of your faith. Some of us have mezuzot מְזוּזוֹת(plural for mezuzah) on our doorposts – beautiful reminders that contain the words of Sh’ma in them.
Yeshua (Jesus) cited the Sh’ma as the Greatest Commandment!
Yeshua cited the Sh’ma as the Greatest Commandment.
We learn from His example that Jesus came not to abolish the Torah, but to fulfill it.
He shows us the law of love – that we must love God and love our neighbor and He did so by pointing back to the Scriptures and demonstrating it by His way of life.
We are challenged to live out the Greatest Commandments as well.
The Sh’ma in Revelation
Would you be surprised to know the Sh’ma‘s influence is even found all the way in the book of Revelation?
When Yochanan (John), the writer of Revelation, describes New Jerusalem, he describes the river of the water of life and the throne of God. Notice in verse Revelation 22:4, he writes that “His name shall be on their foreheads.” For those who had grown up with the Sh’ma, this would be a very obvious allusion to Deuteronomy 6.
No other book contains so many cross-references and clear fulfillments of its words as the Bible.
When I first became a follower of Messiah, I was truly fascinated by this reality. For so many years, I had been taught lies that the Scriptures (even from their original form) contained errors and that they were not to be fully trusted.
When I discovered for myself, through the study of the original languages, that the Scriptures were most certainly trustworthy and that their testimony proves the Truth of our Savior’s love and sacrifice, I felt free. Scripture is consistent and what I love most is that it proves itself time and time again through God-inspired verses that reveal His Truth.
The Sh’ma being the Greatest Commandment proves the continuity of Scripture.
Let us look to Messiah Yeshua’s example
Messiah Yeshua taught us to know Scripture, believe it, and use it!
When questioned by a Pharisee about the Greatest Commandment or by the devil himself tempting him in the desert, our LORD always had Scripture to use as armor. His responses were right out of Scripture. This is why Scripture memorization is so important!
When we feel that our faith is being challenged, we must look to our Savior’s example. We, too, need the sword of the Spirit to rightly divide the Word of God and stay armed for any spiritual battle. We will not be able to live out the Greatest Commandment to love the LORD our God without dedication to Him and His Word.
Let us love God and love one another, and in so doing, we will fulfill the Greatest Commandments.
What is your favorite aspect about Scripture? Are you familiar with the Sh’ma? What tips can you give to others to help them memorize the Word of God? Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!
The book of Deuteronomy is known as “D’varim” in Hebrew, which simply means, “Words.”
D’varim is comprised of 34 chapters, so yes, there are many words!
Our English term, “Deuteronomy” comes from the Greek term in the Septuagint, “deuteronomion,” which means “Second Law.” This is a misnomer; however. The Tree of Life Bible Introduction to Deuteronomy recognizes this and aptly states, “There is no second Torah.” It is a “second telling” of that which has already been told, the law and story of Israel, a recap for the next generation of Israelites.
Just as it was then, it remains important to continue to tell the story – HIStory: the marvelous true story of the LORD’s unfolding plan of salvation.
Do you know that wonderful hymn? It is a great song to remind us of the beauty of the Word of God.
For the full lyrics and even Spanish translation, check out this page on Hymnary. Here’s a recording you might enjoy listening to today:
From stuttering to speech-giving
In D’varim (Deuteronomy), Moshe (Moses) has matured in his ministry role.
We must smile for a moment. Moshe the reluctant stutterer is now providing full speeches! D’varim records three of his speeches addressing the growing nation of Israel.
Moshe overcame his fear of using words!
This is a lesson for us: if we fear public speaking or get nervous sharing the Good News of salvation with strangers, we can overcome those fears and anxieties. Moshe knew that he needed to provide pastoral instruction to the Israelites, just as we are called to live out the Great Commission.
Sometimes we overcome our fears because there is a need. If we place the need above our personal preferences and pray that the LORD by the power of His Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) helps us, we can overcome and be used mightily for the salvation of souls.
Moshe did this and served as a spokesman for God. Then, One-Greater-Than-Moses came: Yeshua (Jesus). Yeshua was also a spokesman for God, but there is a key difference: Yeshua IS God!
HIS Word is so valuable, we must share the Good News that Yeshua has come!
May He help us share the wonderful words of life.
D’var HaShem (Lit.: “The Word of the Name”): The Word of God
I point this out so that you can see a link between Deuteronomy and the Gospels. Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) quoted from Deuteronomy frequently! When He was tempted in the desert(Matthew 4:1-11) He used the words of Deuteronomy to fend off the devil. Why Deuteronomy? It is a very practical book and contains the Sh’ma(Deuteronomy 6:4-9): the prayer that would become central to Jewish religious practice.
The Words, the D’varim, could be used as armor. Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) shows us that if we know the Bible, if we memorize Scripture, we can combat the fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16) of hasatan (satan) – and win!
There is power in those words because they are D’varim HaShem. They are the Words given by God. Divine words that all came together in the person of the Holy Word, the Word Incarnate – D’var HaShem, our LORD and Savior Yeshua (Jesus).
The Prophet Greater than Moses
Moses is so very revered by the Jewish tradition that to say anyone could be greater signifies a great deal. Many Jewish people today do not believe in Messiah because they do not realize that the One Greater-than-Moses has come. Great efforts have been taken to avoid using passages of Scripture such as Isaiah 53 in synagogue services so that Jewish people will not contemplate that the passage is talking about Yeshua of Nazareth. This is tragic! If you are able to befriend a Jewish person, you must share with them the d’varim of Isaiah 53 so they can see how this Scripture has been fulfilled in Messiah.
So share the wonderful words of life with someone today, that you may be an instrument, a spokesperson for the kingdom of God!
Just as the unbelieving Jewish people need to know Messiah, the believing Christians in our world need to know their connection to Israel. How much more deeply can we know our Savior if we understand the Messianic prophecies and His connection to the Jewish nation! May you be blessed today by His Word! Join us in praying for the nation of Israel, that unbelieving Jewish people would come to know their Messiah. We are praying also for Christian believers to learn more about the Jewish roots of their faith! Please leave a comment below and share with your friends!
My dad is an attorney so I knew legal phrases like “for all intents and purposes” and strange terms like “eminent domain” from an early age. I may not have known exactly what went into an affidavit or deposition, but I had the idea . . . ad nauseam. 😉
In the second grade, I dressed up like a patent attorney for career day (do they really dress that differently than the rest of us?). By high school, I couldn’t decide whether I would become a judge or the U.S. Ambassador to France. (Objection? Only one is appointed at a time? N’importe quoi! I didn’t care about those details . . . )
I was aware that the “normal kids” at school got an allowance. I was voted “Most Unique” female of my senior class, so “normal” wasn’t really what I was after. My sister and I used to write up chore contracts. We felt we were missing out on the “normal life”, but we actually got some good training! To this day, I can draft some pretty tough contracts.
I joined the high school mock trial team and was talented at prosecution, but could sense that my talents could take me down a very callous, dangerous road.
So perhaps in the interest of making sure my own soul would be saved, I decided to study . . . theology.
So much for lucrative. Sorry, dad. I know that fine man still wishes I were a lawyer!
I tell you this story because the Scripture passage we are studying today has much to do with that legal phrase: “for all intents and purposes.” You’ll see why as we go along.
Tribes and Journeys
If you follow the weekly parashat readings, it will help you to know (if you don’t already) that the terms “Matot” and “Mas’ei” refer to tribes and journeys, respectively. These Torah portions continue the accounts of the tribes, their journeys to the Promised Land, and their inheritance as the 40 year wilderness wandering comes to an end.
We should pause here a moment.
How could the spiritual condition of the people be described here?
With so much grumbling in the wilderness, what was their heart-condition?
Did this generation feel they had a “purpose?”
Did they understand the blessing of their inheritance?
We are informed in Numbers 31:1-2 that Moses would soon die. The Hebrew idiom is translated“you will be gathered to your people.” This was a more pleasant sounding way to describe death. Remember, the ancient Israelites did not yet have the hope of resurrection as we do today because Messiah had not yet come. Being “gathered to one’s people” referred to the very literal sense of being buried in the family cemetery but also referred to the person being spiritually gathered with other spirits in She’ol.
Since we have reached the end of the book of Numbers, it is fitting that the different accounts and histories come to a conclusion here. Balaam reaches his end as well, as he was killed by sword in Numbers 31:8.
Not all of the passages are sad, as these parashot end with the victory of Tzelophehad’s daughters.
But we must be honest. Numbers 30-36 are chapters filled with some difficult things. It covers oaths and annulation of vows, particularly those made by young women, and then there’s this:
The Midianite Women
Moshe (Moses) was angrywith the army officers when they were attacking Midian.
Why?
Because they had spared the women.
Hold on.
Moses wanted all the Midianite women dead?!
Hadn’t Moses spent many years in exile among the Midianites?
Doesn’t he have any female friends or acquaintances there?
Does he condone femicide?!
Why so much violence!?
Sadly, over time, the Midianites had allied with the Moabites and became enemies of Israel.
Moshe reasons that the Midianite women had followed some of Balaam’s bad advice and caused the children of Israel to be unfaithful in the matter of Peor (Numbers 31:16).
He concedes that the virgin women should live, but every boy and all the other women should be killed. (Numbers 31:18)
From there, Moses commands purification and Eleazar explains the purification rules to the army. They plundered property, virgins, and gold.
It is hard for me to wrap my head around the righteousness of all that.
I look at what’s happening with the war in Ukraine and it is really hard to grasp. I do not believe that God wanted Russia to invade Ukraine. I do believe the attack lines up with Biblical prophecy; however, and these things must take place.
We can talk about good intentions or divine purposes, but violence and bloodshed are things that will just never make sense to me. For all intents and purposes, I am perplexed, baffled . . . I really am a pacifist at heart.
What to do when things don’t make sense
When something doesn’t make sense, it’s time to trust. Trust in the LORD. And just like you wouldn’t sign legal documents without understanding that legal jargon, make sure you find a way to gain understanding.
Do you need an interpreter?
Do you need a dictionary?
When it comes to the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit will help you interpret and gain clarification.
Trust that the LORD will make things plain for you and put people into your life who can assist you in understanding those things which you find difficult.
Don’t be ashamed if you need to use a dictionary or a Bible dictionary when you study the Word. On the contrary, you ought to use these valuable tools! Otherwise, even Scripture itself can seem overwhelming.
Speaking of being overwhelmed . . . when you feel overwhelmed in life, the way to find peace is by trusting in the LORD.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the world’s problems?
For me, when I watch the news and see images of the war itself or the consequences of war (such as famine and mass migration) I know that it is all out of my hands. I can’t do much anything about it except pray. And that requires trust. I have to trust that the LORD hears my prayer and will intervene on behalf of those who trust in His Name.
See, God has a plan and whether or not it makes sense to us, He will see it through. Likewise, He had a plan for Israel and still does. With the Midianites turning against Israel, logically there would be a consequence – whether it was war or otherwise. The borders of Israel were being formed and action had to be taken to ensure that the land would be prepared for the Israelites.
מִגְרָשׁ Migrash in Biblical Zoning & City Planning
This is not to be confused with the more commonly known term, midrash, which refers to Biblical interpretation and commentary.
“Migrash” refers to green, open space. It is often translated as “pastureland” or “suburb.”
Did you know that Scriptural zoning regulations require open space around cities and special open spaces within the city?
I find this to be intriguing because way back in the desert wilderness, divine instruction was given for future city planning to ensure green spaces – even in and most especially in Israel.
To this day, Israel is an agricultural marvel, a miracle really, but those of us who believe what the Bible says cannot be completely surprised. After all, we are talking about the land of milk and honey, the place where water can come out of rocks and manna appears on the ground. There is water in this desert and even luscious greenery.
Have you heard the new song, Honey in the Rock? I love the Brooke Fraser Ligertwood version, but YouTube wouldn’t let me embed the video. Oh well. You can easily find it by searching Google. Here is a sweet sister singing that same song in a church:
What is the intentbehind this green space? What is the purpose of these “suburbs?”
Certainly the green space provides a place for the animals and also allows for urbanization to be tempered by parks and places of solace. The land is to be cared for – there should be concern for the environment and all inhabitants.
Ultimately, the green spaces help the land to be purified:
We are not to defile the land because the LORD dwells with us – on Holy Ground, in that Holy Land!
כַּוָּנָה Kavanah: The Intention of the Heart
The word Kavanah comes from the Hebrew root כון kun which refers to “being firm.” Strong’s Hebrew Concordance helps us to understand that the term carries with it the connotations of something being “set up and established” or “fixed/securely determined.”
Kavanah is central to Jewish thought, taking this idea of firmness and applying it to one’s intention. It refers to the sincereness of the heart. Kavanah: what is the direction of your heart?
Maybe you have heard the old saying: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
Truly, good intentions can’t save you, but good intentions can improve your spiritual life.
Incidental vs. Intentional
Do you just incidentally “happen” to worship because you know you should?
Or do you with total intentionality worship because you have a depth of sincerity in your heart?
The Jewish tradition would say that the person who “incidentally” participates in worship is not participating at all. Without kavanah, without intentionality, worship is not worship at all.
We cannot be ambivalent.
What is the attitude with which you approach worship?
What is your spiritual intention?
What is the direction of your heart toward God?
Are your eyes fixed on Jesus (Yeshua)?
Are you a person who is securely determined to walk in faith?
As the tribes began to settle in the land, their intentions would become clear. Would they choose to continue to obey the God of Israel? Would they select land based on selfish ambition or based on care for their neighbor? Would they seek God with their whole heart or drift away to follow pagan deities?
Whenever faith becomes an afterthought it becomes an incidental.
Ever been to a pricy hotel?
Those incidentals will cost you.
One extra fee might not seem like much, but if you keep helping yourself to those miniature-sized snacks in that miniature convenience fridge, you will not have such a miniature bill at the end of your stay.
You’ve got to watch out for the incidentals.
You’ve got to read that fine print.
I’d rather get out a magnifying glass than not understand the covenant . . .
Oh Magnify the LORD! Set your intentions on Him! Seek Him with total sincerity!
In this way, your life, your family, your land, and even your city will be blessed.
Because truly, where there is focus, there is vision! Some people strive for many years to “find their purpose.” Some of that is ok. But, ultimately, as a believer, your purpose is to live for Him and He will outline His calling in your life. He will be your sense of direction and your purpose, if you allow Him.
Adhering to a purpose-filled lifestyle that puts God and His Eternal Word first will enable you to benefit from all of the blessings He has for you. I encourage you to focus on Him so you see clearly the path He has set for you, set your sights on heaven as you walk with Him, and walk in the ways of our Messiah Yeshua (Lord Jesus) today!
Have you heard the beautiful song titled, “The Blessing,” by Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, and Elevation Worship?
The lyrics for the beginning of the song come directly from Numbers 6:22-26.
Many of us know these verses as the “Aaronic Benediction.”
But that is a very formal way of talking about these verses.
The LORD told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the children of Israel using these words, so from this we get the term “Aaronic.”
“Benediction” is just a fancy word for a “blessing” but we usually associate it with an “ending” or “final blessing.” Many church services end with a “benediction.” When I was small, that translated to, hurry and gather your crayons, it’s almost time to leave. Yes, I used to color in church.
The Aaronic Benediction (or Aaronic Blessing) is also known as the Priestly Benediction (yet another reason pastors tend to use this at the close of worship services).
In Hebrew, this blessing is called “Birkat Kohanim.” (Also spelled Cohenim or rendered HaKohanim.)
It is a blessing that has withstood the test of time, continuing to minister to hearts around the world.
This blessing was particularly unique in the time in which it was originally transcribed. The other nations worshipped multiple deities and they did not have the sense of a personal connection or relationship with their gods in the way that the God of all Israel was so closely attentive and interactive with the Israelites.
Torah means “instruction.” This blessing was a part of the “instructions” that the LORD gave to the nation of Israel. The Torah and its fulfillment have changed history, and the Birkat Kohanim has long been a part of the unfolding reality of salvation. The Birkat Kohanim remains central to Judaism, but since it is also now so beloved among Christians it is a wonderful starting point for believers to share with unbelieving Jews the Good News of Messiah.
Birkat Kohanim transliteration and translation
Would you like to learn how to say the Birkat Kohanim in Hebrew? Here is a transliteration:
The Birkat Kohanim has touched hearts for generations because of its simplicity but also because of its profundity.
Notice the repetition of the Divine Name YHVH 3 times. In Hebrew, something repeated 3 times means pay attention! It is important!
The LORD uses His instruments – saints willing to bless others to pronounce blessing in His Name. It isn’t just any saying. It is a blessing containing the Holy Name of God infused in each phrase. There is power in His Name – so there is power in this blessing.
The LORD, the Maker of the Universe, your Creator, the Almighty Sovereign LORD MOST HIGH. May that specific, wonderful God be the One who blesses you. May you know exactly who He is. He isn’t just any god, He is God Most High, the God of Israel.
May He keep you.
The Hebrew term for “keep” contains the connotation of “guarding” as well. May the Almighty One guard you, protect you, keep you.
May the LORD make His face shine upon you.
This is beyond amazing. Even Moshe (Moses) was only allowed to see God from the back. But this blessing indicates that His fullness of His glory is available to us! This blessing prays that the light of His face would shine in our direction. Could anything be more glorious than that? Our Father loves us that much that His countenance would be lifted upon us, His graciousness would be made known, and He endows us with His peace, His shalom.
We all need peace. We all need that sense of wholeness. It allows us to relax and to de-stress when we know He holds us in perfect peace. Peace in the Hebrew language refers to that completeness, a very holistic peace that permeates.
The Aaronic Blessing provides us the comfort in knowing the LORD God Almighty cares about us, is in relationship with us, and has granted us favor enough that He would want to shine His face upon us and be gracious to us.
The Aaronic Blessing in Song
There are many traditional renditions of the Aaronic Blessing that are frequently used in synagogue services and at Shabbat tables to bless our children and families.
Here is a beautiful symphonic rendition of “The Blessing” song sung by Passion City Church:
And a special treat:
Here is “The Blessing” sung in Hebrew (Ha Bracha) by Joshua Aaron.
So today, may you feel the weight of His glory, knowing that the LORD desires you to walk in blessing.
May He indeed make His face to shine upon you and give you peace today.
And ask yourself this:
Who will you bless? Who will you pass along this blessing to? Who around you needs to know that the LORD loves them and wants to be in this type of blessing relationship with them?How can we pray for you? Proclaim the Name of the LORD upon your life and your family today!
Also, have you subscribed? To get our newsletter directly to your inbox, please subscribe today!
Why everyone needs the Full Gospel
Too many institutions entice young students to look for “truths” rather than the TRUTH
When I was in middle and high school, I was definitely a “seeker.”
I had grown up immersed in pluralism. I had never heard of the “Full Gospel.”
By junior year of high school, encouraged by “pastors” of the United Church of Christ (UCC), (a sect I now consider heretical), I had read all sorts of books from so-called “Christian” mysticism. I was particularly interested in such works as “The Cloud of Unknowing” and Thomas Merton’s writings recommended to me by the pastors of the church our family attended. I dabbled in Buddhism and other false religions. I was considered “well-rounded.”
In college, I visited a local Hindu temple as well as a mosque outside of Chicago. My friends were also exploring world religions, but the frightening thing is, we were all studying to be “Christian pastors.” We weren’t just learning about world religions so that we could properly share the Gospel with the lost, we were learning because we wanted to participate in their practices.
The UCC “associate ministers,” as they were called, (like bishops) were aware that we were learning about Islam and even sat across the table from us during a Ramadan dinner at that mosque that we had all been invited to by an interfaith council. There was no effort on their part to correct our course: all of us who were theology majors were encouraged to explore the commonalities between different faiths. But believe me, we were never encouraged to visit an evangelical or Full Gospel church.
When I was in grad school, we were required to read many books that were also rooted in mysticism. I remember observing (sadly!) that my Divinity School peers were intrigued and absorbing these ideas, likewise encouraged by the seminary’s professors. It is no secret that many who enter seminary lose their faith: but the true tragedy has to do with the leadership of these institutions whoentice young students to look for “truths” rather than the Truth. By this time, I had already met my Savior (to the dismay of many of my theologically liberal professors who wished I had retained my interest in ecumenism and interfaith activities).
Many professors have really gotten into using icons (a form of idolatry). Christian schools and churches now incorporate yoga into their programs despite yoga’s inherent spiritual connection to Hinduism. I have a missionary friend who is a native of India. She is so dismayed by how many American Christians have accepted and incorporated yoga into their “Christian” practices. She shakes her head and says, “if they only knew . . .”
See, you don’t need a whole host of odd rituals or candle lightings or chants. You just need the Full Gospel, brought to you by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I share all this because so many people truly don’t know the Gospel, let alone the Full Gospel.
I feel like Peter writes more succinctly than Paul. He writes in a nutshell, the Gospel is:
In their own ways; however, both Peter and Paul describe what is termed, the “Full Gospel.”
Besides the death and resurrection of our Savior, He also brought healing, signs and wonders. We are saved, and we are healed. We are saved, and we receive the divine infilling of the Holy Spirit, if we will submit to the Holy Spirit’s authority.
“Fully” proclaiming the Good News, as Paul writes, is preaching what Messiah Jesus has accomplished (forgiveness of sin through His death on the cross and resurrection) with power. This is the Full Gospel!
In other words, preaching should be accompanied by signs and wonders – as something normal.
That doesn’t mean a worship service should become an entertainment spectacle.
And certainly none of this has to do with “manufactured miracles.”
But it should be completely commonplace for Gospel preaching to be accompanied by miraculous healings, deliverance, speaking in tongues, etc. The purpose of the spiritual gifts manifesting in power is to essentially give credence to what is preached. That God would heal someone is proof He is living! That God would deliver someone is proof He has power over sin and darkness!
This is the fullness of the Gospel!
A Gospel preached without power isn’t the full Gospel. And do you really want to settle for half?
There are some followers of our Savior who care so much about their outward looks they forget they are quite rotten in their speech and other aspects of their lives. They deny the power of the Gospel through their pettiness and gossip.
Then there are other followers of our Savior who carefully appear to be very godly in their doctrine and behavior, but literally deny the power when they claim that the Holy Spirit isn’t working and moving among the body of Messiah as He did in the past. This leads to anemic doctrine, lacking the vital nutrition of the full understanding of the Gospel.
The LORD is still working modern miracles today! Don’t be afraid!
This weekend we celebrate Shavu’ot, also known as Pentecost. A special time to celebrate this Full Gospel I am telling you about!
We rejoice knowing that the same God who gave us His Torah is the same God who gave us His Spirit!
A lot of people have been trained by our society to be afraid of “Pentecostals.”
I know I used to be!
The only reason anyone should be afraid of a Pentecostal is if they don’t want any deliverance in their lives.
Because when a true Pentecostal believer prays, you better watch out, the demons flee!
Some Pentecostals or Full Gospel folks might dress a certain way or wear their hair a certain way, and I’m not saying any of that is necessarily bad. But your outward appearance isn’t what makes you Pentecostal – its the Holy Spirit within you.
If you have been baptized by the fire from above with the evidence of speaking in tongues, you are Pentecostal. You might attend an Assembly of God church or Church of God (TN), or Pentecostal Holiness, or United Pentecostal. While there are disagreements among Pentecostal people (just as there are disagreements among any group of people!) about things like Trinitarianism or dress codes, we serve the same Mighty God who has this awesome plan to heal you and deliver you.
When you know that you are saved from your sin, you need to know that you weren’t saved just so you’d go to heaven one day.
You were saved so you could start living with the joyous benefits of heaven, starting even now, here on earth.
Life won’t be perfect, but you have access to so much divine opportunity to pray and to witness great miracles occur, even now. Heaven will be wonderful, but we don’t have to sulk while we bear with the sufferings of this life. We can pray in confidence for the LORD to enable us to live in victory, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
You have the opportunity to be saved – and sanctified! Set free to live in abundant joy and peace. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is described in the Scriptures as a deposit, a seal, so you know without a doubt that you are indeed saved!
The Full Gospel is for you!
If your pastor always stops preaching after Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you may need to start asking some good questions about the rest of the New Testament.
Starting in the book of Acts, you will discover how the early believers operated, constantly ministering to others in power. Healings and miracles were part and parcel of the Gospel Truth.
Your faith walk will be greatly enhanced by knowing this powerful Truth, that the Fullness of the Gospel is for everyone, and you are invited to live endued with power from on high! Whether you are a student or a seasoned believer, don’t ever pass up the opportunity to live your life yielded to the Presence of God in your life and the Full Gospel Truth!
Why does everyone need the Full Gospel?
Everyone needs the Full Gospel because everyone needs the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) will help you when you need to make important decisions. He will lead you closer to the Father. He will help you discern your next steps in life. The Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim) will anoint you and bless you. Your prayer life will improve, your worship will be deeper, and your longings will be much more satisfied.
If you have been a Christian for a really long time, but still feel like you’re missing out on something, don’t turn to mystical and false religions, turn to the Holy Spirit, who will take you to a new level in Him. If you do not yet speak in tongues, don’t think of it as something too strange for you. If Paul spoke in tongues, why can’t you? Our faith is not of this world, so dive in and allow the Holy Spirit to have His way!
A lot of people won’t talk about “speaking in tongues” because our culture has derided people who do as “wackos” and “crazies.”
Don’t let culture define you nor limit your experiences with God.
Follow the Word of God, and He will provide you the Full Gospel experience that you need.
Some great songs for Pentecost/Shavu’ot
I will leave you with some great praise and worship songs that I love! They are perfect for Pentecost/Shavu’ot, and all year round, too. May they benefit you spiritually as you seek the blessings of the Holy Spirit, our Eternal Comforter! I pray He baptizes you with His Holy Fire, even today! It is an experience that will transform your life!
Holy Spirit, How I love You
Send the Fire
Refiner’s Fire
Welcome, Holy Spirit
The Comforter has Come
Bo Ruach Elohim (Come, Spirit of God)
Please leave a comment or send a message to [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you! May you be endued with power from on high!
Order & Anointing: How Numbers 1-3 prove these go hand-in-hand
Numbers chapter 1 begins in the wilderness of Sinai. We are given the very specific date when the LORD spoke to Moses regarding a census.
It is a very orderly book, with very specific details and instructions. Truly, all of God’s Word and, especially the Torah, is well-ordered, and I hope you will be able to see how the divinely-established orderliness goes hand-in-hand with the anointing upon the Israelites.
There was to be a census of those men who could fight for Israel.
Simply, every Israelite son aged 20+ would have to serve in the Israelite army (Numbers 1:3).
It had been 2 years after the Exodus from Egypt. Specifically, the first day of the second month, 2 years later.
The encampment at Mount Sinai would have been taking shape as a full-fledged community meaning Israelite families and their assets would require protection as the community grew.
Men were looked to as protectors. They were numbered so that they could be assigned to their military divisions.
I am aware of feminist interpretations of this passage suggesting that God is somehow “unfair.” Feminists make the mistaken claim that the LORD “ignored” all the women because Numbers 1 only talks about men. Well, I grew up under feminist theology, so let me tell you plainly: it’s a bunch of nonsense.If God didn’t value women, He wouldn’t have gathered up the men to do the protecting: women would’ve been left to fend for themselves.
Men are naturally stronger. This doesn’t make women inferior, just different. We have different roles, that’s all. We do well to live in the order YHVH has established. We will experience the anointing of the LORD on our households when we live as He has prescribed.
The Bible says there were 603,550 men able to go out with the army of Israel (Numbers 1:46).
Certainly, that would suggest a large number of women and children! What a blessing that so many men would be able to protect them.
Numbers 2 defines the expected order for each of the military groups.
I love how the Scriptures are very orderly.
The fact that the Scriptures are so orderly reflects the orderliness of our Heavenly Father.
He has everything well thought out, organized, and He cares about how each facet of how His creation functions.
Sometimes passages like these from Numbers seem tedious or irrelevant, but if you will slow down and look at the wider context, you will discover many treasures even in these words. Likewise, for what to do when the Scriptures make you squirm, check out this recent post on “The Value of Human Life“.
Numbers 3 gives greater depth to a theme introduced in Leviticus 1:47-51a regarding the roles of the Levites. Here is that passage:
Numbers 3 addresses the duties assigned to the Levites (and their families). See, the women weren’t neglected or ignored!
The tragic death of Aaron’s two oldest sons
Before the specifics of the Levitical assignments are addressed, we find out in Numbers 3:2 about the tragic death of Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu.
Numbers 1 and 2 had us thinking about the military, but these two young men didn’t die in battle.
They were Levites, so they weren’t fighting in the army.
Instead, Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire” before the LORD. (Numbers 3:4)
Nadab and Abihu died before the presence of the LORD that day due to carelessness. They didn’t do their assigned task in the orderly manner required.
How often are we guilty of something similar?
The LORD had given specific instructions, but Nadab and Abihu somehow made a mistake that cost them their lives.
I am thankful for the LORD’s grace today! I am also thankful that ADONAI is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Order has to do with understanding and lack of confusion. He has redeemed us so we do not have to live confused, disordered, disoriented lives.
We must also be careful that we honor the Holy Spirit.When we worship, we must seek to be filled with the Holy Fire that comes from heaven alone and reverence His glorious presence.
Because Nadab and Abihu died, Aaron’s younger sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, served as priests under Aaron, their father (Numbers 3:4b).
Nadab and Abihu were replaced because the community still needed priestly leaders. May we learn from this tragedy to be faithful in all of our ways and to seek God’s guidance in every action we take. If we allow our lives to be ordered by the LORD, we will make right decisions and live in shalom.
The Levite families’ unique giftings
Each Levite family was assigned different duties that ranged from caring for the implements of the sanctuary (such as the menorah, the Ark of the Covenant, and the altars) to the Tent of Meeting and its coverings to the care of the sanctuary itself.
Each family seems to have been anointed with a particular gifting, because as you read, you can observe that they were responsible for specific areas.
The Gershonites
If we analyze it plainly, the Gershonites were responsible for the fabrics. They were responsible for the curtains and the ropes used around the Tabernacle and altar (Num.3:25-26). They had an anointing for working with textiles.
The Kohathites
The Kohathites were responsible for “caring for the sanctuary.” (Numbers 3:28). They were assigned to care for the implements including the menorah, the Ark of the Covenant, and the altars. Perhaps they were anointed in metalworking, able to polish and repair any utensil as needed.
The Merarites
The Merarites held the responsibility to care for the structure of the Tabernacle. Their anointing was in engineering! They were to care for the posts and frames and crossbars, bases, pegs, and ropes.
Each clan had to follow the orderly instructions given by the LORD. If they didn’t, a job would go undone. A mistake could be made.
And we know from Nadab and Abihu that mistakes can prove instantly fatal.
If a non-Levite approached the Tabernacle area, the consequence was also death.
Had our Messiah never come, we would still bear the consequence of death. But praise be to our LORD who has sent His Son, Messiah Yeshua, (Jesus Christ) to save us from sin and death!
Anointing and giftings today
Throughout the Bible, we find all sorts of examples of people having received special anointing and giftings. The purpose of the anointing was so that a person would be divinely empowered or inspired to carry out a task that would be of blessing. The Spirit of the LORD rested on people for a time, and today, the Spirit of the LORD infills believers to accomplish the Great Commission!
God remains a God of order.
If we seek the blessings of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh), we must do so in an orderly manner, with a spirit of gentleness. He will fill us with His supernatural giftings if we seek to use those gifts to bless the Kingdom of God.
Perhaps there is no census of believers taken on tablets of stone or sheets of papyrus, and we haven’t all had to enlist for military service. But we are (as believers) members of the royal priesthood, and even the hair on our head has been numbered (Luke 12:7).
Today, I encourage you to seek to order your life, your every step, on the Biblical pattern God has established for a full and abundant life!
And I believe if you submit to His vital instructions and guidance, He will surely anoint you with His Holy Spirit to serve Him with success and joy!
Thanks so much for reading today! Please leave a comment below and subscribe to our monthly newsletter!
The Supreme Court’s Draft opinion: Will our nation finally stop killing babies?
The leaked Supreme Court draft opinion is captivating the nation’s attention and has brought the discussion about the value of human life front and center.
Wouldn’t it be an answer to prayer if our nation reversed course and stopped shamelessly killing babies?
As God’s own children, we know that there is inherent value and worth in every child, born and not-yet-born.
And yet this week’s parashat is one of those Scriptures that makes me uncomfortable!
What to do when the Scriptures make you squirm
As soon as one of my sons overheard that I was studying Leviticus 27‘s unsettling “valuations” of human beings he immediately said,
“Oh great. God supports slavery?”
It is more complicated than that, but . . . any monetary amount placed on the value of human life is very hard for us to understand.
And pretty much the only time I ever hear the word, “valuation” is on Shark Tank. 😉
So what should you do if you read a passage that just really bothers you?
First, don’t jump to any conclusions.
Pause, and pray.
Ask the LORD to speak to you and teach you through.
Be willing to do some research. Learn about history, context, culture, and any other details that the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) leads you to.
Talk to trusted believers such as your pastor, ministry leaders, and other reliable Bible teachers.
And finally, pray some more!
You will almost always arrive at a place of peace, if you will surrender to the LORD’s leading, and He will instruct you from His very Word about why the Bible says what it does! There are some mysteries, of course, that we will just have to wait until we are in the heavenly kingdom to ask about, but I assure you, if you are willing to put in the work, you will find many answers that you seek!
Back to our disconcerting passage:
If a person made a special vow, these were the valuations for redemption:
Men ages 60+: 15 shekels Women ages 60+: 10 shekels Men ages 20–60: 50 shekels Women ages 20–60: 30 shekels Boys/young men ages 5–20 years: 20 shekels Girls/young women ages 5–20: 10 shekels Boys ages 1 month – 5 years: 5 shekels Girls ages 1 month – 5 years: 3 shekels
This seems to be way outside of anything we are used to in America.
We wonder immediately, how could someone be worth more or worth less than someone else?
And are men worth more than women?
Why are 20-60 year olds worth the most?
Notice, these were the valuations for redemption related to a special vow. (We discussed a bit about redemption last week; you can read about it here). The redemption price didn’t actually have to do with inherent worth. All humans have inherent worth:
The redemption valuation wasn’t about inherent worth. Personhood and value was assumed, and Torah commands us to preserve and cherish life!
The valuation had to do with how much a person could produce, how much they were worth as a worker. What I find surprising is that a value is placed even on one month olds!
The 20-60 year old age group naturally would include the strongest, most productive workers.
We value the ability of each person to contribute to the success of the wider community.
However, this still seems somewhat unsettling.
What about those with dis-ability?
What about the poor?
The valuation list doesn’t make a distinction. This is actually highly inclusive! Ability didn’t matter! The valuations are based on age alone! As for the poor, there is no discrimination either: If a poor person made a vow, but could not afford the redemption prices, an exception would be made. The poor person would go before the priest, and the priest would set a value that would be manageable. (Leviticus 27:8)
No one is ever left out in God’s economy.
He makes a way, for each and ever person, who seeks redemption.
Human life is worth so very much that God our Father sent His Son, Yeshua (Jesus) to die on the cross to take away your sin. You are worth so much, but sin has tainted His beautiful creation. You are a precious treasure, but there is a tarnish until you allow Him to wipe you clean and polish you up anew.
The Scriptures are so very clear that the LORD loves you and made you with a purpose!
Remember, whenever you come across something that makes you question that Truth, be sure to pray, and to seek more deeply answers to your questions in the Word of God.
Have you ever questioned your worth? Do you pray for new generations to live and to learn to love the LORD and His Word? Do you know how valuable you are? Will you join us in praying for our nation and for each other? Please, comment or send an email to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!And subscribe to our monthly newsletter! We promise not to overwhelm your inbox!
This passage contains a very significant Hebrew word: go’el
Are you at all familiar with this term? It is incredibly central to understanding redemption!
גֹּאֵ֑ל Hebrew: go’el.
Go’el translates to “kinsman-redeemer” or “redeeming relative.”
Yeshua (Jesus) is our relative. He is so closely related to us that He qualifies as our kinsman-redeemer.
In a sense, this is obvious, but if you really spend a moment to meditate on this fact, I am sure you will be touched by how truly glorious it is that our Savior is our relative.
“… Blessed be ADONAI, who has not left you without a go’el (Redeemer) today. May His Name be famous throughout Israel.” Ruth 4:14
Redemption was only possible if certain parameters were met.
The nearest kinsman had a choice. He could freely choose whether or not he wanted to redeem his brother. Ruth’s first-in-line kinsman redeemer actually rejected the proposition. Initially, he was interested, but once he realized he would have to marry Ruth and also take on the obligation to care for the widowed Naomi as well, he decided not to go through with the redemption.
He was concerned that he could endanger his inheritance, perhaps fearing things would be divided among a large family if he were to serve as redeemer. We do not know his reasons, but they may well have been financial. Boaz was probably wealthier and in a better position to take on the Redeemer-responsibility of a wife and mother-in-law.
The one in need of redemption is described in the Bible as “having become poor.”
You and I are spiritually bankrupt without the LORD, but He freely chose to redeem us out of our spiritual poverty.
“Becoming poor” means that we started out ok, but something, ie. the fall, happened to separate us from the LORD. If you have done something that makes you feel “less than” or completely “unworthy” or “unable” to “attain” salvation, know this: your poor condition doesn’t have to define your future.
Sin creeps in with the intent of robbing us of relationship with our Merciful Savior, but if you will confess your need and reject sin, you reject spiritual poverty. You can’t earn a place at His banqueting table, but you can accept His generous gift of mercy. He can set you free today from your fears, your anxiety, from anything that is between you and Him. The LORD wants to redeem you today!
The One who is Near
גֹֽאֲלֹו֙ הַקָּרֹ֣ב The full Hebrew description in Leviticus 25:25 for an individual to bring redemption to their “poor brother” is “go’el haqarob.”
קָרוֹב Hebrew: qarob. This means “near.”
“Kinsman” in Hebrew then could be expressed as one’s “near one.” Someone near and dear to you.
Forms of this same verb are used throughout the Psalms to express the nearness of God.
Here again, a form of the term “qarob” is used to describe the spectacular Truth that our Redeemer God is near to us. Who else is so privileged to have God on their side? The LORD is with His nation, Israel; we are members of this holy nation. He not only protects and guides us, He is so near to us, nearer than our own breathing. He is not some distant god. He is not powerless, He is not uninterested in our future. He is deeply involved in our day-to-day lives because He cares for us so profoundly. And whenever we call upon His Name, He is listening. What a privilege!
Our Redeemer lives and He is near to us. Our slavery to sin is ended, our inheritance is restored, and we await our Bridegroom’s return.
“Yet I know that my Redeemer lives and in the end, He will stand on earth.” Job 19:25
Here are some encouraging songs about our Redeemer for you that you may enjoy listening to today!
We used to sing this song, “My Redeemer Lives” during praise time at a wonderful church I attended when I was first saved. It is a song sure to bring you some joy today!
“My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen is another encouraging song about our redemption.
“There is a Redeemer (Love has won)” by Darlene Zschech will usher you in to worship of our Great Redeemer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f_iMHEmsDE
You have an invitation to meet our Kinsman-Redeemer
Let me reiterate that God isn’t some distant, far-off jeffersonian god.
He is near, and His return is likewise near.
He has invited you beyond gleaning in some far away fields. He invites you to draw near to Him because you are His beloved. He is the King of all kings, and He owns everything because He made everything. He will pour out the richness of His grace upon you and prosper you in your daily living. He will heal you and restore you, and yes, redeem you. He is your Father, and He wants to be in relationship with you, His precious child.
Will you accept His invitation today?
Will you draw near to Him and allow Him to bless you today?
If you have questions about just who is this God of Israel, please write to me. I would love to share more with you about our Messiah’s love. You can leave acomment below or send an email to [email protected]. Subscribe to our newsletter to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. If you already know the LORD, share a testimony about when you came to know your Redeemer to encourage others! Shalom!
15 Important Instructions from the Leviticus Holiness Code
We have been made holy through what our Messiah did for us on the cross at Calvary (Col.1:20-22). We cannot be holy on our own or achieve holiness by doing good works. However, once we have received the gift of salvation, we are to continue to live as sanctified people:
This seems so basic, yet look around us. How many people truly respect and honor their parents? Are you training your children to be respectful?
We must be cautious as to what we allow our children to watch. Many shows and movies targeted to young people today encourage aloofness and rebellion. We must oversee their usage of technology and encourage positive, godly friendships. Our job is harder than generations past – children today are truly inundated by information – both good and bad, and are targeted for their innocence.
How about grown up children? If their parent is in an assisted living facility, do they visit? Sadly, I have seen far too many of our elders in this country practically abandoned by their adult children, left to be cared for entirely by health professionals. I am thankful for the professionals, who give so much love, but it is never the same as the bond that ought to exist between a parent and their child.
The denigration of traditional family by modern society is ha-satan‘s way to attack this basic, fundamental principle.
To live in holiness, we must be respectful of our parents.
2. We are to keep God’s Shabbats (Sabbath Days) (Lev.19:3)
Notice that in the same verse that we are instructed to care for our parents, we are also instructed to keep God’s Sabbath days. That is because these concepts go hand-in-hand. If we love our families, we will want to spend time with them, and we will honor our LORD. Sabbath is about spending time with the LORD and with our families, resting and enjoying the presence of the LORD and our loved ones as well as our brothers and sisters in Messiah.
Assuming that our parents taught us to keep Shabbat (which many didn’t, because this has been lost over time), we then keep the Shabbat to honor their teaching to us, as well. Shabbat is ultimately about family and keeping our generations on the right path.
The wording of this verse catches my attention. “Keep my Shabbatot.”“Keep my Sabbaths.” God tells us the Sabbath belongs to Him – consistent with our Messiah’s teaching that He is the LORD of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). It is an important day to our LORD, so it should be important to us, too. Sabbath was established after creation – God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it (Genesis 2:3). Sabbath, according to the Bible, is Saturday, rather than Sunday.
A few years ago, we drove from the Texas border down to south central Mexico. During our trip, we saw many handmade shrines along the dusty paths bordering the Chihuahuan desert. The conditions in some of these desert regions are so harsh and desolate that the improvised, crude nature of these altars seemed to aptly reflect the difficulties of life in these places.
Why do people turn to idols? When do people feel inspired to build their own high place?
When they long for a relationship.
When they want answers to life’s hard questions.
When they genuinely seek, but have not yet found.
When they are trapped in a generational cycle of idolatry.
There is true hope in the LORD, but some people have not yet heard. And some who hear will reject the Truth, in favor of their idolatrous traditions and customs. But the stronghold on their lives is rooted in the idolatry of generations before, pagan traditions passed down with the hope of finding a better life, but missing the mark.
In several different villages in southern Mexico, we witnessed processions of people walking down the roads carrying wooden idols they had made.
I had never seen idolatry in such a pure and unabashed form. Sure, I had seen statues and carvings, but never entire communities of people parading these objects for purposes of worship.
In a sense, we are blessed in the United States because this isn’t something we “see.”
But we are also blind because we don’t realize that idolatry is just as rampant here, it just takes other forms.
You see, ha-satan is astute. Historically, our Protestant-influenced culture did not make easy room for idolatrous religious images and carvings. Holiness was taken more seriously. So the devil has found ways to lure people into less obvious forms of idolatry. Worship of self, materialism, obsession over celebrities, the love of money . . . there are so many forms of idolatry. It is sinful to look to these things as though they are deity.
We are clearly told in the Bible’s Holiness Code that in order to be holy as the LORD is holy, we mustn’t have idols of any sort.
“Do not turn to idols or make molten gods for yourselves. I am ADONAI your God.” Lev.19:4
Those who owned land were obligated by the Word of God in the Torah to intentionally leave the corners of the field unharvested and not to glean the leftovers of their crops in the fields. Specifically, landowners were not even to pick up fallen grapes from their vineyards (Lev.19:10). These remnants were to be left for the poor and the stranger.
There is always a lesson about hospitality to be found in the Word of God. We are to love and help the poor with kindness.
Stealing, lying, and deception all go together. We must be careful, especially those of us in ministry positions.
Peter warned that judgment begins in the house of the LORD. How many ministries have brought embarrassment and shame upon themselves for lying and deceiving people or stealing tithe money?
Resist all temptation to participate in schemes that will harm the LORD’s flock!
You are responsible to set an example for believers by living in true holiness, according to the Word of God.
If you truly want to live in holiness, find ways to bless your neighbors.
8. If you are a day employer, you are to pay your hired worker at the end of their work day, not hold the money overnight. (Leviticus 19:13)
The Leviticus Holiness Code provides for workplace fairness as well as the proper handling of money.
Day laborers are usually at a disadvantage, lacking their own land or company.
Day employers who obey the LORD will not take advantage of their workers or cheat them and will compensate them fairly and at a reasonable time.
I knew a wealthy man, who claimed to be a devout Christian, who thrived off of cheap labor. He would hire unskilled laborers and pay them the very least amount possible to retain their services. His workers would come and go because they were paid so little they would try to find work elsewhere. To his credit, I heard that he did pay his workers fairly quickly, but a person truly living in holiness will not take advantage of people or try to intentionally maintain them at poverty level. If you are in a position where you have financial advantages, find ways to bless those who work for you. Your team will stick with you and you will prosper, as well.
Leviticus 19:13
9. We must care for the rights of those with disabilities. (Leviticus 19:14)
Specifically, the Torah here is concerned for those who are deaf or blind.
We are not to curse anyone who has a disability nor make their lives difficult (putting a “stumbling block” before them).
If you truly seek to live in holiness, look for ways to help and befriend the disabled. You will be blessed.
Leviticus 19:14
10. We must be impartial in our judgments. (Leviticus 19:15)
When you are in the position to make a decision that will affect others, you need to show impartiality. These verses deal with justice. We must seek justice, whether it is in the workplace or in our neighborhoods. We cannot allow political preferences to cloud our judgment, either.
In all things, we must be fair. If you are a judge or someone in authority, you mustn’t show favoritism to others in similar positions. All cases must be dealt with fairly, regardless of financial or social status.
We need godly judges and lawyers who seek to live in holiness! Pray for those who are studying law, that a new generation of godly lawyers would be raised up. That they would make rulings that honor the Word of God and that they would not be swayed by either political party, but rather make all decisions based on God’s Word.
We are not to hold grudges or take revenge or do anything that could harm another human being.
If we want to live in holiness, we must use social media with caution. We should use the power of technology to spread the Good News of our Savior rather than slander and hatred.
He got that from the Torah, you know! He wanted us to understand the heart of our Father as revealed in the entirety of the Scriptures.
How do we love our neighbors as ourselves? We learn to love ourselves, not in an idolatrous way, but seeing ourselves as God sees us. He loves us and He has made us worthy by the blood of His Son, the Lamb of God. If we love ourselves, we can love those around us, most primarily our families, and that love extends to our neighbors.
True holiness requires us to learn to love.
Leviticus 19:18
13. We must “rise up in the presence of the gray-haired and honor the presence of the elderly.” (Leviticus 19:32)
Just as we must honor our parents, we are to honor the elderly. They have lived long lives and have much wisdom to share. Our family has been watching a Korean series on Netflix because my children are learning about Asian culture and we have all been struck by the amount of deference to elders depicted. This type of respect truly is foreign to American culture and we could learn a thing or two.
As discussed above, we will live in holiness if we respect and honor our parents and elders.
Lev.19:32
14. We must show love and hospitality to the immigrant (Leviticus 19:33-34)
Immigration is a controversial subject…. yet another overly-politicized issue of our day.
While our nation must have laws and borders, we also must demonstrate kindness to immigrants. There is no place for racism if we are living in holiness.
Some of the very best people I know are immigrants to our country!
If you want to live in holiness, be welcoming of those who are newcomers to our nation.
The Scriptures are clear that we must be honest in all things. All items used for measurements, weights, and balances must honest according to the Leviticus Holiness Code.
Here, the LORD reminds Israel that He brought them out of Egypt.
God’s people were brought out of Egypt so they could live differently from the Egyptians. I would expect that dishonest measurements were probably used in ancient Egypt to take advantage of the Israelites living in bondage. Surely the freed people of God should be expected to demonstrate honesty in all matters which is a way of showing gratitude as well for all the LORD has done.
A person who lives in holiness is honest.
Lev 19:35-36
Are these points still relevant to us today as followers of our Savior Yeshua (Jesus)?
Each of these points help us to live in kindness, with righteousness, putting others ahead of ourselves. There are more instructions found in Leviticus 19, but they deal with more specific situations such as if a man lies with a slave girl or if you are planting in the land of Israel. Perhaps they don’t seem “as relevant” to us, but if we read them carefully, we can see how applicable even these remain even to this day.
For example, it remains prudent not to “eat any meat with the blood still in it,” (Lev.19:26) and it certainly remains forbidden for disciples of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) to practice any type of “sorcery” (Lev.19:26). It is in this same passage we find the prohibition against tattoos (Lev.19:28). I know my view is unpopular today as many try to justify “Christian” tattooing, but Biblically-speaking, it does not make sense to pick and choose what we like and don’t like if it is all in the same portion of Scripture, in the Holiness Code.
A few years ago, when we pastored a church in Tennessee, one of the sisters in the congregation got a tattoo around her wrist. She came to show it off one day, and I fear I offended her when I was not nearly as excited about it as she was. I should have sat her down and spoken more gently to her, but my initial reaction was that she had made quite a mistake! We have an obligation to protect the Temple, not put graffiti all over it.
Interestingly, it has become cultural. Our congregation was comprised of both English-speakers and Spanish-speaking Hispanic immigrants. Our Hispanic members were very wary of the sister’s tattoo, while the English-speaking folks raved about it. It really caused a controversy between the groups! In this case, I believe the Hispanic folks knew the darker undercurrent of tattooing from their experiences with the occult in their home countries.
Ok, time to change the subject! I know that not everyone will agree on this!
In all things, seek the LORD in all His Holiness
Allow the Holy Spirit to illumine your understanding. He will show you the incredible connections made throughout the entirety of God’s Word; how the Bible’s text is so interwoven and contains no error. When I first went to undergraduate school to learn theology, I went there with the intent of disproving the Scriptures. I didn’t think it was possible for the Bible to be faultless. But the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the Truth and I was able to continue my studies, fully convinced of the inerrant nature of the Bible.
If He could do that for me, He can do that for you.
Ask Him to show you His will and His ways, and your life will be forever changed!
Be encouraged today, that He can help you to walk in holiness and in the fullness of His love and grace!
Please leave a comment and subscribe today! We all need encouragement to live holy. Which of these points would you like to work on, in your personal life? I would love to hear from you!
What Leviticus reveals about the Day of Atonement and Passover
That’s not a word most of us use every day, so if you aren’t quite sure of its meaning, let me suggest that breaking it into its three syllables.
At-one-ment.
It is a theological term meaning to be made whole again, reconciled to God.
God’s Son, Yeshua (Jesus), sacrificed His life to make atonement for our sins.
I was asked an interesting question about the atonement recently and it fits perfectly into our study:
If Yeshua (Jesus) is our atonement, why did He make His sacrifice following the Passover meal rather than on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)?
This is a very fair question.
Our reading from Leviticus 16-18 addresses this question since this very week we will celebrate the Passover Feast, yet this passage discusses Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur included a necessary sin offering and burnt offering, sprinkling of blood around the Ark of the Covenant’s atonement cover, as well as a ritual involving a literal scapegoat.
When Yeshua (Jesus) was crucified, He who knew no sin became sin for us.
The purpose of the sin offering was to cleanse the penitent of their unintentional sins. Yeshua (Jesus) knows we will fail. He knows we will sin unintentionally, despite all of our best efforts to please our LORD. The atonement included forgiveness for these mistakes.
He fulfilled the requirements of the Yom Kippur sacrifices, but He actually did more than that.
He went above-and-beyond.
You see, every year on Yom Kippur (this occurs in the autumn), the High Priest would make atonement on behalf of the people. Israel was symbolically restored as God’s people one time every year.
Can you imagine the burden of sin?
How would you feel if your sins could only be forgiven once per year, and the rest of the time you carried that weight on your shoulders?
The only perk would be that sin was taken seriously. Great effort was made to avoid sin. Nowadays, many people sin nonchalantly, figuring they are “forgiven” so there is no need to flee sin. This is an error in thought. We should always flee from sin and immorality (2 Tim.2:22).
Yeshua (Jesus) shed His blood; the perfect atonement sacrifice. And in so doing, He actually fulfilled the other 3 offerings of Leviticus.
Our Messiah became the meal/grain (matzah) offering
Remember the meal or grain offering? The type of grain being referred to here is matzah, the same unleavened substance we use every Passover. The meal or matzah offering consisted of unleavened flour and oil mixed with frankincense and salt. It was placed over fire.
Yeshua (Jesus) became our meal offering. At his birth, He was given frankincense by the wise men (Matthew 2:11). Yeshua used matzah at the Passover meal.
Our Savior’s body was broken for us, just like we break the matzah during the Passover meal.
Our Savior was offered up as a fragrant aroma, just as the meal offering was matzah and oil mixed with frankincense.
Matzah + oil?
The body of Messiah + the anointing, abiding, consoling Presence of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh).
The atonement was seasoned with salt.
Salt was not only a preservative, it was used to treat wounds.
He was wounded for our transgressions, but this holy sacrifice would bring healing to the nations and we would become the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).
He was raised up by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you see all of the connections here?
Do you see how intricately interwoven the Scriptures are, truly?
I bet you never thought of frankincense having anything to do with Passover!
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) also became our guilt offering
This is the offering that required restitution. We have willingly and disobediently gone against God’s Word. Our Redeemer chose to forgive us of our grievous offenses by making atonement for our sin.
So to answer the question: Why did Messiah die at Passover rather than Yom Kippur?
The LORD has His reasons, but it seems to me that He chose Passover because He did more than what could’ve ever been done on Yom Kippur.
At Passover, Yeshua (Jesus) truly embodied every aspect of the meal. He symbolically shared His body and His blood with the disciples at the Passover seder meal and then went on to literally give up His body and blood for the sake of lost humanity as He was horrifically nailed to the cross as atonement.
He is our Passover Lamb and He died so we would be able to see how throughout history, He has masterfully planned every detail of our divine rescue.
He came to rescue us from sin and death, and He did it in the most profound way.
Be encouraged today, that our LORD made a way where there seemed to be no way and bridged the chasm so we could be forgiven. He has atoned for our sin!
The atonement that Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) made for us is a permanent atonement. Not once a year, not once in a lifetime, it is a permanent, ongoing atonement that ensures we are covered by His blood and presented as cleansed and holy before our Perfect and Holy God.
Those of us who have a relationship with our Savior Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ) know that He made atonement for our sins. If you do not know this important Truth and do not yet have a relationship with your Creator, please know this: God sent His Son to die in your place, as atonement for you, so that you could be reconciled to God. If you will trust Him today with your eternal future, you can have the confidence and peace of knowing you will live eternally with Him. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about our LORD and His ways!
