Lamentations

For all who claim to 'stand with Israel' should read the chapter from your copy of Scriptures titled Lamentations to gain a better understanding of the relationship our Creator has with His people.

The Book of Lamentations may not be the most popular book in the Bible but it is an essential ingredient for helping humans to understand an important aspect of their relationship with The Creator – the expression of grief and distress. This special book is a collection of five lament poems recounting the tragic fall of Jerusalem to Babylon.

I provide a paraphrased (shortened) version here and ask that you read from your copy of Scriptures for the full length version.

A city once great among nations sits lonely.

All of her friends and allies have betrayed her and become her foes.

Judah has gone into exile because of misery and harsh oppression.

Zion's roads are empty of festival pilgrims and her gates are deserted.

Her enemies are now the masters and her foes are at ease because

YHWH has afflicted her for her many transgressions.

Gone from fair Zion are all that were to her glory; her leaders were like stags that found no pasture, they could only walk feebly before the pursuer.

Jerusalem recalled all the precious things she once had and in her days of woe and sorrow there was no one to help her.  Jerusalem had greatly sinned and became a mockery and those who once admired her have seen her disgrace.  She has seen her Sanctuary invaded by nations which Yah had once denied entry.  He has afflicted her on His Day of Wrath.  He delivers her into the hands of those she cannot withstand and sets a time against her to crush her young men. Jerusalem has become an unclean thing.

YHWH is right and Jerusalem acknowledges that she has disobeyed Him and sees how wrong she's been to rebel against Him. In His Wrath Yah shames Fair Zion and casts down the majesty of Israel, in blazing anger.  He destroyed His Tabernacle bringing to end festival and sabbath; spurning king and priest; He resolved to destroy the wall of Fair Zion.

Jerusalem's seers prophesied to her in both delusion and folly.  They did not expose her iniquities so as to restore her fortunes. Instead they prophesied oracles of delusion and deception (lies).  She was once called Perfect in Beauty, Joy of All the Earth but now her enemies jeer at her and cry "We've ruined her!"

Yahweh has done what He purposed, that which He ordained long ago.

In all that happens, under His rod of wrath; leaving us numb as we become the laughingstock to all people, the butt of their gibes every day and we begin to feel bitterness as if sated with wormwood.  We feel bereft of peace and forget what happiness is.  But this do I call to mind and therefore I have hope: The kindness of YHWH has not ended, His mercies have not run out - they are renewed every morning - how ample is His Grace! He is my portion I say with a full heart; therefore I hope in Him.  He is good to those who trust in Him. To those who seek Him it is good to wait patiently for rescue.  We bear the yoke, sit alone and be patient.  YHWH does not reject forever, but first afflicts then pardons in His abundant kindness for He does not willfully bring grief or affliction to man, crushing prisoners of the earth. He does not deny us our rights. Of what shall a living man complain? Each his own sins!

Let us search and examine our ways and turn back to our Father; let us lift up our hearts with our hands to our Father in Heaven:

We have transgressed and rebelled, and You have not forgiven. You have clothed Yourself in anger and pursued us, You have slain without pity. You have screened Yourself off with a cloud that no prayer may pass through. You have made us filth and refuse in the midst of the peoples.  My eyes shed streams of water over the ruin of my poor people.

I have called on Your Name O Yahweh, hear my plea; do not shut Your ear to my cry! You have told us not to fear and have redeemed our lives. You see the wrongs that are done.

Those who were once valued as gold are now earthen pots and have turned cruel.  Those who feasted on dainties lie famished in the streets; those who were reared in purple have embraced refuse heaps. The guilt of my poor people exceeds the iniquity of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a hand striking it.  With their own hands tenderhearted women cook their children; such has become their fate.  His cup of wrath will also be passed to Fair Edom who dwell in the land of Uz.

O Yahweh, remember us. Our ancestors have sinned and we bear their guilt.  Gone is the joy from our hearts as we mourn; woe to us that we have sinned.  But You are enthroned forever, through the ages. Take us back! Let us come back; renew our days of old for truly You have rejected us, we have made you bitter.

Learn The Truth in order to See The Truth

My Facebook friend's list just got smaller. Mrs. A unfriended me after a 'discussion' I have copied and pasted here to share as another study.

I love her. Both she and her husband have studied the Word but like many before them have followed the rabbit trail into Judaism, which I am beginning to see as the Wide Gate for all religious beliefs to enter. She and I have had several good discussions in the past but I guess me pointing out the facts about the role of Jerusalem as capital of Israel was the last straw.

Mrs. A posted:

The six day war of 1967 led to Israel getting Jerusalem back after 2000 years. Fifty years later Trump becomes President. Could he symbolize a trump being blown? For another Jubilee? "You shall count seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the time of the seven weeks of years shall give you forty-nine years. Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land." Leviticus 25:8-9

On December 6, 2017, US President Donald Trump announced the United States recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordered the planning of the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

My Reply:

Spiritually, Jerusalem is the center of the world according to our Creator. Historically, Jerusalem was capital of the State of Israel beginning again in 1948 although became divided with the western section being the capital. The Six Day War reunited the city. In 1980 the Knesset passed the Basic Law - Jerusalem, which restated Israel's rights and obligations concerning the capital.

All Trump did was acknowledge the existing fact and decide to relocate the American Embassy. Two years later and from what I understand, the ambassador and his staff have moved to the US Consulate in Jerusalem but the main branch is still in Tel Aviv.

(Basically, I pointed out it didn't take 2000 years for Israel to get Jerusalem back. Her reply switches from Israel to the world's opinion of Jerusalem)

Mrs. A:

The world never recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and even today its divided. (seems she copied and pasted the following - I deleted the number references.)

After 1948, since the old walled city in its entirety was to the east of the armistice line, Jordan was able to take control of all the holy places therein. While Muslim holy sites were maintained and renovated, contrary to the terms of the armistice agreement, Jews were denied access to Jewish holy sites, many of which were destroyed or desecrated. Jordan allowed only very limited access to Christian holy sites, and restrictions were imposed on the Christian population that led many to leave the city. Of the 58 synagogues in the Old City, half were either razed or converted to stables and hen-houses over the course of the next 19 years, including the Hurva and the Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue. The 3,000-year-old Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery was desecrated, with gravestones used to build roads, latrines and Jordanian army fortifications. 38,000 graves in the Jewish Cemetery were destroyed, and Jews were forbidden from being buried there. The Western Wall was transformed into an exclusively Muslim holy site associated with al-Buraq. Israeli authorities neglected to protect the tombs in the Muslim Mamilla Cemetery in West Jerusalem, which contains the remains of figures from the early Islamic period, facilitating the creation of a parking lot and public lavatories in 1964. Many other historic and religiously significant buildings were demolished and replaced by modern structures during the Jordanian occupation. During this period, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque underwent major renovations.

To me all that information didn't explain anything about the Jubilee or Trump or really apply to what we were talking about. Mostly it highlights 'holy sites'. After she posted the above she unfriended me and this is the reply I wasn't allowed to post:

Yes, I mentioned it was divided and you have ignored the fact the Trump really hasn't moved the embassy to Jerusalem. The Jubilee Year is a year of release, not one of making Jerusalem the modern day capital of the nation state of Israel.  We are called to come out of the world system (Babylon) so if the world does not recognize Jerusalem then it is no big deal. We who are Set Apart and follow Y'shua do recognize the importance of Jerusalem as we have been told the end from the beginning.

Since I couldn't post any more I messaged her and asked if she closed comments on this thread. Mrs. A sent me a private message telling me why she unfriended me:

The vast majority of the people on my Facebook are Baptist, Christians, and they don’t get any of this. I don’t want them just blowing everything off. It’s not going to help them if someone is making comments that sound like they disagree with what I am saying. It’s important they start reading the Bible for themselves and not just following the path that has taken them away from God. They are going to have to turn back and return to the roots of the Christian faith as what was taught in the very beginning before evil men came in and corrupted it. Act chapter 11 talks about when the Church in Antioch disciples were first called Christians. It was when Peter first went to talk to them after the dream he had to not call what God called clean unclean. It was the beginning of the ministry to the non Jews. So because of where most of these people are if any of them are even reading anything I post I felt I needed to take you off, sorry, I hope you understand the reason behind it.

I was quietly amazed at her choice to take me out of the picture and I responded as such, including: .... but after seeing your Jonathan Cahn promo posted on your timeline I see the time was right. Maybe if I ranted all the time I could understand you not wanting me to be around and disrupting your space - I could understand that. I sound like I disagree because you sometimes cause me to 'raise an eyebrow', which is good because I always take what you reference right back to Scriptures, and that is when I can see where you're coming from and/or offer up comments to help shine the light a little brighter - we all need it from time to time because we are all still learning. Many times you and I are in agreement but sometimes you go a little too deep into the realm of Jewish tradition. You are not going to save your 'christian' friends all by yourself, or by censoring comments that you don't agree with. I thought that we have always had fair discussions, even when we don't see eye to eye on some topics. We both know not everyone is going to 'get it'. Thanks for the time we did have because I love being in conversation about Scriptures and so few take the time.
(sent this message to her 9/13/2019)

I am sorry to see how comfortable she and her husband have become with the tradition ladened  religion of Judaism. Some day, hopefully, they will 'get it', too. It seems she wants folks to just read and accept her opinion without question. Our Heavenly Father has never been about Christianity or the Church nor did Set Apart believers call themselves Christians - it is about Faith, which Y'shua asked if there would be any when he returns.

How can anyone think they are teaching their 'christian' friends about the Hebrew origins of Scriptures while still promoting the church?  I do understand a gentle approach toward Gentiles when trying to introduce them to YHWH but if you can't get them to ask questions, or get their genuine interest, then what is the use other than spreading seeds and letting them fall where they may.  Trying to tie a Jubilee year in with Trump is really far-fetched.

Please Note:
Acts Chapter 11 verse 26 from the Aramaic English New Testament:
When he found him (Paul), he brought him with him to Antiochia. And they gathered as one, a whole year, and they taught many people in the congregation. From that time the disciples in Antioch were first called Kristianay. (The Apostles do not call themselves Kristianay. They are members of The Way, referred to as Netzarim. It was the Gentiles in Antioch who coined the term 'Kristyane' a greek term for "Messianics").

Romans 11:25 ~For I want to let you know about this secret, brothers, so that you will not claim to be wiser than you are: Stubbornness has come to part of Israel until the full number of the Gentiles comes to faith.

Churchianity > Hebrew Roots > Faith

We are still learning as we continue on His Path of Righteousness

Break out of your perceived Comfort Zone

Let Go of Tradition

Jude 1:3 ~
.... while I take all pains to write to you of our common life, it is needful for me to write to you, encouraging you to maintain a conflict for the faith which was once delivered to the Set Apart believers, for some have obtained entrance who, from the beginning, were registered beforehand under this condemnation: wicked men who pervert the grace of Yahweh to impurity and deny him who is the only MarYah Elohim and our Master, Y'shua the Anointed One. And I wish to remind you, though you all know it, after once rescuing the people from Egypt, Yahweh again destroyed them who did not believe.

I know there are still folks coming out of Churchianity as they seek the truth of Scriptures and have gotten too comfortable with the Hebrew roots of things. I know, I was there once upon a time. It is, however, one of the best stepping stones we have leading us in the right direction. But that is where many people take the rabbit trail leading them into another traditional religion (Judaism) instead of continuing on to the faith once delivered. Our Creator was never about religions, various belief systems or churches. His Instructions were given for our health, well being and to guide us to exist as a community, a body of believers = His people, training us up for the return of His Son. Our Heavenly Father was never about 'division' but has called us to be One. Satan, on the other hand, has caused extreme division by using the above mentioned 'wicked men' who pervert the Word of God and teach it to others who have not read Scriptures for themselves or taken the time to search for the truth of His Word as if looking for treasure.

Mark 7:5 ~ The scribes and the Pharisees ask Y'shua, "Why don't your disciples walk according to the traditions of the elders? His short answer is: "You hypocrites... You have left the Commandment of (God) and have embraced the tradition of men. ... And you despise the Word of Elohim because of the tradition that you have handed down..."

Matthew 15:3 records the same... the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem ask Y'shua why his disciples transgress against the traditions of the elders. He asks them, "Why do you transgress the Commandments of YHWH (God) because of your traditions?"

By reading Scriptures we learn that YHWH's Chosen People are the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob along with those who have been adopted in:  We who come into covenant with the Creator and abide by His Instructions and have the testimony of His Son.

It is no longer a tribal thing because when anyone of any background comes into covenant with our Creator we all become part of the House of Jacob, the commonwealth of Israel. We become one as we worship YHWH in Spirt and in Truth. With this in mind, consider that His People are not just the 'Jews' and His people have not yet been gathered to the promised land. The tiny nation-state of modern day Israel does not represent the 'promised land' as that land includes all of what was the land of Canaan.

There is only one gathering of His chosen people and, according to Scriptures, it occurs at the 7th Shofar Event, when all eyes see the coming of Y'shua in the clouds. Those who are alive at that time will see the dead being risen up, all those believers who have died since the beginning, and then they will be gathered with them. It is at this point we are given bodies that are incorruptible, gathered together in the clouds for the time being.

Matthew 24- All eyes will see the return of Y'shua...

:29 immediately after the suffering of those days...

:30 Y'shua comes upon the clouds of heaven with great power and glory. He sends his Messengers with a large trumpet and they gather his chosen from the four winds.

First Thessalonians 4:16 confirms Y'shua will descend from heaven with the voice of the chief Messenger and the shofar of Yahweh. His Set Apart believers (his chosen, the elect) are caught up together to the clouds to meet Y'shua Messiah and be with him forever.

Revelation 6:12 tells us the 6th Seal is opened and because of the earthquake, darkened sun, red colored moon, falling stars and mountains and islands being moved out of their places Every One Will Know the great day of wrath has come. Revelation 11:15 tells us the world becomes the kingdom of Y'shua after the 7th shofar is sounded (the last trumpet before the final plagues).

After these events and the pouring out of the Cups of Wrath His People receive the promise, the everlasting covenant Yah made with Abraham about the land of Canaan. After we are gathered and changed from corruptible to incorruptible, then we are set down upon our own soil - the promised land of Canaan where we live in the Kingdom ruled by Y'shua for a thousand years.

Jeremiah 23:7 ~ A time is coming when people will say As Yah lives, who brought out and led the offspring of the House of Israel (Jacob) from the north land and from all the lands to which they've been scattered... and they shall dwell upon their own soil.... 16:14 I will bring them back to their land which I gave to their fathers... 30 I will deliver you from far away and make an end to all the nations where you have been....

The gathering has yet to happen but will in His good timing.  There will be no mistaking this event.

Click Here to go to my study, Who Is Israel

Click Here to go to my study about the word 'church'

Click Here to go to my study, The Last Day

1 Peter 1:6-9 ... when you are under some pressure by the various trials that pass over you (it is) so that the proof of your faith may appear more precious than refined gold that is tested by fire, to glory and honor and praise at the manifestation of Y'shua: whom having not seen, you love; and in the faith of whom you rejoice with the joy that is glorious and beyond expression, that you many receive the reward of your faith, the life of your souls...

False Prophets etc...

Jonathan Cahn is not a biblical prophet but resembles a person who uses Judeo-Christianity as a means of personal gain. The Apostle Paul charged Timothy to be on guard against these types of people. 

“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the foundational words of our Master Y'shua and to the doctrine of the fear of Elohim, he is one who exalts himself while he knows nothing; and he languishes in the search and inquiry about words which come from envy and contentions, and railing and evil suspicions and the constant arguing of men whose minds are corrupt and devoid of the truth, and suppose that they can gain without YHWH. From these men stay away." 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Those who act, think or give the impression of being a "prophet of God" in today's world must consider the biblical consequences of their predictions. “But any prophet who presumes to speak in my name an oracle that I did not command him to utter, or who speaks in the name of other gods - that prophet shall die.” Deuteronomy 18:20 

Jonathan Cahn is just one of many deceivers whom folks have been falling for. He is a "New York Times" best selling author which does not qualify him to be a purveyor of Truth. I (and many  others) debunked his "Harbinger" theory years ago and revealed the Scriptural Truth behind the "Blood Moons" hoopla that Mark Biltz, John Hagee and Cahn stirred up. As I studied it out I came to see these topics became a measuring stick showing the separation between 'believers' and those truly becoming Set Apart. Cahn's latest book being promoted is "The Oracle", the Jubilean Mysteries Revealed. 

Quote: Fans of the Cahn-man will claim that he isn’t a prophet, but that he only “interprets” Biblical prophecy. Of course, Cahn takes a good many Scriptures that aren’t prophetic and wrongly applies them to modern events, thus making them prophetic. Cahn’s horrible track record at prophecy interpretation seems not to bother his biggest fans, who are eager to buy his next book. (end quote)

Folks, there are no unsolved mysteries in Scriptures. Both the Father and the Son used parables and spiritual metaphors to get through to us, to make us use our brain. Most times they explained what they meant. There is nothing we cannot learn if we continue reading Scriptures every day, which allows His Set Apart Spirit to work within us.  His Spirit comforts us with the truth. I will not submit myself to this massaging of Scriptures as Cahn, his followers and others continue to try to make current events fit prophecy.

Matthew 7:15-20 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Signs of the end which Y'shua has told us about: Signs

Don't get caught up in the Greater Exodus teaching, either.

One more thing: Yahweh stopped talking to man through his prophets after Y'shua came on the scene. Y'shua gave us his Father's Set Apart Spirit after he left the earth. No one should be claiming that they have heard from God. These days it is His Spirit that reveals the Truth. Prophecy is being fulfilled and there is nothing else to be foretold because our Creator has already told us the end from the beginning.  

Man must not add to nor take away from the Truth of Yah's Word.

Atonement

Leviticus 16

:32 ~ The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments and make atonement for the Most Set Apart Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly. This is to be a permanent statute for you, to make atonement once a year for the people because of all their sins. And all this was done as Master Yahweh had commanded Moses.…

Atonement was necessary because of the impurities and rebellious acts of that mixed multitude that came out of Egypt in regard to all their sins. It is just as necessary for us today and it is Y'shua the Anointed One, Son of the Heavenly Father, who shed his blood for the atonement of our sins. 

Atonement is the act of making amends, offering expiation for a wrong or injury which reconciles believers to Yahweh through the death of His Son, Yahshua, who said no-one comes to the Father except through him. This isn't a catch-all or end game scenario. Y'shua's shed blood only covers those who abide by YHWH's Instructions and have the testimony of His Son. When we come into covenant with our Creator we agree to the terms of that covenant. If we don't we shall not be part of the first resurrection at the return of Y'shua.

In Matthew 26 Y'shua told his 12 apostles: 

"This is my blood of the renewed covenant, which for the sake of many is shed for the forgiveness of sins."

For the sake of many, not for the sake of everybody.

And in John 10 Y'shua tells them: 

"There is no love that is greater than this, that a man lay down his life for the sake of his friends. You are my friends if you do all that I commanded you everything that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

He laid down his life for those who live by all that he has taught which is everything he has heard from our Creator aka YHWH's Instructions (Genesis through Deuteronomy). This is the blood of the renewed covenant, the writings found in what is commonly called the New Testament.

Revelation 12:11- And they overcame (Satan, the Accuser), because of the blood of the Lamb, (Y'shua, whom they acknowledge openly); and they loved not their own lives, even to death. In Leviticus 17:11 Yah says- "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have assigned it to you for making atonement for your lives. It is the blood, as life, that effects atonement."

When we spend time reading Scriptures it becomes clear as to what our responsibilities are if we desire to spend a thousand years with Y'shua as our king and high priest and have eternal life.  How many times have I thought to myself, "O, to have been there to hear him speak! To reach out and touch the hem of his garment and be healed!" Well folks, in order to be sharing the earth with Messiah for a thousand years there are rules and regulations set forth by the Father. It is by His Set Apart Spirit we see these truths and choose Life, the Blessing, the promise YHWH made with Abraham. We come into covenant with our Creator.  It is a choice, not automatic inclusion. It is made possible by His Son who taught us the Good News of the Kingdom to Come, wherein we find comfort.

Love Yah first and foremost, love your fellowman as yourself and let His Set Apart Spirit comfort you with all truth.  Accept Yahweh and have eyes to see the spoken word and ears that hear the written word. Humble yourself and allow YWHW to lift you up in due time. Recognize the need for atonement, accept the blood of the renewed covenant as necessary for the life of your soul.  We were once carnal Gentiles but are no longer slaves to our old sin nature because we have the testimony of Y'shua Son of Yahweh, and we are in convent with the Creator.  

Let us cling to the Rock of our Salvation.

Lost and Found

To set the stage, here are some definitions to aid our understanding of what is meant by parables which both the Father and His Son used in their teachings:

A parable is usually a short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude. Allegory is the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence and a metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable; a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else. 

Y'shua spoke in parables many times, telling stories to illustrate spiritual lessons; stories that are to be understood in order to reveal the hidden meaning of what he was teaching. There is no real mystery. He was teaching us to use our 'brain', to think and reason and not just follow the most popular preacher of the day or what was fashionable at the time.

Matthew 13:34
All these things Y'shua spoke in parables to the crowd, and he would not speak to them without a parable, so might be fulfilled the things which was spoken through the prophet who said, "I will open my mouth with parables and will bring out secrets that were from before the foundation of the world." (Psalms 78:2) 

In Luke 8 we read the Sower of the Seed parable. He tells his apostles that they are given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of Elohim but to the rest of the people it is spoken in parables because although they see, they will not see, and though they hear, they will not comprehend.

In Luke 10 is a short story told as an example of who's one neighbor really is, which was brought on by the questions a scribe was posing to Y'shua. In Chapter 12 the parables are Master/servant related and we are told to seek the Kingdom of Yahweh and not worry about what we will eat or drink or wear. We are likened to those who wait for their Master to return from the wedding feast, so when he knocks we will readily open the door for him.  The explanation of this parable is given: Therefore be ready for when we don't expect it, the Son of man will return.  In Chapter 14 is the parable of the man who made a great supper and called on many to attend and many refused to come making various excuses. The Master sends his servant out to get whoever he can to come to this feast so that his house would be full. Just reading that alone makes me think of the time we are told many will be called but few are chosen. Please take the time to read Luke from your copy of Scriptures when you have time.

Onto Chapter 15 which is the reason for this study as it has been used to prove that the "Prodigal Son" represents Ephraim and that Ephraim and Judah will be reunited (two houses become one).  If you do a word search using the Bible Hub search window you will discover that the word 'prodigal' isn't found in Scriptures, so that tells me somebody attached it to one particular parable so they could spin their own interpretation of it. Also, take into consideration that Y'shua has told us not everyone will understand.

The term prodigal means wasteful expenditure aka a reckless spendthrift.  A spendthrift is someone who is given to spending money freely or foolishly, who is wasteful with money.  So yes one could suppose to call this younger son in the parable the prodigal son compared to his older obedient brother, but why spin it beyond Y'shua's lesson? Some folks use quotes found in the writings of Jeremiah to tie it together but even Yahweh used parables, allegories and metaphors long before His Son came on the scene (Like Father like Son).

In Chapter 15 it is the scribes and Pharisees who are none too happy with Y'shua, mumbling, grumbling and accusing him of un-Torah-like behavior; in this case it disgusted them that Y'shua sat among sinners and even ate with them. So Y'shua told them parable #1: 

Who among you who has one hundred sheep won't go after the one that has gotten lost, leaving the 99 in the open until you find the one?  And when you find it you take it upon your shoulders to bring it home, calling out to your friends and neighbors - Rejoice with me! I have found my sheep that was lost!

He tells the scribes and Pharisees that is what it will be like in heaven over one sinner who repents. The other 99 righteous ones do not need repentance.  It also points out that Y'shua didn't come to sit among the righteous but to teach the sinners and unrepentant ones.

Mark 2:16 ~ When the scribes and the Pharisees saw Y'shua eating with these people, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Y'shua  told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

And he told them parable #2:

A women had 10 coins and lost one of them. She does nothing else but search for it carefully until she finds it. And when she does she calls out to her friends and neighbors Rejoice with me! I have found my coin which was lost!

He tells the scribes and Pharisees, likewise, there will be joy before the Messengers of Elohim over one sinner who repents.

To further drive the point home to those hard headed scribes and Pharisees, he tells them parable #3 about a man who had two sons. The younger son asked for his share of dad's estate now instead of waiting for it in due course.  He gathered everything that was his share and went away.  He ended up wasting all his wealth while living lavishly.  He used up everything he had and then famine hit the land and he was in dire straights. He got a job tending swine. He was so hungry he was ready to eat the slop being fed the swine and no one would give to him.  He finally came to his senses and decided to go back to his dad's house where he knew servants were fed and he offered to be one of his servants.  He confessed to his father that he realized he has sinned against him and Heaven and was not worthy to be called his son.  His father's love for him could not be contained as he was elated that his son returned. He put on a feast for the boy.  This didn't go over too well with the elder son who knew he had been faithful to his father, doing all the work that was required of him, but never once was he given anything to celebrate with. Dad reassures his elder son of his love, he knows he has been with him all this time and that everything that he has belongs to him as well. But it was right to call out to their friends and neighbors to Rejoice with them, because his younger son who was lost was found.

From these three stories Y'shua is sharing with the scribes and Pharisees (and us) the same message: Rejoice for what was lost has been found. We should be able to see that this points to our old sin natures, we who were lost but now have been found and forgiven our past sinful ways. We who have become redeemed and Set Apart can be left alone while the Good Shepherd seeks out his other sheep.  The Father's love is steadfast and true for those of us who return. Those who are already in His household no longer require repentance, but what a joy it is even to the Messengers in heaven when another sinner repents and returns.

Romans 11:25 ~
For I want to let you know about this secret, brothers, so that you will not claim to be wiser than you are: Stubbornness has come to part of Israel until the full number of the Gentiles comes to faith.

What is meant by 'fullness'? The definition found in the Webster Dictionary is:

: the quality or state of being full

: at some point : eventually

Apply this to Scripture and understand that at some point, eventually, more Gentiles (non-believers) will repent of their pagan ways, return to Yahweh, abide by His Instructions and have the testimony of His Son, by faith. As we know, there are many non-believers in the world and not all of them will come into this 'fullness'.  The writings in Luke 15 give us a picture of lost souls, sinners who repent, confess their wrongdoings and because of the great love of the Father, they are forgiven and taken back into the fold.

John 10:11 ~ (Y'shua says) I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the flock. But a hireling who is not the shepherd nor are the sheep his, when he sees a wolf coming he leaves the sheep and flees. And the wolf comes and plunders and scatters the flock.
John 10:14 ~ I am the Good Shepherd and I know those who are mine. And those who are mine know me.
John 10:16 ~ And I also have other sheep, those who were not from this sheepfold. And also them, it is necessary for me to bring them and they will hear my voice and all the flocks will become one. And there will be One Shepherd. 

YHWH's Chosen People are the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob along with those who have been adopted in:  We who come into covenant with the Creator and abide by His Instructions and have the testimony of His Son.  It is no longer a tribal thing because when anyone of any background comes into covenant with our Creator we all become part of the House of Israel.  We worship YHWH in Spirt and in Truth.

Click here to go to my study: Who is Israel

╌╍══╍╌

Obeying His Instructions - Or Not

The Rock

Exodus 17 ~ From the wilderness of Sin they traveled and camped at Rephidim. There was no water to drink. The people argued with Moses about this and he pointed out they were trying Yah's patience.  They wouldn't cease and thought Moses led them out of Egypt to die there. Moses cries out to Yah and Yah says: Go before the people and take some elders with you and the rod you used to strike the Nile. I will be standing on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock and water will issue from it and the people will drink. (This place was named Massah [trial] and Meribah [quarrel] because the people argued, testing Yahweh asking Is He among us or not?)

About 38 years later....
Numbers 20 ~ The people camped at Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there.  The community was without water and this generation argued with Moses about the situation. Moses and Aaron went to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. The Presence of Yahweh appeared to them and said: You and your brother Aaron will take the rod and assemble the community and before their very eyes order the rock to yield its water.  Moses seems to be fed up with the whole crowd, their behavior and lack of faith. After they were assembled he said: "Listen, you rebels, shall we get water for you out of this rock?" And then he struck the rock two times with the rod. Out came copious amounts of water but he disobeyed Yah's instruction. Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron: Because you did not trust Me and affirm My sanctity in the sight of the community (by obeying His Instruction) you shall not lead this people into the promised land.

After leaving Kadesh they arrive at Mount Hor, the place where Aaron died and the office of high priest was passed onto Aaron's son, Eleazar.

Deuteronomy 32, the poem of Moses, the last of his words to that stiff-necked people ~ (note: I have lightly paraphrased to keep on the topic of the Rock, so please read it from your own copy when you have time ~ Dusty)

Listen O heavens, let me speak; let the earth hear the words I utter! May my discourse come down as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like showers on young growth, like droplets on the grass. (He wants what he has to say to be received eagerly)

I proclaim the Name Yahweh; give glory to our Elohim! The Rock! His deeds are perfect, all His ways are just; He is faithful and never false, true and upright is He. A crooked and perverse generation has played Him false.  Do you requite Him, you dull and witless people?  Is He not the Father who created you, fashioned you and made you endure? Remember the days of old, consider the years gone by. Ask your parents, your elders, they will tell you that when the Most High gave peoples their homes and set the divisions of man, He fixed the boundaries of peoples in relation to Israel's numbers because Yah's portion is His people, Jacob His own allotment.

Yet, over the years you grew fat and gross and coarse and forsook Yahweh who made you and you spurned the Rock of His support. You neglected the Rock that begot you, forgot the Elohim who brought you forth.

Moses continues with a prophecy about Yah's wrath which will pour out in the end because of all the treachery displayed by that disloyal, pagan-god worshiping breed. These people are void of sense  and lacking discernment. Their rock is not like our Rock, in our enemies own estimation.  It will be like Sodom and Gomorrah for those people and their disaster will come which will vindicate Yah's people. There will be no doubt that Yahweh is Elohim and there is no god beside Him. He deals death and gives life; He wounds and heals; none can deliver from His hand.

Moses went up from the steppes of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the summit of Pisgah, opposite Jericho, and Yah showed him the whole land. Yah tells him this is the land which He swore to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and will be assigned to their offspring.  Yah let Moses see it with his own eyes but did not let him cross there.  Moses died there in the land of Moab and was buried in the valley near Beth-peor.

We must stand as one and in faith establish we are His people. He will avenge the blood of His servants, wreak vengeance on His foes, and cleanse the promised land before us.

Click Here to go to my study Who Is Israel

Psalm 18 ~ David says these words after Yah had saved him from all his enemies and the clutches of Saul. He said: I adore you, O Yahweh, my strength, my crag, my fortress, my rescuer, my rock in whom I seek refuge, my shield, my haven. Yah Lives! Blessed is my Rock! Exalted be Elohim, my deliverer, who has vindicated me, rescued me from my enemies, who raised me clear of my adversaries, saved me from lawless men. As Yah lives, blessed is my Rock!

Psalm 61 ~ Hear my cry O Yahweh Elohim, heed my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You;  when my heart is faint, You lead me to a rock that is high above me.

Psalm 62 ~ Truly my soul waits quietly for Yahweh; my deliverance comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and deliverance, my haven, I shall never be shaken.

Isaiah 17 ~ Truly, you have forgotten the Elohim who saves you and have not remembered the Rock who shelters you; that is why even though you plant a delightful sapling, what you sow proves a disappointing slip.
Isaiah 51 ~ Listen to Me, you who pursue justice, you who seek Me; look to the Rock you were hewn from, to the quarry you were dug from.  Look back to Abraham for he was only one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many.

In First Corinthians 10:4 ~ And they all drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that attended them, and that rock was Yahshua.

John 4:14 ~ Everyone who drinks from the waters that I give to him will not thirst forever. Those waters that I give will become in them a spring of water that will spring up in life that is eternal.


Rephidim:


Kadesh:

Mount Hor:


Mount Nebo and Pisgah:


Beth-peor: