^“But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.” Exodus 1:7 NKJV

As a father of a son and two daughters, one of the books that helped in our childrearing was Dr. James Dobson’s “Bringing up Boys.” It was a welcome arrow in the arsenal of many families raising boys to be Godly men, especially as school and societal structures became less tolerant of the unique nature of boys. In our Torah Portion of the week, Shemot, Exodus 1:1-6:1, we read of an ancient war on boys rooted in the fears of Pharoah. In truth, it wasn’t little boys which Pharoah feared, but the men they would become! And lest we think this is an obsession of some long-forgotten Pharoah, we only need look to today’s advertising, media, and entertainment. Thankfully, Exodus’ story does not end with Pharoah’s edict. Enter two young heroines, Shiphrah and Puah, who feared God more than the king.

Shemot means names, and for eternity the names of our two heroines, Shiphrah and Puah, are remembered. Their defiance of Pharoah was rewarded powerfully by the Lord. And when Pharoah called them to account for the boy’s survival, the midwives said Hebrew women give birth lively before they could even arrive. But those Hebrew boys lived because these women feared God!

Advocating for our Boys

American society seeks to destroy our boys’ masculinity through indoctrination and, yes, even chemical castration! Thank God for Shiphrah and Puah, advocates for the boys of ancient Israel. Now, who will advocate for our sons?

Pharoah’s Fear

Pharoah feared a coming generation that would break the bonds of slavery, redeem their families, and walk into their inheritance. Driven by Satan, Pharoah feared the coming redeemer from within Israel. When we think of mighty men, our mind goes to Moses, Samuel, David, and, ultimately, the Messiah. But what about the many nameless, Godly men who led their families in fear of the Lord? These also are redeemers protecting their wives and children. Shiphrah and Puah advocated for them also. The Psalmist well described such when he said:

“Sons born during one’s youth are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they dispute with enemies at the city gate.” Psalm 27: 4-5 EHV

Advocating for our boys to be strong, Godly men is also an advocacy for our daughters. When physical and metaphorical enemies stand within our gates, as they surely will, may Godly men guard. And let us learn from these two heroines who advocated for boys. For, our Godly boys are destined to become anointed men dispelling fear and contending for the weak at the gates of future generations.

Shavuah Tov,

The post Defending our Boys appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

“The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.” Genesis 25:22 NKJV

Is there a parallel between Rebecca’s womb, the turmoil within our homes, and our divided nation? Jacob and Esau’s fight in the womb carried into adulthood, with one threatening to kill the other. Yeshua warned the spiritual divide in the end times would be so great that brother will betray brother. (Matthew 10:21a) Families and nations are roiling. Are we ready to ask, “Lord, why is this happening?”

This week’s Torah portion, Toldeot, begins with Isaac’s answered prayer for his new bride. The opening of the wombs of the Biblical matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel was the prelude to closing their past and an open door for their family’s future. But for Rebecca, her once silent womb was now a war zone.

Two Kinds of Prayer

There are several words for prayer in Hebrew. Two appear in the opening words of our portion. First, Isaac’s prayer in the presence of his wife is described with the word “v’yeater” וַיֶּעְתַּ֨ר meaning to heap up words; some translate it as “pleaded.”

“Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” Genesis 25:21 NKJV

The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, opening her womb, but the result was not what she imagined. Every mother can identify with Rebecca’s fears as she said, “Why is this happening to me?” Perhaps she thought she was miscarrying, or the baby was in distress? There were no ultra-sounds in her day. And so, she privately went to pray!

Have internal tensions ever been so great you cried, “Why is this happening to me?!” Then you can certainly identify with Rebecca. What did she do? Without Isaac, she “inquired” of the Lord. That is a powerful word that God hears you individually. Mom, the Lord hears your private prayers, and will speak to you personally! This brings us to the second Hebrew word for prayer, “lidrosh” לִדְרֹ֥שׁ, meaning to seek, inquire, pursue. Rebecca is the first woman mentioned as praying and was personally given a prophetic word for her family.

“And the Lord said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23 NKJV

Just as Mary treasured the words spoken concerning her son Yeshua, so Rebecca guarded this prophecy from the Lord concerning her twin boys.

The parallels between Jacob and Esau, “two nations” and “two peoples,” reverberate today. From her body, they were separated, implying before birth. Thus from her womb, their battle for dominance began. However, Rebecca remembered that the older would serve the younger. In other words, the younger would overcome.

Not So Fraternal Twins

“So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb.” Genesis 25:24 NKJV

The Hebrew calls them twins, but it is written with a defective or unusual Hebrew form without the letter aleph. Is the text hinting at their imperfect match? Esau was ruddy and covered with hair, while Jacob was smooth. Esau was a hunter and outdoorsman, while Jacob was a man of the tents who made a mean soup.

These were fraternal twins and not genetically identical. Each inherited unique markers of DNA from their parents, which they did not share in common. Most significant, however, was the differences in their spirit. Esau craved the lust of his flesh (Hebrews 112:6), while Jacob inclined his heart to serve the Lord. (Genesis 28:10, 35:2)

Jacob I Have Loved, But Esau I Hated

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved; But Esau I have hated.” Malachi 1:2-3 NKJV

How could God either love or hate someone from birth? Because the Lord knew the heart of Esau and Jacob before birth, He preordained that Jacob would prevail over the older. And though Rebecca initially thought she was carrying one child, there were two.

It is human nature to want to see ourselves in Jacob. I hope no one identifies with Esau. But here is the reality, though Jacob loved God, he still carried a bit of Esau’s DNA and actions. And though Esau was wicked, he sometimes wanted to be like Jacob. Spiritually, we all feel this struggle of inherited sin nature. What is the answer? We must be born again, inheriting the nature of Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel.

The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to examine our lives for the sinful traits of Esau.

“Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.  For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” Hebrews 12:16-17 NKJV

Overcoming Esau

Before we examine the divided house of our nation, we should root out the divided loyalties of our own hearts. In truth, there is a bit of Jacob and Esau battling within many. Esau does not savor the things of God. Esau wants to sell short and sell out. Esau harbors resentment. Esau and Jacob CANNOT dwell peacefully together, and sin and righteousness cannot live in the heart of a follower of Messiah. James gives insight into this kind of internal struggle.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” James 4:1 NKJV

What is the answer? Esau cannot dwell in the Promised Land; he must be driven out! How do you drive him out?

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4: 7-8 NKJV

Nation Against Nation

It is hard not to see parallels between the “two peoples” of Rebecca’s womb and the equally divided U.S. electorate jostling for political power. I am not espousing the virtue of either party. I do believe, however, that, like Jacob and Esau’s conflict, the current divide in America is spiritual.   Individually, a person’s choices will reflect whether the God of Jacob or the cravings of Esau are more predominant.

Revival, humility, and repentance are needed. And it must first begin with the people of God. (I Peter 4:17) Yes, Esau sold his birthright for a pot of lentil soup, but Jacob fed it to him! So, according to James, the first step to overcoming is to resist the devil – stop feeding the appetites of “Esau”.

Conclusion

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

Rebecca asked, “Why is this happening to me?” We might also wonder, why am I experiencing this jostling? Rebecca did not expect an Esau, yet he was birthed alongside Jacob. However, she treasured the prophetic promise that the older (Esau) would become subservient to the younger (Jacob).

In Messiah, you are destined to win. You received a new nature to overcome the old in the new birth. And our families’ restoration is key to our land’s healing. So, if you are facing a struggle, “intreat” the Lord as to why, and believe Him for the victory! Rebecca’s example shows us the way to seek (lidrosh) the Lord.

The post Two Peoples One Womb appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

“So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded to Abraham as a possession….” Genesis 23:17-18a NKJV

This week’s Torah portion begins with the news of Sarah’s death at Hebron. While many of Israel’s historic locations are open for debate, the field and burial cave of Abraham have been marked by a magnificent building for almost two thousand years. Machpela means “doubled”, perhaps referring to two portions or tunnel systems within the cave. Their provenance is without question. In contrast to the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs of that time, Abraham and Sarah’s resting place remains undisturbed. Our family’s pilgrimage to this treasured fortress of Herodian stone was quite memorable.

Though Abraham purchased the field at Sarah’s death, we might say it was Sarah’s righteous life that bought it.

“…These were the years of the life of Sarah.” Genesis 23:1 NKJV

In Jewish tradition, a righteous person’s death is spoken of as life. For this reason, cemeteries are often called, “Beit HaChaim”, literally, “house of the living”. What powerful truths can we glean from this ancient field of Sarah?

I. Sarah Considers a Field

“She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.” Proverbs 31:16 NKJV

Proverbs 31 paints the attributes of a virtuous woman. Rather than a single individual, however, some commentaries ascribe each quality to various Hebrew matriarchs in the Bible. What woman of valor considered a field and bought it? Some believe this was Sarah, whose death acquired the field of Hebron.

While Abraham followed his flocks from Bethel to Beer Shevah, Sarah settled in the beautiful land between the two – Hebron. Though he was not with his beloved when she died, Abraham returned to Hebron to negotiate a burial plot setting an example for coming generations. Sarah’s death was necessary to acquire the field, but it took the keenest skills to secure it.

II. Abraham Considers a Field

“And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.” Genesis 23:8-9 NKJV

As Abraham sat, mourning his dead, he was visited by Hittite neighbors, the Sons of Heth. Here we see Abraham, the “master negotiator”. He who bargained with the Lord from fifty to just ten righteous individuals that the cities of the plain might be spared now negotiated for his family’s future claims to the land. Nothing less than full price would suffice!

Rather than receive a free burial plot among the Hittite tombs, Abraham negotiated for a separate burial plot.

“Then Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.” Genesis 23:12-13 NKJV

Like the sons of Heth, Ephron also offered the cave and its adjoining field to Abraham without cost.

 “No, my Lord, hear me: I give you the field and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you. Bury your dead!” Genesis 23: 11 NKJV

Abraham, however, insisted on paying full price!

“If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there. And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, “My Lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? So bury your dead.” And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the silver for Ephron which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, the currency of the merchants.” Genesis 23: 13-16 NKJV

Abraham paid 400 shekels of silver, ingots of measured weight and purity, for the cave, field, and surrounding trees. The text clarifies that these ingots were sufficient as currency in the marketplace. Some estimate that in today’s value, the price would be just over 600,000 dollars. Of course, the value exponentially increased after the sale to Abraham, the prince of God. Some see in the word Machpela, a hint that Abraham’s deal doubled many times in value! But this pales when compared to the field the Lord Himself acquired!

III. The LORD considers a Field

When Abraham purchased the field, he acquired all of the trees within. Likewise, the LORD considered the field of this world. Nothing short of full price would suffice. With the death of His beloved Son, Yeshua, God purchased not only the world but all the people in it. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. That includes you!

The parallels between Abraham’s field and the Lord’s purchase are powerful. For God so loved this world, He gave heaven’s great treasure, His only Son, to die upon the tree in the field of Moriah. (John 3:16) Like Abraham’s field, near Calvary was a burial cave. And as it is said of Sarah, “these were the years of the LIFE of Sarah”, we remember that Yeshua LIVES! With His death, He purchased the field. With His resurrection, He secured our hope. However, it remains for us to dwell in that field by believing on the Son of God.

Conclusion

Abraham obtained the deed which no man could challenge, paying only the highest price. He negotiated for a separate burial plot, ensuring his family would not be assimilated by this world. Tradition holds that Sarah loved that field with its beautiful trees. Perhaps she is the exemplar of the woman who “considered a field”. Her death moved the inhabitants to sell to Abraham.

But the LORD has also considered the field in which you live. In weighing your price of salvation, He valued you with the great wealth of heaven. With Yeshua’s death and resurrection, the Lord ensured that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our God. (Revelation 11:15) All that resides in the field of Messiah’s Cross, including the hope of an empty tomb, were purchased with His blood. If you have ever doubted your worth and that you are loved look to Him. Your sin, debt, and ransom have been paid in full! Why not trust in Him today?

The post Paid in Full appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

“And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:13-14 NKJV

This week’s Torah portion is as exciting as it is perplexing. In Synagogues worldwide, the question will be asked, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” I watched as an Orthodox Rabbi avoided the greatest miracle in the story. Genesis’ plain reading, it seemed for him, was simply too difficult for the Lord to have performed. What miracle, you ask? Was it the opening of a barren womb? No, he believed that was possible. Was it that a promised child would change the course of history? No, that too, he believed. So, what was too hard? He could not accept that it was the LORD who appeared physically, visibly, to eat a meal with Abraham. He argued all three men were angels and proceeded to give their names. Yet, the text clearly says, “The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh…?” But before we judge harshly, let us examine our own unbeliefs.  Perhaps there is more to the Genesis account.

Is anything too hard for the Lord

Who then ate lunch with Abraham? The text calls the man who spoke with Abraham Jehovah. Another clue is given after the meal, however, for those who need more. Jehovah walked with Abraham toward Sodom to discuss the impending judgment.

“And the Lord (Jehovah) said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…?” (Gen. 17:17) Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.” Genesis 17: 22 NKJV

Abraham pleaded for the cities of the plain, Sodom and Gomorrah. At the end of his intercession, The Lord (Jehovah) told Abraham that if just ten righteous are found, He will spare the cities. (Genesis 18:32) When ten could not be found, we see another impossible verse, one noted as early as the 2^nd Century by followers in Yeshua, as a clue to who ate lunch with Abraham.

“Then the Lord (Jehovah) rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord (Jehovah) out of the heavens.” Genesis 19:24 NKJV

There are two named Jehovah in this verse! Jehovah on the earth rained fire down from Jehovah in heaven. How can we explain this? Could it be that the One who ate lunch with Abraham was the “Word” made flesh?  Justyn Martyr, as early as the 2^nd Century, argued that this Jehovah was the very same who had spoken with Abraham, while the other two in human form are identified as angels.

The Eternal Father and Son

What miracle still makes people laugh? That the Creator limited Himself to a form that could be seen and even eat a meal with Abraham. Yet this miracle is not too hard to accept when you understand the nature of the Father and Son.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Genesis 3:16-17 NKJV

It isn’t the miracle of God giving a child to an old couple, opening her closed womb, that causes laughter today.  It is that Yeshua came from a closed (virgin) womb, and was the Word made flesh and dwelled among us which engenders derision. Many laugh when they read the prophecies that God will dwell with men, and that He desires to share His covenant meal of salvation with us.

What challenges the limits of your faith? Have you labeled something too big for God? Like Sarah, are you chuckling over a promise? I encourage you to believe for the impossible. And, if you have not personally met Him, allow Yeshua, the exact representation of the Father, to fellowship with you, as He did with Abraham so long ago. Even now He stands at the door of your heart.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 NKJV

The post Is Anything too Hard for Adonai? appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” Genesis 13:14-17 NKJV

For a moment, we want to focus on God’s powerful promise to Abraham, “Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” Recently I purchased a custom walking stick. At its top sits a beautifully carved pomegranate, recreating the ancient priestly staffs displayed in the Israel museum. Engraved along the side are the Hebrew words “Lech Lecha” (Go forth) that begin this week’s Torah portion and God’s first words to Abraham in Genesis 12:1. Our family loves to walk the land of Israel, stepping through forgotten paths winding across the Judean hills. Hidden gems abound around each curve, like shepherd caves, carved winepresses, and ancient immersion pools fed by natural springs.

Israeli citizens love to explore their inheritance, as God’s Abrahamic promise propels them to rise and explore its rich beauty. But what initially prompted God’s command to “arise and walk”?

Abraham initially set out from Ur and Haran. Once in the Promised Land, he built an altar between Bethel and Ai. (Genesis 12:1-8) However, when famine came, he went down to Egypt, a people, and place beyond Abraham’s promised borders, and there, things did not go well. (Genesis 12:10-13:7) Unfortunately, we do not have time to camp on the dangers of going beyond what God has given us. For now, let us peek over Abraham’s shoulder as he returns to the altar at Bethel to call on the name of the Lord. (Genesis 13:4) You might think that revival came from his prayer time; instead, conflict broke out.

“And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock.” Genesis 13:7 NKJV

I imagine Abraham sitting on a rock, the wind taken out of him as he watches Lot’s disappearing form, likely knowing that Lot was making a terrible decision. And in that moment of discouragement, the Lord spoke these words.

“Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” Genesis 13:17 NKJV

I believe that the Lord has a word for us today. It is time to arise. We have sat discouraged for far too long. There is work to do! Yet, it isn’t enough to arise, we need to lace our boots and walk the length and breadth of our inheritance in Yeshua, our Messiah! What has God promised you?

I. Arise, walk in the Land

The first words to Abraham when leaving Haran were “Go forth” (lech Lecha) – Literally, “going you shall go”. Therefore, it implied that Abraham was actively journeying. Now, Abraham’s posture is one of sitting. Thus, the Lord commanded Abraham to arise.

Similarly, Yeshua spoke to many who had found themselves immobilized. As was said to Abraham, Yeshua said – Arise and walk!

• To the paralytic, He said, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (Luke 5:24).
• To the man with a withered hand, He said, “Arise and stand here…stretch out your hand” (Luke 6:8).
• To the deceased young man being carried, He said, “Arise,” restoring him to his mother. (Luke 7:14-15).
• To Jairus’ dead daughter, He said, “Little girl arise”. (Luke 8:54).
• And to the foreign leper, He said “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19).

I believe the Lord is speaking to many that the time for sitting has ended. It is time to arise. But it is not enough to simply stand; the Lord calls us to walk forward.

II. Arise, walk through its length and width

Around 1980, Archaeologist Adam Zertal surveyed the region near Mt. Ebal and Gilgal. There he found ruins dating to the time of Joshua with an enclosure wall. When photographed from above, they saw that it was shaped like a sandal. Subsequently, more sandal-shaped enclosures were found. But what could they mean?

One theory connects the sandal enclosures to the Abrahamic promise reaffirmed later to Joshua at the time they entered Canaan. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you”? (Joshua 1:3)  Those footprints declared ownership.

Spurgeon, that great preacher of the 19^th Century, noted that the Land of Israel is “The whole earth in miniature”. He is correct! I can drive west from the lush, mountainous, rain-soaked Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea coast in just 45 minutes. However, if I travel the same amount of time east of Jerusalem, I find myself in the hot, barren wilderness of the Dead Sea, which receives just 2 inches of rain a year! North, south, east, and west each bring one to a different climate, all found in this tiny strip of land. It truly is a microcosm of the whole earth, and God called Abraham to explore it all.

Until Abraham heard the command to arise, he likely had explored more of Egypt than his own Promised Land. Yet, do you know the length and breadth of the promises God has given you? Have you explored the glory of His Word, the riches of His Holy Spirit? Do you walk in the power and authority that He has invested in you for your family and community?

In Yeshua, you have a great inheritance

Yeshua’s disciples wondered if they had lost in the bargain to follow Yeshua.

“See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” Matthew 19:28 NKJV

Yeshua gave to them this promise.

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 NKJV

The Lord wants to give you and your descendants salvation, restoration, healing, and eternal life. But two things are necessary – we must arise and walk into that inheritance.

I have met some friends in Israel who prefer to live in the desert and rarely leave. To me, that is boring. And yet we do the same thing in our Spiritual inheritance.   We camp in a fraction of what God wants us to receive.

But now let us look at what has been called Abraham’s “Title Deed”.

III. Arise and walk…for I give it to you

Here we come to what one preacher called the “Title Deed” to Israel. Israel’s claim to the Land is irrevocable and written by the Law Giver and Lord Himself for eternity. But the boundaries have been widened through Yeshua, and the territory expanded. This promise does not replace Abraham’s promise to the natural descendants of Israel. Instead, it expands the promise to the commonwealth of Israel to go into all the world.

The Lord called Abraham to “Go Forth”, saying to you and your descendants I give this land. But Yeshua, the Son of Man, who God has given every tribe and tongue, told His disciples,

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 NKJV

Look at the beauty of this promise to the Son of God, the ultimate inheritor of Abraham’s Promised Land.

“Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6 NKJV

And further, the Lord has said of Yeshua, His servant.

“I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.” Psalm 2: 7-8 NKJV

Conclusion

Yeshua’s inheritance extends far beyond the borders of Eretz Israel to all the world. There are no boundaries or barriers to Him. His gift of salvation is for “whosoever will call on the name of the Lord”. (Romans 10:13)  But how will they call unless they hear, and how shall they believe unless the messengers of that Good News are sent! (Romans 10:14-15).

Followers of Yeshua have an inheritance. Our families have an inheritance. The question is, have we heard the Lord’s call to arise and walk the land?

The first step is to follow Yeshua. You see, He is the ultimate inheritor of the promises of Abraham. And it is too small a thing that He should simply rule the twelve tribes. The Father has given unto Him the nations, and we are called to be Ambassadors of His kingdom. Many in far-off places are still waiting to hear. Now is the time for His people to “Arise and walk the land!

The post Arise and Walk appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:37 NKJV

What made Noah different in his generation? It might be summed in this beautiful phrase – “Noah found grace”. This week, synagogue Torah scrolls will advance to the reading portion called Noah (Genesis 6:9-11:32). There, we are presented with a world that had become corrupt and full of violence. After the unheeded pleadings of Noah, a preacher of righteousness for more than 100 years, the waters of Creation which had receded into the deep, once again engulfed the continents. So what made Noah different in his generation? This week, we want to meditate on the power of grace for your life.

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”  Genesis 6:8 NKJV

Noah’s name is just two Hebrew letters, “nun” and “chet”. The Hebrew for grace are those same two letters reversed (נֹ֕חַ מָ֥צָא חֵ֖ן), an obvious wordplay. But they are also a loving message to anyone striving to please the Lord. But to truly understand God’s love and grace calling man into the Ark, we must internalize the fact that judgment is coming.

These are the Days of Noah

Yeshua, like Noah has issued a warning for the end times  – “as the day’s of Noah were, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man.”  We like to sing, “These are the days of Elijah”, but today looks more like the “days of Noah.” The corruption within the heart of man brazenly shakes its fist to heaven. Along with it is the full expectation that everything will continue as always.   But Yeshua warned it would be this way.

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:38-39 NKJV

Just as the Ark lifted Noah’s family above the flood, the “Son of Man” will lift His Beloved, His family to the Heavens.

“Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”  Matthew 24:40-42 NKJV

This Son of Man (Yeshua) will come on the clouds. The sound of a great trumpet will announce His appearing, but who will be able to stand in that day? The story of Noah is not simply one of judgment, it is a message of mercy. In a moment, the twinkling of an eye, the Messiah will appear to hide His beloved. Isaiah may well be alluding to this when he says,

“Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past.” Isaiah 26:20 NKJV

These are the Days of Grace

But how shall we merit escape? Only by the mercy and grace of God! That brings us back to the Hebraic gem of a wordplay, “Noah found grace”. Let me put it differently, Noah found unmerited favor in God’s sight! Grace is not needed for those who are perfect. As strange as it may seem, some Jewish commentaries note that Genesis may well be drawing attention to Noah’s shortcomings by saying he was “blameless in his generation”. In other words, Noah was blameless compared to those around him. Noah fought to please God while others rebelled. And yet, only by God’s grace was Noah’s family saved.

Here is a word of encouragement for those struggling for sanctification. Perfect people DO NOT need grace! We all need the mercy and grace provided by Yeshua’s atoning death. May we walk upright in our generation, eagerly looking for the coming of the “Son of Man”, and like Noah, may you “find grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

The post As the Days of Noah appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

“And God called the light day and He called the darkness night. And it was evening, and it was morning – one day.” Genesis 1:5

Why does Creation start with evening before morning, moving from formless to form, darkness to light? September 25^th began the New Year of 5783 on the Jewish calendar. And with it, rewinding of the scroll to read Genesis’ account of a world covered in primordial water and blanketed in darkness. But into that tohu v’vohu (formless and void) the Spirit of God hovered. If you have read this far, you are close to discovering a powerful truth evident in Hebrew but often lost in translation. A truth with implications for your world today.

Evening’s Chaos – Morning’s Order

At Creation, light and darkness were mixed. How such co-existed according to physics is a mystery. And yet, the first seven days were each punctuated by, “And it was evening, and it was morning”. These statements, like waves, crashed upon the shore of Creation, bringing chaos into order, separating day and night, land and water, male and female.

In his book “The Science of God”, Jewish Physicist Gerald Schroeder describes the Hebrew words for evening and morning from a Jewish perspective.

“The Hebrew word for evening is erev. The root of erev is disorder, mixture, chaos. The Hebrew word for morning is boker, its root being orderly, able to be discerned…the Bible described a step-by-step flow from disorder (erev) to order (boker); from the plasma of the big bang to the harmony of life.” Dr. Gerald Schroeder

This understanding is not new; Jewish exegetes have long discussed the fuller definition of erev as a mixture of light with darkness in Genesis. As commentaries note, the Hebrew word for the place where the sun sets, the west, is “ma’arav” from erev! And as all drivers can attest, the con-fusion of light and darkness at evenings twilight is the most dangerous time for accidents.

As we enter this new Jewish year, we see the enemy’s attempt to confuse Creation by mixing good and evil and distorting the natural order. However, be encouraged, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace”. (I Corinthians 14:33) Adonai is still discerning, dividing, and bringing definition to our lives. His boker of morning rays brings clarity, and His Spirit still hovers over our darkness to bring healing and restoration.

May you know that clarity and peace from the Holy Spirit indwelling your life.

The post And It Was Evening and Morning appeared first on Rock of Revelation.