Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
May the time not be distant, O GOD, when YOUR HOLY NAME shall be
worshipped in all the earth, when unbelief shall disappear and error be
no more.

OUR KINSMAN REDEEMER
"In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD
was GOD." [John 1. 1]

The LORD JESUS is "GOD THE WORD" WHO was from the beginning. And when
"the fullness of the time had come, GOD sent forth HIS SON, born of a
woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, that
we might receive the adoption as sons." [Galatians 4. 4 - 5]

Since sin separates us from GOD'S holiness, we needed a SINLESS REDEEMER
to pay the price for our salvation. The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH became
that "one MEDIATOR between GOD and men, the MAN CHRIST JESUS, WHO gave
HIMSELF a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." [1 Timothy 2. 5
- 6] GOD THE WORD became MAN to accomplish and fulfill the
requirements of the Law: "If a resident alien among you becomes rich,
and one of your kinsman who dwells by him becomes poor, and gives
himself to the resident alien among you, or to a member of the alien's
family, he may be redeemed again even after he has sold himself over.
One of his KINSMEN SHALL redeem him." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 25. 47 - 48
Tanakh, Torah]

"For we do not have a HIGH PRIEST who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."
[Hebrews 4. 15] The LORD JESUS, the GOD/MAN, "had to be made like HIS
brethren, that HE might be a merciful and faithful HIGH PRIEST in things
pertaining to GOD, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For
in that HE HIMSELF has suffered, being tempted, HE is able to aid those
who are tempted." [Hebrews 2. 17 - 18] "The SON OF GOD has come and
has given us an understanding, that we may know HIM WHO is true; and we
are in HIM WHO is true, in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. This is the TRUE GOD
and ETERNAL LIFE." [1 John 5. 20] MESSIAH YESHUA is "the GRACE OF GOD
that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly in the present age." [Titus 2. 11 - 12]

To find this AMAZING GRACE, we must "turn back to YOU, O LORD, and we
will be restored" [Lamentations/ Ekhah 5. 21]; come humbly to the BLESSED
SAVIOR, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, confess your sins, and receive
HIS mercy and forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "
[1 John 1. 9]

So, "let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4. 16] Our LOVING
REDEEMER awaits and invites whosoever will— "Come!"

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Praised is YOUR HOLY NAME, O LORD GOD. YOU have made YOUR eternal law
our portion, and gave us a goodly heritage. YOU appointed us to proclaim
YOUR truth to the nations and to win them for YOUR Law of Righteousness.
Sanctify us for the service to which YOU called us, O HEAVENLY FATHER,
that YOUR NAME may be hallowed through us in all the world. Gather all
YOUR children around YOUR banner of truth that YOUR praise may resound
from one end of the earth to the other, and that the entire human family
may be blessed with truth and peace!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
My blindness is often reassured by what I don't know.

FLESH & BONES
"Behold MY hands and MY feet, that it is I MYSELF. Handle ME and see,
for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." [Luke 24.
39]

Many deny the bodily resurrection of the LORD JESUS. However, MESSIAH
YESHUA HIMSELF answered those who say it was a spiritual resurrection.
At first HIS disciples thought they were seeing "HIS SPIRIT" — but
then HE showed them the scars of the spikes that had pierced HIS hands
and feet. Furthermore, HE ate a fish and honeycomb before them. [Luke
24. 37, 40, 42] The disciples could no longer doubt the reality of HIS
BODILY resurrection. JESUS, the PIERCED ONE will always bear those
scars, however, even in HIS glorified body. HOLY SCRIPTURE proclaims
that when HE comes again, "they will look on HIM WHOM they had pierced."
[Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Behold, HE is coming
with clouds and every eye will see HIM, and they also that pierced HIM;
and all tribes of the earth shall mourn BECAUSE of HIM. Even so, Amen."
[Revelation 1. 7] YESHUA'S SPIRIT never did die, so HIS SPIRIT could
not be resurrected.

YESHUA, the SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD used the words — Flesh & Bone —
instead of "Flesh & Blood" when HE spoke to HIS disciples. JESUS'
precious blood had been shed on the cross as the price of our
redemption. "You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver
or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your
fathers, but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot." [1 Peter 1. 18 - 19] "For the life of the
flesh is in the blood — I have given it to you for making atonement
for your lives upon the altar; it is the blood, as life, that makes
atonement." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] Now our life is
in the LORD MESSIAH alone. Our BLESSED REDEEMER said, "I am the WAY,
the TRUTH and the LIFE." [John 14. 6]

Our own resurrected bodies shall be like YESHUA'S glorious body [1
John 3.2; Philippians 3. 21] when "the dead shall be raised
incorruptible, and we shall be changed" [1 Corinthians 15. 52] to be
like HIM forever. How abundant are the reasons for our thanks to the
ETERNAL GOD OF TRUTH for the many precious gifts HE continues to HIS own
dear children!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Thank YOU LORD GOD for filling the heart with marvelous joy and peace,
for giving us strength of faith in YOU for even greater tasks. Our
confidence rests solely in YOU, our GREAT, ETERNAL, WONDERFUL LORD.
YOURS, O LORD, is the greatness and the power, the glory, and the
victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and in the
earth is YOURS; YOURS is the Kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted above
all. YOU are the LIFE of all, the HELP of those that flee to YOU, the
HOPE of those who cry to YOU. Cleanse us from our sins, secret and open,
and from every thought displeasing to YOUR goodness — purify our
bodies and souls, our hearts and consciences, that with a pure heart,
and a clear soul, with perfect love and calm hope, we may venture
confidently and fearlessly to pray to YOU. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.



Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Unless we remember, we cannot understand. [Edward Morgan Foster]
The ALMIGHTY ONE, blessed be HE, commanded us to remember because it is
only by treasuring the messages of the past that we can understand the
present and hope for a more blessed future.

INFALLIBLE PROOFS
"To whom HE also presented HIMSELF alive after HIS suffering by many
infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of
the things pertaining to the KINGDOM OF GOD." [Acts 1. 3]

Believing in the deity of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was not simple blind faith
or a wishful hope, to CHRIST'S followers — but genuine reliable
evidence. Only GOD OMNIPOTENT could defeat death and they knew beyond
all doubt, that the LORD JESUS — GOD THE SON — had RISEN BODILY
from the tomb. They had seen HIM, talked with HIM, touched HIM and even
eaten with HIM…alone, in crowds, in closed rooms and out in the
open. [Luke 24. 36 - 44]

"Infallible Proofs" literally and precisely means, many measures or
confirmable evidences of certainty — and this phrase is used only
this one time in HOLY SCRIPTURE. The inspired, inerrant WORD OF GOD
applies the term, "infallible proofs" only to the RESURRECTION of
MESSIAH YESHUA, which is fascinatingly noteworthy. It is not
overstating the fact to say that MESSIAH'S RESURRECTION IS THE MOST
CERTAIN FACT IN ALL HISTORY, and many prominent volumes have been
written establishing such evidences. Without question, the Apostle
Peter could knowingly say, "We have not followed cunningly devised
fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our LORD JESUS
CHRIST, but were eyewitnesses of HIS MAJESTY." [2 Peter 1. 16]

John the Apostle, whom the MASTER loved, testified saying — "The
life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to
you that eternal life which was with the FATHER and was manifested to
us." [1 John 1. 2] John not only saw the BELOVED ANOINTED ONE in HIS
RESURRECTED BODY but in HIS GLORIFIED BODY as well, and heard MESSIAH
YESHUA proclaim: "I am HE WHO lives, and was dead, and behold, I am
alive forevermore. Amen! And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
[Revelation 1. 18]

Like the first CHRISTians, we must believe to receive salvation, "if you
confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that
GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved." [Romans 10. 9]
And, our PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER promises that "if the SPIRIT OF HIM
WHO raised JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE WHO raised CHRIST from
the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT
WHO dwells in you." [Romans 8. 11]

This faith is not unwarranted or without foundation, it is a most
reasonable faith, based on Many Infallible Proofs, and we can trust the
risen LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH completely with our eternal souls.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
The REDEEMER OF ZION, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL is the CREATOR & REDEEMER,
blessed be HE. Consider and know, see and understand that HE has chosen
you. HE will never forsake or reject HIS own. Even when we pass through
valleys of trial, HE provides everlasting joy and perfect peace through
it all.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.



Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Hear counsel and receive instructions that you may be wise and consider
your latter end.

HE IS RISEN
"HE is not here; He is risen! as HE said. COME! see the place where the
LORD lay." [Matthew 28. 6]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH spoke frequently that HIS death was
drawing near, and also proclaimed that HE would rise from the dead.
[Matthew 17. 22 - 23] Likewise, HIS cruel persecutors knew of this and
tried to stop it by placing guards at the tomb. [Matthew 27. 63 - 66]

The death of MESSIAH YESHUA, the BLAMELESS, PERFECT LAMB OF GOD, should
have been no surprise. The LORD JESUS had frequently escaped attempts
on HIS life. King Herod tried to kill the PRINCE OF PEACE when HE was a
BABY. [Matthew 2. 16] Satan tried to persuade HIM to jump from the
pinnacle of the Temple. [Matthew 4. 6] The people of Nazareth attempted
to throw HIM over a cliff [Luke 4. 29]; and the Pharisees sought to kill
HIM on several different occasions.

JESUS, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD came from heaven to earth to die!
But, CHRIST'S death had to be a special death. HE was "the LAMB OF GOD
slain from the foundation of the world." [Revelation 13. 8] YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH came to do the "will of the FATHER" which included HIS
sacrificial death and HIS triumphant resurrection to win the victory
over hell and death. "I am HE WHO lives, and was dead, and behold, I
am alive forevermore. Amen! And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
[Revelation 1. 18] At exactly the right time the PIERCED ONE, the MAN
OF SORROWS, did die bearing our sins on the Cross of Calvary. Then
MESSIAH, JESUS OF NAZARETH, rose victoriously, just as HE said HE would!

Even in the LORD JESUS' empty tomb, HE left the sign that HE was "risen,
but would COME AGAIN." When Peter and John ran to the tomb after
hearing from Miryam (Mary) Magdalene that the tomb was empty, they both
ran to the tomb and "found the linen cloths lying there, and the napkin
that was on HIS face was not lying with the linen cloths, but folded
together in a place by itself...and when the other disciple (John), came
to the tomb...he saw and believed." [John 20. 1 - 10]

To understand this completely, one must know the Jewish custom of
folding the napkin after a meal. This is done as a silent way of telling
to the host/hostess that you are "thankful for the meal" and "hope
for another invitation to dine" — in other words, they would come
again. The Jewish LORD, MESSIAH YESHUA knew this custom and was
telling HIS followers, even using these burial wrappings, that HE would
come again. O, if only the rocks would have cried out, they would
proclaim the same.

The resurrection cannot be over emphasized for apart from JESUS'
Resurrection, we have no assurance of HIS deity, no forgiveness of sins,
nor life eternal. "IF CHRIST is not risen, your faith is delusive; you
are still in your sins!" [1 Corinthians 15. 17] "HE (MESSIAH YESHUA),
was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our
justification. " [Romans 4. 25]

The enemies of the cross knew this and are still seeking to destroy the
BREAD OF LIFE, denying HIS incarnation and virgin birth. Mentally,
priests and peoples still crucify the risen LORD OF GLORY and set guards
over HIS grave, declaring HIM to be dead. But, "HALLELUYAH! HE IS
RISEN!" We are assured of this fact — it is the skeptics,
unbelievers, arrogant gossips and contemptuous tale bearer that are the
ones on trial now. They must come by way of the Cross of Calvary for
salvation through the precious shed blood of the BLESSED REDEEMER, or
they will be cast into eternal darkness where there will be wailing,
weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But we who know the BELOVED SAVIOR can celebrate together because our
GOD lives, rules, and reigns forevermore!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
WELCOME LORD YESHUA! HE IS RISEN! Not the grave nor any other power on
earth could hold HIM, LORD OF THE SABBATH, the PRINCE OF PEACE, the KING
OF GLORY!
May we live as willingly for HIM as HE joyously laid down HIS life for
us! Oh the love of JESUS — truly there is light & joy, gladness &
honour for the people of GOD, our GOD reigns victoriously! HalleluYAH!
Praise HIS Dear Name forever.
With the ending of Sabbath, comes the Dawn of the New Day for our Lord
is alive and reigning forevermore! HalleluYAH to the King!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The evidence of two witnesses is as good as that of one hundred.

EYE WITNESSES
"Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the
LORD JESUS went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John
to that day when HE was taken up from us, one of these must become a
witness with us of HIS resurrection. " [Acts 1. 21 - 22]

The most important event since creation itself was the Resurrection of
the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, and it was vital that the witness of HIS
chosen apostles focus especially on this great event. They must believe
with confidence in HIS BODILY resurrection, having been with HIM
throughout HIS ministry, heard HIS predictions of HIS death and
resurrection, then seen the infallible proofs, especially the empty tomb
and HIS post-resurrection appearances. All the original eleven
disciples and the chosen replacement for Judas, namely Matthias,
satisfied these requirements, as well as Saul (who became Paul) later
on.

After the coming of the promised HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD at Pentecost
(Hebrew: Shavuoth), "with great power the apostles gave witness to the
resurrection of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA. And great grace was upon them
all." [Acts 4. 33] The resurrection proved that YESHUA OF NAZARETH was
GOD THE CREATOR, SAVIOR & REDEEMER due to the fact that ONLY THE CREATOR
OF LIFE COULD DEFEAT DEATH.

Paul saw the risen LORD on the road to Damascus and was taught of HIM
for three years in Arabia. [Galatians 1. 15 - 18] "Am I not an
Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen JESUS CHRIST our LORD? are you
not my work in the LORD?" [1 Corinthians 9. 1] Only those who had seen
the risen REDEEMING ONE and had been specifically chosen by HIM could be
accurate, reliable and factual — Apostles — for they must be
credible witnesses of HIS resurrection. And, they were!

Peter's eyewitness account: "We are witnesses of all things which HE
(CHRIST JESUS) did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, WHOM
they killed by hanging on a tree. HIM, GOD raised up on the third day,
and showed HIM openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen
before by GOD, even to us who ate and drank with HIM after HE arose from
the dead." [Acts 10. 39 - 41]

Paul's witness was: "GOD raised HIM (YESHUA) from the dead. HE was seen
for many days by those who came up with HIM from Galilee to Jerusalem,
who are HIS witnesses to the people. And we declare to you glad tidings
— that "PROMISE" which was made to the fathers. GOD has fulfilled
this for us their children, in that HE has raised up JESUS." [Acts 13.
30 - 33] "Then last of all HE was seen by me also, as by one born out
of due time." [1 Corinthians 15. 8; also 1 - 11]

The Apostles were true eyewitnesses of MESSIAH YESHUA'S resurrection and
multitudes have received eternal salvation because they believed their
report. Thank you, OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for JESUS, YOUR
"INDESCRIBABLE GIFT" to us!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Our beloved and delightful brethren, our joy and crown, we encourage you
to stand fast in the risen LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.
May our Heavenly Father hear our prayers; that our long-awaited Messiah,
the Son of David, King of kings comes quickly. And, may His Holy Temple
be rebuilt speedily, even in our day.
Celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread. . . L'Chayim - To Life!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Coincidences happen when GOD chooses to remain anonymous.

THE NINTH HOUR
"And about the ninth hour MESSIAH YESHUA cried out with a loud voice,
saying— ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI? — that is — MY GOD, MY
GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?" [Matthew 27. 46]

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the SIN-LESS LAMB OF GOD, at the zenith of suffering
for the sins of the world uttered this desolate cry at the ninth hour,
for this was the time of the regular evening sacrifice, as well as the
time of evening prayers for the Israelite people.

At the ninth hour is when Elijah prayed, on Mount Karem'El, to the MOST
HOLY ONE against the prophets of Baal, and GOD, the MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB,
answered by fire from heaven. [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 18. 36 - 39]
Ezra's great prayer of confession and intercession also happened at this
same hour [Ezra/Ezra 9. 5] and a wonderful renewal and awakening with
the LORD GOD followed among the covenant people of Israel. When Daniel
uttered his own prayer of confession and intercession "about the time of
the evening offering" [Daniel/Danyel 9. 21], GOD OMNIPOTENT sent the
Angel Gabriel to answer his prayer.

In the NEW COVENANT, "Peter and John went up together to the temple at
the hour of prayer, the ninth hour" [Acts 3. 1], and the result was the
first apostolic miracle. Cornelius was the first Gentile convert to
LORD JESUS, WHO was praying "about the ninth hour of the day" [Acts 10.
3] when he, like Daniel, received a visit from an Angel of GOD to tell
him to send for Peter, who would introduce him to MESSIAH.

At the ninth hour, GOD the RIGHTEOUS ONE answered all these recorded
prayers, at the time of the daily evening sacrifices. However, when
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH prayed, the HEAVENLY FATHER did not answer since HE
had forsaken HIS OWN SON.

"ELOI, ELOI, lama sabachthani? " [Mark 15. 34] was the cry of the LORD
JESUS CHRIST, the MAN OF SORROWS. HE knew! And now we know that it was
simply because HE "loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me." [Galatians 2. 20]
MESSIAH'S love is greater then can be measured, but it can be
ascertained by the cross and separation from the FATHER, so HE "was made
a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with
glory and honor, that HE, by the grace of GOD, might taste death for
everyone." [Hebrews 2. 9] The LORD, MESSIAH YESHUA, died of a broken
heart. . . that we might live. Such incredible love!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, (Holy! Holy! Holy!)
Adonai Elohim SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY)
Asher Hayah Va-ho-veh VaY'vo (WHO was and is and is to come!)
At Passover, remember that we who were saved from our enslavement and
bondage to sin are blessed to have the loving support of a CARING GOD
WHO is Personally involved in our lives. Praise to the LAMB OF GOD WHO
took our sins away, paying the price that we might be redeemed back to
HIM. What a MARVELOUS SAVIOR HE is!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.


Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Labor is a craft; but perfect rest is an art. [Avraham Joshua Herschel]

CORDS & NAILS
"The LORD is GOD; HE has given us light; bind the sacrifice (festival
offering) to the horns of the Altar with cords." [Psalms (Tehillym) 118.
27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Some suggest and believe the nails were driven in MESSIAH'S wrists
(Hebrew: perakim chaph ha'yad). The term used in SCRIPTURE, however, is
the simply Hebrew word "yad" meaning "hand, hands." Along with the nailS
that pierced YESHUA'S hands, HE was bound to the horns of HIS altar
(rugged wooden cross) with cords. Those cords were intensely strong,
braided twines of:

LOVE (Power): "Now before the Feast of Passover, when JESUS knew HIS
hour had come that HE should depart from this world to the FATHER,
having loved HIS OWN who were in the world, HE loved them to the end."
[John 13. 1]

OBEDIENCE (Protection) : "No one takes it (HIS life) from ME, but I lay
it down of MYSELF. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take
it again. This command I have received from MY FATHER." [John 10. 18]
"And being found in appearance as a man, HE humbled HIMSELF and became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
[Philippines 2. 8]

GODLY ZEAL (Help): "I have become a stranger to MY brothers and an
alien to MY Mother's children; because zeal for YOUR House has eaten me
up, and the reproaches of those who reproach YOU have fallen on ME."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 69. 8 - 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Then HIS disciples
remembered that it was written— Zeal for YOUR House has eaten ME
up." [John 2. 17]

JOY SET BEFORE HIM (Strength): "Looking unto JESUS, the AUTHOR and
FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured
the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of
the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 2]

The RISEN MESSIAH spoke of the prints of the nailS that were put in HIS
hands when Thomas doubted that HE had raised from the dead and had been
seen by others. "The other disciples therefore said to him (Thomas)
—We have seen the LORD. But Thomas said to them— Unless I see
in HIS hands the print of the nailS, and put my finger into the print of
the nailS, and put my hand into HIS side, I will not believe." [John 20.
25]

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the ROCK OF ISRAEL, died for us with out-stretched
arms, that HE might pay the full price to redeem HIS people. Just as in
the OLD COVENANT, the ALMIGHTY CREATOR GOD stretched-out HIS arms and
delivered HIS people, Israel from Egypt with great signs and wonders.
With HIS great and mighty arm, the MOST HOLY LORD GOD rescued, Israel.
"The LORD brought us out from Egypt by a mighty hand, with an
outstretched arm and awesome power, and with signs and wonders."
[Deuteronomy (Devarim) 26. 8 Tanakh, Torah] There is nothing too hard or
difficult for our GREAT & MIGHTY GOD, KING OF ALL AGES!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May your ever-growing faith grant you the privilege to witness and
experience the marvelous miracle of being delivered from the yoke of
slavery to sin.
The sword comes into the world because of justice being delayed, because
of justice being perverted, and because of those who render wrong
decisions.
Keep Israel diligently in your protective prayers as the struggle
continues; and may their eyes be opened and behold their MESSIAH.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.


Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Something is only dangerous if you're not prepared for it.

BURIED WITH HIM
"Therefore we were buried with HIM through baptism into death, that just
as MESSIAH YESHUA was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
FATHER, even so we also should (shall) walk in newness of life." [Romans
6. 4]

The burial of the CRUCIFIED MESSIAH, after HIS death, was extremely
important for two reasons. First, it assures us that JESUS' death was
a physical death and that HIS resurrection was a bodily resurrection.
Secondly, like MESSIAH'S death and resurrection — HIS burial has
intense doctrinal and practical significance for the believer's
individual life. All this is pictured by the ordinance of baptism,
displaying symbolically the death of the LORD JESUS for sin and the
death of the believer to sin, then the burial of the corruptible body of
flesh (which, for all but CHRIST, returns to dust in accordance with
GOD'S curse). And finally, the resurrection, demonstrating the RISEN
ONE'S eternal victory over sin and death; and, in the case of the
believer, the beginning of a new life in the LORD YESHUA.

The same truth appears again, "Buried with HIM (YESHUA) in baptism, in
which you also were raised with HIM through faith in the working of GOD
(the FATHER), WHO has raised HIM (YESHUA, GOD'S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON)
from the dead." [Colossians 2. 12] The spiritual truths of Messiah
Jesus' burial saturates Scriptures. If our old bodies of sin are, at
least positionally, already in the grave, then it is altogether hideous
for them still to be walking around in sin. "For if we have been united
together in the likeness of HIS death, certainly we also shall be in the
likeness of HIS resurrection. " [Roman 6. 5] We shall walk in newness of
life triumphant daily over sin through the deep-rooted, unshakable
resurrection life of our AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL REDEEMER, LORD & SAVIOR.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
YOURS, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, the glory, and the
victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in the earth
belongs to YOU; YOURS is the kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted as
head above all.
"Kumi Ori —Arise & Shine!" Stay alert for such a time as this, keep
watching and praying. Blessings to all who love Zion!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

ALABASTER FLASK
"And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as HE (YESHUA)
sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly
oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on HIS head."
[Mark 14. 3]

Matthew and John also tell of this incident and we discover that this
woman is none other than Miryam (Mary) sister to Lazarus (whom YESHUA
raised from the dead) and Martha, daughter of Simon the leper. In
John's account, we learn also that she is the same woman who "anointed
the feet of JESUS, and wiped them with her hair; and the house was
filled with the odor of the ointment." [John 12. 3]

For this loving act of worship, the LORD YESHUA affirmed —
"Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this GOSPEL is preached in the whole
world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."
[Matthew 26. 13] The alabaster flask was broken, never to be used
again. Freely, enthusiastically, generously and fittingly Miryam
(Mary) poured the precious oil over her SAVIOR from HIS head to HIS
feet, anointing HIS whole body. In reality, she was performing a
priestly function by her actions. However, she went even further. . .
when the oils had run down to HIS feet, she wiped them dry with her long
hair. What impressive, amazing, intense love!

At this, the disciples were shocked and called it wasteful; but YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a
good work for ME...she has done what she could. She has come beforehand
to anoint MY BODY for burial." [Mark 14. 6, 8]

Unknown to them, in just one week the body of this SUFFERING SERVANT
would be laid in a tomb, anointed with myrrh instead of spikenard, and
wrapped in burial linens instead of Miryam's beautiful hair. But YESHUA
knew, and Miryam had "done what she could" to show, with honest and open
sincerity, her love for her WONDERFUL LOVING REDEEMER. It cost her
dearly — not only in material possessions, but in sacrificing her
pride and self-esteem; and the BELOVED LORD was honored, as it should
be. Miryam (Mary) did what she could for her LORD & SAVIOR to
demonstrate her love; a small thing perhaps, but that act was
significant and the moment was one that counted. Have we so loved our
WONDERFUL & AWESOME GOD?

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
We greet you and wish you many abundant blessings this
Passover-Resurrecti on Season!
May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled &
glorified, adored & exalted above all else. Blessed are YOU, LORD GOD
beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered
in this world. May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us
and to all Israel, Amen!
"Have A Blessed Passover!" to our family of friends.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible
warning.

HO'SHANNAH
"Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out
saying, "Ho'Shannah to the SON OF DAVID! Blessed is HE WHO comes in the
NAME OF THE LORD! Ho'Shannah in the highest!" [Matthew 21. 9]

This Psalm-in-chorus is one of the many MESSIANIC Psalms. The plea,
"Ho'Shannah" means "save now." The shout of the crowd was literal and
exact as YESHUA ha'MASHIACH entered Jerusalem for HIS last week of
public ministry. Even though the multitudes now were shouting HIS
adoration, there were many who would be calling for HIS crucifixion just
a few days later. As they gladly received HIM into Jerusalem that day,
little did they understand that they were fulfilling an ancient
prophecy, "Ho'Shannah! Save now, I pray, O LORD! O LORD let us prosper!
May HE WHO enters be blessed in the NAME OF THE LORD; we bless you from
the House of David" [Psalms/Tehillym 118. 25-26] they cried.

The gathered multitude of common people were acknowledging YESHUA as the
promised MESSIAH, the SON of David; and the chief priests and scribes
were indignant and furiously irate at this and asked HIM, "Do YOU hear
what these are saying? — And JESUS said to them — "Yes! Have you
never read — Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have
perfected praise?" [Matthew 21. 15 - 16] This had also been predicted
in the Psalms, "The STONE that the builders rejected has become the
HEAD CORNERSTONE. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our
sight." [Psalms (Tehillym) 118. 22 - 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

As a result of this denial by the principal leaders of HIS people,
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH wept over Jerusalem and was forced to prophesy its
coming judgment, once again quoting an ancient prophecy, "O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent
to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen
gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! your
house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see ME no
more till you say — Blessed is HE WHO comes in the NAME OF THE
LORD!" [Matthew 23. 37 - 39]

One glorious day, and that very soon, the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA will be
revealed as the great HEAD CORNERSTONE and all HIS people will
acknowledge HIM as LORD. While there is still time, the proper prayer
for each unsaved person to pray today is still — "Ho'Shannah! Save
now, O LORD." Perhaps tomorrow, but assuredly soon, the time will come
when the LORD JESUS CHRIST indeed will return. But, for those who do
not repent, it will be too late and they will perish.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
May protecting wings arch over each of you as we daily commit our lives
into the mighty hands of the LORD JESUS. Thanks be to GOD WHO loved us
so HE gave HIS SON to take our sins away and set us free from the
bondage of sin! HalleluYAH!
A blessed Pesach (Passover) to all of you.
Love — in Messiah's service,
Rabbi Del & Rifkah

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.


Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Our life is a vessel formed for two functions; one is to hold, the other
is to pour.

WHAT PASSOVER IS (Part 2 of 2)
Everything was ready for GOD to speak. A LITTLE BABY, a LAMB, was born
in a stable. HE was the first-born, an unblemished male. It was a
perfect place for this LAMB to appear, and it seemed that the ALMIGHTY
was making HIS purpose known to those who loved HIM and wanted to know
HIM, those whose eyes were fixed on the COMING ONE. This LAMB was
gently laid in a manger where animals come to feed. There among the
other newborn lambs this LITTLE BABY gave HIS first cry. Then angels
spoke to men and one was heard to say "You shall call HIS NAME
YESHUA (JESUS)" for it is HE WHO will save HIS people from their sins."
[Matthew 1. 21]

Time passed quickly and in three-and-a- half-years from the beginning of
HIS ministry, a group of people had gathered and followed HIM to
Jerusalem. The crowd was greatly excited with HIS coming shouting
and rejoicing! At last, THE COMING ONE, THE KING had arrived to
deliver them! No one noticed the shepherds leading the sheep from the
Tower of the Flock in the small town of Bethlehem toward Jerusalem. It
was the 10th day of Nisan, when they were "each one to take a lamb for
themselves.. .an unblemished male." As the LAMB entered the Gates of
Jerusalem led by a throng of people, the Passover lambs were being led
into Jerusalem in preparation for the Passover Feast. Everyone knew
that the way to be redeemed was to sacrifice a lamb, as the prophets had
called HIM, "your REDEEMER, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL" but they had
forgotten.

The ONE in WHOM dwelt all the fullness of deity in bodily form was
facing the Serpent (Satan) preparing to destroy his evil works.
The blood sacrifice had been a symbol of this final,
once-for-all- sacrifice which would redeem mankind from the curse of sin
and death. Utterly defenseless, like a lamb led to the slaughter,
MESSIAH YESHUA offered HIMSELF as a ransom, an offering, a sacrifice for
sin and sinners. This PASSOVER VICTIM became the SACRIFICE of the NEW
COVENANT which was for all men.

The LAMB died, wearing a crown of thorns! Men placed a sign over HIS
head on the Altar\Cross "JESUS OF NAZARETH, KING OF THE JEWS" it
appeared in the languages of all peoples. The heavens rolled up and
darkness covered the earth. A strangeness beyond understanding existed,
nothing like it had ever happened before.

On the first LORD'S DAY, a GREATER LIGHT began to dawn. The time was
right, heaven and earth were prepared. History records that the Temple
was later destroyed and has never been rebuilt, the priesthood ended,
sacrifices could no longer be offered, and genealogical records were
destroyed…and the scattering of the people was total. The ancients
had demanded that the COMING ONE present proper credentials; moreover
after the great dispersion in AD 70, it would have been impossible.

The LAMB OF GOD, standing on the altar as if slain, described as
innocent, meek and mild, represented the emblem most suited to the
MESSIAH OF ISRAEL. There were many types of sacrifices in the OLD
COVENANT, most were due and belonged to GOD ALMIGHTY. All the lambs
that had been slain from Moses to MESSIAH YESHUA, lambs without number,
were always men's lambs. They were men's provision for sin. But this
LAMB was unique, this LAMB was different, this LAMB was GOD'S LAMB,
GOD'S PROVISION. This BELOVED, HIGHLY TREASURED ONE was voluntary, this
was GOD giving of HIS OWN.

All Passover sacrifice lambs were to be the firstborn, without blemish
or spot, whose blood was to be applied to the doorways as protection
from the Angel of Death.

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was the FIRSTBORN LAMB, from the line of David,
without sin, beyond reproach, WHOSE blood over our hearts and lives will
protect us from GOD'S righteous judgment. Through the applied blood of
GOD'S PERFECT PASSOVER LAMB we are spared again and for all time,
and granted new life and freedom in the Promised Land.

Our LOVING HOLY GOD sacrificed HIS ONLY LAMB on the Altar of the Cross.
Those wooden beams became the doorpost for the world's home whereon the
LAMB'S blood was spilled. GOD promised to "Pass Over" us from HIS
Judgment of Death as we are willing to stand under its protection. This
is what we remember and why we celebrate Passover year-after-year; and
spiritually, day-by-day. We are a blessed people in that our LORD GOD,
CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE left us such festivals to remember HIM by until
HE comes again. Thank YOU, LORD GOD for such amazing grace and
magnanimous love!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
There is light and joy, gladness and honor for all of GOD'S people
as we bid farewell to Sabbath ha'Gadol, may the HOLY ONE bless and
fill you with HIS Holy Commandments and call us to occupy ourselves with
the LIFE-GIVING WORDS OF TORAH. And, may your ever-growing faith grant
you the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of
being delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin.
Blessings to each of you this Passover/Resurrecti on Season and always.
Wishing you a blessed week filled with the sweetness of Sabbath. halom!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Inside each of us is a Pharaoh — inside every Pharaoh is a slave
— inside every slave is a Moses.

WHAT PASSOVER IS (Part 1 of 2)
From the beginning of time OMNIPOTENT GOD has been saying to men—
There is no way to approach ME except by coming with a lamb. Sacrifice
was ordained by our HOLY LORD GOD and instituted by HIM in the
beginning. Adam and Eve had never seen death, they didn't know what it
was like. When they disobeyed the MASTER CREATOR, HE sacrificed a lamb
to make a covering for them to hide their nakedness. ["Lambs will
provide you with clothing." — Proverbs/Mishle 27. 26 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]

When the ALMIGHTY ONE tested Abraham, HE said, "Take now your son, your
only son, whom you love, Isaac; and go to the Land of Moriah and offer
him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will
tell you." And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it
on Isaac, his son, and the two of them walked on together. Isaac
questioned his father, "Where is the lamb for the offering?" Abraham
replied —"GOD HIMSELF will provide the LAMB for the burnt offering,
my son." [Genesis/Bereshith 22. 2, 7 – 8] Abraham laid Isaac on the
wood on the altar and raised his hand to slay him — but the LORD
ETERNAL sent HIS Angel to stop the sacrifice and provided a substitute,
a ram caught in the thicket by its horns.

Abraham's descendants through Isaac became a great nation. In the land
of Egypt, the FAITHFUL PROVIDER said to HIS servant, Moses — "The
LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This shall mark for
you the beginning of months; it shall be the first of the months of the
year for you. Speak to all the congregation of Israel and say that on
the tenth of this month each of them shall take a lamb to a family...a
lamb to a household. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a yearling
male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep
watch over it until the fourteenth day of this month; and all the
assembled congregation of the Israelites shall slaughter it at twilight.
They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and
the lintel of the houses in which they eat it...and THE BLOOD SHALL BE A
SIGN FOR YOU ON THE HOUSES WHERE YOU LIVE; AND WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD I
WILL PASS OVER YOU. For I will go through the land of Egypt on that
night, and will strike down all the first-born in the land of Egypt,
both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute
judgments — I am the LORD. Now this day will be a memorial for all
the children of Israel, and you shall celebrate it as a FEAST to the
LORD throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent
ordinance." [Exodus/Shemot 12]

One day, the ALMIGHTY SOVEREIGN GOD called to Moses: "Come up to ME on
the mountain — and Moses entered the midst of the cloud." When he
returned his face shone because of his time spend with the GOD OF
HEAVEN. The Law of the ETERNAL ONE had been revealed to man. This Law
was personally engraved by the LORD SUPREME. The LOVING GOD OF
CREATION, WHO is holy, had set forth requirements that must be met
before HE could show mercy. Sin must be punished, either in person or by
a substitute. Lambs, goats, and rams were Israel's substitutes. The
law was given to lead us to The LAMB. The MOST HIGH GOD accepts us by
means of the PERFECT SACRIFICE on the Altar (the Cross of Calvary).

Prophets began to appear, they urged that sacrifice is not just a ritual
— a vain repetition, but is a matter of the heart! It was meant to
be an outward expression of inner intentions. It was the "SPIRIT"
within which gave it all its value. GOD ALMIGHTY looks at the
intentions of the heart. HE was heard to say, "What are your multiplied
sacrifices to ME? I have had enough...I take no pleasure in the blood of
bulls, lambs or goats...bring your worthless offerings no longer...your
hands are full of bloodshed... "Wash yourselves clean! Put away your evil
doings from MY sight. Cease to do evil; learn to do good. Devote
yourselves to justice; rebuke the oppressor; uphold and defend the
orphan; show charity to the widow...Come! let us reach an understanding;
though your sins are like crimson, they can be turned snow-white; though
they are red as dyed wool, they can become like fleece." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 1. 16 - 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Little by little the prophets understood.. .One day ALMIGHTY GOD was
going to send HIS OWN SPECIAL LAMB in place of all the lambs and
sacrificial animals — "We all went astray like sheep, each going
his own way; but the LORD visited upon HIM (YESHUA OF NAZARETH) the
guilt and iniquity of all of us, HE was maltreated, yet HE was
submissive. HE did not open HIS mouth; like a sheep being led to
slaughter, and a lamb silent before its shearers, HE did not open HIS
mouth — but the LORD was pleased to crush HIM, putting HIM to grief
that through HIM the LORD'S purpose might prosper — by HIS knowledge
the RIGHTEOUS ONE, MY SERVANT will justify many, as HE will bear their
iniquities. HE made HIMSELF an offering for guilt." [Isaiah (Yeshayah)
53 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the REDEEMER,
COMFORTER OF ISRAEL, the HOLY ONE bore the sins of many on HIMSELF. How
can we help but thank and praise the WONDROUS ANOINTED ONE, JESUS the
BELOVED SON OF GOD!

. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbat ha'Gadol! —The Great Sabbath refers to the Final
Redemption of MESSIAH YESHUA being ushered in by the Prophet Elijah:
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the
Great & Terrible Day of the LORD."
The celebration of Passover should serve to remind us of our departure
from the past and our commitment to obey GOD all the way to HIS Promised
Land in holiness and integrity of life. The Passover Seder is one of the
most meaningful experience you can enjoy and should be a tremendous
opportunity to express our overwhelming gratitude for ALMIGHTY GOD'S
goodness and grace to us, and to renew our commitment to walk in loving
obedience all the days of our lives. [Special haf-TORAH reading: Malachi
3 & 4]
"Happy Passover" to our precious family of friends. L'Chayim! ...To
Life!
Our Love, Rabbi Del & Rifkah

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Those who forsake the Law of GOD praise the wicked.

WONDERFUL PEACE
"Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give to you; not as the world gives
do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid." [John 14. 27]

The search for peace in this world is futile, false peace or a pretense
of it is the best the world can offer. However, the peace of GOD and HIS
CHRIST is not the peace of the world. "MY peace" —the LORD YESHUA
said— "is not as the world gives." HIS peace is on the inside, not
on the outside. Wars, disputes, contentions and conflicts come from
your desires for pleasure that war in your members. [James 4. 1]

Only in MESSIAH JESUS is there genuine, true and lasting peace! "These
things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have peace. IN THE WORLD
YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the
world." [John 16. 33]

Only JESUS, the ROCK OF ISRAEL can give true peace, for only "HE is our
peace." [James 4. 1] HE is exclusively the true "PEACE-MAKER" —
the PROMISED CHILD, the SON WHO has the government upon HIS shoulder,
WHOSE incredible name is the "PRINCE OF PEACE." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6]
JESUS is the ONE WHO "made peace through the blood of HIS cross" to
reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, to HIMSELF.
[Colossians 1. 20] Thus, before there can ever be genuine peace
between man-and-man, there must first be peace between man-and-GOD.

Once a person has been "justified by faith" he has eternal "peace with
GOD" through our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. [Romans 5. 1] Therefore, let
us utilize the standard to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to GOD; and the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through the LORD JESUS CHRIST."
[Philippians 4. 6 - 7] Therefore, we can rejoice greatly for the GOOD
SHEPHERD, the LORD oF PeacE is at hand. May the GREAT GOD oF PEACE be
with you always.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Study that the LORD will reveal an abundance of peace and true favor to
you in HIS PRECIOUS WORD!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Make peace with the past so it does not mess up your present.

OLD & NEW
"Then He (MESSIAH YESHUA) said to them (disciples), — Therefore
every scribe instructed concerning the Kingdom of Heaven is like a
householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." [Matthew
13. 52]

Scribes were responsible for the careful recopying of the HOLY
SCRIPTURES and were recognized as expert interpreters of the SACRED
WORD. Furthermore, being considered lawyers, the Scribes applied the
"Laws of Moses" to the people's lives. Unfortunately, in JESUS' time,
they had become so proud and self-righteous, they claimed their own
interpretations and traditions to be equal to that of the HOLY
SCRIPTURES. Therefore, the LORD YESHUA frequently had to rebuke them.
[Matthew 15. 1 - 3; 23. 1 - 28]

Nevertheless, they were students of SCRIPTURE, and some of them loved
and used GOD'S HOLY WORD reverently and accurately. It was these
Scribes to whom YESHUA ha'MASHIACH complimented in Matthew 13:3-50,
comparing them to the head of a great house with treasures in it who
could bring them out from time to time for the instruction and delight
of all. For these were the Scribes who understood the message of the
Kingdom of Heaven in the OLD COVENANT and related it to the GOSPEL of
the Kingdom of Heaven in the teachings of the LORD JESUS.

"Things new and old!" In the treasury of GOD'S REVEALED Word, the
one who is "instructed" in the Kingdom of Heaven, the OLD & new Covenant
finds inexhaustible stores to teach. "Open my eyes, that I may perceive
the wonders of YOUR teaching. All YOUR precepts are unfailing and sure"
— affirmed the psalmist. "Forever, O LORD, YOUR WORD stands firm in
heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 18, 89 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

No exciting new truth in SCRIPTURE is ever really new, for it was there
all along, even before the world began. The OLD COVENANT and the NEW
COVENANT never contradict, only compliment and explain each other. The
OLD establishes the background and the NEW fulfills. "YOUR precepts
concerning all things are wondrous, just and right." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 128 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Both the OLD well-known and loved doctrines
of Scripture, and the stirring NEW insights which further illuminate are
there waiting in the COVENANTS, the OLD through the NEW. Loving the
LORD OF HOSTS, the GOD OF ISRAEL and living in HIS WRITTEN WORD will
bring an endless delight and priceless treasure to the person who will
study it completely. Therefore, go forth and learn!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Life is a blessing! You are an integral part of GOD'S plan; the
favor of the LORD'S blessings are brought by HIS good pleasure. Consider
your latter end: fear the LORD GOD, the HOLY CREATOR, take heed to HIS
counsel, seek understanding.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Freedom can also set evil free…one can only be free when he does
what he should do.

WISDOM FROM GOD
"But of HIM (MESSIAH) you are in CHRIST JESUS, WHO became for us wisdom
from GOD — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." [1
Corinthians 1. 30]

The term "became" is a most fascinating word, rendered in many different
ways— is made, to become, be assembled, caused to be, be, begin to
be. All are from the Greek word, "ginomai (pronounced:
ghin'-om-ahee) ."

This term, would also apply to the work of MESSIAH, when HE called the
universe into being. "All things were made through HIM, and without HIM
nothing was made that was made. In HIM was life, and the life was the
light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did
not comprehend it." [John 1. 3 - 5] "By faith we understand that the
worlds were framed by the word of GOD, so that the things which are seen
were not made of things which are visible." [Hebrews 11. 3] "By the
WORD OF THE LORD the heavens were made, by the breath of HIS mouth, all
their host...For HE spoke, and it was; HE commanded, and it stood fast."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 6, 9]

Frequently, the phrase is also to denote the marvelous work of MESSIAH
in and through the believing CHRISTian. . .HE became wisdom to us who
lack wisdom; HE is made our righteousness, although we were sinners. We
who are unholy receive our sanctification in YESHUA; and when we were
lost, dead in sin, HE became our REDEEMER. "But as many as received HIM,
to them HE gave the right to become children of GOD, to those who
believe in HIS NAME: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the
flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD." [John 1. 12 – 13]

All this, and so much more was made possible for us by HIS great
sacrifice, love and grace: "In CHRIST JESUS you who once were far off
have been brought near by the blood of CHRIST. For HE HIMSELF is our
peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of
separation, having abolished in HIS flesh the enmity, that is, the law
of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in HIMSELF one
new man…For through HIM we both have access by one SPIRIT to the
FATHER." [Ephesians 2. 13 – 15, 18] Now we are "justified by HIS
grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
[Titus 3. 7] "And from JESUS CHRIST, the FAITHFUL WITNESS, the
firstborn from the dead, and the RULER over the kings of the earth...HIM
WHO loved us and washed us from our sins in HIS OWN blood, and has made
us kings and priests to HIS GOD and FATHER." [Revelation 1. 5 – 6]

When we receive YESHUA ha'MASHIACH as our SAVIOR & LORD, old things
are passed away and "he is a new creation…all things have become
new." [2 Corinthians 5. 17] All these wonderful attributes are given to
us and accessible right now by faith, and will be accomplished, not in
part, but in full perfection when the LORD OF GLORY returns and "we
shall be like HIM, for we shall see HIM as HE is. And everyone who has
this hope in HIM purifies himself, just as HE is pure." [1 John 3. 2
– 3]

Won't you come to HIM now and become a joint-heir with the MASTER OF
THE UNIVERSE, HE'S waiting.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Blessed be GOD in WHO'S PRESENCE we are humbled and give HIM the glory,
dominion and praises forever and ever. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Even when we cannot forget, remember to forgive. We are to pursue
justice and to love mercy. . . then you will understand why mercy is the
greater justice.

IT WAS A CROSS
"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but
to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD." [1 Corinthians 1. 18]

The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA died on a cruel cross, not on a torture stake as
some suggest or believe. Others hate the cross and the CHRIST of the
Cross to the point they even deny HIM and the fact that it ever
happened. "They are the enemies of the Cross of CHRIST." [Philippians
3. 18] From the beginning, when the ALMIGHTY ONE began to deal with man,
the Cross has been there.

In the Garden of Eden "the LORD GOD caused to grow every tree that was
pleasing to the sight and good for food, with the TREE OF LIFE in the
middle of the Garden, and the TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD & EVIL."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 9 Tanakh, Torah] A tree with its branches
grows up from earth into the heavens, and the boughs sprout and grow
branching out in various directions — thus, a figure of the cross.

The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL gave Moses instructions for the Tabernacle in the
Wilderness. The placement of the furniture for this Holy Structure
resembled a cross. [Exodus/Shemot 25 - 30] The three doorways in the
Tabernacle show the LORD YESHUA — WHO is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the
LIFE. We approach the fullness of spiritual life only through HIM.

The GATE (WAY) opened up to the court where were the Alter of Sacrifice
and the Laver. The DOOR (TRUTH) entered into the ministering area where
was the Golden Lampstand, the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of
Incense. The VEIL (LIFE) was the entrance to the Holy of Holies where
the Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat were. In the arrangement of
these pieces of furniture, the CROSS is formed.

Aaron and his sons preformed the duties of the priests. When they
presented an offering before the OMNIPOTENT CREATOR, the breast of the
sacrifice was called the Wave Offering which was waved side-to-side; and
the thigh of the sacrifice was known as the Heave Offering which is
raised-and-lowered before the LORD GOD. [Exodus/Shemot 29. 26 - 27]
These movements likewise demonstrate a Cross.

The CHRISTian's cross is compared to MESSIAH'S cross in that it is a
voluntary, self-sacrifice for the needs of others and "the offense of
the Cross has ceased." [Galatians 5. 11] Daily we keep "looking unto
JESUS, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was
set before HIM endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down
at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 2]

Amazingly there is power that comes to us through suffering; and without
the cross, we are nothing. Looking back on the beneficial effects of
suffering, we should experience deep appreciation for the blessings of
being in the hand of the LORD GOD, and be counted worthy. The FAITHFUL
GIVER of every good gift distributes crowns for the crosses HE gives us
for our profit, designed for each individually. And now the believer
can say along with Paul, "I have been crucified with CHRIST; it is no
longer I who live, but CHRIST lives in me; and the life which I now live
in the flesh I live by faith in the SON OF GOD, WHO loved me and gave
HIMSELF for me." [Galatians 2. 20]

Let us diligently guard our doctrine (and concepts) lest we make the
Cross of the YESHUA ha'MASHIACH , our LOVING SAVIOR, of no effect by
what we consider our "words of wisdom." This was the primary concern of
Paul when he said, "for CHRIST did not send me to baptize, but to preach
the GOSPEL; not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of cHRIST should be
made of no effect." [1 Corinthians 1. 17] The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH
redeemed us when HE stretched out HIS arms on that Rugged Cross, and
died in our place.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We gratefully acknowledge, O LORD, our GOD, that YOU are our CREATOR and
PRESERVER, the ROCK of our life and the SHIELD of our help. We give
thanks to YOU for our lives which are in YOUR hand, for our souls which
are ever in YOUR keeping, for YOUR wondrous providence and for YOUR
continuous goodness, which YOU bestow on us day by day. Truly, YOUR
mercies never fail and YOUR loving-kindness never ceases. Therefore do
we forever put our trust in YOU! Thank YOU again LORD for saving my
soul!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Man's justice is simply a distraction completely devoid of reality.

ALIVE IN MESSIAH YESHUA
"Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For
you died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD. When MESSIAH, WHO
is our life, appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory."
[Colossians 3. 2 - 4]

Looking forward to the time when we will "ever be with the LORD" [1
Thessalonians 4. 17], Paul wrote, "I am hard pressed between the two,
having a desire to depart and be with CHRIST, which is far better,
nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you."
[Philippians 1. 23 - 24]

Nonetheless, we can be with the LORD YESHUA, even while still enduring
in the flesh. This is the great principle called positional truth.
Positionally we are already "with CHRIST" — for that is where
CREATOR GOD sees us and how HE relates to us. HE has "raised us up
together and made us sit together in heavenly places in MESSIAH YESHUA."
[Ephesians 2. 6]

We first have to die with the LORD JESUS, however, before we can be
raised up with HIM. "I am crucified with CHRIST; nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but CHRIST lives in me." [Galatians 2. 20] GOD OMNISCIENT
even saw us as buried with the crucified SAVIOR when HE was buried, and
this is the great truth symbolized in our baptism. "We are buried with
HIM by baptism into death." [Romans 6. 4]

"Now if we be dead with CHRIST, we believe that we shall also live with
HIM; knowing that JESUS, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death
no longer has dominion over HIM." [Romans 6. 8 - 9] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH
died for us, so our deserved death became HIS substitutionary death.
And, marvelous of wonders, YESHUA'S victorious resurrection becomes our
own unmerited deliverance from death in eternal resurrection life. This
is our position now and our assured everlasting possession then, for we
are with the LORD MESSIAH, WHO will never die again.

This wonderful truth should give us real motivational incentive and
courage to focus our thoughts on GODly living to fulfill the desire of
our MASTER DESIGNER until we are in HIS PRESENCE evermore. This event
will be happening very soon!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE
dwells within us, bless you abundantly. Our prayers, be'esrat
ha'Shem — with the help of GOD— is that ALMIGHTY LORD GOD
will cause the whole House of Israel, and the whole House of Judah to
cling to HIM that they may become a people of GOD, for praise and for
glory that all should fear and tremble at HIS PRESENCE and know that HE
alone is the LOVING SOVEREIGN GOD.
May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the week.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A miracle is not the suspension of natural laws . . . but the operation
of a Higher Power.

PORTRAIT OF MESSIAH'S BIRTH
"Then the LORD spoke to Moses — On the first day of the first month
you shall set up the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting." [Exodus
(Shemot) 40. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Torah]

This OLD TESTAMENT Sanctuary pictures the WORD WHO became FLESH and
TABERNACLED among the Israelite people. The ALMIGHTY LORD GOD said that
the month of Nisan (March/April) was the beginning of the months for
you. "This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the
first month of the year for you." [Exodus (Shemot) 12. 2 Tanakh, Torah]

GOD is always first "Thus says the LORD, the KING OF ISRAEL, their
REDEEMING ONE, the LORD OF HOSTS — I am the FIRST and I am the LAST
and there is no god besides ME." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 6 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] "In the beginning GOD…" [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 1] "In
the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was
GOD." [John 1. 1] HE does all things well and always in order. HE was
born into the human family, chosen and called of GOD to be our HIGH
PRIEST.

The Tabernacle of GOD portrays THE MAN, MESSIAH YESHUA filled with the
SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD, for this Sanctuary at Sinai taught that the TRUE
TEMPLE OF GOD, YESHUA, would personally appear in the flesh.
[Malachi/Malakhi 3. 1-3] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the Anti-type of
this sacred building in WHOM was fulfilled the will and desire of GOD to
dwell with HIS people. "And the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the ONLY-BEGOTTEN of the
FATHER, full of grace and truth." [John 1. 14] Not only was GOD with
HIS people, but HE also was within them!

YESHUA was born the LAMB OF GOD — sheep are seasonal breeders (in
autumn), the young being born in the springtime around March/April. [The
only exception is the Dorset horn breed of sheep which breed anytime of
the year.] And, MESSIAH died as the LAMB OF GOD. "Your lamb shall be
without blemish, a male of the first year." [Exodus/Shemot 12. 5] A
lamb, being born in the spring would be a yearling and available for the
Passover Sacrifice the following year. The MESSIAH died at the
appointed time, the PERFECT PASSOVER SACRIFICE for our sins.

In GOD'S order of things, HE is always first! If YESHUA was born on
the first day of the first month, it would correspond to the setting-up
of the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness. This
characterizes "GOD'S presence among us" and MESSIAH being born into
the human family was definitely "IMMANU'EL — GOD with us."

The promise to Haggai may have been the timing of Elizabeth conceiving
in her old age — "Take note from this day forward, from the
twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation
was laid for the LORD'S TEMPLE — consider it..." John the Baptiser
could have been the remarkable one that Haggai spoke of when he stated
that "...from this time forward, you will be blessed." [Haggai (Chagai)
2. 18 - 19 Tanakh, Nevi'im] John was the forerunner, the foundation
being laid, the Elijah announcing the coming of MESSIAH, the TEMPLE.
Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy when Miriam (Mary) went to
be with her from Nazareth. Thus, it was around the month of Tammuz (our
June) — the timing was near the Feast of Shavuoth, at the end of
wheat harvest.

Recalling the story of Ruth & Boaz. Ruth was the childless widow and
Boaz became her "ga'al (kinsman-redeemer. ..a ga'al connects
redemption with conception). " Boaz covered Ruth with his mantle (Hebrew:
kanaph — wing, an edge, a garment of bed clothing, skirt) [Ruth/Roos
3.3-12] equivalent to the SPIRIT OF THE LORD overshadowing (cast a
shadow, envelope in a haze of brilliance, invest with preternatural
(supernatural) influence) Miriam causing her to conceive, her GA'AL.
Through the union of Ruth & Boaz the lineage and household of David
began. Through this line the MESSIAH would come. . .the GA'AL
(GOD'S REDEEMER) for mankind, born in Bethlehem.

"Three times you shall keep a Feast to ME in the year: You shall observe
the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover)…and the Feast of Harvest
(Shavuoth)…and the Feast of Ingathering/ Booths (Sukkoth). Three
times a year all your males shall appear before the SOVEREIGN, the
LORD." [Exodus/Shemot) 23. 14 – 17]

Consider the timing of the birth of Christ: Joseph was a righteous man
and obeyed the Laws of GOD. So He would have traveled to Jerusalem for
the Passover as required by Law. When the edict was issued to go to
their home town to register for taxation, Joseph was required to go to
Bethlehem his home town where the child was born. Since Bethlehem is
only about five miles from Jerusalem, they could have traveled to
Jerusalem just a few days after Miriam delivered. So Was YESHUA
conceived on Shavuoth and born nine months later, that Spring, the time
when lambs are born?

If Miriam was overshadowed and the CHILD placed in her womb at the time
of the Feast of Harvest, she could have traveled to Bethlehem with her
father, and even perhaps Joseph as they would be traveling to attend the
Feast in Jerusalem; and she chose to stay with Elizabeth instead of
going on with them. She did stay with Elizabeth for three months, which
could make Elizabeth's due date sometime in Tishri (our September).
Miriam would now be three months into her pregnancy by the time of the
fall Festivals of the LORD. Again her father and Joseph, along with all
the Jewish males would be traveling to Jerusalem. After the Feasts,
they would return to their home in Nazareth with Miriam once again
joining them on their return trip.

If YESHUA was indeed born on 1st of Nisan, Joseph would have fond
suitable lodging for his wife and the child with relatives in Bethlehem.
He would then be free to attend the Festival in Jerusalem on the 14th of
Nisan after caring for his wife and the CHILD.. Miriam would be in a
house for the forty one days time of her purification after childbirth.
[see Leviticus/Vayikra 12. 1 – 4] Jesus was circumcised on the
eighth day — near the time the lambs would have been chosen for the
Passover sacrifice; then presented in the Temple after the 41 days.
During that time the Wise Men found them, in a house. [Matthew 2:11]

Although no one knows for sure when MESSIAH was born, this gives us
something to think about. MESSIAH'S birth was important and
necessary for HIM to come as our KINSMAN-REDEEMER, but HIS death and
resurrection surpass that fact, for it is through HIS substitutionary
death that life is possible for who-so-ever will accept HIS atonement
and partake of the new life we have in HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Sabbath ha'Chodesh — the new month. LORD, may it be YOUR
will that the new month bring us a life of peace, a life of goodness, a
life of blessing, a life of health, and a life of prosperity. May this
day lead us to search the hidden recesses of our hearts. May it arouse
us to examine all our thoughts and deeds in the light of YOUR truth,
that we may know wherein we have strayed from YOUR way. And when we have
learned our shortcomings and that the burden of our sins weighs us down,
grant us the strength and courage to turn from the evil of our ways and
to seek the SHELTER of YOUR FATHERLY love and forgiveness — Amen!
Wishing a blessed Pesach (Passover) to each of you. —Rabbi Del &
Rifkah

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Email: delrifkah.kralman@ comcast.net

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/


Thoughts Archived: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/delrifkah/


End-time Events: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/Facepage.html


Please visit our web page for teachings on Bible texts and subjects.

Also notice the section showing the disparity between the Holy Bible and
the Muslim Koran (Quran).

The newest section is our thought by thought study through the Bible.
Having completed the Torah (books of Moses), and the New Testament, we
are now going through the book of; [Isaiah].

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When GOD wants to break a man's heart, He gives him a lot of sense.

PRAISE & THANKS
"She (Leah) conceived again and bore a son, and declared —This time
I will praise the LORD.— Therefore she named him Judah." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 29. 35 Tanakh, Torah]

Judah, the fourth son of Jacob born from his first wife, Leah. The
Hebrew word for Judah, "yadah" — is most often translated "praise,
celebrate" — but even more frequently, it is translated "thank or
thanks."

Although Ruben, Simeon and Levi were all older brothers of Judah, the
Holy One of Israel chose Judah to be the father of the tribe which
Messiah YESHUA would come into the world through. Whenever Leah spoke
to her son, she would actually be saying, "Thanks! For this gift of a
special son."

We also continually give thanks every day for that SPECIAL SON OF THE
TRIBE OF JUDAH, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. And as Judah later was
willing to offer his own life for his brother, Benjamin
[Genesis/Bereshith 43. 4], out of love for both his brothers and his
father, so this distant GRANDSON of Judah was willing to lay down HIS
OWN life to save those whom He was glad to call His brothers. [Hebrews
2. 11 - 12]

In the last reference to Judah in HOLY SCRIPTURES, this SON of Judah is
called the "LION of the Tribe of Judah" WHO will one day be acknowledged
as KING over all the earth. [Revelation 5. 5] The last mention of
"thanks" in the HOLY WORD is when the elders of the church in heaven cry
out saying: "We give You thanks, O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the ONE WHO is and
Who was and Who is to come, because YOU have taken Your great power and
reigned. The nations were angry, and YOUR wrath has come, and the time
of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your
servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear YOUR NAME,
small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth."
[Revelation 11. 17 - 18]

We have so much to be thankful for, but mostly we are thankful for the
Son of God, our Blessed Creator, Loving Savior & Soon-Coming King.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
All goodness and truth are YOURS, YEHOWAH, O LORD, SOVEREIGN of the
Universe. May no evil alienate us from YOU , nor error darken our vision
of YOUR purposes. Help us to discern YOUR justice and to understand YOUR
will. In adversity and in prosperity, let YOUR Law be a lamp to our feet
to illumine our path. May we so labor in YOUR service that our lives
become a hymn of praise to YOU. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Prayer is a path where there is none.

ROCK OF JUDGMENT & PROVISION
"The LORD spoke to Moses saying, — You and your brother Aaron take
the rod and assemble the community, and before their very eyes speak to
the rock (Hebrew: cela —rock of provision) to yield its water. Thus
you shall produce water for them from the rock and provide drink for the
congregation and their beasts." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 20. 7 - 8 Tanakh,
Torah]

Once before under similar circumstances, OMNIPOTENT GOD had Moses strike
the rock (Hebrew: t'sur —rock of judgment) in Horeb to produce its
waters for the thirsty Israelites. [Exodus/Shemot 17. 6] Both times a
spring of water erupted which had then supplied their needs. When the
Israelites started taking the supply for granted instead of being
grateful for their blessings, then the HOLY ONE dried up the miraculous
waters. The LORD, the FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS desired for them to
come to HIM, their "SOURCE" of blessings, and ask once again. Instead,
they grumbled and forgot all ALMIGHTY GOD'S previous gifts.

Therefore, YEHOWAH told Moses to do the asking for them, as they
watched. Moses was to take the Rod of GOD, by which all the miracles
were performed. Thus showing the peoples that Moses and Aaron were
still their leaders, and the GREAT GOD OF HOSTS was still able to supply
their needs. In his anger, however, Moses first rebuked the doubting
Israelites, then struck the rock.

The ROCK OF JUDGMENT and the ROCK OF PROVISION both picture the LORD
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH; HE was struck in judgment for us, once and for all;
and ever after we are to SPEAK to HIM. For their disobedience and
neglect to bless the TRUE & LIVING GOD in the eyes of the children of
Israel, neither Moses nor Aaron were allowed to enter Canaan, the
Promised Land.

The EL ELYON (GOD MOST HIGH) alone is "THE ONE" WHO is due all trust,
confidence, honor, glory and praise. The MASTER CREATOR desires that we
come to HIM in faith believing, and with thankful hearts for HIS
abundant provisions and loving care. Oh that we would respect and obey
HIS WORD and find life abundantly blessed, that is HIS perfect will for
each of our lives…Obedience!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
MOST HOLY LORD, continue to impart YOUR blessing upon us. Teach us to
seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the
tabernacle of YOUR world, and in the congregation of YOUR worshipers.
May the grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with you always, Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
I've had a lot of problems in my life and most of them have never
happened!

WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE
"LORD, YOUR testimonies and decrees are wondrous; rightly do I observe
them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 129 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

It is not possible to place the HOLY BIBLE on a pedestal that is too
illustrious and majestically distinguished. "YOUR testimonies are
wondrous...the WORDS YOU inscribed give light and understanding" —
declares the psalmist, for YOUR NAME is, "WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE
MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6]
— WHOSE testimonies they are.

GOD'S WRITTEN WORD is wonderfully amazing, they were written in the
heart of the TRUE & LIVING ETERNAL ONE even before creation. "Forever,
O LORD, YOUR WORD stands firm in heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89
Tanakh, Kethuvim] Then, "at various times and in different manners"
— this INFINITE WORD OF GOD was conveyed to men as the DIVINE ONE
"spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets." [Hebrews 1. 1] At
last it was complete, and the last of the prophets concluded it with an
extensive warning, "If any man shall add to these things, may GOD add to
him the plagues that are written in this BOOK; and if anyone takes away
from the WORDS of the BOOK of this prophecy, may GOD take away his part
from the BOOK OF LIFE, from the Holy City, and from the things which are
written in this BOOK." [Revelation 22. 18 - 19]

All who criticize or tamper with the UNWAVERING Words of the BIBLE are
on dangerous ground, for "the WORD OF THE LORD endures forever." [1
Peter 1. 25] The psalmist expounds, "Truth is the essence of YOUR
WORD, YOUR righteous judgment is eternal." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 160
Tanakh, Kethuvim] MESSIAH YESHUA confirmed, "Heaven and earth shall
pass away, but MY WORDS shall not pass away." [Matthew 24. 35]

ETERNAL in the past, SACRED in the present, UNCHANGING in the future;
all we shall ever need for our daily guidance is found in GOD'S
WONDERFUL TESTIMONIES. "All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of GOD,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete
(perfect), thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3. 16 -
17]

It is not possible to have too high a view of the HOLY SCRIPTURES,
"because YOU have magnified and exalted YOUR WORD, above YOUR NAME."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 138. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Now, it is even more
distinctly evident that THE WORD which "became Flesh" — "In the
beginning was THE WORD, and THE WORD was with GOD, and THE WORD was
GOD." [John 1. 1] JESUS. . . the INIMITABLE, UNCHANGING, LIVING WORD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O LORD our GOD, help us to see ourselves as YOU see us. Make us
conscious of our sins and failings done openly or in secret; cause us to
turn from our evil ways. Give us strength to make amends for our
wrongdoings, and grant us pardon from our transgressions. Guide us by
the LIGHT of YOUR council. May we ever find strength in YOU, our SHIELD
and EXCEEDINGLY GREAT JOY. Praised are YOU, GIVER of peace.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Nobody has a monopoly on regret.

LIFE LOST, LIFE GAINED
"When HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) had called the people to HIMSELF, with HIS
disciples also, HE said to them: —Whoever desires to come after ME,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow ME. For whoever
desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY
sake and the GOSPEL'S will save it." [Mark 8. 34 - 35]

This precept was emphasized by the LORD JESUS in various messages as HE
tried to communicate its intensely profound importance. "Whoever does
not take his cross and follow after ME is not worthy of ME. He who finds
his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for MY sake will find
it." [Matthew 10. 38 - 39]

"If anyone desires to come after ME, let him deny himself, and take up
his cross DAILY, and follow ME. For whoever desires to save his life
will lose it, but whoever loses his life for MY sake will save it. For
what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself
destroyed or lost?" [Luke 9. 23 - 25] "Whoever seeks to save his life
will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." [Luke 17.
33] "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in
this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves ME, let him
follow ME; and where I am, there MY servant will be also. If anyone
serves ME, him MY FATHER will honor." [John 12. 25 - 26]

This amazing and wonderfully extraordinary paradox — "to die means
to live" — is also found in the epistles expressed in a different
way. Paul said, "I am crucified with CHRIST; nevertheless I live."
[Galatians 2. 20] "HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) died for all, that those who
live should live no longer for themselves, but for HIM WHO died for them
and rose again." [2 Corinthians 5. 15; 6. 9; Romans 12. 1 - 2;
Philippians 1. 21 - 24] "This is a faithful saying: for IF we died with
HIM, we shall also live with HIM. IF we endure, we shall also reign with
HIM. IF we deny HIM, HE also will deny us. IF we are faithless, HE
remains faithful; HE cannot deny HIMSELF." [2 Timothy 2. 11 - 13]

The HOPE OF ISRAEL, the LORD YESHUA, wants us to live in simple
obedience to "HIS perfect will" — as recorded in HIS HOLY WORD,
proclaiming in all that we say and do that HE is CREATOR, SAVIOR,
REDEEMER, and the soon-coming TRIUMPHANT KING. HIS will teaches us
righteousness which is the way to life eternal. "Oh, how I love YOUR
TEACHINGS! It is my meditation all the day long." [Psalms (Tehillym)
119. 97 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
O GOD, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. Be my
support when grief silences my voice, and my comfort when woe bends my
spirit. Plant humility in my soul, and strengthen my heart with perfect
faith in YOU. Help me to be strong in trial and temptation and to be
patient and forgiving when others wrong me. Guide me by the Light of
YOUR counsel, that I may ever find strength in YOU, my ROCK and my
REDEEMER. Thank YOU! Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Definition of a Pessimist: Someone who feels bad when they feel good
because they are afraid that they will feel worse when they feel better.

JUSTIFIED – WORKS OF FAITH
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by
faith in JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in JESUS CHRIST, that we
might be justified by faith in CHRIST and not by the works of the law;
for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified." [Galatians 2.
16]

The Apostle Paul is emphasizing the importance of believing faith, which
is vital. James taught "that faith without works is dead...Was not
Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on
the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works,
and by works faith was made perfect? And the SCRIPTURE was fulfilled
which says— Abraham believed GOD, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness. —And he was called the friend of GOD. You see then
that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was
not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the
messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the
spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." [James 2. 20 –
26]

Although it may appear that James and Paul have conflicting opinions of
justification, both are correct in their teaching; and there is no
contradiction. Neither Abraham nor Rahab could have been justified by
the works of the law, and James never said they were. Abraham lived
before the Law was given to Moses, and Rahab did not know anything about
it. Moreover, James himself knew that no one could be saved by the Law,
for he made it clear that "whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." [James 2. 10] Thus we know
where that puts each of us: Guilty of stumbling and needing a SAVIOR!

In fact, both Abraham and Rahab were justified by faith in the GOD OF
ISRAEL and HIS provision of salvation since "Abraham believed GOD, and
it was accounted to him for righteousness" [James 2. 23]; and "by faith,
Rahab also believed." [Hebrews 11. 31]

The righteousness of MESSIAH YESHUA, WHO kept the law perfectly, is
imputed to believers by faith "to him who does not work but believes on
HIM WHO justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for
righteousness. " [Romans 4. 5] The HOLY LORD GOD sees a person as being
"in MESSIAH" and they are justified — made righteous —
exclusively and entirely through faith in the BELOVED SAVIOR, YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH.

"GOD has given us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He who has
the SON has life; he who does not have the SON OF GOD does not have
life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the
SON OF GOD, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you
may continue to believe in the name of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 11 -
13]

Saving faith inevitably will manifest itself in works of righteousness,
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the GIFT OF GOD, not of works, lest anyone should
boast. For we are HIS workmanship, created in MESSIAH YESHUA for good
works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
[Ephesians 2. 8 - 10] Men cannot see our faith, however, so we must be
live before others that we can be justified in their sight by our works.
Our righteousness speaks volumes by our actions.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Dedicate yourselves today to the LORD GOD MOST HIGH in order that HE may
impart a blessing on you.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Better to loose with a wise man then to win with a fool.

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 3 of 5)
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you
what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of
Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 –
2 Tanakh, Torah]

Judah was the forth born son to Jacob. Through the lips of his mother,
Leah, the HOLY SPIRIT said, "This time I will praise (thank) the LORD"
[Genesis/Bereshith 29. 8 – 12] as she gave birth to Judah. Speaking
thru Israel (Jacob) the HOLY SPIRIT exclaimed, "You, O Judah, your
brothers shall praise; your hand shall be on the nape of your foes; your
father's sons shall bow low to you. Judah is a lion's whelp; on
prey, my son, have you grown. He crouches, lies down like a lion, like
the king of beasts — who dare rouse him? The scepter shall not
depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet;
until Shiloh comes (here the MIDRASH adds "so that tribute shall come to
him") and the homage of peoples be his. He tethers his ass to a vine,
his ass's foal to a choice vine; he washes his garment in wine, his
robe in blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine and his teeth are
white from milk." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 8 – 12 Tanakh, Torah]

Unlike Reuben, Judah had neither the birthright, the dignity, nor the
opportunity of the firstborn. But, he did have strength and he was
consistent in his purpose. Whatever he started, he would follow through
with. He knew his enemy; and whether it was a person, an evil, or a
cause, his hand was upon that enemy's neck. The LORD YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH defeated Satan upon the cross. . . JESUS knew HIS enemy; HE
took the sting out of death. Praise GOD! HalleluYAH!

Judah was capable of falling into grievous error and sin, yet he was
true at heart to himself and to the LORD GOD ETERNAL. Judah's
character fitted him to take the lead and the rule. He was the father
of the royal tribe, the ancestor of David and the Lion of Judah came
from Judah. The LORD JESUS would be called the LION OF DAVID and the
LION OF JUDAH. JESUS was never called the SON OF ABRAHAM, the SON OF
ISAAC, or the SON OF JACOB; but HE was called the SON OF DAVID. That is
what made David's fame great.

"All your brothers will praise you." Jacob was foretelling Judah's
military glory, as he would be the leader of all the tribes of Israel in
subduing the enemies of the ALMIGHTY ONE, namely the Philistines and the
Edomites.

Then Jacob said a strange thing: "The scepter shall not depart from
Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh
comes." In Hebrew, the word Shi'loh means, the exact image and
reflection of GOD. Not until the LORD JESUS comes into the world will
the scepter and the ruler's staff depart from the tribe of Judah.
And MESSIAH YESHUA did come into the world, being the exact image and
reflection of ALMIGHTY GOD, as HE HIMSELF said, "If you have seen
ME, you have seen the FATHER, I and MY FATHER are ONE." [John 14. 9; 10.
30]

Jacob, still speaking by the HOLY SPIRIT, said, "And unto HIM shall all
the obedience (homage, honor, respect, worship) of the people be."
Through the HOPE of all ISRAEL — the SAVIOR — the LION OF JUDAH,
the world would be made right as HE would take all sin, all
transgression and all iniquity of the world on HIMSELF as HE went to the
cross. The eyes of MESSIAH YESHUA would be "as if sparkling with wine"
— and yet HE would not be drunk. . . the LORD JESUS would always
have a sparkle (joy) in HIS eye. HIS teeth would be whiter than milk,
and altogether lovely. These verses are a description of the LORD JESUS
the LIFE-GIVER, my PRAISE.

. . . to be continued!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Life's challenges work out for the best, when we recognize what appear
to be obstacles, are actually opportunities to develop ourselves for the
better and recognize that all things come from OMNIPOTENT GOD'S
invisible hand that guides our lives.
The glory of the LORD is in the earth and in the heavens. HE is the
strength of all HIS servants, the praise of them that truly love HIM,
the HOPE OF ISRAEL, the people HE brought near to HIMSELF. HalleluYAH!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Where people love you, go rarely; where you are hated, go not at all.

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 5 - Conclusion)
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you
what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of
Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 –
2 Tanakh, Torah]

"Joseph is a wild ass, a wild ass by a spring — wild colts on a
hillside. {Other translations say: "Joseph is a fruitful vine by a
fountain. Its branches run over the wall."} Archers bitterly assailed
him; they shot at him and harried him. Yet his bow stayed taut, and the
arms of his hands were made firm by the hands of the MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB
— There, the SHEPHERD, the ROCK OF Israel — EL of your father
WHO helps you, and SHADDAI WHO blesses you with blessings of heaven
above, blessings of the deep that couches below, blessings of the breast
and womb. The blessings of your father surpass the blessings of my
ancestors, to the utmost bounds of the eternal hills. May they rest on
the head of Joseph, on the brow of the elect of his brothers." [Genesis
(Bereshith) 49. 22 – 26 Tanakh, Torah]

Jacob reserved his softest and his most loving tone of voice for Joseph,
who was united with whatever was best, most gracious and noblest in both
Reuben and Judah. Joseph was the man of vision, the man of dreams. But
to this he joined moral and spiritual strength in all circumstances of
his life. He was the ideal son, the ideal brother, the ideal servant,
the ideal administrator. His character and story have from the
beginning of time been held to be typical of the desired character of
the people in the story of Israel.

Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I die, but GOD will be with you, and HE
will bring you back unto the land of your fathers." [Genesis (Bereshith)
48. 21 Tanakh, Torah] Do not be afraid to stand on the PRECIOUS WORD OF
THE LORD. The ALMIGHTY ONE had told Abram, "Know well that your
offspring shall be strangers in a land not theirs, and they shall be
enslaved and oppressed four hundred years; but I will execute judgment
on the nation they shall serve, and in the end they shall go free with
great wealth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 15. 13 – 14 Tanakh, Torah]

As Jacob blessed Joseph, he said that there was a period of exile
coming, and like Joseph in that period of exile, the people of Israel
were going to be subjected to great temptations to be disloyal to the
God of their fathers. But Joseph always remained loyal to the LIVING
GOD, to the true GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC & JACOB. This was a reminder to
the people of Israel to remain loyal despite great temptations even to
the point of death.

Israel was reminding Joseph that the God OF ISRAEL would never leave or
forsake him and would bring him back to the land of his fathers. Then
he added, "And now, I assign you one portion (Hebrew: shekem) more than
your brothers, which I wrested from the Amorites with my sword and bow."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 22 Tanakh, Torah] The double-portion was
referring to the fact that Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were
counted by Israel (Jacob) as "son's of Jacob" for tribal inheritance
when the Promised Land was divided.

Joseph's bones were buried in Shechem (when the Israelites came out of
Egypt, they brought his bones as he had requested, see Joshua/Yehoshua
24. 32). This is the portion of land Jacob bought from the Hivites for
100 pieces of silver. This piece of land was given to Joseph for his
burial place. Jacob was still showing that extra bit of favoritism to
Joseph, the son whom he loved who reminded him so much of his beloved
Rachael.

The BLESSED LORD said, "In the end days, I shall pour out MY SPIRIT on
all flesh." [Joel (Yoel) 2. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Some of us are
going to dream dreams, and see visions — because we trust in the
AWESOME YEHOWAH.

"Benjamin is a wolf that ravens — that tears; in the morning he
consumes the foe (or booty), and in the evening he divides the spoil."
[Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 27 Tanakh, Torah] The tribe of Benjamin was
wolf-like. Saul of Tarsus would come from the tribe of Benjamin. He
would walk meekly into a synagogue, and begin preaching the GOSPEL.
When they took out a whip and began beating him to death, he could say,
"I count it a joy." [Acts 20. 24] The Apostle Paul (Saul) was as
unrelenting as a persistent wolf, who goes back again-and-again
preaching the GOSPEL, bringing the MESSAGE OF SALVATION, until he won
them to the MESSIAH LORD YESHUA.

Jacob also blessed Ephraim & Manasseh saying, "By you shall Israel
invoke blessings, saying— GOD make you like Ephraim and as
Manasseh." [Genesis (Bereshith) 48. 20 Tanakh, Torah] This is still
practice today, every pious Orthodox Jewish father, on Sabbath Eve
places his hand on the head of his son and blesses him with the very
same words that the HOLY SPIRIT just stated: "May GOD make you as
Ephraim & Manasseh."

Ephraim & Manasseh would never trade away their Jewishness for the most
exalted social position. They voluntarily gave up their place in the
higher Egyptian aristocracy, and they openly identified themselves with
their alien kinsmen, the despised shepherd immigrants. It is fitting
that every mother and father who know the LORD GOD MOST HIGH should pray
that their children will show the same loyalty to their father and their
father's ETERNAL LORD GOD, as did Ephraim and Manasseh.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we as we bid farewell to Shabbat Parah (Sabbath of the Purification
Process preceding Passover — a remembrance of the going forth from
Egypt.) Now, as we enter a new week let us remember to pray, not only
for the peace of Jerusalem and all of the Land of Israel, but model that
peace in our own lives.
We are praying that your holidays be filled with the joy, love, and
peace of our INVINCIBLE HOLY GOD. May you be richly blessed daily
throughout the week!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.


Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Faults are thick where love is thin.

TRIBES of ISRAEL (Part 1 of 5)
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you
what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of
Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 –
2 Tanakh, Torah]

"Reuben, you are my first-born, my might and the first fruit of my
strength, exceeding in rank (dignity) and the exceeding in honour.
Unstable as water, you shall excel no longer; for when you mounted your
father's bed, you defiled it and brought disgrace — my couch he
mounted!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 3 – 4 Tanakh, Torah]

Israel was saying, "Reuben, you have forfeited your natural right of the
firstborn. Through being the first-born, you had dignity and
opportunity, but you did not have strength of character." Reuben
appeared to be a man who began good actions, but he did not complete
them. He planned to save Joseph and he actually prevented the murder of
Joseph. [Genesis/Bereshith 37. 21] Nevertheless, Joseph was sold in
spite of Reuben.

In Jewish history, Reuben's descendants remained true to their
ancestral type, unstable as water. When Deborah unfurled the banner of
Israel's independence in the days of the judges, all the other
tribes rallied around her. But in the camp of Reuben, there was great
intention, a mighty searching of the heart, but no real action.
Instead, they appointed half a dozen committees to study whether they
should take action. [Judges/Shofetym 5. 15] Subsequently, the tribe of
Reuben is very rarely mentioned in Israel's history. They begin,
but they never finish. They open their mouth, but they never move any
further than that.

"You are my might." As the firstborn, Reuben was endowed with a
super-abundant vitality, the cause of both his preeminence and his
undoing. He did not know how to use what he had wisely with the wisdom
of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD. And Jacob said, "you have had the excellency
of dignity" which in the Hebrew means: "You have been superior in
dignity. You have had this given to you, because it belongs to the
firstborn. Reuben, it was provided for you to receive three portions
above your brothers." The three portions are the right of the
firstborn, the priesthood, and the kingdom. Reuben, you should have had
all three, but now you are not going to get anything.

The right of the firstborn was given to Joseph, the priesthood was given
to Levi, the kingly power and headship were given to Judah. Judah would
be the king of Israel. Through Judah's loins would come the LION OF
JUDAH, the KING of the Universe, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.

Israel further said to Reuben, "you are unstable as water." My son, any
breeze can ruffle your surface. You bubble over like water in an
uncontrolled vehemence of passion. You are a very emotional person with
weakness of will, lack of self-control and hardness of purpose. You
have also had a spirit of lust within you that you never overcame. You
had the excellency, but now you will relinquish all your privileges of
the firstborn.

The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD was speaking through Jacob because none of the
descendants of Reuben ever became judges, prophets or leaders in Israel.
SCRIPTURE very clearly stresses that moral character is more essential
than hereditary right. The LORD GOD, the RIGHTEOUS ONE, wants us to be
moral and to be ethical one with another. We are to "love your fellow
man as yourself." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 19. 18 Tanakh, Torah]

. . . to be continued!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt HIS NAME together: We bless
you our FATHER, our ROCK & REDEEMER. We ask for YOUR peace, goodness,
blessings, grace, lovingkindness, mercy, and boldness with the light of
YOUR countenance radiating through us to others.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
What does not kill us, will make us stronger.

TRIBES OF ISRAEL (Part 2 of 5)
"Jacob called his sons and said— Come together that I may tell you
what is to befall you in days to come: Assemble and hearken, O sons of
Jacob; hearken to Israel your father." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 1 –
2 Tanakh, Torah]

Jacob continued, "Simeon & Levi are brothers; their weapons are tools of
cruelty and lawlessness. Let not my person be included in their council;
let not my honour be counted in their assembly. For when angry, they
slay men, and when pleased they maim oxen. Cursed be their anger so
fierce, and their wrath so relentless. I will divide them in Jacob,
scatter them in Israel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 5 – 7 Tanakh,
Torah] This was the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD speaking of them.

And Israel was saying, "In the past they formed a secret confederacy
together when they went out and slaughtered the men of Shechem. They
profaned the LORD GOD when they took the Lord'S Everlasting Covenant,
the circumcision, and profaned it by having every man be circumcised
after Dinah, their sister, was raped, and on the third day, they killed
every man in the city."

"My soul, my glory, shall not be united with them." Jacob was speaking
about ALMIGHTY GOD'S glory. The ALL-WISE CREATOR breathed HIS HOLY
SPIRIT into man and man became a living soul. Jacob said his soul
should not be united together with theirs.

Jacob also stated that Simeon and Levi were so cruel they had even hewed
the oxen. They were not content with just getting revenge for the rape
of their sister, Dinah, but they killed the men, took women and children
and livestock; then they plundered the houses in the city.
[Genesis/Bereshith 34. 25 - 29] This tendency of men taking vengeance,
becomes the basis for GOD'S declaration, "Vengeance and recompense
belongs to ME {I will vindicate MY people and take revenge for MY
servants.}." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 35 Tanakh, Torah]

"Cursed be their anger." Jacob did not curse them, but their sin. The
MERCIFUL ETERNAL ONE curses our sin, HE hates our sin, but HE still
loves the sinner. Otherwise, none of us would be here.

"I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel." We see this
prophecy being fulfilled by the intermingling of the tribe of Simeon in
the inheritance of Judah. [Joshua/Yehoshua 19. 1, 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The tribe of Judah swallowed them up. You cannot find anyone of the
tribe of Simeon any more. And Simeon did not receive a blessing in
Deuteronomy/ Devarim 33. The tribe of Levi was dispersed among all the
tribes of Israel causing this prophecy of the Holy Spirit to be
fulfilled to the fullest.

...to be continued!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
HEAVENLY FATHER, teach us to emulate YOUR OWN grace and mercy. Cause
YOUR truth to fall upon our hearts like seed upon fertile ground. And,
may we learn to love Your Law ever more deeply and to find in it the
beauty of holiness. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Reality can never be legislated out of existence. Segregation is a
reality and one must be able to distinguish between reality and
illusionary conditioned existence that is called "education."

THIS LAND IS MINE
"The land must not be sold beyond reclaim, for the LAND IS MINE; you are
but strangers resident with ME." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 25. 23 Tanakh,
Torah] "Nevermore shall you be called "Azubah (forsaken)" — nor
shall your land be called "Shemamah (desolate)" — but you shall be
called "Hephzibah (I delight in her—referring to Jerusalem)", and
your Land "Beulah (married – espoused)" — for the LORD takes
delight in you, and your Land shall be espoused." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 62.
4 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Many may claim that the Church is the Bride of CHRIST. However, HOLY
SCRIPTURE (both OLD & NEW COVENANTS) says that the EVERLASTING KING OF
GLORY is espoused to the LAND. From the book of Genesis/Bereshith in
the OLD COVENANT to Revelation in the NEW, the HOLY ONE declares that HE
desires to "be our GOD."

In both the OLD & NEW COVENANTS, believers in the GOD OF ABRAHAM are
called "HIS body, HIS people, HIS servants, HIS friends, called ones,
over-comers, and HIS sheep" — but never HIS bride. "Obey MY VOICE,
and I will be your GOD, and you shall be MY people." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah
7. 23 — also Exodus/Shemot 6. 7; Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 12; 1
Samuel/Shemuel Alef 15. 30; Isaiah/Yeshayah 40. 1; 62. 5;
Ezekiel/Yehezke- El 36. 28; Joel/Yoel 2. 27; Hosea 1. 9 —just to
mention a few.]

In the OLD COVENANT, Hosea is a living example of a prophet and his wife
— showing the relationship of the LIVING GOD'S views between HIMSELF
and HIS people.

In the NEW COVENANT, the LORD YESHUA said: "Can the friends of the
bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?" [Matthew 9. 14
- 15; Mark 2. 18 - 20; Luke 5. 33 - 35] "HE WHO has the bride is the
bridegroom; but the FRIEND of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him,
rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy
of MINE is fulfilled." [John 3. 29]

At a Jewish wedding, the guests not only receive wedding garments [see
Judges/Shofetim 14. 12 — Samson posed a riddle during the wedding
feast…], but are also the ones who are registered in a book. "They
shall walk with ME in white, for they are worthy. The over-comers will
be clothed in white garments and their names will not be blotted out of
the BOOK OF LIFE." [Revelation 3. 4 - 5, 18] "Blessed is he who
watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his
shame." [Revelation 16. 15] The friends, not the Bride, are the ones
"invited" — those whose names are written in "LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE."

The proper wedding garments must be on the Guests. "For the LORD has
prepared a sacrifice, HE has invited HIS guests to purify
themselves.. .And, on the Day of the LORD'S Sacrifice I will punish the
officials and the king's sons, and all who don a foreign vestment."
[Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 1. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The HOLY SPIRIT sent
out the invitations to the guests for the wedding. But, they made light
of it becoming unworthy. Then the servants went to the highways to
gather whoever they could to fill the wedding hall with guests. [Matthew
22. 1 - 14]

In the story of the Ten Virgins [Matthew 25. 1 - 13], the virgins were
invited guests. Five of them were not ready to attend the wedding,
having no oil (commitment) . Those who were committed, went with the
BRIDEGROOM to the wedding; not as the Bride but, as "invited guests."

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH declared, "Greater love has no one than
this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are MY friends if
you do whatever I command you." [John 15. 13 - 14] However, the LORD
JESUS OF NAZARETH died for us while we were HIS enemies.

Then who is the Bride? "She" is wonderfully described in the Book of
Revelation where an angel said, "Come, I will show you the LAMB'S BRIDE,
the LAMB'S WIFE...and showed me the Great City, the Holy Jerusalem,
descending out of heaven from GOD." [Revelation 21. 9 - 27] "And the
SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, "Come!!" ...whoever desires come! — let
him take the Water of Life freely." [Revelation 22. 17]

We should be content to be HIS people, and greatly rejoice that HE is
our GOD. How glorious! How marvelous! ...belonging to HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
May you experience the care, love, and presence of God MOST HOLY this
day and always.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our
Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He
comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and
the world will experience true godly universal peace.


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