Delrifkah: Thought FOR TODAY

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The tongue's sin weighs as much as all other sins together.
PROPHECY & FULFILLMENT
"A STAR shall come out of Jacob, a SCEPTER comes forth from Israel."
[Numbers (B'Midvar) 24. 17 Tanakh, Torah]
In searching the HOLY SCRIPTURES there can be no doubt as to WHO MESSIAH
is! From careful study of the GOSPELS, we cannot fail to see that the
HEBREW TEXT, which were often quoted by MESSIAH YESHUA HIMSELF, describe
HIM perfectly in every detail — "And beginning at Moses and all the
prophets, HE expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the things
concerning HIMSELF." [Luke 24. 27]
"The SCEPTER shall not depart from Judah, nor the RULER'S STAFF from
beneath HIS feet until Shiloh comes. So tribute shall come to HIM and
the homage of peoples be HIS." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 10 Tanakh,
Torah] The word "Shiloh" means shalom, tranquil, secure, peaceful,
pacifier peacemaker and it is an epithet of MESSIAH YESHUA WHO is The
Exact Image and Reflection of GOD. "For in HIM dwells all the fullness
of the GODHEAD bodily." [Colossians 2. 9] "This MAN (ONE) shall be
peace (AUTHOR OF PEACE)." [Micah/Michah 5. 4; Ephesians 2. 14] Peace
will be the characteristic of the Kingdom when the LORD JESUS returns.
DATE OF MESSIAH'S COMING: "You must know and understand, from the going
forth of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (after the Babylonian
captivity) until the time of the ANOINTED LEADER, MESSIAH THE PRINCE, is
seven weeks (of years); and for sixty-two weeks (about 483 years) it
will be rebuilt, square and moat, but in a time of distress." [Daniel
(Danyel) 9. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The prophet Daniel said that seventy
weeks were determined concerning GOD'S people, from the going forth of
the commandment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem until the coming of
MESSIAH THE PRINCE. In 444 BC [Nehemiah/Nechemah 2. 1 - 8] the decree
to rebuild the wall was given. On March 30, 33 AD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH
made HIS Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on the colt of an ass. The
intervening time is 143,880 days; or exactly 483 years on the 360th day
on the Hebrew calendar, or sixty-nine "sevens" of years, the time which
Daniel had set!
"And after those sixty-two weeks, the ANOINTED ONE (MESSIAH YESHUA) will
be cut off (executed for a capital crime), but not for HIMSELF; and the
army (Romans) of the leader (Titus) who is to come shall destroy the
City (Jerusalem) and the Sanctuary (Temple) ...and till the end (of the
age) of war desolation's is decreed." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 26 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] Here Daniel gives definite and exact measurement as to the
time of MESSIAH'S coming. HE had to come during the Second Temple,
before AD 70 when the Second Temple was destroyed. It must be clear to
any honest and unprejudiced mind that the time for the coming of MESSIAH
has come and gone. Since GOD'S WORD cannot be broken, it follows that
HE must have come. Who could HE have been? WHO has met the time
specifications for HIS coming?
"Assuredly, my LORD will give you a sign of HIS OWN accord! Look! the
virgin (almah) shall conceive and give birth to a SON, and shall call
HIS NAME IMMANU'EL." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 7. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] GOD
OMNIPOTENT assured the Jewish people through the prophet Isaiah, that HE
would not allow the enemy to destroy them until IMMANU'EL (GOD with us)
would be born of that appointed virgin (almah – "an engaged
virgin") who would travail. The Jewish Temple, where the
genealogical records of the royal family of the House of David were
kept, had to exist so MESSIAH'S lineage could be proven. Those records
proved that the LORD JESUS is the descendant of David and that HE is
the ONE concerning WHOM ALMIGHTY GOD spoke of through the prophets.
But after YESHUA, the SON OF DAVID, was born and fulfilled HIS mission,
GOD permitted the Temple (the place where the records were kept) to be
destroyed.
During the destruction of the Second Temple, Haggai, another great
Hebrew prophet, predicted the glory of the Latter Temple would be
greater than of the former— "...and the DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS shall
come here, and I will fill this House with glory, said the LORD OF
HOSTS." [Haggai (B'Midvar) 2. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The Latter Temple
(Kingdom Temple) will be greater in glory than the First Temple by the
coming of GOD'S HOLY SERVANT, JESUS, the DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS. No other
reason could be given to make it greater!
The Israelite people were scattered all over the world so that no one
Jew on earth is absolutely certain now of any tribal descent. Matthew
secured JESUS' genealogical date before the destruction of the Temple in
AD 70, so only MESSIAH YESHUA can trace HIS lineage to David since! Who
can doubt, JESUS OF NAZARETH is the PERFECT GOD/MAN, "IMMANU'EL" —
GOD with us, the PRINCE OF PEACE!
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.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It seems to me a very foolish man and very wretched who will not
increase his understanding while he is in this world and ever wish and
long to reach that endless life where all shall be made clear. [Alfred
the Great]
TRANSCENDENT WONDER OF WORSHIP
"There is none holy as YEHOWAH, for there is none besides YOU, nor is
there any rock like our GOD." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 2 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
Hannah glorified the LORD GOD in exaltation praising HIM for giving her
the son she had petitioned for. This prayer of thanksgiving was offered
up after she had weaned Samuel and delivered him to Eli the priest. As
promised in accordance to her vow, Hannah gave her son back to the LORD
GOD as long as he lived.
The heart of Hannah rejoiced in the LORD and her strength was exalted in
HIM, for she was no longer disgraced for being barren as in previous
times. Peninnah, her husband's other wife had provoked her year after
year. But now, Hannah's petition for a child was granted and her verse
continued: "Talk no more with lofty pride; let no arrogance cross your
lips! For the LORD is an all-knowing GOD; by HIM actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty men are broken, and the faltering are girded with
strength. Men once full must hire out for bread; men once hungry hunger
no more. While the barren woman bears seven, and she who has many
children has become feeble." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 3 - 5 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
For her faithfulness, the MASTER OF MERCY & TRUTH visited Hannah again
and she again conceived and bore three more sons and two daughters. [1
Samuel/Shemuel Alef 2. 21] "YEHOWAH sets the barren woman among her
household as a joyful mother of children." [Psalms (Tehillym) 113. 9
Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"YEHOWAH deals death and gives life, casts down into Sheol and raises
up. YEHOWAH makes poor and makes rich; HE brings low, HE also lifts up
high. HE raises the poor from the dust, lifts up the needy from the
dunghill, setting them with princes, and makes them inherit the throne
of glory." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 6 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Hannah,
being a devoted woman, knew SCRIPTURES and was reflecting the Psalms:
"HE raises the poor out of the dust, lifts the needy from the refuge
heap to set them with the great, with the great men of HIS people."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 113. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Hannah continued: "For the pillars of the earth are YEHOWAH'S; HE has
set the world upon them. HE guards the steps of HIS faithful, but the
wicked perish in darkness — for by strength shall no man prevail.
The adversaries that strive with YEHOWAH shall be shattered; HE will
thunder against them from the heavens. YEHOWAH will judge the ends of
the earth. HE will give strength to HIS KING, and exalt the HORN of HIS
ANOINTED ONE." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 9 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Miryam (Mary) the Mother of JESUS echoed the song of Hannah when she
also magnified the LORD as her spirit exalted in GOD her SAVIOR. [Luke
1. 46 - 55] My heart too exults in the HOLY ONE OF OLD, my horn is
exalted in the LORD. I rejoice in HIS salvation and worship in the
beauty of holiness!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation.
May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of
our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel, Amen. May YOU,
MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified,
adored & exalted above all else throughout eternity. Blessed are YOU
beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered
in this world, Amen.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The only motive some people have for listening to reason is to gain time
for rebuttal.
DELIGHT IN GOD'S WILL
"To do what pleases YOU, my GOD, is my desire (Hebrew: chaphets -
"delight, take pleasure in"); YOUR Law is in my inmost parts." [Psalms
(Tehillym) 40. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
This expression by King David was also a manifestation of prophecy that
was completely fulfilled by MESSIAH YESHUA WHO said, "MY food is to do
the will of HIM that sent ME, and to finish HIS work." [John 4. 34]
"I came down from heaven, not to do MY OWN will, but the will of HIM WHO
sent ME." [John 6. 38] "The works that I do in MY FATHER'S NAME, they
bear witness of ME." [John 10. 25] "Therefore when HE comes into the
world, HE said — Behold, I come, in the volume of the BOOK it is
written of ME — to do YOUR will, O GOD." [Hebrews 10. 5, 7]
The heart of the LORD JESUS was perfectly harmonized with the will of
the HEAVENLY FATHER because GOD'S Law was written thereon "not on
tablets of stone, but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart." [2
Corinthians 3. 3] Even in the most trying and difficult circumstances
to which any man could ever be subjected, JESUS, the ROCK of our
salvation could pray, "Nevertheless, not MY will, but YOURS, be done."
[Luke 22. 42]
By the INDWELLING SPIRIT OF ALMIGHTY GOD, we also must seek to make the
will of the HOLY ONE our greatest delight. We are saved exclusive and
completely by grace alone. But, this is not to deliver us from the
discipline of GOD'S RIGHTEOUS & PERFECT LAW for the Law is a
schoolmaster making us "free from the law of sin and death." [Romans 8.
2]
The HOLY SPIRIT OF TRUTH exposes GOD'S Perfect Law to us continuously as
we are obedient to HIS commands which enables us to love HIM more in
response. "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those
days, says the LORD; I will put MY Laws into their hearts, and in their
minds and I will write them." [Hebrews 10. 16] Just as the MASTER OF
MERCY instructed for the kings of Israel, we likewise should follow the
same advise regarding the Law, "And it shall be with him, and he shall
read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his
GOD and be careful to observe all the words of this Law and these
statutes." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 17. 19 Tanakh, Torah]
Like the psalmist David, we learn not to resist the will of the ALMIGHTY
ONE, but to love HIS commands and to delight in HIS Law. "O how I love
YOUR Law! In it I study and meditate all day long...YOUR decrees are my
eternal heritage; they are my heart's rejoicing and delight...I have
longed for YOUR salvation and deliverance, O LORD; YOUR Law is my
delight." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 97, 111, 174 Tanakh, Kethuvim] There
is nothing sweeter or more precious then GOD'S WORD; read it and find
engaging treasures for all eternity.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdallah (Difference) Service,
we celebrate the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL WHO separates the sacred from the
mundane and forgives our sins. May it be YOUR will that our home becomes
a sanctuary worthy of YOUR PRESENCE, wherein YOUR HOLY NAME is hallowed,
that YOU come and grant YOUR blessings on us. Have a good week, as you
bring some of the sweetness of Sabbath into each day!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A fool falls on his back and bruises his nose.
PATHS & WAYS
"Thus said the LORD — Stand by the roads and consider, inquire about
ancient paths; which is the road to happiness? Travel it and find
tranquility for yourselves.' But they said, 'We will not." [Jeremiah
(Yirmeyah) 6. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The world today seems to demand that everyone follow whatever is new,
fashionable or politically correct and popular. In addition to that
drivel and nonsense, there is always some new philosophy, religion, more
modern version of traditional doctrines, or another new idea. However,
the ALMIGHTY CREATOR, the HIGH & LOFTY ONE does not change with the
times. With HIM, there "is no variation or shadow of turning." [James
1. 17] From everlasting to everlasting GOD is unchanging, MESSIAH
YESHUA "is the same yesterday, today, and forever." [Hebrews 13. 8]
"For I am the LORD, I do not change." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 6 Tanakh,
Nevi'im]
What we may call new is simply repeats of ancient immoralities and
ancient evolutionism, since "Only that shall happen which has happened.
Only that shall occur which has occurred; there is nothing new beneath
the sun." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 1. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The old paths constitute the "GOOD WAY" and GOD'S holy people will never
find rest for their soul until they walk in them. "Do not remove the
ancient boundary stone that your ancestors set up." [Proverbs (Mishle)
22. 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "You shall not move your countryman's
landmarks, set up by men of old, in the property that will be allotted
to you in the land that the LORD your GOD is giving you to possess."
[Deuteronomy (Devarim) 19. 14 Tanakh, Torah]
The NEW COVENANT rebukes those idle philosophers and academic dreamers
who "spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some
new thing." [Acts 17. 21] The "GOOD NEWS" is the "HOPE of ETERNAL LIFE
which GOD, WHO cannot lie, promised before time began." [Titus 1. 2]
The wonders of the GLORIOUS & EXALTED CREATOR GoD are great, rich, and
without number!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Shabbat! Celebrating the traditional Melaveh Malkeh —
escorting in the Sabbath — Queen of the week.
The children of Israel shall keep Sabbath, to observe Sabbath
throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign
between ME and the children of Israel forever! May your day be filled
with rich blessings as you glorify ALMIGHTY GOD and rest in HIM.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The world stands on three pillars: On Torah, on worship, and on acts of
loving-kindness. Throughout the Festival of Shavuot, the Season of the
Giving of the Torah, we are reminded of the centrality of Torah; which
teaches us the third pillar, to worship Almighty God through our
compassionate (kind) and coherent (fair) dealings with all.
When GOD'S PRESENCE filled the Tabernacle, HE said — "Today I am
causing MY PRESENCE to rest among you; if you sin, MY PRESENCE will
leave you. But when MESSIAH comes, MY PRESENCE will remain with you
permanently. Now you see the DIVINE PRESENCE through fire, but with the
coming of the MESSIAH you will see ME clearly revealed, as it is
written: For eye to eye shall they see when GOD returns to Zion."
[Tz'enah Ur'enah]
FULFILLED LAW
"HE (the risen LORD JESUS) said to them (the 11 frightened disciples)
— These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with
you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law
(Torah) of Moses and the Prophets (Nevi'im) and the Psalms (Kethuvim)
concerning ME." [Luke 24. 44]
After HIS death and resurrection, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH appeared to HIS
disciples and ate broiled fish and honeycomb with them to prove HE was
not a spirit as they supposed. Then, the LORD JESUS opened their minds
so they could understanding the SCRIPTURES saying to them: "This is what
is Written — The CHRIST will suffer and rise from the dead on the
third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in
HIS NAME to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of
these things. I am going to send you what MY FATHER has promised; but
stay in the City until you have been clothed with POWER from on high."
[Luke 24. 46 - 49]
The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH alone perfectly completed all three offices
(Prophet – Priest - King): "JESUS OF NAZARETH, WHO was a PROPHET
mighty in deed and word before GOD and all the people." [Luke 24. 19]
"We have a GREAT HIGH PRIEST WHO has passed through the heavens, JESUS
THE SON OF GOD, let us hold fast our confession." [Hebrews 4. 14] And
HE lives continually to make intercession for us, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST
was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from
sinners, and has become higher than the heavens." [Hebrews 7. 25 - 26]
"All who survive of all those nations that came up against Jerusalem
shall come up year by year to worship and bow low to the KING, the LORD
OF HOSTS and to observe the Feast of Booths (Succoth)." [Zechariah
(Zecharyah) 14. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Even as I will pour water on
thirsty soil, and rain upon dry ground, so will I will pour MY SPIRIT on
your offspring, MY blessing upon your posterity." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44.
3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out MY SPIRIT on
all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on MY
menservants and on MY maidservants I will pour out MY SPIRIT in those
days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and
fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and
the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of
the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the NAME OF
THE LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall
be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD
calls." [Joel/Yoel 2. 28 - 32]
This began to be fulfilled when Shavuot (Pentecost) came, ten days after
MESSIAH, the BELOVED SON, returned to the FATHER in heaven. "And they
were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak with other
tongues, as the SPIRIT gave them utterance." [Acts 2. 4] Now we can
come boldly into the Throne Room of Grace. . . how marvelous!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Chag Samayach — Joyous Holiday!" Blessings to all who love Zion!
We were greatly blessed when the HOLY ONE has brought us out of slavery
from Egypt (Passover) and took HIS people directly to Mount Sinai
(freedom). There HE gave us the Law (Shavu'ot) to keep us free from
slavery (to sin). Then, gave us YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to keep us free and
give us true peace and rest (Sukkoth/Booths) .
Without TORAH we would not have a GUIDE BOOK for living, so one of the
many kindnesses the ALMIGHTY ONE has done for us as a people was to give
us this SPECIAL GIFT. Without TORAH we wouldn't know how to
function; we wouldn't know the best way to serve our CREATOR; we
wouldn't have the tools to distinguish between reality and illusion,
between light and dark; we would not have moral clarity; we wouldn't
have a Guide Book for living; nor would we know how to confront
life's greatest challenges or answer life's difficult questions;
we would still be wandering in the desert — if not literally,
certainly spiritually. Shavuot is a time to appreciate, to say thanks to
the LORD GOD, to imagine the void of a life without TORAH and to
experience as if for the first time how it lights up our lives and fills
our souls. So we thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for YOUR love, so rich
and pure, and for HIS wisdom in giving us HIS Precious Law. HalleluYAH!
what a SAVIOR!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Being happy does not mean that everything is perfect. . . it means
you've looked beyond the imperfections to see as love sees.
SHAVUOTH
From the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering —
the day after Sabbath — you shall count off seven weeks. They must
be complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week —
Fifty Days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the LORD.
You shall bring from your settlements two loaves of bread as an
elevation offering; each shall be made of two-tenths of a measure of
choice flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits to the LORD."
[Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 15 - 17 Tanakh, Torah]
Shavuoth (weeks) also called Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Harvest and
Feast of Weeks. Shavuoth is recognized as a memorial to the giving or
revelation of ALMIGHTY GOD'S gift of the 10-Commandments at Mount Sinai
50 days after the Israelites were led out of Egypt. Seven weeks after
leaving the land of death, the Israelites received the entire moral law
from the mouth of the LORD GOD HIMSELF as HE spoke to them from Mount
Sinai to guide and establish the redeemed nation.
It is a time to remember and observe the anniversary of the Covenant
between the ETERNAL GOD and Israel. GOD'S time table is remarkable,
first HE established HIS pattern for redemption in the death of the
Sacrificial Lamb. As death visited the first-born of all the homes in
Egypt not covered by the blood, Israel was set free from her bondage.
Passover is a memorial to freedom. Many years later, at Passover,
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH concluded that sacrifice, setting us free from sin
and death. Paul identifies HIM in the resurrection as "CHRIST THE
FIRST-FRUITS" [1 Corinthians 15. 23] for it was on the morning of the
offering of the first fruits of the barley harvest that the HE WHO is
the BREAD OF LIFE raised from the dead.
Shavu'ot remembers GOD'S message of the Law, "All the people answered as
one, saying —All that the LORD has spoken we will do!" [Exodus
(Shemot) 19. 8 Tanakh, Torah] There is no liberty without DIVINE Law
and self-discipline. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA said, "Go! make disciples
of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the
SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING them to observe all things that I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age." [Matthew 28. 19 - 20]
On Shavuoth/Pentecost, the priest waved two loaves of challah (leavened
bread) before the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN. Usually leaven is forbidden, but
on this occasion there was a hidden meaning to the leaven. OLD
COVENANT saints wrote about the "GREAT SECRET" and the SECRET laid
hidden from Genesis to Malachi (Bereshith — Dibre Hayamin Bet in the
TANAKH). But, it was never fully known until the time of Paul. The
HOLY SPIRIT revealed to this Jewish Apostle that GOD'S eternal purpose
was to take from both Jew and Gentile, a people for HIS GREAT NAME, that
they would be made a joint-body in MESSIAH YESHUA!
The two loaves "baked with leaven" were to be waved before the HIGH &
LOFTY ONE on Shavuoth, represent Jew and Gentile. The leaven is
symbolic of sin in them both being brought together in the SON. Here
ETERNAL GOD was teaching HIS people that divine redemption through HIS
ANOINTED ONE would be for whosoever will. "For there is no distinction
between Jew and Greek, for the same LORD over all is rich to all who
call upon HIM. For whoever calls on the NAME OF THE LORD shall be
saved." [Romans 10. 12 - 13]
As the wave offering was lifted up to a high plane, so the HOLY SPIRIT
leads both Jew and Gentile to the holy faith in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to
the highest position near to the very heart of GOD OMNISCIENT. Also,
the HOLY SPIRIT leads both Jew and Gentile and forms us into one body.
Faith in the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA makes every man equal in GOD'S sight.
The LORD MOST HIGH is the gracious and merciful GOD & KING!
The LORD JESUS set us free from the Law in granting us salvation.
Salvation is a gift to be accepted not a status we achieve. JESUS, the
ROCK of our salvation, sets us free from our own habits and actions in
order that we may be free to obey. We become free to do, not as we
please, but as the LORD GOD commands. In a sense, we are set free from
our own habits, actions and the traditions of men so that we may hear
the authentic and complete WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. This freedom comes from
the knowledge that it is no longer our own efforts, but it is GOD'S
power that is at work within us. This was then demonstrated and brought
to completion in HIS season or timing: "And when the DAY OF PENTECOST
(Shavuoth) had fully come, they were all together in one place" [Acts 2.
1], celebrating this "FESTIVAL OF THE FIRST-FRUITS" of the wheat harvest
"and they were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT" becoming the "first
fruits" of GOD'S Harvest.
The POWER OF THE ETERNAL ONE came to dwell in us. The prophets were
continually calling the nation of Israel back to the LIVING GOD WHO had
made HIMSELF known at the Exodus. We can know that same HOLY GOD,
through YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, by the power of the SPIRIT OF GOD. On
Shavuoth/Pentecost, the HOLY SPIRIT came [Acts 2] to fulfill the
prophecy of David so that the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA would be recognized by
Israel and known as THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
The following is a prayer for the restoration of Zion by a MESSIANIC
Jewish Rabbi and believer in YESHUA, Yechiel Tzvi Lichtenstein
(1831-1912). It was first published in 1887 and has been reprinted again
by Vine of David.
"O LORD, in accordance with all of YOUR acts of righteousness, let YOUR
anger and wrath turn away from YOUR city Jerusalem, YOUR holy mountain.
Our FATHER, our KING, lift a banner to the peoples to return Israel to
its pasture. Gather us together from the four corners of the earth to
our land, and plant us within its borders on the mountain of our
inheritance. Bring us to Zion, YOUR city, with singing and to Jerusalem,
YOUR Holy City, with eternal joy. Build it in YOUR compassion and let it
remain perched and inhabited in its place. Establish YOUR Holy Temple in
it and gladden us in YOUR House of Prayer. Return YOUR Dwelling Presence
to Zion, YOUR city, and send us YESHUA our MESSIAH a second time. Let
HIM reign upon the throne of David in Jerusalem, YOUR Holy City. Lift up
the horn of the salvations of your people Israel in the House of David
YOUR servant – salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all
who hate us, just as YOU have spoken through YOUR prophets. O LORD,
hear! O LORD, forgive! O LORD, listen and act! Do not delay, for YOUR
OWN sake, our GOD, for YOUR NAME is called upon YOUR city and upon YOUR
people. Hurry, ha'SHEM, to help us! Ransom YOUR people Israel from
all its iniquities and from all its troubles, for the time to be
gracious has come, for the appointed time has come. Amen."
Chag Samayach — Joyous Holiday We wish all of you a Blessed Feast of
Shavuoth — The Giving of the Law! Have an extraordinarily blessed
day in celebrating the Festival of Weeks.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When asked why Shavuoth is called the time of the "Giving of the TORAH"
rather than the "Receiving of the TORAH" — the Kotzker Rebbe
responded, "The TORAH was given but once on Mt. Sinai, but the receiving
of the TORAH is everyday."
The Law is a hidden treasure. . . "Dresh (Hebrew: search it out)!"
FESTIVAL OF HARVEST
"Three times a year you shall hold a festival for ME: You shall observe
the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD — eating unleavened bread for seven
days as I have commanded you — at the set time in the month of Abib,
for in it you went forth from Egypt; and none shall appear before ME
empty handed; and the FEAST OF HARVEST, of the first fruits of your
labors, of what you sow in the field; and the FEAST OF INGATHERING at
the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors
from the field." [Exodus (Shemot) 23. 14 - 16 Tanakh, Torah]
Shavuot (Chag ha'Shavuot - Feast of Weeks) is the Hebrew word for the
FEAST OF HARVEST (Chag ha'Katzir also called Chag ha'Bikuriym —
Festival of First Fruits). The Festival of Shavuot is the anniversary
of the giving of the TORAH and the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT, it is also
known as Pentecost. This year it begins on the eve of June 7 and lasts
thru sundown June 9 (Hebrew Date: Sivan 5 — 7), the event taking
place 50 days after Passover. A new grain offering that the ETERNAL
LORD GOD required included two loaves of leavened bread which the priest
waved before the LOVING MASTER. "You shall bring from your settlements
two loaves of bread as a wave offering; each shall be made of two-tenths
of an ephah of choice fine flour, baked after leavening, as first fruits
to the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 17 Tanakh, Torah]
On this Feast, the Book of Ruth is read in Synagogues around the world.
It tells of a poor Moabitess and her Jewish mother-in-law who return to
Bethlehem from Moab at harvest time. Under the Law, the GREAT & MIGHTY
GOD OF ISRAEL instructed, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you
shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the
gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the
stranger — I the LORD am your GOD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 22
Tanakh, Torah] Ruth (friend) is directed by the hand of the HOLY ONE
to glean in the field of Boaz (fleetness; it is strength), the man she
will marry and who father's Obed (serving), the grandfather of Jesse (I
possess) — the father of David (beloved). [Ruth/Roos 4. 21 - 22]
The Moabitess, Ruth is the great-grandmother of King David. Since
tradition alleged that King David was born and died on Shavuot, the Book
of Ruth is read in his honor.
Also, Shavuoth is the day King David was to have written his most famous
songs, Psalm 119, which highly praises and extols the WORD OF THE MOST
HIGH. David, the greatest king of Israel and a man after GOD'S OWN
heart, is remembered on this Festival for his unique and intimate
relationship with the HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH.
Shavuoth is a time to re-commit oneself to the MAGNIFICENT GOD OF THE
UNIVERSE and to HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD. Now is the time for harvest of
souls. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA exhorted us to "lift up your eyes and
look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who
reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he
who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." [John 4. 35 - 36]
"Blessed is that servant whom his MASTER, when he comes, will find so
doing." [Matthew 24. 46] "Observe what is right and do what is just; for
soon MY SALVATION shall come, and MY DELIVERANCE be revealed." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 56. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"May the LORD reward your deeds. May you have a full recompense from the
LORD, the GOD OF ISRAEL, under WHOSE wings you have come for refuge."
[Ruth (Roos) 2. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Come. . . let us worship and bow
down before our BLESSED CREATOR!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
6 Sivan (June 8 this year) — The giving of the TORAH at Mount Sinai.
[Exodus/Shemot 19 & 20]
REDEMPTION & TORAH [An excerpt from Torah Club, Volume 5]
Then GOD spoke all these words, saying — "I am the LORD your GOD,
WHO brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."
[Exodus/Shemot 20. 1-2]
The Festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) is the anniversary of the giving of
the TORAH and the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT. As part of the
commemoration, the Ten Commandments are read publicly in the Assembly on
the Feast of Shavuot.
The first commandment is to believe in the LORD GOD and to accept HIS
claim of ownership over us. Unless we accept the basic premise of GOD'S
existence, no number of commandments will have any authority or meaning
for us. The need for such a command demonstrates the incongruity of
ascribing to morality without believing in a moral authority. If we
accept the premise of objective morality, we must accept that there is a
higher authority issuing that objective standard.
We also learn from this that redemption must precede commandments.
Before we can receive the TORAH, we must already be saved. Israel's
salvation from Egypt was not accorded to her on the basis of her
obedience to the commandments. She was already redeemed (on no merit of
her own) before the Laws at Sinai were given to her. Thus the first
declaration at Mt. Sinai is a reminder of their redeemed status. Only
because the Israelites were already saved are they able to receive the
commands of ALMIGHTY GOD.
True legalism continually attempts to reverse this process by claiming
that one's obedience to certain commandments (or, all the
commandments) is the mechanism by which salvation is earned. The first
of the Ten Commandments directly contradicts this notion. Salvation and
relationship with GOD OMNISCIENT precedes the TORAH.
"Chag Shavuoth Samayach — Joyous Holiday!"
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Envy is its own torment.
CONTINUE IN...
"As for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been
assured of, knowing from WHOM you have learned them — the HOLY
SCRIPTURES, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith
which is in CHRIST JESUS." [2 Timothy 3. 14 - 15]
CHRISTianity is not to be a "hit-and-miss- affair" or an
"I-tried-it- and-it-didn' t-work" experience. CHRISTianity isn't
something you "Try" — but what you "Are" —a determination or
mind set; a choice to live as a CHRIST-like one. One of the great
outward proofs of a true believer is that he continues in the faith.
"IF indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are
not moved away from the HOPE OF THE GOSPEL which you heard." [Colossians
1. 23] Endurance for the duration of our lifetime shows the reality of
our true faith in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. "Now by this we know that we
know HIM, if we keep HIS commandments. " [1 John 2. 3] "They received
the WORD with all readiness, and searched the SCRIPTURES daily to find
out whether these things were so." [Acts 17. 11] "The works of the
LORD are great, within reach of all who desire them and studied by all
who have pleasure in them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 111. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"Then I thought of the days of old; I meditated on all YOUR deeds,
recounted the work of YOUR hands." [Psalms (Tehillym) 143. 5 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. "
[Colossians 4. 2] The HOLY BIBLE constantly exhorts us to "pray
without ceasing." [1 Thessalonians 5. 17] In the work of ALMIGHTY
CREATOR GOD there are three steps: First, impossible; second,
difficult; finally, done — when we pray for the extraordinary, the
limitless, the incredible and the glorious.
The unbeliever, "has no root in himself, but endures only for a while.
For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the WORD,
immediately he stumbles." [Matthew 13. 21] "They profess to know GOD,
but in works they deny HIM, being abominable, disobedient, and
disqualified for every good work." [Titus 1. 16]
Grace (Hebrew: chen — favor, acceptance) carries with it an
obligation to tell others. The GOSPEL is "GOOD NEWS" and as
CHRIST-followers, we must continue to witness for and about HIM.
"Therefore, having obtained help from GOD — to this day I stand
— witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than
those which the prophets and Moses said would come." [Acts 26. 22] Be
co-workers with the HEAVENLY MASTER by sharing the PRECIOUS WORD OF
TRUTH.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
We praise YOU, MOST HOLY God and ask that YOUR PRESENCE be manifest to
us in all YOUR works, so that reverence for YOU may fill the hearts of
YOUR creatures. May all the children of men bow before YOU in humility
and unite to do YOUR will with one heart, that all may acknowledge that
YOURS alone is the power, dominion and majesty; and that YOUR NAME is
exalted above all. The grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with you
always – for you are our glory and joy!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Redeem us, O GOD, from the serfdom of ignorance and irreverence! "
Read and study GOD'S WORD to have more than a mole's-stunted amount of
intellect capable of discerning right and wrong.
BENEFITS IN SUFFERING
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." [Romans 8.
18]
This is how the Apostle Paul approached suffering, in a positive way.
So did James, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various
trials." [James 1. 2] Peter said, "rejoice inasmuch as you partake of
CHRIST'S sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be
glad with exceeding joy." [1 Peter 4. 13] And John stated, "you are of
GOD, little children, and have overcome them, because HE WHO is in you
is greater than he who is in the world." [1 John 4. 4]
Paul reveals three positive benefits with suffering:
Suffering leads to heavenly glory. "If we suffer with HIM, that we may
also be glorified together...the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us."
[Romans 8. 17 - 18]
Suffering increases our dependence on the COMFORTER, the HOLY SPIRIT for
answered prayer. "Likewise, the SPIRIT helps our infirmities, for we
know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the SPIRIT makes
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." [Romans 8.
26] This allows the perfect will of the ETERNAL MASTER to be
accomplished in our life.
Suffering is far outweighed by the permanence of our HOLY GOD'S love.
"Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST? Shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
No! in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM WHO
loved us." [Romans 8. 35, 37]
Instead of dwelling on the suffering, help your neighbor with his load,
and yours will not feel so heavy. And this will come about as we
emphasize our attentions on the everlasting and measureless love of
ALMIGHTY GOD. The INCOMPARABLE & PERFECT HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL is good,
loving and exceedingly merciful!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Who is like YOU, O KING, HELPER, SAVIOR & SHIELD? Blessed are YOU, LORD
GOD WHO sustains the living with loving-kindness, quickens the dead with
great mercy, supports the falling; heals the sick, looses the bound, and
keeps YOUR faith to them that sleep in the dust. YOU are the LORD of
mighty acts, WHO judges, WHO kills and quickens, and causes salvation to
spring forth. YOU alone are faithful, YOU are holy, and YOUR NAME is
holy, and we adore and praise you daily. Selah!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Although fate presents the circumstances, how you react depends on your
character.
HUMBLE PRAYER
"And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise
his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying GOD, be merciful
to me a sinner!" [Luke 18. 13]
"Mercy and propitiation/ atonement (Hebrew: checed / kaphar)" are
interrelated words that are closely interconnected. The mercy of the
HOLY GOD, blessed be HE, is not all that the tax collector was asking
for, he was humbly asking for reconciliation to be made for him. Thus,
he was speaking of the saving work of MESSIAH YESHUA, the ONE WHO came
"to make propitiation (atonement) for the sins of the people." [Hebrews
2. 17]
The true story told of the proud Pharisee and the humble publican is set
in the context of the Jewish Temple worship, where sinners would bring
their sacrificial offering to cover their sins, knowing that "the life
of the flesh is in the blood; it is the blood, as life, that makes
atonement for the soul." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah]
Such sacrifices were completely worthless, however, if offered in a
spirit of religious pride or self-righteousness like the
self-important attitude of the Pharisee. There must be repentance and
faith in ALMIGHTY GOD'S promise of forgiveness through the death of an
innocent substitute which pre-figured the BELOVED LORD JESUS, the TRUE
LAMB OF GOD WHOSE coming death would truly make eternal reconciliation
for the sins of the people. The publican prayed in this manner and his
sins were forgiven, covered completely.
Since the cross, a sinner's prayer for forgiveness must express the same
humble attitude: "MERCIFUL and HOLY GOD, be my PROPITIATION , mercifully
cover me, on the basis of the death and resurrection of YOUR
ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, for my sins." Such a sincere
prayer made in complete repentance and faith in the EXALTED ETERNAL HOLY
ONE'S promise will bring justification.
We can be like the tax collector who "went down to his house justified
rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted." [Luke 18. 14] I humbly bow
low in honour and worship to the HOLY ALMIGHTY LORD GOD my VICTORIOUS
KING.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Shabbas, our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the
holy from the secular, forgive our sins. We share the blessed hope that
every day will be as sweet as Shabbat...a rest of love freely given in
truth and sincerity a rest in peace and tranquility, quiet and
safety a perfect rest in which you find favor of the LORD YESHUA!
Tov Shavua have a good week! ...may gladness reign and joy
increase as we celebrate the up-coming High Holy Days of the LORD'S
Feasts.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Incompetence is a global epidemic — take precautions to insure you
are immune. . . read GOD'S HOLY WORD and comply with it!
DO NOT SIN
"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath."
[Ephesians 4. 26]
Many times a CHRISTian is rightly angered by some circumstance or unkind
word and thereby is tempted to retaliate. However, for the
CHRIST-like- one, such a reaction is sin. More wisely, we would get
control of our anger before the sun sets. We are not to let our anger
continue until it develops into sinful actions.
The OLD COVENANT commands were the same, "Tremble and sin no more;
ponder it on your bed, sigh and be still." [Psalms (Tehillym) 4. 4
Tanakh, Kethuvim] When angered, it is much better to wait and talk with
the ALMIGHTY ONE about it in your bed rather then react in the streets,
or at home against those who have infuriated us.
The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA alone is our PERFECT EXAMPLE "WHO, when HE was
reviled, did not revile in return; when HE suffered, HE did not
threaten, but committed HIMSELF to HIM WHO judges righteously. " [1 Peter
2. 23]
This is often one of the most difficult areas to overcome in the
believers life. James says, "No man can tame the tongue. It is an
unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our GOD and FATHER,
and with it we curse men who have been made in the similitude of GOD.
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these
things ought not to be so." [James 3. 8 - 10] When we are cursed, we
should, on the contrary, return a blessing, "knowing that you were
called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." [1 Peter 3. 9] What
man cannot tame, GOD CAN!
"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the
righteousness of GOD." [James 1. 19 - 20] "The end of a matter is
better than the beginning of it. Better a patient spirit than a haughty
spirit. Don't let your spirit be quickly exasperated, for exasperation
abides in the breasts of fools." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 7. 8 - 9
Tanakh, Kethuvim] "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live
peaceably with all men. Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place to wrath; for it is written: — Vengeance is MINE; I will repay
— says the LORD." [Romans 12. 18 - 19] We must deliberately strive
for peace, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
[Romans 12. 21] Remember, "anger in a house is like a worm in a plant."
[The TALMUD] And, the greater blesses the lesser!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Good Sabbath — Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen, the
Bride of the weekÂ…Sabbath, eagerly awaited and joyously welcomed!
I greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul exults in GOD my SAVIOR. HE
clothed me with garments of salvation, wrapped me in a robe of
righteousness — thus shouts of victory and praise spring forth in
HIS PRESENCE. I love YOU, LORD and I lift my voice to worship YOU.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

MESSIAH & THE FOUR THIEVES
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I
have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more
abundantly." [John 10. 10]
There are four different thieves mention in the NEW COVENANT: The first
was Judas Iscariot, the disciple, was the first thief involved in the
events surrounding the crucifixion of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.
Definitely, Judas was the thief in charge of the money box and was known
for taking what was in it. [John 12. 6] Judas' epithet: "Betrayer of
The KING OF GLORY."
Barabbas, the second thief, was also a troublemaker and had committed
murderer in the insurrection. [Mark 15. 7; John 18. 40] This convicted
criminal, sentenced to death, was released, as was the custom at
Passover. . . and JESUS OF NAZARETH, the KING OF THE JEWS, was condemned
to die the horrible death by crucifixion.
"Two robbers were crucified with HIM (MESSIAH) one on the right and
another on the left." [Matthew 27. 38] One of the condemned (the third
thief) belittled and ridiculed the MASTER saying — "If YOU are the
CHRIST, save YOURSELF and us." [Luke 23. 39 — fulfilling prophecy of
MESSIAH, Psalms/Tehillym 22. 8]
However, the fourth thief believed the SAVIOR and said, "we receive the
due reward of our deeds; but this MAN has done nothing wrong. Then he
said to JESUS — LORD, remember me when YOU come into YOUR Kingdom.
And JESUS said to him — Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be
with ME in Paradise." [Luke 23. 41 - 43]
The four thieves were all deserving the punishment of death. Judas, the
betrayer, ended his own life in suicide. Barabbas was a beneficiary
— though only for a time. On the cross, one criminal was a mocker,
whose ultimate destiny was Hell and the Lake of Fire. But the thief who
believed only moments before his death, received Salvation and Eternal
Life. The LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO took on HIMSELF the penalty for thieves
and robbers, can save anyone who comes to HIM because the
REDEEMER\MEDIATOR came "that we might have life, and have it more
abundantly." [John 10. 10] Who so ever will. . .Come!
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. HIS glory
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. HIS Law is a Tree of Life to them
that lay hold of it, and the supporters thereof are happy. Its ways are
ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. HalleluYAH!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"How great that man would be were he not so arrogant." [Talmud, Kallah
Rabbah 3 – Proverb] The greater you are, the more you must humble
yourself.
GRACE IN QUIETNESS
"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give
account of it in the day of judgment." [Matthew 12. 36]
"Let your speech always be with grace" [Colossians 4. 6] the HOLY
SCRIPTURE says, "seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to
answer every man" and "strive to lead a quiet life, and to mind your own
business." [1 Thessalonians 4. 11]
There is a sin of talkativeness and many are tormented by it and suffer
because of it. HOLY WRIT continues to teach us, "A knowledgeable man is
sparing with his words. Even a fool, if he keeps silent, is deemed wise;
and intelligent, if he seals his lips." [Proverbs (Mishle) 17. 27 - 28
Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Keep your mouth from being rash, and let not your
mouth be quick to bring forth speech before GOD. For GOD is in heaven
and you are on earth; that is why your words should be few. Just as
dreams come with much brooding, so does foolish utterance come with much
speech." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 5. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "A wise
man's talk brings him favor, but a fool's lips are his undoing. His talk
begins as silliness and ends as disastrous madness, yet the fool talks
and talks!" [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 10. 12 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath." [James 1. 19] "Let your "yes be Yes!" and your
"no be No!" — for whatever is more than these comes from the evil
one." [Matthew 5. 37]
"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but lawlessness
covers the mouth of the wicked. The lips of the righteous sustain many,
but fools die for lack of sense. Where there is much talking, there is
no lack of transgressing, but he that curbs his tongue shows sense."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 10. 11, 19, 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Neither
filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not
fitting; but rather giving of thanks." [Ephesians 5. 4]
There are many other such warnings regarding talking and all should be
sobering. The OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT ALMIGHTY GOD has a recording of
all our conversations, and we will be required to explain all words we
spoke which were not gracious and edifying. We should take heed and
not even mention any hurtful or profane words, control our pointless,
useless and empty conversations, and quit the sin of talking too much;
then cultivate prayerfully the GRACE OF QUIETNESS in all meekness.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Our prayer for each of you is to have first-hand knowledge of our living
salvation through our GREAT MESSIAH, KING JESUS. Be sure to share this
HOPE with someone today, that your joy may be full! Our AWESOME HOLY GOD
is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in difficult times.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the
way in which we use them.
LAW & HOPE
"For the Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope
did; through which we draw near to GOD." [Hebrews 7. 19]
The Book of Hebrews focuses on the difference between the Levitical
Priestly Laws of animal sacrifice in contrast to the Perfect Law of the
blood of the LORD JESUS — the Better Covenant.
The MASTER OF MERCY & TRUTH declared that the Law (Levitical Priestly
Laws) could not make anyone perfect. One does not grow in his
spirituality (become spiritually mature) if he follows the unprofitable
Law which GOD has "put away." One draws near to the HOLY ONE not by
keeping the Laws and commandments, but by following a BETTER HOPE —
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, is the fulfillment of all the HEBREW SCRIPTURES!
"There arises another PRIEST WHO has come, not according to the law of a
fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life...For
on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment (OLD
COVENANT) because of its weakness and unprofitableness. " [Hebrews 7. 15
- 16, 18]
The Law of Moses is called the "Law of a Carnal (fleshly) Commandment. "
When one is delivered from the fleshly commandment by believing in the
LORD YESHUA as the REDEEMER & LORD, they put themselves back under
bondage if they continue to observe the carnal laws, which has to do
with the flesh. In speaking of the Gentiles conforming to the laws and
rituals of the OLD COVENANT, Peter declared to his own Jewish brothers
that they were as a "yoke" and were difficult to bear. He questioned
the Jews who were burdening the Gentiles with this "yoke." He intimated
that these rituals "under the Law" then were not a joy and did not make
the Jewish person any better by observing them.
Speaking about Gentiles to the Jews, Peter said: "Now, therefore, why do
you test GOD by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which
neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that
through the grace of the LORD JESUS we shall be saved in the same manner
as they." [Acts 15. 10 - 11]
It was not by the rituals of the Law (circumcision of the flesh) but by
the GRACE OF THE LORD that Jew or Gentile shall be finally and
completely saved. But didn't our Jewish brother, Paul, take the men who
had taken a vow, and having been purified with them in keeping of the
Law, entered the Temple? [Acts 21. 18 - 28] The challenge was in
regards to circumcision; Paul was being accused of teaching the Jews not
to circumcise their children, but this was a false charge. He did
undergo the ritual of purification, as was the custom, to appease our
own Jewish people and perhaps to try to win them to their MESSIAH. Yet
this did not attract them to salvation, rather they tried to kill him
after he had done this!
Also, our Father Abraham did not observe the works of the Law since he
was before the Law. He did not observe the ceremonies, never kept any
of the FEASTS OF THE LORD, Sabbaths, washings, and the like - yet he is
called "the father of the Jew and non-Jew who believe in YESHUA!"
[Romans 4. 11]
Note however, the Moral Law's of ALMIGHTY GOD have never changed and
never will. MESSIAH YESHUA said, "Do not think that I came to destroy
the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For
assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one
tittle will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled. Whoever
therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men
so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and
teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven."
[Matthew 5. 17 - 19] "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass
away than for one tittle of the Law to fail." [Luke 16. 17] Right is
always right, and wrong is always wrong in human behavior.
The Laws under the NEW COVENANT pertaining the Gentiles, that have been
changed, are the Laws concerning "circumcision" [Acts 21. 20 - 25] and
the "animal sacrifices." MESSIAH YESHUA was the PERFECT FULFILLMENT of
all the Sacrifice Laws.
HOLY SCRIPTURES show that in the MESSIAH there is no difference between
Jew and Gentile when it pertains to following the NEW COVENANT. Both
have been set free from bondage of the Carnal Commandment which has to
do with fleshly works. They are now "spiritual" for they follow the
"spiritual commandment" of the NEW COVENANT. One does not carry burdens
of the Law when YESHUA THE SAVIOUR has delivered them from these
burdens. Nor does anyone follow "a dead and profitless Law" when New
Life and a Better Covenant has come! Those who love the LORD JESUS,
obey HIM!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!!
Celebrating Yom Yerusalayim — Jerusalem Day! "If I forget you, O
Jerusalem, may my right hand forget her skill." Psalms/Tehillym 137.5
Jerusalem will celebrate the 44th anniversary of its reunification in
1967. GOD has put HIS NAME in Jerusalem: "In this House, and in
Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put
MY NAME forever." [2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 21:7b] As it goes for
Jerusalem, so it will go for the rest of the world...do not be deceive
into thinking anything less.
Through the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, Israel will be renowned, joyous, famous
and glorious above all the nations on earth. [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33.9]
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
We are generally more convinced by the reasons we discover on our own,
than by those given to us by others.
NOT WISE
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
This message is a sharp reprimand to anyone who would "think of himself
more highly than he ought to think." [Romans 12. 3] This unpleasant,
objectionable and wicked mannerism is a sin which all of us can easily
fall into when we start criticizing others or complaining about how we
are treated.
"Answer a fool in accord with his folly, else he think himself wise. If
you see a man who thinks himself wise, there is more hope for a fool
than for him. The lazy man thinks himself wiser than seven men who give
good advice." [Proverbs (Mishle) 26. 5, 12, 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Therefore, the ALMIGHTY ONE regards all boastful men, foolish men or
lazy men as "wise in their own conceit." And also, "a rich man is
clever in his own eyes, but a perceptive poor man can see through him."
[Proverbs (Mishle) 28. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
In the NEW COVENANT there are two statements relating to narrow-minded
status-seekers: "For I do not desire, (Gentile) brethren, that you
should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own
opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the
fullness of the Gentiles has come in." [Romans 11. 25] "Be of the same
mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but
associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." [Romans
12. 16] This message is most urgent, exceptionally important!
Do not boast in your accomplishments but rather, "he who glories, let
him glory in the LORD. For not he who commends himself is approved, but
whom the LORD commends." [2 Corinthians 10. 16 - 18] Any pride of
position, aptitude, intelligence, race, standing or riches; in addition
to slothfulness, absurdity and foolishness — all produce arrogant,
assuming pride and must be corrected and transformed into holiness. If
one should rejoice, it should only be "because your names are written in
heaven." [Luke 10. 20] This is our great joy set before us that we can
endure all things, for the promised hope the lies ahead.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
A special thank you to all those who served and are serving to keep this
country freeÂ…home of the free because of the brave.
LORD, Holy and True, help us to break down the barriers which keep us
from YOU: falsehood & faithlessness, callousness & selfishness,
injustice & hard-heartedness. May YOUR people be righteous that YOU,
OMNIPOTENT SOVEREIGN CREATOR GOD might be glorified.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Those who honor and revere the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL lack nothing.
THE LOVE LETTER (Part 2)
This great subject of atonement is the central theme of the HOLY BIBLE,
from the promises in the first chapters of the OLD COVENANT through
types and symbols, such as the blood on the door posts when the Passover
was instituted, the Tabernacle with its priesthood and offerings, the
Copper Serpent set up in the wilderness, etc. Down through the
prophecies, OMNIPOTENT GOD'S dealings with a fallen race are seen until
we come to the consummation in the redemptive work of the MESSIAH
YESHUA. Then, on through this present Age of Grace and the wonderful
happenings just ahead of us, the rapture of the Church, the tribulation,
the return of our SOVEREIGN LORD JESUS to reign and so on through the
eons to come.
Stupendous and fascinating beyond words is this "LETTER" which the GREAT
LOVER of our souls has written us! Can anyone study it and remain
unchanged? It is practical, sensible and orderly with explicit, sure
and clear directions for our daily walk. There is no circumstance which
GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD cannot meet. There is wisdom and guidance,
strength and security for you within these pages; and there is hope and
complete peace. This PRICELESS LIVING WORD is the BREAD OF LIFE to the
hungry soul; the LIVING WATER to them that thirst; a LAMP to the feet of
the living; and a PILLOW for the head of the dying. There are five
kinds of crowns to be won and this LIFE-GIVING WORD also describes our
future Home in heaven.
Beloved child of the MOST HIGH GOD, you who have been redeemed by the
precious blood of MESSIAH YESHUA, how much time do you spend daily with
this wonderful "Love Letter" from our HEAVENLY FATHER? Can you expect
spiritual growth without spiritual food? Some day you will look upon
the blessed face of our glorious Lord YESHUA in the home HE is preparing
for you; and you will gaze upon the wounds in HIS hands and HIS feet.
Oh, what shame to admit you seldom read "HIS Love Letter" to you!
And to you, our other precious friends who are still unsaved, will you
not read this Written Word and in it find the "LIVING WORD" WHO was made
flesh and dwelt among us; the ONLY ONE WHO is your HOPE OF SALVATION?
Can you be indifferent to HIS matchless love and sacrifice? Can you
possibly be indifferent to your own fate?
That VOICE OF AUTHORITY speaks very plain indeed about you, "All have
sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." [Romans 3. 23] The wages
of sin is "death" — yet "HE WHO knew no sin was made sin for us that
we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 21]
Was ever a bargain so wondrous as this? My guilt for HIS GLORY, my pain
for HIS PEACE, my night for the LIGHT OF HIS FACE! "Most assuredly, I
say to you, he who hears MY WORD and believes in HIM WHO sent ME has
everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from
death into life." [John 5. 24] "But as many as received HIM, to them
HE gave the right to become children of GOD, to those who believe in HIS
NAME." [John 1. 12]
This LOVE LETTER contains the heart thoughts of GOD ALMIGHTY, the state
of man, THE WAY of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of
believers. It's doctrines are holy, it's precepts binding, it's
histories are true and it's decisions are unending and unchangeable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be whole
and holy. This LETTER contains light to direct you, food to support
you, and comfort to cheer you and fill you with HIS great joy that is
everlasting.
The Heavens are opened here and the gates of hell disclosed. YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, the LORD GOD is the MAGNIFICENT SUBJECT, our good its
design, and the glory of the ALMIGHTY ONE its end. This LETTER should
fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly,
frequently, prayerfully. It is given to you in life, will be opened at
the Judgment Seat of MESSIAH, and be remembered forever. "Oh, the depth
of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable
are HIS judgments and HIS ways past finding out!" [Romans 11. 33]
My dear friend, as I close this message to you, I make one last plea:
GOD has written to you, HIS WORD is true and unchangeable. HE plainly
says there are two courses open to you, on one hand enmity and eternal
separation from HIM if you reject HIS BLESSED ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS.
On the other hand, acceptance of MESSIAH YESHUA, makes you a child of
GOD ETERNAL — "and if children, then heirs — heirs of GOD and
joint heirs with CHRIST, if indeed we suffer with HIM, that we may also
be glorified together." [Romans 8. 17] And having offered you these
riches which are far beyond our feeble imagining, our LORD JESUS says,
"Whosoever will may come...now is the accepted time; behold, now is the
day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6. 2]
We write this that you may see life as a moment-by-moment time to
celebrate life, but even more important — to know, honor, cherish
and adore the Life-Giver. In sickness or in health, all comes from HIS
hands. . . Choose Life! The BELOVED LORD JESUS CHRIST, YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH, is knocking at your heart's door. Will you not open it to
HIM and receive HIM as your LORD and MASTER and trust HIM as your only
SAVIOR?
We cover you with our prayers and our love. To GOD our FATHER and to
the PIERCED LAMB forever and ever be blessing, and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honour and power and might and dominion. Amen
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Faith celebrates even before the victory is seen! Hear our voice, O
LORD and answer in time of trouble; deliver and rescue us; have mercy on
us and accept our prayer in mercy and favor. YOU alone are our GOD WHO
hears our prayers and knows our frailness. We, YOUR servants wait in
hopeful expectation for YOUR salvation. Blessed are YOU, O LORD!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkah.homesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you don't know where you are going, any path will take you there.
THE LOVE LETTER (Part 1 of 2)
Would it not be terribly unfair of the GOD OF HEAVEN to put us here to
stumble in the dark, and then have a Day of Judgment when we would
learn, to our horror, that certain things were required of us and that
we should be punished forever because we had not fulfilled these
obligations? Certain things are required of us, and we shall be
separated forever from this LOVING GOD if we do not accept THE WAY of
escape HE has provided. But, HE has been just and more then fair with
us, HE has told us plainly.
Beside me is a LOVE LETTER from the ETERNAL ONE, written on fine white
paper edged with gold, bound in a volume called "THE HOLY BIBLE" —
in it the ALMIGHTY CREATOR tells me how much HE loves me and shows me
how to be righteous.
Marvelous, wonderful beyond imagination, that the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN
would so condescend that HE would have it all put down in black and
white in our own language, so clearly that we need have no uncertainty
about it. We can, by careful study, understand GOD'S SPIRITUAL LAWS,
which are as unchangeable and orderly as HIS Laws governing the physical
world.
OMNIPOTENT GOD tells us of the past — facts that the great
scientists are still endeavoring to discover. HE tells us of the
present, of mighty world movements which are confounding the
intellectuals, and making their hearts fail them for fear. MESSIAH
YESHUA tells us of a future, unveiling to us mysteries undreamed of by
the man ignorant of HIS WORD. Philosophy and science give us only a
record of human reasoning and discovery. They can only go so far; but,
the HOLY BIBLE is the VOICE OF AUTHORITY!
I need not speak here of its matchless beauty and perfect diction. That
it is the revealed WORD OF GOD is the fact which most concerns us. Let
no one tell you that man wrote the BIBLE, "prophecy never came by the
will of man, but holy men of GOD spoke as they were moved by the HOLY
SPIRIT." [2 Peter 1. 21]
If you will really study the HOLY WORD, you will be convinced that man
could not have written it; it harmonizes too well. The BLESSED CREATOR
OF HEAVEN & EARTH, blessed be HE, is THE MASTER DESIGNER of order and
distinctly clear of thought. There is no confusion nor contradiction
when rightly understood. Each part slips into place "precept upon
precept, line upon line, now here a little, now there a little." [Isaiah
(Yeshayah) 28. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
In HIS WRITTEN WORD, the plan of the ages unrolls before us, beginning
with the "account of the Creation" in the Book of Genesis/Bereshith and
continues down through the drama of human history to the final
culmination in the last Book of Revelation.
The ETERNAL ONE tells us how man, created in GOD'S OWN IMAGE, sinned and
the whole after-existence of the human race and the physical world as
well, was changed. Looking ahead through the ages, GOD ALMIGHTY planned
THE ONLY WAY out for man. INFINITE JUSTICE would demand the punishment
of the sinner, yet INFINITE LOVE longed for man's redemption. Our
TREMENDOUS, LIMITLESS, INFINITE HOLY GOD is both of these. Do you see
the dilemma? Of course, you know what HE did. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH our
REDEEMER, the SECOND PERSON of the TRINITY took on the form of human
flesh and dwelt among us. Upon HIM, WHO was sinless, GOD THE FATHER
placed the sins of all mankind.
The LORD JESUS suffered upon Golgotha's Cross indescribable tortures
under the weight of the sins of the whole world, individually and
collectively, for your sins and mine, as well as the agony of being
separated from HIS FATHER. YESHUA died in our place! And all who, by
faith, accept HIS precious shed-blood atonement for their sins and
receive HIM as their LORD & SAVIOUR are "born anew" into the Family of
GOD, to be presented faultless before the Throne of GOD. Thus, ETERNAL
GOD'S love and justice met together at the Cross of YESHUA THE MESSIAH,
LORD & KING.
...to be continued
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 separates the
holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life and open our
mouth to declare HIS praises continually. May the glory of the
ALL-PRESENT ONE fill our upcoming week with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE that HE
may be glorified, and may some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present
throughout your week days.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Wisdom doesn't come with age. . . it comes with understanding!
ONE WAY ONLY
"As I live € ¦’· declares the LORD GOD € ¦’· it is not MY desire that
the wicked shall die, but that the wicked turn from his evil ways and
live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways that you may not die!"
[Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 33. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
All roads do not lead to CREATOR GOD OF HEAVEN in spite of the massive
hordes who choose to believe that lie. However, it is true that all
those believing such a myth will end up in the same place, for they are
all heading the wrong direction. GOD THE SON, MESSIAH YESHUA, warned
that few will ever find the way that leads to eternal life. "Enter by
the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to
destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the
gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who
find it." [Matthew 7. 13 - 14] That narrow "WAY" to life is only
through the LORD JESUS WHO said of HIMSELF, "I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH and
THE LIFE. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME." [John 14. 6]
The word "derek" in Hebrew means road or journey in the OLD COVENANT.
The Greek word "hodos" in the NEW COVENANT, means the same.
Symbolically, it is a lifestyle. GOD'S HOLY WRITTEN WORD plainly
describes the two destinations for man's life to end up eternally: "The
ungodly are not so, rather, they are like the chaff that wind blows
away. Therefore the ungodly wicked will not survive judgment, nor will
sinners be in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD cherishes the
way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly wicked is doomed."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 4 - 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
How dreadfully grievous and greatly tragic that only a few are righteous
and "do HIS commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of
Life, and may enter through the gates into the City." [Revelation 22.
14]
The many wicked who reject the ONLY WAY of salvation, having corrupted
themselves and the earth is filled with violence. "Be assured, I will
judge each one of you according to his ways € ¦’· declares the LORD GOD.
Repent and turn back from all your transgressions; let them not be a
stumbling block of guilt for you. Cast away all the transgressions by
which you have offended, and get yourselves a new heart and a new
spirit, that you may not die. For it is not MY desire that anyone shall
die € ¦’· declares the LORD GOD. Repent, therefore, and live!" [Ezekiel
(Yehezke-El) 18. 30 - 32 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
[2 Corinthians 6. 2] The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is the ONLY WAY to life
eternal which winds upward for the wise who have turned away from hell
below. [Proverbs/Mishle 15. 24] The LOVING LORD GOD calls even now,
"Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death."
[Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 21. 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Choose Life!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Welcome Sabbath! € ¦’· Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen!
Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously
welcomed!
We praise and bless YOU O GOD, for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR
Holy Shabbat to all peoples.
Enjoy tranquility and harmony as you rejoice together this Sabbath
exalting YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the ONE WHO gives true Sabbath peace and
rest.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Some things have to be believed to be seen!
DIVINE & HUMAN
"Jacob was left alone. And a MAN wrestled with him until the break of
dawn...and HE said, 'Let me go, for dawn is breaking.' But Jacob
answered — I will not let YOU go, unless YOU bless me. — Said
the OTHER to Jacob, "What is your name?" He replied, "Jacob." Said HE
— Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but "Israel" — for you
have struggled with GOD and with MAN, and have prevailed."
[Genesis/Bereshith 32. 24, 26 - 28]
Jacob wrestled with a MAN — WHO is none other than ETERNAL GOD. [v.
28] To commemorate this wonderful experience, Jacob calls this place
"Peniel" (face of GOD). He said, "For I have SEEN GOD face-to-face,
yet my life has been preserved." [Genesis (Bereshith) 32. 30 Tanakh,
Torah] Jacob recognized the fact that this "MAN" with WHOM he wrestled
was ALMIGHTY GOD made flesh!
Moses also had an experience: Moses, the great lawgiver, accompanied by
Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and 70 of the elders of Israel "SAW THE GOD of
ISRAEL." [Exodus/Shemot 24. 9 - 11] Then, after seeing the DIVINE ONE
OF ISRAEL, they ate and drank before HIM; thus, testifying to the fact
that they were still alive, fully awake, it was not a dream!
"The ANGEL OF THE LORD" [Genesis/Bereshith 16. 7-13], WHO being GOD,
appeared frequently in the OLD COVENANT times as a "MAN." YESHUA
ha'MASHIACH is GOD manifested in the flesh! "Behold, I am sending MY
messenger to clear the way before ME, and the LORD WHOM you seek shall
come to HIS Temple suddenly. As for the ANGEL OF THE COVENANT that you
desire, HE is already coming, says the LORD OF HOSTS." [Malachi
(Malakhi) 3. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
Why must OMNIPOTENT CREATOR appear as a MAN? Because sin required the
death penalty. Man, who was a sinner, could not redeem himself.
ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS OWN PERSON, chose to be the SUBSTITUTE to pay the
ransom price in man's place. But GOD ETERNAL could not die, HE is "from
everlasting to everlasting. " [Exodus/Shemot 3. 14; Psalms/Tehillym 90.
2] Therefore, the REDEEMER of mankind must become MAN in order that He
could be "made sin" and DIE. [Hebrews 2. 9; Psalms/Tehillym 8. 5; 1
Peter 1. 18 - 19] The REDEEMER could not be mere MAN either; for if He
was, HE would have been involved in sin HIMSELF through Adam. [Romans 5.
12] Furthermore, if JESUS were only MAN, there would be no sacrifice
that would be appropriate for ALL humanity. Therefore, in order to
fulfill all the crucial requirements, HE had to be both, GOD and MAN to
meet the necessitates of GOD'S holy standards for a REDEEMING SAVIOUR,
and man's need.
The LORD JESUS OF NAZARETH is the "ANGEL OF THE LORD" WHO saves and
redeems, the PROMISED HOLY ONE that Isaiah speaks of. "In their
troubles HE was troubled, and the ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE was their
DELIVERER. In HIS love and pity HE HIMSELF redeemed them; raised them,
and exalted them all the days of old." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 63. 9 Tanakh,
Nevi'im] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH came to save and redeem "whosoever
will" of the world. HE is the "MESSENGER (ANGEL) OF THE COVENANT"
prophesied and promised by the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD. "See, a time is
coming — declares the LORD — when I will make a New Covenant
with the House of Israel and the House of Judah. It will not be like the
covenant I made with their fathers, when I took them by the hand to lead
them out of the land of Egypt, a covenant which they broke, though I was
LORD (ba'alti — ruler, possessor, owner, husband) over them -
declares the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 31 - 32 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"Yeshua (YEHOWAH Saves)" — HIS very great and incredible name tells
of HIS wondrous work of redemption. "Therefore HE is also able to save
to the uttermost those who come to GOD through HIM, since HE ever lives
to make intercession for them." [Hebrews 7. 25] Oh how sweet that name,
that inimitable name of JESUS!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with your spirit.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkah.homestead.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The righteous enjoy the brilliance of the DIVINE PRESENCE.
RECITING & MEDITATING
"Let not this BOOK OF THE TEACHING cease from your lips, but recite it
day and night, so that you may observe faithfully all that is written in
it. Only then will you prosper in your undertakings and only then will
you be successful." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The Hebrew word for the term recite is "hagah" meaning to meditate,
talk, study, speak, to reflect. This is a command, to be thoughtful
with a purpose, to obey "all that is written" in the HOLY SCRIPTURES.
Reading and recounting the WORD OF TRUTH is for our own advantage, for
the man who is blessed is the one whose "The Law of the LORD is his
delight, and he recites and meditates on that TEACHING day and night."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "I rejoice over the way of
YOUR decrees as over all riches." [Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 14 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] "I take delight in YOUR Laws; I will not neglect YOUR WORD."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Our happiness and success
correspond to our being guided by the HOLY WRITTEN SCRIPTURES.
In the NEW COVENANT this fact is reassured where the Apostle Paul
commands us to "give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your
progress may be evident to all." [1 Timothy 4. 13, 15]
The importance of doctrine is vital, for doctrine is what you believe
and hold to be true. Thus, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in
the doctrine of CHRIST does not have GOD. He who abides in the doctrine
of CHRIST has both the FATHER and the SON. If anyone comes to you and
does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor
greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds." [2 John 9 -
11] The ALMIGHTY LORD GOD wants us to recite and meditate on "these
things" for they contain life giving words and directions. Truly, the
KING ETERNAL has supplied ALL our needs for which we gratefully thank
and praise and adore HIM!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Zey ha'yom asaw ADONAI, nagilah ve-neesmechah voh. — This is the
day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it. "
MOST HOLY ONE, YOU are blessed beyond all hymns, praises and
consolations that may be uttered in this world. May peace abundant
descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel. Amen
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.
Web Page: http://delrifkahhomesteadcom/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Faith is being certain of what we hope for.
ACCEPTABLE TIME
"For He says — In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the
day of salvation I have helped you. — Behold, now is the accepted
time; behold, now is the day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6. 2]
If you are content with your life just as it is, you neglect your
spiritual need thinking you will deal with eternity just before you die.
Deferring, putting-off, indifference, and all other types of
procrastination is the major deadly sin of unbelievers. Even if one
understands the LIFE-GIVING GospeL and realizes their need of salvation,
they still put off making a decision or commitment.
This, however, is a critically dangerous behavior or thought. ScripturE
tells us, "you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your
life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then
vanishes away. Instead you ought to say — If the LORD wills, we
shall live and do this or that. — But now you boast in your
arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do
good and does not do it, to him it is sin." [James 4. 14 - 17]
The sin of indifference (lack of interest, unconcerned) then becomes the
sin of neglect, then the ultimate unforgivable sin of permanent
rejection and unbelief. The HOLY ONE has warned: "Walk in the Spirit,
and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts
against the Spirit, and the SPIRIT against the flesh; and these are
contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you
wish." [Galatians 5. 16 - 18]
"Heed hIS voice today, do not be stubborn and harden your hearts."
[Psalms (Tehillym) 95. 7 – 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This warning from
the psalmist was considered so important that the writer of Hebrews
quoted it three times over. Such an emphasis suggests that there is
indeed a great danger in resisting GoD'S call to salvation. There
may be another opportunity, but it is a haughty and arrogant action to
presume on the ALMIGHTY ONE'S patient, long-suffering mercy.
Today is the day of salvation. The accepted time is now! We must "work
out our own salvation with fear and trembling" [Philippians 2. 12] —
not leaning on others, but on the LORD JESUS alone. We must learn to
walk and stand alone instead of leaning on any other person or
influence. Our spiritual duties must be our own hearts actions. Our
free gift of salvation must be received by grace; and though we are
hated by all men for CHRIST'S sake, whoever endures to the end shall
be saved. [Mark 13. 13]
Keep in mind, "Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be
thought worthy who has trampled the SON OF GOD underfoot, counted the
blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and
insulted the SPIRIT OF GRACE?" In view of the fact that, "It is a
fearful thing to fall into the hands of the LIVING GOD." [Hebrews 10.
29, 32] Nevertheless, he who endures to the end shall be saved. So,
make your daily choice shrewdly, decide wisely, and establish your
directions with care. . . now! May our LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER guide
your choice each day along the way.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Many are the enemies that have risen against us, but trusting in YOU, O
GOD, we are confident that we will never be dismayed. Continue to
instill courage and steadfastness in our faith and trust in YOU. Uphold
us, sustain us and may we always walk undaunted in the path of loyalty
as YOUR redeemed children. As we bend the knee to YOU alone, we give
YOU thanks for always hearing our prayer giving bold confidence as we
strive unceasingly for the triumph of truth. In YOUR PRECIOUS NAME,
JESUS, we ask these things. Amen
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A happy memory never wears out. . . you can recall it often.
WATCH & PRAY
"Because of them we prayed to our GOD, and set up workers on the walls
to watch over them day and night." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 4. 9 Tanakh,
Kethuvim]
Prayer is a powerful weapon, but the wall-builders in Jerusalem also
were careful to set a watch against their enemies "with their swords,
their lances, and their bows." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 4. 13 Tanakh,
Kethuvim] They were ready to fight, if necessary, but at the same time
they were confident that "ELOHEYNOV shall fight for us." [Nehemiah
(Nechemah) 4. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This is a sound BIBLICAL
self-evident truth. ALMIGHTY GOD expects us to make appropriate use of
whatever physical means are available for a needed ministry, rather than
to rely simply on prayer or a DIVINE miracle.
The ETERNAL ONE rebuked those who came asking HIM to perform a miracle
merely to test HIM or to see something curious. "Unless you people see
signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." [John 4. 48] Neither
does the HOLY LORD excuse prayer instead of work, for "faith by itself,
if it does not have works, is dead." [James 2. 17] The same holds for
prayer instead of obedience. As Joshua was praying for deliverance from
the enemy, "the LORD answered Joshua: Arise! Why do you lie prostrate?
Israel has sinned! They have broken the covenant by which I bound them.
They have taken of the proscribed (forbidden) and put it in their
vessels; they have stolen; they have broken faith!" [Joshua (Yehoshua)
7. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
But as prayer without working is dead, so watching and working without
prayer are useless. "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and
cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not
ask." [James 4. 2] "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders
labor in vain on it; unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman
keeps vigil in vain." [Psalms (Tehillym) 127. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The principle rule of the HOLY BIBLE is not only to watch or only to
pray; for both are essential. "Watch and Pray!" said MESSIAH YESHUA
— "that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing,
but the flesh is weak." [Matthew 26. 41] The ANOINTED REDEEMER also
said — "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted
worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand
before the SON OF MAN." [Luke 21. 36]
As we watch and wait for our LORD'S promised return, make prayer your
continual stay and strength, as you faithfully do the job that HE has
assigned you. May you be found worthy!
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
"May GOD be gracious to us and bless us (Israel) and make HIS face
shine upon us. Selah! that YOUR ways may be known on earth, YOUR
salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise YOU, O GOD; may all
the peoples praise YOU. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for
you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
May the peoples praise YOU, O GOD; may all the peoples praise YOU. Then
the land will yield its harvest, and GOD, our GOD, will bless us. GOD
will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear HIM."
Psalm/Tehillym 67
May your home be a place where peace abides, where love grows, where
tranquility pervades, and contentment and happiness is a blessing, a
success.
Continue to praise our LORD, the EVERLASTING KING, HELPER, SAVIOUR and
SHIELD for HIS loving-kindness is mighty over us. You, dearly beloved
friends are our joy and crown. We encourage you to stand fast in the
LORD MESSIAH YESHUA — Watch and pray....the LORD MessiaH YESHUA our
KING is coming soon! Shalom!
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
As if it were not sufficient enough that MIGHTY GOD answers prayer, HE
always exceeds our expectations.

THE OMER
"On the day of the First Fruits, your Feast of Weeks, when you bring an
offering of new grain to the LORD, you shall observe a sacred occasion:
you shall not work at your occupations. " [Numbers (B'Midvar) 28. 26
Tanakh, Torah]

On the morning after the first day of Passover (the morning after the
Sabbath) the High Priest was commanded to bring a "sheaf (omer) of
firstfruits" and wave it "to and fro" in the Temple before the LORD GOD.
The Hebrew word for wave is newpah denoting a violent shaking.

Fifty days after the second morning of the Passover Feast, the Jewish
people were commanded to celebrate this Feast. A new offering was to be
brought to the LORD ALMIGHTY on that day and waved before HIM by the
High Priest. This offering consisted of "two wave loaves as a wave
offering; each shall be made of two-tenths of an ephah of choice flour,
baked after leavening, as firstfruits to YEHOWAH." [Leviticus (Vayikra)
23. 17 Tanakh, Torah]

The JEWISH MISHNA tells that the sheaf of barley harvest was marked out
by three men after the sunset on Nisan 14 which was the beginning of
Nisan 15. They cut down a sheaf and brought it to the Temple to lay it
before the LORD ETERNAL after they had dried it by fire. There it
rested on the Sabbath day and the "morrow after the Sabbath (the morning
hour is implied)" the priest would wave the sheaf before the HOLY ONE
and begin to count the days to Shavuoth/Pentecost.

If this is the case, we see the SHEAF cut down is YESHUA ha'MASHIACH,
the PROMISED REDEEMER WHO was cut down in human life in the field of
this world. The SHEAF laid up before the LORD GOD after the testing of
fire and resting in the Temple on the Sabbath is MESSIAH WHO, after
being cut down was prepared for burial and wHOSE body rested on the
Sabbath in the tomb. The SHEAF that was waved on high "to and fro"
before the LORD ALMIGHTY on the Sabbath is MESSIAH YESHUA WHO arose from
death on the first day of the week! JESUS is the FIRST-FRUITS of the
resurrection! [1 Corinthians 15. 23]

On the evening of the second day of Passover (early morning), three days
after the Passover Lamb was slain, when the priest violently shook the
single sheaf (omer) before GOD, there was an earthquake; by DIVINE POWER
the tomb which held the BODY of the PASSOVER LAMB (MESSIAH YESHUA) was
torn open! "On the morrow after the Sabbath" – even as the HOLY ONE
had been shown symbolically in the omer. . . JESUS, the PIERCED ONE
arose!

After the LORD JESUS' resurrection, HE remained forty days with HIS
disciples before ascendant into heaven. This testimony was established
by more than 500 Jews who lived in and around Jerusalem, who saw the
events that transpired and testified concerning them. [1 Corinthians 15.
6]

It was Fifty Days after the Passover Lamb of Exodus was slain and the
Israelites had crossed the Red Sea when the LORD manifested HIS power
and glory on Mount Sinai. [Exodus/Shemot 19. 16 - 18] Fifty days after
the TRUE PASSOVER LAMB was slain outside the gates of Jerusalem and had
risen from the dead when the HOLY SPIRIT manifested HIS POWER & GLORY.
[Acts 2. 1 - 4]

On the 50th Day after YESHUA ha'MASHIACH had been crucified as the TRUE
PASSOVER LAMB and had risen from the dead, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT visited a
group of waiting disciples in the Upper Room. This was pre-figured in
HIS visitation with Moses on Mount Sinai fifty days after the lamb of
Egypt was slain and they left for the Promised Land! At Mount Sinai,
there was trembling of the mountain at the PRESENCE OF THE MIGHTY GOD.
In Jerusalem, fifty days after the LAMB OF GOD gave HIS life and had
wrested (torn) open the tomb, thunderings were heard; at Jerusalem there
was the sound of the rushing wind. At Sinai, GOD'S VoicE was heard by
Israel as a trumpet — "exceeding loud" — at Jerusalem, the notes
of the Gospel were heard through the disciples as they spoke with power
the wonderful works of CREATOR GOD.

On Shavuoth/Pentecost the priest waved two loves before the LORD.
Generally it was forbidden that leaven be brought with a sacrifice: "No
meal offering that you offer to the LORD shall be made with leaven...no
leaven may be turned into smoke as an offering by fire to the LORD."
[Leviticus (Vayikra) 2. 12 Tanakh, Torah] But on this occasion there
was a hidden meaning to the leaven. The OLD COVENANT saints wrote about
this great secret, looked into and inquired concerning its meaning.
From Genesis to Malachi (in the Tanakh, the order is from
Genesis/Bereshith — 2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet) it lay hid, like
a golden thread, appearing in prophecy and prediction, in type, parable,
offerings, and feasts. But it never was fully known until the time of
Paul in the NEW COVENANT. [Ephesians 3. 1 - 6] The HOLY SPIRIT revealed
to this Jewish apostle that GOD'S eternal purpose was to take from both
Jews and Gentiles a people for HIS NAME, that they would be made a
joint-body in MESSIAH YESHUA.

Faith in the LORD JESUS makes every man equal in GOD'S sight. The Two
Loaves "baked with leaven" represent Jew & Gentile — the leaven, a
symbol of sin in them both. As the wave offering was lifted up to a
high plane, so the HOLY SPIRIT leads both Jew and Gentile to the holy
faith in the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA to the highest position near to the
very heart of ALMIGHTY GOD. And Jews and Gentile, fulfilling the (two
loaves baked with leaven) stand before the LORD GOD in MESSIAH YESHUA as
candidates for the promise of the HEAVENLY FATHER. Together we are
built for a habitation of GOD OMNIPOTENT through the SPIRIT. [Ephesians
2. 16 - 22] What a marvelous plan!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, WHO loves us with great love and with
exceeding compassion YOU hide us under YOUR protective wing. We humbly
ask YOU, O MERCIFUL FATHER, to grant us discernment, that we may
understand and fulfill all the TEACHINGS of YOUR WORD. Make us gladly
obedient to YOUR commandments and fill our hearts with love and
reverence for YOU. In YOU alone we put our trust; we rejoice and
delight in YOU, O GOD of our salvation.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it!
LAG B'OMER
"And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of Elevation Offering
– the day after the Sabbath — you shall count off seven weeks.
They must be complete." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 15 Tanakh, Torah]
Lag b'Omer means "the 33rd day of the (counting of the) Omer." The Omer
(a unit of measure) was a Barley Offering, which was brought in the
Temple on the day we start counting, the second day of Passover, to the
day before Shavuoth, seven full weeks. This period is known as the
"Counting of the Omer."
Every night, from the second night of Passover to the night before
Shavuot, we recite a mitzvah (blessing) and state the count of the Omer
in both weeks and days. The counting is intended to remind us of the
link between Passover, which commemorates the Exodus, and Shavuoth
(Pentecost), which commemorates the giving of the TORAH. It reminds us
that the redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the
TORAH (The Law).
Lag b'Omer is the thirty-third day of counting the Omer. The word "lag"
means "33" as it is comprised of the Hebrew letters lamud and gimmel
corresponding to the numerical values of thirty and three. The Omer
Period is a time of heightened spiritual sensitivity and growth. The
closer Shavuot (Pentecost) draws, the greater our anticipation grows for
the climactic celebration of the "GIVING OF THE TORAH" — the
watershed (dividing) event of Jewish history.
However, the greater the potential for growth and building, the greater
the potential for destruction. Consequently, in eras when the Jewish
People have not lived up to their potential, the Omer Period has become
one of tragedy: In the time of Rabbi Akiva, who witnessed the
destruction of the Second Temple and who was the greatest TORAH Sage of
his generation from the era of the MISHNAH; 24,000 of his disciples died
in an epidemic. The underlying spiritual cause of the epidemic was the
student's lack of respect for each other. This sad event and others took
place during the Counting of the Omer. As a result, the Omer Period has
become one of semi-mourning in which we don't hold weddings or
festivities, nor do we shave or get haircuts. But because the epidemic
was suspended on the 33rd day, Lag b'Omer — Lag b'Omer (18th day of
Iyar — Sunday, May 22 this year) has become a joyous day of
celebration, a minor holiday commemorating a break in the plague.
After all his students died, Rabbi Akiva started over and began teaching
other students. One of his foremost students was Rabbi Shimon
bar-Yochai, the author of the ZOHAR. The ZOHAR (interpreted: "The
Shining Light"), is the basis of the secret teachings of the TORAH.
Some people light bonfires on Lag b'Omer and sing songs in honour of
Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai, who revealed the teachings of the ZOHAR to the
world on Lag b'Omer.
In Israel, there are picnics, feasting, dancing, singing, and bonfires
are lit — an unusual memorial but one that the rabbi instructed his
students to observe. Many people wait until their son is three before
cutting his hair, and on the Lag b'Omer of his third year, they cut the
boy's hair. There is also a custom that children play with bows (keshet
in Hebrew — the same word as rainbow) on Lag b'Omer. And of recent,
it is a national day honoring Israeli Defense Force reserve soldiers, in
appreciation for their motivation and willingness to share the load.
As believers in MESSIAH YESHUA, the LORD GOD ETERNAL, we can celebrate
the GREAT KEEPER OF THE VINEYARD, for HE carries all our burdens and has
set us free as we release our heavy load of sin to HIM.
Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of
Israel!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath with the Havdallah Ceremony, we use all of
our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadow of
candles, hear prayers and songs, touch family and friends as we wish
them tov shavua — good week! Our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates
the holy from the secular, forgive our sins, guide our life, and fill
the coming days with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. May some of the sweetness of
Sabbath be your daily fragrance.
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Hard times don't erase GOD'S promises.

PERFECT SACRIFICE
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have assigned it to
you to make atonement for your lives upon the Altar; for it is the
blood, as life, that effects expiation. For the life of all flesh —
its blood is its life." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11, 14 Tanakh, Torah]

The Book of Leviticus is full of types and indirect references to the
PERSON and WORK of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH; these Five Offerings are:
Burnt Offering — typifies MESSIAH'S total offering in submission to
HIS FATHER'S will. [Leviticus/Vayikra 1. 1 - 17; 6. 9 - 13; 9. 24]
YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is our PASSOVER. "And walk in love, as CHRIST also
has loved us and given HIMSELF for us, an offering and a sacrifice to
GOD for a sweet-smelling aroma." [Ephesians 5. 2]

Grain (Meal) Offering — typifies MESSIAH'S sinless service. JESUS,
the GRAIN OF WHEAT, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of
wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies,
it produces much grain." [John 12. 24]

Peace Offering — is a type of the fellowship believers have with
OMNIPOTENT GOD through the work of the cross. [Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 1 -
17; 7. 11 - 21] The LORD JESUS is our PEACE OFFERING, "For HE HIMSELF
is our peace, WHO has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall
of separation." [Ephesians 2. 14]

Sin Offering — typifies the ANOINTED ONE as our GUILT-BEARER.
[Leviticus/Vayikra 4. 1 - 35; 6. 24 - 30] The LORD YESHUA was our SIN
OFFERING, "For HE made HIM WHO knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 21]

Trespass Offering — typifies CHRIST'S payment for the damage of sin.
[Leviticus/Vayikra 5. 1 - 19; 6. 7; 7. 1 - 10] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is
our TRESPASS OFFERING: "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, HE has made alive together with HIM,
having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of
requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And HE has
taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." [Colossians 2.
13 - 14]

Only the best, cleanest, and finest of the Israelites' bullocks, sheep,
goats, and fowl were brought according to the Law. These were brought
to the Copper Altar of Sacrifice, tied to the horns of the altar, then
slain and then burned upon the Altar.

What is the meaning the MASTER OF MERCY & TRUTH was trying to convey to
the children of Israel? What significance does it have for us today?
Here we see ALMIGHTY GOD'S goodness and severity, HIS love and wrath,
HIS righteousness and peace. It is here that the heart of man and the
heart of LOVING CREATOR are revealed and atonement for sin is made. At
this Altar, the innocent bore the judgment of the guilty, and HOLY GOD
was reconciled with the sinner who killed and shed the blood of the
sacrifice. This slaughter place pictures the Cross of Calvary — a
vessel on earth which is the only way of entrance into GOD'S PRESENCE.
It depicts the Cross which is easily accessible to the world, but towers
over all the wrecks of time, the cross upon which the PRINCE OF GLORY
died, where HE was bound with the cords of love for lost humanity. This
Copper Altar foreshadows the Cross, universal in its mercy as well as
its judgment. . . the horns pointing GOD-ward and man-ward, inviting
"whosoever will" to come!

The sacrifices brought to that Altar — the innocent doves and
pigeons with their heads wrung off, their feathers plucked from their
bodies, their blood wrung at the side of the altar; the bullocks cut to
pieces and burned; the lambs and goats sacrificed — all of these
tell of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH: HE is the INNOCENT DOVE of the
heavens WHO came to earth, WHOSE head was crowned with thorns, WHOSE
beard was plucked from HIS cheeks.

HE is the OX of GOD WHO was bruised and cut to pieces by the whip of the
Roman soldiers, WHOSE blood was shed, WHO was burned with the fire of
judgment from HIGH & LOFTY ONE upon HIM for the sins of the whole world.

HE is the LAMB of GOD, WHOSE heart melted within HIM like wax, WHO
opened not HIS mouth in HIS OWN defense, WHO was led to the slaughter,
and HIS face was marred more than any other man's.

Day-by-day, year-by-year, continually the offerings were being made upon
the Altar until the time of the GREAT SACRIFICE upon the Altar of
Calvary. From the Cross on Golgotha we hear the words from the lips of
our wonderful LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the only SAVIOUR & BLESSED REDEEMER,
"IT IS FINISHED!" The types, the offerings of the OLD COVENANT were now
done away, fulfilled in the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL, the WONDERFUL SAVIOUR of
the world!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
GOOD SABBATH! Those who keep the Sabbath and call it a delight shall
rejoice in GOD'S Kingdom. Those who keep the seventh day holy, even all
of them shall be satiated and delighted with the goodness of the
ALMIGHTY seeing HE finds pleasure in the seventh day, and made it holy,
calling it the Desirable of Days in remembrance of HIS creation. Our
HEAVENLY FATHER accept our rest and on this Sabbath Day renew unto us
for YOUR good and bless us with YOUR joy and gladness. Blessed are YOU,
our LORD GOD, WHO sanctifies the Sabbath, Israel and all who love YOUR
PRECIOUS SON, YESHUA our ANOINTED SAVIOUR.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is praying for the return of Messiah
Jesus and His Kingdom.


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