Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
The story of Yosef displays many principles of G-d’s sovereignty and provision including forgiveness and reconciliation. After twenty-two years of history, the eyes of Yosef’s brothers were opened not only to who Yosef was but how G-d provided for their people through him.
Genesis 50:15-21, “Realizing that their father was dead, Yosef's brothers said, "Yosef may hate us now and pay us back in full for all the suffering we caused him." 16 So they sent a message to Yosef which said, "Your father gave this order before he died: 17 'Say to Yosef, "I beg you now, please forgive your brothers' crime and wickedness in doing you harm."' So now, we beg of you, forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father."Yosef wept when they spoke to him; 18 and his brothers too came, prostrated themselves before him and said, "Here, we are your slaves." 19 But Yosef said to them, "Don't be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20 You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good -so that it would come about as it is today, with many people's lives being saved. 21 So don't be afraid -I will provide for you and your little ones." In this way he comforted them, speaking kindly to them.”
Yosef lived through so much and completely understood what it meant to be delivered from evil and experience how G-d used circumstances for good. He lived it after his brothers sold him into slavery and G-d elevated him. His elevation to second in Egypt was not just for Yosef’s own good but for the good of Israel through the provision of their lives through the famine.
Genesis 45:5, “But don't be sad that you sold me into slavery here or angry at yourselves, because it was God who sent me ahead of you to preserve life.”
When Ya’akov died, Yosef’s brothers feared retribution and resorted to scheming and lying out of fear. But Yosef saw through their pitiful lack of trusting the L-rd.
Who do I fear more, G-d or man?
Isaiah 51:12-13, “"I, yes I, am the one who comforts you! Why are you afraid of a man, who must die; of a human being, who will wither like grass? 13 You have forgotten ADONAI, your maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. Instead, you are in constant fear all day because of the oppressor's rage, as he prepares to destroy! But where is the oppressor's rage?”
Why would we be afraid of men? Might we have forgotten G-d? We are wasting emotional energy imagining and fearing events that either don’t come to pass or aren’t even close to reality.
Yosef knew that when his brothers intended to harm him, G-d intended to use him!
This principle will change our lives if we really believe that G-d intends to use us rather than harm us.
G-d is Sovereign!
Many Scriptures illustrate His unaltered character in this regard. Here are just a few: Psalm 115:3, Proverbs 16:9, 2Kings 19:28, Proverbs 21:1, Ephesians 1:11,12 and Revelation 17:17.
Most notably, G-d presided over every aspect of the precarious life of Yeshua. Think of how He intervened in the details of bringing the Messiah safely to birth. How Miriam was called and how she was spared not only by the grace of her parents but provided for through her cousin Elizabeth. She could have been easily quietly divorced by Yosef, her betrothed, but again spared because of G-d’s intervention. At every turn and at every trial, G-d presided over Yeshua; and most especially in His death and in His resurrection.
G-d is always bigger than people!
Yosef said, “It is clear as this day (Gen. 50:17)!” He saw the bigger picture of God’s providential plan.
G-d’s love and grace goes beyond forgiveness to reconciliation. No matter how much I sense my need to be forgiven, He so much more wants to forgive me!
2Cor 5:18, “And it is all from God, who through the Messiah has reconciled us to himself and has given us the work of that reconciliation.” and Col 3:12-15, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with feelings of compassion and with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive. 14 Above all these, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly; 15 and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart's decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body. And be thankful.”
G-d is Messiah reconciling the world to Himself. Yosef as a type of Messiah illustrated this principle perfectly to his brothers. May we also do so through Messiah’s Grace.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Dysfunctional Families
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
November 6, 2010
Genesis 25:21, “Yitz'chak prayed to ADONAI on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. ADONAI heeded his prayer, and Rivkah became pregnant.”
G-d has a purpose in all that happens to us; our difficulties are for a reason. G-d intervened through Yitz’chak’s prayer. What Rivkah and Yitz’chak could not do naturally, through prayer, G-d did supernaturally.
When Yitz’chak and Rivkah were married, Yitz’chak was 40 years old. He was 60 years old when the twins were born. He prayed for 20 years!
The Hebrew word for prayer in this passage is ‘athar’ which means to pray, entreat, supplicate, urge, plead. We are to pray without giving up knowing that G-d’s promises allow for difficulties so we will turn to Him in prayer.
We are all dysfunctional. Right? Things don’t always go according to our plans and our timing!
David was even tempted to believe that others who didn’t even have the L-rd have it all too easy. In Psalm 73, he recounts thinking that the wicked are free of misfortune and keep increasing their wealth. David realized his thinking was wrong when he came into G-d’s presence and was given a heavenly perspective regarding their end and realized it was his poor attitude that predisposed him to envy.
Psalm 73:21-23, “When I had a sour attitude and felt stung by pained emotions, 22 I was too stupid to understand; I was like a brute beast with you. 23 Nevertheless, I am always with you; you hold my right hand.”
David was temporarily short sighted. He needed to see from G-d’s vantage point. Although there was dysfunction with the twins, even from the beginning, G-d’s purpose was being worked out.
Genesis 25:22-26, “The children fought with each other inside her so much that she said, "If it's going to be like this, why go on living?" So she went to inquire of ADONAI, 23 who answered her, "There are two nations in your womb. From birth they will be two rival peoples. One of these peoples will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." 24 When the time for her delivery came, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first to come out was reddish and covered all over with hair, like a coat; so they named him 'Esav [completely formed, that is, having hair already]. 26 Then his brother emerged, with his hand holding 'Esav's heel, so he was called Ya'akov [he catches by the heel, he supplants].”
Notice even from birth the twins were so different. They were different in appearance and vocation. ‘Esav was a hunter and Ya’akov lived peacefully in tents.
Each of us are uniquely different; we are fearfully and wonderfully made as described in Psalm 139. Do we wish we were different from how we are? Maybe we want to be taller, smarter, thinner, stronger or have different features? If we were to be thankful for how G-d made us, perhaps we wouldn’t envy each other and allow for a root of bitterness to grow as with ‘Esav and Ya’akov.
Perhaps if we were thankful for who G-d made us to be we could allow Him to use us the way He intended; in ways we could only imagine.
We are beautiful as He made us; Jew and Gentile grafted into the Olive Tree as described in Romans 11. There is no need to try to be like others; we need to be who G-d made us to be!
‘Esav and Ya’akov were both oriented on the flesh instead of the spiritual; but with different modes of behavior and focus. ‘Esav was careless with his birthright, he lacked control and was easily persuaded to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew because he was hungry and exhausted, and he didn’t seem to care about G-d. Ya’akov was calculating and planned the method by which he would barter for the birthright and steal the blessing. He was controlling as well and used G-d and godly matters to manipulate for his own desires and purposes.
Watch G-d’s grace in retrospect toward these twins!
Hebrews 11:20, “By trusting, Yitz'chak in his blessings over Ya'akov and Esav made reference to events yet to come.”
In spite of their behavior, Yitz’chak still blessed both of them!
Even so, we must be careful to fulfill G-d’s calling on our lives and our unique purposes He has for us. He has made us each who He wants us to be; uniquely designed and chosen. We should decide to follow Him wholeheartedly to be more like Him rather than measuring ourselves to each other.
Further Reading:
1Kings 18:17-21, Isaiah 45:9-10, Romans 8:4-6, Ephesians 1:4-6, 1Corinthians 5:6, Hebrews 12:15-16, Revelation 1:6, 1Peter 2:9, Galatians 5:6, Hebrews 12:15, 1Samuel 20:18, Deuteronomy 30:4, Song of Songs 4:7, 2Corinthians 10:10-12
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
November 6, 2010
Genesis 25:21, “Yitz'chak prayed to ADONAI on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. ADONAI heeded his prayer, and Rivkah became pregnant.”
G-d has a purpose in all that happens to us; our difficulties are for a reason. G-d intervened through Yitz’chak’s prayer. What Rivkah and Yitz’chak could not do naturally, through prayer, G-d did supernaturally.
When Yitz’chak and Rivkah were married, Yitz’chak was 40 years old. He was 60 years old when the twins were born. He prayed for 20 years!
The Hebrew word for prayer in this passage is ‘athar’ which means to pray, entreat, supplicate, urge, plead. We are to pray without giving up knowing that G-d’s promises allow for difficulties so we will turn to Him in prayer.
We are all dysfunctional. Right? Things don’t always go according to our plans and our timing!
David was even tempted to believe that others who didn’t even have the L-rd have it all too easy. In Psalm 73, he recounts thinking that the wicked are free of misfortune and keep increasing their wealth. David realized his thinking was wrong when he came into G-d’s presence and was given a heavenly perspective regarding their end and realized it was his poor attitude that predisposed him to envy.
Psalm 73:21-23, “When I had a sour attitude and felt stung by pained emotions, 22 I was too stupid to understand; I was like a brute beast with you. 23 Nevertheless, I am always with you; you hold my right hand.”
David was temporarily short sighted. He needed to see from G-d’s vantage point. Although there was dysfunction with the twins, even from the beginning, G-d’s purpose was being worked out.
Genesis 25:22-26, “The children fought with each other inside her so much that she said, "If it's going to be like this, why go on living?" So she went to inquire of ADONAI, 23 who answered her, "There are two nations in your womb. From birth they will be two rival peoples. One of these peoples will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." 24 When the time for her delivery came, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first to come out was reddish and covered all over with hair, like a coat; so they named him 'Esav [completely formed, that is, having hair already]. 26 Then his brother emerged, with his hand holding 'Esav's heel, so he was called Ya'akov [he catches by the heel, he supplants].”
Notice even from birth the twins were so different. They were different in appearance and vocation. ‘Esav was a hunter and Ya’akov lived peacefully in tents.
Each of us are uniquely different; we are fearfully and wonderfully made as described in Psalm 139. Do we wish we were different from how we are? Maybe we want to be taller, smarter, thinner, stronger or have different features? If we were to be thankful for how G-d made us, perhaps we wouldn’t envy each other and allow for a root of bitterness to grow as with ‘Esav and Ya’akov.
Perhaps if we were thankful for who G-d made us to be we could allow Him to use us the way He intended; in ways we could only imagine.
We are beautiful as He made us; Jew and Gentile grafted into the Olive Tree as described in Romans 11. There is no need to try to be like others; we need to be who G-d made us to be!
‘Esav and Ya’akov were both oriented on the flesh instead of the spiritual; but with different modes of behavior and focus. ‘Esav was careless with his birthright, he lacked control and was easily persuaded to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew because he was hungry and exhausted, and he didn’t seem to care about G-d. Ya’akov was calculating and planned the method by which he would barter for the birthright and steal the blessing. He was controlling as well and used G-d and godly matters to manipulate for his own desires and purposes.
Watch G-d’s grace in retrospect toward these twins!
Hebrews 11:20, “By trusting, Yitz'chak in his blessings over Ya'akov and Esav made reference to events yet to come.”
In spite of their behavior, Yitz’chak still blessed both of them!
Even so, we must be careful to fulfill G-d’s calling on our lives and our unique purposes He has for us. He has made us each who He wants us to be; uniquely designed and chosen. We should decide to follow Him wholeheartedly to be more like Him rather than measuring ourselves to each other.
Further Reading:
1Kings 18:17-21, Isaiah 45:9-10, Romans 8:4-6, Ephesians 1:4-6, 1Corinthians 5:6, Hebrews 12:15-16, Revelation 1:6, 1Peter 2:9, Galatians 5:6, Hebrews 12:15, 1Samuel 20:18, Deuteronomy 30:4, Song of Songs 4:7, 2Corinthians 10:10-12
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Two Remarkable Characters of Character
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
October 30, 2010
Genesis 24:1-4, By now Avraham was old, advanced in years; and ADONAI had blessed Avraham in everything. 2 Avraham said to the servant who had served him the longest, who was in charge of all he owned, "Put your hand under my thigh; 3 because I want you to swear by ADONAI, God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from among the women of the Kena'ani, among whom I am living; 4 but that you will go to my homeland, to my kinsmen, to choose a wife for my son Yitz'chak."
We are introduced to Avraham’s servant; a nameless man who Avraham sent on a mission to find a wife for Yitz’chak from among Avraham’s kinsmen after the death of Sarah. Throughout this portion of Scripture, the Servant proves himself a man of G-d; faithful, humble and reliant of the L-rd’s direction.
When Avraham sent him on the mission, he encouraged the Servant to rely on the L-rd and to believe that direction would be given.
Genesis 24:7, “ADONAI, the God of heaven - who took me away from my father's house and away from the land I was born in, who spoke to me and swore to me, 'I will give this land to your descendants'- he will send his angel ahead of you; and you are to bring a wife for my son from there.”
With a positive attitude and expectation the Servant proceeded into homeland of Avraham’s kinsmen. He was determined to stick to the plan laid out for him to find a wife for Yitz’chak. And as he was seeking the L-rd for direction, something amazing happened. The L-rd answered his prayer even before he was finished praying!
Genesis 24:12-15, He said, "ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, please let me succeed today; and show your grace to my master Avraham. 13 Here I am, standing by the spring, as the daughters of the townsfolk come out to draw water. 14 I will say to one of the girls, 'Please lower your jug, so that I can drink.' If she answers, 'Yes, drink; and I will water your camels as well,' then let her be the one you intend for your servant Yitz'chak. This is how I will know that you have shown grace to my master." 15 Before he had finished speaking, Rivkah the daughter of B'tu'el son of Milkah the wife of Nachor Avraham's brother, came out with her jug on her shoulder.
Amazing! Has the L-rd ever answered your prayer even before you were finished praying? Have we noticed that He may be working toward the answer even before we can ask?
Isaiah 65:24, Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Avraham’s servant watched Rivkah’s response to his request for water. Would she follow her provision of water for him with an offer to water the camels as well?
Genesis 24:19-21, When she was through letting him drink, she said, "I will also draw water for your camels until they have drunk their fill." 20 She quickly emptied her jug into the trough, then ran again to the well to draw water, and kept on drawing water for all his camels. 21 The man gazed at her in silence, waiting to find out whether ADONAI had made his trip successful or not.
Yes! She offered to provide water for the camels as well! Not only did she offer she ran to the well and quickly provided the water for all ten camels! Notice her character. She was not sluggish in her response, but quickly provided water even running to and from the well. What was it about his beautiful young woman that would give her the incentive to respond to generously and considerately? Had the L-rd been preparing her to be the wife of His Yitz’chak for her whole life?
Notice the Servant’s response to answered prayer.
Genesis 24:26-27, The man bowed his head and prostrated himself before ADONAI. 27 Then he said, "Blessed be ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, who has not abandoned his faithful love for my master; because ADONAI has guided me to the house of my master's kinsmen."
He worshipped and blessed the L-rd!
Rivkah was included in the decision to become Yitz’chak’s wife. When her family attempted to delay the process, she was given the opportunity to choose for herself and she chose to follow the L-rd and go with the Servant. Perhaps she had confirmation from the L-rd in her heart and had taken note of the Servant’s character so as to feel confident in her choice.
Genesis 24:62-67, Meanwhile, Yitz'chak, one evening after coming along the road from Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i - he was living in the Negev - 63 went out walking in the field; and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rivkah too looked up; and when she saw Yitz'chak, she quickly dismounted the camel. 65 She said to the servant,"Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?"When the servant replied, "It's my master," she took her veil and covered herself. 66 The servant told Yitz'chak everything he had done. 67 Then Yitz'chak brought her into his mother Sarah's tent and took Rivkah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. Thus was Yitz'chak comforted for the loss of his mother.
A successful journey and answered prayer provided a wife for Yitz’chak. Rivkah and Yitz’chak were married and Yitz’chak was comforted after his mother’s death. Rivkah and Yitz’chak didn’t know one another at first but grew in their love. Their marriage was successful because of the L-rd’s provision and their dedication to Him and to each other.
Summary by: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
October 30, 2010
Genesis 24:1-4, By now Avraham was old, advanced in years; and ADONAI had blessed Avraham in everything. 2 Avraham said to the servant who had served him the longest, who was in charge of all he owned, "Put your hand under my thigh; 3 because I want you to swear by ADONAI, God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from among the women of the Kena'ani, among whom I am living; 4 but that you will go to my homeland, to my kinsmen, to choose a wife for my son Yitz'chak."
We are introduced to Avraham’s servant; a nameless man who Avraham sent on a mission to find a wife for Yitz’chak from among Avraham’s kinsmen after the death of Sarah. Throughout this portion of Scripture, the Servant proves himself a man of G-d; faithful, humble and reliant of the L-rd’s direction.
When Avraham sent him on the mission, he encouraged the Servant to rely on the L-rd and to believe that direction would be given.
Genesis 24:7, “ADONAI, the God of heaven - who took me away from my father's house and away from the land I was born in, who spoke to me and swore to me, 'I will give this land to your descendants'- he will send his angel ahead of you; and you are to bring a wife for my son from there.”
With a positive attitude and expectation the Servant proceeded into homeland of Avraham’s kinsmen. He was determined to stick to the plan laid out for him to find a wife for Yitz’chak. And as he was seeking the L-rd for direction, something amazing happened. The L-rd answered his prayer even before he was finished praying!
Genesis 24:12-15, He said, "ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, please let me succeed today; and show your grace to my master Avraham. 13 Here I am, standing by the spring, as the daughters of the townsfolk come out to draw water. 14 I will say to one of the girls, 'Please lower your jug, so that I can drink.' If she answers, 'Yes, drink; and I will water your camels as well,' then let her be the one you intend for your servant Yitz'chak. This is how I will know that you have shown grace to my master." 15 Before he had finished speaking, Rivkah the daughter of B'tu'el son of Milkah the wife of Nachor Avraham's brother, came out with her jug on her shoulder.
Amazing! Has the L-rd ever answered your prayer even before you were finished praying? Have we noticed that He may be working toward the answer even before we can ask?
Isaiah 65:24, Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Avraham’s servant watched Rivkah’s response to his request for water. Would she follow her provision of water for him with an offer to water the camels as well?
Genesis 24:19-21, When she was through letting him drink, she said, "I will also draw water for your camels until they have drunk their fill." 20 She quickly emptied her jug into the trough, then ran again to the well to draw water, and kept on drawing water for all his camels. 21 The man gazed at her in silence, waiting to find out whether ADONAI had made his trip successful or not.
Yes! She offered to provide water for the camels as well! Not only did she offer she ran to the well and quickly provided the water for all ten camels! Notice her character. She was not sluggish in her response, but quickly provided water even running to and from the well. What was it about his beautiful young woman that would give her the incentive to respond to generously and considerately? Had the L-rd been preparing her to be the wife of His Yitz’chak for her whole life?
Notice the Servant’s response to answered prayer.
Genesis 24:26-27, The man bowed his head and prostrated himself before ADONAI. 27 Then he said, "Blessed be ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, who has not abandoned his faithful love for my master; because ADONAI has guided me to the house of my master's kinsmen."
He worshipped and blessed the L-rd!
Rivkah was included in the decision to become Yitz’chak’s wife. When her family attempted to delay the process, she was given the opportunity to choose for herself and she chose to follow the L-rd and go with the Servant. Perhaps she had confirmation from the L-rd in her heart and had taken note of the Servant’s character so as to feel confident in her choice.
Genesis 24:62-67, Meanwhile, Yitz'chak, one evening after coming along the road from Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i - he was living in the Negev - 63 went out walking in the field; and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rivkah too looked up; and when she saw Yitz'chak, she quickly dismounted the camel. 65 She said to the servant,"Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?"When the servant replied, "It's my master," she took her veil and covered herself. 66 The servant told Yitz'chak everything he had done. 67 Then Yitz'chak brought her into his mother Sarah's tent and took Rivkah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. Thus was Yitz'chak comforted for the loss of his mother.
A successful journey and answered prayer provided a wife for Yitz’chak. Rivkah and Yitz’chak were married and Yitz’chak was comforted after his mother’s death. Rivkah and Yitz’chak didn’t know one another at first but grew in their love. Their marriage was successful because of the L-rd’s provision and their dedication to Him and to each other.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Separation and Reconciliation of Lot
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
October 16, 2010
Genesis 13:7-8, Moreover, quarreling arose between Avram's and Lot's herdsmen. The Kena'ani and the P'rizi were then living in the land. 8 Avram said to Lot, "Please, let's not have quarreling between me and you, or between my herdsmen and yours, since we're kinsmen.”
The Hebrew word for kinsmen is achim which means brothers or brethren. God’s greatest testimony is the love we have for each other as well as our harmony, oneness and unity in the Body of Messiah. How we fall short! Our Lord Yeshua Himself prayed in John 17:21-23, “that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, are united with me and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 The glory which you have given to me, I have given to them; so that they may be one, just as we are one -- 23 I united with them and you with me, so that they may be completely one, and the world thus realize that you sent me, and that you have loved them just as you have loved me.” This oneness will outdo anything the secular world has to offer.
Our adversary knows that when we live in this kind of unity; the unity that only the Holy Spirit can bring, that the world will know the Love of our Lord! So he counters us with discord because it discredits us and our testimony.
Notice in the passage above that the Kena’ani and the P’rizi were living in the land; peacefully and without conflict. It was Lot and Avram who were quarreling!
Genesis 13:9-12, “Isn't the whole land there in front of you? Please separate yourself from me - if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left." 10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Yarden was well watered everywhere, before ADONAI destroyed S'dom and 'Amora, like the garden of ADONAI, like the land of Egypt in the direction of Tzo'ar. 11 So Lot chose all the plain of the Yarden for himself, and Lot traveled eastward; thus they separated themselves from each other. 12 Avram lived in the land of Kena'an; and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, setting up his tent near S'dom.”
Avram was “not I-but Messiah” oriented and Lot was “I-not Messiah” oriented. Lot chose the territory by what he thought he’d get for himself and Avram trusted the Lord for what Lot didn’t take. When Lot was taken captive, Avram could have easily said he got what he deserved, but Avram armed his people and went to get Lot out of the mess he had gotten into.
What opportunity do I have to behave like Avram; to show the same grace to rescue someone who has failed? Or have I been rescued like Lot by my kinsmen in Messiah who showed me grace when I had fallen short?
Do we cover and build each other up? Are we quick to judge or do we easily recognize that “it could have been me”?
2Peter 2:7-8, “but he rescued Lot, a righteous man who was distressed by the debauchery of those unprincipled people; 8 for the wicked deeds which that righteous man saw and heard, as he lived among them, tormented his righteous heart day after day.”
Notice the description of Lot in the passage! Three times Lot is referred to as righteous!
Our Lord restores what we have messed up. Can He not mend our bad choices? The answer is YES as we seek Him and go after Him.
An evidence that we belong to Him is that when we do fail (and we will and do), that we are convicted and return to Him.
Proverbs 24:16, “For though he falls seven times, he will get up again; it's the wicked who fail under stress.” and 1John 2:1-2, “My children, I am writing you these things so that you won't sin. But if anyone does sin, we have Yeshua the Messiah, the Tzaddik, who pleads our cause with the Father. 2 Also, he is the kapparah for our sins - and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.”
Our righteousness comes from Him. He is over covering, our kapparah, and we are made holy through His grace.
Conversely, the unrighteous sin without remorse, but the righteous can’t get away with sin (at least not for very long) because like David, the Holy Spirit is in our hearts. See Psalm 73.
So how do we live in the oneness of Messiah? How can we be more like Avram? By putting our flesh on the altar! Avram sacrificed his desires and put his faith in the Lord to provide. His humility and testimony outweighed his preference and prosperity.
Proverbs 22:4, “The reward for humility is fear of ADONAI, along with wealth, honor and life.” Avram operated in God’s economy that as we decrease, He will increase. It should also be noted that if we increase in our own strength, He shall cause us to decrease!
Genesis 15:1-6, “Some time later the word of ADONAI came to Avram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Avram. I am your protector; your reward will be very great." 2 Avram replied, "ADONAI, God, what good will your gifts be to me if I continue childless; and Eli'ezer from Dammesek inherits my possessions? 3 You haven't given me a child," Avram continued, "so someone born in my house will be my heir." 4 But the word of ADONAI came to him: "This man will not be your heir. No, your heir will be a child from your own body." 5 Then he brought him outside and said, "Look up at the sky, and count the stars - if you can count them! Your descendants will be that many!" 6 He believed in ADONAI, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
The Hebrew word for ‘look’ is ‘nabat’ which means to gaze, look, pay attention, show regard to, but it also means ‘look down upon’. Avram was dwelling on childlessness, his circumstance and that maybe it was too late for him. The Lord interrupted him and said ‘not so’ Avram! The Lord invited him to see from His perspective, to look at the stars from His viewpoint with eyes that are eternal rather than temporal. When Avram took to heart the Lord’s viewpoint after gazing at the stars and hearing the promise that his descendants would be that many, Avram believed G-d! He put his trust in Him and it was at that point when he rested in G-d’s Faithfulness that it was counted or ‘chashab’ to him as righteousness.
This week, may we have an eternal view like Avram, trusting the Lord and dreaming with Him. His dream for Avram was overwhelming and His dreams for us can be as well. Lord help us be overwhelmed by what we can believe You for!
Further reading: 1Samuel 18:1-4, 20:17, Proverbs 17:17, 18:24, and 16:19, John 12:24, Matthew 16:25, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 8:16, Psalm 37:24, Matthew 5:9, Hebrews 12:14, 13:1, Colossians 1:20-21, James 4:10, Isaiah 56:11, 1Corinthians 10:24.
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
October 16, 2010
Genesis 13:7-8, Moreover, quarreling arose between Avram's and Lot's herdsmen. The Kena'ani and the P'rizi were then living in the land. 8 Avram said to Lot, "Please, let's not have quarreling between me and you, or between my herdsmen and yours, since we're kinsmen.”
The Hebrew word for kinsmen is achim which means brothers or brethren. God’s greatest testimony is the love we have for each other as well as our harmony, oneness and unity in the Body of Messiah. How we fall short! Our Lord Yeshua Himself prayed in John 17:21-23, “that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, are united with me and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 The glory which you have given to me, I have given to them; so that they may be one, just as we are one -- 23 I united with them and you with me, so that they may be completely one, and the world thus realize that you sent me, and that you have loved them just as you have loved me.” This oneness will outdo anything the secular world has to offer.
Our adversary knows that when we live in this kind of unity; the unity that only the Holy Spirit can bring, that the world will know the Love of our Lord! So he counters us with discord because it discredits us and our testimony.
Notice in the passage above that the Kena’ani and the P’rizi were living in the land; peacefully and without conflict. It was Lot and Avram who were quarreling!
Genesis 13:9-12, “Isn't the whole land there in front of you? Please separate yourself from me - if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left." 10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Yarden was well watered everywhere, before ADONAI destroyed S'dom and 'Amora, like the garden of ADONAI, like the land of Egypt in the direction of Tzo'ar. 11 So Lot chose all the plain of the Yarden for himself, and Lot traveled eastward; thus they separated themselves from each other. 12 Avram lived in the land of Kena'an; and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, setting up his tent near S'dom.”
Avram was “not I-but Messiah” oriented and Lot was “I-not Messiah” oriented. Lot chose the territory by what he thought he’d get for himself and Avram trusted the Lord for what Lot didn’t take. When Lot was taken captive, Avram could have easily said he got what he deserved, but Avram armed his people and went to get Lot out of the mess he had gotten into.
What opportunity do I have to behave like Avram; to show the same grace to rescue someone who has failed? Or have I been rescued like Lot by my kinsmen in Messiah who showed me grace when I had fallen short?
Do we cover and build each other up? Are we quick to judge or do we easily recognize that “it could have been me”?
2Peter 2:7-8, “but he rescued Lot, a righteous man who was distressed by the debauchery of those unprincipled people; 8 for the wicked deeds which that righteous man saw and heard, as he lived among them, tormented his righteous heart day after day.”
Notice the description of Lot in the passage! Three times Lot is referred to as righteous!
Our Lord restores what we have messed up. Can He not mend our bad choices? The answer is YES as we seek Him and go after Him.
An evidence that we belong to Him is that when we do fail (and we will and do), that we are convicted and return to Him.
Proverbs 24:16, “For though he falls seven times, he will get up again; it's the wicked who fail under stress.” and 1John 2:1-2, “My children, I am writing you these things so that you won't sin. But if anyone does sin, we have Yeshua the Messiah, the Tzaddik, who pleads our cause with the Father. 2 Also, he is the kapparah for our sins - and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.”
Our righteousness comes from Him. He is over covering, our kapparah, and we are made holy through His grace.
Conversely, the unrighteous sin without remorse, but the righteous can’t get away with sin (at least not for very long) because like David, the Holy Spirit is in our hearts. See Psalm 73.
So how do we live in the oneness of Messiah? How can we be more like Avram? By putting our flesh on the altar! Avram sacrificed his desires and put his faith in the Lord to provide. His humility and testimony outweighed his preference and prosperity.
Proverbs 22:4, “The reward for humility is fear of ADONAI, along with wealth, honor and life.” Avram operated in God’s economy that as we decrease, He will increase. It should also be noted that if we increase in our own strength, He shall cause us to decrease!
Genesis 15:1-6, “Some time later the word of ADONAI came to Avram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Avram. I am your protector; your reward will be very great." 2 Avram replied, "ADONAI, God, what good will your gifts be to me if I continue childless; and Eli'ezer from Dammesek inherits my possessions? 3 You haven't given me a child," Avram continued, "so someone born in my house will be my heir." 4 But the word of ADONAI came to him: "This man will not be your heir. No, your heir will be a child from your own body." 5 Then he brought him outside and said, "Look up at the sky, and count the stars - if you can count them! Your descendants will be that many!" 6 He believed in ADONAI, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
The Hebrew word for ‘look’ is ‘nabat’ which means to gaze, look, pay attention, show regard to, but it also means ‘look down upon’. Avram was dwelling on childlessness, his circumstance and that maybe it was too late for him. The Lord interrupted him and said ‘not so’ Avram! The Lord invited him to see from His perspective, to look at the stars from His viewpoint with eyes that are eternal rather than temporal. When Avram took to heart the Lord’s viewpoint after gazing at the stars and hearing the promise that his descendants would be that many, Avram believed G-d! He put his trust in Him and it was at that point when he rested in G-d’s Faithfulness that it was counted or ‘chashab’ to him as righteousness.
This week, may we have an eternal view like Avram, trusting the Lord and dreaming with Him. His dream for Avram was overwhelming and His dreams for us can be as well. Lord help us be overwhelmed by what we can believe You for!
Further reading: 1Samuel 18:1-4, 20:17, Proverbs 17:17, 18:24, and 16:19, John 12:24, Matthew 16:25, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 8:16, Psalm 37:24, Matthew 5:9, Hebrews 12:14, 13:1, Colossians 1:20-21, James 4:10, Isaiah 56:11, 1Corinthians 10:24.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Consider the Latter End
9/11/10 Ha Azinu! (give ear!) Parashot: Dvarim (Deuteronomy) 32:1-52 (emphasis on verses 5-6,10-15, 18, 20, 29, 31, 36. Haf Torah: Hos 14: 1-9, Joel 2:15-17, 21, 23,27. Brit Hadasha: 1 Jn 1:6-19, Rev. 22:1-5, 12,13.
Message: Rabbi Ken Alpren, summarized by Val Waters, Sofer
Rabbi Ken began by reminding us that 2,996 people were killed, representing 70 different nations 9 years ago today, when Al-Queda attacked the World Trade Center in New York City using 2 hijacked public airplanes ( (3rd plane hit the Pentagon, and a 4th landed in PA field, unsuccessfully attempting to hit Washington D.C.). He asked us if we remembered where we were when we first heard about the attack, and shared that at that time he was ministering in FL, and later learned that the facility where he had taken one flight lesson was also had been where the Al Queda pilots had been trained.
Yom Teruah, last Thursday, the Jewish month of Tishri began, and this current Shabbat is Shabbat Shuvah the Sabbath of return to the LORD. Currently Jewish people are preparing their hearts in repentance for the 10 days of awe (Yamim Noraim) that lead up to the annual ‘national’ repentance and forgiveness that occurs next Shabbat, on Yom Kippur,
We are to ‘give ear’ to the farewell song of Moses, because it was not just a ‘feel good’ song, but a TRUTH song, including the children of Israel’s need to be wise and prudent so they could heed the LORD’s warning of their latter end in the song. verses 5,6
“They have acted corruptly toward Him, They are not His children, because of their defect; But are a perverse and crooked
generation. “Do you thus repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is not He your Father who has bought you? He
has made you and established you.’
Moses adds in verse 29: “Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future!”
Hosea adds in 14:9: “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For
the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.”
D’varim 8:16: “In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He
might test you, to do good for you in the end..”
James 5:11 “We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome
of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”
Proverbs 5:4, (bitter as wormwood),
2 Peter 2:20 (the last state is worse)
We cannot forget that sin has a pay day…the wages of sin are death: on Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment. We must consider the end of all things.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
With all of this in mind, we were told to remember that the Hebrew word SHUV, which means to turn, can mean both turning TO the LORD and also AWAY from Him.
There is always purpose in the LORD’s plans for us…He brings and allows circumstances to remind us to turn TO Him; Joel 2:25 promises that the years the locusts ate will be restored to us, and lists several kinds of locust destruction!
King David had a heart after God, yet he sinned. But David always wept over his sin and repented and KEPT after the LORD, and came back into close relationship with Him. In D’varim 23:5, we remember that the LORD God was not willing to listen to Balaam “but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you.”
Yet it still comes down to whether or not we chooses the LORD. Either way, judgment is coming, Everyone will be judged. Do we want to live our lives in such a way of relationship with and obedience to Him that we are not ashamed when He returns? We are all hypocrites at times, but do we want to live a life of hypocrisy?
1 John 1:6,7 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of
Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 2:28 “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in
shame at His coming.”
Or do we want the full reward, when Yeshua says: “well done, good and faithful servant”? Praise the LORD, for we have been a faithful advocate in Messiah Yeshua who helps us! We are to lean on Him, for He NEVER quits on us!
Proverbs 24:16: “For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.”
Jude 24: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory
blameless with great joy,”
1 John 2:1 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an
Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”
Hebrews 11:25 “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives
to make intercession for them.”
Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
1 John 4:17 “By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is,
so also are we in this world.”
Even thought, we know through Ecclesiastes 12:13 “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”, we are free to speak of His love and our salvation, because, just like Him, Yeshua, we are accepted by the LORD, in His righteousness!
Joel 2: 26,27 “You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt
wondrously with you; Then My people will never be put to shame. Thus you will know that I am in the midst of
Israel, And that I am the LORD your God, And there is no other; And My people will never be put to shame.”
This was also predicted through Moses in his farewell song!
D’varim 32:39 “‘See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is
I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”
And what do we receive, through Messiah Yeshua, like Him? Resurrection from death…to eternal life! We were delivered unto death so that we could LIVE for Him!
2 Timothy 2: 11,12 “It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will
also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;”
Philippians 3:10,11 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being
conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Hosea 6:1 “Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.”
The LORD is concerned with our growing. He uses what others mean for evil and He means it for good. The growing, however, is often only found through PAIN! and Later we have the GLORY! (Romans 8:18) Remember Joel 2:25 lists all 3 kinds of locusts…and concludes with “My great army which I sent among you.” the LORD SENT the army! He wants NATURAL love and patience killed in us so that we can have and walk in and share SUPERNATURAL love and patience!
Galatians 2:20, John 3:30, 2 Corinthians 2:10-12. All of this so we can be LIGHT!!! To the world!
Daniel 12:3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Phillipians 2:10-12 ” Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among
whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will
have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”
We are not here for ourselves, but for the LORD and for others. May we have such a moment to SHINE for them!
----------------------------------------
our guest worship leaders for this Shabbat were Zemer Levav, please enjoy their music as we did www.zemerlevav.org
also show at the service, Matisyahu’s video of One Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRmBChQjZPs
Message: Rabbi Ken Alpren, summarized by Val Waters, Sofer
Rabbi Ken began by reminding us that 2,996 people were killed, representing 70 different nations 9 years ago today, when Al-Queda attacked the World Trade Center in New York City using 2 hijacked public airplanes ( (3rd plane hit the Pentagon, and a 4th landed in PA field, unsuccessfully attempting to hit Washington D.C.). He asked us if we remembered where we were when we first heard about the attack, and shared that at that time he was ministering in FL, and later learned that the facility where he had taken one flight lesson was also had been where the Al Queda pilots had been trained.
Yom Teruah, last Thursday, the Jewish month of Tishri began, and this current Shabbat is Shabbat Shuvah the Sabbath of return to the LORD. Currently Jewish people are preparing their hearts in repentance for the 10 days of awe (Yamim Noraim) that lead up to the annual ‘national’ repentance and forgiveness that occurs next Shabbat, on Yom Kippur,
We are to ‘give ear’ to the farewell song of Moses, because it was not just a ‘feel good’ song, but a TRUTH song, including the children of Israel’s need to be wise and prudent so they could heed the LORD’s warning of their latter end in the song. verses 5,6
“They have acted corruptly toward Him, They are not His children, because of their defect; But are a perverse and crooked
generation. “Do you thus repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is not He your Father who has bought you? He
has made you and established you.’
Moses adds in verse 29: “Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future!”
Hosea adds in 14:9: “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For
the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.”
D’varim 8:16: “In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He
might test you, to do good for you in the end..”
James 5:11 “We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome
of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”
Proverbs 5:4, (bitter as wormwood),
2 Peter 2:20 (the last state is worse)
We cannot forget that sin has a pay day…the wages of sin are death: on Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment. We must consider the end of all things.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
With all of this in mind, we were told to remember that the Hebrew word SHUV, which means to turn, can mean both turning TO the LORD and also AWAY from Him.
There is always purpose in the LORD’s plans for us…He brings and allows circumstances to remind us to turn TO Him; Joel 2:25 promises that the years the locusts ate will be restored to us, and lists several kinds of locust destruction!
King David had a heart after God, yet he sinned. But David always wept over his sin and repented and KEPT after the LORD, and came back into close relationship with Him. In D’varim 23:5, we remember that the LORD God was not willing to listen to Balaam “but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you.”
Yet it still comes down to whether or not we chooses the LORD. Either way, judgment is coming, Everyone will be judged. Do we want to live our lives in such a way of relationship with and obedience to Him that we are not ashamed when He returns? We are all hypocrites at times, but do we want to live a life of hypocrisy?
1 John 1:6,7 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of
Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 2:28 “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in
shame at His coming.”
Or do we want the full reward, when Yeshua says: “well done, good and faithful servant”? Praise the LORD, for we have been a faithful advocate in Messiah Yeshua who helps us! We are to lean on Him, for He NEVER quits on us!
Proverbs 24:16: “For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.”
Jude 24: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory
blameless with great joy,”
1 John 2:1 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an
Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”
Hebrews 11:25 “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives
to make intercession for them.”
Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
1 John 4:17 “By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is,
so also are we in this world.”
Even thought, we know through Ecclesiastes 12:13 “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”, we are free to speak of His love and our salvation, because, just like Him, Yeshua, we are accepted by the LORD, in His righteousness!
Joel 2: 26,27 “You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt
wondrously with you; Then My people will never be put to shame. Thus you will know that I am in the midst of
Israel, And that I am the LORD your God, And there is no other; And My people will never be put to shame.”
This was also predicted through Moses in his farewell song!
D’varim 32:39 “‘See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is
I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”
And what do we receive, through Messiah Yeshua, like Him? Resurrection from death…to eternal life! We were delivered unto death so that we could LIVE for Him!
2 Timothy 2: 11,12 “It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will
also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;”
Philippians 3:10,11 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being
conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Hosea 6:1 “Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.”
The LORD is concerned with our growing. He uses what others mean for evil and He means it for good. The growing, however, is often only found through PAIN! and Later we have the GLORY! (Romans 8:18) Remember Joel 2:25 lists all 3 kinds of locusts…and concludes with “My great army which I sent among you.” the LORD SENT the army! He wants NATURAL love and patience killed in us so that we can have and walk in and share SUPERNATURAL love and patience!
Galatians 2:20, John 3:30, 2 Corinthians 2:10-12. All of this so we can be LIGHT!!! To the world!
Daniel 12:3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Phillipians 2:10-12 ” Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among
whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will
have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”
We are not here for ourselves, but for the LORD and for others. May we have such a moment to SHINE for them!
----------------------------------------
our guest worship leaders for this Shabbat were Zemer Levav, please enjoy their music as we did www.zemerlevav.org
also show at the service, Matisyahu’s video of One Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRmBChQjZPs
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Difference between Tradition and Truth
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
September 4, 2010
"Today you are standing, all of you, before ADONAI your God - your heads, your tribes, your leaders and your officers - all the men of Isra'el” Deuteronomy 29:10
We are standing in His grace, standing in warfare and standing in our deeds. We stand in His grace positionally, not on our merit or what we have done, but in His righteousness based upon His finished work and atoning sacrifice. Romans 5:2, “Also through him and on the ground of our trust, we have gained access to this grace in which we stand; so let us boast about the hope of experiencing God's glory.” See also 1Corinthians 1:30, 1Peter 5:12, Jeremiah 23:5-6.
When we stand in warfare, His power is made available to us through prayer or ‘na’ in Hebrew derived from the Hebrew word for war. We will also stand before Him in our deeds at the Bema. 2Corinthians 5:9-10, “Therefore, whether at home or away from home, we try our utmost to please him; 10 for we must all appear before the Messiah's court of judgment, where everyone will receive the good or bad consequences of what he did while he was in the body.” See also Romans 14:10-12
Traditions can be good or bad. They are good if they enhance the Word of G-d, provide structure, good memories, give anchor or security to truth, or connect us to family and history. Traditions are bad when they are placed on par with Scripture or even replace the Word of G-d and lead us away from truth or keep us in the dark.
Colossians 2:8, “Watch out, so that no one will take you captive by means of philosophy and empty deceit, following human tradition which accords with the elemental spirits of the world but does not accord with the Messiah.”
What does tradition teach regarding the Yomim Norai’im or the Days of Awe?
It is believed there are three books opened before G-d the Judge during the this time; the Book of Righteous, Wicked and In Between. During the Days of Awe, it is believed as tradition that the books are opened and names are written in the Book of Life based upon three methods of atonement whereby forgiveness can be secured and atonement made. The goal is to have one’s name inscribed and sealed for the next year through acts of repentance (teshuva), prayer (tefillah) and charity (tzedakah) tipping the scales in one’s favor. Psalm 118:19-20, “Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter them and thank Yah. 20 This is the gate of ADONAI; the righteous can enter it.”
These are the traditions for attaining atonement and securing salvation based upon tradition. But what does the Word of G-d say?
Psalm 119:89, “Your word continues forever, ADONAI, firmly fixed in heaven.” Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
What are the books from G-d on earth?
The Tanakh consists of the Torah (Law or first five books), Navi’im (the prophets) and Ketubim (the writings) and the Brit Chadasha (New Covenant) consists of the Gospel, Acts, Letters and Apocalypse. And unlike traditional Judaism, there is also the Lamb’s Book of Life (Sefer HaChayim) and a Book of Remembrance (Sefer HaZikaron). See Revelation 20:15, Luke 10:20 and Malachi 3:16.
What does the Word of G-d really teach us about our names being written and sealed in The Book of Life?
Our names are written based upon His atonement for us rather than our atonement for ourselves! Ephesians 1:13-14, “Furthermore, you who heard the message of the truth, the Good News offering you deliverance, and put your trust in the Messiah were sealed by him with the promised Ruach HaKodesh, 14 who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory.”
Titus 3:5, “he delivered us. It was not on the ground of any righteous deeds we had done, but on the ground of his own mercy. He did it by means of the mikveh of rebirth and the renewal brought about by the Ruach HaKodesh”. See also James 1:18, 1Peter 1:23, John 5:24.
This is the hope we can live in and share with others! There is a way, His Way, for our names to be written in The Book of Life, not just for a year, but forever!
Looking closely at Deuteronomy 30:1-6, we can see that this is G-d plan for His people and for us. Israel was dispersed due to disobedience, she will remember and return to the Land (which is already occurring), she will obey the L-rd because she has returned and He has shown her mercy, her heart will be circumcised, Israel’s enemies will be judged and she will receive the full blessing of the L-rd. The circumcision of her heart and ours is by our Heavenly Moil creating an inward renewal and a desire to please Him than to sin At this point, Israel corporately and us individually will love the L-rd with all our hearts and all our beings and we will live.
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 31:10-13, 24-26, Micah 4:1-2, Psalm 119-9-16, 1Timothy 4:13,16, 2Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 2:11, Romans 2:29, Philippians 2:13, Jeremiah 4:4, Jeremiah 17:5-8, Isaiah 8:20
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
September 4, 2010
"Today you are standing, all of you, before ADONAI your God - your heads, your tribes, your leaders and your officers - all the men of Isra'el” Deuteronomy 29:10
We are standing in His grace, standing in warfare and standing in our deeds. We stand in His grace positionally, not on our merit or what we have done, but in His righteousness based upon His finished work and atoning sacrifice. Romans 5:2, “Also through him and on the ground of our trust, we have gained access to this grace in which we stand; so let us boast about the hope of experiencing God's glory.” See also 1Corinthians 1:30, 1Peter 5:12, Jeremiah 23:5-6.
When we stand in warfare, His power is made available to us through prayer or ‘na’ in Hebrew derived from the Hebrew word for war. We will also stand before Him in our deeds at the Bema. 2Corinthians 5:9-10, “Therefore, whether at home or away from home, we try our utmost to please him; 10 for we must all appear before the Messiah's court of judgment, where everyone will receive the good or bad consequences of what he did while he was in the body.” See also Romans 14:10-12
Traditions can be good or bad. They are good if they enhance the Word of G-d, provide structure, good memories, give anchor or security to truth, or connect us to family and history. Traditions are bad when they are placed on par with Scripture or even replace the Word of G-d and lead us away from truth or keep us in the dark.
Colossians 2:8, “Watch out, so that no one will take you captive by means of philosophy and empty deceit, following human tradition which accords with the elemental spirits of the world but does not accord with the Messiah.”
What does tradition teach regarding the Yomim Norai’im or the Days of Awe?
It is believed there are three books opened before G-d the Judge during the this time; the Book of Righteous, Wicked and In Between. During the Days of Awe, it is believed as tradition that the books are opened and names are written in the Book of Life based upon three methods of atonement whereby forgiveness can be secured and atonement made. The goal is to have one’s name inscribed and sealed for the next year through acts of repentance (teshuva), prayer (tefillah) and charity (tzedakah) tipping the scales in one’s favor. Psalm 118:19-20, “Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter them and thank Yah. 20 This is the gate of ADONAI; the righteous can enter it.”
These are the traditions for attaining atonement and securing salvation based upon tradition. But what does the Word of G-d say?
Psalm 119:89, “Your word continues forever, ADONAI, firmly fixed in heaven.” Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
What are the books from G-d on earth?
The Tanakh consists of the Torah (Law or first five books), Navi’im (the prophets) and Ketubim (the writings) and the Brit Chadasha (New Covenant) consists of the Gospel, Acts, Letters and Apocalypse. And unlike traditional Judaism, there is also the Lamb’s Book of Life (Sefer HaChayim) and a Book of Remembrance (Sefer HaZikaron). See Revelation 20:15, Luke 10:20 and Malachi 3:16.
What does the Word of G-d really teach us about our names being written and sealed in The Book of Life?
Our names are written based upon His atonement for us rather than our atonement for ourselves! Ephesians 1:13-14, “Furthermore, you who heard the message of the truth, the Good News offering you deliverance, and put your trust in the Messiah were sealed by him with the promised Ruach HaKodesh, 14 who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory.”
Titus 3:5, “he delivered us. It was not on the ground of any righteous deeds we had done, but on the ground of his own mercy. He did it by means of the mikveh of rebirth and the renewal brought about by the Ruach HaKodesh”. See also James 1:18, 1Peter 1:23, John 5:24.
This is the hope we can live in and share with others! There is a way, His Way, for our names to be written in The Book of Life, not just for a year, but forever!
Looking closely at Deuteronomy 30:1-6, we can see that this is G-d plan for His people and for us. Israel was dispersed due to disobedience, she will remember and return to the Land (which is already occurring), she will obey the L-rd because she has returned and He has shown her mercy, her heart will be circumcised, Israel’s enemies will be judged and she will receive the full blessing of the L-rd. The circumcision of her heart and ours is by our Heavenly Moil creating an inward renewal and a desire to please Him than to sin At this point, Israel corporately and us individually will love the L-rd with all our hearts and all our beings and we will live.
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 31:10-13, 24-26, Micah 4:1-2, Psalm 119-9-16, 1Timothy 4:13,16, 2Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 2:11, Romans 2:29, Philippians 2:13, Jeremiah 4:4, Jeremiah 17:5-8, Isaiah 8:20
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
First Fruits / Blessing or Curse
8/28/10 Ki Tavo (When you enter in) D’varim (Deuteronomy) 26:1-29:9 (emphasis 26:1-10; 28:1-2, 13,15,62,64; 29:9;
Isaiah 50:1-28; Hebrews 11:32-40
compiled by Val Waters, sopher (scribe)
Midrash: Seth Budai
Psalm 119:137-144 Shabbat is our resting time to hide in Him, while He strengthens us (D’varim 8:3)
Psalm 121:3,4 We have a BIG God who doesn’t slumber or sleep, so we have no excuses (to give Him our all) because He gives us strength!
Teaching: Rabbi Ken Alpren
D’varim 26 is about the ceremony of First Fruits, or Bikkurim, which is covered in Mishnah Bikkurim 1:3.
Jewish farmers would tie a reed around the earliest ripening fruits from each of seven species (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates). and at harvest time those specific plants were brought in baskets and put on oxen and led in a procession of dancing and singing to Jerusalem to be presented to the Cohanim (priests) at the Temple. The ceremony included the reading aloud of D’varim 26:1-10.
D’varim 28 is about Israel being given the choice to obey God in the promised land and thus receive His blessing, (v2 “…and all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you…” v13 “and the LORD shall make you the head and not the tail and you only shall be above and you shall not be underneath, if you will listen…”) but if they would choose to disobey God, the curse was also spelled out clearly v62 “then you shall be left few in number whereas you were as the stars of heaven for multitude” v64 “…the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth…”).
Rabbi Ken reminded the congregation that if we honor God with our first and our best as in Proverbs 3:9 our harvest will overflow our barns; and if we give Him the whole (complete) tithe, in Malachi 4: 10, He will open for us the doors of heaven and pour out blessings that overflow!
Often we hear that the Old Covenant just says we have to love God, while the New Covenant says we love God because we want to; this implies that grace wasn’t active until after Yeshua redeemed us. Rabbi Ken pointed out that the Decalogue (Sh’mot 20) begins with “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” the LORD is saying, I redeemed you…with the implication being that the Hebrews belonged to God, that He already proved his love to His people, and asked for their obedience in return. Grace started with God in the Old Covenant also!
We are considered His holy ones, saints, kiddushim because of of what God has already done through the blood of Yeshua! He has set us apart, wants us as pure fruit, purges out the old leaven (1 Cor 5); we are already ‘matza’ or cleansed of sin!
Positional Truth Experiential Truth
our standing our state
our union our communion
our position our experience
Eph. 1;3, Heb 7:9,10 Col 3:1,2 1 Jn 2:28 Jn 15:5,7,9, Gal 1:6, 2:4, 3:1-5
John 3:31, 8:23 Gal 5;1 Heb 2:1, 2 Pet 1:19
Watchman Nee’s book, Sit, Walk Stand summarizes the book of Ephesians and who we are: with Messiah we are dead, buried, risen and ascended and now sit with Him; we walk in His calling, in health; and we stand firm, not yielding to the adversary.
a brief summary of the three tithes required when living in the land of Israel:
crops 10% to Levites, who in turn tithe to Cohanim (priests)
main tithe, 2% to priests
1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th years, a second tithe, of which 9& eaten by owner (in Jerusalem)
3rd and 6th year, poor man’s tithe, they eat it at home
1 Tim 5:17, 1 Cor 6:17 : also tithing before Torah, Abraham to Melchizedek (Gen. 14).
Abel brought 1st fruits, Cain gave left-overs: we can miss God’s blessing by stingy giving, not freely given
We can bring ourselves as first fruits also…by prioritizing our time spent in His Word! search in it, meditate upon it, read speak it aloud; speak it out loudly! We are told to not neglect hi sword, As a new believer, Rabbi Ken was challenged to spend more time in the word and told that he would get better grades without more time spent in homework, just in the Word….and it worked! We are told to meditate day and night on His Word! 1 Pet 2:2, Psalm 119:11, Ps 1. 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 5,000! God’s power is a mystery to natural man, Don’t skip worship services and expect the blessings: have company? bring them along as a testimony to your faith! Most people try giving on in crises, the LORD asks for your first fruits, not your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th best.
1 Thes 5:17, Luke 18:1 There is no formula that man can copy, the LORD’s blessings and growth and healing are supernatural!
In D’varim 28,29 Three prophecies of Israel’s dispossession are already fulfilled. Two prophecies of Israel’s restoration are already fulfilled, while the 3rd is in the process of being fulfilled. The LORD is drawing, wooing His chosen people back to Israel. Jer 16:14-16 speaks of the LORD sending fishers and hunters to help gather them, and they have also experienced the persecution.
Archaelogists have uncovered a rock engraved with the sh’ma in Hebrew, and a drawing of a mezuzah!
Blessing…D’varim 28:13 “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,”
listen = sh’ma; keep =shamar; do = asah
l’malah = above (ascend, progress; below = l’mattah below, pervert, distort
It’s the LORD’s faith that empowers us. Dan 10 “I am strengthened as You speak” Heb 3:7, Jn 10:3, 10:27; Eph 4:21,
Mk 7:16, Jer 3:22, Ps 24:2, James 1:19, Ecc 5:2
Martyrs had enough FAITH to die! Let their lives be a lesson to us to NOT judge by other peoples circumstances; even Yeshua had no place to lay his head. 1 Cor 4 speaks of his having no dwelling place. The LORD will provide, He will never leave us or forsake us, Ps 19:34 says ‘we will “never see the righteous forsaken”.
D’varim 23:5
the LORD can turn curses int blessings! When we finally wake up spiritually and begin to put the LORD first, then everything will turn around! Neh 13:2, Phil 3:12-14
LORD, we believe Your blessing will overtake us if we “go” after You! Because YOU love us!
Isaiah 50:1-28; Hebrews 11:32-40
compiled by Val Waters, sopher (scribe)
Midrash: Seth Budai
Psalm 119:137-144 Shabbat is our resting time to hide in Him, while He strengthens us (D’varim 8:3)
Psalm 121:3,4 We have a BIG God who doesn’t slumber or sleep, so we have no excuses (to give Him our all) because He gives us strength!
Teaching: Rabbi Ken Alpren
D’varim 26 is about the ceremony of First Fruits, or Bikkurim, which is covered in Mishnah Bikkurim 1:3.
Jewish farmers would tie a reed around the earliest ripening fruits from each of seven species (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates). and at harvest time those specific plants were brought in baskets and put on oxen and led in a procession of dancing and singing to Jerusalem to be presented to the Cohanim (priests) at the Temple. The ceremony included the reading aloud of D’varim 26:1-10.
D’varim 28 is about Israel being given the choice to obey God in the promised land and thus receive His blessing, (v2 “…and all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you…” v13 “and the LORD shall make you the head and not the tail and you only shall be above and you shall not be underneath, if you will listen…”) but if they would choose to disobey God, the curse was also spelled out clearly v62 “then you shall be left few in number whereas you were as the stars of heaven for multitude” v64 “…the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth…”).
Rabbi Ken reminded the congregation that if we honor God with our first and our best as in Proverbs 3:9 our harvest will overflow our barns; and if we give Him the whole (complete) tithe, in Malachi 4: 10, He will open for us the doors of heaven and pour out blessings that overflow!
Often we hear that the Old Covenant just says we have to love God, while the New Covenant says we love God because we want to; this implies that grace wasn’t active until after Yeshua redeemed us. Rabbi Ken pointed out that the Decalogue (Sh’mot 20) begins with “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” the LORD is saying, I redeemed you…with the implication being that the Hebrews belonged to God, that He already proved his love to His people, and asked for their obedience in return. Grace started with God in the Old Covenant also!
We are considered His holy ones, saints, kiddushim because of of what God has already done through the blood of Yeshua! He has set us apart, wants us as pure fruit, purges out the old leaven (1 Cor 5); we are already ‘matza’ or cleansed of sin!
Positional Truth Experiential Truth
our standing our state
our union our communion
our position our experience
Eph. 1;3, Heb 7:9,10 Col 3:1,2 1 Jn 2:28 Jn 15:5,7,9, Gal 1:6, 2:4, 3:1-5
John 3:31, 8:23 Gal 5;1 Heb 2:1, 2 Pet 1:19
Watchman Nee’s book, Sit, Walk Stand summarizes the book of Ephesians and who we are: with Messiah we are dead, buried, risen and ascended and now sit with Him; we walk in His calling, in health; and we stand firm, not yielding to the adversary.
a brief summary of the three tithes required when living in the land of Israel:
crops 10% to Levites, who in turn tithe to Cohanim (priests)
main tithe, 2% to priests
1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th years, a second tithe, of which 9& eaten by owner (in Jerusalem)
3rd and 6th year, poor man’s tithe, they eat it at home
1 Tim 5:17, 1 Cor 6:17 : also tithing before Torah, Abraham to Melchizedek (Gen. 14).
Abel brought 1st fruits, Cain gave left-overs: we can miss God’s blessing by stingy giving, not freely given
We can bring ourselves as first fruits also…by prioritizing our time spent in His Word! search in it, meditate upon it, read speak it aloud; speak it out loudly! We are told to not neglect hi sword, As a new believer, Rabbi Ken was challenged to spend more time in the word and told that he would get better grades without more time spent in homework, just in the Word….and it worked! We are told to meditate day and night on His Word! 1 Pet 2:2, Psalm 119:11, Ps 1. 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 5,000! God’s power is a mystery to natural man, Don’t skip worship services and expect the blessings: have company? bring them along as a testimony to your faith! Most people try giving on in crises, the LORD asks for your first fruits, not your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th best.
1 Thes 5:17, Luke 18:1 There is no formula that man can copy, the LORD’s blessings and growth and healing are supernatural!
In D’varim 28,29 Three prophecies of Israel’s dispossession are already fulfilled. Two prophecies of Israel’s restoration are already fulfilled, while the 3rd is in the process of being fulfilled. The LORD is drawing, wooing His chosen people back to Israel. Jer 16:14-16 speaks of the LORD sending fishers and hunters to help gather them, and they have also experienced the persecution.
Archaelogists have uncovered a rock engraved with the sh’ma in Hebrew, and a drawing of a mezuzah!
Blessing…D’varim 28:13 “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,”
listen = sh’ma; keep =shamar; do = asah
l’malah = above (ascend, progress; below = l’mattah below, pervert, distort
It’s the LORD’s faith that empowers us. Dan 10 “I am strengthened as You speak” Heb 3:7, Jn 10:3, 10:27; Eph 4:21,
Mk 7:16, Jer 3:22, Ps 24:2, James 1:19, Ecc 5:2
Martyrs had enough FAITH to die! Let their lives be a lesson to us to NOT judge by other peoples circumstances; even Yeshua had no place to lay his head. 1 Cor 4 speaks of his having no dwelling place. The LORD will provide, He will never leave us or forsake us, Ps 19:34 says ‘we will “never see the righteous forsaken”.
D’varim 23:5
the LORD can turn curses int blessings! When we finally wake up spiritually and begin to put the LORD first, then everything will turn around! Neh 13:2, Phil 3:12-14
LORD, we believe Your blessing will overtake us if we “go” after You! Because YOU love us!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Has G-d Divorced Israel?
taken from sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
August 21, 2010
D’varim Deuteronomy 24:1-4
"Suppose a man marries a woman and consummates the marriage but later finds her displeasing, because he has found her offensive in some respect. He writes her a divorce document, gives it to her and sends her away from his house. 2 She leaves his house, goes and becomes another man's wife; 3 but the second husband dislikes her and writes her a get, gives it to her and sends her away from his house; or the second husband whom she married dies. 4 In such a case her first husband, who sent her away, may not take her again as his wife, because she is now defiled. It would be detestable to ADONAI, and you are not to bring about sin in the land ADONAI your God is giving you as your inheritance.”
G-d’s purpose in marriage was defined with the original marriage of Adam and Eve as described in Genesis 2:18, “ADONAI, G-d, said, "It isn't good that the person should be alone. I will make for him a companion suitable for helping him." and Genesis 2:24, “This is why a man is to leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and they are to be one flesh.”
It is G-d’s divine plan for us to have a companion and to procreate.
These principles can be applied to His marriage to Israel and to His Bride through Messiah. We are to know Him intimately as first mentioned in Genesis 4:1 “The man had sexual relations with Havah his wife; she conceived, gave birth to Kayin [acquisition] and said, "I have acquired a man from ADONAI." The Hebrew word used in this passage is ‘yada’ which means to know Him. This principle is also revealed in 1Corinthians 6:15-17, “Don't you know that your bodies are parts of the Messiah? So, am I to take parts of the Messiah and make them parts of a prostitute? Heaven forbid! 16 Don't you know that a man who joins himself to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? For the Tanakh says, "The two will become one flesh"; 17 but the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.” In this way, we are part of Him and He is part of us.
Secondly, we are to procreate. That is, bring others to know Him. See Proverbs 11:30 and Daniel 12:3. G-d wants us to participate with Him to draw others to Himself which mirrors procreation.
We see in Deuteronomy 24:1, that a wife who displeases her husband is issued a get, or Bill of Divorcement. There is controversy at to the grounds for divorce allowed by Scripture. When is it permissible? We know that G-d hates divorce; it is not what He intended. But there are times when it is permitted due to human circumstances. Messiah answered this directly as recorded in Matthew 19:3-9, “Some P'rushim came and tried to trap him by asking, "Is it permitted for a man to divorce his wife on any ground whatever?" 4 He replied, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, 5 and that he said, `For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two are to become one flesh'? 6 Thus they are no longer two, but one. So then, no one should split apart what God has joined together." 7 They said to him, "Then why did Moshe give the commandment that a man should hand his wife a get and divorce her?" 8 He answered, "Moshe allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts are so hardened. But this is not how it was at the beginning. 9 Now what I say to you is that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery!" Additionally, Scripture cites abandonment in 1Corinthians 7:15. And although not specifically cited in Scripture, abuse, especially when one’s life is in danger, would be obvious grounds for divorce.
It is also obvious from Scripture that divorce is not an option due to incompatibility or if one is attracted to someone else.
Since there are cases when G-d permits divorce, we should be cautiously aware of self-righteousness and choose grace rather than judgement. In the same way, we should be cautious not to advocate it either, but to always encourage reconciliation.
Hosea waited years before Gomer, his wife was restored to him. See Hosea 2:19-20. G-d loves the divorcee. So should we.
Has G-d divorced Israel or has He remarried her?
Clearly, Deuteronomy 24 does not advocate divorce followed by remarriage. So, either G-d has divorced Israel or He never did. We believe Scripture makes it clear that G-d never divorced Israel. He has never left her nor will He ever leave us. See Isaiah 50:1ADONAI says: "Where is your mother's divorce document which I gave her when I divorced her? Or: to which of my creditors did I sell you? You were sold because of your sins; because of your crimes was your mother divorced.” It is understood in this passage that by the L-rd asking the question, He is saying that a divorce document would not be found because He hasn’t divorced Israel. And Jeremiah 3:8, “I saw that even though backsliding Isra'el had committed adultery, so that I had sent her away and given her a divorce document, unfaithful Y'hudah her sister was not moved to fear - instead she too went and prostituted herself.” These passages indicate a temporary divorce; what we would refer to today as a separation.
G-d’s heart was broken for Israel; and He hasn’t given up on her. His heart is for her return. Jeremiah 3:14, "Return, backsliding children," says ADONAI; "for I am your master. I will take you, one from a city, two from a family, and bring you to Tziyon.”
Experientially, the relationship is as if it were dead, but G-d is wooing her back to Him. We believe this is indicative of where Israel and G-d are now. See Hosea 2:14-20. He is wooing her back because He is betrothed to her forever.
Hosea 2:20, “I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in grace and in compassion; 20 I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you will know ADONAI.”
We see clearly that G-d is married to Israel, has pleaded with her not to go away but she does. He disciplines her through a temporary divorce and is wooing her back and will rededicate the marriage with her.
His judgement is not final but He judges in order to bring a restoration of the covenant relationship. He deals with the Bride of Messiah likewise. We are joined with Him in Messiah, we are disciplined because we are sons and daughters and because we are His, He woos us back and the fruit of the discipline is righteousness. See Hebrews 12:6-11, Proverbs 12:1, 1 Corinthians 11:32 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Further Reading: Romans 8:35, 38-39, Romans 11:1-2, 5
Summary by: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
August 21, 2010
D’varim Deuteronomy 24:1-4
"Suppose a man marries a woman and consummates the marriage but later finds her displeasing, because he has found her offensive in some respect. He writes her a divorce document, gives it to her and sends her away from his house. 2 She leaves his house, goes and becomes another man's wife; 3 but the second husband dislikes her and writes her a get, gives it to her and sends her away from his house; or the second husband whom she married dies. 4 In such a case her first husband, who sent her away, may not take her again as his wife, because she is now defiled. It would be detestable to ADONAI, and you are not to bring about sin in the land ADONAI your God is giving you as your inheritance.”
G-d’s purpose in marriage was defined with the original marriage of Adam and Eve as described in Genesis 2:18, “ADONAI, G-d, said, "It isn't good that the person should be alone. I will make for him a companion suitable for helping him." and Genesis 2:24, “This is why a man is to leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and they are to be one flesh.”
It is G-d’s divine plan for us to have a companion and to procreate.
These principles can be applied to His marriage to Israel and to His Bride through Messiah. We are to know Him intimately as first mentioned in Genesis 4:1 “The man had sexual relations with Havah his wife; she conceived, gave birth to Kayin [acquisition] and said, "I have acquired a man from ADONAI." The Hebrew word used in this passage is ‘yada’ which means to know Him. This principle is also revealed in 1Corinthians 6:15-17, “Don't you know that your bodies are parts of the Messiah? So, am I to take parts of the Messiah and make them parts of a prostitute? Heaven forbid! 16 Don't you know that a man who joins himself to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? For the Tanakh says, "The two will become one flesh"; 17 but the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.” In this way, we are part of Him and He is part of us.
Secondly, we are to procreate. That is, bring others to know Him. See Proverbs 11:30 and Daniel 12:3. G-d wants us to participate with Him to draw others to Himself which mirrors procreation.
We see in Deuteronomy 24:1, that a wife who displeases her husband is issued a get, or Bill of Divorcement. There is controversy at to the grounds for divorce allowed by Scripture. When is it permissible? We know that G-d hates divorce; it is not what He intended. But there are times when it is permitted due to human circumstances. Messiah answered this directly as recorded in Matthew 19:3-9, “Some P'rushim came and tried to trap him by asking, "Is it permitted for a man to divorce his wife on any ground whatever?" 4 He replied, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, 5 and that he said, `For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two are to become one flesh'? 6 Thus they are no longer two, but one. So then, no one should split apart what God has joined together." 7 They said to him, "Then why did Moshe give the commandment that a man should hand his wife a get and divorce her?" 8 He answered, "Moshe allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts are so hardened. But this is not how it was at the beginning. 9 Now what I say to you is that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery!" Additionally, Scripture cites abandonment in 1Corinthians 7:15. And although not specifically cited in Scripture, abuse, especially when one’s life is in danger, would be obvious grounds for divorce.
It is also obvious from Scripture that divorce is not an option due to incompatibility or if one is attracted to someone else.
Since there are cases when G-d permits divorce, we should be cautiously aware of self-righteousness and choose grace rather than judgement. In the same way, we should be cautious not to advocate it either, but to always encourage reconciliation.
Hosea waited years before Gomer, his wife was restored to him. See Hosea 2:19-20. G-d loves the divorcee. So should we.
Has G-d divorced Israel or has He remarried her?
Clearly, Deuteronomy 24 does not advocate divorce followed by remarriage. So, either G-d has divorced Israel or He never did. We believe Scripture makes it clear that G-d never divorced Israel. He has never left her nor will He ever leave us. See Isaiah 50:1ADONAI says: "Where is your mother's divorce document which I gave her when I divorced her? Or: to which of my creditors did I sell you? You were sold because of your sins; because of your crimes was your mother divorced.” It is understood in this passage that by the L-rd asking the question, He is saying that a divorce document would not be found because He hasn’t divorced Israel. And Jeremiah 3:8, “I saw that even though backsliding Isra'el had committed adultery, so that I had sent her away and given her a divorce document, unfaithful Y'hudah her sister was not moved to fear - instead she too went and prostituted herself.” These passages indicate a temporary divorce; what we would refer to today as a separation.
G-d’s heart was broken for Israel; and He hasn’t given up on her. His heart is for her return. Jeremiah 3:14, "Return, backsliding children," says ADONAI; "for I am your master. I will take you, one from a city, two from a family, and bring you to Tziyon.”
Experientially, the relationship is as if it were dead, but G-d is wooing her back to Him. We believe this is indicative of where Israel and G-d are now. See Hosea 2:14-20. He is wooing her back because He is betrothed to her forever.
Hosea 2:20, “I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in grace and in compassion; 20 I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you will know ADONAI.”
We see clearly that G-d is married to Israel, has pleaded with her not to go away but she does. He disciplines her through a temporary divorce and is wooing her back and will rededicate the marriage with her.
His judgement is not final but He judges in order to bring a restoration of the covenant relationship. He deals with the Bride of Messiah likewise. We are joined with Him in Messiah, we are disciplined because we are sons and daughters and because we are His, He woos us back and the fruit of the discipline is righteousness. See Hebrews 12:6-11, Proverbs 12:1, 1 Corinthians 11:32 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Further Reading: Romans 8:35, 38-39, Romans 11:1-2, 5
Monday, August 16, 2010
CALLED OR COMPELLED? G-D IS NOT DESPERATE
D’varim 20:1-9; Read T’hillim (Psalm) 3
“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and troops who outnumber you, do not be afraid of them, for the L-RD your God is with you . . . As you draw near to the battle, the kohen shall approach and speak to the soldiers, and say . . . ‘Hear O Israel . . . do not let your hearts faint, do not fear, and do not tremble, nor be terrified . . . for the L-RD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you . . . to deliver you. . . . Who has built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go and return . . . Who has planted a vineyard? . . . go and return . . . Who has become engaged . . . go and return . . .Who is fearful and fainthearted? . . . go and return.’”
It would seem that in going up against a formidable enemy, one would be eager to recruit the largest number of soldiers possible. Not so with G-d. G-d is not desperate. He is neither desperate for quantity of people, nor for resources. He is content to allow seemingly “needed” people to go home instead of remaining to fight. This would not appear the case with some Ministry organizations, where desperate, guilt-inducing appeals are used to recruit resources of people and finances. Indeed we would learn this principle: urgency is not necessarily spirituality. It can be, but it also often is not. Hasty decisions fostered out of fear or guilt -- prompted through pressure from frantic persons - are usually followed by regret. “He that believes shall not make haste” - Is. 28:16.
God knows that winning requires total focus and devotion. He would rather work with the few who are devoted, then the many who are distracted.
“And Asa cried to the LORD his God, and said, ‘LORD, it is nothing with You to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude.’” 2 Chron. 14:11.
“Then said David to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” - I Sam. 17:45.
“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” - 2 Chr. 32:7-8.
“Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. . .” - Ps. 27:3.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Rom. 8:31.
One cannot compete well if divided in commitment. This is why the L-rd tells many to go home - but without condemnation - for G-d is not desperate. We do not serve the L-rd in our humanity’s capacity because we are compelled out of obligation. We serve Him because we are called through His Word of grace which imparts Divine capacity (Acts 20:32). The kohen (priest) spoke G-d’s Word to the people, the officers echoed it, and the people were empowered and released from fear. As the Kohen Gadol (Great Priest) speaks to me, I am strengthened and can do all things through Him (Dan. 10:19; Phil. 4:13). For freedom, Messiah has set us free . . . that we might attend upon the Lord without distraction (Gal. 5:1; I Cor. 7:35).
Spiritual authority is empowering, not demolishing. It does not feel the need to contain and control, but is anointed to release, to energize, to mobilize (2 Cor. 1:24; 10:8). God does not corral us out of desperate urgency, but He calls us and furnishes us through grace - for He knows both who will win, and how to win.
Rabbi Ken Alpren
“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and troops who outnumber you, do not be afraid of them, for the L-RD your God is with you . . . As you draw near to the battle, the kohen shall approach and speak to the soldiers, and say . . . ‘Hear O Israel . . . do not let your hearts faint, do not fear, and do not tremble, nor be terrified . . . for the L-RD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you . . . to deliver you. . . . Who has built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go and return . . . Who has planted a vineyard? . . . go and return . . . Who has become engaged . . . go and return . . .Who is fearful and fainthearted? . . . go and return.’”
It would seem that in going up against a formidable enemy, one would be eager to recruit the largest number of soldiers possible. Not so with G-d. G-d is not desperate. He is neither desperate for quantity of people, nor for resources. He is content to allow seemingly “needed” people to go home instead of remaining to fight. This would not appear the case with some Ministry organizations, where desperate, guilt-inducing appeals are used to recruit resources of people and finances. Indeed we would learn this principle: urgency is not necessarily spirituality. It can be, but it also often is not. Hasty decisions fostered out of fear or guilt -- prompted through pressure from frantic persons - are usually followed by regret. “He that believes shall not make haste” - Is. 28:16.
God knows that winning requires total focus and devotion. He would rather work with the few who are devoted, then the many who are distracted.
“And Asa cried to the LORD his God, and said, ‘LORD, it is nothing with You to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude.’” 2 Chron. 14:11.
“Then said David to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” - I Sam. 17:45.
“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” - 2 Chr. 32:7-8.
“Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. . .” - Ps. 27:3.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Rom. 8:31.
One cannot compete well if divided in commitment. This is why the L-rd tells many to go home - but without condemnation - for G-d is not desperate. We do not serve the L-rd in our humanity’s capacity because we are compelled out of obligation. We serve Him because we are called through His Word of grace which imparts Divine capacity (Acts 20:32). The kohen (priest) spoke G-d’s Word to the people, the officers echoed it, and the people were empowered and released from fear. As the Kohen Gadol (Great Priest) speaks to me, I am strengthened and can do all things through Him (Dan. 10:19; Phil. 4:13). For freedom, Messiah has set us free . . . that we might attend upon the Lord without distraction (Gal. 5:1; I Cor. 7:35).
Spiritual authority is empowering, not demolishing. It does not feel the need to contain and control, but is anointed to release, to energize, to mobilize (2 Cor. 1:24; 10:8). God does not corral us out of desperate urgency, but He calls us and furnishes us through grace - for He knows both who will win, and how to win.
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Monday, August 2, 2010
G-d’s Purpose to make us like Messiah
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 31, 2010
Deuteronomy 8: 17, “you will think to yourself, 'My own power and the strength of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.'”
Deuteronomy 9:4-6 "Don't think to yourself, after your God has pushed them out ahead of you, 'It is to reward my righteousness that ADONAI has brought me in to take possession of this land.' No, it is because these nations have been so wicked that ADONAI is driving them out ahead of you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness, or because your heart is so upright, that you go in to take possession of their land; but to punish the wickedness of these nations that ADONAI your God is driving them out ahead of you, and also to confirm the word which ADONAI swore to your ancestors, Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov. 6 Therefore, understand that it is not for your righteousness that ADONAI your God is giving you this good land to possess. "For you are a stiffnecked people!”
The Israelites were about to take possession of the land. It was his provision for them given by grace. They didn’t deserve the land nor had they earned it. However, his warning to them is interesting because he tells them ahead of time that they will think it was based upon their own merit that they were given the land or because of their own righteousness. He knew they would be inclined to forget him and the gift he had given.
We also need to be careful and listen to these warnings and remember what G-d has given us is by grace as well. If we think we accomplished something on our own or that we deserve something we are indicating that our hearts are going away from G-d and trusting in ourselves just as the Israelites would have done after G-d gave them the land.
How can we avoid this inclination and be aware of our own spiritual health? When we are spiritually healthy we will be hungry for G-d and hungry for his word as well as being willing to serve others. We cannot separate our love of G-d from the Word of G-d. Deuteronomy 8:3 tells us we live by everything that comes from the mouth of G-d. Also, in Colossians 3:16, “let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.” Our hunger for G-d and G-d’s Word will also be demonstrated by our meditating upon it as we think about it and talk about it. Receiving G-d’s word in our minds and hearts is like eating and drinking and serving others is like exercising. We will be healthy spiritually practicing these two basic principles.
Likewise, it is important to balance our spiritual and physical wants and needs. Deuteronomy 8:3, “He humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you with man, which neither you nor your ancestors had ever known, to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of ADONAI.” There is no condemnation in wealth, only becoming a slave to wealth. Only living for G-d will satisfy and we live for G-d by receiving what he has for us through circumstance and through his word as well as giving. The danger comes when we begin to think we accomplish things in our own strength.
In the passages of Deuteronomy 8, G-d is testing and humbling. Two tests were delineated; adversity and prosperity.
Looking at adversity testing, we can rebel or submit, despise G-d or seek G-d, have illusions of abandonment or trust G-d, and become negative or bitter or become more Messiah-like. And looking at prosperity testing, we can forget G-d or remember G-d, have illusions of security or thank G-d for what he has provided, become lukewarm or become more Messiah-like.
Why does G-d test and humble us?
Psalm 119:67, “Before I was humbled, I used to go astray; but now I observe your word.” and Psalm 119:71, “It is for my good that I have been humbled; it was so that I would learn your laws.” Our testing focuses us on spiritual and eternal values. Testing and humbling us shows us he truly loves us and we are his. Hebrews 12:5-6, “Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons: "My son, don't despise the discipline of ADONAI or become despondent when he corrects you. 6 For ADONAI disciplines those he loves and whips everyone he accepts as a son." He tests and humbles us to do us good in the end to make us Messiah-like and to ultimately give us rewards at the Bema.
Know this - our testing and humbling is purposeful and G-d’s provision is to bring us good in the end. Deuteronomy 8:16, “who fed you in the desert with man, unknown to your ancestors; all the while humbling and testing you in order to do you good in the end.” The meaning of good in the end here is in the intensive form which means he really means to do us good. G-d wants to do good for us in the end and make us Messiah-like. 2 Corinthians 2:15, “For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost.”
DISAPPOINTMENT
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Change one letter then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Though it may come in disguise
For the end, from the beginning,
Open to His vision lies.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Whose? The Lord's who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, the loving, earthly parents,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
"No good things will He withhold."
From denials oft we gather
Treasurers of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust;
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
---Edith L. Young
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 8:15-19, Psam 66:10-12, Job 5:17-21, Hebrews 12:5-11, 1Peter 2:2, James 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Corinthians 4:15-16, Proverbs 3:11-12, Romans 8:28-29, 1 Peter 1:6-9, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, James 5:11, Job 23:10, Psalm 18:35, Philippians 1:6, 1 John 3:2, James 5:11, Job 42:10, Job 8:7, Psalm 138:8, Proverbs 24:16
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 31, 2010
Deuteronomy 8: 17, “you will think to yourself, 'My own power and the strength of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.'”
Deuteronomy 9:4-6 "Don't think to yourself, after your God has pushed them out ahead of you, 'It is to reward my righteousness that ADONAI has brought me in to take possession of this land.' No, it is because these nations have been so wicked that ADONAI is driving them out ahead of you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness, or because your heart is so upright, that you go in to take possession of their land; but to punish the wickedness of these nations that ADONAI your God is driving them out ahead of you, and also to confirm the word which ADONAI swore to your ancestors, Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov. 6 Therefore, understand that it is not for your righteousness that ADONAI your God is giving you this good land to possess. "For you are a stiffnecked people!”
The Israelites were about to take possession of the land. It was his provision for them given by grace. They didn’t deserve the land nor had they earned it. However, his warning to them is interesting because he tells them ahead of time that they will think it was based upon their own merit that they were given the land or because of their own righteousness. He knew they would be inclined to forget him and the gift he had given.
We also need to be careful and listen to these warnings and remember what G-d has given us is by grace as well. If we think we accomplished something on our own or that we deserve something we are indicating that our hearts are going away from G-d and trusting in ourselves just as the Israelites would have done after G-d gave them the land.
How can we avoid this inclination and be aware of our own spiritual health? When we are spiritually healthy we will be hungry for G-d and hungry for his word as well as being willing to serve others. We cannot separate our love of G-d from the Word of G-d. Deuteronomy 8:3 tells us we live by everything that comes from the mouth of G-d. Also, in Colossians 3:16, “let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.” Our hunger for G-d and G-d’s Word will also be demonstrated by our meditating upon it as we think about it and talk about it. Receiving G-d’s word in our minds and hearts is like eating and drinking and serving others is like exercising. We will be healthy spiritually practicing these two basic principles.
Likewise, it is important to balance our spiritual and physical wants and needs. Deuteronomy 8:3, “He humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you with man, which neither you nor your ancestors had ever known, to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of ADONAI.” There is no condemnation in wealth, only becoming a slave to wealth. Only living for G-d will satisfy and we live for G-d by receiving what he has for us through circumstance and through his word as well as giving. The danger comes when we begin to think we accomplish things in our own strength.
In the passages of Deuteronomy 8, G-d is testing and humbling. Two tests were delineated; adversity and prosperity.
Looking at adversity testing, we can rebel or submit, despise G-d or seek G-d, have illusions of abandonment or trust G-d, and become negative or bitter or become more Messiah-like. And looking at prosperity testing, we can forget G-d or remember G-d, have illusions of security or thank G-d for what he has provided, become lukewarm or become more Messiah-like.
Why does G-d test and humble us?
Psalm 119:67, “Before I was humbled, I used to go astray; but now I observe your word.” and Psalm 119:71, “It is for my good that I have been humbled; it was so that I would learn your laws.” Our testing focuses us on spiritual and eternal values. Testing and humbling us shows us he truly loves us and we are his. Hebrews 12:5-6, “Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons: "My son, don't despise the discipline of ADONAI or become despondent when he corrects you. 6 For ADONAI disciplines those he loves and whips everyone he accepts as a son." He tests and humbles us to do us good in the end to make us Messiah-like and to ultimately give us rewards at the Bema.
Know this - our testing and humbling is purposeful and G-d’s provision is to bring us good in the end. Deuteronomy 8:16, “who fed you in the desert with man, unknown to your ancestors; all the while humbling and testing you in order to do you good in the end.” The meaning of good in the end here is in the intensive form which means he really means to do us good. G-d wants to do good for us in the end and make us Messiah-like. 2 Corinthians 2:15, “For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost.”
DISAPPOINTMENT
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Change one letter then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Though it may come in disguise
For the end, from the beginning,
Open to His vision lies.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Whose? The Lord's who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, the loving, earthly parents,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
"No good things will He withhold."
From denials oft we gather
Treasurers of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust;
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
---Edith L. Young
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 8:15-19, Psam 66:10-12, Job 5:17-21, Hebrews 12:5-11, 1Peter 2:2, James 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Corinthians 4:15-16, Proverbs 3:11-12, Romans 8:28-29, 1 Peter 1:6-9, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, James 5:11, Job 23:10, Psalm 18:35, Philippians 1:6, 1 John 3:2, James 5:11, Job 42:10, Job 8:7, Psalm 138:8, Proverbs 24:16
Monday, July 26, 2010
Un-Answered Prayer?
7-24-10 Parasha: D’varim 3:23-7:11 V'et-chanan (and I pleaded)
Sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren
both summarized by Val Waters, scribe
In D’varim 3:23 Moshe seems to be negotiating, even trying to manipulate the LORD, begging Him to change His mind and let Moshe go into the promised land across the Jordan. We know that he wasn’t allowed to go because he struck the rock rather than obeying the LORD and simply speaking to the rock. However, in verse 26, Moshe even seems to be blaming the children of Israel for the LORD’s anger at Moshe! He told Moshe, “Enough! Speak no more to me of this matter”!
Do we, when we are disappointed by circumstances, shift blame, or even recriminate others?
Or do we blame ourselves, and get depressed, even despair?
The LORD told Moshe to lift UP his eyes to the west, the north, the south and the east; and to behold with his eyes the promised land. He was told again that he would not be crossing over the Jordan. And immediately the LORD tells Moshe what he is supposed to focus on in v28: ‘But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.’
Moshe was to put his focus and efforts on preparing Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the land of their inheritance!
He was to be saying to Joshua:
"here’s what you are to do" / command (tzvah)
"I’ll help (train) you" / strengthen (chazak)
"you CAN do it!" / embolden (amatz)
We need to get our eyes off of our own responses to circumstances and off of ourselves!
Remember, is something cannot be changed, it’s time to move past the disappointment and onward to fulfilling
God’s perfect plan!
Rabbi Ken shared a story of a man in prison who refused to work of the Lord’s day. He was beaten until he was paralyzed and could only move his neck. He couldn’t even feed himself. The prison conditions were desperate, and the prisoners would often sit near him because he was serene and joyful. He would tell them if the outlook is bad, try the “up look”! He reminded them of Stephen’s stoning in Acts 7. Everyone one had abandoned Stephen, but he looked up and was blessed to see Yeshua in heaven!
We need to focus on encouraging and helping others to inherit the promises!
-------------
Val Waters, scribe
Sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren
both summarized by Val Waters, scribe
In D’varim 3:23 Moshe seems to be negotiating, even trying to manipulate the LORD, begging Him to change His mind and let Moshe go into the promised land across the Jordan. We know that he wasn’t allowed to go because he struck the rock rather than obeying the LORD and simply speaking to the rock. However, in verse 26, Moshe even seems to be blaming the children of Israel for the LORD’s anger at Moshe! He told Moshe, “Enough! Speak no more to me of this matter”!
Do we, when we are disappointed by circumstances, shift blame, or even recriminate others?
Or do we blame ourselves, and get depressed, even despair?
The LORD told Moshe to lift UP his eyes to the west, the north, the south and the east; and to behold with his eyes the promised land. He was told again that he would not be crossing over the Jordan. And immediately the LORD tells Moshe what he is supposed to focus on in v28: ‘But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.’
Moshe was to put his focus and efforts on preparing Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the land of their inheritance!
He was to be saying to Joshua:
"here’s what you are to do" / command (tzvah)
"I’ll help (train) you" / strengthen (chazak)
"you CAN do it!" / embolden (amatz)
We need to get our eyes off of our own responses to circumstances and off of ourselves!
Remember, is something cannot be changed, it’s time to move past the disappointment and onward to fulfilling
God’s perfect plan!
Rabbi Ken shared a story of a man in prison who refused to work of the Lord’s day. He was beaten until he was paralyzed and could only move his neck. He couldn’t even feed himself. The prison conditions were desperate, and the prisoners would often sit near him because he was serene and joyful. He would tell them if the outlook is bad, try the “up look”! He reminded them of Stephen’s stoning in Acts 7. Everyone one had abandoned Stephen, but he looked up and was blessed to see Yeshua in heaven!
We need to focus on encouraging and helping others to inherit the promises!
-------------
Val Waters, scribe
Sunday, July 18, 2010
G-d’s Temple: Tisha B'Av
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 17, 2010
Deuteronomy 1:2, “It is eleven days' journey from Horev to Kadesh-Barnea by way of Mount Se'ir” and Deuteronomy 2:14, “The time between our leaving Kadesh-Barnea and our crossing Vadi Zered was thirty-eight years - until the whole generation of men capable of bearing arms had been eliminated from the camp, as ADONAI had sworn they would be.”
The journey of eleven days took the Israelites 38 years to complete. Deuteronomy 1:26, “"But you would not go up. Instead you rebelled against the order of ADONAI your God.” This verse points to the reason for their delay. When we rebel we open ourselves up to the demonic realm and come outside of G-d’s protection and authority. However, when we humble ourselves, we are under His protection and covering.
1 Peter 5:5
The Israelites weren’t thinking clearly and actually thought that the reason they were brought out of Egypt was because G-d hated them! Clearly, the opposite was true! He is a father to them, a warrior for them, but they did not trust Him (Deuteronomy 1:26-30).
Isn’t G-d for them and isn’t He for us? Romans 8:31, “What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Nothing is too hard for Him! Jeremiah 32:17, 26. How quickly we forget who He is! Galatians 1:6-9
The Israelites rebelled, didn’t trust or believe Him and the Decree was given that they would not enter the Promised Land as recorded in Deuteronomy 1:34-40. This Decree was given on Tisha B’Av.
Tisha B’Av is day of mourning for events that led to the loss of Jewish independence with the destruction of holy Temples; both destroyed on Tisha B’Av.
Isaiah 66:1-2, “"Heaven is my throne," says ADONAI, "and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house could you build for me? What sort of place could you devise for my rest? 2 Didn't I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be," says ADONAI. "The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.”
Isaiah 57:15, “For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.”
We are G-d’s Temple! He wants to dwell in people! In 2 Samuel 7:11-16, G-d told David through Natan that He would build a house for David; that the house and kingdom would be set up forever.
Ephesians 2:21-22, “In union with him the whole building is held together, and it is growing into a holy temple in union with the Lord. 22 Yes, in union with him, you yourselves are being built together into a spiritual dwelling-place for God.”
Not only are we G-d Temple but we are His Temple in UNION with others. This is key. Yeshua prayed that we would be one with Him, “that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, are united with me and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21. This is the greatest testimony of G-d’s love in us that we are in unity and love with other believers.
When the Tabernacle and the Temples were in place, there was a feeling of unity among Jews and Gentiles who worshipped there. It was a dominant, central feature of Jewish life. Imagine how grand the Temple would be were it built today as compared to the remnant as it exists today at the Western Wall.
It was heartbreaking for the people that the Temple in its physical state was and remains destroyed. So, then, we must ask ourselves the question; how do we respond to a disaster, a catastrophe, a trial or when something we don’t expect happens? Do we panic, blame, complain, become angry, get depressed, fall into despair? It has been said that we shouldn’t have remorse for the past or fear of the future but that we should live in the present. But the Word of G-d says, none of that! It says we should live in the eternal
G-d!
Deuteronomy 33:27, “The God of old is a dwelling-place, with everlasting arms beneath. He expelled the enemy before you and he said, 'Destroy!”
Psalm 90:1, “A prayer of Moshe the man of God: Adonai, you have been our dwelling place in every generation.”
Should we not ask Who instead of why?
2 Timothy 1:11-12, “It was for this Good News that I was appointed a proclaimer, emissary and teacher of the Goyim; 12 and this is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that he can keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.”
Turn to Him in prayer, turn to Him in repentance, turn to Him without condemnation and turn to Him for conviction! Turn to Him for hope and promises! There is no condemnation in Him, rather He provides a way or a door out. In conviction, He provides atonement and a way out through redemption and produces victory from it.
So, be united in love with one another because G-d’s dwelling in us depends upon our unity and our unity depends upon our humility! Philippians 2:1-5
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-3, 22, 26-36, Psalm 27:4, Psalm 132:1-5, 7, 8, Isaiah 64:11 and 66:1-2, John 17:23, 2Cor 6:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, 1Cor 10, Romans 8:31, Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 40, Jeremiah 32:17,26, 1Peter 2:5, 2Cor 6, Psalm 132, Psalm 27:4, Isaiah 64:11, Colossians 3:1-3, Joshua 7, Joel 2:25, Psalm 133, Romans 6:4,5, John 14:23
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 17, 2010
Deuteronomy 1:2, “It is eleven days' journey from Horev to Kadesh-Barnea by way of Mount Se'ir” and Deuteronomy 2:14, “The time between our leaving Kadesh-Barnea and our crossing Vadi Zered was thirty-eight years - until the whole generation of men capable of bearing arms had been eliminated from the camp, as ADONAI had sworn they would be.”
The journey of eleven days took the Israelites 38 years to complete. Deuteronomy 1:26, “"But you would not go up. Instead you rebelled against the order of ADONAI your God.” This verse points to the reason for their delay. When we rebel we open ourselves up to the demonic realm and come outside of G-d’s protection and authority. However, when we humble ourselves, we are under His protection and covering.
1 Peter 5:5
The Israelites weren’t thinking clearly and actually thought that the reason they were brought out of Egypt was because G-d hated them! Clearly, the opposite was true! He is a father to them, a warrior for them, but they did not trust Him (Deuteronomy 1:26-30).
Isn’t G-d for them and isn’t He for us? Romans 8:31, “What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Nothing is too hard for Him! Jeremiah 32:17, 26. How quickly we forget who He is! Galatians 1:6-9
The Israelites rebelled, didn’t trust or believe Him and the Decree was given that they would not enter the Promised Land as recorded in Deuteronomy 1:34-40. This Decree was given on Tisha B’Av.
Tisha B’Av is day of mourning for events that led to the loss of Jewish independence with the destruction of holy Temples; both destroyed on Tisha B’Av.
Isaiah 66:1-2, “"Heaven is my throne," says ADONAI, "and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house could you build for me? What sort of place could you devise for my rest? 2 Didn't I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be," says ADONAI. "The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.”
Isaiah 57:15, “For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.”
We are G-d’s Temple! He wants to dwell in people! In 2 Samuel 7:11-16, G-d told David through Natan that He would build a house for David; that the house and kingdom would be set up forever.
Ephesians 2:21-22, “In union with him the whole building is held together, and it is growing into a holy temple in union with the Lord. 22 Yes, in union with him, you yourselves are being built together into a spiritual dwelling-place for God.”
Not only are we G-d Temple but we are His Temple in UNION with others. This is key. Yeshua prayed that we would be one with Him, “that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, are united with me and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21. This is the greatest testimony of G-d’s love in us that we are in unity and love with other believers.
When the Tabernacle and the Temples were in place, there was a feeling of unity among Jews and Gentiles who worshipped there. It was a dominant, central feature of Jewish life. Imagine how grand the Temple would be were it built today as compared to the remnant as it exists today at the Western Wall.
It was heartbreaking for the people that the Temple in its physical state was and remains destroyed. So, then, we must ask ourselves the question; how do we respond to a disaster, a catastrophe, a trial or when something we don’t expect happens? Do we panic, blame, complain, become angry, get depressed, fall into despair? It has been said that we shouldn’t have remorse for the past or fear of the future but that we should live in the present. But the Word of G-d says, none of that! It says we should live in the eternal
G-d!
Deuteronomy 33:27, “The God of old is a dwelling-place, with everlasting arms beneath. He expelled the enemy before you and he said, 'Destroy!”
Psalm 90:1, “A prayer of Moshe the man of God: Adonai, you have been our dwelling place in every generation.”
Should we not ask Who instead of why?
2 Timothy 1:11-12, “It was for this Good News that I was appointed a proclaimer, emissary and teacher of the Goyim; 12 and this is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that he can keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.”
Turn to Him in prayer, turn to Him in repentance, turn to Him without condemnation and turn to Him for conviction! Turn to Him for hope and promises! There is no condemnation in Him, rather He provides a way or a door out. In conviction, He provides atonement and a way out through redemption and produces victory from it.
So, be united in love with one another because G-d’s dwelling in us depends upon our unity and our unity depends upon our humility! Philippians 2:1-5
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-3, 22, 26-36, Psalm 27:4, Psalm 132:1-5, 7, 8, Isaiah 64:11 and 66:1-2, John 17:23, 2Cor 6:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, 1Cor 10, Romans 8:31, Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 40, Jeremiah 32:17,26, 1Peter 2:5, 2Cor 6, Psalm 132, Psalm 27:4, Isaiah 64:11, Colossians 3:1-3, Joshua 7, Joel 2:25, Psalm 133, Romans 6:4,5, John 14:23
Monday, July 12, 2010
Voice of Precise Silence
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 10, 2010 Sermon
Numbers 32:1-7, The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. 2 So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said, 3 "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon-- 4 the land the LORD subdued before the people of Israel--are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock. 5 If we have found favor in your eyes," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan." 6 Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, "Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? 7 Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them?
The descendants of Gad and Reuben requested to live on the east side of the Jordan. Their decision led to the loss of their inheritance and they were the first to be carried away as captives. See 1 Chronicles 5:26. Deborah sang about the indifference their separation caused in Judges 5:16-17. It was the appearance of the land and the appeal of it’s greenery that enticed them to settle there. Had they consulted and heard from the L-rd or where they going after their own desires? Messiah warned us not to judge by appearances; “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24; see Is. 11:3.
Judging by appearances instead of seeking G-d’s direction will more times than not lead to wrong conclusions. And judging brings judgement upon ourselves “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, passing judgment; for when you judge someone else, you are passing judgment against yourself; since you who are judging do the same things he does” Romans 2:1.
Did you know that G-d keeps a journal of the choices we make? We will stumble, but, thank goodness for His ongoing grace that when we do sin we have an advocate. Ps. 37:23-24 and 1John 2:1.
How are we to be discerning and make decisions in accordance with His will? Take a look at how the L-rd spoke to Eliyahu in 1 Kings 19. He said, "Go outside, and stand on the mountain before ADONAI"; and right then and there, ADONAI went past. A mighty blast of wind tore the mountains apart and broke the rocks in pieces before ADONAI, but ADONAI was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but ADONAI was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake, fire broke out; but ADONAI was not in the fire. And after the fire came a quiet, subdued voice.”
The Hebrew words for “quiet, subdued voice” are “demamah, daq kol” which can also be translated as “voice of precise silence”. It is in this quiet place that we can discern His voice like deep calling to deep, Psalm 42:7. His voice causes us to look within and evaluate ourselves and others and then look to Him for answers and direction. Hebrews 4:12, “See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword - it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart.”
Isaiah 26:3, "A person whose desire rests on you you preserve in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.”
Seek Him in silence; it is where we will precisely discern His voice.
Further reading: Ezekiel 13:1-3, 6-8, 2 Cor 11:1-4, 2 Tim 4:1-8, Isaiah 11:3, 2Cor 5:7, Matt 7:1-5, 2Pet 3:18, 2Cor 5:18-21, Matt 9:12-13, Ps 119:133, Ps 139:3, Job 31:4, Prov 16:9, Ps 37:23, 1Jn 2:1, 2 Cor 11:1-3, Jn 15:3, 2Tim 4:1-4, Eph 3:11, Rom 11:1-4, Ps 42:7, Ps 23:2, Ps 119:11, Isaiah 30:15, Ps 46:10, Gen 3:8,9, Deut 4:12,33, Isaiah 6:8
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 10, 2010 Sermon
Numbers 32:1-7, The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. 2 So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said, 3 "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon-- 4 the land the LORD subdued before the people of Israel--are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock. 5 If we have found favor in your eyes," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan." 6 Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, "Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? 7 Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them?
The descendants of Gad and Reuben requested to live on the east side of the Jordan. Their decision led to the loss of their inheritance and they were the first to be carried away as captives. See 1 Chronicles 5:26. Deborah sang about the indifference their separation caused in Judges 5:16-17. It was the appearance of the land and the appeal of it’s greenery that enticed them to settle there. Had they consulted and heard from the L-rd or where they going after their own desires? Messiah warned us not to judge by appearances; “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24; see Is. 11:3.
Judging by appearances instead of seeking G-d’s direction will more times than not lead to wrong conclusions. And judging brings judgement upon ourselves “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, passing judgment; for when you judge someone else, you are passing judgment against yourself; since you who are judging do the same things he does” Romans 2:1.
Did you know that G-d keeps a journal of the choices we make? We will stumble, but, thank goodness for His ongoing grace that when we do sin we have an advocate. Ps. 37:23-24 and 1John 2:1.
How are we to be discerning and make decisions in accordance with His will? Take a look at how the L-rd spoke to Eliyahu in 1 Kings 19. He said, "Go outside, and stand on the mountain before ADONAI"; and right then and there, ADONAI went past. A mighty blast of wind tore the mountains apart and broke the rocks in pieces before ADONAI, but ADONAI was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but ADONAI was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake, fire broke out; but ADONAI was not in the fire. And after the fire came a quiet, subdued voice.”
The Hebrew words for “quiet, subdued voice” are “demamah, daq kol” which can also be translated as “voice of precise silence”. It is in this quiet place that we can discern His voice like deep calling to deep, Psalm 42:7. His voice causes us to look within and evaluate ourselves and others and then look to Him for answers and direction. Hebrews 4:12, “See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword - it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart.”
Isaiah 26:3, "A person whose desire rests on you you preserve in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.”
Seek Him in silence; it is where we will precisely discern His voice.
Further reading: Ezekiel 13:1-3, 6-8, 2 Cor 11:1-4, 2 Tim 4:1-8, Isaiah 11:3, 2Cor 5:7, Matt 7:1-5, 2Pet 3:18, 2Cor 5:18-21, Matt 9:12-13, Ps 119:133, Ps 139:3, Job 31:4, Prov 16:9, Ps 37:23, 1Jn 2:1, 2 Cor 11:1-3, Jn 15:3, 2Tim 4:1-4, Eph 3:11, Rom 11:1-4, Ps 42:7, Ps 23:2, Ps 119:11, Isaiah 30:15, Ps 46:10, Gen 3:8,9, Deut 4:12,33, Isaiah 6:8
Monday, June 28, 2010
The L-rd turns a Curse into a Blessing
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 22-24
June 26, 2010
Numbers 22:5-8, He sent messengers to Bil'am the son of B'or, at P'tor by the [Euphrates] River in his native land, to tell him, "Listen, a people has come out of Egypt, spread over all the land and settled down next to me. 6 Therefore, please come, and curse this people for me, because they are stronger than I am. Maybe I will be able to strike them down and drive them out of the land, for I know that whomever you bless is in fact blessed, and whomever you curse is in fact cursed." 7 The leaders of Mo'av and Midyan left, taking with them the payment for divining, came to Bil'am and spoke to him the words of Balak.
King Balak entreated Bil’am to curse Israel. He sent messengers to bribe him. When first approached, Bil’am sought G-d’s counsel and was told not to go. King Balak then persisted and sent more messengers with more money for Bil’am. Bil’am then sought the L-rd to see what else He had to say. Perhaps He would allow him to go after all and indeed He did allow him to go, but His anger flared up against Bil’am because he went.
Bil’am had his mind made up about going to curse Israel at the request of King Balak. So, upon Bil’am second request, G-d permitted him to go. But then His anger flared against Bil’am. Why would G-d tell Bil’am to go and then get angry with his going?
What am I called to do and then don’t do? What do I choose instead of obeying G-d’s perfect will for me? What else does G-d allow me to do even though He isn’t pleased with my decision? Even so, G-d can allow or permit our decision; our disobedience, but He can also redeem it. He can reestablish and restore what is lost! We can turn back to Him in humility and choose to be obedient.
Bil’am was blinded by his greed and covetousness. He didn’t listen to the L-rd. He persisted in his will to go and G-d would not allow him to curse His people. Remarkably, G-d used a donkey to accomplish His will; a talking donkey no less! G-d can use anything to work His way in this world and in our lives.
Numbers 22:12 God answered Bil'am, "You are not to go with them; you are not to curse the people, because they are blessed." The Hebrew word for curse here is ‘arar meaning to bind, made powerless and to immobilize. Whereas the word for blessed is barak which means to kneel; in humility upon kneeling the recipient is endued with power for success. When we are humbled under G-d’s power we are in a position to receive His blessing.
Conversely, when we are proud as will Bil’am He will resist us! Bil’am had his own agenda and was intent upon his own purpose. Even the donkey had more discernment than Bil’am!
Numbers 22:31 Then ADONAI opened Bil'am's eyes, so that he could see the angel of ADONAI standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, and he bowed his head and fell on his face.
What does the L-rd want to open our eyes to see?
There are four revelations our open eyes should ponder this week. Firstly, the finished work of Messiah. The work is done and we are complete in Him. When we recognize this and know we are truly blessed we will experience an explosion in our hearts for Him. See Colossians 2:10. Secondly, our eyes need to be open to the Hebraic roots of our faith; the reality of our faith is Hebraic not Hellenistic. See Romans 11 and Ephesians 1:17. Thirdly, we need to see Israel’s place in G-d’s heart. G-d disciplines and restores; He will never relinquish His promises to Israel. He will never give up on them or us. Fourthly, our eyes need to be open to the ripe harvest fields. We are called to be fishers of men, to share our faith and be a shining light. All of us are called to be fishers of men as part of our discipleship. See Proverbs 11:30, Daniel 12:3, John 4, Matthew 9:36 and Psalm 126.
L-rd please give us hearts to obey you; that we would not want our own way or seek you to tell us what we want to hear as Bil’am. Help us be a vessel of blessing!
Further reading: Micah 6:3-6, 2Cor 10:3-5, Eph 1:3-7, Joshua 7, 1Sam 30:6, Joel 2:25, 2Peter 2:15, Jude 11, Rev 2:14, John 10:10, Deut 23:5, Jas 4:6, 1Tim 6:9-12, Rom 2, Matt 7:1-15, 1Cor 15:46, Isa 53:1,
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 22-24
June 26, 2010
Numbers 22:5-8, He sent messengers to Bil'am the son of B'or, at P'tor by the [Euphrates] River in his native land, to tell him, "Listen, a people has come out of Egypt, spread over all the land and settled down next to me. 6 Therefore, please come, and curse this people for me, because they are stronger than I am. Maybe I will be able to strike them down and drive them out of the land, for I know that whomever you bless is in fact blessed, and whomever you curse is in fact cursed." 7 The leaders of Mo'av and Midyan left, taking with them the payment for divining, came to Bil'am and spoke to him the words of Balak.
King Balak entreated Bil’am to curse Israel. He sent messengers to bribe him. When first approached, Bil’am sought G-d’s counsel and was told not to go. King Balak then persisted and sent more messengers with more money for Bil’am. Bil’am then sought the L-rd to see what else He had to say. Perhaps He would allow him to go after all and indeed He did allow him to go, but His anger flared up against Bil’am because he went.
Bil’am had his mind made up about going to curse Israel at the request of King Balak. So, upon Bil’am second request, G-d permitted him to go. But then His anger flared against Bil’am. Why would G-d tell Bil’am to go and then get angry with his going?
What am I called to do and then don’t do? What do I choose instead of obeying G-d’s perfect will for me? What else does G-d allow me to do even though He isn’t pleased with my decision? Even so, G-d can allow or permit our decision; our disobedience, but He can also redeem it. He can reestablish and restore what is lost! We can turn back to Him in humility and choose to be obedient.
Bil’am was blinded by his greed and covetousness. He didn’t listen to the L-rd. He persisted in his will to go and G-d would not allow him to curse His people. Remarkably, G-d used a donkey to accomplish His will; a talking donkey no less! G-d can use anything to work His way in this world and in our lives.
Numbers 22:12 God answered Bil'am, "You are not to go with them; you are not to curse the people, because they are blessed." The Hebrew word for curse here is ‘arar meaning to bind, made powerless and to immobilize. Whereas the word for blessed is barak which means to kneel; in humility upon kneeling the recipient is endued with power for success. When we are humbled under G-d’s power we are in a position to receive His blessing.
Conversely, when we are proud as will Bil’am He will resist us! Bil’am had his own agenda and was intent upon his own purpose. Even the donkey had more discernment than Bil’am!
Numbers 22:31 Then ADONAI opened Bil'am's eyes, so that he could see the angel of ADONAI standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, and he bowed his head and fell on his face.
What does the L-rd want to open our eyes to see?
There are four revelations our open eyes should ponder this week. Firstly, the finished work of Messiah. The work is done and we are complete in Him. When we recognize this and know we are truly blessed we will experience an explosion in our hearts for Him. See Colossians 2:10. Secondly, our eyes need to be open to the Hebraic roots of our faith; the reality of our faith is Hebraic not Hellenistic. See Romans 11 and Ephesians 1:17. Thirdly, we need to see Israel’s place in G-d’s heart. G-d disciplines and restores; He will never relinquish His promises to Israel. He will never give up on them or us. Fourthly, our eyes need to be open to the ripe harvest fields. We are called to be fishers of men, to share our faith and be a shining light. All of us are called to be fishers of men as part of our discipleship. See Proverbs 11:30, Daniel 12:3, John 4, Matthew 9:36 and Psalm 126.
L-rd please give us hearts to obey you; that we would not want our own way or seek you to tell us what we want to hear as Bil’am. Help us be a vessel of blessing!
Further reading: Micah 6:3-6, 2Cor 10:3-5, Eph 1:3-7, Joshua 7, 1Sam 30:6, Joel 2:25, 2Peter 2:15, Jude 11, Rev 2:14, John 10:10, Deut 23:5, Jas 4:6, 1Tim 6:9-12, Rom 2, Matt 7:1-15, 1Cor 15:46, Isa 53:1,
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Red Heifer and the Copper Snake
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 19-21
June 19, 2010
Numbers 19:3-6 "This is the regulation from the Torah which ADONAI has commanded. Tell the people of Isra'el to bring you a young red female cow without fault or defect and which has never borne a yoke. 3 You are to give it to El'azar the cohen; it is to be brought outside the camp and slaughtered in front of him. 4 El'azar the cohen is to take some of its blood with his finger and sprinkle this blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. 5 The heifer is to be burned to ashes before his eyes -its skin, meat, blood and dung is to be burned to ashes. 6 The cohen is to take cedar-wood, hyssop and scarlet yarn and throw them onto the heifer as it is burning up.”
Numbers 19:9 A man who is clean is to collect the ashes of the heifer and store them outside the camp in a clean place. They are to be kept for the community of the people of Isra'el to prepare water for purification from sin.
The Red Heifer’s blood and ashes mixed in water were used for cleansing from sin. These passages can be related to washing through the water and the word as noted in 1John 1:7, Hebrews 9:14, Ephesians 5:26, John 15:3 and Psalm 119:9. The Red Heifer is ‘parah adumah’ in Hebrew. There is speculation and folklore concerning the Red Heifer, but as related to Messiah, it represents the combination of our cleansing through the Word of G-d and through the Blood of Messiah.
After ADONAI had given the regulation for the Red Heifer, the people quarreled against Moshe because they had no water as they entered the Tzin Desert. Numbers 20 “Why did you bring ADONAI's community into this desert? To die there, we and our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt? To bring us to this terrible place without seed, figs, grapevines, pomegranates or even water to drink?"
Every day for nearly 40 years G-d had provided for their existence, but they had grown familiar and complained instead of being thankful. They could have cried out to G-d for water and provision. Ultimately, their behavior and Moshe’s response was disastrous. Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it as instructed by ADONAI and acted above the reproach of G-d toward the people. The consequence for Moshe was that he would not be admitted to enter the Promised Land. James 1:19-20 - “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.”
Subsequently, when the people were led on a detour they complained and their tempers grew short in Numbers 21 and this time G-d sent poisonous snakes.
Numbers 21:5-8 The people spoke against God and against Moshe: "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt? To die in the desert? There's no real food, there's no water, and we're sick of this miserable stuff we're eating!" 6 In response, ADONAI sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit the people, and many of Isra'el's people died. 7 The people came to Moshe and said, "We sinned by speaking against ADONAI and against you. Pray to ADONAI that he rid us of these snakes." Moshe prayed for the people, 8 and ADONAI answered Moshe: "Make a poisonous snake and put it on a pole. When anyone who has been bitten sees it, he will live."
Yeshua made reference to this event and related it to His atonement as recorded in John 3:14,15 “Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.”
The snakes were sent as a discipline to bring the people to repentance. When the bronze snake was lifted up on the pole, they were to gaze at it. What did they see? They saw their own sin on that pole lifted up and then they received the healing for their sin. Why did Yeshua relate the serpent to Himself? Did He not become sin for us? When we look up at our sin on that stake, do we not see our own redemption?
The people were dying from snake bites and the remedy was to look up in their dilemma to who could deliver them. People are perishing as we were without the L-rd.
Isaiah 45:22 Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God; there is no other.
Yeshua is pleased when through our own reconciliation with Him that we can bring others to reconciliation. Just like Moses lifted up the Bronze Serpent, we can also be the vehicle to lift up the Name of Yeshua to those who are perishing. Let that be our heart’s cry this week.
2 Corinthians 5:18 And it is all from God, who through the Messiah has reconciled us to himself and has given us the work of that reconciliation
Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:5-10, Isaiah 52:7, Genesis 21, Exodus 17:6, 1 Corinthians 10:4, Psalm 18:1-3, Proverbs 14:17, 29, Ephesians 4:26, 1Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53, Hebrews 12:6, 2Kings 18:4, John 8:24, 51.
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 19-21
June 19, 2010
Numbers 19:3-6 "This is the regulation from the Torah which ADONAI has commanded. Tell the people of Isra'el to bring you a young red female cow without fault or defect and which has never borne a yoke. 3 You are to give it to El'azar the cohen; it is to be brought outside the camp and slaughtered in front of him. 4 El'azar the cohen is to take some of its blood with his finger and sprinkle this blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. 5 The heifer is to be burned to ashes before his eyes -its skin, meat, blood and dung is to be burned to ashes. 6 The cohen is to take cedar-wood, hyssop and scarlet yarn and throw them onto the heifer as it is burning up.”
Numbers 19:9 A man who is clean is to collect the ashes of the heifer and store them outside the camp in a clean place. They are to be kept for the community of the people of Isra'el to prepare water for purification from sin.
The Red Heifer’s blood and ashes mixed in water were used for cleansing from sin. These passages can be related to washing through the water and the word as noted in 1John 1:7, Hebrews 9:14, Ephesians 5:26, John 15:3 and Psalm 119:9. The Red Heifer is ‘parah adumah’ in Hebrew. There is speculation and folklore concerning the Red Heifer, but as related to Messiah, it represents the combination of our cleansing through the Word of G-d and through the Blood of Messiah.
After ADONAI had given the regulation for the Red Heifer, the people quarreled against Moshe because they had no water as they entered the Tzin Desert. Numbers 20 “Why did you bring ADONAI's community into this desert? To die there, we and our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt? To bring us to this terrible place without seed, figs, grapevines, pomegranates or even water to drink?"
Every day for nearly 40 years G-d had provided for their existence, but they had grown familiar and complained instead of being thankful. They could have cried out to G-d for water and provision. Ultimately, their behavior and Moshe’s response was disastrous. Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it as instructed by ADONAI and acted above the reproach of G-d toward the people. The consequence for Moshe was that he would not be admitted to enter the Promised Land. James 1:19-20 - “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.”
Subsequently, when the people were led on a detour they complained and their tempers grew short in Numbers 21 and this time G-d sent poisonous snakes.
Numbers 21:5-8 The people spoke against God and against Moshe: "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt? To die in the desert? There's no real food, there's no water, and we're sick of this miserable stuff we're eating!" 6 In response, ADONAI sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit the people, and many of Isra'el's people died. 7 The people came to Moshe and said, "We sinned by speaking against ADONAI and against you. Pray to ADONAI that he rid us of these snakes." Moshe prayed for the people, 8 and ADONAI answered Moshe: "Make a poisonous snake and put it on a pole. When anyone who has been bitten sees it, he will live."
Yeshua made reference to this event and related it to His atonement as recorded in John 3:14,15 “Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.”
The snakes were sent as a discipline to bring the people to repentance. When the bronze snake was lifted up on the pole, they were to gaze at it. What did they see? They saw their own sin on that pole lifted up and then they received the healing for their sin. Why did Yeshua relate the serpent to Himself? Did He not become sin for us? When we look up at our sin on that stake, do we not see our own redemption?
The people were dying from snake bites and the remedy was to look up in their dilemma to who could deliver them. People are perishing as we were without the L-rd.
Isaiah 45:22 Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God; there is no other.
Yeshua is pleased when through our own reconciliation with Him that we can bring others to reconciliation. Just like Moses lifted up the Bronze Serpent, we can also be the vehicle to lift up the Name of Yeshua to those who are perishing. Let that be our heart’s cry this week.
2 Corinthians 5:18 And it is all from God, who through the Messiah has reconciled us to himself and has given us the work of that reconciliation
Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:5-10, Isaiah 52:7, Genesis 21, Exodus 17:6, 1 Corinthians 10:4, Psalm 18:1-3, Proverbs 14:17, 29, Ephesians 4:26, 1Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53, Hebrews 12:6, 2Kings 18:4, John 8:24, 51.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Divine-Appointed vs. Self-Appointed Authority
Rabbi Ken Alpren
summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 16 - 17:8
June 12, 2010
Numbers 17:6-8 Moshe spoke to the people of Isra'el, and all their leaders gave him staffs, one for each leader, according to their ancestral tribes, twelve staffs. Aharon's staff was among their staffs. 7 Moshe put the staffs before ADONAI in the tent of the testimony. 8 The next day Moshe went into the tent of the testimony, and there he saw that Aharon's staff for the house of Levi had budded - it had sprouted not only buds but flowers and ripe almonds as well.
Moshe trusted G-d to reveal to all the people who He chose for divine-appointed authority. A staff from each tribe was brought to the Tent of Meeting; each staff symbolized authority and leadership for each tribe. Not only did the Aharon’s staff sprout [perach], and blossom with open flowers [tsuwts], it had ripe almonds [shaqed] on it. Shaqed is taken from the primary root Hebrew word shakad which means to wake, watch, awake, be alert.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your lives, as people who will have to render an account. So make it a task of joy for them, not one of groaning; for that is of no advantage to you.
Jeremiah 1:11,12 The word of ADONAI came to me, asking, "Yirmeyahu, what do you see?" I answered, "I see a branch from an almond tree. 12 Then ADONAI said to me, "You have seen well, because I am watching [shaked] to fulfill my word."
What was it that prompted Moshe to demonstrate so clearly to the Israelites his dependence upon G-d to choose leadership and that indeed it is G-dly leadership he desired? Earlier in the passage Moshe’s own authority and Aharon’s authority had been challenged by not only members of the Israelites but those in high esteem in the community. They were jealous and discontent with where they were in their journey to the land that flows with milk and honey and what their appointed authority and duties were. They wanted to be more prestigious and powerful. So they decided to take matters into their own hands.
Numbers 16:1-5 Now Korach the son of Yitz'har, the son of K'hat, the son of Levi, along with Datan and Aviram, the sons of Eli'av, and On, the son of Pelet, descendants of Re'uven, took men and 2 rebelled against Moshe. Siding with them were 250 men of Isra'el, leaders of the community, key members of the council, men of reputation. 3 They assembled themselves against Moshe and Aharon and said to them, "You take too much on yourselves! After all, the entire community is holy, every one of them, and ADONAI is among them. So why do you lift yourselves up above ADONAI's assembly?" 4 When Moshe heard this he fell on his face. 5 Then he said to Korach and his whole group, "In the morning, ADONAI will show who are his and who is the holy person he will allow to approach him. Yes, he will bring whomever he chooses near to himself.
G-d passed judgement upon Korach, K’hat and Datan, their families and the 250 that supported them. The next day Korach, K’hat and Datan and their families perished when the earth beneath them spit and they went down alive into S’hol! And the 250 who supported them were burned alive while holding their censors in front of the Tent of Meeting.
If that wasn’t enough for the people to realize that G-d had indeed appointed Moshe and Aharon, the people continued to grumble and complain against Moshe and Aharon. The judgement of the L-rd continued with a plague. Moshe interceded and Aharon ran into the middle of the assembly with incense and made atonement for the people. He stood between the living and the dead and the plague was stopped. Otherwise, many more would have perished. G-d’s judgements during these events resulted in the death of approximately 15,000 people.
The intercession of just one person can make a difference. Many times recorded in the Word, G-d has acted upon the prayers of one person including Avraham, Moshe, David and Paul. As believers, we are His chosen people, set apart and holy and He hears our prayers. Just like Aharon stood between the living and the dead, we can as well because our authority to do so is G-d-Appointed.
2Corinthians 2:14-15, But thanks be to God, who in the Messiah constantly leads us in a triumphal procession and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of what it means to know him! 15 For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost.
We can join G-d in his work; not based upon human ingenuity. We can join with G-d in what He is doing! However, we must be careful not to get swept up in something of human origin. How can we discern His leading and be a part of what He is doing? Pray, go the the Word and get counsel from a divinely-appointed leader. Remember that joining Him in His work is a process demonstrated so beautifully in Aharon’s staff. The staff showed a process of budding, blossoming and producing fruit. Be patient in the process.
Further Reading: 2 Samuel 15:1-6, Galatians 1:1-2, Hebrews 13:7,17, Isaiah 2, Micah 4, Zechariah 14, Isaiah 40, Romans 14:4, Psalm 105:15, 1 Timothy 2:4, 1 Peter 2:9, Ezekiel 22:30, Jeremiah 5:1, Isaiah 59:16, Isaiah 63:5, Isaiah 53:12, Romans 9:10, Malachi 2:6, Jeremiah 1:11,12, Philippians 2:15,16, John 6:63, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Samuel 15:25-26, Acts 19:11-20, Hebrews 12:2
summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 16 - 17:8
June 12, 2010
Numbers 17:6-8 Moshe spoke to the people of Isra'el, and all their leaders gave him staffs, one for each leader, according to their ancestral tribes, twelve staffs. Aharon's staff was among their staffs. 7 Moshe put the staffs before ADONAI in the tent of the testimony. 8 The next day Moshe went into the tent of the testimony, and there he saw that Aharon's staff for the house of Levi had budded - it had sprouted not only buds but flowers and ripe almonds as well.
Moshe trusted G-d to reveal to all the people who He chose for divine-appointed authority. A staff from each tribe was brought to the Tent of Meeting; each staff symbolized authority and leadership for each tribe. Not only did the Aharon’s staff sprout [perach], and blossom with open flowers [tsuwts], it had ripe almonds [shaqed] on it. Shaqed is taken from the primary root Hebrew word shakad which means to wake, watch, awake, be alert.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your lives, as people who will have to render an account. So make it a task of joy for them, not one of groaning; for that is of no advantage to you.
Jeremiah 1:11,12 The word of ADONAI came to me, asking, "Yirmeyahu, what do you see?" I answered, "I see a branch from an almond tree. 12 Then ADONAI said to me, "You have seen well, because I am watching [shaked] to fulfill my word."
What was it that prompted Moshe to demonstrate so clearly to the Israelites his dependence upon G-d to choose leadership and that indeed it is G-dly leadership he desired? Earlier in the passage Moshe’s own authority and Aharon’s authority had been challenged by not only members of the Israelites but those in high esteem in the community. They were jealous and discontent with where they were in their journey to the land that flows with milk and honey and what their appointed authority and duties were. They wanted to be more prestigious and powerful. So they decided to take matters into their own hands.
Numbers 16:1-5 Now Korach the son of Yitz'har, the son of K'hat, the son of Levi, along with Datan and Aviram, the sons of Eli'av, and On, the son of Pelet, descendants of Re'uven, took men and 2 rebelled against Moshe. Siding with them were 250 men of Isra'el, leaders of the community, key members of the council, men of reputation. 3 They assembled themselves against Moshe and Aharon and said to them, "You take too much on yourselves! After all, the entire community is holy, every one of them, and ADONAI is among them. So why do you lift yourselves up above ADONAI's assembly?" 4 When Moshe heard this he fell on his face. 5 Then he said to Korach and his whole group, "In the morning, ADONAI will show who are his and who is the holy person he will allow to approach him. Yes, he will bring whomever he chooses near to himself.
G-d passed judgement upon Korach, K’hat and Datan, their families and the 250 that supported them. The next day Korach, K’hat and Datan and their families perished when the earth beneath them spit and they went down alive into S’hol! And the 250 who supported them were burned alive while holding their censors in front of the Tent of Meeting.
If that wasn’t enough for the people to realize that G-d had indeed appointed Moshe and Aharon, the people continued to grumble and complain against Moshe and Aharon. The judgement of the L-rd continued with a plague. Moshe interceded and Aharon ran into the middle of the assembly with incense and made atonement for the people. He stood between the living and the dead and the plague was stopped. Otherwise, many more would have perished. G-d’s judgements during these events resulted in the death of approximately 15,000 people.
The intercession of just one person can make a difference. Many times recorded in the Word, G-d has acted upon the prayers of one person including Avraham, Moshe, David and Paul. As believers, we are His chosen people, set apart and holy and He hears our prayers. Just like Aharon stood between the living and the dead, we can as well because our authority to do so is G-d-Appointed.
2Corinthians 2:14-15, But thanks be to God, who in the Messiah constantly leads us in a triumphal procession and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of what it means to know him! 15 For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost.
We can join G-d in his work; not based upon human ingenuity. We can join with G-d in what He is doing! However, we must be careful not to get swept up in something of human origin. How can we discern His leading and be a part of what He is doing? Pray, go the the Word and get counsel from a divinely-appointed leader. Remember that joining Him in His work is a process demonstrated so beautifully in Aharon’s staff. The staff showed a process of budding, blossoming and producing fruit. Be patient in the process.
Further Reading: 2 Samuel 15:1-6, Galatians 1:1-2, Hebrews 13:7,17, Isaiah 2, Micah 4, Zechariah 14, Isaiah 40, Romans 14:4, Psalm 105:15, 1 Timothy 2:4, 1 Peter 2:9, Ezekiel 22:30, Jeremiah 5:1, Isaiah 59:16, Isaiah 63:5, Isaiah 53:12, Romans 9:10, Malachi 2:6, Jeremiah 1:11,12, Philippians 2:15,16, John 6:63, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Samuel 15:25-26, Acts 19:11-20, Hebrews 12:2
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Do I See Through a Lens or a Prism?
Sermon Notes from Number 13 & 14
6/5/10
by Rabbi Ken Alpren,
summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 14:8-9, “If ADONAI is pleased with us, then he will bring us into this land and will give it to us - a land flowing with milk and honey. Just don’t rebel against ADONAI. And don’t be afraid of the people living in the land - we’ll eat them up! Their defense has been taken away from them, and ADONAI is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
The word “if” here is taken from the Hebrew “im” and means assuredly or a sure thing. Kalev and Y’hoshua knew that G-d was assuredly pleased with them and had given them the land. But the promise of the land was conditional; it was based upon the condition of choosing not to be in rebellion against Him.
Kalev and Y’hoshua had G-d vision; they based their perception of G-d and His promises on His word and their experience with Him. They had personally experienced deliverance from Egypt and been provided with manna and received water from the rock. Their vision was on Him and what He could do and promised to do rather than on the obstacle of going into a land where eyes without this perception said it was too hard and that they were as small as grasshoppers in the estimation of the current inhabitants.
What about the ten other spies? How did they see G-d and the situation?
Numbers 13:27-29, “We entered the land where you sent us, and indeed it does flow with milk and honey - here is the fruit! However, the people living in the land are fierce, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the ‘Anakim there. Amalek lives in the area of the Negev; the Hitti, the Yvusi and the Emori live in the hills; and the Kena’ani live by the sea and alongside the Yarden.”
The Hebrew word translated to “however” in these verses is “ephas” meaning but or nevertheless. The remaining ten started out with what was positive about the land but negated their report by saying... nevertheless... and imparted fear into the hearts of the Israelites with the word of their report. They were looking through a prism of fear and the power of their words penetrated the hearts of the people.
Isaiah 51:12-13, “I, yes I, am the one who comforts you! Why are you afraid of a man, who must die; of a human being, who will wither like grass? You have forgotten ANONAI, your maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation s of the earth. Instead, you are in constant fear all day because of the oppressor’s rage, as he prepares to destroy! But where is the oppressor’s rage?”
Do we have G-d’s view of adequacy and sufficiency or do we have fear? Our fear may be from looking through the prism of hate, envy, lust or as with the spies - unbelief. Due to their unbelief an entire generation was condemned to death in the desert and their going into the promised land delayed by 39 years!
Do I want to be found looking at obstacles or trusting Him? He expects us to remember how He has brought us thus far and He expects us to trust Him! Does G-d and His Spirit not affect our situations? Am I so unique that He would neglect me? NO! Let’s choose this week to rest in His faithfulness to us! Let’s remember His word and his promises and be steady, sure and stable in His grace.
Further Scriptures for meditation: Daniel 3:17, Exodus 14:13-14, 2Kings 6:16, 2Chron 32:7,8, Proverbs 18:21, 1Sam 14:6, 1John 4:4, 2Peter 1:4, 2Chron 20:6, 15 and 1Sam 17:47
6/5/10
by Rabbi Ken Alpren,
summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Numbers 14:8-9, “If ADONAI is pleased with us, then he will bring us into this land and will give it to us - a land flowing with milk and honey. Just don’t rebel against ADONAI. And don’t be afraid of the people living in the land - we’ll eat them up! Their defense has been taken away from them, and ADONAI is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
The word “if” here is taken from the Hebrew “im” and means assuredly or a sure thing. Kalev and Y’hoshua knew that G-d was assuredly pleased with them and had given them the land. But the promise of the land was conditional; it was based upon the condition of choosing not to be in rebellion against Him.
Kalev and Y’hoshua had G-d vision; they based their perception of G-d and His promises on His word and their experience with Him. They had personally experienced deliverance from Egypt and been provided with manna and received water from the rock. Their vision was on Him and what He could do and promised to do rather than on the obstacle of going into a land where eyes without this perception said it was too hard and that they were as small as grasshoppers in the estimation of the current inhabitants.
What about the ten other spies? How did they see G-d and the situation?
Numbers 13:27-29, “We entered the land where you sent us, and indeed it does flow with milk and honey - here is the fruit! However, the people living in the land are fierce, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the ‘Anakim there. Amalek lives in the area of the Negev; the Hitti, the Yvusi and the Emori live in the hills; and the Kena’ani live by the sea and alongside the Yarden.”
The Hebrew word translated to “however” in these verses is “ephas” meaning but or nevertheless. The remaining ten started out with what was positive about the land but negated their report by saying... nevertheless... and imparted fear into the hearts of the Israelites with the word of their report. They were looking through a prism of fear and the power of their words penetrated the hearts of the people.
Isaiah 51:12-13, “I, yes I, am the one who comforts you! Why are you afraid of a man, who must die; of a human being, who will wither like grass? You have forgotten ANONAI, your maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation s of the earth. Instead, you are in constant fear all day because of the oppressor’s rage, as he prepares to destroy! But where is the oppressor’s rage?”
Do we have G-d’s view of adequacy and sufficiency or do we have fear? Our fear may be from looking through the prism of hate, envy, lust or as with the spies - unbelief. Due to their unbelief an entire generation was condemned to death in the desert and their going into the promised land delayed by 39 years!
Do I want to be found looking at obstacles or trusting Him? He expects us to remember how He has brought us thus far and He expects us to trust Him! Does G-d and His Spirit not affect our situations? Am I so unique that He would neglect me? NO! Let’s choose this week to rest in His faithfulness to us! Let’s remember His word and his promises and be steady, sure and stable in His grace.
Further Scriptures for meditation: Daniel 3:17, Exodus 14:13-14, 2Kings 6:16, 2Chron 32:7,8, Proverbs 18:21, 1Sam 14:6, 1John 4:4, 2Peter 1:4, 2Chron 20:6, 15 and 1Sam 17:47
Monday, May 3, 2010
Righteous or Wicked Residents?
ARE RESIDENTS IN MURFREESBORO MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN RESIDENTS IN NASHVILLE? ARE RESIDENTS IN NASHVILLE MORE WICKED THAN RESIDENTS IN MURFREESBORO?
After all, one city suffered flooding rains, while the other only above average.
While I would not negate the likelihood that weather-related disasters are Divine calls to regional and national repentance, we must never presume that individually these incidents indicate personal sin or righteousness. Listen to the following lesson taught by Rabbi Yeshua:
Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
- Luke 13:1-5
Rather than speak of judgment, we should always see another’s disaster as an opportunity for us to come to their aid. We are called to rescue others, to strengthen them in dealing with tragedy and loss, crisis and hardship.
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10).
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Now you are Messiah’s body, and individually members of it” (I Cor. 12:26-27).
How can we mobilize ourselves to help? Bail out water from basements, move items, bring food and water, shelter our homeless? While this may need to happen now, we can also plan to go after Shabbat Service Saturday to homes in need.
This Thursday, May 6, is the National Day of Prayer. We can show our seriousness to seek God’s Face and favor for our Land by gathering with others at the Grand Ole Opry for the evening, as well as other locations. As this week’s Torah portion teaches in Leviticus 26:40-46, we need as did Israel, to turn to God for His forgiveness and healing. If we confess, He will remember. We confess our rebellion and unfaithfulness; He remembers His covenant. Nationally we may be under judgment. But repentance will bring healing to our land. The Lord will restore us and realign us from our selfish ambitions to His eternal purpose.
After all, one city suffered flooding rains, while the other only above average.
While I would not negate the likelihood that weather-related disasters are Divine calls to regional and national repentance, we must never presume that individually these incidents indicate personal sin or righteousness. Listen to the following lesson taught by Rabbi Yeshua:
Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
- Luke 13:1-5
Rather than speak of judgment, we should always see another’s disaster as an opportunity for us to come to their aid. We are called to rescue others, to strengthen them in dealing with tragedy and loss, crisis and hardship.
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10).
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Now you are Messiah’s body, and individually members of it” (I Cor. 12:26-27).
How can we mobilize ourselves to help? Bail out water from basements, move items, bring food and water, shelter our homeless? While this may need to happen now, we can also plan to go after Shabbat Service Saturday to homes in need.
This Thursday, May 6, is the National Day of Prayer. We can show our seriousness to seek God’s Face and favor for our Land by gathering with others at the Grand Ole Opry for the evening, as well as other locations. As this week’s Torah portion teaches in Leviticus 26:40-46, we need as did Israel, to turn to God for His forgiveness and healing. If we confess, He will remember. We confess our rebellion and unfaithfulness; He remembers His covenant. Nationally we may be under judgment. But repentance will bring healing to our land. The Lord will restore us and realign us from our selfish ambitions to His eternal purpose.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
First Fruits Rejoicing!
Shalom Mishpacha shel Kol Dodi (Family of KD),
How grateful we are for this past weekend! After a wonderful “Resurrection” Shabbat Morning Service, filled with worship, a special song from Russ an’ da band, and teaching on Yeshua’s Resurrection from a Jewish perspective (order the tape from Nathan - 615-974-3819) - that evening we had the best congregational Passover Seder I can remember!
So many helped and made it so special. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we learned. The food was delish - yea Chef Laura! JoAnn shared a glorious testimony of God’s miraculous healing hand through prayer! I mentioned in the Shabbat sermon that God wants to use signs and the Scriptures, wonders and His Word - in convincing people of His reality (e.g. Yeshua used both in Luke 24). Yes, on our Seder night we made new friends, as we enjoyed spiritual Family. But nothing can top the testimony of Jill and Michael, which I share now with you. In Jill’s words:
“We had such a fantastic day yesterday! That was our first Seder as a family and it was very moving. When we arrived home I asked the kids what they had learned and the conversation took a delightful turn when Jason, our 5 year old, asked to pray to receive Yeshua. Praise the Lord! (Our older two children Cassie and Noah had previously prayed likewise.) SO many reasons for praise!!”
When I spoke with Jill about it the next day, she said, “First fruits!” - which is exactly the case!
The day of First fruits follows Passover and Unleavened Bread. The people of Israel were always to bring the first and best of their harvest to God in biblical times (Ex. 23:19); God would bless them and much more would follow. When we give our first fruits to the Lord - much more will follow (Prov.3:9-10).
Yeshua was the first fruits from the dead when raised by His Father - many more will follow (I Cor. 15:20,23). Our new birth through God’s Word makes us first fruits to God (Js. 1:18). We’ve received the Ruach (Spirit) of the Lord as the first fruits of much more to follow. I remember giving my life to the Lord in a predominantly Jewish and secular high school - I was the first fruits in my area - and many more followed! We had a revival in our school! The household of Stephanas was the first fruits of Greece to the Lord (I Cor. 16:15), and Jason’s new birth is the first fruits of this 2010 New Year Passover season to God (Ex. 12:2) - Halleluyah! Many more will follow!
Actually, several more already did, as three people came forward to give their lives to Yeshua after our Passover Presentation at El Shaddai Spanish Congregation on Sunday!
While we count down the fifty days until Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, we look forward to observing Yom haShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), and celebrating Israel’s Independence Day, both in April this year.
There’s no better time than to be found praying with HaShem’s Kiddushim (saints) beginning this Wednesday from 6-7:30pm - read Acts 1:12-14, 2:1. This was what the early followers of Yeshua were doing, and look at how God responded!
See you Wednesday evening & blessed First fruits!
Rabbi Ken Alpren
How grateful we are for this past weekend! After a wonderful “Resurrection” Shabbat Morning Service, filled with worship, a special song from Russ an’ da band, and teaching on Yeshua’s Resurrection from a Jewish perspective (order the tape from Nathan - 615-974-3819) - that evening we had the best congregational Passover Seder I can remember!
So many helped and made it so special. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we learned. The food was delish - yea Chef Laura! JoAnn shared a glorious testimony of God’s miraculous healing hand through prayer! I mentioned in the Shabbat sermon that God wants to use signs and the Scriptures, wonders and His Word - in convincing people of His reality (e.g. Yeshua used both in Luke 24). Yes, on our Seder night we made new friends, as we enjoyed spiritual Family. But nothing can top the testimony of Jill and Michael, which I share now with you. In Jill’s words:
“We had such a fantastic day yesterday! That was our first Seder as a family and it was very moving. When we arrived home I asked the kids what they had learned and the conversation took a delightful turn when Jason, our 5 year old, asked to pray to receive Yeshua. Praise the Lord! (Our older two children Cassie and Noah had previously prayed likewise.) SO many reasons for praise!!”
When I spoke with Jill about it the next day, she said, “First fruits!” - which is exactly the case!
The day of First fruits follows Passover and Unleavened Bread. The people of Israel were always to bring the first and best of their harvest to God in biblical times (Ex. 23:19); God would bless them and much more would follow. When we give our first fruits to the Lord - much more will follow (Prov.3:9-10).
Yeshua was the first fruits from the dead when raised by His Father - many more will follow (I Cor. 15:20,23). Our new birth through God’s Word makes us first fruits to God (Js. 1:18). We’ve received the Ruach (Spirit) of the Lord as the first fruits of much more to follow. I remember giving my life to the Lord in a predominantly Jewish and secular high school - I was the first fruits in my area - and many more followed! We had a revival in our school! The household of Stephanas was the first fruits of Greece to the Lord (I Cor. 16:15), and Jason’s new birth is the first fruits of this 2010 New Year Passover season to God (Ex. 12:2) - Halleluyah! Many more will follow!
Actually, several more already did, as three people came forward to give their lives to Yeshua after our Passover Presentation at El Shaddai Spanish Congregation on Sunday!
While we count down the fifty days until Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, we look forward to observing Yom haShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), and celebrating Israel’s Independence Day, both in April this year.
There’s no better time than to be found praying with HaShem’s Kiddushim (saints) beginning this Wednesday from 6-7:30pm - read Acts 1:12-14, 2:1. This was what the early followers of Yeshua were doing, and look at how God responded!
See you Wednesday evening & blessed First fruits!
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Monday, March 29, 2010
So Who Eats Matzah Balls, Anyway?
This week is Pesach (Passover), beginning tonight, Monday evening at dusk. Depending upon how you observe it, I’d encourage you to remove the leaven (chametz - yeast and fermenting products) to an “out-of-sight” location, or trash it if it’s going to go bad anyway after a week. Then open your first box of matzoh and get excited about eating only unleavened bread for the week!
If you get a late start on it - that’s ok! God looks at the heart and our desire to please Him. Removing the leaven is mentioned in Ex. 12:15, 18-20, 13:6-7 and also by Yeshua and Paul in Mt. 16:6, I Cor. 5:6-9, & Gal. 5:9. You’ll be surprised how hard it is to not eat bread and yeast products, especially if out for a snack! But that’s the beauty of it. Every time you realize you can’t eat that ‘burger on a bun’, or that bowl of cereal, you remember that you love God more than your belly, pleasing Him more than pleasing your flesh, and the joy is in that decision to refrain and replace BECAUSE YOU LOVE HIM! Do I receive extra points with God for doing this? No. But I do increase within, strengthening my spiritual self, my ‘new man’. I recommend carrying around a container with matzoh when you’re out and about, so you’ll have it ready.
Bread was first made in Egypt, and leaven represents pride, malice, evil, hypocrisy, and erroneous teachings. Our decision to not eat of it for the week is a renunciation of the old life and darkness from which we’ve been redeemed. Our eating matzoh is an embracing of Yeshua who is the bread of life, a proclamation of our new life in Him. It was a dramatic deliverance when G-d called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, transferring us into the kingdom of His Son (I Pet. 2:9; Col. 1:13). Unleavened bread represents humility, sincerity, and the truth about grace. Like Yeshua, who was without sin, it does not ferment. He came in humility, to sacrifice His life (Zech. 9:9; Is. 42:2-3; Mk. 10:45). Eating it also signifies our readiness to leave this life instantly and meet Him when He calls us to do so. It is both retrospective and prospective.
Now the next part: what do you like to put on your matzoh? Eat with your matzoh? Make with matzoh meal? Let’s send in our favorite complement to our matzoh or recipe and share ideas together! Not being much of a chef, I love making matzoh brie - scrambled eggs w/ matzoh mixed in (soak in milk first). But mostly you’ll see me eating peanut butter on matzoh a lot this week!
This coming Shabbat we will focus on the Resurrection of Yeshua, the Lamb of God (Seh HaElohim). Though He would actually have risen this coming Thursday, April 1 (as I understand it), we will take this opportunity to remember, review, and rejoice in this historic and eternal event. Did Yeshua actually redeem Israel? Are there reasonable arguments substantiating His resurrection? What was the ancient Jewish or rabbinic view of a future resurrection? What did this event mean to His Jewish followers, and what does it mean to us? Would you pray with me that the Lord would speak, and bring an awesome visitation and illumination of His resurrection?
Oh, and of course I can’t wait to see many of you at one of our congregational seders, April 1 & 3! "Shevet achim gam yachad" (Ps. 133:1)! [Seders are listed on our website: www.koldodi.org].
Chag Pesach v’T’chyayah Sameach!
(Happy Passover & Resurrection Holiday),
Rabbi Alpren
If you get a late start on it - that’s ok! God looks at the heart and our desire to please Him. Removing the leaven is mentioned in Ex. 12:15, 18-20, 13:6-7 and also by Yeshua and Paul in Mt. 16:6, I Cor. 5:6-9, & Gal. 5:9. You’ll be surprised how hard it is to not eat bread and yeast products, especially if out for a snack! But that’s the beauty of it. Every time you realize you can’t eat that ‘burger on a bun’, or that bowl of cereal, you remember that you love God more than your belly, pleasing Him more than pleasing your flesh, and the joy is in that decision to refrain and replace BECAUSE YOU LOVE HIM! Do I receive extra points with God for doing this? No. But I do increase within, strengthening my spiritual self, my ‘new man’. I recommend carrying around a container with matzoh when you’re out and about, so you’ll have it ready.
Bread was first made in Egypt, and leaven represents pride, malice, evil, hypocrisy, and erroneous teachings. Our decision to not eat of it for the week is a renunciation of the old life and darkness from which we’ve been redeemed. Our eating matzoh is an embracing of Yeshua who is the bread of life, a proclamation of our new life in Him. It was a dramatic deliverance when G-d called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, transferring us into the kingdom of His Son (I Pet. 2:9; Col. 1:13). Unleavened bread represents humility, sincerity, and the truth about grace. Like Yeshua, who was without sin, it does not ferment. He came in humility, to sacrifice His life (Zech. 9:9; Is. 42:2-3; Mk. 10:45). Eating it also signifies our readiness to leave this life instantly and meet Him when He calls us to do so. It is both retrospective and prospective.
Now the next part: what do you like to put on your matzoh? Eat with your matzoh? Make with matzoh meal? Let’s send in our favorite complement to our matzoh or recipe and share ideas together! Not being much of a chef, I love making matzoh brie - scrambled eggs w/ matzoh mixed in (soak in milk first). But mostly you’ll see me eating peanut butter on matzoh a lot this week!
This coming Shabbat we will focus on the Resurrection of Yeshua, the Lamb of God (Seh HaElohim). Though He would actually have risen this coming Thursday, April 1 (as I understand it), we will take this opportunity to remember, review, and rejoice in this historic and eternal event. Did Yeshua actually redeem Israel? Are there reasonable arguments substantiating His resurrection? What was the ancient Jewish or rabbinic view of a future resurrection? What did this event mean to His Jewish followers, and what does it mean to us? Would you pray with me that the Lord would speak, and bring an awesome visitation and illumination of His resurrection?
Oh, and of course I can’t wait to see many of you at one of our congregational seders, April 1 & 3! "Shevet achim gam yachad" (Ps. 133:1)! [Seders are listed on our website: www.koldodi.org].
Chag Pesach v’T’chyayah Sameach!
(Happy Passover & Resurrection Holiday),
Rabbi Alpren
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