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.
Monday, June 21, 2010
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
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Dayenu!
How grateful to the Lord I am for our Kol Dodi Family. God has truly given us a remarkable group of individuals with hearts who “give themselves first to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (2 Cor. 8:5). And He continues to call more “set apart ones” to come, be planted, and flourish at Kol Dodi (Ps. 92:13).
A great example of this is Joy’s testimony of response this past Shabbat when, at Service’s end, she asked for volunteers to help at the upcoming Passover Seders. “So many of you answered the call to help”, she wrote. I counted at least twenty names.
It reminds me of a portion out of this past week’s Parasha, in Exodus 35-36 when Moses had called for the people to bring an offering and their skills to assist in constructing and decorating the Mishkan (Tabernacle) with it’s furniture and priestly garments.
“Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.”
“And they said to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform.” - Ex. 35:21; 36:5
The response was so abundant that he finally had to ask them to stop! Dayenu! i.e. enough for us (the Hebrew word “dye” is used)! We sing the joyous song every Pesach during our Seder. “You have done for us more than we deserve, O’ God” - I call it the Romans chapter 8 of the Seder.
The Torah mentions three qualities of heart that were expressed in the Jewish people’s response to Moses’ call. I mentioned them Saturday, and will do so again here:
Chacham Lev
Nasa Lev
Nadav Lev
Wise hearts, Uplifted hearts, and Willing hearts.
Divine Intelligence, Divine Enthusiasm, and Availability to the Divine.
And how are these qualities acquired? By:
my submission to the Word of God - being teachable (James 1:21; Jn. 8:31-32)
my yielding to the Spirit of God - being prayerful (Eph. 5:18-20; Jn. 6:63)
taking my place with Messiah on his Tree - dying to self (Gal. 2:20; Jn. 12:24)
I believe that the response and blessing at Kol Dodi is due to people who are praying , hungry hearts for God, and healthy Biblical teaching. It is God’s chen (grace), not a formula. We must grow in both solidity as well as fluidity, in structure with great flexibility.
That is why we have initiated our Discovery and Network Classes, defining what it means to be Family, learning individual gifting for service, and more.
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth”, said the Sh’liach Yochanan (Apostle John) - 3 Jn. 1:4.
I feel the same way about our Family members at Kol Dodi.
Shavua tov b’Yeshua,
Rabbi Ken
A great example of this is Joy’s testimony of response this past Shabbat when, at Service’s end, she asked for volunteers to help at the upcoming Passover Seders. “So many of you answered the call to help”, she wrote. I counted at least twenty names.
It reminds me of a portion out of this past week’s Parasha, in Exodus 35-36 when Moses had called for the people to bring an offering and their skills to assist in constructing and decorating the Mishkan (Tabernacle) with it’s furniture and priestly garments.
“Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.”
“And they said to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform.” - Ex. 35:21; 36:5
The response was so abundant that he finally had to ask them to stop! Dayenu! i.e. enough for us (the Hebrew word “dye” is used)! We sing the joyous song every Pesach during our Seder. “You have done for us more than we deserve, O’ God” - I call it the Romans chapter 8 of the Seder.
The Torah mentions three qualities of heart that were expressed in the Jewish people’s response to Moses’ call. I mentioned them Saturday, and will do so again here:
Chacham Lev
Nasa Lev
Nadav Lev
Wise hearts, Uplifted hearts, and Willing hearts.
Divine Intelligence, Divine Enthusiasm, and Availability to the Divine.
And how are these qualities acquired? By:
my submission to the Word of God - being teachable (James 1:21; Jn. 8:31-32)
my yielding to the Spirit of God - being prayerful (Eph. 5:18-20; Jn. 6:63)
taking my place with Messiah on his Tree - dying to self (Gal. 2:20; Jn. 12:24)
I believe that the response and blessing at Kol Dodi is due to people who are praying , hungry hearts for God, and healthy Biblical teaching. It is God’s chen (grace), not a formula. We must grow in both solidity as well as fluidity, in structure with great flexibility.
That is why we have initiated our Discovery and Network Classes, defining what it means to be Family, learning individual gifting for service, and more.
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth”, said the Sh’liach Yochanan (Apostle John) - 3 Jn. 1:4.
I feel the same way about our Family members at Kol Dodi.
Shavua tov b’Yeshua,
Rabbi Ken
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