January 26, 2008

  • A ‘Two Houses of Israel’ Tract

     A ‘Two Houses of Israel’ Tract 

    compiled, edited, and composed by Aviel E. Rodriguez

    Two Sticks

    Ezekiel 37:15-19; 22…

    And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying: And thou, son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it: For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions; then take another stick, and write upon it: For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and of all the house of Israel his companions; and join them for thee one to another into one stick, that they may become one in thy hand.  And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying: wilt thou not tell us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim , and the tribes of Israel his companions; and I will put them unto him together with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in My hand… I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel, and one king shall be king to them all; and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all

           The Holy Scriptures refer to Ephraim & Judah as the:

                                           

            Two Houses of Israel                                      (Isaiah 8:14)

            Two Nations & Two Countries                 (Ezekiel 35:10)

            Two Sticks                                               (Ezekiel 37:15-20)

            Two Families                                            (Jeremiah 33:24)

            Two Sisters                                                  (Ezekiel 23:2-4)

            Two Branches                                                  (Zechariah 4:11-14)

            Two Witnesses/Lampstands                 (Revelation 11:3-4)

    Judah & Ephraim/Israel have been at war with one another since the dividing of David’s Kingdom in the days of Rehoboam, his grandson. [1Kings 12:20-24]… and even to this day… However…

    JUDAH & EPHRAIM WILL BE RECONCILED AND REUNITED FOR THE COMING OF MESSIAH:

    ·         Isaiah 11:12-13

    And He will set up an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the dispersed of Israel [Ephraim], and gather together the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth. The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. [Please note that according to the above, it's only when the envy [“qin’ah” i.e., jealousy, anger] of Ephraim ceases towards Judah that then the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off!

    ·         Zechariah 9:13-16

    For I bend Judah for Me, I fill the bow with Ephraim, and I will stir up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Javan [Greece], and will make thee as the sword of a mighty man.

    Caleb & Joshua__2

    And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning; and the Lord GOD shall blow the horn, and will go with whirlwinds of the south. The LORD of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones…

    …And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of His people; for they shall be as the stones of a crown, glittering over His land.

    ·         Obadiah 1:18

    And the house of Jacob [Judah] shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph [Ephraim] will be a flame, And the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; And there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; For the LORD hath spoken it.

    So, it becomes quite evident that Judah’s adversaries will not be overcome without the help of brother Ephraim.

    WHO IS EPHRAIM???

    The Patriarch Jacob/Israel said of Ephraim (the son of Joseph)–his seed shall become a multitude of nations.” [Genesis 48:17-19] [Ephraim shall be a “Melo hagoyim”: a “fullness of Gentiles”]

    Jacob blesses Ephraim_2

    In later years, because of their persistent spiritual adulteries, Yahweh would yet again prophesy concerning Ephraim:

    ·         Jeremiah 2:21

    Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed; How then art thou turned into the degenerate plant Of a strange vine unto Me?  [Please note that the words “degenerate” and “strange” regarding Israel/Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom) have the following respective meanings: “to be degraded” and to now be a “foreign” (alien, unknown) vine to the God of Israel.]

    Therefore, according to the Prophets, Israel/Ephraim [The Ten Northern Tribes] would be punished for their sin by Yahweh: in that they would be invaded, captured, deported and ultimately swallowed up among the Gentile nations; and thus lost to their brother, Judah [for a predetermined time (Micah 5:3)]… Thus, Hosea prophesied:

    ·         Hosea 8:8

    Israel [Ephraim] is swallowed up; now are they become among nations as a vessel wherein is no value.

    ·         Amos 9:9-10a

    For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel [Ephraim] among ALL the nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.  All the sinners of My people shall die by the sword

    THE KEY TO IDENTIFYING EPHRAIM!

    ·         Jeremiah 30:24b; 31:1-2; 6-7

    … In the end of days ye shall consider it. At that time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people. Thus saith the LORD:  The people that were left of the sword [see Amos 9:10a above] have found grace [unmerited favor/ the ‘good news of salvation’] in the wilderness, even Israel, when I go to cause him to restFor there shall be a day, that the watchmen [in Hebrew: the NOTZRIM / CHRISTIANS] shall call upon the mount EPHRAIM: ‘Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion, unto the LORD our God.’ For thus saith the LORD: Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout at the head of the nations [USA]; announce ye, praise ye, and say: ‘O LORD, save Thy people, the remnant of Israel.’[The “Hebraic Roots” or “Christian Zionist” movement spans all colors, nations, and Christian denominations.  They’re the staunchest friends and allies of the State of Israel.  Their numbers are great; and yet, the vast majority don’t understand what’s written here. 

    Could it be that they’re responding to a predestined prophetic call which Yahweh has placed in their hearts for this hour?  It would appear so. In fact, they’ve begun to fulfill the ancient prophecy pertaining to Ephraim/Israel-- i.e., that of becoming the true Ephraimite “watchmen” [“Notzrim”- meaning: the “preservers/guardians” of Israel].   

    Isaiah the Prophet confirms:

    ·         Isaiah 10:22

    For though thy people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them shall return…

    And lastly… Hosea, the Prophet to Ephraim/Israel, confirms:

    ·         Hosea 1:10-11

    Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass that, instead of that which was said unto them: ‘Ye are not My people’, it shall be said unto them: ‘Ye are the children of the living God.’  And the children of Judah and the children of Israel [Ephraim] shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint themselves one head, and shall go up out of the land; for great shall be the day of Jezreel. [The great day of recognizing and reaping that which God hath sown!]

    This miraculous ‘restoration and reunification of both Houses of Israel’ is now beginning to manifest its ‘birth-pang stages’; after a gestation period of several decades. Despite the great lack of conscious awareness among the Body of Messiah, nevertheless, the fulfillment of ancient prophecies- regarding Ephraim’s return and reunion with the House of Judah- are increasingly gaining speed.  Check out the following video in which a well known Orthodox Jewish broadcaster, by the name of Jeremy Gimpel, essentially, seeks to reveal the essence of the last quoted Scripture (Hosea 1:10-11) to a sincere and fervent Christian man. Please click on the following: Orthodox Jew Reveals Hidden Mystery To Christian … and then, click on photo below…

                                                                                         

    The Two Sticks of Ezekiel 37_One in Yeshua

    The Two Sticks of Ezekiel 37_One in Yeshua

                

January 19, 2008

  • Response To A Disenchanted Messianic Synagogue Attendee Of Eight Months

    RESPONSE TO A DISENCHANTED MESSIANIC SYNAGOGUE ATTENDEE OF EIGHT MONTHS

    From the desk of Aviel E. Rodriguez 

     

     

    Shalom, brother,

     

    I commend you for your thoughtfulness and sincerity on this subject.  I also agree with you concerning the overarching centrality of the Cross over and above cultural preferences (i.e., Jewish aspects- as you might see it).  However, I’m afraid that you’ve made short shrift of a very complex matter.  Some believers might reply… “what’s so complex?…it’s simple: ‘believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved…(Acts 16:31)’”.  This is true, so very true… BUT, it’s in the “believing” that the issues lay.

     

    I, like yourself, am a non-Jewish believer in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ); and thus, I’m a member of the House of Israel according to Ephesians 2:11-14 and Galatians 3:29.  I was ‘born again’ back in 1973.  In that same year, I awakened to the Jewishness of Jesus and to the Jewish origins of our faith.  Although I continued to retain an attraction to the Jewish roots, I, nevertheless, went the ‘denominational route’ at first.  Later, I began attending Messianic Synagogues.  I’ve been a full-fledged member in the ‘Hebraic roots movement’ for many years now.  It’s been a long haul for me… with my own dissenting view- while attending messianic synagogues- that was somewhat indirectly related to yours; and so, I can empathize with your disenchantment to a certain degree. 

     

    At present, I participate in a home-fellowship with a good number of like-minded believers.  We’re neither a structured messianic synagogue, nor a denominational church.  Yes, the ‘Messianic Synagogue’ is by no means a “perfect model” for Yeshua’s ‘Body-Life’; but then again, neither is the ‘Gentile Church’.  Both have got their serious shortcomings.  However, I believe that what’s at the root of this “messianic faith” versus “gentile Christianity” controversy- as you might be viewing this- is the age-old ”law versus grace” polemic.  Ultimately, this can only be resolved by answering the following important rhetorical question… i.e., “What would Yeshua/Jesus do?”.  Once we’ve established that understanding, then we can go on to ask another equally important question… i.e., “What does it actually mean to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?”.  Does it mean- as the “Gentile Christian Church” emphasizes- to simply “believe” on the Lord Jesus Christ… OR… does it mean, as a truly Messianic context and perspective would emphasize, to believe in the sense of becoming a “talmid” (disciple)… i.e., to believe and receive him by faith; and to learn all things whatsoever he commanded his disciples (Matt. 28:20)… and to become “faithful” (Jam. 2:20-26).  Moreover, the commands that he gave his disciples were delivered to them within the framework of a very familiar Jewish context… i.e., the Torah (Law) and the Nevi’im (Prophets).

     

    Yeshua (Jesus) said Think not that I am come to destroy the law (Torah), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matt. 5:17)  So then, as we indeed look to the Prophets, we see that in the book of Isaiah there’s a very strong principle that Yeshua would surely have agreed with.  I refer to a principle which must be fully understood by anyone hoping to truly comprehend Yeshua’s words.  The Prophet Isaiah said To the law [Torah] and to the testimony [writings of the prophets]: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. (Isa. 8:20)  Thus, all that Yeshua said and did was predicated upon- and wholly consistent with- that which was written in the Torah (the Law) and the Nevi’im (the Prophets). 

     

    So, how exactly did Yeshua view the question of the law (Torah)???  Listen to what he says in Matthew 7:22-23: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (iniquity/anomia)… this is Strong’s #458… anomia = lawlessness/torahlessness].

     

    All that Yeshua spoke and did was according to the Torah (law) and the prophets; therefore, speaking of the law he says “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:19)…… So, what does it mean to truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christthat is, as an ongoing witness to his saving grace [genuine 'free gift' of life] in our lives?

     

     

     

     

    1John 2:3-6

    And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.



     

     

    He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.



     

     

    But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.



     

     

    He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

     

     

    Most of the Church’s antinomian [i.e., “anti-Torah/Law”] views are based upon the misinterpretations of the writings of the Apostle Paul.  In point of fact, another Apostle, the Apostle Peter (Kepha) had something very important to say about Paul’s writings which the Church seems to want to ignore.  The Apostle Peter said “As also in all his [Paul’s] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2Pet. 3:16)

     

    Without understanding our hebraic roots we can’t even understand Paul’s terms: such as “works of the law” and “under the law”.  Paul rightly condemns both of these things as false, heretical, man-made systems which were prominent among the Pharisees who followed the ‘School of Shammai’ in Paul’s day.  In Yeshua and Paul’s day, there existed two principle schools of thought within the Sect of the Pharisees; i.e., the ‘School of Hillel‘ and the ‘School of Shammai‘.  In a nutshell, the School of Hillel took more of a ‘Spirit of the Law’ approach in interpreting the Torah; while the School of Shammai took a very strict “letter of the law” approach.  The influence of the latter seemed to have prevailed at Yeshua’s time with the result that many man-made prohibitions (known as gezerot/decrees)- which in many instances were contrary to the spirit of the law- were officially accepted and enforced by the Jewish Sanhedrin (the ruling body) of Yeshua and Paul’s day.  Much of these decrees, by the way, were to insure separation of Jews from Gentiles.  I believe, therefore, that it was principally this school of Torah interpretation (the harsh ‘letter-of-the-law’ School of Shammai) which the Apostle Paul was primarily combatting in his attempts to proclaim the Gospel among the Gentiles. [Acts 5:1-5]

     

    The School of Hillel (the more spirit-of-the-law-oriented Pharasaic school) eventually prevailed over the School of Shammai in what later, historically, developed as exilic ”Rabbinic Judaism”- as we’ve known it to this latter day.  Therefore, I believe it was the mindset of the ‘School of Shammai’ [among some Pharisees whom had believed] that Paul was in opposition to when using the terms as “works of the law” [i.e., relative to the strict 'Shammai gezerot'] and being “under the law” [i.e., the strict letter-of-the-law interpretations of the 'School of Shammai'] which he was vehement opposition to. 

     

    On the other hand, this is what Paul, himself, believed about the true Torah (the five books of Moses):  Romans 7:12;22; 3:31… “Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good….”For I delight in the law of God after the inward man…”Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”  This “faith” which establishes Torah is the New Testament Greek word “pistis” [Strong's #4102] meaning not just an academic ‘belief’; but rather, a conviction coupled with trust and fervor that, ultimately, leads to fidelity and faithfulness borne out through actions. 

     

    Although you’re correct, brother, in construing that the overarching gospel-principle is salvation by grace through faith in Yeshua’s atoning sacrifice on our behalf; nevertheless, we are responsible to obey the King (Yeshua) and the constitution of his Kingdom (i.e., His Torah)- even as we’re enlighted and instructed to do so by the Apostle Paul in the following verses:

    Ephesians 2:8-10… “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works [i.e., according to the strict legalistic SCHOOL OF SHAMMAI], lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works [MITZVOT/ COMMANDMENTS], which God hath before ordained [IN HIS TORAH/INSTRUCTION/LAW] that we should walk in them.

     

    No, brother, I don’t presently attend a Messianic synagogue nor do I attend any Church; but I love my messianic and christian brethren because they, too, as I, are saved by grace through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Yeshua HaMashiach on our behalf.  Nevertheless, I do consider myself an Israelite [and NOT A REPLACEMENT THEOLOGIST], who seeks to obey our King (Yeshua), and our King’s constitution (His Torah).  I long ago awakened to my true identity through a wonderful book which I would highly recommend that you read.  It’s entitled ‘Who Is Israel? And Why You Need To Know’ by Batya Wooten.  If you pray and seek the Father- first and foremost- for enlightenment on this issue; and then, let His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) lead you through the reading of this book… I believe it will change your life in a most wondrous way.

     

    Shalom u’bracha b’shem Yeshua Moshiaynu (Peace & blessings in the name of our Messiah, Jesus),

     

    Aviel

     

January 18, 2008

  • Concerning the Didache

    Concerning the Didache

    Compiled and edited by Aviel E. Rodriguez

    Didache---572-

    The more I read of this ancient manuscript entitled the Didache (pronounced ‘did-a-kay’ and meaning ‘teaching’); i.e., ‘the Teaching of the Apostles’, the more I sense that the Shliachim (Apostles) of Moshiach Yeshua did not leave us without a ‘mesorah’ (transmission of tradition)… i.e., a true Apostolic tradition that was to be practiced by all the Kehilot (Communities) of the Netzarim. 

    The Didache was discovered in a monastery in Constantinople and published by P. Bryennios in 1883.  However, the Roman Nicolaitan system and its offshoots have interpreted it to its liking; and, seemingly, given it relatively little importance.  Therefore, I’ve taken a popular translation of the Didache and simply Hebraicised it.  I find that this form conveys a stronger flavor of what I’ve come to believe was a ’mesorah’ (transmission of tradition); a tradition in which, I believe, the original shliachim (Apostles) wanted the kehilot (communities) of Yeshua HaMoshiach to walk in…

     

    The Distinction between Apostolic Fathers and Early Church Fathers:

    How are the “Apostolic Fathers” different from the “Early Church Fathers”? In brief, the writings known as the “Apostolic Fathers” include only the texts thought to have been written by people who knew the Apostles or were one degree separated from them.

     

    The Didache has long been considered a work of the “Apostolic Fathers”; and believed to have been written between 65-80 AD

     

     

    One of the original translations of the Didache- the one used as the foundation for that below- was done by J.B. Lightfoot; and can be viewed at this website: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-lightfoot.html

     

    The following is a Hebraicised version of the Didache or ‘The Teaching of the Shliachim (Apostles)’:

    APOSTOLIC FATHERS

    1:1 There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways.
    1:2 The way of life is this.
    1:3 First of all, thou shalt love YHWH thy Elohim that made thee;
    1:4 secondly, thy neighbour as thyself.
    1:5 And all things whatsoever thou wouldest not have befall thyself neither do thou unto another.
    1:6 Now of these words the doctrine is this.
    1:7 Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies and fast for them that persecute you;
    1:8 for what thank is it, if ye love them that love you? Do not even the Goyim (gentiles) the same? But do ye love them that hate you, and ye shall not have an enemy.
    1:9 Abstain thou from fleshly and bodily lusts.
    1:10 If any man give thee a blow on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also, and thou shalt be perfect;
    1:11 if a man impress thee to go with him, one mile, go with him twain;
    1:12 if a man take away thy cloak, give him thy coat also;
    1:13 if a man take away from thee that which is thine own, ask it not back, for neither art thou able.
    1:14 To every man that asketh of thee give, and ask not back;
    1:15 for Avinu Shebashamayim (our Heavenly Father) desireth that gifts be given to all from His own bounties.
    1:16 Blessed is he that giveth according to the mitzvah (commandment);
    1:17 for he is guiltless.
    1:18 Woe to him that receiveth;
    1:19 for, if a man receiveth having need, he is guiltless;
    1:20 but he that hath no need shall give satisfaction why and wherefore he received;
    1:21 and being put in confinement he shall be examined concerning the ma’asim (deeds) that he hath done, and he shall not come out thence until he hath given back the last farthing.
    1:22 Yea, as touching this also it is said;
    1:23 Let thine tzedukah (alms) sweat into thine hands, until thou shalt have learnt to whom to give.

    2:1 And this is the second mitzvah (commandment) of the shiur (teaching).
    2:2 Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not corrupt boys, thou shalt not commit fornication, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not deal in magic, thou shalt do no sorcery, thou shalt not murder a child by abortion nor kill them when born, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods, thou shalt not perjure thyself, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not speak evil, thou shalt not cherish a grudge, thou shalt not be double-minded nor double-tongued;
    2:3 for the double tongue is a snare of death.
    2:4 Thy word shall not be false or empty, but fulfilled by ma’aseh (action).
    2:5 Thou shalt not be avaricious nor a plunderer nor a hypocrite nor ill-tempered nor proud.
    2:6 Thou shalt not entertain an evil design against thy neighbour.
    2:7 Thou shalt not hate any man, but some thou shalt reprove, and for others thou shalt pray, and others thou shalt love more than thy life.

    3:1 My child, flee from every roa (evil) and everything that resembleth it.
    3:2 Be not angry, for anger leadeth to murder, nor jealous nor contentious nor wrathful;
    3:3 for of all these things murders are engendered.
    3:4 My child, be not lustful, for lust leadeth to fornication, neither foul-speaking neither with uplifted eyes;
    3:5 for of all these things adulteries are engendered.
    3:6 My child, be no dealer in omens, since it leads to idolatry, nor an enchanter nor an astrologer nor a magician, neither be willing to look at them;
    3:7 for from all these things idolatry is engendered.
    3:8 My child, be not a liar, since lying leads to theft, neither avaricious neither vainglorious;
    3:9 for from all these things thefts are engendered.
    3:10 My child, be not a murmurer, since it leadeth to blasphemy, neither be self-willed; and sur merah [remove yourself from evil]… i.e., neither a thinker of evil thoughts;
    3:11 for from all these things blasphemies are engendered.
    3:12 But be meek, since {the meek shall inherit the earth.}
    3:13 Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and quiet and kindly and always fearing the words which thou hast heard.
    3:14 Thou shalt not exalt thyself, neither shalt thou admit boldness (insolence, audaciousness) into thy soul.
    3:15 Thy soul shall not cleave together with the lofty, but with the righteous and humble shalt thou walk.
    3:16 The accidents that befall thee thou shalt receive as good, knowing that nothing is done without Eloah.

    4:1 My child, thou shalt remember him that speaketh unto thee the word of YHWH night and day, and shalt honour him as the Lord [Yeshua];
    4:2 for whencesoever the Lordship [Spirit of Yeshua] speaketh, there is the Master.
    4:3 Moreover thou shalt seek out day by day the persons of the saints, that thou mayest find rest in their words.
    4:4 Thou shalt not make a schism, but thou shalt pacify them that contend;
    4:5 thou shalt judge righteously, thou shalt not make a difference in a person [show favorable bias] to reprove him for transgressions.
    4:6 Thou shalt not doubt whether a thing shall be or not be.
    4:7 Be not thou found holding out thy hands to receive, but drawing them in as to giving.
    4:8 If thou hast ought passing through thy hands, thou shalt give a ransom for thy sins.
    4:9 Thou shalt not hesitate to give, neither shalt thou murmur when giving;
    4:10 for thou shalt know who is the good paymaster of thy reward.
    4:11 Thou shalt not turn away from him that is in want, but shalt make thy brother partaker in all things, and shalt not say that anything is thine own.
    4:12 For if ye are fellow-partakers in that which is imperishable, how much rather in the things which are perishable? Thou shalt not withhold thy hand from thy son or from thy daughter, but from their youth thou shalt teach them the fear of  YHWH.
    4:13 Thou shalt not command thy bondservant or thine handmaid in thy bitterness, who trust in the same Eloah as thyself, lest haply they should cease to fear Eloah who is over both of you;
    4:14 for He cometh, not to call men with respect of persons, but He cometh to those whom the Ruach (Spirit) hath prepared.
    4:15 But ye, servants, shall be subject unto your masters, as to a type [a representative] of El, in shame and fear.
    4:16 Thou shalt hate all hypocrisy, and everything that is not pleasing to YHWH.
    4:17 Thou shalt never forsake the mitzvot (commandments) of the Master;
    4:18 but shalt keep those things which thou hast received, neither adding to them nor taking away from them.
    4:19 In the kehila (congregation) thou shalt confess thy transgressions, and shalt not betake thyself to prayer with an evil conscience.
    4:20 This is the derekh (way) of chayim (life).

    5:1 But the way of death is this.
    5:2 First of all, it is evil and full of a curse, murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magical arts, witchcrafts, plunderings, false witnessings, hypocrisies, doubleness of heart, treachery, pride, malice, stubbornness, covetousness, foul-speaking, jealousy, boldness, exaltation, boastfulness;
    5:3 persecutors of good men, hating truth, loving a lie, not perceiving the reward of righteousness, not cleaving to the good nor to righteous judgment, wakeful not for that which is good but for that which is evil;
    5:4 from whom gentleness and forbearance stand aloof;
    5:5 loving vain things, pursuing a recompense, not pitying the poor man, not toiling for him that is oppressed with toil, not recognizing Him that made them, murderers of children, corrupters of the creatures of Eloah, turning away from him that is in want, oppressing him that is afflicted, advocates of the wealthy, unjust judges of the poor, altogether sinful.
    5:6 May ye be delivered, my children, from all these things.

    6:1 See lest any man lead you astray from this way of tzedakah (righteousness), for he teacheth thee apart from Eloah.
    6:2 For if thou art able to bear the whole yoke of YHWH, thou shalt be perfect;
    6:3 but if thou art not able, do that which thou art able.
    6:4 But concerning eating, bear that which thou art able;
    6:5 yet abstain by all means from meat sacrificed to idols;
    6:6 for it is the worship of dead gods.

    7:1 But concerning taval (baptism), thus shall ye tevilah [totally immerse yourself] (baptize).
    7:2 Having first recited all these things, tevilah (baptize) in the name of the FATHER [Father YHWH (i.e., El Elyon/ God Most High], the SON [i.e., Yeshua, Ha Ben Elohim], and the HOLY SPIRIT [i.e., the Ruach HaKodesh] in living water [running water... a stream or lake; however, 'mikvehs' (reservoirs of stored stream water) were considered kosher in Jerusalem and Qumrum; and so they are to this day in Rabbinic Judaism].
    7:3 But if thou hast not living water, then tevilah (baptize) in other water;
    7:4 and if thou art not able in cold, then in warm.
    7:5 But if thou hast neither, then pour water on the head thrice in the name of the Father (Abba) and of the Son (Ben) and of the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh).
    7:6 But before the taval (baptism) let him that (baptizeth) [i.e., the Paqid/overseer who supervises] and him that is baptized [i.e., performs tevilah] fast, and any others also who are able;
    [keep in mind that in Yeshua’s day, as was the Jewish custom, baptism was self enacted… i.e., the candidate for baptism immersed himself; and the ‘baptizer’ was simply a witness]
    7:7 and thou shalt order him that is baptized [does tevilah] to fast a day or two before.

    8:1 And let not your fastings be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and the fifth day of the week;
    8:2 but do ye keep your fast on the fourth and on the preparation (the sixth) day.
    8:3 Neither pray ye {as the hypocrites,} but as the Lord [Yeshua] commanded in His Besorah [Gospel, Good News] thus pray ye.
    8:4 Abba Shebashemayim (Our Father who art in Heaven), hallowed be Thy name;
    8:5 Thy malchut (kingdom) come;
    8:6 Thy will be done, as in Shemayim (heaven), so also on earth;
    8:7 give us this day our daily bread;
    8:8 and forgive us our debt, as we also forgive our debtors;
    8:9 and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the yetser hara [i.e., the evil inclination guided by satan] (the evil one);
    8:10 for Thine is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
    8:11 Three times in the day pray ye so.

    9:1 But as touching the Love Feast (thanksgiving) give ye thanks thus.
    9:2 First, as regards the cup:
    9:3 We give Thee thanks, O Avinu (our Father), for the holy vine of Thy son David, which Thou madest known unto us through Thy Son Yeshua;
    9:4 Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
    9:5 Then as regards the broken bread:
    9:6 We give Thee thanks, O Avinu (our Father), for the life and knowledge which Thou didst make known unto us through Thy Son Yeshua;
    9:7 Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
    9:8 As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains and being gathered together became one, so may Thy kehila (community) be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy malchut (kingdom);
    9:9 for Thine is the glory and the power through Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) for ever and ever.
    9:10 But let no one eat or drink of this Love Feast (thanksgiving), but they that have done tevilah (been baptized) into the name of the Master;
    9:11 for concerning this also the Master hath said:
    9:12 Give not that which is holy to the dogs.

    10:1 And after ye are satisfied thus give ye thanks [Birkat Hamazon/Grace after Meal]:
    10:2 We give Thee thanks, Avinu HaKodesh [our Holy Father], for Thy holy name [YHWH], which Thou hast made to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which Thou hast made known unto us through Thy Son Yeshua;
    10:3 Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
    10:4 Thou, Almighty Master, didst create all things for Thy name’s sake, and didst give food and drink unto men for enjoyment, that they might render thanks to Thee;
    10:5 but didst bestow upon us spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Thy Son.
    10:6 Before all things we give Thee thanks that Thou art powerful;
    10:7 Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
    10:8 Remember, Master, Thy Kehila (community) to deliver it from all evil and to perfect it in Thy love;
    10:9 and {gather it together from the four winds}–even the Kehila (community) which has been sanctified–into Thy malchut (kingdom) which Thou hast prepared for it;
    10:10 for Thine is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
    10:11 May grace come and may this world pass away.
    10:12 Hosanna to the Eloah of David.
    10:13 If any man is holy, let him come;
    10:14 if any man is not, let him repent. Maran Atha [the Lord [Yeshua] Comes]. Amein.
    10:15 But permit the prophets to offer thanksgiving as much as they desire.

    11:1 Whosoever therefore shall come and teach you all these things that have been said before, receive him;
    11:2 but if the teacher himself be perverted and teach a different doctrine to the destruction thereof, hear him not;
    11:3 but if to the increase of tzedekah (righteousness) and the daat (knowledge) of the Master, receive him as the Master.
    11:4 But concerning the shliachim (apostles) and neviim (prophets), so do ye according to the ordinance of the Besorah (Gospel).
    11:5 Let every shliach [apotle/sent one], when he cometh to you, be received as the Master;
    11:6 but he shall not abide more than a single day, or if there be need, a…

    11:7 but if he abide three days, he is a false navi (prophet).
    11:8 And when he departeth let the shliach receive nothing save bread, until he findeth shelter;
    11:9 but if he ask money, he is a false navi (prophet).
    11:10 And any navi (prophet) speaking in the Ruach (Spirit) ye shall not try neither discern;
    11:11 for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.
    11:12 Yet not every one that speaketh in the Ruach is a navi, but only if he have the ways of the Master.
    11:13 From his ways therefore the false navi and the navi [true] shall be recognized.
    11:14 And no navi when he ordereth a table in the Ruach shall eat of it;
    11:15 otherwise he is a false navi.
    11:16 And every navi teaching emet, if he doeth not what he teacheth, is a false navi.
    11:17 And every navi approved and found true, if he doeth ought as an outward mystery typical of the Kehilah (community), and yet teacheth you not to do all that he himself doeth, shall not be judged before you;
    11:18 he hath his judgment in the presence of Eloah;
    11:19 for in like manner also did the navi of old time.
    11:20 And whosoever shall say in the Ruach, Give me silver or anything else, ye shall not listen to him;
    11:21 but if he tell you to give on behalf of others that are in want, let no man judge him.

    12:1 But let every one that cometh in the name of the Lord [Yeshua] be received;
    12:2 and then when ye have tested him ye shall know him, for ye shall have understanding on the right hand and on the left.
    12:3 If the comer is a traveller, assist him, so far as ye are able;
    12:4 but he shall not stay with you more than two or three days, if it be necessary.
    12:5 But if he wishes to settle with you, being a craftsman, let him work for and eat his bread.
    12:6 But if he has no craft, according to your wisdom provide how he shall live as a Ma’aminim (Believer) among you, but not in idleness.
    12:7 If he will not do this, he is trafficking upon Mashiach (Messiah).
    12:8 Beware of such men.

    13:1 But every true navi (prophet) desiring to settle among you is worthy of his food.
    13:2 In like manner a true moreh (teacher) is also worthy, like the workman, of his food.
    13:3 Every firstfruit then of the produce of the wine-vat and of the threshing-floor, of thy oxen and of thy sheep, thou shalt take and give as the firstfruit to the navi (prophet);
    13:4 for they are your rosh-leviim (chief priests).
    13:5 But if ye have not a navi, give them to the poor.
    13:6 If thou makest bread, take the firstfruit and give according to the mitzvah (commandment).
    13:7 In like manner, when thou openest a jar of wine or of oil, take the firstfruit and give to the neviim (prophets);
    13:8 yea and of money and raiment and every possession take the firstfruit, as shall seem good to thee, and give according to the mitzvah (commandment).

    14:1 And on the Master’s own day [Havdallah/at the close of the Sabbath] gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks, first confessing your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure.
    14:2 And let no man, having his dispute with his fellow, join your assembly until they have been reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be defiled;
    14:3 for this sacrifice it is that was spoken of by YHWH;
    14:4 In every place and at every time offer Me a pure sacrifice;
    14:5 for I am a great king, saith YHWH, and My name is wonderful among the nations.

    15:1 Appoint for yourselves therefore bishops and deacons worthy of the Master, men who are meek and not lovers of money, and true and approved;
    15:2 for unto you they also perform the service of the neviim (prophets) and morim (teachers).
    15:3 Therefore despise them not;
    15:4 for they are your honourable men along with the neviim (prophets) and morim (teachers).
    15:5 And reprove one another, not in anger but in peace, as ye find in the Besorah (Gospel);
    15:6 and let no one speak to any that has gone wrong towards his neighbour, neither let him hear a word from you, until he repent.
    15:7 But your tehilim (prayers) and your tzedukah (charity) and all your deeds so do ye as ye find it in the Besorah (Gospel) of our Master.

    16:1 {Be watchful} for your life;
    16:2 {let your lamps not be quenched and your loins not ungirded, but be ye ready;
    16:3 for ye know not the hour in which our Master cometh.}
    16:4 And ye shall gather yourselves together frequently, seeking what is fitting for your souls;
    16:5 for the whole time of your faith shall not profit you, if ye be not perfected at the last season.
    16:6 For in the last days the false neviim and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate.
    16:7 For as lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate one another and shall persecute and betray.
    16:8 And then the world-deceiver shall appear as a son of El;
    16:9 and shall work signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands;
    16:10 and he shall do unholy things, which have never been since the world began.
    16:11 Then all created mankind shall come to the fire of testing, and many shall be offended and perish;
    16:12 but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from this accursed thing.
    16:13 And then shall the signs of the truth appear;
    16:14 first a sign of a rift in the heaven, then a sign of a voice of a trumpet, and thirdly a resurrection of the dead;
    16:15 yet not of all, but as it was said:
    16:16 YHWH shall come and all His saints with Him.
    16:17 Then shall the world see the Master coming upon the clouds of heaven.


January 17, 2008

  • A Poem: An Ephraimite Plea… For the Glorious Olive Tree

    An Ephraimite Plea…

    For the Glorious Olive Tree

    by Aviel E. Rodriguez

     

    olive-tree_4

     

     Arise my brother, Judah, to Ephraim’s plea:

    YHWH’s Torah

    inscribed on hearts-

    by Grace- is urgency!

     

    In raising David’s Tabernacle,

    YHWH, please help us see

    that Your Olive Tree well ‘stablished

    in Mashiach is our need;

    and to manifest Echad in Love…

    the nature of its Seed.

     

    O Judah, view our Father’s plan…

    His truth and constant care:

    Ephraim’s house- to you once lost-

    his fruitfulness we bear!

     

     And singing of Yah’s boundless GRACE,

    we’ve praised Him fervently.

    Yet we confess as Joseph’s vine…

    to seem ‘a rootless tree’.

     

    Once lost- now gathered from the nations-

    awake “Ephraim’s fulness”…

    For we sleep upon a throne!

     

    “Hear O’ Israel, YHWH Eloheinu,

    YHWH Echad”

    to us should be well known.

     

    But instead, pursuing men’s traditions

    as to structures in the “Church”-

    in countless, multiple denominations-

    behind battlements we perch.

     

    So that most of Joseph’s vine

    must yet discover at its base:

    that the POTTER cast TWO Families…

    for His Purpose: LAW AND GRACE.

     

    There is no power in disunity;

    and His image we must clone…

    So how long, O’ House of Israel,

    shall we quarrel with our own?!

     

    The answer comes, the answer is:

    Till the Daystar’s light arises,

    shining forth for them that pray:

    That “Ephraim’s fullness” enter…

    to awareness of the day…

     

    In which the calling he’s been given

    is “Protect and not betray”

    our brother, Judah, whom in blindness

    was by us led more astray…

     

     Due our “Gentile Ways” and “Passion Plays”

    which cast a biased hue,

    ‘how could they see?… how could they hear?’

    Yahshua’s Spirit and his Truth.

     

    Yah’s Plan of Grace, they’ve deemed disgrace:

    Prone to blindness- just as we-

    they rejected and denied him…

    as the Prophets said would be.

     

    Nonetheless!… Judah’s writings

    have made possible the news:

    That our Messiah… our Salvation…

    by Yah’s Grace, is of the Jews!

     

    Thus, our Father’s plan comes to fruition

    through a faith that must abound–

    For TORAH, as wholly righteous,

    cuts ALL SINNERS to the ground.

     

    Thus, repent Ephraim!

    Boast not yourself…

    because of Judah’s fall!

    Yahshua’s blood has ransomed BOTH

    and broken down “the wall”.

     

    For ALL have been indicted…

    so that ALL may be redeemed…

    is the POTTER’s Plan of Mercy:

    Grace-filled hearts… His Law to beam!

     

    The wall built up has been cast down.

    So repent Ephraim!  Boast not, yourself,

    in the errors of our youth!

    For He- Who’s ONE- will surely come…

    Restoring us to Truth!

     

    So, let the House of David rise up

    from the dust of ages past…

    As awareness of the “fulness”

    enters Israel, at last.

     

    He molds BOTH into one people

    who will share a common past…

    As they realize the purpose

    of the POTTER’s “Double Cast”.

     

    If Truth and Grace should flow from Zion,

    then must Judah and Ephraim

    ’ever be ECHADas HE!

     

    For the Holy One

    bids us: ‘Become…

    His Glorious Olive Tree!’

    cOPYRIGHT 2004   

     Two Olive Trees_2

November 14, 2007

  • Was Jeremiah Speaking of You? A Message To Zionist Christians

     

     Was Jeremiah Speaking of You?
    A Message To Zionist Christians

    by Aviel E. Rodriguez 

                                                                                  Early Discipleship

    Are you a lover of Israel? That is to say, are you among the growing number of Bible-believing, Zionist Christians who feel curiously and irresistibly drawn to the Land of Israel… to the Jewish people… and to the Feasts and Customs of Israel?

    If you relate to these feelings, then discover the Biblical reason for it! It will amaze you and fill you with joy!

                                                                                       Watchman_Notzri_xang  

    PLEASE READ ON SO THAT YOU MIGHT RECOGNIZE YOUR TRUE IDENTITY! FOR THERE EXISTS A DIVIDED ISRAEL AT THE MOMENT; BUT NEVERTHELESS, READ ON ABOUT ITS SOON RESTORATION AND REUNIFICATION. MOREOVER, READ ON ABOUT THE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ROLE THAT YOU, THE ZIONIST CHRISTIAN, WILL PLAY IN THESE EVENTS!!!

    This is what Jeremiah said about YOU!

    “FOR THERE SHALL BE A DAY WHEN THE WATCHMEN ON MOUNT EPHRAIM SHALL CALL OUT, ARISE, AND LET US GO UP TO ZION TO YHWH OUR ELOHIM! FOR THUS SAYS YHWH, SING WITH GLADNESS FOR JACOB, AND SHOUT AMONG THE CHIEF OF THE NATIONS. CRY OUT, GIVE PRAISE AND SAY, O YHWH, SAVE YOUR PEOPLE, THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL.” (Jer. 31:6-7)

    How do the underlined words in the above verse of Scripture relate to you? I think you’ll be utterly amazed once you’ve discovered the secret… please read on.

    Let us consider for a moment that in chapter 48 of the book of Genesis, the patriarch, Jacob/Israel, is seen blessing his two grandchildren. These grandchildren are the sons of Yoseph ben Yaacov [Joseph the son of Jacob], and these children were called Manasseh and Ephraim.

    Joseph was not Jacob’s firstborn. Nevertheless, he was the son who received the bekhor (right of the firstborn) from his father Jacob- just as Isaac had received it in place of Ismael (i.e., by election). This, therefore, meant that upon his father Jacob’s death Joseph would inherit the place of authority- as head of the clan. It also meant that he would receive a ‘double portion’ as regards to the material inheritance regarding the land of promise. Finally, it also included a special blessing called ‘the blessing of the firstborn’ which confirmed his headship and pronounced a special blessing for ‘fruitfulness’ upon him [e.g. Gen. 27: 28-29; 49:22-26].

    This ancient blessing was inherited from the patriarch Abraham by virtue of some very important promises which Abraham received from El Shaddai (also known as YHWH/Yahweh). One of Yahweh’s specified promises to Abraham was that his seed would become a great and fruitful multitude in the earth. [Gen. 12:1; 13:14-16; 15: 5-7, 18; 17:4-7]

    This “Firstborn blessing” was always imparted to the ‘bekhor’ with the use of the right hand. Therefore, when the time came, Joseph naturally assumed that his father (Jacob/Israel) would place his right hand upon the head of Manasseh- Joseph’s firstborn son- in order to impart the special blessing of the bekhor upon him. However, that was not to be the case.

    “AND ISRAEL STRETCHED OUT HIS RIGHT HAND, AND LAID IT UPON EPHRAIM’S HEAD, WHO WAS THE YOUNGER, AND HIS LEFT HAND UPON MANASSEH’S HEAD, GUIDING HIS HANDS WITTINGLY; FOR MANASSEH WAS THE FIRSTBORN. AND HE BLESSED JOSEPH, AND SAID, ELOHIM, BEFORE WHOM MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC DID WALK, THE ELOHIM WHICH FED ME ALL MY LIFE UNTO THIS DAY, THE ANGEL WHICH REDEEMED ME FROM ALL EVIL, BLESS THE LADS; AND LET MY NAME BE CALLED ON THEM, AND THE NAME OF MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC; AND LET THEM GROW [Strong’s #1711 ‘dagah’- to spawn as teeming schools of fish] INTO A MULTITUDE IN THE MIDST OF THE EARTH.

                                                                                   christian-fish-symbol_~CSL046  

     

    AND WHEN JOSEPH SAW THAT HIS FATHER LAID HIS RIGHT HAND UPON THE HEAD OF EPHRAIM IT DISPLEASED HIM: AND HE HELD UP HIS FATHER’S HAND, TO REMOVE IT FROM EPHRAIM’S HEAD UNTO MANASSEH’S HEAD. AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, NOT SO, MY FATHER: FOR THIS IS THE FIRSTBORN; PUT THY RIGHT HAND UPON HIS HEAD. AND HIS FATHER REFUSED, AND SAID, I KNOW IT, MY SON, I KNOW IT: HE ALSO SHALL BECOME A PEOPLE AND HE ALSO SHALL BE GREAT: BUT TRULY HIS YOUNGER BROTHER [EPHRAIM] SHALL BE GREATER THAN HE, AND HIS SEED SHALL BECOME A ‘MULTITUDE’ [A FULNESS] ‘OF NATIONS’ [OF GENTILES]… AND HE SET EPHRAIM BEFORE MANASSEH.” (Genesis 48:14-20)

                                                                                     Jacob blesses Ephraim_2  

     

    Ephraim’s name actually meant ‘doubly fruitful’. He was to become Joseph’s ‘fruitful bough’ [Gen.49:22] which is by a well [Isa.12:3] whose branches run over the wall [i.e., beyond its borders]. The Scriptures relate that Ephraim’s descendants went on to become the head of what later became known as the Ten Northern Tribes of Israel [or the Kingdom of Israel] as separate from the Kingdom of Judah to the south.

    These ten northern tribes came to be collectively known as ‘Ephraim’ or ‘Israel’. However, because of their idolatries and spiritual adulteries, Yahweh eventually judged them and gave them over to their enemies. Thus, Hosea- a prophet of Yahweh to the Northern Kingdom of Israel/Ephraim- wrote the following:

    “Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure. For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.” (Hosea 8:8-9)

    “…And Elohim said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.” (Hosea 1:6)

    “Then said Elohim, Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your Elohim.” (Hosea 1:9)

    “And YHWH said unto him, Call his name Jezreel… and they shall hear Jezreel.” (Hosea 1:4; 2:22) [‘Jezreel’ Strong’s #3157 meaning ‘God will sow’; stemming from the root word ‘zara’; i.e, the cultivation process of disseminating, sowing, planting, bearing, conceiving seed; and a yield]

    “And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my Elohim.” (Hosea 2:23)

    “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living El [B’nei El-Chai]. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel [Ephraim] be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.” (Hosea 1:10-11)

                                                              calling-all-nations_xanga  

     

    Based upon these understandings of Ephraim’s prophetic future, we begin to get the inkling that Jeremiah’s prophecy- concerning ‘THE WATCHMEN ON THE MOUNT EPHRAIM’- is actually talking about YOU, dear ‘Zionist Christian’! You, who were not a people; but now, are a people. You, who were once foreigners and strangers to the covenants; but now, are part of the household of FAITH… and citizens in the commonwealth of ISRAEL! [Romans 9:23-27; Ephesians 2:11-14] You, who have been born of the “incorruptible seed” of the word of YHWH [1Peter 1:23]; and who have a deep yearning to see the salvation of All ISRAEL! [Roman 11:11; 25,26]

                                                                                 I Love Eretz Israel!__Am Yisrael Chai!                                   

     

    Jeremiah is speaking of You… of a people who’ve made ‘shuva’- i.e., a repentant return to YHWH; and thus, a return to the ancient paths/the Hebraic roots- in the latter days! For Jeremiah states the following clearly:

    “…in the latter days ye shall consider it. At that same time, saith YHWH, will I be the Elohim of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people”… And again he proclaims:

    I (YHWH) have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned, for thou art YHWH my Elohim.

    Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.” (Jeremiah 30:24; 31:1; 18-19)

    It is clear to me that the Zionist Christian/Hebraic Roots movements are literally the corporate awakening of the House of Ephraim, and the beginnings of their ‘shuva’/return to the ancient paths of their Hebraic, Biblical roots. This was confirmed to me in relation to the Jeremiah 31:6 prophecy when I discovered an old copy of a book entitled ‘The Pentateuch & Haftorahs’; edited by Dr. J.H. Hertz, C.H. This man, Dr. Hertz, was once the Chief Rabbi of the British Empire; moreover, this was the second edition of a work which he had edited and which the Jewish publishing house, Soncino Press of London, England subsequently published in 1960.

    While thumbing through the book one day, I came across the above verses from Jeremiah- and more. In fact, on pages 956-957 of this work, I found the whole passage- Jeremiah 31; verses 2 through 20. It was printed in Hebrew with English translation; and it had some very interesting commentary; but it was a few basic points which caught my eye.

    Beginning with Jeremiah 31:2-3, it said the following:

    “Thus saith the LORD: The people that were left of the sword

    Have found grace in the wilderness,

    Even Israel, when I go to cause him to rest.”

    The ‘Soncino’ commentary, below the verse, states:

    “‘that were left of the sword’… The survivors of the carnage which accompanied the overthrow of the Northern Kingdom. The use of this phrase discounts the interpretation that the prophet is alluding to the exodus from Egypt.” [pg.956]

    I was very intrigued by this statement, in that I knew that the “Northern Kingdom”- being referred to here- is synonymous with the House of Ephraim. [Hosea 5:14-15]

    But, of even more interest to me was the Soncino commentary on the following:

    ’the wilderness’…The land of their exile. They will find favour in God’s eyes. The verbs are in the prophetic past, although applying to the future.” [pg.956]

    Did you catch that?!….. “They [Ephraim] will find favour in God’s eyes.” This was clearly prophesied; and yet, to the modern Israeli/Jewish people the ‘House of Ephraim’ (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) were dispersed and lost to them- swallowed up among the Gentile nations long long ago [Hosea 8:8].                           

    Yahweh knew it would be so; and so, He declared to Ezekiel:

    Son of man, thy brethren, [even] thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, [are] they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from YHWH: unto us is this land given in possession.

    Therefore say, Thus saith Adonai YHWH; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. (Ezekiel 11:15, 16)

                                                               brazen serpent_xang

    YHWH’s words, here, through the prophet Ezekiel, are absolutely profound and amazing when you see their relationship to the statements that were later made by Yahshua HaMashiach during his earthly ministry- as follows:

    “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15; cf. Num. 21:8-9)… and

    “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.” (John 10:15-16)

                                                                               The Good Shephrd_xang  

     

    Just a bit further along in John’s Gospel – as if to confirm Yahshua’s amazing “other sheep” statement – it would seem that the Ruach HaKodesh is giving us a tremendous clue regarding the identity of these “other sheep” whom he (Yahshua) would shepherd.  I believe this is given as a prophetic and symbolic illustration enacted by Yahshua, himself.  An illustration which would herald the next major stage in the salvation process for both Houses of Israel:

    “Then from that day forth they [the chief council of the Judaens] took counsel together for to put him [Yahshua] to death. Yahshua therefore walked no more openly among the Jews [Judaens]; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness’, into a city called Ephraim’, and there continued with his disciples.” (John 11:53-54)

    Returning to the Soncino commentary on Jeremiah 31 and verse 3, we see that in defining the term “Israel”- it says:

    “Israel . The Ten Tribes of the north.”

    The Soncino Press- a Jewish commentary- confirms that those who ‘found grace in the wilderness’ were those of the Northern Kingdom of Israel/Ephraim!

    Today, the average Jew is a descendant of the Southern Tribe of Judah- hence the moniker, Jew. Our brother, Judah, retains little to no recollection of his banished and “vanished” brethren, Ephraim/Israel. But not so with our Heavenly Father; for He loves both Judah and Ephraim dearly… and thus, He says:

    “Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith YHWH.” (Jeremiah 31:20)

    “I will ransom them (Ephraim) from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction…” (Hosea 13:14)

    I believe it was for this very reason that the apostle John wrote the following:

    “And this spake he [Caiaphas] not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Yahshua should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of Elohim that were scattered abroad. (John 11:51-52)

                                                              Israel Wandering  

     

                                                                          Ten Northern Tribes  

     

    “The children of Elohim that were scattered abroad”…?!?! Could there be any clearer allusion to Yahweh’s promise to ransom and regather Ephraim, the Ten Lost Tribes of the Northern Kingdom? [Jer. 31:9-11]

    In his classic work “The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah”, the Messianic Jewish believer, Alfred Edersheim wrote:

    “As regards the ten tribes [the Northern kingdom (Israel/Ephraim] there is this truth… that, as their persistent apostacy from the God of Israel and His worship had cut them off from his people, so the fulfilment of the Divine promises to them in the latter days would imply, as it were, a second birth to make them once more Israel.” (Book I, Vol. I, Chapter I; page 15).

    “Second birth”?….. That is, as in ‘born again’!

                                                                              Born Again Zionist!_xang

     

    Are you aware, dear Zionist Christian, that even as Joseph’s son, Ephraim, was to become “the fullness of the nations” [see Jay Green Interlinear Bible... Gen. 48:19] that, so too, this same exact expression was used by the Apostle Paul when referring to ‘born again’ believers who would be grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel in the latter days?!

    I declare to you that the same FULNESS OF THE NATIONS (GENTILES) that was prophesied concerning  Ephraim in Genesis 48:19 is the exact same fulness of the Gentiles alluded to by the Apostle Paul in Romans 11:25!  Moreover, the “fulness of the Gentiles” is not some sort of arbitrary heavenly quota that’s been designated as the permissable number for gentile salvations.  It speaks, rather, of a cohesive Hebraic storyline that links the Old and New Testaments together.  It is, in point of fact, referring to YOU, dear Zionist Christians, but in a way that you’ve never likely considered.  It’s actually referring to your true identity and to your latter-day role in All Israel’s salvation:

    “…..that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved…..” (Rom. 11:25, 26)

    This begs the following question: If the Zionist Christians are related to the ‘fulness of the Gentiles’ then what exactly is it that they must come into in order for All Israel to be saved???”

    Answer: They must come into the knowledge of their true identity as repentant, blood washed, Spirit-filled, regenerated, renewed, transformed, Torah-loving, red hot ISRAELITE Ephraimites!… capable of provoking Judah to jealousy; and then ALL ISRAEL shall be saved!!!

     

                                                                      For Zion's Sake_3

     

    Therefore, going back to my original text in Jeremiah 31, I’d like you to also know, dear Zionist Christian, who are praying and interceding for Israel as a Watchman’: that in Jeremiah 31:6 the Hebrew word for ‘watchmen’ is the word “Notzrim”- as it is found in the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Scriptures. This is the exact Hebrew word used by modern-day Israelis when referring to CHRISTIANS; or to those of the CHRISTIAN faith!!!

    “For there shall be a day, That the watchmen (NOTZRIM/ CHRISTIANS) shall call upon the mount Ephraim [WHICH REPRESENTS THEIR HERITAGE; AS WELL AS, THEIR 'STRONGHOLD'] saying: ‘Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion, Unto YHWH our Elohim.” (Jeremiah 31:6)

                                                                                     Watchman_Notzri

    Therefore, what is our latter-day commission as Ephraim/Israel; i.e., as the Notzrim [watchmen/guardians]?… It is to sing, proclaim, announce, praise and intercede as follows:

    “FOR THUS SAITH YHWH: SING WITH GLADNESS FOR JACOB, AND SHOUT AT THE HEAD OF THE NATIONS [USA?… Certainly, this is where the awakening is visibly the greatest]; ANNOUNCE YE, PRAISE YE, AND SAY: ‘O YHWH, SAVE THY PEOPLE, THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL.” (Jeremiah 31:7)

    In closing, let us be ever mindful of this as well:

    “THUS SAITH ADONAI YHWH; BEHOLD, I WILL TAKE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL FROM AMONG THE HEATHEN, WHITHER THEY BE GONE, AND I WILL GATHER THEM ON EVERY SIDE, AND BRING THEM INTO THEIR OWN LAND:

                                                                      Two Olive Trees_2

     

    AND I WILL MAKE THEM ONE NATION IN THE LAND UPON THE MOUNTAINS OF ISRAEL: AND ONE KING SHALL BE KING TO THEM ALL: AND THEY SHALL BE NO MORE TWO NATIONS [JUDAH & EPHRAIM], NEITHER SHALL THEY BE DIVIDED INTO TWO KINGDOMS [JUDAISM & CHRISTIANITY] ANY MORE AT ALL…” “…AND DAVID MY SERVANT SHALL BE KING OVER THEM; AND THEY ALL SHALL HAVE ONE SHEPHERD…” (Ezekiel 37:21-22,24).

                                                                         With Faces Towards ZION!

     

                               Barchu et shem YHWH!… see videos below

                                                                                        Christian Zionist Scroll_xang

     

               Awaken and Arise as EPHRAIM!!!… TO YOUR TRUE CALLING AS THE ‘NOTZRIM’ (watchmen/guardians/preservers) of ISRAEL!!!                    

                             

                                                                 See: Ephraim’s March Through the Arch!

                            

     

    Also… see an amazing prophecy revealed:  The end of Ephraim’s Exile is at hand!