Shabbat Shalom,

Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 “We give thanks to Elohim always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of the belief, and the labour of love, and the endurance of the expectation in our Master יהושע Messiah in the presence of our Elohim and Father, 4 knowing, brothers beloved by Elohim, that you were chosen.”

In the introduction of his letter to the believers in Thessalonica Sha’ul expressed a very powerful encouragement that would cause the hearers to be reminded of the clear qualities of a true chosen and set-apart one, which they indeed had been displaying. He reminded them that they, that is Sha’ul, Silas and Timotiyos, had not stopped giving thanks to Elohim for their work of the belief, their labour of love and their endurance of their expectation in our Master יהושע Messiah.

This was certainly a very encouraging introduction indeed and I would like to briefly look at a couple of these words in order for us to understand and recognise some of the very important qualities or character traits that ought to be evident in the lives of the chosen and set-apart people of Elohim!

What we see from these words is the clear fact that Sha’ul highlights the following:

1) Work of the belief

2) Labour of love

3) Endurance of the expectation (hope).

Work, labour and endurance without proper belief, love and expectation is fruitless, however with the proper work of the belief, labour of love and endurance of the expectation we have in our Master, we ought to bear fruit that lasts. Our Master warns us against false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are savage wolves, and He tells us that we shall know them by their fruits. This tells us a great deal in recognising that all of us shall be known by our fruits and therefore we must ask ourselves if the proper fruit of belief, labour and expectation is being seen in our work, labour and endurance or not.

Work of the belief!

The Greek word that is used here for ‘work’ is ἔργον ergon – Strong’s G2041 which means, ‘works, labour, business, employment, behaviour, deeds’. In Mattithyahu/Matthew 5 our Master יהושע Messiah tells us that we are the light of the world and that we must not hide the light, but that we should shine the light of His Truth in everything we do, and that our light should shine before all men, so that they see our good works and praise our Father who is in the heavens! Guess what the very next words of the Master are, after telling us to let our ‘good works’ be seen by all….:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to complete.”

The clarity of His words is made plain in telling us that we shall be unable to let our good works be seen by all if we destroy the Torah and the Prophets! In other words, works done without the perfection of the Torah are not deemed ‘good works’ by our Elohim, no matter how good they may seem in the eyes of the flesh!

The Greek word for ‘belief’ is πίστις pistis – Strong’s G4102 which means, ‘faith, faithfulness, pledge, conviction of the Truth’ which comes from the primary root verb πείθω peithō – Strong’s G3982 which means, ‘to persuade, to put confidence in, to follow, have confidence and rely upon’.

Ya’aqoḇ tells us that belief without works is dead, and what he is clearly teaching us is that any works done outside of the proper confidence and reliance that we are to have on the Torah of Elohim that teaches, leads and directs us are lawless and dead works.

Labour of love!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘labour’ is κόπος kópos – Strong’s G2873 which means, ‘labour, toil, trouble, wearisome effort’, and this word is used to denote not so much the actual exertion which a man makes, but the weariness which he experiences from that exertion. What this teaches us is that a proper labour of love takes great effort and a lot of hard work, which most are unwilling to do, especially as we understand this in terms of the proper labour of love!

This Greek word for love is ἀγάπη agape – Strong’s G26 which means, ‘brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence, love feasts’, and comes from the verb ἀγαπάω agapaō – Strong’s G25 which means, ‘to love, welcome and entertain, be fond of, to be contented at or with a thing’. While many may think that they know what love means, Scripture makes it very clear to us what ‘the love for Elohim’ is:

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 5:2-3 “By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim and guard His commands. 3 For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy”

To pursue love for Elohim is to run in the way of His commands, and flee all lawlessness and sin!

This Greek word for love is ἀγάπη agape – Strong’s G26 and is used 9 times in the 13 verses of Chapter 13 in Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians!!! This both expresses the love that Elohim has for us, as well as what we ought to have for Him, as we faithfully obey His commands. This is the kind of love that we are to express in our daily lives toward each other, as a body that is being knit together in Messiah!

Endurance of the expectation!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘endurance’ is ὑπομονή hupomonē – Strong’s G5281 which means, ‘a patient enduring, steadfastness, perseverance, a remaining behind’, and this word comes from the Greek word ὑπομένω hupomenō – Strong’s G5278 which means, ‘to stay behind, to await, endure’, which comes from the two words: 1) ὑπό hupo – Strong’s G5259 which means ‘under, in subjection to’, and 2) μένω menō – Strong’s G3306 and means, ‘to stay, abide, remain, stand’ – this word is the word used in Yoḥanan/John 15 where we are told to ‘stay in, remain in’ Messiah!

As faithful talmidim (disciples) of Messiah, we recognise that while He ascended to the Most Set-Apart Place, where He continually intercedes for us as our High Priest, we need to endure and be steadfast in staying in Him, as we walk in subjection to His clear Torah, bearing the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

Ḥazon/Revelation also repeatedly reminds us, in relation to what is to come in the days ahead, the clear call for the faithful endurance of the part of the set-apart ones.

Endurance is the ability to stay true to the Truth – keeping your eyes fixed on the Prince and Perfector of our faith and running with great perseverance the race set before you.

The Greek word translated here as ‘expectation’ is – ἐλπίς elpis – Strong’s G1680 which means, ‘expectation or hope’, and also carries the understanding of having a ‘joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation’, and is also used to describe and define who the author of hope is, and in terms of the sure expectation of eternal salvation it can also be understood as meaning, ‘he who is its foundation’. An expectation can either be good or bad and therefore it can represent either hope or fear. Hope, as an expectation of good, is closely linked with trust, and expectation can also be understood as an urgent longing, in which the element of patient waiting or fleeing for refuge is emphasised. We recognise this truth as we put our complete trust and hope in our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah – our Saviour!

In our patient waiting we are called to a faithful endurance in which our expectation in our Great Saviour and King shall not fail, as long as we stay in Him and flee all whoring, idolatry and lusts of the youth and remain steadfast in pursuing righteousness.

Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 5:8 “But we who are of the day should be sober, putting on the breastplate of belief and love, and as a helmet the expectation of deliverance.”

We are to put of the breastplate of belief and love, and as a helmet – the expectation of deliverance!!!

In this first letter to the believers in Thessalonica we take note that Sha’ul confirms that they had displayed the proper work, labour and expectation, as we see how he tells them of the report that they had received about this assembly from the believers in Makedonia and Achaia:

Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 1:8 “For they themselves report what kind of reception we had with you, and how you turned to Elohim from idols, to serve the living and true Elohim, 10 and to wait for His Son from the heavens, whom He raised from the dead, יהושע, who is delivering us from the wrath to come.”

These two verses give us clear evidence of the good fruit that was being seen, as we take note of the following:

1) The work of belief – this was seen in how they had turned to Elohim from idols! The true work of the belief is seen in the putting away of all idolatry and false worship that we were brought up in!

2) The labour of love – this was seen in how they served the living and true Elohim. True service and love for Elohim can only be rendered when the proper working of belief is taking place through the diligent guarding of the Torah and commands!

3) The endurance of expectation – they continued to expectantly wait for the return of our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah, through a faithful endurance of loving obedience!

This is the collective quality of true chosen and set-apart ones!

The Greek word that is translated here as ‘chosen’ is ἐκλογή eklogḗ – Strong’s G1589 which means, ‘to choose, select, election, chosen’, and is generally used to describe a chosen vessel as an instrument of usefulness!

Kěpha tells us in:

Kěpha Bět/2 Peter 1:10 “For this reason, brothers, all the more do your utmost to make firm your calling and choosing, for if you are doing these matters you shall never stumble at all”

We are to do our utmost to make firm our calling and choosing! The matters that we are to be doing in order to never stumble are: “… to add to your belief uprightness, to uprightness knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control endurance, to endurance reverence, to reverence brotherly affection, and to brotherly affection love.”

He tells us that if these are in us and increase, they will cause us to be neither inactive nor without fruit in the knowledge of our Master יהושע Messiah.

The Body of Messiah is an assembly of chosen and set-apart people, and these are the qualities or character traits that must always be evident in our daily lives as we stay in our Master and bear fruit that lasts!

Work, labour and endurance is exactly all that!!! It is work and laborious and requires intense endurance without fading, drifting of giving up! In his letter to the Assembly at Corinth, Sha’ul goes into a deeper detail of what love is, which we have expanded upon in the past; and in Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 13:13 he states that these three core characteristics that we have been talking about will remain:

Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now belief, expectation, and love remain – these three. But the greatest of these is love.”

Why is love the greatest! Well, Sha’ul clearly explained what love is and for more on this please see the notes from the message I gave called, “WHAT IS LOVE?” which you can find on our site (Http://atfotc.com) under the ‘sermons 2013-2014’ menu or simply by clicking on the following link:

https://atfotc.com/index.php/our-sermons/sermons-2013-2014/527-what-is-love-1-corinthians-13

Without a proper labour of love and by that I mean without a proper life of committed obedience to Elohim one’s works and endurance will fail! The sad reality is that many start out great and are extremely fervent in doing what is commanded, however they fall away when endurance that is called for seems too hard and the labour of obedience becomes too hard to remain steadfast in, under the persecution of others and the pressures of world. Unbelievers display the exact opposite to what Sha’ul is identifying the chosen with as we take note that while the chosen and true believers in Messiah display proper belief, love and expectation, those who neglect to walk in His Torah and cast His Word behind them walk in unbelief, hatred and despair.

It is with this in mind that I would like us to consider these excellent qualities of the true chosen that Sha’ul said that the believers in Thessalonica displayed, as a backdrop for us to take a closer look at the words of our Master that were given to the assembly in Ephesos! Turn with me to Ḥazon/Revelation 2:1-7 (Read)

This is the 1^st of the 7 assemblies that are addressed in Ḥazon/Revelation, and we have, in the past, already discussed in detail the other 6. Tonight I want us to look at the very powerful call to remembrance that is being given here to this assembly.

This assembly in Ephesos could have basically been described as the careless assembly or the backsliding assembly. This was an assembly that had fallen from its election as a chosen people by losing their grip on the required love, belief and expectation in the Master that must be clung to continually, no matter the circumstances!

Sha’ul brought the Besorah to Ephesos and stayed there for 3 years, and later sent Timotiyos to oversee the assembly here. Yoḥanan, in his later years, moved to Ephesos – and this once very vibrant assembly had lost its first love! Sha’ul’s letter to the Ephesians was written at least 35 years after Sha’ul had established this assembly, which teaches us how quickly true fervent and zealous love can grow cold. In this message to Ephesos in Ḥazon/Revelation a clear rebuke was given to this assembly for the fact that they had grown cold and was commanded to remember from where they had fallen, repent and repeat their first works as they had lost their first love!

What/who is our first love?

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 4:19 “We love Him because He first loved us.”

How did He first love us?

Yoḥanan/John 3:16 “For Elohim so loved the world that He gave His only brought-forth Son, so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but possess everlasting life.”

In Yoḥanan/John 15 Messiah clearly tells us that we did not choose Him, but He chose us and appointed us to bear fruit! The only way we can bear the true fruit of righteousness is to be grafted into the true root of righteousness, by the Blood of the Lamb; by the Blood of our Righteous Redeemer and King, יהושע Messiah. One thing Ephesos had going for them at this stage, was that they hated the works of the Nikolaites. The word Νικολαΐτης Nikolaitēs – Strong’s G3531 means, ‘destruction of the people’, who were a sect of people that were charged with adhering to the teaching of Bilʽam and causing the people of Elohim to stumble! It is one thing to hate falsehood, yet love for the Truth must not grow cold or lost

The name of the city of Ἔφεσος Ephesos – Strong’s G2181 is of an uncertain origin yet is believed to have the meaning, ‘permitted, permissible’, which I find very interesting as we consider how much was permitted to go on in the assembly!

Ephesos was considered to be the most important commercial city of Asia Minor, and was the capital of Ionia on the western coast of Asia Minor between Smyrna and Miletus. The city was surrounded on three sides by mountains and on the west by the Icarian Sea. Ephesos was a very wealthy city. It boasted the temple of Diana, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Today Ephesos is an archaeologist’s paradise, but all of its wealth and splendour is gone.

In the message given to the believers in Ephesos they were commended for their works, labour and endurance and that they had not become weary. These words are remarkable when one considers how challenging it must have been for the early believers to live and minister in Ephesos. The ruins of this city enable us to better understand the faith of the early believers who lived there, and help us discover what gave them the strength to testify of Messiah so diligently in such an unlikely place.

In the ancient world this was the centre of travel and commerce and was considered as the crown jewel of Asia Minor.

It had a population of nearly 250,000 people and was home to more than twenty pagan temples. Artistic beauty, cultural learning, erotic pagan worship, world trade, criminal activity, and sorcery flourished amidst great wealth.

As residents of one of the most sophisticated cities of the Roman Empire, the Ephesians enjoyed such luxuries as running water, indoor toilets, fountains, gardens surrounded by magnificent columns, colonnaded streets paved with marble, gymnasiums and baths, a library, and a theatre that could seat an estimated twenty-five thousand people.

At the heart of the city’s life and economy was the worship of Artemis, the ancient fertility goddess. The temple dedicated to Artemis was 450 feet long, 220 feet wide, had more than 120 columns sixty feet high and was one of the seven wonders of the entire world. Because it was believed that Artemis was considered to be so powerful and protective of her temple, people from all over the world deposited money there, which in turn was loaned out at a high rate of interest. Thus the Ephesians became extremely wealthy and naturally were very protective of the goddess who they believed had made them successful, powerful, and rich.

It took passionate commitment and courage for the early believers to stand up for their beliefs and face some serious persecution amidst this pagan centred culture. The believers of Ephesos publicly spoke out for יהושע Messiah and lived for Him in a loving way. They endured great hardships for the Name of יהושע and never became weary of living for Him.

The implications of Sha’ul’s teachings at Ephesos were huge, as the Ephesians realised that if what Sha’ul and other true believers in Messiah shared was indeed the truth, then Artemis and the other pagan deities of Ephesus that were worshipped were worthless and the city’s entire belief system, economy, and lifestyle could collapse. As a result, Sha’ul and other believers in Ephesos began to face intense opposition. So much so that unless they bore the ‘mark’ of pagan beliefs by living out those beliefs in daily life, true set-apart believers were viewed as second-class citizens. They were hated and severely persecuted. You can read Ma’asei/Acts 19 in regards to the uprising that was stirred against Sha’ul by the idol makers in Ephesos.

By the time Yoḥanan went to Ephesos the Roman Emperor Domitian had the upper hand in attracting the religious loyalties of the Ephesians. Demanding that people worship him as a god, Domitian insisted on being called ‘Lord’ and ‘God’ by everyone, including his wife. The Ephesians built huge structures dedicated to Domitian, including a prominent temple designed to be the world centre of Domitian worship. One of its features was a twenty-seven-foot-tall statue of Domitian. Anyone approaching the city by sea or by land could see the temple and its statue and know that the Ephesians, as a whole, believed Domitian to be king of the gods. Along the city streets, altars reminded the people of Domitian’s lordship and their allegiance to him. Once a year, the people had to say publicly in front of the altar, ‘Caesar is Lord’. Anyone who didn’t recognize Domitian’s lordship was sentenced to be put to death.

Why I am mentioning some of this history is to highlight how extremely tough it was for true believers to stay lovingly committed to living set-apart lives and not falling prey to the false pagan worship customs that were being enforced as law. It took courageous faith and passionate commitment for the early believers to stand up for their beliefs in the face of this ‘mark of the beast’ that they faced each and every day. Despite serious persecution, which included the denial to conduct business in the markets and obtain water from public fountains, the chosen set-apart ones of Messiah publicly spoke out for יהושע and lived for Him in a loving way. They endured great hardships for יהושע and never became weary of living for him.

Many may ask then, if they had this much commitment in their work, labour and endurance, why did the Master then say that the one thing He had held against them was that they had lost their first love? He was challenging them to look at the way that they had been living and that they were to get back to the fervent love that they had in the beginning. Many, under prolonged periods of persecution, may hold firm to their works of belief and do their utmost at not compromising the Way of set-apartness, yet their love sometimes grows cold and under the onslaught of persecution they are so busy being consumed with their own lives that they neglect the proper love and commitment that should be shown toward one another.

Yoḥanan/John 13:35 “By this shall all know that you are My taught ones, if you have love for one another.”

In order to live consistently and publicly for יהושע, as faithful ambassadors of His reign, they needed to believe in Him and care about each other. Messiah quotes Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 6:5 in Mattithyahu/Matthew 22:37 when He was making it clear that we are to love יהוה our Elohim with all our heart, all our mind and all our strength, and while we know this to be true we take note that in many passages of Scripture we recognise the love we have and show for one another is a certain sign that we love Elohim!

The love we have for Elohim is what makes the body or community of Messiah distinguishably different from those who do not love Elohim, or so it should! Sadly this is not the case in the world today as we see more loyalty being expressed to each other in worldly groups and associations while the fellowship of believers is often riddled with backbiting, slander and gossip, and this should not be so! We can understand why we see in Sha’ul’s letter to Ephesians the clear encouragement to love one another and the encouragement to build and guard the unity of the assembly.

The love that the initial believers in Ephesos had for one another may be one of the primary reasons that the whole of Asia Minor heard of the Good News that Sha’ul had taught there, as they lived as they should, working, labouring and enduring in the belief, love and expectation of Messiah.

Losing their first love highlights the clear fact that divisions had occurred and that the believers were no longer displaying the proper love for one another. They had certainly held fast to their belief and had not been swayed by false teachings yet the display of their first love was lacking. They had left the first love that they had!

The Greek word used for ‘left’ is ἀφίημι aphiēmi – Strong’s G863 which means, ‘to send away, leave alone, abandon, divorce, forsake, to disregard’, and can also carry the meaning, ‘give up a debt, forgive, give up or keep no longer’.

What is clear is that they were abandoning one another and not defending one another against persecutions that were being faced, either from the wicked culture of the day or from the Nikolaites who taught falsehood and brought in divisions among the true set-apart chosen ones!

This was an assembly that certainly showed great endurance and works of belief yet their love for one another was clearly lacking and the Master rebukes them for this and commands them to REMEMBER from where they had fallen.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘remember’ is μνημονεύω mnēmoneuō – Strong’s G3421 which means, ‘remember, bring to mind, recall, think about, remember and mention’. They were to bring to mind the position from where they had fallen from in order for them to realise the need to get back to that first position they had in the Master!

The Greek word for ‘fallen’ is πίπτω piptō – Strong’s G4098 which means, ‘to fall, break down, fail, fallen, be destroyed’, and what is interesting to take note of here is that this word is translated in Sha’ul’s letter to the Corinthians as ‘fails’ when he explained what love is and said in Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 13:8 that “Love never fails”!!!

True love never fails or falls, yet the rebuke being given here to this assembly is that it had and they needed to repent of this and return to doing the first works of love!

The Greek word for ‘repent’ is μετανοέω metanoeō – Strong’s G3340 which means, ‘to change one’s mind or purpose, to repent, relent’ and involves a complete change in one’s attitude and thought. They had to change their loveless attitude toward one another and make a serious turn around to get back to what they should be doing, and that was to love one another, as they guard the Truth and walk in the Truth without compromise!

Do the first works!

The Greek word translated as ‘do’ here is ποιέω poieō – Strong’s G4160 which means, ‘to make, do, accomplish, keep, work, acts’. A derivative of this word is ποιητής poiētēs – Strong’s G4163 which means, ‘a doer, a maker’, and is seen in:

Ya’aqoḇ/James 1:22-25 “And become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror, 24 for he looks at himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what he was like. 25 But he that looked into the perfect Torah, that of freedom, and continues in it, not becoming a hearer that forgets, but a doer of work, this one shall be blessed in his doing of the Torah.”

The word translated as ‘doing’ (of the Torah) is also a derivative of ποιέω poieō and is the word ποίησις poiēsis – Strong’s G4162 which means, ‘deed, making, doing, performing, in his doing (in the obedience he renders the law)’.

These verses are very clear in telling us that the true hearer of the word guards it and performs it, as his obedience renders the law under which he submits!

Doing the Word involves a proper loving of one another as the body covers and protects each other from the falsehood and trickery of those who claim to know Elohim yet deny Him in their confession and works!

This assembly had tried those who said that they were emissaries but were not, so they were diligent in testing the confession and beliefs of many who claimed to be servants of Elohim and they had hated the work of the Nikolaites that oppressed people with falsehood, yet what was needed here was a love within the body to be properly restored!

What is clear here is that this assembly was certainly very diligent in testing and proving whether those who claimed to be emissaries were true sent ones or not and would therefore not put up with false hypocrites who claimed to be ambassadors of the Master, yet what this assembly had fallen from and now lacked was the ability to love one another, which includes defending and protecting one another and building each other up in the Most Set-apart faith!

This message is as alive for us today as it was to the hearers back then, as we see the urgent rebuke and call of our Master to His True Bride who confess who He is to get back to loving as they should and this involves everything that love is, as Sha’ul taught to the believers in Corinth! I am sure that what we find in the world today is what went on back then for there is nothing new under the sun, as Shelomoh so discovered in seeking out wisdom in all matters!

Today we find that the love and unity that ought to be displayed within fellowship groups that the Master is building is lacking at times and more loyalty and love is shown to those who are outside while those inside and neglecting one another and as a result the body is suffering harm, which needs to be repaired and restored with a proper restoration of true fervent love for one another!

יהושע warns this assembly that if they did not remember, repent and do the first works, that He would come quickly and remove their lampstand! This was a serious warning that needed to be heeded and one that is to be heeded today!

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 1:6-7 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and are not doing the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of יהושע Messiah His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Perhaps the reason that this once fervent assembly had lost their first love was due to them permitting things that should never have been permissible; and therefore we must take some vital lessons from this message and do our utmost at making our calling and choosing firm and remember the love we ought to have for one another as we do not permit that which is not of Elohim and do not permit that which denies Him but grow steadfast in our work of belief, labour of love and endurance of the expectation we have in the only One True Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah!

As we consider this message that contains both encouragement and rebuke, how do you measure up as you look intently into the mirror of the Words of our Master? Sha’ul warns against those who do not take warning from the examples that have been written for us in the Word and the one who thinks he stands should take heed lest he fall!

This message given to the assembly in Ephesos is one of love for one another, and so I will close by reading from a chapter that clearly teaches us about the love we are to have for one another and highlights how we are to know the Spirit of Elohim and therefore recognise who is of Elohim and who is not: Turn with me to Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 4 (Read).

The call to Ephesos, the assembly that “permitted” much and in the process allowed love to fall from a steadfast position of never failing, is this:

REMEMBER – REPENT – AND DO THE FIRST WORKS!

He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies!

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face to and give you shalom!

Shabbat Shalom all,

Berěshith/Genesis 15:1 “After these events the word of יהוה came to Aḇram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Aḇram. I am your shield, your reward is exceedingly great.”

Aḇram had passed a great test and proved that by the events that had just taken place he showed where his heart was, as he clearly followed יהוה and forsook the ways of the world, and now the Word of יהוה came to him and encouraged him greatly! He, along with his 318 trained servants, had just rescued his nephew Lot and defeated Keḏorlaʽomer and the sovereigns who were with him and then the sovereign of Seḏom came out to meet him. It was here he also met with Malkitseḏeq – sovereign of Shalĕm and priest of the Most High Ěl, who had brought our bread and wine and blessed him.

You can read about all that in Berěshith/Genesis 14. The reason I am quoting this verse from Berěshith/Genesis 15:1 is because it is in this verse that we find something very significant taking place. This is the first time in Scripture that we see the term or title of ‘the Word of יהוה’ being used and it carries great insight for us as we dig a little deeper into this construct title that is uniquely used for יהוה. It is with that in mind that I want to take you through a few passages of Scripture to highlight the clear revelation that Scripture gives us in making it abundantly clear who the Word of יהוה is, and therefore this can be a teaching or article that be used alongside the other 4 articles that I have written, namely:

MY MASTER AND MY ELOHIM!

יהוה OUR SAVIOUR!!! – יהוה OUR MESSIAH!!!

THE “MESSENGER” OF יהוה!

יהוה IS ONE! Yahushua is יהוה our Saviour!

All of these articles can be found on our site (https://atfotc.com) under the ‘articles’ menu.

While we may all have a clear understanding that THE WORD OF יהוה is יהוה, and therefore recognise how this clearly reveals who Messiah is, for He is THE WORD, I thought it best to present to you some key passages that help us unlock the revelation of this vital truth, and therefore equip you with greater boldness in proclaiming the Good News – THE WORD OF יהוה, as we know that this is exactly what Sha’ul and Barnaḇa did:

Ma’asei/Acts 15:35 “And Sha’ul and Barnaḇa continued in Antioch, teaching and bringing, with many others also, the Good News: the Word of יהוה!”

Therefore in a message called, “THE WORD OF יהוה” let me further equip you in the revelation of our great Master, Saviour and Elohim.

What becomes abundantly clear in Scripture is that the term/title of THE WORD OF יהוה is a compound Name that is used for Elohim, and is first used here in the text we opened with (Berěshith/Genesis 15:1), when THE WORD OF יהוה came to Aḇram. I want to break down this verse a little so that we get a better understanding of what is actually happening here!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘came’ is הָיָה hayah – Strong’s H1961 which means, ‘to be, to happen, to become, to be in existence, to arise, to appear’. What is clear here is that THE WORD OF יהוה ‘happened’ to Aḇram,  or rather ‘appeared’ to him; and THE WORD OF יהוה came to him in a ‘vision’, which is the Hebrew word מַחֲזֶה maḥazeh – Strong’s H4236 which is only used 4 times in Scripture and simply means, ‘vision’. A ‘vision’, according to the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, can be described as ‘something seen in a dream or trance; a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation’ and is also understood as, ‘a direct awareness of the supernatural which is usually in the visible form’, or as, ‘something seen’, as well as, ‘the act or power of imagination or seeing and conceiving’.

 The reason I am mentioning this is to make something very clear here; and that is that Aḇram saw THE WORD OF יהוה. In a vision you ‘see’ things and the text is very clear about this fact that THE WORD OF יהוה made Himself visible for Aḇram to see, even though it was in a ‘vision’ – Aḇram still saw THE WORD OF יהוה.

This word מַחֲזֶה maḥazeh – Strong’s H4236 comes from the primitive root verb חָזָה ḥazah – Strong’s H2372 which means, ‘to see, behold, have a vision, prophesy, perceive, to see by experience’. It is from this root verb that we get the Hebrew word חָזוֹן ḥazon – Strong’s H2377 which means, ‘revelation, vision’, and is the word used for the Book of the Revelation of Messiah – a clear book of prophesy that reveals to us very clearly who our Saviour, Master and Elohim is!

THE WORD OF יהוה then speaks to Aḇram and engages in a discussion with Aḇram. When Aḇram speaks back he says ‘Master יהוה’, showing us that Aḇram knew exactly who he was speaking to and he believed in יהוה and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. What Mosheh is writing for us here is very clear – that Aḇram had a unique experience where he saw the physical presence or manifestation of יהוה, who is referred to here as THE WORD OF יהוה.  

THE WORD OF יהוה speaks to Aḇram and says “Do not be afraid, Aḇram. I am your shield, your reward is exceedingly great.”

These words can certainly remind us of the words of Messiah in:

Ḥazon/Revelation 22:12 “And see, I am coming speedily, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according to his work.”

The Greek word that is used here for ‘reward’ is μισθός misthos – Strong’s G3408 which means, ‘wages, hire, pay, reward’, and is the word that is used in the LXX (Septuagint) for the ‘reward’ that THE WORD OF יהוה told Aḇram was exceedingly great! The Hebrew word for ‘reward’ is שָׂכָר saḵar – Strong’s H7939 which means, ‘hire, wages, compensation, fare, reward’ and comes from the primitive root word that means ‘to hire, to earn wages’.

יהוה was basically saying to Aḇram, as well as to all of us today, “I AM what you are fighting for – I AM your great reward – I Am what you will receive if you overcome all that tries to oppress you along the journey – I AM your inheritance!”

In Ḥazon/Revelation we take note that Messiah is speaking to Yoḥanan and He says the following in:

Ḥazon/Revelation 21:7 “The one who overcomes shall inherit all this, and I shall be his Elohim and he shall be My son.”

While I do not have time to go more in depth into this verse, I encourage you to go through this passage and then check it against the rest of Ḥazon, as it will become abundantly clear that it is יהושע Messiah who is speaking these words. Words that are spoken in the vision, after the former heaven and earth passed away and a renewed heaven and earth was seen. This text ties in perfectly with the prophesy contained in:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 9:6 “For a Child shall be born unto us, a Son shall be given unto us, and the rule is on His shoulder. And His Name is called Wonder, Counsellor, Strong Ěl, Father of Continuity, Prince of Peace.”

With the former heavens and earth passed away the role of the Son is complete and so He shall be called ‘Father of continuity’ or ‘Everlasting Father’.

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 6:17-18 “Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says יהוה, and do not touch what is unclean, and I shall receive you. 18 “And I shall be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says יהוה the Almighty.”

The point that I am highlighting here is that our reward is with our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah, who is THE WORD OF יהוה who spoke to Aḇram and told him how great his reward is!

Before we get to THE WORD OF יהוה becoming flesh, I first want us to take a look at a few more examples in Scripture where we continue to see THE WORD OF יהוה coming to His servants the prophets!

The next example I want us to look at is in the account of Shemu’ĕl when he was a little boy that was staying with Ĕli the priest. Turn with me to Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 3 as we will glance through this text and pick up on some key points contained herein with the clear reference to THE WORD OF יהוה being used as a clear compound title for יהוה.

Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 3:1 “And the young Shemu’ĕl was serving יהוה before Ĕli. And the word of יהוה was rare in those days – no vision breaking forth.”

What you will notice here is that we are told that THE WORD OF יהוה was ‘rare’ in those days! What we must understand here is that this is not a reference to the physical scrolls that were read on the Sabbath and Feasts, but rather a clear reference to the fact that THE WORD OF יהוה was not being made visible to anyone in those days, due to the depravity of the corrupted temple service that the sons of Ĕli had done and that everyone did what was right in their own eyes!

The Hebrew word for ‘rare’ is יָקָר yaqar – Strong’s H3368 which means, ‘precious, rare, splendid, noble, excellent, honourable’, and in its primitive root form means, ‘to be precious, prized, appraised, costly’. In Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:15 we are told that ‘wisdom’ is more precious that rubies! At this point in time we take note that the wisdom of יהוה was certainly being scoffed at through foolish mixing of corrupt practices and as a result THE WORD OF יהוה was ‘rare’ – this is to say that יהוה was not making Himself visibly known to anyone in those days! Why do I say that? Well, the text is pretty clear, as it tells us that there was no vision breaking forth! No vision breaking forth! The Hebrew word used here for ‘vision’ is חָזוֹן ḥazon – Strong’s H2377 which means, ‘revelation, vision’ and the Hebrew word that is translated as ‘breaking forth’ is פָּרַץ parats – Strong’s H2377 which means, ‘breaking through’. There was no revelation or vision of THE WORD OF יהוה coming through! Yet here it was about to change!

Here in this chapter we see a powerful procession of events taking place, from there being no visions of THE WORD OF יהוה to THE WORD OF יהוה appearing again! In this interaction between יהוה and Shemu’ĕl we see the following:

Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 3:4 “And יהוה called Shemu’ĕl, and he answered, “Here I am!”

Please take note that it is יהוה who called out to Shemu’ĕl. Shemu’ĕl heard the voice and responded, but thought that it was Ĕli who had called him and he got up and ran to Ĕli, who told him that he did not call and sent him back to lie down again!

Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 3:6 “And יהוה again called, “Shemu’ĕl!” And Shemu’ĕl arose and went to Ěli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “My son, I did not call – lie down again.””

Please take note of the next verse:

Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 3:7 “Now Shemu’ĕl did not yet know יהוה, and the word of יהוה was not yet revealed to him.”

Do you see what is being said here? Shemu’ĕl did not yet know יהוה and so the voice that he heard he thought that it must have been Eli that was calling him. This verse then tells us why he did not yet know יהוה – because THE WORD OF יהוה was not yet ‘revealed’ to him. He was growing up with Ĕli and at the end of chapter 1 we are clearly told that he worshipped before יהוה, which confirms to us that it was not the written words of the scrolls and text of the Torah that he did not know but that he had not yet seen THE WORD OF יהוה.

The Hebrew word used here for ‘revealed’ is גָּלָה galah – Strong’s H1540 and means, ‘to uncover, remove, to be uncovered, to reveal oneself’.

We know that the esteem of יהוה will be revealed to all flesh:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 40:5 “And the esteem of יהוה shall be revealed, and all flesh together shall see it. For the mouth of יהוה has spoken.”

Back to the story of Shemu’ĕl:

יהוה called Shemu’ĕl for the third time, and after having gone again to Ĕli, he was told that if he hears the call again that he should say, “Speak, יהוה, for Your servant hears.”

Then something interesting happens:

Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 3:10 “And יהוה came and stood and called as at other times, “Shemu’ĕl! Shemu’ĕl!” And Shemu’ĕl answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

After having called 3 times already, יהוה now came and ‘stood’ and called as at the other times! The Hebrew word used here for ‘stood’ is the primitive root verb יָצַב yatsaḇ – Strong’s H3320 which means, ‘to set, station oneself, take one’s stand, present yourself’, and what is made clear here is that יהוה had now positioned Himself to be seen by Shemu’ĕl!

Now standing before Shemuʼěl, יהוה called as at the other times! Why I am highlighting this is to show that this visible presence of יהוה was being revealed to this boy as THE WORD OF יהוה! Shemu’ĕl grew up and was established as a prophet of יהוה and everyone knew it, and then we see in:

Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 3:21 “And יהוה continued to appear in Shiloh, because יהוה revealed Himself to Shemu’ĕl in Shiloh by the word of יהוה.”

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘appear’ comes from the root word רָאָה ra’ah – Strong’s H7200 – meaning, ‘to see, look, observe, pay close attention, consider, appear, provide’. This verb is written in the ‘niphal passive’ tense and therefore is understood as rendering, ‘to appear, present oneself, to be seen, to be visible’. What is very important for us to understand here is that יהוה literally ‘made himself visible’ in Shiloh, because He had ‘revealed’ Himself to Shemu’ĕl!

How did He reveal Himself? By THE WORD OF יהוה!

THE WORD OF יהוה is a term that is frequently used to represent the physical appearance or manifestation of יהוה to His servants the prophets!

There are a number of passages that you can find where THE WORD OF יהוה comes to His prophets:

THE WORD OF יהוה also came to Yirmeyahu and why I am mentioning this is to highlight something significant that happened with Yirmeyahu, as seen in Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah Chapter 1.

In this opening chapter of the book of Yirmeyahu we see this young man engaging in a dialogue with יהוה. We are told in:

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 1:4 “Now the word of יהוה came to me, saying”

He is told by יהוה that he had been appointed by יהוה and that he was to be a prophet to the nations. Yirmeyahu expressed his inadequacies and claimed to be too young. He was told by יהוה to not say that he was too young and was told to go and speak whatever יהוה commands him to and that he was not to be afraid of the people’s faces! Then something very interesting happens here:

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 1:9 “Then יהוה put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and יהוה said to me, “See, I have put My words in your mouth.”

יהוה put forth His hand and touched the mouth of Yirmeyahu! Please note that there was not a manifestation of a floating hand that suddenly appeared! THE WORD OF יהוה was speaking to this young man who was being appointed as a prophet!

This is another great text that supports the text of Sha’ul in Eph’siyim/Ephesians 4 which tells us that יהושע Messiah has appointed some to be prophets etc. THE WORD OF יהוה physically touched the mouth of Yirmeyahu with His hand!

Another great prophet to whom THE WORD OF יהוה came is Ěliyahu:

Melaḵim Aleph/1 Kings 18:1 “And after many days it came to be that the word of יהוה came to Ěliyahu, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Aḥaḇ, and I give rain on the earth.”

After confronting Aḥaḇ and challenging the Ba’al prophets we see that Ěliyahu built a slaughter-place to יהוה, where we take note of the following wording:

Melaḵim Aleph/1 Kings 18:30-31 “Then Ěliyahu said to all the people, “Come closer to me.” And all the people came closer to him. And he repaired the altar of יהוה that was broken down. 31 And Ěliyahu took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Yaʽaqoḇ, to whom the word of יהוה had come, saying, “Yisra’ĕl is your name.”

In verse 31 we are clearly given a reference to Ya’aqoḇ who strove with Elohim and had his name changed:

Berěshith/Genesis 32:28 “And He said, “Your name is no longer called Yaʽaqoḇ, but Yisra’ĕl, because you have striven with Elohim and with men, and have overcome.”

The reference given in the account of Ěliyahu states that THE WORD OF יהוה came to Ya’aqoḇ, giving us clear proof that THE WORD OF יהוה is Elohim, for Ya’aqoḇ had seen Elohim face to face and did not die!

What is very clear in the Hebraic text is that THE WORD OF יהוה is a clear reference to יהוה and His supreme power to create and the term or title of THE WORD OF יהוה represented the personification of יהוה Himself.

It was clearly understood by the Hebrews of the Tanak that THE WORD OF יהוה was and is the Messiah. For more on this please see the article called “יהוה OUR SAVIOUR!!! – יהוה OUR MESSIAH!!!”, which is one of the 4 that I mentioned at the beginning of this article.

When Yoḥanan wrote his letter he knew exactly what he was proclaiming as the Good News, and in his introduction it was clear that he was referring to יהושע Messiah as being the Messiah and THE WORD OF יהוה.

Yoḥanan/John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim.”

Yoḥanan/John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and pitched His tent among us, and we saw His esteem, esteem as of an only brought-forth of a father, complete in favour and truth.”

For more on this text please see the other articles I mentioned earlier.

A clear text that we see in the revelation of Messiah is that He is called THE WORD OF יהוה:

Ḥazon/Revelation 19:11-13 “And I saw the heaven opened, and there was a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Trustworthy and True, and in righteousness He judges and fights. 12 And His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns, having a Name that had been written, which no one had perceived except Himself 13 and having been dressed in a robe dipped in blood – and His Name is called: The Word of יהוה.”

The Word of יהוה is Master of Masters!!! Just take a look at what is said a couple of verses later:

Ḥazon/Revelation 19:16 “And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: SOVEREIGN OF SOVEREIGNS AND MASTER OF MASTERS.”

יהוה is Master of Masters!

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 10:17 “For יהוה your Elohim is Elohim of mighty ones and Master of masters, the great Ěl, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”

The Lamb is Master of Masters!

Ḥazon/Revelation 17:14 “They shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is Master of masters and Sovereign of sovereigns. And those with Him are called, and chosen, and trustworthy.”

There is only ONE Master of Masters and the point that I am trying to make here in this brief article is that יהושע Messiah is THE WORD OF יהוה, which most people would not argue with, yet what we can clearly see from that which we have looked at is that יהוה is THE WORD OF יהוה, and while we take note that THE WORD OF יהוה came and appeared to some of His faithful servants and prophets, He came in the form of human flesh to be made visible to all! There is only ONE WORD OF יהוה and He remains forever!

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 1:25 “but the Word of Elohim remains forever.” And this is the Word, announced as Good News to you.”

Tehillah/Psalm 102:12 “But You, O יהוה, shall be enthroned forever, and the remembrance of You be to all generations.”

Tehillah/Psalm 102:26 “They shall perish, but You remain; and all of them grow old like a garment; You change them like a coat, and they are changed.”

What becomes clear to us is that THE WORD OF יהוה was made visible to many before He came and took on the form of human flesh, for then He was revealed to all at that time. Our Master made it clear after T’oma’s confession that יהושע Messiah is Master and Elohim that while he had believed because he had seen the Master alive, blessed are those who have not seen and have believed! In Ḥazon/Revelation 21:7 we are told that ‘blessed is he who guards the words of the prophecy of this book’. This book of Ḥazon is the clear revelation/vision of who our Master and Saviour is, a vision and revelation of who THE WORD OF יהוה is and that He is יהוה our Elohim.

This same Master and Elohim that T’oma saw is THE WORD OF יהוה who came to Aḇram, Shemu’ĕl, Yirmeyahu and many others who I have not mentioned in this article!

And this is THE GOOD NEWS!

I have shown you that THE WORD OF יהוה was physically made visible to many and Ma’asei tells us what the Good News is:

Ma’asei/Acts 5:42 “And daily in the Set-apart Place, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and bringing the Good News: יהושע the Messiah!”

Ma’asei/Acts 8:4 “Then those who had been scattered went everywhere bringing the Good News: the Word!”

Ma’asei/Acts 8:35 “And Philip opening his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, brought to him the Good News: יהושע!”

Ma’asei/Acts 11:20 “But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, bringing the Good News: the Master יהושע!”

Ma’asei/Acts 15:35 “And Sha’ul and Barnaḇa continued in Antioch, teaching and bringing, with many others also, the Good News: the Word of יהוה!”

The Good News is that THE WORD OF יהוה has been revealed! The question is – do you see, or has the veil of false traditions of man that deny the deity of Messiah covered your eyes?

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 3:16 “And when one turns to the Master, the veil is taken away.”

This is THE GOOD NEWS: THE WORD OF יהוה – and by that I mean that the Good News is that יהוה has made Himself visible to all by coming in the form of human flesh! He has revealed Himself, and this is what the early apostle’s bear witness of!

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 1:1-2 “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life: 2 And the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and announce to you that everlasting life which was with the Father and was manifested to us.”

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 53:1 “Who has believed our report? And to whom was the arm of יהוה revealed?”

The Hebrew word for ‘revealed’ is גָּלָה galah – Strong’s H1540 as already discussed!

Romiyim/Romans 10:13-17 “For “everyone who calls on the Name of יהוה shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without one proclaiming? 15 And how shall they proclaim if they are not sent? As it has been written, “How pleasant are the feet of those who bring the Good News of peace, who bring the Good News of the good!” 16 However, not all obeyed the Good News. For Yeshayahu says, “יהוה, who has believed our report?” 17 So then belief comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Elohim.”

The Good News of peace – the Good news of the good is the clear report that THE WORD OF יהוה has been revealed!

As I have already said, most today would not argue the fact that יהושע Messiah is THE WORD OF יהוה, yet some will quickly reject that clear revelation that THE WORD OF יהוה is the physical revelation and appearance of יהוה in human flesh! This is clearly the Good News that is to be proclaimed and Sha’ul warns against another good news being brought:

Galatiyim/Galatians 1:6-9 “I marvel that you are so readily turning away from Him who called you in the favour of Messiah, to a different ‘Good News,’ 7 which is not another, only there are some who are troubling you and wishing to pervert the Good News of Messiah. 8 However, even if we, or a messenger out of heaven, bring a ‘Good News’ to you beside what we announced to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone brings a ‘Good News’ to you beside what you have received, let him be accursed.”

Hear what Sha’ul is saying here: if anyone brings a different Good News let him be accursed! Anyone who does not confess and acknowledge the revelation of יהושע Messiah – The Good News – THE WORD OF יהוה – let him be accursed! There are many today who may declare that יהושע Messiah is THE WORD OF יהוה yet they somehow fail to recognise that by saying this they are declaring that He is יהוה is His revealed form to man!

דְבַר־יהוה  – Deḇar יהוה – THE WORD of יהוה

In closing I simply want us to take a look at this compound title/name that is used for our Master and Elohim in the ancient pictographic script:

The Hebrew word for ‘Word’ is דָּבָר daḇar – Strong’s H1697 meaning, ‘speech, word, commandment, chronicles, message’; which looks like this is the ancient pictographic script:

Dalet – דְּ:

The ancient script has this letter as  and is pictured as a ‘tent door’. It can also have the meaning of a back and forth movement, as one goes back and forth through a tent door; and so speaks of an access point. It can also carry the meaning of ‘dangle’ or hanging, as the tent door would hang from the roof pole of the tent. It speaks a great deal of understanding the door of the tent of appointment as the only means of access, showing us the importance of the Appointed Times/Feasts of יהוה. Therefore our need to gather as we are commanded to, is the starting point for us to embrace, learn and understand what His Word teaches and instructs us to do.

Beyt – בָ:

The ancient script has this letter as , which pictures a tent floor plan and means, ‘house’ or ‘tent’. It represents family and the importance of those who are inside the tent as opposed to the tent structure itself. We also recognise that the House/Dwelling Place of Elohim is the body of Elohim that is built up as living stones in our Master, יהושע Messiah. A house/tent speaks of your family and to whom you belong and under whom you submit and adhere to, as the House of Elohim has clear instructions for those in the House! The Light (that is His Word) is for those in the House!

Resh – רִ:

The ancient script has this letter as  and is pictured as ‘the head of a man’ and has the meaning of the head of a man as well as ‘chief, top, begging or first’; top, as in the top or head of a body, and chief, as in a head of a tribe or people; as well as the one who rules the people. Every House has a head of the home, and all in the House submit to the instructions of the One who is head of the home, listening to and obeying the words that the Head speaks!

What these pictographic symbols or letters clearly show us here in reference to these collectively expressing ‘The Word’ is that THE WORD IS: THE DOOR TO THE HOUSE OF THE HEAD! יהושע Messiah is The Door and He is the Head and we are His dwelling Place, and our only means of access is through our Master and Elohim, who is the Door that has been revealed to us in the flesh in order that we can be grafted in and enter into the Covenants of promise that we were once far off from and without Elohim in the world!

The Name of יהוה – Strong’s H3068 is pictured in the ancient script as follows:

Yod – י

In the Ancient Script this is the letter ‘yad or yod’ which is pictured as –   – which is the picture of an arm and hand and carries the meaning of ‘work, make, throw’ from the primary functions of the arm and hand and also represents worship or giving thanks in the extending of hands as a gesture of this. This also reveals to us a stretched out arm and hand.

Hey – ה

The ancient script has this letter as  and is pictured as a man standing with his arms raised up and out as if pointing to something, and in essence carries the meaning of ‘behold’ as in when looking at something very great. It can also have the meaning to ‘breath’ or ‘sigh’ as when looking at a great sight and having your breath taken away so to speak! It also has the meaning of revelation or to reveal something by pointing it out.

Waw – ו

The ancient pictographic form of this letter is , which is a peg or ‘tent peg’ or nail, which was used for securing or tying the tent or other items. The possibility of it having a Y-shape is to show that it prevents the rope from slipping off. The root meaning of this letter is ‘to add, secure or hook’.

In the pictographic representation of the Name of Elohim we are able to clearly see how He, the All Existing One, revealed Himself to His Creation through His Outstretched Arm and Hand. The two pictures of the man and the peg in between them also gives us insight as to how He would come and reveal Himself in the form of a man and secure the Covenants of promise, and in this we are able to see the two comings of Messiah.

Behold the Outstretched Arm of the All Existing One shall come and secure His Covenant and Redeem us in order to establish His House for which He is coming again!

דְבַר־יהוה  – Deḇar יהוה – THE WORD of יהוה

THE WORD OF יהוה has come – and it is clear who He is – are you listening? He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says!

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show you favour; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom!

   

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Shabbat shalom all,

Yeshayahu/Isiah 41:8-10 “But you, Yisra’ĕl, are My servant, Yaʽaqoḇ, whom I have chosen, the descendants of Aḇraham My friend, 9 whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest parts, and said to You, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not look around, for I am your Elohim. I shall strengthen you, I shall also help you, I shall also uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.’”

In a message tonight called: ‘DO NOT FEAR O YISRA’ĔL FOR יהוה IS WITH YOU!’ I want is to be greatly encouraged in the clear Truth that our Master, Elohim, Saviour and Redeemer is with us, in order to be properly equipped which much boldness in our clear duty as servants of the Most High to not grow weary in doing good and be faithful in proclaiming the Good News of His Kingdom!

In Yeshayahu we are able to clearly see that from Chapter 41 onwards how Yisra’ĕl/Ya’aqoḇ is called the servant of יהוה.

We, as the body of Messiah are bondservants of Elohim and are therefore able to take heed of the clear ‘call of duty’ that is given to the servant of יהוה. When I say ‘call of duty’, I do so with good reason as we are able to recognise that the modern day understanding of this phrase is used as a legal term that describes the necessity to carry out a job or duty, such as a police case, military assault/wartime actions, or other military or highly important jobs. Once again, a call to/of duty can be a highly important position of work, but is more commonly used for wartime legal terminology.

When we understand our need to be dressed in the armour of Elohim and called to stand, stand and stand, and after having done all to stand, then we begin to realise that we are ‘in a war’ so to speak. We are called to stand firm in the Master who fights for us as we proclaim His Reign and live as true ambassadors of His Kingdom by being servants who obey their Master and guard to do all He has commanded us to.

As we have discussed on many occasions we know that Yisra’ĕl means, ‘one who rules with Ěl’.

Yisra’ĕl’ – יִשְׂרָאֵל Yisra’ĕl – Strong’s H3478 which means, ‘he who prevails, overcomes with Ěl’, comes from the primitive root words, אֵל ĕl – Strong’s H410 which means, ‘Mighty, power, shortened form of Elohim – Mighty One’ and the root word verb שָׂרָה sarah – Strong’s H8280 which means, ‘to persist, exert oneself, persevere, wrestle, contend’, is spelt the same as the name of Aḇraham’s wife, שָׂרָה ‘Sarah’ – Strong’s H8283 which means ‘princess or noble woman’; which is the feminine of the word שַׂר sar – Strong’s H8269 which means, ‘prince, captain, chieftain, ruler’!

Only those who endure and overcome in Messiah, by the guarding and keeping of His Torah, will receive a crown of life, to rule with Him as princes in His Kingdom!

The word used here in the Hebrew for servant is עֶבֶד eḇeḏ – Strong’s H5650 meaning, ‘servant, slave, bondservant’, and as a child of Yisra’ĕl, which we have become by the Blood of Messiah, we are servants of יהוה:

Wayyiqra/Leviticus 25:55 “Because the children of Yisra’ĕl are servants to Me, they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Mitsrayim. I am יהוה your Elohim.”

The equivalent Greek word for servant is δοῦλος doulos – Strong’s G1401 and is translated as, ‘slave, servant,  bondservant, bondslaves – both men and women’, and is used repeatedly throughout the renewed Writings, as we take note how Sha’ul, Ya’aqoḇ, Kěpha and Yehuḏah called themselves a ‘servant’ (doulos) of יהושע Messiah.

Romiyim/Romans 1:1 “Sha’ul, a servant of יהושע Messiah, a called emissary, separated to the Good News of Elohim”

Ya’aqoḇ/James 1:1 “Yaʽaqoḇ, a servant of Elohim and of the Master יהושע Messiah, to the twelve tribes who are in the dispersion: Greetings.”

Kěpha Bět/2 Peter 1:1 “Shimʽon Kěpha, a servant and emissary of יהושע Messiah, to those who have obtained a belief as precious as ours by the righteousness of our Elohim and Saviour יהושע Messiah”

Yehuḏah/Jude 1:1 “Yehuḏah, a servant of יהושע Messiah, and brother of Yaʽaqoḇ, to those who are called, set-apart by Elohim the Father, and preserved in יהושע Messiah”

The word ‘eḇeḏ’ is used 800 times in the Tanak (O.T.) and is used as a noun and comes from the primitive root verb עָבַד aḇaḏ – Strong’s H5647 meaning, ‘to work, serve, observe, do the work, cultivate, worship’ and carries the understanding of ‘expending considerable energy and intensity in performing a task or function’ – in other words – ‘giving it your all’!

A true faithful servant of יהושע Messiah is one who serves with their all and does so in complete set-apartness. Sha’ul told Timotiyos the following:

Timotiyos Bět/2 Timothy 2:3-5 “Suffer hardship with us as a good soldier of יהושע Messiah. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in the affairs of this life, in order to please only him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And if anyone competes in a game, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

A faithful servant is also a good soldier of יהושע Messiah and seeks to please Him, for our Master has caused us to be enlisted, so to speak, by grafting us into the Covenants of Promise by His Blood. As faithful servants and soldiers we are called to fight to good fight, be strong and courageous and not be afraid of what the enemy can or cannot do, for our Master is with us and He strengthens us and helps us and upholds us in righteousness (as we guard to do all He commands us to).

The reason I am mentioning all this is to make it clear that the ‘call of duty’ that we each have, as servants of Messiah, calls for us to be strong and courageous and not fear. Any soldier that is afraid, when on the battlefield, can weakens others and cause others to lose heart and grow weary!

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 20:8 “And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Who is the man who is afraid and tender of heart? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brothers faint like his heart.’”

We are called to encourage one another daily and build each other up! To do so we need to hear the clear command that our Master gives His servant, as He says, “DO NOT FEAR FOR I AM WITH YOU!”

Please turn with me to Yeshayahu/Isaiah 43 (read).

In a continual address being given to His chosen servant Yisra’ĕl, יהוה once again gives a clear call for a steadfast and committed faith and reminds Yisra’ĕl who He is; that He is their Elohim and Saviour and there is none else, yet they had grown weary in serving Him as they should. I would like to take a look at a few key aspects within this chapter in terms of our call to be good soldiers that do not fear nor do they grow weary in doing good!

This Chapter 43 begins with a ‘But now…’, and highlights for us the continuation from the previous chapter which is a continual message being spoken to Ya’aqoḇ/Yisra’ĕl. In the previous chapter we take note how Yisra’ĕl had not listened and did not walk in the ways of Elohim, and when corrected for their disobedience they were stubborn and did not take it to heart. It has delighted יהוה to make His Torah great and esteemed yet they did not obey His Torah and so He poured out on them His burning displeasure and the strength of battle, with fire all around, and they still did not understand or take it to heart! So many people today stubbornly refuse to walk in the Torah and when disciplined they still do not take it to heart just how serious walking in the Torah is! Here then begins this Chapter with a very big ‘But now…’ emphasising a clear command that is coming.

Here in this first verse we are able to see the clear loving-commitment of Elohim, and while many would have expected Him to reject His chosen He makes it clear that He is the One who created and formed His servant, and it was time for the clay to listen to the Potter!

The ‘I AM’ has caused us to be! The Name of יהוה is derived from the root word הָיָה hayah – Strong’s H1961 which means, ‘to be, to become, to be in existence’, and when Elohim spoke to Mosheh He said, “I AM that which I AM”, and told Him to tell the Yisra’ĕlites that the I AM had sent him.

I AM THAT WHICH I AM – in Hebrew is – אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה – eyeh asher eyeh – The word ‘eyeh’ comes from the root word הָיָה hayah – Strong’s H1961; and the word אֲשֶׁר asher – Strong’s H834 is a primitive pronoun that means, ‘who, which, that, that which’ and is a marker of a relative reference to an entity, event, or state. The first ‘eyeh’ is written as a proper noun, singular, masculine, while the second ‘eyeh’ is written in the qal active verb tense and in essence we see Elohim making it clear here to Mosheh that “The One who exists is the One who causes to exist, or gives existence” or “The All existing One is the One who gives existence”

Literally speaking it can render, “I AM the One who causes to be”, or “I AM the One who brings into being”, as well as “I AM the life-giver, the giver of all existence”, and “I AM the ever living self-consistent and unchangeable One”. This however is not The Name of Elohim, but was rather an explanation that would lead up to the revelation of His Name, which is clearly declared as: יהוה – Strong’s H3068 which is derived from the root word הָיָה hayah – Strong’s H1961.

When we say the Name of יהוה we are proclaiming that it is the ‘I AM’ who gives existence and that He is the One who causes me to be! יהוה is our Creator and He has formed us! He is the Potter and we are the clay and we would do well to hear, guard and do what He commands! When we do so we need not fear the elements of the world and the battles of life that we find ourselves in the midst of, for He is with His called out ones!!!

We need not fear for He has redeemed us! He is our Redeemer, and the Hebrew word for ‘redeem’ is גָּאַל ga’al – Strong’s H1350 meaning, ‘to redeem, act as kinsman, avenge, buy back, claim, redeemer, redeem from slavery, avenger of blood,  rescue’. He has ransomed us and bought us at a price with His own Blood, and called us by name! We are now His and must remain in Him and walk in the Covenants of promise that we have been grafted in to! It is for this reason that we are commanded by Him to not fear or be afraid! While we are to have reverence and the proper fear of Elohim we are not to be afraid of the enemy and circumstances we face, for our Master is with us!

The previous chapter ended with the truth that the burning displeasure of יהוה had been poured out and that fire had been set all around His servant, and here in this next chapter we are given a clear call to not be afraid of the fire!

Verse 2  starts with ‘when you…’ which highlights for us the clear reality that teaches us that we are not immune to facing or going through tough times, yet the promise given here is that when we go through the heavy waters or burning fires, that we will overcome and not be harmed!

When we pass through the waters He is with us, and when we pass through the rivers they will not overflow us!

The Hebrew word for ‘waters’ is מַיִם mayim – Strong’s H4325 and is often understood to carry the meaning of ‘chaos’ (from the storms of the sea) and can also picture for us that which is mighty or massive as well as the unknown. Waters can also represents that which cleanses us, and can picture for us His Word that washes us and keeps us clean! The promise that He is with us as we pass through the waters is made clear when looking at the ancient pictographic rendering of this word, which is as follows:

Mem – מַ: and final mem – ם:

The ancient script has this letter as  and is pictured as ‘water’, and also carries the meaning of ‘chaos’ (from the storms of the sea) and can also picture that which is mighty or massive as well as the unknown. We are also able to understand this letter as representing the nations, for the nations are often likened to the seas in Scripture. Knowing this letter represents ‘water’, we are also able to see how this can render for us the meaning of ‘washing’ or ‘cleansing’.

Yod – יִ:

The ancient script has this letter as  which is ‘an arm and hand’, and carries the meaning of ‘work, make, throw’, from the primary functions of the arm and hand, and it also represents worship or giving thanks in the extending of hands as a gesture of this. The work of one’s hands is the basic meaning of this letter! And this letter also pictures for us the outstretched Arm and working Hand of Elohim that is not too short to save!

When looking at this word in its pictographic form and then hearing the clear promise given to His servant, we are able to clearly see that the Outstretched Arm and Hand of Elohim is with us in the midst of the waters. He is with us to protect us and to cleanse us with His Word!

I AM WITH YOU!!!

This clear statement of truth ought to strengthen us in our weakness and cause us not to fear!

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 46:28 “Do not fear, O Yaʽaqoḇ My servant,” declares יהוה, “for I am with you. Though I make a complete end of all the gentiles to which I have driven you, yet I do not make a complete end of you. But I shall reprove you in right-ruling, and by no means leave you unpunished.”

The clear promise of our Master being with us, His servant, is given to us repeatedly in Scripture as we see this phrase ‘I am with you’ being used 19 times in the Tanak in reference to יהוה speaking to His chosen servants! We also take note of the clear promise that our Master gives us when commanding us to go and make taught ones of the nations:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore, go and make taught ones of all the nations, immersing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Set-apart Spirit, 20 teaching them to guard all that I have commanded you. And see, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Aměn.”

We have the full assurance that He is with us always, until the end of the age, and therefore need not fear the chaotic waters we may go through, and in midst of all the chaos we can be enabled, equipped and made ready to be His pure Bride through the cleansing of His Word.

Passing through the seas and rivers are a clear metaphor of being called out of darkness and entering into the Covenants of Promise, as we take note that we have been called out of the nations (seas) and we also recognise the picture of passing through the rivers that teach us that our immersion in His Name is necessary to enter in. Yisra’ĕl had to pass through the Sea of Reeds and be led into the Wilderness where she would be betrothed and then the second generation had to pass through the Yardĕn in order to enter into the Promised Land!

In Tehillah/Psalm 124 Dawiḏ says that if it were not for יהוה, who was on our side, then the waters would have overwhelmed us and the stream would have gone over our being! Dawiḏ uses the metaphor of a raging flood, and the Hebrew root word translated as ‘overwhelmed’ in Tehillah/Psalm 124:4 is שָׁטַף shataph – Strong’s H7857 which means, ‘overflow, wash off, engulfed, overwhelming, washed away’, and is the same word that is translated as ‘overflow’ in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 43:2. This word is usually used as a figure of speech in reference to judgement, and more specifically to Elohim’s judgement on His people. The ‘positive’ side of this word is seen in:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 66:12 “For thus said יהוה, “See, I am extending peace to her like a river, and the esteem of the gentiles like a flowing stream. And you shall feed; you shall be carried on the side, and be fondled on her knees.”

If it were not for יהוה who is on our side, we would be overwhelmed, engulfed and washed away in judgement, just as the inhabitants of the earth were in the days of Noaḥ. We who have entered His rest, and continue to do so through walking in loving obedience to His commands, and continue to stay in Him, shall be protected from the overwhelming waters of destruction.

He then goes on to assure us that we shall be protected when walking through fire, and that the flame will not burn us.

The imagery of walking through fire and not being harmed reminds us of the account we see in Dani’ěl:

Dani’ěl/Daniel 3:25-27 “He answered and said, “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire. And they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of Elah.” 26 Then Neḇuḵaḏnetstsar went near the mouth of the burning furnace of fire. He spoke and said, “Shaḏraḵ, Mĕyshaḵ, and Aḇĕḏ-Neḡo, servants of the Most High Elah, come out, and come here.” Then Shaḏraḵ, Mĕyshaḵ, and Aḇĕḏ-Neḡo came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the viceroys, the nobles, and the governors, and the sovereign’s counsellors gathered together, seeing these men on whose bodies the fire had no power, and the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments changed, nor did the smell of fire come on them.”

These three faithful servants of the Most High suffered no harm when thrown into the fiery furnace of Baḇelon and they did not even have the smell of fire on them! These 3 are a great example to us of the kind of courage and strength we are to have in our Master and not be afraid of the fiery trials that come upon us:

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved ones, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that is coming upon you, to try you, as though some unusual matter has befallen you, 13 but as you share Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice, in order that you might rejoice exultingly at the revelation of His esteem.”

In a call for endurance and steadfast faith that does not fear we are also reminded of our Master’s words in:

Luqas/Luke 21:16-19 “And you shall also be betrayed by parents and brothers and relatives and friends. And some of you shall be put to death. 17 “And you shall be hated by all because of My Name. 18 “But not a hair of your head shall be lost at all. 19 “Possess your lives by your endurance!”

Not a hair on our head shall be lost at all, for He is with us!

The Hebrew word used for ‘scorched’ is כָּוָה kavah – Strong’s H3554 which means, ‘scorched, burnt, branded’, and is only used twice in Scripture – here in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 43:2 and in:

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 6:28 “Would a man walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?”

This is a clear promise for the redeemed who walk in the Torah – their feet shall not be scorched, whereas those who walk contrary to the Torah and whore in their walk, their feet will be scorched!

Those who stay in the Master and guard righteousness are protected against the fiery arrows of the enemy, and this takes an active lifting up of the shield of faith, which speaks of our continued obedience to His Torah and commands!

The fiery darts of the enemy will not burn us! The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘burn’ is verse 2 is the verb בָּעַר ba‘ar – Strong’s H1197 which means, ‘to burn, consume, kindle, destroy’. It is from this root word that we get the Hebrew word Taḇʽĕrah – תַּבְעֵרָה – Strong’s H8404 meaning, ‘burning’. In Bemiḏbar/Numbers 11 the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of יהוה and the fire of יהוה consumed the outskirts of the camp. Mosheh prayed to יהוה and the fire died down, and he called the place Taḇʽĕrah. The clear lesson here is that we must NOT be complainers! How many times have you found yourself complaining about the hardships you are facing? Complaining may cause you to put yourself in a position where you are not protected from the fiery darts of the enemy as well as the fiery wrath of Elohim that is coming upon the disobedient!

The assurance of being protected against the waters and fires we will pass through is further given in verse 3 where יהוה continues to make it very clear who He is! Here we are clearly told that יהוה is our Elohim and Saviour!!!

The term ‘your Saviour’ is written as מוֹשִׁיעֶךָ – Moshiyeḥa’ (Moshiyecha), which literally renders ‘your Saviour’, or ‘the one who saves you’, as this is clear who the Saviour of Yisra’ĕl is. This is written in the masculine second person, which clearly shows that יהוה, as Husband, is referring to Himself as Yisra’ĕl’s Saviour.

מוֹשִׁיעֶךָ – Moshiyeḥa’ comes from the root word יָשַׁע yasha – Strong’s H3467 which means, ‘deliver, brought salvation, saviour, saves’.

For more on this and the various constructs we find in Scripture that clearly proclaim that יהוה is our Saviour and that there is none else, please see the article called “YHWH our Saviour – YHWH our Messiah” on our site (https://atfotc.com) under the articles menu! What is made very clear here in this text is this – יהוה is our Messiah and in verse 11 we see this being confirmed again, as we see יהוה making it clear that there is no saviour besides Him. The root word יָשַׁע yasha – Strong’s H3467 is used here and written as מוֹשִׁיעַ – Moshiya and is written in the causative tense. What is being expressed here is that יהוה is the ‘causer’ of Salvation/Deliverance and there is no one else besides Him!!!

יהוה is your Messiah and that is why you need not fear!

He gives a clear promise in this chapter that He will gather His Bride. In verse 6 the north can be a reference to Ashshur who took Yisra’ĕl into captivity and represents a return of the Lost House of Yisra’ĕl from among the nations! The south can represent for us the corruption of the flesh as we know that Eḏom, which is Ěsaw was south of Yerushalayim and from where our Master will come after treading the winepress of Botsrah, which is in Eḏom!

The south can also represent the corrupted House of Yehuḏah and a clear warning against the rabbinic traditions of man that have tried to keep back the true remnant returning to and following the Master and Saviour who came and died and rose again!

When we consider verses 6-7 in terms of those whom יהוה has created, formed and made, returning to Him as a faithful remnant Bride we can see the following from Yirmeyahu fitting in here with these words:

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 23:6 “In His days Yehuḏah shall be saved, and Yisra’ĕl dwell safely. And this is His Name whereby He shall be called: ‘יהוה our Righteousness.’”

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 33:16 “In those days Yehuḏah shall be saved, and Yerushalayim dwell in safety. And this is that which shall be proclaimed to her: ‘יהוה our Righteousness.’”

You will notice that in these two verses the Branch that is spoken of in both of these chapters (which is Messiah) is called יהוה our Righteousness and the city, which in Hebrew is a feminine noun, will be called by the same name as her Bridegroom, for the people who make up the city will be married to יהושע as His bride. Ḥazon/Revelation 21 clearly tells us that the Lamb’s wife is the set-apart Yerushalayim that comes from above and has 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes of Yisra’ĕl written upon them!!!

Here in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 43:8 we see the clear promise of those who have ears to hear will be brought out, as we see that the deaf who have ears shall be brought out as well as the blind who have eyes! This is a metaphor for those who have turned to the Master and had the veil lifted so as to see who our Saviour and Elohim is and are those who have opened their ears to the Truth and guarded His witness. A repeated phrase given to each of the 7 assemblies in Ḥazon/Revelation is the call for those who have ears to hear what the Spirit says!

The chosen called out servants of יהוה are His witnesses. The Hebrew root word for ‘witness’ is עֵד eyḏ – Strong’s H5707 which means, ‘witness, evidence, testimony’, which comes from the root word עוּד uḏ/ooḏ – Strong’s H5749, which means, ‘to return, go about, repeat, do again, encircle, supports’. We can only be true witnesses of Messiah when we fix our eyes upon Him and have ears to hear what His Spirit says as we guard to do all He has commanded us to and meditate day and night on His Torah!

While making it abundantly clear throughout this Chapter 43 that יהוה is the Creator, Redeemer, Saviour and Elohim of Yisra’ĕl and that they are not to fear we take note of the reality that they did not heed this command to not fear! While the chosen servant is called to praise the Name of יהוה (verse 21) we see that יהוה says in verse 22 that Ya’aqoḇ had not called upon Him and they had been weary of Him!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘weary’ is יָגַע yaga – Strong’s H3021 which means, ‘to toil, to grow or become weary, tired, worn’.

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 40:28-31 “Did you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting Elohim, יהוה, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men stumble and fall, 31 but those who wait on יהוה renew their strength, they raise up the wing like eagles, they run and are not weary, they walk and do not faint.”

How many times have you found yourself growing weary and tired and have not been seeking יהוה and His righteousness, all because you have allowed fear and the worries of this age get to you? How many times have you found that your ability to praise has grown cold due to your being weary under the pressures and trials that you face?

The clear command that is given here is this: “DO NOT FEAR O YISRA’ĔL FOR יהוה IS WITH YOU!”

He is the One who forgives and cleanses us. He blots out our transgressions and remembers our sins no more! What do we need to fear if we have Him with us!

This command ‘DO NOT FEAR’ is written here as follows: אַל־תִּירָא – ‘al–tiyra’ which comes from the two root word: 1) אַל al – Strong’s H408 which is a negative participle meaning, ‘not, neither, nor, no, do not, let not’; and 2) yare – Strong’s H3372 which means, ‘to fear, be afraid, be in awe, show reverence and respect’. This verb carries the meaning of being afraid as well as the meaning of having proper reverence and respect. We know that we are to fear יהוה which indicates our proper reverence shown to Him as we humbly submit to Him as Master and Elohim and guard to do all He commands while recognising the clear consequences of not doing so. The command given here to the servant of יהוה is to not be afraid and is not a command to not have reverence, for the one who fears יהוה need not fear for יהוה is with him.

What I found very interesting to take note of is that the exact construct of this phrase אַל־תִּירָא – ‘al–tiyra’ is only found 40 times in 38 verses and primarily speaks of the clear command of encouragement given from יהוה to His chosen servants! For the sake of time we cannot go through all 38 verses; however I will list them so that you can take time to go through these yourself in order to be strengthened in this clear command!

These exact words were spoken by יהוה to Aḇraham, Yitsḥaq, Ya’aqoḇ, Mosheh, Yehoshua, Giḏ’on, Ěliyahu, Dani’ěl, Ḥizqiyahu, Yeḥezqěl and repeatedly to Ya’aqoḇ/Yisra’ĕl as servant of יהוה. It is also spoken by Dawiḏ to Eḇyathar the priest, by Dawiḏ to Mephiḇosheth, by Elisha to his servant, and by Dawiḏ to Shelomoh. The point I am trying to highlight here is that this command given, ‘Do not be afraid’ (אַל־תִּירָא – ‘al-tiyra’) is related to יהוה and His chosen who can put their full trust in Him and His Word and walk in the proper fear of Elohim!

The following verses are where you will find these words:

Berěshith/Genesis 15:1/ 26:24/ 46:3 // Bemiḏbar/Numbers 21:34 // Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 1:21/ 3:2 // Yehoshua/Joshua 8:1/ 10:8/ 11:6 // Shophetim/Judges 4:18/ 6:23 // Shemu’ĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 22:23/ 23:17 // Shemu’ĕl Bet/2 Samuel 9:7 // Melaḵim Bět/2 Kings 1:15/ 6:16/ 19:6 // Yeshayahu/Isaiah 7:4/ 10:24/ 37:6/ 41:10/ 41:13/ 43:1/ 43:5/ 44:2 // Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 1:8/ 30:10/ 46:27/ 46:28 // Yeḥezqěl/Ezekiel 2:6 (3 times) // Dani’ěl/Daniel 10:12/ 10:19 // Tehillah/Psalm 49:16 // Mishlĕ/Proverbs 3:25 // Iyoḇ/Job 5:22 // Ěḵah/Lamentations 3:57 // Diḇre haYamim Aleph/1 Chronicles 22:13/ 28:20.

While there is certainly so much more that we can go through in this chapter, I simply wanted to highlight tonight the clear command that we are given from our Elohim, Redeemer, Saviour and Husband – and that is this:

DO NOT FEAR O YISRA’ĔL FOR יהוה IS WITH YOU!

We have no other Saviour or Elohim – and in our knowledge of who He is we can faithfully heed this command and be strong and courageous and not grow weary!

While our fathers had sinned and inherited falsehood and lies and the interpreters had transgressed against יהוה, we recognise that those who do so are given up to the curse and to scorn! Let us not be found to do the same and heed the command given to the servant of יהוה.

What fears, if any, have kept you from the full blessing of “the shalom” of Elohim? What, if anything, has caused you to grow weary in doing good?

Galatiyim/Galatians 6:9 “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”

The Greek word for ‘grow weary’ is ἐκλύω ekluō – Strong’s G1590 which means, ‘to loose, grow weary, faint, to weaken, relax, exhaust, become feint hearted’, and comes from the two words 1 – ἐκ ek – Strong’s G1537 which means, ‘from, from out of’, and 2 – λύω luō – Strong’s G3089 which means, ‘to loose, to release, dissolve, annul, break, take off, unbind, untie’. In other words, ‘to grow weary’ is to break off from one’s called for set-apartness and in a manner of speaking, relax oneself from guarding the Torah that is to be upon our hearts and in our mouths, as compromise seems to be an easy reprieve from impending pressures, and this we are to guard against and ensure that we do not grow weary in doing good! The idea of doing good implies walking in the commands of Elohim and doing the ‘good works’ prepared beforehand for us to do! To do good is to be functional, according to the clear design of the Torah of Elohim, as opposed to being dysfunctional and cease from doing what is good, by doing that which is bad and evil!

Tas’loniqim Bět/2 Thessalonians 3:13 “And you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”

The way we are able to guard against growing weary in doing good is to heed the command to not fear with the full knowledge and assurance that our Elohim is with us!

Tehillah/Psalm 25:14 “The secret of יהוה is with those who fear Him, and He makes His covenant known to them.”

DO NOT FEAR O YISRA’ĔL FOR יהוה IS WITH YOU!

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show you favour; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom!

Shabbat Shalom all,

Shemoth/Exodus 19:4-6 “You have seen what I did to the Mitsrites, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5 And now, if you diligently obey My voice, and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples – for all the earth is Mine – 6 ‘and you shall be to Me a reign of priests and a set-apart nation.’ Those are the words which you are to speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl.”

These were extremely powerful words that Mosheh was commanded to speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, and these are words that continue to speak to us today, as we recognise what יהוה our Elohim and Saviour has done for us, having brought us to Himself by His own blood. As we have discussed on many occasions we know that Yisra’ĕl means, ‘one who rules with Ěl’.

Yisra’ĕl’ – יִשְׂרָאֵל Yisra’ĕl – Strong’s H3478 which means, ‘he who prevails, overcomes with Ěl’, comes from the two primitive root words: 1) אֵל Ěl – Strong’s H410 which means, ‘Mighty, power, shortened form of Elohim – Mighty One’ and 2) the root word verb שָׂרָה sarah – Strong’s H8280 which means, ‘to persist, exert oneself, persevere, wrestle, contend’, and is spelt the same as the name of Aḇraham’s wife, שָׂרָה ‘Sarah’ – Strong’s H8283 which means ‘princess or noble woman’; which is the feminine of the word שַׂר sar – Strong’s H8269 which means, ‘prince, captain, chieftain, ruler’!

יִשְׂרָאֵל Yisra’ĕl, as a treasured people and set-apart nation, could then also be understood as those who rule with Ěl, as His princes! We are a royal priesthood and, in a manner of speaking, with Aḇraham as our father in the faith we are also children of Sarah the ‘princess’, and are therefore ‘princes’ in the Kingdom of our King; and we who overcome shall rule with Him!

In a message tonight called, “SEGULLAH – TREASURED POSSESSION!” I want us to consider the joy and privilege of being called the treasured possession of the Creator, along with the required responsibility that goes with it. Tonight I will be digging deeper into this Hebrew word that carries great insight, comfort and instruction for us, in order that we may truly stand firm in our Master and Elohim as His treasured possession above all the peoples!

The Hebrew word that I am referring to, of course, is the word that is translated here as ‘treasured possession’, which is the root word סְגֻלָּה segullah – Strong’s H5459 meaning ‘valued possession or property’. This could also be expressed as “My uniquely valued and guarded treasure above all the nations”! How awesome is that!!! This unique Hebrew word carries a great wealth of insight and instruction as well as an assured confidence that we can have in our Master and Elohim, who has chosen us to be His own. The Hebrew word is only used 8 times in the Tanak and is a word that is used to clearly highlight Elohim’s appointed and established Covenants of Promise and about the people who take them seriously.

There is no one specific English word that can be substituted for this very complex, yet simple and clear, word. Tonight I hope to cause you to recognise the simplicity of this very complex word and the powerful insight that יהוה brings to us through this word that He uses as a marker for His uniquely valued and guarded treasure above all the peoples.

This word is defined as a noun referring to possession or property; and not just any property but more specifically the uniquely valued property and peculiar treasure. This word is always used in the context of a royal treasure; and more specifically, the treasure of a king. Both metaphorically and literally we acknowledge that the King of Scripture is יהושע Messiah. His ‘segullah’ is His ‘covenant people’!!!

Before we take a closer look at the 8 occurrences where this word is used I first want us to take a look at this word in the ancient pictographic script:

In the ancient pictographic script the root word סְגֻלָּה segullah – Strong’s H5459 meaning ‘valued possession or property’ looks like this:

Samek – סְ:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is ‘a thorn’ and has the meanings of ‘pierce and sharp’ and can also carry the meaning of ‘a shield’, as thorn bushes were used by shepherds to build a wall to enclose their flocks in the night against the attack of predators. Another meaning would be ‘to grab hold of’ as a thorn is a seed that clings to hair and clothing. The Word of Elohim is sharper than a doubled edged sword and when we find that we do not grab hold of His word and allow His Word to be our shield of faith, we may find ourselves being pierced through with sin and compromise! Our praise we have for our Master is that ‘in Him’ we are upheld forever, for He is the shield of our Help, as He Himself took the crown of thorns upon His head, bearing our sin and shame that we may be found to be shielded in Him! It can also give a meaning of ‘turning’, for it is the thorn that turns us away from danger and to that which is secure.

Gimel – גֻ:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is ‘a foot’ and carries the meaning to ‘walk, gather, carry’, as clearly referring to the functions of a foot; and it can also give the meaning of ‘a gathering of people’, and we know that ‘feet’ in Hebrew speaks of one’s walk and ability to keep the Feasts of יהוה, and represents one’s ‘walk’!

Lamed – לַ:

The ancient script has this letter as , and is pictured as a ‘shepherd’s staff’, which can give the meaning of ‘to or toward’ and can represent that which pushes or pulls a flock in a direction, and can also speak of ‘authority’ or ‘a yoke’ that is used to lead and guide, as well as the ability to ‘bring back by Authority’.

Hey – הָ:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is ‘a man standing with his arms raised out’. The meaning of the letter is “behold, look, breath, sigh and reveal or revelation”, from the idea of revealing a great sight by pointing it out. It also carries for us the meaning of ‘surrender’, as we lift up our hands and completely submit to יהוה as we lift our hands in praise, declaring His authority under which we humbly submit!

In terms of these pictographic letters forming the word סְגֻלָּה segullah – Strong’s H5459 meaning ‘valued possession or property’, we are able to see the privilege of being the סְגֻלָּה segullah of the Good Shepherd!

As the segullah of Elohim:

We are shielded and protected in our walk as we submit under the authority of the One who is to be praised!

There is a wealth of revelation in the understanding of what it means to be the segullah of Elohim and when we see this pictures it helps us recognise the sure promise of protection that the segullah of Elohim has, while at the same time realising the responsibility that our walk in Him carries, so that we remain His סְגֻלָּה segullah!

As we take a closer look at the verses where this word is used we are able to grasp a deeper understanding that ought to equip us to guard the set-apartness that is expected of the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim!

At one time we were without Elohim in the world, when we walked according to the flesh, and without Messiah we were excluded from the citizenship of Yisra’ĕl and strangers from the covenants of promise, but now in Messiah יהושע we who once were far off have been brought near, by His blood, and He has caused us to become His סְגֻלָּה segullah!

The first time that this word סְגֻלָּה segullah is used in Scripture is in Shemoth/Exodus 19:5 which I read at the beginning of this message. As we look at each of the passages that contain this word we must understand the context in order to fully grasp the power of this word. Here in this first mention of this word, we take note that this was when Yisra’ĕl was about to enter into the Marriage Covenant with Elohim, and become His set-apart Bride and most highly valued treasured possession above all the peoples. They had been delivered from bondage and slavery in Mitsrayim and were now about to declare the collective ‘I DO’, as a nation, and become the Bride of Elohim. What we must take careful note of here is the clear conditional clause that we find in the words that Mosheh was to speak to all the children of Yisra’ĕl!

Verse 5 states: “And now, if you diligently obey My voice, and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession above all the peoples – for all the earth is Mine”

Having been delivered they were now faced with a clear choice and decision. The term ‘and now’ is written in the Hebrew as וְעַתָּה ve’attah which is from the word עַתָּה attah – Strong’s H6258 means ‘now, at this time’; and used with the conjunction of the letter וְ waw in front of the word it renders it as ‘and now’ or ‘but now’. This was the point where the conditional clause of being the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim is made abundantly clear!

The Hebrew word translated as ‘if’ is אִם im – Strong’s H518 which is a conditional participle or primary conjunction which renders, ‘if, though, either, neither, when, whenever’. Whenever we see an ‘if’ being used as a conditional participle we can know that there are definite consequences to our ability to follow carefully that which is required!

“If you… then you shall be…”: What we can clearly see here is a clear requirement that expected of us in response to the Covenants of Promise that we have been grafted into, with the assured promises given if the requirements called for are met. If we diligently obey the voice of Elohim and guard His Covenant, then we will be His סְגֻלָּה segullah!

The phrase, ‘then you shall be’ is written in the Hebrew as – וִהְיִיתֶם – ‘vih’yiythem’ which comes from the root word הָיָה hayah – Strong’s H1961 which means, ‘be, come to pass, come about, appear, be in existence, to come into being, arise’.

Do you see this clear conditional clause being given here? If we obey the Word of Elohim and guard His commands then He causes us to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah! Upon our acceptance of His choice we are caused to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah and are now required to remain in His protection in order to remain His סְגֻלָּה segullah, who He is lovingly committed to!

His purchasing of His סְגֻלָּה segullah with His own blood offers to Yisra’ĕl, His set-apart and chosen Bride, protection, mercy and purification. His Bride must accept His redemption price that He paid and follow the clear commandments that are associated with the Marriage Covenant!

What we also must take note of is that obedience and faith are easier pledged than fulfilled! Remember that the entire nation of Yisra’ĕl said the collective “I DO” as we see in Shemoth/Exodus 19:8 when all the people answered together and said: “All that יהוה has spoken we shall do.”

This generation who said this failed to enter in, except for Yehoshua and Kalěḇ. We are able to learn a great deal from this as we recognise how millions of people over the ages have made the same verbal commitment and confession in accepting the work of our Master and Elohim and saying ‘I DO’, yet only a remnant few have actually lived up to it!

Just as those who rebelled and disobeyed in the Wilderness lost their treasured status so too have many since then lost their treasured status because after accepting the redemptive work of Messiah they have wilfully rejected the Torah and sadly lost their treasured status, so to speak!

His Torah is our inheritance and the clear protective boundaries of our Marriage Covenant with Elohim, which if we diligently guard and keep, are caused (or will be caused) to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah. The English word ‘peculiar’ is often used to describe this Hebrew word. ‘Peculiar’, according to the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, is defined as, ‘different from the usual or normal, odd, strange’, as well as, ‘something that is exempt from the ordinary jurisdiction’. In other words ‘peculiar’ means to be different to what is normal or expected. The peculiar treasure of Elohim does not conform to the ways of the world but is transformed by the renewing of the mind and submitting to the Kingdom Rules of a Kingdom Reign that is coming when our Master and Elohim returns!

In most cases in the world today to be called peculiar would not typically be regarded as a compliment, as the world would prefer you to be popular rather than peculiar, yet the Scriptures make it clear to us that we are a peculiar treasure that has been purchased and is protected by our King. We are in the world but not of the world as we submit to the Torah of the Kingdom of Elohim that is to come. To be peculiar or different, in a Scriptural sense, is not only a compliment but also a command! To be the true סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim is a command for set-apartness and steadfast obedience!

To be the true סְגֻלָּה segullah of יהוה is made abundantly clear to us – and that is to simply do what He says!

As already mentioned סְגֻלָּה segullah means ‘valued property’, and what makes it valued property is that it is ‘valued property to which one has an exclusive right of possession’. יהוה will not share His סְגֻלָּה segullah and therefore He expects that His סְגֻלָּה segullah will not be shared by giving themselves over to the ways of the flesh. The owner of the סְגֻלָּה segullah has exclusive rights to His possession and we recognise that we are His and that יהוה is a jealous Elohim and He does not give His esteem to another, which teaches us that mixed worship will render one as having lost their treasured status in the Master and King!

Yisra’ĕl is יהוה’s סְגֻלָּה segullah and there is no other, and His desire and expectation of His סְגֻלָּה segullah is set-apartness:

Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 “For this is the desire of Elohim: your set-apartness! – that you should abstain from whoring, 4 that each one of you should know how to possess his own vessel in set-apartness and respect, 5 not in passion of lust, like the gentiles who do not know Elohim”

We are to pursue apartness, for without it no one shall see the Master! Pursuing apartness is an identifying mark of those who are the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim. Our obedience to His Torah and commands makes us who we claim to be!

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:6 “The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked.”

In order for us to be a true royal priesthood we must be set-apart, and caused to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah.

Let us take a look at the other 7 verses where we see this word סְגֻלָּה segullah being used.

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 7:6 “For you are a set-apart people to יהוה your Elohim. יהוה your Elohim has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a treasured possession above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”

This account is in the context of the clear instructions that are being given concerning the conquest of Kena’an that lay ahead and the call for Yisra’ĕl to put under the ban completely those nations which Elohim would give into their hands. The command is given to break down their altars, and smash their pillars, and cut down their Ashĕrim, and burn their carved images with fire. If they did not do this and were joined to these nations and their idolatrous practices they would be destroyed. The reason that Yisra’ĕl was commanded to destroy these nations and their idolatry was because they were chosen by Elohim to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah and He did not want His סְגֻלָּה segullah to be corrupted in any way! יהוה made it very clear here that Yisra’ĕl was not chosen because they were more numerous than the other nations, for they were the least, but it was because of His love for them and His guarding the oath He swore to Aḇraham, Yitsḥaq and Ya’aqoḇ.

What we learn from this is that we are to destroy all form of wickedness and the lusts of the flesh, for we are His סְגֻלָּה segullah that He is forever lovingly-committed to!

The next verse we see סְגֻלָּה segullah being used is in:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 14:1-2 “You are the children of יהוה your Elohim. Do not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead, 2 for you are a set-apart people to יהוה your Elohim, and יהוה has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a treasured possession above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 3 “Do not eat whatever is abominable.”

This is clearly being used in the context of the strict instructions that are being given to Yisra’ĕl and how they are not to do as the nations do, and were to completely avoid all of the detestable practices that these pagan nations did! The clear idea of being chosen, set-apart, avoiding all evil and being obedient are found in this context. We do not do as the world does BECAUSE we are set-apart to יהוה and He has chosen us as His סְגֻלָּה segullah. This is a wonderful setting that teaches us why we simply do not do as the world does… because we are His סְגֻלָּה segullah. This chapter then goes on and gives forth the clear instructions on what we are permitted to eat and what we are not. The next time someone asks you why you do not eat pork or crayfish or any other thing that is not defined as food for us you can simply tell them that you do not eat them because you are יהוה’s סְגֻלָּה segullah! His סְגֻלָּה segullah obeys His voice and flees from all idolatry and evil!

The 4^th use of the word סְגֻלָּה segullah is seen in:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 26:18-19 “And יהוה has caused you to proclaim today to be His people, a treasured possession, as He has spoken to you, and to guard all His commands, 19 so as to set you high above all nations which He has made, for a praise, and for a name, and for esteem, and for you to be a set-apart people to יהוה your Elohim, as He has spoken.”

These words come at the end of the stipulations that have been given from Chapters 5 to 26 and are before the setting forth of the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience are made clear. What we must remember here is that Mosheh is addressing a new generation, as the generation that came out of Mitsrayim and rebelled had died in the Wilderness. Besides emphasising obedience as part of being the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim, Mosheh adds in verse 19 the wonderful privileges of being the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim. For He made His סְגֻלָּה segullah for a praise, and for a name and for esteem! His Name is upon His סְגֻלָּה segullah who continually offer up praises to Him and esteem Him in all they do, in living set-apart lives amidst a wicked and corrupt world!

The next time we see סְגֻלָּה segullah being used is in:

Tehillah/Psalm 135:4 “For Yah has chosen Yaʽaqoḇ for Himself, Yisra’ĕl for His treasured possession.”

This is a very powerful Psalm of praise and is a clear call for the true servants of יהוה to praise the Name of יהוה. As one goes through this Tehillah/Psalm it is very clear that the true chosen סְגֻלָּה segullah of יהוה must praise יהוה. The true סְגֻלָּה segullah of יהוה are servants of Yah! The true סְגֻלָּה segullah of יהוה are those who are ‘standing in Him’! As we praise our Master and Elohim and remain steadfast as His סְגֻלָּה segullah who are armed in His Torah we must stand and after having done all, stand, and as the סְגֻלָּה segullah of יהוה, be ready to stand every day to thank and praise יהוה.

In the following two verses that the word סְגֻלָּה segullah is used we find it being used to specifically refer to a kings personal prized possession:

Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes 2:8 “I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasures of sovereigns and of the provinces. I provided male and female singers for myself, and the pleasures of men – a woman and women.”

In this verse we see the word סְגֻלָּה segullah being used to identify ‘the treasures’ of sovereigns, which in the context of these words of Shelomoh we take note how he uses the term סְגֻלָּה segullah to describe the kings most prized personal treasure, which would refer to a kings personal cache of precious gold and silver that may have been collected over many years from many conquests and trade! In the context of the personal treasure of a king we see it being used in the words of Dawiḏ, as seen in:

Diḇre haYamim Aleph/1 Chronicles 29:3 “And also, because I delighted in the House of my Elohim, I have treasure of gold and silver; I give for the House of my Elohim even more than all that I have prepared for the Set-apart House”

Dawiḏ recounts how he was giving part of his personal treasure to the accumulation of materials for the temple that his son Shelomoh would build.

The use of סְגֻלָּה segullah in these two passages where it physically refers to the most prized personal treasure of the king we are able to see how the usage of this word is extremely close to the metaphorical use of סְגֻלָּה segullah elsewhere in Scripture. In fact the picture here of Dawiḏ giving of his סְגֻלָּה segullah is a powerful prophetic picture of our Beloved King who gave of Himself for His סְגֻלָּה segullah and set-apart Bride that is being built up as His Dwelling Place, who He will gather together when He comes again!

The Word סְגֻלָּה segullah is only used by 1 of the prophets, as we see in the words of Mal’aḵi:

Mal’aḵi/Malachi 3:16-18 “Then shall those who fear יהוה speak to one another, and יהוה listen and hear, and a book of remembrance be written before Him, of those who fear יהוה, and those who think upon His Name. 17 “And they shall be Mine,” said יהוה of hosts, “on the day that I prepare a treasured possession. And I shall spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. 18 “Then you shall again see the difference between the righteous and the wrong, between one who serves Elohim and one who does not serve Him.”

The term סְגֻלָּה segullah is clearly being used here in the context of the calling of a rebellious people back to obedience unto יהוה our Elohim! Those who fear יהוה and think upon His Name will be caused to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah! In verse 18 we are told that the difference between the righteous and the wrong will be clearly seen, as the righteous are those who serve Elohim and the wrong are those who do not!

This text in Mal’aḵi is prophetic as it speaks of the Day of יהוה, when He comes again to take up His ready Bride and prepares His סְגֻלָּה segullah! The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘prepare’ is עָשָׂה asah – Strong’s H6213 meaning, ‘to do, work, make, produce, to act with effect, to observe, to bring about, institute’. In the Creation account we take note that it was on the 7^th day that יהוה rested from all His work which Elohim in creating had made, and then He blessed the 7^th day and set it apart. It is in the 7^th millennium that יהוה is coming out of His Set-Apart Hěḵal to complete His work and prepare His סְגֻלָּה segullah. It is on this day that He will come and make up His סְגֻלָּה segullah that has been set-apart for Him!

In that Day it will be made very clear who His סְגֻלָּה segullah is and who is not! Knowing these prophetic words we must take heed to guard righteousness and stay in our Master, so that we are caused to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah as we pursue set-apartness and flee all idolatry and the lusts of the flesh. Each one must work out their deliverance with fear and trembling, and after having received the revelation of Messiah Yoḥanan was told the following:

Ḥazon/revelation 22:11-12 “He who does wrong, let him do more wrong; he who is filthy, let him be more filthy; he who is righteous, let him be more righteous; he who is set-apart, let him be more set-apart. 12 “And see, I am coming speedily, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according to his work.”

It is time for the true סְגֻלָּה segullah to stand up and stand out as being different and being more set-apart while those who compromise and are stained with the filth of the world, let them be more filthy!

It will be obvious and clear who the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim is, and with these words given to Yoḥanan in Ḥazon it should be abundantly clear who the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim is right now!

In summary, the term סְגֻלָּה segullah speaks clearly in terms of the context of a covenant with Elohim and the Kingdom servant who is wholeheartedly involved is serving as a chosen treasure!

It is a great privilege to be called the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim. However, in saying that, we must also recognise the clear responsibility of what being His סְגֻלָּה segullah involves, as the greatest responsibility we have, as His סְגֻלָּה segullah, is to be a true and trustworthy witness of the One True Master Elohim, יהושע Messiah!

The enemy wants to steal the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim and the way he does this is by finding a breach in the wall and enticing some of the flock to wander away from the protection of the Shepherd! Compromise opens a breach where the enemy sits crouching and waiting to entice one away to sin, through the lust of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and pride of life, doing his utmost at causing some to be led astray by selfish desires!

Ya’aqoḇ/James 1:13-16 “Let no one say when he is enticed, “I am enticed by Elohim,” for Elohim is not enticed by evil matters, and He entices no one. 14 But each one is enticed when he is drawn away by his own desires and trapped. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. And sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death. 16 Do not go astray, my beloved brothers.”

Do not go astray and be enticed to step outside of the protective assurance that obedience promises, for you are the סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim!

A hearing, guarding and doing people are the uniquely valued and guarded treasure of יהוה; that is to say that He holds us firmly in His hand and never takes His eyes off of us and guards us continually so as to never let us go for we are extremely valued and precious to Him. When outsiders look at us they may see it as being locked away in a box, thinking that we ‘have to do’ things that are not required by them and claim erroneously that we have lost our rights and are ‘under law’ so to speak – but it is not so – we are kept secure and safe and are a prized possession. Do what He says, and you will be glad you did.  

Sha’ul, in referring to the verse from Shemoth/Exodus 19:5, writes in his letter to Titos about the work of יהושע Messiah who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness in order to be His סְגֻלָּה segullah:

Titos/Titus 2:14 “who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people, His own possession, ardent for good works.”

As we reflect on this very unique word may we be encouraged to be steadfast in our pursuit of apartness and take heed at the same time against the dangers of compromising our set-apartness that can cause us to lose of treasured status.

As you guard His Good Word in you, let all your body be enlightened and shine His truth for all to see as you give your all to our Master and hold nothing back as you are His chosen and set-apart סְגֻלָּה segullah that is held firm in His Hand!

I will close with the words of Kěpha, which you all know so well:

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a set-apart nation, a people for a possession, that you should proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light”

As the true chosen and set-apart סְגֻלָּה segullah of Elohim, proclaim His praises and let obedience to Elohim shine forth!

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show you favour; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom!

Shabbat Shalom,

Tonight I would like to do something a little different. And by that I mean that I am going to start off by showing you a Hebrew word that is written in the ancient pictographic script, and see if you can identify the letters and recognise what word it is. The word I am talking about looks like this:

Can you identify which letters these are? Remember that Hebrew reads from right to left!

(Time spent with transparency displayed for people to try to recognise each individual letter)

Let me remind you what each picture is and the letter it represents:

 This is the letter ‘Beyt’, which is written as בָּ in the Modern Hebrew text of this word we are looking at. This pictographic letter is a picture of ‘a tent floor plan’ and means, ‘house’ or ‘tent’. It represents family and the importance of those who are inside the tent as opposed to the tent structure itself, and represents the Dwelling Place of the Most High, which we are, as we are ‘living stones’ that are being built up in Messiah.

 This is the letter ‘Tet’, which is written as ט in the Modern Hebrew text of this word. The original pictograph for this letter is pictured as ‘a container made of wicker or clay’. Containers were a very important item among the nomadic Hebrews. They were used for storing grains and other items. Wicker baskets were used as nets for catching fish. The meaning of this letter is ‘basket, contain, store and clay’. It can also mean ‘surround’ as a basket is used to ‘surround’ something in order for it to be protected and secure.

 This is the letter ‘Waw/vav’, which is written as וּ in the Modern Hebrew text of this word.  The ancient pictographic form of this letter is pictured as a ‘peg’ or ‘tent peg’ or ‘nail’, which was used for securing or tying the tent or other items. The possibility of it having a Y-shape is to show that it prevents a secured object from slipping off. The root meaning of this letter is ‘to add, secure or hook’.

 This is the letter ‘Ḥet’, which is written as חַ in the Modern Hebrew text of this word.  The ancient pictographic letter is pictured as a ‘tent wall’, and carries a meaning of ‘SEPARATION’, as a tent wall separates two halves of the tent. It can also reflect the outside walls that separate the people inside from that which is outside and can therefore also symbolise protection and security to those who are inside, while picturing ‘a cutting off’ of those who are outside. Hence this letter can mean ‘established, secure’ as well as ‘cut off, or separated from’. As a tent wall we are also able to recognise the picture of stones that are being built up to make a complete wall, having been separated from the world and built up in the Master!

In the Modern text this word that we are looking at looks like this: בָּטוּחַ – and is pronounced as ‘batuaḥ/batuach’.

When we look collectively at these pictographic letters that form this word we are able to glean some valuable insight into the encouraging message that is being given through this word, as the following meaning can be rendered from these pictures:

THE HOUSE OF THE BASKET IS SECURE AND SAFE!

As we recognise the prophetic significance of the Good News of the deliverance that our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah, has brought to us and secured for us in his Blood, in order that we can be built up in Him as living stones. And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, with the full assurance of His complete protection to those who remain in Him, having been called out and separated from darkness and set in His marvellous light. This pictographic rendering, in light of the Good News, can certainly give us great confidence in our Master as we recognise that we are His Dwelling Place, and as clay vessels that are being gathered to Him and added by His mercy, we are able to be firmly established in The Truth!

As we consider the many renderings of confidence and sure protection of the House of Elohim that this word can picture for us, have you any idea what this word is understood and translated as?

The Hebrew word we are looking at – בָּטוּחַ – ‘batuaḥ/batuach’ is a form of the primitive root בָּטַח bataḥ – Strong’s H982 which means, ‘to trust, rely on, feel confident and secure, feel safe, be bold, be secure’.

The verse where we find this word written in this form is from:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 26:3 “The one steadfast of mind You guard in perfect peace, for he trusts in You.”

This verse really gripped me as I simply meditated on these powerful words of Yeshayahu.

Yeshayahu/Isaiah Chapter 26 is a song that Yeshayahu wrote, and it is a song of praise that will be sung by a restored Yisra’ĕl who has been gathered by our Master and Elohim and taken back to the Promised Land. He tells us clearly in verse 1 that ‘In that Day this song is sung in the land of Yehuḏah…’

This is a clear reference to the Day of יהוה, which is the 7^th Millennium when He will come and rule and reign on the earth! After having announced the coming judgement upon all mankind, which he starts writing about from Chapter 24, he described the blessing of deliverance that follows, and here in Chapter 26 he records a song of praise, which features the sure hope of the 1^st resurrection of those who are in the Master, with the complete and sure promise that ‘in that Day’ that the destruction of Yisra’ĕl’s enemies and oppressors will result in the deliverance of the true remnant Bride being made complete! In verse 19 there is a call to ‘awake and sing’, and this is a clear call that we see being given repeatedly in Scripture in various forms. It is certainly time for the remnant to wake up and sing! The Hebrew word used for ‘sing’ is רָנַן ranan – Strong’s H7442 which means, ‘to overcome, cry out, shout for joy, give a ringing cry, sing aloud’.

We are to be a people who are willing to give a joyous ringing cry for our wonderful Maker and Creator, clothed continually in garments of righteousness and praise, and always ready to relate the Good News of our Master and Elohim! How eager are you to shout aloud the praise of Elohim, and make know His deeds among the earth?

When one’s trust is weakened then the ability to awaken the required energy to praise is often severely hindered, yet those who put their trust in יהוה and make יהוה their trust are blessed and are wide awake with continual praise!

This is what gripped me when reading this verse in this powerful song that shall be sung in the Millennial Reign of our great King! Praise and singing to יהוה is a vital part of any true believers life, and we have many great examples given to us in Scripture of how praise to יהוה is what lead the nation of Yisra’ĕl to many victories. A good example of this is found in the account of when Mo’aḇ and Ammon came against Yehoshaphat to battle. We read in:

Diḇre haYamim Bět/2 Chronicles 20:18-22 “And Yehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Yehuḏah and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim fell down before יהוה, to bow themselves before יהוה. 19 And the Lěwites, of the children of the Qehathites and of the children of the Qorḥites stood up to praise יהוה Elohim of Yisra’ĕl with exceedingly loud voice. 20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Teqowa. And as they went out, Yehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Yehuḏah and you inhabitants of Yerushalayim: Trust in יהוה your Elohim and be steadfast, trust His prophets and prosper.” 21 And after consulting with the people, he appointed those who should sing to יהוה, and who should praise the splendour of set-apartness, as they went out before the army and were saying, “Give thanks to יהוה, for His kindness is everlasting.” 22 And when they began singing and praising, יהוה set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Mo’aḇ, and Mount Sĕʽir, who had come against Yehuḏah, and they were smitten.”

What you will take note of from this passage is the power of singing and praising יהוה, and the need to trust in יהוה and be steadfast. Trust and be steadfast! In the song of Yeshayahu he writes prophetically was will be sung by those who have trusted in יהוה. Let us read it again:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 26:3 “The one steadfast of mind You guard in perfect peace, for he trusts in You.”

The Hebrew text is written as follows:

 יֵצֶר סָמוּךְ תִּצֹּר שָׁלוֹם שָׁלוֹם כִּי בְךָ בָּטוּחַ  –  ‘yetser samuḥ titsor shalom shalom ki ḇeḵa batuaḥ’ and can be literally translated as:

‘he whose mind is steadfast You keep in perfect peace, because in You he trusts’

The term ‘perfect peace’ is translated from the repetition of the word ‘shalom’. Yeshayahu was picturing himself standing in the redeemed land with the remnant, listening to the people express their thanks to and confidence in יהוה our Saviour! And the true thanks of the reality of the deliverance being made complete for those who are steadfast in mind is expressed in the complete shalom that is experienced by those who trust in יהוה. The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם shalom – Strong’s H7965 means, ‘wholeness, completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, health, prosperity, well-being, safety, protection’, and is from the primitive root שָׁלֵם shalem – Strong’s H7999 which means, ‘to be complete or sound, rewarded, make full restitution’. The repetition of this word is for emphasis and speaks about the complete and constant peace that abides in the one who is steadfast in mind, all because they trust in יהוה. When we say in a greeting to someone, ‘shalom, shalom’, we are in effect saying, ‘may it be completely well with you’!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘steadfast’ is from the primitive root word סָמַךְ samaḵ – Strong’s H5564 which means, ‘to lean, lay, rest, support, uphold, sustain’, and can also carry the meaning, ‘to grab hold of’.

The word that is translated as ‘mind’ is יֵצֶר yetser – Strong’s H3336 which means, ‘imagination, a form, fashioned, framing, purpose’, and basically speaks about the shaping of our thoughts or our intent. Steadfast intentions or steadfast thoughts – that is a ‘sound mind’ is what is being pictured for us here. We are to ‘grab hold of’ His commands and cling to Him in total trust; in order that we do not fall and find ourselves leaning on our own understanding!

The word for ‘steadfast’ – סָמַךְ samaḵ – Strong’s H5564 is also used to describe how the priests were to ‘lay their hands’ on the head of the offerings, as well as when Mosheh laid hands on Yehoshua. It is also used in a negative sense of those who trust in Mitsrayim and lean on the staff of Pharaoh, as their hands will be pierced! This is a vital lesson for us in recognising how we are to not lose the proper grip we have on the Truth, and not try to ‘lean on our own understanding’ or on worldly ways for help. Messiah also warns us that he who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is not fit for the kingdom. This picture of steadfastness in mind is a picture of a true trustworthy servant of Elohim that guards to do His commands and does not let go. The steadfast one is guarded in perfect peace! The Hebrew word that is used here for ‘guard’ is נָצַר natsar – Strong’s H5341 meaning, ‘to keep watch, guard, preserve’ and a derivative of this word is the נֵצֶר netser – Strong’s H5342 meaning, ‘Branch, a sprout, descendant’ which is used as a reference to Messiah:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 11:1 “And a Rod shall come forth from the stump of Yishai, and a Sprout from his roots shall bear fruit.”

We are warned in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 4:6 to not let go of wisdom, for if we keep hold of wisdom then she will ‘watch over’ us, where the word נָצַר natsar – Strong’s H5341 is translated as ‘watch over’. As ‘branches’ of THE VINE, we are ‘watched over’ by יהוה, and equipped to bear much fruit:

Yoḥanan/John 15:4 “Stay in Me, and I stay in you. As the branch is unable to bear fruit of itself, unless it stays in the vine, so neither you, unless you stay in Me.”

Being ‘watched over’ must cause us to ‘watch over’ that which we have been entrusted with, and that is His Torah that He has written upon our hearts!

As we consider this verse in the song that Yeshayahu said will be sung ‘in that Day’, may we be strengthened in our Master and Elohim to not lose heart nor let our trust be hindered, but with much prayer and thanksgiving make our requests known to Him, as Sha’ul tells us in:

Pilipiyim/Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not worry at all, but in every matter, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Elohim. 7 And the peace of Elohim, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Messiah יהושע.”

THE STEADFAST HAVE PEACE FOR THEY TRUST IN יהוה!

As we consider the need to trust יהוה being vital and understand how we can trust יהוה, knowing that we are His Dwelling Place being built up in the Master, we must be steadfast in our minds of recognising that we have this treasure in clay vessels and have been securely separated, doing our utmost to pursue apartness, for without apartness no one will see Elohim!

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 17:7-8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in יהוה, and whose trust is יהוה. 8 “For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and does not see when heat comes. And his leaf shall be green, and in the year of drought he is not anxious, nor does he cease from yielding fruit.”

What is ‘trust’? According to various dictionaries it can be best described as:

Trust is the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something. It is a dependence upon one, or one in which confidence is placed. It is the confidence, reliance and resting of the mind in the integrity/friendship of another person.

When you make the bold statement that you ‘trust in יהוה’, do you really mean it? Or do you allow doubts and fears to come and cause you to waver in your ability to fully trust – especially when things do not seem to go your way?

Pure trust in יהוה results in the blessing of being stable and unshaken by unfavourable circumstances that we may find ourselves in. As Yirmeyahu writes here – when יהוה is your trust you will not get affected by the heat or pressures of life – in other words when the heat is turned up and persecutions are on the rise or difficult circumstances and trials are hitting you from all sides – the true truster in יהוה stands unaffected and is guarded in perfect peace –shalom, shalom!!!

How steadfast is your mind? Let me close with the following verses that teach us the joy of a secure mind and the peace we have in Messiah that should cause us to put our steadfast and complete trust in our Master and Elohim, unto who we sing and exult in the sure expectation of the esteem of Elohim:

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 4:1-2 “Therefore, since Messiah suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so that he no longer lives the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but according to the desire of Elohim.”

Romiyim/Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, having been declared right by belief, we have peace with Elohim through our Master יהושע Messiah, 2 through whom also we have access by belief into this favour in which we stand, and we exult in the expectation of the esteem of Elohim.”

Tehillah/Psalm 9:10-11 “And those who know Your Name trust in You, for You have not forsaken those who seek You, O יהוה. 11 Sing praises to יהוה, who dwells in Tsiyon! Declare His deeds among the peoples.”

May this pictographic word for ‘trust’ be captured in your mind and continually remind you to be steadfast and trust with the firm assurance of the perfect peace of Elohim being planted in your hearts as you continue to sing and give praise to His great Name!

THE STEADFAST HAVE PEACE FOR THEY TRUST IN יהוה!

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom!!!

Shabbat Shalom,

Ya’aqoḇ/James 5:7-8 “So, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Master. See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You too, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Master has drawn near.”

In this mini parable Ya’aqoḇ encourages us to be patient until the coming of the Master and uses the picture of a farmer who waits for the fruit of the earth to come forth after having received the early and latter rain. He then gives a clear instruction on how one can be patient and that is that we are to establish our hearts! In a message tonight called, ‘ESTABLISH YOUR HEART!’ I want us to be greatly encouraged to do just that and make sure that our hearts remain established in the Truth as we wait patiently for the soon return of our Great and Mighty Master and Elohim.

There are a couple of key elements in the words of Ya’aqoḇ that should remind us to be alert, watchful and sober taught ones of the Master. With the illustration of the enduring patience of a farmer we are able to learn some vital truths of how we are to faithfully endure until the return of our Master and Elohim.

When a farmer goes out to plant seeds he would have to make sure that his ground had been properly prepared and tilled. He would then pant his seeds and then pray for much needed rain in its season as he expectantly waits for the growth of his newly planted seeds that would eventually become strong plants or crops that reach maturity. This takes time and it takes a constant patience of nurturing the ground and plants as they grow, by keeping a watchful eye against any foreign substances that can come in and harm the seeds or growing plants. Ya’aqoḇ tells us in Chapter 1:

Ya’aqoḇ/James 1:4 “And let endurance have a perfect work, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in naught.”

A farmer cannot rush the process and needs to be patient and not neglect the duties required while being patient!

The imagery of farming and the planting of seeds is used frequently in Scripture as we are able to liken the metaphors contained in these examples of how we are to keep the soil of our hearts in good condition and make sure that they are established in the Truth, having the Good Seed of the Word firmly planted in and kept free of weeds!

יהושע Messiah teaches us a vital lesson on being sober, watchful and awake in a parable He gave about the man who sowed good seed in his field, but while men slept his enemy came and sowed darnel among the wheat and went away. You can read about this in Mattithyahu/Matthew 13:24-30. For more on this parable and the dangers of sleeping you can read the notes of a message I gave a couple of years back called, ‘BUT WHILE MEN SLEPT’, which you can get from our site (Http://atfotc.com)  under the ‘sermons 2013’ menu or by simply clicking on the following link:

https://atfotc.com/index.php/our-sermons/sermons-2013/473-but-while-men-slept-matthew-13-24-30-36-43

In the parable of the Sower our Master teaches us a clear lesson on the state of various hearts and the resulting consequences of each heart after the Good Seed of His Word has been sown. In order to bear the peaceable fruit of righteousness we must do our utmost at keeping the soil of our hearts good and endure discipline, and here in the letter of Ya’aqoḇ we are given a clear instruction to be patient, like a farmer waits for his fruit of the earth to receive both the early and latter rains that are vital for the produce to be brought forth in abundance!

The early and latter rains are also powerful pictures of the 2 comings of our Master and Elohim, and while the early rain that pictures His first coming has already taken place and watered us and washed us with His Word, we are to exercise true patience and endurance until the latter rain of His soon return comes. With this realisation we must be urgent in our pursuit of knowing Him, as we see the prophet Hoshěa telling us in:

Hoshěa/Hosea 6:3 “So let us know, let us pursue to know יהוה. His going forth is as certain as the morning. And He comes to us like the rain, like the latter rain watering the earth.”

As we consider the instruction to be patient until the Master’s return along with the words of Hoshěa that tells us to pursue to know יהוה then we must be able to properly recognise that in our patient endurance there must be a proper pursuit of the knowledge of our Elohim! The root word for ‘pursue’ is רָדַף radaph – Strong’s H7291 and carries the meaning, ‘to pursue, chase, follow closely after, aim to secure, run after, hunt, persecute’ and in the context of pursuing and running after, we note that it is after righteousness and not anything else. If one is truly pursuing something then the focus of the pursuit is so intense on that which is being pursued that there can be no effort spared for anything else! This word gives us the picture of running, and in Scripture we are clearly told how we shall know that we know Elohim:

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:3-5 “And by this we know that we know Him, if we guard His commands. 4 The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not guard His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever guards His Word, truly the love of Elohim has been perfected in him.”

To know Him is to guard His commands, and guarding is a continual action that must be done each and every day through a proper pursuit as pictured by running, as Dawiḏ makes it clear how he runs, in:

Tehillah/Psalm 119:32 “I run the way of Your commands, for You enlarge my heart.”

The Greek word that is used 3 times in Ya’aqoḇ/James 5:7-8 is μακροθυμέω makrothumeō – Strong’s G3114 which means, ‘be patient, have patience, not lose heart, to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring trials and troublesome times, be patient in bearing the offences and injuries of others, slow to anger, longsuffering’; and this word comes from two Greek words: a) – μακρός makros – Strong’s G3117 which means, ‘long, far, distant’ and b) – θυμός thumos – Strong’s G2372 which means, ‘passion, angry tempers, fierce, wrath, outbursts of anger’.

Sha’ul tells us in Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 13 that love is patient! We must also be constantly reminded that love for Elohim is to guard His commands:

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 5:3 “For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy”

I do hope you see the obvious here! To be properly patient until our Master’s return entails a proper pursuit to know Him by running in the way of His commands and in the proper execution of patience we show our love for Him by guarding His commands and guarding to soil of our hearts, where His Torah has been firmly planted, and being sober and watchful against the enemy who is constantly seeking an opportunity to sow deception and lies into hearts that are not well tilled, through worries and the cares of this life and the deceit of wealth or the broad path of worldly ways that are full of the lust of eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life!

We must make sure that we retain the good word, so that we bear much fruit of righteousness!

Luqas/Luke 8:15 “And that on the good soil are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, retain it, and bear fruit with endurance.”

The Greek word used here in Luqas/Luke 8:15 for ‘retain’ is κατέχω katechō – Strong’s G2722 which means, ‘hold fast, hold firmly, possess, keep secure’, and is also used in:

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our expectation without yielding, for He who promised is trustworthy.”

Hold fast and retain the Truth without yielding or bending to the compromised ways of the world! The Greek word used for ‘without yielding’ is ἀκλινής aklinēs – Strong’s G186 which means, ‘unbending, without wavering’! Why I am giving you all these root words is to clearly highlight the obvious lessons that are contained in the Scriptures in regards to our need to keep our hearts free from the weeds of deception and compromise, and make sure that we are no longer those who doubt and are being tossed and borne about by every wind of teaching through the corrupt trickery of men that leads many astray!

To be patient calls for us to establish our hearts! The Greek word used in Ya’aqoḇ/James 5:8 for ‘establish’ is στηρίζω stērizō – Strong’s G4741 which means, ‘to make fast, establish, support, fixed, strengthen’, and has the understanding, ‘to set fast (your face)’. This can only happen when one is awake, as it denotes one who has their eyes wide open and is focused on that which strengthens him. We know that our strength comes from Elohim and His Word.

This word is used in the stern admonition of our Master that was given to the assembly in Sardis who were found to be incomplete – that is to say that they were found to have neglected the need to walk fully in the Torah of Elohim and were given a severe warning and wake-up call:

Ḥazon/Revelation 3:2 “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before Elohim.”

Wake up and strengthen what remains! This could also be understood as being told to wake up and be established in the Truth! For one to be properly established or strengthened they must wake up and not be found to be sleeping! They thought that they were alive but were dead in their trespasses and had conformed to the ways of the world, as we can see from various archaeological findings that they had simply blended in with this pagan ridden capital, instead of being set-apart and being a clear light of the Truth to the lost! They had wavered in their belief and had not established their hearts in the Truth! If one’s heart is established then it is firm and set and in no need of anything else to be established in it. When one’s heart is not established and is not being strengthened daily by the Word that strengthens and establishes then the real danger of foreign substances being set in a wavering and unstable heart is not realised nor guarded against!

This Greek word use in Ya’aqoḇ/James 5:8 for ‘establish’ – στηρίζω stērizō – Strong’s G4741 – is used in the LXX (Septuagint) in the following verse:

Tehillah/Psalm 112:8 “His heart is upheld, he is not afraid, while he looks on his adversaries.”

Here it is translated as ‘upheld’, and the Hebrew word that is used here comes from the root word סָמַךְ samaḵ – Strong’s H5564 which means, ‘to lean, lay, rest, support, uphold, sustain’, and can also carry the meaning, ‘to grab hold of’.

This Tehillah/Psalm 112 is a psalm of praise to יהוה for how blessed is the man the man who fears יהוה and has delighted in His commands (verse1). The man who fears יהוה and delights in His commands has an established heart! It is the Word of יהוה that establishes and strengthens us, as we see this word סָמַךְ samaḵ – Strong’s H5564 being translated as ‘support’ in:

Tehillah/Psalm 119:116 “Support me according to Your word, that I might live; and put me not to shame because of my expectation.”

It is by the Word of Elohim that we are supported and upheld, that we might live and praise His Mighty Name! We are to ‘grab hold of’ His commands and cling to Him in total trust; in order that we do not fall, and find ourselves leaning on our own understanding!

His Word establishes us and as true ambassadors of His coming reign we are therefore called to establish and make firm His Truth in our lives. The Greek word στηρίζω stērizō – Strong’s G4741 comes from the word is ἵστημι histēmi – Strong’s G2476 which means, ‘to make to stand, to stand firm, be established, stand upright, stand ready and prepared, be of a steadfast mind, to uphold and sustain the authority of something’, which is translated as ‘established’ in:

Romiyim/Romans 3:31 “Do we then nullify the Torah through the belief? Let it not be! On the contrary, we establish the Torah.”

An established heart establishes the Torah and guards to do all that our Master has commanded us to! Anyone who neglects to meditate upon and walk in the Torah and so easily casts the instructions of Elohim aside does not have an established heart! Anyone who compromises their called for set-apartness does not establish their hearts and will not be able to properly endure and be patient until the return of our King! This sobering reality of how many people today have wavering hearts is seen in how easily they are falling away from their steadfast position in the Master through compromise and sin when the pressures and battles of life become too hard for them to endure, which happens when the soil of their hearts are not keep good.

The Greek word ἵστημι histēmi – Strong’s G2476 is also the word used in Eph’siyim/Ephesians 6 where we are told to ‘stand’ firm in the armour of Elohim; and so we can clearly see that this ‘standing’ dressed in the armour of Elohim is an equipped standing of one who has an established heart. The armour of Elohim is our required dress code of righteousness – which is to guard to do all the commands; and when adhered to correctly in those with established hearts then as a faithful set-apart priesthood they are fully equipped and able to be patient and endure with all that our Master has given us for life and reverence, while holding fast to the full assurance of being able to stand before our High Priest and King, יהושע Messiah, when He comes again!

In light of the times in which we live, we are to take heed that we are not deceived. This means that we need to spend more time getting to know the Word, and by doing this we shall establish our hearts and be properly strengthened to stand amidst the raging battles of life. We know that if we stay in the Word, by guarding to do His Word, then we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free from being weighed down by worldly distractions that only enslave those who are not awake and watchful!

We have a sure hope and because of this sure expectation and sure hope we need to wait patiently and endure by establishing our hearts in the Truth.

Tehillah/Psalm 27:13-14 “What if I had not believed to see the goodness of יהוה in the land of the living! 14 Wait on יהוה, be strong, and let Him strengthen your heart! Wait, I say, on יהוה!”

In this verse 13 of Tehillah/Psalm 27 we see the question that Dawiḏ asks, which basically says that ‘what if he did not believe all that he sought after, inquired of and envisioned – what if he didn’t believe – while he was still alive?

How tragic that would have been!!! For many today that tragedy is a reality – they do not believe that they will see the goodness of יהוה, as they cannot see past the troubles they are engulfed in, and here Dawiḏ is saying if he had not believed he would not have survived, yet because of his firm belief/faith he could endure and he leaves us with a strong command in verse 14:

‘Wait on יהוה’ – and in the Hebrew this word for ‘wait’ is the word קָוָה qavah – Strong’s H6960 which means, ‘to wait for, eagerly wait, expect, hopefully waiting’ and this word carries the intensity of being commanded to look eagerly for the soon return of our Light, Saviour and Refuge in who we continually trust and praise and are taught by; for when we wait on יהוה our strength is renewed – and waiting on יהוה requires our active response to who He is, with great intensity.

The word in Hebrew for ‘be strong’ is חָזַק ḥazaq – Strong’s H2388 and carries the meaning, ‘to grow firm, fasten upon, strengthen, take hold of’  and can have the concept of ‘grasp between your ears’.

When we grasp between our ears what we ought to, then יהוה will ‘strengthen’ us which is the root word – אָמֵץ amats H553 – which means ‘to be alert both physically and mentally, be fully alert – awake and not asleep, be steadfast’.

Again we see in:

Tehillah/Psalm 31:24 “Be strong, and let Him strengthen your heart, all you who are waiting for יהוה.”

The Greek word used in the LXX here in Tehillah/Psalm 31:24 and 27:14 for ‘strengthened’ is κραταιόω krataioō – Strong’s G2901 which means, ‘to strengthen, become strong, made strong, grow strong’ and is used in:

Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast in the belief, be men, be strong.”

What becomes abundantly clear is that we must establish our hearts, and it is our Master and Elohim who is able to establish us in His Word, and having believed in Him we must hold firm to a heart that remains established and unwavering in the Truth, keeping the soil of our hearts good and free from deceit and false traditions of man that run contrary to the Master, as Sha’ul tells us in:

Qolasim/Colossians 2:6-8 “Therefore, as you accepted Messiah יהושע the Master, walk in Him, 7 having been rooted and built up in Him, and established in the belief, as you were taught, overflowing in it with thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one makes a prey of you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary matters of the world, and not according to Messiah.”

What I am highlighting for us tonight is the call for us to have hearts that are established in the Truth and hearts that are continually being strengthened and established in the Master, knowing that His coming has drawn near and it is with urgency that we guard the good deposit that has been entrusted to us and not hide the light of the Truth but do our utmost in bearing the peaceable fruit of righteousness in all we say and do. While we cannot see the hearts of others we recognise the warning that Yirmeyahu gives us by telling us that the heart is crooked and sick and only יהוה knows the hearts, yet the one who trusts in יהוה is blessed and will bear good fruit!

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 17:7-10 “Blessed is the man who trusts in יהוה, and whose trust is יהוה. 8 “For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and does not see when heat comes. And his leaf shall be green, and in the year of drought he is not anxious, nor does he cease from yielding fruit. 9 “The heart is crooked above all, and desperately sick – who shall know it? 10 “I, יהוה, search the heart, I try the kidneys, and give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

The way to establish our hearts is to allow the Master to search us and try us and cause His Word to richly dwell in us as we meditate on His Word day and night, giving us the firm ability to be patient and wait on Him!

As we stay in our Master and keep our hearts established in the Truth we shall have boldness at His coming as Yoḥanan makes this clear to us, in:

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:28 “And now, little children, stay in Him, so that when He appears, we might have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”

Establish your heart is the clear call that I am echoing from the Word tonight. While I might often sound repetitive I do so with purpose, and am reminded of the words of Kěpha who teaches us to makes sure that we are doing our utmost to make firm our calling and choosing, and if we are adding to our belief uprightness, to uprightness knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control endurance, to endurance reverence, to reverence brotherly affection, and to brotherly affection love, then we shall not stumble at all, for our hearts will be firmly established in the Truth. He then goes on and says in:

Kěpha Bět/2 Peter 1:12 “And so I intend to remind you of these matters again and again, though you know them and have been established in the present truth.”

We do need to be constantly reminded about these matters and we do need to be constantly reminded that we are to establish our hearts and be patient as we endure with great expectation for our Master’s soon return!

Establish your heart is the call – and make sure you are doing this constantly!!!

How established in your heart? Is His Word firmly planted in and producing fruit or have you allowed foreign matters to be planted in and choke out the Truth leaving you exhausted and troubled with doubts? It is time for the Bride to have an established heart, a heart that is set-apart unto Elohim in all matters with no room for compromise at all!

Establish your heart in the Master, for this is the only way you will faithfully endure and be patient until He comes!

I will close with the words of Kěpha from both of his letters:

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 5:10-11 “And the Elohim of all favour, who called you to His everlasting esteem by Messiah יהושע, after you have suffered a while, Himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the esteem and the might forever and ever. Aměn.”

Kěpha Bět/2 Peter 3:17-18 “You, then, beloved ones, being forewarned, watch, lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the delusion of the lawless, 18 but grow in the favour and knowledge of our Master and Saviour יהושע Messiah. To Him be the esteem both now and to a day that abides. Aměn.”

ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS, FOR THE COMING OF THE MASTER HAS DRAWN NEAR!

יהוה bless your and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom

Shabbat Shalom all,

Yoḥanan/John 14:21 “He who possesses My commands and guards them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I shall love him and manifest Myself to him.”

These were some of the very encouraging words that our Master and Elohim spoke to the taught ones when He told them that He was about to go and be delivered up. His encouragement to endure was clear and He made it clear that if anyone loves Him that they would guard His Word. In telling His taught ones to guard His Word, Messiah also made it clear that they were to love one another, and by this they would be known as being the taught ones of the Master, if they loved one another. In a message tonight called, “GUARD, ENDURE, HOLD FAST AND OVERCOME!” I want us to be encouraged and strengthened in the Word to be taught ones who guard the commands of the Master and be steadfast in the endurance that is called for!

Luqas/Luke 21:19 “Possess your lives by your endurance!”

The Greek word used here for ‘endurance’ is ὑπομονή hupomonē – Strong’s G5281 which means, ‘a patient enduring, steadfastness, perseverance, a remaining behind’, and this word comes from the Greek word ὑπομένω hupomenō – Strong’s G5278 which means, ‘to stay behind, to await, endure’, which comes from the two words: 1) ὑπό hupo – Strong’s G5259 which means ‘under, in subjection to’, and 2) μένω menō – Strong’s G3306 and means, ‘to stay, abide, remain, stand’ – which is the word that is used in Yoḥanan/John 15 where we are told to ‘stay in, remain in’ Messiah!

Proper endurance in the Master calls for us to ‘stay in’ Him and ‘be in subjection to’ Him, by guarding His commands!

The Greek word translated as ‘possess’ is κτάομαι ktaomai – Strong’s G2932 which means, ‘to possess, acquire, gain, obtain, purchase’. As faithful talmidim (disciples) of Messiah, we recognise that while He ascended to the Most Set-Apart Place, where He continually intercedes for us as our High Priest, we who are here, and have ‘remained behind’, need to endure and be steadfast in staying in Him as we walk in subjection to His clear Torah. This call to possess our lives by endurance implies that endurance is certainly needed, especially as we live in a world that is corrupt and wicked and if one does not ‘possess by endurance’ they may just see their lives being stolen away through the influence of sin and compromise. Tonight I would like us to look at the message given to the assembly in Philadelphia – the enduring assembly! Please turn with me to Ḥazon/Revelation 3:7-13 (Read).

The Greek word Φιλαδέλφεια Philadelphia – Strong’s G5359 means, ‘brotherly love’, which comes from the adjective φιλάδελφος philadelphos – Strong’s G5361 which means, ‘loving one’s brother, being brotherly’, which comes from the construct of two Greek words: 1) φίλος  philos – Strong’s G5384 which means, ‘beloved, dear, friend’, and 2) ἀδελφός adelphos – Strong’s G80 which means, ‘a brother, believing husband, fellow believer’.

Sha’ul made it clear to the taught one’s in Thessalonica that is was not necessary for him to write to them about brotherly love:

Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 4:9 “And it is not necessary to write to you about brotherly love, for you yourselves are taught by Elohim to love one another”

Our Good Teacher has given us all we need for life and reverence and as we stay in Him and walk even as He walked and guard His commands we are enabled to properly love one another as we should.

Philadelphia was situated about 45km SE of Sardis, in an area well known for its agricultural products, but was severely afflicted with earthquakes which destroyed the city several times. This city was situated in a strategic place on the main route of the Imperial Post from Rome to the east and was called “the gateway to the east”. It was also called “little Athens” because of the many temples in the city. It was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamos, to be an “open door” for Greek culture. Philadelphia specialized in textile and leather production. The only major problem with the location was that the area was prone to earthquakes; it sat on a geological fault and it was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 17 that also destroyed Sardis and ten other cities. It was then rebuilt by Emperor Tiberius. Afterward some of the citizens refused to move back to the city and remained in the surrounding countryside which they called “the burnt land”. There did not seem to be much security in the city of brotherly love, and we take note that Philadelphia and Smyrna were the two most afflicted assemblies of the 7 and were the two that did not receive a rebuke, but rather an encouragement to endure! In Smyrna the promise was given that the congregation of Satan would not prevail over the faithful and here to Philadelphia it was told that the false worshippers would come and bow before the true, in acknowledgement of who Elohim is!

In this message to the assembly in Philadelphia our Master is introduced as:

“He who is set-apart, He who is true, He who has the key of Dawiḏ, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”

This declaration of who was speaking is made very clear, for He who is the Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl is יהוה Ěl Shaddai:

Ḥazon/Revelation 4:8 “And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were covered with eyes around and within. And they do not cease, day or night, saying, “Set-apart, set-apart, set-apart, יהוה Ěl Shaddai, who was, and who is, and who is coming!”

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 48:17 “Thus said יהוה, your Redeemer, the Set-apart One of Yisra’ĕl, “I am יהוה your Elohim, teaching you what is best, leading you by the way you should go.”

The concept of set-apartness is one of the central themes we find throughout the book of Yeshayahu/Isaiah and what is certainly emphasised is his book is that The Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl is יהוה, and the clear acknowledgement and declaration of this is seen over 30 times in Yeshayahu alone!

The Hebrew term קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל – ‘qoḏesh Yisra’ĕl’ occurs in 18 verses of the Tanak (O.T.) with 15 of them being used in Yeshayahu/Isaiah, with the other 3 verses being found in: Melaḵim Bět/2 Kings 19:22; Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 50:29; and Tehillah/Psalm 71:22, with all of these giving a clear reference to יהוה the Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl!

Why I am mentioning this is to strengthen the clear and powerful witness we have in Scripture in terms of the revelation of Messiah, who is making it clear here in His message to this assembly that He is The Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl!

I certainly love finding these great nuggets of truth that are made abundantly clear throughout Scripture that strengthens our ability to boldly proclaim that יהושע Messiah is our Master and Elohim and the Only True Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl! What a great encouragement these words were to the believers in Philadelphia, as they were receiving a great word of encouragement for their continued endurance from the One who causes us to be and The One who became our Saviour and causer of everlasting deliverance to those obeying Him!

Messiah is the Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl and He is the True One!

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of Elohim has come and has given us an understanding, so that we might know the true One. And we are in the true One, in His Son יהושע Messiah. This is the true Elohim and everlasting life.”

There were hundreds of false deities that were being worshipped among the nations in those days, just like today!

The Set-Apart and True One has the keys of Dawiḏ and the promise of doors that were to be opened by the Master and would not be shut was a huge encouragement, especially in a city that had become an open door for Greek culture that promoted false worship! We too can be greatly encouraged by these words of our Master and recognise that we are well equipped to endure and hold fast to His Truth because He is the Door and while the enemy may try to set up false doors of hope, they will not give proper access to everlasting life. Messiah is the Way the Truth and the Life and He has given us entrance into His reign and those who do not obey Him will be shut out, giving us the sure promise of a reign of everlasting piece where the enemy and sin will be destroyed – just as in the days of Noaḥ where only the righteous 8 entered into the ark and Elohim shut the door and destroyed the wicked!

This wording of ‘the keys of Dawiḏ’ would have caused the hearers to remember the imagery of this as found in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 22:15-25, which would encourage them in the understanding of the events that took place as a shadow picture of Messiah! Let us read this passage from Yeshayahu:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 22:15-25 “Thus said the Master יהוה of hosts, “Go, come to this steward, to Sheḇnah, who is over the house, and say, 16 ‘What have you here, and whom have you here, that you have hewn a tomb here, as he who hews himself a tomb on high, cutting out a resting place for himself in a rock? 17 ‘See, יהוה is hurling you away, O man, and is firmly grasping you, 18 rolling you up tightly like a ball, into a wide land. There you are to die, and there your esteemed chariots are to be the shame of your master’s house. 19 ‘And I shall drive you from your office, and you shall be ousted from your position. 20 ‘And it shall be in that day, that I shall call My servant Elyaqim son of Ḥilqiyahu. 21 ‘And I shall put your robe on him, and strengthen him with your girdle, and give your authority into his hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Yerushalayim and to the house of Yehuḏah. 22 ‘And I shall place the key of the house of Dawiḏ on his shoulder. And he shall open, and no one shuts; and shall shut, and no one opens. 23 ‘And I shall fasten him like a peg in a steadfast place, and he shall become a throne of esteem to his father’s house. 24 ‘And they shall hang on him all the weight of his father’s house, the offspring and the offshoots, all vessels of small quantity, from the cups to all the jars. 25 ‘In that day,’ declares יהוה of hosts, ‘the peg that is fastened in the steadfast place shall be removed and be cut down and fall, and the burden that was on it shall be cut off. For יהוה has spoken.’ ”

The setting of this passage is as follows:

It was during the reign of Ḥizqiyahu when Ashshur came up against all the walled cities of Yerushalayim and captured them. Ḥizqiyahu gave the sovereign of Ashshur all the silver and gold that was found in the House of יהוה, and at that time he cut off the doors of the Hĕḵal of יהוה, and the doorposts which he had overlaid, and gave it to the sovereign of Ashshur.

שֶׁבְנָא Sheḇnah – Strong’s H7644 which means, ‘vigour’ was the scribe and secretary to Ḥizqiyahu who, being so close to royalty, assumed that he had the right to be treated like a king himself. This is a clear shadow picture of Satan or the counterfeit Messiah who has tried to usurp the position of king and as Ḥazon/Revelation 19:20 tells us that the beast and the false prophet shall be thrown into the lake of fire, so too was Sheḇnah to be thrown out and Elyaqim would have the ‘robe’ of authority put on him, to be over the house, which shadow pictures Messiah taking up His rightful place as Redeemer and King over the House of Yisra’ĕl. אֶלְיָקִים Elyaqim – Strong’s H471 means, ‘El sets up, El raises up’ and he was the son of חִלְקִיָּהוּ Ḥilqiyahu – Strong’s H2518 which means, ‘my portion is Yah’.

Sheḇnah was a corrupt official who would be removed from his office of authority and it would be given to a faithful man, Elyaqim, who would now have the keys, which represented authority to open and shut.

These prophetic words that were given here in Yeshayahu spoke clearly of Messiah who would be set up as High Priest and be robed in the purest garments of righteousness in order to exercise complete authority over a redeemed Bride – Yisra’ĕl.

We also have in Scripture another Elyaqim who was the son of Yoshiyahu who Pharaoh Neḵo set up to reign in the place of Yoshiyahu and changed his name to יְהוֹיָקִים Yehoyaqim – Strong’s H3079 which means, ‘יהוה raises up’, after Pharaoh had taken Yeho’aḥaz, the brother of Elyaqim who had only reigned 3 months, to Mitsrayim.

Yehoyaqim (Elyaqim) did evil in the eyes of יהוה, and Neḇuḵaḏnetstsar sovereign of Baḇel came up against him, and bound him in bronze shackles and took him away to Baḇel. Why I am mentioning this is to highlight a powerful lesson in Scripture that teaches us that it is only the one that יהוה appoints and raises up that will be established. Pharaoh had appointed a wicked Elyaqim as sovereign and he was bound in shackles and removed, whereas the other Elyaqim that we find in Scripture who was a faithful servant would be appointed by יהוה and become a father to the inhabitants of Yerushalayim! This is a powerful shadow picture of Messiah who was raised up and is established as High Priest and Sovereign forever in the order of Malkitseḏeq, and having the keys of Dawiḏ signifies the everlasting authority of the True beloved King who is enthroned on High and whose reign is established forever!

While the Greeks saw Philadelphia as ‘an open door’ for their culture to be spread, Messiah makes it clear that He is the One who will open the door for His Besorah to be made known by His faithful enduring ambassadors.

In the Renewed Writings (N.T.) the idea of a door being opened speaks of the opportunity that is given for the Good News to be proclaimed, despite any opposition that may come!

Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 16:9 “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and many are opposing.”

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 2:12 “And when I came to Troas for the Good News of Messiah, and a door was opened to me by the Master”.

Qolasim/Colossians 4:2-4 “Continue in prayer, watching therein, with thanksgiving, 3 praying at the same time also for us, that Elohim would open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of Messiah, for which I am also in chains, 4 so that I make it clear, as I should speak.”

Despite the intense afflictions and opposition to the Truth that the believers in Philadelphia were facing they were greatly assured by the words of the Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl.

Amidst the intense persecutions the believers at Philadelphia were given a great opportunity to proclaim the good news and express it through their loving obedience in guarding the commands of Elohim! The question is whether they would take this opportunity or not, whether they would continue to endure or fall under the pressures of the world around them?

It is no different today, as we too face similar afflictions and persecutions for our faith, especially as the world keeps opening more and more doors of depravity into people’s lives through various means, and it is only through the Master that we are able to properly shut those doors, as we remain in Him and guard righteousness with our all! While the believers in Philadelphia faced many obstacles we take note here of two main obstacles that needed to be overcome. The first was their seeming lack of strength, or as Messiah puts it – ‘you have little power’. Sha’ul made it clear that he had strength to do all through Messiah who strengthened Him, and our competence is from Elohim:

Pilipiyim/Philippians 4:13 “I have strength to do all, through Messiah who empowers me.”

Qorintiyim Bět /2 Corinthians 3:4-5 “And such trust we have toward Elohim, through the Messiah. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to reckon any matter as from ourselves, but our competence is from Elohim”

This assembly may not have been a very big one yet it was a faithful one, and here they were being greatly encouraged to not be discouraged by what may be seen as a lack of power; the very encouragement we certainly need to hear today, especially as we see that there are not many people who are holding fast to the truth and enduring, for there are many who are sadly falling away when the pressures of life become too much!

This faithful assembly guarded the Word of Elohim and did not deny His Name!

The second big obstacle that they faced was the extreme opposition that they were facing from some unbelieving Yehuḏim. Those who claimed to be true believers were of the congregation of Satan, and the clear difference is noted here as the false worshippers did not guard the Word of Elohim and denied His Name! This is a clear picture of many today who have cast aside the Word of Elohim and claim that the Torah is of no more use, as well as those who may be adhering to the Torah is some way or form yet they deny who the one True Master and Elohim is, as they deny that יהושע Messiah is our Master and Elohim and the Only True Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl – יהוה Ěl Shaddai!

It is made clear that the false worshippers who claim to be true worshippers but have denied Messiah and disregarded His Word would come and bow down before the True worshippers. This too is a prophetic picture of what will happen when our Master and Elohim comes again, when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that יהושע Messiah is Master!!!

The encouragement for guarding His Word is the firm assurance that we will be guarded from destruction and the second death! While the believers here faced obstacles they had great opportunities to proclaim the Good News!

Unbelief sees obstacles, but true belief/faith that works obedience sees opportunities, and since The Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl holds the keys; we acknowledge and recognise that He is in control of the outcome! So what do we have to fear? Nobody can close the doors as long as He keeps them open! Fear, unbelief and delay through compromise has caused many believers to miss various opportunities and open doors that Elohim has given.

Have you missed opportunities that were Elohim given, through fear, unbelief and delay? How often have you allowed the obstacles in your way to cloud the view of your opportunities? Obstacles must be seen as mere instances or objects that remind and enable us to fix our eyes on the One who holds the keys and know that He provides the way and that there are no obstacles too great or Him to lead us through!

The way we ensure that we do not miss any open door to speak the Good News without hindrance is by guarding the Word with endurance! The Greek word used here for ‘guarding’ is τηρέω tēreō – Strong’s G5083 which means, ‘to attend to carefully, to take care of, to guard, metaphorically – to keep one in the state in which he is, to observe, to hold fast’, and this is a verb which clearly implies an action that is required rather than a passive nullification of the need to observe. It comes from the word τηρός tēros which is a ‘guard’, and we know that a guard cannot guard correctly if they are not alert and watchful!

Figuratively this word τηρέω tēreō means, ‘obey, fulfil a duty, precept, law or custom, and to perform watchfully’. To guard the instructions of the One we know implies an active obedience to what we hear Him speak and instruct and therefore be diligent to be watchful over His clear Words!

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 2:3-7 “And by this we know that we know Him, if we guard His commands. 4 The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not guard His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever guards His Word, truly the love of Elohim has been perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked. 7 Beloved, I write no fresh command to you, but an old command which you have had from the beginning. The old command is the Word which you heard from the beginning.””

! There are many liars around today just as Messiah called those who claimed to be Yehuḏim but were not, as they were liars who were of the congregation of Satan. We once again take note in Scripture how Messiah had no problem with calling false worshippers what they are as He basically called them Satanists! Those who did not guard His Word and those who denied His Name were not of the True assembly but were of the congregation of Satan and therefore were Satanists, to put it bluntly! If anyone does not guard the commands of our Master and Elohim and denies His Name then they show that they do not love Him and are of the congregation of Satan, despite their claims to be true believers! We are to be true servants of the Most High who properly make the good confession before many, as we Hear-Guard and Do our Master’s commands.

The Greek word used here for ‘endurance’ is ὑπομονή hupomonē – Strong’s G5281 as already mentioned tonight and teaches us that we endure by staying in the Master and being subject to Him, guarding His commands at all times!

We have, like the believers in Philadelphia, been called to ‘hold’ what we have, and the Greek word that is translated as ‘hold’ is κρατέω  krateō – Strong’s G2902 which means, ‘to be strong, rule, clinging, hold fast’, and this word carries with it the intensity of being very strong in holding on. This word is also used in Scripture to describe, in a negative way, those who hold fast to vain traditions while easily forsaking the commands of Elohim. What we hold fast to is of vital importance for we cannot be holding fast to two different things, despite the vain efforts of many to do so. Holding fast to the Truth must cause us to let go of inherited lies and vain traditions that lead to compromise and corruption.

The one who overcomes will be a supporting post in the Dwelling Place of Elohim!

The Greek word for ‘overcomes’ is νικάω nikaō – Strong’s G3528 which means, ‘to conquer, prevail, overcome, victorious’.

Romiyim/Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 5:3-5 “For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy, 4 because everyone having been born of Elohim overcomes the world. And this is the overcoming that has overcome the world: our belief. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world but he who believes that יהושע is the Son of Elohim?”

What is interesting for us to consider here is that the Greek word for ‘crown’ is στέφανος Stephanos – Strong’s G4735 which means, ‘to encircle, that which surrounds, crown, wreath’, and is the same as the name of Στέφανος Stephanos – Strong’s G4736, the first recorded taught one who was killed for the Name of יהושע Messiah, as seen in Ma’asei/Acts 7! Stephanos endured unto death! Those who endure and overcome will by no means go out but will rather enter in to the reign of our Master and be given the crown of everlasting life!

As we consider the powerful message to this assembly we are able to receive this living message in to our hearts today and be encouraged to hold fast and overcome, despite the obstacles we may have been facing or will face in the future, and be able to endure even the toughest of earthquakes as we stay in the Master and guard His word.

Maybe you have had earthquake experiences in your life that has destroyed almost everything you had and made you very weak, or perhaps you have faced much opposition and persecution that has almost destroyed your ability to witness or the desire to do so.

I believe today our Master יהושע Messiah wants to say to you that He knows your works, and that you have little strength and that you have kept His Word and not denied His name, even though it has been tough. He knows all and we take note that He makes it clear to every assembly that He knows their works!!! The Greek word used here for ‘works’ is ἔργον ergon – Strong’s G2041 which means, ‘works, labour, business, employment, behaviour, deeds’.

This message is as alive today as it was for those believers back then, and we must be on guard against hardening our hearts in rebellion to His Word and be encouraged to guard, endure, hold fast and overcome!

Do not let the compromise of others, who say they are believers, become a stumbling block to your belief!

Our Master sets before each and every one of us today ‘an open door’ that no one can shut! An open door is given to each of us so that we can guard His commands and bear His Name as an effective witness. And know this – His favour is sufficient for us as we stand armed in His Torah and are strengthened to firmly grasp the love of Messiah that surpasses all knowledge.  Perhaps you have felt like you have been weakened by many trials and obstacles of late. Maybe you have been shattered by the compromise of others who say they are of the belief; maybe you have found your ability to witness being weakened due to the zeal to do so dwindling under the afflictions of the world. This is a call to the faithful remnant to stand and keep standing in the Truth!

Hear then this encouraging call to:

GUARD, ENDURE, HOLD FAST AND OVERCOME!

These are the words of the Set-Apart One of Yisra’ĕl!!!

He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies!

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show you favour; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom!

Shabbat Shalom all,

Yoḥanan/John 17:14-17 “I have given them Your Word, and the world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. 15 “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the wicked one. 16 “They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. 17 “Set them apart in Your truth – Your Word is truth.”

This chapter 17 of Yoḥanan could best be described as “The Master’s prayer”, and in these clear words of our Master we take note of something very vital for us to understand, and that is that we are not of this world yet are called to be in this world, in order to live set-apart lives according to the Word of Elohim, being completely set-apart in the Truth of Elohim!

With the Feast of Sukkoth having come and gone so quickly and everyone back into their daily routines for a little over a week or so, we are quickly reminded how set-apart we are to be living amidst a wicked and perverse generation. Many of us would love to have stayed in the mind-set of Sukkoth, being nestled away in the mountains and vineyards and continue enjoying the great rejoicing rest of our Master without any of the typical daily pressures that we face each and every day. The reality is that we cannot stay at Sukkoth camp and we need to get back to living our daily lives, yet what we can and must do, is continue to live set-apart lives, even while living in the midst of others who are not. We may not be of this world yet we are called to be in this world and are called to shine the light of the Truth as we make taught ones of all the nations, teaching them to guard the commands of Elohim, as we remain faithful ambassadors of the reign of our Master that is coming. Sha’ul writes to us in his letter to the Romans and tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and in his letter to the Ephesians he reminds us that we were dead in our trespasses and sins when we walked according to the course of this world and the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience, yet by His great compassion and love for us, Elohim made us alive together with Messiah, for it is by favour we have been saved. We are now no longer foreigners of strangers but fellow citizens with the set-apart ones and members of the household of Elohim! In a message tonight called, “IN BUT NOT OF!” I want us to be reminded that we are to be faithful sojourners and ambassadors of Messiah, here amidst a wicked world that we are in but not of! To help us gain a better understanding of this I would like us to look at the message that was given to the assembly in Pergamos. Please turn with me to Ḥazon/Revelation 2:12-17 (read).

Πέργαμος Pergamos – Strong’s G4010 means, ‘height, elevation’ and comes from the root word meaning, ‘tower’.

Pergamos was a city that was located inland about 32 km from Smyrna. Like Ephesos and Smyrna it was a very wealthy city, however it was extremely wicked. People, in their various pagan cults, worshiped false deities such as Athena, Dionysus, Asclepius and Zeus. It was also very famous for its university which boasted a library that contained 200,000 volumes and was the second largest in the ancient world after Alexandria. Parchment was developed in Pergamos after relations with Mitsrayim/Egypt soured and papyrus became difficult to obtain, resulting in the manufacturing of paper that was called ‘pergamena’.

This city was also called ‘the greatest city of Asia Minor’, and Pergamos had the first temple dedicated to Caesar, and was a rabid promoter of the imperial cult. There was also a temple dedicated to Asclepius, who was seen as their deity of healing, and it was believed by the people of Pergamos that sick people could come to his temple and rest and so be healed while they slept and dreamt of themselves being healed by the intervention of Asclepius, waking up the next morning in good health. The lame would walk, blind would see, and many people experienced miraculous healing; and in gratitude they donated gold or silver images of the limbs that were healed, while many simply brought offerings to the temple.

Those who were healed would inscribe their name, and the ailment from which they’d been cured, on a large, white stone as a testimony to Asclepius.

Pergamos, which is now called Bergama, is known for its cotton, gold and fine carpets, and this ancient city which was known for its architecture, had many huge temples that were dedicated to various pagan mighty ones, and the ancient ruins of these temples continue to attract considerable tourists to this day.

There were many false mighty ones that were worshipped here. In Greek mythology Demeter is the female mighty one of the harvest who presided over grains and fertility of the earth, and a large shrine was built to her, and it was believed by many that she would forgive the sins of her followers who immersed themselves in bulls’ blood. The people of Pergamos worshipped Caesar Augustus at the Athena temple that they had built and declared him to be their divine master and king.

There was also a temple built to Dionysus who, in Greek mythology, was believed to be the son of Zeus and a human mother; and it was also believed that he offered his followers life after death as well as meaningful life on earth through the indulgence of raw meat and wine. According to the teaching of the Dionysus cult, followers who drank wine to excess literally became one with Dionysus. So, worshipers would gather around the altar, gorge on raw meat that had been offered to Dionysus and drink until they became intoxicated. During their festivals, women would drink wine and run through the hills screaming, dancing, and committing sexual immorality. Dionysus worship was so wild that it was outlawed in Rome because it was considered to be too immoral!

The reason I am mentioning this to you is to make it clear to you that from a worldly perspective this city had it all! It had every type of counterfeit worship you could think of, and pretty much describes what the world looks like today!

Each counterfeit cult claimed something that only the True Living Elohim can provide, and therefore each cult did their best to dishonour or take away the proper praise and esteem that is due to the Only Name above all Names!

Zeus was acclaimed here as king of kings and master of masters. Dionysus was reputed to provide joy, eternal life, and meaning; and was said to be able to change water into wine. It was believed that Demeter would provide daily bread, resurrection, and eternal life through the blood of animals. Asclepius was reputed to provide good health, healing from disease, and eternal life. To top it all off, emperor worship caused many to believe that the roman emperor was master of all and the supreme source of truth in the earth! With all this false worship going on here we are able to understand more clearly the very sharp words of our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah.

In the message given to the assembly in Pergamos, our Master is recorded as, “He who has the sharp two-edged sword”!

This introduction held special significance for people of Pergamos. The provincial governor in that city had what was known as ‘the right of the sword’ – and this was Rome’s authority to decide which prisoners or accused persons would live or die (including believers who refused to honour the ‘divine’ emperor Caesar Augustus).

What was being made very clear here in the opening introduction to the assembly in Pergamos is that it is only יהושע Messiah alone that has the power over life and death, and not the governor of Pergamos! This would bring great encouragement to a remnant assembly who were under the threat of being put to death, as many had already been killed due to their refusal to bow to the mandated emperor worship. They would have been reminded of the words of our Master and who it is they are to fear, in:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the being. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both being and body in Gehenna.”

We also take not of the words of our Master being given to the remnant assembly in Pergamos, when He says that He knows where the throne of Satan is! I have briefly mentioned the various cults and things that were worshipped here, and all of the abominable worship could be collectively categorised as the throne of Satan

In Pergamos, as in our culture today, Satan wanted people to lose sight of the True Living Elohim and His Mighty power. All the false deities who took the credit and esteem that was due to Elohim, for providing life and giving it meaning and significance, made Pergamum the city ‘where Satan lived.’ Satan wanted people to think that everything they needed for life – even eternal life – could be found through their own efforts or through the world around them, and so easily set up his throne through false worship in various forms!

There are many opinions as to exactly what Yoḥanan referred to when he wrote these phrases in Ḥazon/Revelation 2:13: ‘where the throne of Satan is’ and ‘where Satan dwells’. While many may debate what our Master and Elohim referred to, and if He had in mind a specific temple or pagan practice, I firmly believe that the sum of the evil activities in Pergamos made this city the home and throne of Satan. In a sense, all of the pagan centres could be identified as strongholds of Satan.

With this background of Pergamos in mind, the place where Satan dwells and has his throne, we can better understand our Master’s closing words to the assembly of Pergamos: 

“And I shall give him a white stone, and on the stone a renewed Name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Elohim strategically sent out and placed the early believers into an evil world in order to stand as powerful witnesses and testimonies of His power and work in their lives. As living stones for Elohim, the true believers were clearly different from the white stones on which people, healed by Asclepius, had written their names. The world needed to see the believers as living stones on which new names had been written, and the believers needed to speak the truth of Elohim to a spiritually hungry world. Likewise, believers today need to praise Elohim for all that he has done and tell people about it. This promise of being given a white stone with a renewed name would have been an extremely powerful encouragement to the assembly in Pergamos to endure and overcome.

Today there are many ancient ruins that can be found in Pergamos, modern day Bergama, of the false worship that was done and among these there are white stone pillars that have names inscribed on them. Names that are written in the earth for they forsook יהוה, the fountain of living waters! These are dead stones that are mere ruins of depravity, while the promise that is given to those who overcome is that they will be given life and a name that will continue forever!

Pergamos is a very clear picture of the depravity of false worship that is seen throughout the world today, and the length that many will go to establish this state of depravity. It is no coincidence that the name of Pergamos means ‘height, elevation’ and comes from the root word meaning, ‘tower’, as it symbolises for us everything that exalts itself against Elohim!

All of the false mighty ones that were worshipped here represent the twisted corruption and delusion that Satan brings to those who do not hold fast to the truth and so easily fall away to myths and vain traditions of falsehood. The battles that these early believers faced here at Pergamos are no different to what we face today, as Sha’ul reminds us in:

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 10:3-6 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not fight according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly but mighty in Elohim for overthrowing strongholds, 5 overthrowing reasonings and every high matter that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim, taking captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

All reasoning that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim must be overthrown! What I find very interesting, especially when considering that Pergamos means height, is the words we find in Yirmeyahu in a call given to a backsliding Yisra’ĕl to return to יהוה, where we see the following:

Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 3:23 “Truly, delusion comes from the high hills, the noisy throng on the mountains. Truly, in יהוה our Elohim is the deliverance of Yisra’ĕl.”

Delusion comes from the high hills! What happened on the high hills? Abominable worship!!! This pictures for us, in many ways, the various things that are being placed higher than Elohim!

The believers in Pergamos had suffered much persecution, and one of their own had died for the faith, namely Antipas.

The name Ἀντίπας Antipas – Strong’s G493 means, ‘against all, against or opposite to the father’, as is contracted from two words: 1) – ἀντί anti – Strong’s G473 which is a primary preposition that means, ‘over against, opposite, instead of’ and 2) – πατήρ patēr – Strong’s G3962 which means, ‘father, parent’. This believer who was killed for the belief is a picture of those who have stood up against the lies and traditions of falsehood and would not bow to the delusion of the various teachings of deceptive worship practices. As true ambassadors of our Master, who are in the world but not of the world, we may often be labelled as one who is ‘against all’, as we do not fall prey to empty vanities and twisted practices of what is deemed acceptable by the world! How many times have you been told that you do not have to be against everything, when simply standing up for the Truth in all matters? The Trustworthy witnesses of the Master will be against all that is not of Elohim, and will not compromise their set-apartness in any way or form, always being on guard against the luring delusions of compromised worship! Our Master mentions the name of this trustworthy one as a reminder to the rest to hold fast to the truth, and even when it seems like you are against all, just stand firm in the Truth, always bearing about in the body the dying of the Master יהושע, that the life of יהושע might also be manifested in our body.

While there was a great witness of trustworthiness, our Master held a few matters against the believers here in Pergamos, and we would do well to take heed of these things lest we find the same being held against us today!

Some were adhering to the teaching of Bilʽam. The teaching of Bilʽam is a reference to that which teaches compromised worship as an acceptable standard, as Bilʽam was the one who taught Balaq how he could infiltrate the camp of Yisra’ĕl through whoring and defilement! Many today adhere to the teaching of Bilʽam as they readily accept the form of teaching that is not scripturally sound and condone lawlessness as being an acceptable living standard!

There were also some who adhered to the teaching of the Nikolaites. The word Νικολαΐτης Nikolaitēs – Strong’s G3531 means, ‘destruction of the people’, and they were a sect of people that were charged with adhering to the teaching of Bilʽam and causing the people of Elohim to stumble by ‘lording’ it over them what they wanted them to do. So many people today are following false traditions and teachings just because they have been told to do so, and the teaching of the Nikolaites is a reference to strict form of teaching that teaches people to follow man-made traditions without questioning the teacher of system!

The name Bilʽam – בִּלְעָם  – Strong’s H1109 means, ‘not of the people’ which possibly stems from the two words: בַּל bal – Strong’s H1077 meaning, ‘not, cannot, never, fail’, which comes from the primitive root בָּלָה  balah – Strong’s H1086 meaning, ‘to become old, wear out, consume, decaying, waste away’; and the second word עָם am – Strong’s H5971 meaning, ‘people, nation, citizens’, hence the construction of בִּלְעָם  Bilʽam carrying the meaning of ‘not of the people’.

It is also believed to be derived from the root word בָּלַע bala – Strong’s H1104 which means, ‘to swallow up, engulf, brought to confusion, consume, destroy’.

From understanding the derivatives or roots of the name of Bilʽam we can further understand the picture being presented to us in order to warn us from that which is happening in our day! Bilʽam could best be expressed in having the meaning of “one who is not of the people that wears down the people”. We are warned in Scripture about the delusion of Bilʽam – that delusion that wears people down and this is a delusion brought by those who are not of the people of Elohim, yet claim to be and are simply false prophets!

Kěpha Bět/2 Peter 3:17 “You, then, beloved ones, being forewarned, watch, lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the delusion of the lawless”

Yehuḏah/Jude 1:11 “Woe to them! Because they have gone in the way of Qayin, and gave themselves to the delusion of Bilʽam for a reward, and perished in the rebellion of Qoraḥ.”

The delusion that was being taught by some at Pergamos was that it was ok to be faithful to Rome and worship the emperor and that there would be no harm in paying homage to Caesar and putting incense on his altar in order to get entrance into the marketplaces.  Antipas refused to compromise and he was martyred, but others took the easy way and cooperated with Rome. What would you do if someone in our assembly was killed for faith in Messiah? Would you compromise to save your life?

Mattithyahu/Matthew 16:25-26 “For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. 26 “For what is a man profited if he gains all the world, and loses his own life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?”

Some of the believers at Pergamos were clearly being accused of compromise and were being called to repent or else they would face the sharp sword of the mouth of Elohim!

The English word compromise, according to the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, is described as:

a) The settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions

b) Something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things

c) A concession to something derogatory or prejudicial 〈a compromise of principles〉

In everyday conflicts, compromise is often a reconciliation of interest that both unites and divides. Compromise that is in anyway dishonest is ethically unacceptable. We may often make compromises for others, husbands and wives e.g., however when it is done against the will and Word of Elohim it is wrong. The believers who were being accused of following false teachings were compromising the proper called for standard of set-apartness for a blending of practices and concede to a mixed worship that is deemed acceptable!

The Greek word for ‘repent’ is μετανοέω metanoeō – Strong’s G3340 which means, ‘to change one’s mind or purpose, to repent, relent’ and involves a complete change in one’s attitude and thought. The call for repentance was given to those who had been conformed to the pattern of the world, and a renewing of the mind was needed, lest they be found to be enemies of the Master!

Bilʽam was one who would do anything for money, and many in Pergamos were falling for the same delusion – compromising for money! So many are still doing it today! Some will claim that they have to work on a Shabbat or else they will lose their job and they live in fear of losing their income, when what is at stake is far more serious than their income, as their lives are at stake! In the Parable of the Sower we are clearly reminded how the deceit of riches chokes out the Word, leaving the thorny heart fruitless and we know that a fruitless tree is in danger of being cut off and thrown into the fire.

As we consider this message given to the assembly in Pergamos, we are able to clearly see how relevant and clear this message is to the body of Messiah still today! While we may not be of the world, we must live where our Master has put us, and by live I mean live as true trustworthy ambassadors of His coming reign, holding fast to the belief and not falling for the many delusions that are so easily causing many to be conformed to the pattern of this decaying world.

The tactics of the enemy is seen in various forms of delusion, from things that are very subtle and almost unnoticeable to the very obvious. If we do not receive a true love for the Truth and run in the way of the commands of our Elohim, hating every false way, then we may be in danger of falling prey to the lurking delusions that are continually seeking to devour and destroy true set-apartness, and the clear call that we find in this message to the believers in Pergamos is one of steadfastness and uncompromised commitment to the Truth! Even if it costs you your life!

 As you consider your own life, when looking intently in to the mirror of the Word, what pressures are you facing in the Pergamos of today? We are in the word where Satan’s throne is and in the world where he dwells. We are in but not of!

Πέργαμος Pergamos – Strong’s G4010 means, ‘height, elevation’ and comes from the root word meaning, ‘tower’. Herein lays the clear choice – to be living stones of the Most High, being built up in Him, or follow the crowd and in pride build our own tower of destruction!

The Master knows our works – how do they measure up against the plumb line of His Truth? Have you been a trustworthy witness or have you found that the delusion of lawlessness and compromise has affected your walk.

It is time for the true set-apart believers to stand up and be counted worthy and be on guard against the many delusions that have captivated so many today, even if you are labelled as being one who is against all!

Yoḥanan/John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.”

In a time when the delusion of lawlessness is growing stronger and gaining much momentum, in leading so many astray, take heed to this warning and hold fast to the truth and delight in righteousness, or else!

Tas’loniqim Bět/2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders of falsehood, 10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, in order for them to be saved. 11 And for this reason Elohim sends them a working of delusion, for them to believe the falsehood, 12 in order that all should be judged who did not believe the truth, but have delighted in the unrighteousness.”

As true called out and set-apart ones, we cannot settle for ‘whatever goes’, so to speak, as we must cling to what is good and shrink from what is wicked! We are living stones being built up a spiritual house and set-apart priesthood! Do not let the world build you… let the Word of Elohim cause you to be rooted in, and stand firm upon, the Rock, יהושע Messiah, as you are daily being built up in Him, established in the belief and overflowing with thanksgiving!

IN BUT NOT OF – that is a good thing – so hear what the Spirit says and be more than overcomers through Him who loved us.

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show you favour; יהוה lift up His face to you and give you Shalom!

Shabbat Shalom all,

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 16:13-15 “Perform the Festival of Sukkot for seven days after the ingathering from your threshing-floor and from your winepress, 14 and you shall rejoice in your festival, you and your son and your daughter, and your male servant and your female servant, and the Lĕwite, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates. 15 “For seven days you shall celebrate to יהוה your Elohim in the place which יהוה chooses, because יהוה your Elohim does bless you in all your increase and in all the work of your hands, and you shall be only rejoicing!”

In just a couple of days we will be performing the Festival of Sukkot! The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘perform’ is from the primitive root verb עָשָׂה asah – Strong’s H6213 which means, ‘to do, work, make, produce, to act with effect, to observe, to bring about, institute’ and can also mean, ‘celebrate’, which I think is very fitting. This word is often translated as ‘works’ and is a clear reference to what one physically and practically does.

It is truly a great ‘joy’ TO DO the laws and right-rulings as prescribed, and more specifically in terms of the Feasts of יהוה it is a joy for us to ‘perform’ them as we are instructed to!

So many today think that it is a huge burden to do what is commanded, yet that is so far from the truth!

When we diligently observe and guard to do all He commands us to do, it is a great joy and a delight and not heavy at all!

A derivative of this word עָשָׂה asah – Strong’s H6213 is the word מַעֲשֶׂה ma’aseh – Strong’s H4639 and means ‘a deed, work or acts, accomplishments’. The “Acts” of the Apostles speaks of the deeds or acts of that which the Apostles did and records their ‘acts’ of obedience. We shall be known by our fruits based on our proper reverence and submission to our Master, which shall be evidenced in our “acts of obedience”, as we walk in righteousness, guarding to do all He has commanded us to do, all the time!!! We are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only!

Ya’aqoḇ/James 1:22-25 “And become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror, 24 for he looks at himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what he was like. 25 But he that looked into the perfect Torah, that of freedom, and continues in it, not becoming a hearer that forgets, but a doer of work, this one shall be blessed in his doing of the Torah.”

As we consider this root verb עָשָׂה asah in terms of our need to be doers of the Word, we recognise that we can only be proper doers if we are in fact looking intently into the Word, and when we see this word in the ancient pictographic script we gain further understanding of what it is to be a proper doer of the Word!

In the ancient pictographic script the verb עָשָׂה asah – Strong’s H6213 looks like this:

Ayin – עָ:

The original pictograph for this letter is:  and represents the idea of ‘seeing and watching’, as well as ‘knowledge’ as the eye is the window of knowledge.

Sin – שָׂ:

This is the letter ‘sin/shin’ which in the ancient script is pictured as: , which is ‘two front teeth’ and carries the meaning of ‘sharp or press, chew or devour’; which is what the teeth do, and also speaks of the sharpened word that comes forth from the mouth, as the teeth ‘chew’ or ‘meditate’ on the Truth, making what comes forth pure and sharp! It also carries the understanding of consuming or destroying – as teeth do to food.

Hey – ה:

The ancient script has this letter as  and is pictured as a man standing with his arms raised up and out as if pointing to something, and in essence carries the meaning of ‘behold’ as in when looking at something very great. It can also have the meaning to ‘breath’ or ‘sigh’ as when looking at a great sight and having your breath taken away so to speak! It also has the meaning of ‘revelation’ or to reveal something by pointing it out, as well as ‘praise’ through the lifting up of our hands in complete awe and surrender.

When looking at this word עָשָׂה asah in the ancient pictographic form, we are able to further understand how critical it is for us to be doers of the Word and so perform and do that which is instructed for us to do. From this picture we can see the meaning of: LOOKING AT THE WORD THAT HAS BEEN REVEALED!

This teaches us that we are unable to DO or PERFORM the Word if we are not looking intently at the Word!

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us! The clear revelation of the Word, יהושע Messiah, has been made known to us; and as we look to the Princely Leader and Perfecter of our belief we are able to lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and enabled to run with endurance the race set before us as we look at the Word and do it!!!

Now in terms of the Feast of Sukkoth, we recognise that the clear instruction given to us is to perform it!

The Greek word used in the LXX (Septuagint – Greek translation of the Tanak (O.T.)) for ‘perform’ is the ποιέω poieō – Strong’s G4160 which means, ‘to make, do, accomplish, keep, work, acts’, and is translated as ‘does’ in:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does them, shall be like a wise man who built his house on the rock”

A derivative of this word is ποιητής poiētēs – Strong’s G4163 which means, ‘a doer, a maker’, which is translated three times as ‘doer’ in the passage I read from Ya’aqoḇ/James 1:22-25.

I certainly hope you get the clear picture of how important it is for us to be doers of the Word, which we can never be if we are not looking intently into the Word and meditating on it day and night, so that it can be the proper light to our path and lamp to our feet!

As we look intently into the clear instructions given to us in regards to performing the Feast of Sukkot, we take note that a key component of our performing this Feast is one of rejoicing!

The Hebrew root word translated as ‘feast’ is the noun  חַג ḥag – Strong’s H2282 which means, ‘a festival, feast, sacrifice, festival gathering, solemnity’, which comes from the root verb חָגַג ḥagag – Strong’s H2287 which means, ‘to make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrimage, celebrate a feast, observe a feast, dance’.

This word חַג ḥag – Strong’s H2282 which means, ‘a festival, feast, sacrifice, festival gathering, solemnity’, in the ancient pictographic text looks like this:

Ḥet – חַ:

The ancient script has this letter as  which is a ‘tent wall’, and carries a meaning of ‘SEPARATION’, as a tent wall separates two halves of the tent; or it can also reflect the outside walls that separate the people inside from that which is outside and so can also symbolise protection and security to those inside, while picturing a cutting off of those who are outside. Hence this letter can mean ‘established, secure’ as well as ‘cut off, and separated from’. As a tent wall we are also able to recognise the picture of stones being built up to make a complete wall, having been separated from the world and built up in the master!

Gimel – ג:

This is the letter ‘gimel’, which in the ancient script in pictured as –  –which is ‘a foot’  and carries the meaning to ‘walk, gather, carry’, as clearly referring to the functions of a foot; and it can also give the meaning of a gathering of people, and we know that ‘feet’ in Hebrew speaks of one’s walk and ability to keep the Feasts of יהוה, and represents one’s ‘walk, and therefore also pictures for us the idea of ‘gathering’.

This word in its ancient pictographic form can have the meaning of ‘SEPARATED GATHERING’, and teaches us the necessity of being gathered together as commanded, in order to properly perform the Feasts of יהוה.

We take note of the text we read from in Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 16:15 that we are to celebrate for 7 days to יהוה our Elohim in the place which יהוה chooses! We are so thankful to יהוה for choosing for us a wonderful place for us to perform and celebrate His Feast of Sukkot this year, and this also emphasises the importance of unity and fellowship within the body, teaching us that we should not neglect the gathering of the set-apart ones, as some are in the habit of doing, and gather where יהוה has chosen! We are extremely blessed as a small fellowship to have what יהוה has given us and chosen for us in terms of our ability to gather every Sabbath and Feast together; and to neglect the instruction to gather where He has chosen for each of us in to neglect the instruction to perform as we should!

There are many around the world that do not have the opportunity to gather as we do, and therefore we should not overlook the joy it is to have that which He has caused for us to have as a small ATFOTC family!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘celebrate’ is חָגַג ḥagag – Strong’s H2287 which means, ‘to make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrimage, celebrate a feast, observe a feast, dance’, which is the root verb of חַג ḥag – Strong’s H2282, and is also used in:

Shemoth/Exodus 23:13 “Three times in the year you are to observe a festival to Me:”

Keeping the Feasts of יהוה are to be done with exceeding joy – after all they are His FEASTS – and a feast implies a joyous occasion with singing and dancing! Are you ready to perform the Feast of Sukkoth?

The Hebrew word for ‘booths’ is סֻּכֹּת – ‘Sukkoth’ which is the plural of the root word סֻכָּה ‘sukkah’ H5521 which means, ‘a thicket, booth, shelter, hut, temporary shelter, canopy, tent’ which comes from the noun סֹךְ soḵ – Strong’s H5520 which means, ‘a thicket, lair, hiding place, booth, den’, which comes from the primitive root verb סָכַךְ ‘saḵaḵ’ H5526 which means, ‘to overshadow, screen, cover, hedge or fence about or to entwine as a screen, weave together, knit together’, and helps us understand a little more of just how important this performing of the Feast of Sukkoth is, for we are being knit together as a body of Messiah, under whose wings we find rest, shelter and safety! Now that is something to rejoice about! This root verb is translated as ‘shelter’ in:

Tehillah/Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because You shelter them; and let those who love Your Name exult in You.”

Other translations have translated this word סָכַךְ ‘saḵaḵ’ in this verse as ‘defend’ or ‘protect’, which speaks not only of יהוה being our defender and protector but also pictures for us how His Booth or dwelling with us brings that protection in which we can freely rejoice.

The noun סֹךְ soḵ – Strong’s H5520 which means, ‘a thicket, lair, hiding place, booth, den’, in the ancient script looks like this:

Samek – סֹ:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is a thorn and has the meanings of ‘pierce and sharp’ and can also carry the meaning of ‘a shield, protection’, as thorn bushes were used by shepherds to build a wall to enclose their flock in the night against the attack of predators. Another meaning would be ‘to grab hold of’ as a thorn is a seed that clings to hair and clothing.

Kaph – ךְ:

The ancient form of this letter is  – meaning ‘the open palm of a hand’. The meaning behind this letter is ‘to bend and curve’ from the shape of a palm as well as ‘to tame or subdue’ as one has been bent to another’s will (under their hand), as an open hand symbolises submission. The picture of the palm of the hand also represents ‘covering’.

When we look at these two pictographic letters we are able to see that the thorn that represents protection and the hand that represents covering, we get a combined meaning of ‘PROTECTED COVERING’!

Having said that, when we look further at the word סֻּכֹּת – ‘Sukkoth’, we take note of the additional letter – ת – ‘taw’ that is added and looks like this:

Taw – ת

The ancient script has this letter as  which is pictured as two crossed sticks, and can represent for us ‘seal, covenant, mark or sign’; as this once again points to the complete work of Messiah in the renewal of the Covenant in His Blood that brings the two Houses of Yisra’ĕl and Yehuḏah together in Him, as One, for He is not only the ‘aleph’, but is also the ‘taw’ – the beginning and the end of all creation!

Can you see the clear significance of Sukkoth? With the additional of this letter ‘taw’ that has the meaning of covenant or seal we take note that the Word סֻּכֹּת – ‘Sukkoth’ in the ancient pictographic lettering can render for us the following: ‘PROTECTED COVERING OF THE COVENANT!’

I hope that by now you are enjoying these word pictures that help us to gain a greater understanding of how vital it is for us to be guarding to do this Feast of Sukkoth with great rejoicing, especially when we understand how Sukkoth is the final of the 7 Feasts of יהוה and pictures for us the completed protection of His Covenant with us, as we are covered in Him, and with great joy look forward to His boothing with us!

I would like to therefore take a look at one more word in the ancient pictographic alphabet, and that is the word for ‘rejoice’, as we are told in Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 16:14 that we shall ‘rejoice’ in our festival!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘rejoice’ is שָׂמַח samaḥ – Strong’s H8055 and means, ‘to rejoice, be glad, be joyful, delight in and be elated’, and can also carry the meaning ‘to brighten up’, giving us the picture how we are to carry His joy as the light of the world and let praise and rejoicing abound!

In the ancient pictographic script this word שָׂמַח samaḥ looks like this:

Shin – שָׂ:

This is the letter ‘sin/shin’ which in the ancient script is pictured as: , which is ‘two front teeth’ and carries the meaning of ‘sharp or press, chew or devour’; which is what the teeth do, and also speaks of the sharpened word that comes forth from the mouth, as the teeth ‘chew’ or ‘meditate’ on the Truth, making what comes forth pure and sharp! It also carries the understanding of consuming or destroying – as teeth do to food. This can give us the meaning of WORD or Words.

Mem – מַ:

The ancient script has this letter as  and is pictured as ‘water’, and also carries the meaning of ‘chaos’ (from the storms of the sea) and can also picture that which is mighty or massive as well as the unknown. We are also able to understand this letter as representing the nations, for the nations are often likened to the seas in Scripture. This also carries for us the picture of washing, as we understand the function of water being that which cleanses us and sustains us, showing us how we are washed and sustained by the Living Waters of the Word! This letter also can represent any liquid, especially blood!

Ḥet – ח:

The ancient script has this letter as  which is a ‘tent wall’, and carries a meaning of ‘SEPARATION’, as a tent wall separates two halves of the tent; or it can also reflect the outside walls that separate the people inside from that which is outside and so can also symbolise protection and security to those inside, while picturing a cutting off of those who are outside. Hence this letter can mean ‘established, secure’ as well as ‘cut off, separated from’. As a tent wall we are also able to recognise the picture of stones being built up to make a complete wall, having been separated from the world and built up in the master!

When looking at this word in its pictographic form, in terms of our command to rejoice, we are able to see why we are able to rejoice as we recognise the following:

THE WORD THAT WASHES US HAS SEPARATED US AND SECURED US!

This is a clear reason to rejoice, for as long as we allow the Word to wash us and keep us clean, we are able to confidently make our boast in Elohim, whom we praise and rejoice in, as we are built up as living stones in the Master; living stones that offer up lives as a daily living offering with rejoicing praise!

A derivative of the verb שָׂמַח samaḥ is the adjective שָׂמֵחַ sameaḥ – Strong’s H8056 and carries the meaning, ‘glad, joyful, merry, pleased, rejoicing’. Both of these words are used in the command to rejoice in Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 16:14 & 15, where שָׂמֵחַ sameaḥ is translated as ‘rejoicing’ in verse 15, when we are clearly told that we shall ONLY be REJOICING! The Hebrew word translated as ‘only’ is the adverb אַךְ aḵ – Strong’s H389 which means, ‘surely, only, alone, nevertheless, verily’, and is often a word that is not translated yet it is used to convey emphasis, and in this instance it is used as an affirmative emphasis that is translated as ‘only’ and in other translations it has been translated here as ‘surely’ or ‘altogether’, which makes it clear in regards what is being instructed for us in regards to the proper performing of Sukkoth, and that is that it can only be properly performed with rejoicing and gladness!

The Greek word used in the LXX (Septuagint – Greek translation of the Tanak – O.T.) in Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 16:14 & 15 for ‘rejoice’ and ‘rejoicing’ is εὐφραίνω euphrainō – Strong’s G2165 which means, ‘to cheer, celebrate, rejoice, make glad, joyous living’ and comes from two root words: 1) εὖ eu – Strong’s G2095 which is an adverb meaning, ‘good, well done’ and 2) φρήν phrēn – Strong’s G5424 which means, ‘midriff, heart, mind, thought, thinking’. It can be therefore understood that this word εὐφραίνω euphrainō can have the meaning of, ‘to put in a good frame of mind’.  This word denotes the mood of joy and involves an inner process that affects the outward physical well-being, especially in situations which give rise to a mood of common cheerfulness and joy! This makes perfect sense as we recognise the joy of coming together for the purposes of rejoicing in our Master and Elohim – where the mood of cheerful joy is expressed by all due to the inner process of recognising the greatness of the occasion!

Another word in the Greek word that is translated as ‘rejoice’, in giving reference to the rejoicing at harvest time, is χαίρω chairō G5463 meaning ‘to be full of cheer, be delighted and be glad’ and is used in:

Yoḥanan/John 4:36 “He who is reaping receives a reward, and gathers fruit for everlasting life, so that both he who is sowing and he who is reaping rejoice together.”

This Feast is known as the Feast of Ingathering as it is a picture of the harvest being brought in with great joy after the threshing and winepress phases are completed and the true fruit is offered as accepting. First Fruits was already offered guaranteeing us the harvest to come where we will rejoice with our Maker and Husband, aměn!

Will you obey the command to rejoice? This will mean putting aside your worries and fears; as it is time to throw off all the excuses and simply worship יהוה as He has commanded us too, and embrace delighting in יהוה.

Come and give Him your all – do not come empty handed, come rejoicing and let us make this Feast truly a Feast of note – we don’t need pagan festivals of giving, we have יהוה’s – it is now time to rejoice – it is a command – will you obey?

As you look intently into the revealed Word of Elohim take heed to the instruction to be separated for gathering together unto יהוה, with the full assurance and promise of His protected covering of His Word that washes, protects and secures us in His Covenants of Promise to which we have now been brought near to by the blood of Messiah!

Wayyiqra/Leviticus 23:42-43 tells us that we are to dwell in booths for 7 days so that we know that יהוה made Yisra’ĕl dwell in booths when He brought them up out of Mitsrayim, and also is a joyous reminder how He has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light:

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a set-apart nation, a people for a possession, that you should proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light, 10 who once were not a people, but now the people of Elohim; who had not obtained compassion, but now obtained compassion.”

The Greek word translated as ‘you should proclaim’ is ἐξαγγέλλω exaggellō – Strong’s G1804 which means, ‘tell out, proclaim, publish, declare, make known by praising or proclaiming’, and we see this word being used in the LXX (Septuagint) and translated as ‘we show forth’ in:

Tehillah/Psalm 79:13 “And we, Your people and the sheep of Your pasture, we give thanks to You forever; from generation to generation we show forth Your praise.”

The Greek word used in Kěpha’s letter for ‘praises’ is ἀρετή aretē – Strong’s G703 and it carries the meaning of ‘moral excellence, virtue, purity, praise  etc.’ In essence this can carry the understanding of being faithfully set-apart, as well as our ability to bring the proper rejoicing praise to Elohim in declaring the excellence of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light and are now the sheep of His pasture, who hear His voice and gather and rejoice at His command!

As you approach this coming Feast of Sukkoth, I trust that you will come prepared to rejoice, and shall only be rejoicing; for this Feast is the Booths of Rejoicing. As you consider the few pictographic words that we looked at tonight I hope that you will see the clear simplicity of the command to rejoice, and do just that, as we faithfully and boldly proclaim the praises of our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah, our soon coming King!

Are you ready to PERFORM this Feast of Sukkoth? Are you ready to rejoice before יהוה?

Then come this Sukkoth and let us rejoice, dance and leap before our King!

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face to and give you shalom!