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15^th of the 9^th month 2020/2021.

Shalom all,

Yoḥanan/John 16:33 “These words I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you have pressure, but take courage, I have overcome the world.”

After declaring, very plainly, to His taught ones, who He is, and what was about to happen, He encouraged them with these words.

These words are to be continual encouraging words to us too…. Especially as we face many pressures and endure extreme hardships, for we know that our Master is coming soon and being strengthened and empowered by His Spirit, we can be steadfast, in our need to stay in Him, so that He stays in us and in staying in Him, we are reminded that we can, and shall, be more than overcomers through Him!

His equipping Word gives us peace and causes us to endure the pressures of this world, as long as we stay in Him and guard to do all He has commanded us!

The Greek word that is translated as for ‘peace’ is εἰρήνη eirēnē – Strong’s G1515 which means, ‘peace, welfare, undisturbed, rest and quietness’, and is also understood as having exemption from the rage and havoc of war, and speaks of security, safety, prosperity, and felicity which is the quality or state of being peaceful!.

Having peace in our Master and Elohim, gives us the comforting assurance that we are perfectly equipped, in Him, to endure the raging storms that surround us, for we have access, by belief, to His perfect favour and shalom that causes us to stand:

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.” .

The blessing of obedience is the complete fullness of the shalom we have with our Master and with that shalom comes His strengthening joy that equips us to stand and fight the good fight of the belief and not be afraid of our enemies, as we remain faithful in standing firm in Him, He fights for us!

Shalom, victory and fruitfulness are truly the bountiful blessings that our Master promises us, as we guard His covenant that he has grafted us into!.

The Word of Elohim is what we have, to recognise the True peace that we have in our Messiah King; and while we certainly will have much pressure in the world, we are able to be strong and courageous, as we stand firm on the Rock of our Salvation and hold fast to the Living Word, aměn!.

In the world we have pressure….!

How true is that statement!!!

Pressure, pressure and more pressure… is that how it feels at times for most of you?

Well, take heart … because this is our lot, and our only means of enduring, the sure pressure that we shall have, is to ‘hear – guard – do’ the Word of Elohim! .

What is very clear to us, is that we, who are walking faithfully in Messiah, will have pressure in this world – the question is, ‘how we are handling the pressure?’

With courage and joy, or do we find ourselves stumbling under pressure?.

The Greek word that is translated here as ‘pressure’ comes from the root word θλῖψις thlipsis – Strong’s G2347 which means, ‘tribulation, pressure, affliction, distress, persecution, trouble’ and this word comes from the primitive verb θλίβω thlibō – Strong’s G2346 which means, ‘to press or afflict, to distress, suffer affliction’, and in the literal sense can mean, ‘to squash, press, hem in, rub, harassed’, and can also be understood as being ‘narrow or hard pressed’..

The Greek word that is translated as ‘take courage’ comes from the verb θαρσέω tharseō – Strong’s G2293 which means, ‘be of good courage, be of good comfort, be of good cheer’ and a word that is derived from this verb is the noun θαρρέω tharreō – Strong’s G2292 which means, ‘to be of good courage, be bold, have confidence’, which is translated as ‘good courage’, in:

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 5:6-9 “Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Master – 7 for we walk by belief, not by sight – 8 we are of good courage, and are well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Master. 9 So we also make it our aim to be well-pleasing to Him, whether being at home, or being away from home.” .

The encouragement that our Master gave His taught ones, was that they were to take courage amidst the pressure that they would have in the world, for, in Him, they would have peace, for He has overcome the world.

These words are still very much alive and just as applicable to us today, as it was for the taught ones back then!

It is written in the ‘imperative mood’, which could also be expressed as ‘take heart’ or ‘cheer up’ and is a word that is spoken by way of encouragement! .

Pressures and carious trials and persecutions can often have a very draining effect on one’s life, especially if it seems as though the pressures never stop. It is for this reason that we need to be reminded of the urgency in not losing heart and find that we end up being weakened to the point of become idle in duty..

When facing intense pressures, we need to be reminded to be of good courage and cheer up and not let pressures get us down!

Sha’ul reminds us that we are to be overcomers!

And we can be overcomers as we stay in Messiah, for He is the One who has overcome the world!!!

Romiyim/Romans 8:36-37 “As it has been written, “For Your sake we are killed all day long, we are reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all this we are more than overcomers through Him who loved us.”

The Greek word that is translated here as ‘more than overcomers’ is ὑπερνικάω hupernikaō – Strong’s G5245 which means, ‘to be more than conqueror, overwhelmingly conquer, to gain a surpassing victory’.

This word is only used here, in the Renewed writings, and comes from two root words:

1) ὑπέρ huper – Strong’s G5228 which is a primitive preposition that can mean, ‘over, beyond, on behalf of, for the sake of, concerning, exceed, more so, more than’, and

2) νικάω nikaō – Strong’s G3528 which means, ‘to conquer, prevail, overcome, victorious’, which comes from the root word νίκη nikē – Strong’s G3529 which means, ‘victory’..

Sha’ul encourages us to be steadfast and immovable, as we continue to give thanks to our Master who gives us the overcoming:

Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 15:57-58 “But thanks to Elohim who gives us the overcoming through our Master יהושע Messiah. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Master, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Master.”

Be steadfast and immovable! .

The Greek word for ‘steadfast’ is ἑδραῖος hedraios – Strong’s G1476 which means, ‘steadfast, firm’, and comes from the word ἕδρα hedra which means, ‘seat, chair, base’, and therefore, carries the understanding of ‘being settled and steady’.

It us used metaphorically, in referring to the mind and purpose of a man, that is secure and firm!.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘immovable’ is ἀμετακίνητος ametakinētos – Strong’s G277 which comes from two words:

1) – α alpha – Strong’s G1 used as a negative prefix, and

2) – μετακινέω metakineō – Strong’s G3334 which means, ‘to move away, removed’. In recognising that Messiah, having died for us, He has given us the overcoming through Himself and here Sha’ul then urges us to be firm in our position in our Master and not be moved from our steadfast position in our Master and Elohim, The Rock of our deliverance, as we sojourn here as faithful ambassadors of His coming reign! .

Being steadfast and immovable, we are to make sure that we are not only doing what has been commanded, but that we are always excelling, in doing what has been commanded!

To excel in something, implies ‘surpassing others’ and does not just give an average performance, but rather, exceeds all standards! .

With Messiah making clear to us, through His life, death and resurrection, the full proclamation of the Torah and the Prophets, He calls us to a ‘higher standard’, if you will, or rather, He calls us to excel still more – and this Sha’ul makes clear, as he calls us to do so in:

Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 4:1 “For the rest then, brothers, we beg you and call upon you in the Master יהושע, that as you received from us how you should walk and to please Elohim, you should excel still more”

We are not to simply just ‘go through the motions’ and try to do just enough to get by, so to speak.

We are to excel in our set-apartness and to do so, takes great effort and care and a continued stand of a firm and steadfast faith, that is not moved by any form of compromise, but is steadfast and immovable, in order to overcome..

The Greek word that is translated as ‘excel’ in Tas’loniqim Aleph/1 Thessalonians 4:1 is περισσεύω perisseuō – Strong’s G4052 which means, ‘to be over and above, to abound, exceed, surpass, increase’ and this word is used in:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 5:20 “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall by no means enter into the reign of the heavens.”

We cannot be putting on a show before others, while not properly guarding the Word at all times.

The Word of Elohim is our life and we are not to add or take away from it, in order to satisfy the demands of the flesh. Our righteousness needs to exceed that of the religious, who are not guarding righteousness at all times!

Those who excel are able to overcome the pressures, trials and storms that they live in the midst of.

How about you?.

The Greek word νικάω nikaō – Strong’s G3528 is translated as ‘overcomes’ in:

Ḥazon/Revelation 21:7-8 “The one who overcomes shall inherit all this, and I shall be his Elohim and he shall be My son.   

This root word for ‘overcomes’ – νικάω nikaō – Strong’s G3528 – is also used in the messages given to each of the seven assemblies in Ḥazon/Revelation, teaching us to be overcomers and hold fast to the sure promises we have in our Master!

To those in Ephesos:

Ḥazon/Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I shall give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of Elohim.””

To those in Smurna:

Ḥazon/Revelation 2:11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes shall by no means be harmed by the second death.”

To those in Pergamos:

Ḥazon/Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I shall give some of the hidden manna to eat. 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.””

To those in Thyatira:

Ḥazon/Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and guards My works until the end, to him I shall give authority over the nations”

To those in Sardis:

Ḥazon/Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be dressed in white robes, and I shall by no means blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I shall confess his name before My Father and before His messengers.”

To those in Philadelphia:

Ḥazon/Revelation 3:12 “He who overcomes, I shall make him a supporting post in the Dwelling Place of My Elohim, and he shall by no means go out. And I shall write on him the Name of My Elohim and the name of the city of My Elohim, the renewed Yerushalayim, which comes down out of the heaven from My Elohim, and My renewed Name.”

To those in Laodikeia:

Ḥazon/Revelation 3:21 “To him who overcomes I shall give to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”.

One can be greatly encouraged, as we see the collective blessing of overcoming the pressures and trials that we face, as we take note that those who overcome will get to eat of the tree of life and the second death will have no power over them as they have access back to the tree of life!

Overcomers get to eat of the hidden manna and authority over the nations will be given to them, for they will be able to rightly rule with proper discernment!

Overcomers shall be dressed in white robes and have assurance that their names will never be blotted out and will become supporting posts in the Dwelling Place of Elohim and be given to sit with the Master on His Throne!

This, in itself ought, to be sufficient encouragement for us, to endure and overcome!

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

While I have taught on these same passages a number of times, as you may be thinking that I shared this a week or so ago (which I certainly did), I thought it best to simply present this, once again, as a continual reminder of the courage and comforting peace that we are t have in our Master, as well as an expanded introduction, which speaks to the heart of this message that I am presenting here, which is called:

YAHWEH’S COMFORTIN PEACE

AMIDST THE STORM!.

And this message that I have given a year or so ago, I am once again expanding on, in order to bring even further encouragement and equipping, that is required for trustworthy ambassadors, who are more than overcomers, in Messiah!

We are living in times where pressures are becoming increasingly tougher to face and endure, yet we need to be continually reminded, and encouraged, by the clear Truth of having the comforting peace of our Master, amidst the most raging storms of life..

In being comforted with the Truth that we can be more than overcomers, through יהושע Messiah, our Master and Elohim, we need to be strengthened with His Truth, amidst the pressures and storms that we face on a daily basis..

With that in mind, having already looked at the words of our Master, in Yoḥanan/John 16:33, I would like to take a closer look at a very encouraging passage from:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:11-17 (read).

This passage carries a wealth of encouragement, especially when we find ourselves being tossed around, by chaotic storms and feel the daunting pressures of life, on every side!.

In a Chapter that begins with the call, for “the barren one to break forth into singing” and the confirming reassurance that יהוה is our Maker, Husband and Redeemer, we are able to understand the clear flow of this chapter, as these words of our Master, addresses His afflicted and tossed Bride, reminding us that He is with us and that we should not fear the threatening dangers of the various struggles and battles that encompass us on a daily basis!.

In verse 11, the Hebrew word that is translated as ‘afflicted one’ is עֲנִיָּה – aniyah and comes from the root word עָנִי aniy – Strong’s H6041 which means, ‘poor, afflicted, humble, oppressed’ and primarily refers to a person who suffering some kind of disability or distress, and is the one who is afflicted and literally lives day to day, and is often socially defenceless, being subject to constant oppression..

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘tossed with storm’ is סֹעֲרָה – so’arah and comes from the root word סָעַר sa’ar – Strong’s H5590 which means, ‘to storm, blown away, scattered with a storm, storm-tossed, enraged, troubled, whirlwind’ and here it is written in the ‘pual’ verb tense, which can render the understanding of having been ‘driven by a storm’..

The image that is being relayed here, is that of one that is being blown away and is being lashed by a severe storm, being tossed about in the violent rage of a storm!

I hope you get the picture here.

How often have you felt as though you are being, or have been, lashed by hectic storms and there seems to be no end in sight?

Being tossed by adversity can be an extremely daunting place to find oneself being caught in the midst of!

It can often feel like a never-ending storm, that keeps crashing into you, with each wave hitting harder and harder, with seemingly no defence in sight!

Hit after hit – the adversity just keeps on coming – wave after wave!

And, there may be times where it is as though there are various types of waves that seem to be hitting one from all sides, as one is being continually shaken by adversity and extremely damaging pressures!

Have you ever felt like that? Be it with the storms that rage within or without, or even both?.

In his letter to the believers in Corinth, Sha’ul shared about the pressures and conflicts that he, and those with him, had faced, within and without

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 7:5-7 “For, indeed, when we came into Makedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were hard pressed on every side – conflicts without, fears within. 6 But Elohim, who encourages the downcast, encouraged us by the coming of Titos, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the encouragement with which he was encouraged over you, when he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your ardour for me, so that I greatly rejoiced.”.

Hard pressed on every side!

The Greek word that is used here for ‘hard pressed’ comes from the primitive verb we have already mentioned, which is θλίβω thlibō – Strong’s G2346 which means, ‘to press or afflict, to distress, suffer affliction’, and in the literal sense can mean, ‘to squash, press, hem in, rub, harassed’, and can also be understood as being ‘narrow or hard pressed’..

Conflicts without and fears within!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘conflicts’ is μάχη machē – Strong’s G3163 which means, ‘fight, strive, dispute, conflict, quarrel’, and comes from the word μάχομαι machomai – Strong’s G3164 which means, ‘to fight, argue, quarrel’.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘without’ is ἔξωθεν exōthen – Strong’s G1855 which means, ‘external, without, outwardly, outside’ and comes from the root word that means, ‘outsider, foreign, without’..

Conflicts without:

The ‘conflicts’ that they had experienced ‘without’, were from the ‘strivings’ of those who came against them for the Good News that they were proclaiming.

Sha’ul tells Timotiyos where strife comes from – it comes from verbal battles – and in speaking of ‘one who teaches falsely’, he says in:

Timotiyos Aleph/1 Timothy 6:4 “he is puffed up, understanding none at all, but is sick about questionings and verbal battles from which come envy, strife, slander, wicked suspicions”

We must steer clear of ‘verbal battles’ that lead to strife, conflict, slander and all forms of wickedness, for it will render our slaughterings as dysfunctional before our Master!

Give no room to strife and put an end to it is the call for us today!

Titos/Titus 3:9 “But keep away from foolish questions, and genealogies, and strife and quarrels about the Torah, for they are unprofitable and useless.”.

We would do well to heed this instruction – stay away from strife, conflict and quarrels about the Torah!

The enemy is always seeking an opportunity to get us into a heated debate and argument over matters of the Torah; and while we are to certainly proclaim the Truth and defend it and guard it by doing it, we must be careful not to fall into useless arguments that just cause strife, which many who refuse to hear the Truth want to do!

Give no room for strife and conflict from without!!!.

Fears within

The ‘fears’ that they had experienced ‘within’, were the internal battles of facing the panic that arose in the flesh.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘fears’ is φόβος phobos – Strong’s G5401 which means, ‘to be put to flight, the panic of flight, to be put to fear, the causing of terror, intimidation’.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘within’ is ἔσωθεν esōthen – Strong’s G2081 which means, ‘from within, inside, inwardly’ and comes from the root word that means, ‘inner man, within’.

What Sha’ul was describing here is the reality of facing those raging fears that take place within the inner being, based on that which is being faced..

So, what we are able to recognise from Sha’ul’s words, is that he too faced conflicts from those around him as well as having the deal with internal fears that arose by the physical pressures that they faced, which many are often unable to handle, as panic and fear cripples their ability to stand and endure in the comforting peace of our Master!

Sha’ul made it clear that the raging storms from within or without, did not stop and they continually faced extreme pressures from outsiders as well as the need to internalise the worries and panic that arose within, due to threatening circumstances..

The reason I am expanding on these words, is to highlight how the same battles and pressures are faced by all of us today! For some, it may seem like a constant battle that never stops, be it from those who are coming against you for standing in the Truth, or the raging threat of physical and emotional pressures that consume one’s thoughts when facing extremely tough and challenging personal circumstances..

What Sha’ul reminded the believers in Corinth, and still reminds us who hear his words today, is that he was encouraged by Elohim, through the coming of Titos, who brought an encouraging report to them about the believers in Corinth, who cared deeply for Sha’ul and the other believers who were with him..

I do hope you see what encouraging truth this is!!!

It is Elohim who encourages us and He will do so, by causing us to hear from others who are caring and thinking of us.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘encouraged, encourages’ is the word παρακαλέω parakaleō – Strong’s G3870 which means, ‘call near, invite, invoke, exhort, encourage, appeal, beg, aid, help, comfort’.

This highlights the concern and care we are to have for one another and be reminded how crucial it is for us to encourage and comfort each other on a daily basis, as we are reminded to do so, in:

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 11:24-25 “And let us be concerned for one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as you see the day coming near.”.

When believers begin to forsake the assembling together with the body, it can be very discouraging for the rest and here we are able to see the clear appeal being made, and for good reason, to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but make sure that we are encouraging and comforting each other, by our proper assembling, as we should!!!.

We have an enemy that is continually seeking t o devour us, separated us from each other and the love of Elohim, yet we are called to endure and stand firm and when we recognise that our brothers face the same hardships as we do, it can be an encouraging reminder to hold firm to the comforting peace we have in the Master, who gives us the overcoming, as we guard His Word and not let the battles, without or within, cause us to be shaken!.

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 5:8-10 “Be sober, watch, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the belief, knowing that the same hardships are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 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.”.

Back to Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:11-17.

Having taken a closer look at the raging storms and pressures that Sha’ul described and the importance of encouraging one another, we are able to continue to glean from the words of encouragement, as well as warning, given to us, in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:11-17..

What we must take note of, is that Yerushalayim was being addressed here, in the state of being afflicted by the raging storms of Elohim’s discipline!

The raging storms that they were facing ‘without and within’, were as a result of יהוה’s discipline being poured out!

They were being afflicted and brought low, because of their pride and lawlessness. .

The affliction and tossing storms that were being felt here, by Yerushalayim, was the disciplining fire of Elohim, highlighting for us a very clear truth, which we are reminded of, in the letter to the Hebrews, which highlights that we are not to despise the discipline of יהוה...

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 12:5-11 “And you have forgotten the appeal which speaks to you as to sons, “My son, do not despise the discipline of יהוה, nor faint when you are reproved by Him, 6 for whom יהוה loves, He disciplines, and flogs every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure discipline, Elohim is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become sharers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Moreover, we indeed had fathers of our flesh disciplining us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they indeed disciplined us for a few days as seemed best to them, but He does it for our profit, so that we might share His apartness. 11 And indeed, no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but grievous, but afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”.

Discipline is necessary and when we allow ourselves to be trained, by the loving discipline of our Master, we will be equipped to bear the abundant fruit of righteousness and be like trees planted by the river, that yields it fruit in its season and does not fear when heat comes!.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘discipline’ is παιδεία paideia – Strong’s G3809 which means, ‘the repairing of a child, training, discipline’.

It is used 6 times in the Renewed Writings (N.T.), 4 of which is found being used in Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 12, which deals with our need, as children of the Most-High, to accept the much-needed discipline of a Loving Father!

It is also used in Sha’ul’s letter to Timotiyos and is translated as ‘instruction’ in:

Timotiyos Bět/2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of Elohim might be fitted, equipped for every good work.”

We need the Word to instruct us in righteousness; and to despise the instruction and discipline of the Word, is foolish, and fools die for lack of discipline!

True ‘children’ are those who ‘listen’ to, and receive, the ‘discipline’ of a father and walk in the clear commands of their father! .

It is often that, in finding ourselves living in the midst of a lawless state, we may find ourselves feeling alone and without any help.

This call, being given to the afflicted one that was being tossed with storm, is a call that was being given to a remnant Bride, that would have ears to hear and be comforted in the knowledge that Her Husband and Redeemer is the One who comforts Her, in the midst of chaotic storms and it is He alone that will establish Her!.

While Yerushalayim was being hit by affliction and storms, יהוה was relaying the comforting message that He is the One who shall build up His Bride and secure Her inheritance and protect Her from all forms of war and destruction!

This was certainly a continued call, for the remnant bride, to respond to the Master’s voice and have ears to hear, in order to be encouraged by the comforting peace of our Redeemer.

In the verses that precede this call being given to the afflicted one, יהוה highlights the clear fact that while He had hidden His face, in wrath, and had forsaken His chosen, He was making it known that in great compassion He would gather His beloved and redeem His Bride, showing that His clear His loving-commitment will never be removed!.

This passage can be an encouraging call, to one who is being disciplined for being stiff-necked and, as a result of this, is being brought low because of their compromised mixing of lawlessness, that has been fuelled by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life!

Encouraging, in the sense that the discipline of יהוה brings about a wonderful change, in those who will not refuse it and, in being disciplined, there comes the reassurance of being His Beloved Bride, that is being built up in Him!

Therefore, allow the discipline of our Master to have its work, is the clear comforting message of hope that we have in Him, if we truly do have ears to hear and continue to stay in Him, that is!!!.

On the other hand, this passage can also be an encouragement to the remnant faithful, who live in the midst of chaos and lawlessness, and are being affected by the damaging compromise of others that are around them and, as a result, are facing extreme pressure and persecution for righteousness sake! .

There are times where we will face extreme storms, from the pressures of life and find ourselves experiencing the raging effects of those who hate us, simply because we stand in the Truth and refuse to compromise.

These can be the kind of “conflicts without”, that we face.

These storms may not necessarily be a ‘discipling of us’, as a result of our disobedience, but rather, they may be storms that arise, because of our obedience, and it is in these storms too, that we can embrace the Truth and see the resulting fruit of being trained, by the discipline of set-apartness!.

How often have you felt yourself being afflicted and tossed by storm, because of walking in obedience and refusing to compromise, while most are being stiff-necked and proud in their lawlessness and shun you for guarding the Torah of Elohim!

There is a great encouragement here, in these words of Yeshayahu.

Words that remind us that we can find the comforting peace of our Master who comforts us, amidst any storm, or affliction, that we may face..

I also find a great lesson contained herein, as we meditate on these comforting words of encouragement!

And that is, that when we do find ourselves being afflicted and tossed with storm, we must find refuge in the Word of Elohim and make sure that we continue to meditate on His Torah day and night, for then our belief can be strengthened to stand with great courage and boldness, having peace within, as we cling to our Master, in complete set-apartness, declaring praise unto Him, amidst the storms!

Before rushing to the conclusion, that the affliction and storms that you may be facing, are as a results of that which comes from others, first make sure that you are looking intently into the mirror of the Word and make sure that your life reflects the clear qualities of set-apartness and allow His Word to direct you, encourage you, correct you and discipline you, if need be, as you find great comfort and the ability to grow in set-apartness, being trained, by the discipline of His Word..

If the affliction and the raging storms that are tossing you about, are as a result of you simply pursuing set-apartness and clinging to the Truth, amidst a sea of lawlessness, and you feel hopeless and alone, then hear these words from Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:11-17 and be reminded, that despite you not feeling comforted amidst the storm, we serve the Elohim of all comfort and it is He who calms the storms and walks on the waters, in order to give us courage to cling to Him and be steadfastly planted and secured in His great love for us, no matter the intensity of the chaos that surrounds us!.

Whatever the pressure or whatever the affliction or whatever the storm, that you may be facing, hear the words of our Master, as He declares to His beloved… that:

“He is setting our stones in antimony and laying our foundations with sapphires”!

This is יהוה’s promise to His faithful remnant that will overcome!

His promise, that is given here, to adorn the afflicted one with precious stones, that are built on the foundation of sapphires, is a powerful metaphor, of how He is the One who builds us up, as living stones, in Him, the Rock of our Deliverance, as we pursue His kingdom and His righteousness!

We are built up in Him, in righteousness!

The picture here, of setting stones in antimony, highlights for us the very intricate work of the hand of our Master, as He beautifies His House with precious stones of various colours and this carries a powerful picture of us being built up in the Master, as living stones, which is represented by the High Priest’s breastplate of righteousness, where the 12 various stones, representing each of the 12 tribes, were set in such a way, so as to beautify and cause to stand out and be made adorned with the perfection of set-apartness!.

The picture of ‘the foundation of sapphire’, is a clear picture of the righteousness of Elohim, upon which His throne is established!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘saphire’ is סַפִּיר sappiyr – Strong’s H5601 which is a sapphire gemstone and this word comes from the verb סָפַר saphar – Strong’s H5608 which means, ‘to score with a mark as a tally or record, to inscribe, to count, declare, number, tell’.

When the 70 elders went up to eat and drink with our Master and Elohim, they saw Him and were not destroyed!

As they looked, they saw under His feet, a paved work of sapphire stone – this is a most beautiful precious stone of blue colour, which is symbolic of His Torah, as we are reminded that it is blue that we are to have on the fringes of our garments (Tzitzit), which is to remind us of His Torah and our need to guard it and do it!

The blue sapphire is also a picture of the heavens, which is blue, and is a witness before us, as heaven and earth are witnesses before us, of His loving-commitment to His Covenants of Promise which will never fail!.

What is worth taking note of, is that a noun that is derived from the root verb סָפַר saphar – Strong’s H5608 is the word סֵפֶר sepher – Strong’s H5612 which means, ‘a missive, document, writing, book, scroll, letters’, and is used to describe the Book of the Torah!

Yehoshua/Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Torah depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you guard to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and act wisely.”.

Another picture that we can take from Scripture, as we look at this word סַפִּיר sappiyr – Strong’s H5601 is that it was also one of the stones in the Breastplate of The High Priest, which was the second stone in the second row. .

Now, when one looks at the breastplate, as we have seen through our Torah portions in Shemoth/Exodus, we are told that the names of the 12 tribes were to be put on the two stones of the shoulder garment, in order of their birth, according to the engraving of a signet.

And we recognise, and see, that the names of the 12 tribes were to be put on the stones of the breastplate, also according to the engravings of a signet and therefore, I firmly believe, that the order on the breastplate would also be as it was on the stones of the shoulder garment – don in order of their birth. .

Having said this, we can confidently conclude, that the sapphire stone would have been engraved with the tribe name of Dan, which means ‘judge’.

This is certainly a very clear picture being given to us, when we put all these pieces together, showing us how יהוה is the righteous judge, who rules according to His Written Word!.

The encouragement we can therefore take from this passage, in Yeshayahu/Isiah 54:11-17, is that we are built up on the foundation of His Word and we also know that Scripture clearly defines for us what righteousness is, in Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 6:25, which states that it is righteousness for us when we guard to do all this command before יהוה our Elohim, as He has commanded us..

As we meditate on these powerful pictures and encouragement, we most certainly can, and should, get encouraged to hold fast to our Master and embrace the comforting peace we have in Him, so that we are able to endure under the pressures of life, by guarding righteousness and walk according to His Torah!.

In other words, we count the cost of following our Master, each and every day, by guarding right ruling and doing righteousness with our all, which can only be done if we hear, guard and do His Torah!

This is what will cause us to be overcomers, amidst the afflictions and raging storms!

Therefore, as we consider the image of the foundation of sapphire, we need to be reminded of our need to be a counting people, who delight in the Torah of Elohim!.

This root word סָפַר saphar – Strong’s H5608 highlights for us a very powerful lesson of how we embrace the joy of being built up as living stones, on the foundation of righteousness!.

This word סָפַר saphar (spelt from right to left) is with a סָ – samek, פַ – pey, ר – resh).

Now when we see these symbols as written in the ancient pictographic script, we get a wonderful picture of what it means to truly count the cost of being built up in righteousness: .

THE ANCIENT FORM OF WRITING THE WORD “COUNT/RELATE/TELL” – SAPHAR!

  .

Samek – סָ:

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 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.

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 to that which is secure..

Pey – פָּ:

This is the letter ‘pey’, which is pictured as , which is an ‘open mouth’ and carries the meaning of ‘speak and blow’, from the functions of the mouth, and can have the meaning of ‘scatter’ by blowing. It can also mean sword or beard as in things with edges, as well as a region in depicting a place with edges or boundaries. It also can represent that which has been spoken forth from the words of one’s mouth, as being established!...

Resh – ר:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is ‘the head of a man’ and carries the meaning of ‘top, beginning, first, chief’, as in being the top of the body or the head of a tribe and the one who rules; and also speaks of possession or inheritance that is decided by the chief. Our true life of praise unto יהוה, our Head, begins when we fear Him, for He is the beginning of our strength, and true separated praise entails a true fear of the One who is Chief over us!.

When seeing the construct of this word, for count, in its ancient form, we have a clear picture of how cleansing entails true repentance, through being able to correctly count and relate the Truth to others!

This ancient grouping of letters, can carry various meanings for us, and in terms of being a people who count and who relate the Truth of the Word to our children, we realise that this can only be done when we:.

GRAB HOLD OF THE WORD OF THE HEAD!.

This picture, in terms of counting, teaches us that our shield and refuge is in our Head and Master, who teaches us through His Word to number our days and we recognise that:

When we bring our sins (pictured by the thorn) and confess them (open mouth) to יהושע our Messiah (head of a man); then He is the one who cleanses us! .

While we are on this topic, of being built up as living stones, on the foundation of our Righteous Elohim and Judge, let me also highlight for you the picture of being a living stone!.

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘stones’ is אַבְנֵי aḇney, which comes from the root word אֶבֶן eḇen – Strong’s H68 which means, ‘stone, corner stone, differing weights, plumb line’.

We know, from the breastplate, that there were 12 stones that were set into it, with each stone representing one of the 12 tribes of Yisra’ěl. .

This root word אֶבֶן eḇen – Strong’s H68 comes from the primitive root verb בָּנָה banah – Strong’s H1129 meaning, ‘to build, besieged, construct, fortify, rebuild, establish a family, build up’.

Another word that is derived from the root verb בָּנָה banah – Strong’s H1129 is the Hebrew word is בֵּן ben – Strong’s H1121 which means, ‘son, grandson, child, member of a group, children (plural for both male and female)’..

In the ancient pictographic Hebrew alphabet, the word בֵּן ben – Strong’s H1121 looks like this:.

.

Beyt – בֵּ:

This is the letter ‘beyt’ (בֵּ), which in 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 and is the Dwelling Place of the Most-High, which we are, as we are as living stones being built up in Messiah..

Nun – ן:

This is the letter ‘nun’ (ן), which in the ancient text is pictured as a , which is a ‘spouting seed’, and gives the idea of ‘continuation or an offspring or an heir’, speaking of that which sprouts forth will be the heir of the promise of continuation, and represents one’s life expectancy..

The combined meaning of these two letters means:

THE CONTINUING OF THE HOUSE.

When I refer to “son” or “son-ship”, in reference to our relationship toward Elohim, I am collectively speaking of both male and female children (or sons and daughters) of the Most-High, as the Hebrew root word for son – בֵּן ben – Strong’s H1121, which is used over 5000 times, is not exclusively used a reference to the male offspring of human parents.

It is also generally used, idiomatically, for children, as well as for descendants, i.e. grandsons; and is also used for people or items belonging in a category or group of people, e.g. “sons of prophets”. .

And we also recognise that, in Scripture, the term בֵּן ben – Strong’s H1121 often specifies an intimate relationship between a father and his children.

We see the plural of this word, which is בָּנִים – baniym, being translated as ‘children’ in:

Tehillah/Psalm 103:13 “As a father has compassion for his children, so יהוה has compassion for those who fear Him.”

“Son-ship”, in Scripture, is not always regarded to being a natural position based on physical bloodline, but rather, “son-ship” of Elohim, is that which is conferred to us by an act of Elohim.

Son-ship should not be understood as an assured son-ship, based on natural descent or merit; but rather, it is based on Elohim’s extended favour and mercy, that is received by faith in Messiah! .

And He extended His great loving-commitment toward His Covenants of Promise, by coming in the flesh, in order to redeem us, and to restore to favour all unto Himself – so that we, who were once estranged and enemies in the mind by wicked works, could be completely restored to favour, in the body of His flesh, through death, and be presented set-apart and blameless before Him, having received an adoption, as sons of the Living Elohim – if indeed we continue in the belief, not being moved in our fully committed loving obedience to His commands, as faithful sons!.

When we consider how we are being built up, as living stones in our Master, and are the Dwelling Place of Elohim, we see that we can only be built up, in the One who is to be praised, and we can only be built up, according to His wisdom – the wisdom that He has already made clear and by which all is made, for we know, according to the Word, that wisdom has already ‘built Her house’.

In other words, the design and pattern and function has been given and the continuing of the House of Wisdom, can only be done according to Her standards as set forth in the Word of Elohim!.

This gives fuller meaning and clarity to us, when we take a look at the Hebrew word, for built, in the ancient pictographic text:

The Hebrew word בָּנָה banah – Strong’s H1129 which means, ‘to build, besieged, construct, fortify, rebuild, establish a family, build up’, in the ancient pictographic script, it looks like this:.

.

You will notice that there is one additional letter that is added here to this word that differs from the word for ‘son’.

This additional letter is the letter: .

Hey – ה:

The ancient script has this letter pictured as , which is ‘a man standing with his arms raised out’.

The Hebrew word letter “hey” means “behold, breath, sigh”, as when looking at a great sight, and can also give the understanding of ‘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 submit to יהוה as we lift our hands in praise, declaring His authority under which we humbly submit!.

Recognising the clear pictures of this word, we can see that the continuing of the House of Elohim, that He has built by His wisdom, is only made possible by the One who is to be praised – that is: our Head, יהושע Messiah!!!

Galatiyim/Galatians 3:26-29 “For you are all sons of Elohim through belief in Messiah יהושע. 27 For as many of you as were immersed into Messiah have put on Messiah. 28 There is not Yehuḏite nor Greek, there is not slave nor free, there is not male and female, for you are all one in Messiah יהושע. 29 And if you are of Messiah, then you are seed of Aḇraham, and heirs according to promise.”.

When you are being afflicted and tossed by storms, be reminded that you are a precious living stone!

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 2:4-5 “Drawing near to Him, a living Stone – rejected indeed by men, but chosen by Elohim and precious – 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up, a spiritual house, a set-apart priesthood, to offer up spiritual slaughter offerings acceptable to Elohim through יהושע Messiah.”.

We are to be reminded that we can praise our Master, in the storms and praise Him in the light of the fire!

Kěpha Aleph/1 Peter 1:3-9 “Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Master יהושע Messiah, who according to His great compassion has caused us to be born again to a living expectation through the resurrection of יהושע Messiah from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and unfading, having been kept in the heavens for you, 5 who are protected by the power of Elohim through belief, for a deliverance ready to be revealed in the last time, 6 in which you exult, even though for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by manifold trials, 7 in order that the proving of your belief – much more precious than gold that perishes, and proven by fire – might be found to result in praise and respect and esteem at the revelation of יהושע Messiah, 8 whom having not seen, you love; in whom you exult with unspeakable and esteemed joy, yet not seeing, but believing, 9 obtaining the goal of your belief: a deliverance of lives.”.

The Greek word that translated here, in verses 6 & 8, as ‘exult’, and is often translated in other translations as ‘rejoice’, is ἀγαλλιάω agalliaō – Strongs’ G21 which means ‘to exult, leap for joy, to show one’s joy by leaping and skipping denoting excessive or ecstatic joy and delight, and it is often spoken of as rejoicing with song and dance’ and comes from the word that means to leap or jump, as well as to gush forth like water!

Let me ask you:

“How often have you expressed true rejoicing, by jumping and skipping with great joy and delight in song and dance?”

How about being able to do so, amidst the raging storms???.

In this section of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:11-17, we are able to see the powerful encouragement being given to the chosen city, that would emerge from her heap of ruins, which were the resulting actions of disobedience. .

But now, in a powerful illustration of the Word of Elohim, that never fails, we see how יהוה, our Creator and Redeemer, causes His precious and chosen city, to rise up from ruin and be built as a splendid house, in order to shine the light of the Truth and bring the message of deliverance to many!.

The promise of her children being taught by יהוה and her accusers being silenced and all the weapons of her enemies having no more threat upon her, is a powerful picture of the Renewed Yerushalayim, coming down out of the heavens, in order for יהוה to dwell with His Beloved Bride!.

It is with this picture in mind, that we are called to be encouraged, amidst the temporary storms of life, for although we will certainly have much pressure, we have a firm assurance in our inheritance to come, for which we do our utmost to cling to our Master, guard His Word and praise Him, amidst the afflictions and storms, being comforted by Him who comforts us!.

In verse 12 we are able to see the adorning of the protection and provision of our Master, as we see the clear picture of gates, windows and walls being beautifully adorned with the most colourful and precious stones.

This imagery, when we consider how we are the living stones that are being built up in Him, highlights for us the clear picture of how He equips us to shine the brilliance of His presence, as we shine the brightness of His fiery splendour and the use of these precious stones, gives us a picture of that which has been refined in the furnace of the earth, as we know from the clear witness, in nature, of how precious stones are brought forth from the earth, after having undergone extreme pressures and conditions that cause these precious minerals and stones to press through to the light, so to speak.

The stones that were on the breastplate of the High-Priest, were a clear witness of the work of our Elohim and Saviour, that has not only delivered us from darkness, but has caused us to be brought forth as His precious and treasured possession, reflecting the brilliance of His perfect work that refines us from the miry clay and dust of the world, into the shimmering brightness of the beauty of set-apartness.

Verse 13 highlights the powerful truth that the true taught ones of the Master, are the true sons and daughters of Elohim and they have complete shalom, which is not hindered by afflictions and storms!

Those who are taught by the Master, can be more than overcomers, through Him who loved us!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘taught’ come from the root word לִמּוּד limmuḏ – Strong’s H3928 which means, ‘taught, accustomed, discipled’ and comes from the primitive root verb לָמַד lamaḏ – Strong’s H3925 which means, ‘to exercise in, learn, accept, instruct, train’. .

It is His Word that teaches us to endure and rejoice, when we fall into various trials, knowing that the proving of our belief works endurance and we are to let endurance have a perfect work, so that we can be complete and lack nought!

Romiyim/Romans 5:3-5 “And not only this, but we also exult in pressures, knowing that pressure works endurance; 4 and endurance, approvedness; and approvedness, expectation. 5 And expectation does not disappoint, because the love of Elohim has been poured out in our hearts by the Set-apart Spirit which was given to us.”

Here, in Sha’ul’s letter to the believers in Rome, we see the root word that is translated as ‘pressures’ being the word we have highlighted at the beginning, which is θλῖψις thlipsis – Strong’s G2347 which means, ‘tribulation, pressure, affliction, distress, persecution, trouble’.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘endurance’ is ὑπομένω hupomenō – Strong’s G5278 which means, ‘stay under, remain, undergo, persevere, have fortitude, endure with patience’ 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!.

Since then, we have been declared right by belief and have peace with Elohim, through our Master Yahushua Messiah, we are able to stand in the favour of Elohim, by belief, and have such a great expectation of His esteem..

We need endurance – and guess what…

Pressure (θλῖψις thlipsis – Strong’s G2347) works endurance (ὑπομένω hupomenō – Strong’s G5278).

And so, without ‘thlipsis’ (pressure), we can have no ‘hupomenō’ (endurance) and if no endurance, then no approvedness (proven character as the result of enduring trials) and therefore, we will be unable to have any expectation that does not disappoint!

In fact, without having any ‘thlipsis’ (pressure) to endure (hupomenō), our expectations may just disappoint!!!

Therefore, we are to ‘exult’ in θλῖψις thlipsis – Strong’s G2347

EXULT IN THE PRESSURE IN ORDER TO ENDURE!.

The Greek word for ‘exult’ is καυχάομαι kauchaomai – Strong’s G2744 which means, ‘boast, exult, rejoice’ and Sha’ul makes it clear to us, in many of his letters, that we are not to ‘boast’ in ourselves, but rather, we are to ‘exult/boast’ in Messiah, who makes us strong and able to endure under pressure:

Galatiyim/Galatians 6:14 “And for me, let it not be that I should boast except in the stake of our Master יהושע Messiah, through whom the world has been impaled to me, and I to the world.”.

We can endure under pressure, because of the stake of Messiah, and in our complete surrender and obedience to our Master, we must take up our stake and follow Him, always bearing about in the body, the dying of the Master יהושע, that the life of יהושע might also be manifested in our body (Qorintiyim Bet/2 Corinthians 4:10).

One thing is sure, and that is that we are to remain steadfast in love, as we diligently guard to do His commands with joy, and in doing so, we are not to let any pressure, hardship or suffering cause our obedience to fail!

We must not allow the pressures of the world, the battles of the flesh and the accusations and threats of man, to cause us to allow our love to grow cold!

Love for Elohim is that we obey His commands and therefore, no matter what we face, our love for Elohim (that is seen in our obedience to His commands) must remain true to the Word, no matter the cost or sacrifice it may call for! .

Many people today, fall short in their ability to remain steadfast, under the increased intensity of the pressures that surround them, and we must not let this be…

Sha’ul asks the clear question, in:

Romiyim/Romans 8:35 “Who shall separate us from the love of the Messiah? Shall pressure, or distress, or persecution, or scarcity of food, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”

Absolutely nothing at all should separate us from the love of the Messiah – which is to obey His commands and walk joyously in them.

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 6:4 “Rather, we commend ourselves as servants of Elohim in every way: in much endurance, in pressures, in hardships, in distresses”

We ‘commend’ ourselves in every way… including in the ‘thlipsis’ (pressure). .

The Greek root word that is translated as ‘commend’, in Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 6:4, is συνίστανω  sunistanō – Strong’s G4921 which means, ‘commend, establish, introduce, exhibit’, and so, we clearly see that our ability to truly exhibit ourselves, as true servants of Elohim, in every way, is best expressed in our ability to endure all hardships; and the witness we express, in our ability to endure under pressures, as we stand firm and hold fast to the truth and not shrink back, when the going gets tough!.

True sons and daughters of the Most-High Elohim are ones who hear, guard and do His Word! They are ones who obey the call to:

COME OUT AND BE SEPARATE!

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.”.

In his letter to the believers in Corinth, Sha’ul is quoting from Yeshayahu/Isaiah 52:11, Yeshayahu/Isaiah 43:6 and Hoshěa/Hosea 1:10, and reminds us of the powerful promise of being those who overcome – for we shall be sons and daughters to יהוה.

It is יהוה who teaches us and He is the Good Teacher, who came in the flesh, in order to redeem us! .

In the visions that Yoḥanan was given, we see a very powerful truth, that is often overlooked by so many, when he was given a vision of the Renewed Heavens and earth!

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

What is such a powerful revelation to see, in these words being spoken to Yoḥanan, is that they are words that are spoken to him by יהושע Messiah!!!

This we are able to clearly see, when taking note of who it is who is speaking, by looking at the previous verse, that states that it is the Aleph and Taw, the beginning and the end, that was speaking to Yoḥanan, which can be backed up by the opening chapter of Ḥazon/Revelation!.

Why I am mentioning this here, is to highlight the powerful truth of the revelation of Messiah – which clearly reveals to us that He is יהוה our Saviour and that He is our Good Teacher that teaches us!

And we who overcome shall be children to Him and He shall be a Father to us!!!

This is a revelation of the revelation of Messiah, so to speak!!!.

This passage, in Ḥazon/Revelation 21, highlights the vision of the renewed heavens and earth, where the former heavens and earth are no more and deliverance is made complete, with no more need for ‘the role of a son’, for at the completion of the renewal of the heavens and the earth, the son who was born unto us, shall be called Everlasting Father, a complete fulfilment of prophecy, that is found in:

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 9:6 “For a Child is born unto us, a Son is 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.”

The Son, יהושע Messiah, is our Good Teacher and He is יהוה our Saviour!!!

Knowing this, ought to give us confidence and courage to overcome and endure the afflictions, pressures and storms of life!.

When Messiah was called Good Teacher, what did He say?

Let us take look…

Mattithyahu/Matthew 19:16-17 “And see, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good shall I do to have everlasting life?” 17 And He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except One – Elohim. But if you wish to enter into life, guard the commands.”

What many fail to realise here, in these words of our Master, is that He was not saying that He was not the Good Teacher, but rather, He was challenging the confession of the one that was calling Him Good Teacher, which is a similar challenge and question that ought to be presented to many people today, who claim to know Messiah, yet so easily cast aside His Torah!.

Our Master and Elohim made it abundantly clear, that there is only One who is Good – and that is Elohim – and to enter into life, one must guard the commands of the One who is the Good Teacher!

If we say that יהושע Messiah is Good, then we should obey Him, acknowledging that He is Elohim!

After being challenged to go and sell all and follow Messiah, this rich ruler, who called Messiah “The Good Teacher”, left disappointed and could not follow, because of his many possessions that he was not willing to let go of!.

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.”

יהוה teaches us what is best – He teaches us what is profitable for us and what is good for us! .

The Hebrew root word for ‘teaching’, as already mentioned earlier in this teaching, is לָמַד lamaḏ – Strong’s H3925 which means, ‘to exercise in, learn, accept, instruct, train’. .

In the ancient pictographic script, this root word לָמַד lamaḏ – Strong’s H3925 highlights a wonderful confirmation of the love our Master, Husband, Redeemer, Good Teacher and King, has for us, His called-out Bride!.

לָמַד lamaḏ – Strong’s H3925 which means, ‘to exercise in, learn, accept, instruct, train’, is pictured as follows:.

.

Lamed – לָ:

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

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. Knowing this letter represents ‘water’, we are also able to see how this can render for us the meaning of ‘washing’ or ‘cleansing’.

Dalet – ד:

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 in terms of understanding the door of the tent of appointment as the only means of access..

From these 3 pictographic letters, which represent for us the idea of teaching and instructing, we are able to clearly see the love our Master and Saviour has for us, being the Good teacher that washes us through His Word.

We can see the following be rendered by this pictograph:

THE AUTHORITY OF THE WASHING AT THE DOOR

or

THE SHEPHERD WASHES AT THE DOOR.

As we, the bride of Messiah, come to the Door of Appointment, keeping His Sabbaths and Feasts, He, our Husband and Good Shepherd and Teacher, who is The Door, washes us through His Word, as a loving Husband!.

Eph’siyim/Ephesians 5:24-27 “But as the assembly is subject to Messiah, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every respect. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Messiah also did love the assembly and gave Himself for it, 26 in order to set it apart and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, 27 in order to present it to Himself a splendid assembly, not having spot or wrinkle or any of this sort, but that it might be set-apart and blameless.”

It is יהוה our Redeemer and Elohim that teaches us to do what is best, through His Torah and instructions, given to us through His Word.

And therefore, the laws and right-rulings of Mosheh, that we are to ‘exercise in’ and ‘learn, accept and become fluent’ in, as we diligently train ourselves to be true set-apart people, causes us to be true servants of Messiah, our Good Teacher, Shepherd and King!

We do not learn for nothing – we learn and are taught, by The Good Teacher – TO DO!

TRUE CHILDREN OBEY!

And this is what is being highlighted in the words of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:13.

And we also know that the intense longing of the creation, eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of Elohim (Romiyim/Romans 8)

Those who have ears to hear and are being taught, in order to do, shall have shalom!!!

For we who were once without Elohim and were strangers to the Covenants of Promise, have been brought near by the blood of Messiah, The Good Teacher, and now we are fellow citizens of Yisra’ěl, a covenanted Bride, becoming true sons and daughters of the Most-High!

True children, that are taught by The Good Teacher, who is also The Everlasting Father, have peace!!!.

Our Master and Elohim remains lovingly-committed to His Covenant and for this reason, we can hold firm to the sure hope that we have in Him, knowing that, in Him, we shall not be moved!

When He comes in the raging storm of His wrath, we who are standing firm on the Rock of our deliverance, as wise maidens, shall not be shaken, as we have the firm assurance of His Covenant of Peace never being broken, for we now have peace with Elohim!.

In Bemiḏbar/Numbers 25:12 we are told that the promise given to Pineḥas, was יהוה’s COVENANT OF PEACE – he was literally given the ‘shalom’ of יהוה, as an everlasting covenant – and, in Hebrew, the root word שָׁלוֹם shalom – Strong’s H7965 means, ‘wholeness, completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, health, prosperity, well-being, safety, protection’, which comes from the primitive root verb שָׁלֵם shalem – Strong’s H7999 which means, ‘to be complete or sound, rewarded, make full restitution’..

Tehillah/Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have those loving Your Torah, and for them there is no stumbling-block.”

Great emphasis is being placed here, in Tehillah/Psalm 119:165, on how much peace that those loving the Torah have!.

We are also told of the perfect peace that the steadfast have, in:

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

This verse in written in the Hebrew text as follows:

יֵצֶר סָמוּךְ תִּצֹּר שָׁלוֹם שָׁלוֹם כִּי בְךָ בָּטוּחַ

Transliterated as:

‘yetser samuḵ titsor shalom shalom ki ḇeḵa batuaḥ’.

This 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 root word שָׁלוֹם shalom – Strong’s H7965. .

Yeshayahu was picturing himself standing in the redeemed land with the remnant, listening to the people express they’re 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.

Those loving the Torah have perfect peace and are not shaken by threatening circumstances but stand firm on the Rock of their deliverance!.

The root meaning of the Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם shalom – Strong’s H7965 is ‘to be whole or sound’, and this leads to various translations that speak of ‘completeness, wholeness, well-being, welfare and peace’.

The understanding of שָׁלוֹם shalom also includes the idea of vigour and vitality, in all dimensions of life.

The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם shalom – Strong’s H7965 carries a wealth of meaning that is almost impossible to summarise in a few sittings, yet the concept of shalom entails a completeness and wholeness in our Master and Elohim, who has redeemed us from enslavement to the chaos of sin!

In the ancient pictographic text, the word שָׁלוֹם shalom – Strong’s H7965 looks like this:.

.

Shin – שֵׁ:

This is the letter ‘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.

Lamed – לֵ:

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

Waw/Vav – וּ:

This is the Hebrew letter ‘waw’ or ‘vav’ which in the ancient script is pictured as , which is a peg or ‘tent peg’, 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’ as well as ‘bind’..

Mem – מ:

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’..

Now, when looking at this word in the ancient pictographic script, we are able to recognise what the true Shalom of Elohim brings and does for us, for its ancient meaning could be rendered, among others, as follows:

THAT WHICH DESTROYS OR BREAKS THE FALSE AUTHORITY

THAT BOUND US TO THE CHAOS OF THE NATIONS!.

And further renders the meaning:

THE WORD OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THAT SECURES FOR US A COMPLETE CLEANSING!.

This word speaks of a complete restoration of that which what was lost and broken and is a word that ensures the provision for what is needed to make one whole and complete, lacking nought!

For we have been given all that we need for life and reverence, having been grafted into the Covenant of Peace by the Blood of Messiah!.

For those who stand up and are zealous for the esteem of יהוה, there shall be no lack!

The actions of one man turned the wrath of Elohim away from a nation – which is a beautiful picture of how Pineḥas represents for us a type, or picture, of Messiah, who, by His actions appeased the wrath of Elohim!.

And what we can learn from these accounts of Pineḥas, is that the difference between life and death is a matter of being in the proper order or not and those who guard righteousness and stand firm in the Master, armed with His Truth, have the full assurance of being grafted into the Everlasting Covenant of Shalom, and shall never be shaken, for they have the comforting peace of Elohim, amidst the storms of life, being joyfully equipped to endure!.

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘covenant’ is בְּרִית beriyth – Strong’s H1285 which means, ‘covenant, confederacy, alliance, pledge, treaty, constitution, ordinance, agreement’.

Primarily, we take note that this term is used to describe the agreement or constitution that is established between Elohim and man, and such ordinances are accompanied by a sign or pledge.

This noun is believed to come from the root verb בָּרָה barah – Strong’s H1262 which means, ‘to eat, choose’, which gives us a better understanding in terms of a ‘Covenant Meal’, where eating together establishes the covenant between the parties!.

With this promise of giving Pineḥas יהוה’s covenant of peace, to him and his seed after him, as an everlasting priesthood, we must take note that this was the assurance of being established to serve as a royal priesthood forever!

This is not a separate covenant that stands outside of His covenant with Aḇraham, that was established and confirmed with Yisra’ĕl, but rather that the establishment of a priesthood is secured in the covenant of Peace..

For more on this please see the article called, ‘UNDERSTANDING COVENANT!’ which can be found on our website (https://atfotc.com) under the articles menu or by clicking on the following link:

https://atfotc.com/understanding-covenant/.

The Hebrew word for covenant – בְּרִית beriyth – Strong’s H1285 in the ancient text, looks like this:.

.

Beyt – בְּ:

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’.

It means ‘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!.

Yod – י:

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!.

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!.

As we consider this word for ‘covenant’:  בְּרִית beriyth – Strong’s H1285, in the ancient pictographic text, then we are able to understand the clear assurance that we have, as the House or Dwelling Place of Elohim!.

THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE HAS, BY HIS OUTSTRETCHED ARM AND HAND, SECURED FOR US AN EVERLASTING COVENANT, BY SEALING IT IN HIS OWN BLOOD!.

While we certainly recognise and understand that there are many facets to the Covenant that our Creator has made, and established, with His chosen and called out priesthood, we recognise that our Master and Elohim does not break Covenant and He remains lovingly-committed to His ‘Covenants of Promise’ with Aḇraham, Yitsḥaq and Ya’aqoḇ..

As a covenant people of Elohim, we are to guard to do all His commands as we express our love to Him in complete loving-commitment to the Covenants of Promise that we have been grafted into!.

The bold actions of Pineḥas pictures for us a clear shadow picture of the redemptive work of our Master and Elohim, יהושע Messiah, and with the covenant of peace, being given to him and his seed forever, as a covenant of an everlasting priesthood, we can recognise the shadow picture of Messiah, who is High Priest forever in the order of Malkitseḏeq, and how we, who have been grafted in to His Covenants of Promise, are to serve as a fervent and zealous priesthood forever!

This means that we have complete peace with Elohim and are able to be perfectly comforted by Him, even in the darkest of storms!

We are told in Bemiḏbar/Numbers 25:13 that Pineḥas, through his brave and zealous actions, made atonement for the children of Yisra’ĕl, and it is from these words that we can further see the shadow picture of redemption through יהושע Messiah, who, through His own blood, has made atonement for us, having put to death the punishment for sin and whoring, which is death, in order that we can be made alive in Him and serve as an everlasting priesthood that is zealous for Him and His esteem!.

For those who stand up and are zealous for the esteem of יהוה, there shall be no lack and they shall serve forever as a set-apart and royal priesthood unto Him, never to be shaken or moved!.

The Righteous root will never be shaken or moved; therefore, we who stay in the Righteous Root shall never be shaken as we are firmly established in him!

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.”..

Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:14 continues to confirm this train of thought, by making it clear that it is in righteousness that we shall be established!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘righteousness’ is צְדָקָה tseḏaqah – Strong’s H6666 which means, ‘righteousness, righteous acts, merits, righteous deeds’ and is the feminine form of the word that is often used for righteousness, which is צֶדֶק tseḏeq – Strong’s H6664 which means, ‘righteous, just, righteousness’..

The clear definition of righteousness, as already mentioned, is given to us in:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 6:25 “And it is righteousness for us when we guard to do all this command before יהוה our Elohim, as He has commanded us.”

Our belief in our Master and Elohim, must be seen in our works of righteousness, as we guard to do all He has commanded us to!.

It is in the proper hearing, guarding and doing of His commands, that we are established and built up in the Master as living stones and children of light!

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘established’ comes from the primitive root verb כּוּן kun – Strong’s H3559 which means, ‘ready, steadfast, established, firm, set up, determined, prepared’, and it is written in the ‘hithpael’ verb tense, which represents the causative/reflexive action, and highlights that we are ‘caused to be established’ in righteousness!

Those who claim to be ‘established’ in the Master, while they reject the need to guard His Torah and commands, are not frilly established upon the Rock!

So many people today, think that they are standing and are established, while they are headed for a major fall, when our Master comes to destroy the wicked and lawless!.

We are told in Mishlĕ/Proverbs 16:12 that a throne is established in righteousness and we therefore recognise, and acknowledge, that the throne of our Master and Elohim has been established in righteousness; and therefore, as we are clearly called to walk in, and follow, our righteous Elohim and King, we recognise how we are to walk in righteousness, according to the clear right-rulings that He has given us through His Word!

When we are firmly established, in righteousness, we shall not be shaken!

Ruin and oppression will not affect us!!! No storms will break us!!!

How awesome is that!.

Verse 15 goes on to say, that whoever assembles against you will do so to their own peril and verse 16 highlights for us that it is יהוה who is in control!

He has created all and knowing this then, ought to give us great comfort, as we stay in Him and guard not to be found ‘out of Him’, so to speak!

Those who are being built up as living stones, in righteousness, shall be delivered from chaos to stability and delivered from the muddied waters, in order to be firmly set upon the Rock of our Deliverance.

And with our feet being established in righteousness, we have the assurance of not being moved!

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 12:3 “A man is not established by wrongness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.”

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 24:3 “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established”

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 25:5 “Take away the wrong from before the sovereign, and his throne is established in righteousness.”

I have highlighted above, some of the parables from Mishlĕ/Proverbs, in order to highlight the importance of being firmly planted in our Master and guarding righteousness, being established, as His House, by understanding!.

His Throne is established in righteousness and so too then, are we, living stones, established in the understanding of His righteousness!

Our understanding comes in the doing, so to speak!

And therefore, we take note that those who refuse to do what is commanded, and so easily cast aside the Torah of Elohim, can never be established and built up in righteousness, but will be as the fool who builds his house on the sand!.

We who guard righteousness and do what the Word teaches us, shall not be moved, by the storms that are coming!

The parable of the wise and foolish builders, highlights for us the clear truth that those who are in Messiah, shall be safe from destruction!

In order to properly put into perspective this parable, let me quote the passage from where it comes:

Mattithyahu/Matthew 7:21-27 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My Father in the heavens. 22 “Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name?’ 23 And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’ 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, 25 and the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not do them, shall be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand, 27 and the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat on that house, and it fell, and great was its fall.” .

These words were the final words of what is called by many as ‘the sermon on the mount’!

Messiah had spoken to the crowds, in various parables, teaching about the reign, and in closing this teaching, He made it clear that many who claim to know Him, would not enter the reign, for they work lawlessness and would be rejected by Him!

He then finishes this ‘sermon on the mount’, with the parable of the wise man and foolish man!

As one reflects on the context of His words, it becomes abundantly clear, that if one is not guarding and doing righteousness, then they are foolish builders that will be rejected for their many ‘works of lawlessness’!

Law abiding, wise builders, have a sure foundation in the Master and will be overcomers, who endure the storms and rejoice in our Maker!.

Many ‘foolish builders’ love to quote Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:17, without any regard for the context of the verse, in its passage!

This verse highlights the assurance that the righteous, who stay in the Master, have!

Many want to claim protection from the weapons of destruction, while their feet are not firmly set upon the Rock!

How do we know this?

Well, from a Scriptural Hebraic perspective, we know that one’s feet represents one walk and the way of set-apartness, highlights the perfect way of our Master – the hard-pressed narrow way of Truth that few find!

This narrow way, is a walk of obedience, in submitting to the clear commands of our Good Teacher and Redeemer! .

When we carefully consider what it means to obey, we understand that guarding the Truth, entails a belief that works righteousness and does what is commanded, which entails a proper guarding of the Sabbaths and Feasts of יהוה!.

Many who disregard the Sabbaths of יהוה, are walking in a broad path of destruction and their feet are not secure, but are on sinking sand and when the waves of destruction come, on the day of the wrath of יהוה, they will be washed away!

Having no weapon that is formed against you prosper, is an inheritance of the true servants of יהוה! Servants serve and, in serving, they obey!!! True servants become sons!

In the proverbs of Shelomoh, we are given the clear parable that highlights this for us:

Mishlĕ/Proverbs 29:21 “He who deals tenderly with his servant from youth, has him as a son in the end.”

The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘deals tenderly with’ comes from the word פָּנַק panaq – Strong’s H6445 which means, ‘to indulge, pamper, treat another with extreme care and attention’.

This word is only used here in Scripture and relays to us the message of a servants that is treated well from the beginning will be as a son in the end, giving us the concept of a strong and faithful relationship that is built up between a master and his servant.

This parable teaches us a clear lesson on how we have been treated with extreme care and attention by our Master and Elohim, and those who endure to the end shall be called sons, as we have already discussed, earlier in this teaching, when looking at the revelation that was given to Yoḥanan..

The inheritance of true servants of the Most-High, is the full assurance of protection, as they have the Covenant of Peace firmly established in our Master, giving us all we need to guard His right-rulings and do righteousness.

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘inheritance’ comes from the root word נַחֲלָה naḥalah – Strong’s H5159 which means, ‘possession, property, inheritance, portion, gift’ which comes from the root verb נָחַל naḥal – Strong’s H5157 which means, ‘to get or take as a possession, inherit, acquire, allotted, apportioned’.

This root verb signifies the giving or receiving of property, which is part of a permanent possession.

One who inherits, would therefore become owner or part owner of that which has been inherited, and from this, we are able to see how the meek will inherit the earth and will therefore, rule with Elohim!.

What we take note of, is that the one who inherits becomes involved in the proper affairs of that which has been inherited and this reminds me of the clear words of our Master, who tell us in:

Yoḥanan/John 15:14-15 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, for all teachings which I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

The Greek word that is used here for ‘friend’ is φίλος philos – Strong’s G5384 which carries with it more than simply being an acquaintance, as it speaks of being a close companion, who shares the same ideas, values and beliefs and will protect, serve and offer complete support and love at all times! .

What the Master was making very clear here, was that the true taught ones were not just considered as servants who are unaware of the Master’s business, but that they were now friends, who would share in the truth and herein lies the clear language of inheritance.

Having said that, we also take note, that in saying that they were no longer called servants but friends, we must realise that this, in no way, stops the proper required servanthood that is expected of a true taught one of the Master!

In fact, it implies a more committed service, as the fullness of the knowledge of His truth is made known and revealed to those who love Him!.

Our inheritance is the assurance of the perfect shalom of our Master and we are also told in Scripture, that the Torah is our inheritance!

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 33:4 “Mosheh commanded us a Torah, an inheritance of the assembly of Ya‛aqoḇ.”

I am mentioning this, simply to highlight the importance of the Torah that has been commanded unto us!

The Torah is a lamp for our path and a light for our feet! .

It is The Word of Elohim that, when obeyed, directs, guides, protects and blesses us and, in guarding our inheritance, there is a great reward – for we shall inherit the earth!!!

Overcomers shall rule and reign with the Master!

We have received a righteousness from our Master and we must guard it at all costs!.

The Hebrew word that is translated as ‘servant’ comes from the root word 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 Hebrew word עֶבֶד 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’!

In the ancient pictographic script, the word עֶבֶד eḇeḏ is pictured as:

.

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’.

Beyt – בָּ:

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..

Dalet – דֶּ

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 in terms of understanding the door of the tent of appointment as the only means of access..

When we look at this word in the ancient script for a servant, we can see that it speaks of:

ONE WHO WATCHES

AT THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE

And this is what our Master calls us to do; and when we consider that יהושע Messiah is The Door, then we further see our need to continually be looking at Him, and praising Him as we diligently are serving in spirit and truth, guarding to do all His commands – and this is how we too keep watch over the House/Body of Messiah with true joy!.

The equivalent Greek word, for servant, is δοῦλος doulos – Strong’s G1401 and is translated as, ‘slave, servant, bondservant, bondslaves – both men and women’..

In the Greek mind-set where there is the service/duty of a ‘doulos’ (slave) and obedience required by a slave, the right of self-government is seen to be set aside, and another’s takes precedence of one’s own, with the thinking that you have no right to govern self, as another governs you by their standards..

As you consider these very powerful words that are contained in these storm equipping words of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:11-17, may you be comforted in the Truth of our Master and Redeemer!

Perhaps you have been afflicted and tossed with storm, of late!

Then hear these words and take courage and be strengthened in the Master, as you cling to Him and keep your feet firmly planted in His Word, being built up, as living stones that give continual praise unto Elohim, guarding to do all He has commanded us to do, so that you can be among those who overcome and inherit the fullness of our deliverance, which will be made complete at His return!.

Those who are in the Master, shall overcome and will not be overcome by evil, but stand firm in the comfort of our Master amidst the storm!

When I consider the image of a storm, and our ability to be comforted in the Master, I am reminded of the time that Sha’ul was on a ship that would be shipwrecked, due to a raging storm that would last days.

Amidst this storm, many were trying to bail out and he encouraged all to stay in the ship, saying that while the ship will be destroyed, there would be no loss of life!

You can read about these events in Ma’asei/Acts 27.

These events present a valuable lesson for us, teaching us to stay in the Master, at all times, and not be afraid when affliction and storms come. .

Do not be afraid by the conflicts without and the fears within, but put complete trust in the One who walks the waters and calms the storms!!!

The image of this is also highlighted, in the two occasions that the taught ones of the Master were caught in the midst of a storm.

The first time, Messiah was sleeping down below and after being wakened up, by a panicked taught one, He rebuked the storm and there was calmness (Mattithyahu/Matthew 4).

The second account we have, was when the taught ones were out at sea, after having just witnessed the feeding of the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, and the Master came walking on the waters, amidst a storm (Mattithyahu/Matthew 14)..

Without going into detail, on these three accounts of being storm tossed, I just want to express the imagery that we see being given to us, in order to teach us to find complete shalom in our Good Teacher, Master and Elohim. And that is that we are to make sure that we are in the Master and stay in Him, keeping our eyes fixed on Him, allowing Him to calm the raging storms, for it is He who walks on the waters and commands the storms to be still!

So, be still and know that He is Elohim!!!.

As you consider these words, that were spoken to a ruined city, that she would be built up again in righteousness and never again be beaten down, by affliction and storm, take courage in these words, which are still very much alive for us, His Bride and His Living Stones, that have been delivered from chaos, in order to be set upon Him, the Rock of our Deliverance, finding complete stability in the Truth of His Word, as long as we stay in Him and make sure that we strengthen the hands and make firm the weak knees and, after having done all…keep standing!

In this world you will have pressure!

In your afflictions and storms, that you will face, take courage and let יהוה comfort you amidst the storm, as you continue to have ears to hear His Word and be more than overcomers in Him!

Storms and afflictions will come and go, and sometimes they may come in multiple waves!

Do not let the storms of life cause you to lose your firm position in the Master, as you embrace His comfort amidst the storm! For with Him there is His perfect comforting peace..

We have been redeemed from chaos to stability and therefore, we must live like it!!!

Does your life reflect the stability of the Word, or has the chaos of this world got you all tossed with storm?

If chaos is evident in your life, then let the Word wash you today and be caused you to stand in the Master and be delivered from all chaos to complete stability and peace in Him!.

Let me remind you of the words of Sha’ul, that I mentioned earlier:

Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 15:57-58 “But thanks to Elohim who gives us the overcoming through our Master יהושע Messiah. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Master, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Master.”

Sha’ul’s also tells us the following:

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 1:2-7 “Favour to you and peace from Elohim our Father and the Master יהושע Messiah. 3 Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Master יהושע Messiah, the Father of compassion and Elohim of all comfort, 4 who is comforting us in all our pressure, enabling us to comfort those who are in every pressure, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by Elohim. 5 Because, as the sufferings of Messiah overflow in us, so our comfort also overflows through Messiah. 6 And if we suffer pressure, it is for your comfort and deliverance, being worked out in enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort and deliverance. 7 And our expectation for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are sharing in the sufferings – so also in the comfort. ”

Our Mighty Master and Elohim, comforts us in all our pressure, and with His comfort, we can comfort one another!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘comfort’, in the LXX (Septuagint – Greek translation of the Tanak), is the word παρακαλέω parakaleō – Strong’s G3870 which means, ‘call near, invite, invoke, exhort, encourage, appeal, beg, aid, help, comfort’, as mentioned earlier.

This word παρακαλέω parakaleō – Strong’s G3870 is used in a variety of forms, for example:

a) when summonsing someone to an action that is required;

b) to beseech others for an urgent response to help;

c) to ‘exhort’, as in the context used to encourage soldiers headed for battle; as well as

d) to ‘comfort and encourage’, especially in times of hardships and grief. .

This word comes from two words:

1) παρά para – Strong’s G3844 which is used as a primitive participle meaning, ‘from beside, by the side of, by, besides, near’, and

2) καλέω kaleō Strong’s G2564 meaning ‘call, to call, called out, invited, summoned’..

We take note that the word παρακαλέω parakaleō – Strong’s G3870 is also translated as ‘encourage’ in:

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 3:12-13 “Look out, brothers, lest there be in any of you a wicked heart of unbelief in falling away from the living Elohim, 13 but encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened by the deceivableness of sin.”.

Through the empowering comfort of our Master, we can comfort and encourage each other, so as to guard each other against the dangers of the deceivableness of sin and truly experience the comfort of our Good Teacher, under whom we submit and are continually cleansed by, through the washing of His Word!.

May this passage, in Yeshayahu/Isaiah 54:11-17, along with all the passages that we have taken a look at, encourage, comfort and equip you to remain steadfast, in having your feet firmly planted on the Rock of our Deliverance, giving you all you need to endure the storms and therefore, are also able to comfort and encourage others too, with the wonderful comfort of our Master!.

YAHWEH’S COMFORT AMIDST THE STORM!.

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