Tag: Israel

Isaiah 9: Galilee

On By TimIn Isaiah 09, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

Isaiah 9:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The prophet Isaiah is speaking of a time yet future for his contemporary Israelis. Instead of sending the lands mentioned into captivity, God will restore glory to them. Specifically, Galilee will become the future focal point of the nations of the world. Yet in the time of Isaiah, Galilee was a rather insignificant backwater.

This verse is also the only mention of Galilee in the prophets. In the order of the books in the Old Testament, it is the last reference to the region by the name Galilee.

It was in Galilee where the first sign of Jesus was done. It is considered the moment His Ministry began. That seemingly unnoticed yet long silence demonstrates the insignificance of the region that now commands attention.

Jesus left Galilee and went up to John the Baptist to be baptized. This is where God testified audibly to Who Jesus is. The Spirit testified visually.

As His Ministry grew, those in authority couldn’t help but to take notice. John records this in an interesting way. Those in the authority wanted Jesus arrested.

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?”
The officers answered, “No man has ever spoken like this Man.”
Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? Not at all. This crowd who does not know the law is accursed.”
Nicodemus, being one of them who came to Jesus by night, said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”
They answered him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.”

John 7:45–52 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

At first, it was the religious authorities who didn’t know. One would think that the Pharisees would know their Scriptures, and notice that the attention of the nation is being drawn to Galilee. As Israel is under the rule, that concern would spread to the government of the nations of the world at that time.

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the Man was a Galilean.

Luke 23:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As with all prophecy, it’s a pattern given to be watchful for a match. That match can appear multiple times and in multiple ways. In this example, Jesus begins His Ministry in Galilee and consequently begins to draw the attention of the world to that region.

When Jesus spoke of His impending death to His disciples, take note of the place where they would go to Him.

But after I have risen, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 26:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Matthew will continue to witness that Jesus is of Galilee.

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

Matthew 26:69 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What I am saying is testified to plainly in the Bible. When Peter preached at Cornelius’ house, it’s clear where Jesus started. (The testimony is so good, I will give most of it.)

Then Peter began to speak, saying, “Truthfully, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which He sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, the word, which you know, that was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. “We are witnesses of all that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. But God raised Him on the third day and presented Him publicly, not to all the people, but to witnesses previously chosen by God, to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets bear witness that whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins through His name.”

Acts 10:34–43 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see the pattern worked, and it expands. Jesus’ Ministry in a temporal body began in Galilee as Peter testifies. Just as Matthew tells us His Ministry in His Resurrected body began in Galilee.

Note some important details Peter introduced. God is no respecter of persons. That there are believers accepted by God from other nations. The disciples are called to deliver the message, that whoever believes in Him will receive not just forgiveness of sin, but remission of the same.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. All the believers of the circumcision who had come with Peter were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and magnifying God.
Then Peter continued, “Can anyone forbid water for baptizing these, who have received the Holy Spirit as we have?” So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts 10:44–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They watched as the same Holy Spirit that baptized the Israeli disciples gathered on Pentecost (the inauguration of the church) fall on Gentiles. Gentiles could be Spirit-baptized believers, too.

This is yet another pattern we match back to Isaiah 9:1. And like the last mention of Galilee in the Tanakh, Acts 13 is the last reference to it by name in the New Testament.

Now we know that Galilee will be the gateway of the nations who come in peace to worship God. This pattern started with Jesus and will finish with Jesus. It points to yet a future time (for us) when glory is restored to Israel under the rightful King who will have dominion.

Keep all of this in mind as we move forward.

The Covenant You Shall Keep

On By TimIn Genesis 17, Israel2 Comments

Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you; every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. Every male throughout every generation that is eight days old shall be circumcised, whether born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner who is not your descendant. He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised. My covenant shall be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant.

Genesis 17:9–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes things are too important to just glide over. This is one of those things.

In all of what God said before to Abraham of His covenant, God alone took complete responsibility for keeping it. Up until now, nothing was given to Abraham to do.

Abraham’s part in this covenant is to bear the sign of the covenant, circumcision. It is not that the Israelis keep or perform the covenant, or even that the covenant is conditioned on anything that they do or don’t. They make the sign of the covenant. This means circumcision points to God keeping His Word, just as the rainbow pointed to God keeping His covenant with Noah.

God said that this was for Abraham and his descendants throughout their generations. Like God making an everlasting covenant, one He intended to keep… Abraham’s portion was also eternal. It would be this way throughout the generations of Israelis until ultimately coming to the Descendant who would be named Jesus.

Jesus was circumcised.

When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised, He was named JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here is how my mind works: Jesus bears this particular mark eternally. Just as He bears the other marks received in His flesh as a sign of God keeping His word. This one is no different.

I can imagine what the thoughts are. Israelis didn’t parade the sign publicly. The sign was covered.

This is an eternal covenant for Abraham and his descendants to keep. What is mind-boggling is that this covenant is all God. Meaning all of the responsibility is His to keep, even Abraham’s.

If this was part of a condition to the covenant that Abraham had to fulfill (I don’t think it was,) it is ultimately completed forever by Jesus! Yet it is never presented as conditional. God gives multitudes as descendants and the land of Canaan. Think about that. Jesus is the end of the law, not that it ever went away. But it is complete forever in Him!

By tradition, some church teachings liken infant baptism as an extension or allegory to circumcision. I don’t think it applies that way. Baptism is like circumcision in a wholly different way.

Self-professed believers are plunged underwater, buried beneath it signifying death. They are suddenly pulled up from it pointing right to the resurrection. Believers will be resurrected by the promise of God. They are pointing their own faith to and in a God Who keeps His own covenant promises. Baptism is a sign pointing to a promise from God.

Abraham didn’t have to wait on God in order to believe and trust God to keep His word. In the same way, Abraham didn’t have to fear not continually keeping a condition for God to keep His promises.

And neither do you.

Before the Beginning of Sorrows

On By TimIn Last Days, Matthew 24Leave a comment

Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:4–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are just about at the point of mass deception on this timeline. That would be before the beginning. Jesus did give this intel in a private briefing to a few of His disciples. They wanted to know what signs would come with the end of the age.

The deception we experience today isn’t even what comes in the “beginning of sorrows.”

Make no mistake, the governments of the world are aligning in unity quickly. They are already practicing the precursors and cover stories to obfuscate the things Jesus said.

  • Deception.
  • Wars. Rumors of wars.
  • Nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
  • Famine.
  • Epidemics.
  • Earthquakes.

Each of these is actively propagandized, even in the United States. Pay attention to what is happening.

UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena formerly known as UFOs) will bring the new Jesus. These will bring our so-called space brothers. The story will be that the massive disappearance of people happened because they are not fit for the next evolution of humanity. These are removed by the brothers who seeded life on the earth.

The mass movement of troops isn’t preparation for war. Outfitting neighborhood police departments with military-grade gear isn’t normal.

Need I say Ukraine… anyone?

Look at the empty shelves at the grocery store. There are things that are periodically hard to find. Food supply lines are being disrupted. That is usually the cause of most famine in our world. People are starved not because there is no food. It is purposefully kept from them.

CV-19 introduced us to the age of the pandemic. That certainly guarantees that more pandemics will not be unexpected.

Did you know earthquake data from the US often doesn’t match location and intensity as other governments’ sources? This link is old but explains the problem.

We aren’t even at the beginning of sorrows.

At the risk of TL;DR… That is possible to be to your own detriment.

The point of the beginning of sorrows will be marked by a mass disappearance of a lot of people. Christians call this the rapture. The powers-that-be already have a cover story prepared. You have been groomed to accept it as true by popular movies, TV, fiction, and music. Falling for it may very well be the impetus that seals the fate of those caught up in it. What I mean is that most people are not going to think any of this suspicious and will dutifully go along with the story they are told.

Jesus is coming.

He is coming to judge the world. The judgment will come after the wrath of God is poured out on the world that is ambivalent toward Him. Even before all of that, Jesus is coming to whisk His own church away.

In a harmonized account of the briefing, Jesus drops a hint about this at the end of what He says.

When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When we go up, they will come down.

There is still time for you. You can repent (change your mind) and believe Jesus. Believe that He rose again to save you. Confess your sins.

You don’t have to obey the Ten Commandments, be a good person, give to the poor, or do any other things… Save believe Jesus died and rose again for you as He is your only way to God.

Of course, if you’re just gonna wait it out, I’d say good luck. But there is no such thing. You could listen to a favorite band… And a cool song. But, really… Trust Jesus.

The Harvest of the Earth is not a Rapture

On By TimIn Return of Jesus, Revelation 01Leave a comment

Revelation 1:7 (MEV): Look! He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This is John’s introduction to an event that is sometimes confused with the rapture. This idea of coming in the clouds is always about judgment. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Paul clearly states that the saints (Spirit-baptized believers) that are alive meet the previously dead saints (Spirit-baptized believers) in the clouds together. Paul does not tell us Jesus comes in the clouds. That is because the rapture is not judgment. This is the precision of the message.

Then What is It?

Revelation 14:14–20 (MEV): I looked. And there was a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like a Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. Then another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap. The time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust His sickle on the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. Yet another angel who had authority over fire came out from the altar. He cried with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.” The angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. The winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one hundred and eighty-six miles.

All the nations will be brought to battle Jerusalem. God will gather them just as a vintner gathers grapes.

I under that that is graphic language. This event is not going to be very enjoyable. The earth is being harvested for judgment. This is the gathering of the nations in the final battle at what is known as Armageddon. (More on that in a later post.)

But first, some background.

Space Invaders

There is a modern fascination with mastering the heavens. We fly planes and have sent rockets zooming through space. There has been a push to militarize the heavens. The US even has established a Space Force branch of the military.

Weaponizing the air began soon after the Wright brothers invented flight. Hubs were affixed to plains.

That progressed to delivering bombs with rockets. Wernher von Braun mastered rocketry during WWII. He was swiftly brought to the US and he revolutionized the air and beyond.

In the 80s Ronald Reagan, then President of the United States proffered an idea that helped broker a peace agreement with the USSR. It came after both sides would stubbornly not move on their position. He had a private meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, then Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Reagan asked if the USSR would aid the US if an invader from space were to attack. Both men agreed they would help each other. This became the impetus for finding agreement for a stand down if the Cold War.

In a speech before a gathering of the United Nations, Reagan spoke of the meeting and what was discussed. It shocked the world that leaders would discuss a fringe topic like space aliens. I fondly remember the lampooning Reagan took.

But the issue is serious. In that, a different kind of threat was hinted at. A vastly greater one that could unite humanity for a common goal.

There would be weaponry needed to neutralize that threat. Some were already being considered and even built. The idea has certainly been embraced in the last 40 years. And now we have the Space Force.

The Science

Science now embraces it, as the idea of panspermia is theorized to deal with the seeming impossibility of abiogenesis. That is, the science of the first cell becoming alive. Panspermia is the theory that life was seeded by some alien race on Earth. To me, that sounds like God did it, but hey. That just cannot be.

The idea offered is that earth is just one giant science excitement of hybridization and selection.

Do I believe there are space aliens?

Maybe… But I don’t think so. I think it will be part of the fake story that will be used as an explanation for the mass disappearance of people will be needed when the body of Christ is raptured. There will be what is called space aliens or space brothers that come down when we go up. They will tell those remaining that they were responsible for removing those that cannot move to the next vibration or evolve. They will also say they seeded life here and can help fix the problems.

Many of those in the New Age movement also teaches this.

Why Say This?

I know that sounds kooky. Humans are building weapons to fight an invader. The enemy is also building an army of humans because he is vastly outnumbered. The world will come together to fight what they will call space invaders. It will be an attack from above.

A Day of the Lord

Zechariah 12:1–10 (MEV): The oracle of the word of the Lord against Israel.
Thus says the Lord, the One who stretches out the heavens and establishes the earth and forms the spirit of man within him: I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah, it is also against Jerusalem. And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it. On that day I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “There is strength for us with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God.” On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside in her place, the place of Jerusalem.

The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not eclipse Judah. On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem; and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day. And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going out before them. On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations who come out against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as a firstborn.

On that day… Count how many times it’s there in that passage. It’s a future day for Jerusalem. A day of loving kindness from the One whom they have pierced. It will cause them to mourn.

John cites that in the introductory passage above. He is coming and will be seen even by those who pierced Him. That’s Jesus.

To Jewish Readers

Consider that passage in Zechariah. The word Lord used there is the unspeakable name of God, Jehovah. He is the One speaking and plainly says they (Israelis) look to Him Who they pierced through. Ask yourself one question, when did Jehovah get pierced?

The Lord Fights

That day will be cleansing for the people of God, the Israelis. They will be reconciled to their God. They will also divide spoil from the battle He fought.

Zechariah 14:1–4 (MEV): A day of the Lord is coming when your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured and the houses plundered and the women ravished. Half of the city will go to exile, but the remainder of the people will not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight those nations as He fights in the day of war. On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is to the east of Jerusalem. And from east to west the Mount of Olives will be split in two halves by a very great valley so that one half moves to the north and the other to the south.

It will be a two-fold battle, the nations will be gathered and seek to take the city. To all those dwelling there, the cause would be dire. Then sudden destruction comes upon the attackers.

In That Day

Even in the much-talked-about invasion by God of Magog (Ezekiel 38-39,) there seems to be a multi-pronged conflict. Look at the phrases God uses… I will turn you back, drive you on, take you up, and bring you against.

Ezekiel 39:1–4 (MEV): Moreover you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: Thus says the Lord God: I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshek, and Tubal. And I will turn you back, drive you on, and take you up the north parts and bring you against the mountains of Israel. And I will strike your bow out of your left hand and will cause your arrows to fall out of your right hand. You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Also pay attention to the familiar phrases encountered; on that day, in that day, and in the latter years. The reference is to the day of the Lord and is not necessarily always meant to encompass just a singular day.

This is also the call to the great feast I’ve written of before.

Ezekiel 39:17 (MEV): As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God: Speak to every kind of fowl and to every beast of the field: Assemble and come. Gather on every side to My sacrifice that I sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood.

Jesus said, wherever the carcass is, the eagles will be gathered together (Matthew 24:28.) He is referencing this particular day.

It’s the Lord Who fights for Israel.

The Gathering Place

Isaiah 29:1–2 (MEV): Woe to Ariel, to Ariel,
the city where David lived! Add year to year, observe your feasts on schedule. Yet I will distress Ariel, and she shall be a city of lamenting and sorrow, and she shall be as an Ariel to me.

Fascinating is the name Isaiah applies to Jerusalem. It’s Ariel. While many consider the meaning as Lion of God, it also connotes a gathering of God (like from exile) or the place of assembly.

This is indeed weighty material to consider. God is telling us in advance what will happen. But consider the words of the Psalmist….

Psalm 48:1–8 (MEV): Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.

Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her citadels as a refuge.

For the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they were astounded; they were alarmed, they hurried away. Trembling seized them there, and pain like a woman in labor; You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah

At the beginning of the song, there is no hint of its prophetic nature. The nations are gathered to Jerusalem. What did they see that caused sudden alarm?

Jerusalem will be rescued by the One the world considers space invaders. It will be led by Jesus and His army of saints. They will come down with the host of heaven. He will come and vanquish His enemies.

The entire portion of the Psalm is really a prophetic song to be sung in yet future. The refrain ends with the admission that God told them the things that would happen before they did and they did happen.

Jesus will rescue Jerusalem.

Homeborn Servants and Sons

On By TimIn Israel, Jesus, John 08, The ServantLeave a comment

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Now a slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever.

John 8:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Not having a full understanding of the Torah hinders us Gentiles. We want to understand the things Jesus says, and we do in a shallow sense. There are deeper things we need to be diligent in searching out.

It would not occur to me to understand what Jesus is saying in light of the Torah. In this case, Jesus is referring to some of the first things about an elect people God will call His servants and the origins of that.

Therefore she said to Abraham, “Throw out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son, Isaac.”

Genesis 21:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We know that Isaac was the chosen heir. But there is an important distinction being made between servants and heirs. There is also an apparent distinction inherent among servants. There are those bought with money and there are those homeborn.

Is Israel a servant? Is he a homeborn slave?
Why has he been plundered?

Jeremiah 2:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I understand that these texts will have layers of meanings. The first question asked here lends itself to be prophetic in nature as it speaks of Jesus. It also encompasses the entire nation of Israel. While it causes us to remember the son of Isaac, Jacob.

The Homeborn Servant.

But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram said, “Since You have not given me any children, my heir is a servant born in my house.”

Genesis 15:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We get a tiny glimpse into the realities of life in those times. To a childless couple, the first homeborn servant is heir apparent. It was no different for Abram and Sarai.

In their haste to work God’s promises for themselves, Sarai’s servant Hagar was given to Abram. The homeborn son is named Ishmael.

As Ishmael had the distinction of being fathered by Abram with the servant Hagar, he was now heir-apparent. This by the distinction of not being bought, but homeborn. More important is the fact that he is the firstborn son.

When the promise of God came after Abraham and Sarah’s names were changed, Isaac was born. Isaac is not firstborn and not heir-apparent. Therefore, the servant-child had to be driven out. Even though Isaac was a son, he was also a servant.

Though Ishmael benefits of the promise made to Abraham, the promise was on Isaac, not Ishmael. Isaac was the son of promise. God would also establish a covenant with Isaac.

The Lord appeared to him that same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”

Genesis 26:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is my contention that Abraham typifies the bought servant, while Isaac, the homeborn. Genetic heritage does not change, and the people descended from Abraham through the homeborn slave-son Ishmael and the son Isaac are innumerable. The son of bondage heir apparent had to be removed.

This hints as to the work of the cross. When Jesus died, the son of bondage was driven out. It made room for the son of promise. In other words, death was removed that life could be received.

Jacob is Born.

Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. But the children struggled together within her, and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. Then the Lord said to her,
“Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples will be separated from your body;
one people will be stronger than the other,
and the older will serve the younger.”

Genesis 25:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paralleling the plight of his parents, Isaac and Rebekah were also barren. The promises of God entail countless progeny. In these times people waited years for the promises of God to come. It is not that He is slack or slow, but all things happen in due time.

When Isaac and Rebekah conceived, two babies would be born. This provides another important distinction. The older shall serve the younger. The covenant promise will be to the younger.

We follow that covenant promise. Just as Isaac was chosen and the slave driven away. The younger would be chosen as the conveyance of God’s promise.

We know the account of how Jacob bought the birthright with a pot of red lentils. We also know how Rebekah and Jacob connived to obtain the blessing of Isaac. It teaches us another important lesson, a birthright can be bought (I will leave that to you to figure out how that points to Jesus.)

Then the man said, “Your name will no more be called Jacob, but Israel. For you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Genesis 32:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is this Jacob that serves as a further typification of Jesus in many ways. God’s covenant comes to Jacob, and his name is changed. The way the Bible weaves together the names of Israel, Jacob, and Jesus provide an easily accessible entree to a deeper truth.

Jacob prevailed. I think this to be prophetic in nature as it foreshadows Jesus.

But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look in it. I began to weep loudly, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look in it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Revelation 5:3–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus has prevailed. But what of this fought with God?

The Hebrew word behind the English fought is from the same root of Jacob’s grandmother’s name Sarah. It doesn’t mean physical fighting, but more like persistence and perseverance. As an aside, Sarah had to persist and persevere with Abraham! Yet something else about Jesus comes to mind…

Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.

Hebrews 12:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jacob my Servant.

Here is My servant, whom I uphold,
My chosen one, in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon him;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You are My witnesses, says the Lord,
and My servant whom I have chosen
that you may know and believe Me,
and understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
nor shall there be after Me.

Isaiah 43:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet now listen, O Jacob, My servant,
and Israel, whom I have chosen.

Isaiah 44:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember these things, O Jacob,
and Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you; you are My servant;
O Israel, you shall not be forgotten by Me.

Isaiah 44:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are many witnesses to attest to the fact that Israelis are servants. The texts also have prophetic implications. They show us plainly that the names Jacob, Israel, and my servant all point to Jesus.

A Son is Forever.

In the Tanakh, we see Israel presented as a servant. Since Abraham, these would be the homeborn servants. But as clearly seen, there is a better relationship. That is to be a son (or child of God.) Jesus said a son remains forever.

A physical birthright doesn’t convey salvation. Salvation comes by promise. With all of this, what Paul writes to the Galatians is clear.

Sons by Faith.

You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, and there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:26–29 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Homeborn servants are not necessarily sons of promise. Salvation isn’t conferred by election or birthright. It comes by faith.

No Longer a Servant, but a Son and Heir.

Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ from a servant though he is lord of all. But he is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. So when we were children, we were in bondage to the elements of the world. But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ

Galatians 4:1–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Adam sold his birthright for some food just like Esau. Jesus bought that birthright by obedience. He bought it to give it back to you as children of God received by faith.

The Name: See Jesus LORD

On By TimIn Exodus 14, JesusLeave a comment

But Moses said to the people, “Fear not! Stand firm! And see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show you today. For the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see again. The Lord shall fight for you, while you hold your peace.”

Exodus 14:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love the Old Testament shadows that are given for our edification. At this particular point in history, the Israelis are being pursued by Pharaoh’s army and are in a seeming dead-end. They are hemmed in by mountains and the Red Sea, and the old ways are dogging them. There is no perceivable way of escape. (Israel serves as a type of the world and its sin.)

There are some important points that we must see clearly. First, Moses commands the Israelis to not be afraid. Fear is a tool of the enemy. It leads us to doubt God. Moses is telling those to stand firm. That is to be ready. God makes ways where there are none.

He makes a statement at the end to show the entirety of what he is speaking about. “The LORD shall fight for you.” When the word LORD is capitalized in English it is to convey what some say is the unspeakable name of God… YHWH. It’s odd that Moses used it twice in just the passage cited above.

What is expected of the Israelis to keep their salvation from the Egyptians?

  • Fear not.
  • Stand firm.
  • Hold your peace.

What is the promise to the Israelis?

They will never see the Egyptians again.

The application is easy. As we are saved from the world and sin, our admonition is to not be afraid and to stand firm holding our peace. It isn’t to work or find a way out. Trust God. He promises they will never see that again.

Amidst all of that Moses explains to the Israelis “see the salvation of the LORD.” In English, it is easy to brush over the phrase. But knowing just a bit about Hebrew leads us to dig just beneath the text. We know the word LORD is the name of God, YHWH. The other word, salvation is a translation of the Hebrew word Yeshua.

In the screenshot of an interlinear Bible, reading from right to left the phrase is literally Yeshua Yahweh (or Yeshua Jehovah.) Yeshuah is the Hebrew word that is the name of Jesus. What Moses is telling the Israelis hundreds of years before Jesus came is “Fear not. Stand firm! And see Jesus LORD.

The Priest Shall Go Out of the Camp

On By TimIn Jesus, Leviticus 14Leave a comment

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

Leviticus 14:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was Moses who got a direct revelation from God. I ponder over that, especially in light of what follows in this part.

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: It shall be reported to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall examine him and see if the disease is healed in the leprous person.

Leviticus 14:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Watch the types and shadows intertwined here. You will probably see more than addressed in this post. But let’s start with the first… Leprosy. It is a Biblical typification of sin. It would follow that a letter would typify all of us in our sin. A leper cleansed of leprosy would be representative of a sinner saved.

The next typology is the priest. And in some ways, his role points to Jesus in subtle ways. The first is factual. It is the priest who declared leprosy on the individual and created the exile. Think back to the garden where Adam sinned. He was expelled from God’s garden. (I could hope that we think together that God’s garden is where He lives and does business. That’s a simple way to think of something that is far greater in importance than just a garden.)

Much more of a representation is that the priest shall go out of the camp.

Remember, this isn’t a ritual to heal a leper. It is for the priest to declare that person cleansed. The priest had to travel outside of the camp… Or garden. He has to go to the place of exile. This is a foretelling of a necessary thing, God will leave His abode and come to the leper in exile.

The priest leaves his place and comes to the one healed of a disease that left him outside of society. This was the ritual to proclaim the leper cleansed and how such would repented society.

In one sense, the overt text is dealing with a person being declared clean. But just under the surface are hints to something far greater. The leper was ostracized by the priest. He was sent away from his family and people.

God is explaining His plan. He is going to undo the ill effects of what transpired in Eden. He will do it by coming to us.

We have the benefit of the New Testament writings. There are many that explain what lingers just inside the plain text. These show that God took on humanity, humbling Himself. This we can read for ourselves.

But those that didn’t have the benefit of the New Testament are given a veiled glimpse into the future. One that shows the panorama of history written in advance. And God will continue to intervene personally.

Why Three Times?

On By TimIn Exodus 23, ResurrectionLeave a comment

Three times in the year you must celebrate a feast to Me.
You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month Aviv, for in it you came out from Egypt.
No one shall appear before Me empty-handed.
You shall observe the Feast of Harvest, the first fruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field.
You shall observe the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field.
Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.

Exodus 23:14–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God commands three feasts when Jewish men are to be gathered and appear before the Lord.

The first two are Unleavened Bread and First Fruits. The third is the last feast… Ingathering is also known as Tabernacles.

In the Seven Feast calendar given in the Law, the first are two of the three spring feasts. Tabernacles is the last feast on the calendar and the last of the three fall feasts.

Jesus fulfilled the three spring feasts during His first advent on Earth. I am one that believes Pentecost, the center feast to not yet be complete. There is a duality intertwined within this feast and one that uses leavened bread.

It intrigues me that Jewish men are absent from the next three feasts, Pentecost, Trumpets, and Atonement. Jewish men are called to appear before the Lord on that last feast.

That last feast is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus on His second advent when the earth is as it was created to be. The barns and storehouses are full, and Jesus reigns with men… The ingathering and tabernacles.

Could all of this be a hint of the non-Jewish church age?

First

On By TimIn Acts 03, JesusLeave a comment

God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you from your iniquities.”

Acts 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter… Peter… Sometimes the things you are recorded as saying surprise me. Especially when given your actions that ensure years afterward.

You know, I think lots of people might believe that in the Old Covenant, only Jewish folk could be believers and get to heaven. Maybe it’s because I once held to that long ago that I think that way. Part of that erroneous belief begins with the idea folks are saved by the sacrifices and offerings contained in the law.

To hold to those ideas is understandable, but as I handily learned, they are rather shallow conclusions that lack real study.

People were being saved in the Old Testament long before The Law came to be. People have known their need for a Savior since Eden. The Law serves only to make this necessity painfully evident. It was given to a set-aside vessel for service. That vessel is Israel. The service is to make God known to the nations of the world. (I cheated you out of discovering that fit yourself.)

There is this encounter of a gentile Canaanite with Jesus.

Then Jesus went from there and departed into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. There, a woman of Canaan came out of the same regions and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is severely possessed by a demon.”
But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”
But He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Matthew 15:21–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This woman persistently pleaded with Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus’ reply might come as a shock to some. Read it carefully. Jesus said He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.

What did Jesus mean?

Perhaps one could make the statement imply that salvation was only intended for Jewish folk. But we know better. Gentiles were being saved long before Israel came to be. They were being saved by this same Seed promised to Eve.

There’s this noisy woman. The disciples are tired of her cries. Jesus seems to side with them.

Then she came and worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.”

Matthew 15:25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This woman was devout. She knew the only place to get help was from Him. She was insistent.

But He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and to throw it to dogs.”

Matthew 15:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The children’s bread, the gifts God would bestow on His people. God sent manna to the Israelites in the wilderness to provide sustenance for them. This is exactly what the manna provided by God pointed to… The bread of heaven… Jesus. That bread to make folks whole was only for the children.

There is an order to things. But didn’t Gentiles in the mixed multitude that left Egypt also eat of and thrive by the manna?

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Matthew 15:27–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

She didn’t ask to take anything from Israel. In the scheme of things, what she was asking of Jesus was insignificant considering Who He is. He was going to show how significant her belief in Him is.

Back to Peter.

Peter was echoing the same thing Jesus said. That is, Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. Peter was preaching this message to those lost sheep. We come to that last sentence in his sermon where Peter says Jesus was sent to them first. That implies something greater follows.

Like the word only in what Jesus said, here’s this word first. Jesus came first to Israel. He was rejected by them. Yet the fact remains, He came to only them first.

Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first. But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles. For thus has the Lord commanded us:
‘I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 13:46–47 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Much is Said About ‘This Generation’

On By TimIn Last Days, Luke 17, Olivet Discourse, ProphecyLeave a comment

When He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation. Nor will they say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For remember, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Luke 17:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As Jesus discussed with the Pharisees, He was answering their question of when the kingdom of God comes. The Pharisees are expecting some great heroic Vanquisher to restore Jerusalem from Roman rule. It’s as if that is the Kingdom Jesus is speaking about. Jesus said the Kingdom comes within people. Meaning your allegiance to the Kingdom is within you and is your responsibility.

The conversation then turns to address the misunderstood idea of the Kingdom of God only being the Valiant King ruling in Jerusalem.

Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. They will say to you, ‘Look here,’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not follow after them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the heavens from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Luke 17:22–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus called that time the days of the Son of Man. What Jesus is teaching here is end times when He conquers the world.

The phrases used by Jesus are emphatic that some would draw disciples’ attention away from Him. It’s hinted at that there are more than just one that would draw believers away, like false Messiahs. The language is similar to that used in another place.

Just as lightning flashes in the sky and lights up everything, these days would not be unmistaken for anything else. They would be, overtly visible. All would know what is happening.

This is connected to the Olivet Discourse where Jesus vividly describes the days of the Son of Man.

“So, if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert,’ do not go there; or, ‘Look, He is in the private chambers,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember in our introduction texts, Jesus is specific and speaks of this generation as alive then. He speaks that He must suffer from them.

There are other texts that use that phrase like this one:

Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Matthew 24:34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Many teachers will connect this phrase to the entire data if the Son of Man in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:3-31.) They will use it to disprove futurism. Futurism is the belief that Jesus will come again to rescue His church and set the world right, reigning on David’s throne. The phrase is used to debunk any idea of the rapture, too.

It’s clear in the text. Jesus applies this generation in His Parable of the Fig Tree to a yet future generation that sees the leaves come back. He has shifted His description from the days of the Son of Man to that of what leads up to those days.

That fig tree is used figuratively as Israel. Israel has come back in our generation. We witnessed it. We are those of this generation of the fig tree. It means the days of the Son of Man are very near future.

Rolling back to our text in Luke 17:25, Jesus wasn’t speaking in parables and was addressing what must occur in the short-term future. He would suffer.

He also clearly told those members of this generation listening to Him that day, they would long to see one of the days of the Son of Man. But they would not.

It follows that the days of the Son of Man were much farther into the future than could be perceived. Therefore, for this reason (among countless others,) Amillennialism is not true. Amillennialism is the belief that all of the apocalyptic (considered yet future) Bible passages were fulfilled by the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Some even teach that Jesus already came back at that time.

In Jesus’ own words… Those teachings can’t be. The days of the Son of Man could not occur in the 70 AD siege. Jesus said members of this generation alive then would long to see one of those days, but would not.