!! Be Blessed and Nothing Less !!
precept upon precept
Beholding Scripture Anew
Beholding Scripture Anew
The Creator of the universe has set-apart His Message for Humanity in His Sacred-Scripture, much of which has been preserved in the Bible. His written-word stimulates our mental and spiritual awareness to the reality of His existence while giving testimony to His just and up-right character. The aspiration of this WebSite is to Harvest the Word of YHWH according to His purpose and will.
Bible quotations on this WebSite are from the NET Bible® unless stated otherwise.
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The Sacred-Scripture of YHWH is only one of four principle indications that can stir our awareness to the reality of our Creator’s existence. Even though the evidence is in plain sight it seems to be either hidden from or ignored by many people. Let’s take a brief look at these four obvious, although often marginalized, indications of our Creator’s ‘fingerprint’.
The first indication includes the sphere we dwell on and all of the marvels that decorate it. The fact that it is spinning while rotating around the sun and that a massive universe envelops our little planet is astounding. The probing eye-of-science is not blind to the multiple factors that determine Earth’s crucial yet precarious positioning in our solar system. This strategic positioning creates an environment that encourages enormous varieties of life to flourish on planet Earth. Buried within the fabric of these multiple expressions of Life is a ‘Book’ that surprisingly opens up to us . . . yes, a Book that contains a highly intelligent format of directives. These directives unlock the intricate details that are required for the DNA and RNA sequences to decipher and implement this well designed genetic-code. This Book-of-Life is essential for nearly every, if not all, known forms of life to replicate in the wide range of environments that planet Earth imparts to us.
To purport that everything that "is", came from nothing that "never was", doesn’t fit well with the elaborate processes and phenomena of the physical existence that embraces us, that is, the established-law and precise-order of physics. To behold the Creation before us and to acknowledge that the finger of its Creator has been imprinted upon its wonders is authentic, unadulterated science. The synchronicity and harmony displayed in, the heavens and the earth, are clearly not the result of random accidents occurring over a ‘really-big-number’ of years.
The wonders of Creation give attention to the second indication that there is a Creator; the ingenuity and creativity of Humanity. As humans we have the instinct to survive, to protect and to comfort ourselves. Our ability to reason, to plan and even the fact that we are aware that we exist, moves us far beyond the animal instinct to merely survive. As we exercise our intellect, imagination, creativity and pursue our purpose for life, it is not that difficult to observe the parallels of intelligence concerning the specificity of function and purpose in our own life with that of the physical Creation that surrounds us.
To purport that out of absolute nothing-ness, ‘something-ness’ unintentionally came to physically ‘be’ . . . perpetually evolving aimlessly . . . with just the right amount of TIME . . . to accidentally mutate into the splendor of the human-being is physically insurmountable. This groundless ‘hypothesis’ is not only an insult to our common sense, it also blatantly ignores the due-logic of ‘design and order’ that the wonders of the human-being (physical Creation) demonstrate to us. The intelligence, creativity and ingenuity inherent to Humanity are clearly not the result of random mutations accidentally synchronizing themselves over a ‘really-big-number’ of years.
The wonders of Creation and the ingenuity of Humanity point us to the third indication that there is a Creator; the Sacred-Scripture of YHWH. Biblical-scripture is the accumulation of writings that give testimony to YHWH’s interaction with Humanity. As humans, we have been equipped with intelligence, observation, intuition, insight, creativity, curiosity and an innate query of probing beyond our physical surroundings. His Word stimulates and inspires us to discover our true potential as an individual and ‘what’ it is that our inner-being is inherently seeking for. A diligent and sincere inquiry of the written-word will unfold the directives of the spiritual ‘DNA Code’ that enables us to replicate His will (Life) on planet Earth.
The whole of the written-word ultimately points to Yahoshua’s sacrifice on the Cross (torture-stake). This action is not a mere symbolic token of Grace and Forgiveness that would presumptuously allow us to continue to fondle with the very sin that destroys us. Quite the opposite is true. His sacrifice initiates the substance (power and authority) that liberates us from being slaves of sin and transforms our core-being into a vessel-of-honor, in deed. Yahoshua said, I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6b).
To purport that Humanity’s disorder and evil negate the obvious existence of a Created-Order is very disingenuous. On the contrary, Humanity’s dysfunctional and destructive tendencies serve to magnify the abundant insight that is presented in YHWH’s written-word. This helps us discern and distinguish YHWH’s ordained-order from the errors and blunders of Humanity’s vast spectrum of mythologies, pseudo-science and perceived realities. The expansive and purposeful development (harmony) of YHWH’s authentic Sacred-Scripture is clearly not the result of a hodge-podge of Humanity’s perceived realities that have haphazardly stumbled together throughout the centuries.
The three previous indications give rise to the fourth indication that there is a Creator; the divine essence (Spirit) of YHWH that sustains the entire Creation. The first paragraph of this section (Fourth Witness) provides a brief summary of the first three indications previously mentioned: Creation, Humanity and Biblical-Scripture, respectively. First, the patterns of intelligence and purpose observed in the vastness of Creation, as stated in Romans 1:20, For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse; second, the likeness of YHWH’s creativity and intelligence that are inherent to Humanity, as stated in Genesis 1:27, God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them; and third, the inspiration and profoundness of Scripture, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16, Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; the very existence of these three indications confirm that His essence permeates all of Creation.
The next seven paragraphs provide some insight to. . . why . . . why the first three indications (Creation, Humanity and Scripture) all can, have been, and will be adulterated, to some degree, by the whole of Humanity. The human-tendency to deviate from YHWH's ordained-order is the consequence and perpetuation of Adam and Eve's rebellion in the Garden. This tragic event is summarized in chapter three of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. Although the event itself is immersed in a landscape that is very foreign to us today, its profound truth and symbolism clearly resonate with us millennia later. The rejection of YHWH's word that separated them from their Creator, in like manner, is spilling over into a great gulf that separates so many individuals from their Creator today. Whether an individual deliberately runs from or slowly drifts, somewhat unintentionally, from the ordained-order of YHWH, the ignorance and confusion along with the rebellion and pride of each individual, compounds the destructive consequences of the collective-human-will.
When Adam and Eve indulged in the ‘Tree’ of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they found themselves frighteningly vulnerable. Uncertain of the fear they were experiencing, they attempted to hide (separate) themselves from the presence of YHWH while instinctively covering their bodies with cloaks of leaves. Their reaction was a feeble attempt to cover over the confusion and uncertainty they were experiencing which was a direct result of coming into the knowledge of ‘Good and Evil’ through disobedience. This of course stands in direct contrast to simply honoring the Word of YHWH by submitting to the ordained order of His Creation in willful obedience. Humanity’s enticement to side-step, to ignore and to hide from the will of YHWH is due to the confusion and disorder that is imprinted upon the heart of the prideful and rebellious, that is, the disobedient. Inevitably this disorder causes a sense of un-wholeness, a sense of abandonment and an uncertainty of one’s true identity which distorts the true purpose of life. This lack of resolve and uneasiness that haunts a disobedient heart, drives an individual to fabricate a wide range of elaborate coverings (distractions), similar to the 'coverings' that Adam and Eve fabricated in the attempt to hide themselves from their altered state-of-being, essentially, ignoring or denying their true condition.
With great futility and dire consequences Humanity has persisted throughout the centuries to hone this art-of-ignorance to no avail. This misguided instinct to conceal one's true state-of-being, in order to protect oneself from the pain of disobedience and sin, will gradually harden an individual’s heart. As the heart hardens, the truth of YHWH begins to fade from one’s consciousness, ever becoming more and more unrecognizable to the disobedient heart.
It is with much sorrow that YHWH watches (permits) His ‘image-bearers’ inflict chaos upon the order and purpose of His Creation due to their altered, and thereby, dysfunctional nature. Even so, it is with great patience (purpose) that He also pursues His own will, to specifically address and provide remedy for the consequences of Humanity’s fallen nature. Through the abundance of His divine-wisdom and eternal-love He bears the ill-freewill of each individual with longsuffering and purpose, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2Peter 3:9b)
Even so, the natural consequences of disobeying YHWH’s order and purpose for Creation will inevitably inflict, to some degree, a wounded-ness or a broken-ness upon each individual. To indulge in or pander to the symptoms of one's wounded-ness, is similar to a drug addict returning to the source of their addiction. On the other hand, authentic broken-ness leads to contrition, where one's "conscience is crushed by the weight of its own guilt". But to this one I (YHWH) will look [graciously] to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who [reverently] trembles at My word and honors My commands. (Isaiah 66:2b - Amplified Bible).
With great love and sensitivity Father-YHWH utilizes the brokenness of each individual in order to expose the secret sins, the deep-seated-fears and the frustrations that are hidden behind the well-crafted (fig) leaves. When the Light of YHWH exposes (softens) the calloused shield that is attempting to cover one’s heart, then the compassion and mercy of YHWH become a viable (logical) option from a futile life of ever hiding from or subconsciously eluding one’s true condition. When our freewill is submissive to the orderliness and purpose of Creation, then YHWH’s Truth (Spirit) liberates us from the weight of our self-inflicted guilt and oppression. Not only do we experience relief from the painful and destructive consequences that sin (pride) imposes upon us in this life, we are also liberated from Humanity’s ultimate destiny of eternal-judgment and punishment.
This awareness gives veracity to YHWH’s terms of reconciliation (salvation) that has been validated by Yahoshua’s blood sacrifice for Humanity’s sins. Through authentic repentance YHWH’s mercy imprints ‘redeemed’ (liberated) upon the heart of the humble. This empowers us to walk-in-the-Spirit, that is, to freely walk in the presence and influence of Truth and Love, rather than in a cloud of unclean fear due to the oppression of sin and the guilt of disobedience. If the path of brokenness to redemption is rejected, then the wounded-ness of disobedience becomes a fundamental part of one's impaired character.
Therefore, the four indications (Creation, Humanity, Scripture and the divine essence of YHWH that is present throughout the entire Creation) are pointing to the Cause-of-Creation, as well as pointing to the ‘Who’ of Creation. Not only does YHWH sustain the entire Creation by His very existence, He also has woven the purpose of Yahoshua’s ministry into the very fabric of Creation. For this reason, the fourth indication is multi-dimensional in its purpose and expression as stated in Colossians 1:15-20, 15. He (Messiah) is the image of the invisible God (His invisible attributes), the firstborn over all creation, 16. for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him. 17. He himself is before all things, and all things are held together in him. 18. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself may become first (have preeminence) in all things. 19. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son, 20. and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Evidently human chaos and confusion neither undermine YHWH’s purpose for Creation, nor do they explain away His existence. Instead, they clearly (logically) confirm YHWH’s purpose for Creation; redemption in the midst of the chaotic consequences that Humanity incurs upon itself.
Simply surrender to His Gift!
As stated in the opening paragraph of this page, the aspiration of this WebSite is to harvest the Word of YHWH according to His purpose and will. The four principle witnesses stated above (Creation, Humanity, Biblical-Scripture and Holy Spirit), together, serve as a platform by which the cause-reason, the objective-aim and the intention-meaning of Creation are made evident. The purpose of Creation ultimately reveals the will of YHWH by expressing His heart’s desire for Humanity’s spiritual-well-being. Since His compassion for Humanity has been clearly demonstrated through Yahoshua’s sin-sacrifice, it is then with great reverence that the objective of this WebSite is being pursued. The specific aim is to understand how the Appointed-Times (Moed) that Israel received through Moses actually foreshadowed the spiritual ramifications of the Gospel that Yahoshua’s disciples experienced in first-century Israel. Both of these subjects, the Appointed-Times and the Gospel, are recorded in the Bible. Scripture is used to document the transformation of the Appointed-Times of the Old Covenant into the marvelous Light of YHWH’s Salvation as displayed through His Divine-Appointments (Moed) of the New Covenant.
The following four sections give attention to the authority of Scripture since it plays such an essential role in the Advancement of the Gospel; 4. Biblical Scripture - The Written-Word, 5. His Word Does Not Return Void, 6. Preeminence of the Word, and 7. On the Road to Emmaus.
16. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17. that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
4. For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.
Biblical Scripture serves as a written account and testimony of the Living-Word of YHWH. It is essentially a blueprint of the ‘mind’ of YHWH in reference to His purpose and desired relationship with Humanity on planet Earth. The written-word helps us to become aware of, it inspires us to search for and it encourages us to embrace the Will (Word) of YHWH. His purpose is to lead us into a relationship with Him that transforms the core of our being while sanctifying us due to our interaction (influence) with Him. Our interaction with Him equips us to live out His will on Earth while preparing us to assimilate with Him in His eternal existence, Life-Eternal.
There are examples in the Bible that clearly state YHWH 's Word will not (cannot) return to Him void or incomplete. Following are two of these examples from the book of Isaiah.
9. Remember what I accomplished in antiquity. Truly I am God, I have no peer; I am God, and there is none like me,
10. who announces the end from the beginning and reveals beforehand what has not yet occurred; who says, My plan will be realized, I will accomplish what I desire,
10. The rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return, but instead water the earth and make it produce and yield crops, and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat.
11. In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me having accomplished nothing, No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.
There is no variation or deviation in the Word of YHWH, whether spoken or written, because it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend. Apostle Peter echoes a similar declaration concerning the prophetic word recorded by the prophets.
19. Moreover, we possess the prophetic word as an altogether reliable thing. You do well if you pay attention to this as you would to a light shining in a murky place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
20. Above all, you do well if you recognize this: no prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination,
21. for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
True reverence for the Word of YHWH is to understand and accept its purpose according to the will of YHWH. No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination. This gives emphasis to the fact that YHWH is the sole Source of inspired Scripture. For this reason His Word cannot be subject to human impulse or one’s own imagination including anyone’s private interpretation, tradition, agenda, inclination, presupposition, feeling, misunderstanding or abuse.
5. Every word of God is purified; he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.
6. Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you and prove you to be a liar.
The Word of YHWH is intentionally designed to accomplish His will, according to the purpose in which each aspect of His Word has been established. His Word and His Action are inseparable and will always be in harmony with one another. Our faith and trust must be situated in the certainty of His Word while our hope and vision are illuminated by the Promises that have been secured by His Word.
1. After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets,
2. in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.
3. The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Throughout history YHWH’s prophets and His written-word were consistently pointing to the substance and character of the Living-Word, the very essence and Spirit of YHWH. As the Gospel of YHWH began to unravel with Yahoshua’s birth and ministry, the inspired-words of the prophets recorded in the holy-script began to unfold in real time. The Word of YHWH animated the physical life of Yahoshua as He became the literal demonstration of Torah (the Law) and the fruition of YHWH’s written-word (the fulfillment of Scripture). While fulfilling His ministry He became the actual embodiment of the divine Word (Logos) that had been ordained from the beginning of time when YHWH spoke the heavens and earth into existence.
This same Spirit (Word) that embodied and animated Yahoshua inspired the authors of the ‘new covenant’ writings to make multiple references to the ‘old covenant’ writings (Scripture). They were inspired to quote from these Scriptures because YHWH had cleverly (divinely) designed the written-word to serve as a road map that would methodically reveal the deliberate progression of His will. The details of the written-word harmonizing with the embodiment of the Living-Word in Yahoshua, validate the preeminence of the Word as declared in John 1:1-4. Script and Spirit working together to unveil YHWH’s plan of salvation.
To further emphasize the significance and importance of Scripture, the following verses are being presented, Luke 24:13-35. This is an account concerning two of Yahoshua’s disciples walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, shortly after Yahoshua’s crucifixion. During their journey they encounter the resurrected Messiah . . .
The underlined sentences below give emphasis to their reference to Scripture; they are not SiteLinks
13. Now that very day (the day of discovering Yahoshua’s empty tomb) two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14. They were talking to each other about all the things that had happened.
15. While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them
16. (but their eyes were kept from recognizing him).
17. Then he said to them, “What are these matters you are discussing so intently as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad.
18. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19. He said to them, “What things?” “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied, “a man who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet before God and all the people;
20. and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21. But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened.
22. Furthermore, some women of our group amazed us. They were at the tomb early this morning,
23. and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24. Then some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.”
25. So he said to them, “You foolish people—how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
27. Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.
28. So they approached the village where they were going. He acted as though he wanted to go farther,
29. but they urged him, “Stay with us because it is getting toward evening and the day is almost done.” So he went in to stay with them.
30. When he had taken his place at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
31. At this point their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Then he vanished out of their sight.
32. They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?”
33. So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together.
34. and saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon!”
35. Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
Yahoshua’s disciples spent choice time with Him, yet they did not understand the deeper meaning of Scripture concerning the purpose and destiny of their own Rabbi. What an awesome experience to have the resurrected Messiah interpret to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.
Creator-YHWH carefully orchestrated the development of His holy-script throughout its long and purposeful progression (history). During His ministry and especially after His Resurrection, Messiah Yahoshua became the realization of this holy-script. He was able to explain His ministry to His disciples by revealing the deeper meaning of the very Scripture they had known from their youth. Scripture gives testimony to the divine purpose and will of YHWH just as He had ordained it from the beginning of time.
The four indications that give witness to Creator-YHWH's existence (Creation, Humanity, Scripture and Holy Spirit) serve as a platform to enact YHWH's purpose for the physical creation. This platform brings to the forefront the spiritual backdrop that serves to expose the depraved condition of Humanity. While Scripture records (in general) the consequences of Humanity's disobedience, it simultaneously offers an obscure, yet profound hope for Humanity. Eventually, Scripture validates that Yahoshua is the remedy for Humanity's dilemma, just as He proclaimed to His disciples while they were on the Road to Emmaus (in the previous section). Will we also embrace Him?
The following two sections, 'In Real Time' and 'Harvesting the Word in Light of the Harvest', will briefly, and hopefully with some degree of accuracy, punctuate how YHWH's purpose unfolds in real time . . . bringing us closer to the unveiling and embracement of YHWH's Divine-Appointments.
Creator-YHWH is the Source and Sustainer of all Creation and is absolutely sovereign in His purpose and will. Scripture (Bible) delivers a written declaration of Creator-YHWH’s purpose for Creation. The sequence of events that unfold in Scripture give testimony to and supply an over-view of how He interacts with Humanity, by revealing His just and loving character in the midst of human situations and events. YHWH is very deliberate and prudent concerning the parameters by which we as individuals will, perhaps, encounter Him. He draws us to Himself in order to awaken us to our potential-calling. The development of each person’s relationship with YHWH abounds with unique inflections and revelations (aha moments) that specifically weigh-in and touch-on our heart at a very personal and pertinent level. Equipped with His piercing discernment and eternal wisdom YHWH decides when to personally reveal Himself to us as being the authentic ‘Source’ and ultimate fulfillment of our life. The presence of His Light (Truth) exposes the futility of our own intrigue to somehow circumvent His Truth when we are in pursuit of our own (personal) perception of ‘truth’.
In order to encounter and properly engage in His sovereign-will, our human body functions as the vehicle that transports us from Point-A (our physical conception) to Point-B (our physical death). In between these two points we experience the wonderful gift of Time-Space-Matter where our body serves as a vessel that encapsulates the essence of life that has been bestowed to us by our Creator. Replete within this Breath-of-Life (Spirit) are gifts, talents, desires and inherent qualities that are expressions of the very likeness of our Creator’s divine essence, all of which we express through our gift of free-will. This divine structure that we call Life, ultimately reveals the depth of our character, as the intent of our will is played-out through our heart and mind.
Creation has been designed to provide a stage (a physical platform) whereby our thoughts and choices (the intent of our heart) are made graphic. This animation vividly displays our use, or abuse, of the gifts that we have been given. Upon the completion of our life the very fabric of Time-Space-Matter will have unmistakably captured and accurately documented who and what we actually were in thought and action, during our lifetime. By means of our own volition we give witness (evidence) in real time to the quality of our spiritual character (moral essence) and thereby fulfill YHWH’s purpose to know (reveal) the heart of each individual. This would be similar to when Abraham’s heart was revealed by his actions concerning the ‘sacrifice’ of his son Isaac. (Genesis 22:1-19)
The righteous and just standards of YHWH have been integrated throughout the fabric of Creation during the formation of Time-Space-Matter. They serve as a resounding testimony to YHWH’s upright (eternal) character and are therefore immutable. They accompany His perfect will as YHWH’s justice and mercy are duly measured-out as He carefully witnesses and judges over all matters concerning the fruition of each individual’s ‘heart’. Each person (spirit-being) is impartially, thereby justifiably, subject to these eternal principles making each individual liable (pre-destined) to the very outcome of their own choices. Irreversible . . . and rightly so, for this is the realization of YHWH’s sovereign will, to know and to reveal the heart of each individual.
7. Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 8. because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:7-8)
13. And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. (Hebrews 4:13)
13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
The dynamic and revealing purpose of Life, as described in the above overview, ultimately exposes Humanity’s inability to properly honor the gifts that we have been blessed with. All Humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, stand exposed before the righteousness of YHWH, for there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:22b-23) It is therefore vital to our spiritual-well-being that we are illuminated by YHWH’s Light (Truth). It is also crucial, because . . . you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes. (James 4:14).
Our illumination comes by us experiencing a personal-Divine-Appointment with our Creator. This encounter is a direct result of YHWH pursuing His heart’s desire to draw us close to Him. The penetrating quality of His compassion and forgiveness express the depth of His love for us while simultaneously exposing the depraved will of our sin-nature. This Divine-Appointment specifically targets our consciousness concerning the responsibility and accountability of our choices due to our free-will. YHWH compassionately challenges us, seemingly begs us, to relinquish (renounce) the pursuit of our own destructive will while revealing the greater blessings of His eternal purpose and will. The rawness of this exposure is intended to reduce (humble) us to a heart of contrition with the aim of encouraging us to surrender to the method that YHWH has designed to legally purchase our sin-debt, that is, His Redemptive Plan.
In our submission to His Redemptive Plan, YHWH becomes the supreme-authority in our life and is therefore mutually authorized to fundamentally transform the core of our sin-nature-being. Our transformation from sin-laden to sin-forgiven is the result of His eternal essence (Seed) dwelling within us which causes our core-being ‘to be born again’. Under His covenant-covering we are renewed daily as He justifies and sanctifies us according to His perfect will and Grace. As YHWH molds us into the image of His Son (Yahoshua) our innate gifts and talents are transformed into the righteous works (fruits) of His salvation. It is with great pleasure that YHWH sets-apart His ‘Chosen’ from the disobedient (the common-ness of the world) in order to bear His image through His children. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV) The Salvation He offers us here on earth ultimately prepares us to dwell in His presence eternally.
We, as re-newed spirits (creatures) after His own kind, must continually submit to His Spirit in order to properly honor and harvest His Word. By doing so our very being (meaning the remnant of His essence that sustains our existence) is ‘naturally’ drawn and eventually called to the In-Gathering of YHWH’s ultimate Harvest, that is, the gathering of His off-spring. His children are those who clearly emanate His righteous characteristics. There is nothing that can ‘snatch-away’ His Promises from us as long as we choose to remain In-Covenant (an active relationship) with Him, for this is what infuses us to Him. This is where Adam and Eve chose-to-fall from Grace in the Garden. His Covenant with us is the Grace that empowers us to resonate as His kindred-spirit (free from guilt) and by the intrinsic authority (mercy) of this Gift we are found in the Lamb’s Book-of-Life.
On the other hand, by choosing to be ignorant to His Light (by neglecting our Covenant with Him) then we actually allow darkness to overwhelm us to the point where we no longer bear witness of His kindred-spirit. Remember, this is due to our own disrespect and dishonor of His Word. Therefore, by reason of our own culpability (blameworthiness) His just and impartial Spirit must say, depart from me, all you workers of iniquity. (Luke 13:27b / Luke 13:22-28 NKJV)
Listen to King David’s words of advice to his son Solomon: obey the God of your father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the Lord examines all minds and understands every motive of one’s thoughts. If you seek him, he will let you find him (He will allow Himself to be found by you), but if you abandon him, he will reject you permanently. 1Chronicles 28:9b-10
Ezekiel gives testimony to YHWH’s passionate and continual call for Humanity’s repentance.
Ezekiel 18:21-31
21. “But if the wicked person turns from all the sin he has committed and observes all my statutes and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.
22. None of the sins he has committed will be held against him; because of the righteousness he has done, he will live.
23. Do I actually delight in the death of the wicked, declares the Sovereign Lord? Do I not prefer that he turn from his wicked conduct and live?
24. “But if a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and practices wrongdoing according to all the abominable practices the wicked carry out, will he live? All his righteous acts will not be remembered; because of the unfaithful acts he has done and the sin he has committed, he will die.
25. “Yet you say, ‘The Lord’s conduct is unjust!’ Hear, O house of Israel: Is my conduct unjust? Is it not your conduct that is unjust?
26. When a righteous person turns back from his righteousness and practices wrongdoing, he will die for it; because of the wrongdoing he has done, he will die. 27. When a wicked person turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will preserve his life.
28. Because he considered and turned from all the sins he had done, he will surely live; he will not die.
29. Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The Lord’s conduct is unjust!’ Is my conduct unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your conduct that is unjust?
30. “Therefore, I will judge each person according to his conduct, O house of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and turn from all your wickedness; then it will not be an obstacle leading to iniquity.
31. Throw away all your sins you have committed and fashion yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why should you die, O house of Israel?
32. For I take no delight in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
To ‘turn from all sin’ and to ‘observe all my statutes’ (verse 21 above) signified the importance of Israel remaining ‘In-Covenant’ with YHWH. They were required to walk in obedience to the Words-of-the-Covenant that were established through Moses. This same commandment (requirement) to ‘turn from all sin’ and to ‘observe all my statutes’ is still necessary for us today in order for us to be ‘In-Covenant’ with YHWH. Both the ‘old’ and ‘new’ covenants are structured according to YHWH’s righteous qualities, yet the format of the ‘old’ covenant is not able to administer the superior qualities of the New Covenant realities (format). This requires a change (transformation) of both the Covenant and the Covenant-Holder. This similar principle was taught by Yahoshua in one of His parables. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the skins burst and the wine is spilled out and the skins are destroyed. Instead they put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved. (Matthew 9:17) Only when an individual is born-again, as proclaimed in the gospel-testimonies of the ‘new covenant’ writings of the Bible, is a person then able to be ‘In-Covenant’ with YHWH. This brings us in accord with the Words-of-the-Covenant (The New Covenant) that were established through Messiah Yahoshua. Remember, Yahoshua (Jesus) has become the guarantee of a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22b), this being the general theme of the Book of Hebrews, and to a large degree, for the Bible as well.
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Click on the link below to follow the Light of Yahoshua’s Ministry.
The inspiration of this WebSite, to address the significance of the Appointed-Times, is based on two very simple, yet fundamental realizations. First, the whole of Creation has come into existence because of Yahoshua, as stated in Colossians 1:16b; all things were created through him and for him. In other words, on the grounds of and for the purpose of Yahoshua's mission, all things were created for this reason. Second, the Appointed-Times are all pointing to Messiah, as stated in Colossians 2:16-17; So, let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. The realization is quite simple, YHWH's Divine-Appointments are inseparable from the cause of Creation, Yahoshua.
Yahoshua's teachings and His unique approach to the situations that He encountered, often challenged the traditional boundaries and the presumed authority of His generation. Although this conflict was inevitable, early in His ministry, Yahoshua made it clear that He wasn't challenging Torah nor the prophets. Actually, it was quite the opposite.
Matthew 5:17-20
17. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them.
18. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place.
19. So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20. For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!
This quote is pivotal to understanding the Appointed-Times in their old covenant setting, in comparison to understanding the Divine-Appointments in their New Covenant environment. Clearly, Yahoshua's ministry was to fulfill, not abolish or destroy the purpose of Torah and the prophets. Would we say, now that the table is set, let's not eat . . . or now that the resources are available, let's not build. This approach would be ludicrous. The vision then becomes clear, rather than attempting to ignore, abolish or destroy YHWH's Appointed-Times, we should instead strive to live in the fulfillment and fruition of their symbolic purpose.
Following is the entire chapter of Leviticus 23. This chapter identifies the weekly Appointed-Time of Shabbat and the seven annual Appointed-Times of YHWH. The Appointed-Times were fundamental to YHWH’s covenant-relationship with Israel and served to identify Israel as His 'Chosen' people. The design of this relationship eventually reveals a recurring character trait of YHWH; He seems to enjoy hiding His will in plain sight. The purpose of the Appointed-Times is woven throughout the ordained order of His Creation. It is manifested in the seasons and the harvest of the crops which result in bringing people together in holy convocations and fellowship. Unaware to Israel, these appointed days of celebration and reverence serve as a road map, an outline for the rehearsal of 'The Greatest Story Ever Told'. Yes, the progression of YHWH's covenants with Humanity and the significance of each Appointed-Time, culminates by unveiling the dynamic qualities of YHWH's Better-Covenant.
Each Appointed-Time is adorned with prophetic symbolism and intertwined with covenant promises. The section below provides some detail, for each Appointed-Time, within the context of their Old Covenant setting. A snippet of the revelation that pertains to each of the Divine-Appointments, within the glory of their New Covenant setting, will then be partially unveiled. The journey of this WebSite is to follow these Promises to their fruition.
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1. The LORD spoke to Moses:
2. “Speak to the Israelites and tell them, ‘These are the LORD’s appointed times which you must proclaim as holy assemblies—my appointed times.
3. “‘Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there must be a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy assembly. You must not do any work; it is a Sabbath to the LORD in all the places where you live.
4 .These are the LORD’s appointed times, holy assemblies, which you must proclaim at their appointed time.
5. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, is a Passover offering to the LORD.
6. Then on the fifteenth day of the same month will be the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days you must eat unleavened bread.
7. On the first day there will be a holy assembly for you; you must not do any regular work.
8. You must present a gift to the LORD for seven days, and the seventh day is a holy assembly; you must not do any regular work.
9. The LORD spoke to Moses:
10. “Speak to the Israelites and tell them, ‘When you enter the land that I am about to give to you and you gather in its harvest, then you must bring the sheaf of the first portion of your harvest to the priest,
11. and he must wave the sheaf before the LORD to be accepted for your benefit—on the day after the Sabbath the priest is to wave it.
12. On the day you wave the sheaf you must also offer a flawless yearling lamb for a burnt offering to the LORD,
13. along with its grain offering, two-tenths of an ephah of choice wheat flour mixed with olive oil, as a gift to the LORD, a soothing aroma, and its drink offering, one-fourth of a hin of wine.
14. You must not eat bread, roasted grain, or fresh grain until this very day, until you bring the offering to your God. This is a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all the places where you live.
15. “‘You must count for yourselves seven weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day you bring the wave offering sheaf; they must be complete weeks.
16. You must count fifty days—until the day after the seventh Sabbath—and then you must present a new grain offering to the LORD.
17. From the places where you live you must bring two loaves of bread for a wave offering; they must be made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine wheat flour, baked with yeast, as firstfruits to the LORD.
18. Along with the loaves of bread, you must also present seven flawless yearling lambs, one young bull, and two rams. They are to be a burnt offering to the Lord along with their grain offering and drink offerings, a gift of a soothing aroma to the LORD.
19. You must also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two yearling lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice,
20. and the priest is to wave them—the two lambs—along with the bread of the firstfruits, as a wave offering before the Lord; they will be holy to the LORD for the priest.
21. “‘On this very day you must proclaim an assembly; it is to be a holy assembly for you. You must not do any regular work. This is a perpetual statute in all the places where you live throughout your generations.
22. When you gather in the harvest of your land, you must not completely harvest the corner of your field, and you must not gather up the gleanings of your harvest. You mus
23. The LORD spoke to Moses:
24. “Tell the Israelites, ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you must have a complete rest, a memorial announced by loud horn blasts, a holy assembly.
25. You must not do any regular work, but you must present a gift to the LORD.
26. The LORD spoke to Moses:
27. “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It is to be a holy assembly for you, and you must humble yourselves and present a gift to the LORD.
28. You must not do any work on this particular day, because it is a day of atonement to make atonement for yourselves before the Lord your God.
29. Indeed, any person who does not behave with humility on this particular day will be cut off from his people.
30. As for any person who does any work on this particular day, I will exterminate that person from the midst of his people—
31. you must not do any work! This is a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all the places where you live.
32. It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you must humble yourselves on the ninth day of the month in the evening, from evening until evening you must observe your Sabbath.
33. The LORD spoke to Moses:
34. “Tell the Israelites, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Feast of Shelters for seven days to the LORD.
35. On the first day is a holy assembly; you must do no regular work.
36.For seven days you must present a gift to the LORD. On the eighth day there is to be a holy assembly for you, and you must present a gift to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly day; you must not do any regular work.
37. “‘These are the appointed times of the Lord that you must proclaim as holy assemblies to present a gift to the LORD—burnt offering, grain offering, sacrifice, and drink offerings, each day according to its regulation,
38. besides the Sabbaths of the LORD and all your gifts, votive offerings, and freewill offerings which you must give to the LORD.
39. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you gather in the produce of the land, you must celebrate a pilgrim festival of the LORD for seven days. On the first day is a complete rest and on the eighth day is complete rest.
40. On the first day you must take for yourselves branches from majestic trees—palm branches, branches of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and you must rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.
41. You must celebrate it as a pilgrim festival to the LORD for seven days in the year. This is a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you must celebrate it in the seventh month.
42. You must live in temporary shelters for seven days; every native citizen in Israel must live in shelters,
43. so that your future generations may know that I made the Israelites live in shelters when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
44. So Moses spoke to the Israelites about the appointed times of the LORD
LAST EDIT: 10:21 / 15 December 2024
ORIGINAL POST: 23 November 2021
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