The Feast of Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets)

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The Feast of Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets)

 

Introduction: 

Since we are about to come together in a little over a week & celebrate one of the Feasts of Yahweh (the Lord) it is appropriate to reconsider its significance in our lives. “Yom Teruah” marks the beginning of ten days of consecration and repentance before Elohim. 

It is one of the “Seven Feasts” outlined in the Tanakh (Old Testament) by YHWH the Elohim of Yisrael as Moedim or Appointed times. It is not a tradition but is a Mitzvot or Commandment of YHWH that all Yisrael and those brought into Yisrael should honour and partake of. This feast begins on the First day at the New Moon of the Seventh Hebrew Month called Tishrei.     

The importance of the Seventh Month cannot be underestimated! Shelomoh (Solomon) dedicated the First Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Temple) on the Seventh Month and this month is one of the few given a name being the Month of Eythanim- so named since the streams were enduring or still flowing. 

We also read the following concerning the importance of the 1st of Tishrei revealed in the book of NechemYah (Nehemiah) upon the rebuilding of Yerushalayim and the Gathering of the whole Assembly of Yahudim (Jews) before the Beyth Ha Mikdash (The Temple):

NechemYah (Nehemiah) 8:2 And when the seventh month came, the children of Yisra’el were in their cities. And all the people gathered together as one man in the open space that was in front of the Water Gate. And they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Torah of Mosheh, which YHWH had commanded Yisra’el. 2 And Ezra the priest brought the Torah before the assembly of both men and women and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.

It is also known as the Anniversary of the Creation of Adam and Chavah (Eve). Another interesting connection is found in Bereshith (Genesis) when speaking about the Eretz (Earth) being dried up after the flood:

Bereshith (Genesis) 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month on the first of the month the waters had dried from upon the earth. 

According to Rashi this is the month of Tishrei being the first month according to the former Calendar before Yahweh instructed Mosheh to make the change making the seventh month known as Aviv or now as Nissan the 1st Month.

Amazingly we discover that all the great events in Scripture are connected to the Moedim or appointed times of YHWH. 

Names that “Yom Teruah” is known by:

1. Rosh Hashanah- The generally accepted & most recognized name that this time is known by is “Rosh Hashanah” which means “Head of the Year” and is observed for two days beginning on the 1st of Tishrei and is known as the Jewish New Year. It has been thought that the adaptation of calling it “Rosh Hashanah” was a result of the Babylonians referring to it as Akitu the New Year celebrated twice, once on 1st of Tishei & once on the 1st of Nissan. Torah however gives us another truth that may contradict this concept:

Shemoth (Exodus) 23:15b- 16 Appear not before me empty-handed and also the festival of the Harvest the 1st fruits of your labours which you have sown in the field and the Festival of ingathering at the outgoing of the year.

This seems to suggest that the Feast of Sukkot (Booths) is the time of the New Year and not “Yom Teruah.” 

The Name “Rosh Hashanah” is not used anywhere in the Tanakh but is referred to as “Yom Ha-Zikkron” the day of Remembrance being a set-apart day commanded in: 

Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:24- 25 “On the first day of the 7th Month-(Tishrei) you are to have a day of rest (shabbathon), a remembrance, a blowing of the Trumpets, a set-apart gathering. You do no regular work and present an offering made by fire to YHWH. 

Also known as Zichron Teruah often translated as memorial or another rendering can be to a mentioning:

The day of Zichron Teruah, the “Mentioning Shout”, may refer to a day of gathering in humble public prayer in which the Assembly of the faithful shouts the name of “Yahweh” in unison.

 Yom Teruah [The Day of the Trumpets] 

Based on the Scriptures Yisrael is:

1. Commanded to rest & do no regular work.

2. Commanded to make it a day of Remembrance or Mentioning (a “Zik’ron”).

3. Commanded to blow the Shofarim (Trumpets).

4. Commanded to make this day a Miqra Kodesh or a Set-Apart gathering.

5. Commanded to present a “Isheh” fire offering to YHWH.

“Yom Teruah” however has no clear purpose other than that we are commanded to rest on this day. Nevertheless, the name of Yom Teruah provides a clue as to its purpose. “Teruah” literally means to make a loud noise. This word can describe the noise made by a trumpet but it also describes the noise made by a large gathering of people shouting in unison as in the fall of Yericho:

Yahushua (Joshua) 10:5-6 “And it shall come to pass when the ram’s horn makes a long blast, when you hear the sound of the shofar, the entire nation will shout (Teruah) a great shout, and the wall of the city shall fall in its place, and the people shall go up as one man against it.”

Traditionally on this day the Shofar was blown 100 times;

The various sounds made on the Shofar include:

1. Tekiah- A long straight blast.

2. Shevarim- Three short blasts.

3. Teruah- Nine quick blasts in succession.

They blow 3 times in that order so that is nine. That series they blow 11 times that day. The one hundredth blast is known as the “Last Trump.”

1. Yom HaDin- This name refers to the day of Judgement when the books are opened and is also known as the day the gates are opened:

Hitgalut (Revelations) 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the throne and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

This concept of Judgement was well known amount the ancient Hebrews as we see in Daniel for example:

Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.

This event becomes a promised truth known to all Israelites, that on a future “Yom Teruah” the Heavenly court will sit & based on the accusations brought, the Books are opened and the case proceeds for ten Days. Each person’s life is placed on the scales. 

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Messiah that each one may receive according to what he has done in the body, whether good or bad. 

We could say that the blowing of the Shofar is a yearly reminder of a soon to be event which should highlight its importance & establish this reality for our benefit.

1. Yom Ha Keseh- Meaning “the Hidden Day” since it is concealed as to when it begins. Every day during the month of Elul, a trumpet is blown to warn the people to turn back to Elohim, except for the last day of Elul, the day preceding Rosh HaShanah (Elul 29 is known as the “Day of Release” at the end of a Shemita year.) On that day, the trumpet is not blown, because it was hidden from Ha Satan, the adversary. It is taught that the Shofar does not blow on this day so that Ha Satan does not know the day judgment begins

1. The Time of Ya’acov’s (Jacob’s) Trouble:

There are many references of this day with the purpose of producing great Awe & fear in the hearts of all those who fear YHWH and to bring a call for them to do “T’shuvah” and repent:

ZephanYAH (Zephaniah) 1:14-16 The great day of YHWH (the LORD) is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of YHWH is bitter; there the mighty men shall cry out. 15 That day is a day of gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 A day of trumpets (Yom Teruah) and alarm against the fortified cities and against the high towers. 

Yet many live as though they need nothing but this is for them:

Revelation 3:17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and have white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.    

In Judaism the High Priest was known as the thief in the Night and he would come to see if the Temple guards were asleep & if they were, the High Priest would get some coals from the altar & light their garments on fire. They would then run & scream & take off their garment so they were naked running through the temple courts.  

Yahshua’s words are therefore an inspiration for all of us:

Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.  

    The truth is, that day will not come with warning but as we read:  

 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 

This truth should stir us up to watch and not slumber:

This image is none other than “Yom Teruah.”! Because Shavuot (Pentecost) is known as the “1st Trump.” 

Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is known as the “Great Trump.” 

1. The Day that No Man Knows-

 It is called this because this is the only feast that is determined by the sighting of the “New Moon” and so “no man” could calculate the exact day or hour when this feast day would begin. In ancient Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), there would be “two witnesses” who would stand on the walls of Yerushalayim and “watch” for the first sliver (crescent) of the new moon. The two witnesses would sound the Shofar & all the people would drop what they were doing & run to the Beyth Ha Mikdash (The Temple) for the celebrating of “The Day of Blowing” (Yom Teruah). 

The Temple doors were only left open for a short time & late comers were not permitted to enter ounce the doors were shut. Since the feast began at sundown the oil lamps needed to be filled in order for people to find their way to the Temple. 

This is the heart of the story in MattithYahu (Matthew) 24 of the workers in the field where it says one is taken but the other is left. These would run to the Temple when they heard the sound of the Shofar since the doors to the Beyth Ha Mikdash (Temple) would only remain open for a limited time. Therefore Yahshua is speaking the language of “Yom Teruah.” 

Yahshua also likens this day to the coming of the Bridegroom in the Parable of the 10 virgins and so this again is the language of “Yom Teruah” which basically means the day of shouting, fanfare or blasts of the trumpets. 

1. Yom Ha Melech- (The Day of the King) This signifies the day of Moshiach (Messiah) or the Eternal King’s return:

Tesloniq’Yah Alef (1 Thessalonians) 4:16 For the Master Yahshua himself shall descend from the Shamayim (the Heavens) with a shout and with the voice of the chief Malak (Angel/ Messenger) and with his Shofar blowing the Tekiyah-ha-gadolah (the Long Blast) of YHWH and the dead in Moshiach (Messiah) shall rise first. (Hidden Truths N.T.) 

1. Yom Ha Kidushin- The day of the expected Wedding of the Moshiach (Messiah):

Knowing that there is an expectation of the return of Moshiach (Messiah) & that he is coming to take his bride we need to arise and make ready. This is because his “Ketubah” the Betrothal Contract is in his hand: 

The Bride Has Made Herself Ready

Hitgalut (the Unveiling) 19:7-9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give glory to him; for the Marriage of the Lamb is come and his Bride has made herself ready. And it is granted to her that she should be arrayed in fine linen, pure and white. For the fine linen are the justifications of the Saints. And He said to me: Write: Blessed are they that are called to the Marriage supper of the Lamb. These are the true sayings of Elohim.

The Summary of the Great Truth of Yom Teruah:

To fully grasp the awesomeness of this Day we must remember & see it as a rehearsal of an Eschatological event that will one day occur. To this end we can summarize it under these points that should bless us as well as cause us some anxiety & awe:

1. As it is also known as “Yom HaDin” it reminds us of a time when all mankind will be called before the Heavenly Judgement seat where the books will be opened and the charges presented for what we have done in the flesh. We however have the hope that since our defence counsel is Yahshua who has redeemed us we shall not be condemned according to:

Romi’Yah (Romans) 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Moshiach (Messiah) Yahshua.   

This however does in no way negate our need for living our life in the flesh with a great fear and an awe of Yahweh because we will also be judged according to how we live & we will all be rewarded according to what is written in the books therefore Adonai (the Master) has a rewards program for the way we have lived apart from the concept of being written in the book of life:

Hitgalut (Revelations) 22:12 And behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give to everyone according to his Work.

1. Rosh Ha shanah is a cyclical remembrance for those whom Moshiach calls his bride that she might;

1. Arise from slumber and renew her dedication to him.

2. Be purified and prepared for the Bridegroom as a Bride awaits the coming of her betrothed since she knows not, the day or hour of his coming.

3. Be prepared to go out into the field in search of her beloved.

4. Yahshua like a Hebrew Bridegroom has great expectations for his bride and it is out responsibility to know what is expected by us:

Ephsi’Yah (Ephesians) 5:27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious Assembly, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be set-apart and without blemish. 

We could easily replace the word Assembly with Bride to get the meaning of a pure set-apart bride prepared for her Bridegroom eagerly awaiting his wondrous coming with all the fanfare that he will muster being the true picture of Yom Teruah the Feast of Trumpets. 

1. Like the traditional Hebrew Betrothal where the bridegroom would pay 30 pieces of Silver at the Betrothal as the ransom for any failure of his bride, those who are the bride have that promise as well that they can prepare themselves in expectation of being accepted when he comes knowing he has already redeemed them with his precious blood being the Bride’s price.

Conclusion: 

It is within the brief summary of this Great day that it makes us consider our lives & calls us to a renewed emphasis on repenting from our past failure remembering that YHWH in his exceedingly great mercy gives us this day each year as another opportunity to renew our passion once again for him with renewed vigour remembering that one day we will finally stand before that awesome Heavenly Court with great trepidation. 

With this thought we can however rejoice in Yahshua the Messiah who has done everything necessary that we can be accepted into the beloved through his precious atoning blood that we might be presented to him at his coming as his bride without spot or blemish. The art of repenting & doing T’shuvah in accordance to his Torah being his prescribed instruction for his bride should always remain the greatest joy that we can do for our beloved as it is the only human activity we can do for him with the hope of bringing joy to his heart. Though we may never be perfect the knowledge of knowing that he has made us acceptable should be all the prompting that we need to bring us back onto that path of “T’shuvah & Righteous living.  

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Shavu'ot Aftermath - Empowered for the Call

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Empowered for the Call

Introduction: We have recently spent many teachings demonstrating the progressive transformation of the Disciples that finally led up to Shavuot (Pentecost). This day was the most powerful day in the lives of Yisrael as it was when the Torah was given in the time of Mosheh and we recently celebrated that it was also the most powerful day among the Talmidim (Disciples) as it represented a new thing that YHWH was doing among his people:

YeshiYahu (Isaiah) 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

We see the principle of living water being alluded to when Yahshua speaks to the Woman at the well when he says to her:

Yochanan 4:10 “If you knew the gift of Elohim, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

We also see that what he referred to was clearly expressed in the following:

Yochanan 7:38 He that believes in me as the Scrolls of YHWH have said, out of his inmost parts shall flow rivers of living water. 39 but this he spoke concerning the RUACH whom those believing him would receive for the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) was not yet given because Yahshua was not yet glorified.

Truly with the coming of the RUACH at Shavuot (Pentecost) a new dimension of the power from on high was being released. Since Shavuot was the climax or panicle of what YHWH had spoken through his Prophets I feel that it is imperative to turn our attention to the Aftermath of Shavuot and what we can learn from the Sh’liychiym (the Apostles) from that moment on or we will fail to catch the fire that resulted from these ordinary men who came from simple backgrounds generally but that changed the World they lived in and which ultimately spread the “Good News” to the four corners of the Globe.   

From Shavuot to Eternity:

Since we recalled the amazing outpouring of the RUACH HA Kodesh (the Holy spirit) on Shavuot it is important to see how the Sent Ones, the Apostles were significantly transformed because this is important so that we may also partake of that wonderful transformation:

Firstly we read what Yahshua said to his Talmidim (Disciples) before he ascended in:

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Set-apart Spirit has come upon you and you shall be My witnesses in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and in all Yahuḏah (Judea) and Shomeron (Samaria) and to the end of the earth.”

Many conservative Theologians however interpret this promise of power as limited to the 12 Sh’liychiym (Apostles) so a quote from the Macarthur study Bible will be helpful:

Commenting on Mark 16:17 “And these signs shall follow those who believe” 

Quote: These signs were promised to the Apostolic community and not all believers in all ages.

By rationalizing like this, are we not limiting our faith and the work of the RUACH Ha Kodesh not to mention the many words of Yahshua so we see Kepha addressing the people witnessing the outpouring of the Spirit with these words:

Acts 2:38-39 And Kĕpha said to them, “Repent and let each one of you be immersed in the Name of Yahshua Messiah for the forgiveness of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Set-apart Spirit. 39“For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many as YHWH our Elohim shall call.”

It is imperative that we begin to believe what the Disciples were experiencing in those days was not limited to those days but that we too can experience the presence of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) in the same measure when we live in a state of Teshuvah or repentance, faith & Torah obedience like they did. Therefore we can know forgiveness and expect the gift of the Set-apart Spirit with accompanying signs as we read in Mark 16.  If we can believe that, it will ignite the fire & passion to see the assembly of believers also become the light & demonstration of power that Yahshua wants us to be in a dark world.

If we believe that Yahweh changes not then we can expect him to do the same today or we would believe that much of the writings were alone for the 12 though they were generally written later for succeeding generations:

The Steadfastness of the Sh’liychiym (Apostles):

To fully grasp the lasting power of Shavuot (Pentecost) we need to observe how the Assembly of the Talmidim (Disciples) continued to live as seen in the Scriptures:

1. They Dwelt in True Fellowship: 

One of the great keys to experiencing the increase of the Spirit in the life of all the believers is found in their gathering together as we read:

Acts 2:42 And they were continuing steadfastly in the teaching of the emissaries and in the fellowship and in the breaking of bread and in prayers.

When all those of the faith understood the joy of the salvation they had received & that in Yahshua many things that were prophesied had come to pass they had a deep desire for fellowship & the constant immersion in the word of Yahweh through the teachings of the Emissaries who taught by the revelation and power of the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit). We also receive a wonderful picture of oneness as we read how all the believers remained together eating and in constant petitions to the one who alone is Elohim. 

The challenge for us today is how desperate are we for fellowship and seeking the depths of the riches that can be found in the study of Scripture and the coming together for prayer. This surely was one of the central reasons that the believers remained steadfast and made such an impact on Yerushalayim at that time.

1. They had all things in Common:

Amazingly when the believers had intimate fellowship we find that their hearts were joined together in care for one another since we read the following:

Acts 2:44- 45 And all those who believed were together and had all in common, 45 and sold their possessions and property and divided them among all, as anyone might have need.

One of the great signs of the fellowship of the set-apart Spirit is always the unity of minds and hearts so we see that now, as people had needs those with more would share since the Kingdom of Elohim is a Kingdom of love and fellowship since we read the words that Yahshua gave to his Disciples at a most crucial time before his suffering:

Yochanan (John) 13:34- 35 A renewed commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

In a world where “I” is central the image of a people that love and care for each other may seem foreign but it is to the world a sign that we are the Talmidim (Disciples) of our Master Yahshua who truly demonstrated what love really means by giving his perfect life for the World.

1. They Gathered Daily:

Rather than thinking that all the Disciples were gathering in some private apartment we receive the revelation that they were in constant daily assembling in the Beyth Ha Mikdash courts therefore the Temple Courts. This was where they would come daily as the number of disciples grew and where they would continue in the teaching and the understanding of the renewed covenant the Brit Chadashah prophesied through all the Tanakh (the Old Testament) and finally finding fulfilment in the sacrificial blood of the Master Yahshua the promised seed of David, the Messiah, the son of Elohim through whom all have redemption and access to the “Chesed” the Mercy and favour of Yahweh as revealed from the beginning.  

We find this gathering of all the believers revealed clearly in the following:

Acts 2:46 And they (the Disciples or taught ones) continued daily to meet together with one accord in the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Set Apart House of Yahweh- The Temple)and of breaking of Lekhem (bread) from House to House and did eat their food with gladness and singleness of Heart.

From these verses we see a fellowship of people in total unity and dwelling in that place where the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) could truly find residence. 

I pray it is truly our desire to be in this sort of environment because if we are then we too will experience that same sense of gladness and singleness of Heart that will draw us together in that place of unity where the RUACH (the Spirit) of Yahweh will move with perfect Shalom (peace).

1. The Empowerment that comes from Oneness:

From this powerful sense of oneness where the Ruach (the Spirit) is able to move we find a true sense of purpose but even more than that we find the Disciples coming to a place of confidence & faith where the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) is able to move with power. This is most aptly seen when Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) are coming to the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Holy Temple) in the following:

Acts 3:1-2 Now Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) went up together into the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Temple) at the hour of petition, the ninth hour. 2 and a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gate of the Temple which is called beautiful (the Yapho Gate or today the Jaffa Gate) to ask alms of them that entered into the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Temple);

This incident is rather amazing since more than likely this man was placed at this very place most of his life. This means Yahshua would have passed by him many times and he had not been healed but surely his healing at this time was the perfect timing of Yahweh who had him right there at the Temple gate awaiting this exact time that would esteem the Master Yahshua and be a miracle not only for this man but that would be so great that it would even trigger a greater revival than that of Shavuot bringing a large crowd of Yisraelites to faith in name of Yahshua the righteous one:

We now find Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) filled with the Spirit of Yahweh walking in such joy and faith in the name of the Master that they completely take the words of the Master to heart when he said these Words:

Yochanan (John) 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  

I am sure that Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) were in a place of true fellowship not only with all the Assembly of the faithful but also in Echad or unity with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) which is powerfully displayed by their confidence and sure knowledge that this was the hour that would see the Master greatly esteemed through them by this supernatural miracle of a man born lame who had sat at the Temple gates for decades:

Acts 3:4- 7 And Kepha (Peter) fastening his eyes upon him with Yochanan (John) said “look on us”. 5 and he gave heed to them expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Kepha (Peter) said “Silver and Gold have I none but such as I have give I you; In the name of Yahshua the Messiah of Netzereth rise up & walk. 7 and he (Kepha) took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

This is now a most wonderful transformation in the lives of his called ones in that only a short while ago they were in unbelief but through the work of the RUACH (Spirit) their faith had grown and also their understanding but at Shavuot a new dimension of that faith had emerged with the coming of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) giving them boldness to speak and with that step of faith came authority & power from on high that saw the mighty works of Yahweh revealed both through the word and power, that those repenting and believing numbering about 5,000 men. What is amazing in the actions of Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) is that they were so full of faith that it says that Kepha took the man by the right hand and lifted him up. This is a picture of faith in action!

Shaul (Paul) writes it this way in:

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of Yahweh is not in word but in power.

What we see from the early assembly surely should be instructional for us but just like in this story the exhibition of a powerful miracle led to the people looking to the Sh’liychiym (the Apostles) as we read:

Acts 3:11- 12 And as the lame man which was healed held Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) all the people ran together to them in the covered walkway that is called Shelomoh’s (Solomon’s) portico, greatly amazed. 12 And when Kepha saw it he answered the people. “You men of Yisrael why marvel you at this? Or why do you stare at us as though by our own power or our Torah or Shabbat piety we had made this man walk.

The Elohim of Abraham and of Yitzchak (Isaac) and of Yaacov (Jacob), the Elohim of our fathers has esteemed his son Yahshua;

16 through belief in his name has made this man strong whom you see and know; yes the belief which through Yahshua’s name has given him this complete health in the presence of all. 

The Mighty miracle that was done in this man was the means by which Yahweh was drawing his people to himself and it was a grand opportunity for the emissaries to speak the wonderful words of the Salvation found only in Yahshua as they further expounded the truth of the Mashiach (Messiah) as revealed through the Scriptures of the Torah, the Nevim (Prophets) & the Ketuvim (the Wisdom Writings). Therefore through the work of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) we see the assembly of believers supernaturally multiplying. 

A Message for Today:

The challenge for us today is whether we believe that the message & story that we read is for today. When we take the words of Yahshua and begin believing them as relating to us then we can begin to see the hand of Yahweh moving through his RUACH (Spirit). 

We read in the Brit Chadashah (the Nazarene Writings) in the book to the Hebrews the following:

Ibrim (Hebrews) 13:8 Yahshua the Messiah the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.   

We also read the following:

Tehillim (Psalms) 102:27 But you are the same and your years have no end.

Malaki (Malachi) 3:6 For I am Yahweh, I shall not change.

If we can believe that the power of the Spirit of Yahweh was seen in the Assembly of the aftermath of Shavuot we need to take careful note of all the instructional teachings that we see and if we then apply them, surely we will see an increase in the move of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) within us and our gatherings that will see the honour & love of our Master revealed drawing people into true fellowship, a hope we should always strive for. We need to be a people Zealous for all that Yahweh has called us to be. 

Empowered for defence of the Truth:

With this great display of the power of the Ruach came also the arrest of Kepha & Yochanan by the religious leaders and brought them before the Sanhedrin the next morning as we read:

Acts 4:18- 21 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor to teach in the Name of Yahshua. 19But Kĕpha and Yoḥanan answering them, said, “Whether it is right in the sight of Elohim to listen to you more than to Elohim, you judge. 20“For it is impossible for us not to speak of what we saw and heard.” 21And having threatened them further, they released them, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, because they were allpraising Elohim for what had been done.

It was the Empowerment that came from the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) that enabled them to see this great Miracle but it was also necessary for them to be filled with the Spirit that they could speak the word od Elohim that his Ruach would give them. Yahshua in his wisdom had also prepared them for this in the following:

Mark 13:11 But when they lead you and hand you over take no thought beforehand what you shall speak, neither decide what to say but whatever shall be given to you in that hour that you speak: for it is not you that speaks but the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the set-apart Spirit). 

These examples should be for us a great encouragement that should stir up our desire to be filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) who can empower all of us to be his true vessel exhibiting all the aspects of Torah observance, authority & power that will stand strong when the hour of testing comes but we need to desire it passionately and be faithful to our calling.

The Significance that this Story gives:

1. The Master promised that we would receive Power when the “Ruach Ha Kodesh” has come upon us and that was not just the Apostolic Era.

2. The steadfastness of the Disciples was subject to:

1. Dwelling in true Constant Fellowship.

2. Having Hearts joined together in love & care for each other.

3. Gathering in the Beyth Ha Mikdash or the house of Yahweh wherever that may be for the honour of Yahweh and study of his Kadosh (Holy) word.

4. Having oneness of heart & mind resulting in the power of the Spirit moving. 

We see that again demonstrated when Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) have been released from prison & we find repeated the same principles that we have seen with a theme of oneness knowing that King David had prophesied of the persecution in Tehillim (Psalms) 2 we read:

Acts 4:29 And now Master behold their threats and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word.30 by stretching forth your hand to heal and that signs & wonders maybe done by the name of your set-apart son Yahshua. 31 And when they had petitioned the place was shaken where they were assembled together & they were all filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) and they spoke the Word of Elohim with Boldness. 

1. That all the faithful will be empowered when faced with defending the Truth.

2. Since Yahweh is the same yesterday, today & tomorrow we can expect the same as we have experienced was the result of the aftermath of Shavuot (Pentecost) if we remain steadfast and faint not. 

Shabbat Shalom

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Shavu'ot Preparation

Video Teaching

Shavuot Preparation

This Video prepares us for celebrating the Feast of Shavuot [Pentecost] also known as The Feast of Weeks.

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Audio Teaching

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Study Notes and Slides

Shavuot Preparation

Introduction:

We are now at the 49th day of the counting of the Omer a picture of Yisrael being delivered from the Slavery of Mitsrayim (Egypt) through the Passover then journeying until they reach the Mountain of Yahweh that is called Mount Sinai. The people left Mitsrayim (Egypt) in a spirit of faith trusting in YHWH’s provision so much so that through the mouth of YermeYahu (Jeremiah) YHWH reminds them in those later days how he remembers them:

YermeYahu 2:2 ‘Thus said YHWH, “I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.

We also know that in that journey there were obstacles that caused Yisrael to doubt and complain resulting in judgement & punishments from the hand of YHWH but he remained faithful giving them provisions till he finally brought them to the Kodesh (Holy) Mountain called Sinai or Ḥorĕḇ:

How then do we see that this journey relates to us? We see it quite clearly in the lives of the Sh’liychiym (the sent ones) as they have a spiritual awakening that began at Passover that restored their faith and gave them empowered understanding and finally they are prepared for the truth of Shavuot as they await the promise of the Father given to them by Yahshua who commands them to wait in Yerushalayim. 

What we must understand is that Pesach (Passover) is the symbol of our Salvation in Yahshua or the deliverance from the slavery of sin and the counting of the Omer is a preparation that leads to understanding and a heart prepared for the receiving of the Torah & the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) at Shavuot. We could therefore say that from Passover to Shavuot is a progressive Journey that Yahweh designed to prepare the heart of his people to receive his word in their heart. 

In light of that we will look to Shavuot (Pentecost) the Feast of Weeks as the completion of the Journey & reflect on that. 

In our Liturgy on Shavuot we will cover much of the features of Shavuot so I will try to prepare us all for this great Feast and add some insights that will greatly inspire us:

The Foreshadowing of Shavuot: 

Interestingly Shavuotfollows seven completed Shabbats (Sabbaths) so it also portrays the Yovel (Jubilee) which occurs after seven completed Shemita cycles being seven year cycles bringing us to the end of 49 years after which is the Yovel (Jubilee) being a year of liberty both from Slavery & debt. Surely the giving of the Torah the very instructions of YHWH is a picture of liberty to those that receive it. Though Yisrael had been redeemed from their Slavery they were not yet free until they received the Torah their instruction for righteous living at Mount Sinai that would teach them how to be a free people. 

Upon the instruction of YHWH we find that Yisrael was also commanded to observe these feasts as a foreshadowing of what YHWH ultimately would do through Yahshua who is the fulfilment of all the Feasts:

Exodus 34:22 Three times in the year all your men shall appear before YHWH, Elohim of Yisrael.  24 For I will cast out the nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither will any man covet your land when you go up to appear before YHWH your Elohim three times in the year. 

Since Shavuot commemorates the conclusion of the Barley Harvest and the beginning of the Wheat Harvest it is interesting that in the very middle of the text concerning Shavuot there is also an instruction that must not be overlooked:

Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:22 when you reap the harvest of your land do not completely reap the corners of your field when you reap and do not gather any gleaning from your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the stranger. I am YHWH your Elohim.’”

The Counting of the Omer began with Chag Ha Bikkurim “The Feast of the First Fruits” of the Barley Harvest & ends with yet another Feast of First Fruits being the “First Fruits of the Wheat Harvest.” It is interesting that right in the middle of this reading YHWH is making provision for the Poor & the Goyim or Stranger demonstrating his all-encompassing desire to join those outside the Covenant to Yisrael in the Covenant with all the Covenantal blessings. 

It is for this reason that the book of Ruth plays such a prominent part during this time and is often also studied along with the Torah & Yechezkel (Ezekiel). 

What makes the book of Ruth so interesting is that she had entered into the Covenant through her husband but when he died she was free to go back to her own former life and belief but rather than that she makes this great confession:

Ruth 1:16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you, or to turn back from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your Elohim my Elohim. 17“Where you die, I will die and there I shall be buried. YHWH do so to me and more also – if anything but death itself parts you and me.”

We also find that Ruth began by gleaning at the beginning of the Barley harvest and continues leading up to Shavuot the wheat harvest all acted out during the counting of the Omer. The book of Ruth therefore is a Picture of the redemption of the Stranger or the Foreigner exactly what Vayikra (Leviticus) is instructing. 

Is it not true that since the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) in the book of Acts we are in the time of Gleaning on the edges of the fields of Yisarel to bring in the strangers or Goyim as well though the strangers may also be the lost of Yisrael who have become strangers to the Covenant. 

Romans 11:25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Yisrael until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

The Uniqueness of the First Shavuot:

In all of History there had never been a time like this when a whole Nation heard the voice of YHWH when he manifested and came down on Mount Sinai. 

Historically this day celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai:

We read that upon the instruction of YHWH the people were to prepare themselves for YHWH to descend upon the Mountain:

Shemoth 19:10- 12 And YHWH said to Mosheh, “Go to the people and set them apart today and tomorrow. And they shall wash their garments, 11and shall be prepared by the third day. For on the third day HWHY shall come down upon Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people. 12“And you shall make a border for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch the border of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall certainly be put to death.

It was that awesome & frightening that we read in:

Shemoth (exodus) 20:18-20 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the Shofar (trumpet), and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.  19 Then they said to Mosheh, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not Elohim speak with us, lest we die.”

Yet we read in the following that we have a greater and better hope than they:

Ibrim (Hebrews) 12:21- 22 But you have drawn near to Mount Tsiyon and to the city of the living Elohim, to the heavenly Yerushalayim, to myriads of messengers (Angels), 23 to the entire gathering and assembly of the first-born having been enrolled in heaven and to Elohim the Judge of all and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 and to Yahshua the Mediator of a renewed covenant and to the blood of sprinkling which speaks better than the blood of Heḇel.

It is only by the perfect sacrifice of Yahshua that we can all hope to draw near and be made perfect and it is through Shavuot (Pentecost) that we are assured that his blood was accepted by YHWH our great Elohim: 

It is also exceedingly important for us to realize that at the first Shavuot, YHWH did pour out his Ruach on the Seventy elders though not on all the people.

When Moshe gathers the 70 Elders we see a great event that had never happened before:

Bemidbar (Numbers) 11:24- 29 Mosheh gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tabernacle.  25 Then YHWH came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again. 26 But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp.  27 And a young man ran and told Mosheh, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 

28 So Yahushua(Joshua) the son of Nun, Mosheh’s assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, “Mosheh my Master, forbid them!”

29 Then Mosheh said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all Yahweh’s people were prophets and that YHWH would put His Spirit upon them!”

This surely was fulfilled if we observe what happened in the Book of Acts when all the faithful were filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit). A question does arise however. On the occasion of the 70 Elders we see two men who were of the Elders but that had remained in the camp having the RUACH Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) resting upon them also. 

In the book of Acts we are driven to think that at the giving of the RUACH Ha Kodesh there were 120 believers present based on Acts 1:15 though the number is not mentioned in Acts 2 but we also know that Shaul (Paul) tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that over 500 saw the risen Master. The question arises based on our reading whether any that were not at the appointed place & time on this Feast like Eldad & Medad were filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh seeing that possibly not all the faithful were at the appointed place.

The Ten Covenant Words inscribed by the Finger of YAHWEH: 

Following the fear of the people over hearing the voice of YHWH we find Mosheh ascending the mountain to receive the ten Covenant Words or what is commonly known as the “Ten Commandments.” We can know what the sages say, to enhance our understanding as to how totally awesome this event was:

The Sages say when Mosheh went up the Mountain in Shemoth 24 that YHWH wrote the Covenant words on Sapphire cubes rather than Tablets with his own finger so they would be seen on both sides and when Mosheh would lift them up the fire of YHWH would hit the tablets to produce a Rainbow effect referred to as the Bow of YHWH and this would marvellously project the Hebrew letters written on them by the finger of YHWH on the people and would give the image of fiery letters which historical witnesses say appeared as tongues of Fire. We read in:

YermeYahu (Jeremiah) 23:29 Is not My Word like a fire?” declares YHWH

The Ancient Rabbis also taught that not only did Yisrael hear the voice of YHWH but actually saw the sound waves as they emerged from the mouth of Yahweh. They taught that each commandment was a fiery substance that left YHWH’s mouth, travelled around the whole camp and finally engraved itself on the Tablets: (Marish on Shmot page 182.) 

“Rabbi Johanan said that the voice as it was uttered split into seventy languages so that all the Nations might understand.” (Quote- Sh’mot (Exodus) Rabbah 5:9) 

Also that the Divine voice spoke so that all the children of men might understand its world-embracing and man redeeming message” - Rabbi Joseph Hertz, quoted from the authorized daily prayer book page 791.

The Fulfilment of Shavuot:

If we now return to the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) we can now obtain better truth without the burden of the commonly held traditions:

Firstly from our former teaching we remember the Following:

Luke 24:51- 53 And it came to be, while He was blessing them, that He was parted from them and was taken up into the heavens. 52 And they worshipped Him, and returned to Yerushalayim with great joy, 53 and were continually in the Beyth Ha Mikdash (The Temple) praising and blessing Elohim! Amĕn.  

Though the Sh’liychiym (the Apostles) had returned to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) it is clear that they were constantly in the Temple even before the Feast of Shavuot. Though the Apostles may have stayed in a rented apartment they were gathering with other taught ones (disciples) in Solomon’s Porch on the Temple Mount. When we read that at Shavuot they were in the house they were in the “Beit Ha Mikdash”  the House of Prayer being the Temple according to the Command of YHWH that all faithful Yahudim (Jews) would be obedient to. Sadly the misunderstanding of them being in a small upper room tradition has led to Replacement theology and caused a loss of the wonder and power of this significant event. 

It was during this time that the believers were all gathered as we read and certainly they were reading the Scrolls of the Torah, Ezekiel, Ruth and the Prophets such as Yoel (Joel) in an upper study room of the Beit Mikdash (the Temple):

It was at this time that the fulfilment of the Prophet Yoel (Joel) was seen:

Acts 2:1 And when the Day of the Festival of weeks had come, they were all with one mind in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from the heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them cloven (divided) tongues, as of fire and settled on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Set apart Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to speak.

In these verses it speaks of a “Mighty Rushing Wind” but the term in Aramaic is “Rucha Ruach” which means a “Breathing Breath.” Therefore RUACH often translated as the Spirit or RUACH Ha Kodesh is the breath of YHWH. 

An interesting note is that according to the tradition of the Yahudim (Jews) when the Cohenim (Priests) ministered in the Mishkan (the Tent of Meeting) or what is called the Mikdash (the Sanctuary) when the esteem of YHWH would come and fill the Tent the walls of the Tent would begin to expand and contract and they would hear breathing and know his presence was there.

Just as with Mount Sinai the Fire of YHWH came down even so here they saw a pillar of fire that divided and appeared as cloven tongues and they were all filled with the Spirit (RUACH). 

The Significance of King Messiah’s Sacrifice

Shavuot for all who believe is the sign that the sacrifice of King Messiah was accepted resulting in the giving of the RUACH Ha Kodesh who is the manifestation of the Father & the Son:

Yochanan (John) 14: 23 Yahshua answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

Since we noted that the Sh’liychiym (The Apostles) were asked by Yahshua to remain in Yerushalayim awaiting the promise of the Father Shavuot becomes ever so important. Through the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh that was now available to all believers a great boldness was available not only the twelve or the 120 but to all who call upon the name and receive faith in Yahshua. The truth of Scripture is now available to all through the work of the RUACH ha Kodesh but it is still a partnership with people of open hearts to Yahweh’s words lest divisions arise as we have seen throughout all history.

The Former & Later Rain:

We read in Acts how Kepha (Peter) explains that the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) at that Shavuot was a fulfilment of the words of the Prophet Yoel (Joel):

Acts 2:17 17‘And it shall be in the last days, says Elohim, that I shall pour out of My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams,

Since Yisrael was a highly agricultural Nation the term Former rain refers to the Spring rain while the Later rain refers to the Autumn rain and we see YHWH using his agricultural Calendar to spiritually fulfil these too. 

Yoel (Joel) 2:23 And you children of Tsiyon, be glad and rejoice in YHWH your Elohim, for He shall give you the Teacher of Righteousness and cause the rain to come down for you, the former rain and the latter rain, as before.

Since Shavuot could be seen as the time period of the former rain and this is when its fulfilment came by the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) there is an expectation of the latter day outpouring before that great and awesome Day of YHWH. 

The Prophecy of the latter rain is the fulfilment of the ingathering of the lost of Yisrael from the four corners of the World. Now this is the age of the Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth) the time of the latter rain:

In Conclusion:

As we prepare ourselves for Shavuot (Pentecost) may we prepare ourselves by not only the cleansing of our bodies as the Yisraelites were told to do by Mosheh for three days but may we immerse ourselves in His word like all his Talmidim (Disciples) did awaiting the promise of the Father.  

1. We remember the Sinai Shavuot as the giving of the Torah which was then written on stone.

2. At the Shavuot of Acts we remember the RUACH ha Kodesh was given to all the believers because the sacrifice of Yahshua was completely acceptable.

3. At Sinai even though YHWH knew what was happening in the camp he still wrote out the Covenant with his finger. The result was that 3000 of the ringleaders of the cult of the Bull were killed by the faithful Levites and in contrast at Shavuot when Kepha preached of the Salvation found only in Yahshua 3000 were immersed into the faith.

4. The outpouring of the Ruach gave to believers the anointing for boldness and that Yahweh’s Torah might be written on hearts that were now able to receive them.

Have a blessed Shavuot

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