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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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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The Obligations of the Student - Part 2

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The Obligations of the Student

Part 2 – Combating Laziness

Have you ever wondered why the Bible is so misunderstood? 

(Slide) Because people don’t really study it.  Why don’t most people really study it? Because they usually study their canned religious view of it, laying false foundation after false foundation. 

(Slide) The way one studies the exquisite beauty of a gemstone and the way one studies for a school test are often two totally different things. When one studies for an exam a pass of over 50% is usually the goal and when one studies a gemstone, he searches for everything in it. 

(Slide) The enemy (Sitre Ahura) works towards man’s miscomprehension of the Almighty’s will.

(Slide) King Messiah Yahshua said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.” (Matthew 5:17) Our King and Saviour did not come to cancel the Torah, but to fulfil the prophetic Messianic appointments outlined in the writings of the Torah and the Prophets. Down to the seemingly most minor ordinance to the most critical decree, Yahweh’s Torah is unchanging. This is echoed in the morning prayers instituted by the Men of the Great Assembly where it reads, “Elohim will never amend of exchange his Torah.” Messiah Yahshua declared that Heaven and Earth would be destroyed before the smallest letter or even one accent marking of the Torah were removed. “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Torah until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:18-19) 

(Slide) The Word says that learning Torah is not a difficult matter. “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) 

“But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Messiah down) or 'Who will descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring Messiah up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming.” (Romans 10:6-8) The Torah was never too difficult. There are those that say the Torah was too difficult for the Jews, so G-d sent Jes-s to the Gentiles to make a replacement nation, no longer concerned with Torah but fixated on grace. This is not true!

(Slide) In matters of Torah, a student should avoid becoming conceited, filled with pride or puffed up because of knowledge. A healthy fear of Yahweh should precede a fiery zest for knowledge. “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) A good student craves instruction and correction! Don’t be offended when a teacher rebukes you on a matter of Torah. On the contrary, praise Yahweh. “He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.” (Proverbs 15:31) 

Let your pursuit for knowledge of Yahweh be like an impassioned lover seeking to draw closer to the object of his affections. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” (Philippians 1:9)

When it comes to Scripture, don’t be content with paddling in shallow waters. Get wet and yearn to go into the depths. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:22)

(Slide) Always keep in mind that acquiring knowledge of Yahweh will improve your relationship with Him. “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for Elohim, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) 

Find out about who you’re worshiping. “You Samaritans worship what you don’t know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.” (John 4:22)

Petition Yahweh daily with requests to increase in understanding. “…keep asking that the Elohim of our adon Yahshua HaMoshiach, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17)

(Slide) Don’t be carried off on different winds of doctrine. In the last seven years we’ve had the polygamy doctrine, the dateline Sabbath doctrine, Lunar Sabbath, the Leper Messiah doctrine, the Islamic Beast doctrine, the Whole-wheat Unleavened Bread doctrine, the Two Sticks of Joseph doctrine, Yahshua was stoned doctrine, the Black Messiah doctrine, The Book of Hebrews is not Scripture doctrine, Rabbi Sha’ul’s letters are not Scripture doctrine, the Jews aren’t really Jews doctrine and even the flat earth theory some how ended up on our ledger. That’s a lot of false doctrines in a pretty small space of time to hit such a small movement. “(Rabbi Sha’ul’s)…letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)

(Slide) Don’t be a Space Cadet! You don’t have to cradle beliefs or opinions. You can stick to what Elohim says. Every conceivable subject is broadly covered in Scripture. Good Rabbinic writings and some good Christian commentary simply refine Scripture to assist with applying it to life matters.

Shiv’im Panim laTorah means “The Torah has 70 faces.” This phrase is sometimes used by the Jewish Sages to indicate the number of different things that can be gleaned from every piece of teaching in the Torah. Bamidbar Rabba 13:15 says, ‘There are seventy faces to the Torah: Turn it around and around, for everything is in it.” 

(Slide) The seventy faces have four main categories. They are:

P’shat – The plain meaning of the text.

Remez – The Meaning which is only hinted at by the text.

D’rash – The Implicit meaning of the text

Sod – The hidden meaning of the text

The initials of these four categories yield the acronym Pardes (meaning “orchard” or “Garden”). This word is what Yahshua said to the thief on the tree when he asked to be remembered. Yahshua replied, “I tell you today you will be with me in Pardes.” This meant that the zealot thief would be with Yahshua in a pleasant interim location in Sheol while he emptied it of the saints and preached to the spirits of those who lived before the Great Flood. “…through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when Elohim waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water…” (1 Peter 3:19-) “The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Yahshua’s resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” (Matthew 27:53-54) 

(Slide) Within the Netzarim community there is a great need for sufficient training in matters of Torah as it pertains to daily living. Teachings, discussions and debates on deeper matters of Torah are too frequently appearing from the same who clearly lack knowledge of basic Torah observance. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before Yahweh that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show yourself approved to Yahweh, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness. “(2 Timothy 2:14-16) The purpose of every Torah teaching is to dislodge barriers around the heart to allow Torah to penetrate it. The Torah is already in the mind, albeit dormant in many, but it is the heart that remains the most challenging organ. Once it takes root in the heart the Divine Service begins to be embarked upon, which truly binds the soul to Elohim. 

(Slide) The word study in Hebrew is Lamad. It means ‘to learn’ or ‘to teach’ or ‘to study’ or ‘to train.’ 

(Slide) Lamed represents the diligent learner, someone who allows knowledge to steer the heart rather than let it be swept along by unbridled emotion. 

(Slide) The late Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, of blessed memory, “…had an instinctive understanding of what was profound and what was superficial in spiritual life, what was valuable and essential and what was of secondary importance.” So says the forward to his book, A Student’s Obligations – Advice from the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto. Rabbi Shapira went on to sanctify Yahweh’s name in a Nazi Death camp at age 55, but during his life he stayed devoted to his calling in educating children and young men in Torah. 

(Slide) Rabbi Shapira goes straight for the jugular when addressing some of the foundational issues related to good Torah study and obedience. In his book, A Student’s Obligation he writes, “Laziness is the most common and the most destructive of the ailments of character that afflict young people. Laziness is different to each person. There is a kind of laziness so severe that the person afflicted by it loves to sleep as much as possible, enjoys inactivity, and experiences any form of work as a burden. He is always filled with excuses and justifies himself constantly, as Scripture relates in Proverbs 26:13; “The lazy man says: ‘There is a lion in the way, yes, a lion is on the streets.’” At the same time, he denigrates anyone whose achievements are greater than his own, in order to protect himself from feelings of shame and jealousy of anyone else’s accomplishments”

(Slide) “Go to the ant, you lazybones! Consider its ways, and be wise. It has no chief, overseer or ruler; Yet it provides its food in summer and gathers its supplies at harvest time. Lazybones! How long will you lie in bed? When will you get up from your sleep? “I’ll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer, just fold my hands for a little more sleep” – and poverty comes marching in on you, scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.” (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Rabbi Shapira continues, “At times (one who is lazy) may gain the strength to work hard at his studies for the first week or two of each semester, but his determination quickly peters out. If you possess this character trait, you must quickly attempt to eradicate it at its very root. It is a ruinous trait, potentially destructive to one’s eternal life…The amount of labour necessary to acquire an object should be equal to the value of that which is being obtained. Objects that have little worth may be acquired without much labour, while one must work hard in order to obtain something very precious.”

“If you have compassion on yourself and wish to establish a foundation within you that will serve you well until you reach the wisdom of old age and beyond, excise the trait of laziness from yourself and search and destroy its hidden remnants: the negative attitude toward work that causes negligence and half-heartedness. Become diligent and efficient in your work, but do not become speedy. For the most part, people who work very quickly do a second-rate job…”

(Slide) Rabbi Shapira’s work goes onto to list the principle ills of the soul and their cures. He even provides an exclusive chapter on a cure for laziness and a supplementary chapter called ‘Specific Advice for the Lazy.’ As such this work, though being an Orthodox Jewish publication, is a must have for every Netzarim.  The idea is that we get less arguing and debating over meaningless things and more studying and learning.   

Another layer of assistance in this area is the wealth of knowledge contained in the Sefer Shemirath ha-Lashon (Guard Your Tongue) by Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan, who was generally known as Chofetz Chayim (Desirer of Life). The work itself is about the commandments relating to correct speech and the prohibitions of slander. The title of the work is taken from Psalm 34:12–15; "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of Elohim. Who is the man that desires life; who loves days, that he may see goodness [during them]? Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit; turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it." 

How should I Study the Bible?

(Slide) Even with his myriad of human faults and frailties, King David was called 'a man after Yahweh's own heart.' Why? What special quality did this shepherd have that earned him this description? I believe the answer is found in this verse. "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Torah. (Psalm 119:118)"

For generations the Jew has never felt alone as long as he held a Tehillim in his hands - a faithful companion and unerring guide, giving voice to prayer, comfort in misfortune, faith in adversity, and light in the darkness. The familiar phrases of Tehillim flow constantly from Jewish lips at all times, in all seasons.” So says the introduction to this two-volume edition of the Book of Psalms, which will change the way you view your life. There should be no distinction between a returning Israelite’s connection with this work anymore than with a Jew. Reading Psalms fulfills Isaiah 43:21 which says, “This nation I created for Myself, to recount My praises.”

(Slide) David haMelech treasured the Torah more than any other possession. He loved and thought about it day and night. Read Psalm 119 for proof of this amazing fact. David constantly prayed to understand Yahweh's Torah: to plumb the depths of each command. Remember what Rabbi Shimon Kepha wrote in 2 Peter 1:20-21, that both the prophecy and the understanding of prophecy come from Yahweh. In other words, we can no more understand a divine prophecy than we can deliver one. Both the prophecy and the understanding must come from above. So pray for understanding like King David did. It will be given you in response to your true reaction to Yahweh's Torah. You will either see or you will not see. 

(Slide) You will either understand, or the message will pass you by even were it thundered in your ears a thousand times. The study of Yahweh's Word, and in particular the study of His Torah, will make you humble, wise, happy and content. You too could become a man or woman after Yahweh's own heart. He will react to your innermost yearnings just as He did to King David's. He will open your eyes to see wondrous things out of His Torah. But more importantly, He will grant you the fruits of true understanding: obedience, peace, happiness and joy in your own soul.

(Slide) The Torah is a great treasure, a wealth far beyond anything else that can be gained in the whole world. The ordinances of Yahweh are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” (Psalm 19:9-10)

(Slide) But, hang on just one sec Cowboy!

(Slide) This means that we must not read the Holy Scriptures with the sole intention of proving others wrong: if you read the Holy Scriptures with the wrong motive, it will not benefit you one iota. Most, if not all, your studies will be a waste of time. You will certainly fill your mind with facts; which you could use to bash others over the head and show them how much Scripture you know: but as far as your eternal salvation is concerned, that will profit you nothing! You'll be wasting your time.

(Slide) “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Sovereign Yahweh Tz’veout. (Jeremiah 15:16)”

Oh the difference between finding something and eating it.  It is the one that eats that gets the benefit of what he has found.  Eating makes digestion and assimilation possible.  When these functions are normal, the result is health and strength that aid us in all usefulness and joy of living. Your well-being depends on your nourishment and the best nourishment man can consume is the Word of Yahweh.  “…desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2) The more of this food you can consume the better, provided you can digest and assimilate. 

(Slide) Holding the Word of Yahweh in your mind is like holding food in your mouth.  This is how we get the full taste of it.  Mixing the Word with meditation as one mixes his food with his saliva causing the food to erupt with flavor. “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalms 119:103)

(Slide) As you hold the Word of Yahweh in your mind, a wonderful thing begins to happen, Yahweh begins to write it on your heart. Doing this causes the Word to taste sweet to you.  

Quite literally, the Torah interprets all Scripture.  Obscure, symbolic passages in one of its books are explained elsewhere in simple terms. As with all good instructional literature, the Holy Scripture is packed with illustrations and examples. In the first five books of the Torah we find all the laws Yahweh gave mankind through His servant Moses. Then there follows book after book of examples of how Yahweh reacts to His people's behavior regarding those laws.

It's all there: the commands in the Torah, the prophetic warnings and living examples of how Yahweh reacts in the other books. You will not find many ethical decisions you have to face in life which are not dealt with in the Holy Scriptures: because Yahweh has not only told us how He wants us to live, but He has also included examples in His word of what will happen if we do not. It is folly of the worst kind to imagine that one can ignore the directions and commands of Yahweh and get away with it. 

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of Yahweh and of YahShua our King, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4)”

Study, So That You Are Not Ashamed!

(Slide) Believers spend hours arguing about doctrine. Many make the mistake of trying to find texts, which support what they think, is the truth. They conceive an idea and then spend hours trying to find texts to support it. Instead, we should study all the texts we can find on a given subject before deciding what to believe. Invest in a Bible Concordance: it will enable you to study many texts on a given subject. If time allows, look up as many texts as you can. Then, after prayerfully studying them, see what the Spirit is saying in the Scriptures on that subject. It is Yahweh's Word: and it has a great deal to teach you. The Holy Scriptures are Yahweh lamp to guide our steps: read it every day. In critical matters, that is, in those areas where a mistaken opinion could result in sin, be extra careful and tread softly. Don't delude yourself into excusing your own sins: because on the Day of Judgement - and possibly even earlier - you'll regret it.

(Slide) Most Scriptural truths are portrayed on two levels.

The Physical: This is the first level we humans can see and easily understand. It involves literal, physical things like nations, landmasses, trees, animals, fish, individuals and their possessions.

The Spiritual: This higher level contains the real lessons Yahweh is eager to teach us. It involves concepts, principles, motives, thoughts and all the other activities, which go to make up human character. To explain lessons on this level the Master often used parables, which are stories, based on first level physical examples. By using a level one object lesson, a visual aid, the Saviour high-level truths which are normally not grasped by the human mind. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world have come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)"

This means that most, if not all, the experiences recorded in the Holy Scriptures have a wider, higher, spiritual application. They occurred in those ancient days on one level; but were recorded 'for our admonition' for our learning! Because they are 'real-life prophecies' of earth-encompassing realities scheduled to take place on a massive scale in our day - upon which the ends of the world have come.

(Slide) Nothing exercises the mind more than writing down what you have learned. It is for this reason that is why I try to have the notes in front of you as I preach or teach so that you can write down the questions and scriptural answers. Try to get into the habit of writing down what you have learned. Make notes in the margins of your Scriptures. Underline passages that impress you as being important. Set up your own reference system, which will point you to a preceding or succeeding text, which deals with the same subject. Do not be scared of ruining the pages: because when you write something down on paper, you are in fact writing it on your mind. Keep a Notebook and write down the things you have learned. If you have a computer, so much the better; because you will then be able to update your work regularly.

What the Word can do

(Slide) The Scripture will make one wise unto salvation.

“…from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Messiah YahShua (2 Timothy 3:15)”

The Scripture will produce the Gift of Faith.

“…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Yahweh. (Romans 10:17)”

The Scripture will reveal who the Messiah Is.

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (John 5:39)”

The Scripture will build up your resolve.

“…I commend you to Yahweh and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up … (Acts 20:32)”

The Scripture will notify you of your inheritance.

“…I commend you to Yahweh and to the word of His grace, which is able to … give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)”

(Slide) “And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried: but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:9,10)

What is this text saying? It is saying that understanding will not be given to the wicked, 'none of the wicked shall understand:' but understanding is given to the righteous, to those who have been purified, made white and tried. In other words, true understanding is not a matter of human intellect, education, will power or finance. True wisdom and understanding are gifts from Yahweh to those who do His will.

The sincere desire to know and obey Yahweh's Torah is the very first step towards true wisdom and understanding. Conversely, the path of wickedness leads inevitably to ignorance, confusion and folly. “But the path of the just is a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18)”

This means that if you really want to know, you must Trust and Obey Yahweh: and as you do this your path will become brighter and brighter as time proceeds. You will learn more and more, not only about human nature and its follies, but of Yahweh's plans, His methods and His aims and, perhaps, His motives. For you, life will not become a confused mess, as it is with so many people, but a glorious journey with Yahweh guiding your every step. 

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From a lost Cause to a Cause for the Lost (Omer count)

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Introduction: 

Since we are still in the process of “Counting the Omer” it is most prudent to refresh our memory with regards the truths that we have acquired.

Though we know that the journey from Passover to Shavuot (Pentecost) traditionally was always a time of self-reflection we discovered that change in our Character was the work of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit)in partnership with ourselves, so as we observed there were dramatic changes needed for the Talmidim (Disciples) to bring them from a place of disappointment to one of faith and then from a place of unbelief to a place of understanding all of which required the initialization of the master who began that transformation by his appearances after his Resurrection to open the understanding of his Talmidim (Disciples) but this process continued during this period through the work of the RUACH Ha Kodesh who would now be their teacher to bring them to the completion of their preparation for not only receiving the Torah at Shavuot (Pentecost) but that would also prepare them for the task that YAHWEH and the Master had for them when he would be no longer be with them in his physical form. 

We should understand that this journey is no different for us too; if we are to fulfil the purpose that YHWH has called us for. Every aspect of this journey should be a vital lesson for us otherwise we will not progress. We should be very careful to take note of everything that affected the Talmidim (Disciples) so we too will progress to the place that YHWH desires for us.   

The Lost Cause

To fully appreciate the place the Sh’liychiym (Apostles) were, we need to look at where they were coming from. 

Upon the calling of the Talmidim (Disciples) we find them mostly having mundane backgrounds in earthly occupations living far removed from the centre of Religious life being in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). 

One fundamental truth that all Yisraelites clung to, was the belief in the coming Messiah who was the anointed King of Yisrael from the line of King David who would deliver Yisrael from all oppression which I outlined in my previous teaching.   

We see Andri (Andrew) demonstrating this strongly held belief in:

Yochanan 1:40 Andri (Andrew) first finds his own brother Shimon (Simon) and said to him, “we have found Ha Machiach, which is being interpreted “the Messiah.” 

Also the encounter with Nathaniel makes this anticipation abundantly clear:

Yochanan 1:45- 49 Philip found Nethanĕ’l and said to him, “We have found Him whom Mosheh wrote of in the Torah, and the prophets: Yahshua of Natsareth – the son of Yosĕph.” 46 And Nethani’el said to him, “Is it possible for any good matter to come out of Natsareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Yahshua saw Nethani’el coming toward Him, and said of him, “See, truly a Yisra’ĕlite, in whom is no deceit!” 48 Nethani’el said to Him, “From where do You know me?” Yahshua answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nethani’el answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of Elohim! You are the Sovereign of Yisra’ĕl!”

Note: In Hebraic terms “under the Fig Tree” is descriptive of someone who studies Torah with the Fig tree being a picture of Yisrael in full Torah obedience meaning Yahshua saw Nathani’el under Torah obedience hence why he recognised the Messiah as the son of YHWH. 

With this truth and with the rise of Yahshua’s popularity among the people combined with the demonstration of all the miracles of Yahshua we see the Disciples beginning to believe in the rise of the Messianic Kingdom with them in strategic positions & with them having discussions of their Greatness:

Mark 9: 33- 35 Then He came to Kephar Nachum (Capernaum). And when Yahshua was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?”  34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 

Even more importantly at the “last Supper” the Talmidim (Disciples) argue about their greatness as recorded in Luke 22: 24. 

From this misguided understanding of the cause of the Messiah we can understand that at the death of Yahshua these men were so broken because their hope of the establishment of the renewed Messianic Kingdom so fuelled them especially when they saw the most powerful entry into Yerushalayim when Yahshua rode a donkey as predicted by the Prophet ZecharYah (Zechariah) 9:9:

MattithYahu (Matthew) 21:7-11The Talmidim (Disciples) brought the Donkey & the colt & put on them their clothes & they set him there. 8 And a great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the Etzim (Trees) and spread them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before and that followed cried, saying Hoshiana (Hosanna) to the son of David blessed is he that comes in the name of YHWH Hoshiana in the highest.

We can fully understand with all these experiences that the Talmidim (Disciples) had completely lost their sense of the cause they were being called to not understanding the true purpose that the Mashiach (Messiah) had come. All they saw was the fulfilment of Messianic prophecy and the rise of their importance in all that.

The sense of one’s importance has always been a great hindrance to the will of YHWH and the unity of the Assemblies. We see Shaul (Paul) often teaching in the area of Humility since that is often the most difficult area of character to nurture:

Philippians 2:2-3 Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, one in being and of purpose, 3 doing none at all through selfishness or self-importance, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

With a sense of Greatness we even see Kepha (Peter) opposing the very will & purpose of YHWH in:

MattithYahu (Matthew) 16: 22-23 And Kĕpha took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from you, Master, this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Kĕpha (Peter), “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me, for your thoughts are not those of Elohim, but those of men.”

There is something we often miss in the readings of Scripture. At the Resurrection we see the Talmidim (Disciples) being empowered by the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit)to believe that Yahshua had risen and even to come to the understanding that he needed to die to be the perfect sacrifice for sin to restore all believers back to the Covenant of YHWH. 

What we fail to see however is that throughout the Counting of the Omer, the time of their Spiritual awakening there is no indication that the Talmidim (Disciples) had any heart to renew the Mission or the Cause for which the Master had called them. This is why there was a great need for Yahshua to not only establish renewed faith and understanding but also to reinvigorate his Talmidim (Disciples) with the renewed Cause for the Lost that would make them true Sh’liychiym or “Sent Ones” as we will see. 

The Renewed Call:

We mostly read the end of the books of the MattithYahu (Matthew), Mark, Luke & Yochanan (John) seeing Yahshua implementing the Great Commission. What I am suggesting is that his Talmidim (Disciples) had lost their cause even after the Resurrection since right from the beginning Yahshua had called them to it and this commission was always the Cause for which they were called:

MattithYahu (Matthew) 4:19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
This however is right at the beginning of his Ministry when he 1st called his Talmidim to follow him.Also we see similar words spoken to the Sh’liychiym (Apostles) at the Resurrection:

Yochanan (John) 20:21 So Yahshua said to them again, “Shalom (Peace) to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

So important was the call to the Disciples we see the book of Yochanan (John) concluding with the appearance of Yahshua by the lake of Galil also known as the Sea of Tiberias:

Yochanan (John) 21:2 Shim‛on Kĕpha (Simon Peter), and T’oma (Thomas) called the Twin, and Nethanĕ’l of Qanah in Galil, the sons of Zaḇdai (Zebedee), and two others of His taught ones were together. 3 Shim‛on Kĕpha said to them, “I am going to fish.” They said to him, “We are also coming with you.” They went out and immediately entered into the boat. And that night they caught none at all.

This journey from Passover to Shavuot now becomes even more apparent because though the Talmidim (Disciples) had received so much revelation & understanding regarding Yahshua they were not yet ready to become Sh’liychiym or sent ones since they had returned to the comfort of their former lives in Galil (Galilee) where they felt safe forgetting their calling because they still feared the Yahudim (Jews) and therefore Yahshua needed to encourage them again.

It was not unlike the journey of Yisrael from Mitzrayim (Egypt) to Mount Sinai in that when troubles arose they too began to think of Mitzrayim (Egypt):

Shemoth (Exodus) 16:2-4 Then the whole congregation of the children of Yisrael complained against Mosheh (Moses) and Aaron in the wilderness.  3 And the children of Yisrael said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of YHWH in the land of Mitsrayim (Egypt), when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

Just as Yisrael had been given a cause to inherit the land of Canaan the Talmidim (Disciples) had been given a cause but first Yahshua needed to redeem them from their fears so we read of this amazing miracle:

Yochanan (John) 21:4 But when the morning had now come, Yahshua stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Yahshua.  5 Then Yahshua said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

This is the second time that Yahshua did a miracle like this that they might know it is him but also to reveal to them that they should not doubtthat he would supernaturally provide for them even in the naturalbut also that he needed them to put his Cause before all their needs according to his word in: 

Slide M 13

MatthithYahu (Matthew) 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Upon their abundant catch we read of their revelation that he was the Master that spoke to them:

Yochanan (John) 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Yahshua loved said to Kepha (Peter), “It is Adonai (the Master)!” Now when Shimon Kepha (Peter) heard that it was the Master, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

It was only after this miracle that Yahshua begins to restore Shimon Kepha (Simon Peter) because by now Kepha had lost all his former confidence and he needed to be restored back to the Master’s purpose as we read:

Yochanan (John) 21: 15- 17 When, therefore, they had eaten breakfast, Yahshua said to Shim‛on Kĕpha, “Shim‛on, son of Yonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Master, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again, the second time, “Shim‛on, son of Yonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Master, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Shim‛on, son of Yonah, do you love Me?” Kĕpha was sad because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Master, You know all, You know that I love You.” Yahshua said to him, “Feed My sheep.

It is interesting that when we read this in the Greek two different terms are used for love. When Yahshua says “do you love me” the word in Greek is “Agapao” meaning to love dearly while the word that Kepha uses in response is rendered “Phileo” meaning to be friendly therefore a less intense sense of love. In the Hebrew the word seems to be “Ahav” with no particular distinction however. 

We see in these few verses Yahshua re-establishing the intensity of love that He knew Kepha (Peter) had for him even though at this stage I am sure Kepha (Peter) felt the shame of his denial of the Master but Yahshua was again drawing him into that renewed love that he knew would not fail Kepha (Peter) again because it was now empowered by the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) something we all need to understand. 

Even before Kepha’s failure Yahshua demonstrated his knowledge and understanding of Kepha’s weakness as we read:

Luke 22:31-32 And the Master said,“Shimon, Shimon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

The final stage in the preparation of the Sh’liychiym (Apostles) now becomes apparent. They had spent these forty days in developing their faith and understanding but now the cause for which they were being called needed to be reignited within them to prepare them for the time that they no longer would have the Master in a Physical form to teach them but he would leave them fully prepared for their calling.

The Ascension of Yahshua:

We now find that after the former episode that the Sh’liychiym (Apostles) were no longer in Galil (Galilee) concerned with their former occupation but now are assembled in Yerushalayim after which we read:

Ma’aseh Ha Sh’liychiym (Acts) 1:3- 9 to whom He (Yahshua) also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them for forty days, speaking concerning the reign of Elohim. 4 And meeting with them, He commanded them not to leave Yerushalayim, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which you have heard from Me – 5 because Yocḥanan (John) truly immersed in water but you shall be immersed in the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Set-apart Spirit) not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Master, would You at this time restore the reign to Yisra’ĕl?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8“But you shall receive power when the Set-apart Spirit (Holy Spirit) has come upon you and you shall be My witnesses in Yerushalayim and in all Yahuḏah (Judea) and Shomeron (Samaria) and to the end of the earth.” 9 And having said this, while they were looking on, He was taken up and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

As we are going through the Counting of the Omer I hope we take special note of the 40th Omer day which is on Thursday, the day we celebrate the Ascension referred to in the passage above. This was a unique day in which the Sh’liychiym (sent ones) after leaving their worldly lives and assembling in Yerushalayim would continue in united fellowship, prayer and study awaiting the promise of the Father which the Master had reiterated. They were no longer cowering in fear but were living by faith, in love and fellowship totally committed to the Cause for the Lost that Yahshua had destined them for. 

The End of the Matter:

It is my hope that as we pass through the Counting of the Omer we too would learn through all these experiences the lessons that the Sh’liychiym (Apostles) needed to learn:

1. For the Sh’liychiym (the Apostles) the Counting of the Omer became a spiritual journey to fulfil their true calling as it should be ours. 

2. Faith comes by the revelation of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit).

3. The Truth of the Messiah’s Death and Resurrection is perfectly revealed throughout the Torah, Prophets & Writings (the Tanakh).

4. Faith in Yahshua and great understanding of Scripture does not constitute fulfilment of the Cause.

5. Every aspect of Character development is a work of Elohim drawing us towards his nature that we need to embrace for him to correct.

6. Visions of greatness or self-importance will lead to disunity and opposition to the will of Yahweh as seen by the words of Kepha (Peter).

7. To love Yahweh & to love our Neighbour is the Torah and will lead to fulfilling the Cause for the Lost that we are all called to. 

Conclusion:

We see within these Forty days leading up to the Ascension of Yahshua that the Talmidim (Disciples) received a total transformation. They began in unbelief and fear but during this counting of the Omer we see them coming to faith and understanding and finally developing deep love for YHWH and the Master that would propel them to achieve the Cause for the lost by the power of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) which has changed the World.

In this story we find the Sh’liychiym (The Apostles) turning their backs on their former lives to fulfil the Master’s purpose by returning to Yerushalayim to await the promise of the Father but as we will see they are no longer living in fear for their lives:

What we do find is they were constantly in the Temple during the days leading up to Shavuot (Pentecost) full of joy and expectancy:

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.  

This is the transformation that we all need today as we consider this time called “Sefirat Ha Omer” the Counting of the Omer which though it is significant in changing our personalities is far more important in our Spiritual development to fulfil the purpose for which we too are called. 

The final words of the Master we should all take to heart when he said the following:

“that Repentance and remission of Sins should be preached in His name to all Nations.” Amein!

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