El Señor resucito I

EZEKIEL 40:1-43:27 (Reflections)

Ezekiel 40:1 to 43:27 The first Temple, built by Solomon, was destroyed by the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. It was partially restored by Ezra and Nehemiah, and a new (second) Temple, built by Herod the great, took more than 50 years to construct, and was destroyed in 70 CE by Titus, son of Roman Emperor Vespasian. Following the prophecy about the return of the exiled Jews back to the land, and the “war to end all wars” which would bring nations into judgment with the LORD, Ezekiel is given a vision of another (third) Temple which is yet to be built in Jerusalem. As this present age draws to a close, the Scriptures tell us of the rise of “a man of peace” (identified as Anti-Christ). During his seven years of global influence he will demand to be worshipped in the Temple in Jerusalem. It does not yet exist! The dimensions of this visionary Temple occupy about 10 acres of land. The Temple Mount, is about 37 acres in area, and of trapezoid shape. Presently the site of TWO mosques. The Dome of the Rock (a memorial site to the prophet Mohammad), and the regularly used Al Aqsa mosque. The whole site presently under Jordanian administrators. Jews are not permitted to enter the site, but gentile visitors may get permission as tourists. (I have often wondered how a seven year peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians might be forged by anyone. And then, in my imagination I see how the construction of a new Temple on the Temple Mount would be such an attractive proposition for Jews that such a peace treaty is quite possible) God took Ezekiel, in a vision, to a very high place, causing him to look to the south so that he could see clearly a structure ‘like a city’. There was a man in the gateway of that place, with a measuring line in his hand. The man spoke to Ezekiel. “Look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and fix your mind on everything I show you; for you were brought here so that I might show them to you . Declare to the house of Israel everything you see”. (That reminds me of the kind of instruction John was given as he was taken on his visionary tour of Heaven which is recorded in Revelation). In the first three chapters of our ‘reflection’ we find a detailed description of the Temple with many precise measurements of rooms, spaces, courtyards and steps. The descriptions of the Temple furniture and decorative features are also precisely specified. It appears as nothing was left to chance. It’s God’s way isn’t it? It is a most remarkable characteristic of our Bible. Sometimes a good search may be required, but God is fulfilling all His purposes just as He has declared in His Word. Trustworthy. And after the descriptions, Ezekiel was introduced to the purpose. The man spoke to Ezekiel again “Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory”. (Look again at Revelation 1:15) “And the glory of the LORD came into the Temple by way of the gate which faces toward the east”. Then the man who had been speaking to Ezekiel became silent and LORD Himself spoke again. “This is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever”. (Can you hear that voice like many waters?) Now this is the challenge for believers today. Because of the anti Jewish bias of centuries of “church teaching”, there are many who cannot come to terms with the concept of another Temple being built. Especially a fully functioning Temple as was described in minute detail to Ezekiel. But there is MORE. Read for yourself Ezekiel 43:18-27. The last words read “When these days are over it shall be, on the eighth day and thereafter, that the priests shall offer your burnt offerings and your peace offerings on the altar; and I will accept you says the Lord God”. What Ezekiel is describing is a return to the sacrificial system of “drawing near to God” just as God had described to Moses on the mountain. For almost two thousand years, Jews have bemoaned the fact that they have no Temple in which to worship God. Unable to perform the daily rituals of sacrifice which Torah specifies. And here Ezekiel is describing the return of Burnt offerings, Sin offerings, Peace offerings. The only offerings not mentioned specifically are the Grain Offerings and the Trespass Offerings. It is demonstrably evident that God is fulfilling the prophetic return of Jews to Israel just as Ezekiel wrote. Did Ezekiel get it right in the first 39 chapters, and then get it wrong from chapter 40 to 48? I think not. The Temple specified here will remain throughout the Millennial reign of Yeshua. A fully functioning Temple of worship, praise, adoration, and sacrifice to the Lord our God. Why? Because God has declared it. Now we need to also remember that life in that time will be different to the life we experience today. It will be life living in the New Covenant. The Torah of God will be put in the minds, and written on the hearts of men. No-one can be taught that, because everyone, from the greatest to the least will know it. Am I too bold to suggest we could start by observing it today? Shabbat Shalom RS Image Reference: Source: Hubbard, Shiloh, Elliot Ritzema, Corbin Watkins, and Lazarus Wentz with Logos Bible Software and KarBel Media. Faithlife Study Bible Infographics. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012

In your presence is fullness of joy

In your presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11 (NIV) You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 (MSG) Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way. ***************************************************************** “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” -AMPLIFIED David, we are told, was a man after God’s own heart; yet we find that his life was not perfect and he definitely sinned, having committed murder and adultery. We can understand this title he held a little more if we take the time to understand the heart and mind of the man. 1. David had an absolute love for God and His Law. 2.) David took time to be in the presence of God. 3.) David was truly repentant of his sin. 4.) David knew who to turn to in every situation. Advertisements Report this ad David realized something integral to the Christian’s walk that only true lasting joy can be found in the presence of the Lord. “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” David understood the meaning of staying close to God, “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” -Psalm 16:5-8 (NIV) We find that David demonstrated his faith and trust in God on a daily basis; from the very time that we are introduced to him in Scripture until the time that he dies. Faced often with seemingly insurmountable circumstances (a giant, an angry king, a rebellious son); still he sought the Lord. When caught in sin; he quickly repented and turned from it. David was able to praise God in every instance. Oswald Chambers wrote: “It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.” David was a man after God’s own heart because he was focused on the presence of God more than anything else; God was his focal point. David spoke these words and lived by them, “I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” -Psalm 16:2 (NIV) Do we desire to be a man or woman after God’s own heart? Then God must be our very heartbeat. We must hunger and thirst after Him as if we were in a dry and parched land, without water. (Ps. 63:1-2) We must allow God to be our focal point and be completely in love with His Word. (Ps. 119) We must turn to God in every situation and we must be repentant of our sin. (Ps. 51) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Vuestro trabajo e el Senor no es en vano

Charles Spurgeon No debemos esperar ver una inmediata recompensa por todo el bien que hagamos; ni tampoco debemos confinar nuestros esfuerzos a lugares y personas que parezcan tener la probabilidad de producir una recompensa para nuestras labores. El egipcio arroja su semilla en las aguas de Nilo, acto que parecería ser un puro desperdicio del grano. Pero a su debido tiempo la crecida del río desciende y el arroz y los otros granos se hunden en el lodo fértil, y rápidamente la cosecha es producida. Hemos de hacer hoy el bien a los malagradecidos y a los impíos. Hemos de enseñar a los indiferentes y a los obstinados. Aguas improbables podrían cubrir un terreno esperanzador. En ninguna parte nuestra labor en el Señor será en vano. Nuestra labor es arrojar nuestro pan en las aguas; corresponde a Dios cumplir la promesa: "Lo hallarás." Él no permitirá que Su promesa falle. Su buena palabra que hemos hablado vivirá, será encontrada, y será encontrada por nosotros. Tal vez no suceda todavía, pero algún día segaremos lo que hemos sembrado. Hemos de ejercitar nuestra paciencia; pues quizá el Señor la ejerza. "Después de muchos días", dice la Escritura, y en muchos casos esos días se convierten en meses y años, y, sin embargo, la palabra sigue siendo verdadera. La promesa de Dios se cumplirá; debemos preocuparnos por guardar el precepto, y guardarlo en este día. Fuente: La Chequera del Banco de la Fe. Traducción de Allan Roman. http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/junio.pdf Más publicaciones de Charles

lLESSON FROM JOSEPH

Leadership Lessons From Joseph By Mike Duke – BSF Board Member The founder of Walmart, Sam Walton, once said “If you want a successful business, your people must feel that you are working for them — not that they are working for you.” When I was working as “Chief Greeter,” or CEO, at Walmart, I was inspired by this mindset of servant leadership. It gave me the ideal opportunity to reflect on biblical models of leadership and I often used relevant Scriptures to describe specific leadership characteristics, even within a diverse, global organization such as Walmart. This year in the Genesis study, I had the opportunity to reflect on servant leadership through the story of Joseph. Although he was not a perfect leader, we can learn from the leadership qualities that Joseph displayed throughout his life, from the beginning of his story in Canaan to the throne room in Egypt. 9 Lessons we learn from Joseph Decide what Defines You We all know the story of Joseph and the beautiful coat his father gave him. But we can even learn from this basic story that beautiful clothing does not make a great leader, and Joseph understood that. He had a close relationship with God, and much more strength and depth of leadership beyond his beautiful coat. So how do those we lead characterize us? In studying Joseph’s life, we see every day as an opportunity to choose what makes us memorable. Make Peace With Adversity In Genesis 37, we find Joseph in a ditch, or cistern. A wise business investor, Warren Buffett, once said, “When you find yourself in a ditch, stop digging.” This advice can apply to business, life and relationships. When Joseph found himself the cistern, he trusted God even through great adversity. Joseph did not fight his circumstances, but discovered God’s peace in each of these difficult situations. He came to realize that God uses adversity for good. Welcome God’s Presence In Chapter 39, Joseph’s boss, Potiphar, saw something in Joseph that was very special. He saw that the Lord was with him. Biblical leadership always shows the presence of the Lord, and the leader has complete trust in God. Can others see Him in us? Expect Temptation and Be Prepared People in leadership roles will often be tempted. Positions of power, authority and financial oversight can become sources of temptation. As Joseph gained leadership roles, he also faced intense temptation. He was certainly tempted aggressively by Potiphar’s wife. But before he was tempted, Joseph made a commitment to honor and integrity. In the throes of temptation, Joseph stood firm. Great leaders decide integrity cannot be compromised, and they make that commitment even before they face temptation. Look For Opportunities to Lead Joseph was certainly treated unfairly and was even sent to prison due to no fault of his own. But the Lord stayed with him and even provided leadership opportunities while in prison. From Joseph, we can learn how to make the best of difficult circumstances and even look for leadership opportunities that might be available in unlikely places. Whether we are at home raising children or at work leading a team, God values servant leadership in all circumstances. Through His eternal perspective, the greatest leaders among us are the Godliest. Give Credit to Those Who Contribute When others wanted to give credit and praise to Joseph, he turned it around to give all praise and glory to God. When interpreting dreams, he was clear that God’s skills, not his own, were on display. Great leaders embody humility, and they will not accept personal glory and praise. They tirelessly credit success to others that contributed to the accomplishments. Place Your Trust in God’s Plan In Genesis 41, we get a good understanding of Joseph’s trust in God’s plan. Joseph expects seven years of prosperity to be followed by seven years of famine, so he prepares for the upcoming difficulties. Joseph trusted God, and as a result, he received great wisdom in how to deal with the prosperity and how to prepare for the future. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Emotion In the final chapters of Joseph’s life, we read a detailed account of how he interacted with his brothers and his father. Faced with the family members who betrayed him, Joseph displayed compassion, forgiveness and love. These chapters are often emotional, showing one of the greatest leaders in Egypt weeping. Some leaders have the mistaken impression that they should not show emotion, but they are so wrong. Strong leaders show they care about others, and sometimes that can mean grief. Display of emotion is a good, sincere characteristic because it shows a caring, loving leader. Serve in All Circumstances In the final chapters of Genesis, Joseph showed he loved his father and brothers, and was able to forgive. But going beyond forgiveness, Joseph proved his servant heart when he blessed and provided for his family. Great leaders care about every single person they lead, just as the shepherd cares about every single sheep in the flock. Leading Where God Calls Though we may not be called to lead a nation like Joseph, God calls all of us to lead in some way. Whether in business, BSF leadership, our local church, our community or leading our family, He provides the framework for serving effectively wherever we are called. As we close our study of Genesis, we remember Joseph as an example of a leader who selflessly served. But in preparing our minds for Matthew, we look forward to Jesus, not as an example, but as the fulfillment of a servant leader. Through Joseph’s example, we find practical leadership application. But through Christ’s sacrifice, we discover the power to put these steps into practice. Mike Duke BSF Board Member – Former WalMart Executive

Yeshua gave demons permission to enter the pigs

Questions: Why Yeshua gave the demons permission to enter the pigs? While the Bible is not explicit on this, we can deduce the answer by looking at the three synoptic Gospels. This event likely occurred after the Jewish leadership rejected Yeshua (Matthew 12). From that point on, Yeshua no longer taught the whole nation, but He did continue to teach His disciples and He only demonstrated to them who He was. He does this through showing His: Power over Nature, Matthew 8:18; Mark 4:35-42; Luke 8:22-25 Power over Demons, Matthew 8:28-24; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39 Power over Disease and Death, Mark 5:21-43; Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56 Power over Blindness and another mute making demons, Matthew 9:27-34 Note that these all occurred primarily with the disciples. Location In Matthew 8:5 Yeshua is in Capernaum (the Jewish side of the Galilee, see the white area in the image below, while the yellow area is under Gentile control. No Synagogues have been found from the 1st century in the yellow area). Matthew 8:18 Yeshua and the disciples go to ‘the other side’ of the lake and Yeshua calms the sea verses 23-27. Matthew 8:28 Yeshua (and the disciples) arrived at ‘the other side’ of the lake. This is the second time this is mentioned and it is a clue that they have entered Gentile Territory. The area on the eastern side of the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee was called Gedara. It was primarily Gentile, with a very small Jewish population. Within the region of Gedara were several villages, two of which play a role here: The village of Gedara (Gadarenes). The village of Gergasa (Gerasenes). The event described here takes place in the Gerasenes area, which was in the region of Gedara (see map at the end). The demoniac: Mark 5:2-5. Now notice that when Yeshua had cast out demons before, we were simply told what the demon did: he made him blind, he made him dumb, and he made him deaf, and so on. Now on this occasion, for the first time, and only after He Himself has been accused of being demonised, we have a detailed description of an extreme demonic state. And what he describes here is a very extreme form of demonism. Not all demonised people were as extreme as this. There is an irony in this situation. Yeshua, who has been accused of being demonised, will now be facing a legion of demons, and this event shows that He has power over them, and they do not have power over Him. Also notice that Mathew records that there were two demon-possessed men, while both Mark and Luke choose to focus their attention on one of them. What demons know? Mark 5:6-7 and Matthew 8:29. Here we see what demons commonly know: First of all, they have no problem recognising who Yeshua is. They recognise that He is the Messiah, the Son of the Most High God. Also notice that they know their future doom. Legion Mark 5:8-10: Here Yeshua uses the traditional Jewish method for casting out demons. He asks them: “What is your name?” And the demon says “My name is Legion, for we are many.” Notice the change of pronouns from “my” to “we.” A small legion was three thousand and a full legion was six thousand. Therefore, in this demonic state there are at least three thousand demons. Abyss Luke 8:31: They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss. The Abyss is a section of Sheol of/or Hades, and is a place for the temporary confinement of fallen angels or demons. If Yeshua had sent them there they would have been confined until Hades was emptied out, when they will be cast into the lake of fire. The herd of pigs: Luke 8:32-33 Instead of being sent into the Abyss, they ask to be sent into the pigs and Yeshua gave them permission. And when the demons enter these pigs, the pig all run into the Sea of Galilee, in a mass suicide and drown themselves. These demons then became free to inhabit someone else. Why did He grant the demons’ request? Was He having compassion on the fallen angels? The reason He allowed them to go into the pigs was not likely because He had compassion for them, but for the reaction of the herdsmen that followed. The results: Luke 8:34-37a. Here we see three results of this event. The herdsmen run and tell everything, in both the city and the country. The man from whom the demons had gone out was sitting down at the feet of Yeshua, clothed and in his right mind. All the people of the country of the Gerasenes and the surrounding district asked Him to leave them for they were gripped with great fear, that is, this caused some of the Gentiles to have a Godly fear. Hopefully, this is a sufficiently argued Biblical response to the question posed. Blessings in Yeshua the LORD Paul & Sue

A JEALOUS GOD?

A Jealous God? When we speak about God we generally mention Exodus 34:5-7: “The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the Lord. Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” There are nine attributes that God uses in his self-description (cf. Psalms 86:5, 86:15, 103:8-13, 111:4, 112:4; 116:5, 145:8 etc). These are good attributes, but it would be a mistake to think of God as only gracious and loving. Earlier in Exodus, we saw that God had given himself a different attribute “אָֽנֹכִ֞י יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ אֵ֣ל קַנָּ֔א” - “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5). We think of jealous/ jealousy as suspicion or mistrustful, but when this is used of God, we should not see it in the negative. The Hebrew word קַנָּ֔א (qanna) can be translated as zealous or jealous. God is zealous for His holiness and yet is not tainted by sin, as He is Holy in His jealousy and does not sin in His anger, or even when He takes vengeance upon His enemies. The word qanna, when translated as jealous, can be seen clearly when God is described as the husband of Israel, who due to His love for Israel, wants to protect her with a holy protectiveness. And in return wants Israel to be in love with Him. (Other verses that use qanna as a description of God are: Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Joshua 24:19; Nahum 1:2). When the authors of the Hebrew Bible use this description of God, it shows God’s concern for His Holy Name (His character and reputation). The word is also used in Psalm 69:9 “For zeal (קִנְאַ֣ת) for Your house has consumed me…” In this prophetic word, we read that the zealous love which Messiah will have for God’s house (that is the Temple), its service, glory, has consumed, eaten me up. The disciples later recalled this in John 2:13-22, and attribute this to Messiah Yeshua’s action, because of His concern for the purity of God’s House and worship. This was the first of two cleansings by Messiah of the Temple; the other time is mentioned in Matthew 21:12-17. And so, I wondered about my own zeal? What about your zeal, what are we zealous for? Sumo, rugby or watching TV? There is nothing wrong with watching these, but if we spend all our time on these things, then we have lost our first love. I was shocked when I read about a survey done in one mainline church. It found that 10% of the members had moved away or died and yet were still listed as members, 20% never prayed, 25% did not read their Bibles, 30% did not attend anywhere, 40% did not contribute to the church, 80% had never attended a prayer meeting and 90% felt uncomfortable talking about the gospel, sin and salvation. While I recognise that we have different gifting's in our fellowship, we are not all intercessors or evangelists, but our doing of these and many other things shows our zeal for the LORD and His Messiah. Friends meditating on His name, ‘jealous God,’ has caused me to reflect and pray that we all may have zeal like Messiah Yeshua, who was willing to lay down His life. May we have such qanna, such zeal in our lives for Messiah, His community and His people. May we burn brightly for His Holy Name! Yours in Messiah Yeshua Paul & Sue