JOYOUS PSALM SUNDAY!

 

This is the story of pure love and joy in procession into the Gates of Jerusalem. We peer back in time to witness Y’shua approaching Jerusalem. He sends disciples to find a colt, which is waiting for him, then as he mounts and rides into Jerusalem to the acclaim of crowds spreading cut Palm frons and their cloaks before Y’shua as he makes entrance into the city. In the apostle Mark’s recounting Y’shua then enters Jerusalem and onwards into the temple, looks things over, and retires for the night before returning the next day to drive out the money-changers and all those who dishonor Elohim in abuse of holy ground. In the gospels of Matthew and Luke, Y’shua drives out the money-changers immediately after entering the city leading a triumphant procession.

In Luke’s account, there is one other distinct difference from the other three gospels. As Y’shua enters Jerusalem, He pauses and weeps for the fate of the city. The gospel of John places the entry into Jerusalem at the very beginning of Y’shua’s ministry rather than at the end. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Y’shua enters into Jerusalem only once, towards the end of His earthly ministry. However, John’s recount Y’shua goes to Jerusalem many times and enacts his "symbolic destruction" of the temple the very first time.

We refer to His act a "symbolic destruction" of the temple, as it is an attack on the temple itself. It is not merely a cleansing of the temple from corruption. Based on Hebrew law, the money-changers are not doing anything improper. It was not that they are not necessarily cheating the people, in fact, by selling animals without blemish for sacrifice and changing foreign money into shekels, the coinage of the times, the stock was helping the Hebrews to remain in concert with the commandments of Elohim.

In all three synoptic gospels report that after Y’shua enters the Temple He quotes from the prophets: "Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD." (Book of Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:11) Isaiah’s text does not involve criticism of animal sacrifice in the temple. Chapter 56 begins, "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed......" (Isaiah 56:1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The prophet proclaims that all those who keep the Sabbath and the will of Elohim, including "foreigners who give their allegiance" to G-d and keep the covenant will be received in the temple. "Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.." (Book of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 56:6-7).

The prophecy of Jeremiah, however, is judging worship within the temple due to the hypocrisy it represents when the leaders and the people do not do the justice that the LORD requires.

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour;

If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?

[continuing] Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD. The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these.

"For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? 7:11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.” – {Book of Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 7:1-11)

The gospels tell us Y’shua enters the temple and quotes Isaiah and Jeremiah, as he destroys the dfay to day operations of the temple by casting out the money-changes. The gospels portray Y’shua as invoking the ancient prophetic attack against worship as a substitute for justice and compassion. He is not attacking the worship of the Israelites in order to promote ‘a new coming faith; He is attacking religious hypocrisy and raising the awareness and truth of proper devotion to Elohim.

The recalling of Y’shua cursing a fig tree may make this clearer. Y’shua seeks figs on a tree that only has leaves, and curses it when He doesn’t find fruit. The text notes that "it was not the season for figs," but that makes it a bit weird for Y’shua to have become angry. When Peter remarks that the fig tree cursed by Y’shua has withered, Y’shua responds: "Have faith in G-d." (Book of Marcos/Mark 11:22)

Y’shua then urges the disciples to trust in Elohim and assures them that in unwavering trust this tree will bear fruit. "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Book of Marcos/Mark 11:24) The imagery declares that if they do not bear fruit, then they will wither as the tree withered. Moreover, Y’shua instructs their prayers for forgiveness will not be answered, unless they forgive others. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Book of Marcos/Mark 11:25) Even as temple worship is no substitute for justice, so prayers for forgiveness will shall fail without forgiveness in our own hearts.

Palm Sunday is a triumphant celebration in the life of the Faithful. We should not celebrate a triumph of ‘Christian’ worship over ‘Jewish worship’, or the triumph of the New Continuing Covenant Testament over the existing Covenant. We are tempted to read this meaning into the accounts of Palm Sunday, most especially though John’s gospel as it refers to the adversaries of Y’shua as "the Jews," illustrating thusly that even the prophets of Elohim in divine guidance may yet miss the mark.

Woefully, that Christians have fashioned the cross into a sword to use against the Jews is so far from the reaches of the grace of Elohim; Christians have believed that the triumph of Y’shua was over the Jews who rejected his message, rather than the redemption of the wages of sin for all mankind. In great sadness before Elohim, Easter Week got centuries has been a time when Jews remained in doors in order to avoid being persecuted by celebrating Christians. In the great loving grace of Elohim, hearts and minds have been hanged to see the TRUTH!

Today, the loving merciful one who drove the money-changers out of the temple, quoting the prophets who condemned the hypocrisy of religious worship without justice and compassion, would drive the Christian priests and their people out of the churches, were he to come and find Christians celebrating a misunderstood the miracle of redemption granted by our heavenly Father as their triumph over Jews. Palm Sunday is a celebration of the triumph of Elohim in Christ, not of a triumph of Christians.

As always, in our worship we begin with our confession of sin and then receive the good news that we are forgiven by the love of Elohim in Y’shua Ha’Mashiach (Jesus, our Messiah). This is the true triumph we celebrate on Palm Sunday. We humbly rejoice in this season of freedom. Freedom of the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt and the freedom available to all mankind in the escape of the wages of sin in the redemption granted through the sacrifice of our Lord and Redeemer, Y’shua… we rejoice and sing His praises knowing if we have faith in Elohim, live justly, and forgive those who have wronged us, then we too shall be forgiven in our daily dedication of living our life upon the path of our Lord. Amen.

Walk in Faith, go in Grace and know that YOU are loved,
Pastor Mark

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HOLY WEEK MONDAY:

 

Following His joyous entry through the Jerusalem Gate, where the crowd was so loud in jubilant celebration, they could have wakened the dead. The following day, Y’shua did just that!
Drawing upon the gospel of John, ‘Guess who’s coming to dinner?’ {Book of Yochanan/John 11}

In the course of His journey, with a mere six days until Pesach (Passover)which celebrates the freedom of bondage of the Israelites beneath the yoke of the Pharaoh, Y’shua arrives at Bethany as a guest at the home of Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead, where Y’shua would visit for two days. There they held a dinner with Y’shua s the honored guest. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with Y’shua. Mary took a handful measure of perfume of great worth and made of pure nard (derived from the roots of the herb nardostachys jatamansi also known as musk root), and proceeded to anointed Y’shua’s feet, and wiped them with her hair. The aroma of the perfume filled the entire home.

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However, Judas Iscariot, one of Y’shua’s disciples (also the one who was about to betray our Lord, said, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” (Book of Yochanan/John 12:5-6} (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the band of disciples’ common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Y’shua quieted Judas in saying, “Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.” When the great throngs of Bethany learned that Y’shua was among them, they came not only to see Y’shua, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead as well. The High Priests of the Temple, as all Levitical Priests were of Aaronic descendants (Tribe of Levy), believing Y’shua was but another false prophet. The Priests were planning to kill Lazarus as it was due to Him many of the Temple faithful turned away from the Priests and Temple and followed Y’shua as the foretold Mashiach (Messiah).

“Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” Regardless of Judas’ motives or what he would have done with the money, he asks a reasonable question. The cost of the fragrance alone was worth a year’s wages to the common man. How many people could that money have helped… hungry people, sick people, and homeless people? To pour it all out at one time on one person was beyond comprehension. It is neither practical nor efficient, but all together seemingly wasteful. However, love never is. Mary seems to know that practicalities and efficiency are perhaps the two greatest threats to love. They will, as Judas will prove, always betray the relationship. So in the gospel, according to Luke, Mary sits at the feet of Y’shua listening, while Martha distracts herself with many tasks. We gleam from this gospel of John, Mary fragrances the life and impending death of Y’shua Ha’ Mashiach (Jesus, our Messiah), with this Nard, an expensive fragrance derived from the roots of the herb nardostachys jatamansi. It is not just perfume, however. It is the entirety of her life, all that she is and all that she has. Nothing is held back. Mary loves while Judas calculates.

Somehow, I can’t help but wonder how my own need for, and attraction to, practicalities and efficiency have diminished and perhaps even betrayed love. Frequently I have wondered if I in the past have ‘calculated’ rather than loved. Mary is the picture of extravagance, free spending and seemingly, unreasonable love. Mary’s love foreshadows, prophesies and encompasses Y’shua’s love. She anoints the feet of the one who will wash the feet of His disciples. Mary pours herself out on the one who will pour Himself out on the world. Y’shua  Ben Elohim (the son of G-d) and the Son of man in total, Y’shua’s love will cost All He Has and All He is, to become all His Father, Elohim has called for. He holds nothing in reserve in His death, nor in life after His Resurrection. Best take away…  Earthly wealth is worthless in the comparison of the love of Elohim, which is priceless.

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HOLY TUESDAY: Cleansing of the Temple Court

 

Y’shua Ha’Mashiach (Jesus, our Messiah) had been to the temple many times as a boy and as a young man, but now he comes as Messiah. And what has bothered him on his previous visits, he is determined to change. The sacrificial animals and money-changing tables were located in the Court of the Gentiles within the temple grounds. So the place designated for believing Gentiles to pray and worship was cluttered with the clink of coins, the braying of animals, and the sounds of commerce -- hardly a place of peace wherein to seek the Lord.

 

Y’shua was furious! The sacrificial animals and money-changing tables were located in the Court of the Gentiles within the temple grounds. So the place designated for believing Gentiles to pray and worship was cluttered with the clink of coins, the braying of animals, and the sounds of commerce -- hardly a place of peace wherein to seek the Lord. “And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” – {Book of Yochanan/John 2:13-17}

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Y’shua was angered, not that pilgrims needed to purchase sacrificial animals… cattle, sheep, goats, doves/pigeons, etc.  but that Elohim’s house had become perverted from its truest function as a house of worship, and turned into something resembling a market, at which everyone brought their produce, set up stalls, and crowds came to do their shopping. So is anger okay? Some anger is appropriate. There are times when the lack of anger at a great injustice shows disengagement with reality. It's not anger that is the evil, but what that anger causes us to do that is unrighteous. We must control our anger so that our actions are appropriate and honor our Father.

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For the Son of God to return his Father's House to its rightful state was entirely appropriate. This is the first instance in John's Gospel where Jesus uses this term, "Father." After this, we see it often in this Gospel. The Jewish leaders were highly offended by this because it seemed too intimate, not formal and distant enough. To them it seemed like heresy… and it would have been if it weren't true.

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Y’shua employs the phrase "in my Father's house" of the temple here and on the occasion when he is found in the temple as a boy (Book of Lukos/Luke 2:49). Later, he uses "in my Father's house" of heavenly dwellings (Book of Lukos/Luke 14:2). Here the phrase is used almost as one's ancestral home. While John's Gospel places the cleansing of the temple at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the Synoptics (The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke ) place it during the last week of his ministry, the precipitating event that caused the Jewish rulers to arrest him. However, in Matthew’s account, “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” – {Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 21:12-13}

 

We are reminded our very bodies are temples and testaments to our Lord. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” – {Book of Qorinti’im 1/1 Corinthians 6:19-20} Let us, as did Y’shua, cleans our temples of all that is not in service of Elohim and of our neighbor. In the removal of all which defiles us before Elohim, including managing our thought processes, reactions and general behavior all to glorify Y’shua in celebration of our blessed redemption. Would  Y’shua feel ‘at home’ within Your temple?

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HOLY WEDNESDAY: IN THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

On Wednesday of holy week, the only thing of note really is a Betrayer would scheme with the Roman Soldiers to receive 30 pieces of silver in exchange for arrange the time and place of what would be Y’shua’s arrest in the Garden. Although it is not made clear why Judas betrayed Y’shua, Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve Disciples, all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Y’shua to be Elohim. He even may not have been convinced that revelation of the Hebrew Messiah was actually Y’shua (as Judas understood it). Judas not only lacked faith in Y’shua, but he also had little or no personal relationship with Y’shua. Unlike the other disciples which called Y’shua “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Y’shua and instead addressed Him as “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Y’shua as nothing more than a teacher.

 

On Holy Tuesday we learned Ha’ Mashiach, Y’shua (our Messiah) was in the village of Bethany, where was a guest in the house of Simon the Pharisee (a member of the separatist group of scribes and sages, who most considered irreligious Jews). The village of Bethany lies east of the Mount of Olives, on the far side of the mountain from Jerusalem. A woman stood before Y’shua and in her hands was an exquisite box made of alabaster which contained within was a very precious fragrant oil or healing balm. This woman, known only as Mary, would open the alabaster box and pour its full contents over the head of Y’shua as he sat at the table to break bread. Mary would then sit on the floor alongside Y’shua and massage the nard into His feet using her long, flowing hair. This nard came at great expense and most usually used for anointing.

“For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.” – {Book of Marcos/Mark 14:5} To present an idea of the great value of the contents of the alabaster box, the treasured ointment was worth more than 300 pence, i.e., Denarii, or over $375.00 of U.S. money in today’s value, so, as you see, it was pricey in the Times of the Great Temple indeed! When the disciples saw this woman pouring the ointment over the head of Jesus they were indignant thinking it was a waste.

 

This ointment could have been sold for a great fortune and the proceeds given to the poor. When Y’shua (Jesus) understood it, He said unto them, why do you trouble this woman? She has done a good work upon me. You will have the poor always with you; but me you have not always. Y’shua continued “For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoevers this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” - (Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 26:12-13).

One of the twelve disciples who traveled with Y’shua, his name, Judas Iscariot, it was he who had wished to keep the money from the sale of the nard to himself and was daunted by Mary’s actions. While there remains great debate on the day of the crucifixion, as most would say it was on a Sunday, but that couldn’t be possible according to scripture; according to the Gospels of Matthew, “Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” – {Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 12:38-40} This would mean the body Ha’ Mashiach (our Messiah) would lay dead in His tomb for three full days and three nights, (rising on the fourth day) which would make it impossible for Him to be crucified on Friday rather than Wednesday for a Sunday resurrection.

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The Gospel of Mark would seem to confirm this; “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”- {Book of Marcos/Mark 8:31} and again in Matthew; “Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.” – {Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 27:-62-64} 

The crucifixion's proximity to the Sabbath day has also factored into the theory. Mark 15:42 indicates that Y’shua was crucified on "Preparation Day (that is, the day before Sabbath, or Friday)." Since the Sabbath occurs on Saturday, it was presumed that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. Though traditionalists follow that this ignores the Jewish idiom by which a "day and night" may refer to any part of a 24-hour period, that the expression in Matthew is idiomatic, not a statement that Y’shua was entombed 72 hours, that the many references to a resurrection on the third day do not require three literal nights. If we understand His journey to the cross, then the sacrifice He has done for us becomes more than words told by our parents or words from a book. It is a living breathing event that touches you in the midst of your very soul.

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MAUNDY THURSDAY; CELEBRATION OF GIFTS

Arriving upon Holy Thursday, we look upon our reflection during this wondrous week as the weight of faith is measured to extent through our actions from this time last year to now and we in hope view great growth in Y’shua. Have your words and works come even the beam? Are we truly approaching  this Easter weekend with a heart of love and joy all the while maintaining an unburdened conscious? Do we glean a noticeable difference in faith through our actions and do our actions reflect a loving heart in harmony with our gracious and most merciful Y’shua? If we must honestly answer no, then what, if any, thoughts have you towards a clear reconciliation between you and Ha’Mashiach’s (our Messiah’s) blessed covenant with us? The most mindful during this great time of reflection have seized upon the opportunity in reflection upon our own measured of balance of faith.

It is in this portion of Holy Week we grow greatly aware and sensitive to the Elect, our leaders within our community, within our City, State, within our Nation and around the world. Those who we have elected to lead us, this is the timing of their accountability to be measured up to the great trust granted them to  with all the truth and honor being the trusted must be held to, it is a high and noble standard indeed. Those people who have been elevated to the position of the Elect in the trust of the people, they too must be measured up against the deep trust placed in the. Could they with assured confidence be called The Faithful Leaders?

 

Are those we hold up as Elohim’s elect, able to state they are undeniably role models of faith in word and deed to all with which they are charged? We have welcomed our spiritual leaders, honored them, blessed them, anointed them, and cared for them as our own; we have looked up to them for guidance when we get lost, for comfort in our mourning and for peace in times of trial and distress. How have those elect you turn to held to their vows of the clergy before Elohei Mishpat (The G-d of Justice)? Throughout the year, our care for them helps us understand who we are, in the same manner an ardent teacher learns more about a subject the deeper they dive.

We keep mindful of our children, whom we are continually prepare and encourage in the life of our faith within the family structure of the Body of our Church and within the family of our community. This Holy Thursday, in the sacrament of observance holds the Elect in mind as well as our children, holding them to account in honesty, integrity, faith and life; the learned and the learning. This evening in many Houses of Worship, the faithful shall act out the meaning of the sacrament, the importance and the meaning of our salvation, and the meaning as well as the means of our discipleship among all we encounter. This Holy Thursday is of the greatest consequence that those mature in faith enter into this experience as a member of a community that desires to show to our newest and youngest members, who we are and who we desire to be.

 

Let us begin to enlighten the young in faith first with the recalling of Y’shua’s last meal, The Passover Seder…. The Exodus account of the Passover tradition reminds us of the mass exit of the Israelites, their liberation of slavery in Egypt (approximately 1406 B.C.E.) and not in 1225 B.C.E. as quite commonly thought. On a stone stele that scholars have named the Merenptah Stele (ca. 1208 BC), details a conquest of the lands of Libya and Canaan. On it is mentions that Israel was an already-established nation in the land of Canaan by the time Ramses had become Pharaoh, and he brags about defeating them in a great battle. It is nearly impossible that the Israelites would have left Egypt as slaves in 1290-1225, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, and entered Canaan to become a people so established in the land (with a stable government and a powerful military) that by 1208 BCE, that a great pharaoh would brag about defeating them. The Israelites were enslaved, bound beneath the foot of the Pharaoh Amenhotep II in the third year of his reign, and the traditional religious ceremonies of the Pesach (Passover) meal that commemorates it.

Let us recall only after the tenth and final Plague brought upon the of Egypt, did the Pharaoh resign to the release of the Israelites from bondage: "And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also." – {Book of Shemot/Exodus 12:29-32}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.” – {Book of Shemot/Exodus 12:14} Throughout Holy week, we have rediscovered a desire for greater freedom, and a deeper liberation from the patterns that keep us from being free, not least of which is our slavery to our temptations and the transgressions against our sacred covenant with Y’shua. We come upon both the celebration of the exodus and the precious gift of selfless sacrifice of Y’shua Ha’ Mashiach (Jesus, our Messiah) to die upon that ruggedly hewn cross to take upon Himself the sins of the world that we may yet have eternal life and forgiveness of our transgressions…. culminating on that glorious day of Ha’ Mashiach’s resurrection with endless desire to live joyously in His kingdom Come.

 

This is the time of the bonding of the faithful to recommitment to living in covenant, just as Elohim held to His commitment of the covenant and firmed the bond of heaven and of earth in the gift of His son Ben Elohim (son of G-d). Elohim Himself combined the heavens and earth in the arrival of Y’shua, just as the sages and prophets of scripture foretold. This week is a week commemorating rebirth. Rebirth in the faith of Elohim’s covenant with the faithful and the rebirth of our of innocence through the forgiveness of our transgressions in Y’shua who freely understood the pain and wages of sin He was about to endure when in the garden… that Y’shua would ‘SAVE” us from the wages of sin through His crucifixion and that He would provide us the encouragement of rebirth in His miraculous resurrection.

 

“How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me?” – {Book of Tehillim/Psalm 116 :12} The word, “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” In the celebration of Pesach (Passover meal) Seder, we join around the table in celebration, we reflect on all the reasons we have to be grateful, but most importantly, to rejoice over the “The Exodus” and the 40 year journey to the land of promise, a Nation for the Israelites, Elohim’s (G-d’s) chosen people. It is also the remembering of The Spirit of Y’shua who uses the gift of gratitude to gather us for Eucharist. The apostle Paul tells us the simple and profound words of Y’shua, “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Let us note here Paul himself was not witness to these words, not the last supper, but rather faithfully recalled the words of Ha’ Mashiach (our Messiah) from scripture). The gift and the mandate given is recalled by Paul in repetition of our Lord’s own words, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” – {Qorinti’im/1 Corinthians 11:26} Our celebration this Holy Thursday displays how we are to proclaim the meaning of the Lord's gift to us.

John's gospel is a puzzle and a revelation. The account of the Last Supper in this gospel does not include the narrative Paul gives us, as do the accounts in Mark, Matthew and Luke. In this account of the Last Supper, Y’shua does not take bread and wine, say the prayer of thanksgiving, break the bread and share the cup, with the words, “This is my body; this is my blood; do this in memory of me.” In this narrative of the institution of the Eucharist, Y’shua washes his disciples' feet. With this ritual Y’shua shows us how He gives us His body and allows His blood to be poured out for us. By His action, Ben Elohim (The son of G-d) days, “here I am as servant for you, do this in memory of me.” This recount is more in keeping with Jewish Tradition. Y’shua, born and a man of the Jewish Faith, who never have made reference to the ‘drinking of blood’ as it is forbidden by Levitical Law (Leviticus 7:26-27; 17:10-14).

 

Most Messianic-Jews take great note of this ‘version’ of the Eucharist. In the ritual we experience from scripture on Holy Thursday, Y’shua washes our feet.  Twelve representatives (Apostles) of our community have their feet washed, but each of us is having our feet washed ceremonialy. Each of us needs to feel the resistance of Peter. We must permit Y’shua to wash our feet, let Y’shua give Himself to us, allow Him be our servant. One of the greatest preparations is to taste my resistance, my independence, my rationalizing which almost convinces me that I don't need washing, cleansing, healing or saving. Perhaps I need to name that part of my life, that part of myself; I want to surrender to the Lord to be embraced and loved, cleansed and healed. Perhaps this morning, while standing in the shower beneath the cleaning flow of water we may experience the Lord's love pour over us. Or, if water is not so plentiful, we may wash our faces slowly and gratefully. Preparation is a matter of opening our hearts to the gifts we will ritualize on this Holy Day.

Walk steeled in Faith, journey forward in His grace and know that YOU are loved,

Pastor-Mark

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Good Friday Message: נגמר זה {Ze nagamr} IT IS FINDISHED!

 

The greatest story ever told: Elohei Kedem (The eternal G-d) has brought His plan to fruition; He sought to turn humankind back towards Him through the gift and sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Y’shua  Ha’ Mashiach (our Messiah) was now completed. Y’shua was able to proclaim loudly through the glory and strength of His Father as He remained nailed to that ruggedly hewn cross: ….It is finished! It is the proclamation of one who is victorious; it was certainly not the final cry of a defeated, weakened and dying man. Y’shua instructed His disciples;

 

“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” - {Book of Yochanan/John 10:17-18} The manner in which Y’shua had committed His spirit into the hands of our Father and embraced His fate, is a guarantee that He had accomplished everything that was required by Elohim Avinu (G-d the Father).

His gift and sacrifice of love was accepted by Elohim Avinu and Y’shua was able to depart in a victorious peace, comforted in the firm assurance of His resurrection on the third day according to His own words. Y’shua Ha’ Mashiach (Jesus, our Messiah) had fulfilled the prophecies. The High Priests of the Temple took stock of everything that happened to Y’shua on that ordained faithful Friday was according to the Prophecies of the Torah. Even some minute details that seemingly held little or no importance for us were fulfilled.

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The record continues to illustrates that Y’shua was put to death not only by the envy of the High Priest and the Jewish leaders, but this was the ordained plan of Elohim’s (G-d)…. to sacrifice the Lamb of Elohim (Ben Elohim; son of G-d) who takes away the sins of the world‖. As the soldiers divided Jesus' clothes among themselves, Y’shua yet speaks to the Father; “I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.” – {Book of Tehillim/Psalm 22:17-22}

Psalm 22 can be seen as the song of the suffering Mashiach and we read it this morning as Introit. When Y’shua cried out to the Father: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” He was uttering the first words of that same Psalm: ….My G-d, my G-d, why hast thou forsaken me? – {Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 27:46} As to those gathered witnessing the horrific sight of the beaten and crucified Y’shua…. “Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;” –  (Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 17:46}

 

Yet again, scripture describes the situation of the dying Messiah with the words, in the same manner we find reference to this dreadful moment “My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.  For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.  Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.” – (Book of Tehillim/ Psalm 22:15-21}

Even after Y’shua's death, when the soldier pierced The side rib of Y’shua and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Y’shua so that they would die faster, Y’shua didn't have any of His bones broken. This was according to Elohim’s law regarding the Paschal Lamb: ― ”In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.” – {Book of Shemot/Exodus 12:46}; “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” – {Book of Tehillim/Psalm 22:16}

 

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” – {Trei Assar (Twelve Prophets)/Book of Zechariah 12:10} Elohim’s plan to bring His people back to him and therefore their unshakable faith was accomplished, though not only these very visual and demonstrative signs were fulfilled, but the most important in HaShem’s {G-d's) plan had come to its finish: only the final wakeup call to the faithful and disbeliever’s alike was to come.

 

There is now available to all the redemption of transgressions for all who would come to seek out Ha’ Mashiach (our Messiah) and claim Him as their own personal Rock and Redeemer which then secures their place is HaShem’s kingdom to come. Salvation and freedom from the weight and repayment of sin are at hand. Transgression forgiven for the price of inviting Y’shua into our hearts and faithfully walk His prescribed path.

The gift to be fruitful and multiply had been promised to Eve in the long lost paradise, has remained a hope that would come to restore communion between Elohim and His people; The promised seed is non-other than the son of Miriam (Mary), Y’shua of Nazareth born in Beit Lechem (Bethlehem) which means “house of bread” proving further Y’shua is the bread of life. Even dying on the cross, Yshua showed concerns of His mother and committed her to the apostle Yochanan (John), His good friend and disciple in whose care He entrusted His beloved mother. The sacrificial lamb (or the scapegoat), if you are indeed a Believer of steeled faith, there is no quandary to be found here. Within the covenant with Moses, the foretold prophecies of the coming Mashiach (Messiah) would come to be completed in Y’shua,

 

“….Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – {Book of Yohanan/John 1:29} The Prophet Isaiah had spoken about the sacrifice of Mashiach on our behalf 700 years prior to it having come to pass:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” - {Book of Yeshayahu/Isaiah 53:4-11}

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Y’shua died for one and all that would believe in Him as the victor and had completed what He had been sent by Elohim to do. Everything was done…. It is finished! It was an ending of the faint of faith and the beginning of an even more gracious level and deeper understanding of Elohei Avarham (The G-d of Abraham) for His people, His Chosen, Israelites and Gentiles alike. Y’shua righteously cried from the cross a declaration of victory”

 

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (Book of Petros I/1 Peter 3:18). Nothing more is necessary to reconcile Elohim Mishpat (The G-d of Justice) with humankind, and nothing more need be done, as some people insist to work on their own salvation, in attempts to please Elohim. It is an offense to the very sacrifice of Y’shua when someone tries to add some personal sacrifice to that sacrifice of Ha’ Mashiach (our Messiah) in futile attempts to achieve their own salvation; Y’shua is the declarative path to redemption. When someone attempts to do this, it illustrates a failing total trust in Y’shua, and rather fails by leaning solely upon their own understanding rather than upon Y’shua completely.

Faith holds its foundation within the soul and not in our deeds! Either we in faith believe in Y’shua completely and beyond any doubt, or we completely fail to believe in Him and the gravity of His sacrifice has completely escaped us. At the time the jailor in Philippi asked the apostles, “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” – ( Book of Ma’asey/Acts 16:30} He couldn't do anything but believe.

 

Forgiveness and salvation is a matter of faith in Y’shua, who proclaimed in a loud and strong voice: …. It is finished! In this faith, and only in this faith, we are granted redemption of all our transgressions to live a new life with the resurrected Ha’ Mashiach (our Messiah) according to HaShem’s will. We were therefore buried with Him through the water of baptism into death in order that, just as Y’shua was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too are raised from the death of our former nature and born again anew as a loved and favored child of HaShem.; “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” - {Book of Romi’im/Romans 6:4}

 

Salvation in our redemption is a gift from Elohim, totally free and finished. Elohim grants redemption to us by grace and we accept His adorned grace by faith! This is the full stop to a long quarrel between men and Elohim.  Saul (Paul) wrote to the Corinthians; “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”  –  {Qorinti’im II/2 Corinthians 5:18-19} As we remember all the cruelty given to and the sufferings of Y’shua and as we continue to witness the free flow of evil in our world today, let us each individually take heed in our very soul His willing sacrifice had been for us, you, me, all of mankind!

It is finished…. Elohim Avinu (G-d the Father) invites us: Come, for everything is now ready. Amen, and again, Amen!

Rejoice of your birthright, let us permit heaven and earth rejoice and celebrate in our Lord’s great peace,

Pastor Mark

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HOLY SATURDAY: THE SOULFUL SABBATH OF MOURNING

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Good Morning and Shabbat Shalom to all! Holy Saturday has become merely another Sabbath day to many, that is to say, without much thought by many, this is the day commonly thought of as the wait between the day of suffrage and the day of resurrection of Y’shua Ha’ Meshach’s (Jesus, our Messiah).

 

Y’shua decidedly has given sacrifice upon that ruggedly hewn cross that we may have emancipation from our transgressions before Elohim (G-d). We praise and honor His sacrifice along with the promise of eternal life as His words of resurrection come to fruition; “And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.”- {Matthew 20:17-19}

 

 Across the ages by many traditions, Holy Saturday has been known by other names as well; Black Saturday, Joyous Saturday, and even Saturday of Light. It is the last day of the Holy Week prior to the. Today, as with all Sabbaths, is a day of reflection and prayer, though unlike all other Sabbaths, we put forth great and joyous praise before Elohim, Y’shua and The Holy Spirit on this Sabbath of mourning and of sorrow. Yet, for those of us steeled faith before Ha’ Mashiach, our sorrow is tempered by knowledge of the discovery of Y’shua’s empty tomb Resurrection Morning.

 

On this day, we seek inwardly with a deep reflection of the sacrifice of the Lamb of Elohim and Y’shua within the haltered and vileness of man who would so easily turn upon one another, let alone that many would deny Ben Elohim (the Son of G-d). Holy Saturday is observed beginning with the sunset of the day and lasts through sunrise Sunday morning, the day of glory when in Elohim’s great love, Ben Elohim was Resurrected…. drawn up from death and reborn into the eternal light and love of Elohei Chasdi (The G-d of my kindness).  It is during Holy Saturday where we reflect on the anticipated Resurrection, mediate on Y’shua’s passion, crucifixion, and death, as well as His promised return, during which time the Kingdom of Heaven shall be established here on Earth.  For some, Holy Saturday is frequently a time of deep reflective prayer and fasting.

 

Holy Saturday Gospel Reading: Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 27:57-65

 

“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.  Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, after three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.”

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Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves before on the anniversary of the dark and mournful day which remains within our souls. Outside the sun may be shining, people may be going about their business; but we cannot forget the death our Master, how He cried from that rugged tree, his last words "It is finished" and "Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit." No amount of noise, color or distraction can erase the darkness. He is not here. He is not sitting with us, walking with us, comforting with us. We are alone. And we wait. For what we are not sure.....for some sign of hope, some sign of life, some miracle that will mend our brokenness and bind up out wounded spirits. He is not here. And we are frightened. We could count on Him being present. What are we to do in this world without Y’shua Ha’ Mashiach (Jesus, our Messiah). Our souls are completely bereft. Hear our petitions Elohim Kedem (the Eternal G-d), where are you? Where is the hope? Come to us. Come, now......please. He is not here; and we wait; world without end.

Amen.

 

Go forward on this Day of reflection and of hope. Be the light of Ha’ Mashiach on this day of darkness and show the world the Hope of Y’shua. Love one another in the hope and promises of our everlasting Rock and Redeemer, Y’shua,

 

Pastor Mark

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“SUNDAY OF HOPE: “HE IS RISEN, THAT WE TOO MAY RISE”

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Following the amazing miracle of the discovered vacant tomb, our Resurrected Y’shua reveals Himself to before the people. Y’shua would walk in love in this extension of His earth in Ministry forty days following the discovery of His vacant tomb. There would be more than five hundred eye witnesses who would attest to the glorious presence of Y’shua prior to His ascension. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John offer to us dull and rich understanding of Y’shua three plus year earthly Ministry; lessons to grow in humanity, teachings for adherence to our Heavenly Father’s commands, all the while inspiring the masses and leading them away from the degradations and multitudes of affronts before Elohim (G-d). Let us peer behind the sacred veil as we glean highlights of our precious and loving Y’shua during the days leading to His ascension to sit at the right hand of Elohim, the Father…

                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We recall the words of Y’shua to His disciples upon the mount at Galilee: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. – {Book of Mattiyahu/Matthew 28:18-20)

 

After Y’shua had revealed Himself to the eleven sitting at the table, after comforting their fears and assuring them it was indeed He Himself, Y’shua would put forth His instruction to them…

 

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” – {Book of Marcos/Mark 16:15-18}

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As Mary Magdalene sat along, the last mourner to weep at the opening of the sepulcher, pining for her vanished Lord, Y’shua reveals Himself to her in comfort… “And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” – {Book of Yochanan/John 20:13-17}

 

In the dank evening air Y’shua, present among His disciples assembled who have the doors closed for fear the Jews. Y’shua appears and shows them His hands which have been pierced. "… Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” – {Book of Yochanan/John 20:20-21}

 

The disciple Thomas, the skeptic, had yet to see the resurrected Mashiach (Messiah) with his own eyes.. He was among the other disciples in the closed off room when Y’shua appeared before them. Thomas, taken aback and yet in disbelief could not believe his eyes! Y’shua, in His compassion and understanding instructs doubting Thomas; “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. “  –  {Book of Yochanan/John 20:27-29}

 

We recall when Y’shua had appeared before His disciples at the Sea of Tiberius. Simon Peter, Didymus, Nathanael and others had fished the entire night through without so much as a single catch and the following morning Y’shua would come upon them and say…  “Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” – {John 21:5-6)

 

And we remember always that after landing upon the shoreline, dragging the nets filled with their ample catch behind them, came upon campfire with fish and bread upon the coals of the fire; Y’shua addresses Peter (Simon)… “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. the disciples breakfast, Jesus speaks to Peter and to all the disciples. – {Book of Yochanan/John 21 21:18}

 

 Y’shua appears to his disciples and they were terrified because they thought they'd seen a spirit. Y’shua then speaks to them. "And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” - {Book of Lukos/Luke 24:38-39}

 

Here, now we truly understand that Ha’Mashiach (our Messiah) was raised in the flesh by example of His hunger. Accepting the belief of their eyes, Y’shua asks the disciples for food and they give him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. After Y’shua had eaten, He said unto them present…

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”- {Book of Lukos/Luke 24:44-49}

 

It is in these scriptures we may discern the loving, altruistic and benevolent immutable nature of our Rock and Redeemer. That Elohim Himself would come to us in the flesh in Ben Elohim (the Son of G-d), Y’shua Ha’Mashiach (Jesus, our Messiah) to remove all doubt of His love, omnipotence, power and glory to offer us a path to redemption from the sinful nature of ourselves that we may find forgiveness and everlasting life in His love and glory, raise our voices in praises to a final Halleluiah!

 

On this very special day of hope and promise, walk boldly in Faith, going in His grace, knowing that YOU are loved.

Pastor Mark