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Temple Shalom Yisrael Messianic Congregation
"For He (Yeshua) Himself is our Shalom..." Ephesians 2:14 |
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"I will bless those who bless you..." B'resheet (Genesis) 12:3
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MARCH 2009
Our G-d is worthy of our
praise and worship.
“In everything give thanks for this is what G-d wants from
you who are united with the Messiah Yeshua.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We asked some of the members of
Question - What is worship? Barbara Glauberg – Worship is offering your heart “from the inside out” to glorify God. Steve Poncher – Worship is pretty much everything. You can’t do anything without worship. Gordon Helle - Worship is what we have to offer at the time. If we only have a little bit to offer, that’s all G-d expects. As long as we worship in honest of where we are, G-d is pleased. But if we have something to give, we should give it with everything we have. Every week, we give only what we have, but we give it all.
Question – How can believers learn to
worship in a way that is pleasing to G-d? Gordon Helle – Worship is not about songs or music or tunes, it’s about people. If we have issues with our brother or sister in Christ and pretend everything is hunky-dory, then we’re just liars who are offering bad fruit up to G-d. It’s hard to worship a G-d we can’t see when we can’t get along with our brother or sister who we can see. It’s only from a heart that strives to live in unity that true praise can rise. You didn’t learn to walk over night. You didn’t learn to drive in 2 minutes. You didn’t learn how to master your job in the first week. Please don’t feel you need to be perfect. No one’s perfect. What you say doesn’t matter near as much as how you say it and that goes ten times over again for worship and what we sing. G-d sees into our hearts and can tell way more than the songs we sing.
Question - What do you feel your
responsibility is as a member of the worship team? Steve Poncher –You can’t lead worship without worshiping the L-rd yourself. Then, you lead people into worship, together in the same place. Barbara Glauberg – Although we (the members of the worship team) are up there “performing” it is really not a performance. It’s being able to step outside yourself and give your all to G-d. Taking your heart and offering to Him on the altar. Pouring out of your self to G-d with humility and not being arrogant. That’s what I want for everybody else, to worship and feel that way.
Question – What is gained by believers
who worship G-d? Barbara Glauberg - When we worship, G-d is raining blessings down on us.
Our
Father in heaven . . . Many people’s image of a father is a man who loves his children, protects them, and provides for their needs. In the L-rd’s prayer [in Matthew 6:9-13], Yeshua taught His disciples to pray to G-d as their Father. Other Bible verses support this relationship of us as children of our Heavenly Father.
“Don’t we
all have the same Father?” Didn’t one G-d create us all?
…”
[Malachi 2:10]
“(There
is) one G-d, the Father of all who rules over all, works
through all and is in all.”
[Ephesians 4:6] Our heavenly Father provides for all of our needs and accepts our loving obedience to our Father’s commands.
A command to show love for G-d’s children
“Everyone
who believers that Yeshua is the Messiah has G-d as his
Father and everyone who loves a father loves His offspring too.” 1 John 5:1 Once we have received Yeshua as our Savior and L-rd, G-d calls upon us to help our spiritual brothers and sisters seek G-d to meet their needs. If they grow discouraged, we can share Bible verses with our brothers and sisters that tell how G-d promised to be with His children and meet our needs. We can also pray with them, and for them. until G-d’s answer to their needs can be seen. One person (however strong his faith originally) can grow weak. When we stand together, united with G-d, nothing can defeat us. In John 17:20-21, Yeshua
asked G-d,
“I pray
not only for these, but also for those who will trust in me
because
of their word, that they may all be one. Just as you,
Father, are united with me, and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.”
FEBRUARY 2009
Question - How important is prayer? Question – Why should you be part of a group of believers who regularly seek G-d in prayer? Question - How often should believers pray together? Question - What do you gain from praying with other believers?
**During the “Appointment With G-d” meeting, we especially seek for each person to come closer to G-d and so that He can move in our individual lives.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD “Now have come G-d’s victory, power and kingship and the authority of His
Messiah Yeshua is the Messiah… Soon after Yeshua was immersed in water, Yeshua’s role as the Messiah who would bring victory against G-d’s enemy was revealed. [In John 1:35-40] John was standing with two of his disciples when they saw Yeshua walk by. John cried out, “Look! G-d’s Lamb!” and John’s disciples left to follow Yeshua. One of the disciples was Andrew, who went and told his brother Simon Peter, “We have found the Messiah! [Later, in John 4:5-26] At Jacob’s well in Shomron, Yeshua asked a woman for a drink of water. Yeshua told her, “If you knew G-d’s gift, that is, who it is saying to you, `Give me a drink of water,’ then you would have asked Him for living water.”… The woman said, “I know the Mashiach (Messiah) is coming. When He comes, He will tell us everything.” Yeshua said to her, “I am He.” … yet Yeshua did not always admit it. [John 10:22-25] During Hanukkah, Yeshua was in Solomon’s Colonnade in the
Temple in Jerusalem. Some Judeans asked Yeshua, “How much
longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the
Messiah, tell us publicly!” Yeshua answered them, “I have
already told you and you don’t trust me. The works I do in
my Father’s name testify on my behalf” Yeshua knows our reasons for asking if He is the Messiah. [In John 10:22-25] The Judeans who questioned Yeshua had heard testimony that Yeshua is the Messiah. Instead of following Yeshua as their Messiah (Anointed One of G-d), they chose to challenge Yeshua to prove to them that the testimony was true. Yeshua’s response, “The works I do in my Father’s name testify on my behalf” showed that Yeshua knew these Judeans wouldn’t believe further proof since they hadn’t seen who He was in the teaching and miracles Yeshua had already done. [In Matthew 26:59-64] Yeshua did not confirm or deny the High Priest’s charge that Yeshua was the Messiah. Yeshua knew that His accusers were not seeking to worship Him as G-d’s Anointed One. Instead, the priests were looking for evidence to condemn Yeshua to death to solidify their own position with the Roman rulers and with the Jewish people. Only those people who are truly want to worship G-d’s Messiah will see that Yeshua is the Anointed One who will defeat G-d’s (and our) enemy haSatan. [In Matthew 16:13-17] Yeshua asked his disciples, “Who are people saying the Son of Man is?” Simon Peter answered, “You are HaMashiach (the Messiah) the Son of the Living G-d.” Yeshua was pleased with Peter’s answer and told him, “How blessed you are! No human could have revealed this to you. Only my Father in heaven could have told you. Yeshua’s role as G-d’s Messiah (Anointed One) is not only a position of
honor. It is a position of great responsibility. Yeshua was
arrested, beaten, and executed on the stake (and it seemed
like haSatan had won.) Then, Yeshua resurrected from the
dead, bringing victory over the bondage of sin for Yeshua’s
followers and defeat to haSatan’s plans to keep men from
knowing G-d. One day Yeshua will completely destroy haSatan
(the Adversary), showing that Yeshua is indeed HaMashiach
(the Messiah) for all times.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD A Deliverer in times of trouble The hero of our story was a man who faced enemies more times than he could count. Some of his enemies brought great armies against him. He also faced attacks from his employer. Other times, the danger was betrayal by a member of his own family… WAIT! This is sounding like the plot of a TV movie! … The story is real, but I probably should explain its setting.
Near the end of David’s 40-year reign as king of Judah and Israel, he was able to state that vuvh (YHVH) - the only true G-d had delivered David from all of his enemies. In 2 Samuel 22:2-4 [CJB], King David said, “ADONAI is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer, (3) the G-d who is my Rock, in whom I find shelter, my shield, the power that saves me, my stronghold and my refuge. My savior, you have saved me from violence. (4) I call on ADONAI, who is worthy of praise and I am saved from my enemies.”
These attacks by David’s enemies started soon after the priest and prophet Samuel anointed David as king. King Sha’ul tried to kill David with a spear as David played his lyre for Sha’ul. Then, King Sha’ul (hoping the Philistines would kill David) offered to give his daughter as David’s wife for the bridal price of 100 foreskins. Another time, warned by his wife, David escaped from messengers sent by Sha’ul to kill him by leaving his house through the window. After this David became a wanderer with no fixed home. Alone, or with men who came to join him, David hid from Sha’ul’s armies in a cave, a Philistine city, or in the desert. After King Sha’ul’s death in battle with the Philistines, David became king of Judah. Seven years later, David was also crowned king of Israel. David’s situation had become better. He no longer had to run from his enemies. David was able to marry and have children. It seemed like David’s troubles were over. Then, David’s son Avshalom proclaimed himself as king in place of David. Many Israelites joined Avshalom and David had to flee (for a while) from Jerusalem to avoid being killed by Avshalom’s army. Time after time, as David trusted G-d, G-d delivered David from treachery and death. (Sometimes G-d used people who were trusted by David’s enemies to help David.) King Sha’ul’s son Jonathan made a covenant with David and later warned David that Jonathan’s father Sha’ul was trying to kill David. David’s wife (and Sha’ul’s daughter) helped David escape when Sha’ul sent men to kill David. Different times, G-d protected David as he hid in the desert. Once, King Sha’ul entered a cave where David was hiding, but Sha’ul didn’t see David. Another time, David was warned and left the city of Ke’ilah with his men just before Sha’ul and his army arrived. Each time, David’s response was to praise G-d.
G-d didn’t give us the accounts of David’s victory over his enemies just to entertain us. G-d wants David’s response to danger to teach us how we should respond when enemies attack us. …Then, what … or who … are the enemies that threaten our safety or our peace? No two people have the same enemies. Believers in some countries are in danger of imprisonment or death from a government that says it is protecting its people. In our country, we have the legal right of freedom of worship, but sometimes believers are criticized for being judgmental when we take a stand on the truths in G-d’s Word. Another “enemy” some of G-d’s people face is sickness and disease. Still others face financial struggles that threaten their peace of mind or their health.
Whatever enemies we face, G-d wants us to trust that He will deliver His people from all enemies that attack us. We might not even recognize where an attack is coming from, but G-d will be there with the right answer. As David did, our only response should be to praise G-d as He brings us victory over enemies that overwhelm us. We don’t need to be strong. We can admit we are weak as we turn to G-d to deliver us from our enemies. “I am poor and needy. Come quickly to me, O G-d. You are my helper and my deliverer (rescuer). ADONAI, don’t delay!” [Psalm 70:5 NIV or 70:6 CJB]
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright January 2009 God delivers His people. We asked the question, “What is your favorite story of a time when G-d delivered His people? The following are some of the answers we received.
Tirsa Lara – Noah built the Ark. Then, Noah called the animals and put food for them on the Ark. Noah tried to warn people to be saved from the flood, but they didn’t believe him so they were drowned.
Steve Poncher – “…the whole story of Joseph. I especially like the time when Joseph’s brothers finally faced him as the person who saved them from starvation and realized they were wrong to sell Joseph into slavery.” Maribel Lara – Joseph became a prince in Egypt. He delivered the people from starvation.
Mario Olivarez – “G-d brought His people from bondage in Egypt. People who were obedient accepted who ADONAI was because of the signs ADONAI gave for Moshe to show the people. Willie Lara – “… when the angel of death killed the firstborn in Egypt. The L-rd was faithful to keep the promises He made years before to Avraham. Elliot Lara – Moses took His people from Egypt after the firstborn died. Barbara Glauberg – Moses was faithful and obedient in delivering his people, even though they were disobedient to G-d. Passover is my favorite story of setting people free from bondage. Niki Liakopoulos – Moses. I like that Pharaoh let the Israelites go after the trials and tribulations.
Mike Ballai – “… when the Red Sea opened up so that the Israelites could cross on dry land. This was something only God can do.” Rick Lara – “I picture Moses in front of the Red Sea. As a geologist, (before I was a believer) I thought there was no way this could happen. Now (as a believer) I know it is possible. God is a geologist too.” Inge Gale – “God opened the Red Sea and the Israelites went through was one of God’s biggest miracles.” Fred Potter – G-d’s hand was on Moses when he stood up to Pharaoh. It was incredible the way G-d got the Israelites across the Red Sea. It was the same story when G-d led Joshua and the Israelites across the Jordan River. These stories give us a picture of when the Messiah will lead us into heaven - our Promised Land.
Janet Cardwell – I like that Rahab saved the spies in Jericho.
Joy Arnold – “When G-d called Gideon, Gideon set out fleeces to make sure who was calling him. Then, G-d brought the size of Gideon’s army down to 300 men. I like this story because it gives a picture of the Christian walk. G-d uses us wherever we are. When we know it is G-d calling us to do a job, then G-d gives us victory.
George Ceferin – “…when the 3 Hebrew young men were saved from death in the fiery furnace.”
Maribel Lara – Daniel was delivered from being eaten by lions. Daniel was faithful in prayer.
Luisa Lara – Esther was obedient to G-d even though she could have died for speaking to the king without being summoned. It was all strategically orchestrated by G-d – captivity, exile, inner circle. DECEMBER 2008 Bat Mitzvah – a daughter of the covenant Joy Arnold chanted from the Torah as Bat Mitzvah during Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Sabbath service on Saturday November 22, 2008. Joy’s drash (teaching) on the scriptures read during the Torah service taught us that we can trust that G-d will keep His promises to us, even when we have to wait for the answer.
A command to observe ADONAI’s Feasts ADONAI said to Moshe, “Tell the people of Israel, `The designated times of ADONAI which you are to proclaim as holy convocations are my designated times.’” Leviticus 23:1-2 CJB In Leviticus chapter 23 (and other places in the Torah) ADONAI describes in detail how His people were to observe specific feasts and holy days that occur throughout the year. When ADONAI’s people observed these feasts, they showed their willingness to obey His commands and a desire to worship ADONAI. Some people might argue that the New Covenant set aside these required feasts; however if we read carefully, we see that Yeshua observed the feasts during His time on the earth. The New Covenant also gives examples of how Yeshua’s followers included observing ADONAI’s feasts as part of their obedience to Yeshua’s command to “Go and make people from all nations into disciples, … and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” [Matthew 28:19-20] Each believer today must seek G-d’s guidance on how he should study or even observe the feasts ADONAI commanded His people to observe in the Torah. We asked some of the people who attend Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Wednesday night class why they choose to study about the L-rd’s Feasts. 1) Why should a believer study the L-rd’s Feasts commanded by ADONAI in the Torah? Ann Rothmaler said, “There are so many neat word pictures of G-d’s plan of salvation for us in the Feasts. Bonnie Sowa said, “ I have learned that G-d wants to celebrate with us.” Lyn Morrison said, “Believers should study the L-rd’s Feasts so they can understand G-d’s heart and intentions – what He thinks is important. The Feasts focus on heritage.” Mike Evans said, “Studying the L-rd’s Feasts helps us learn to be obedient to G-d. Messianic believers should study the feasts to see more of what G-d has planned & the symbolism in the Feasts.” 2) What have you personally gained from studying or observing the L-rd’s Feasts? Ann Rothmaler said, “Excitement about how detailed G-d’s plans are.” Bonnie Sowa said, “It is amazing. It all points to Messiah Yeshua. It’s like learning the Bible all over again.” Lyn Morrison said, “I have gained a deeper insight into scriptures.” 3) How are the L-rd’s Feasts related to Yeshua’s teachings or the rest of the New Covenant. Bonnie Sowa said, “Everything is related.” Mike Evans said, “Once we read the answers at the end of the “Book”, we see the L-rd’s Feasts foretold what will happen.” 4) What are spiritual benefits for a believer who observes the L-rd’s feasts? Ann Rothmaler said, “It is a cool way to express worship. Mike Evans said, “First, we get additional blessings from G-d because we are obedient. Also, it helps to understand the Person of who G-d is.” 5) Which of the L-rd’s Feasts means the most to you? Ann Rothmaler said, “Studying the overall picture of the feasts is what is exciting to me. If I had to pick the feast I most enjoy observing, it would be Passover.” Bonnie Sowa said, “Passover. It points to the time Yeshua shed His blood to protect us. Lyn Morrison said, “Passover, of course, and Sukkot. They give us a total experience, using all of our senses. Mike Evans said, “Passover. G-d has unveiled His whole plan of salvation in the Passover teachings.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Healing - a promise with a warning ADONAI brought 10 plagues upon the Egyptians, including the death of their firstborn sons, so that the descendants of Avraham, Yitz’chak (Isaac) and Ya’akov (Jacob) would be free to leave Egypt with their families, their flocks and their possessions. When the Egyptians pursued them, ADONAI safely led the Israelites across the Sea of Reeds on dry land. Then [Exodus 15:25-26 tells us] ADONAI made laws and rules of life for His people. ADONAI promised to heal the Israelites and protect them from all of the diseases ADONAI had brought on the Egyptians if the Israelites would listen to and obey ADONAI’s commands. ADONAI said, “If you will listen intently to the voice of ADONAI your G-d, do what He considers right, pay attention to His mitzvoth and observe His laws, I will not afflict you with any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians; because I am ADONAI your healer.” Exodus 15:26 The Israelites needed to listen to and obey ADONAI’s warning. In Egypt, the Israelites had kept their identity as descendants of Ya’akov (Jacob) and continued to worship vuvh - the one true G-d. However, the Israelites had been exposed to (and possibly influenced by) the Egyptians’ culture and religion. ADONAI was warning the Israelites that they must obey ADONAI’s commands or they too might be punished in the same way ADONAI had punished the Egyptians’ idolatry. When we read about their 40 years journey in the wilderness, we see that the Israelites were protected and provided for during the times they obeyed G-d. When the Israelites rebelled against ADONAI or the leaders ADONAI put over them, many Israelites died through sickness, in battle, or directly by the hand of G-d.
“The power of ADONAI was with Him (Yeshua) to heal the sick.” [Luke 5:17] The same principle held true during Yeshua’s ministry and the ministry of Yeshua’s followers. People came to Yeshua to be healed (or were brought to Him by friends or family members) because they saw the power of G-d in Yeshua’s teaching, and in the healing and miracles Yeshua did. These people desired the health that G-d promises to those who obey His Word. Yeshua healed each person who came to Him in a way that was unique to his special situation. Yeshua healed the people out of compassion - not because He was compelled by an outside force to heal them.
Isaiah 53:5 prophecies of Yeshua our Messiah, “…by his bruises (wounds) we are healed.” Yeshua was beaten and bruised by the Israelite leaders and by the Romans before He was executed on the stake. Yeshua’s suffering made healing possible for people who humbly call to G-d in Yeshua’s name to be healed. “ADONAI my G-d, I cried out to you, and you provided healing for me.” [Psalm 30:2 (30:3 CJB)] “I said, `ADONAI, have pity on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you!’” [Psalm 41:4 (41:5 CJB)] “In their trouble they cried to ADONAI, and He rescued them from their disease. He sent His word and healed them, He delivered them from destruction.” [Psalm 107:19-20] “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” [Psalm 147:3] This does not mean that there is any way a person can “earn” his healing. The opposite is true. When we call out to G-d for healing, we are acknowledging that there is nothing we can do to pay the price for our healing. We are admitting that healing is an undeserved gift that we receive from G-d. In return, G-d asks that we worship Yeshua as Savior and obey the commands in G-d’s Word. If we do as G-d asks, we will prosper. If we do not, we will suffer for our disobedience. Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) said in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, “Therefore, whoever eats the L-rd’s bread or drinks the L-rd’s cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty of desecrating the body and blood of the L-rd! (28) So let a person examine himself first, and then he may eat of the brad and drink from the cup; (29) for a person who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. (30) That is why many among you are weak and sick, and some have died!”
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright December 2008 \
NOVEMBER 2008 Sharing our faith in the way we worship Pastor Paul Helle was asked to share about Messianic Judaism at Monarch Landing (a retirement community) in Naperville on the evening of Tuesday September 16th. Rather than tell the people how Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Sabbath service adds New Covenant worship to a traditional Jewish service, we decided to show them what a Messianic Jewish Torah service is like.
Temple Shalom Yisrael worship team members Gordon Helle and Steve Poncher joined Pastor Helle at Monarch Landing that evening. Gordon and Steve played and sang 2 worship songs for the residents. Davidic dancers Ann Rothmaler, John Romer, Lonna Romer, Johnna Romer, and Sue Helle danced during the 2 songs, as the worship team ministered in music.
“Hiney Ma Tov”, a traditional Jewish song, was sung before the Torah service. [The song “Hiney Ma Tov (Behold How Good)” is based on Psalm 133:1. As we entered Monarch Landing that night, we enjoyed seeing the words of Psalm 133:1 written above the main door.]
The Torah service included traditional Jewish liturgy as well part of the as the weekly reading from the Torah (books of Moses) and the Haftarah (prophets). As Messianic Jews, we also added a reading from the New Covenant. Three different individuals from Temple Shalom Yisrael’s group were called forward (one at a time) to read one of the scriptures, and to chant the appropriate blessings before and after his reading. After the scriptures were read, Pastor Helle gave a short drash (teaching) on a common lesson found in the 3 scriptures read that night. We heard that our G-d is a merciful G-d. G-d has often shown mercy to the nation of Israel and to G-d’s people individually. G-d expects His people to put aside all bitterness, rage, anger, and slander. Instead, we are to show mercy to each other daily, with our words and our actions.
At the end of the Torah service, we worshipped to a more modern song, “ADONAI”, written by Lee Black, Steve Merkel and Paul Wilbur.
We would like to thank the people at Monarch Landing for making us feel very welcome. It was a pleasure to share our Messianic Jewish way of worshipping with them. It was also a blessing to visit with some of the people before the evening service.
A command to fear ADONAI and obey His Torah In Deuteronomy 31:10-13 Moshe told the people, “At the end of every seven years, during the festival of Sukkot in the year of sh’mittah (forgiving of debts) (11) when all Israel have come to appear in the presence of ADONAI at the place he will choose, you are to read this Torah before all Israel, so that they can hear it. (12) Assemble the people – the men, the women, the little ones, and the foreigners, you have in all your town – so that they can hear, learn, fear ADONAI your G-d and take care to obey all the words of this Torah (13) and so that their children, who have not known, can hear and learn to fear ADONAI your G-d, for as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
On the evening of Sunday October 19th, people from several Messianic Jewish congregations gathered together to obey G-d’s command in Deuteronomy 31:10-13 by reading traditional passages from Deuteronomy that the king of Israel or other leaders were commanded to read to the people every 7 years. This command has been obeyed - or not obeyed - in Israel’s history, according to the hearts of the people. However, the custom of reading from G-d’s Torah during Sukkot was reinstated in Israel in 1946 and has been observed every 7 years since that date. [Isn’t it interesting that this observance in 1946 was approximately 1½ years before April 1948 when the new state of Israel successfully fought against 3 neighboring countries who tried to end their freedom?] It is always a blessing to hear G-d’s Word read aloud; however this time, there was a special peace in the room. This peace came from the knowledge that, as we read G-d’s Law from the Torah, we were joining in the Spirit with people all over the world who have obeyed G-d and read these same scriptures over and over again in the years since the command was given.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD ADONAI Tzidkenu “`The days are coming,’ says ADONAI, `when I will raise a righteous Branch for David. He will reign as king and succeed. He will do what is just and right in the land. In His days Y’hudah will be saved, Isra’el will live in safety, and the name given to Him will be ADONAI Tzidkenu [The L-rd our righteousness]’” Jeremiah 23:5-6
The verses before Jeremiah 23:5-6 give an account of how G-d’s people suffered because their shepherds led them astray. G-d rebuked the shepherds for their lack of care for the people, even though G-d didn’t condone the people’s sins. G-d then promised [in Jeremiah 23:5-6] to send to His people a Shepherd and King who would change all of that. This promised King – G-d’s Son Yeshua – would rule justly over Y’hudah and Isra’el, and would keep G-d’s people safe from harm. G-d’s plan also called for Yeshua to offer Himself as a righteous sacrifice to atone for the people’s sins so that they could fellowship with G-d in a closer way than had previously been possible. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “G-d made this sinless man be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with Him we might fully share in G-d’s righteousness.” Matthew 5:6 says, “How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Psalm 7:17 says, “I thank ADONAI for His righteousness and sing praise to the name of ADONAI Elyon.” A person who has received Yeshua as His personal Savior, thus becoming righteous before G-d, should respond by spending time praising and worshipping G-d. This time spent with G-d not only blesses and glorifies G-d. A person who gives a gift of praise to G-d receives a greater sense of G-d’s love in return. This sure knowledge that G-d loves him increases his faith that G-d will heal him and provide for all of his needs. Matthew 6:31-33 says, “Don’t be anxious, asking `What will we eat?’, `What will we drink?’ or `How will we be clothed?’ (32) For it is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all (33) Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Malachi 4:2 [CJB 3:20] says, “But to you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…”
As believers in Yeshua the Messiah, our desire should be for each person we know to grow closer to G-d. We should regularly pray (by name) that each person we know who may not yet be saved will soon choose to make Yeshua his personal Savior and L-rd. We can also pray that our brothers and sisters in the L-rd will come to know G-d in an even more intimate way as they too spend time praising G-d, in prayer, and in studying G-d’s Word. Psalm 97:6 says, “The heavens declare His righteousness and all the peoples see His glory. We should also realize that our words and actions will have an impact on the people we know. Each of us must answer the question, “What impressions do other people get about G-d when they listen to my words and see what I do?” People hear what we tell them is Biblically correct behavior and then look to see if we live according to the principles that we teach. A person can either be drawn to G-d or be pushed away by a believer’s words and behavior. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” We can also rejoice that one day all of G-d’s people will praise and worship G-d in His heavenly throne room. Nothing can be as great a joy as that will be.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright November 2008
OCTOBER 2008 A Woman of G-d On September 6, 2008, Temple Shalom Yisrael had the pleasure of celebrating as Kendall McCluskey observed her Bat Mitzvah.
“I am a Man of G-d” On October 25, 2008, Elliot Lara will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. At this service, Elliot will chant in Hebrew from the Torah for the first time. We took this opportunity to find out more about Elliot, his parents Willie and Maribel Lara, sister Tirsa, and brother Uriel. Willie Lara accepted salvation through Yeshua, in the Chicago area, at the age of 21. Willie remembers that his grandmother had a lot of influence when she preached to him while he was in High School. Maribel Lara was saved at the age of 12 years old. When Maribel was 17 or 18, she traveled with her mother and father as they did missionary work. Maribel remembers that when she was a 5 or 6 years old in Puerto Rico, she and her twin sister would sit quietly on the floor near their mother as she fasted and read the Bible. We asked the question, “How G-d used you to minister to people and lead them to salvation in Yeshua.” Willie believes he does this by sharing his testimony and letting people see how he lives his life for G-d. Maribel said that she purposes to smile at people she meets and ask “How are you doing?” as a way of showing love for people, including people she doesn’t know. Maribel also trusts G-d to guide where to go and preach to others. She remembers missionary trips where she and her parents donated things such as clothes, shoes, and money to local churches to help them in their work. Willie and Maribel homeschool their 3 children: Elliot (almost 13 years old), Tirsa (11 years old), and Uriel (9 years old). The children are encouraged to follow the commandments and obey Yeshua’s teachings. Their parents often quote to the children Proverbs 1:7 which says, “Fear of the L-rd is the beginning of wisdom.” Willie told us that he has made a commitment to pray for their children every night. If he forgets, the children will remind him. Willie believes it is important to let his children know the L-rd is in control and He will provide for the family’s needs. About 2 years ago, at their children’s request, Willie and Maribel taught the Biblical reasons for salvation. As a result, all 3 children prayed and asked Yeshua to be their Savior. This past July 27th, Elliot, Tirsa, and Uriel were immersed in water. When asked what encouragement to give other parents, Maribel answered, “All moms should never give up. They should always be there for their children. Christian moms should always pray and teach G-d’s Word to their children.”
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD ADONAI is Lord of lords “So now, Israel, all that ADONAI your God asks from you is to fear ADONAI your God, follow all his ways, love Him, and serve ADONAI your God with all your heart and with all your being; (13) to obey for your own good, the mitzvot and regulations of ADONAI which I am giving you today. (14) See the sky, the heaven beyond the sky, the earth and everything on it all belong to ADONAI your God. (15) Only ADONAI took enough pleasure in your ancestors to love them and choose their descendants after them – yourselves above all peoples as he still does today. (16) Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart and don’t be stiff-necked any longer! (17) For ADONAI your God is “God of gods” and “Lord of lords”, the great, mighty and awesome God, who has no favorites and accepts no bribes… (20) You are to fear ADONAI your G-d, serve Him, cling to Him, and swear by His name. (21) He is your praise and He is your G-d, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which you have seen with your own eyes. (22) Your ancestors went down into Egypt with only seventy people, but now ADONAI your G-d has made your numbers as many as the stars in the sky!” [Deuteronomy 10:12-22]
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moshe prepared the Israelites to take possession of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Moshe made it clear who G-d is and why G-d had the right to command obedience from the Israelites. Deuteronomy 10:17 tells us, “For ADONAI your God is “God of gods” and “Lord of lords”, the great, mighty and awesome G-d…” After hearing Moshe’s statement, the Israelites then had to answer the question, “What actions or behavior does ADONAI, our “L-rd of lords” require from us?”
Believers in America live in homes that G-d gives us, in a country where we can legally worship G-d with other believers or in our own homes. One day, we will live in heaven where G-d alone rules. In thankfulness for what G-d has already given us, and as we prepare to worship G-d in heaven, we too must respond to the words that Moshe told the Israelites. “ADONAI, our G-d is God of gods and Lord of lords…” No words or actions men might attempt to use to get their own way can change that fact. How then does G-d expect us, as believers, to respond to our L-rd ADONAI’s decision to choose us as His people?
Moshe’s answer to the Israelites [in Deuteronomy 10:12, 20] is still true today. G-d’s people are to “Fear ADONAI your God, follow all His ways, love Him and serve ADONAI your God with all of your heart and all of your being. Fear ADONAI your G-d, serve Him, cling to Him, and swear by His name.” The next questions we need to answer are, “What does it mean to fear ADONAI our G-d?” and “How might `fearing G-d’ influence our actions as we live our daily lives?” The most commonly used context for the word “fear” is to panic of be afraid of something” but “fear” can also mean “to have a reverential awe of (G-d)”. A person develops fear or awe of G-d when he begins to realize how much greater G-d is than what he can understand about G-d. G-d, who created the universe and all beings living on the earth, cannot be completely described by words or defined by human standards. A person’s learning to know G-d more is a positive, daily experience that will not be completely fulfilled in the person’s life on this earth. Some of the Psalms reflect what our thoughts about G-d should be. “ADONAI! Our Lord! How glorious is your name throughout the earth.” [Psalm 8:2(1), 10(9)] “I know that ADONAI is great, that our Lord is above all gods.” [Psalm 135:5] “Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His grace continues forever.” [Psalm 136:3] “Our Lord is great, His power is vast, His wisdom beyond all telling.” [Psalm 147:5] One thing that will change in a person’s life as he grows in fear (awe) of G-d is that his priorities and his attitude toward his life will change. Work in maintaining a household or in earning money to provide for our needs is still necessary in many cases, but the activities we most delight in doing will become those that allow us to spend personal time being with G-d. This might manifest in worshipping G-d with other believers, studying G-d’s Word, or in acts of service that teach other people to know G-d. The person will also find that he desires to spend more time “being” with G-d and soaking in the joy and peace that comes from spending time in G-d’s presence. The ways a person spends time with G-d will define who he truly is. Yeshua’s teachings in Matthew chapter 6 give direction on what our priorities should be. “Do not store up for yourselves wealth here on earth… Instead, store up for yourselves wealth in heaven… For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also. .. No one can be slave to two masters; for he will either hate the first and live the second, or scorn the second and be loyal to the first. You can’t be a slave to both G-d and money.” [Matthew 6:19-24] “I tell you, don’t worry about your life – what you eat and drink; or about your body – what you will wear… Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to his life? And why be anxious about clothing? … Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” [Matthew 6:25-34] Let us believe that, one day soon, everyone will truly accept and worship ADONAI as L-rd. “In honor of the name given Yeshua, every knee will bow – in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue will acknowledge that Yeshua the Messiah is ADONAI (L-rd) – to the glory of G-d the Father.” [Philippians 2:10-11]
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright October 2008
SEPTEMBER 2008 Hosanna Homestead Ann Rothmaler told us, “It has been my dream since growing up in 10 acres of woods in the 50’s to see the property used for the work of the L-rd in some way. In the 90’s, the vision began to focus on a prayer and R&R retreat facility for those in ministry who need a time of refreshing. The location, (halfway between Chicago and Detroit with easy access from the Interstate highway system) should lend itself to serve inner city pastors with an affordable getaway. The second floor of the house is in the process of being finished off to become a 3 room and bath suite for the guest quarters. A family of 5 lives on the first floor as caretakers and hosts. All except the sitting room are open for guests as of July 2008. The sitting room will be used to refinish and build some of the furniture before it is made available for guests to use. Future dreams include a nature and devotional trail through the woods, a primitive camping area, and an “Elisha prayer hut” back in the woods for prayer mounting type retreats.”
Please contact Ann through Temple Shalom Yisrael for details if you would like to help with a work trip at Hosanna Homestead, or if you know of someone in ministry who needs a getaway.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD ADONAI is King of kings John said in Revelation 19:11-16, “Next I saw heaven opened and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the One called Faithful and True, and it is in righteousness that He passes judgment and goes to battle. (12) His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on his head were many royal crowns. And He had a name written which no one knew but himself. (13) He is “The Word of G-d.” (14) The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. (15) And out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to stroke down nations – `He will rule them with a staff of iron.’ It is He who treads the winepress from which flows the wine of the furious rage of ADONAI, G-d of heaven’s armies. (16) And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “King of kings and LORD of lords”
Who is this King of Kings? Revelation 19:11-16 attributes mighty acts to the “King of Kings”, but in this passage, the King’s name is not given. Other Bible passages tell us who this King is - “G-d, You are my King.” [Psalm 44:5 (4)] “G-d has been my King from earliest times…” [Psalm 74:12] “For ADONAI is a great G-d, a great King, greater than all gods.” [Psalm 95:3] “ADONAI is king forever and ever!” [Psalm 10:16 (15)] “Where is He, this glorious King? ADONAI Tzava’ot (L-rd of Hosts) – He is the glorious King.” [Psalm 24:10] When a king is mentioned in the Bible, the verse is most often referring to a ruler of a country. Most people picture a king as a man who leads his soldiers in battle and governs the people’s daily lives. During the first years the Israelites lived in the Land, they did not have this type of king. Instead, G-d was their King. G-d sent judges as His representatives to settle disputes between people, give prophecies, and lead the Israelite soldiers to victory over their enemies. [1 Samuel 8:5-8] Then, the people asked Samuel, “Make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” Since Samuel was G-d’s judge over the Israelites, Samuel felt rejected by the people. G-d told Samuel, “It is not you they are rejecting. They are rejecting me. They don’t want me to be King over them.” Because the people’s hearts were cold toward G-d, G-d had Samuel anoint Sha’ul as king over Israel .
Why should we look to this King? The following Bible verses tell some of the things our King does for us. “G-d has been my King from earliest times, acting to save throughout all the earth.” [Psalm 74:12] “…to give justice to the fatherless and oppressed …no one on earth will strike terror again.” [Ps. 10:18(17)] “Give victory ADONAI! Let the King answer us the day we call.” [Psalm 20:10 (9)] “G-d, You are my King; command complete victory for Ya’akov.” [Psalm 44:5 (4)] “For our shield comes from ADONAI – our King is from the Holy One of Israel.” [Psalm 89:19 (18)] [1 Samuel 8:9-18] G-d told Samuel to warn the people that the earthly king they were asking for would take many of their possessions from them and make them work for his gain. G-d, our heavenly King is not self-seeking. Everything He asks His people to do to serve Him is for our own good. G-d protects us and provides for our needs as no earthly king could do.
What should our response be to our King? The earthly kings of Israel expected their subjects to respond by obeying their laws and serving them. [1 Samuel 8:11-13] Samuel told the Israelites, The king you want will draft your sons and assign them to take care of his chariots, be his horsemen, and be bodyguards running ahead of his chariots. He will appoint them to serve him as officers in charge of a thousand or of fifty, plowing his fields, gathering his harvest, and making his weapons and the equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters and have them be perfume-makers, cooks, and bakers.” G-d our heavenly King does desire our obedience to His commands, but He wants the obedience to be good fruit that comes from our desire to praise and worship our King. First, a person must decide to accept G-d as his personal King and Savior. Then, any acts of worship or service we do will be made freely, out of love for G-d our King who loves us and meets our needs, even before we ask. “With trumpets and the sound of the shofar, shout for joy before the king, ADONAI.” [Psalm 98:6] “I will praise You to the heights, my G-d, the King. I will bless your name forever and ever.” [Psalm 145:1] The Bible tells us that, one day, Yeshua will return for those who praise Him and serve Him. “Lift up your heads, you gates! Lift them up, everlasting doors, so that the glorious King can enter! Who is He, this glorious King? ADONAI, strong and mighty, ADONAI, mighty in battle.” [Psalm 24:7]
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright September 2008
AUGUST 2008 Taking care of Farm Animals We asked Jeff Glauberg to tell us what it was like taking care of farm animals as he was growing up. Between the ages of 10 to 18 years old, Jeff lived on 2 acres of land with his parents, and his brothers Joe and Bruce. A ½ acre garden provided food for Jeff’s family. A 1½ acre meadow provided grass for their 3 milk cows, sheep and a horse named Red Wing. Jeff, his dad, and his brothers Joe & Bruce took care of the animals. The animals were sheltered in a barn and a garage. The Glaubergs also fed the animals corn that their neighbors allowed them to gather from their fields after the harvest was finished. Since the animals grazed on the Glaubergs property, they didn’t need protection from wild animals. The local dogs didn’t harm the livestock. The mother sheep took care of their baby lambs, so no special care was needed. Because they lived in close quarters, the animals were friendly & enjoyed their owners’ company. Jeff said, “Taking care of animals is constant work. When you are raising animals you really can’t take a day off.” If all of the family was going to be gone, they needed to find someone to feed and water the animals, and milk them, if necessary. People who take care of animals need to be creative and plan ahead. When, the Glaubergs milked their cows by hand, they would put kick-chains on the cows’ legs so the cows wouldn’t kick over the milk bucket. In the springtime, the Glaubergs needed to shear the sheep. In the wintertime, they put heaters on the watering troughs so that there was water for the animals to drink instead of ice on the troughs. Owning animals led to some fun times. When Jeff and his brothers were children, they would often ride their horse bareback to where they were going instead of riding a bike or walking. The horse Red Wing had previously worked on a cattle ranch. Because of that, he had been trained to come to a stop whenever his rider dropped the reins. (This allowed a rancher to quickly jump down and tie up a calf he had just lassoed.) One day when Jeff’s brother Bruce was riding Red Wing, for some reason, the reins slipped out of Bruce’ s hands and fell to the ground. The horse, true to his training, stopped. Bruce continued moving forward, landed on his face, and got a little scratched up. Bruce learned from this that a horse may be trained, but it doesn’t always think through how its actions will affect its rider. A lesson Jeff learned as his family raised animals is that it is important to maintain good relationships with your neighbors. The Glaubergs were able to borrow a neighbor’s plow and tractor to plow the garden. They also benefited from the neighbors’ willingness to let them gather the leftover corn in their fields for the animals to eat.
Raising Goats Pastor Paul Helle tells us that, when he was 12 to 15 years old, his father decided that it was be a good idea for Paul and his brother Raymond to raise goats. One of the advantages to raising goats was that the goats could, to a large extent, take care of themselves. Another advantage was that Helles had plenty of goat milk to drink. Occasionally they made goat-milk ice cream or ate goat-meat. It was the boys’ responsibility to feed and water the goats, and to milk them. The Helles lived on 16 acres of land. (13 acres of this land was rented to a farmer.) In the summer time, the goats were tethered on the lawn where they could eat weeds. During the winter, the goats were kept in a large pen where they would eat the weeds inside the pen. Sometimes, the goats preferred to stick their heads through the fence to eat the weeds outside the pen. In the winter, the goats were also fed hay or ground corn. The baby goats, usually twins, were born in the springtime. They fed the baby goats formula from a bottle so that they could continue to milk the mothers. Sometimes a goat would get sick and the vet would be called to come see what was wrong with the goat.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD In Bible times, a shepherd accepted the responsibility to care for the sheep under his care - whether he owned them, or they were entrusted to the shepherd by the sheep’s owner. Each day, the shepherd led the sheep to a pasture where they found grass to eat and water to drink. The shepherd stayed with the sheep during the day and protected them from wild animals. When a sheep was cut by thorns or on sharp rocks, the shepherd treated its injuries. If a sheep strayed away form the rest of the flock, the shepherd looked for it until he found it. Many nights, the shepherd put the sheep safely in the sheep pen before nightfall. If the shepherd and his flocks spent the night away from the main camp, the shepherd would lie across the entrance to the cave that sheltered the sheep to make sure that they were protected.
ADONAI Ro’e “ADONAI is my shepherd. I lack nothing.” [Psalm 23:1] Many times during David’s life, it seemed like most people were against him. David wrote Psalm 23 to remind himself that he was not alone. David knew that G-d had willingly accepted the responsibility of being David’s Shepherd, and would protect and care for all of David’s needs. G-d is the Shepherd for all of His people. G-d knows what we need, even before we ask. It is our responsibility to turn to G-d when we need help and to follow His direction to find how G-d will meet our needs. “He has me lie down in grassy pastures. He leads me by quiet water. He guides me in right paths for the sake of His own Name.” [Psalm 23:1b-3] David and his soldiers spent years hiding from King Sha’ul’s army. Each time Sha’ul came close to finding them, G-d would lead David and his men to safety. For a time, G-d even provided a place for the families of David and his soldiers to live and find food in Philistine territory. The grassy pasture and quiet water mentioned in David’s psalm provided a safe place for the sheep to eat, drink, and rest. We too can trust that G-d will provide a safe place for us to eat and rest when we flee from the attempts of our enemy haSatan to trap us. Sometimes, G-d’s answer might not make sense (like when David lived in a city in territory occupied by Israel’s enemy). In spite of how things appear, we can trust that G-d will lead us where it is best for us to be. “Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster, for you are with me. Your rod and staff reassure me. [Psalm 23:4] 1 Samuel tells of times G-d protected David when King Sha’ul tried to kill him. David trusted that G-d would protect him so much that David was willing to go into King Sha’ul’s camp to take Sha’ul’s spear and water jug. G-d still protects us from haSatan’s desire to hurt G-d’s people Sometimes, an attack is from a physical enemy. Other times, G-d gives us peace in the middle of lies and emotional attacks made by people who hate us because they do not know G-d or His power. One of the ways that G-d protects us is with the spiritual armor available to all believers. [Ephesians 6:10-18] “You prepare a table for me, even as my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil from an overflowing cup. Goodness and grace will pursue me every day of my life and I will live in the house of ADONAI for years and years to come.” [Psalm 23:5-66] After Sha’ul died, David was crowned king of Judah, and later as king over all of Israel. When enemies (including David’s son Avshalom) tried to remove David as king, G-d protected David and brought him back to Jerusalem as king. G-d will never leave (reject) nor forsake His people. The first part of verse 5 speaks of provision of needs, but it means more than that. G-d’s provision is public. When G-d miraculously provides for our needs of food, shelter, jobs, and healing, no one can doubt that G-d provides for His people. As a sign that G-d had chosen David as king, G-d commanded Samuel to anoint David with oil. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) fell on the 120 followers of Yeshua in the upper room on Shavuot. This empowered believers to go into the world to share the Good News of salvation through Yeshua. Ask yourself: Are you allowing G-d to be your Shepherd? Do you stay close to G-d by praising Him, praying to G-d, and seeking his will for your life? Do you turn to G-d to provide for your needs and protect you from harm? Do you let G-d heal your spiritual, emotional, and emotional hurts? Is G-d your Shepherd? Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright August 2008
JULY 2008 An account of Gordon Helle’s trip to Israel The sun begins to rise over the warm, pavement soaked horizon… Wait, that was Atlanta not Israel. Rewind. The sun begins to rise over the crisp, blue water of the Mediterranean Sea (that’s better). Anytime you leave the regular routine of life for something different, something new, something exciting, it is so entirely easy to get lost in the middle of it and let one day run into another and one event run into another to the point that you entirely forget all that happens and simply end up with a big whirling blur. That being said, it is with a great deal of perspective and afterthought that that blurred mess is able to be transformed into so many marvelous memories of 9 days in the Holy land of Eretz Yisrael. The journey began with a wonderful bus ride along the Mediterranean Sea. We had the opportunity to gaze at the wonder of the ancient and the modern as we passed through Haifa, Akko, Caesarea, and many other places whose names escape me now (remember the blur thing?). But I will say this, even after only one day, the sites and sounds of Israel were already far different than anything that I had ever experienced in America. The real excitement began when we made it to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee. No, seriously, we stayed literally on the sea of Galilee. Not only that, we even took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. For all you dancers in the crowd, yes we even danced on a boat in the Sea of Galilee (which is kinda like dancing in the isles of a auditorium with stadium seating during an 5.2 magnitude earthquake). But that experience as well as all the historical sites around the Sea was truly spectacular. I have to say the highlight of the whole journey came when we left the Galilee and began our journey toward Jerusalem. The scenery changed drastically from green and hilly to brown and rocky. But it wasn’t the scenery that took my breath away (although the dust certainly did help). It was the realization that we were on our way to the place where so much history had occurred. It was in this city, Jerusalem, that so many wars had been fought, that so many saviors had risen up, and that our Savior bled and died for our sins. It was during the visits to these latter sites that the enormity of the reality of what Yeshua did really hit hard. Reading about it is one thing but being at the place where He supposedly died and going to the place where His body was supposedly laid, that was, well really more than words can express, so I won’t try. Let’s leave it as an unforgettable experience. I feel like that is a good way to describe the whole trip, start to finish. Leaving the familiar for something new and exotic is always exciting but leaving it for something so deeply spiritually significant is truly a blessing. This is why, in-spite of missing out on a few hours of sleep and having a bad case of jet lag, I would relive that trip again in a heartbeat. And I think anyone else with the opportunity would benefit greatly from it too.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD “He will be given the name Sar Shalom…” Isaiah 9:5 Often, if a person is asked to define the word “peace”, he first thinks of atime when he felt an opposite emotion. When we are in situations where we experience fear, uncertainty, or discouragement, we desire the calm confidence and certainly of success that come from having peace. The true, lasting peace that we most desire comes only from G-d. G-d gives His peace to the people who have put their lives into His hands and trust that G-d will provide what is best for them. Each person needs G-d’s peace to calm fears about his future. G-d sent Sar Shalom (the Prince of Peace) to provide for man’s eternal life. [Genesis 3:1-19] Adam and Havah (Eve) sinned in the Garden of Eden by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Their sin caused them to be driven from the Garden. Since they could no longer eat from the Tree of Life in the garden, death became a part of man’s existence. However, in this time of punishment and shame, G-d already had a plan that would provide peace for mankind by bringing victory over the death of sin. G-d’s plan would also reinstate man’s relationship with G-d. Man could not provide this victory. The actions that would bring this about would be G-d’s. G-d told the serpent in Genesis 3:15, “I will put animosity between you and the woman, and between your descendant and her descendant. He will bruise your head and you will bruise his heel.” Over the years, (in the words G-d gave through His prophets), G-d continued to reassure His people that He would send a King who would forever rule over His people and bring them peace. Since G-d is not bound by linear time, G-d could say in Isaiah 9:6-7 [Complete Jewish Bible Isaiah 9:5-6], “For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. Dominion will rest on His shoulders and He will be given the name ….Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace) (7) in order to extend the dominion and perpetuate the peace of the throne and kingdom of David, to secure it and sustain it through justice and righteousness henceforth and forever. The zeal of ADONAI Tzva’ot (L-rd of Hosts) will accomplish this.” Other prophetic verses revealed that the promised child – the Prince of Peace – would grow up and fulfill the promise that He would heal sickness and provide deliverance from sin. The role of this child would not initially be obvious. In fact, He would be scorned and rejected because men did not understand who He was. Only the Spirit of G-d would reveal who He really was. Isaiah 53:2-3 tells us, “For before Him, He grew up like a young plant, like a root out of dry ground. He was not well-formed or especially handsome. We saw Him, but His appearance did not attract us. (3) People despised and avoid Him, a man of pains, well acquainted with illness, like someone from whom people turn their faces. He was despised. We did not value Him. This Prince of Peace is G-d’s Son Yeshua. Yeshua died on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of men’s sins. Isaiah 53:5 [NIV] says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.” Before a person can receive the peace that come from having his sins are forgiven, he must acknowledge that only a sinless Yeshua can pay the punishment for men’s sins. What then …? Once a person’s eternal life is assured, there is only one other time when the person needs G-d’s peace – the rest of his life on earth, until he goes to heaven to be with G-d. The Bible story in Mark 4:35-41 teaches us that, even though trusting G-d is not always easy, it is worth the effort. Yeshua and His disciples left the crowds behind to cross the lake in a boat. Yeshua fell asleep in the stern of the boat and didn’t seem to notice the furious windstorm that developed. Waves washed over the side and threatened to swamp the boat. If this happened, the disciples would likely drown far from shore. Yeshua’s disciples woke Him and said, “Rabbi, doesn’t it matter to you that we are about to be killed by the storm?” Yeshua instantly knew what to do. With a few words Yeshua calmed the wind and waves so that the boat and the men in it were no longer in danger. The disciples made 2 mistakes. Their first mistake was the reason they waked Yeshua. The disciples wanted Yeshua to share their fear, instead of asking Him to protect them from the storm. Then, the disciples were terrified of Yeshua’s power over the storm. We should never be frightened of answers G-d gives to our prayers. We should be glad that G-d’s power brings victory in situations where we have no idea what should be done. G-d loves us. G-d gives us wisdom on what to do in different situations, even if we don’t understand why He gave a specific answer. G-d will give us peace as we wait for Him to provide for all of the needs in our daily lives. When we feel threatened or fearful, G-d gives us a peace that He is with us. As Isaiah 26:3 says, “A person whose desire rests on you, you preserve in perfect peace because he trust in You.”
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright July 2008
JUNE 2008 G-d provides for our needs in many ways. We asked a few people who attend Temple Shalom Yisrael to tell us how G-d has provided for their needs. Kendall McCluskey said, “One day I was walking. I was really bored so I looked down and there was $10. I praise the Lord for this pleasure to have this opportunity. A God that gives good miracles. “
Sean McCluskey said, “Yeshua helped me find a better book in my school library. It is a book I like to read. My Mom will be happy because she doesn’t like the books I don’t like.”
Denise Carr recalls, “Years ago I worked a full-time job during the day and attended college in the evenings to earn my bachelor’s degree. At this time, I was earning just enough to cover my living expenses. It was a real struggle to come up with money for college. I believe the Lord directed me toward a job at the university where I still worked for low pay but was able to attend classes at this school for free in the evenings and eventually completed my degree program without the worry of tuition payments always looming over me.”
Steve Poncher said, “One of the most recent times I can think about when G-d provided for me is when, a little more than a year ago, I had to undergo minor surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in both of my hands. After so many years of doing the same job I couldn’t use my fingers without pain in my arms and hands. The problem was not only in playing praise and worship music after surgery but the finances to cover the expenses of the surgeries and still paying the bills. For a reason out of my control the insurance disability check got delayed because of an error by the person who handles the insurance. I was completely broke and we needed to pay the mortgage and to buy food for the family. By the grace of Our L-rd, He touched some of the people in the congregation by providing extra funds for them which were donated to my family for these expenses. It was not something that happened once, but twice while I was off work without pay or disability money. A few days after the surgery I was able to play the guitar and continue the thing that I am so blessed to be able to do, sing and praise The Lord in music and in song. The day that I went back to work after the surgeries, I got home and the disability check was in my mailbox. It has been a little more than a year since that happened. Up to this point, I have not seen a bill for the surgeries or the tests that were required to determine what the problem was to indicate I needed the surgeries. Once again I find myself at this moment facing an unsure financial situation, but I am not worried because I know the The Lord is there to provide for my future needs. I THANKYOU LORD AND I PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME.”
Jeff and Barbara Glauberg pray before trips. They shared about a time a few years ago, when G-d provided protection in a most extra-ordinary way. “(Keep in mind, we pull a 20 foot trailer with a pickup truck. You can’t stop suddenly without jackknifing.) We were going along and had a green light, proceeded through the intersection when this car paused but then quickly tired to turn in front of us. We went through safely, because as we watched with our mouths agape and hearts in our throats, the car “hovered” in the air ‘til we were past the intersection unscathed. It was as though the hand of G-d held this car back ‘til we passed through. This reminds us of another time when our people passed safely through (the Red Sea) Thank you L-rd for your provision. I am confident when we put ourselves in His care, He will always bring us through.” “He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. [Psalm 121:4] “And it is better to trust in the L-rd than to put confidence in man.” [Psalm 118:8] Nick Miller said, “When Cynthia and I were living in Peoria, the situation at the duplex was disturbing us a great deal. We heard cursing and yelling almost every day. Then Cynthia had a dream. A voice said "I want to give you something". Shortly after that we got a lead on the current property we live in. We went from tenants to landlords. Toda Raba Adonai!”
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD ADONAI Yir’eh – the L-rd will provide “Avraham called the place ADONAI Yir’eh” Genesis 22:14
Genesis 22:1-14 tells a story that is familiar to many people. G-d commanded Avraham, “Take your only son Yitz’chak (Isaac), whom you love and go to the land of Moriyah. You are to offer Yitz’chak as a burnt offering on a mountain that I will point out to you.” Avraham obeyed G-d’s command. Early in the morning, Avraham saddled his donkey, and took Yitz’chak and 2 of Avraham’s servants with him. On the third day, Avraham saw the place G-d had commanded him to go to in the distance. Avraham and Yitz’chak took the wood, fire, and the knife up the mountain, even though they had no animal with them to sacrifice on the altar. In faith, Avraham said, “G-d himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering.” Just as Avraham was ready to kill his son Yitz’chak, an angel of ADONAI called Avraham’s attention to a ram that was caught in the bushes by its horns. Avraham sacrificed the ram on the altar instead of Yitz’chak. Because of this miracle, Avraham called the place “ADONAI Yir’eh” [“The L-rd will provide”].
G-d provides for the needs of His people. Genesis 22:1-14 talks about a very real need that Avraham had. After many years, G-d gave Avraham and Sarah a son to be Avraham’s heir. Now, G-d had commanded Avraham to sacrifice this son whom Avraham loved on the altar. Avraham was sad, but He made preparations to obey G-d’s command. When G-d saw that Avraham was willing to obey G-d, G-d provided a way for Yitz’chak to live. [This was not the first time G-d met a need for Avraham. G-d had been providing for Avraham and his household since Avraham left Haran to travel to the Promised Land.] G-d still provides for the needs of His people. In Philippians 4:19 Sha’ul (Paul) promised, “My G-d will fill every need of yours according to His glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Yeshua.” When one of G-d’s people prays and asks for help, G-d will answer the need - not necessarily the way the person asked – but in the way that is best. G-d gives those who truly seek Him more than they need, and much more than they deserve.
The blessings G-d gives His people draw others to G-d. We can be certain that G-d loves each of His people and desires for our needs to be met, but that is not the only reason G-d blesses us. In Genesis 22:14, the story of the miracle G-d gave to Avraham and Yitz’chak ended with the words, “As it is said to this day, `On the mountain of the L-rd, it will be provided.’” G-d’s miracle provided for more than life for Yitz’chak. We can assume that this miracle also reminded people who lived in the lands around the mountain of G-d’s presence and caused them to turn to G-d. The mountain where G-d provided the ram to be sacrificed instead of Yitz’chak became a place for men to worship G-d. Philippians 4:20 [the next verse after the promise that G-d would provide for His people’s needs] continues, “And to G-d our Father be the glory forever and ever.” When we testify about how G-d meets our needs and blessed us, other people will be drawn to seek G-d as their personal Savior and L-rd. Then, they will receive the eternal life that Yeshua provided when He died on the execution stake and resurrected from the dead to pay for forgiveness of our sins. As children of G-d, they too can seek for a G-d who loves them and cares for them to meet their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright June 2008
MAY 2008
As a part of Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Yom HaShoah observance during our Sabbath service on May 3, 2008, Michelle Imrem will give a presentation about Hiram Bingham. Come to the Sabbath service on May 3rd to find out who Hiram Bingham was, and what he did that relates to Yom HaShoah.
Michelle Imrem and the other members of her family are have been part of Temple Shalom Yisrael for years. Michelle lives with her parents Joel and Alicia, and her older sister Monica in Lake in the Hills, Illinois. Michelle’s cat Nemo, Monica’s cat Poncho, and the family’s dog Gigi also share their home. G-d has gifted Michelle with the ability to teach and work with children. At Temple Shalom Yisrael, Michelle teaches a Junior Shabbat class. Her students range from preschool age thru those in grades kindergarten-second grade. Currently Michelle’s class is learning from the book of Genesis how Avraham and Isaac obeyed G-d. One of Michelle’s responsibilities each Saturday is receive any hugs her students want to give her. When we asked Michelle “What would you like to do for G-d that you haven’t had the opportunity to do yet?” Michelle answered, “I will do whatever G-d asks me to do next.” Michelle is a junior at Huntley High School. Her favorite class in school is history. After Michelle graduates from high school, she plans to attend McHenry County College and Harper College. After college, Michelle plans to join the Navy. Michelle enjoys reading. Michelle also is good at writing, which is one reason she was asked to give the Yom HaShoah presentation. It is fun to be in Michelle’s company, since she enjoys spending time with people and finding out about their lives. Thanks Michelle for being a cheerful, hard-working servant of G-d.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD ADONAI Nissi
“Moshe built an altar, called it `ADONAI Nissi’ (ADONAI is my banner)” Exodus 17:15
ADONAI led the Israelites from Egypt and brought them safely across the Sea of Suf (Sea of Reeds). [Exodus 17:8-16] Then, at Refidim, men from the country of Amalek attacked the Israelites. Moshe told Joshua, “Choose men for us to go out and fight with Amalek. I will stand on top of the hill with G-d’s staff in my hand.” During the battle, when Moshe raised his hand that was holding the staff, the Israelites were successful in fighting the Amalekites. When Moshe lowered the staff, the soldiers from Amalek began to win the battle. Aaron and Hur (who were with Moshe on the hill) placed a stone so that Moshe could sit on it. Then, Aaron and Hur each held up one of Moshe’s hands, so that his hands stayed steady until sunset. Because of this, Joshua and the Israelites defeated and killed Amalek’s soldiers. Moshe built an altar and called it ADONAI Nissi (ADONAI is my banner). Moshe said, “Because the Amalekites’ hand was against the throne of Yah, ADONAI will fight Amalek generation after generation.”
Valuable lessons can be learned these Bible verses. The Israelites’ victory over Amalek came when Moshe held G-d’s staff up in the air during the battle. However, we should not mistakenly believe that the power that brought victory to the Israelites was in the staff Moshe held up. Instead the power came from the One (YHVH) who the rod was lifted up to. Since Moshe was standing on a hill near the battlefield, the Israelites could see the staff in Moshe’s hand and know that G-d was with them and would bring them victory over their enemies. The staff Moshe lifted up during the Israelites’ battle against Amalek was the same staff that ADONAI had Moshe use to do miracles at the burning bush [Exodus 4:1-5] and in Egypt before Pharaoh [Exodus 7- 11]. Then, (after the Israelites left Egypt) ADONAI commanded Moshe to hold the same staff up over the Sea of Suf (Sea of Reeds) so that the Israelites could cross the Sea on dry land [Exodus 14:15-31]. Another lesson we learn from the story in Exodus 17:8-16 is that G-d does not want His servants to think that they can work for G-d without the support of their fellow servants. Moshe was able to hold up the staff for a short time, but when he became tired, he needed help from Aaron and Hur.
ADONAI Nissi (ADONAI is my banner) is with believers today. David said to G-d in Psalm 60:4-5 [CJB 60:6-7], “To those who fear you because of the truth, you gave a banner to rally around so that those you love could be rescued so save with your right hand and answer us!” [The word “banner” used in this verse means “something lifted up” and comes from the Hebrew root word nes (lift up)] Psalm 60:4-5 starts with the words “To those who fear you (G-d) …” The word “fear” can also be translated “awe” or “reverence”. G-d gives His “banner” to people who worship Him and obey His commands out of respect and love for who G-d is. The “banners” (signs) G-d has given believers to show that He is still with us are not a staff like Moshe had. Instead, G-d sent Yeshua (G-d’s Son) to die on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of all men’s sins. The execution stake Yeshua died on and the tomb left empty after Yeshua arose from the dead are visible signs of G-d’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Another visible banner (sign) that G-d is with us is G-d’s Word in the form of a Torah scroll or a Bible. As believers study the Bible and let G-d write His Word on our hearts and minds, we become more confident that G-d will provide for our needs and protect us from our enemies. G-d does not give a believer “banners” (signs of G-d’s presence with us) so that the believer use them to convince other people of his own importance. A believer should also not imagine that he can do everything by himself, without the help of other believers. Instead, believers are to use the “banners” (signs) G-d gives us to “rally around so that those we love can be rescued.” When Moshe used His staff (in the examples above), Moshe was an instrument of G-d’s plan to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and from their enemies. Believers too can allow G-d to use us to “rescue” people by sharing with them how they can ask Yeshua to be their personal Savior, and thus receive eternal life. We can also use talents G-d gives us to minister to people who are sick or in need. Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright May 2008
APRIL 2008 Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Passover on Saturday April 19th will have a full meal in the middle of Passover teachings and liturgy. Mixed in among them are Passover songs and Davidic dance that add to the evening. Before we can enjoy the Passover Seder, Sue Helle and Mike Evans coordinate the people who are involved in setting up the room and preparing food. Mike Evans tells us “Passover is a total experience of sights, sounds, activities, smells, textures, and tastes. Part of the experience is sharing a meal with everyone else attending the Passover Seder. Just as Y’shua sent His disciples ahead to prepare the Seder Meal, each year we ask about 25 adults and youth who attend our Seder Service (both congregational members and guests who attend regularly) if they are willing to assist in various parts of the food preparation before the Seder Service, serving the food during the Seder Service, and the cleanup after the Seder Service. Each year, we have had a wonderful response. Through these men and women, we have also learned more efficient ways of serving the meals so our Seder guests spend less time in serving lines each year, and more time fellowshipping and eating. While working together, we have some pretty good fellowship with each other in the kitchen. Because we share the work, we also are all able to spend more time in fellowship with the rest of the congregation during the Seder Service.” Pastor Paul Helle leads the people at the Seder in the Passover liturgy in the hagaddah. Pastor Helle also adds insights G-d has given him to teach us how the lessons we study each year at Passover apply in our daily lives. We asked Gordon Helle, Temple Shalom Yisrael’s worship leader, how he believes music fits in the Seder Gordon said, “Every once in a while, something spectacular happens. This is not simply an everyday occurrence, but something so grandiose that it not only is a tale worth talking about but is something more. In ancient times, news traveled, not through the printed word, but through the voice of a traveler. This traveler couldn’t simply be any ordinary person. His job was to communicate in such a way as to have the memory of the tale live long beyond his coming and going. So the traveling Minstrel was born. With the help of his musical accompaniment, and good wit, he was able to charm the town’s folk with tales of heroes and intrigue and suspense, leaving them with vivid memories of the events he described. And so it is with Passover. A few words can adequately retell the historical events with enough interest to keep the listener from falling asleep, which is a substantial task post-meal. However, it is only with the addition of music, in like manner of that of the Minstrel, that the story truly comes to life and the people are brought back once again to the days long gone of the mystery, intrigue, and triumph of the story of Passover. Ann Rothmaler, Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Davidic dance leader said, “One of the things that makes Temple Shalom Yisrael’s congregational Seder a special time is that there is lots of music and dancing interspersed with the liturgy and teaching. This really adds to the sense of celebration and praise for G-d’s victory, both in ancient Egypt and in our lives today. A couple of the dances are specials presented by the dance ministry team. However, most of them are congregational dances that anyone can enjoy participating in. The most popular of these is usually the last one, “Let My People Go”, a real jubilant warfare and victory song.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Worship the L-rd Who is there! In the book of Ezekiel, ADONAI gave the prophet Ezekiel a vision of the future temple that will be in Jerusalem during the Millennial reign of the Messiah. This vision included the measurements of the future temple and its furnishings. ADONAI gave commands for daily, Sabbath, Rosh-Chodesh (New Moon), Pesach (Passover), and Sukkot burnt offerings that will be made in the temple. ADONAI also listed the inheritance each Israelite tribe (and the foreigners who will live among them) will have in the land and stated that the city’s 12 gates will be named after the Israelite tribes. “And from that day on the name of the city will be ADONAI Shamah (The L-rd is there).” [Ezekiel 48:35] The word “shamah” used in Ezekiel 48:35 comes from the Hebrew word oa (sham) which can be translated “in it, there, or therein”. Words derived from this root word are found in a number of Bible verses, in a variety of situations. Possibly, the most intriguing use for the word oa (sham) is in Bible verses that tell about people who worshipped G-d or build altars to offer burnt offerings to G-d. Often these Bible verses also tell of G-d’s promise to bless His people when they worship and obey Him. · [Genesis 12:6-7] “Avram passed through the land to the place called Sh’khem, to the oak of Moreh… ADONAI appeared to Avram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land” So he built an altar there to ADONAI, who had appeared to him.” · [Genesis 26:23-25] “From there Yitz’chak (Isaac) went up to Be’er-Sheva. (24) ADONAI appeared to him that same night and said, “I am the G-d of Avraham your father. Don’t be afraid because I am with you. I will bless you and increase your descendants for the sake of my servant Avraham. (25) There Yitz’chak (Isaac) built an altar and called on the name of ADONAI…” · [Genesis 35:1-7] G-d said to Ya’akov (Jacob), “Get up, go up to Beit-El and live there and make an altar to G-d… He (Jacob) built there an altar and called the place El-Beit-El (G-d of House of G-d) because it was there that G-d was revealed to him at the time when he was fleeing from his brother.” · [Deuteronomy 27:4-8] The Israelites were commanded, “When you have crossed the Jordan… you are to erect an altar to ADONAI your G-d, an altar made of stones… and you are to offer burnt offerings on it to ADONAI your G-d. (7) Also you are to sacrifice peace offerings, eat there and be joyful in the presence of ADONAI your G-d. (8)You are to write on the stones all the words of this Torah very clearly.” · [Judges 6:24] “Gideon built an altar there to ADONAI and called it `ADONAI Shalom’.” · [1 Samuel 7:17] “Then he (Samuel) would return to Ramah…and he would judge Israel there too. He also built an altar there to ADONAI.” · [1 Kings 9:3] ADONAI told Shlomo (Solomon), “I have heard your prayer and your pleas that you made before me. I am consecrating this house (the Temple), which you built and placing my name there forever. My eyes and heart will always be there.” As G-d’s people, we have a reason to worship Him wherever we go – because G-d is there! One day, all of G-d’s people will be able to worship G-d in heaven with no distractions or activities that need our attention. Until then, we should make a priority of finding time to worship G-d without failing to meet the needs of the people G-d has called us to serve. G-d gave His people the Sabbath as a day that is set aside to worship G-d and fellowship with Him. G-d also desires each person to be aware of G-d’s presence during his activities in the rest of the week. We can worship G-d (rejoice in His presence) in our homes as we follow our daily routine, or spend time with family and friends. We can also worship G-d as we work, shop, or do errands. There are many ways to worship G-d. On the Sabbath, believers are blessed as we worship G-d and study G-d’s Word together. We worship G-d as we sing praises to G-d, dance, or listen to teaching about G-d’s Word. We also worship G-d when we give testimonies about the good things G-d has done for us. During the rest of the week, each believer should make it a priority to find short periods of time to seek G-d in prayer or study G-d’s Word. We can also listen to music or teaching CD’s, or pray during some of our weekly activities, if the activity does not take our full concentration. Worship the L-rd with the proper attitude. The only question left to answer is “What is the proper attitude with which a believer should worship G-d? Yeshua told the Samaritan woman, “The time is coming …when the true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshipping Him.” John 4:23 Several times in the Old Testament, G-d told the Israelites that He did not want their burnt offerings.” The reason for G-d’s statement was that, even though the Israelites were bringing the burnt offerings commanded in the Torah, in their hearts they were worshipping idols and were following their own selfish desires instead of obeying G-d’s commands. As believers today, we need to ask G-d to guard us against this same failing. It is not enough to “do” the commands in the Torah or in Yeshua’s teachings. Our actions that follow G-d’s commands should be the fruit of a faithful, loving relationship with our Savior and L-rd – the giver of the commands. When we worship G-d “in spirit and in truth”, we are strengthening our relationship with our L-rd and allowing Him to direct our lives so that our actions draw other people to Him. Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright April 2008
MARCH 2008 Trust & Hope Jackie McCluskey is a member of Temple Shalom Yisrael. She, her husband Tom, and their 4 children (Jeff, Kendall, Sean, and Max) live in Wheaton. We asked Jackie to share with us in what ways several scriptures used as liturgy in our congregation’s Sabbath service speak to her about her relationship with her heavenly Father and Yeshua, her Savior and L-rd.
“You are to love ADONAI your G-d with all your heart, all your being and all your resources.” Deuteronomy 6:5 Jackie shared that, instead of getting angry that her family doesn’t have more abundant financial resources, these verses teach her that G-d is a fair G-d. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) has told Jackie to “TRUST GOD.” The words (in Deuteronomy 6:5) “Love ADONAI your G-d …” teach Jackie that she is to daily pray and keep in touch with G-d. Originally, Jackie spent a half an hour the first thing in the morning to pray with G-d, but she came to realize that wasn’t good enough. When worries about her husband or children come up at other times of the day, Jackie finds it is helpful to go off by herself to pray to G-d for a few minutes. Jackie feels it is important to spend as much time with G-d as needed. Jackie said, “Let G-d touch you as you touch Him.” Jackie also sees being passionate about worship music as a way to show her love for G-d.
“These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart and you are to teach them carefully to your children when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them on your hand as a sign, put them at the front of a headband around your forehead and write them on the door-frames of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 These verses give Jackie HOPE during the challenges in raising her children. She is reminded that the Torah has the answers on how to raise her children and what she should teach them about G-d. Jackie brings her children to weekly Sabbath service. She also sees the value of having them watch G-dly TV programs or DVD’s. Jackie has been encouraged when one of her children quotes the Bible as the standard for appropriate behavior. Jackie has seen lots of spiritual growth in herself and in her children.
May ADONAI bless you and keep you. May ADONAI make His face shine on you and show you His favor. May ADONAI lift up His face toward you and give you shalom (peace).” Numbers 6:24-26 Jackie loves the end of our Sabbath service when the Aaronic Benediction is chanted. Jackie says that she puts her head down and “breathes” in the blessing that comes from the L-rd through the Pastor. Jackie thinks about the peace she received from the Aaronic blessing, and uses it during the entire week. It helps Jackie to know that, even if bad things happen, it will be all right. She can be patient. G-d’s promises – eternal life in heaven and others good things –will come in His timing.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD ADONAI M’kaddesh – the G-d who sanctifies (sets apart) His people to serve Him “I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar, likewise I will consecrate Aharon and his sons to serve me in the office of cohen (priest). Then, I will live with the people of Israel and be their G-d. They will know that I am ADONAI their G-d, who brought them out of the land of Egypt in order to live with them. I am ADONAI their G-d.” Exodus 29:44-46
[Exodus 25:1-8; 26:30; 31:1-11; 40:17-38] ADONAI commanded that the Israelites were to bring gold, silver and bronze metals, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat’s hair, tanned ram skins, acacia wood, oil, spices and precious gems. ADONAI commanded, “They are to make me a sanctuary, so that I may live among them.” ADONAI equipped workers to build the tabernacle according to the design ADONAI showed Moshe on Mount Sinai. The completed tabernacle and furnishings were set up on the first day of the first month of the second year (after the Israelites left Egypt). When the tabernacle and its furnishings was dedicated and anointed with holy oil, the glory of G-d filled the tabernacle.
The tabernacle was a visible sign to the nations around them that the Israelites were set apart to worship G-d. The tabernacle with its white curtains stood in the center of the Israelite camp. Here, the cohanim (priests) who had been anointed and set apart to serve G-d made burnt offerings to atone for the people’s sins. When the Israelites followed the cloud or the fire through the desert, the tabernacle and its furnishings traveled in a protected position between the Israelite tribes. The tabernacle was a constant reminder to the people that G-d had led them from slavery in Egypt and provided for their needs in the desert.
[John 17:6-19] (At the last Passover Seder before He was put on the execution stake) Yeshua prayed for His disciples who He had called from their homes and jobs to follow Him. These men knew that Yeshua was G-d’s Son and the Messiah who G-d had promised to send to the Jewish people. The disciples had watched for 3 ½ years while Yeshua taught the Israelite people and healed them. Yeshua prayed for His disciples, “I made your name known to the people you gave me out of the world. … They have really come to know that I came from you and they have come to trust that you sent me. Yeshua asked G-d to sanctify (set apart) the disciples to continue with Yeshua’s ministry. It would be the disciples’ responsibility to heal those who were sick and to teach people how to obey G-d. Yeshua said, “They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth – your word is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. On their behalf I am setting myself apart for holiness so that they too may be set apart for holiness by means of the truth. ” Yeshua’s disciples today are people who believe that Yeshua is the Messiah and the One who G-d sent to save people from their sins. G-d has sanctified (set apart) us to serve as priests under Yeshua, our High Priest. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “You are a chosen people, the King’s cohanim (priests), a holy nation, a people for G-d to posses. Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” G-d desires us to continue with the ministry Yeshua gave to His first disciples. It is our responsibility to share with as many people as we can that Yeshua died on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of people’s sins. We are to teach verses from G-d’s Word (the Bible) that show people how to find Yeshua as their personal Savior and L-rd. Once they make that decision, G-d’s desire to live within the people He created and be their G-d will be fulfilled. G-d gives spiritual gifts to His cohanim (priests) to meet the needs of G-d’s people. The spiritual gifts are signs that G-d is with His priests. [Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-30; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 4:11-13] Another sign that G-d dwells within His people is when they show love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self control in their daily lives. [Galatians 5:22-23]
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright March 2008
FEBRUARY 2008 We asked Ann Janicene to tell us how G-d became an important part of her life. Years ago, Anne had never seen people come forward during a church service or Christian TV program in response to a challenge from the minister. Then, during a service that Anne was at in a Protestant church, the minister invited people to ask Jesus to be their Savior and L-rd. Anne knew it was right and stood up. This decision started Anne’s personal relationship with her Savior. We asked Anne how knowing Yeshua (Jesus) as her Savior has changed her life for the better. Anne said that G-d has blessed her greatly. G-d has given her good worship experiences as she has come closer to Him in her heart and with the words she speaks. G-d has also helped Anne in many circumstances, especially when she travels alone on the road. G-d has sent people to help Anne when she needed it. Anne keeps herself strong spiritually by praying to G-d. Often she makes prayer a priority in the morning. Anne also reads the Bible and other Christian materials or view videos on Christian themes. Any weekend that Anne cannot be at Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Sabbath service, she attends another worship service where she is at. When Anne is traveling, she might stop and find a chapel where she can pray. Anne serves G-d in a variety of ways. Over the years she has sung in a church choir and worked in a Christian camp. Anne has also volunteered for Evangelist Explosion and the Billy Graham television ministry. From time to time, Anne visits family members or friends in nursing homes. Anne estimates that, over time as G-d leads, she has passed out 5,000 tracts to help people learn how to receive salvation through Yeshua. One of Anne’s favorite Bible verses is 1 John 1:9 which says, “If we acknowledge our sins, then, since He is trustworthy and just, He will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing. Anne knows that what she does for G-d makes a difference because the Bible tells that is true. Anne encourages people to believe that, no matter what happens, G-d is there with a safety net.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD A Creator who wants to know His creation The Hebrew word trc (bara) is translated “create” or “creator”. To understand what this word means to each of us, we need to ask “Who is our Creator?” and “What did He create?” We can find answers to these and other questions about the Creator in the Bible “In the beginning” ohvkt (G-d) created the heavens, the earth. The earth was unformed and void, darkness was on the face of the deep and the Spirit of G-d hovered over the surface of the waters. Then G-d said, `Let there be light’ and there was light.” [Genesis 1:1-3] (On the 6th day) “G-d created humankind in his own image…male and female He created them. G-d blessed them and said, `Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it…’” [Genesis 1:27-28]
Why do people look for answers on how life on the earth began? Whether people believe that G-d created the earth and mankind or that all forms of life came about “naturally” over a period of many years, we want to know where we came from. The best answer is that G-d chose to create mankind because He desires to have a relationship with us. G-d had a purpose when He created mankind. G-d commanded Adam and Havah to rule over the animals that G-d had created and placed in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Havah sinned and were driven from the Garden, G-d still desired to have a relationship with mankind. G-d sent His Son Yeshua to die on the execution stake and remove the sin barrier that men had erected between themselves and G-d. Now, once a person acknowledges that only Yeshua’s death and resurrection can bring him close to G-d, the person can truly begin to know who his Creator is. G-d made mankind in His image, but we do not have G-d’s wisdom or strength. G-d gave us teachings in His Word on how to obey Him, but knowledge of these laws is not enough. If we don’t let G-d’s Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) guide us in how G-d’s laws apply to our daily lives, we are vulnerable to temptations that haSatan puts in our path. G-d will also help us when we grow weary or discouraged. All we have to do is cry, “HELP!” and G-d will make what seems impossible to do become possible. Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “Haven’t you known, haven’t you heard that the everlasting G-d, ADONAI, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow tired or weary? His understanding cannot be fathomed. He invigorates the exhausted. He gives strength to the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, even the fittest may stumble and fall, but those who hope in ADONAI will renew their strength. They will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings. When they are running, they won’t grow weary. When they are walking, they won’t get tired.”
G-d’s creative work did not end in the first 6 days. G-d continues to refine and recreate people who seek Him so that they become more like Him. Yeshua’s death on the execution stake made it possible for G-d to give believers a “new heart” that becomes the dwelling place for the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit). In Psalm 51:12(10)–15(13) David said, “Create in me a clean heart, G-d. Renew in me a resolute spirit. Don’t thrust me away from your presence, don’t take your Ruach Kodesh from me. Restore my joy in your salvation and let a willing spirit uphold me. Then I will teach the wicked your ways, and sinners will return to you.” This renewed heart makes it possible for people to know G-d and to become more like Him. We can be faithful servants of G-d and minister to people who are hurt or looking for G-d’s salvation. “For we are of G-d’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by G-d for us to do.” [Ephesians 2:10] We can praise and worship G-d on this earth in the same way that our Creator will be worshipped in heaven. “You are worthy ADONAI Eloheinu to have glory, honor and power, because you created all things. Yes, because of your will they were created and came into being.” [Revelation 4:11] Ask yourself – “Do you want to daily spend time with getting to know your Creator?” “Do you desire to develop and strengthen the relationship with G-d that is possible since G-d sent His Son Yeshua to become our sacrifice for sin?” “What do you do to help other people realize that they can get to know their Creator?” If you believe you have something worthy while, share the Good News with people who are crying for help!
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright February 2008
JANUARY 2008
“What brought 24 people (adults and children), flags, puppets and a puppet stage, worship hoops and finger ribbons together in the same place and at the same time on December 8th?”
The answer to that question is “Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Hanukkah celebration”.
This year, Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Junior Shabbat classes were asked to plan a special presentation that would teach the spiritual meaning of the Hanukkah story. When we asked ourselves how to present, in a fun way, the message that - years ago - G-d delivered His people from their Syrian conquerors, the answer was “puppets”. Then, we added some people carrying flags and others doing Davidic dances. All that we lacked was people to watch our presentation so we invited family, friends, and members of Temple Shalom Yisrael to join us. During our Hanukkah presentation, we imagined that we (the participants and those in the congregation watching us) were part of the crowd of Israelites outside the Temple while the priests and Levites dedicated the new altar of burnt offering. While the priests obeyed G-d’s commands and made the proper animal sacrifices, we (the Israelites) were able to worship ADONAI openly in Jerusalem for the first time in years. During our puppet skit’s 3 short acts, 2 of our congregation’s children (assisted by 1 of the puppets) asked questions about the Hanukkah story. 2 puppets answered their questions and taught us several spiritual meanings we can learn from the Hanukkah story. Thank you Kendall McCluskey and Sean McCluskey for asking questions about the meaning of Hanukkah. We would like to thank puppeteers Elliot Lara, Tirsa Lara, and Uriel Lara for bringing “life” to the puppets. The puppets could not have taught us the Hanukkah story without help from the voices of Anne Janicene, Michelle Imrem, and Bianca Bostic. The first Hanukkah lesson is that the Torah commands that we are to only worship the one-true G-d – the G-d of Avraham, Yitz’chak (Isaac), and Ya’akov (Jacob). We learn that Mattithias and his sons refused to sacrifice a pig on an altar, even when commanded to by their Syrian conquerors. Mattithias’ and his sons’ stand for ADONAI led to the Maccabees fight against the Syrian soldiers. Davidic dancers and people carrying flags led us in worshipping to the song “ADONAI” [Lee Black, Steve Merkel & Paul Wilbur-Watchman CD] The words of this song help us to rejoice that we have a wise and powerful G-d. Thank you to the Davidic dancers: Ann Rothmaler, Barbara Glauberg, Fran Ehrhart, Mike Evans, Sue Helle, Jackie McCluskey, Kendall McCluskey, Sean McCluskey, Lonna Romer, and Johnna Romer. Thank you Gordon Helle for operating the soundboard. The second Hanukkah lesson is that, when the Israelites drove the Syrian soldiers from Jerusalem, they cleaned the Temple and repaired the damage done by the Syrians. Then, the Israelites built a new altar of burnt offering in the Temple to replace the altar the Syrians had put a pig on. The Davidic dancers and people carrying flags led us as we worshipped G-d to the song “L-rd G-d of Avraham” [Steve Merkel & Wes Tuttle-Watchman CD]. One of the themes in this song is that, as believers, we offer our lives as a living sacrifice to G-d. We would like to thank Jeff Glauberg, Michelle Imrem, Maribel Lara, Willie Lara, Elliot Lara, Tirsa Lara, Uriel Lara, Sean McCluskey, Max McCluskey, Steve Poncher, Fred Potter, and Sherry Rezek for carrying flags as we worshipped G-d. The third Hanukkah lesson we learned was that each believer can dedicate his body and life to G-d. Each believer sets apart (dedicates) himself to ADONAI when the believer daily worships and serves ADONAI in any way he can.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Traditional Jewish beliefs about the Messiah
Jewish scholars state that the Messiah is one the things created before the world.(*) There are several examples in Jewish liturgy or celebration of the L-rd’s feasts that show Jewish people are looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. 1) Passover An extra cup is filled with wine (or grape juice) and placed on the Passover Seder table. This extra cup is for Elijah, the prophet. Elijah did not die, but was swept up to heaven by a great whirlwind so it is a traditional belief that Elijah will return at Passover to announce the coming of the Messiah, the Son of David. A fun part of the Passover Seder is when a small child is sent to open the door to look to see if Elijah has come.
A song that is traditional at Passover time is Eliyahu Hanavi”
2) The Amidah The Amidah contains 18 blessings which are recited daily by Orthodox Jews The Amidah (18 blessings) are also part of traditional Sabbath and Holy Days liturgy. The Amidah dates back prior to the coming of Yeshua. The Amidah blesses G-d and reflects a desire for G-d to be in the lives of His people.
Parts of the Amidah reflect the expectation that the Messiah will come. #14 Return to Jerusalem your city with mercy and dwell in the midst of it as you have proclaimed and built it in a near time and in our day, a building forever. The throne of David speedily establish. Blessed are You, O Lord, builder of Jerusalem.”
#15 Speedily cause to flourish the offspring of David your servant. Let his glory be raised up by your help; for your help we hope all day. Blessed are You, O Lord who makes to flourish the horn of salvation.
3) #12 of the 13 principles of Jewish faith Maimonides was a well-respected Jewish scholar in the 12th century who formed 13 principles of Jewish faith. These principles are still respected by Jews today.
#12 “I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and though Messiah tarry, I will wait daily for his coming.”
The 12th statement in Maimonides 13 principles is associated with Jews who marched into the gas chamber during the Holocaust with these words on their lips. The words of this statement have been set to a variety of melodies which are still sung today.
Pray that G-d will open the eyes of His people so that they will see that the Messiah that they have been longing for has come, and that He is the Yeshua (salvation) spoken about in the New Covenant.
* The Midrash (on Proverbs 8:9) gives 7 things that were in existence before the world was created: the Throne of Glory, Messiah the King, the Torah, (idea) Israel, the temple, repentance, and Gehenna. * Bereshith Rabba mentions 6 things: the Torah, the Throne of Glory, the Fathers, Israel, the Temple, and the Name of the Messiah. [source: The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim]
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright January 2008
DECEMBER 2007 REFUGE by Shayla Hanson It's hard to imagine being a refugee. Most of us in America have never had to run for our lives, leave our homes, and build a new life from scratch in a new land. Many other people have been in that situation, though, from the Bible times to now. In fact, in Israel today, there is a small flood of new refugees from the war-torn country of Sudan. Christians and Muslims alike, they are fleeing from the violence and death of their homeland to search for somewhere, anywhere that will take them in and offer life. My family's congregation in Haifa, Israel has had the beautiful opportunity to provide refuge and hope to some of these demoralized people. What was a home for battered women adjacent to our main sanctuary has become a mini Sudanese complex, as women and children, and even men have flocked to shelter. As these people flee on foot from their war-torn country, they have trouble finding a country who will take them in. To Israel, these people are former citizens of an enemy nation, illegally entering their borders. The men had to be incarcerated while Israel struggled with what to do with them. Jewish people know what it means to be refugees, and they find it difficult to turn others away. So, they try to figure out what to do with the men, and quite a few of the women and children have ended up at Carmel Assembly. These beautiful people have been welcomed with open arms by the congregation--the children swooped up into the arms of the workers, and the women lovingly counseled by the leadership. Their faces changed from fear and concern to glowing smiles after just a little time there. And the best thing is that the love of Yeshua has reached deep into their hearts. One woman was extremely overjoyed to be in the "Holy Land." She thought that Israel was only in Heaven, and now she finds it hard to believe that Heaven is not her current home! Just a few days ago, my dad was called on to perform the immersion (baptism) of a new believer in the congregation. This man used to be Muslim, but because of the love of G-d that was shown him at Carmel Assembly, he is now a brother in Messiah. When asked to give his testimony, he said that the thing that made the difference for him was a simple comparison: hatred and death compared with compassionate love. How beautiful! I'm sure that there are many people who would be surprised to know that they had a part in this wonderful testimony. Persecutors, Egyptian police, border guards, and Israeli officials have probably no clue that G-d is doing something amazing today in Israel. The Promised Land is once again a place of refuge.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Set aside to serve G-d In the Antioch congregation were prophets and teachers… One time, when they were worshipping the L-rd and fasting, the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) said to them `Set aside for me Bar-Nabba (Barnabas) and Sha’ul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.’ After fasting and praying, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” [Acts 13:1-3]
At Hanukkah time, we celebrate the victory G-d gave the Maccabees over the Syrian king and his soldiers. We also remember the Israelites’ need to restore the temple in Jerusalem to worship of G-d after they drove the Syrians from Jerusalem. Once the temple had been cleaned, and the menorah, table of shewbread, and incense altar were replaced in the Holy of Holies, the priests dedicated the new altar of burnt offerings to G-d. The Syrians had sacrificed a pig (an unclean animal) on the previous altar. Thus this altar was no longer a fit place to offer proper sacrifices to G-d. The Levites tore down the old altar and stored the stones in a room in the Temple “until a prophet would tell them what to do” with the stones that had once had sacrifices to G-d made on them.” They built a new altar of burnt offerings and spent 8 days dedicating the altar to G-d. The Hanukkah theme of dedication reminds believers of the need to dedicate our lives and ministry to G-d. Each person can (and should) commit to worshipping and serving only G-d. When we do this, we are giving G-d control of the daily decisions we make. We are putting G-d’s will ahead of any desires we might have.
In Acts chapter 13, the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) told the leaders of the Antioch Messianic congregation to set aside Bar-Nabba (Barnabas) and Sha’ul (Paul) for the ministry G-d had called them to do. [I don’t think that this call to ministry was a surprise to Bar-Nabba (Barnabas) and Sha’ul (Paul). They undoubtedly were willing to respond to the call of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), but they waited until the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) confirmed their call to ministry through the other congregation leaders.] The leaders of the Antioch congregation’s response to the Word from the Ruach HaKodesh’s (Holy Spirit’s) was to fast and pray, and then to lay hands on Bar-Nabba (Barnabas) and Sha’ul (Paul) as a way of dedicating them to this ministry. After the leaders had laid hands on them, Bar-Nabba (Barnabas) and Sha’ul (Paul) sailed to Cyprus and began proclaiming the Word of G-d in the Jewish synagogue there. This Bible account shows us the need for those in believing congregations to support each other in the ministry G-d calls each of us to do. G-d does not want anyone to feel like he is alone. A believer may not have many people working alongside of him when he go out to share the Good News about Yeshua with lost and hurting people, but he can take with him a mighty army of prayer warriors who believe G-d is using him to do an important ministry. The leaders of his congregation, and his brothers and sisters in the L-rd can support the person by praying for him and encouraging him – in the same way he supports them as they serve G-d. Ask yourself – “Do I pray for other believers in my private prayer time?” “Do I join with the leaders of my congregation in praying for and encouraging other believers who are ministering to lost and hurting people?” “Do I encourage my brothers and sisters by telling them that I believe their ministry comes from G-d and that I am praying for them?” Acts 13:2-3 tells us that the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) spoke the leaders of the Antioch congregation “when they were worshipping the L-rd and fasting”. That doesn’t mean that a believer can force G-d to give an answer by the physical acts of worship or fasting. It also does not mean that these are the only ways to ask G-d to speak to us. This Bible account does teach us that we are more likely to hear G-d speak to us when we set aside our personal comfort or convenience (in whatever way we are led by G-d) to seek G-d in prayer, and by worshipping and praising Him.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright December 2007
NOVEMBER 2007 FEASTING AND FASTING IN THE PROMISED LAND by Shayla Hanson The High Holidays just passed, and I'm more homesick for Israel than ever. Celebrations can happen all over the world, but the Feasts are just, somehow, better in Israel. Maybe it's because so many of them began during a time of journey to or longing for the Promised Land. Maybe it's the fact that you are actually easily able to get off work, and everything shuts down to celebrate. Mostly, though, I think it's the multi-sensory, full-community immersion into the festivities that makes them so memorable. I'm lost in some particularly fond memories… Some feasts are especially meaningful to us as Believers in Yeshua. I arrived in Israel just in time for Passover. My family joined a small group from our congregation in Haifa to celebrate the Seder in a joyful and worshipful way. We went around the room reading portions of our Messianic haggadah in English or Hebrew, depending on the person. The children had decorated; the women had prepared scrumptious, yeast-free food; and we were together with great friends from various parts of the world. The night was complete with a special time of praise and worship in English and Hebrew, led by our host with his guitar. We thanked G-d for His deliverance, not only from Egypt, but also from our sins. The people of Israel seem to have a distinctive ability to observe joyful celebration as well as reflective remembrance and repentance. During the days of remembrance of the Holocaust and the fallen soldiers, I remember quiet, neighborhood ceremonies that allow people to express grief. Then there is the minute of silence, during which the traffic stops, and all stand still to remember those who are no longer with us. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is a holiday whose very solemnity makes it great. Coming after the exuberance of Rosh HaShana (Feast of Trumpets), it is an appropriate time to soberly examine your life. In Carmel Center, Haifa, the streets are quiet and still, because driving is forbidden. People are in their homes awaiting the evening times of prayer at the synagogue. There, dressed in white, they finish the evening with prayers for forgiveness. Even the children, who are not required to fast for their sins, participate in the holiday. It is the one day of the year in which they can freely ride bicycles on empty streets. We humans were created for community, and some feasts just make a point of celebrating that need. There's something special about a holiday that gets people out in their yards with neighbors. That's why I like Sukkot (Feast of Booths). It was fun to gather with a bunch of Russian Jewish Believers beneath a cheerfully decorated Sukkah, eating heaps of food, laughing, and talking (or watching, for us non-Russian-speaking friends). Barbecue smells waft on the late-summer breeze as people all over Israel roam from yard to yard, visiting friends and playing with their children. What a celebration! Life is filled with G-d-created seasons of laughter and tears that are both to be embraced and remembered. Celebrating the Feasts in Israel brought that to life, as the whole community laughed and cried as one. These beautiful memories bring a pang of wistful longing as I wish for "next year in Jerusalem."
His Kingdom Coffee House
Thursday November 15, 2007
starting at 7 p.m.
at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows (2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008)
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Who are we praising? [Matthew 21:1-11] Yeshua’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem takes place a few days before the Biblical feasts of Pesach (Passover) and Yom HaBikkurim (Day of First Fruits of the Barley Harvest). When Yeshua entered Jerusalem, riding on the donkey, He was met by many Jews from all over the known world who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate these Biblical holidays. Yeshua’s actions fulfilled the Messianic prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 which says, “Rejoice with all your heart, greatly, daughter of Tziyon! Shout out loud, daughter of Jerusalem! Your King is coming to you. He is righteous and He is victorious. Yet He is humble. He’s riding on a donkey...” Many of the Jews who saw Yeshua had heard about His teachings and the miracles He had done. Some of them had followed Yeshua from town to town as He taught and ministered to people. This caused many Jews to believe that Yeshua was the Messiah. Matthew 21:9 says that the people shouted to Yeshua, “Hosanna (Please deliver us)!” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of ADONAI! You in the highest heaven! Please, deliver us!” Matthew 21:9 quotes verses from Psalm 118, which is part of the “Hallel”. Jewish worshippers chanted the “Hallel” (Psalms 113-118) in Jerusalem during the feasts of Pesach, Hanukkah, and Sukkot in anticipation that the Messiah would come soon. Luke 19:39-40 tells us that some Pharisees in the crowd told Yeshua, “Rabbi, reprimand your disciples.” Yeshua answered them, “I tell you that if they (the people) keep quiet, the stones will shout!” The Pharisees’ words imply that they did not believe that Yeshua was truly the Messiah that G-d had promised to send to deliver His people. It is also possible that the Pharisees felt threatened when the people turned to Yeshua to teach them how to obey G-d instead of looking to the Pharisees for answers. [Luke 19:41-44] When Yeshua rode close enough to Jerusalem to see the city, He wept over it, saying, `If you only knew today what is needed for shalom (peace)! But for now it is hidden from your sight.” Yeshua continued, “For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will set up a barricade around you, encircle you, hem you on every side and dash you to the ground, you and your children within your walls, leaving not one stone standing on another.” The reason Yeshua gave for all of the trouble that would come upon Jerusalem was that the people did not recognize their opportunity when G-d offered it.
One implication of the people shouting, “Please deliver us, Son of David” at this time is that the people acknowledged and honored Yeshua as the Messiah. The question is, “What were they expected Yeshua the Messiah to do?” Most people probably saw Yeshua as a victorious conqueror who would replace the tyrannical enemy (Rome) with a loving and benevolent ruler ship. In making this assumption, the people missed the victory Yeshua came to bring. They wanted peace from external enemies but knew nothing of the internal, spiritual peace that was Yeshua’s true purpose to bring them. We too need to be careful that we don’t make a similar mistake. Yes, we state clearly that Yeshua is G-d’s Son and that He died on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of all people’s sins. We have made a decision to receive Yeshua as our personal Savior. Yet, in what areas are we asking Yeshua to bring us deliverance and victory? If we play back the daily prayer requests we make to G-d, most of them will be related to earthly needs. Those requests are not wrong, but our Messiah Yeshua also wants to bring us spiritual victory from attacks brought against us by our spiritual enemy haSatan. Ask G-d to strengthen your defenses against sinful temptations that will weaken your relationship with Yeshua. Ask G-d to help you develop your prayer time with Him so that you won’t think you can live your life without Him. Ask G-d to open your eyes to the truths in His Word so that you will know clearly how to follow the path of service that He has for you. Don’t make the mistake the people in Jerusalem did in failing to know who Yeshua truly is. OCTOBER 2007
G-d has given Barbara Glauberg (a member of our congregation) a vision to reach out to unsaved people – to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles. To fulfill this vision, Barbara is planning a Coffee House where the primary goal is to encourage unsaved people to find salvation through Yeshua. Read the following questions and answers to find how the Coffee House can be a part of your life and ministry. Who is His Kingdom Coffee House for? His Kingdom Coffee House is for you if you are searching for your Jewish Messiah. His Kingdom Coffee House is for you if you already know Yeshua as your Savior and are looking for a place to bring your unsaved friends and relatives. When? His Kingdom Coffee House will meet on Thursday October 18, 2007, starting at 7 p.m. (at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows) What ? At His Kingdom Coffee House, the atmosphere will be quiet and intimate. Snacks and coffee will be available to eat and drink. The songs Barbara and the other musicians sing will range from traditional Jewish songs to mild rock to hymns or contemporary songs. The songs sung will also include original songs written by the musicians. Come to fellowship, enjoy the music, or participate in Davidic Dance. Why? Barbara believes the atmosphere and music at the His Kingdom Coffee House will cause your unbelieving friends or family members to become more curious about the Messiah. The experience will plant seeds that will prompt them to ask questions that you (their believing friend or family member) can answer. Come and enjoy the evening with your friend or family member so that you can talk to him later about what you both heard. INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Wise man or foolish man? “So everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on bedrock. The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the winds blew and beat against that house, but it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the wind blew and beat against that house and it collapsed – and its collapse was horrendous!” Matthew 7:24-27 Yeshua’s words in Matthew 7:24-27 are so familiar to us that we often think of them as a lesson meant for children. The story is simple and contrasts 2 men – a wise man who built his house on a rock to keep it safe from the floods and a stupid or foolish man who built his house on sand. The lesson is clear. Hear Yeshua’s words and obey them and all will be well. End of the story – or is it? O course, all of us who read this Bible story want to believe that we are the “wise man”. We have received Yeshua as our personal Savior and we want to obey Yeshua’s words. Besides, who wants to be called foolish or reap the disaster that the foolish man received. However, if we look at the verses before Yeshua’s words in Matthew 7:24-27, it doesn’t see as easy as we first thought. Matthew 7:13-14 tells us, “Go in through the narrow gate for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and the road broad and many travel it. But it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Did Yeshua really say, “The path to life is a hard road and only a few find it?” Suddenly our concept of who is a “wise man” that we received from reading Matthew 7:24-27 out of context is narrowed. “Only a few find the narrow path …” Well, that’s ok because we know that our actions match up to G-d’s Word – most of the time anyway. But, continue reading in Matthew 7 and it gets more confusing. Yeshua taught His disciples, “Beware of the false prophets! They come to you wearing sheep’s clothing but underneath they are hungry wolves! You will recognize them by their fruit…. Every healthy tree produces good fruit, but a poor tree produces bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, or a poor tree good fruit. Any tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. So you will recognize them by their fruit.” [Matthew 7:15-20] Then Yeshua said, “Not everyone who says to me, “L-rd, L-rd!” will enter the Kingdom of heaven, only those who do what my Father in heaven wants. On that Day, many will say to me, L-rd, L-rd! Didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we expel demons in your name? Didn’t we perform many miracles in your name?” Then I will tell them to their faces, “I never know you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.” [Matthew 7:21-23] Yeshua’s words help us realize that a person who looks like he is obeying G-d’s Word might not have the right attitude. Some people (false prophets) are seeking to have others look at them instead of drawing people to worship and know G-d. A self-seeking person who does miracles that benefit people out of pride will not be acknowledged by Yeshua. G-d expects those who are truly His followers to live their lives and minister to others to bring glory to G-d and to draw other people to seek Yeshua as Savior and L-rd. My comments above are not meant to imply that my readers are not the “wise man” in Yeshua’s teaching, but each person should study all of Matthew 7 and seek G-d to see if there are any things G-d wants him to change before he makes an assumption that he is in rightstanding with G-d. . Matthew 7:24-27 isn’t a story for children. Yeshua’s words are for all people who want to be a child of G-d.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright October 2007
SEPTEMBER 2007
Jim Lellman – A Servant of G-d We asked Jim Lellman, a member of Temple Shalom Yisrael, to tell us about himself. Jim is the first born of four children. Jim’s next eldest sister is married and lives with her husband and 3 children in Hanover Park. His other sister and his brother are both attending college and will be at NIU in the fall. Jim’s mom works at a nursing home and his dad works with computers. They live in Buffalo Grove. Jim works for Christian Liberty Academy School Systems. His tasks are many. Jim’s core position is in the Curriculum Department. When students enroll in Christian Liberty Academy’s program, they first take an achievement test. After the test is graded, the results are forwarded to Jim’s department, where they formulate a packing list containing the books for that student. Jim is also responsible for sending out information to potential customers, explaining students scores on course tests, checking into parent's complaints as to the content of course tests, and formatting custom scannable tests for the printstream. We asked Jim, “In what ways has G-d blessed you since you became a believer?” Jim’s answer was, “G-d has helped me to find truth in many situations. He has helped me find friends.” When Jim was asked if he has grown spiritually since he has been at Temple Shalom Yisrael, Jim said, “I feel that I have come to realize a little more how much I need to trust in the Lord for all things. By trusting in Him and trying not to worry about things myself, I am respecting His overwhelming power.” Jim’s response when asked how he sees his role in the Body of Messiah was, “I come and help put stuff up before service and put stuff away after service. I also serve in the position of service leader frequently, and sometimes lead songs during worship.” We asked Jim how being a member of Temple Shalom Yisrael’s worship team has impacted him.” Jim told us, “Based on the close observation of our leadership, this has helped me to realize that we all need to depend on G-d. We are all as small children before him. From the members all the way up to the pastor, we (as individuals) can't go too far without G-d. Even though Jim is involved in many areas of Temple Shalom Yisrael’s ministry, he told us, “I have yet to understand all the gifts G-d has given me and how they apply to my responsibilities. Jim’s advice to people about serving G-d is “ Find something to do and stick with it.”
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD “Turn from your sins…” “It was during those days that Yochanan (John) the Baptist arrived in the desert of Judah and began proclaiming the message, `Turn from your sins to G-d, for the Kingdom of Heave is near!’” [Matthew 3:1-2] John’s words, “The Kingdom of Heaven is near” warned sinners that they soon would come before G-d’s throne where they would be judged for the sinful actions they had committed during their lives. G-d desired that, when the people heard John’s warning, they would confess and repent of their sins before they faced G-d’s judgment. It is likely that John’s challenge for the people to repent of their sins came in the days before the fall Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah (also called Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur. This, traditionally, is a time when Jews repent of the sins they have committed in the previous year and seek to come closer to G-d. In modern times, a 40-day period for repenting of sins (called the “Days of Awe”) occurs during the 30 days prior to Rosh HaShanah and the 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. John’s call for people to turn from a life of sin to a life of obedience to G-d was similar to the words of G-d’s prophets in the Old Testament. The prophets promised that G-d would guide and bless those who returned to Him. [Isaiah 31:6; 45:22-23; 55:7; Jeremiah 18:11; 24:6-7; Ezekiel 14:6; Zechariah 1:3-4; Malachi 3:7] “This is the man Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) was talking about when he said, `The voice of someone crying out in the desert, prepare the way of ADONAI! Make the straight paths for him!’” [Matthew 3:3; Isaiah 40:3] “People went out to him (John) from Jerusalem, from all Judah and from the whole region around the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were immersed by him in the Jordan River.” [Matthew 3:5-6] Many people responded to John’s words by repenting of their sins. John told the people [in Matthew 3:11-12] “I am immersing you in water so that you might turn from sin to G-d, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I… He will immerse you in the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and in fire.” John was preparing the people to hear the “words of life” that would soon be spoken by Yeshua during His 3 ½ year ministry of teaching and healing. “When Yochanan (John) saw many of the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Tz’dukim (Sadducees) coming to be immersed by him, he said to them, `You snakes! Who warned you to escape the coming punishment? If you have really turned from your sins to G-d, produce fruit that will prove it!’” [Matthew 3:7-8] Many of the people who came to be immersed in water truly repented of their sins and desired to live in obedience to G-d. However, from John’s response to the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Tz’dukim (Sadducees), it seemed that they were coming to be immersed in water because they wanted to be seen as righteous. John told them that if they were truly repenting of their sins, G-d would expect to see a change in their actions. It is not enough to know G-d’s Word. G-d’s people are also to obey His Word. Put yourself in the place of the people in Israel who heard John give the challenge, “Turn from your sins to G-d, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Ask yourself, “Have you given up the self-seeking life that leads to sin?” “Have you become a “new creature” who lets G-d’s Word guide your life?” If you have done this, look at your life and ask yourself [as John asked the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Tz’dukim (Sadducees)], “Does the fruit in my life show that I have repented of my sins and let Yeshua be the L-rd of my life?”
Yeshua said, “Do everything righteousness requires.” Matthew 3:13-17 teaches that (in response to John’s message) Yeshua came to the Jordan River to be immersed in water. John knew that Yeshua, the Son of G-d, had not sinned and did not need to be immersed as a sign of repentance of sins. Yeshua was immersed in water as an example to people (then and now) who have sinned and do need to repent of their sins. Immersion in water does not bring forgiveness of sins or eternal life, but it is a public way of showing that a person has repented of his sins and started a new life with Yeshua as his Savior and L-rd. (When John said that Yeshua should be immersing John), Yeshua told John, “Let it be this way now, because we should do everything righteousness requires.” (After Yeshua was immersed), G-d confirmed that Yeshua’s actions were according to G-d’s plan when the Spirit of G-d came down upon Yeshua like a dove and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I love. I am well pleased with Him.” Ask yourself how Yeshua’s immersion in water impacted the Israelites who had come to the Jordan River to repent of their sins and be immersed? Did it encourage them or did it frighten them? Yeshua’s example in this (and in the other teachings He gave us) should not be frighten or discourage us. Instead, Yeshua wants to encourage and challenge us to make decisions in our lives based on the examples He gave us during His 3 ½ year ministry. As we do this, we will bear fruit that will show Yeshua is our Savior and L-rd.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright September 2007
Update From Israel by Beth Helle Greetings to one and all. For those of you who have been following my time in Israel, I regret to inform you that my time of going to school in Israel has come to an end. It has been a great time and I would extend it if I could, but all seasons come to a close. I graduated in June from Israel College of the Bible. This month, I will be getting married and moving to Seattle. Being in Israel has given me many opportunities to do many things. I have had experiences here that will always be with me. I recently had the opportunity to revisit Qumran and to visit Masada for the first time. [part 2 of 2] Masada was an interesting experience because of what happened there. In the revolt of the Jews against the Romans around 70C.E., the last of the Jewish rebels fled to Masada to be sheltered from the Roman armies. Masada is set at the top of a large mountain. The mountain is almost straight up. A snake path takes tourists up the mountain and also took people up in the early 1st C. The Romans besieged the mountain with the rebels and their families on the mountain. At the top of Masada, it is not merely a flat mountain. A city was built upon the top of the mountain with cisterns and synagogues, and even one of Herod's palaces. There was storage for food so that the besieged Jews were neither lacking in food or water. The Romans built a siege ramp up the hill for several months. Day after day, the people watched the Romans get closer and closer. So the men decided it would be better to kill their families than have them taken as slaves. The last 11 men drew names so to see who would kill the other 10 and then kill himself. When the Romans broke through, they only found 2 women and 5 children alive who had hidden in a cistern. These were the only survivors of Masada. I loved going to school in Israel because history is so close at hand. Masada and Qumran are only a couple of hours from Jerusalem. Many other places are within reach as well. It has been an experience I would recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to study in Israel. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. Blessings!
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Know and follow your Shepherd’s voice In John 10:1-18, Yeshua again used sheep and those who care for the sheep to teach how Yeshua will care for and protect His followers. “The person who doesn’t enter the sheep pen through the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd. This is the one the gatekeeper admits and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep, each one by name and leads them out. After taking out all that are his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. They never follow a stranger but will run away from him because strangers’ voices are unfamiliar to them.” John 10:1-5 Families who owned only a few sheep might pen them in the courtyard of their house, but the sheep pen in Yeshua’s teaching was, most likely, a larger enclosure where several sheep owners kept their sheep together. The gatekeeper (or watchman) was possibly a servant who was hired to guard the gate and protect the sheep. The gatekeeper was to keep out everyone except the owners of the sheep or the shepherds who took the sheep to eat in the pasture. Any person who desired to steal or harm the sheep would want to avoid the gatekeeper and would have to climb over the fence to get into the sheep pen. Yeshua said a thief or robber was a person who entered the sheep pen by climbing over the wall. The watchman did not know the thief and would stop him from entering the sheep pen if he came to the gate. The thief was only seeking his own gain and was willing to harm the sheep to get what he wanted. In the Body of Messiah, a thief is anyone who seeks to harm Yeshua’s “sheep” or lead them from obeying G-d’s Word. In John 10:10, Yeshua said, “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.” When several flocks were kept together in a pasture or a sheep pen, the shepherd would gather his own sheep by calling to them by name. Yeshua contrasted the shepherd with the hired man, saying, “The hired hand sees the wolf coming, abandons the sheep and runs away.” Yeshua was not saying the hired man wanted to harm the sheep as the thief did, but the hired man was more committed to his own well being than to the well being of the sheep. A shepherd was willing to defend his sheep from wolves or bears, but, deep down, he likely did not expect to die. In contrast, Yeshua was willing to die for His “sheep”. In John 10:11, Yeshua said, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” When Yeshua died on the execution stake He became owner and shepherd of His “sheep”. As our Good Shepherd, Yeshua is committed to welfare of His “sheep”. The gate was the proper way to get in and out of the sheep pen. In the same way, receiving salvation through Yeshua’s atoning death on the execution stake is the only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Yeshua said in John 10:7-10, “I tell you that I am the gate for the sheep… If someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture… I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.” Yeshua repeated this theme in John 14:6 when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one will come to the Father except through me.” Yeshua said that the sheep would run away from a person whose voice they didn’t recognize, but they listened to their shepherd’s voice and came when he called. The shepherd would then guide the sheep to safe pastures and protect them from danger. This example teaches us how Yeshua meets our greatest need. Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, went astray. We turned, each one, to his own way; yet ADONAI laid on Him the guilt of all of us.” Our Messiah Yeshua was beaten and died on the execution stake to set us free from the thief haSatan and the spiritual death haSatan tries to put on people. We turn away from the thief haSatan when we ask Yeshua to be our personal Savior. Then, as Yeshua’s “sheep”, believers are to listen only to Yeshua’s voice. As we spend time praising G-d and in prayer, we will more easily recognize Yeshua’s voice as He guides us in how to obey G-d’s Word in our daily lives.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright August 2007
JULY 2007 Update From Israel by Beth Helle Greetings to one and all. For those of you who have been following my time in Israel, I regret to inform you that my time of going to school in Israel has come to an end. It has been a great time and I would extend it if I could, but all seasons come to a close. I graduated in June from Israel College of the Bible. In a few weeks, I will be getting married and moving to Seattle. Being in Israel has given me many opportunities to do many things. I have had experiences here that will always be with me. I recently had the opportunity to revisit Qumran and to visit Masada for the first time. [part 1 of 2] Qumran was discovered after the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the late 1940's. There is only so much that we know about the inhabitants of Qumran, but I will try to give you a brief history of what we do know. The Dead Sea Scrolls were a collection of Biblical and extra-Biblical manuscripts that ranged from full scrolls to pieces of parchment with a couple of letters on them. Some of these extra-Biblical scrolls contained theology and regulations of life for a secretive sect in the desert who felt that their calling was "to prepare the way of the Lord". This community lived around the same time as Yeshua, was all male, and had a strict order of authority. Their purpose in life was to live "on time, in order, and pure of heart". They ate, spoke, stood, and sat, in order. They kept the Shabbat so strictly that they did not even relieve themselves on Shabbat, because that required digging a hole and burying whatever had exited their bodies. The community wanted to live a life that was pure before God. They separated themselves from Jerusalem because they felt that the priesthood was corrupt. Many times when modern Believers look at the sects of the Sadducees and the Pharisees, they accuse them of being ultra strict and legalistic. The Qumranians separated themselves from Jerusalem because they felt that the aforementioned sects made too many allowances and did not uphold the Torah strictly enough. They worked from early in the morning to the afternoon, ate together and studied the word of God. I must say, I admire their devotion to God. They chose to "put a fence around the Law" because they did not want to transgress, even unintentionally. Their writing shows a hope for Messianic redemption that helps us to see what the desire was in the hearts of the people in the time of Yeshua. They were waiting for salvation. God had prepared the world in the time of Yeshua to be ready. This is one way that Yeshua truly came in the fullness of time. Blessing! [An account of Beth’s trip to Masada will be in the August 2007 newsletter]
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Yeshua said, “Shepherd my sheep.” “The tax-collectors and sinners kept gathering around to hear Yeshua, and the P’rushim and Torah-teachers kept grumbling. “This fellow,” they said, `welcomes sinners. He even eats with them!’ So Yeshua told them this parable…” [Luke 15:1-3] Yeshua’s parable was primarily addressed to the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Torah-teachers who, most likely, did not herd sheep themselves. On the other hand, the P’rushim (Pharisees) were aware of the importance of the shepherd’s job since the practice of offering animal sin and guilt offerings in the Temple depended on the sheep, goats and cattle raised in fields surrounding Jerusalem. Yeshua used the shepherd’s commitment to care for and protect his sheep to challenge the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Torah-teachers to care for their “spiritual sheep” – the Israelite people – instead of only looking out for their own desires. Yeshua said, “If one of you has 100 sheep and loses one of them, doesn’t he leave the other 99 sheep in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?” [Luke 15:4] At the time of Yeshua, an average flock might have 100 sheep. The shepherd of this flock probably would have under-shepherds to help him care for his flock. Shepherds had to keep careful watch during the daytime to prevent the sheep from straying or being harmed by wild animals. At dusk, the shepherd would count the sheep before leading them into the sheepfold for the night. It was likely at this time of the day that the shepherd in Yeshua’s parable discovered that one of his sheep was missing. Yeshua says that the shepherd “left the other 99 sheep in the desert to go after the lost sheep.” This does not imply that the shepherd showed a lack of concern for the safety of the 99 sheep. Instead, the shepherd made a priority of searching for the lost sheep and left his under-shepherds to put the 99 sheep (which were not in immediate danger) into the sheepfold. The shepherd had several reasons to immediately search for the missing sheep. The sheep (and any other animals he owned) were valuable assets. The lost sheep represented a loss in wool, and in future sheep this sheep would bear or sire. Also, as the shepherd daily protected his sheep and watched them in the pasture, he came to care for each individual sheep and didn’t want harm to come to any of them. Yeshua continued, “When he does find the lost sheep, he joyfully hoists it onto his shoulders.” [Luke 15:5] When we read this verse, we often have in our minds a picture of a strong shepherd lifting a tiny sheep and putting it on his shoulders. In reality, it probably wasn’t that easy. The sheep possibly weighted 70-90 pounds and the shepherd was often a teenaged boy or girl. Also, the lost sheep was probably overcome with fright and would not have made it easy for the shepherd to lift or carry it. “and when he gets home, he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, `Come celebrate with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’” [Luke 15:6] Most shepherds bringing a lost sheep back to the sheepfold after looking for it under bushes and behind rocks would go to bed for a well deserved rest. Instead, the shepherd in Yeshua’s parable called his friends and neighbors to celebrate the sheep’s return. Yeshua finished his parable with the words “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who turns to G-d from his sins than over 99 righteous people who have no need to repent.” [Luke 15:7] Yeshua was telling the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Torah-teachers that, since there is rejoicing in heaven over each sinner who repents and turns to G-d, they too should rejoice when their “spiritual sheep” turned from their sins to G-d. That is, however, only a small part of what G-d’s shepherds are commanded to do. They are also to instruct their “sheep” in how to obey G-d’s commands. Yeshua’s parable gave no indication that this shepherd caused the sheep to become lost, but in some Bible accounts G-d blamed the “shepherds” (priests and Torah-teachers) for leading G-d’s people astray and for meeting their own desires at the “sheep’s” expense. ADONAI told Ezekiel, “Prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Tell the, that ADONAI Elohim says this, `Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves. Shouldn’t the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the choice meat, you clothe yourselves with the wool and you slaughter the best of the herd, but you don’t feed the sheep! You don’t strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bandage the broken, bring back the outcasts or seek the lost; on the contrary, you tyrannize them with crushing force.’” [Ezekiel 34:1-4] [Ezekiel 34:7-23] ADONAI continues to prophecy, through the prophet Ezekiel, that ADONAI would be against the shepherds who abused ADONAI’s sheep. ADONAI promised that He would raise up one shepherd to care for the sheep. That Shepherd is Yeshua our Messiah. Revelation 7:17 says, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them, will lead them to springs of living water, and G-d will wipe every tear from their eyes.” One of the times Yeshua appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, He told Peter, “Shepherd my sheep” [John 21:15-17] Yeshua gives the same command to all believers to care for His sheep, using the abilities that G-d gives each of us.” Some “under-shepherds” are called to be pastors or teachers who teach the “sheep” how to seek G-d and obey His Word. Others are called to encourage their brothers and sisters or pray for the sick to be healed. 1 Peter 5:1-4 says, “Therefore I urge the congregation leaders among you, as a fellow-leader and witness to the Messiah’s sufferings, as well as a sharer in the glory to be revealed: shepherd the flock of G-d that is in your care, exercising oversight, not out of constraint, but willingly, as G-d wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm; also not as machers (self-important people) domineering over those in your care, but as people who become examples to the flock. Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive glory as your unfading crown.”
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright July 2007 JUNE 2007 We asked Ken Marek, who attends Temple Shalom Yisrael, to tell us about his ministry at Claremont Nursing Home in Buffalo Grove and how G-d drew him to this type of ministry. Ken goes to Claremont Nursing Home 2 times each month to play his guitar and sings hymns and choruses for the patients and staff. Ken says this ministry comes from his desire to serve G-d and share Jesus with others. Ken said, “I think it was something my mother wanted me to do.” In addition to his ministry in nursing homes, Ken plays on a couple of worship teams at other churches. He is best at playing bass guitar and also plays guitar. Ken shared with us that he also likes to write songs. Ken chose Claremont Nursing Home because their Activity Director attends a ministry that Ken also attends. Ken had a similar ministry through the church when he lived in Massachusetts. When Ken came back to Chicago, the L-rd opened the door to his playing and singing songs in several nursing homes. Ken said, “At Claremont, many of the residents are physically not capable of participating. Some will try to sing, but most listen and read the overheads. I think the biggest benefit they receive from hearing the music is spiritual. G-d reaches the heart and you never know what He is doing inside them. Emotionally, I think it makes them feel better and I make it a point to let them know Jesus loves and cares about them.” The Christian staff members love the music. Occasionally, Ken sees other staff members stop and listen. Ken said, “Since I don’t use a microphone, I am not sure what they hear.” We asked Ken, “What G-d given talents do you use in your music ministry?” Ken said, “I have a natural talent to play guitar and G-d keeps me singing in tune (most of the time). When asked, “What talents has G-d developed in you related to this ministry”, Ken told us, “Singing in key was a gift from G-d. I could never sing in tune. I rarely hear a melody in my head and I still can’t remember them. G-d has also given me the ability to speak in front of people.” We asked Ken how G-d has blessed him through this ministry. Ken answered, “There are many ways that I don’t even know. The ones I am aware of are compassion and understanding, public speaking and knowledge of the Word, and of course my musical talents. Ken’s advice for other people who feel called to a similar ministry is, “Do it and be consistent. Remember to reflect the love of Christ. Don’t be discouraged by small numbers or lack of participation.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD “Come To the Wedding.” Yeshua again used parables in speaking to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son, but when he sent his slaves to summon the invited guests to the wedding, they refused to come. So he sent some more slaves, instructing them to tell the guests, `Look, I’ve prepared my banquet, I’ve slaughtered my bulls and my fattened cattle and everything is ready. Come to the wedding! But they weren’t interested and went off, one to his farm, another to his business.” [Matthew 22:1-5] Before preparations for the wedding feast began, the king honored his intended guests with an invitation to the feast. In Yeshua’s parable, the invited guests initially accepted the invitation, but when the king sent his servants to tell the guests that the food for the banquet had been prepared and was ready to eat, the guests refused to come. Neither the guest who went to work on his farm nor the guest who went to his business could claim that he had a good reason for avoiding going to the wedding feast. In fact, the guests’ actions implied that they would rather do anything but attend the wedding feast. At the time Yeshua told His parable, it was a social obligation for guests invited to a wedding feast to attend. By refusing to come to the wedding feast, the guests insulted the king who had gone to great trouble to prepare food for his guests. It would not be unexpected for the king to severely punish the guests who had insulted him and his son. “The rest grabbed his slaves and mistreated them and killed them. The king was furious and sent his soldiers who killed those murderers and burned down their city. Then he said to his slaves, `Well, the wedding feast is ready, but the ones who were invited didn’t deserve it. So go out to the street-corners and invite to the banquet as many as you find. The slaves went out into the streets, gathered all the people they could find, the bad along with the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” [Matthew 22:6-10] The king did not want the food he had prepared to go to waste so he sent his servants out into the streets to bring all of the people they could find to the wedding feast. This allowed the king to regain some honor because he had guests at the wedding feast and he was also feeding the poor. “Now when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who wasn’t dressed for a wedding, so he asked him, `Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, `Bind him hand and foot and throw him outside in the dark!’ In that place people will wail and grind their teeth, for many are invited, but few are chosen.” [Matthew 22:11-14] Opinions vary on why the man was punished for not wearing proper garments. Possibly, as each guest entered the wedding feast, the guest was given a wedding garment to wear from the king. Another interpretation is that the man was punished for the insult of not wearing “wedding clothes” because he was wearing dirty clothes instead of clean clothes. Whether a person was rich or poor, he was expected to do his best to honor his host and the bridegroom. Yeshua’s parable has a lesson for those who make the effort to study His Word – both when Yeshua first taught the parable and for believers today. The king in the parable represents G-d. Yeshua is the Son for whom the King (G-d) prepared the wedding feast. The king first invited guests who refused to come to the wedding feast. Then, the king sent his servants out into the streets to find people to come to the wedding feast. Opinions vary on whom the first guests or those who were invited later represent. The important thing is that the king’s servants brought everyone who was willing to come to the wedding feast. In Matthew 7:21-23 Yeshua said, “Not everyone who says to me `L-rd, L-rd’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, only those who do what my Father in heaven wants.” The king’s servants represent the Old Testament prophets, many of whom were put in prison or killed because people did not like G-d’s messages the prophets brought. The killing of the king’s servants in the parable was also prophetic because many of the early believers were persecuted and killed for spreading the Good News that Yeshua died on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of our sins. Many believers today are still persecuted for witnessing about Yeshua. The son’s bride (who is not specifically mentioned in the parable) is the Body of Believers. ADONAI said in Hosea 2:21(19)-22(20), “I will betroth you to me forever. Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in grace, and in compassion. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness and you will know ADONAI.” One day all believers will be with Yeshua in heaven at the Marriage supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:7-8 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad! Let us give Him the glory! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, when His Bride has prepared herself – fine linen, bright and clean has been given her to wear…How blessed are those who have been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.” The fine linen wedding garments represent a believer’s repentance of his sins and acceptance of Yeshua as His Savior and L-rd. Those who refuse G-d’s gift of salvation will be cast from G-d’s Kingdom into the outer darkness.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright June 2007
MAY 2007 My Ministry Trip to South Dakota by Gordon Helle
Greetings one and all. I have heard it said that more information about my life is something everyone was seeking, so I will gladly pass it along to you. On March 2-11, I was in South Dakota. Aside from the beautiful landscape and wonderful night skies, I was actually there for ministry. I went with a college led group called “Steps to Beauty”, whose purpose is to help girls (age 10-18ish) see that they have true beauty, based on God's understanding of beauty and not the world's. One might ask why I, a guy, would be part of a team such as this, directed toward girls. The reason is very simple; I was what one might call support staff. I and two other guys from North Central accompanied the six females on our team as they ministered to a school for students with behavioral problems. My role was to be a support for the girls. This meant cooking, cleaning, carrying, praying, listening, driving, speaking words of encouragement, basically being an all around good guy. As a relatively all around good guy normally, this is still a stretch for me as I am forced to be selfless as no matter how I might be feeling, all the ladies on our team are far more involved and more affected by daily life and interaction with these very hurting girls. So it is good for me to realize that my problems in life are very insignificant compared to those experienced by those around me daily. One of the unique issues with dealing with this particular group of girls is that they have experienced a lot of abuse in the past and are very much affected by it. They are afraid to get close to anyone for fear of rejection. So when the team showed up, the girls were very cold toward them. The first night was terrible as they tried to teach them sign language and dance (which is the hook S2B uses to build relationships so that it can create rapport for the talks at the end of everyday). The girls were mostly unreceptive or uninvolved. However, after one of the people on our team talked about true beauty later that evening, that opened the way for the girls to draw close to the team through small group discussions. As the second and third day came, these girls opened up and those who had refused to do anything during the entire time were now excited to quickly learn everything for the performance on the third day. The transformation was startling. At the end of the performance, our team's females gave roses to each of the girls at the school and told them all they were beautiful. It was amazing to see them break down and cry as most of them received their first flower in their lifetime and were told for the first time ever they were beautiful with no hidden meaning behind it. It was amazing to see how 7 short hours were enough to lead these girls from distrust to a deep bond. The transformation was obvious, even for someone like me who was not allowed to be part of almost any of the actual conference. But I am fully aware that the time I spent praying, serving, encouraging, listening, being used, had a great impact on what ultimately happened at the conference. Saying goodbye to the team was not easy; I look forward to being able to work with some or all of them again in the future, perhaps even back at that school if possible. True transformation is very rare; I believe I witnessed it this last week.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD G-d’s mercy is for those who give mercy. [Matthew 18:21-32] Kefa (Peter) asked Yeshua, “How many times can my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him?” Yeshua’s response was “seventy times seven”. Yeshua then told His listeners, “The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared with a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.” The first servant to settle accounts with the king owed the king 10 thousand talents. Since the servant couldn’t pay what he owed, the king ordered that the servant, his wife, his children and his possessions be sold to pay the debt. The servant begged the king, “Be patient with me and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s debt was 10 thousand talents. [1 talent equaled 6,000 denarii. A denarius was approximately a day’s wages for a common laborer.] It seems impossible for 1 servant to have accumulated such a great debt, even if the servant had embezzled from the master’s accounts. One Bible commentary stated that a debt of 10 thousand talents would be greater than the assets of a whole kingdom. Yeshua used this great amount to show that there was no possibility for the servant to repay it. Even though the servant knew that he could never pay back the amount, the servant asked the king for more time. Possibly, the servant was an optimist and thought that he would find the money somewhere. More likely, the servant was trying to ignore his debt or delay the penalties that he deserved. Additional time would not have allowed the servant to be able to repay the king. Nothing short of a miracle would change the servant’s circumstances. Out of pity the king forgave the debt so that the servant had to pay nothing. The servant and his family were spared a life of slavery. The first servant was given an opportunity to show the same mercy that the king had shown to him. Instead, almost immediately, the first servant demanded repayment of a debt of 100 denarii owed him by a fellow servant. The timing of the first servant in asking for repayment of this debt is interesting. Perhaps, since it was not a great debt, the first servant had overlooked the debt and thus had not demanded the second servant repay it before this time. It is also possible that being brought before the king for failure to repay his great debt made the first servant uncomfortable and he was trying to cover up those emotions by demanding repayment from the second servant. The second servant begged the first servant to be patient so that the second servant could repay the 100 denarii. Instead, the first servant had the second servant thrown in jail until he should repay the debt. Some of the king’s other servants saw what had happened and were distressed. They told the king everything that had happened. In other circumstances, the fellow servants might have loaned the second servant money so that he could pay his debt. Instead, the servants set up a situation where the first servant received judgment for his unforgiveness. The king was now moved with anger instead of compassion. The king called the first servant and said, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt just because you begged me to do it. Shouldn’t you have had pity on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” The king turned the first servant over to the jailers for punishment until he paid everything he owed. This time, only the unforgiving servant was put in jail until his debt was paid. Scripture does not tell us that the man’s wife and children were sold to pay the debt. This is because the crime that caused the first servant to be put in prison at the end of the parable was not his great debt (the king already forgave the debt) but the sin of unforgiveness. Yeshua ended the parable with the words, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat you, unless you forgive your brother from your hearts.” We each owe G-d a debt that is greater than we can ever repay. Instead, Yeshua died on the execution stake to pay the debt caused by our sins. Because of Yeshua’s death and resurrection, our sins are forgiven and we can receive eternal life in heaven when we ask in Yeshua’s name. We also need to repent and ask G-d to forgiven the sins we commit in our daily lives. Since G-d forgives us for the great debt of our sins, we are expected to forgive people who sin against us. Yeshua taught His disciples to pray [in Matthew 6:12], “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” G-d’s mercy is not given to those who do not forgive others. We will receive forgiveness only when we forgive others who sin against us.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright May 2007
APRIL 2007 Update From Israel by Beth Helle Once again, it is the time of year when people in Jerusalem arm themselves with silly string and shaving cream and go out on the streets in costume. Yes ladies and gentlemen, it's Purim! On one hand, it's a lot of fun to see people of all ages (although admittedly it's mostly children and young adults) in costumes. What I like about Purim is that there is the fun of dressing up without the stigma you get in America about Halloween and the connotations that come with it. Dressing up on Purim starts with a better foundation. This is not to say, however, that Purim is without a downside. It is considered a mitzvah (good deed or commandment) to get so drunk on that night that you can't tell the name of Mordehai from the name of Haman. It's one thing to be mildly aware of this custom. It's heartbreaking to see 17-year-old Israelis pouring vodka into each other's mouths. I’m afraid that I did not participate in the tradition of getting plastered. I did however get dressed up and attend a costume party. The costumes are funny because you see the pre-packaged costumes that are wholesale from America and Halloween, and you see completely original costumes as well. For example, at our party, these three guys dressed as a knife, a fork, and a spoon made out of tinfoil and cardboard. It was great. I'm not sure where the custom of dressing up came from. If I were to guess, it would be from Esther putting on her finest to see the King. From that, children dressed as Esther, and from that, people started getting more creative. It's fine by me. I was dressed as a vintage Rock Star from the 80's and my fiancé was dressed as a beggar who would work for coffee. The best costumes are by far the small children. I saw little cows, little lions, little princesses, little Bob the Builders, and Spiderman. It's easy to have good times in Jerusalem and I enjoy living downtown. It means that I can take a break from study to go down the street to see the huge party on the streets of Jerusalem. I enjoy the festive atmosphere and the music; yet, at the same time, I hate to wonder if my friends are out getting drunk that night. It's funny, because, for the past couple of years, one of the most popular children's costumes has been that of "messiah riding on a white donkey". In some ways, it symbolizes the need that Israelis have to hope in something. Without a direction and a hope, what is there to stop you from taking the philosophy "Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die". Let's all pray that Israel finds what she is looking for.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD A loving and forgiving Father Yeshua said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, `Father give me the share of the estate that will be mine.’ So the father divided the property among them.” [Luke 15:11-12] Usually, a father’s property was not divided among his sons until after his death. Thus, when the younger son asked for his inheritance, it was the same as telling his father, “I wish you were dead!” According to the oral laws of inheritance probably in effect at the time of Yeshua, even if the father had divided his property between his sons before his death, the father had a legal right to a certain amount of control over the sons’ property after the will had been put into effect. The father could not permanently sell the property since it had been assigned to his sons. (If the father sold the property, it was sold only until he died when it reverted to the sons.) The sons couldn’t sell the property because it was in their father’s control. In this parable, even though the younger son “sold his possessions”, the buyer could not take possession until the father had died. “As soon as he could convert his share into cash, the younger son left home and went off to a distant country, where he squandered his money in reckless living. But after he had spent it all, a severe famine arose throughout that country… At last he came to his senses and said, `Any number of my father’s workers have food to spare and here I am, starving to death! I’m going back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired workers…”’” [Luke 15:13-20] In this parable, when the younger son left his father’s home and went to a far country, he ceased being “Jewish” in the sense that he was no longer praising or obeying the G-d of his father. [The word Y’hudi (Jew) comes from the root “yadah” which means “to give thanks” or “to praise.” A true Jew is a person who praises G-d and desires to have a personal, loving relationship with G-d.] Eventually, after the younger son had spent all of money, he repented and was willing to admit to himself that he had sinned by demanding his share of his father’s property while his father was still alive. The younger son became willing to travel to his father’s house and face his father to ask for forgiveness. “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly…The father said to his slaves, `Quick, bring out a robe and put it on him and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Bring the calf that has been fattened up and kill it. Let’s eat and have a celebration…” [Luke 15:20-24] The father never wanted his younger son to go far from home, but he was willing for the son to find out for himself that he was on the wrong path. The father never lost hope, but waited patiently for his son to return home. When the son returned, the father didn’t wait for the younger son to finish confessing his sins before he showed his love for his son by forgiving him for the wrong things he had done. The younger son had spent all of his inheritance and deserved nothing more from his father. The father could have made his younger son a servant or even sent the son away from the father’s house. Instead, the father showed his younger son grace (undeserved favor) when he gave him back his position as son. “…The older son became angry and refused to go inside… The son answered, “I have worked for you all these years and I have never disobeyed your orders.”… The father said, “Son, you are always with me and everything I have is yours….” [Luke 15:25-32] In Yeshua’s time, the role of an oldest son in the family was to be the mediator. The older son should have worked for reconciliation between his brother and their father as soon as the younger son asked for his inheritance immediately. The older son should have demanded that his younger brother apologize to their father. Instead, the older son silently waited for his share of their father’s property. When the younger son returned home, the older son was unwilling to forgive his younger brother and seemed to resent that his father had forgiven his brother’s sins. Instead, the older son boasted about his faithful service to his father. He seems to feel justified in being angry at the joyous celebration over the return of his lost brother. What does this parable teach us? Yeshua’s parable of the lost son ends here. Yeshua does not tell the older son’s response to his father’s statement, “You are always with me and everything I have is yours.” We can ask ourselves, “Did the older son accept this statement that he shared his father’s property? Did the older son leave the house and refuse to rejoice that his younger brother had repented of his sins and returned to their father’s house or did the older son forgive his younger brother and come inside to celebrate his brother’s return?” The two sons had a similar problem. Each of them saw their father as the provider of an inheritance instead of as a loving and forgiving father. The older son did not ask for his inheritance before his father died (as the younger son did) but he was willing to accept the inheritance without protest. The older son didn’t care enough for his father to try to stop his younger brother from hurting their father by taking the money and leaving home. We learn from Yeshua’s parable that each of us needs to evaluate his relationship with G-d. Yes, G-d wants to provide for our needs, protect us, and heal us. However, G-d wants to provide these things as the fruit of a loving and personal relationship between G-d and His people. G-d loved us enough to make this relationship possible by sending His Son Yeshua to die on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of our sins. Ask yourself, “Which do I spend more time doing - listing for G-d all of the things that I have done for Him or seeking to spend as much time as I can in praising G-d and in prayer with my loving Heavenly Father?”
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright April 2007
MARCH 2007 Update From Israel By Beth Helle Recently, Beth went on an archeological dig as a part of a class she was taking at Israel College of the Bible. The following is her account of her trip. I’m hoping that this will be clear and precise. I’m not thinking very straight. Most of my energy is gone. The trip was a lot of work, but it was well worth it. See, we had to lower a section of dirt about one meter in the time that we were there. That is what we did for the first of the dig and what the rest of the group did for the whole trip. The third morning, the archeologist came to Joey and me, and says that the 2 of us are going to go to a local wadi, a kilometer from a Roman bathhouse and see what a grouping of stones was. The archeologist wasn’t sure if it was a dam or an aqueduct. (Now, a quick side comment here while I brag, Joey was the hardest worker on the sight. That was recognized by the entire team. He was outworking everyone and I think that he was sent to uncover those stones because the archeologist knew he could trust him to work and not slack off. I was sent to keep Joey company. The archeologist couldn't even remember that he sent me and did not realize that I did a chunk of the work. The archeologist sent us to look at this structure. We started to dig around it, and it comes to be apparent that it is a funny looking dam if it is a dam. But you know those Romans, they didn't make much sense. We took pictures and showed them to the archeologist (who's name was Yigal Yisrael). He sent us back there to take the stones off the top. See, the structure was two rows of stones parallel to each other and another row of stones on the top. It looked like an aqueduct. And this is very significant because there are two aqueducts in the Tell, and they don’t' know where either of them go. So, while the rest of the group is working on the tenth century BCE trying to find evidence of Solomon, we are taking the top stones off of this aqueduct and digging it out. I'm telling you! We had the best job and we were working on the most significant thing of the week. We spent a day digging out the aqueduct. It was great. We were able to get a meter down and find gravel on the bottom where the aqueduct ended. We dug out a roman aqueduct!!!! The rest of the group doesn't realize how cool this is I think. They were very pleased with the pottery they found and rightly so. But I think that God smiled on us and gave us a special blessing in many ways. When we weren't working on the aqueduct, we were with the rest of the group lowering the ground and uncovering stones. That was nice too. I didn't get to find any pottery or anything because I was carrying the dirt out of the sight in buckets. But I had my fun in the Wadi. I'm satisfied with the work that we did and how we did it. In the mean time, we all hurt and we are all tired. We got up before 7 every day and started work at 8. We worked until 330 or 4 in the afternoon with an hour off for lunch. We felt like construction workers, but, without the pay. But it was a good week and a good find.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Judged by our actions The 3 parables in Matthew 25 have a common theme. Each parable teaches us that, when Yeshua returns for the body of believers, each believer will be judged on how he has used his time and the talents G-d gave him to serve G-d. Matthew 25:31-32 says, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, accompanied by all the angels, He will sit on His glorious throne. (32) All the nations will be assembled before Him, and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.” Yeshua then explained that the “sheep” (righteous people) will be placed on His right and the “goats” (unrighteous people) will be placed on His left. Many people at the time of Yeshua’s ministry raised animals, so Yeshua’s listeners would have known the differences between sheep and goats. Sheep, by nature, are defenseless and need to be led. The sheep trust the shepherd and sense that their safety depends on staying near him and letting the shepherd guide them on how they should behave. Goats, on the other hand, are inquisitive and very independent. A goat is not as willing to stay with the shepherd and the rest of the herd. A goat that wanders from the herd will be able to defend itself from some dangers, but could become isolated and killed by a determined enemy. [Matthew 25:34-40] In this parable, the King (Yeshua) tells the righteous people on His right, “My Father (G-d) has blessed you and has given you as an inheritance the Kingdom that was prepared for you from the founding of the world. (Then Yeshua gave examples of what these people had done that caused theme to be judged as righteous. Yeshua said -) 1) “I was hungry and you gave me food.” 2) “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” 3) “I was a stranger and you made me your guest.” 4) “I needed clothes and you provided them.” 5) I was sick and you took care of me.” 6) I was in prison and you visited me.” The righteous people will ask the King (Yeshua) when they did any of these things for Him. They will ask – 1)”When did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” 2) When did we see you a stranger and make you our guest or needing clothes and provide them?” 3) When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?” The King (Yeshua) will promise them, “I tell you that whenever you did any of these things for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did them for me!” The righteous people in Yeshua’s parable who were compared to sheep had a desire to follow the laws in Torah on how to treat other people. The righteous people “stayed close to Yeshua” and learned from Yeshua’s teachings and the way He treated people how to put these laws in Torah into practice. [Matthew 25:41-46] The parable then explains that the King (Yeshua) will speak to those on His left saying, “Get away from me, you who are cursed! Go off into the fire prepared for the Adversary (haSatan) and his angels!” For I was hungry and you gave me no food, thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, a stranger and you did not welcome me, needed clothes and you did not give to me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” One Biblical example of how Yeshua feels about people who mistreat others is in Acts 9:1-18. Sha’ul (Paul) decided on his own that followers of Yeshua were sinning against G-d’s Word. Sha’ul (Paul) went to the High Priest and received letters that authorized him to arrest Yeshua’s followers and bring them back to Jerusalem. Yeshua’s response to the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) showed that Yeshua felt He Himself was being persecuted. Sha’ul (Paul) was blinded until Sha’ul (Paul) until G-d knew his attitude had changed and sent Hananyah (Ananias) to pray for Sha’ul’s (Paul’s) healing. Each of needs to ask himself, “Am I a sheep or a goat?” “Am I indifferent to the plight of those in the body of Messiah who are hurting?” Who decides how I treat other people?” “Do I follow Yeshua’s examples in G-d’s Word or do I base my actions on my own desires?”
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright March 2007 FEBRUARY 2007 Mrs. Smith Goes To Washington D.C. by Alicia Smith Ever feel like you’re in a crazy movie and G-d is the director? I think this one should be called, “Mrs. Smith Goes to Washington”. A couple of months ago I was selected to sing in the “Pageant of Peace” Christmas Concert on the Ellipse in front of the White House. I arrived in Washington on the afternoon before the concert and took a shuttle to my hotel. While waiting for the shuttle to leave the airport, one of the porters – an African-American gentleman - noticed my guitar case and asked me what kind of guitar I played. I told him that it was a, “Fender-acoustic-electric-cutaway-with-a-rosewood-fretboard-and-gilded-pegs”. His eyes and toothy smile widened as he replied, “You look like a Fender-gal!” I told him about the White House gig and almost right away, he started prayin’ and prophesyin’ over me that G-d was going to use me beyond what I was expecting! Even the Arab driver of the shuttle nodded in agreement! I arrived at the hotel and took a little nap (I didn’t sleep the night before) and freshened up for the 10:00 pm rehearsal that night. I got to meet the other 4 ladies (we hit it off famously!) and the coordinators, and we choreographed the “show”. We turned in our CD accompaniment tracks so that they could be compiled into one CD for the show and then went to our rooms for the night. Thursday morning was sightseeing and shopping, and we met in the lobby all dressed up for the show. It was a beautiful night so we walked the few (long) blocks to the Ellipse and met in the warming tent… sort of like the “green room”. As we were waiting, Roy, one of the coordinators, rushed in to tell me that my track was not playing on the CD they made! He asked for the original and after a few minutes, came back again to tell me that the original wasn’t playing either! At this point the other ladies were panicking more than I was! I then gave him the extra copy that Craig recorded and we all started praying. It was then time to go. The problem song was the first one I had to sing that night. I stepped up to the mic and there was a BIG pause (ok, L-rd…) Just then the music started and everything went great! Afterward everyone got their pictures taken in front of the White House. I also got a shot in front of the giant Menorah! Well, I know this seems like the end of the story. And there were a lot more miraculous happenings and divine appointments, but one more thing happened that really was the icing on this whole meshuganeh cake. While waiting in Cincinnati to find out if I would even get on my overbooked flight home (let alone have room for my guitar), a young man in his early 20’s was eyeing my guitar case and asked, “Ma’am,” – he was from Kentucky – “What kind of geetar you got?” “A Fender-acoustic-electric-cutaway-with-a-rosewood-fretboard-and-gilded-pegs.” His eyes got real big, “Kin ah see it?” I showed it to him and you would have thought it was the Holy Grail. We talked some about what kind of music I played – “Jewish Gospel” and other things. When it was time to board the plane, I said goodbye and he said his name was Joshua. I told him what his name meant in Hebrew and that the Biblical Joshua was a warrior. He said, “Yes ma’am. I’m a warrior too. I’m going back to Iraq right after Christmas.” I then put down my guitar case and said, “Can I pray for you?” He said, “Yes ma’am” and so I did. I think that the thing I will remember most about this trip is the look in his eyes as I waved goodbye and got on the plane. Oh, by the way… I not only made it on the plane but Abba arranged for my “geetar” to get its own seat right next to me!
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Be ready for the bridegroom. In the following parable, Yeshua used the familiar setting of a wedding to teach the need for people to be ready when the Messiah returns for the Body of Believers. Yeshua said, “The Kingdom of Heaven at that time will be like 10 bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 5 of them were foolish and 5 were sensible. The foolish ones took lamps with them but no oil, whereas the others took flasks of oil with their lamps. Now the bridegroom was late, so they all went to sleep. It was the middle of the night when the cry rang out, `The bridegroom is here! Go out to meet him!’ The girls all woke up and prepared their lamps for lighting. The foolish ones said to the sensible ones, `Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out’. `No’, they replied. `There may not be enough for both you and us. Go to the oil dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ But as they were going off to buy, the bridegroom came. Those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. Later, the other bridesmaids came `Sir! Sir!’ they cried, `Let us in!” But he answered, `Indeed! I tell you. I don’t know you!’ So stay alert, because you know neither the day nor the hour.” [Matthew 25:1-13] The bridegroom was expected to come soon to take the bride with him to the wedding ceremony. The 10 bridesmaids gathered at the bride’s house to escort her to the groom’s house for the wedding. [Possibly, the bridesmaids were unmarried, young women from 12-16 years old who were anticipating the time when they would be the brides at their own weddings.] The bridesmaids in Yeshua’s parable represent believers who have accepted Yeshua as their personal Savior. The groom represents Yeshua the Messiah who will one day return to take believers with Him to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The bridal procession was an important part of the wedding celebration. Friends and family would sing and dance as they escorted the bride to her wedding (often at night). When the groom didn’t come as soon as he was expected, the bridesmaids fell asleep. Perhaps it would have been better if the bridesmaids had stayed awake, but their falling asleep was not unexpected since it was nighttime and was dark outside. [The specific reason for the delay in the bridegroom’s coming is not explained in this parable. One thing that influenced when the groom came for his bride was his need to prepare a place for the wedded couple to live. Also, the wedding contract between the groom and the bride’s family needed to be finalized before the wedding. ] Matthew 24:36 says, “But when that day and hour will come, no one knows…” for Yeshua the Messiah to return to take believers with Him to heaven. The only preparation we can make for this time is to be like the 5 wise bridesmaids who had extra oil for their lamps. We keep from “falling asleep” and “store up oil for our lamps” when we show that worshipping G-d and obeying G-d’s Word is more important than making decisions based only on our personal desires. In the middle of the night, the warning was given, “The bridegroom is coming!” The bridesmaids woke up and prepared to light their lamps. When the 5 foolish bridesmaids tried to light the wicks in their lamps, there was no oil in the lamps and the wicks would not burn. [Some sources say that these lamps were not the small, hand-held lamps that are most commonly associated with this time period. More likely, the people in the wedding procession carried torches or lamps that were fastened to the top of long poles. One source suggests that these lamps each consisted of a round receptacle for pitch or oil placed in a deep saucer which was fastened by a pointed end into a long wooden pole.] Even though the door to the wedding hall was locked, there were often doorkeepers who watched the doors during the 7-day wedding feast. When the 5 foolish bridesmaids came with their oil, they were not allowed to come inside because they had insulted the bride and groom by not being ready to join in the wedding procession. The bridegroom’s words when he said “I do not know you” to the 5 foolish bridesmaids were not necessarily meant to be taken literally. In Yeshua’s time, the words “I do not know you” were sometimes used when someone wanted to treat other people as if they were strangers. As believers, we have “oil in our lamps” when we seek the guidance of G-d’s Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) in making decisions in our daily lives. The 5 bridesmaids who ran out of oil represent believers who do not actively seek to obey G-d’s will in their daily lives. If we do not have “oil in our lamps”, we risk straying away from G-d and being thrown out of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. G-d’s challenge for each person today is that he accepts Yeshua as his personal Savior and L-rd. He should also spend time praising G-d, in prayer, in studying G-d’s Word witnessing to others about salvation through Yeshua, and in fellowship with other believers. This will make it possible for us to be ready when Yeshua returns for the Body of Messiah. Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright February 2007
JANUARY 2007 G-d gives us many opportunities in our daily lives to minister to other people. Joy Arnold tells ways she reaches out to other people. When the weather is bad and I’m not out so much, I get my exercise walking up and down the halls in my building. As I pass the doors of tenants, I pray for them. Even though I don’t know everyone, I can still ask for G-d to bless them and draw them near to Him. I also visit people in nursing homes. I drive people to their doctor’s appointments and to the grocery store. I have given gifts to people living at the Domestic Violence center. In the fall I donated school supplies to children living there. At different times of the year, I make kits to be given to people living there. Each kit has personal items (wash cloth, tooth brush, small tube of toothpaste, nail clip, and comb) rolled up in a bath towel and tied with a ribbon or a hair scrunchie. In the future, I hope I can also donate these kits to the men’s and women’s shelters. I have a 13 year old granddaughter who I’ve had the opportunity cultivate a spiritual relationship with. This year we’ve talked about many of the moral issues teens face. She tells me it’s much easier to discuss these issues with me than her parents. Growing into this relationship has been rewarding.
Ken Marek uses his musical talents playing his guitar and singing songs to residents at a Nursing Home in Buffalo Grove several times each month. He has recently been joined in this ministry by other men from our congregation.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Yeshua’s Parable of the Talents A master gave his possessions into the care of his servants. [Matthew 25:14-18] Yeshua taught a parable about a man who, before he left, put his possessions in the care of his servants, each according to their abilities. The man gave one servant 5 talents. Then, the master gave a second servant 2 talents. Last, the master gave 1 talent to a third servant. The servant who had been given 5 talents immediately went out and invested them, which earned 5 more talents. The second servant invested his 2 talents and earned 2 more talents. The servant who was given 1 talent dug a hole in the ground and hid the money his master had given him to take care of.
The master returned and saw how well his servants had cared for his possessions. [Matthew 25:19-30] After a long time, the master of the servants returned to settle accounts with them. The servant who had been trusted to care for 5 talents showed his master the 5 talents he had earned. The master said, “You are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been faithful with a small amount, so I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and join in your master’s happiness!” The servant who had been trusted to care for 2 talents showed the master the 2 talents he had earned. The master told this servant, “You are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been faithful with a small amount, so I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and join in your master’s happiness!” The servant who had been trusted with 1 talent told the master, “I knew you were a hard man so I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here! Take what belongs to you!” The master was angry with this servant, saying, “You wicked, lazy servant! You should have deposited my money with the bankers so that when I returned, I would at least have gotten back interest with my capital.” The master ordered that the 1 talent be taken from this servant and given to the first servant who now had 10 talents. The master explained that, when servants use the talents they have been given, they will end with more than they started with. A servant who does not use the talents he has been given will lose everything.
Lessons we can learn from Yeshua’s parable Talents (abilities) – Yeshua’s “parable of the talents” talks about investing money, but the same parable can be applied to using skills or abilities G-d has given us. G-d gives each person talents (skills or abilities) that the person can do well. A person might have the ability to play a musical instrument or sing well. He may be skilled as an actor or as a writer. The person might be good at public speaking or teaching. A person also uses his talents for G-d when he ministers to other people’s needs, as G-d guides him. We might pray for people or encourage each other. Whatever our talents are, G-d expects each of us to use them to fulfill G-d’s plan and for the good of G-d’s people. When a person is obedient in using his talents for G-d, G-d will give the person other opportunities or ways to serve Him. The person can look forward to G-d saying to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Treasures – The master in Yeshua’s parable expected his servants to use all of the money he gave them for his gain. Sometimes, G-d asks us to do the same thing, but often G-d lets us keep 90% of what He gives us and only expects us to return a tithe (tenth) of our income to G-d. Malachi 3:8-10 answers questions about a tithe. 1) What is a tithe? The definition of a tithe is a tenth of the total income. [Malachi 3:8] 2) Where should a person give his tithe? We are to give a tithe of all money we earn (or gain) to G-d. Malachi 3:10 says, Bring the whole tenth into the storehouse.” This verse can be interpreted to mean that a person should give his tithe to the congregation he regularly attends so that the tithes can be used to do G-d’s work. In the same way that a storehouse holds food for people’s physical needs, the congregation’s pastor and leaders use the tithes to give ‘”spiritual food” to the people who attend the congregation. The congregation’s leaders will also use money from tithes to bring “spiritual food” to unsaved people outside the congregation. 3) Why should a person pay a tithe? G-d says in Malachi 3:9 that anyone who fails to pay a tithe of his income to G-d is robbing G-d and will be cursed. G-d promises in Malachi 3:10 that He will pour out blessings from heaven on anyone who tithes to G-d. 4) What did G-d mean when He said to give “voluntary contributions”? A voluntary contribution is an offering given in addition to the tithe. G-d may tell a person to give this, one-time, special amount to a specific ministry.
Time – The master in the parable blessed the first and second servants for being faithful in investing the talents he gave them to care for and told them, “Come and join in your master’s happiness!” [Matthew 25:21, 23] Spending time with G-d is our reward for serving Him faithfully. We also learn from the parable that G-d expects us to make a priority of spending time with Him. A person spends time with G-d when he prays, studies G-d’s Word, praises G-d, or worships with other believers. For fun – Figures out how much time you will spend with G-d if you give Him a tithe of your time. An example might be- There are 24 hours in a day. If you sleep for 8 hours and work at a job or school for 8 hours, that leaves 8 hours. One tenth of this remaining 8 hours is 48 minutes day (minimum) that you can use to pray to G-d, study the Bible and worship G-d. [Travel time to and from work or school can also be used to pray or listen to Bibles lessons on a CD.]
The reason why we give our talents, treasures, and time to G-d is also important. 2 Corinthians 9:7 [CJB] says, “Each should give according to what he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion for G-d loves a cheerful giver.” Whatever we give to G-d (whether it is our talents, treasure, or time) should be given cheerfully. All good things come from G-d and we should be willing to cheerfully return at least a tenth of them to G-d. If we cheerfully give G-d what He asks from us, G-d will provide for all of our needs. Philippians 4:19 says, “My G-d will fill every need of yours according to His glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Yeshua.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright January 2007
DECEMBER 2006 G-d asks His people to use the talents He gives them. The following are accounts of different ways a believer uses his or her talents to serve G-d.
Barbara Glauberg says, The music God has given me is another way I try to reach people with G-d’s message of the Good News. Even relatives who don’t want to hear me tell them about Yeshua, like to hear the music He has given me. I am able to minister in this way, in hopes that their eyes will be opened, their ears unstopped, and their understanding increased. And who knows, they might be saved?
Nancy Bristow says, I pray for G-d to give me inspiration on scripts I can write. Sometimes, a germ of an outline comes to me, like the character and ultimate end. Most often, the framework and the words for the script just come as I sit to type at the computer. I write the script until I have no more to say. Then, I set it aside for a few days while working on another one. I’ll go back to the first script, and there are always changes and additions to make to it. When I feel I’m done, I get opinions from other people. This leads to more rewriting. Then one day, the product is finished. Ultimately, I want the scripts to point to Yeshua, either by standing on their own or being used alongside a ministry outreach or a sermon. I want the scripts to touch Jewish hearts that are very secular, and let them see the importance of the feast days and how they point to Messiah. I want Gentiles to see their need for Yeshua and to gain an understanding of the Jewish roots of the Gospel.
Ann Rothmaler says, For the last several years, my biggest ministry focus has been for Hosanna Homestead. The vision is to use the 10-acre wooded property where I grew up in lower Michigan for God’s Kingdom as a prayer & R & R retreat guest ministry. It is located almost exactly half way between Chicago & Detroit so would make a good place for inner city pastors to have a needed, affordable getaway. The remodeling needed is taking a long time, which is stretching my faith & patience, but it could only be a couple more years to opening.
Barbara Glauberg says, In Temple Shalom Yisrael’s new Outreach Program, I like to participate by bringing music with a Jewish/Israeli flavor for my part of the program, to bring in Jewish people and perhaps make them at least think about getting to know their Jewish Messiah. Each person is called to use the talents G-d has given him for G-d’s work. We each must ask ourselves, will G-d one day say, “You are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been faithful with a small amount, so I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and join in your master’s happiness.” [Matthew 25:21]
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD The Bible is G-d’s Inspired Word. G-d gave His Word to His people. [Exodus 19:3 - 20:19(22); 24:12-18; 31:18; 34:28] ADONAI called Moshe to come up Mt. Sinai to receive ADONAI’s commands that the people were to obey. These commands included the 10 Commandments and other Laws written in the Torah. Then, ADONAI wrote the commands on 2 stone tablets and gave them to Moshe. ADONAI commanded Moshe to tell the Israelites, “If you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples…” [Exodus 19:5] [Deuteronomy 5:1 – 6:9] (After the Israelites had traveled for 40 years in the wilderness) Moshe reminded the people of the Laws that ADONAI had given them. ADONAI promised that (if the people obeyed His commands) things would go well for them in the Promised Land. The people were to teach ADONAI’s commands to their children. Throughout the Bible, we are taught that we are blessed if we obey ADONAI’s commands and we are cursed if we disobey ADONAI’s Word. Moshe said, “Now, Israel, listen to the laws and rulings I am teaching you, in order to follow them, so that you will live; then you will go in and take possession of the land that ADONAI, the G-d of your fathers is giving you. In order to obey the mitzvot of ADONAI your G-d which I am giving you, do not add to what I am saying and do not subtract from it. [Deuteronomy 4:1-2]
G-d’s Word doesn’t change When Yeshua taught His disciples, He did not change the words that G-d had given Moshe in the Torah. Instead, Yeshua explained what these teachings meant and taught His followers how they could obey G-d’s commands in their daily lives. In fact, Yeshua commanded that not even one part of the Torah should be removed form G-d’s Word. Yeshua said, [in Matthew 5:17-19] “Don’t think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish, but to complete. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass away form the Torah – not until everything that must happen has happened. So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Penalty for changing G-d’s Word Yeshua taught that there is a great penalty for anyone who takes away or adds to G-d’s Word. Yeshua said, [in Revelation 22:18-19] “I warn everyone hearing the words of the prophecy in this book that if anyone adds to them, G-d will add to him the plagues written in this book. And if anyone takes anything away from the words in the book of this prophecy, G-d will take away his share in the Tree of Life and the holy city, as described in this book.”
We should study G-d’s Word & put it into action in our lives. There is a benefit for the people who obey G-d’s Word with their whole hearts. The Word in the Bible was written down by people who lived many years ago, but these Words still bring life today to any person who seeks to obey the teachings with his whole heart. It is not enough to do what the Bible teaches. The attitude (reason) why we obey G-d is even more important than what we do. We should obey G-d’s commands because we have awe (worshipful fear) for our Heavenly Father. We also should obey His commands because we love G-d and desire to please Him. Yeshua said [in John 15:10] “If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love – just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in His love.’” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 says, “ Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, recalling the people from whom you learned it; and recalling too how, from childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can give you the wisdom that leads to deliverance through faith in Yeshua the Messiah. All Scripture is G-d breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to G-d may be fully equipped for every good work” The best way to keep G-d’s Word fresh in our lives is to daily read and study the Bible. The more we study and meditate on G-d’s Word, the more it becomes a part of us. When a crisis occurs or temptations come against us, G-d’s Spirit reminds us of His Words we have learned and know what G-d expects us to do in that situation.
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright December 2006
NOVEMBER 2006
Yeshua told His disciples - “As you go throughout the world, proclaim the Good News to all creation.” Mark 16:15
The following accounts tell how it is possible to obey Yeshua’s command in Mark 16:15.
Barbara Glauberg says, “I have gone to “the Jew first” by passing out Messianic Times and tracts for Rock of Israel, and Temple Shalom Yisrael. I believe strongly in “knowing the territory,” a little quote from “the Music Man”. If you’re trying to reach Jewish people, the best place to go is a Jewish neighborhood, community center, shopping center, etc. I left the newspapers on doorsteps or front porches in Buffalo Grove. I happened to see a man walking his dog, and he asked me what I was passing out. I told him I was passing out the Good News and would he like a copy? He said, “Why not,” and took one. I saw him later in the day and the copy was still in his pocket. So who knows, a seed may have been planted that day. But not all encounters are pleasant. A woman who was outside in her yard absolutely refused to take a paper, without even finding out what it was. One would prefer not to have confrontations, but G-d never said it was going to be pleasant, warm, and fuzzy. Obviously, it wasn’t for the disciples either. G-d just said to do it. But if you are shy, leaving a tract or newsletter is the least confrontational. My favorite tract to leave is one called “Love the Jewish People.” This gets their attention, and then inside it lists some Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillments. These are good to leave lying around synagogues, shopping centers, either to hand out, or on counters, and in restrooms, in restaurants, etc. If you hand them out, it gives more of an opportunity for give and take. Hopefully you will be planting seeds, either way, hopefully watering, and eventually reap a great harvest.
Nancy Bristow says, I always pray for my creative outlet to open up. As I went through my everyday life, minding my own business, G-d interrupted and placed in my heart a tract to write. I was given the name “A LOVE LETTER” along with the beginning “seed” outline. Then, I didn’t do anything for months. G-d kept the idea in front of my eyes. When, the words began to come to me, I knew it was time to write the tract so I went to the computer. As I typed, the words kept coming. I was writing only what G-d gave me. When completed typing the word I was given, I asked people’s opinions about what I had written. I did not have any big rewrites to do. I only needed to change a word here or there and make a few grammar changes. I also added scripture on the back. I use the tract in different ways. I have left my tract with a tip. As I felt led, I would hand it to someone and say “G-d bless you. This is for you.” Sometimes I would just leave tracts in various spots to be found.
Ann Rothmaler says, On the whole, our outreach policy has been to try to live as close to the L-rd as we can & leave it to Him to use us as we are “being who we are” before Him. More often we seem to be used to encourage other believers than in evangelism. The one time I was knowingly one of His instruments in someone coming to faith was years ago when I taught ESL with Literacy Volunteers. Pete has had a chance to share with students a few times when he has had to confront them about cheating. Over the years, we have been privileged a couple of times to watch God work in the lives of people who have lived in our household. Of course, there have been disappointments too. We are still praying for Alex, the Russian immigrant who lived with us for 11 months in the early 90’s.
Barbara Glauberg says, I do try to encourage friends or neighbors and even relatives by letting G-d’s light shine through me. I’ve offered to pray with people who are ailing, even a lady I met a few times in stores. She seemed lonely and hurting, and wanted to talk to everyone including me. I finally asked her if she would like me to pray with her. She did, and seemed very grateful. I never saw her again after that, but hopefully G-d used that moment to lead her to seek Him more. I try to visit people I know in the hospital or convalescent homes to encourage them and pray with them. Most people are truly happy to receive prayer.
Nancy Bristow says, I pray for opportunities to witness in my every day life - at work or when shopping. I ask the L-rd to sharpen my radar. The results vary. Maybe a full and glorious conversation happens. Maybe I just give a word of compassion - G-d’s perfect word at the right time. Maybe I just hand someone a tract. My advice is - just be open, be ready.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Ask, Seek, Knock [Luke 11:5-13] The most familiar verse in this story is Luke 11:9 [CJB] where Yeshua said, “Keep asking and it will be given to you. Keep seeking and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” The words “keep asking” teach that, when a believer has a need, he should continue to pray and ask G-d to meet that need. This does not indicate a lack of faith. Repetition of a request strengthens the believer’s faith that G-d will meet the need. Once the prayer request is made, the person should “keep seeking” for G-d to give His best answer to the prayer. Sometimes we miss G-d’s answer if we don’t look for it. Finally the believer should “keep knocking” until the door is opened. The “open door” represents a stronger and closer relationship with G-d that comes from the believer’s trusting G-d to meet his needs. [In Revelation 3:20, Yeshua said, “I’m standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me.”] Persistent faith in G-d’s ability and desire to meet our needs brings G-d’s best answer to our prayers. Luke 11:10 [CJB] continues, saying, “For everyone who goes on asking receives; and he who goes on seeking finds; and to him who continues knocking, the door will be opened.” [In Luke 11:5-8] Yeshua told a story about how a person’s persistence in asking for what he needed brought the answer. Yeshua said, “Suppose one of you goes to a friend in the middle of the night and ask him to lend you 3 loaves of bread to feed someone who has just arrived at your house. The man will initially say `No!’ but then he will give you what you need – not because you are his friend, but because you persist in asking for it.” Yeshua compared G-d’s desire to meet our needs with a father’s desire to give good gifts to his children. [In Luke 11:11-12] Yeshua said, “Is there any father here who, if his son asks him for a fish, would instead give him a snake? If his son asked for an egg, would the father instead give him a scorpion?” In Luke 11:13 Yeshua continued, “So if you, even though you who are bad know how to give your children gifts that are good, how much more will the father keep giving the Ruach HaKodesh from heaven to those who keep asking Him!” Our heavenly Father sent His Son Yeshua to die on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of all people’s sins. Then, Yeshua promised that G-d would send the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to be with His followers forever so that they would not be alone. Yeshua said the Ruach HaKodesh would remind Yeshua’s followers of everything Yeshua had taught them. [John 14:16, 26]
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright November 2006
OCTOBER 2006 Yeshua said, “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Each believer has opportunities to let his belief in Yeshua as Savior & his obedience to G-d’s commands show in his daily walk in front of family members, neighbors, coworkers, or friends. The following are accounts about how the lives of members of Temple Shalom Yisrael have touched people around them. Steve Poncher says, I have been given many other opportunities to share my faith. The best way I have found success is in being an example to others by my actions and my words. When ever a situation arises - for example, if it is a very hot day at work and I am walking to the boss’s desk to ask a question or mention a concern that I may have about a job - one of my might coworkers says “Man, this humidity is something else”, I’ll reply “Yeah! I'll tell you that if it wasn’t for God’s mercy I’d probably go out to my car and turn on the air conditioning just to cool off and not care about this job.” This is a simple example, but the point is, is that I take every chance I get to give God glory for whatever is going on. When someone asks me if I’m working Saturday, I can easily say, “No, I don’t work Saturday. I spend the whole day in church.” The reaction is always “Saturday?” Then, the door is open for an explanation! I have been blessed to have been working at the same company for 26 years so every body now knows the answer to that question, the boss included. Another example is just about everyone there knows that I am on the worship team at T.S.Y. because of the many times in the past I have been seen carrying my guitar into the plant. There is always someone who has a question for me. Most people there know that I am a believer and they also are comfortable mentioning God in their conversations with me. The difficult part is that I am always being watched so it is imperative that I set a good example. I have been asked how I keep it together. I always reply the same, “Strictly by the grace of God.” I kind of chuckle on the inside when I say that, because I know how I used to be. The best thing of all is that if I do goof up, I can also easily say, “I thank The Lord for His Grace and Mercy, because it just goes to show how much I need Him too.”
Claudia Bostic says, My neighbors are Jewish. We've been good friends for 10 years. We even went to Branson together a couple of times. I still remember how she said that she likes the shows except when they talk too much about Jesus. After, I started coming to the Temple, I gave them a Complete Jewish Bible. I don't know if anyone in their household read it, but I saw the Bible on a shelf right at the entrance of their house (Actually it is the first thing someone will see when they enter the house.) Every Rosh HaShanah, I give them a Jewish Calendar and we always get invited to the breaking of the fast the day of Yom Kippur. When her daughter took the BAR exam, I was the only person she knew who was going to church, so, she called me to pray for her daughter. Many times we talk about prayer. She asked me if I really take time to pray or I just tell people "I'll pray for you" but not literally meaning it. When I told her that I sit on my knees every day and pray, she was shocked. She is not a believer yet, but only the Lord knows why she was brought in my life.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD The L-rd’s Prayer – a Pattern for Prayer Proper Attitude For Prayer [Matthew 6:5-8] Before a believer begins a prayer, it is important for him to search his heart. He should ask himself, “What is my attitude or reason for speaking to G-d?” We must realize that prayer is as much listening to G-d as it is speaking to Him. Prayer is not demanding that G-d give us everything we want right now! G-d wants us to ask for things we need, but then we must believe that G-d will answer our prayers in the way that He knows is best and in His good time. Yeshua gave His disciples examples of good and bad ways to pray to G-d. Yeshua said, “Don’t be like the hypocrites, who love to pray standing in the synagogues and on street corners, so that people can see them. I tell you, they have their reward already.” “Don’t babble on and on like the pagans who think G-d will hear them better if they talk a lot.” “Do go into your room and pray to your Father in secret.” Yeshua promised that G-d will hear and see us when we pray, even if no one else does. Yeshua told His disciples, “Your Heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
In Matthew 6:9 [CJB}, Yeshua said, “You, therefore, pray like this…” Yeshua didn’t mean that the prayer He was teaching His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13 was the only way to pray. Yeshua was saying that this prayer is a pattern (or example) of how to talk to G-d and what we should ask G-d for. 1) In Matthew 6:9-10 [CJB] Yeshua prayed, “Our Father in heaven! May Your Name be kept holy. May Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.” It should be our priority in every prayer that we pray to first bless G-d and acknowledge who He is. Each prayer should also state our desire that all people receive Yeshua as their Savior and obey Him in their daily lives. 2) Yeshua’s next words in Matthew 6:11 [CJB] were, “Give us the food we need today.” This short verse includes several important and basic lessons we must learn. The words, “the food we need” remind us to ask G-d for food to nourish our bodies and to keep them strong and healthy. This is also the time in our prayer when we can ask G-d to provide us with warm clothing and shelter. We also should ask G-d for any physical healing that we need. The next words are “…need today”. G-d’s plan is not to have every believer win enough money in the lottery so that his physical needs are met for his whole lifetime. G-d desires us to pray for our physical needs each day – not because G-d will forget, but because we must remember each day that G-d is our source for all our needs. We need to realize that we are commanded in this pattern prayer to ask G-d for our basic needs of food and shelter – not our wants or things we are greedy for. Many times G-d gives us the things we want beyond our basic needs because He loves us, but we should not demand them from G-d. 3) In Matthew 6:12 [CJB] Yeshua said, “Forgive us what we have done wrong, as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us.” This verse gives two commands. First – it is a believer’s responsibility to tell G-d that he has forgiven anyone who has hurt him (either by accident or on purpose). Second – we must ask G-d’s forgiveness for each wrong thing we know we have done. It is also a good idea to ask G-d to show us any sins we have committed that we are not aware of. Forgiving someone does not depend on whether he says he is sorry for what he did or not. Forgiveness is not earned. Forgiveness is a gift that we are commanded to give to others. Matthew 6:14-15 makes it clear that, if a person does not forgive someone who has hurt him, then G-d will not forgive the person for the wrong things that he has done. 4) In Matthew 6:13a [CJB] Yeshua taught His disciples to pray, “And do not lead us into hard testing, but keep us safe from the evil one.” G-d says we will have hard testing (trials), but that with G-d’s help, we will win a victory over the trials. Some testings (temptations) or trials we face come from haSatan and are not our fault, but others are the results of our sins or our greed for things that G-d knows we don’t need. We fight these testings (temptations) by asking G-d for what we want and then letting Him choose what we really need. 5) In Matthew 6:13 [CJB] Yeshua’s pattern for prayer ends with the words, “For kingship, power and glory are Your forever.” Whether our needs are great or small, it is important to end our prayers (as we began them) with lifting up G-d and giving Him glory.
SEPTEMBER 2006 Update From Israel by Beth Helle Greetings…Well, I’m not in the land of sharwarma and falafel yet. I’m in the States finishing up my summer at home. It has been a good summer. It has been a full summer and it’s not over yet. Shortly after I arrived back in America, fighting broke out in Israel. It started in the Gaza strip and as I write this, there is heavy fighting in Lebanon and rockets bombing the northern part of Israel. At the time you read this, I hope that things have calmed down for the sake of everyone involved. When I talk to people here in America, a conversation that I keep having with different people is “Are you going back to school?” “Do you feel safe?” “Aren’t you afraid to go back?”. To these questions, I answer “yes”, “yes” and “no”. I know that since Israel is my chosen home, and the place that G-d seems to have called me, there are certain things that will need to be dealt with in living there. There is violence in Israel. There is a history of violence and by what I read in the Bible, there will be a future of violence. Does this mean that I will rearrange my plans to go back to Israel? No. As long as there is a school for me to go, and a place for me to stay, I’m not going to let a little thing like war stop me from going back to the place where G-d has sent me. An interesting side effect of the violence, the World Pride Parade scheduled to take place in Jerusalem in August has been cancelled. The Gay and Lesbian community is scared to go to Israel right now. And they should be. They do not have the same guarantee that I have. I have the protection of G-d on me. I have the assurance that G-d is watching my steps and guarding them. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that G-d will protect me until it’s my time to go. In the recent violence in the last few years in Israel, two or three believers have been killed. And their deaths have been an incredible testimony to the country of Israel. And should the L-rd see fit to take me home, I’d rather go home from Israel, where G-d wants me. The safest place to be is the center of G-d’s will. Besides, what’s the worst thing that can happen? I die? Big deal! I’ll see Yeshua before all of you. I’ll tell Him you say “Hi”. Look, I’m not taking the political situation lightly, but honestly, when death is the biggest threat to me, it’s a joke! As a believer, I have the assurance of G-d’s protection until it’s my time to go, and after that, I have assurance of salvation and eternal fellowship with G-d. It is the unbelievers who should be afraid. And believers should certainly spend much time in prayer to intercede for those who do not have the assurance of eternal life. There are lost on both sides. I would encourage believers to pray that G-d would use believers on both sides of the border to share the hope that is within them with those who truly have the most to lose. I’m not scared-for me. All the more reason for me to go back; I have the chance to spread the hope inside of me to those who desperately need it.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD A body of believers, united together to worship G-d. “And let us keep paying attention to one another in order to spur each other on to love and good deeds, not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing, but, rather, encouraging each other.” Hebrews 10:24-25
HaSatan tries to trap each of us into believing that we can live our lives as believers without interacting with other believers or being an active member of a congregation. The opposite is true. We need other believers to teach us, encourage us, and pray for us. We also need to contribute to the ministry of a body of believers so that we can grow and mature in our relationship with Yeshua.
G-d frees Peter from prison. [Acts 12:1-11] King Herod arrested Peter and threw him in prison. (King Herod planned to put Peter on trial after Passover.) Peter was guarded by 4 squads of 4 soldiers. After Peter was arrested, believers joined together to pray and ask G-d to free Peter from prison. The night before Herod was going to bring Peter to trial, Peter was sleeping in his jail cell between 2 soldiers, bound with 2 chains. Other guards were at the door of the jail cell. Suddenly, an angel (messenger) of ADONAI stood there, and a light shone in the cell. The angel woke Peter and said, “Hurry! Get up!” The chains fell off Peter’s hands! The angel told Peter, “Put on your robe and sandals, and follow me!” Peter followed the angel, but Peter did not realize that what was happening was real. (Peter thought he was seeing a vision.) Peter and the angel passed one guard and a second guard, until they arrived at the iron gate leading from the prison to the city. The gate opened by itself so that Peter and the angel could go through it. They went down a street and, suddenly, the angel left Peter. Peter said, “Now I know for sure that the L-rd sent His angel to rescue me from Herod’s power.”
The believers see their prayers were answered. [Acts 12:12-17] Peter went to the house of Miryam (the mother of John Mark) where many believers had gathered to pray for Peter. Peter knocked at the outside door and a servant named Rhoda answered the door. Rhoda recognized Peter’s voice, but hurried to tell the believers that Peter was outside without opening the door to let Peter inside. The believers did not believe Rhoda, at first, when she insisted Peter was at the door. Peter kept knocking until they opened the door. When the believers saw Peter, they were amazed. Peter told them how the L-rd brought Him out of prison. Peter said, “Tell Ya’akov (James) and the other believers all that happened to me.” [Ya’akov (James), the brother of Yeshua, was the leader of the Jerusalem congregation of believers – Acts 15:13-21] Then, Peter left so that King Herod’s soldiers could not find him. Many believers prayed for Peter’s safety. Even though Peter was kept securely in prison, guarded by soldiers, the soldiers could not keep Peter there. The guards did not see the angel leading Peter from prison or realize Peter was gone until he had safely left the city. Peter’s life was saved because G-d answered the prayers of the believers who interceded for Peter.
A body of believers, united together to worship G-d. [Acts 2:42-47] (After Yeshua’s resurrection) The early believers who accepted Yeshua as Savior and L-rd continued to worship together and learn how to serve G-d. Because of the believer’s faithfulness, many miracles and signs took place that showed G-d was with them. Day after day, more people accepted Yeshua as Savior and L-rd. Today, it is important that each believer be a part of a Bible-based congregation. When a believer becomes part of a congregation of believers, he is strengthened in his efforts to please G-d. The believer’s ministry in serving G-d is strengthened and multiplied by the work of the other believers. Ask yourself - “Do your regularly attend worship services or Bible studies held by your congregation?” “Do you support and learn from the leaders of your congregation?” “Do you participate in the ministry of your congregation, according to your G-d given talents?”
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright September 2006
AUGUST 2006 7 helpful do’s and don’t’s about traveling to Israel by Gordon Helle When a person visits a foreign country, there are certain things that he/she must be aware of in order to make the most of the experience. Unfortunately, I was not aware of said things one needs to be aware of in order to make the most of the experience. So I have taken it upon myself to ensure that no others will experience similar or worse fates than those experienced by me during my time in Israel. Thus I have compiled a short list of do’s and don’ts when visiting Israel that you will hopefully find insightful should you choose to travel abroad to this delightful foreign land. 1. Don’t get stuck in a middle seat for a 9-11 hour plane ride overseas next to a person you don’t know. You feel really awkward when you have frequent sudden needs to use the W. C. while the other person is comfortably asleep. 2. Don’t be afraid to ask said person to move, and remember that they are probably not normally as nasty as they are when you wake them up 7 times during said flight. 3. Don’t be afraid to test out your limited knowledge of the indigenous language on the indigenous inhabitants. They will enjoy laughing at your pronunciation and terrible sentence structure. They might even be nice enough to speak in English for you. 4. Do stay with Canadians. They are far better hosts than either Israelis or Americans. Plus you get to experience people from a culture where politics are a joke, beavers are to be loved, and maple leaves are a symbol of pride not sarcasm. 5. Don’t be afraid to play the tourist card. People there love tourists. They try to marry you to their daughters or sons and always tell you to enjoy the land. Plus, it makes up for the fact that you can’t speak the language and are really obnoxious and loud without meaning to be. 6. Do eat the local cuisine, even if it looks funny. The general rule of thumb when eating foreign food is that they would not serve it unless most people would eat it, or at least you can keep telling yourself that as you eat your 7th slimy food that you swear is not digestible, but the restaurant does not look like it is going to be condemned soon so you eat it anyway. 7. Don’t ever leave anything at anytime on any-type of public motor vehicle if you ever hope to see any sign of it again in your life, except for the 30 seconds that you spend chasing said vehicle down the road in hopes that the driver will take pity upon your soul and stop, which they never will, but you can always hope. I hope these helpful suggestions will be valuable to you in any overseas travel, but especially in your trips to the “holy land.”
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD A command to keep G-d’s Word on the hand and on the forehead In Exodus chapter 12, ADONAI delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt by killing the Egyptians’ firstborn. Then [in chapter 13] ADONAI commanded that (because of how He delivered the Israelites) the Israelites’ firstborn belonged to ADONAI. The Israelites were to celebrate Pesach (Passover) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread each year as a reminder of ADONAI’s deliverance. Moshe taught that, as the Israelites continued to keep ADONAI’s words “on their hand and between their eyes”, they would remember how ADONAI’s had delivered them and would obey His commands in return. [Exodus 13:9, 16] At the end of the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness, Moshe began to prepare them to enter the Land ADONAI had promised to give them as their inheritance. Moshe reminded the Israelites how ADONAI had led them from Egypt. Moshe also explained the need for the Israelites to obey all of ADONAI’s commands when they took possession of the Land. The Israelites were to keep ADONAI’s Torah (Law) on their hearts and teach His commands to their children. Studying G-d’s commands was to be a part of their daily lives. [Deuteronomy 6:8, 11:18]
What are t’fillin? T’fillin are worn daily by many Jewish men in their desire to obey G-d’s command in Deuteronomy 6:8 (and in other parts of the Bible) to “put G-d’s Words on your hand and on the forehead”. T’fillin are leather boxes, which contain specific scriptures from the Torah, handwritten on parchment. Leather straps 2-3 feet long are attached to the t’fillin. The straps are used to fasten the t’fillin to the man’s arm and forehead. The scriptures found in the t’fillin are (1) Exodus 13:1-10, (2) Exodus 13:11-16, (3) Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and (4) Deuteronomy 11:13-21. There are 2 types of the t’fillin. The shel rosh (for the head) t’fillin has 4 individual compartments within it. Each compartment contains one of the above passages from the Torah. [The Hebrew letter a (shin) is embossed on 1 or 2 sides of the shel rosh t’fillin.] The shel yad (for the arm) t’fillin contains the same scriptures, all written on the same sheet of parchment. [The outside of the shel yad t’fillin has no letters on it.]
How to wear t’fillin The shel yad (for the arm) t’fillin is put on first. It is worn on the left (weaker) arm, on the bicep muscle and above the elbow (toward the heart). [NOTE: A man who is left-handed should wear the shel yad t’fillin on his right (weaker) arm.] All jewelry is removed and the shirtsleeve is rolled up so that the t’fillin and its straps can be placed directly on the skin of the arm. [As the knot is tightened, a blessing is recited]. The leather strap is wound around the left arm 7 times and then the remaining length of the strap is wrapped around the hand. The shel rosh (for the head) t’fillin is placed on the forehead above the nose. The leather strap is knotted at back of neck exactly above middle of neck. The ends of the straps hang down over shoulders to the front of the body. [A final blessing is recited] Last, the remaining leather of the shel yad (for the hand) t’fillin is tied around the fingers in symbolic knots and Hosea 2:21(19)-22(20) is recited. The t’fillin are removed in the opposite order that they were put on.
Who wears t’fillin & when they wear t’fillin The custom of wearing t’fillin is most often observed by Orthodox males over 13 years old. T’fillin are worn during the daily, morning (shakharit) service. Before praying, a man first puts on his tallit (prayer shawl) and then puts on his t’fillin.
Why wear t’fillin? Whether a person wears t’fillin or not is a personal decision, between him and G-d. However, a believer who chooses to follow the custom in wearing t’fillin can find that this practice strengthens his walk with G-d. (1) Putting on t’fillin before a daily prayer time sets this time apart as something special. The believer is reminded of G-d’s desire to have a daily, personal relationship with each of His people.
(2) Wearing the shel rosh (for the head) t’fillin reminds a believer that he should daily think about and learn G-d’s commands. Wearing the shel yad (for the arm) t’fillin reminds the believer that, once he learns G-d’s commands, they should become a part of his daily life and that he should obey them with all of his strength.
(3) The t’fillin, the knots & way the leather straps of the t’fillin are wrapped remind us of G-d. (a) The shel rosh (for the head) t’fillin has the Hebrew letter shin on the outside. The rabbis say that the knot tied on this t’fillin represents the Hebrew letter dalet and the end of the strap is the Hebrew letter yod. Thus, the shel rosh t’fillin spells the Hebrew letters for the word Shaddai (or Almighty). (b) This same name for G-d (Shaddai or Almighty) is spelled by the way the leather strap for the shel yad (for the hand) t’fillin is wrapped around the arm & fingers.
(4) Each of the 4 passages inside the t’fillin command that a man is to teach his children about G-d. Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19 command “Teach G-d’s Words to your children.” Both Exodus 13:8 and 14-15 command, “Tell your son what ADONAI did for us when we left Egypt.” Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright August 2006
JULY 2006 Recently Jim Lellman (who attends Temple Shalom Yisrael) took a trip to Israel. We asked Jim to tell us some highlights of his trip. While I was in Israel for just 7 days a few weeks back, we visited a number of sites, including Yod V'ashem, the Wailing Wall, the recently excavated southern wall of old Jerusalem, “Herod's Tunnel,” and others. My favorite, though, is the Garden Tomb. At this site, in the rock of a hillside, you can still see the features of what appears to be a skull. Of course, now, it is greatly eroded, but it was clearer years ago. Of course, we do not know for sure that the hillside in question looked like a skull during the time of Yeshua, but it is possible. This is one place that might have been called the place of the skull. On the other side of the hill is the feature that gives this site its name. It is a tomb, cut into the rock. Of course, there is no archaeological evidence that the tomb in question is the tomb that Yeshua was laid in following the crucifixion, but that is possible. When it was found, there was a garden there, as there still is. There is an olive press, possibly signifying that an olive grove was there at some point. The garden might have belonged to a wealthy man. Of course, that is just conjecture, but it is possible. I think that what I like about this site is partly its possible historical significance, but also these facts: The site is owned by a group of English Christians, who purchased the site, if I am not mistaken, in the early 20th century. Many of the traditional sites of various Bible events are administered by Muslim, Catholic, or Greek Orthodox clergy. For whatever reason, churches have been built over many of those sites. The site of the Garden Tomb has a wall around it, of course, and there appear to be some graves on top of the hill, but otherwise, there is nothing on top of the site. There is a bus station at the base of the hill, on the side that looks like a skull, but it does not obscure the view too much. Overall, the site is also a symbol of a different kind for me. It is symbolic of those parts of our world and our culture that Christians still hold sway over, however tenuously. Darkness presses in on all sides, but the Lord is our refuge and our strength, a bulwark never failing.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD Circumcision of the Heart
What is circumcision? Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from a male’s penis. In many cultures, the circumcision is done soon after a baby boy is born. ADONAI commanded in Genesis 17:12 that all of Avraham’s descendants are to be circumcised when they are 8 days old. This circumcision is a sign of ADONAI’s covenant with the descendants of Avraham, Yitz’chak (Isaac), and Ya’akov (Jacob). This covenant began in Genesis 12:1-5 when Avram left Haran at ADONAI’s command.
What the Old Testament says about circumcision [Genesis 17:9-14, 23-27] ADONAI commanded Avraham, “Here is my covenant which you are to keep between you and me… You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin. This will be a sign of the covenant between me and you.” Avraham, his son Yishma’el (Ishmael), and every male in Avraham’s household were circumcised as ADONAI commanded.[Genesis 21:4] Avraham’s son Yitz’chak (Isaac) was circumcised when he was 8 days old as ADONAI had commanded. Avraham. [Genesis 34:13-31] Ya’akov’s (Jacob’s) sons asked that every male in the city of Sh’khem be circumcised before Sh’khem could marry their sister Dinah. This circumcision was a sign that the men in the city of Sh’khem had made a covenant with Ya’akov’s family. Ya’akov was angry with his sons Shim’on (Simeon) and Levi for killing the men of Sh’khem because this broke the covenant. [Exodus 12:44-48] ADONAI commanded Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron), “No uncircumcised person is to celebrate Passover. If a foreigner wants to observe Passover, all the males in his household must be circumcised. Then he will be like a citizen of the land.” [Leviticus 12:3] ADONAI commanded, “Every Israelites baby boy is to be circumcised on the 8th day. [Joshua 5:2-9] ADONAI commanded that the Israelites be circumcised after they crossed the Yarden (Jordan) River, before they celebrated Passover.
What the New Testament says about circumcision [Luke 1:57-66] Yochanan (John) was circumcised on the 8th day. He was given the name Yochanan (John) as ADONAI commanded his father Z’kharyah in Luke 1:13. [Luke 2:21] Yeshua was circumcised on the 8th day after his birth and was given the name Yeshua as ADONAI had commanded Yosef (Joseph) in Matthew 1:21. [Acts 15:1-31] Ya’akov (James), brother of Yeshua, and the other leaders of the Messianic congregation in Jerusalem stated their position that Gentiles need not be circumcised to be part of the believing community. Ya’akov (James) and the other leaders asked only that the Gentiles abstain from 1)foods that had been sacrificed to idols, 2)blood, 3) foods that had been strangled, and 4) fornication. [Acts 16:1-3] Sha’ul (Paul) had a circumcision for a disciple named Timothy so that Timothy could accompany Sha’ul to Lystra and Iconium. (Timothy’s mother was Jewish and his father was Greek.) [Galatians 2:1-3] Titus, Sha’ul’s (Paul’s) Gentile traveling companion, was not forced to be circumcised. [Philippians 3:5] Sha’ul (Paul) bragged that he was circumcised on the 8th day as the Bible commanded.
The spiritual meaning of circumcision of the heart Deuteronomy 30:6 says “Then, ADONAI your G-d will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your children so that you will love ADONAI your G-d with all your heart and with all your being and thus you will live.” Only G-d can circumcise a person’s heart. Circumcision of the heart takes place when a person repents of his sins and surrenders his life to G-d. This spiritual circumcision removes the uncleanness or sin from the person’s spirit. Colossians 2:11 says, “It was in union with Him (Yeshua the Messiah) that you were circumcised with a circumcision not done by human hands, but accomplished by stripping away the old nature’s control over the body.” Spiritual circumcision removes the control of sin over a person’s life so that he can follow G-d’s will for his life. A person with a circumcised heart becomes “G-d focused” instead of “self focused”. He can now obey the command [in Deuteronomy 6:5] to “love ADONAI your G-d with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” [Yeshua quoted this verse in Mark 12:30] Deuteronomy 6:6 continues, “These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart” Circumcision of the flesh is a sign of G-d’s covenant with the descendants of Avraham, Yitz’chak (Isaac), and Ya’akov (Jacob). In the same way, circumcision of the heart is a sign of G-d’s covenant with His people (the Jews & those who are grafted into the vine of Yeshua). A part of G-d’s covenant with His people is that He promises to write His Word on their hearts. Jeremiah 31:32(33) says, “For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days. I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their G-d and they will be my people.”
Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright July 2006
Claudia Bostic & her family attend Temple Shalom Yisrael. The following story is Claudia‘s account of the recent trip to Israel she and her husband Loyd took with their daughters Sophia, Alexandra, and Bianca. Israel was beautiful! The first night we spent in Nathanya. The hotel was right on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. It was magnificent! The next two days, we stayed in the Galilee. We went down on the Mount of Beatitudes. We visited Tiberius, Capernaum, and the southern side of the Golan Heights. We also took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It was Sophia's favorite part of the tour. She fell in love with Galilee two years ago. We also visited Mt. Carmel and Megiddo Valley. From the top of the Leaping Mountain, we saw Nazareth. It was breathtaking! We saw the ruins of Caesarea and the Roman theater. We learned a lot of history. The following four days we spent in Jerusalem. We visited the Western Wall where Loyd and I, renewed our marriage vows. Also, we saw the Herod's Tunnel underneath the Western Wall. We visited the Temple Institute, walked on Via Dolorosa, and visited Bethlehem with the Church of Nativity, Shepherd's Field and, Rachel's Tomb. Time passed very fast. We also, saw Masada and dipped into the Dead Sea. Alex loved Jerusalem, and Bianca loved Via Dolorosa. Israel is wonderful. We can't wait to go back again.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD What is redemption? The definition of ‘redeem’ is to ‘ransom, set free, rescue, save, or deliver’. Redemption is buying back something that was lost, stolen, or given away.
The Israelite firstborn sons are redeemed The firstborn sons belong to ADONAI [Exodus 13:1-2; 13b-15] ADONAI commanded that the Israelite firstborn sons were to be set apart to serve ADONAI. They were to teach their sons how G-d had saved them from death in Egypt by killing the firstborn males in Egypt. ADONAI said in Numbers 3:13, ‘All the firstborn males belong to me because on the day I killed all the firstborn males in the land of Egypt, I separated for myself all the firstborn males in Israel, both human and animal.’ [Exodus 13:11-13] The Israelites were to also set aside for ADONAI the firstborn male born of each animal in their flocks. Exodus 13:11-12 says, ‘When ADONAI brings you into the land of Kena’ani (Canaan), as he swore to you and your ancestors, and gives it to you, (12) you are to set apart for ADONAI everything that is first from the womb.’
The L’vi’im belong to ADONAI in exchange for the firstborn sons. (Israelites worshipped a golden calf while Moshe went up Mount Sinai to receive the Torah from ADONAI.) [Numbers 3:14-51; Numbers 8:14-19] After this, ADONAI chose Aharon (Aaron) and his descendants to be the cohanim (priests) who would guide the Israelites as they worshipped ADONAI and obeyed His Law. The L’vi’im (Levites) were chosen to be dedicated as ADONAI’s servants in the tabernacle. Previously, each oldest son was priest and head of his family. So that there would not be 2 priesthoods (L’vi’im and the oldest son of each family), ADONAI allowed the firstborn sons from the other Israelite tribes to be redeemed (bought back) from the commitment to serve ADONAI as His priests. Moshe was commanded to count the L’vi’im (Levites) males a month old or older. The total number of males in all of the L’vi’im (Levites) clans and families who were a month old or older was 22,000. Moshe was also to count the number of firstborn males in all of the Israelite tribes (except for the Levites) who were a month old or older. The total number of Israelite firstborn males (a month old or older) was 22,273. ADONAI exchanged the L’vi’im for the Israelite firstborn males. There were 273 more Israelite firstborn males than there were L’vi’im. Moshe was to collect a redemption fee of 5 shekels of silver for each of these 273 people. Moshe gave the redemption money to Aharon (Aaron) & his sons as ADONAI had ordered.
The firstborn sons are to be redeemed. The Israelites were commanded that they were to redeem each firstborn son who was born after this time. The son was redeemed when he was one month old. [This was the age ADONAI commanded Moshe to use when Moshe counted the L’vi’im (Levites) and firstborn sons in Numbers 3:14-51.] The firstborn son of a cohen (priest) or Levite need not be redeemed since the descendants of Aharon & or the Levites would serve G-d during their lifetime. ADONAI said in Exodus 34:19-20, ‘Everything that is first from the womb is mine. All the firstborn of your sons you are to redeem and no one is to appear before me empty-handed.’ The redemption price an Israelite was to pay to redeem a firstborn son was 5 silver shekels � the same price as was given for each of the 273 males when the Levites were originally exchanged for the firstborn sons. Numbers 18:15-16 says, “The firstborn of a human being you must redeem. (16)The sum to be paid for redeeming anyone a month old or over is to be 5 shekels of silver?’
Yeshua is redeemed [Luke 2:6-7; 3:23-38] Yeshua was born in Beit Lechem (Bethlehem) to Miryam (Mary) who belonged to the Israelite tribe of Judah. Luke 2:22-23 says, ‘When the time came for their purification according to the Torah of Moshe, they (Miryam and Yosef) took him (Yeshua) up to Jerusalem to present Him to ADONAI (23) as it is written in the Torah of ADONAI, `Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to ADONAI.’’ [see Food For Thought #4] [Luke 2:25-35] When Miryam (Mary) and Yosef (Joseph) brought Yeshua into the temple courtyard, they saw a priest named Shim’on (Simeon). Shim’on was a righteous man and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) was upon him. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) had revealed to Shim’on that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah of ADONAI. Luke 2:27-28 says, ‘When the parents brought in the child Yeshua to do for him what the Torah required, Shimon took him in his arms, made a b’rakhah (blessing) to G-d, and said, `Your servant is at peace as you let him go, for I have seen with my own eyes your yeshu’ah (salvation).’’ Shim’on called Yeshua ‘a light that will bring revelation to the Goyim (nations) and glory to your (G-d’s) people Israel’. It is assumed that Shim’on was the cohen (priest) to whom Yosef (Joseph) gave the redemption price for Yeshua of 5 silver shekels since Shim’on took Yeshua in his arms and blessed ADONAI, as the cohen (priest) would do at this time.
The spiritual meaning of redemption ADONAI is our Redeemer. Only G-d can redeem (set free) His people from the spiritual death caused by sin. Psalm 111:9 says, ‘He sent redemption to His people and decreed that His covenant should last forever. Psalm 130:7-8 says, ‘Israel, put your hope in ADONAI! For grace is found with ADONAI and with Him is unlimited redemption. (8) He will redeem Israel from all their wrongdoings. Yeshua purchased us back from haSatan by dying on execution stake to pay for forgiveness of our sins. Ephesians 1:7 says, ‘In union with Him (Yeshua), through the shedding of His blood, we are set free; our sins are forgiven. 1 Peter 1:18 says, ‘You should be aware that the ransom paid to free (redeem) you from the worthless way of life which your fathers passed on to you did not consist of anything perishable like silver or gold. (19)On the contrary, it was the costly bloody sacrificial death of the Messiah, as of a lamb without defect or spot.’ |
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