God's Faithfulness

My husband sat down on the couch with a grim look on his face. He had just come home after going to the pharmacy to pick up some medication for our adult son who had multiple disabilities. Our health insurance company had him listed as no longer covered for any kind of health care with their organization.  As a result, they refused to cover the cost of one of the medications he needs for one of his disabilities.  The company my husband works for had gone to great lengths to be sure coverage for our son had been extended for two years.  We knew in rejecting coverage for his medications the insurance company had made a mistake.  My husband and I just had to wait until the next day, a Friday, to ask the company my husband works for to help in getting things corrected.

The situation was urgent as our son only had one more day of this medication left. The cost for us to purchase the prescription was $1,000!   Yes, as in thousand.  One.  That is an amount we do not as a rule have available to spend; and his was just one of seven medications he takes daily.  We desperately needed the insurance company to cover the cost for all of them.  We needed a miracle...so to Facebook I turned to ask family and friends for prayer to get everything straightened out with the insurance company.

The next day my husband’s employer went to work on getting our son's coverage straightened out. By the end of the day, David's employer said the insurance company should have our son back on it's rolls by sometime the next day - Saturday.  Given that it was the weekend, our thoughts were we should be able to get the medication on Monday.  If the insurance company were able to get our son on the rolls on Friday, perhaps we could even get the medication on Sunday.  Truly, it was hopeful for which we were grateful.

It wasn't until late at night on Friday that I was able to get on Facebook to update family and friends.

Once on that social media lifeline I noticed a private message was waiting for me.  As I read, I began crying.  Then I shared it with David:

"Delta - I was touched by your post asking for prayer for Drew and his medicine. So I just sent you $1000 via Western Union, which you can pick up immediately at any one of their agents. The XXXX code you need to give them is: xxxxxx.  I hope this helps. G-d bless you and your family for the love that you show for His people Israel. Michael"

I gasped, I sobbed, and I thanked the Lord for His timely and unexpected gift!  It was such a humbling experience.  It had not been my intent that anyone send money or anything of that nature.  I had just wanted prayer for the situation with the insurance company.  God went beyond that!  He touched the heart of a Jewish friend in Israel to give to the need of our son.

Then, despite it being unlikely, the next day we received notification from our pharmacy that the insurance company was covering the cost of the medication immediately!  

David and I discussed the situation with the gift the Lord used Michael to send to us.  We knew we could not keep it since the medication was now being covered by the insurance company. There was only one way we knew to directly contact Michael, which I did, via private message chat on Facebook.  Michael was so gracious, and glad we were being honest with him.  He asked if we knew anyone who could use the money....and we really didn't.  So, he provided the info needed to return it to him.

The Lord taught me much that day:

.... I had asked for prayer to resolve the situation with the insurance company....which God supplied.  He even answered what seemed to be an impossible request on a Saturday!

.... God touched the heart of a Jewish friend of mine, thousands of miles away in Israel, to send us money to be able to pay for the medication regardless of what the insurance company did.  I mean, here is a man who is an author, writes columns published in the Jerusalem Post, and helps the B'n Menasche (from India) and others come home to Israel.  Michael* is well known in many venues.  He doesn’t know myself or our family very well, short of social media postings. But the Lord led him to do something on behalf of our son, and Michael followed through. 

.... God enabled us to have the courage to overcome our fear of hurting feelings, and to do that which was right in returning such a generous gift to Michael.  He gave it to us when we had a need – and we welcomed it.  In fact, we still welcome it in our hearts….for the reason it was given continues to resonate within us.  We know God was in it completely.

.... God made sure our son’s needs were met.  Whether it be medical care, or a roof over his head, or food in his stomach…the Lord will continue to meet his needs even after we are no longer on earth. This has been a concern my husband and I have had for some years now.  Sometimes we trust God for provision in agencies and red tape and to strengthen us but we don't expect the actual need to be met in one sitting by someone who has no reason to bless us other than God moves their heart. 

What an Amazing, Miraculous, Loving, Steadfast, Faithful God we serve!  

For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.  
Psalm 33:4

Amen

*Michael Freund served as Deputy Communications Director in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office under Binyamin Netanyahu. He is the founder and chairman of Shavei Israel/Israel Returns -- www.shavei.org and www.IsraelReturns.org -- a Jerusalem-based organization that searches for and assists the Lost Tribes of Israel and other "hidden Jews" seeking to return to Zion.

Wishing For Wealth

by Delta Vines

Recently, our household was given a copy of the video "Fiddler on the Roof". It is a fantastic video, showing how the Jewish people in a small town went from peaceful struggling to survive; to being forced to move after persecution from the Russian Cossacks.

The main character, Tevya, impresses me. There are many questions and comments he poses to G-d. And he misquotes the "Good Book" much. Yet, Tevya has a right heart.

In one conversation, another character tells Tevya "Money is the world's curse." Tevya's answer is much like many of us would answer, "May the L-RD smite me with it! And may I never recover!"

But Tevya's motivations in his wish of wealth are not what it may seem. We discover what that motivation is in the song "If I Rich Man". He wants a nice home for his family, education for his children, respect from the community. But most of all, the cry of his heart is to be able to learn to read the Torah, and to spend his days sitting by the gates of the city discussing the scriptures.

More than anything, Tevya wants to be free from physical labor so he may seek the Word of G-d for himself!

This reminded me how Joshua would stand at the door of the Tent of the Tabernacle as Moses went in. Others would stay in their home tents, but not Joshua! He wanted more! This also reminded me of the words of the Psalms, such as chapter 63:1-4

O God, you are my God; I will seek you eagerly. My heart thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a land parched and exhausted, where no water can be found.  I used to contemplate you in the sanctuary, seeing your power and glory; for your grace is better than life. My lips will worship you. Yes, I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

Yet, I don't think Tevya realized how wealthy he already was. Not in gold or jewels, but in something many, even the most learned of scripture, would desire: Tevya had an honest, open relationship with G-d.

He asked G-d questions others would probably not have dare asked. When his requests to G-d did not seem answered as he desired, Tevya still sought G-d out, and saw wisdom & guidance in how G-d answered. Is this not like Job, David, and even Paul? It is a good reminder to remember that more than head knowledge; G-d seeks heart knowledge. He desires relationship with us. He is not impressed with religiosity. He wants us to know Him, intimately! Not from a distance, but entering into His Presence.

How many times have we taken the time to really enter in? In a busy world, it seems impossible.

David made time while tending sheep. Job made time while scraping boils (ugh, what an image that brings!). And Paul made time while under arrest, be it in a prison or in a house.

Let us make time for our Heavenly Father, who seeks us! He promised if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. I'm ready to draw near, and to draw from, His bottomless well of life! Just grab a "bucket" (prayer/scriptures), and join in!

@ Delta Vines 2003

Christians Judaizing Christianity

written September 2006

by Robert I Holmes & Delta Vines

Let us say at the outset that we have a love and respect for Israel. We love the Jews, all Hebrew people and are in no way trying to incite anti-semitism. We have many friends who are fulfilled (completed) Jews, and even some who are still in the traditional way of things. Robert is of Gentile ancestry and Delta is of Jewish ancestry. We have nothing against Jerusalem, or any of the holy sites. We have a deep love for the Jews; and for Jerusalem, and Eretz Israel (the land of Israel), as this is the place Yeshua/Jesus lived, taught, died for our sins, and rose in victory over death.

However, we are drawn to raising the issues in this article because of things taking place in the Body of Christ today. We are addressing Christians, especially leaders: not our Jewish brethren. Any comment made herein is not a reflection of the rightness, or legality of Jewish people observing their Hebraic tradition, or of the Laws of Moses. The following things are for Christians to consider.

The Modern Phenomena

Both our nations (USA and Australia) have prayer movements. In a certain stream of these prayer movements, intercessors are bringing out the seven branched Menorah, the flags of Israel, banners with all sorts of names of God in Hebrew and re-establishing Judaic dancing. Blowing shofars and waiving banners begins innocently enough.

Some Christians have taken their interest in Judaic celebrations further. Some are participating in the Pesach/Passover Sedar. Others are observing all the feasts of Israel again (more on this in a future article). Many are not doing this simply to understand the type (shadow) or significance of such things contained in the Old, or “First” Testament. Indeed, it is largely being done out of “romantic” ignorance, or out of insecurity.

There is one prayer movement we know of, galvanizing thousands of believers to face Jerusalem at certain times of the day from certain parts of the world (as though it were a city being set apart like Islam does with Mecca). They are positioned to pray through the gates of the city, as though this will transform the nation. Prayer should certainly be made for Jerusalem, especially for her peace (Psalm 122); but nowhere in Scripture are we told to pray TOWARD Jerusalem!* This is obscene!

We have observed reconstructed models and representations of the Tabernacle of Moses/Temple of Solomon. This is done to explain certain rituals, or to explain deeper prophetic meanings and symbolism for Christianity. Apart from misapplying Scripture the restoration of the tabernacle refers to the one built by David NOT by Moses, it also leads dangerously toward legalistic adherence to form and ritual once again.

There have been Arks of the Covenant built. The intent may be to honor G-d; however, the Ark was to be regarded carefully. It is of concern to us that these things may be being handled more as trying to be “Jewish” instead of honoring G-d. We do not wish to “tempt” G-d by mishandling these reproductions. For example:

·         In 1 Samuel 6 we are told of the plagues of boils and mice in the Philistine cities that housed the Ark for a time.

·         Even looking upon some object was forbidden by death. In 1 Samuel 6 we are told of 50, 070 men whom G-d struck down for LOOKING at the Ark! (vs. 19,) Another warning is in Numbers 4:20.

·         Only those from the Tribe of Levi ( i.e. Kohath) were to carry the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:2, Deut 10:8)

Even well intentions were not excused. When David first tried to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, he did not know the laws to be followed. Uzzah was struck dead by G-d when he touched the Ark accidentally in trying to steady it. (2 Samuel 6)

Other activity is downright sickening. There are now Christians actively supporting the idea of adult circumcision as a method of becoming more “Jewish”, or having some type of an increased covenant with G-d. [We acknowledge that some adults are circumcised for health reasons, we are not referring to this]. This is not even done in Judaism to an adult convert!

How far do we go brethren? In discussing this matter with Jews (Rabbi’s and Hebrew students) and with Christians (both teachers, apostles and prophets) we have discovered almost universal concern over this matter.

Distinguishing Jew and Gentile

There are indeed entire segments of Christian faith, (admittedly off to the side of Orthodox “center” and considered by some to be a sect), who do not even understand the distinction between Jews and Christians. These dear people do not comprehend the difference between the Old and New Testaments (both are the writings of Jews largely), and the Old and New Covenant. They adhere to certain rituals such as consumption of certain food, and avoidance of others; rigid observance of days of rest; slavish adherence to tithe (and the invention of “double tithe”) and so forth.

Christians have certainly been grafted into the Jewish root-stock, but we are not required to become “Jews” in any sense. These Christians have not thought about the results of the sacrifice of Yeshua/Jesus on the cross it’s perfect, completed, redemption. (While on the cross, Yeshua/Jesus said, “It is finished” John 19:30) That includes the washing away of all our human efforts to EARN salvation. We must not simply put on Judaic rituals or become “born again Jews”. The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 are well put; especially verses 19-20: “For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called”.

This distinction was very well addressed by the writer to the Hebrews who notes that:

·         The priesthood has changed. We have a new priesthood (of Melchizadek), no longer the old one of Aaron or Levi (Hebrews 7:11,12).

·         There is a new and better hope (in Christ) and an abrogation of the old law (of Moses) (vs. 18,19).

·         There is a change of Covenant. The old is ineffectual in making us holy; there is a new and better covenant of salvation in Yeshua/Jesus (vs. 22). The old one is obsolete and passing away (Hebrews 8:13).

·         The Jews offer worship in a sanctuary that was a type or shadow (it is no longer standing). Followers of Yeshua/Jesus offer worship in the true heavenly sanctuary (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:5 & 9:11).

·         Moses had a ministry that contained glory, but Christ has a more excellent ministry (vs. 6) that is based on better promises (vs. 11).

·         We enter, not with the imperfect blood of goats, but with the eternal, once and for all sacrifice of perfect Blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:12).

It is our conviction that Christians need to once again clearly understand their position in Christ.

1. On Circumcision

·         Jesus said that circumcision was not from Moses but from the Patriarch Abraham (John 7:22). It was a sign of the Old Covenant observed by the Hebrew people. Church leaders said it was not necessary for Gentile Christian believers to observe this (Acts 15).

·         Paul said circumcision is only of value if you keep the whole law (Romans 2:25).

2. On Keeping Sabbath

·         Jesus walked long distances on Sabbath; His disciples picked grain; He healed the sick and raised the dead, delivered people from demons and preached on the Sabbath. He is Lord of the Sabbath (Mathew 12:8). The day was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). This is also part of Jewish tradition, written in Mekhilta, Ha Tissa: 5 “the Sabbath was given over to man and not man to the Sabbath.”

·         The writer of Hebrews said that there remained a Sabbath rest in Christ that we should labour earnestly to enter (Hebrews 4). But he also pointed out that many were trying to do this in the flesh, and bringing the weight of the law upon themselves. [We acknowledge the perfect wisdom contained in taking a day off, but repudiate the idea of legalistically/ritually keeping Shabbat or Sunday for Christians]. The truth is that every day is holy in Yeshua/Jesus.

3. On Keeping Festivals

·         The Festivals described by Moses were established for the Jews. God said no Gentile should observe Passover unless he become circumcised, therefore, becoming a Jew (Exodus 12:48). This is not to say the Feasts of the Lord are wrong to acknowledge, as Jesus kept all the festivals, for He was a Jew. (Passover – John 6:4; Tabernacles – John 7:2; Trumpets – John 5:1). These are part of the covenant G-d made with the Jews through Moses.

·         Our covenant, however, is one spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah (chapter 31: 32-34) in which G-d promises a better covenant to His People. It is one not of rituals. It is one where His law is in our minds and on our hearts, for we know Him, and He forgives our sins. This was done through Yeshua/Jesus willingly going to the cross in place of our sins. Paul was also clear about not, “Being enslaved again by observing special days, months and seasons” (Galatians 4:10) We may worship on any and every day of the week!

4. On restoring the Tabernacle/Temple

·         Consider the efforts to restore a temple in Jerusalem (the temple building, the sacrifices, the priesthood). Some might view this event with excitement. But from a Christian point of view, the sacrifices make a mockery of the cross and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

·         Even from a Jewish point of view, consider Ezekiel’s Temple (described in chapter 40 and following). A door replaces the veil in the Holy of  Holies, in which there are no sacrifices. The Yom Kippur yearly sacrifices for atonement will no longer be made. For Believers, Messianic and other wise, that is confirmation of a final collective sacrifice having already been made by Yeshua/ Jesus.

Conclusion

Christians should love all people of every tribe, nation and tongue. This includes people who speak Hebrew, call themselves Jews and worship ADONAI. They need liberation from the bondage and fear of laws and religious observances (as do very many Christians)! Yeshua/Jesus came first for the Jew and then the Gentile. The first Christians were Jews. The assurance of salvation through grace alone comes only in Yeshua/Jesus.

The Bible specifically promises that in the last days, “When the fullness of the Gentiles has come” that the Jews will be saved (Romans 11:25). We believe in a mighty revival coming to the Jews. But we do not believe that Christians should once again become Jews enslaved to the law. Paul urged Christians not to come back under the law, to avoid submitting ourselves to even one part of the law, having started in the Spirit we should not end in the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3).

Those wanting to participate in the robes, sacrifices, letter of the law would be saddened to know what they are doing is akin to Replacement Theology. This may seem to bring the Jews and Christians closer – but the effect it is having is just the opposite. To observe these things out of respect for the Jews, and to learn more from them, is one thing. To bring yourself under is another.

From God’s point of view, there are no longer Jews or Gentiles, (Galatians 3:28); neither Scythian nor Greek (Colossians 3:11). Therefore, every effort must be made to bring people out from religious captivity, into the freedom of Grace. Out from bondage to legal observance, into the wonderful light of the cross. Out from creed, culture and tribe into the family of God.

Saints we need to press into Jesus, moving away from the law into a life of grace. We are promised life in Him, not death under the law. We have freedom to express our worship in many and various ways, not restricted by the Law of Moses. In Jesus every day is holy, every person is holy, every place is holy. Let us remain in the freedom purchased for us by the precious blood of Jesus, and not be caught up in the Judaizing of Christianity.

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