WHY YESHUA CAME

June 25, 1999

When the angel Gabriel, who had been sent to earth by YHVH, arrived in a little Galilaean town called Nazareth he announced to a young girl that she was to conceive a son by Divine intervention. This young maiden was to name her baby Yeshua (salvation). Keep in mind that this was not the first time that YHVH, blessed-be-His-name, intervened in a woman's womb so as to bring forth His purposes.

Isaac's was another miraculous birth, as his mother and father were too old to have children. Not only was his mother too old, but she had also been barren all of her life. Jacob's mother, Rebecca, was barren too, and in need of the touch of the Spirit of the Father. And of course Jacob's beloved Rachel, who became the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, needed that healing touch as well.

However, the situation was a little more dramatic in Miriam's case, as she had not had sexual relationships with a man. Today we do not think much of the status of a virgin, but in those days a maiden could lose her life by stoning, if her husband found her to be without blood on the wedding day. In the case before us, YHVH Himself was to supply the life force that would become His only begotten Son. He therefore sent a messenger to announce the purpose for bringing forth this son at that time.

"You shall call his name Yeshua, which means salvation, and He would be great, and He will be called the Son of the Most High Elohim, He will be given the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, for His kingdom will have no end." (Luke 1:31-33).

It is not the promise that Yeshua would succeed to the throne of David which is puzzling, but rather the wording: "throne of His father David," is what makes this announcement somewhat curious. How could Yeshua be David's son, when we know that He was not of the sperm of natural man? His mother, who was Jewish, had relatives connected to the priesthood, which most likely made her a Levite (see Luke 1:36). Joseph, the man she was betrothed to, was of the seed of David (Luke 1:27). However, as you know, he had a bit of a problem with this bride of his, who (just happened) to be pregnant before their marriage was consummated. Being a righteous man, Joseph was ready to take the necessary steps and have her put away according to the Law. However, in another angelic visitation he was told to take Miriam as his wife. By doing so he in essence adopted the child that she was carrying, as his own. Thus, through adoption, Yeshua entered the lineage of David, who, in a very real and legal sense, became his (fore)father, just as we, who are sons of Abraham, become sons of Elohim through adoption (see Rom 8:15, 9:4; Gal. 4:5).

Why was it so important that Joseph adopt this child? Couldn't redemption have been accomplished anyway, say through a Levite, or a Benjamite or for that matter through a Syrian? As we know, Yeshua came to redeem a lost inheritance. Whose inheritance? His Father's. What or who belonged to His Father and had gotten lost, so as to be in need of redemption? At some time or another YHVH must have owned something. In the Torah we see the principle that all first fruit belong to Him (see Ex. 22:29-30, 23:16-19; Deu. 26:2 and many more). Because these first fruit belong to YHVH He places His name on them, marking them "for His name sake."

The following scriptures indicate that the entire nation of Israel was (and still is) YHVH's possession and inheritance. "But YHVH has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance as you are this day," (Deut. 4:20). "Yet they are Your people and Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your mighty power and by Your outstretched arm," (Deut. 9:29). Not only were the people His inheritance, but so was a place called Mount Zion. "You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, In the place, O YHVH, which You have made for Your own dwelling, The sanctuary, O YHVH, which Your hands have established" (Ex. 15;17).

In order for Yeshua to become the redeemer of His Father's inheritance, in this case Israel, He would have had to have a very specific legal status in the family. He could not be a son randomly chosen, from 'any old' family in humanity because YHVH is a law-giver, and everything that has been created in the heavens and the earth is governed by His laws. This is especially true concerning the laws of redemption. Regarding our justification we are not under Law, yet the Law should be under us, as it were, giving us a firm foundation!

In the book of Revelation we see YHVH the Mighty One sitting on His throne with a scroll in His hand (Rev. 5:1). It says about this scroll that it was inscribed on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. What was this seven-sealed document? It must have been extremely important, as the legal qualifications to open it were so high that no one could be found, in heaven or on earth, worthy of taking it and of opening its seals. The thought of no one qualifying was so grave, that it caused the prophet to weep uncontrollably. Most scholars agree that this scroll was the scroll of redemption. Such a scroll was seen when Jeremiah redeemed a piece of property by purchasing it (Jer.32). A scroll of redemption was usually written on both sides; the one side had the title deed to the property and the other, the qualifying requirements of its redeemer. Please notice that the Father had the scroll in His hand. He was like the judicial guardian over that inheritance, until the one qualified would come and take the scroll.

The question is: What was written on the scroll? What were those regulations that qualified the Redeemer to take the scroll and open its seals? What does all of this have to do with us?
Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell (shevet achim) together in unity…for in this Yahoveh commands the blessing "life eternal". (Ps. 133)

THE FATHER'S PURPOSE

June 18, 1999

Why did YHVH bring His only begotten Son into this world? Did He send Him to give His life and die for the purpose of starting a new religion called Christianity? Did Yeshua shed his blood in order to restore a religion called Judaism? Or better yet, did He come to combine the two into one religious expression called Judeo-Christianity? Why did the Father send the Son? In Luke chapter one we read the message which the angel Gabriel brought from YHVH to Miriam, and the word of prophecy which was uttered by Zachariah the priest, when filled with the Holy Spirit. Both announced the Father's purposes:
- To redeem His people (v. 68).
- To raise up a horn of salvation for us in the House of His servant David (v 69)
- To sit on the throne of His father David (v.32).
- To save us from our enemies, from those who hate us (v.71).
- To show mercy to our fathers (those who received no mercy - Lo-ruhamah, Hosea 1:6).
- To remember His holy covenant, which He swore to our father Abraham (vs. 72- 73), whereby He committed Himself to give him a land, to "make him" a nation and a blessing (Gen. 12:2-3).
To bring deliverance from our enemies, that we might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life (vs.74-75).
- To rule and reign in the House of Jacob forever, and there to set up an everlasting kingdom (v.33).
None of these objectives appear to have anything to do with religion, or with some other form of temple worship. Rather, Yeshua came to restore a relationship between His Father and us, His people. He also came to restore the House of Jacob, meaning the relationship between the Two Houses of Ephraim and Judah; to break down the enmity and jealousy between the brothers.
"Listen, O coastlands, to Me and take heed, you peoples from afar! YHVH has called Me from the womb; from the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name," (Isa. 49:1). "You shall call His name Yeshua," (salvation) (Luke 1:31). "And now YHVH says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel is gathered to Him… Indeed He says, `It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the nations, that You should be My salvation (Yeshuah) to the ends of the earth,'" (Isa 49:5-6). How were all these objectives to be fulfilled?
Before sin marred the relationship between YHVH and Adam, man was to be a servant and one who would "listen, watch and walk". After YHVH redeemed Israel from Egypt and slavery, they too, as a nation, were told the same thing: "Listen to My voice and walk in My ways." When Israel failed to do that, and missed the mark (sinned), YHVH gave them a religion, using the Aaronic Priesthood. Sin was the reason for religion. As long as we remain in sin we will always have a need for some religious expression. But what was YHVH's promise to the nation of Israel? "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us," (Psa. 103:11-12). "But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back," (Isa. 38:17). "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins," (Isa.43:25). "And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day, everyone will invite his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree,'" (Zech 3:10).
Notice that when sin and iniquity are removed, relationships are made possible. How did the Father accomplish this reconciliation? "Now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, (Heb.9:26). Remember what John the Immerser declared when He saw Yeshua? "Behold the Lamb of Elohim that takes away the sin of the world," (John 1:29). "YHVH was in Messiah reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation," (2 Cor.5:19). "By Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross," (Col.1:20). This is why Paul insisted only on one thing: "For I determined not to know anything among you except Yeshua the Messiah and Him crucified," (1 Cor 2:2).

Yeshua died to atone for sin and to remove it altogether. How did He do this? By being offered on the cross as the perfect lamb for the sacrifice. He fulfilled every requirement of the religious system. In removing sin as far as the east is from the west, He removed the need for a religious system, and restored the priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek (ref. Hebrews 4:14-5:10; 7).This was the priesthood that all Israel was to partake of. By virtue of the Torah being inscribed on the heart, worship was to be in spirit and in truth (John 4:23), resulting in Divine relationships. For do you not know this about yourselves that you are a tabernacle of the Holy Spirit (ref. 1Cor.3:16), that Yeshua the Messiah dwells in you (ref. 2Cor.13:5), and that you have died and that your life is hidden in His, and that He is NOW your life (ref. Col.3:4, Gal.2:20)? Faith is what reveals this reality, but if we hold to an outward form of religion, we actually deny His presence within our Holy of Holies (our spirit). This will bring about the anti-Christ lie, which denies that Yeshua came in the flesh (the spirit-filled believer's flesh). John explains to us that the world is under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19), meaning all of the world's political and religious institutions. In verse 21 he warns, "Children keep yourselves from idols". But "sandwiched" between those two verses is a powerful statement of truth: "We know that the Son of YHVH has come and has given us understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Yeshua the Messiah. This is the true Elohim and eternal life" (v.20).
Yeshua is restoring the "fallen Succah (booth) of David," by uniting a remnant of the Two Houses, and by being enthroned in the hearts of the individuals who form this remnant. Through the reunited House of Jacob (the nation Israel), He will administer the everlasting kingdom government to the rest of the nations. But we must come out of religion into Divine relationships and national identity. Be separate and wait for the Lord who will whistle for us to return to the land (ref.Zec.10:8), there to become a royal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, and a holy nation. Thus the covenant that YHVH made with our father Abraham, to become a blessing to the rest of the nations, will be fulfilled.

Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together (shevet achim) in unity…for in this Ya'hovah commands the blessing "life eternal" (Ps. 133).

JUDAH AND EPHRAIM'S RELATIONSHIP

May 14, 1999

Continuing the scene from the letter two weeks ago (2 Sam.19), we have arrived at the point where the Two Houses meet at the fords of the Jordan. Did love and mutual cooperation unite the two brothers, and did they bring the king back together to Jerusalem? Oh no! Having David as their king was not enough! The old old story of resentment and jealousy immediately irrupted. A remnant from the northern tribes, as we mentioned previously, went down in humiliation to invite the king back. From this we may infer that they did not humble themselves, but rather that they had “egg on their faces” and were embarrassed by the defeat of Absalom, their chosen leader. Their only alternative was possibly to select another king. The defeat was extremely degrading, not because David's army was more powerful and clever, but because the forests of Ephraim claimed more lives than did the actual fighting. This may have caused them to deduce that Elohim's hand was in the matter, therefore they had no alternative but to reinstate David. What's more, Absalom, their leader, was also “overcome” by a large oak tree, as he hung by his head and long hair in its branches (2 Sam.18:9). In scripture trees are sometimes connected to Elohim's righteousness: "That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of YHVH, that He may be glorified" (Isa. 61:3). In our day and age, many leaders in the Church system are also finding these oak trees dangerous, especially the longer the "hair" of self-exaltation, or self-glorification is.

After their defeat, the tribes of Israel all fled to their own tents (congregations), and spent the time disputing, arguing and quarreling amongst themselves (2 Sam.19:9-10). What were they fighting over? They had remembered how David delivered them from their enemies, and saved them time and time again from the hand of the Philistines. But they could not understand why he would flee and leave them alone, under the rule of a rebellious son. Did they have a choice in the matter, could they have stood up and opposed this would-be leader? Instead, they had chosen to serve Absalom whole-heartedly, and were even willing to fight against some of David's faithful servants. (Is this reminiscent of Church history?) However, after the defeat, a remnant of them decided to go and ask the king to return. But lo and behold, the king ignored their request. (2 Sam. 19:10-11)! These perplexed Israelites were further embarrassed when David sent for Judah to come down to Gilgal. Judah, than, quite typically, resented that fact that the Israelites were there.

Please take note of the following small, but yet moving, episode (v.16-20). When the time came for David to cross over, a repentant man by the name of Shimei (root of "to listen") of “Benjamin, from the house of Joseph,” along with other of Saul's servants, went with Judah. This group of Benjamites was made up of those who were mocking, cursing and throwing stones at David when he left Jerusalem, (2 Sam. 16:5-8). However, now they were truly repentant, and "rushed down to the Jordan and brought across all the king's household, and did what was right in the eyes of the king". This small company of Benjamites, ("listeners" from the "son of the right hand") of the house of Joseph (v 20), were not only the first to see the king of Israel, but were also the ones to experience his heart first hand.

Meanwhile, more and more of the Israelites were coming down to watch the procession crossing the Jordan. Their internal quarreling had stopped, but now they were incensed with Judah. When the latter escorted the king across the river, the jealousy of Ephraim (Israel) finally broiled to the surface. "Then all Israel came to the king and said, 'why has our brothers from Judah stolen you away, and brought the king and his household and all David's men with him over the Jordan?'" (2 Sam 19:41). Ephraim did not want to be left out, or should I say, pushed out, or be bullied out by His older brother. So, he lodged his complaint: "that’s not fair! It was my idea in the first place to bring the king back!" (v. 43); a mere logical conclusion, right? Unfortunately, Ephraim’s sense of inferiority demanded a touch of favoritism, and measure of recognition. Having failed in his attempt to get his way, he flared up in anger.

What was Judah’s reply to this emotional attack? "… The king is a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?" (2 Sam 19:42). Does this response have anything to do with Ephraim's complain? Poor Ephraim, always outwitted by his Jewish brother! Indeed, there did not seem to be any favoritism on the king’s part toward Judah, yet Ephraim's hurt feelings of pride, jealousy and anger surfaced, and not altogether without reason. Judah was not willing to walk with that remnant of Israel to escort David across the Jordan. In fact, Ephraim's very presence, as already pointed out, gave rise to Judah's contempt. Still confused over Judah’s remarks, Ephraim made his next mistake by a business-like approach: “And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, 'we have ten shares in the king; therefore we also have more right to David than you. why then do you despise us?’" (2 Sam 19:43). We have ten shares in the king, they boasted. “Big deal!” So what's that to Judah? He can take his two shares and make them into one hundred before Ephraim even begins to think about investments. “Yet the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel"(2 Sam 19:43). The argument must have been quite intense, but the lion's roar won over the conflict, and left Israel even more frustrated and devastated. Thus, their only recourse was to disassociate themselves from Judah. With these words they were going to teach Judah a lesson: "We have no share in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; Every man to his tents, O Israel.” Bear in mind that this all took place in front of the returning king.

Following this, they found themselves another leader, a worthless man, a Benjamite. This was just like Ephraim, who, when rejecting Judah's legitimate position of leadership in the family, always ends up with leaders who will be happy to take him up every mountain, as long as it is not Mount Zion. (see Eze 34).


Today, as back then, a remnant of the lost sheep of the House of Israel has been longing for the return of the Messiah, waiting at the fords of the Jordan for Him. But lo, here comes the Judeans, the natural branch, kinsmen of the Messiah. They have “gotten their act together” and they are coming down as "one man" to Gilgal.
What will happen this time? Will the New Covenant love, the Torah written on the heart win out? Will Ephraim call out: “let us return to Zion,” or will he call out "we have no share in David, nor do we have an inheritance in the son of Jesse, every man to his tents, O Israel"?. Will Judah continue to persist in their rejection, and despise Ephraim's presence and newly-found identity? We don't need your help in bringing the King back, nor do we need you to return to the land! THIS LAND HAS BEEN GIVE US AS A POSSESSION!" (see Ezk. 11:15).

Will the two brothers love one another, and accept each other’s role in this chosen generation in the family of Jacob, in the family that has been called to become a royal priesthood and a holy nation; the one new man, the first fruit of the new creation, a light to the nations? Or will their testimony to the nations continue to be enmity, strife, jealousy, resentment, hatred and divisiveness?

Redeemed of the Lord, from Ephraim and Judah, if we do not accept God's prophetic plan, which has been summed up in the New Covenant, and repent of these ancient attitudes, our eventual togetherness and unity will come forth only as a result of the following warning: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent”(Rev.3:19).

Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together (shevet achim) in unity…in this God commands the blessing life eternal" (Ps. 133)

RETURN

May 7, 1999

"'What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now, see to your own house, O David!' So Israel departed to their tents" (1 Kings 12:16).

These words were said by the people of the House of Israel to the people of the House of Judah, on the day that YHVH decided to divide the United Kingdom of Israel after King Solomon's reign. However, this was not the first time that Israel had addressed the House of David in this way. As we know, before all Israel accepted the leadership of David's rule, David had reigned for 7 years, from Hebron, over the House of Judah. Interestingly, it was only after he had conquered the Jebusite city of Jerusalem, that Israel joined Judah and the House of David's regime. But David's rule was interrupted, and he stepped down allowing his rebellious son Absalom to take the scepter in Jerusalem (2 Sam 15:14). At this juncture, David fled and stayed beyond the Jordan, in the city of Mahanaim, which means "encampment" (this may have been the place where Israel camped before entering the Land). David waited there, and did not go out with his army against his son. But even after the war and his son's death, he still did not go up to reclaim his rightful place in Jerusalem. Why?

Absalom's army was made up mostly of the Israelites of the North, who after their defeat fled each to his own tent. We are also told that all the tribes were quarreling amongst themselves (2 Sam.19:9). They had anointed Absalom king, but now he was dead, so what were they to do? They had committed mutiny "big time." They had rejected God's anointed one and anointed their own king. How then could they face David?

Unfortunately, this scene reflects the state of the Body of Messiah today, as many have appointed or hired for themselves men as "overlords", while Yeshua, has to flee and wait, until this war with religious flesh is over. What's more, this condition is usually conducive to quarreling. In spite of this, Yeshua, by His loving faithfulness, occasionally knocks at the door of the rebellious heart and beckons it to turn around and repent (Rev.3:20).

According to the account in 2 Sam.19, a remnant of the House of Joseph went down in humiliation and invited David to return. However, he still had not come up. His reasons for not doing so may reveal, by inference, why the Messiah King of Israel, Son of David, also tarries at the gate of the "encampment," in the wilderness beyond the Jordan, and will not come back to reign in Jerusalem. In David's case, it was only a remnant of the House of Joseph who had invited him to return. Praise God for the remnant!

David then sent his two priests, Zadok and Abiathar, to speak to the leaders of Judah. Listen to what these two had to say to David's kin: "Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house, you are my brothers, are you not my bone and my flesh?"(2 Sam. 19:11-12) Amazingly, these words turned the hearts of all the men of Judah. I pray that this would be true of the House of Judah in our generation; may they likewise acknowledge the greater Son of David and invite Him back to Jerusalem.

The elders of Judah then sent word for the king to return, but David only came up as far as the Jordan. He waited for Judah to come down to Gilgal, which they did as "one man," in order to meet the king. Gilgal was the place of the second circumcision, and the rolling back of the reproach of Egypt. (Josh. 5:2,9). Could it be a pattern for today, as the Messiah will wait for the House of Judah to first realize that they are "bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh"? (Rom 1:3, 2 Tim 2:8). In other words, Judah, you are the natural branch, (Rom 11:21) for the Messiah was from the shoot that sprang from the root of Jesse in the house of Judah (Isa.11:1).

Judah's recognition of their ancestral ties to the king caused them to act as "one man," to repent and come down to "Gilgal". However, natural lineage was not the only reason for David's return to his house in Judah. Judah's kingly position, scepter and leadership in the family also had to be respected and honored ("the Jew first"). As mentioned above, David first ruled in Judah. David also knew that if only one house recognized his God-given anointing, the kingdom divided would not stand. Could it be that until the Messiah has a United Kingdom - when Judah and Ephraim are willing to walk together under His Kingship, His rule and His divine order in the family - He will have to stay "put", just as it written about Him, "whom heaven must retain until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets from of old”? (Acts 3:21). This also applies to Ezekiel 37, and also to other many unfulfilled prophecies.

Is it possible that Messiah's return is contingent upon the Two Houses humb ling themselves, repenting and forgiving each other for the years of jealousy, enmity, strife and murder? Is He waiting for them to come down to Gilgal? Is he waiting for Ephraim to repent of his anti-Semitism towards Judah, his very own Semitic brother, the brother about whom Ephraim declared not to have any part of? Is He waiting for Judah to repent of their arrogant pride and self-righteousness, thinking like their forefathers did, when Ephraim (the House of Joseph with its ten portions) was banished and rejected? For Judah boisterously said to this idolatrous house that they should go far from YHVH, "THIS LAND HAS BEEN GIVE US AS A POSSESSION" (Eze.11:15). Have these traits of possessiveness and pride been carried over to this very day? Has Ephraim become, in the eyes of a remnant of Jews, but a ghost of the past, an enigma to be erased from memory because they were an embarrassment to the family? The prophet Amos, speaking to those who were at ease in Zion (Amos 1:1), warned them that judgment was near because they were sitting idly listening to the sound of stringed instruments, inventing for themselves musical instruments like David, drinking wine from bowls, and anointing themselves with the best ointments, but were not grieved over the affliction of Joseph (see v. 4-6).


Maybe Ephraim's brother wanted to forget, but YHVH said that he had not forgotten Ephraim (Jer. 31:20). And just as a little reminder to Judah, this is what YHVH had spoken to you about the House of Ephraim: "Although I have cast them far off among the Gentiles, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I shall be a little sanctuary to them in the countries where they have gone"' (Eze. 11:16). Has not Messiah Yeshua, the rock of Israel, been their sanctuary for these past two thousand years? Or have they stumbled over the stone along with Judah, as recorded in Isaiah 8:14? "He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel." In light of this, it may be a good idea to pay attention to what YHVH said to the House of Joseph in the following prophecy, a word that came right on the heels of the Jewish leadership staking claim to the entire land.

"Therefore say, `thus says YHVH Elohim: I will gather you [House of Joseph or Ephraim] from the peoples, assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel."' In the following verses the prophet turns directly to Judah and gives a prophecy to them about what will happen to Ephraim. "And they will go there, and they will take away all its detestable things and all its abominations from there". Can you imagine Ephraim doing that? "Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God" (Ez. 11:17-20). Later, these very same words were spoken to both the Houses of Israel (Eze 37 and Jer.31). To be continued.

Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity…for in this God commands the blessing life eternal (Ps. 133).

HEAR O MY PEOPLE

April 30, 1999

Listen to Me, My people; and give ear to Me, O My nation. For the Torah will proceed from Me, and I will make My justice rest as a light of the peoples. My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands will wait upon Me, and on My arm they will trust. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look on the earth beneath, for the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner. But My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished ( ref. Isa.51: 4-6). Even though the present heavens and earth are now preserved by the same word, they are being kept for the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. For there will be a day that I will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (ref. 2 Pet.3:7, 10). So pay attention, and listen to Me, you who know righteousness, in whose heart is My Torah (ref. Isa 51:7). Yes, that means you, for did I not declare to you, oh house of Israel and house of Judah, that I would write My Torah on your heart, so that you might know Me (ref. Jer. 31:33). Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults… I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? For I am Ya'hoveh your Elohim, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar--I am YHVH the commander of the mighty multitudes of the army of Israel, that is My name.

I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may truly plant the (new) heavens, and lay the foundations of the (new) earth (ref. Isa.51:7, 15-16). For you have been born again into a living hope, redeemed by the blood of My son, Yah'shua, and have become the first fruit of the new creation; the old things are passing away, but behold new things have come. Have I not promised you a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (ref. 2 Pet. 3:13)? Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy (ref. Isa. 65:17-18). Have I not made it clear to you that, `You are My people.' Therefore because you are My people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation, you shall return from all the other nations where it was said of you ‘you are not My people’ (ref. Hos.1:10), and return to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on your heads. You shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away (ref. Isa. 51:11).

Zion, you thought that I YHVH had forsaken and forgotten you. But I say to you my beloved bride: Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. Your walls are continually before Me. Your sons shall make haste; your destroyers and those who laid you waste shall go away from you and those who swallowed you up will be far away. Lift up your eyes, look around and see; all these your children will be gather together and come to you. (ref. Isa. 49:14-18). For I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself, grieving over the sin of his youth and smiting his thigh in repentance: `You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained calf restore me, and I will return to Zion, for You are Ya'hoveh my Elohim (ref. Jer. 31:18). As I live Zion, you shall surely clothe yourself with them all as an ornament, and bind them on you as a bride does. For your land that was left wasted and desolate will even now be too small for the inhabitants. Even these children of Ephraim that you did not know you had, that you thought you had lost, will say again in your ears, `The place is too small for me; give me a place where I may dwell' (ref. Isa. 49:19-20). Have I not saved the House of Joseph (ref. Zech 10:6). Did I not promise you that I would also save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west, and that I would bring them back to their land, to be My people and I their God, in truth and righteousness.'(ref. Zech 8:7-8)? Even Ephraim, shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as if with wine. Yes, their children shall see it and be glad; and their heart shall rejoice in YHVH. I will whistle for them and gather them, for I have redeemed them through the precious blood of My Son, I have multiplied them as the sand of the sea, and have sown them among many peoples, they have become ‘the fullness of the Gentiles’ (see Gen. 48:19). Remember, this was a portion of their birthright. Therefore they also shall remember Me in far countries; they shall live, together with their children, and shall return (ref. Zech. 10:7-9).

For in that day I will pour out My Spirit and turn their hearts to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (ref. Mal.4:6). They thought that I had abandoned them and left them orphans (ref. Lam 5:3), but I was watching faithfully over My Word to perform it (ref. Jer. 1:12). There is a time and season for all things under the sun, a time to break down, destroy, and to scatter, but there is also a time to sow and to harvest, to build up and to restore (ref. Ec.3:1). Therefore in keeping with My word, I will bring the House of Joseph (Ephraim) back from the land of Egypt, and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon, until no more room is found for them. (ref. Zech 10:10). Yes, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the ends of the earth, the blind and the lame, the woman with child and the one who labors with child, a great throng shall return there. (ref. Jer. 31:8). So great will be the return that they will not even remember their first exodus out of Egypt. For as I live, I will surely bring the sons of Israel (Joseph) from the land of the north and from all the countries where I had banished them. I will restore them to their own land which I gave to their fathers (ref. Jer 16:14-15). They shall come with weeping, and with supplications, I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they shall not stumble, for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn… Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he not a pleasant child? For though I spoke against him, I earnestly remember him still; therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him. For there shall be a day, when the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim, `Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to Ya'hovah our Elohim' (ref. Jer.31:8-9,20, 6). Watch! I will do this miracle before the eyes of the nations. I will assemble the outcasts (or banished) of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah (the Jews) from the four corners of the earth. The envy of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim (ref. Isa. 11:12-13). In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north, to the land that I have given as an inheritance to their fathers (ref. Jer. 3:18). For I will take the wild branches of the olive tree of Joseph which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will join them to the trunk of Jesse (ref. Isa.11:1), of the tree of Judah, and make them one tree and they will be one in My hand. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; just as Gabriel the angel was instructed by Me to announce, to Miriam, after she was with child. That this one that is in her womb will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; for I will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end (ref. Luke 1:32-33). Therefore those two houses, shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again (ref. Ezekiel 37:19,22).

Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell (shevet achim) together in unity… for in this God commands the blessing life eternal (Psa. 133).

YHVH SPEAKS)

April 23, 1999

These scriptures I compiled in 1984 as part of a manuscript "Thus Say's YHVH".

“Behold, the days are coming, that I will bring you back from captivity, for you are My people Israel and Judah,' says YHVH `And I will cause you to return to the land that I gave to your forefathers, Avraham, Isaac and Ya'acov, and you shall possess it'” (Jer. 30:3).

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that you may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come (Hab. 2:2-3). You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that My word is fulfilled" (Jer.1:12). "None of My words will be postponed any more, but the word which I speak will be done" (Eze 12:28). "Look among the nations and watch--Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you might not believe, even though it were told to you" (Hab. 1:5). "For in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, My mystery, the mystery that I declared through My servants the prophets will be finished" (Rev.10:7). "Surely I do nothing, unless I reveal My secrets or mysteries to My servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7).

"When one hears the roaring of a lion, will they not fear? Just so, when I YHVH your Elohim speak! Who cannot but prophesy?" (Amos 3:7-8) "Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy them but to fulfill them. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not one vav or one Yod will by no means pass from the Torah till all is fulfilled (Matt 5:17-18) "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken” (Luke 24:25)!

"Thus says YHVH, the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, Adonai of hosts: “I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no Elohim. If any can proclaim as I do, then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people (Israel). For the things that are coming, shall come" (Isa. 44:6-7). "Proclaim and bring forth your case; yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, YHVH, for there is no other Elohim besides Me, a just Elohim and a Savior; there is none besides Me" (Isa. 45:21).

"Do not fear, nor be afraid; have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a Elohim besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one" (Isa. 44:8). "Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; and concerning the work of My hands" (Isa 45:11). "For you, who are reading this with understanding, are the redeemed of Avraham, the seed of Ya'acov, the work of my hands" (see Isa. 29:22-23). "Hear, O My beloved, and I will speak, O Israel, I will testify in you; that I am Elohim, your Elohim" (Psa. 50:7)!

"I created the heavens, I am Elohim Who formed the earth and made it, also I established it, and did not create it in vain, but formed it to be inhabited: I am YHVH, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; I did not say to you, the seed of Ya'acov, `Seek Me in vain'; I, YHVH speak righteousness, I declare things that are right" (Isa. 45:18-19).

"Look to Me, and be saved, all you of Israel's seed, you are the ones that I have sown and scattered to the ends of the earth! For I am your Elohim, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear…. that Yeshua is Messiah and Lord to the glory of the Father (Phil 2:11). You shall say, `Surely only in YHVH, through the blood of Yeshua, do I have righteousness and strength. For it is only to Me that you shall come, but to all who are incensed against Me they shall be put to shame. Only in Me shall all the descendants of Israel be justified, and glorified.' (ref. Isa. 45:22-25).

"Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek Me. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Avraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and multiplied him" (Isa. 51:1-2). YHVH scattered him into all nations, for the life of the father is in his off-spring, his progeny, YHVH even made nations of him. But now the time has come for the harvest and YHVH will gather you from the north, south, east, and west, and bring you into your own land, so that you might become that light of His Glory to the rest of the nations (ref. Isa.49:6)

"I do not do this for your sake, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; then the rest of the nations shall know that I am YHVH, when I am revealed, IN you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your Elohim" (Eze. 36:22-28). "Therefore I will gather you from the places where it was said 'you are not my people', and I will call you the sons of the living Elohim, and the sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be gathered together for great will be the day of My sowing" ( Jezreel) (Hos. 1:10-11).

Ephraim

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together (Shevet Achim) in unity…for in this I command the blessing of life eternal" (Psalm 133)

THE EARTH IS YHVH'S

April 16, 1999

"The earth is YHVH's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein." (Psalms 24:1). This past week we went to a burial of a neighbor (Tzvika). His daughter is in the same class as our daughter. He was 47 years old.

The gathering at the cemetery was large; people from our settlement and from the surrounding towns (both Arabs and Jews) were present, and of course close family.

As we walked down the side of the hill towards our destination I looked up and with the graveyard in the foreground, I saw the panoramic view of the green rolling hills of Samaria. Large stones and olive trees dotted the gently descending slopes down toward the long Sharon valley below, with its towns and cities sewn into the patchwork of green and brown fields. The misty blue of the Mediterranean Sea was like a velvet frame along the boarder of the land. For some reason the view had a special meaning at that moment, as the white-shirted burial team took the body from back of a plain gray colored service van. Tzvika's wife, who had been holding on to her 12 year old daughter's hand, put her arm around her and drew her into a close embrace. The crowd then pressed in around them, as we all shuffled slowly into this small cemetery. I saw the mayor of our settlement pause briefly, as he passed the large granite stone bearing the Hebrew letters of his 19-year-old daughter. She had been killed two years previously in a car accident. There were other epitaphs, engraved in stone, lining the small and relatively new burial ground; for instance, the two soldiers tragically killed along with 71 others, when the two helicopters kissed in mid air, and plummeted to the ground burning to death the fear-filled, screaming soldiers inside. As I stood next to my wife, behind a wall of assorted colored clothes, I could not see the actual entombment. However, having attended such sad events in the past, the sounds were very familiar; the weeping of the mourners, the whispers of those that had gathered, who perhaps hadn't seen one another since the last occasion, like a Brit, a Bar-Mitzva, or a wedding. Soon I could hear the Rabbi chanting the prayer as the cement lid made its soft drum-like sound deep in the ground, closing the body into its final resting place. Then the shovels, manned by Tzvika's teary-eyed and somber friends, hurriedly scratched the stone-laden earth back to its original place. The hollow thuds of the first few throws left the feeling that it was almost over.

I happened to look to my right, and there was a man standing unobtrusively in the back, with a beautiful wreath in his one hand, wiping his eyes with the other, trying to hold back from crying as he took a deep breath. I knew that he was an Arab from a near-by village. I couldn't help but observe him, in his sorrow. Finally, not able to hold back my own deep feelings of compassion for him, I walked over and put my arm around him. He was surprised at first, but as our eyes met I said to him in Hebrew, "he was your good friend". As he gathered his composure, he replied in a broken voice: "No, he was like my brother. We were very close, he would come to my house in Kalkilya (not a friendly town towards the Israelis), and I would come to his house here in Alphe Menashe." As we stood together silently watching the last shovels of earth being scraped into place over his "brother" and my neighbor, I was struck by a sudden reality. With this in mind I said to him: "Do you see that mound of earth? Does it belong to the Jew? Does it belong to the Arab?" As we both stared at the reality, I continued my thought "I think here lies the answer." He nodded in agreement. As the last mourner laid his shovel down and the people began to embrace the bereaved family, that little mound of earth seemed to say back to us, both Jew and Arab, "Ultimately you all belong to me."

As we walked up to Tzvika's widow to pay our condolences, she made a very interesting observation and comment. "Only now in his death did he bring together so many who had broken relationships." We were some of the last ones to leave the site. As we silently returned, walking up the hill with our backs to the scenery, my thoughts were on the futility of our conflicts over this earth and our pride of who we might think we are: Serbs, Bosnians, Palestinians, Israelis, Americans. Where are the Moahbites, Ammonites, or Romans? The earth, generation after generation, still holds the answer, "you all belong to me and I belong to YHVH".

A part of the prayer that had been chanted over the grave, goes something like this: "May his resting place be in the Garden of Eden - therefore may the Master of mercy shelter him in the shelter of His wings for eternity, and may He bind his soul in the bond of Life. Hashem is his heritage, and may he repose in peace on his resting place" (Siddur). Ironically, it was out of the earth that Elohim created man, and it was in the garden of Eden that Elohim pronounced man's ultimate destiny: "Till you return to the earth, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are, and to dust you shall return" (Gen. 3:19). But this is not the end of the story, Yah'shua the Messiah of the Jews and of the Arabs and of anyone else who has the faith to believe, rose from that mound of dirt, death did not hold him, because of the greatness, power, and faithfulness of the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Creator of this earth, and the one about whom the Psalmist declares. "The earth belongs to YHVH, and the fulness there of."

Ephraim

P.S. "YHVH, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how transient I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You; Certainly every man in his best state is but vapor. Selah (Psa. 39:4-5).

YHVH'S OATH

March 19, 1999

"For when Elohim made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.' And so, after he had patiently endured, Abraham obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all disputes. Thus Elohim, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for Elohim to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Yah'shua, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 6:13-20).

Is it possible for Elohim to lie? If it is then we have no hope, and our faith has nothing to draw from. Elohim made one oath, and that was to Abraham. This oath is the testing ground of Elohim's very own nature. If He does not remain faithful to this promise, He must relinquish His claim to holiness, righteousness, and faithfulness.

According to the above quoted scriptures, there are two immutable, unchanging, permanent things that Elohim has ordained, predestined, sealed and finalized, and they are: "blessing I will bless and multiplying I will multiply you [Abraham]." Elohim's faithfulness to this covenant is our hope, which is an anchor for our soul. There are many souls today who are drifting on the sea of the doctrines of men and of demons (lying spirits). They make a claim to the truth, but in the same breath make Elohim out to be a liar. Elohim, knowing the pride of men, made an oath and swore by His own name or nature, so that the promise could not fail. One of the most hotly contested truths in the body of the Messiah today, is this mystery of Elohim's sowing, or the multiplying of the natural seed of Abraham. Did Elohim multiply and bless the seed of Abraham (father of multitudes), Isaac (son of promise) and Jacob (a chosen nation), or did He throw out that idea for a more spiritual one?

Our faith, along with the understanding, must face or come to grips with these two perpetual things, so that it (that is, our faith), together with hope and trust, may be encouraged. Many are weak today because their souls have been told that Elohim is not interested in the nephesh (soul and body, or natural man), but just in spiritual things. I have even heard sermons preached on the soul having to die. This kind of nonsense comes from the Hellenistic mind-set of Platonic philosophy, but the beauty of the Hebraic thought is that Elohim so loves me (spirit, soul, and body), that He gave His life to save, redeem, and restore my soul, not to kill it. He had to resurrect my dead spirit, and now my spirit is alive in Him but hidden in His, and He has become my life (see Col. 3:1-3). However, my soul could not draw life from a dead spirit, so it tried to satisfy its needs from the spirit of this world, through materialism (lust of the eyes) pleasures (lust of the flesh) and success (pride of its life). But now, through the Gospel, the indwelling Spirit of Elohim and the redemptive blood of the Messiah (Lamb), my soul, by obedience of faith inherited from my father Abraham, is learning that it has been set free from its bondage and slavery to the "law" of sin and death.

Praise YHVH for the testimonies of those who believed Elohim, a small list of whom can be found in the book of Hebrews chapter 11. Just to make mention of one of them, "by faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised" (Heb. 11:11). Sarah trusted in the faithfulness of Elohim to stay true to His word. Thus, she conceived and experienced the power of resurrection life. Today we have the privilege of being doubly blessed, as we see the faithful testimony of Yah'shua, Messiah of Israel, and the greatness of the day of Jezreel (Elohim will sow). We are a testimony, an example, a witness, a first fruit of the harvest of this Abrahamic seed that Elohim has been sowing for over 4,000 years. "Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, `You are not My people,' there it shall be said to them, `You are sons of the living Elohim.' Then the children of Judah [House of Judah] and the children of Israel [House of Joseph] shall be gathered together, and appoint for themselves one head; and they shall come up out of the earth, for great will be the day of Jezreel" (Hos.1:10-11)!

Those who have ears to hear and eyes to see are those who have been chosen from this generation to bear witness to the faithfulness of the Elohim of Israel. So, if we are of the seed (heirs of promise), let us sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb: "Just and true are Your ways" (Rev.15:3). "Who is like You, O YHVH, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them. You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation" (Ex. 15:11-13).

If we are to traverse this wilderness and reach the final destiny of our inheritance, we need to be encouraged by believing that Elohim has been faithful to the oath that He made to Abraham, "surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." In this way our souls will have an anchor of hope for the future, and an encouragement for the present. May we, along with the Psalmist, declare that we have not forgotten our Elohim, nor have we dealt falsely with His covenant. (ref. Ps. 44:17).

Ephraim

I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly (Ps. 40:10).

HIS REALITY IN YOU

March 12 1999

What makes us Messianic? What is it that constitutes the life of a believer in Yeshua?

Sometimes we take things for granted and assume that we know what the life of faith is all about. We wear labels and focus our identity on the nature or character of the group that we belong to. But what is our scriptural reality? If we believe the truth of the Gospel, then we must admit and confess “that we have been crusified with Messiah”1 therefore, “we have died and our life is hidden in the Messiah in Elohim”2 It does not say “we will be”, future tense. No, this here is a definite fact, preceded by "we have". Faith agrees with the work of Grace and brings us into the revelation knowledge of truth. Thus we know beyond a shadow of a doubt, “that our old man was crucified with him.”3 However, we not only have died, we have been buried with Him through our baptism in water4, and therefore we have been raised with Him into newness of life.
“If then you were raised with Messiah, seek those things which are above, where Messiah is, sitting at the right hand of YHVH. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”5

Now the question is, where is this new life? The answer is obvious “in Messiah Yeshua.” Where is the Messiah? In heavenly places. Where are those heavenly places? What does it mean to set our mind on things above? Is it somewhere beyond the stars and far in the galactic outer space, somewhere in this universe? No! Paul, or Rav. Shaul, challanges us to “examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith, for do you not know this about yourselves that Yehshua the Messiah is IN YOU.”6 “Do you mean to say that those heavenly places are IN ME? Yeshua is seated in me?” Oh yes, if we are in the faith we must recognize this about ourselves: that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”7 One of the reasons why it is so difficult to see this reality is because many have not had the Torah to explain or give the picture of this truth to them. Yehshua said , “if you would believe Moses you would believe me for he spoke of Me.”8

When our forefathers arrived at Mount Sinai in the third month, just around the Feast of Firstfruit or Pentecost, an amazing thing happened; YHVH descended like fire on that mountain in the wilderness; His voice was heard; the mountain shook; the Torah was given; a marriage took place, and the tabernacle in the heavenly was seen and described in great detail. Paul tells us that these things happened to them for our instruction or example9, and thus we are to pay close attention to these details.

In light of this, let us take a look at only one from among the phenomena of Mount Sinai, "the Tabernacle". What does the Tabernacle or sanctuary have to do with us? The Apostle writes, "For you are the sanctuary of the living Elohim. As YHVH has said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their Elohim, and they shall be My people’."10 "Do you not know that you are the sanctuary of Elohim and that the Spirit of YHVH dwells in you? If anyone defiles the sanctuary of Elohim, YHVH will destroy him. For the sanctuary of Elohim is holy, which you are."11? "Or do you not know that your body is the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from YHVH, and you are not your own?”12

As living stones we are being built corperately into a temple, but while in this wilderness journey we individually look like the tabernacle. "Behold, the tabernacle of YHVH is with (in) men, and He will dwell with (in) them, and they shall be His people. YHVH Himself will be with (in) them and be their Elohim.”13 With the picture of the tabernacle we have a revelation of what we look like on this earth, or wilderness. Without going into great detail, the emphasis is on the fact that our Heavenly Father is IN us, and the Messiah is IN Him and our spirit man is HIDDEN IN the Messiah. This is what our holy of holies looks like; it is full of His nature of life and light. However, our soul, which is a picture of the holy place, is in the process of being restored that it might reflect the glory of the nature of the Spirit of Elohim.

"For this reason we bow our (soul) knees to the Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant us according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Messiah may dwell in our hearts through faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Messiah which passes knowledge; that we may be filled with all the fullness of Elohim”14

Yeshua is in us and His desire is to be merged with our soul. Thus He
is standing at the door of the heart of the believers and knocking (see 15), asking them to repent or turn around. Why? Because His people have been worshiping out at the front gate, looking east, into the wilderness of this world’s religious systems. The soul must turn around and look to the holy of holies within the tabernacle and "worship in spirit and in truth."16

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the congregation by Messiah Yeshua to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."17

Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity…for in this YHVH commands the blessing "life eternal"18

1Gal. 2:20, 2 Col. 3:3 3 Rom 6:6 4Rom.6:4 5Col.3:1-2 62 Cor. 13:5 71John4:4 8John 5:46 91Cor.10:11 102 Cor 6:16 111 Cor.3:16-17 12 1 Cor 6:19 13 Rev 21:3 14 Eph. 3:14-19 15Rev. 3:20 16John 4:23 17Eph. 3:20-21 18 Ps. 133

REAL-A-STATE

March 5, 1999

The expression "Jack of all trades, master of none" is a familiar one. This saying, with all due respect, fits YHVH,’s ‘professions’, although He is undoubtedly not only a “Jack of all trades” but a Master of them all. Many people today are dabbling in real estate to earn a little extra money on the side. Well, wouldn't you know it, YHVH is into that business also! He is first seen creating the property that He will own, and then taking possession of it. Psalm 24:1 states: "The earth is YHVH's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” In Psalm 89:11, we read: "The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them”. 1Corinthians 10:26 says: "The earth is YHVH's and all its fullness."

In these scriptures it is evident that YHVH has never lost the title deed of ownership of the earth to any devil. However, we do see Him dividing it up and giving it to men. "Then Elohim said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth’" (Gen.1:26).

According to these scriptures, it is evident that man, "Adam" (both male and female), had an equal role in overseeing, ruling, or subduing all living things. Subduing does not mean exploiting, but actually just the opposite - imparting life and light to the living creatures. However, nothing was said about property rights until after the nations (goyim) where divided. We read in Genesis 10:32: "These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood." Genesis 10:25 says: "To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided." And, "When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel" (Deuteronomy 32:8). Now why would the Creator do that? Israel was not even around at the time of Peleg (or was it?). Peleg was the son of Eber, whose name is carried by the Israelites – Hebrews - and is one of the forefathers of Abram (a firstborn).

Right from the start Elohim began to put in order the true intent of His plan, which is seen later in the covenant that He made with Abraham the father of Israel. "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are--northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land [eretz] which you see I will give to you and your descendants forever. I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth [eretz]; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk on the land [eretz] through its length and its width, for I give it to you" (Gen.13:14-17). Ownership was given simply by being the one that YHVH would chose and then to be present or take up residents on that property. This is somewhat like the old Ottoman (Turkish) law that determines that planting trees or putting up buildings on a given piece of land entitles one to ownership of that ground.

Abram was living somewhere between Ai and Bethel when YHVH spoke those words to him. I would like to take the liberty to expand the meaning of this blessing based on its context. "Arise walk in the earth through its length and its breath and I will give it to you." The Hebrew word "eretz" can be translated earth, land, field, or ground. It is legitimate for a translator to use any of these English words at their discretion according to the context. My understanding of the context, in light of the massive blessing of multiplicity, is that the seed would be as the dust of the earth (“eretz”), and dust, as we know, usually covers everything. I believe that the Holy One did not limit this blessing to Abraham only and to a specific land (Canaan), but also to his seed and to the entire earth. YHVH’s intent was to sow the seed into all the earth (“eretz”), thus continuing the blessing that He made with Adam and with Noah, "to fill the earth and rule over it [or subdue it]."

Later on in the life of Abraham we hear YHVH saying that his seed would be like the stars of heaven. (ref. Gen.15:5). Again, He is talking in terms of numbers, but here also of position, as the stars were put there to rule the night, along with the moon, and to be for signs and for seasons (stars can be seen in the night skies from any one point on the face of the earth).

Abraham was also told that he would be a nation (“goy”), in the form of his own multiplied seed, and that this goy would be a goy made up of kings and priests. “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel…” (Exodus 19:6): "YHVH will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath” (Deut. 8:13). The irrevocable destiny of the life of the forefathers was to have dominion and to subdue and rule this planet earth.

The Patriarchs are very much alive today in their progeny, whether their children know it or not. For did not YHVH say that He is the "Elohim of Abraham, Isaac an Jacob, the Elohim of the living" (Matt. 22:32)? This is why we need to have our eyes open to present truth, or reality.

YHVH is a covenant-keeping Elohim, and in this generation we are the witnesses to that faithfulness, loving-kindness and mercy. That being so, not just by what we say, but more so by whom we are. Worshiping in spirit and in truth is being who Elohim has created us to be, and recognizing ourselves to be this incredible living truth - "the work of YHVH." “But when he [Jacob] sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will worship by hallowing My name, hallowing the Holy One of Jacob, and fearing the Elohim of Israel”. We are His living stones, hewn from the rock, which is made up of "Abraham our father and [of] Sarah who gave birth to us in pain" (Isa. 51:2). "For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The counsel of YHVH stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations… Blessed is the nation whose Elohim is YHVH, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance" (Ps. 33:9,11-12 8). "Because YHVH loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, YHVH has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of [spiritual] bondage” (Deut.7:8). Why did He do that? That we might be filled with His Spirit, and be that channel of His life and light to the creation. What good is a star if it has no light?

We, in this generation of the seed of Abraham, are incredibly blessed to not only have Yeshua as our Messiah, but to be a witness to the restoration of the nation that will be His light to all the nations and to the earth. Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled right before our very eyes, as the Spirit of Elohim is restoring the second stick or nation of “Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim” of Ezekiel thirty-seven.

"Look among the nations and watch -- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you” (Hab.1:5). Not many believed that the first stick (Judah) could be gathered by YHVH and restored as a national entity on this earth. But now that it has, the nations far and wide are taken aback. Judah/Israel is like a thorn in their side. But while they are still deliberating on how to solve this one dilemma, there is still another nation to be gathered; and this one is even more difficult to recognize as it has been hidden. In Ezekiel thirty-seven YHVH says that these dry bones of the lost tribes are in their graves of non-recognition. That means that they will only be seen when YHVH raises them up through resurrection power. “Awake O Israel put off your slumber, and the truth will make you free…”

Nation of Ephraim, are you wakening up to your national identity? Are you, as the first fruit/firstborn of the new creation, willing to be your brother’s keeper? We can only be that to another nation if we ourselves are the resurrected/re-gathered brother/nation. YHVH wants to make one nation out of the two, but first He wants two nations, two trees, in His hand.

Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers [two nations] to dwell [shevet Achim] together in unity…in this YHVH commands the blessing life eternal” (Ps. 133:1,3b).

POTTER AND THE CLAY

February 5, 1999

In last week's letter we were developing the thought about the "work of YHVH" as seen from Isaiah 29:22-23; "Therefore thus says YHVH, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: "Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now grow pale; when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will hallow My name, hallow the Holy One of Jacob, and fear the Elohim of Israel." This week let's take a look at the another analogy “the potter and the clay."

"But now, O YHVH, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; and all of us are the work of Your hands."1 "The vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says YHVH. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!"2 "Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?"3 Are we not a mercy vessel, made from the same lump of clay, O house of Israel? Just because He has reshaped us, it doesn't mean that we have a different ancestry. No, we are still the same clay from the same lump!

"If you are of Christ (then this is proof positive) that you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."4 Being in Christ does not make you a seed of Abraham, it simply proves that you are already from that genus of faith. Paul says it quite clearly in his letter to the Romans "so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all"5. "For indeed He does not take hold of angels, but He does take hold of the seed of Abraham."6 We have all come from the same lump of clay. The first vessel that He made was for dishonor (no mercy) "Lo-ruhamah" (see Hos. 1:6). Why would a loving father do that? "For Elohim gave them all up into disobedience that He might show mercy on all"7. Thus, we see the potter Himself determining, according to His will, what vessel He will make for what purpose, and yet if He decides to change the design He can do so without obtaining our permission. "For He says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.'8 "So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of Elohim who shows mercy. Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens, that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory."9

What vessels did He prepare beforehand for His glory?

It is almost unbelievable that the Most High Elohim would create something corruptible, defilable, weak and without glory. That He would even chose a people, Israel, who could not be faithful, who learned from the heathens about idolatry. Being married to Yahoveh at Sinai, they played the harlot, and in turn, demonstrated to the heathens how to commit spiritual adultery. Why would Elohim form such impure vessels if through them He was to deminstrate His mercy and glory?

"But now, thus says YHVH, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."10 "Thus says YHVH who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: `Fear not, O Jacob My servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen."11 Thus says YHVH, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: "I am YHVH, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself."12

Luke (records and) sheds a ray of light on the identity of these people, who are called for "His name sake"out in the nations, when he describes the restoration of the fallen booth of David: "Simon has declared how Elohim at the first visited the Gentiles (nations) to take out of them a people for His name. With this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: `After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek YHVH even all the nations who are called by My name, says YHVH who does all these things. Known to Elohim from eternity are all His works."13 He knows the nations that He brought forth from the loins of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is His work, for His name sake and for His glory. Just think: you and I, who are of that unrighteous stock of Israel's race, have been redeemed through the blood of the Messiah and are recreated or reformed so that we can contain His righteousness, His Holiness, and the glory of His life! "Remember this, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."14

How wonderfully comforting it is to know who we are, where we came from, and what His Word assures us of regarding our future. In the near future we will have a need for this revelation-understanding, as we, the redeemed of YHVH, will be joined into one stick, or like a bow and an arrow, become a mighty weapon in His hand.

The potter is well aware which vessels are for His glory, for He says to Jacob “His chosen” and to Israel “His servant”: “You, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions…`You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your Elohim. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."15 "Behold! My servant whom I uphold, My chosen one in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit in him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. I am YHVH that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images. Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them."16 "Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, `Give them up!' And to the south, `Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth. Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed you, yes, I have made you."17

"When Jacob sees his children, the work of My hands…"18 and when Jacob's children see that they have been, and still are, the works of His hand, they will praise Him just as it its written: "All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You."19. "O Lord Elohim, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what Elohim is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds?"20

When everything is said and done we will "sing the song of Moses, the servant of Elohim, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord, Elohim Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!"21

Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell (shevet achim) together in unity…in this Elohim commands the blessing life eternal."22

1(Isa. 64:8). 2(Jer. 18:4,6); 3(Rom. 9:21); 4(Gal. 3:29); 5(Rom.4:16); 6(Heb. 2:16); 7(Rom. 11:32); 8 (Ex. 33:19); 9 (Rom. 9:15-16;18,23); 10(Isa.43:1,7); 11(Isa. 44:2); 12(Isaiah 44:24); 13(Acts 15:14-18); 14 (Isa. 44:21-22); 15(Isa. 41:8-10); 16(Isa. 42:1, 8-9); 17(Isa.43:5-7); 18(Isa. 29:23); 19(Psa 145:10); 20(Deut. 3:24); 21(Rev. 15:3); 22(Psa. 133).

WORKS OF MY HANDS

January 22, 1999

"I was glad when they said to me let us go up to the house of YHVH" (Psa.122:1). "For there shall be a day when the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim, `arise, and let us go up to Zion, to YHVH our Elohim" (Jer.31:6). In last week's letter I wrote to you about what I thought, or whom I thought, the house of YHVH might be. If it is true, and the house of Jacob, Israel, Judah, and David, all make up this dwelling place of the Most High Elohim, then their restoration would become very important to understand, especially in light of "the works of YHVH." For "unless YHVH builds the house we labor in vain" (Psa. 127:1).

When I read about "the work of YHVH," I usually think about the creation, or the great deliverance of our forefathers out of Egypt, and how YHVH took care of them throughout the wilderness journey. But in Isaiah YHVH points out another aspect of His work. "Therefore thus says YHVH, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: "Jacob shall not now be ashamed, Nor shall his face now grow pale; when he sees his children, The work of My hands, in his midst, they will hallow My name, hallow the Holy One of Jacob, and fear the Elohim of Israel" (Isa. 29:22-23). How are these children of Jacob the "work of His hands"?

Elohim the farmer

One of the first things we see Elohim doing, in keeping covenant and in working things out after the council of His will, is sowing a seed. "I will sow them among the peoples, And they shall remember Me in far countries; they shall live, together with their children, and they shall return" (Zech. 10:9). A farmer or husbandman, takes seed in his hand and with a throwing motion scatters it upon the ground. Then, at the end of the growing season, He will bring in the harvest. "Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you, when I return the captives of My people" (Hos. 6:11). "I will winnow them with a winnowing fan in the gates of the land" (Jer. 15:7). "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matt. 3:12; Luke 3:17).

Another work that a farmer does is to plant shoots or branches in the ground. "Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever. The branch of His planting, the work of His hand, that He might be glorified" (Isa. 60:21). Pruning and grafting form another aspect of the work of his hands. "For before the harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, He will both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away the cut down branches" (Isa. 18:5). This work becomes more evident as Jacob was called an olive tree, "YHVH called your name, Green Olive Tree, lovely and of good fruit. "With the noise of a great tumult He has kindled fire on it, and its branches are broken off, for the Lord of hosts, who planted you, has pronounced doom against you for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke Me to anger in offering incense to Baal" (Jer. 11:16-17). In these verses we see the reason why the olive branches were cut off. The Apostle Paul picks up on this typology in his letter to the Romans. How is it, that he uses the concept of the wild and the natural olive branch? As we see, branches were broken off from both trees, and scattered into all the nations. However, ultimately a day was to come when a root would shoot up from the tribe of Judah, and the house of David. "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people" (Isa. 11:10; Rom. 15:12). This root was the only one that was preserved from the original stock, and the only one that the scattered branches could be grafted into. Olive branches need an olive root to be joined to, in order to live and produce fruit.

"Oh, give thanks to YHVH, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth, O seed of Israel His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones (the work of His hands), He is YHVH our Elohim" (1Chr. 16:8-9,12-14).

When everything is said and done we will "sing the song of Moses, the servant of Elohim, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, YHVH, Elohim Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints" (Rev. 15:3).

This theme "the work of the Lord" will be continued next week

Be encouraged, your in good hands, YHVH is conforming you to His image and likeness in Yah'shua the Messiah. He is also gathering us and will build us into the temple of His rest, into the city where the Lamb is the light, and the nation that will be His light to the nations.

Ephraim Frank

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell (shevet achim) together in unity…in this Elohim commands the blessing life eternal (Psa.133).

HOUSE OF YHVH

January 15, 1999

This morning as I was reading Psa. 23, I was struck by the last statement: “that I may dwell in the house of YHVH forever” What does it mean to dwell in the house of the Lord? Is it a future event that takes place after death? Is it some building on the corner of Church Street? “One thing have I desired of YHVH, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of YHVH all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of YHVH, and to enquire in his temple” (Psalms 27:4).

What and where is the “House of YHVH”?

King Solomon prayed upon the dedication of his temple, “But will Elohim in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house which I have built” (1Chr. 6:18). King David recorded for us another perspective, “Where shall I go from Your Spirit, or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, You are there, if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea" (Psa. 139:7-10).

So where is the house of YHVH?

Again, David gives us a clue, “For YHVH has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation. ‘This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell for I have desired it’” (Psa. 132:13-14). “The hill (Mount Zion) which Elolim desires to dwell in; YHVH will dwell in it forever” (Psa. 68:16). This provided me with a lead to Elohim's (possible) dwelling place, albeit only in a form of a mountain, and not a house.

"I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of YHVH. Our feet shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together; where the tribes go up, the tribes of YHVH, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of YHVH. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Seek for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within your walls (or armies), and prosperity within your palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of YHVH our Elohim I will seek thy good" (Psa. 122:1-9).

Thus far we see that Mount Zion, Jerusalem and the house of David are all connected to the dwelling place of YHVH, or to His house. However, there is another possibility mentioned in the Gospel of Luke: “and He (Yah'shua ) will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:33). “That men may know that Elohim rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth” (Psa. 59:13). In addition, mention is made in scriptures of YHVH dwelling in the House of Judah. Remember the two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) in Ephraim and Oholibah (Jerusalem) in Judah (Ez. 23:4). Here we can see "what's in a name". Oholah means: "her tent". but Oholibah means, "My tent is in her". Elohim declares that He will dwell in Judah's tent, or house.

So after all this running around what have we discovered about the house of YHVH? In an all-encompassing dimension, the house of YHVH is the house of Jacob, but within the house of Jacob is the house of Judah, and within the house of Judah is the house of David (where the throne is). So like any tabernacle/ temple this one too, has three parts; an outer court (Jacob), holy place (Judah) holy of holies (David). A house within a house, makes up the house of YHVH.
What does His house look like?

The New Covenant answer to this question would be the "believers". "What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have of Elohim, and you are not your own?" (1 Cor 6:19). "What agreement has the temple of Elohim with idols? For you are the temple of the living Elohim; as Elohim has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people" (2 Cor. 6:16) (Ez.37:27). In this scripture (quoted by Paul), the restored house of Jacob, or the whole house of Israel, under the new covenant, is being addressed: "I will dwell IN them, and walk in them". Peter refers to these as living stones. "You also, as living stones are built up a spiritual house" (1Pet. 2:5). "In whom all the building fitly framed together grows into a holy temple in the Lord" (Eph. 2:21). But where is the quarry from which these stones have come? "Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you" (Isa. 51:1-2). What happened to the stones? "How dark the gold has become, how the pure gold has changed, the sacred stones are poured out at the head of every street… regarded as earthen jars in the hands of the potter” Lam. 4:1-2). I can see and hear the enemies of the Messiah scoffing as they did in the days of Nehemiah. “Can they revive the stones from the heaps of dust and rubble even the burned ones…if a fox should jump on it he would break their stone wall down” (Neh. 4:2-3). Elohim has not forgotten His tender mercies, even though He Himself burned and tore down the former house, because of inequity and sin. But now, will He not build the latter house and will it not be much greater? "The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says YHVH of hosts. `And in this place I will give peace" (Haggai 2:9). Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is actually praying for the restoration of the house of Jacob.

We know, “unless tYHVH builds the house we labor in vain”. We are those precious sons of Zion, redeemed, and restored living stones that Elohim has brought up out of our dusty graves to be built into His dwelling place. Yah'shua being the chief corner stone. "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, (1Pet. 2:6) (Isa. 28:16). We the restored stones of Zion, are being built into a city whose builder and maker is Elohim (Heb. 11:10). The city that Abraham was seeking for would ultimately be built from his very own seed.

"For YHVH has built up Zion, He has appeared in His glory” (Psa 102:16). The chief corner stone was put into place, when the Father raised Yah’shua the Messiah from the grave. In like manner He is restoring us, gathering us, and will one day bring us to the place which is called for “His name sake” and there He will build His dwelling place, His house, His city, His nation, that will manifest His light and His glory. We will be His resting place.

"Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of YHVH's house, shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it (Isa. 2:2) (Mic. 4:1). "For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of YHVH our Elohim I will seek thy good" (Psa.122: 8).

Ephraim
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity, (shevet achim)… for in this Elohim commands the blessing life eternal (Psa. 133).

THUS SAYS THE GREAT I AM

January 8, 1999

This letter was taken from my manuscript "Thus says YHVH" (1983-84).

"Will YHVH cast off forever? Will He never be favorable anymore? Is His lovingkindness gone forever? Has His word failed for all generations? Has Elohim forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up his tender mercies?" (Psalm 77:7-9).
Just as these questions raced through the heart and mind of David king of Israel, thousands of years ago, so too they have been on the hearts and minds of many generations of Elohim's people. Even to this very day, both Jew and Christian, who believe in the Elohim of Israel, the Elohim of the Scriptures, are wondering and searching in order to know and understand the mysteries of their Elohim. Especially when the pressures of life's circumstances begin to build up, and the sky seems like brass and tiredness and hopelessness is the order of the day. Where is Elohim in all this? Although it is quite natural to experience such times, and king David was no exception, but I do believe that he posed those questions from a heart whose sole concern was to see the restoration of all Israel.
If you too have been asking those questions, perhaps the following compilation of scriptures may help shed a ray of light or hope, assuring you personally and nationally that our Elohim is who He claims to be, namely the faithful covenant keeping Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: "But now says YHVH that created you, O Jacob, and He that formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; thou art mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you. For I am YHVH your Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior'." (Isaiah 43: 1-3)
"Since you are precious in my sight, you are honorable, and I love you, therefore…Fear not: for I am with you: I will bring you from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, give up; and to the south, keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth, even you, who are called by my name (vs 4-7). You are my witness and My servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no Elohim formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am YHVH and beside me there is no savior…you are My witness, says YHVH, that I am Elohim (vs 10-12).
"Yes, before the day was I am He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand; I will work, and who shall reverse it? I am YHVH, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King (vs 13; 15)... "Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen" (Isaiah 44:1)…"Thus says YHVH, the King of Israel, and His redeemer YHVH of hosts; "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no Elohim. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people, and the things that are to come, shall come" (v 7)…. "Fear not, neither be afraid; have I not already told you, and have I not declared it? You are even my witness. Is there a Elohim beside me? Is there any other Rock? I know of none" (v. 8).

"Remember this, O Jacob and Israel; for you are My servant: I have formed you, you are My servant. O Israel, you shall not be forgotten of Me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me; for I have redeemed you" (21-22)… "I have even called you by your name (Jacob): I have surnamed you (Israel), though you have not known me. I am YHVH, and besides Me there is no other, there is no Elohim beside Me: I girded you, even though you have not known me…I am YHVH, and there is none else" (Isaiah 45:5-6).
"I form the light, and create darkness, I make peace, and create evil, I YHVH do all these things" (v.7)…. "Therefore, ask Me of the things that are to come concerning My sons, and concerning the work of my hands…I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded" (vs.11-12)…. "I am YHVH and there is none else….there is no other Elohim beside Me; a just Elohim and a Savior; there is none beside me" (v.21).
"Sing, ye heavens; for YHVH has done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for YHVH has redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel (Isaiah 44:23)."
Be encouraged today fellow Israelite, YHVH will do what He says He will, "for He works all things after the counsel of His will" (Eph. 1:11). "In the same way Elohim, desiring even more to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath" (Hebrew 6:17). "Therefore thus says YHVH who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. But when he sees his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the Elohim of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine" (Isa. 29:22-24).

Ephraim Frank

"How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity…for in this Elohim commands the blessing life everlasting" (Psa.133).