Son of God Son of Man

Are these two titles used interchangeably?

If so, why?

Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach, is called the

Son of God more than 40 times in the Bible.

What exactly does that title mean, and what’s the significance for us today?

The common understanding: He is both divine and human

two natures, one person and that 

Son of God implies His deity

and Son of Man implies His humanity.

The term

Son of God. האלוהים בן

is the translation of one Hebrew and one Aramaic phrase used in the Hebrew Bible as another way to refer to humans who have a special relationship with God.

Where the Son of God

is written in Daniel 3:25, or, as

bar elahin

it may be rendered: a son of the gods,

i.e., a divine person or angel.

It is worth noting that even the roman centurion declared He was the Son of God recorded in Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39

And the Centurion and those who were guarding Yeshua, when they saw the quake and those things that happened, they were very afraid, and they said, “Truly, this was The Son of God.”

and The Righteous One in

Luke 23:47 Aramaic Bible in Plain English
When the Centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God and he said, “Truly this man was The Righteous One.”

The identity of the

Son of Man

appears in the twofold aspect of being representative of God, our Heavenly Father, both by heralding the Kingdom of God and as the prophet calling people to repentance and salvation.

He was a Son of Man, that is, taking on the form of a human being; and He is the Son of God, in that He has always existed as the Eternally Begotten One Who comes forth from the Father forever.

He always has, and He always will be and

this is reflected in the Hebrew Shema.

The Father, Son, and their Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal, meaning the three are One and always existed together.

The Scriptures record that Jesus/Yeshua, was conceived by the power of Holy Spirit, it was a miraculous, virgin birth and not by human procreation.

The term Son of God as applied to Messiah is unique.

It doesn’t mean He was a child of God, as Christian believers are when they are adopted into God’s family; instead, it points out His divinity, meaning He is God.

The term Son of Man has a more important and historical meaning in that, it doesn’t just make Him equal with humanity.

Daniel 7, tells us that the Son of Man

is not simply a human figure but

a very exalted figure.

Son of Man   אדם  בן

The phrase Son of man appears multiple times in the Old and New Testaments. The Hebrew expression

son of man  בן–אדם, ben-‘adam

appears 107 times in the Hebrew Bible, 93 times being the majority are in Ezekiel. 
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew phrase

בן אדם  ben adam  

translates as son of man

and is used for a person, any named or unnamed person. 
In Hebrew, the term is ben-adam,

the equivalent in Aramaic is bar-adam. We are familiar with Messiah being referred to as The Last Adam.

 In Daniel and in post-biblical literature, the similar terms

bar-anosh and bar-nasha are also used.

If Yeshua/Jesus spoke Hebrew, and He used the Hebrew phrase 

ben adam, then He was simply claiming to be a person.

Even if He spoke Greek, He would have used the phrase

huios tou anthrōpou, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew ben adam, and again is still simply claiming to be a person

In the Old Testament there is one place where a different phrase is used for son of man.

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.” KJV, Daniel 7:13

A portion of the Book of Daniel, including this verse, is written in Aramaic and the Aramaic for son of man is בר אנוש – bar enosh. It would appear that Yeshua/Jesus was speaking Hebrew all the time, but used the Aramaic phrase bar enosh instead of ben adam, in reference to Himself, then those listening would have known that He was calling Himself the bar enosh from Daniel 7:13, the One whocame with the clouds of heavenwhich was a well-known messianic prophecy in the first century.

In the gospels, the term

Son of Man,

reveals that He referred to Himself most often as

Son of Man rather than Son of God

In the Greek New Testament, the phrase

“son of man” is υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου – huios tou anthrōpou,

but is always used in reference to Yeshua /Jesus, either by Yeshua Himself in reference to Himself; or by others in reference to Him. 

This title seemed to be His favorite self-designation.

In Mark 10:45 He said

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

So He often calls Himself Son of Man and those with ears to hear would have heard Daniel 7, in which He was claiming a very exalted role in the prophetic promises of redemption. Promises which were unfolding right in front of them, literally being fulfilled as they were listening, so it would appear this was purposeful.

He continually revealed His identity to those with eyes to see, however not so deliberately that they would have the unrestrained zeal to seize Him and make Him king. By disclosing His identity, He spoke truth with wisdom, aware of His Fathers timing in the plan of the ages unfolding around Him.

Others in the Bible called Yeshua/Jesus, the Son of God, in particular the adversary and unclean spirits. HaSatan, a fallen angel who was well aware of the true identity of Yeshua/Jesus, used the term as an insult, mocking Him during the temptation in the wilderness. Unclean spirits, are described in the scriptures as being full of fear in Yeshua/Jesus’ presence, and said,

You are the Son of God. Mark 3:11, 

wanting to know if He had come to destroy them before the allocated time. Matthew 8:29.

Mark 2:28

the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.

Son of God or Son of Man? 

Son of God

As Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14,

and 1Enoch /Apocrypha, clearly indicate,

this is a title that reflects

deity, majesty and His supernatural nature.

It was an important title for the Messiah and used by Yeshua/Jesus in referring to Himself.

In Hebrew literature from the time of the 2nd Temple,

Son of Man expresses Messiah’s deity

far more than the title Son of God!

In the New Testament He is presented as both.

Mark, writing in his gospel, begins in the very first chapter and verse with Son of God, using the old title for the King of the Davidic Dynasty yet in Mark 22:28, He is referred to as Son of Man.

Some say Son of God refers to deity

and Son of Man refers to His humanity.

It seems logical but based on Daniel 7, which already noted is the source of these expressions, there is a different picture. Daniels vision is of 2 divine figures on 2 thrones. One is an older looking figure called the ancient one.

“I watched till thrones were [d]put in place,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire;
10 A fiery stream issued
And came forth from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.
The [e]court was seated,
And the books were opened.

and the other one like a Son of Man.

In my vision in the night I continued to watch, 

and I saw One like the Son of Man b

coming with the clouds of heaven.c

He approached the Ancient of Days 

and was led into His presence.

14And He was given dominion, 

glory, and kingship, 

that the people of every nation and language 

should serve Him. 

His dominion is an everlasting dominion 

that will not pass away, 

and His kingdom is one 

that will never be destroyed.

It was only later that it became the title

Son of Man.

According to Daniels vision, this Son of Man in the form of a human being is brought on the clouds of Heaven and will be given eternal rule over Israel. The Son of Man who was divine but in human form and was given sovereignty became identified with God. Because of this, when the term Son of Man was used, based on its origin in the book of Daniel, the speaker, or author, often had deity in mind. The idea that God, our Heavenly Father would have a second in command comes from old Hebraic theological thinking.

The High Priest /Cohen haGadol, asks Yeshua/Jesus if He is

the Messiah

the Son of the Blessed One -The son of God.

Are you the Mashiach Ben HaM’vorakh?

To which He answers I Am.

In response to the direct question of the High Priest, Yeshua/Jesus does not hesitate and identifies Himself with the One who spoke to Moses at the burning bush in

Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.h  This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

By saying this, Yeshua/ Jesus not only affirms that

He is the Messiah, the Son of God

and also indicates that

He is to be identified with Adonai Himself.

John 4:26; 18:6.

What did Jesus/Yeshua mean by the Son of Man?

Yeshua/Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man. Being born of a human mother, He was a fully human man but also fully God. His incarnation meant He came to earth and took on human flesh, He was like us in every way except sin.

This title Son of Man goes much deeper because Yeshua/Jesus was speaking of the Daniel 7:13-14 prophecy. Probably, everyone listening, and especially the religious leaders, would have been familiar with that reference.

Son of Man was a title of the Messiah as well, the anointed one of God who would free the people from bondage; at the time, Roman oppression. For a very long time, all of Israel had been expecting their Messiah, however, the High Priest, religious leaders and many others refused to believe Yeshua/Jesus was the One they were waiting for. Many Jewish people thought that the Messiah would be a military leader who would liberate them from Roman rule. They could neither believe nor understand that it was to be a servant Messiah, Who would sacrifice Himself on a tree to free them from the bondage of sin.

As Yeshua/Jesus preached throughout the land of Israel, He was well aware it would have been considered blasphemous if He had called Himself the Son of God; and calling Himself the Son of God would have without doubt, terminated His ministry before the time appointed. This was later proved to be true when during His mock trial held and led by the religious leaders. Answering their question He clearly stated that He was the Son of God, then the High Priest tore his own robe, and immediately accused Yeshua/Jesus of blasphemy and issued a death sentence.

They understood that Jesus claimed to be God. Stoning was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy

Leviticus 24:16; cf. Deuteronomy 13:6-11;

The term the Son of Man can be found 32 times in Matthew, 15 times in Mark, 26 times in Luke, and 12 times in John.

In Matthew, Mark and Luke, the title is always recorded as having been used by Messiah of Himself and never by an angel, a man, or an unclean spirit. There are only two places in all 4 Gospels where the term is written as being on any lips other than Messiah.

Of the 12 references in John, 10 are spoken by Messiah; the expression was used twice by men, and then only by way of unbelief and criticism: e.g. “We have heard out of the law that the Christ lives forever: and why do you say, The Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”

Son of Man is Messiah’s own description of Himself, and is a term linking Him to humanity, showing His positive and intimate relationship to us. In the account of the wilderness temptation, He was on a human level. In reply to the first temptation, He said: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone.” meaning that He was in the wilderness as a man, as the Son of Man and standing where every one has to experience. However, He chose and perfectly obeyed the commandments.

In answering the 2nd temptation, He said: “It is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” placing Himself within the limitations available to every individual and at the same time declaring that He was living according to Torah commandments, which everyone must obey if they want the Fathers’ fulfillment for their lives.

His response to the 3rd temptation was:

It is said, You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”

In stating the Torah scripture, He declared that the Torah/Teaching/Law/Commandment, which governed Him, and to which He was obediently submitted, was exactly the same as that which governs everyone. By showing His family connection to humanity, He completely identified with all our human experiences.

The common understanding is that Son of God implies His deity, which it does, and that Son of Man implies His humanity, which it does also.

He was a son of man, that is, a human being, and He is the Son of God, in that He has always existed as the Eternally Begotten One Who comes forth from the Father forever, with all of the divine nature fully in Him. He was born of a virgin, Mary conceived of the Holy Spirit, so He is also fully human. It’s a completely unique concept and can only be fully comprehended by understanding it spiritually.

It means: Jesus/Yeshua, was a godly human being and the special One sent by our Heavenly Father. He was the Son of God in the flesh, having a physical body like ours. He was a human whose presence on Earth required a special creative act of our Heavenly Father. Just as scripture says in: 

 Luke 3:38 Adam, which was the son of God — Adam, being descended from no human parents, but formed by the power of a divine creating hand, might with peculiar propriety be called the son of God, having, in his original state, received immediately from God, whatever the sons of Adam receive from their parents, sin and misery excepted.

Romans 5:12 -21;12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that [1] all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not….

1Corinthians 15:45 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 

 Yeshua/Jesus in His earthly lifetime related to God as His own Father, calling Him Abba.

The divine eternally existing Word, Who always was, and always will be One/Echad with Adonai. John 1:1–3,1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him;

14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater  10:31  Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

14:9-10,Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

and 28 You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

He was not in the habit of proclaiming Who He was; yet in certain situations He would make open and honest statements and at other times, He would hint, indirectly inferring Who He was. It was only when the Father judged that the time was right and mostly this was when His life was on trial, and they asked, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the living God?” then He said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man coming with great power and glory.” Messiah openly confessed His deity timing it exactly when He knew they would condemn and crucify Him for it.

According to Daniel 7, Son of Man has the double meaning of human being and, the exalted heavenly one and Yeshua/Jesus obviously meant to communicate both meanings.

What does the title Son of God mean today?

Tragically, many people still refuse to accept that Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach is God and in todays liberal society, millions of people reject the idea of absolute truth as proclaimed in Gods Word. 

The Bible, is consistent and clear in proclaiming that Yeshua/ Jesus is God. For example in John 20:31  “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Many only see Him as a good man who had some good teaching, or was one of many prophets written about in the Bible. They categorize Him on the same level as other religious leaders throughout history. 

However to those who know Him, Messiah said straightforwardly, and uncompromisingly

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6,

Many think Christians are narrow and intolerant, especially when it come to alternate lifestyles however, truth comes from Messiah Himself.

As the Son of God, He continues to make the same promise of eternity in His presence to whosoever will follow Him today: 

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:40.

One other place where Son of Man is used is in

2 Cor 12:3 and I know that this man

or I know this barnasha…

which means literally this son of man.

Barnasha is an idiomatic word for:

being in the flesh.

Both titles can be applied to Jesus/Yeshua/Messiah.

Son of Man more to His deity

and

Son of God to His humanity.

which is the opposite of what most people think!

The Son of man came down from heaven.

To seek and to save that which was lost. John 3:13

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so

the Son of Man must be lifted up. John 3:14

3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

God’s Only Unique Son.

He came to save us and make us His own..

make sure He is both

Son of Man and Son of God

to you today.

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם‎,

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim and mishpachah!

Peace to friends and family.

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.

Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are very precious in His sight.

Not sure ..you can be…

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,

SAY IT RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.

He Closed Their Mouths?

In Matthew 16:24-26

24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?…

Matt 16:25 AMP. or whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].

Also in Matthew 10:39
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

John 12:25
Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Mark 8:35
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

In Revelation 12:11 Messiah again speaks of not loving our physical earthly lives above Him. And they loved not their lives unto the death –

Meaning that they did not so love their lives that they were unwilling to die as martyrs. They did not shrink back when threatened with death, but remained firm in their attachment to their Savior, and left their sacrificial death as a testimony to the truth and power of faith.

In the well known chapter of Hebrews 11:33 where the heroes and heroines of faith/trust/batak are recorded. Verse 33 says who by faith [that is, with an enduring trust in God and His promises] subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions…

Closed the mouths of lions,

is a reference to Daniel and the story we are quite familiar with.

In the course of study for the post link below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/is-there-such-a-thing-as-an-excellent-spirit/

The following historical information may not only be of interest but help to explain the reason for the strong faith exhibited by Daniel in the lions den and his 3 companions who were thrust into the fiery furnace. Both are extra-ordinary accounts of faith filled men whose lives were lived in exile and under tight control of idol worshippers.

Many in the west are unfamiliar with any government /royal kingdom that operate under strict rules with penalties that include death/torture for breaking the conditions by which all citizens and or foreigners in exile there, are to live their lives. Regimes that enforce unrighteous regulations are notably those who serve false gods and not the true living Creator of the universe. Many of these so called gods are the fallen angels who followed Lucifer and are still, like their master, deceiving the masses into false religions, idol and demon worship; an ongoing issue recorded all through the Bible.

Like Daniel and the 3 who did not fail their testing times, we are to stand firm on what we know to be the Way the Truth and the Life. Scripture warns us that times are at hand when every persons faith will be tested.

When faith is tested, we can expect to be tempted, however we can also expect to be strengthened; even when it brings out our shortcomings and inadequacies. In this respect, testing is a positive and good thing because it allows us to see where our lives need improvement. Only when our beliefs are tested can we truly know ourselves and if we are principled men and women of integrity; and that He is our Father and we are truly His children.

Matthew 4:1-11

The story of Messiahs’ testing/temptation,
shows how the Son of God/Son of Man was to fulfill His calling by only using His power in obedience to His Heavenly Father’s purposes and plans; and we are encouraged that  “No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

“…we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5.

Testing proves the quality of our faith and of our character, by  confirming the integrity of our beliefs and values; thus building confidence in our Heavenly Father and imparting to us a greater strength of resolve.

We know that there will be times when we will be put to the test and have to stand strong in our faith in Him.  When that time comes, we must remember His promise to us to be strengthened and that He will be with us.

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.

Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James 1:3

Going from the verse in Hebrews 11:33 to the Book of Daniel 3:8-30, readers are introduced to three young men: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

This account takes place about 600 years before Messiah was born during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who besieged Jerusalem and took captive into exile, many citizens of Israel. Among them were four young men from the tribe of Judah who, after they were living in captivity, they were given new names. Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was renamed Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was named Abednego.

As well as being fellow Hebrew captives, they were also Daniels’ friends. The four young Hebrews soon proved themselves to be exceptionally wise, they found favor with King Nebuchadnezzar when Daniel was found to be the only man capable of interpreting one of his troubling dreams. The king placed him in a high position serving as chief governor over the whole province of Babylon, including over all of the wise men of the land. Then at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as Daniel’s advisors.

These brave believers in the Most High God held on to their faith even when threatened with death by fire. Their lives serve as inspiration for those whose faith is challenged or those who face persecution, torture and hardship for their beliefs.

But why were they so courageous?

Why did they not try to save their own lives?

Sometimes martyrdom fulfills the Father’s plan and other times divine intervention better accomplishes His purpose.…

Isaiah 55:8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

The lesson for believers is that we must be ready and willing to serve the Lord whether in life or by physical death.

King Nebuchadnezzar had a huge golden image built as a symbol of his power and glory. He then commanded his people to bow down and worship this image whenever they heard the sound of his musical herald.

Those who disobeyed the order would be thrown into an immense, blazing furnace.

According to classical historians, Nebuchadnezzar was, the man responsible for making Babylon one of the wonders of the ancient world, and was credited with building the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Interestingly ‘Nebuchadnezzar’ seemingly wasn’t his name,  because the second ‘n’ was apparently an error?

His Babylonian name was Nabū-kudur-usur, if so, he should be called Nebuchadrezzar.  The ‘mistake’, supposedly by author of the Book of Daniel, has become the most frequently known name by which the Babylonian king is now referred to.

Nebuchadnezzar, like most absolute rulers, insisted on his subjects coming to the gold statue of himself and paying homage to it,  and by association, to worship Nebuchadnezzar himself.

Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego worshipped only the One True God, they refused to bow down to the false idol and by association to the king.

3:12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

For some reason, Daniel is not on the list, so he avoids this punishment, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are summoned to appear before the king; yet, they remained courageous in the face of Nebuchadnezzar’s demand to bow down in front of the golden statue. They said:

Daniel 3:16-18: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter. If it be so our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if he does not, let it be known to you O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Not only did they refuse to bow down to his idol, but they just call him ‘Nebuchadnezzarnot prefixing it with ‘King’, and they did not finish what they said with ‘live forever;’ and the letter ‘O’  in most translations is not there in the original Aramaic. Their reply was, lo chashechin  and in the KJV it’s translated as: “we are not careful to answer you.” which is basically the meaning of lo chashechin saying in a blunt fashion: “we do not need to answer you.” In a way it’s a disrespectful answer, like saying,

“I don’t have to answer to you.”

But note they add the word pitegam

which is rendered:

on this matter.

Pithegam is not a matter but a decree, a demand or command.

The word matter is pithegam which is: a decree.

The three Hebrews were not defying the king in everything, only in this specific decree. There is a lesson for us here, that when we are living under leadership that is not in line with scripture, we are only obligated to obey unless it is in directly against the command of our Heavenly Father.

When Nebuchadnezzar heard that the three Hebrews had refused to worship his idol he was furious. He summoned them and would normally have had them cast into the furnace immediately, but instead he gave them a second chance. However, by doing this, he gave himself a challenge in front of everyone; was he going to face disgrace and embarrassment by backing down to their God?

The three young Hebrews may have known that Nebuchadnezzar respected their God, which in turn may explain the attitude toward him. What the young men told Nebuchadnezzar was, “If our God is able, He will deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire.” The next word should read as then, not and. Then he will deliver us from your hand /or your power.

The word deliver is shazav

which means: to rescue,

but in this form, it would really be inciting the king because they were saying: If our God is able he can rescue us from the fire, then we will really be rescued from your power…. or in other words:

If our God is able he can rescue us from the fire we’ll never have to submit to your power and it will prove who’s really in charge.

Then they added a final insult to the one who dared to defy their God. But even if He doesn’t choose to rescue us, we are still not going to worship your gods.

For the three men the emphasis was not that they were confident that they would be saved from the fire, but rather on their commitment that they wouldn’t bow down to any other god/idol.

All through the history of the ecclesia, right to the present day there are Christian believers similar to these three young Hebrew men who took their stand in faith for God, but they’re not delivered. Many have been thrown to lions, burned at the stake, tortured, shot, hung, beheaded and many other horrors. Just as the 3 Hebrews, they stood strong saying: “My God can rescue me, but even if He doesn’t, I am not about to deny Him.” Have we ever had to face such a decision, or maybe we are about to?

Nebuchadnezzar was furious and ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and cast into the flames. The blast from the flames was so hot, it killed the soldiers who had put them in.

Then he was amazed marveled at what he saw:

“But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25, ESV

Calling the men to come out of the furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego emerged unharmed, and not even a hair on their heads was singed and their clothing didn’t even smell of smoke.

This made such a huge impression on Nebuchadnezzar that he made a declaration saying:

“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.” Daniel 3:28, ESV

Due to the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the King made a decree that the rest of the Israelites in captivity were now to be protected from harm and that they were guaranteed freedom of worship; furthermore they all three received a royal promotion.

The most important fact is that being Hebrew/Israelite/Jewish, they were forbidden by the Ten Commandments to worship any ‘graven image’, because it is a form of idolatry, these men could not in good conscience kneel before the Babylonian king’s statue. There are rare instances within Hebrew/Israelite/Jewish law that mandate an individual to sacrifice their own life rather than engage in something that violates the commandments written in the scriptures.

They were still determined to die rather than bow to the idol, even if God did not raise them from the dead.

Yehareg ve’al ya’avor

“Let him be killed rather than transgress”

refers to the requirement to give one’s life rather than transgress a law.

Although ordinarily one is permitted to transgress halakha when a life is in danger, certain situations require an individual to give one’s life.

There are three sins for which one is always required to die rather than transgress:

idolatry

sexual misconduct such as incest, adultery, homosexuality, or bestiality

murder

Adultery and idolatry are also excluded; according to most authorities, a person must give up their life rather than violating these prohibitions. The Talmud (not scripture) also says that if the violation would be public — and especially if it’s a time when the ruling authorities are seeking to get Jews to violate the Torah’s commandments — one must give up your life rather than commit even the smallest infraction.

The first exception, idolatry, is extrapolated from Deuteronomy 6:5 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might,” meaning that one should even surrender one’s life rather than serve any divinity aside from God.

For us the meaning of the story of the fiery furnace is that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship a graven image/idol of the Babylonian king, for the simple clear reason that God forbids it; and for their faith and loyalty, they are saved from the oven or furnace. The story also reveals God’s power directly to Nebuchadnezzar and offers a moral lesson to everyone living under tyrannical regimes and also to those rulers who would try to set themselves up higher than the One True Living God.

In chapter 6 we read of Daniel also defying a kings decree.

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

Praying 3 x a day refers to the 3 daily requirements:

shacharit the morning prayer

minchah the afternoon prayer

and ma’aariv the evening prayer

These date back to the time of the patriarchs and are referenced in Daniel 6.

Apparently the king Darius Daryavesh the Mede didn’t want to deliver Daniel over to the lions. Daniel would have been in his 80’s. However the new Persian law forced him to deliver Daniel up to his accusers since no decree or edict once issued by the king could be revoked. Verses 15/16 15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” 16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.

Has anyone ever wondered why the importance of the lions?

Why a lion pit?

Below is a picture that shows King Darius’s son Artaxeres II standing before the figure of the goddess Anahita riding on a lion.

Anahita is the Sun God of ancient Persia and the protector of Persia. (Persia is modern day Iran.)

Mithras, or the lion is the symbol of the Persian identity depicting strength and unity.  

That unity was very important as the Persian Empire was made up of many conquered nations, but each conquered nation shared in the governmental structure of the Persian Empire. Daniel was one of its three presidents who was a prince of the Judean Empire.

The lion symbolized the strength of the Persian Empire and it’s this strength that would maintain the united Empire together with the conquered nations. They believed that there was strength and power in unity. For this unity to be kept, all those who were a part of it had to agree and worship one primary god and in this case Anahita was picked and the picture shows her riding on the lion.

The Lion and Sun Motif of Iran

On the left is King Artaxerxes II he is facing the goddess Anahita who sits on top of a lion.

In the background to Anahita can be seen the clear display of the sun which is a representation of the ancient Iranic god Mithras, the sun emanates 21 rays, the same symbol which is used by varous ancient Iranic cults among the Kurds of Iran, Iraq and Turkey. The 21 rays related to the festival date of Mehregan (Festival of the Sun-god Mithra) which takes place from the 16th to the 21st of Mehr of the Iranian calendar.

If anyone violated or placed another god above Anahita, they would have to face the wrath of the lions and this is the reason why the lion’s den was kept.

These lions were kept to punish anyone who desecrated the authority of the reigning god or goddess.

That is why it was so easy to set Daniel up and get King Darius to sign the proclamation that no one could worship any other god than Anahita!

This was not simply a battle in the physical realm but it was in the spiritual realm too. If Daniel survived being thrown into the lion’s den, it meant that the whole religious order, if not the existing governmental structure of the kingdom would be under threat. This is the reason why King Darius ordered everyone to worship Jehovah, Daniels’ God. All the elite of Darius’ kingdom witnessed their sun god Anahita challenge Daniels God Jehoveh and there was no comparison. At the same moment he was thrown into the lion’s den, Daniels’ God Jehovah supernaturally

closed the mouths of the lions.

Research shows and scripture suggests that there must have been very many lions in there. 

This is because the servants of Anahita were thrown into the same den afterwards and they with their families numbered almost 300 and the Bible says they were devoured before they hit the ground!

Once in the lion’s den is it a possibility Daniel, who in his wisdom, understood the secrets of God, exercised some scriptural dominion, (Genesis), over the lions and they became docile and full of shalom? 

However one thing is certain, King Darius knew that Daniel had a personal relationship with the Creator God of the universe; and not only that Daniel would be protected by this God Jehovah but also  because this God clearly loved Daniel. This was a great deal more than could be said for false goddess Anahita, who did nothing to either save or protect her servants when they were thrown to the lions.

It appears King Darius was so impressed with Daniels dedication to God that he adds something very revealing. He said that

God will deliver him.

The Aramaic word used here for deliver is shazav

which means

to rescue or deliver,

but it is a deliverance made out of love and affection!

Scripture records that King Darius is really saying,

‘that if your God loves you so much, He will not let you suffer this fate.’

It could be true to say that sometimes God will not only deliver us out of a trial because He loves us, but He will also act to protect His Name and good reputation revealing what kind of Righteous and Loving God He is.

Both Daniel and the 3 Hebrew youths were very aware of the fact that they had all been raised to know and keep the 10 commandments; and to not deny the living God, nor to bow in worship to any other idol even unto their own death.

We need to understand the Hebraic mindset and that they were prepared to die, having no fear. They were full of faith in Gods’ ability for the outcome, whatever that may be.

They trusted their Heavenly Father that because they had been faithful in their obedience to His commandments, to not to bow and worship any idol; that He would either deliver them from the lions and fire by a miracle, or raise them from the dead if they burned or were mauled. Or, they would simply die and be in His presence. Either way was win-win situation for them all.

Having an excellent spirit like Daniel  and

Is There Such A Thing As An Excellent Spirit?

an unshakeable immovable faith like

Belteshazzar/Daniel, Hananiah/Shadrach, Mishael/Meshach, and Azariah/Abednego is what every one of us is going to need in the days that lie ahead, and starting today, not in somewhere off in the distant future.

We need to ask ourselves the very serious questions..

Do we truly love Him?

Are we keeping His commandments? because…

 “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

John 14:15

And echoed by Messiah in

Mark 12:30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment

Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” John 14:21

That includes those given in Deuteronomy 6:5
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Are we loving our lives more than Him?

Is our faith unshakable unto death?

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God; we need to stay in His Word and remain strong in the Lord and the power of His might. NOW is the hour of preparation, keep your lamps filled family, and keep your eyes on Him the author and finisher of our faith…keep looking up for our redemption our deliverance and our exodus is drawing very nigh!

Messiah is coming

He is even at the door….

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם‎,

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim and mishpachah!

Peace to friends and family.

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week.

Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are very precious in His sight.

Not sure ..you can be…

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute,

SAY IT RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.

Are You 99 Yet?

Genesis 17:1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me]. AMP.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am El Shaddai. Walk before me, and be blameless. NHEB

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect. ASV

The word BEFORE

is

Strongs 6440

Original Word: פָנִים
Transliteration: panim or paneh
Phonetic Spelling: paw-neem’

Hebrew Rabbis teach that the words we have in English Bibles translated as

(walk) before me

ə·p̄ā·nay
לְפָנַ֖י
before Me

should read as

walk WITH me.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

Plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh {paw-neh’}; from panah); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.) — + accept, a-(be-)fore(-time), against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of), + beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), + honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, + meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on, open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street, X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ – out), till, time(-s) past, (un-)to(-ward), + upon, upside (+ down), WITH (-within, + -stand), X ye, X you.

This changes the perspective

of Abram’s relationship with the

Almighty God – El Shaddai –

which we render as:

the all sufficient God

or the Almighty-Breasty-One.

The Hebrew language incorporates numerical value to letters and words and it is understood that the number

9 is the number of completion

and

90 is the number of Humility.

According to this it would indicate that when Abram became

99, complete in humility,

he recognized and understood that God was truly

El Shaddai – all-sufficient

and he could

walk WITH God.

Torah scholars definition of humility is that, we are not for one moment to be trusting in self, in the arm of flesh, our own capabilities, knowledge, talents or any kind of security we have built; or any dependence on wealth or provision from any source other than the Lord/El Shaddai.

It is having complete total TRUST in our

Heavenly Father as El Shaddai,

to be all-sufficient for us.

We are to put our trust/batak in our Heavenly Father as He and Abram did. Messiah never put His trust in people because He knew and understood the shortcomings and weaknesses of the fallen human nature.

Jesus didn’t commit Himself to them. John 2:24,25.

He was never suspicious, yet He was discerning and wise.

He was never bitter, resentful or offended, nor did He take vengeance toward anyone; and yet at the same time, He never gave up hope for them.

Why?

Because His BATAK/TRUST

was totally and completely in His Father first.

If we place our trust in people before Him and not in the Father, we will quickly experience despair, hopelessness and disappointment towards them. This can lead to bitterness and resentment because they didn’t measure up to how they presented themselves. Understanding that not one individual, except Messiah Yeshua/Jesus, can ever be right or perfect in this life, prevents the negative assessments in others. The only part of a person or ourself we can trust, is God’s spirit of grace and mercy in us.

Hebrews 10:9. He came to do God’s will.

An individual’s obedience is to what they see and determine to be a need. Messiah’s obedience was to His/our Fathers will. To seek and save the lost and tell the heathen about Him. However, first we are to make sure that God’s needs and His will in us personally are being met. Jesus/Yeshua said for us to be mindful of this in Matthew 6:5-15

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.[a]
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,[b]
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,[c]
12 and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.[d]

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The purpose of our training as His disciples, is to get us into the right relationship towards the needs of our Heavenly Father and His will, plan and purposes, NOT ours. Once our Father’s needs in us have been met, He will then open the way for us to accomplish His will, which is meeting His needs, plan and purposes somewhere else.

 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18

We are also to remember that He said: Matthew 18:5 who ever receives one little child in my name receives me.

Messiah came as a child Himself. He is entrusting Himself to each of us and desiring our individual lives to be a Bethlehem; where He can grow up, where the natural life could be slowly transformed by the indwelling life of the Son of God. His ultimate purpose is that the life of Messiah be manifest in and through us. The same life/ chaim that was in Him can also be in us, by the power of HIs Holy Spirit, just as it was in

Luke 1:41. and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh.

And we are to be always ready with a listening ear for the slightest whisper of His Voice/kol, calling to us. In the Song of Solomon there is a verse that says:

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land; 2:12

A season of the voice of Messiah, the bridegroom is calling.

This season is also a time of pruning, to bear more fruit for His Kingdom.

The dove, Yonah (Jonah) in Hebrew, reminds us that Messiah Jesus pointed to Noah and Jonah as end-times signs.

The dove was a sign for Noah and Yonah/Jonah/Dove

was a sign to the people of Nineveh

to repent and turn to the Lord before His judgment came.

Matthew 12:39; 24:37.

The entire book of the Song of Solomon is a picture of Messiah’s love for His bride; into whom we are grafted and His voice calls to us in unconditional love and devotion. He is calling to His Bride.

Those who truly love Him will respond to His loving call.

Like always attracts like- what is common between people will draw like a magnet, just like the old saying, birds of a feather flock together.

Like desires, like lifestyle, like interests, like goals, etc.

If you ever feel you don’t fit, like you are a square peg in a round hole, then you’re probably in the wrong place with the wrong group. The Spirit of God within people draws them together.

Phil. 2:2-8. fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit.

1Pet 3:8 Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, tender-hearted, and humble in spirit;

Romans 15:5 Now the God of endurance and of encouragement give to you to be like-minded one toward another, according to Christ Jesus;

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 

We are to have Messiah as the center and the priority of our lives.

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Spirit which is given to us and like Elizabeth/ John leaped when in the presence of his Messiah.

We too have that inner knowing… we are one in Him with fellow believers/ disciples and love has always been the test of true discipleship.

Those listening to the voice of their beloved, will not be deafened by the cries of man. In a world filled with noise, all clamoring for our attention; we need to hear only the voice of our beloved and those who love Him will hear and recognize His voice and will respond just like the sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me John 10:27

They will even hear the tender gentle cooing of the turtledove above the chaos of the world busyness. And just as Elizabeth’s inner involuntary response was to the close presence of Messiah within Mary.

We are up to watch for Him, wait for Him, with baited breath, and anticipation as the bride for her groom; and as we do, our heart will not only listen for Him… our hearts will hear.

There are times when many bewildering experiences challenge the peace/shalom in our souls; however, when we truly love Him and are listening, and our spirits are submitted to Him willingly, He works all things together for good.

 

Just as the scripture records the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

God has His Plan and purposes, His ways are not our ways.

’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts’” Isaiah.55:8,9.

The one who truly loves Him submits to His discipline and chastening, also called pruning, shaking and sifting. His love holds us steady beneath the chastening rod.

“I will make you pass under the rod [as the shepherd does with his sheep when he counts them, and I will count you as Mine and constrain you] and bring you into the bond of the covenant.

Ezekiel 20:37-38

The verse says that the sheep

pass under the rod.

Besides being an instrument of both offense and defense, the rod was, in effect, a two-foot club;

it also functioned as a tool, under which the sheep passed.

What does this picture?

First of all, it pictures counting. The shepherd would count the sheep in his flock to make sure they were all present and accounted for.

This is also a picture of something else, because as the sheep passed under the rod, which is a symbol of the Word of God, they would undergo a very close examination. The shepherd would run his rod backward or across the sheeps body, which separated the wool. This action allowed the shepherd to look down onto the sheep’s skin, enabling him to see both the condition of the wool and the skin which was hidden beneath.

Our Savior the Good Shepherd, is illustrating that by means of His rod, He is giving us a careful, close examination: it gives Him the opportunity to check the quality of His sheep and it also provides a means of separation. As His disciples, both quality and separation are the reasons that He carefully examines us. The rod and the path it leads us on, will take us to deep and difficult places, taking us right into the hidden man of the heart where holiness is formed.

In Matthew 25 we read of the separation of the sheep and the goats. The rod helps to identify, or is a means of making sure of ownership. Sheep’s ears were often bored through or distinctively notched as an identifying mark. When the shepherds could not always clearly see the identifying mark because  several flocks had mixed together in the fields, they would make the sheep

pass under the rod.

When they did, the shepherd would flip back the EAR to see the mark of ownership. Again, it also gave them a chance to examine and check the health and quality of each of the sheep.

Note the EAR… that listens and hears! 

Right now we are all

Because now,

this season,

is the time of our judgment – I Peter 4:17,

and we are being evaluated to make it clear to whom we really belong: the Heavenly Father or the adversary.

Who is our Shepherd?

Who are we following?

The rod is a vitally important instrument for a shepherd and no good shepherd would be without one.

This process is critical and should not be avoided but rather welcomed because it means He loves us.

Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

1Corinthians 13:7 because love believes and hopes and all things and love will never fail.

Love endures what ever comes. It seeks not its own doesn’t retaliate because it rests in Him rather than in the circumstance. As long as we are focused on and our desires are fulfilled in him we will never be deprived of comfort.

Luke 1: 53

He who goes away Will always be empty in spite of his riches. He who seeks the Lord first will never be unhappy or poor.

David said in Psalm 146:3 Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation–

6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them, Who keeps truth and is faithful forever,

What is first in our lives?

We must trust in Him 1st

We must put His will 1st.

We must put Messiah 1st.

The questions we should and indeed

must ask ourselves are:

Are we 99 yet?

and are we in other words,

at a place where we are

walking before/WITH the Lord El Shaddai?

Is He all sufficient to us?

Are we doing Gods will for our lives?

Are we hearing His voice directing our path or our own choices of future plans?

Will we respond to His loving call?

Are we watching for Him, waiting for Him, with baited breath,

and anticipation, as the bride for her groom?

Can we say with the Shulamite?

The dove

was a sign for Noah and Yonah/Jonah/Dove

pruning before He returns…

Are we willing to be sifted like the disciples?

Luke 22:31

Are we truly 99 – complete in humility, yet?

If we are obedient and willing

we shall eat the good of the land

and we will be ready to walk WITH Him.

 

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim/friends and mishpachah/family!

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week,

you are greatly loved and prayed for.

Please don’t leave here without assurance of your salvation

Not sure ..you can be…

Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer,

Savior, Lord, and soon returning King

and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are very precious in His sight.

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..

don’t delay one more minute,

SAY IT RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.

A Day of Obedience and Fire

Luke 24:49 Tarry / Wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

The disciples had to tarry to wait, staying in Jerusalem until the day of Pentecost/Shavuot. They knew it as, the days of Counting from the waving of the Omer; but this year was a little different as they counted the days and weeks they were also learning to count the cost of being disciples/talmidim of their Master.  This was not only for their own preparations but because they had to wait until Messiah was actually glorified. As soon as He was glorified Acts 2:23 tells us what happened.

Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit He poured out this which you now see and hear. Acts 2:33.

The statement in John 7:39

for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified

does not apply to us.

The Fathers Holy Spirit has being given and Messiah Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach is glorified. And this is what we are to remember and celebrate with thanksgiving and grateful hearts at this Appointed Season of The Lord.

As we are waiting, the impartation is not dependent on the providence of God but on our own spiritual fitness, our readiness to receive.

We have a responsibility to prepare ourselves, these are things that our Heavenly Father will not do for us.

Relationship with Him is all about choice, free will and we must choose to be obedient and submit ourselves to His will and way of being and doing.

John 17:2-5 For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.

This is eternal life and that we may know Him

and the power of His resurrection.

Phil 3:9-11

and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, and so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead.

Amplified Bible
And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did];

The influence and power of His Spirit of Holiness were at work before Shavuot/Pentecost but He was not here in the same way as after the outpouring.

Once Messiah was glorified in His ascension, Holy Spirit came into the world and has been here ever since. It is up to us to receive the revealed truth that He is here.

The attitude of receiving and welcoming the Holy Spirit into our lives is to be the continual attitude of a believer and not just one day of obedience and fire

When we receive His Spirit of Holiness we receive reviving life from our ascended Lord and Savior.

It is not what we term as the baptism of His Holy Spirit that changes believers but it’s the power of the risen and ascended Messiah coming into our lives through His Holy Spirit. We have a tendency to separate things that the New Testament never separates.

The baptism of His Holy Spirit is not experienced apart from Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, it’s the evidence of the ascended Messiah dwelling within, abiding permanently.

A big measure of Holy fire comes in the baptism.

Jesus answered, “If anyone [really] loves Me, he will keep My word (teaching); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling place with him. John 14:23 Here the word IF is highighting the condition for the indwelling of His Spirit because One who does not [really] love Me does not keep My words. And the word (teaching) which you hear is not Mine, but is the Father’s who sent Me.

The baptism of His Holy Spirit doesn’t make us think of time or future eternity because the experience is one of amazing glorious now.

This is eternal life that they may know you. John 17:3

we must begin to know Him now and never stop.

Another reason for remembrance and celebration is that this season was when Moses received the Torah, the directions instructions and teachings for life after Egyptian bondage. Slavery to sin and death were given notice and their freedom was assured through Passover and then 50 days later (Pentecost/Shavuot) in the wilderness before Mt. Sinai the Lord.

Our Heavenly Father, The Lord God Almighty

came down,

Moses went up.

The precious Covenant with the children of Israel was made; complete with the Ten Commandments

and directions were given for how sinners were to

approach a Holy God through the sacrificial system

which was to remain in place

until Messiah came and fulfilled it Himself.

We have so much to be thankful for,

so much to give Him praise for.

All honor and glory go to Him as we lift grateful hearts this Pentecost/Shavuot;

and having prepared ourselves,

let’s open ourselves unreservedly to

receive the fullness of His Spirit.

We need His presence,

His Holy Fire

in our lives today, more than at any other time.

If we truly love Him, we will want to do what He asks of us

so we can become all that He has planned for us

to be and do while we are in the earth.

Our lives are to be a sacrifice in every way and this “sacrifice” becomes our wedding vow to our King.

And that is the real love story of Shavuot/Pentecost.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/2-x-3000-a-marriage-made-in-heaven/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/shavuot-2-x-3000-a-marriage-made-in-heaven-conclusion/? 

https://www.minimannamoments.com/50-days-later-an-earthly-and-spiritual-harvest-pentecost-shavuot/ 

https://www.minimannamoments.com/why-wait/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/secrets-of-a-life-filled-with-feasts/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-look-of-shavuot/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/are-we-in-a-divine-pause/

Above are several links to previous posts with more on Pentecost/Shavuot and the reason for reading about Ruth and the baptism of His Spirit at this time of year. Listed both for new visitors, or those wanting to refresh, understanding the deeper meaning of this wonderful manifestation of the same Holy Fire that led them in the wilderness, and now available to fill the lives of whosoever will…

The prophet Malachi 3:1-6 wrote that the Lord would send His messenger of the covenant, and asks who will be able to stand, to endure in that day, … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Let’s be mindful of the season we are in…..

on each of us and may the days of counting lead to a lifetime of beating good and lasting fruit!

May our tongues be set on fire to declare the wonderful works of our Heavenly Father.

Shalom aleikhem

chaverim/friends and mishpachah/family!

Shavua Tov, Have a blessed week,

you are greatly loved and prayed for.

Please don’t leave here without assurance of your salvation

Not sure ..you can be…

Make certain Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer,

Savior, Lord, and soon returning King

and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

It’s all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are very precious in His sight.

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute, SAY IT RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name.