The Lord's Staff / February 1999

Contents

• The Lord's Staff
• Trib Trooper
• The Prophet Side

The pattern of the exodus from Egypt is the pattern that we, the end time believers, will follow to leave this present age and world. The children of Israel left the cities of Egypt with God for the “promised land.” We will leave this world with a promise from God for the “millennial kingdom.” The sons of Israel went to a great wilderness to be tried and tested. We will go to the great tribulation to be tried and tested. They crossed the river Jordan to enter the land. We will cross over mortality to immortality at the resurrection and rapture. The pattern is simple and yet profound.

But how did the exodus actually begin? What were the specific events that preceded the actual walk out of the cities of Egypt? These are the clues we need for our own escape, our own exodus. The Israelites left Egypt all together on the same day. They walked out boldly before the eyes of the Egyptians. I believe that the pattern is the same for us. The Israelites did not make individual decisions on when and how to leave. Nor do I believe that we should be making individual decisions for our departure date. We too will leave this world in a similar fashion, when exactly does our exodus begin?

The answer is simple — the Passover. You remember the story. The Lord's judgment came upon Egypt with the death of the first born, but the Angel of the Lord passed over the homes with the blood of the lamb on door posts and lintels. It was called the “Lord's Passover.”

Now you shall eat it in this manner: with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste— it is the Lord's Passover.

Exodus 12:11

The Passover means many things in our faith. It is the feast of Redemption. The Messiah used this occasion to explain our salvation and redemption from sin. But consider this thought. “Gird your loins, get your sandals on, and put your staff in your hand.” These are words of preparation. These are words for us preparing for the great tribulation. They are extremely important to us!

We know that the starting event of the Great Tribulation is the Abomination of Desolation on the temple mount in Jerusalem. The shutting down of the daily sacrifice on the altar there is the specific prophetic event that begins the countdown for the last days. This is the specific answer that Yeshua gave His disciples concerning the end of the age and His coming. Yeshua has warned us that this event comes in the winter time. Those in Judea of Israel are warned specifically.

But pray that your flight may not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath;

Matthew 24:20

Therefore, it follows that our departure from our homes and cities could well be at or after the same time frame. Given that the prophecy also warns us of a great falling away of faith — the Apostasy — and that they will arrest us, deliver us up, and hate us for His name's sake, it also follows that we should be ready to escape. Passover occurs in the spring time, the season immediately after the Abomination of Desolation.

Am I suggesting that you should leave your homes and families this next Passover? No. Am I suggesting that the historical sequence of the ancient exodus is the prophetic sequence of our exodus. Yes. If you see the Abomination of Desolation this winter or any future winter, you should plan to “exit” by the Passover that follows.

Now that you see the sequence and its possible future implications for us, let us examine how the exodus really began. Understanding how the exodus began is our basis for preparing now. It is the basis of how we will boldly walk out from this world and make our journey to the millennial kingdom. How do we gird our loins, put sandals on our feet, and put the staff in our hand?

The idea of the exodus did not begin at the Passover, it began much earlier (remember back to Israel's time in Egypt serving Pharaoh). The Israelites knew about the exodus prophecy given to Abraham their father. Abram, as he was first called, came into the land of Canaan and God announced that the land would be given to Abram and his descendants. Abram went to Egypt for a short while and returned to the promised land whereupon God made a special covenant with Abram. In the course of this covenant, God prophesied to Abram about his descendants going down to Egypt and coming back to the land just like he had done.

And God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land [Egypt] that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve; and afterward they will come out [the exodus] with many possessions.”

Genesis 15:13-14

In the course of enslavement in Egypt, the Israelites began to cry out for their promised deliverance after Joseph was remembered no more. It was not because of their cries that the exodus occurred; it was because God had made a promise to their father Abram.

And it came about at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.

Exodus 12:41

Now consider some of the misunderstandings about God's promise. Moses was 40 years old and he rose up and killed an Egyptian who had oppressed a fellow Israelite. He thought that his heroic act was the evidence needed for him to become the leader of the exodus. He thought God was going to use him at that time to relieve the oppression of the Israelites. Consider the explanation of Moses' actions at Stephen's trial.

But when he [Moses] was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind [heart] to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him; but they did not understand. And on the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, “Men, you are brethren, why do you injure one another?” But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, “Who made you a ruler and judge over us? You do not mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?” And at this remark Moses fled, and became an alien in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

Acts 7:23-29

Moses, at that time, thought that he was to start the exodus. Maybe he knew about the 400 year prophecy and coupled his personal desire with it to conclude that he would lead a rebellion against Egypt. Maybe he thought the exodus of the Israelite slaves would be by armed revolt. However, the rest of his Israelite brethren rejected his personal authority immediately. His flight to Midian was probably mixed with fear, disillusionment and great personal disappointment. He was to learn that it would be God's idea and timing to have an exodus from Egypt, not his. He was to learn that salvation and deliverance would come from a shepherd not a prince of the royal courts.

Let's stop for a moment and concentrate on these points. First, the Israelites knew about the prophecy given to their father Abraham. They knew that a 400-year time frame was part of that prophecy. They were being oppressed and a 400-year time frame was ending. They were looking for the exodus to happen, but they did not know when and how it would happen.

Secondly, Moses visited his brethren. He could see the oppression, he understood the prophecy of a future deliverance, and he thought that he had a part in its fulfillment. Moses was correct in part of his thinking. He definitely had a part in the exodus; he was going to see it, but his mistake was in not considering God's purpose for the exodus.

Now compare the past two examples with our present and future situation. We have prophecies telling us that the Messiah will return. We know the Lord's plan is completed at the end of the ages (somewhere around the Biblical year 6000). We see the signs of the end and believe the time is approaching. We even have the new millennium approaching with the year 2000. We have heard previous brethren tell us the end was to be in their day and at various times. Some of those brethren, like Moses, supposed that God was granting deliverance through them. False expectations have been raised. Fear, disillusionment, and personal disappointment have followed. They made the same mistake as Moses did; they forgot God's part. They were sincere in their hearts and minds but it was not God's timing and they were not commissioned to lead the exodus. Our exodus will not begin because we cry out to the Lord and have “had it” with the present world, nor will it begin with sincere believers playing the role of Moses supposing God is granting deliverance through them.

Let us go again to the exodus story. “When and how” did the exodus really begin?

It began on a remote mountain in the wilderness of Midian at a burning bush. It began with a conversation between a man named Moses and with a God named יהוה (spelled Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey).

Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, “I must turn aside now, and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.”

Exodus 3:1-3

Consider this thought for a moment: If God is a consuming fire, then why are we not consumed by His presence in our lives? We are like the burning bush. God is all about us, we are filled with God's purpose and presence; yet, we still exist and remain. How is that possible? How can water (Moses) and fire (God) exist at the same time and place? As Moses marveled, “Why is the bush not burned up?”

When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

Exodus 3:4-5

To be an integral part of God's plan, it is essential that we understand who God is and who we are. If we mix the two, if we make God to be like a man, or if we make ourselves to be like God, we make a devastating mistake. God warned Moses to be very careful where he stood at that moment and on what basis he stood. His life depended on it.

He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. And the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.”

Exodus 3:6-8

You have heard the expression many times. The God we serve is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Okay, so God likes to remind us of the patriarchs; what does that mean to you and me? You skipped something.

God said something very personal to Moses before He said He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God said He was the God of Moses' father also. I am the God of your father Moses. Put yourself at the burning bush and repeat the words of God to yourself, “I am the God of your father.” There is a much different resonance to the words now. This God has suddenly become very personal.

We know with each year of maturity that we are the product of our parents. Our earthly fathers and mothers have shaped us and trained us in profound ways. Our personal identity, our culture, our homes, our lifestyles, our lives have been affected deeply despite our individuality and independence. Consider the tremendous effect we are having on our children. We must recognize these truisms to understand our relationship with God. The fact is that what happened with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob does have a profound spiritual effect on us today. Consider how many children in the world are named after them and their immediate descendants. The promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are also to their descendants. We are the recipients of those blessings and promises made to our fathers; it is our spiritual heritage and inheritance.

Moses understood God's very personal way of addressing him and responded emotionally by hiding his face and holding God in reverence and respect. God then began to share with Moses that He had seen the oppression, He had heard the cry, and that He was aware of the suffering. More than that, God said that He would take action — He would come down to deliver and that He would bring the Israelites up to the promised land. It is God who is initiating the exodus and because of His promises it will happen. It is also by God's authority that actions will be taken. It will not be the heart, strength, or mind of Moses that enables and qualifies him to perform such actions.

“And now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them. Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”

Exodus 3:9-12

Like the children of Israel, we too will be crying out to God because of the oppression upon us. We will feel the irrational hatred, the total disdain, the fear of persecution. It is not a happy thought, but it is part of our exodus.

The commission of Moses to go before Pharaoh and “bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt” is a demonstration of God's compassion and His response to the cries of His people. The selection of Moses was not based on Moses' skill having been raised in Pharaoh's courts nor was it by his ability to keenly articulate and plead the case before Pharaoh. Previously, Moses had believed he was capable of such a role. The traditional understanding of Moses' skill at the age of forty was that “he was a man of power in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22). Instead, this same man at age eighty (much wiser) is suddenly questioning “Who am I?” The question goes to the heart of every true servant of God. Who is qualified to speak for God? Obviously, no one is. Reassuringly, God says, “Certainly I will be with you.” As a confirming sign of his commission, God instructs Moses to bring the people to this same mountain, the one he is on, the one with the same burning bush.

Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I shall say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?”

Exodus 3:13

Moses recalled his own personal rejection by the Israelites forty years earlier. Moses remembered the direct challenge when He was asked, “Who made you a ruler and judge over us?” Therefore, Moses knew that he must present evidence of his commission by God. Knowing the name of the God who had commissioned him seemed to be the least of such required evidence. But in terms of being under God's authority, it is profoundly important. Names and their meanings speak to destiny and great purposes. Names in the Bible are incredibly important to understanding the whole story. Therefore, God answers purposely and forcefully.

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM;” and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

Exodus 3:14

“I AM” is not God's name; something else is being said. Had you been present with Moses at that moment, you would have heard “Ehyeh asher ehyeh.” In Hebrew, it is written right to left: אהיה אשׁר אהיה. There is consensus among Torah and Biblical scholars that God's statement was to describe God's existence without the constraints of time. That is to say, God was conveying the meaning that He was, He is, and He shall be all within the words “I AM.” God is saying that He is the Eternal One. Clearly, God instructed Moses to tell the sons of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.” But, what would this mean to the sons of Israel and why must this be said first?

Biblical scholars and Torah teachers also conclude that God is speaking to His great salvation and redemption for the exodus. He is saying, “I will save in the way that I will save.” Moses is not the savior, the children of Israel are not going to save themselves, it is God who will be the savior and He will save Israel the way He will decide to save. God will decide when the salvation and redemption will be. He will also decide the manner of this salvation and its proper time. God will decide who is to go to Pharaoh. God will decide what signs and wonders will be used. God will decide who is commissioned to bring the children of Israel to the mountain to meet Him. God will save in the way that God will save. This was the key evidence that He was the real, one and only true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that had promised to bring their descendants up from Egypt.

Moses is not representing a new God; he is representing the same God of their fathers. As New Covenant believers we must not overlook or relegate these key points to history. Our salvation is eternally linked to this same God and His promises. As God proved Himself to Israel, so He has proved Himself to us. As God spoke of Himself as the “I AM” to them, we hear the “I AM” spoken to us.

Yeshua presented Himself using the same words in the Gospel of John.

Jesus therefore said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am (He), and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.”

John 8:28

The word “He” is not in the original text. Yeshua is making reference to the Salvation of God; He is making direct reference to His Father and Himself. He is saying that at His lifting up (the crucifixion on the cross), we will know that He is the “I AM.” He is saying, “I will save in the way that I will save.” But this is not the only reference to the “I AM” meaning. Yeshua ties expression to the God of Abraham and Himself.

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”

John 8:58

Those that heard Him clearly and correctly interpreted that Yeshua was saying that He was God in the burning bush.

And God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The [ יהוה ] Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.’”

Exodus 3:15

The four consonant Hebrew letters “Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey” form the name of God given to Moses. The pronunciation of this name is with some controversy and mystery. Observant Hebrews simply says HaShem — “The Name.” They do not pronounce the name. Scholars working on the King James Version said, “Jehovah.” Modern English bibles print the text as “Lord” with all capital letters. The printed text “Lord” is for the Hebrew word “Adonai.” Saying Adonai for the all capital LORD follows the tradition of Moses writing the name but speaking Adonai in place of it. It was their way of reverencing the name and not taking it in vain (making it common). Some modern Christian scholars pronounce the name as “Yahweh or Yahveh.”

The first letter in God's name is the Hebrew letter Yod [ י ]. Yod means “a hand.” In fact, the letter is formed in the shape of a hand. The second letter of God's name is the Hebrew letter Hey [ ה ]. Hey means “what comes from.” The third letter in God's name is the Hebrew letter Vav [ ו ]. Vav means “a nail” or what “holds things together.” The last letter in God's name is another Hey. In its simplest form, the name of God means “everything that exists came by His hand and He holds it together.” He is the creator. That alone would have stirred the souls of the Israelites as it stirs my soul today. But, there is more.

The Israelites were in desperate need of salvation and redemption (to be brought out of slavery). They would also see that His name means, “That which is brought forth (salvation and redemption) is by the hand of God.” This is what Moses was instructed to say.

Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, “I am the Lord [ יהוה ] , and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.”

Exodus 6:6

But what about the third letter Vav, the letter that means “a nail”? That was prophetic to Israel, but we have already seen it. The name means, “Salvation and redemption is by the NAILED HAND OF GOD.” Yeshua's hand was nailed to the cross, the judgment for our sins was put upon Him. This is God's great plan for all mankind. But what is in this name that we tribulation saints need to know?

The prophecy says that 144,000 sealed servants will assist us in the great tribulation. They are to have the NAME of God in their foreheads. What NAME do you think will be there? I am suggesting to you that it will the one given to Moses and the children of Israel before the exodus. His name revealed is part of the exodus. But, there is still more to this name!

The Lord speaks to a future need to remember His name, “This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” All generations surely means us. The expression “memorial-name” is literally the word “remembrance.” This is how you will remember Me. The actual Hebrew word is: לעלמ. Depending upon how you pronounce the word, it can be the word remembrance or the expression to conceal. The exact same letters are used. This is the reason that observant Jews do not speak the Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey name; instead, they do as Moses did and say, “Adonai” (Lord) or they say “HaShem” (the Name). Some hold the name of God so reverently that they even omit the vowels (just like the Hebrew script in the Torah scroll) and insert a dash in the words for God and Lord (e.g.; G-d and L-rd). So, again, what does this have to do with us and our impending exodus from this world?

The first letter in a-lam is the Hebrew letter Lamed [ ל ]. The letter Lamed means “a staff”, like a shepherd's staff. It is actually drawn in the shape of a staff. The second letter in a-lam is the Hebrew letter Ayin [ ע ]. The letter Ayin means “the eye” or to look and see something. The third letter in a-lam is another Lamed, the staff. The final letter in a-lam is the Hebrew letter Mem [ מ ]. The letter Mem means “water.”

The name Moses means drawn from water. Moses was instructed to take his staff and perform the work of God in Egypt.

And you shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs.

Exodus 4:17

It was Moses' staff that brought each judgment upon Egypt. The staff was used to make water into blood at the river Nile. It was used for the plagues of gnats, hail with fire, and the locusts.

Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and it shall be turned to blood.”

Exodus 7:17

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats through all the land of Egypt.’”

Exodus 8:16

And Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt.

Exodus 9:23

So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the Lord directed an east wind on the land all that day and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

Exodus 10:13

Moses used the staff at the parting of the Red Sea.

And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.

Exodus 14:16

It was not a sword in the hand of a prince of Egypt, but a shepherd's staff by the hand of God that brought the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage and oppression.

Moses used the staff when fighting Amalek in the wilderness.

So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

Exodus 17:9

It was Moses' staff that struck the Rock to bring forth “water” in the wilderness.

Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod [staff]; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank.

Numbers 20:11

This is the part where Moses got himself in trouble. He was supposed to speak to the Rock, but instead he used God's staff. This mistake cost him his ticket to the promised land. Later, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and wrap it around his staff, raise it up among the people, so that those “seeing” would be saved from the serpent's bite.The medical symbol today is modeled after Moses' staff in the wilderness.

But what about the letter Ayin and the extra Lamed? What do they mean to us? This is where the Messiah our Savior comes in. The Name [ יהוה ] of remembrance [ לעלמ ] is pictured in Yeshua's crucifixion. The a-lam word means, “The shepherd's staff [ ל ] of God will be seen [ ע ] when the staff [ ל ] of Moses (water) [ מ ] is raised up.”

Now buckle your spiritual seat belt for this one. When Yeshua was put on the cross, they put a sign over him that read, “Yeshua of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” In Hebrew it would have read, “Yeshua HaNatzereth, Ve-Melech Ha-YeHudim.” The first letters of those four words would have been יהוה the Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey name of God. Not only was He raised up like Moses' staff, but the very name of God given at the burning bush to Moses was put over Him. No wonder that the Jewish religious leaders objected to that sign and wanted the wording changed. The acronym word from the first letters of His title form the HaShem (the Name).

Like the shepherd's staff that brought salvation to Israel in the exodus, God has brought salvation to the world by the Shepherd of God, Yeshua. We are the recipients of this great salvation.

Let's conclude and apply this understanding to our impending exodus from this world.

As you prepare, remember the name of the God who will deliver us. This name will be written in the forehead of those who will lead us. Remember to take the shepherd's staff in your hand. Remember that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil; for our God is with us; His rod and STAFF, they shall comfort us (Psalm 23:4). Remember that even as the temple mount and altar are measured by that STAFF, we will also be measured by that STAFF (Rev 11:1).

Learn His name and follow His staff brethren. The greatest exodus ever is about to begin.

Finally, the Lord has commanded us to be separate from the world, to be on the edge, but we are not to be in orbit somewhere else in the solar system. Be reasonable, measured, appropriate, grounded, and wise in your preparation. All of this can be accomplished by simple trust in our Shepherd and His Staff.

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Tribulation Trooper. The word “tribulation” sounds like trouble. The word “trooper” evokes thoughts of perseverance and tenacity. Does it strike you as a word of encouragement — to hang in there? I hope so.

But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13

Several months ago, a friend wrote a somewhat humorous letter asking how best to prepare for difficult times ahead. She described herself and others like her as Tribulation Troopers. The title stuck with me. It encouraged me. It created a picture in me of enduring to the end, of being a good soldier in faith. Several of you saw the letter and responded in a very positive way as well.

The other day as I drove down the street and I saw one of those pretrib rapture bumper stickers. “Caution: In the event of the rapture, this car will be unmanned” It's too bad that the driver does not understand the timing of the rapture, but I applauded his effort to share his faith in God. As believers who believe that the rapture does not occur until the resurrection and the resurrection does not occur until after the tribulation, we should be offering a word of encouragement even more so. We who do understand the need for balanced spiritual and physical preparation should be the first to encourage one another and our brethren. We should present a courageous and forthright approach to the future. We should be exhorting our brethren to endure to the end!

Maybe you take the subject too seriously to use “gimmicks or gadgets.” Maybe bumper stickers and paraphernalia is not your style. It's not my style either. However, brethren throughout history have encouraged one another with simple things.

Have you seen the elastic bracelets and key chains with the letters “WWJD” on them? The letters are for the words (W)hat (W)ould (J)esus (D)o. Younger believers, particularly teenagers like these items to convey their testimony. Personally, I've always liked the meaning (W)orld (W)ide (J)udgment (D)ay, but that's another discussion at another time. A simple idea like WWJD carries a lot of message. It's a simple reminder to encourage believers toward righteousness and proper behavior. Its appearance links and identifies other believers to a spiritual thought or exhortation.

Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.”

Isaiah 35:3-4

“You mean we will go through the tribulation? We are not going to be raptured out before the tribulation bad stuff?” How can that be an encouraging thought or exhortation? Well, that by itself is not an encouragement. But exhorting believers to endure hardness, to wait for the Lord, and sacrifice for the benefit of others is the Biblical exhortation. It is part of our spiritual preparation.

Many of you have gone through a transition. Many of you have come to terms with the popular pretribulation rapture teaching and set it aside. You have come to terms with God's promises of deliverance and protection. You know that our God is going to deliver us and protect us, but it is not as some men teach. We don't look to an inflated definition of the “church” or ourselves for our deliverance.

Trib Trooper is a clear and distinct way to say that I am hanging in there. It says that my deliverance doesn't come from me. It says that I am obeying the Lord to endure. It also says that my Champion is the Lord of Hosts — He will save the day. It says that I am committing myself to follow Him — He is my Commander.

And in His right hand He held seven stars;

Revelation 1:16

Generals and Admirals wear stars as their insignia of rank. A General of the Army or a Fleet Admiral wears five stars; it is only appropriate that the Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings should have at least two stars more than generals or admirals. Given that John saw Yeshua with seven stars, I thought it only appropriate to view Him in this manner. The Lord presents Himself as a great warrior in battle coming to defeat His enemies. He is pictured as the Leader of the host, the army of Heaven.

And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Revelation 19:11-16

Trib Trooper is a visible reminder for like-minded believers. It's a way to encourage one another and say you're not alone. It's a way to stimulate others. They will naturally ask about the meaning and this will lead to an opportunity to share your faith.

Brethren, I'm not trying to diminish or cheapen the deep convictions of our faith; rather, I am trying to find ways to encourage you and others. I'm trying to find a way for all of us to encourage others to be disciplined, serious, and prepared for the Lord's coming. A Trib Trooper bumper sticker won't do it. But maybe the thought will give you pause, a silent chuckle, and help cause you to tighten your belt of perseverance one more notch. I hope so.

The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in Thee.

Isaiah 26:3

If you would like to display the Trib Trooper message with me. Give us a call or drop a note to Lion and Lamb Ministries.

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YAVOH - He is Coming is a monthly newsletter published as an outreach ministry of Lion and Lamb Ministries.
The ministry is a non-profit organization with an end time prophetic message in a Messianic Jewish context.
Subscription to YAVOH - He is Coming is without cost and supported only by donation.

Permission is granted to reprint any article in YAVOH - He is Coming with attribution given to YAVOH - He is Coming.

Editor - Monte Judah
Electronic Editor - Ephraim Judah

Lion and Lamb Ministries
PO Box 720968
Norman, OK 73070
Phone: (405) 447 4429
Fax: (405) 447 3775
E-mail: info@lionlamb.net
Web: lionlamb.net