Tis’ the season of giving. Whether it be for the observance of Christmas, Hanukah, or purely secular reasons, this is the time of year when most Americans and the rest of the western world observe a season of giving. This is the time of the year when merchants offer their best prices and newest products. This is the favorite time of year for many with memories of their childhood, family and joy. It is even a time when some reflect on plain ‘ole goodness and goodwill toward others.
There probably are some people in the world who have never heard of the man named Moses. But, I have never met them before. Virtually everyone, at least those who know of the Bible, have heard of Moses.
To the Jews, he was God’s servant who led the children of Israel out of Egypt and brought forth the Torah. To the Christians, he is the beloved hero of the movie "Ten Commandments." I intentionally state the Christian point of view in an obtrusive manner as I have not met any Christian leaders in my life who understand him or his writings very well. This is probably one of the major reasons why Moses is not taught in churches. It is fair to say that the rest of world knows about Moses parting the Red Sea and how the nation of Israel came to be.
Agriculture, the business of sowing and harvesting, has probably been the favorite word picture used by the Lord to help us understand His business concerning us. The work of the ministry has been equated to shepherding sheep, working a vineyard, and harvesting grain. The Messiah even used the agricultural word picture to explain how people believe and become part of His kingdom.
As we approach the end of the ages for this old world, each day we look out to the horizon wondering if our wait for His return will be short or stretched out further. We are all hoping that the Lord will not delay His coming, but we know that He is longsuffering, not wishing any to perish. We take consolation in seeing more come to faith each day.
The ministry of Yeshua of Nazareth began at the age of 30. However, there are many important aspects of Yeshua that began at His birth. The Gospel of Luke details these very early days of Yeshua's life. Many of the details obviously came from Mary the mother of Yeshua, with Luke recording them in his Gospel. In particular, the details of Yeshua's first appearance in the temple are provided with the apparent meeting of a man named Simeon and a woman named Anna. Many astonishing things had already happened to Mary with the visit by the angel Gabriel, the conception of Yeshua, her betrothal/marriage to Joseph, and finally the birth of Yeshua in Bethlehem. So when the Bible records that her meeting with Simeon was amazing to her, it is worth taking further notice as to why. Secondly, we ourselves are awaiting the Messiah's return. What is the proper stance for anticipating the coming of the Lord while we live out our lives here in this present age? How fanatical should we be or not be in preparing for Him to come? Simeon and Anna set a very interesting example for us to follow.
I frequently tell a story concerning my then five year old daughter and the subject of marriage. She is now a grown woman and doesn't like to hear it again and again, but it is a precious memory for me and illustrates how the real issues of life come out of the mouths of babes and sucklings. My daughter approached me one day more than 16 years ago while I was reading the newspaper. She respectfully asked for my attention and then stated to me, “Dad, it's real important who you get married to, isn't it?” I was stunned by her bringing up the discussion and turned my whole attention to her. “Yes, sweetheart, it is very important who you get married to.” With that, she requested, “Dad, when I am old enough to get married, would you help me to pick out a good husband.” I immediately went to get pen and paper to write down every word of that conversation. At every one of her birthdays since that day, I have reminded her of her request and assured her that I would fulfill her request. In response, she has reminded me that it really is her decision. She is now 21 years of age, engaged to be married, and this story will be part of her wedding ceremony as I agree with her decision.
For those of you who have been a part of the Messianic Movement for some time, you know that there is a heavy emphasis on the "Messy" part of the Messianic Movement. We say this to appease some of our newcomers who are shocked to find out that Messianic Jewish believers still separate themselves from one another and are at odds with one another. Messianic organizations have been formed to promote unity and organize the fellowship of messianic believers. We sing with fervor, "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together - in unity!" But instead of unity, it seems that things just get more and more "messy."
Lion and Lamb Ministries receives calls and letters from both supporters and those inquiring. On occasion, we receive a call or letter advising us that the name of the ministry is perpetuating a common mistake. Many people use the expression of the "lion laying down with the lamb" as a representation of the millennial kingdom.
The fact is that the Scripture says something slightly different.
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them.
Isaiah 11:6
The story of Yeshua’s last days in Jerusalem concerning His arrest, death and resurrection are the very foundations of Messiahian faith and New Covenant belief. It is called the Passion. All four Gospels devote much of their text to the circumstances and dialogue of the Passion events. However, the chronology of those events is in dispute by various factions, including some believers. The problem comes down to understanding how Yeshua could be in the tomb three days and three nights. Yeshua said that He would fulfill the sign of Jonah, who was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights.
Jews sometimes use an interesting word picture to explain how they think. It is called the "Yiddish Cup." Only after looking in and tasting the cup can you determine exactly what is in a cup. In the same way, you must look into and drink from the cup to understand how Jews think about the Messiah.
Moshe Ben Maimon (Maimonides) was a great Jewish philosopher and scholar around the 1200's who espoused in written form much of what the religious Jews have been thinking and think today. There are other sages as well, but Ranbam, as he is affectionately called, spelled out the articles of faith for Jews and Judaism. Article 12 of his principles of faiths reads as follows:
"I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah. Though he tarry, nevertheless I await for him every day, knowing he will come."
Several years ago, television audiences in America watched a program called "To Tell the Truth." The program would have three persons all announcing that they were the same person. One of the three was the real person and speaking the truth. A short essay was read explaining what this person had done (usually something quite amazing). The game then began. A panel of questioners would ask questions related to the subject and try to determine who was telling the truth and who was not telling the truth. The audience would join the panelists trying to determine which of the three was the actual person.
