Tabernacles and the Day of the LORD*

This evening begins the Feast of Tabernacles. There is a direct connection in scripture between the Feast of Tabernacles and "the day of the LORD'. This is the commandment of the LORD regarding the Feast of Tabernacles: "And the LORD spake unto Moses saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. On the first day shall be a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein. These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD...every thing upon his day." (Lev. 23:33-37). The word "tabernacles" is the Hebrew word sukkah, meaning "booth, pavilion, lair (of a lion), cover". (A root word, sakak, means "fence about, protect, defence, shut in, overshadow, stop the approach, weave together, cover with armor".) The pictographic ancient Hebrew letters form the meaning "Behold, a hand to cover, supply, lift up, or suppress". In Deuteronomy, the LORD explained the Feast of Tabernacles further through Moses: "Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine. And thou shalt rejoice...thou...thy son...thy daughter...thy manservant...thy maidservant...the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates." (Deut. 16:13-14). The Feast of Tabernacles was to include all with rejoicing after the fall harvest that God had provided them. In the same spirit of tabernacles, the LORD commanded Moses to appoint just judges and officers throughout all of the tribes, who will not practice favoritism, nor receive bribes nor falsely accuse the righteous. This just treatment of all is so that they may live in the land that God has given them (v. 18-20). We see a lack of justice everywhere today, while God is calling His people to be just and righteous. We discover that the neaning of the Feast of Tabernacles is also revealed in scriptures regarding the coming day of the LORD: "He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion (sukkah) round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail-stones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens...he sent out his arrows, and scattered them...Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me." (Ps. 18:11-17). Just as Noah was drawn out of many waters, the LORD's pavilion draws us out of the hands of our enemies. What looks to the enemies like a covering of thick dark clouds, to us is the pavilion or tabernacle of the LORD. It is "the hand that covers, supplies, lifts up and suppresses". As Psalm 31 declares the greatness and goodness of God towards those who trust Him, it says: "Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion (sukkah) from the strife of tongues." (v. 19-20). Those who walk in the righteousness of God, and in His Word, are continually judged in this world by the strife of tongues of accusation. However, God has provided a pavilion in which to hide us. As Isaiah prophesied the blessings of God under the Messiah, he wrote of beautiful fruitful branches, excellent and comely fruit of the earth for the remnant who escape. Those that remain will be called holy - every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem. The LORD will wash them of filth, purged by the spirit of judgment and burning (Isa. 4:2-4). "...and the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle (sukkah) for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain." (v. 5-6). There is a hand to cover and provide our pasture in the tabernacle, but it is shadow, darkness, and clouds to others. The prophet Zephaniah describes the day of the LORD as a day of wrath, of trouble, distress, wasteness and desolation, "a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet and alarm...and I will bring distress among men...because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust...Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy..." (Zeph. 1:14-18). The prophet Amos also spoke of the darkness of the day of the LORD, saying, "Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD!" (Amos 5:1-18-20). In this case, the very people who were looking for the day of the LORD would be the first to experience the darkness rather than the sukkah tabernacle. The LORD condemned them because He said that He hated their feasts and offerings, "But ye have born the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun, your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves." (v. 21-26). Their tabernacle was a tabernacle to false demonic gods, who demanded child sacrifices, and were filled with worthless idols. The LORD holds His people to a different standard than the standard that the world practices and values. His standard is the righteousness of God. Joel also wrote about the day of the LORD as being "a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness", and of a fire that devours and a flame that burns. (Joel 2:2-3, 30-31). He called the people of God to sound the trumpet of alarm, to call an assembly of all the people, from the youngest to the oldest, because "the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand." (2:1, 16). The people must repent with fasting and weeping and consecrate themselves: "...rent your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." (v. 12-13). The priests especially, as those who were the spiritual leaders of the people, were called upon to lead the congregation in repentance by repenting themselves, crying, 'Spare thy people, O LORD." The LORD has not destined His people for His wrath, but providing them instead a tabernacle, a pavilion, a hand that covers if they will set themselves apart to enter into it. If the people will repent in their hearts, the LORD says that He will pity His people: "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things...he hath given you the former rain moderately...and the latter rain in the first month." (v. 21,23). The LORD promises to remove the attacking northern (hidden, secret, covered over) army, and to add the blessing of abundance in their land, restoring all that the devouring locusts have destroyed (v. 20-26). One of the celebrations associated with the Feast of Tabernacles is the abundant harvest, the fruit of the land, like the fruit of trees and the vine, as we see here (v. 22). "And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed". As part of this blessing, the LORD promises to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, regardless of age or status. (v. 27-29). In Nehemiah, Ezra the scribe caused the Word of God to be read and taught before all of the people. Then they obeyed the Word that they had heard by building their booths from beautiful branches to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, as had been commanded by God (Neh. 8:13-15). When we honor God and His Word, He honors and blesses us. Zechariah prophesied about a plague that comes upon the people in which their flesh is consumed away: "...in that day,...a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them." (Zech. 14:12-13). It is a day when the LORD has gone to fight against the nations that have come against Jerusalem. Those among the nations who survive this terrible day of destruction, will have to come to Jerusalem yearly : "...to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles." (v. 16). This prophecy is talking about the rule of Messiah, Jesus Christ, on earth. Those nations that refuse to tabernacle with the LORD in Jerusalem will receive no rain, and will be smitten by the plague. In Jerusalem there shall be found the things that are HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD, "and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts." (v. 16-21). The Word of God says to keep His feasts in "all your generations". There is a place where the hand of God covers, supplies, lifts up, and suppresses, especially in connection with the day of the LORD, as we have seen. This place is found in His tabernacle (sukkah). *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 10/9/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, theshroudofturin.org, and END TIME SCHOOL, also on Facebook.

The Shemitah: Judgment or Restoration*

Scripture gives us a choice - to receive the blessing, honor God's commandments, accept His Word, or reject it. The LORD told us that there are blessings and cursings, life and death, to choose between. Adam and Eve had a choice, and they chose to disobey the commandment of God, and we have sin and death as a result. It is the same with the LORD's commandment regarding the Shemitah. The Shemitah is described in Leviticus 25: "And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard..." (Lev. 25:1-4). In the seventh year, the land would remain unplanted, and no harvesting would be done. This sabbath year would be for the owner, his sevants and any traveller or stranger who might be staying with them. The sabbath year would also apply to any animals owned. The LORD promised that as the Israelites prepared to observe the Shemitah in the seventh year: "Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years." (v. 21). The children of Israel would not suffer lack for their obedience to let the land have a sabbath unto the LORD in the seventh year. There is no record of Israel or the Jewish people keeping the Shemitah seventh year sabbath for the land. There was a similar special sabbath year called the Jubilee year, which was to be oberserved every fiftieth year as well (v. 8-9). A Jubilee year would begin on the Day of Atonement of the fiftieth year (v. 9). In the Jubilee year, liberty is to be proclaimed throughout the land, and every man's possession shall be returned or restored unto him (v. 13). In giving commands regarding the speacial sabbath years, the LORD said that His people should not take usury or increase from their brothers, "but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee." (v. 36-37). Not only do we not observe the Shemitah and Jubilee, but the whole system of debt in America is based upon usury and increase. Considering this, will we see the restoration that comes from obeying the commandments of God or judgment for disobeying them? The LORD commanded that the Israelites should not compel a poor brother into being a bondservant or slave, but a hired servant until the year of Jubilee, when all is restored to him (v. 39-41). For over two hundred years, we kept people as bondservants or slaves in our country. There were no Shemitah or Jubilee years of liberty and restoration for them. We ignore the sabbaths whether in days, or years, even though Jesus told us that the sabbath was made for man, for his benefit, as an opportunity to enter into the LORD's holy rest. The prophet Joel prophesied about a complete devestation of the land, where all trees and crops shriveled and dried up like had never been seen previously. What little was left on the land had been eaten by locusts. No offerings could be brought to the house of the LORD, because there was nothing available to bring. The land had ceased to prosper. Could this attack upon the land be the result of a failure to give the land a sabbath rest unto the LORD in the form of the Shemitah, as He commanded Israel to do? Joel revealed what the people must do: "Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." (Joel 1:14-15). Again Joel said, "Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand..." (Joel 2:1). The day of the LORD is described as a day of darkness, devouring fire, pain, earthquakes, and the withdrawal of light from the stars, sun, and moon (v. 2-10), "...for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible, who can abide it?" The LORD called His people to repentance: "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting and weeping, and with mourning: and rent your hearts and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him..." (Joel 2:12-14). Again, the LORD by His prophet called for the blowing of trumpets, and for all of the people to gather together without exception to weep and fast in sanctification. As a result, the LORD will be jealous for His land, and pity His people (v.18). Joel then began to prophesy a restoration to the land and the beasts, gladness and rejoicing, and praises to God (v. 21-27). Rain and crops would be plentiful. Not only would the land be restored as a result of the repentance of God's people, but the LORD also promised a great outpouring of His Spirit on all flesh, wonders to be shown in the heavens and the earth, and deliverance of His remnant in Zion and Jerusalem (v. 23-32). The LORD always has a remnant in the earth. The prophet Zephaniah also delivered the Word of the LORD to His people: "Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger." (Zeph. 2:1-3). Do we think that failure to obey God's Word, including His Word regarding Shemitah and Jubilee, is without consequence today? The following events, being just some that occurred in Shemitah years, would tell us otherwise: 1916-17: the Stock Market collapses; some empires of the European nations collapse. 1930-31: 86% of stocks are wiped out. 1937-38: 50% of stocks are wiped out. 1944-45: the Nazi Third Reich ends, the British Empire collapses, America rises in power. 1972-73: 48% of stocks fall causing a recession, the U.S. legalizes abortion, and America suffers a loss in Vietnam. Skipping ahead to 2000-2001: the World Trade Center Towers collapse in an attack, and a financial crisis. 2007-2008: 50% of stocks are wiped out, and a global recession ensues. This would lead us to conclude that when the command of the LORD is not kept, a curse follows. This is confirmed in Deuteronomy. In Deut. 28, many different kinds of blessings are promised if God's people are obedient to His voice, and commandments: "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine (meaning "cattle, oxen; to learn, to teach, to utter"), and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store..." (Deut. 28:1-5). The description of all of the blessings continues from there for those who do all His commandments. However, there are corresponding curses for those who do not do His commandments: "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store..." (Deut. 28:15-17). The curses continue as direct opposites to the blessings that are promised for the obedient observance to God's commands, which would include the periodic sabbath rest of the land unto the LORD of the Shemitah, and the appointed liberation of the Jubilee years. How can we turn the curses or judgment of disobedience into blessing and restoration? Joel and Zephaniah, and also Daniel (see Dan. 9:2-23) gave us the answer: all of God's people gathering together to pray, fast, repent, and to turn back to the LORD with all of their hearts. Second Chronicles 7:13-14 confirms this yet again: "If I should shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." The coming Shemitah (7th) year, is appointed to begin next month, in this year 2021. The next Jubilee (50th) year is scheduled soon also. These two special years in God's commandments can bring either judgment or restoration for our land based upon the obedience or repentance of the people of God. Which shall it be for our nation? *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 8/22/21 message to the church. You can contact us at P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR at Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. Look for us also on Facebook, Twitter, and at endtimeschool.com. We welcome your prayer requests, praise reports, and your support for this ministry.

Mothers and Life*

 

Mother's Day has always been a special day to this ministry. We have seen the birth of miracle babies from the anointing present on Mother's Day.

Mothers play a huge role in our lives. Many can testify that they were saved through the faithful prayers of their mothers and grandmothers. We cannot underestimate the influence in our lives of mothers.

There is a special connection, both spiritually and naturally, between mothers and life. After the fall of man, even before children were born, the woman was identified as having this special purpose:

"And Adam called his wife's name Eve (chavvah: life, living, life-giver; root: to be restored to life; revive (from sickness, discouragement, death); because she was the mother of all living."  Gen 3:20

As we can see from the meaning of Eve's name, not only is it associated with life-giving, but with revival, even resurrection. Only women can bring forth life. There are many instances in scripture of God miraculously bringing forth life through a woman, even when it would seem impossible (Gen. 18:9-15).

Most societies throughout history have been patriarchal, but a few, including Native Americans, have had a matriarchal society. These matriarchal societies understood the life-giving purpose of women, which also indicated to them a woman's special relationship with God. The special life-giving and life-changing relationship a mother has with her child is reflective of the life-giving relationship that the Father has with His children, and that which His Son, Jesus has with all living:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."  Jn. 1:1-5

"Life" described above as originating in Christ is the Greek word "zoe". It means "life, the absolute fullness of life...which belongs to God; life, real and genuine, active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed...those who put their trust in Christ, including the more perfect everlasting body attained after resurrection". This kind of life cannot be overtaken by darkness. Again, as with the Hebrew meaning of the name "Eve", the concept of life is associated with present life, revived spiritual life, and resurrection life. And both, therefore, must be directly associated with God and Christ. It is the LORD who "maketh alive", even from the grave (1 Sam. 2:6), and it is the woman who is called "the life giver".

Scripture makes clear the concept of the new life found in Christ, a resurrection life, "zoe" life, even while we are still living in the world.

"...Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?...so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death...like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life...in the likeness of his resurrection."  Rom. 6:1-5

The kind of life, both through the woman, Eve, and through the work of Christ in us, which is revived, resurrection life, carries with it the quality of separation from sin. The kind of "zoe" life spoken of here is not compatible, nor co-existent, with sin, which is death (Rom. 6:21-23). This kind of life causes us to be freed from sin, becoming servants of righteousness, bearing fruit unto holiness and everlasting life (v. 18, 22).

Considering this connection that exists between the life-giving, life-reviving, life-changing purpose in a mother's identity, and the original life-giving, life-reviving, and life-changing power in God and Christ, mothers have a special responsibility in prayer, especially in these times in which we are living. Pray for this nation to humble itself, repent, and turn back to God (2 Chron. 7:14). Pray for the men. Pray for the children. Let an army of life-givers, mothers, be raised up to fulfill this purpose.

 

*The above is based upon the 5/10/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 

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The Midnight Cry

!967: Israeli Army Enters Jerusalem

 

Recently, there has been an increase in both anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence throughout the nations. We have just witnessed the worst act of violence against Jews in this nation's history with the mass murder of 11 Sabbath worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These evil events should immediately bring to mind the prophetic words of scripture, especially pertaining to these last days.

There was an unshakeable, unbreakable covenant promise given to Israel by the LORD which we have seen fulfilled in our generation. God repeatedly promised through His prophets that Israel, despite seemingly impossible circumstances, would one day be restored as a nation, and the people would live in the land once again. Not only would the LORD physically restore the land of Israel and its people, but He would also spiritually restore the people of Israel, and their relationship with Him. The Church has often embraced the false teaching that it has replaced Israel, and has become this spiritual Israel, but the scriptures are very clear that God has never abandoned His promises for the nation and people of Israel:

"Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book. For lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captives of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it....Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger...and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. And they shall be my people, and I shall be their God...And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them...Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul."   Jer. 30:2-3, 32:37-38, 40-41

The LORD swore this promise even though the nations and heathen people had taken Israel as a prey, and had made it desolate (Ez. 36:1-5). Not only did God promise to restore the nation of Israel, but to make it multiply and prosper like never before:

"And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD."   Ez. 36:11

This has been an ongoing, eternal, living promise to Israel, which the LORD has kept repeatedly despite numerous historical destructions of Israel and the Jewish people by enemy nations and heathens. Men and nations would be wise to keep this promise in mind, because God also promised to pour His wrath upon all who would come against His land and people. Those who think that they do God a favor by persecuting His land, or the Jewish people, are deceived and in danger of judgment. Though God has carried out this judgment wrath against these persecutors throughout history, He specifically promises this for the latter days:

"Behold, the whirlwind (hurricane, storm, rage, to be violently shaken) of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing (to catch, chew, and chew again) whirlwind : it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it."   Jer. 30:23-24

Along with the physical restoration of Israel, comes the prophetic promise of a spiritual restoration and revival:

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah...I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people...I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more."   Jer. 31:31-34 (excerpt)

The above is a promise that can never end. It is assured for as long as the sun, moon, stars, seas and waves exist (v. 35). This promise is directly connected to the promise regarding the land:

"For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean...A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh...And I will put my spirit within you...And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I shall be your God."

                                                                                                Ez. 36:24-28 (excerpt)

God has indeed brought Jews out of all the nations of the earth, and returned them to a miraculously restored nation of Israel in our time. He will also initiate a new covenant with its spiritual revival in them. He promises the kingship of the Messiah, like the kingship of David, upon His restored nation (Jer. 30:9, Ez. 37:24-25), and His tabernacle in their midst forever (Ez. 37:26). The Messianic kingship promise is joined with the restoration of the land. As we have seen Israel restored as a nation, this is a sign that we will see the return of our Messiah, Jesus, soon.
The LORD also promises Israel the resurrection from the dead in connection with His promise concerning the restoration of the land (Ez. 37:12-14), and the miraculous joining of two separate sticks, or branches of faith, together into a single stick (stalk, tree, branch, carpenter, root meaning: to shut, firm) in the hand of the prophet. One stick represents the Gentiles of faith, and the other represents the Jewish branch of faith (v. 15-20). Those days are indeed ahead in the near future.

The LORD has also prophesied the terrible persecution that His people and nation will see in the future. He calls it "the time of Jacob's trouble". After the restoration of the land, it will be a time so terrible, that nothing like it has ever existed before - a time of terror and fear. However, God promises that they shall be saved out of it (Jer. 30:3-8):

"...again there shall be heard in this place....The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good, and his mercy endureth for ever...Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah...In those days...will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days, shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness."  

                                                                                          Jer. 33:10-11, 14-16 (excerpt)

As we see the prophesied restoration of the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem being fulfilled, the midnight hour has come when the friend of the bridegroom must be crying out, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him."

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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

 



A Samuel Return to the LORD

When the prophet Samuel ("Heard of God") was a boy in Israel, the priesthood under Eli and his sons was idolatrous, and corrupt (1 Sam. 2:12). They had contempt for the holy things of the LORD, and consumed His holy things upon themselves. The result of this behavior caused the people to disrespect the holy things also (v. 17). It was this attitude of disregard for the things of the LORD that caused Israel to bring the ark of the covenant from Shiloh (rest, quiet, tranquility, that which belongs to him) to the place of battle with the prevailing Philistines, hoping the presence of the ark of God would bring them victory (1 Sam. 4:3). The ark is not a talisman to be brought out and used by an idolatrous priesthood. The ark was not significant only because it was a piece of religious furniture. Its importance lies in Whose presence it represents. It is a holy vessel (Lk. 1:35) containing the Word of God  which is living,(Jn. 1:1-3) His covenant and His commands, the manna, the Bread of life come down from heaven (Jn. 6:33), and His spiritual authority of miraculous resurrection power (Aaron's staff that budded). It is a place of the blood covering, and the seat of His mercy. The ark was a type and picture of God's salvation, Jesus.

In this case, the Philistines continued to prevail, and not only took the victory that day, but they also took the ark! It was a shame and horror to have the ark of God fall into the enemy's hands. The corrupt and indifferent priests also died that day. When the news got back, Eli's daughter-in-law gave birth naming her child "Ichabod" saying, "The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."  (1 Sam. 4:21-22).

The glory of God, the ark of God, could not be handled by just anyone. One must be cleansed and set apart, or suffer grievous harm, even death. Also, the ark of His glory could not be kept just anywhere, or mixed with idols. The Philistines discovered this as they placed the ark in their idol's temple, next to the image of their false god. The statue of the false god was destroyed by the presence of the ark, and the people of the Philistine city and the nearby area were destroyed also (1 Sam. 5:1-6). Wherever the Philistines moved the ark, death followed. Finally, they sought to return the ark to Israel on a cart with offerings of gold to appease the anger of the God of Israel, which had come upon them (1 Sam. 6:3).

Even as the ark was returned, the men of the city where it arrived mishandled the ark, and many died (1 Sam. 6:19). Finally, the man Eleazar was sanctified and set apart to keep the ark in Kirjath-jearim. It remained there for twenty years (1 Sam. 7:1-2).

For twenty years, the ark was removed from Shiloh (to be at rest, He whose it is, that which belongs to Him, also a Messianic name). For twenty years, no one was found in Israel who was able to bring the ark back to where it belonged, and all the people lamented (to wail with mourning, to groan, see also Zech. 12:10,12) after the LORD (1 Sam. 7:2).

They lamented because the spiritual condition of the people of God was such that they were no longer separated with the ark, but they were separated from the ark.

The prophet Samuel, told the people that he would show them the way to restoration:

"And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, "If you do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve Him only: and He will deliver you out of the hands of the Philistines."   ! Sam. 7:3

The children of Israel obeyed and put away their false gods, and idols. Samuel then instructed them:

"...gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD."   v. 5

Mizpeh means "watchtower", an elevated place or structure used as a look out for enemies. However, this watchtower is also a prophetic place according to its root meaning "to lean forward, to peer into the distance, to await, to observe." At this assigned place, the things Samuel would show them would not only bring them to a path of restoration, but would also have a prophetic significance, which we will see.

"And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, "We have sinned against the LORD." And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh."    v. 6

 

The people gathered to that place, drew water and poured it out, fasted, and confessed their sin. Not only was this the way to their restoration, but it is the way to ours also.

מִצְפָּה

The letters that form the Hebrew word "Mizpeh" are shown above. Each letter has a meaning that reflects this path to restoration, not only for Samuel's era, but, prophetically, for the appearing of Messiah, as well. It is an eternal truth. Let us look at the letters:

Mem refers to water and blood. The people drew water, and poured it out at Mizpeh. Jesus is the water and the blood (Jn. 19:34, 1 Jn. 5-6). The second letter of Mizpeh is tsadde. This letter is a righteous desire, a trail, a journey, a hunt. The people journeyed to gather at Mizpeh, because they were seeking and desired righteousness. Jesus tells us to seek Him, and He will be found ((Lk. 11:10). The third letter, peh, refers to an open mouth, speaking, a beginning. The children of Israel  opened their mouths and confessed. The beginning of our path to salvation is with our confession (Rom. 10:9-10, Rom. 14:11, 1 John 1:9). The final letter, he, tells us to behold, watch, see, reveal. Samuel brought them, and prophetically, us, to the watchtower to see the restoration and salvation of God.

At this moment of restoration, the Philistines, again began an attack. Samuel offered a young lamb as a sacrifice that day in Mizpeh also, even as Jesus is our Lamb of sacrifice (Jn. 1:29). The LORD thundered a great thunder, and the Philistines were smitten. All the days of Samuel's life, the Philistines were subdued, and did not come again into Israel (1 Sam. 7:13).

Isn't it time for us also, His Church, to seek that journey of righteousness, and repentance, and bring back the presence of the LORD, and His glory? Haven't we also become "Ichabod", because the glory has departed from us? As Samuel instructed Israel, if we want to return to the LORD with all of our hearts, we must put away from us the idols, and false gods to which we have attached ourselves: the powers, desires, and cares of this world. The holy covenant of God will not share a place with our idols. If we confess our sins, as Israel did at Mizpeh, He will cleanse us of all unrighteousness. We are His royal priesthood, His holy priesthood, and we are to minister before the ark of His glory as such.

We desperately need a Samuel return to the LORD.

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What the Kingdom Declares

 

The Kingdom of God declares transformative truths in the heavens and on earth. They are truths that impact the individual, the circumstances and condition of life, and even the earth, itself.

The Kingdom declares:

the Lordship of God, both in heaven and on earth, and consequently, the Lordship of Christ, who did only His Father's will in the earth (Mt. 11:25, 27, Col. 1:16-20):

"For by Him (Christ) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth...and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist..."

The Kingdom declares: 
that it comes by revelation to those whom the Father chooses (Mt. 11:25):

"...Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."

The Kingdom declares:

repentance that opens the door to the Kingdom. Repentance transforms the destiny of a person, city or nation. Jesus said that after seeing the great works of the Kingdom, we should come to a place of repentance (Mt. 11:20-24):

"Then began He (Jesus) to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not."

The Kingdom declares:

that repentance begins the process of deliverance. As we turn away from darkness, we are brought into the light of the Son's Kingdom (Col. 1:13, 1 Pet. 2:9, Jn. 3:21):

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness..." 

"...ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

The Kingdom declares:
the restoration of "zoe" life. It is the same kind of life the Father has-kedem (eternal) and olam (everlasting): from antiquity, without ceasing, into an unending future. It is life in abundance in every way (Jn. 3:15-17):

"...whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life...everlasting life..."
The Kingdom declares:
reconciliation. The things of the earth have been reconciled with the things in heaven. Man and God have been reconciled by the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Christ (Col. 1:14, 20, 22):
"...having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled."
The Kingdom declares:
that we have been translated (removed from one place to another, changed, to carry away, to pass over, transfer, transport), even as Enoch was translated that he should not see death (Heb. 11:5). We also have already been translated from darkness to light, from death unto life, from corruptible (flesh) to incorruptible. This is the rapture, already accomplished in the spirit, and soon, we believe, to be experienced in the natural (Col. 1:13):
"(The Father) who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son."

The Kingdom of God has declared, and is still declaring, these great truths. Jesus sent out His disciples to carry the truth of the Kingdom to others. They were not just to preach the Kingdom, but to demonstrate the Kingdom. This was even before the cross (Mk. 6:7-13, Lk. 9:1-6):
"And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth two by two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;...And they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."
"And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick...And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where."
Not only did Jesus send out the twelve, but He also sent the seventy-two in the same manner. They were not to be concerned with their provision, nor fear possible rejection. If their message of the Kingdom was rejected, they were to just continue on to the next town. 
The Kingdom of God is not just for us to receive with joy. It is also, by command, for us to take out to others by word and demonstration. It is for us to declare and demonstrate the sovereignty and Lordship of God and Christ, bringing the truth of the transformative power and deliverance of repentance. It is for us to declare the reconciliation between God and man, and between things on earth, and things in heaven. We are to show that not only are we reconciled, but we are translated. As His disciples obediently went out in power before the cross, how much more should we be demonstrating the Kingdom and converting others two thousand years after the cross?
This week, and in the coming weeks, it is not enough to treasure the gospel to ourselves. In these days when men are perishing, it is a necessity to be the Kingdom to others. Jesus has sent us out. What is holding us back, and what report will we bring back to Him?

To contact/give:
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