Back to the Garden- The Feast of Tabernacles

 

Since before creation, when the Lamb of God was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8), it has been God's will and plan to tabernacle, or dwell, with men.

As we go through the feasts of the LORD during the year, the last feast is the Feast of Tabernacles (dwelling, habitation, tent, abide, reside). It is the seventh feast, in the seventh month, lasting seven days. The number "seven" has a special significance being the number of the Sabbath rest of God. The Feast of Tabernacles is a joyous feast that comes at the end of the fall harvest. It is a prophetic type and shadow of the will of God to make His dwelling place with men. From the beginning of God's relationship with man on the earth, we see His desire to tabernacle with us:

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid (hide, secretly, withdraw, harden) themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden."    Gen. 3:8

It is interesting to note that God did not withdraw from man, but man withdrew from God after he sinned. From that point onward, God expressed His desire and plan to re-establish His tabernacle with men. God gave us a beautiful picture of this desire when He approached Abraham's tent (dwelling, tabernacle, home) in Mamre (Gen. 18:2). The LORD supped with Abraham (v. 8). The LORD prophesied the miraculous birth of a son for the aged Abraham and his wife (v. 10). The LORD received the intercession of Abraham for the righteous that may have been living in the doomed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 26-32). Later, because of Abraham's intercession, a miraculous angelic rescue was provided for a family that lived there.

The LORD repeated His desire to tabernacle with men to Moses, not only through the Law pertaining to the feasts (Lev. 23:34-44), but also in prophecy:

"And I will set My tabernacle amongst you: and My soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My people. I am the LORD your God which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright."   Lev. 26:11-13

The LORD placed in David's heart and song, a desire to tabernacle with Him:

"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion...my head shall be lifted up above mine enemies....therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy..." 

                                                                                                         Ps. 27:6-6

Though David was a sinful man, he had a heart of repentance, and his heart always sought God's heart. The LORD described David as, "...a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfil all My will."  (Acts 13:22). We see that heart above in David's desire for the tabernacle of God.

The LORD spoke again of His plan to tabernacle with men through His prophets:

"Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them...and will set My sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And the heathen shall know that I do sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore."    Ezek. 37:26-28

Even the heathen will know God because of the way that He will tabernacle with His people. This dwelling among men will not just be for seven days out of every year, but for eternity.

In the Father's plan of salvation, He reveals again His desire to tabernacle with men. He sent His Son to dwell, or tabernacle, with them, and Jesus confirms the goal:

"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."

"Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."  Jn. 14:23

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man open the door, I will come in to him, and I will sup with him, and he with Me."  Rev. 3:20

All that is required of us is to open the door of our hearts to Him, and He will tabernacle with us.

Further into the ages, the LORD repeats His plan to have His tabernacle among men. Throughout the Millenial Reign (1,000 years) of Christ on earth, the nations will be required to come to His tabernacle:

"And it shall come to pass that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles."   Zech. 14:16

Even the enemy nations which will seek to destroy Jerusalem in the day of the LORD, even the most strident in hatred, those who will set their plans against God and His people, will be required to come to the Feast of Tabernacles. If they fail to do so, their land will receive no rain (v. 17-19). So strong is the LORD's will to tabernacle among men.

And it will be the Spirit and heart of tabernacles that will bring the earth into a new creation, and into an eternal dwelling place with God:

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven, and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God."  Rev. 21:1-3

So, as you can see, from before the beginning, and continuing on into the last chapters of scripture, God has not changed His desire and plan to tabernacle and dwell with men. Even when we have withdrawn and hidden from Him in sin, even when we have rejected and rebelled against Him, His glorious plan for us has never wavered. It is His everlasting covenant with us- His covenant of peace. Let us joyfully celebrate the LORD's Feast of Tabernacles.

 

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Feast of Atonement-Yeshua IS Our Atonement

 

The Feast of Atonement, Yom Kippur, is the second fall feast of the LORD. One day a year, the high priest entered into the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle or Temple, and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice upon the Mercy Seat, which was atop the Ark of the Covenant. This blood offering cleansed the sins of the people for one year. It was not a permanent atonement for sin, and had to be renewed yearly. The days leading up to this feast were marked by self-examination, and deep repentance. This feast was a prophetic type and shadow that would be perfectly, and eternally, fulfilled by the Messiah.

Under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ became both our High Priest who enters, and the  blood of sprinkling. He brought  into the heavenly Holy of Holies the sacrifice of blood that He provided from His own body, to sprinkle upon the Mercy Seat of God:
"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."   Heb. 9:12-15
                                                                     And:
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ...To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you..."  1 Pet. 1:2, 4
No longer for just a year, but now, as Christ has fulfilled the Feast of Atonement with the sprinkling of His blood, the redemption and the inheritance are eternal.
The Jewish blessing and prayer for the Feast of Atonement is "May you be inscribed in the Book of Life". Now, through Christ, the Messiah, that prayer is fulfilled.
We should also know that not only did Jesus enter the Holy of Holies with His blood, but in so doing, He made the way possible for us to enter this holiest place as well:
"Having therefore, brethren , boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, His flesh; and having a High Priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our hope without wavering (for He is faithful that promised)."   Heb. 10:19-23
Following into the Holy of Holies, after the way that Jesus established with His blood, we follow Him in priesthood, and we have priestly responsibilities, and obligations. We cannot hold our priesthood in just any manner. It requires consecration, setting ourselves apart from the ways and spirit of the world. Through the Prophet Malachi, God exhorted the priesthood:
"For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My name, and a pure offering: for My name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts."
                                                                                            Mal. 1:11
Incense offered to God is the form of our prayers before Him (Rev. 8:3-4), and also in the verse above, God says He requires a pure offering. We are that pure offering ("I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."  Rom. 12:1). As we perform these priestly duties, God's name becomes great in all the nations, and among the heathen who do not know Him. We see this principle again in Malachi:
"My covenant was with him (that is Levi, the tribe of priests) of life and peace,,,he feared (reverenced, awed by) Me, and was afraid (amazed, broken, prostrate) before My name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with Me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts."  Mal. 2:5-7
The LORD teaches through Malachi above, that the priest who fulfills his responsibilities as he should, brings the covenant of life and peace with him. His reverent ministry before God has the effect of turning many others from iniquity. People will seek the knowledge and truth found in the priest's mouth, and the priest becomes the messenger of the LORD. All of this is accomplished as a result of the total reverence and deference to God in the priest's own heart. His own heart must be sprinkled with that atoning blood.
All of this great work of the Messiah's atoning blood and the Spirit is a fulfillment of the prophetic promise of God:
"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one who is in bitterness for his first born...In that day, there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhbitnts of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the (false) prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land....And one shall say unto Him, "What are these wounds in Thine hands? Then He shall answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends."  Zech. 12:10, 13:1-2, 6
The eternal promise and inheritance have been accomplished in us and through us in the fulfillment by Jesus of the Feast of Atonement. Others, even whole nations, are to be impacted by that atonement work in us. However, as we have seen, our resulting priesthood in Christ also requires something of us.

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REAL "Breaking News"

 

The main stream news media has been filled with stories and discussions of scandals and political divisions. We have all also experienced programming being interrupted with special bulletins called "Breaking News". However, most media outlets have missed a very urgent report, something that could genuinely be labeled as real "breaking news". It is a most significant event, prophetically speaking, as well as being a sign of the end of a spiritual age.

On July 14th, terrorists staged an attack on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Although it was the site of the Temple of God until that was destroyed in 70 A.D., it is presently the site of the Al-Aqsa ("The Farthest") Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock. It is a holy site to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

In 1967, Israel re-captured this site, along with the rest of East Jerusalem, and at that moment, Jews prayed at the site for the first time in centuries. It was also the last time they were allowed to do so, until now. In 1967, authority over the site was given to a joint Palestinian-Jordanian security force called the Islamic Trust, or Waqf. Since then, no non-Muslims have been allowed to pray on the Mount. All non-Muslim visitors were accompanied by Islamic Trust security, who would prevent them from praying (see the photo above).

Since the July 14th terror attack, Israel has taken over the security for this holy site, and for the first time since 1967, Jews have been able to pray on the Temple Mount without harassment. Why is this event important to believers in Christ?

Jesus spoke of the prophetic significance that the Temple, and its site, would play in the end of the era (Gr.-"aion", not the end of the world, as some translations state):

"And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, He said, "As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." And they asked Him saying, "Master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?"    Lk. 21:5-7

Jesus goes on to describes the great turmoil that will come upon Israel and the whole earth at this time including unusual signs in the heavens, natural disasters of great magnitude on earth, warfare, ethnic hatred, persecution of those of faith, betrayals. As Jesus sat on the Temple Mount, He began to prophesy regarding Jerusalem as the center of turmoil:

"And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed (encircled) with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh...For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled....there shall be distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled... So likewise, ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."  Lk. 21:20, 22, 24, 31

The last territory in Israel that could be described as "trodden down of the Gentiles", the Temple Mount, came under Israel's authority in these last weeks, and Jews were able to pray once again on this site.

To further point out the immediacy of the coming events, Jesus said, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree (used in scripture to symbolize Israel); When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye, in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done...But, of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father (idiom or expression used in reference to the Marriage of the Lamb)".    Mk. 13:28-32

Along with the significance of the Temple Mount, Jesus refers above to Jerusalem being "compassed with armies" (Lk. 21:20). Never before in history have we seen the nations lining up so exactly according to prophecy. These nations are in the news nightly, and are also part of the real "breaking news". The Prophet Ezekial gives us that prophetic line up of nations that will come against a newly restored (Ez. 37) Israel. In chapter 38, Ezekiel prophesies that the princes and nations of Gog, Magog, Meshech and Tubal, all part of what we now call Russia, will be dragged into conflict against Israel. Other nations including Persia (Iran), Ethiopia and Libya will join them. Also mentioned in this prophetic line up of nations are Gomer, and Togarmah, eastern European areas that might also include Turkey. All of these nations have been recent headlines in the news. Russia, as we know, has involved itself openly in the region in these last years.
The rapidly developing real breaking news involving Israel, the Temple Mount, and the nations of the earth, is a fulfillment of prophecy and a sign of the Last Days, which includes the approaching end of the age of the Gentiles. When the age of the Gentiles is fulfilled, we know that it will be a profound spiritual turning point:
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob."   Rom. 11:25-26
Those who are believing for the soon return of Christ need to become aware, and alert to the real "breaking news".

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Trumpet Blasts and Wedding Garments: Are You Ready?

 

During the Feast of Trumpets, which is the first of the fall feasts of the LORD, there is a series of repeated blasts of the shofar (trumpet made from a ram's horn) that are specifically associated with this feast.
The first shofar blast of the repeated series is called "Tekiah". It is one long blast. Its sound represents both joy and warning. In our last post, we discussed the joy associated with this feast (Rev. 19:7-9, Ps. 81:1-3). The warning of the Tekiah blast, according to the rabbinical teachings, serves to call attention to something, to gather together to receive God's orders. Jesus issued this Tekiah-like warning:
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (dissipation, carousing), and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." 
                                                                                              Lk. 21:34-36
The Apostle Paul repeats a similar warning:
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief...Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober...For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ."    1 Thess. 5:2-9 (excerpt)
Much of the Church is asleep, unaware, and unprepared. The Tekiah blast is to stir us up, and warn us to start paying attention. Tradition says that the Tekiah blast is shouting, "Awake you sleepers!".
The second series of blasts of the shofar is called "Shevarim". It is comprised of three short, broken notes. The word Shevarim means "breakings". Its sounding calls people to weep, repent, and seek God. The blasts are to lead God's people into examining themselves. They are reminded to turn away from the things that have been separating them from God, and to seek those things that are Godly:
"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil...But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..."   1 Pet. 3:12, 15    and
"Quench not the Spirit...Prove all things;  hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."                                                               1 Thess. 5:19-23
We are expected to walk in a Godly manner, sanctified, having not even the appearance of evil in our lives. The Shevarim blasts warn us that we are to repent, and change our ways, when we fall short of these things. The pure, white, clean linen of the wedding garments worn by the Bride of Christ represent righteousness (Rev. 19:7-8), for she has prepared herself for her wedding to the Lamb of God. The cares and ways of this world, the things considered valuable and important to this world, are not part of the righteousness of the saints.
The third series of blasts of the shofar is called "Teruah". They are nine, short, staccato blasts of alarm. It is an urgent warning, meant to give advance notice of an immediately impending event. The word Teruah means "shout or cry". It is to bring the hearers into deep repentance, sorrow, and sobbing. To us, it should be our last warning, "The Bridegroom  cometh". At the sounding of these Teruah blasts, there is no time left to "prepare" if we have not already prepared ourselves for this event. The moment is about to come upon us. Jesus gave this serious warning to one of His churches:
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore, thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."  Rev. 3:2-3
To this same church, Jesus gave this promise if they listened to Him, and repented:
"...few...which have not defiled their garments;  and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels."   Rev. 3:2-5 (excerpt)
The last sounding of the shofar in this series is called "Teruah Gedolah", meaning "the last trump" or "the great trump". It is one long, continuing note to be held as long as the breath allows. It is the trumpet blast of the hope of redemption, and resurrection of the dead:
"For the Lord Himself, shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice (also includes the sound or tone of an instrument) of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.:   1 Thess. 4:16-17
The moment of resurrection is preceded with sounds. These sounds first speak to those who are "asleep", the dead in Christ, and then also to those living who belong to Him. 
Isaiah is just one prophet who prophesied this moment of resurrection:
"Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise. Awake (awaken abruptly, arise, watch. root- harvest) and sing (sing, shout, cry out, overcome), ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew (night mist. root- overshadow, covering) is as the dew of herbs (light, luminousness. root- "ore" light of Christ), and the earth shall cast out (lie prostrate, prostrate oneself, fall away from, be inferior to) the dead. Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast."  Isa. 26:19-20
The dead and the living in Christ are, in an abrupt moment, gathered to Him in resurrection and transformation, to enter into the bridal chamber with Him.
As the trumpets of this feast sound, they are the foreshadowing of the last call and warning for the Bride to make herself ready.

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The Coming Fall Feasts

 

The prophetic shadows and types found in the spring feasts of the LORD were fulfilled in Christ's first coming. The fall feasts are a foreshadowing of Christ's return. It is not only important for the Church to know the significance of these feasts, but it is a blessing to see how God has revealed His prophetic plan through them.

The three fall feasts of the LORD are described in Lev. 23-44. These feasts are The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, and the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot. Each feast is memorialized by a special Sabbath. There is to be no work done on these days. The Sabbath is a day in which the completed work of God, is to be remembered and held holy. These feasts as well, point us to His plan, and the completion, or fulfillment of that plan.

The first of the fall feasts is the Feast of Trumpets:

"...In the seventh month (Tishrei), in the first day of the month (a new moon), shall ye have a Sabbath, and a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD."   Lev. 23:24-25

This feast can only begin when the new moon is seen in the sky in the month of Tishri. Even though the date of the feast is marked on the calendar, because it can be difficult to spot the new moon, no man can know the precise day, nor hour for the beginning of the feast (see also Mt. 24:36, 50). Once the new moon is spotted in the sky, the signal is given, the shout goes up, and the trumpets, or shofars, begin to sound all throughout the land ( Listen here ).

It is a feast of shouting, sounding, and rejoicing:

"Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob...Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day."  Ps. 81:1, 3

The above Psalm was written by Asaph, whose name means "to gather, to collect, receive, remove, to gather and take away, to receive into". His Psalms should remind us of the great gathering in of harvest that the LORD has planned. Could that "gathering in", that "taking away" be associated with the Feast of Trumpets? Let's read on.

The Apostle Paul talks about a similar event in 1Thess. 4:1-18, and 5:1-6, 12-18. He begins by speaking that we are to know how to possess our vessel (body) in sanctification and honor. God has not called us unto uncleanness, but to holiness. We are to love and honor God with our behavior, and to act with honor and love towards one another. This is to fulfill the commandments of Christ (Mt. 22:36-40). Paul goes on to say that we should not be ignorant.:

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and  the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."  (see also Jn. 14:2-3) 1 Thes. 4:16-17

We are to be aware of the times and the seasons so that this day should not overtake us unaware, like a thief, as those who do not know God. He concludes by warning:

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others;  but let us watch and be sober...Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in every thing give thanks." 1 Thes. 5:6,16-18

A similar warning is given by Christ in a parable about the sudden coming of the Bridegroom  in Mt. 25:1-13. Ten virgins had been sleeping when the shout comes, "Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." (v. 6). Some, who are wise, are prepared to go out to the bridegroom immediately, but some who are unwise have been careless and negligent, and therefore, unprepared. By the time these unwise, careless virgins are ready, the bridegroom has already left. But "...they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut."  (v. 10). The Lord concludes by warning:

"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh."  (v. 13).

The above parable about the coming of the Bridegroom warns us to be prepared and ready for that sudden appearing. The Apostle Paul warns above about preparing ourselves in holiness and honor, adding that a shout and a trump will signal our gathering away to be with the Lord. Also, Rev. 19:7 proclaims that "the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready."  Being ready is necessary for this event. This occasion is also accompanied by gladness and rejoicing, as the Psalmist declared.

Being ready, or prepared, is also part of the prophetic pattern of the Feast of Trumpets. Before the Feast of Trumpets begins in the month of Tishrei, the preceding month of Elul is considered a month of "teshuvah", or repentance, in order to prepare, and be ready for the coming feast. Not only do the worshippers prepare their souls, but they also spend the month before the feast preparing the garments they will wear for the Feast of Trumpets. According to the traditional observance, the garments of this feast must be clean, white linen, without spot or wrinkle. It should come as no surprise to find that the Bride who has made herself ready is further described:

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints."  Rev. 19:8

And Paul also uses similar words to describe the Church:

"That He might present it to Himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish."  Eph. 5:27

The preparation month of Elul will soon be here, and then Tishrei will begin with the Feast of Trumpets. We do not know which year the prophetic shadow of the Feast of Trumpets that we have described above will be fulfilled, but we know the signs of the times tell us that it is near, at any moment. We are called to be among those who are not ignorant, and not in darkness, but aware, awake, prepared, and ready when the shout goes out, and the trumpet sounds, to be gathered in, to go into the marriage supper of the Lamb.

 

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What Price Liberty?

 

As our nation enters into the July 4th holiday celebrating our independence and liberty, most Americans will center their attention and activities on cook outs, fireworks, beaches and other summer fun. Little thought or appreciation will be given to the blood that was shed to secure that liberty. Our American soldiers and many civilians died to insure it, and they continue to stand ready in an instant to fight for our continued liberty, not only ours, but for many living across the globe. Other political and economic agendas play their parts in war, but for the American soldier, there is only one reason for which he or she risks dying-for our safety and continued liberty.

President Lincoln made note of the tenuous nature of liberty, and the sacrifice of blood that is required to protect it, at the site of one of the bloodiest battles in American history: Gettysburg:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. ... It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.    (excerpt)

Benjamin Franklin also remarked upon the fragile nature of liberty when asked what form of government he and the Continental Congress had given us: "A Republic, if you can keep it."
As tenuous as our political liberty may be, have we also considered that the same is true for our spiritual liberty? Like our political liberty, our spiritual liberty was won at a price: not with the blood of soldiers, but with the blood of Jesus Christ:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.//That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit....For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God...the creature (creation) waiteth  for the manifestation of the sons of God...Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."   Rom. 8:1-2, 4, 14, 19, 21
However, the Word also tells us that this precious liberty, this gift from God through the death and resurrection of His Son, requires something of us if we are to continue to enjoy it:
"What then? shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?...For if we live after the flesh, we shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."   Rom. 6:15-16, 8:13
God has ordained that He should reign and rule in us by His Holy Spirit. His laws will be written in us, because Christ is in us and He fulfilled the law:
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds, I will write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."   Heb. 10:16-17
If we rebel and disregard this law that God has written within us, which Jesus fulfilled on our behalf (Mt. 5:17), we lose that liberty:
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He who despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace?... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."  Heb. 10:26-29, 31
We live in a nation that disregards the cost paid for its liberty, using that liberty for license, enacting laws and embracing sins that are against the laws of God, and are an abomination before Him. Let us, the people of God in Christ, not share in that same spirit of disregard concerning our even more precious spiritual liberty in Him:
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
                                                                                      Rom. 8:5-8
As we resolve to turn away from the carnal, and to walk in the Spirit of God, not only will we walk in the liberty of God, but we will affect the spiritual liberty of our nation:
"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."    2 Chron. 7:14
This healing is not for our land only, but for all creation which awaits the manifestation of the sons of God, who walk in the Spirit, in His liberty, and not in the flesh (Rom. 8:19).

Let us remember the price paid for our precious liberty through Christ, and honor it.


To Contact/Give:
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Reference:
http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm







A Special Father's Day Is Coming

 

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready."  Rev. 19:7
Very special events are waiting on the prophetic calendar. They are events that are connected to the fall Feasts of the LORD. There are specific days and hours in which these prophetic events will be fulfilled, and only the Father in heaven knows and determines them. These great events, including the marriage supper of the Lamb, are governed from the realm of the Father, only. No man will have the rulership or authority over these events. Because the exact timing of them is unknown to us, we must always be prepared and "ready" for the fulfillment at any moment. These events will be very special "Father's Days" for the earth.

Regarding the great day of the return of Lord, the Messiah, Jesus said:

"But of that day and hour, knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." 

                                                                                                               Mt. 24:36-39

Before the moment of the flood, life went on as normal, and men failed to repent, because  even though they had the witness of Noah for an extended period of time, they were unbelieving that the moment of destruction was about to come upon them. So it will be again at the moment of the return of Christ. As in Noah's day, the men of today do not have a heart of repentance, and they do not believe that the moment will come upon them suddenly. As men mocked Noah, so men of today also mock the warning witness that the moment will come at any time, according to the determination of the Father. Neither men's plans nor their desires will determine that day or hour, but the Father only.

Jesus warned even believers, "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."     Mk. 13:33

 

After His resurrection, when Jesus appeared to the disciples during the forty days before His ascension, He discussed with them the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). His disciples asked if He would restore the kingdom to Israel at this time. He answered:

"It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power."  Acts 1:7

Again the Savior tells them that this is something over which only the Father has control. The Father has put this timing into His own power. It is completely out of the power of men. However, Jesus goes on to describe what has been given to men regarding this:

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Acts 1:8

Though men will not know the day nor the hour, which is in the Father's hands only, the Father has not left men without a warning witness in the earth. As men watched Noah build the ark day by day, and plank by plank, we have been empowered by the Holy Ghost for the purpose of being Noahs to our generation. We are to bear witness day by day, Word by Word, step by step, person by person, and prayer by prayer, that the day and the hour that the Father has determined can come upon man at any moment.

There is a special Father's Day coming.

 

To Give/Contact:

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