by Mark Huey

While recently studying the leadership traits recommended by Jethro, in his counsel to his son-in-law Moses (Exodus 18:21), a Psalm of David took on a much more profound meaning—in light of current political events as the United States travails with a crisis in leadership. The parallels came to mind because it appears that a genuine political shaking of tectonic proportions is subliminally taking place.

Naturally without spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14), the proffered conjectures about the origin of the political shift being offered by the punditry, do not make specific reference to the inherent character flaws of most American political leaders. However, according to Psalm 15, it is evident that when a person, or in the case of failing leadership a group of people, fails to consider the simple requirements of the Scriptures and the summary of qualities noted by King David—the shaking will be pronounced. It will not only be the case with whomever is in charge, but lamentably, much of the society at large.

“A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt and does not change; he does not put out his money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken” (Psalm 15:1-5).

In summary fashion, listed below are twelve characteristics that the Psalmist notes are requirements for maintaining stability. When they are adhered to, people will not have lives shaken by double-minded actions, as they will be adhering to a code of conduct guided by fear of the Lord:

1. walking with integrity
2. working righteousness
3. speaking truth
4. no slander
5. no evil to neighbors
6. no reproach toward friends
7. despises the reprobate
8. honoring of those who fear the Lord
9. swears to his own hurt
10. no changing
11. no charging interest
12. ability not to be bribed

Several millennia ago, David was having to address questions about who could dwell in the Tabernacle of an immutable God located on the holy hill of Zion. Today, the American electorate struggles with a duly elected yet vacillating executive living in the revered White House, and a cadre of other legislators sequestered under a dome on Capital Hill. Without wanting to be judgmental, it appears from what is reported in the media that most, if not all, of the elected leaders suffer from a lack of the four minimal qualifications for leadership that Jethro presented to Moses for leadership in Ancient Israel:.

“Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens” (Exodus 18:21).

It is noticeable that very few of America’s elected leaders have all of the twelve qualifications for avoiding being visibly, or internally shaken, to the very core, that David lists in his psalm. If you happen to be interested in seeing the truth about shaking with your own eyes or hearing it with your own ears, just watch and listen to some of these leaders in the days, weeks, and months ahead. You might have already seen or heard the shaking leaders, but now you will know from where the shaking comes.

The Psalmist’s solution: Stand on the Rock of God and do not be shaken:

“He only is my Rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6).

by J.K. McKee

It is not every day (or month) when one gets to experience a change in decade. While each new calendar year can be approached with a sense of newness and anticipation, the completion of ten years, and looking ahead to another ten years, is definitely something to pause and reflect upon. This is especially true if you are a part of today’s Messianic community, a relatively young and still-developing spiritual movement, which is still very much trying to figure out what it is to become.

The past two years have really been an important season for me, because I have not at all hidden the fact that much of what I have witnessed in the Messianic movement throughout the 2000s, I have often been displeased with. Sensationalism, fundamentalism, a sub-standard level of Biblical engagement, to just general fleecing of the flock have been present far too frequently. But these things are present in parts of the Christian Church as well (just turn on Christian television), so we should not be too surprised. Yet as the last two years of the 2000s took shape, I got to see what the real battle for our faith community is going to be about. It is not going to be about the latest (re)calcuated date for the Second Coming, whether it is okay” for Believers to examine Jewish mysticism, or even how the Torah is relevant for all of God’s people. The battle for the 2010s is going to be about how every Believer can be included in the Messianic movement.

Our family has been in the Messianic community since 1995: fifteen years. In this period of time, we have always had to “do our own thing.” While we have been a part of different congregational fellowships, and in ministry have been a part of associations with other ministries at times—I know that I have not really found a place where I have truly felt that my needs have been met. When in Messianic Judaism, the emphasis was how non-Jewish Believers were there to serve the needs of the Jewish Believers. When being a part of different Two-House alliances, too much time was spent trying to squelch some of the false teachings circulating. When interacting with people labeling themselves as One Law, you encounter a high degree of Torah rigidity and legalism that makes you feel uncomfortable. After a while you wonder: Where can born again Believers, both Jewish and non-Jewish, find a place where Messiah followers can be properly ministered to? Where is that Messianic movement where all can be encouraged in the Lord to use their gifts and talents to fullest extent, and be all they can be?

If you would like to know where such a Messianic movement exists—then you are not alone. Each one of us who stayed Messianic throughout the 2000s, in spite of the various issues that have dragged us down, has exhibited a huge amount of faith. We have stayed in—regardless of some of the side show clowns out there—because we know that if our problems can be rectified, we possess the potential to make a concentrated, substantially positive difference for the Kingdom of God. We know the power of the Passover sedar, in getting both Jews and Christians to consider why Yeshua came into the world to be sacrificed, and even the multi-layered aspects of what the Exodus communicates to God’s people about seeing the oppressed freed from bondage (in far more ways than just bondage from sin). We know that a consistent regimen of Torah study can really motivate people to greater holiness. We know that it is time to give all of the Bible its due, and not be selective in our readings. In our hearts, we see so much going in our favor, that we really are devastated when we see the sacred trust the Lord has given us trampled by many who claim to be “leaders.”

I believe that the key to us getting beyond some of the negative issues of the 2000s will be found in what it really means for us to all be working together as the people of God. Nowhere does the Bible support the idea that there are to be assemblies of Jewish Messiah followers and assemblies of everyone else, and that we are all to just be extended relatives or cousins of one another. The community of Messiah followers is to be a mixed group of people—“brothers and sisters” in fact—where all can be ministered to. The modern Messianic movement is not supposed to just be a Jewish renewal movement, and neither it is to only be the completion of the Protestant Reformation. It will, in fact, develop into something where Jewish Believers can have their unique needs met—where believing in Yeshua does not mean giving up one’s Jewish heritage. And, it will develop into something where evangelical Believers can embrace their Hebraic Roots, but can feel like they can have something to contribute to the well being of the ekklēsia.

One of the things that I found so appealing about the Two-House teaching in the early 2000s was not so much the emphasis on Israel’s restoration, but that—on paper at least—it really did desire to see Jews and Christians come together as equals in a Messianic environment. Messianic non-Jews would not just have to sit in a congregation where a Messianic Jewish leader would berate some of the ills of historic Christianity. Messianic non-Jews could stand up and assertively say, “You are only describing one part of the Church…” and not take the abuse. When an insecure Messianic Jewish leader would accuse all Christians of putting his relatives into Hitler’s death camps, that belief could now be directly challenged because it was by no means true. In fact, not only did many Christians—including German Christians—stand up against Hitler, but today’s Messianic movement needed to recognize that it has a Christian spiritual and theological heritage from which it directly benefits. Sadly, much of the Two-House community of the 2000s became riddled with even more ungodly rhetoric against the Christian Church than I witnessed in the Messianic Judaism of the late 1990s (not to mention a variety of other urban legends).

So where is that place where any of us can belong and work together? A few people have thought that these negative trends are an indication that the Messianic movement really is not of God. I say perish the thought! We have so much potential—and the enemy knows it—that he has tried his best to get us off course. Those of us who know this need to be able to stick it out, and let time naturally take care of the problems. Yet in order for this to occur, those of us who want to see Messianic congregations and fellowships arise (as safe places) where all Believers are welcomed and engulfed by the love of Yeshua, need to be considering a few things.

I think it is all safe for us to agree that if sectors of the greater Messianic movement have been a bit off kilter, that it could very easily be a reflection of how individuals and families are a bit off kilter. Likewise, if a family is in proper order, then congregations and the greater Body of Messiah will be in proper order. And the Scriptures tell us what the proper order is: “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Messiah” (Ephesians 5:21, RSV). Both husbands and wives are to serve one another as co-leaders of the home, raising their children in the fear of God. On a wider scale, the diverse groups that make up the internal demographics of the local assembly are to subject themselves to one another—considering how the others’ needs are more important than their own:

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

In all of my years in the Messianic movement, I have seldom heard either of these passages quoted from. The instruction of Ephesians 5:22-33 following is not read with Ephesians 5:21 as the controlling principle. I have never really heard a Messianic Jew say that his non-Jewish congregants’ needs will be considered, and I have never seen a Two-House advocate (even though such a view is supposed to bring Jews and whoever scattered “Ephraim” is together) really emphasize the legitimate needs of Messianic Jews. More than anything else, I think the vast majority of our problems are rooted in the reverse of Philippians 2:3-4: “I have been looking out for my own needs, ignoring the needs of others.”

Every one of us has personal needs, but they should not override the requirement for us to consider those of our fellow brothers and sisters. The mutual submission ideology, of husbands and wives working together, and everyone within the local congregation working together—God’s people living in subjection to one another—is something that almost every sector of the Messianic world does not speak about. In fact, when I have interjected it into conversations with various leaders, it has been frequently dismissed—and I have actually been accused of being a “liberal.” Yet if a mutual submission ideology were dominant in the Messianic world, everyone would have a place of true belonging. Yes, congregations and groupings of Believers are supposed to have leaders and qualified teachers, but the voice of the people by no means is to be drowned out. Leaders are to be there to coordinate every person employing his or her spiritual gifts.

The Messianic movement of the 2010s is going to be much different than that of the 2000s—at least if I have anything to say about it! (grin) Outreach Israel Ministries and TNN Online may sit alone on the frontier for a little while, working toward that Messianic community where all—Jewish and non-Jewish Believers, and men and women—can all feel like their needs are being met. We recently added a section to our Statement of Faith on Human Equality, which includes a major guiding principle for this new decade before us:

…We will promote a mutual submission ideology where our shared Jewish and Christian spiritual heritages are honored and respected, and we remember how the needs of others are more important than our own (Philippians 2:3-4)…

May we all work toward seeing this goal reached!

In recent months, due to life circumstances and numerous intimate interactions with family and friends—attempting to put words to the inevitable reality of human mortality—the conflicting contrast of worldviews was impossible to avoid. For the great majority of these conversations, I remained relatively silent about my eternal perspective, because quite frankly, the words of Paul to the Corinthians often came to mind. Most of the people I have been interacting with view life from an entirely secular and/or natural mindset:

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM [Isaiah 40:13]? But we have the mind of Messiah” (1 Corinthians 2:12-16).

Knowing that some of my family, and most of their loving friends, were primarily natural people—rather than cast forth pearls of spiritual wisdom that would be unappreciated—I have been relegated to listening to vain philosophies about: the cosmos, a Hindu philosopher named Rumi, reincarnation, and annihilation after death. However, when given just a glimmer of light into the hearts and souls of these sincerely caring people, I was quick and firm to declare the resurrection hope that is within me! Of course, where those words fell (the soil of the heart according to Matthew 13), and whether they were planting seeds or watering previously sown seeds, are entirely up to our Heavenly Father and His work of redemption and salvation.

Upon returning home and reflecting on these conversations in early December, the thought of an “anachronistic dilemma,” communicating a return to the mores, precepts, and instructions of the Scriptures, came to mind. Immediately, the thought of encouraging people to walk according to the ancient paths in modern times, became one challenge that Messianic Believers need to address as we move forward toward the consummation of this age. After all, if the restoration of all things (Acts 3:19-21), as foretold by the prophets of old, is real and is not a clever muse to reformulate things in your mind or a myth to motivate inane actions—then our efforts to encourage a return to the ancient ways will not be in vain. The arc of history will bend back toward the beginning of time and the Creator will restore order to His creation, albeit with some traumatic episodes preceding the return of the Messiah Yeshua.

With our firm belief that the Lord Almighty is actively conducting the restoration process, and that He is calling forth a generation of souls to prepare the way for His eventual return, is unfailing. With the advent and advancement of modern technology, the exacerbating distractions that tug on hardened hearts, seem to proliferate daily. Knowing this, our ministry has determined that rather than be relegated to the sidelines of societal debate, left in the dustbin of history as the world carries on discussions regarding present circumstances and future challenges, we are going to “enter into the conversation” by using some of the very technologies available to present the message of hope for God’s Kingdom to come.

Of course, engaging in “the conversation” occurs on multiple levels. Naturally, there is a chattering that occurs on any number of subjects that are of interest to a great variety of individuals. We note in the United States, for example, that a media generated drone on politics, business, entertainment, sports, weather, and any number of subjects generates voluminous interest. Just look at the different Internet websites that provide fodder for public consumption, and you can readily discern what the majority of people want to know about in order to be conversant in coffee break discussions, or when engaging someone in a dialogue. Common ground for exchange breaks the ice!

But what about conversations that are beyond this temporal realm? What about eternal and spiritual subjects that have meaning beyond this mortal life? Where do we find those who are willing to venture into these realms, with convictions that delineate solid Biblical research and understanding? Where are those voices who can really contribute to the prophesied restoration of all things, rather than detract from it?

In our ministry experience for over seven years, we have not always appreciated how some voices have defined not only the Messianic movement or lifestyle, but also how it seems that we somehow have to follow their lead and agree with them. This is not too dissimilar from the media reinterpreting conversations or telling stories with their personal biases and presuppositions. Some of the “bigger” Messianic voices out there do not represent us. We represent us, and we prefer to let people know our thoughts and conclusions without any prejudiced filters. This is why both Outreach Israel and TNN Online send out many e-mail teachings every week, and consistent exhortations and Bible studies. In some regards, we are following the example of President Ronald Reagan, who used the television press conference, White House Rose Garden speech, or Oval Office communiqué—to speak directly to the American people—without others repackaging his words for their own purposes.

Our society has become much more technologically savvy with things like Facebook, YouTube, and the evitable MP3 podcast. Our ministry itself has made use of a variety of these tools, and as new venues are made available, we will certainly consider them. This past month I just got a new Apple iPhone, and in learning how to use it, I saw how easy it would be for our MP3 teachings to be made available via iTunes. One of our outreach projects for 2010 will be to make our audio teachings available on iTunes (almost five years worth at present), in an effort to get our point of view out there to the masses!

We can see how the Prophet Daniel actually saw much of this coming, from visions he received while in Babylonian exile. Just read about some of what he witnessed as he had a peek into the future:

“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (Daniel 12:1-4).

What is exciting to consider when one analyzes Daniel’s vision, is that while he notes a great time of distress and judgment, as well as a future resurrection of people—most important to be considered is how “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (NIV). Daniel observed an increase of knowledge, which many conclude is the advent of the Computer and Information Age, involving the ability to transfer and expand knowledge around the globe at ever increasing speed and efficiency. The communication tools available to us today can certainly be employed not just by the enemy to put out deceptive and enticing words—but also by Believers to help them proclaim the good news of salvation in the Messiah Yeshua.

Only God Himself knows the exact time of fulfillment of Daniel’s, and other similar prophecies. Because we do not know the exact time, we have to be busy about the work of His coming Kingdom, of which we are already citizens (Philippians 3:20). How we can do this as Messianic Believers is very important to consider, because according to Revelation 12:17, 14:12, the end-time saints will not only trust in Yeshua’s atoning work for salvation, but they will also be keeping God’s commandments. Having a more comprehensive understanding of what God’s commandments are, and how obeying them pleases Him, is something that today’s Messianic movement has been uniquely positioned to help instruct people with.

For these purposes, as long as the Holy One allows us to continue, our ministry efforts will be devoted to efficiently get the messages of salvation, redemption, and restoration to all who have the ears to hear. It is a joy to know that despite the challenges of bringing His message to a world that is largely lost—it is still and will always remain the Lord’s work to not only soften the hearts—but cause the increase. As one who has always taken great comfort in the sovereignty of God, I am always amazed about what He is able to do!

Finally, looking back on the history of Ancient Israel, we find that our task is not too different from that which figures like the Prophets themselves once had to perform. Consider what a man like Jeremiah had to face, when confronted with how the great majority of the population he appealed to was not very hungry to walk in the ways of the Lord. Despite his many warnings about the judgment to come upon the Southern Kingdom, he appealed to the people to stand by the ways of the Lord and asked them to return to the ancient paths as originally laid out by Moses. These words could very easily apply to our modern society as well, as we must return to a foundational grounding in all the Scriptures:

“‘To whom shall I speak and give warning they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the LORD has become a reproach to them; they have no delight in it. But I am full of the wrath of the LORD; I am weary with holding it in. Pour it out on the children in the street and on the gathering of young men together; for both husband and wife shall be taken, the aged and the very old. Their houses shall be turned over to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out My hand against the inhabitants of the land,’ declares the LORD. ‘For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, “Peace, peace,” but there is no peace. Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down,’ says the LORD. Thus says the LORD, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ And I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their plans, because they have not listened to My words, and as for My law, they have rejected it also” (Jeremiah 6:10-19).

Lamentably, reading through the words of Jeremiah, one must be also reminded of some words given by the author of Hebrews, who states that: “Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The Lord is faithful to send people like Jeremiah to warn of impending judgment, so that sinners and those in rebellion toward Him will be warned. He also loves so that He will give righteous figures like Daniel visions, which are meant to encourage His people down through the generations so that they might know that not all hope is lost.

Too frequently, though, as Yeshua reminds us, human hearts can sometimes be so hardened to things of God, that not only will they not listen to the Scriptures—but if they could, they would not even listen to people who could come back from the dead (cf. Luke 16:31-32). We are all going to encounter people in life who do not want to listen to the Bible, and they certainly do not want to heed the claims of the Risen Savior who conquered death. At one point or another, we have all met them and have interacted with them. For some reason, no matter what we share or the good works they see in us (cf. Matthew 5:16), some people are just not ready to humble themselves and cry out for mercy—perhaps until it is too late.

We are called to keep on with the work of God’s Kingdom, regardless of how many accept or reject the message. If for us it is to share more about the ancient paths using as many of the modern technologies as possible—then we simply say: Hallelujah! May our efforts bear fruit and may you join us in these endeavors of faith!

The waning months of the secular year typically create opportunities for family and friends to be together over many of the different holidays celebrated. School vacations, coupled with many taking the last week of the year off from work, generally guarantees that interactions with loved ones will occur. While many take these occasions to eat sumptuous meals together, or travel to warmer or snowier climes, or entertain themselves at theaters or sporting events, or simply take advantage of shopping bargains—the concept of being thankful for the gifts of relationships received should never be overlooked. But lamentably, with the distracting hubbub of seasonal activities, many neglect yet another annual chance to not only extend sincere love to one’s family and friends, but also thank them for being who they are, and wholeheartedly blessing them.

While contemplating these realities, and in particular the bestowing of gifts, a number of Scriptures came to my mind, which further amplify the importance of taking some time to properly express lovingkindness, thankfulness, and blessings to those who are here today—but for some reason are people who could be gone tomorrow. Since no one knows what tomorrow will bring (James 4:14), please consider the opportunity to touch others by words—or perhaps even by your hands and arms—of unconditional love. These are things that can be meaningfully received by such providential gifts—gifts of people who are your loved ones and close friends—placed to you by birth or proximity.

For every person who has ever lived, there is a directive that applies to all without reservation: this is the command to “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). To honor, respect, or place a great deal of weight upon the two people who bore you and perhaps raised you, is the one commandment of the Decalogue that has a commensurate blessing attached to it (Ephesians 6:2). By genuinely respecting your parents, one can have a prolongation of his or her lifespan. If perchance your parents are still among the living, then it is highly recommended that you let them know how much you appreciate all that they have done for you—recognizing that you will never be able to fully know all that has been done! On the other hand, if you have had some issues with your parents over the years, then it is high time that you resolve whatever it is that has been bothersome. If necessary, repent of whatever feelings or thoughts that might be considered disrespectful, and try to make amends either by conversation or through prayers. After all, whether you admit it or not, your parents were a Divine gift to you!

On the other side of the equation, since all humans have initially been children, then it is critical for parents to recognize that they have been born as gifts to them from the Lord. The Psalmist considers children to be a reward, or almost like compensation, from a loving, Heavenly Father: “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). Parents need to let their children know how they are considered a blessed gift or reward from the Creator of all things.

How important is it that parents let their children know how special they are, given whatever abilities, talents, and gifts (and even disabilities) they might possess? Imagine if you were a child, hearing from your parents on a regular basis, just how thankful they are for your existence. Then, consider the positive thoughts that would abound if your parents were frequently and sincerely blessing you with not only their words—but with their actions. If you are a parent, do not wait until your final days to bless your children and grandchildren (cf. Genesis 48). Instead, bless your family, and even extended family, quite often, recognizing the innate power of speaking blessings upon those you are related to! Whether it is a quiet moment between you and a loved one, or a proclamation made at a family gathering, the exhortation is to simply do it, and do it often from the heart!

Remember that even though we might be able to choose our friends, we are not able to choose our family, as God has uniquely placed our family into our lives for a reason. Take some time during this upcoming year to really let your brother or sister or cousin or whomever—know how much you truly love them and want to bless them for simply being there for you down through the years. While it might seem a little awkward, perhaps given some of the things that have transpired, do not let fear keep you from expressing the appreciation that you should have been showing all along. Remember the proverb that, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Know that when adversity arises in life, it will often be the sibling who rises to the occasion to help you. Thank your family members in advance for being there, even if they are reticent to assume the role of a comforter or provider in times of trouble. When all is said and done, it will most likely be your siblings who stand there with you. Such is the intrinsic love and bond that surpasses understanding!

After considering how to love, thank, and bless your family members, there might also be someone else who you need to express some intimate feelings toward. The most important person who married people need to express love and genuine respect for is their husband or wife. Unlike our parents, siblings, or children—who we do not choose—we willfully choose to become one flesh with our husband or wife in the marital union. Above all, this person, who probably knows you better than your parents, siblings, children, or friends, needs the greatest expression of your love, respect, thankfulness, and blessing. The Apostle Paul devotes a small paragraph regarding this, which I think cannot really be improved upon. As a man, I have always taken instruction from Paul’s teaching,

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Messiah also loved the [assembly] and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the assembly in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Messiah also does the assembly, because we are members of His body. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH [Genesis 2:24]. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Messiah and the [assembly]. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:25-33).

As you can read, the concept of loving, respecting, honoring, thanking, and blessing those who should mean the most to you, is not some ancient ritual buried in the depths of some antiquated text. Instead, these actions have been explained and exemplified by those who have called upon the Lord for millennia. In many regards, these comparisons the love of husband for wife, as compared with the Messiah’s love for His people, are but a further amplification of the ancient blessings that Moses told Aaron to speak over the Israelites.

On a certain level, what Moses told Aaron to speak over the Ancient Israelites is a primer for one receiving the blessings of the Lord. The Aaronic Benediction includes a message that is not just intended for the weekly Shabbat service, but conveys something that we should be demonstrating to our spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends, and colleagues every day.

“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The LORD bless you, and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.’ So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them” (Numbers 6:23-27).

By demonstrating a gift of blessing—via the power of the Holy One—to our closest relatives and friends, we can directly point them to the ultimate gift that comes in the person of the Messiah Yeshua and His sacrifice for our sins at Golgotha (Calvary). We all know that as former sinners, separated from God, that there must have been a penalty paid for our transgressions. Thankfully, the Lord Yeshua received this penalty on our behalf, and in turn we have been given eternal life (Romans 6:23).

Eternal life is a gift that is beyond words. What love do we express by sharing God’s gift of redemption with our loved ones? What thankfulness should we have that we believe in the Messiah’s redemptive work? Do we demonstrate that knowing the Lord is really a great blessing?

Give these gifts to your family and friends this time of the year. You will not regret it! You might start a pattern that is maintained not only next year when the Winter season arrives, but perhaps for generations to come!

Our actions speak much louder than our words! Give the gifts of love, thanks, and blessings that keep on giving…

Until the restoration of all things…

by Mark Huey

With Thanksgiving on most American minds this week, I thought it would be beneficial to reflect on some personal thankfulness. After all, if you are an American—and most importantly a Believer in the accomplished work of the Messiah Yeshua—you should be thankful for a great cornucopia of temporal and eternal blessings. While residing in the most prosperous country in the world, a country founded upon Biblical principles, has its benefits—the added knowledge of eternal forgiveness for one’s transgressions outweighs any and all temporal blessings that are here today and gone tomorrow.

Before delving into some personal gratefulness to the Lord, and the privilege that our family has to serve Him and His Kingdom, some historical information I recently learned about Thanksgiving is in order. Just this past week, I was discussing the issue of Thanksgiving with a coworker, as I was trying to covertly witness to him about the Lord. He mentioned how President Lincoln declared that the third Thursday in November was to become a “national holiday,” and some of the complicated circumstances in the 1860s that prompted it.

The particular fellow I was talking to considers himself an extremely well read lover of history. Through our multiple conversations about history, he reminded me that his search of history in order to find out more about his ancestors—was the same “hook” that the Holy Spirit used years ago in my life to have me seek out who I came from and why I even existed. My prayer was that a similar path to faith could possibly be the one that the Lord was using for this fellow, so I listened intently to his statements about some of the histories he had researched. I thought after developing a rapport, that perhaps during the course of a conversation, the opportunity to share about the Messiah would present itself, as declaring the hope that is within me is ever-present on my mind.

Since I studied American history years ago, when he asserted that Abraham Lincoln was the president who instituted the national holiday, my curiosity was piqued. After all, when one thinks of Thanksgiving, the stories of the Pilgrims, Indians, and the Fall harvest are all conjured up. While those elements were certainly being thought about in various degrees prior to Lincoln’s presidential edict, it was Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War (October 3, 1863), who actually made a proclamation that inaugurated Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In the concluding paragraph of Lincoln’s declaration, I see confirming words of how the Lord has had His sovereign hand present throughout the history of the United States. Surely, remembering the godly people who originally helped colonize North America would be something appropriate to do, as unity would need to have been restored to a country so severely divided, having suffered great human carnage:

…It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of October, A.D. 1863, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.   (signed) Abraham Lincoln

As I looked into this interesting aspect of American history, which was never emphasized (to my recollection) during my years of study, I was reminded that more recent popular political correctness does not necessarily highlight the words of those who believed in the providential work of the Almighty. So, in an era when the divisions in our country are becoming more and more apparent, perhaps you might want to give your family and friends a harmless little history lesson over the turkey dinner? You might be amazed with the conversations that could be generated!

On the other hand, as I was sharing with this fellow some of the things I am doing, I was able to describe my thankfulness for the advent of the Internet and its ability to allow our family to do what we are currently doing in the ministry. Without going into great detail, I told my companion that we had a teaching ministry that was viable because of our ability to inexpensively send our teachings, exhortations, reflections, and Bible studies around the globe—without necessarily requiring any financial obligation from the recipients. He naturally responded by relating to the teachings of Eighteenth Century Americans like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and others who were able to affordably produce pamphlets, newsletters, and posters to communicate their ideas to a searching society, seeking common sense solutions to their then-prevailing challenges and problems. Naturally, the conversation then migrated over to the blogosphere, and how essayists and writers are now able to reach countless numbers simply because they are accessible via the web. While the conversations seemed to veer toward his natural inclinations rather than spiritual subjects, I remained content with the nominal watering of spiritual seeds that were obviously planted during the course of his historical searches.

Despite some physical challenges in my extended family, which have been mentioned in previous blogs, thankfulness continues to well up inside of my heart. I am especially grateful to those of you who faithfully support our ministry efforts to consistently reach out to the Messianic community. Undoubtedly, at this season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how the Lord has used and continues to use His people to collaborate in getting His messages to those scattered around the world. In many regards, it is not too different than what He did in the First Century through people like Paul. Paul once described how powerful the mutual effort becomes, as the Body of Messiah works together to accomplish the purposes of our Father:

“So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness. Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, ‘HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER’ [Psalm 112:9]. Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Messiah and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:5-15).

While Paul was expressing his thankfulness for the gifts that were applicable to work that he and his colleagues conducted in the ancient Mediterranean, we are thankful for the financial support that allows us to send our teachings around the globe freely. Amazingly, the different search engines and other tools used to find information, constantly send people to our websites. While we do not necessarily know what the specific impact is upon the hearts of God’s people, we know that just like my coworker who is seeking an understanding about his personal history, it is ultimately up to Him to cause the increase. As Paul additionally tells his readers in Corinth, God is responsible for the increase or growth of those seeking Him:

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Messiah. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not mere men? What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Messiah Yeshua” (1 Corinthians 3:1-11).

The key to helping any person with his or her spiritual growth is building a spiritual house upon the Rock of Yeshua. It is upon the Lord alone that every servant—a planter of spiritual seed or one who waters the seed with words of wisdom—must have his focus on. In modern-day parlance, whether you are writing the articles or books required for training people, or whether you are supplying the resources so that the necessary time can be spent conducting do diligence, the critical thing is that the work of the Kingdom is being advanced. Since it is ultimately God who causes the growth or increase, Paul details how “each shall receive his wages according to his labor” (RSV). The Lord will provide.

In the final equation, it does not matter whether you are a teacher or a writer, a supplier of needs, a prayer supporter, or one who possesses any of the other gifts freely bestowed to the children of God. You will eventually be rewarded for whatever you have done with the gift or gifts you have received. Have you used them wisely? Have you devoted a part of your temporal blessings (time, talents, and treasure) to eternal endeavors? These are questions that only you can answer in the stillness of your heart.

Our thankfulness for those who have supported our ministry efforts—by their prayers, encouragement, and finances—can never be fully expressed. You know who you are. So does our Heavenly Father, as He has prompted you to join with us in helping His people.

This week as you might be sitting down to commemorate Thanksgiving, always remember to give thanks for the salvation that you possess in the Messiah Yeshua! Be thankful for those family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even acquaintances who know the Savior. And, be mindful of how whether we know it or not, we are constantly sowing and watering spiritual seeds by more than mere words. Our loving actions speak much louder than our words!

Wherever you are this week, even if you do not remember Thanksgiving as a part of your country’s national heritage, be full of thankfulness for God’s love for the world—and most especially—for you!

by Mark Huey

Upon awakening this past Shabbat (07 November, 2009), as contemplative prayer morphed into serious questions—I found myself earnestly entreating my Heavenly Father about what He was teaching me, during this season of ministering to my family and ailing sister—the quiet impression I received in the Spirit was simply the word patience. As I mulled over the subtle nudge, I was reminded that patience was the one fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which needed additional refinement in my walk. My prayers for the salvation of my family over the past thirty-one years seemed, from my limited perspective, to be without much noticeable response. However, now that my sister’s physical trial is consuming the thoughts and actions of my parents, brother, and brother-in-law, I have been actively contemplating how the Holy One uses different trials and tribulations to capture the attention of us as mortals. Such is the universal predicament of the human condition, because the reality of suffering and the inevitability of death invade every family. No one escapes death, so I prayed, and then prayed some more.

Later on at our Shabbat service, when reconnecting with our congregational leader after what seemed like a two-month hiatus in attendance, he asked me if I would like to share with the congregation about what the Lord was teaching me during this family ordeal. He knew from previous conversations that one of my personal trials was having the knowledge of the gospel as so much a part of my life, and yet because of family circumstances, there was an inability to share the truth with conviction to unbelieving loved ones.

During the praise and worship time, as I reveled in the opportunity to once again be caught up in the presence of the Lord, I asked Him what He wanted me to share. This time, instead of sensing the word patience, the focus was redirected to the fact that we are all patients awaiting our personal appointment with death. This might involve some pain and suffering. Obviously, short of the Messiah returning, everyone living today is going to have to deal with death.

Nevertheless, as I stood pondering this, I was logically directed to the weekly Torah portion (V’yeira: Genesis 18:1-22:24), and reminded of perhaps the greatest trial that Abraham endured. This was the command of God to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. As I recalled the story, I was reminded that for three days, Abraham had to endure the thought that he was going to slaughter and burn Isaac, his beloved son of promise:

“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.’ So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance” (Genesis 22:1-4).

Thankfully, I was also led to recall how the author of Hebrews describes how Abraham had great faith, in going through this ordeal to sacrifice Isaac. While from a human perspective, murdering one’s own child seems completely unreasonable, Abraham’s hope was placed in the fervent belief that God was able to raise people from the dead:

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, ‘IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED’ [Genesis 21:12]. He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type” (Hebrews 11:17-19).

Apparently, Abraham was so convinced that God could raise people from the dead, that the time he waited until he was to offer up Isaac, he was not deterred when the action was required. In fact, Genesis 22:10 states that, “Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son,” but then God stopped him just at the moment that Isaac was about to die. In his mind, though, Abraham had already committed the act.

Thinking about this, I was reminded of a few blogs I had written recently that have been my attempts to share thoughts about “Coping with Life and Death” and “Suffering Pain.” But it was not until this past weekend, as I was dealing with “patience versus patients,” that I realized that the hope of the age to come and the resurrection are key elements that separate the faithful from those unwilling to receive the gospel. What makes people of faith different from those who lack faith, is that by receiving Yeshua into our lives, we can be restored to a proper relationship with our Creator now, which will one day culminate in the complete restoration of the human person via the resurrection of the body. Somehow, the mental anguish and suffering, that comes with the reality of death, are mitigated by knowing that such is not the end.

In previous blog posts, I had contemplated the plight of Job and how he believed in the resurrection, noting his thought that “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him” (Job 13:15). Job also said, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:25-26).

Rather than dwelling on Job this past Shabbat, I was once again reminded of the suffering endured by Messiah Yeshua as He considered His role as the One who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Messiah the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 52-53 was required to die and take upon Himself the wrath of God, due to every sinful person. Apparently, the grief and anguish were so intense, that our Lord Himself even contemplated a change of plans:

“[S]aying, ‘Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, Yours be done.’ Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground” (Luke 22:42-44).

Yeshua knew, however, that even though He had to be falsely accused, humiliated, and then unjustly murdered—He would be vindicated by resurrecting from the dead after three days and nights. One of His responses to those who ridiculed Him would be that they would receive the sign of Jonah:

“But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER [Jonah 1:17], so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here” (Matthew 12:39-41).

Likewise, for some reason, I was reminded of the testimony of the persecutor Saul, who had an encounter with the Risen Savior on the road to Damascus. 

“Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went o the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Yeshua whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.’ The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank” (Acts 9:1-9).

We further see that it was this encounter with the resurrected Messiah, and Saul’s subsequent conversation with Ananias, that launches his incredible apostolic career throughout the Mediterranean basin:

“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.’ So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Yeshua, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Yeshua in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God’” (Acts 9:10-20).

The impact of encountering the very One whom Saul was ultimately persecuting—by persecuting the Jewish Believers—was something that enabled him to be one of the strongest proponents of the good news and the author of almost a third of the Apostolic Scriptures. But, this redeemed Saul who encountered the resurrected Yeshua, and who was called by Him to declare the message of salvation to the known world, would have to endure suffering. So significant was his further experiences, that while sitting in confinement in Rome, he relates how what the Lord has done for him renders all other human achievements as but rubbish:

“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Messiah. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Messiah Yeshua my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Messiah” (Philipians 3:7-8).

When a person has encountered the resurrected Yeshua, and His power of salvation, then not only will you be willing to experience whatever may come in life—but anything that you have achieved in your flesh without Him has little or no value. In Romans 8:6 we are told, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” The power that resurrected Yeshua is the same power that regenerates sinful people via the gospel: “you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). Long before the Second Coming and inauguration of the future age, we can experience the life of the resurrection today!

So as I considered these passages and various related themes, I shared with the “patients” gathered at the congregation that we have the great hope of not only Messiah in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), but also the hope of the resurrection (Hebrews 9:27). This great hope is not something entirely of the future, but something that should be appreciated and recognized now. We are to represent the life of the resurrection age—even before the resurrection—as we are led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14) and walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25), the Spirit being our “pledge” of what is come (Ephesians 1:14).

The Lord has specifically positioned each one of His witnesses among family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, etc. We are to testify, through a variety of means, our belief in, and the power of, the resurrection. Consequently, as His chosen vessels, it is incumbent upon each of us to evidence the fruit of His indwelling Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Messiah Yeshua have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

Those suffering around us—even if they are only suffering mentally or emotionally—are definitely paying attention to our actions, words, and deeds. When non-Believers notice the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control of a Spirit-led Believer, the possibilities that they will be drawn to inquire about what it is that makes us different are much greater. When the door to the heart is thus opened, then the occasion to share becomes available.

We often have to patiently await those precious opportunities. So, as we wait, it is advisable that we pray for the physical healing of those afflicted with suffering and pain, for those who are emotionally unbalanced to become sane, and for the spiritual restoration of all those in unbelief. Of course, these thoughts could only bring me back full circle to my early morning awakening meditations, because the fruit of the Spirit described as “patience” or “longsuffering” (KJV) requires one to labor in prayer for those to whom you are called to minister. Waiting upon the Lord for His timing–rather than forcing your timing upon others because of zeal or lack of patience—can be very challenging.

Perhaps you are facing a circumstance, as I have been, that requires you to remember the hope of the resurrection, and impart that hope to one who does not believe. Perhaps you really do not know what to do in your interactions with those who currently reject Yeshua. Therefore, I would simply recommend you to consistently pray every day to the Holy One of Israel, and allow His perfect will to be manifest in His timing:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua” (Philippians 4:4-7).

Praise Him for the hope of the resurrection—and the Spirit-led ability to patiently wait upon Him. And of course praise Him for the privilege of taking everything to Him in prayer, knowing that ultimately, His will shall be done!

Until the restoration of all things…

by J.K. McKee

The Winter holiday season is one of the most difficult times of year for the Messianic community, with many people we have encountered over the years simply wanting to hibernate for the month of December. Messianic Jews often continue remembering Chanukah the way that their families always have, but perhaps look down with a bit of superiority at Christians who celebrate Christmas. Many Messianic non-Jews, who have embraced their Hebraic Roots, have been improperly encouraged to be mean-spirited and spiteful not only toward the non-Biblical traditions of Christmas, but even toward the Biblical account of the birth of Messiah Yeshua in the Gospels. And, many of the same will often unfairly look down at Chanukah as being a vain “tradition of men” that is neither edifying nor beneficial to people of faith.

None of us has the option of just hiding under our beds, or locking ourselves up in a closet, for the month of December. The call upon God’s people is to let their good works and loving attitude shine in the world (Matthew 5:16). We have no choice but to interact with people during the Winter holiday season. While the observance of Christmas by today’s Church may not have been God’s original intention, and nor should it really be encouraged—spiritual Christians today who remember Jesus’ birth are honestly trying to honor the Lord. Similarly, while it can be rightly assumed that our Messiah remembered Chanukah or the Feast of Dedication (cf. John 10:22), many who remember this seven-day holiday think it is only about lighting the menorah or eating latkes. Not enough people are aware of the powerful themes of salvation history present in 1&2 Maccabees—and even more so the influence of the Maccabean crisis on First Century Jewish attitudes toward the nations, affecting our reading of the New Testament.

The recently released paperback edition of the Messianic Winter Holiday Helper is a very unique, and well-needed resource. It tackles some of the difficult issues that a Messianic Believer frequently encounters during the month of December. How are we to properly approach the holidays of Christmas and Chanukah? How do we properly interact with Christian friends and family, not being mean to them? How do we show the love and grace of Israel’s Messiah to a Jewish person during this time, who does not know Him? What important historical and theological lessons are we not aware of from the period of the Maccabees, because of some of the hype and misinformation that have been allowed to circulate in Messianic quarters about the Ancient Greeks?

There is nothing else like the Messianic Winter Holiday Helper and the breadth of subjects that it addresses in today’s Messianic community! Fairness and love toward our Christian friends and family is emphasized, with alternatives to the common “Christmas is pagan!” attitude is encouraged. Information not only about the traditions of Chanukah, but also the Biblical and extra-Biblical data affecting the time of the Maccabees is provided. Application teachings about how the lessons of Chanukah can be considered today, including a few unknown things about Greek philosophy, have been offered. Most importantly, this book emphasizes how the best way to share the Messianic approach is to simply invite people into your home or to your congregation during this time, and make those environments places of Yeshua’s love and true camaraderie in the Holy Spirit. Only by people partaking of a positive, spiritually edifying Messianic experience, will they ever be convinced that this has something to offer them—be that experience expressing who Messiah is to a Jewish person, or presenting the Hebraic Roots of the faith to an evangelical Christian.

Be sure to get your copy of the Messianic Winter Holiday Helper in time for the December holiday season! Have the right resource for the right approach to this time of year!

The TNN Press Book Printing project continues, as all of our publications steadily get produced as standard paperback books. Five of our books have already been printed, with our current rate of production at two books every two months. If you have already purchased some of our current paperback materials, we would like to encourage you to post a review of these books at Amazon.com. This will help our exposure, and enable more people to encounter our fair-minded, scholastic, and loving approach to the Messianic lifestyle (in a place where many of the Messianic materials are anything but this). The links below will take you directly to where you can write your reviews:

by Mark Huey

When it comes to the vagaries of cancer and the treatment thereof, it is difficult to deal with physical pain and mental suffering—no matter what one believes. If one has faith in God, then he or she can turn to the trials of Job and knowingly repeat, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him” (Job 13:15). But did you notice the caveat that indicates how an ongoing argument or defense of oneself, will ensue? Recently, due to my sister’s struggle with a recurrence of breast cancer, the opportunity to dig into the difference between suffering and pain presented itself. In fact, as a result of conducting some due diligence on one of the many oncologists recommended, a website quotation from a patient dying of ovarian cancer (who inspired the Dr. Salem quoted below to become a cancer specialist), was imbedded in my thoughts, as I ministered to my ailing sibling:

At that time, there was no treatment for ovarian cancer and physicians did not discuss openly and frankly with patients those issues relating to diagnosis and therapy; much less, issues relating to life and death. That woman was left in solitude to suffer alone with her pain. Physicians came to see her rarely, and when they did, they rushed out quickly before she had a chance to ask questions. They had no answers for her questions. Because cancer was a taboo, she was left alone. She made me read Tolstoy’s, The Death of Ivan Ilyich, and many times she enjoyed repeating this quotation: “Why hast Thou done all this? Why hast Thou brought me to this?” Why does Thou Torture me so? For what? He did not expect an answer, and he cried because there was no answer, and there could be none.”

A few days before she died, she squeezed my hand and said: “Very soon, I will be here no more. This whole ordeal will be over. Would you, however, promise me that you will do something about this disease in the future so others will not have the pain that I have had? And should you ever become a cancer physician, would you remember that the real agony is not the physical pain, it is the non-physical”. I promised, and I remembered. (emphasis mine)

“An Adventure With Cancer: The Joy and the Pain”
Dr. P.A. Salem, Houston, TX

For whatever reasons, when I read this testimony within a few of days of learning of my sister’s condition, I was struck by the final request of the inquiring woman who undoubtedly spent considerable time asking God “Why?” and perhaps dialoguing with Him like Job did. However, when her death was fast approaching, she requested one thing of the young physician considering a career serving cancer patients. She placed in his mind the indelible thought that it is the relentless mental reminder that one has cancer, which is more agonizing than the physical pain. For this woman of faith, understanding at least Scripturally where she was ultimately destined, was one thing—but what about my sister who is still fighting off her illness? For weeks I pondered how mentally and emotionally excruciating it must be for someone to contemplate the possibility of physical death.

What came to mind was the movie “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray, and the comparable incessant reality that every morning when my sister wakes up, she has the dreadful realization that some debilitating cancer cells are rapidly reproducing in her body. Just where they were in the body was a relative unknown. But the daily fact remained that unless one of the many cancer treatments or the healing result of many prayers succeeded, this disease was going to be present until the day she expires. Nevertheless, while the physical pain is being treated with a variety of pharmaceutical concoctions to ease the physical discomfort, the gnawing agony of knowing that the cancer is continuing to spread never leaves the conscious mind.

For weeks on end that I spent in Colorado, as I prayed for my sister’s physical healing, I was amazed how she was resolutely and courageously handling her physical and mental trial. I patiently waited on the promptings of the Holy Spirit on how to communicate properly with not only her, but also my parents, brother-in-law, brother, and others. When one is sensitive to the Lord, one is able to say the right things at the right time, but also will enable one to be quiet at the right time. You are there simply to serve the needs of others, and do what the situation requires you to do.

Upon returning to Florida, my wife Margaret and I spent a previously scheduled weekend visiting family and attending a friend’s birthday celebration up in Jacksonville. Naturally, after weeks of attending to my sister’s needs, the subject of a few conversations during the visit was my sister’s physical condition. However, it was not until I mentioned the contradistinction between the physical and mental pain to a former college roommate (who happens to be a clinical psychotherapist), that I heard him respond with some illuminating comments:

“Those two aspects of dealing with illness are the difference between suffering and pain. Suffering or agony was the mental side of traumatic illness, while the physical side was just a matter of temporal pain or hurt.”

Almost immediately upon hearing these statements, my mind focused beyond the current situation with my sister, and instead thought about the Messiah Yeshua and the long suffering and pain He endured for all of humanity. For unknown reasons, despite my sister’s current challenges, the dying thoughts of an ovarian cancer patient, or even the suffering of Job, my thoughts instead went to what the Lord endured for us. The Messiah must have known for years how He was to receive not only the punishment for the transgressions of fallen humanity, but perhaps even more excruciating, a short separation from His own Father because of having to one day bear our sins. For a few moments, I wondered about the moment when He realized that He was going to be the substitution sacrifice to receive the righteous wrath of God. Was it as an infant child (Luke 2:40), when He was twelve discoursing at the Temple (Luke 2:42-52), or perhaps when He was approaching John the Baptizer who declared from the Jordan that He was the Lamb of God (John 1:28-36)?

As I momentarily reflected on the length of the suffering thoughts that Yeshua endured, and then mentioned it to Margaret, her succinct reply that only God could handle the magnitude and severity of these things, temporarily satisfied my curiosity. However, when during a sermon the next morning, the gospel passage about becoming a servant and the Lord giving His life as a ransom for many was quoted, I was again reminded of the difference between suffering and pain:

“Calling them to Himself, Yeshua said to them, ‘You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’” (Mark 10:35-45).

After hearing this quoted and without much hesitation, the thought of the Suffering Servant came to mind, as memories of Isaiah 53 flashed. So I turned in my Bible and reread the following:

“Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were astonished at you, My people, so His appearance was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men. Thus He will sprinkle many nations, kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; for what had not been told them they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand. Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due? His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth. But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors” (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).

I was reminded how this great passage of Scripture so eloquently describes Messiah Yeshua and all of the suffering He endured for sinful humanity. I then considered another passage that reflects on the ultimate service of Yeshua for us. Even though He pleaded before the Father, He still went through the necessary pain and suffering required to redeem us all from sin. As seen during His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane:

“And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, ‘Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.’ Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground” (Luke 22:41-44).

Apparently, the stress from this suffering agony was so intense that the author states it was like He sweated blood. No doubt, our Savior knew at this point He was the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. He knew how He had to freely offer up His sinless self, as the required ransom for the transgressions of humanity. Obviously, the similarity between someone suffering with the knowledge of an ongoing battle with cancer, is relatively insignificant when compared to the suffering of the Messiah. However, on a personal level, the individual pain could be as excruciating, especially for the one enduring the mental anguish.

As I contemplated the agony of the Messiah as contrasted with the rather limited suffering people today experience, I was reminded of a special passage of Scripture that years ago had a critical impact on my spiritual walk as I was seeking to know Him better. In the midst of some personally excruciating emotional suffering and pain—associated with an unwarranted, unwanted, and unexpected divorce from 1991-1993—the Lord was purging me of some of the fleshly inclinations that were present in my life, despite being a born again Believer. While being broken and vowing to the Lord by offering myself as a holy and living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2), I fully embraced the understanding that the Apostle Paul was communicating when he composed these words to the saints at Philippi:

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Messiah Yeshua my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Messiah, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Messiah, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:8-11).

Paul explained that whatever suffering he experienced for the Messiah, is not that much compared to what his Lord accomplished via His sacrificial work at Golgotha (Calvary). In fact, it is the fellowship of His sufferings as we are being conformed to His death—or death to our own will—that actually allows us to get to know Him and the indwelling power of living the resurrected life. Of course, the ultimate blessing is being able to complete the circle, somehow participating in the resurrection in a similar manner that He did.

Additionally, as I perused some texts that further described the concept of suffering, I was impressed by the detailed explanation that Paul gave to the Romans. He explained the forgiveness and release from condemnation that come, as a result of one believing in the atoning work of Messiah Yeshua:

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Yeshua. For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Messiah, he does not belong to Him. If Messiah is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Yeshua from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Messiah Yeshua from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Messiah, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:1-18).

Note the distinctions between those whose minds are set on the things of the flesh, versus who are set on the Spirit. Of course, as a result of becoming born from above by the Spirit of God, one actually has the Spirit indwelling these mortal bodies. In fact, according to Paul’s exhortation, those indwelt and being led by the Spirit of God are actually adopted of God with the privilege of crying out to Him with the intimacy of “Abba! Father!” As children of God, who are considered fellow heirs with the Messiah, we understand that whatever we suffer—whether mentally, emotionally, or even physically—that ultimately we will be glorified with Him. Paul concludes with the statement that he considers that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 6:18).

No matter what it is we have to suffer in this mortal life, nothing can compare to what we are going to be experiencing for all of eternity as redeemed children of the Most High. The challenge is embracing this reality and incorporating it into our walk with the Lord, when it comes to the mundane affairs of life. In the case of the ministering that all Believers are expected and required to do, it means being available to the promptings of the Spirit as God positions each one of us to represent Him in diverse circumstances. It means allowing the incomprehensible love of the Messiah to manifest itself in our thoughts, prayers, intercessions, actions, and if necessary, in the encouraging words He gives us to proclaim.

We need to remember that only about ten percent of communication is the spoken word. The body language coupled with inflection, tone, volume, empathy, eye contact, facial expressions, and a multitude of other manifestations communicate much more than simply words. This is not to say that preaching the gospel is not critical because it absolutely is. But when it comes to showing the love of the Messiah for the world or your family and friends, it could be the soft touch of a hand stroking a forehead, or the rubbing of feet and legs with body lotions, or simply holding a hand that communicates far more than all the words one could muster.

Suffering and pain are a part of the human experience. When we get the chance to experience it—whether as a Believer relinquishing our will to the will of the Father, or simply as a vessel to minister to those enduing one or the other—we should take it to heart that the Almighty has uniquely positioned us to handle the situation as His Spirit leads. We need to be mindful that those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8), but rather it is by faith that we please Him:

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Finally, if you are presented with a trial, dealing with difficult diseases like cancer—whether personally or with a loved one or a friend—stand rest assured that the Holy One is using all of those circumstances to get the attention of those involved. God has always used suffering and pain to draw people unto Himself. Whether it is the ancient example of Job who chose to never curse God, or Abraham as he contemplated offering up Isaac, or David as he dealt with the sins of adultery and murder, or Paul remembering his persecution of the early saints—God eventually used each of these circumstances and a multitude of others to glorify Himself. Of course, the ultimate example of God using suffering and pain to bring glory to His purposes is magnified in the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of the Messiah Yeshua. Praise the Lord!

In a like manner, God will use contemporary challenges to receive the glory that only He deserves. May we each acknowledge this inevitable reality. May we continue to offer ourselves up to His service, for the work of ministering to those who are yet to know Him—as He alone offers eternal life!

Perhaps in time as we understand Him and His ways more fully, we may praise Him for the difficult times we have undergone, recognizing that He was at work to accomplish His purposes. For even if we are slain, there is no other hope than in His plan for salvation. To Him be all the glory!

Until the restoration of all things…