However this is more prophetic in nature than we might first realize. "Let My People Go," is stated in the form of a request. Although, in the end, Pharaoh gives it as an Order... "Go!" as in "Get Out!"
1 And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh; for by a strong hand shall he let them go, and by a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.' {S} Exodus 6:1
Strong hand means "With Certainty." Pharaoh was not only going to "Let them Go," he was going to "Drive them out," himself.
This meant to the Point of No Return. To the extent that, when they were gone, there was no turning back. The deal would be sealed.
I find this whole story fascinating that HaShem - The LORD of Heaven and Earth, would send His Servant Moses, as if to follow some level of protocol with Pharaoh, by proposing an official request. All the while The LORD could have just taken them, without asking. After all, He is The LORD of Heaven and Earth!
The LORD was taking opportunity to not only teach Pharaoh a lesson, but the whole world. If you choose to make a man a god, then I will show you what it means to be God!
The foundation of Pharaoh's Power was built upon tricking and subduing his subjects with smoke and mirrors, illusions of grandeur, and elusive craftiness. God was going to expose Pharaoh for all mankind to see, that he was just a man, and that there is only One True God!
Bo - is the 3rd Parasha of Shemot or Exodus. Each year, as we begin to read Shemot, it is preparing us for the coming season. The story of "Bo," tells us that it is once again Time to Prepare for Pesach.
Therefore, I have titled today's Message "Lahakhin," which is Hebrew for "To Prepare."
As we read this Week's Parasha and we are reminded of the First Passover and the Exodus from Egypt, we also become aware of the Passover which is about to come, as well as, the Last Seder before Our Messiah's Death, and still there is The Great Seder which is yet to come in Haba Olam (The World to Come). All this teaches us that we must prepare today, for that which is soon to come.
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom." Matthew 26:27-29
The Passover is the Central Theme of Our Faith, and in spite of all the Theology that has buried it under Centuries of Tradition, it is the one Holiday of God's Appointed Times that "The Church," is still somewhat familiar with.
Today, the Church celebrates a Holiday known as "Easter," of which is attributed to the Death and Resurrection of The Messiah. Now, we could go into all the Catholic bashing provoked by the Theology that "Adds to and Takes away" from God's Word, but do we really need to go beyond the Name of this Holiday itself?
What does "Easter" mean?
We know that, at least the English version of the word, comes from the Germanic goddess Ēostre or Ostara which holds related attributes to the Ancient deities known to the Romans as Aurora, and to the Greeks as Eos.
A deeper study of her nature takes us back to Isis of Egypt and "Ishtar" of Babylon.
Now, Dominion Theology would claim that by giving the name "Ishtar" or "Easter" to The Day celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, implies the conquest of Paganism and therefore giving God the Glory, so that this demonstrates His Sovereignty over false gods.
It's an interesting twist of the Truth, but HOW is giving the Glory to the Day of Messiah's Resurrection the honour of the name of a Pagan goddess, somehow attributing the Glory to God? Nonsense!
We Read in Deuteronomy 12:
1 These are the statutes and the ordinances, which ye shall observe to do in the land which the LORD, the God of thy fathers, hath given thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.
2 Ye shall surely destroy all the places, wherein the nations that ye are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree.
3 And ye shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods; and ye shall destroy their name out of that place.
4 Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.
We are not to mix the Holy with the Profane. We are not to give the Glory of Our LORD's Victory over Sin and Death to the "Resurrection goddess of Babylon!" I don't care how much sugar is on this Cyanide pill. I don't care how anyone can perform theological contortions with this one. Believe, and Do, what is right in your own eyes, but if you want me to show you within the Word of God, "Where does it say that?" HERE! The Word of God says, "Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God."
I sincerely believe that your heart wants to be in the right place. I sincerely believe that THIS is NOT what it means to you. Nevertheless, I'm here to tell you, it's not what it means to you that matters. It's what it means to Him.
"Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God." God's Orders.
The Lesson continues:
5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there, even unto His habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come;
6 and thither ye shall bring your burnt-offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the offering of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill-offerings, and the firstlings of your herd and of your flock;
7 and there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
8 Ye shall not do after all that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;
9 for ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth thee.
10 But when ye go over the Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God causeth you to inherit, and He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;
11 then it shall come to pass that the place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there, thither shall ye bring all that I command you: your burnt-offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD.
12 And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and the Levite that is within your gates, forasmuch as he hath no portion nor inheritance with you.
13 Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt-offerings in every place that thou seest;
14 but in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee. Deuteronomy 12:1-14
We know that that place which the LORD did choose to cause His name to dwell was the city that would soon be called "Y'rusalem" - Which means: 'God sees to Peace' or 'God Provides Peace.' There is only one Place where The LORD shall choose, and cause His Name to dwell, and it is not Rome, nor Washington, nor Ottawa.
We must follow what The LORD teaches us, and not follow teachings that are contrary to The Word of God. This passage within The Torah states ("Instructs") us:
"Ye shall not do after all that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;" Deuteronomy 12:8
Grace does not allot for Sin. The very concept of "Sin," is the breaking of God's Law (God's Word). If there is no Law - There is no Sin. If there is no Sin, then there is no need for redemption! Without The Law - There is no need for Messiah!
Grace is not the antithesis of The Law. The Law is Grace. "The Law," is "The Word of God." It was and is, His instruction to us, and what we call "The Law," is better translated as "God's Instruction," or better, "God's Will." Therefore, if you teach that we are no longer under The Law, you are teaching that we are no longer under the Word, or the Will of God.
This makes no sense! This is severe error.
When you refer to "What Paul Said," let me warn you about what direction this premise is taking you. Before you assume you know Paul and what he taught, let me ask you, "Was Paul a Rabbi?"
The answer is Yes.
For those of you who are familiar with what I teach, you know that I teach that Rabbinical Judaism and Biblical Judaism are not the same thing. Just as the Catholic Church has usurped the authority of Cannon, and by taking Liberty of the rules of "Binding and Losing" they have attempted to alter the Word of God to points beyond the restrictions of The Scripture itself. As did the Rabbis with the Traditions of Rabbinical Judaism before them, and when Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul) refers to "The Entire Law," he is addressing these Traditions and is not referring to only the 613 Commandments of The Torah. (Galatians 5:3)
Therefore, when Paul is referring to "The Law," in the Epistles, he is not speaking about "The Word of God," in General. This would make no sense! He is referring to the all encompassing aspects of "Rabbinical Legalism." He is not condoning disobedience to God's Commandments, he is making reference to outward observance of statutes and ordinances, appose to truly understanding the meaning of The Scripture. He is teaching that instead of pursuing the limited binding authority of "The Law," in this World, draw Spiritually closer in relationship to HaShem, and understand how The Law ultimately applies to Haba Olam (The World to Come). We must know how to differentiate these two concepts. This is what Rabbi Sha'ul was teaching us.
When you understand the parameters of Rabbinical Law, and can recognize the difference between Torah (God's Word) and Rabbinical Law, then you will begin to understand better, what Paul is referring to in his epistles to "The Church."
Now, I'm going to come back to this a little later, when I go into a deeper explanation of the term "Circumcision," and what it really means.
At this time, let's look a little further into this lesson of "Negotiating with God's Will."
I will Read from Exodus 8 - "Pharaoh negotiates with Moses."
"And Pharaoh said: 'I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away; entreat for me.'" Exodus 8:24
"OK, Here's the deal... You can Go, just not too far."
Also in Chapter 10:
8 And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh; and he said unto them: 'Go, serve the LORD your God; but who are they that shall go?'
9 And Moses said: 'We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds we will go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.'
10 And he said unto them: 'So be the LORD with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones; see ye that evil is before your face.
11 Not so; go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that is what ye desire.' And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence. {S}
"What's the point in dragging the children out there too, right?"
And Again in Verses 24-29
24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said: 'Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed; let your little ones also go with you.'
"OK, The kids can go too, but leave the Livestock... I'm glad we are on the same page here."
Pharaoh, like our Modern Theology, was just not getting it.
Listen to the Word of God!
25 And Moses said: 'Thou must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt-offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God. 26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.' 27 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go. 28 And Pharaoh said unto him: 'Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die.' 29 And Moses said: 'Thou hast spoken well; I will see thy face again no more.' {P}
In spite of Pharaoh's so-called "repentance," he continually attempted to re-write The Word of God. This should have been a lesson to Emperor Constantine as well in the year 325, when he began to change the Scripture and General Theology to suit Rome's needs. It SHOULD be a lesson to us as well. To this Day, we are still working out these issues.
Here we find Pharaoh attempting to "Negotiate" with God through Moses. This is something that we are all guilty of. We attempt to add to, or take away from God's Word to make it fit our needs. I'll say it again, "The Word of God was designed to conform us to His Ways, and not the other way around."
I mentioned earlier that I was going to come back to the concept of Circumcision, and discuss how we have misconstrued what Paul was teaching us, by not understanding what Circumcision meant in the first place. Let's have a look at a verse from last Week's Parasha to gather some context:
Let me read from Exodus 6:12
12 And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying: 'Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?' {P}
And again in Exodus 6:30
And Moses said before the LORD: 'Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?' {P}
The word used in Hebrew to mean "Uncircumcised" is "Aral." This word simply translates to "Unskilled."
The word used in Hebrew to mean "Circumcised" is "Mul." This word literally means "Curtail" or "Cut Short."
Conceptually, these words are not simply categorized as "To be or Not to be," but rather they hold different meanings within themselves. The English translation has oversimplified the intent.
To understand these definitions within context, and to better attempt to narrow the comparison, we could say that the word Uncircumcised means "unskilled" or "unprepared" for the call of duty.
Therefore to be circumcised is to be "cut" - "formed" or "prepared" for service. Meaning that there is a process of preparation involved.
Now, I ask the question, "What came first, the Chicken or the Egg?"
The real question is, what came first the "Concept" of Circumcision or the "Act" of Circumcision?
I think the answer is self evident. My answer would be that I do not believe that Abraham had to create a New word in Hebrew to describe the Act of Circumcision. There would have been a concept that predated the act, and therefore he applied the understating of "Cutting" or "Preparing" something for Service to describe the act of cutting the foreskin.
This would go on to explain the term: "Circumcision of the Heart." This is when the Holy Spirit prepares ones heart to receive Him, and in turn the knowledge of Messiah.
Once you begin to apply this understanding of the Hebrew, the concept of Circumcision, and the use of this term begins to makes more sense. Especially when applied to ideas outside the normal parameters of what we understand the circumcision to mean.
Now, Dominion Theology would claim that by giving the name "Ishtar" or "Easter" to The Day celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, implies the conquest of Paganism and therefore giving God the Glory, so that this demonstrates His Sovereignty over false gods.
It's an interesting twist of the Truth, but HOW is giving the Glory to the Day of Messiah's Resurrection the honour of the name of a Pagan goddess, somehow attributing the Glory to God? Nonsense!
We Read in Deuteronomy 12:
1 These are the statutes and the ordinances, which ye shall observe to do in the land which the LORD, the God of thy fathers, hath given thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.
2 Ye shall surely destroy all the places, wherein the nations that ye are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree.
3 And ye shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods; and ye shall destroy their name out of that place.
4 Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.
We are not to mix the Holy with the Profane. We are not to give the Glory of Our LORD's Victory over Sin and Death to the "Resurrection goddess of Babylon!" I don't care how much sugar is on this Cyanide pill. I don't care how anyone can perform theological contortions with this one. Believe, and Do, what is right in your own eyes, but if you want me to show you within the Word of God, "Where does it say that?" HERE! The Word of God says, "Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God."
I sincerely believe that your heart wants to be in the right place. I sincerely believe that THIS is NOT what it means to you. Nevertheless, I'm here to tell you, it's not what it means to you that matters. It's what it means to Him.
"Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God." God's Orders.
The Lesson continues:
5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there, even unto His habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come;
6 and thither ye shall bring your burnt-offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the offering of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill-offerings, and the firstlings of your herd and of your flock;
7 and there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
8 Ye shall not do after all that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;
9 for ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth thee.
10 But when ye go over the Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God causeth you to inherit, and He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;
11 then it shall come to pass that the place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there, thither shall ye bring all that I command you: your burnt-offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD.
12 And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and the Levite that is within your gates, forasmuch as he hath no portion nor inheritance with you.
13 Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt-offerings in every place that thou seest;
14 but in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee. Deuteronomy 12:1-14
We know that that place which the LORD did choose to cause His name to dwell was the city that would soon be called "Y'rusalem" - Which means: 'God sees to Peace' or 'God Provides Peace.' There is only one Place where The LORD shall choose, and cause His Name to dwell, and it is not Rome, nor Washington, nor Ottawa.
We must follow what The LORD teaches us, and not follow teachings that are contrary to The Word of God. This passage within The Torah states ("Instructs") us:
"Ye shall not do after all that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;" Deuteronomy 12:8
Grace does not allot for Sin. The very concept of "Sin," is the breaking of God's Law (God's Word). If there is no Law - There is no Sin. If there is no Sin, then there is no need for redemption! Without The Law - There is no need for Messiah!
Grace is not the antithesis of The Law. The Law is Grace. "The Law," is "The Word of God." It was and is, His instruction to us, and what we call "The Law," is better translated as "God's Instruction," or better, "God's Will." Therefore, if you teach that we are no longer under The Law, you are teaching that we are no longer under the Word, or the Will of God.
This makes no sense! This is severe error.
When you refer to "What Paul Said," let me warn you about what direction this premise is taking you. Before you assume you know Paul and what he taught, let me ask you, "Was Paul a Rabbi?"
The answer is Yes.
For those of you who are familiar with what I teach, you know that I teach that Rabbinical Judaism and Biblical Judaism are not the same thing. Just as the Catholic Church has usurped the authority of Cannon, and by taking Liberty of the rules of "Binding and Losing" they have attempted to alter the Word of God to points beyond the restrictions of The Scripture itself. As did the Rabbis with the Traditions of Rabbinical Judaism before them, and when Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul) refers to "The Entire Law," he is addressing these Traditions and is not referring to only the 613 Commandments of The Torah. (Galatians 5:3)
Therefore, when Paul is referring to "The Law," in the Epistles, he is not speaking about "The Word of God," in General. This would make no sense! He is referring to the all encompassing aspects of "Rabbinical Legalism." He is not condoning disobedience to God's Commandments, he is making reference to outward observance of statutes and ordinances, appose to truly understanding the meaning of The Scripture. He is teaching that instead of pursuing the limited binding authority of "The Law," in this World, draw Spiritually closer in relationship to HaShem, and understand how The Law ultimately applies to Haba Olam (The World to Come). We must know how to differentiate these two concepts. This is what Rabbi Sha'ul was teaching us.
When you understand the parameters of Rabbinical Law, and can recognize the difference between Torah (God's Word) and Rabbinical Law, then you will begin to understand better, what Paul is referring to in his epistles to "The Church."
Now, I'm going to come back to this a little later, when I go into a deeper explanation of the term "Circumcision," and what it really means.
At this time, let's look a little further into this lesson of "Negotiating with God's Will."
I will Read from Exodus 8 - "Pharaoh negotiates with Moses."
"And Pharaoh said: 'I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away; entreat for me.'" Exodus 8:24
"OK, Here's the deal... You can Go, just not too far."
Also in Chapter 10:
8 And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh; and he said unto them: 'Go, serve the LORD your God; but who are they that shall go?'
9 And Moses said: 'We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds we will go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.'
10 And he said unto them: 'So be the LORD with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones; see ye that evil is before your face.
11 Not so; go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that is what ye desire.' And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence. {S}
"What's the point in dragging the children out there too, right?"
And Again in Verses 24-29
24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said: 'Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed; let your little ones also go with you.'
"OK, The kids can go too, but leave the Livestock... I'm glad we are on the same page here."
Pharaoh, like our Modern Theology, was just not getting it.
Listen to the Word of God!
25 And Moses said: 'Thou must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt-offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God. 26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.' 27 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go. 28 And Pharaoh said unto him: 'Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die.' 29 And Moses said: 'Thou hast spoken well; I will see thy face again no more.' {P}
In spite of Pharaoh's so-called "repentance," he continually attempted to re-write The Word of God. This should have been a lesson to Emperor Constantine as well in the year 325, when he began to change the Scripture and General Theology to suit Rome's needs. It SHOULD be a lesson to us as well. To this Day, we are still working out these issues.
Here we find Pharaoh attempting to "Negotiate" with God through Moses. This is something that we are all guilty of. We attempt to add to, or take away from God's Word to make it fit our needs. I'll say it again, "The Word of God was designed to conform us to His Ways, and not the other way around."
I mentioned earlier that I was going to come back to the concept of Circumcision, and discuss how we have misconstrued what Paul was teaching us, by not understanding what Circumcision meant in the first place. Let's have a look at a verse from last Week's Parasha to gather some context:
Let me read from Exodus 6:12
12 And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying: 'Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?' {P}
And again in Exodus 6:30
And Moses said before the LORD: 'Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?' {P}
The word used in Hebrew to mean "Uncircumcised" is "Aral." This word simply translates to "Unskilled."
The word used in Hebrew to mean "Circumcised" is "Mul." This word literally means "Curtail" or "Cut Short."
Conceptually, these words are not simply categorized as "To be or Not to be," but rather they hold different meanings within themselves. The English translation has oversimplified the intent.
To understand these definitions within context, and to better attempt to narrow the comparison, we could say that the word Uncircumcised means "unskilled" or "unprepared" for the call of duty.
Therefore to be circumcised is to be "cut" - "formed" or "prepared" for service. Meaning that there is a process of preparation involved.
Now, I ask the question, "What came first, the Chicken or the Egg?"
The real question is, what came first the "Concept" of Circumcision or the "Act" of Circumcision?
I think the answer is self evident. My answer would be that I do not believe that Abraham had to create a New word in Hebrew to describe the Act of Circumcision. There would have been a concept that predated the act, and therefore he applied the understating of "Cutting" or "Preparing" something for Service to describe the act of cutting the foreskin.
This would go on to explain the term: "Circumcision of the Heart." This is when the Holy Spirit prepares ones heart to receive Him, and in turn the knowledge of Messiah.
Once you begin to apply this understanding of the Hebrew, the concept of Circumcision, and the use of this term begins to makes more sense. Especially when applied to ideas outside the normal parameters of what we understand the circumcision to mean.
The habits that we have formed, in Theology, over the past 2000 years have been to "allegorize" the Old Testament, like unto some "big rehearsal" to what God was "Really going to do." All the while, this was all part of an ongoing plan that He had set into motion from the beginning. In turn we "Spiritualize" everything to the point that we lose the practical application, and then twist the Theology to mean, "As long as you understand what it really means, then you don't have to do it." That doesn't make any sense!
This would be like Paul stating:
"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." I Corinthians 13:3
Therefore, within the same principle of reason, this would be to say that if I Love them, "I don't have to give my body as a sacrifice in their place, nor do I need to give to the poor, because I Truly, "Spiritually" Love them." Is this what Paul was teaching?
That doesn't make any sense! If you Love the Poor, you would give to them. If you Loved your Neighbour, you would sacrifice your body for them. For there is no greater expression of Love! (John 15:13)
He is not saying that those things do not need to be followed through with. What he is saying is that we need to place things into perspective. Faith without works is not even Faith! Just as much as Acts of Love without Love is not Love. Just as Lip service without Obedience is just as vain. "If you love me, obey my commandments." (John 14:15)
Now you can see, by not superimposing our present day understanding of circumcision into the equation, but rather replacing the original intent of the word into the context, it appears to make much more sense.
Therefore, like Baptism, the Circumcision is a preparation for service, and not simply a mark of identification. Is Baptism, Legalism?
Now let's look at some examples where the term is used outside the context that we understand the word "Circumcision" to mean.
"Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked." Deuteronomy 10:16
"And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live." Deuteronomy 30:6
"Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem." Jeremiah 4:4
This is not a "New Testament" Concept. The intent was there all along. Did this mean that once they understood this "Spiritual Concept," then they didn't need to Circumcise their foreskin any longer, only their heart?
Who understood this better than Yeshua, and yet He entered into the Brit Milah - The Covenant of Circumcision. Obedience is not about understanding. It is about expressing your Faith through Works.
This is NOT the same as believing in "Achieving Salvation through Works Righteousness." Once you begin to understand how to differentiate between the two ideas, then you will better understand what Paul was writing in the Epistles to "The Church."
Let's have a look at the Brit Hadasha (New Covenant) examples of this concept:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:29
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcised is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.1 Corinthians 7:19
(Take that one for a spin for a while! Hint: Cicircumcision is one of God's Commandments.)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcised avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5:6
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. Colossians 2:11
We need to return our minds to the Cultural Context. Paul was coming from an era in Rabbinical Judaism where they were continually debating The Law, not that this has ever changed. The point is that the Theological Partisans were more focused upon the details of The Law, that they were missing the point!
This is why Yeshua says, "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." (Matthew 23:24)
Therefore, "This Rabbi said this, and that Rabbi said that..." This is similar to when Paul makes a reference to the debate of "I am of Paul," and "I am of Apollos." I Corinthians 3.
One Rabbi taught one thing, and another taught something different (Even the Messianic Rabbis within The Church), and Messianic Sects were beginning to divide already within this same style of Theological Partisanship. Perhaps the reason that we have almost 40,000 denominations today.
Paul was explaining that we cannot be divided due to "Legalistic Expression." The Theology within the early Church was that "This is all New to us!" Even the Jews were relearning Torah, without the filter of Rabbinical Interpretation - The Pure Torah.
Therefore, instead of debating this or that, we need to all encourage one another and develop that closer personal relationship with The LORD - Through His Word, Guided by The Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit).
This closer relationship is not based upon rebellion to His Word, but rather to explore your personal convictions with Him - "Walk" with Him. As well, we are not to judge our Brother for his personal expression of Faith, as long as it is not contrary to The Word of God.
Let every man be a liar, and God be True! (Romans 3:4)
Give your brother room, and The Grace to grow. At the same time, he may be corrected and given example by living the life that you see is befitting of the LORD's Mercy. Then therefore, as he is witness to your example, and by the Grace of God, he too may embrace more of The LORD, and grow in Him, and obedience to The Word of God.
It was not The Torah, but strict adherence to "Legal Expression" which was consuming and destroying the Jewish People Spiritually, and this process had pushed the Jewish People further and further away from a personal relationship with HaShem. The Rabbinical Authority was so stringent that there was no room to grow. Everyone who wanted to please God, were so tightly wrapped up in the Traditions, that they were dead to the Mercy and Spirit of The LORD. He wanted to teach them, personally, on an individual level, but they could no longer hear His voice, because the Rabbis were generating a religious and academic dependence.
Before The Truth of it all was revealed to Paul, he was an active part of this system, and therefore he was very sensitive to its "leaven" encroaching within the Messianic Community.
Today Christian Theology has taken Paul's words out of context and generated an illusion that takes away a twisted Theology from his meanings and intents. Therefore, I encourage you to take another look at what Paul was teaching, then you will begin to realize that Theology itself is affecting the way that you read the Scripture.
On that note, I want to point out another stumbling block of Theology regarding the term "The Circumcision." In the context of the Epistles, Paul uses this term as an "Identifier" for "The Jewish People." "The Circumcision" was just another way of saying "Judaism." In some context he may not be referring to the Act of Circumcision at all, but rather he is making reference to his "Brethren in the Flesh." Therefore he is speaking the same language in terms of Galatians 3:28
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
In the context of this verse, Paul is not teaching that literally 'There is neither Jew nor Greek,' but rather we have all fallen short of perfection, and need the Salvation of Our Messiah Yeshua. Just as there are still Masters and Servants, and Males and Females, there are the Circumcised and Uncircumcised, but He has brought us together into His One Covenant.
Who would have thunk it? Taking this verse at its face value would be like reading it, and then walking straight into the Women's Washroom - Followed by a Scream! It was at that moment that you realized that Paul didn't mean it literally!
Now, today we've discussed the ideas surrounding the Circumcision or The Preparation of the Heart. We realize that following God's Word is not up to Our interpretation, nor can we do whatever we want, because "He knows the intent of our Heart." If our intent was righteous, then we would walk upright, and ask Him to teach us His Ways. Our "intent" cannot be at enmity with God or the details of His Word. Our Heart must be humbled and teachable to what He is "Instructing" us. This is where we get the word, "Torah."
Therefore as we humble ourselves before The LORD, and "Shema" (Hear His Word with Obedient intent), we "Prepare" or "Circumcise" our Hearts to be ready to receive from Him.
This is what makes us tender and teachable, but more important - malleable so that we conform to His Ways.
Before I conclude today, I want to remind you of something which most Messianic Rabbis and Teachers explain during the Passover Seder. This is that in the process of looking for the Shadows of The Messiah in the Ancient Passover, let us not forget the practical application, and the significance of the event in and of itself.
Sometimes, while looking for the "foreshadowing" aspects of the story, we tend to forget that this story is as much a part of God's Word and His Plan, as the Messiah Himself is. This means that the Passover that we observe today, is as significant a foreshadowing of His Return, as it was in the days of Old of His First Coming.
Yes - The Passover was given to us to observe from Generation to Generation to teach us of Messiah, so that we would see the signs upon His coming, and know "This is Him!"
But, as I read from Matthew earlier, He told us that He is coming back, and that we were going to Celebrate (Complete) this Seder with Him in His Father's Kingdom.
This means that we should take heed to the things that He taught us, and look beyond the letter of the word, and into The Message ("This Gospel") that He said would go to all the Earth, before the End.
One thing that struck me, as I was reading this, while having the Passover in mind, is the similarity of the concept of what He tells us in reference to The Passover.
Let's have a look again:
15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’[a] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. 18 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 19 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. Matthew 24:15-25
In this discourse, Yeshua is proclaiming an Exodus from Judea. "Flee!" - "Get Out!" - "Go!" An interesting note: The Title of Today's Parasha - "Bo!"
What's also interesting is that He states, "If those days had not been 'cut short,' no one would survive..." The term "cut short," is another translation for the concept of circumcision.
The LORD has prepared those days, so that we would survive. Therefore, those who are without knowledge of The Master's Teaching will be terrified, and without direction. However, for those who Hear His Words and Obey them, they will experience His Salvation.
What's more is the fact that He says, "Let go." - "Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak." - "Get Out!" Walk away from Everything - "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" The things of this World are not worth it.
The last time I delivered a Message, I made reference to Matthew 24 and Messiah's Teaching of The End of the Age.
He is instructing us to "Just walk away and don't look back." - "Go!"
As I read this again, it reminded me of two things; The looking back after the Red Sea ("Remember how wonderful it was in Egypt - The Onions and The Leaks ... The Beatings and Hard labour?"), and the Story of Lot's Wife, who looked back to Sodom, and was turned to a Pillar of Salt.
"Go - Don't worry about what to take with you and don't look back."
As we prepare for Passover, we must prepare the Matzoh. Matzoh is called the Bread of Affliction. It is bruised and striped, when it is cooked, and it is pierced to insure a quick bake.
Matzoh is called "The Bread of Affliction," because it is eaten in haste. There is no time for the leaven to rise. The flower and water are added and the Rabbis say that it must be baked within 3 minutes of the water touching the flower. When water touches the flower, regardless of the use of yeast, the water itself begins a leavening affect, and therefore the Rabbis state that, as long as it goes from the mixing of water and into the oven within 3 minutes, it's Kosher for Pesach.
If the Israelites had begun to prepare bread, and it sat out, and the leavening process began, the process would continue until they baked the bread. The Leavening would cause the bread to rise.
Now I want you to think for a moment what is happening as that bread rises. The very fibre of the substance is being pushed apart. It is becoming puffed up and weak. Soft and fluffy. The dividing of the fibres make the bread less strong, and although it might be soft to eat. It is not as filling.
Like the Pharisees and Saducees, the Leaven is dividing the Community, and moving the Jewish People further apart from each other, and from HaShem.
This is why he warns us in declaring:
"Then Yeshua said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." Matthew 16:6
This would be like Paul stating:
"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." I Corinthians 13:3
Therefore, within the same principle of reason, this would be to say that if I Love them, "I don't have to give my body as a sacrifice in their place, nor do I need to give to the poor, because I Truly, "Spiritually" Love them." Is this what Paul was teaching?
That doesn't make any sense! If you Love the Poor, you would give to them. If you Loved your Neighbour, you would sacrifice your body for them. For there is no greater expression of Love! (John 15:13)
He is not saying that those things do not need to be followed through with. What he is saying is that we need to place things into perspective. Faith without works is not even Faith! Just as much as Acts of Love without Love is not Love. Just as Lip service without Obedience is just as vain. "If you love me, obey my commandments." (John 14:15)
Now you can see, by not superimposing our present day understanding of circumcision into the equation, but rather replacing the original intent of the word into the context, it appears to make much more sense.
Therefore, like Baptism, the Circumcision is a preparation for service, and not simply a mark of identification. Is Baptism, Legalism?
Now let's look at some examples where the term is used outside the context that we understand the word "Circumcision" to mean.
"Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked." Deuteronomy 10:16
"And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live." Deuteronomy 30:6
"Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem." Jeremiah 4:4
This is not a "New Testament" Concept. The intent was there all along. Did this mean that once they understood this "Spiritual Concept," then they didn't need to Circumcise their foreskin any longer, only their heart?
Who understood this better than Yeshua, and yet He entered into the Brit Milah - The Covenant of Circumcision. Obedience is not about understanding. It is about expressing your Faith through Works.
This is NOT the same as believing in "Achieving Salvation through Works Righteousness." Once you begin to understand how to differentiate between the two ideas, then you will better understand what Paul was writing in the Epistles to "The Church."
Let's have a look at the Brit Hadasha (New Covenant) examples of this concept:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:29
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcised is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.1 Corinthians 7:19
(Take that one for a spin for a while! Hint: Cicircumcision is one of God's Commandments.)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcised avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5:6
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. Colossians 2:11
We need to return our minds to the Cultural Context. Paul was coming from an era in Rabbinical Judaism where they were continually debating The Law, not that this has ever changed. The point is that the Theological Partisans were more focused upon the details of The Law, that they were missing the point!
This is why Yeshua says, "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." (Matthew 23:24)
Therefore, "This Rabbi said this, and that Rabbi said that..." This is similar to when Paul makes a reference to the debate of "I am of Paul," and "I am of Apollos." I Corinthians 3.
One Rabbi taught one thing, and another taught something different (Even the Messianic Rabbis within The Church), and Messianic Sects were beginning to divide already within this same style of Theological Partisanship. Perhaps the reason that we have almost 40,000 denominations today.
Paul was explaining that we cannot be divided due to "Legalistic Expression." The Theology within the early Church was that "This is all New to us!" Even the Jews were relearning Torah, without the filter of Rabbinical Interpretation - The Pure Torah.
Therefore, instead of debating this or that, we need to all encourage one another and develop that closer personal relationship with The LORD - Through His Word, Guided by The Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit).
This closer relationship is not based upon rebellion to His Word, but rather to explore your personal convictions with Him - "Walk" with Him. As well, we are not to judge our Brother for his personal expression of Faith, as long as it is not contrary to The Word of God.
Let every man be a liar, and God be True! (Romans 3:4)
Give your brother room, and The Grace to grow. At the same time, he may be corrected and given example by living the life that you see is befitting of the LORD's Mercy. Then therefore, as he is witness to your example, and by the Grace of God, he too may embrace more of The LORD, and grow in Him, and obedience to The Word of God.
It was not The Torah, but strict adherence to "Legal Expression" which was consuming and destroying the Jewish People Spiritually, and this process had pushed the Jewish People further and further away from a personal relationship with HaShem. The Rabbinical Authority was so stringent that there was no room to grow. Everyone who wanted to please God, were so tightly wrapped up in the Traditions, that they were dead to the Mercy and Spirit of The LORD. He wanted to teach them, personally, on an individual level, but they could no longer hear His voice, because the Rabbis were generating a religious and academic dependence.
Before The Truth of it all was revealed to Paul, he was an active part of this system, and therefore he was very sensitive to its "leaven" encroaching within the Messianic Community.
Today Christian Theology has taken Paul's words out of context and generated an illusion that takes away a twisted Theology from his meanings and intents. Therefore, I encourage you to take another look at what Paul was teaching, then you will begin to realize that Theology itself is affecting the way that you read the Scripture.
On that note, I want to point out another stumbling block of Theology regarding the term "The Circumcision." In the context of the Epistles, Paul uses this term as an "Identifier" for "The Jewish People." "The Circumcision" was just another way of saying "Judaism." In some context he may not be referring to the Act of Circumcision at all, but rather he is making reference to his "Brethren in the Flesh." Therefore he is speaking the same language in terms of Galatians 3:28
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
In the context of this verse, Paul is not teaching that literally 'There is neither Jew nor Greek,' but rather we have all fallen short of perfection, and need the Salvation of Our Messiah Yeshua. Just as there are still Masters and Servants, and Males and Females, there are the Circumcised and Uncircumcised, but He has brought us together into His One Covenant.
Who would have thunk it? Taking this verse at its face value would be like reading it, and then walking straight into the Women's Washroom - Followed by a Scream! It was at that moment that you realized that Paul didn't mean it literally!
Now, today we've discussed the ideas surrounding the Circumcision or The Preparation of the Heart. We realize that following God's Word is not up to Our interpretation, nor can we do whatever we want, because "He knows the intent of our Heart." If our intent was righteous, then we would walk upright, and ask Him to teach us His Ways. Our "intent" cannot be at enmity with God or the details of His Word. Our Heart must be humbled and teachable to what He is "Instructing" us. This is where we get the word, "Torah."
Therefore as we humble ourselves before The LORD, and "Shema" (Hear His Word with Obedient intent), we "Prepare" or "Circumcise" our Hearts to be ready to receive from Him.
This is what makes us tender and teachable, but more important - malleable so that we conform to His Ways.
Before I conclude today, I want to remind you of something which most Messianic Rabbis and Teachers explain during the Passover Seder. This is that in the process of looking for the Shadows of The Messiah in the Ancient Passover, let us not forget the practical application, and the significance of the event in and of itself.
Sometimes, while looking for the "foreshadowing" aspects of the story, we tend to forget that this story is as much a part of God's Word and His Plan, as the Messiah Himself is. This means that the Passover that we observe today, is as significant a foreshadowing of His Return, as it was in the days of Old of His First Coming.
Yes - The Passover was given to us to observe from Generation to Generation to teach us of Messiah, so that we would see the signs upon His coming, and know "This is Him!"
But, as I read from Matthew earlier, He told us that He is coming back, and that we were going to Celebrate (Complete) this Seder with Him in His Father's Kingdom.
This means that we should take heed to the things that He taught us, and look beyond the letter of the word, and into The Message ("This Gospel") that He said would go to all the Earth, before the End.
One thing that struck me, as I was reading this, while having the Passover in mind, is the similarity of the concept of what He tells us in reference to The Passover.
Let's have a look again:
15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’[a] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. 18 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 19 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. Matthew 24:15-25
In this discourse, Yeshua is proclaiming an Exodus from Judea. "Flee!" - "Get Out!" - "Go!" An interesting note: The Title of Today's Parasha - "Bo!"
What's also interesting is that He states, "If those days had not been 'cut short,' no one would survive..." The term "cut short," is another translation for the concept of circumcision.
The LORD has prepared those days, so that we would survive. Therefore, those who are without knowledge of The Master's Teaching will be terrified, and without direction. However, for those who Hear His Words and Obey them, they will experience His Salvation.
What's more is the fact that He says, "Let go." - "Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak." - "Get Out!" Walk away from Everything - "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" The things of this World are not worth it.
The last time I delivered a Message, I made reference to Matthew 24 and Messiah's Teaching of The End of the Age.
He is instructing us to "Just walk away and don't look back." - "Go!"
As I read this again, it reminded me of two things; The looking back after the Red Sea ("Remember how wonderful it was in Egypt - The Onions and The Leaks ... The Beatings and Hard labour?"), and the Story of Lot's Wife, who looked back to Sodom, and was turned to a Pillar of Salt.
"Go - Don't worry about what to take with you and don't look back."
As we prepare for Passover, we must prepare the Matzoh. Matzoh is called the Bread of Affliction. It is bruised and striped, when it is cooked, and it is pierced to insure a quick bake.
Matzoh is called "The Bread of Affliction," because it is eaten in haste. There is no time for the leaven to rise. The flower and water are added and the Rabbis say that it must be baked within 3 minutes of the water touching the flower. When water touches the flower, regardless of the use of yeast, the water itself begins a leavening affect, and therefore the Rabbis state that, as long as it goes from the mixing of water and into the oven within 3 minutes, it's Kosher for Pesach.
If the Israelites had begun to prepare bread, and it sat out, and the leavening process began, the process would continue until they baked the bread. The Leavening would cause the bread to rise.
Now I want you to think for a moment what is happening as that bread rises. The very fibre of the substance is being pushed apart. It is becoming puffed up and weak. Soft and fluffy. The dividing of the fibres make the bread less strong, and although it might be soft to eat. It is not as filling.
Like the Pharisees and Saducees, the Leaven is dividing the Community, and moving the Jewish People further apart from each other, and from HaShem.
This is why he warns us in declaring:
"Then Yeshua said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." Matthew 16:6
Now, I want you to think about what happens when that dough is placed into the oven within 3 minutes and it bakes. What happens to the leavening process? It stops. As the Matzoh bakes, it is sealed. There is no turning back. It is preserved and will not mold. It is sealed and it is Finished.
Now here is something that I will leave you with that I stumbled across when studying this topic. As I looked at the words of Yeshua about the coming days, I began to think about The Story of Lot. I read it again, and in the midst of the reading, I saw something that I had not seen before. I've read this so many times, "Why didn't I connect the dots before?" I asked myself.
Let me read this to you and see if you see the connection:
1 And the two angels came to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom; and Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them; and he fell down on his face to the earth; 2 and he said: 'Behold now, my lords, turn aside, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your way.' And they said: 'Nay; but we will abide in the broad place all night.' 3 And he urged them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. 4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both young and old, all the people from every quarter. Genesis 19:1-4
Did you catch it - Lot's Passover?
They stayed within the House and the Angel protected them. That night, they ate a meal with unleavened bread, and in the morning they made their Exodus out of Sodom. As well, they were told to not look back. Just "Go."
Chaverim Our LORD told us these things ahead of time, so that we would know, and prepare.
Therefore, be as the wise Virgins who trimmed their lamps and prepared for the Wedding Seder. The Time is Near.
Yeshua is Coming Soon!
May the LORD bless you with His Provision and Protection. Shabbat Shalom.
1 And the two angels came to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom; and Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them; and he fell down on his face to the earth; 2 and he said: 'Behold now, my lords, turn aside, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your way.' And they said: 'Nay; but we will abide in the broad place all night.' 3 And he urged them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. 4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both young and old, all the people from every quarter. Genesis 19:1-4
Did you catch it - Lot's Passover?
They stayed within the House and the Angel protected them. That night, they ate a meal with unleavened bread, and in the morning they made their Exodus out of Sodom. As well, they were told to not look back. Just "Go."
Chaverim Our LORD told us these things ahead of time, so that we would know, and prepare.
Therefore, be as the wise Virgins who trimmed their lamps and prepared for the Wedding Seder. The Time is Near.
Yeshua is Coming Soon!
May the LORD bless you with His Provision and Protection. Shabbat Shalom.
