Go and Sin No More

We have assembled here today to participate in, and observe, this most ancient of Mo'ed prescribed by YHVH.  This is not a "Jewish" Holiday.  It is a Day given by HaShem by His Word, which is found within Leviticus 16:29:

And it shall be a statute for ever unto you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the home-born, or the stranger that sojourneth among you.

You see, He mentions you, "The Ger among you."  Again, this is not a "Jewish Holiday."  This is a YHVH Holy Day.

It is called "Yom Kippur," or "Yom Kippurim."  This means "Day of Atonement." 

Today is the Day made Kadosh by YHVH, set apart for the purpose to afflict ourselves, to search within ourselves of who we really are, and what we really want in regards to our relationship with Him, but more specifically, what He wants from us in this relationship.  We need to be honest with ourselves, and be honest with The LORD.  Therefore ask yourself, "Why am I here, here observing this Day with the People of Israel?"

We are told by Christian Theology today that we no longer need to do this, and that this practice was an ancient ritual performed by the Jews, and this was how God dealt with Sin, in the past.  However, today, and for the past 2000 years, since the coming of Christ, we no longer need to do this.  This ritual, this ceremony, was a part of the Old Testament, and we now live within the New Testament.  Therefore it has become obsolete through Christ.

Really?  What was the first part of that verse in Leviticus 16:29?  

Oh yeah - "And it shall be a statute for ever unto you" and what was that last part?  This was only for "The Jews?"

No...

"The home-born, or the stranger that sojourneth among you."

In spite what Theology states, The Word of God says nothing about "The Jews," or a "Jewish Holiday."  In fact, it is only Theology that states this misconception.  Perhaps we may need to look deeper into The Word of God, and leave Theology to The Theologians...  Perhaps they may have a little more work to do.

Now, I'm not really pointing the finger, because I used to believe this way too, until I became intimate with God's Word, and could differentiate Scripture from Theology.  In fact, this is an ongoing process, and I'm still learning how to do this.  

By the Way, you are welcome to come Midrash with us any time.

You see, a good lie is not something that is blatantly a lie.  Although it sounds ironic, a good lie sounds more probable than not.  A good lie is build premise upon premise, until we no longer see the initial intent, separating us so far from The Original Truth, that we stop asking the questions, and the lie becomes "The Truth."

This lie that many Christians accept today is build premise upon premise, for the past 2000 years.  This lie is that we no longer need to observe this, because it's a thing of the past.

The initial premise appears legitimate; "Due to Jesus' sacrifice, we no longer need this.  We have something Greater." 

This idea is built upon quoting the words of Paul.  

Paul was right in all that he wrote regarding the nature of The Law, and the Concept of The New Covenant.  The problem isn't Paul.  The problem is with us.  We have taken Paul's statements, and misconstrued them to mean something that he did not mean.

I pointed this out in the Message on Shabbat a couple weeks ago, regarding Paul's continued observance of The Law in Acts Chapter 21, where the Kehielah requested that he complete a vow to demonstrate his steadfast observance of God's Word - The Torah.  

I've heard certain Preachers Teach that Paul was coaxed into doing this, and he gave into the Pressure of the Religious Jews.  Paul - Gave in - To Pressure?  Paul, "The Apostle?"  Gave in to Pressure...  I ask, have these teachers even read the Bible?

Obviously, they did not know Paul very well, or it is blatant that they have completely misread Paul.  If Paul, gave into pressure, his actions would have been misleading to other Believers, and this would be upon Paul's head.  

His actions would have made him to be a liar, if this were the case.  Paul did it, because Paul realized that even within HIS DAY, his words had already been misused to misrepresent his Theological position.  Paul observed The Law, because Paul understood The Law, and why he was doing it, opposed to following The Law for the sake of Righteous Merit.

Let me point out something to you that may or may not come as a shock to those who still hold to this idea that, "The Law is done away with."  Let's once again look at Today's Haftarah reading, Isaiah 58:13-14

13 If thou turn away thy foot because of the sabbath, from pursuing thy business on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, and the holy of the LORD honourable; and shalt honour it, not doing thy wonted ways, nor pursuing thy business, nor speaking thereof; 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD, and I will make thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. {P}

“The Mouth of THE LORD has spoken it.”

The very thing that God is asking Israel to do, The Church is teaching against, and perpetuating the lie that is keeping Israel from T'shuva (Repenting) and having that Relationship with Our God.  The LORD is saying, “Israel - Return to Me and My Torah,” and the Church says "That's all OLD NEWS."  

What a Paradox?

We all need to return to The Word of God for our direction, and let the Blind lead the Blind.

This premise that God has done away with The Law, is based on a weak foundation, and formed upon little thought within the context of Scripture.  Paul said that he put away childish things, perhaps so should Theology.  It's time to grow up, and make T'shuva and Return to the Word of God for our understanding.

My point is that we need to Repent and dig down, layer by layer, looking at His Word, for what it really says, and not depending upon Theology to determine our Path.  If we do not do this, then we are no better than the Rabbis that we point our fingers at crying "Hypocrites!"

This is the Day that we renew our Covenant with HaShem, and reactivate that motive in our heart that DESIRES for God and the Things of God.  This is the Day that we repent of our waywardness of pursuing the things of this world, rather than the Higher Calling which is His Heart.

This is the Day that He has Chosen.  Today, is the Day of Atonement.

As we begin this Journey back to the Heart of the LORD's intent, let's ask ourselves the most obvious question: 

What does Atonement mean?

Atonement in Hebrew is Kippur, spelt: Kaf - Pey - Vav - Resh - This Paleo interpretation would be "The Hand that Covers the Mouth and The Head."

Now, I am telling you about the Ancient Hebrew picture, because I believe that this is where the Thought Image of any Hebrew Concept should begin.  Therefore, again "The Hand that Covers the Mouth and The Head."  Kippur.

Keep that image in your mind, as you meditate upon this concept.

Kippur or Atonement literally means: "To Cover."

The question is, what is being "Covered," the Sin?  

The Mouth and the Head.  It is our Pride.  This is again, about attitude.  The Mind thinks up vanities and the Mouth expels them.  Therefore, cover them up and focus your mind upon the Things of YHVH, and your mouth upon His Praises - Hallelujah!  THIS is the meaning of this day.

The Next clue in this Mystery is a word found in Leviticus 16:29 where we get the Command to Observe Yom Kippur. 

The Word is T'annu "To Afflict" ourselves.  This word can mean to Humble Ourselves, or even to Defile Ourselves.  In the later tense, this does not mean to "Go Defile Ourselves," because we have already done this, and this is the very reason that we are at this point.  It means that we are to Actually Realize and Consider ourselves "defiled," and demonstrate this by acknowledging our Sinful Nature.

David writes:

19 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; {N}
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:19

The word for contrite is "Dakah" which literally means to be "Crushed."  Our Heart, Our Pride, must be crushed or deflated, but here's the interesting point, and this is the Greatest Clue of all; The word for "Broken" is rooted in the word, "Abah."  This word means Desire or Will.  It also sounds like the word for Father.

Therefore Yeshua says,

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21

What both Yeshua and David are alluding to here is more than just words, beliefs, and thoughts.  They are referring to Amunah - Faith in Action.  Desire is not only a thirst, but it's acting upon that thirst.  Therefore if your heart is focused upon "Abah," it is focused upon "His Will," and the Heart motivates the Flesh to Act.

David also wrote:

2 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. Psalm 42:1

Our soul, in spite of our flesh, desires to return to "Abah."  The source or who we truly are.  The deer does not just think about the water, or believe in the water, or talk about the water...  He pursues it.  He hunts for it.  He searches for it.  The deer is not satisfied until he finds it, and his thirst is quenched!  This is the meaning of David's Soul Cry.  This is the meaning of Abah.

“To have a Broken Heart.”

Therefore, today as we afflict ourselves, let's remember this as we Cry out "Abba" we are reaffirming our Desire for Him, and His Ways.

This is what it means to afflict ourselves.  Do not give into the flesh.  Afflict your personal will, and submit yourselves to His Will.  Allow His Will, and your Desire for His Will, to consume you today.  This is what it means to be atoned.  "'To be Covered in His Will."  

The Term, "Covered in His Blood," is not some ritual of Blood Letting.  It means that we are marked by Him, as His Own, and in Covenant with Him.  His desires become our desires and we all declare,  in atonement, "Not my will, but thy will be done."  

Therefore, today be renewed in Him.  This is not something of the past.  This is just as applicable today, as it will be forever, as the command itself declares.  This is His Day.

As you know, I have spent this last summer addressing the concept of Sin, attempting to dig deeper to the root of the idea.  Leaving behind traditional understandings and misconceptions, I have attempted to lead you back to the original Hebrew Thoughts on the matter.

This was all leading up until today.  Now, I want to share a discovery that I found within the Parasha Nitzavim from a couple weeks ago. 

In Deuteronomy 29:18 we read:

18 and it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying: 'I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart--that the watered be swept away with the dry';

As I read through the Chumash, The Rabbinical Commentaries on this Parasha, I found profound understanding what is meant by "The watered be swept away with the dry."

The term, "The Watered," is referring to the giving into the "Lust" of the Flesh.  Although in English Lust and Desire can be equated, the concepts within Hebrew are different.  Lust is the pursuits of the Flesh, whereas Desire is the pursuit of HaShem.  Therefore the Rabbis say that one who pursues Lust, opposed to Desire, will not receive Grace.

You see, also in Hebrew thought, "Unintentional Sin," referred to as Shaggagah, is excused and atoned for.

However, there is no atonement for Intentional Sin.  This is because in Hebrew thought, this is a contradiction in terms.  If Atonement means “Submitting to His Will,” and Intentional Sin, means “Defying His Will,” How can He Atone for Intentional Sin?  You cannot submit to His Will, and defy His Will at the same time.  It is impossible to be both.

Now you may think to yourself, but I have committed "Intentional Sin." Meaning that you have committed Sin, knowing full well that it is wrong.  NOW, you are thinking to yourself, there is no atonement for my intentional sin?  What will I do???

We are thinking this way, because we have been lead to understand that "Sin," is a behavior.  Now, during the Messages this past Summer, I had explained that Sin is not the action, but rather a root attitude.

This does not mean that your actions are not Sin, but rather the concept of Sin is not within the Action, but rather rooted in the heart.

Taking this into account, we must understand that "Intentional Sin," is not simply Sinning, knowing full well it is wrong.  Although this is Transgression of God's Law, it is not what the Hebrew would depict as "Intentional Sin."  You see, according to the Rabbis, when one is unable to fully understand their actions or comprehend the ramifications of their actions, then it is all summed up as "Shagagah" (Unintentional).  

What's more, is that in Hebrew Thought, "Intentional Sin," is not simply "Transgression," but rather a blatant disregard for God's Truth - His Torah.  Therefore when we look back at Deuteronomy 29:18 we see the depiction of what "Intentional Sin" is:

18 and it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying: 'I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart--that the watered be swept away with the dry';

The attitude, which is Sin (Chattah) is defiance of God's Word.  It defies the Truth of it.  It defies the very fact that God is Righteous and we are not.  If you acknowledge your Sin, then you are acknowledging that God's Word, His Torah, is Truth.  Then your actions, are regarded as Shaggagah, and there is a Covering for this - Atonement.  

What the Rabbis stated in conclusion on this matter was interesting as well.  They say that the term, "The watered be swept away with the dray," is a reference to the judgment.  Meaning that when you take upon this attitude of self-righteousness, and defy God's Instruction, even your "Shagagah" (Unintentional Sin) which would have normally fallen under Grace, will be held against you, on the Day of Judgment.  Your punishment will be multiplied, where others will receive Grace for Shagagah.  You do not want to live with Intentional Sin.

As I read these words, my mind traveled back in time to a place called, "Sychar."

There, Yeshua met a Samaritan Women at the City Square called "The Broad Place."  This is where the whole village would meet, in any given town in Israel.

He asked her for some water, and she asked why He was asking her, a Samaritan Women, for water when Jews do not even regard the Samaritans as anything.  

Yeshua replied that if she truly knew who He was, she would be asking Him for water...

“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

¹¹ “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? ¹² Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

¹³ Yeshua answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

¹⁵ The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

¹⁶ He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

¹⁷ “I have no husband,” she replied.

Yeshua said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. ¹⁸ The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” John 4:11-18

As I read this with this understanding of Shaggagah and Intentional Sin, I realized that Yeshua did in fact, give her "This Water."  The fact that she acknowledged her Sin, when He asked her to go call her Husband.  When she responded with, "I have no Husband," this was indicative of her receiving this water.  She realized that she was in Sin.  Otherwise, she would have simply said, "Wait here," and went to fetch the man that she was with.  

Yeshua recognizes her change of heart, by saying:

"What you have just said is quite true.”  This is because she now understood the difference between "The Lust of the Flesh," (The Water from the Well) and "The Desire of God," (The Living Water.)

The Rabbis are not completely off in all things.  The LORD has blessed our People with Wisdom and Understanding, in spite of our Blindness to Him.  Which was quite ironic as well within this Study of Chumash.  Our Rabbis recognize the fact that we are blind to The True will of God, because of our Sin, and that, “As promised,” if we continued within unbelief that He would "Hide" Himself from us, but not leave us.  We cannot see Him, but He is with us.  They acknowledge that they are blind, but cannot comprehend that their understanding of Messiah Yeshua is a part of that blindness.  

What a Paradox?

I've entitled today's Message, "Go and Sin No More," because when you think about it, that's a very difficult thing to understand.  If we are to "Sin no More," then why would we continued to have an annual "Day of Atonement?"

I've pondered this idea my entire life.  Did Yeshua actually mean what He said, or the better question is, Did the person that He spoke these words to actually adhere to His Command?  "Go and Sin No More."

Its sounds like a pretty steep order considering, that the person is still human and subject to the Yetzera - The Hebrew word for the inclination to Evil.  

If this is the case and the expectation for perfection was not actually intended, then why did He say it?

I was asked once, "Why was David considered a man after God's Own Heart, when he was such a 'Sinner?'"

I answered, "In order to understand David, we have to look at Saul for contrast," in the same way that we see Cain and Abel or Jacob and Esau.  

One thing that we mistake in, when reading Scripture, is the "Righteousness" of our Spiritual Heroes.  These men of Faith were far from "Sinless."  They Sinned every day, from moment to moment, just like any of us.  The difference between Men of Faith and Men of Works, is attitude...  

The attitude is this word that we looked at earlier, "Abah," a Desire for the Will of The Father.  We can do what we think is right, or behave "Righteously," but the Truth is still within us.  

If we are doing these things to Please God, so that He shows favor upon us, then we must check our Motivations.  

If we do Acts of Righteousness, because we have Faith in our Salvation, according to His Promises, regardless of our works, then we do well.  

You see, we have conceptually fallen into the realm of Legalism and Works Righteousness without even realizing it.  We have conceptually associated the acts of Sin with Sin.  Therefore, we consider our behavior sin, and try to correct the behavior.  What we have learned over and over is that Sin is an Attitude.  It is a premise of Faith that states, "I am Saved regardless of God's Word - God's Law..." - This is Arrogance.

Ironically, this is exactly what "Sin" is, as defined in Deuteronomy 29:18.  Sin is simply the attitude of disregard for the Truth of God's Word.  Plain and Simple.

This means that when Yeshua states, "Go and Sin no more,"  He is not referring to the Act of Sin, or the Behavior of Sin, He is saying, "Acknowledge the Truth of God's Word, and since there is Sin in you, acknowledge it, and afflict yourself."  Afflicting ourselves is not about whaling "Woe is me!  I’m a Sinner!!!"  It simply means the same thing as "Repent."  Return your focus upon "Abah," The Will of God, and walk that path. 

⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Yeshua, his Son, purifies us from all^[b]sin.

⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10

Yes - You have Sinned, but your Sin, if you regard it as Sin, is accounted to you as Shagagah.  Meaning it was not done in a willful disregard for God's Truth, but rather within the weakness of the Flesh.  There is a difference.

This knowledge is THAT “Water of Life,” that Yeshua was speaking of.  The Water that waters the Lust of the Flesh, will only return, and you will thirst again.  Yeshua's Water of Life quenches the thirst for Righteousness, and we thirst no more for that understanding, because once He gives it to us, we have it!

Yom Kippur means "Day of Covering," but it is not our behavior that is Covered, but our Pride, so that are "Sin," of thinking that we are “Righteous” within ourselves, is removed.  By reaffirming our Commitment to God's Ways, in spite of our Flesh, is the process of affliction, and therefore YHVH recognizes our desire to remain within the Book of Life.  

Our acts of Righteousness have no direct affect upon our name remaining in The Book of Life.  Our affirmation of our desire for Him, is what tells the LORD that we truly desire to remain within the Book of Life.  

The decision is asked of us again this year, "Do you wish to remain within the Book?  Do you still Love me?  Then Keep my Commandments."

He is not going to remove us, we can only remove ourselves upon request.  Choose Life, and remain in Life, and have Everlasting Life!

Today, I suggest that you Drink of The Water of Life, and acknowledge your sin.  Afflict yourself to return to your first love, which is your desire, your Abah, for Him.

Now that you know, "Go and Sin No More."

Let us Pray: