Gateway To Freedom

The past several weeks the book of Exodus revealed YHVH's plan of redemption. As we study this parashot we begin to transition from YHVH's deliverance to what was expected of the people in becoming the betrothed of a Holy God. It is a loud and clear message for today's believers who are bought by the blood of the lamb, Yeshua.

Haftorah

Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6

B'rit Chadashah

Matthew 5:8 - 20
1 Peter 2:9-10, 5:10-11

Introduction:

The past several weeks we have studied the book of Exodus and YHVH's plan of redemption. As we study this parashot you'll notice that we begin to transition from YHVH's deliverance to what was expected of the people in becoming the betrothed of a Holy God.

Over the past several years I have studied many an ancient text on the passages we are about to read. There is no shortage of rabbinical and Christian theological opinion (I stress opinion) on some of the various elements. But, again, even through much wrestling, the Ruach HaKodesh has revealed some aspects that relate to today's news and us.

Study:
Chapter 18

Even a cursory reading of the online New World Encyclopedia sheds a great deal of light on Moses' father-in-law, Jethro (or Jether, or Hebrew:Yithro). It is important to know this background so that we may better understand what the Word is saying. Jethro, the high priest of Midian as he is identified here, has many other names. In scripture he is also called "Reuel" (Ex 2:18) and Raguel (Num 10:29. His name means "His Excellence." Thus, his given name may have been Reuel (friend of God), but his title – Jethro meant "his Excellence." This is a distinction worthy of noting in the positioning of announcement and acceptance. Verse 6 is the announcement of "His Excellence" arrival and verse 7 is Moses acceptance of him on that basis - i.e. Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him. This is not the expression of cordiality. It is the expression of relative position. (Do you have a better understanding why Moses was called a humble man?)

Even more interesting to our understanding is that, Jethro is known as Shoaib, one of the prophets in the Qur'an (Some scholars' debate timing.). He is also revered as a major prophet in the Druze religion (They claim to be descendents). Thus, Jethro was arguably considered a major prophet of his time – at least by the Canaanites and Midianites but, NOT IN YHVH's biblical account.

The Midianites, through their apparent religious-political connection with the Moabites, are thought to have worshipped a multitude of gods, including Baal-peor and the Queen of Heaven, Ashteroth. Thus, we can't be absolutely certain which gods Jethro worshipped, but it seems evident that Elohim was not the only one. Thus, we must recognize that there is a great probability of "mixture" (saying it nicely) in the prophecies/instructions of Jethro.

Exo 18:11,12 Jethro acknowledges other gods (of the Egyptians) whom YHVH had conquered ("he was above (mightier than) them.") while declaring that YHVH is greater than the rest. Was this a conversion to YHVH and denial of all other gods? Did Jethro partake of the Passover lamb? Was he baptized in the Red (water & salt) Sea under the cloud of Christ (recall last week's parashot)? Was he a part of the promises of Israel? Obviously, the answer to each of these questions is a resounding, NO! And yet, Aaron and the 70 elders joined Jethro and Moses to partake of the sacrifice Jethro made unto YHVH. (Remember, the Levitical priesthood had not yet been established.)

Exo 18:17-19 After Jethro observes Moses' toil in judging the people he says, "The thing that thou doest is not good." Exo 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone." Exo 18:19 Did YHVH say it was not a good thing? How do we know that it wasn't YHVH's purpose for a season? Then after Jethro proposes a plan of judgment captains – all the way down to the captain's of ten, he says,;

Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God be with thee: be thou for the people to God-ward, and bring thou the causes unto God: (19) "Listen to my counsel and Elohim will bless you." I'm suspicious. Doesn't this sound just a little like, "hear the good rational counsel of man, do it my way and God will bless you. Moses spoke to God face to face, is this what God wanted?

Exo 18:23, 24 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace. So did Moses hearken unto the voice of God or his father-in-law? Don't miss the subtly of the next verse. It says So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. (24) Thus, we must accept that Moses' sought God's permission as well.

While the plan sounds good to the rational mind, was this the way YHVH would have done it? We may never know, but we do know that this is NOT the way YHVH dealt with Moses' burden of the people later on: In Numbers 11:16-17 we read:

And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

So what am I suggesting in contrast to the many other opinions that abound? Here is what I see from this story. This delegation of authority may be acceptable at this early stage of their spiritual journey, but gives evidence to YHVH's working with Moses to teach him that the way of His Spirit is the best/perfect way - not man's knowledge, council and understanding.

Jethro was a man of reputation, related to Moses by marriage and distant ancestry. Upon their meeting with Israel, Jethro declared his own excellence and also the magnificence of YHVH over "all (other) gods (of Egypt)," and invited all the elders of Israel to partake of his sacrifice – bond together. Moses hearkened unto the voice of man. He delegated authority on reputation and human judgment "able men" with an outward appearance of virtue, not by the power/Spirit of God as YHVH did later. Doesn't the phrase, "able men" or "men of accomplishment" (as translated in some bibles) sound like the method whereby many churches select their deacons and elders today? This may be an acceptable way to do the ministry of the gospel in the beginning, but without the Spirit of YHVH leading the church, we will not progress to God's more perfect way.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Last year as I was studying for this message I happened to watch Secretary Hilary Clinton's keynote speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. Her address was well crafted to embrace and encompass the audience she addressed. She identified herself as one of the faithful by saying, "I have attended this prayer breakfast every year since 1993." She equated the last three presidents as all men of faith, "I've watched and I've listened to three presidents, each a man of faith." She established her heritage, "I grew up in the Methodist Church." She told an undeniable truth, "all to often it is religion that is the force that drives and sustains division rather than being the healing balm." And then she said, "So in the Obama Administration, we are working to bridge religious divides." And finally, she concluded by exhorting us to pray that, WE can sustain the force and feeling .... And continue in the power of faith." Her speech was so well crafted that many religious leaders were "blessed" and "just marveled at her words."

This is the time that the whole earth should cry out for the revelation of the Sons of God who are led by the Spirit of YHVH to accomplish His perfect will (Rom 8:14,21,22). How long will the people of God be deceived by flattering words without the character or "works" that give testament? Will we abandon God's Word for unity and man's temporary peace? There is a vast difference in the definition of "men of faith" in God's word versus the rhetoric of men.

We must pray for YHVH to release His Spirit on the leaders so that true unity can be manifest - not by man's knowledge. We have heard man's knowledge without absolutes. As long as God's Spirit doesn't reign within our hearts to wake his people up to truth, we will be manipulated to come into the unity of the father of lies and be deceived by great words that shall wear out the saints (Dan7:25). Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Cor 3:12), but all other paths lead to death, bondage and slavery to the enemy of our soul. Remember, Messiah's warnings in His Revelation to the churches - repent and hear what the Spirit is of the Lord is saying.

The rhetoric of today is not a question of torah observance for the love of YHVH. This is a matter of downright deception. Is a fornicator, adulterer, extortionist or covetous man a man of faith? Is a "man" who preaches peace, but acknowledges another god, a man of faith?

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

The difference of this year's prayer breakfast, in an election year, is that the President didn't shun it as he did last year. Rather, the breakfast was used to deliver the wisdom of man by focusing on specific passages which support a political position (i.e. on economics: 1 John 3:17 and the paraphrase of Luke 12:48) to the exclusion of YHVH's nature and the preponderance of scriptures. The pattern to deceive is always the same: identify with your audience, relate a few truths and then use logic to slide from the truth and turn people to your point of view. So after identifying himself as "a Christian" the POTUS said:"

Identify agreed upon truths:
     "I am reminded that faith and values play an enormous role in motivating us to solve some of our most urgent problems . . . we can't leave our values at the door . . . if we leave our values at the door, we abandon the moral glue that has held our country together for centuries."

Slide from Truth:
     "Part of living in a pluralistic society means that our personal religious beliefs alone can't dictate our response to every challenge we face." (Plus, the I John 3:17 and Luke 12:48 references noted above.)

Man's point of view:
     "Part of living in a pluralistic society means that our personal religious beliefs alone can't dictate our response to every challenge we face."

This opinion given from man's point of view is in direct contrast to what Yeshua countered to Satan's challenge to succumb to the flesh:

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

Don't be deceived brethren. There are many who speak of faith, but faith in what? They speak of a faith of and in "I" and "We" – not YHVH. They speak our language but have an entirely different definition than YHVH is teaching us through trust in Him. Finally, they are seducing many to trust in man and man's government. Yes, through His Holy Spirit YHVH has been calling us to a greater level of faith that we may stand in the day of tribulation. But this is a faith based upon trust in Him and His Word, not the ideas and inventions of man, nor man himself – that is the path to the anti-Christ. New age humanism and new age "community/unity" are a counterfeit religion that has become a subtle snare to entrap God's people.

This chapter is far more than a history lesson. Doesn't the New Testament say that these scriptures are given for our examples (I Cor 10:6)? What other example are we supposed to get from this story for us today? Let us hear this story of Jethro and understand what God is trying to show us. Not only can we be led just "slightly" (if slightly is possible) astray, again the Spirit of God is warning us to exercise our individual discernment (and prayer) with whom we follow or fellowship. If leaders like Moses, Aaron and the elders were deceived to embrace the mixture and fellowship with a divided prophet, can we be safe from the devil's wiles? NO!

Exo 18:2 (Placed here to retain consistency of Jethro midrash)  Because Moses "sent" her (Zip-porah) back to Jethro with the two boys, it has been speculated that Moses had divorced her. Being "sent" could imply divorcement. Further, in verse 6 Jethro says, "..and her two sons with her." While there is much speculation, there are no known texts that clarify this issue. The question then becomes: if Moses is the shadow picture of Messiah, does divorcement fit that picture – especially without reference to her infidelity. Also recognize that YHVH later

1. supported Moses marriage to the Ethiopian woman (Num 12) and

2. stated in Num 12:7 that Moses was "faithful in all mine (His) house."

Would He have done so if Moses had violated His eternal unchanging torah?

And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; (Hebrews 3:5)

Chapter 19

Exo 19:1-3 ...they came into the wilderness of Sinai. ...and there Israel camped before the mount.

For several hundred years bible scholars have favored Jabal Musa in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt as the sight of the biblical Mt. Sinai. Most maps shown in the back of bibles and maps on computer programs point to this location. The journey of Israel is generally plotted as going through the Sea of Reeds - a shallow body of water that is prolific with reeds. As shallow as this body of water is today, it would have been a miracle for the Egyptians to drown in it. If it were deeper in Moses time, then one must wonder why no archeological remains have been found.

I have visited (and climbed) this favored sight of Mount Sinai and observed several discrepancies with the biblical account. The narrow approach to the base of Jabal Musa is occupied by the Monastery of St. Catherine. The monastery has existed for almost 1500 years (Emperor Justin commissioned 527-564AD) and their monks (Russian and Greek Orthodox) are responsible for building rudimentary rock "steps" as you near the peak and a small chapel at its summit. There is also a mosque (Fatmid Mosque) inside the monastery.

Without going into great detail, following are a few thoughts and observations which place this favored tourist location in doubt as the biblical Mt. Sinai:

1. It was under Egyptian rule - i.e. probable recapture by Pharaoh.

2. There is no evidence of water having been in this small plain.

3. No evidence of cultivatable land anywhere for centuries - it is very rocky soil.

4. Thus, no evidence of greenery or grasslands (other than that artificially watered by the hotel) - i.e. unable to sustain Israel's flocks of cattle and sheep.

5. Not a big enough area to sustain 2-3 million people.

Several years ago, amateur archeologist, Ron Wyatt documented the more probable crossing point on the eastern side of the Sinai Peninsula, along what is now called the Gulf of Aqaba (formerly: Red Sea) and nearly a third of the way down. According to Wyatt and depth soundings, it is at a point where there is a land bridge under the sea which slopes gradually at each side but descends nearly a 1000 feet. When YHVH blew the East wind this underwater bridge became exposed so that the people could cross on dry land until He ceased and the water came crashing in on the pursuing Egyptians. Wyatt shows videos of encrusted gold chariot wheels in the water and memorial pillars placed by Solomon at this point of crossing.

Within approximately 60 kilometers of this crossing point is a mountain known as Jabal al Lawz (Arabic name) with all the features of a burnt top and a plain at its base where all Israel could have encamped. Other discoveries included evidences of a streambed, a giant split rock, and even an altar with Egyptian petroglyphs unique to this area. (www.wyattmuseum.com/ )

This area has been conquered and lost many times throughout history. However, Paul the Apostle affirmed its location in Galatians. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia,.. (Galatians 4:25). And yet, like many other verses exposed by "rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim 2:15) bible "scholars" continue to ignore the scriptures that would bring revelation and truth to the body of Christ.

Today, in this Muslim country, this sight around Jabal al Lawz is securely guarded by Saudi Arabia's soldiers. It is fenced so that no further close inspection is possible. There has been a later visitation of this sight by Bob Cornuke and Larry Williams who have written several books and thesis on this sight as being Mt. Sinai. Yet, counter arguments abound and it is still a hotly debated issue.

Exo 19:5 YHVH proposes to the children of Israel, His bride – if you'll obey my voice, keep my covenant... I'll make you a kingdom of priests (19:6) and a holy nation (i.e. kings and priests - Rev:1:6, 5:10).

YHVH speaks through his apostle Peter to say unto the sanctified church that believes in, and are sprinkled by the blood of Yeshua the Messiah:

But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1Pe 2:9, 10)

Exo 19:8 And the people accepted.." we will do."

Exo 19:10 Sanctify and wash their garments .. Speaking of the church:

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26)

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Revelation 19:7-8)

Washing (baptism) is preparation to meet the Lord (See Teachings: Baptisms or Mikvehs For Today )

Exo 19:11 The third day is mentioned twice here. (This is a prophetic reference to the work of Messiah.) For two days (verse 10) the people were to wash and prepare themselves for the third day when YHVH would appear and marry them in covenantal relationship. Since a day is as a thousand years (Ps 90:4; 2 Pet 3:8) then can we see that our marriage is soon coming in this third day following Christ's resurrection?

Exo 19:13 There shall not an hand touch it,.. Although Israel was "sanctified" (v. 10) YHVH put a limitation on how near they could approach Him. Even after the priesthood was established, there was a barrier (curtain) between Himself and all but the High Priest (once a year). I am in awe of the blood of Messiah for the sacrifice He made to rip the veil and allow us to enter, "by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil" into His presence (Heb 10:20). What a privileged place He given those who seek Him and make Him Lord.

Exo 19:15 Earlier we were basing a conclusion against Moses' supposed divorcement upon YHVH's eternal torah. Note here that they were instructed, "come not near your wives." He gives this as an instruction in staying clean before the whole subject of clean and unclean has been revealed.

Exo 19:16, 19 The voice of the Lord – the trumpet. Just as Elohim first called His people unto Him at Mt. Sinai by His voice that sounded like a trumpet, so will Messiah Yeshua call back His people unto Him when he establishes His kingdom upon the earth for a thousand years:

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:52-53: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 also.)

Chapter 20

Exo 20:1-17 The preamble to the royal commandments read: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

(Exodus 20:2) In other words - BELIEVE, HAVE FAITH IN the fact that I am Elohim who delivered you - and then you shall do these commandments. Without faith it is impossible to please God:

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Messiah Yeshua said of the laws which follow:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17-18)

Then again in Matthew 19:16-30 Yeshua taught the way to eternal life was in following the laws and following Him (v. 21). Is it not an implication that if you believe/have faith, and "have the fear of God" you will do these commandments?

Exo 20:5, 6 On the subject of bowing or worshipping/aligning ourselves with false "gods or the spirits of such "gods," the B'rit Chadashah says:

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

In these passages we see a principle of spiritual inheritance so often ignored and misunderstood by modern believers. When the fathers "bow/serve" other "gods" YHVH says that their iniquity will be visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generation - of them that hate him. But, He will show mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep his commandments. While we may observe these blessings and curses in both physical and spiritual manifestations from generation to generation, the modern church has ignored them, believing that Yeshuah HaMachiach's atoning blood sacrifice automatically does away with all our fathers curses for iniquity.

But does it? What are the criteria for forgiveness? Isn't it confession of sin AND iniquity AND the iniquity of our fathers?

If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. (Leviticus 26:40-42)

Can we hear the Word of the Lord? We must come to him with a humble heart, confess our iniquities, also that of our fathers' and throw ourselves upon the grace of the Lord in willingness to acknowledge/accept the punishment that Christ took upon Himself upon the tree. If we don't break these negative "heritages" off ourselves, our fathers, and our children by our confession, then they will be passed onto our generations. Let us instead pass along the heritage of YHVH's mercy because we love God and keep His commandments:

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:6)

Exo 20:18-19 God wanted a one-to-one relationship, but the people chose an intermediary. Today, people still chose intermediaries in pastors and priests, but the Lord is still seeking that intimacy with His bride:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20)

Haftorah
Isaiah 6:1-7:6; & 9:5-6 (7)

Both the Parashah and Haftorah describe a revelation of the glory of YHVH. In the Parashah it is evidenced in the beginning of Israel becoming a set-apart nation. In the Haftorah it marks the beginning of Judah's punishment into captivity. Yet despite the imminent demise of the Southern Kingdom, Isaiah's vision, stresses the fact that regardless of the sinfulness of Judah, YHVH promises, through His own power, a restoration. Likewise, Ephraim, who was scattered to the nations, will also be re-gathered from the nations at Yeshua's return. The message: YHVH will redeem that which is lost – day follows night. This is His Yeshua (salvation):

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

B'rit Chadashah
Matthew 5:8 - 20
1 Peter 2:9-10, 5:10-11

The B'rit Chadashah speaks of the blessed, exalted position and reward of those who are persecuted, reviled, falsely accused and spoken evil of by men because of Messiah. It concludes with Messiah's reaffirmation of the law and the loss of blessing and lessened position in the kingdom of heaven for those who would break YHVH's commandments and teach others to do so:

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:18-19)

Because the Messianic movement is most often focused upon establishing and defending the viability of the Torah for end-time believers in Messiah Yeshua, it has often de-emphasized the way of the Spirit and to glory referred to in the first portion of this teaching - the fellowship of His suffering. Sufferings are testings of our faith (and revelation of our soul).

..if need be, (that) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:6b,7)

Many brethren errantly proclaim that because Messiah's body took the chastisement for our peace (Isaiah 53:5), we ought to not suffer anguish or persecutions of the enemy. (Didn't Messiah, who was without sin, suffer both?) But the Word teaches:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12, 13)

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:12-14) (Did you know there is a spirit of glory?)

Many in the body of Messiah are going through the testing fires of faith which refine and deliver us from the captivity of our soul as it brings us into a closer communion with YHVH and Yeshua. Instead of judging our brethren, we need to stand with them in love, recognizing the glory which God will bring unto Himself through their trials.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Shabbat Shalom,
     Randy

 

File: Yithro 2012

Mystery of the closed mem: click here.