Shabbat Sabbath

 

Shalom all

Today is Day 11 of Month 12 on the Creator’s calendar, also known as March 4, 2023 on the Roman calendar.

Of course, March is named after Mars – the Roman god of war. Just another reminder of the fact that we are living under the veil of Rome.

Did you know that a statue of Mars stands outside the United States Congress, the branch of Government that can declare war?

Also, inside the House of Representatives, the Roman Fasces is prominently displayed behind the speaker’s podium. The Fasces is the symbol of Roman power. Why would the United States of America be displaying these Roman symbols in their Capital filled with Roman architecture? Is it simply for nostalgia’s sake?

No. It’s because we are still within the Fourth Beast that represents Rome. The Rome of Yahushua’s time was in its infancy. Now it has expanded throughout the world, and all of these ancient connections with Rome are hidden in plain sight.

Imagine that. Sometimes the New Testament Scriptures seem so distant and remote, but we are actually living under the very same Beast system that killed the Messiah – the feet of iron and clay.

That is why the Messiah will return to destroy this same power.

“34 As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” Daniel 2:34-35

He will also be removing some people who moved into His Land without permission.

Last week, I talked about the difference between the Christian understanding of revival versus the Scriptural notion of revival.

I mentioned how the dry bones of the House of Yisrael coming back to life is the ultimate picture of revival, and that has not occurred yet.

As part of that I discussed Yahushua’s “opening act” to His work, when He was about 30. (Luke 3:23)

That started the 40-year generation leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Roman Empire.

I thought it would be good to go back a bit and examine how the text of Luke gets to that point, and examine the significance of that event in Nazareth.

After the birth of Yahushua in Bethlehem (House of Bread), the text of Luke describes Yahushua being brought to the Temple as a infant.

His parents first attended to His Circumcision, and then made the required offerings according to the Torah.

“21 And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Yahushua, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Torah of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to YHWH 23 (as it is written in the Torah of YHWH, Every male who first opens the womb shall be called set apart to YHWH) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Torah of YHWH, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:21-24

The fact that they offered birds meant that they were poor. We know this from the Torah command referenced in Luke.

Here is the command.

“1 YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, 2 Speak to the children of Yisrael, saying, If a woman conceives and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days. As at the time of her menstruation, she shall be unclean. 3 And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 Then she shall continue for thirty-three days in the blood of her purifying. She shall not touch anything set apart, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are completed. 5 But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her menstruation. And she shall continue in the blood of her purifying for sixty-six days. 6 And when the days of her purifying are completed, whether for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting a lamb a year old for a burnt offering, and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering, 7 and he shall offer it before YHWH and make atonement for her. Then she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This is the Torah for her who bears a child, either male or female.” Leviticus 12:1-7

This means that Myriam could not go to the Temple for forty days after the birth of Yahushua. It was then that they offered the sacrifices of a poor person.

That reveals the fallacy of most traditional Christmas manger scenes. Only the shepherds witnessed the newborn “Lamb of Elohim.” The “wise men” from the East carrying gifts of wealth would not arrive for about two years.

Interestingly, the parents of Yahushua, although poor at the time, literally brought the Lamb of Elohim, that would later be offered up at Passover.

While at the Temple, they were met by a man named Simeon.

Remember Simeon was the name of the second son of Jacob. He was replaced by Manasseh, the firstborn of Joseph, whose name means: “forgotten.” (See Genesis 48:5)

The mention of Simeon was very symbolic with incredible meaning, because the “forgotten son” was adopted by Yisrael to replace Simeon.

Here is the account of the meeting with Simeon as described by Luke.

“25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the comforting (nahum) of Yisrael, and the Set Apart Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Set Apart Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah of YHWH. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Yahushua to do for him according to the custom of the Torah 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed Elohim and said, 29 Adonai, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Nations, and for glory to your people Yisrael. 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Myriam his mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Yisrael, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35

Notice he was waiting for “the comforting of Yisrael,” not the Jewish people. The nation was still divided, and needed to be restored.

The current state of the House of Yahudah that returned from Babylon was a disaster. The Priesthood was corrupted and the declared King, supported by Rome, was an Edomite – a descendant of Esau.

Simeon must have been saddened by what he saw. People who wept and wailed over the condition of things needed a comforting for sure.

Notice that he referred to Yahushua as a light for revelation to the Nations, as well. Simeon saw the big picture of what was needed.

So, Yahushua came for Yisrael and the Nations, as testified by Simeon, on the 40th day of His Life. Remember that the number has great significance in the Scriptures as it generally refers to a generation of years.

As the first born, Yahushua was being consecrated (set apart). He belonged to YHWH.

“1 YHWH said to Moses, 2 Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Yisrael, both of man and of beast, is mine.” Exodus 13:1-2

This command was given to Moses while the Yisraelites were leaving Egypt after the Passover.

By no coincidence, after the account of His birth, circumcision, dedication and return to Nazareth, the text of Luke then jumps to Passover, when Yahushua was 12 years of age.

Again, this account had powerful meaning. They clearly went every year, but Luke jumps to the Passover when He was 12 years old.

The number 12 represents the whole house of Yisrael that needed to be restored. Passover is how the restoration will occur, and that is what we should all be considering as we approach Passover.

So the text of Luke immediately brings us to that subject after revealing that Yahushua is the lawful Messiah, properly prepared according to all relevant Torah Commandments.

Here is the account provided through Luke.

“41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the Feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Yahushua stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing Him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for Him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him. 46 After three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at his understanding and His answers. 48 And when his parents saw Him, they were astonished. And his mother said to Him, Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress. 49 And He said to them, Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s House? 50 And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Yahushua increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with Elohim and man.” Luke 2:41-52

His parents went up to Jerusalem every year, so why did the text of Luke fast-forward twelve years?

Again, the number twelve was obviously symbolic of the twelve tribes of Yisrael – Kol Yisrael. Some ascribe the significance of this to His approaching Bar Mitzvah, but that has more Talmudic origins.

The Scriptures place significance on a man turning 20 years of age. (Numbers 1:1-3). Also, Priests would begin their service at 25 and were counted at 30. (Numbers 4:47 and 8:24-26)

The story actually is filled with so much prophetic symbolism.

They lost their son, the Messiah. Just like the House of Yisrael lost its relationship as sons. Read Hosea Chapter 1 for a refresher course on how the House of Yisrael fell out of their relationship with YHWH, but would be restored as “sons of Elohim.”

The restoration would occur after three days.

“1 Come, and let us return to YHWH; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. 2 After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.” Hosea 6:1-2

Remember the promises that ‘He will heal us” and “He will bind us.” Those are promises specifically provided to the House of Yisrael after they returned (repented) to YHWH.

Now in Luke we see Joseph, accompanied by his bride, returning to Jerusalem after three days. They went to Jerusalem to find the Messiah and they found Him after Passover, during the Omer Count. Can you see prophetic picture here?

After the event at twelve years of age, Yahushua returned to Nazareth with His parents and then there is a gap of 18 years when He was 30. The text of Luke describes John immersing people, and then Yahushua shows up to get immersed at 30 years of age.

“And the Set Apart Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22

So, the Father and Son relationship is firmly established. Yahushua began His Father’s business at His House in Jerusalem. The Father provided His consent in the wilderness, at the Jordan River – likely at the same spot where Yisrael crossed the Jordan under the leadership of Joshua (Yahushua). No coincidence here.

Clearly the message being conveyed through Luke was to show that Yahushua was beginning to separate from His parents. While the text refers to his father, presumably His adoptive father Joseph, Yahushua refers to His heavenly Father’s business.

The question is: What happened between the ages of 12 and 30? That’s a lot of time – 18 years. We know that prior to the Passover story when He was twelve, He travelled from Nazareth then to Egypt and back to Nazareth. But what did He do during those 18 years?

Well, many years ago I did some research on the Stone of Scone, and the traditions of Glastonbury.

There are very interesting traditions about Jacob’s Stone, the anointed “Aben” stone ending up in Scotland through the travels of Jeremiah.

In fact, you will see that traditional stone being placed under the throne of Charles III in Westminster Abbey. He is to be anointed (mashiached) with oil consecrated at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

The coronation will “scheduled” occur on Shabbat, May 6, 2023 – Day 30 of the Omer count. The Stone will be brought from Scotland and placed under the throne in Westminster Abbey.

There are incredible ancient traditions connecting “the United Kingdom” to Jerusalem and Yisrael. I encourage people to keep an eye on things. The meaning and intention behind being “mashiached” with “holy oil” from Jerusalem, and sitting on a Throne above the alleged “mashiached” stone carried by the Tribe of Joseph is really quite profound. (see Genesis 28:18)

Most of the world will be oblivious to what is going on, but not you. These ceremonies may play a part in the future world events leading up to the Messiah’s return.

Speaking of England, there are also traditions that Yahushua accompanied his great uncle Joseph of Arimathea, who was a provincial Roman Senator and a metal merchant. Did you ever wonder how Joseph could go straight to Pontius Pilate and retrieve that body of Yahushua after His death? (Luke 23:50-53)

Joseph was a wealthy and powerful man. It was rumored that he owned many of the merchant ships that came to England from Rome and Phoenicia to barter for metal and other goods. There are traditions that Yahushua accompanied his uncle on these business journeys to the west.

Of course, the symbolism of Yahushua travelling with a man named Joseph to “the end of the earth” (the extent of the Roman empire) is profound. While they are only traditions, it is amazing to think that this young shepherd was travelling “on His Father’s business” to visit His lost sheep.

Interestingly, despite His travels, the text of Luke repeatedly emphasizes Nazareth. In fact, Matthew and Mark each mention Nazareth four times, John mentions it five times. Luke mentions Nazareth eight times.

As with every detail in Luke, the mention of Nazareth eight times is purposeful. Of course, eight is the number of the Covenant, and represents new beginnings.

Nazareth was not mentioned in the Tanak, because it didn’t exist prior to the time of the Maccabees. Nazareth was a fairly new community in the Galilee of the Nations

Yahudim individuals from the South had been transplanted into the northern lands of the House of Yisrael.

Remember that the House of Yisrael was completely removed by the Assyrians. Their land was then filled with transplants – foreigners from the Nations. The Samaritans are one such community that still dwell on Mount Gerizim to this day.

This was standard operating procedure for the Assyrians who always uprooted and transplanted the people they defeated. It would dampen “patriotism” and quell possible rebellions, because people would not be prone to fight for land that was unfamiliar to them. They had no roots or ancestral attachments.

The Assyrian’s also planted officials to oversee the occupation, and trade routes were strengthened, especially by Phoenicians from the north.

The Assyrians were later warned of judgment by Jonah. They were allowed to repent, and they did. Approximately 150 years later, YHWH sent the Prophet Nahum to pronounce final judgment.

Interestingly, the name “Nahum” means “comforter.” There would be no more delays. Judgment was certain. Nineveh would fall.

These words were not comforting for the Assyrians, but they were comforting to the Yahudim who witnessed the annihilation of the House of Yisrael. They feared they would be next.

History records that the Assyrians were judged by the Babylonians.

It was the Babylonians, not the Assyrians, who later judged the House of Yahudah. They removed the “good figs” of Yahudah, and left the “rotten figs” of Yahudah behind. (see Jeremiah 24) This is how we come to the understanding that the House of Yahudah was represented by the fig tree.

As prophesied by Jeremiah, the House of Yahudah was ultimately allowed to return. Their return was slow and incomplete though. The Yahudim were regularly under the control of powerful empires.

During the time of the Maccabees, the people revolted and gained some independence under Hasmonean rule.

Hasmonean King and High Priest John Hyrcanus I, ordered forced conversion or removal of the foreigners in the northern territories, and Idumea.

Many in the north from Tyre and Sidon who were involved in international trade chose to leave. This left a vacuum that was filled with thieves and robbers that hindered the trade routes.

As a result, the region was later repopulated with Yahudim transplants from the south. New villages, like Nazareth, were established with incentives of land, and a new life. It was like America, and their move west.

Archaeological evidence shows the Nazareth was occupied during the late Hellenistic period, through the Roman period and into the Byzantine period.

So, it was relatively new, compared to other inhabited villages such as Chorazin and Bethsaida.

That is how Joseph, whose lineage was from Bethlehem, ended up in this place called Nazareth, a relatively new and unknown community of settlers.

Remember the comment from Nathanael: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46

Well, that was the general perception of these frontier town of settlers in the Galilee. You have heard of “the wild west.” This was “the wild north.” Yahudim generally didn’t even travel through Samaria, because it was so dangerous.

Those Yahudim settlers were occupying land that rightfully belonged to the lost sheep of the House of Yisrael, once their punishment period had expired (2,730 years).

So that is the condition of things when we begin reading the New Testament accounts of Yahushua, and this is the environment within which Yahushua was raised.

Nazareth may come from the Hebrew word “netzer.” Sometimes when a tree is chopped down, a shoot will grow from the stump, allowing a new tree to spring up where the old one has died. In Hebrew, that shoot or branch is called a “netzer.”

So, Nazareth literally means: “Shootville” or “Branchville.”

Last week, we looked at what is commonly referred to as Yahushua’s “Inaugural Address” at his first recorded synagogue reading at Nazareth.

I thought it would be good to place that event into context.

While Yahushua was born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, He was raised in Nazareth.

Nazareth consisted of settlers with a pioneering spirit, and a messianic expectation. Their town, after all, was named from the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1 that a “shoot” (netzer) would come from Jesse, the father of David.

They were on a mission to expand their kingdom that was centered in Jerusalem into the region referred to as the Galilee of the Nations.

Essentially, this could be classified as “tribal creep.” They weren’t there to maintain it until their lost brethren returned from exile. The House of Yahudah was hijacking the Land of their brethren while they were away.

The same attitude and zeal can be seen in the Jewish settlers in Israel today. They are on a “holy mission” to expand, because they fervently believe it is their land. History repeats itself.

Well, as already mentioned, after returning to Nazareth at the age of 12, the text of Luke then jumps forward 18 years to the revival that was being led by John in the wilderness.

It was there that Yahushua was immersed, and He began His work.

“21 Now when all the people were immersed, and when Yahushua also had been immersed and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Set Apart Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, You are My beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. 23 Yahushua, when He began his ministry, was about thirty years of age . . . ” Luke 3:21-23

The text of Luke describes the immersion of Yahushua at the revival occurring in the wilderness. This immersion was actually a fulfillment of Isaiah Chapter 11

“1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch (netzer) from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of YHWH shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of YHWH. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of YHWH. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips she shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.” Isaiah 11:1-5

The Spirit of YHWH actually rested upon Yahushua after He came out of the water and prayed.

So, the Spirit of YHWH would rest upon a “netzer” of Jesse. He would be like the anointed “mashiached” David. The text of Isaiah actually describes seven Spirits as follows: 1) The Spirit of YHWH, 2) The Spirit of wisdom, 3) the Spirit of understanding, 4) the Spirit of counsel, 5) the Spirit of might, 6) the Spirit of knowledge, and 7) the Spirit of the fear of YHWH.

That is what is represented by the Menorah, and the Assemblies described in Revelation 1:12-13. Yahushua actually became the fulfillment of the Menorah as the Light of the World. That really throws a wrench into the Trinitarian doctrine, but I digress.

After the immersion of Yahushua, the text of Luke then traces Yahushua’s genealogy all the way back to Adam.

It is interesting that we have been talking about generations over the past several weeks. We have been talking about being in the “Oak Tree generation” as opposed to the “Fig Tree Generation” that was judged by YHWH through the Romans.

As a side note, this week I was considering our homestead in Texas, and realized that we have an enormous Live Oak tree that is centuries old filled with bees (deborah), representing the word. I found that to be incredibly profound, and confirming to the message YHWH has been placing on my heart recently.

The question is whether any of you ever took the time to count those generations list in Luke. Most people simply gloss over them, but I read it and counted them.

There are 77 generations from Yahushua back to Adam, described as “the son of Elohim.” The text doesn’t tell you the number of generations like Matthew does in that text. (see Matthew 1:17)

You have to first count them to figure out that there are 77 generations listed. It is really quite incredible because 77 is often viewed as the fullest extension of the number seven.

How incredible when we consider Yahushua as the Menorah emitting the flames of seven Spirits.

Seventy-seven is a number associated with the fullest extent of punishment. “If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.” Genesis 4:24

It was also used by Yahushua relative to the fullest extent of forgiveness. “21 Then Peter came up and said to him, Master, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? 22 Yahushua said to him, I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22

The number seventy-seven is linked to the number of elders associated with Succot, the culmination of the plan of Elohim to draw the nations back to Him. (Judges 8:14 and Ezra 8:35)

Of course, there are seventy bulls slaughtered during Sukkot, and this is for the Nations. (see Numbers 29:12-32) You should read the portion in Numbers that tracks the offerings of the seven days of sukkot. It starts at 13 bulls on the first day, which represents Yisrael, counting the two tribes deriving from Joseph. It culminates on Day 7 of Sukkot with seven bulls.

The bull, of course, is the symbol of Joseph.

“His glory is like a firstborn bull, and his horns like the horns of the wild ox; Together with them he shall push the peoples to the ends of the earth; they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” Deuteronomy 33:17

Luke has definitely emphasized Joseph, and the Messiah. The two sons of Joseph are like the two horns of a bull pushing people to the end of the earth.

Have you ever seen a bull up close and in person? Yesterday, Janet and I were at a Livestock Auction and a bull got lose while we were in the back checking out the cattle. We were up on the ramparts looking down, and it was a sight to behold. He was charging and snorting, looking to kill something or someone.

He literally jumped through a wooden gate like it was made of toothpicks. The power and fury was something to behold. You don’t want to get anywhere near those horns. People run away from those horns.

YHWH created this beast for a purpose. The bull is a powerful animal used to reproduce, and YHWH compared Joseph to that beast.

It is through Joseph that the nations will be drawn back to YHWH. I hope that you can see how important the House of Yisrael is to the future plan of Elohim. I also hope that you can see how significant you are, if you are receiving this message.

Now consider something really powerful that can be seen from the genealogy in Luke. Enoch was the seventh from Adam, and Yahushua was the 70th generation from Enoch.

As already stated, the number 70 represents the Nations. This derives from the decedents of Noah listed in the “Table of Nations.” (see Genesis 10)

And guess what? Joseph is listed as the 70th generation from Adam. Yahushua is the seventh generation from Joseph.

This reveals a significant connection between Yahushua and Enoch, they are both intimately connected to Joseph, and the Nations.

I am always trying to emphasize the fact that the Nations are the culmination of the plan of Elohim, through the Covenant and Joseph – the House of Yisrael. That is why the enemy is desperately trying to confuse and deceive the Nations.

We could go on and on with this amazing genealogy in Luke, but I will point out one final item. The 10th generation before Yahushua was Nahum.

The number ten is closely connected with judgment. The tenth word in the Hebrew Scriptures is “tohu.” It means “formless,” and “waste.” It is the result of the destruction and desolation that comes from judgment.

As already discussed, Nahum prophesied judgment and destruction to Assyria, the ones who YHWH used to judge the House of Yisrael.

Yahushua would judge the Nations who were holding the House of Yisrael captive. In fact, He will later make that clear.

After the Spirit fell upon Yahushua, and after we are provided with the list of 77 generations from Adam to Yahushua, we are then told that He went into the wilderness.

Again, when Yahushua is “about 30” it started the 40-year clock for the fig tree generation. It began with a 40-day period of fasting in the wilderness when He was tempted.

After those 40 days were up, Luke describes the following:

“14 And Yahushua returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.” Luke 4:14-15

So, He did not return home straight away. He spent time throughout the Galilee. Only after visiting all of the surrounding country did He go to Nazareth.

“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as was His custom, He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and He stood up to read.” Luke 4:16

Now last week I mentioned this particular reading in the Nazareth Synagogue, but I didn’t go too deep into the significance.

I mentioned that it wasn’t an exact quote. The event warrants further examination, because it sets the stage for His entire work that so many misunderstand.

The event wasn’t just included in the text of Luke to show that Yahushua could read. And it wasn’t there to repeat words previously uttered through the Prophet Isaiah.

As we have already seen, everything in the text of Luke has a specific purpose. There is a much deeper meaning to be gleaned from the event.

Yes, with all Scriptures, it is imperative to place things in their proper context. Most western Christians reading this passage have no idea what issue the author was intending to relay.

In fact, it is fair to say that many who sat there in the Synagogue that day and listened to Him failed to understand, as well.

Yahushua threw a curve ball to most of the Yahudim settlers who were expecting a Messiah in “Branchville.”

To this day, He continues to baffle the Jews, who claim that He was not the Messiah, because He did not unite the two houses (described as two sticks in Ezekiel 37), and restore the Kingdom.

The Yahudim thought the Messiah was going to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. They had no idea that He came to prophesy judgment on them.

The description of the event in the Nazareth synagogue is presented in a very Hebrew fashion. Whoever wrote the text in Luke wrote it surely knew what he was doing.

Here again is the text of what occurred when Yahushua visited Nazareth.

“16 And He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of YHWH is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the YHWH’s favor. 20 And He rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.” Luke 4:16-20

Now consider the structure.

1 He stood up

2 He was given the Scroll

3 He unrolled the Scroll

Focal point – He read

3 He rolled up the Scroll

2 He returned the Scroll

1 He sat down

That is a very Hebraic way of focusing on what is in the middle. Whenever you see this type of writing, understand that an important message is being transmitted.

To a casual reader, the substance was presumably from Isaiah 61, a favorite Messianic text of the Galileans.

The problem is, this was not a direct quote from Isaiah 61 deriving from the Masoretic text.

Here is the substance Isaiah 61 provided in most Bibles deriving from the Masoretic text:

“1 The Spirit of Adonai YHWH is upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of YHWH’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our Elohim; to comfort (nahum) all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Tzyon – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of YHWH, that he may be glorified. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 5 Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; 6 but you shall be called the priests of YHWH; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our Elohim; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast. 7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. 8 For I YHWH love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their offspring shall be known among the Nations, and their descendants in the midst of the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring YHWH has blessed. 10 I will greatly rejoice in YHWH; my soul shall exult in my Elohim, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so Adonai YHWH will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the Nations.” Isaiah 61:1-11

The text of Isaiah 61 is all about YHWH’s plan for the Nations, and everyone in the Synagogue knew it.

Yahushua’s reading was neither an exact nor complete reading of Isaiah 61, from the Masoretic text which does not contain the phrase “recovering of sight to the blind.”

Interestingly, it is actually found in the Septuagint version of Isaiah. Did someone remove that from the Masoretic text. Was it too obvious that it referred to Yahushua who healed many blind people?

Remember that the Septuagint predates the Masoretic text by centuries. So that reference was there when Yahushua spoke those words, and then they disappeared sometime later.

There are other variations in Yahushua’s “reading” of Isaiah. For instance, there is a portion brought in from Isaiah 58:6, and other seeming deviations can be understood from examining the Aramaic Isaiah Targum, other Dead Sea Scrolls of Isaiah, and the Messianic Apocalypse found in fragment 4Q521.

Some people endeavor to discover whether Luke is filled with errors, because the text is not a word for word transcription of Isaiah 61. While it makes for an interesting study, it misses the point.

You see, that is what westerners do. They want precision. But that is not how Hebrew thought and custom always operates.

There were very specific rules for those reading in the Synagogue. When you were reading from the Torah, you were in “the seat of Moses.” In other words, you stood in the place of Moses, and you were required to read the text verbatim.

That is something that Yahushua later confirmed, and westerners are very comfortable with that, based upon their linear thought processes. (see Matthew 23:2-3)

Well, that was not the case with His reading from Isaiah.

So, what happened?

Was it misread in Hebrew? Mistranslated by the Aramaic translator in the Synagogue? Mistakenly written by the author of Luke, or later mistranslated into the Greek?

None of the above. When reading from the Prophets of the Writings, a word-for-word reading was not required. The reader was permitted to extrapolate, as long as they did not “destroy the text.”

Remember when Yahushua said: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17

That is what He was referring to. He came to interpret the Torah and the prophets, and fulfill them, by revealing their true depth and meaning. He was assuring people that He would not “destroy the Torah or the Prophets” through His teachings. He would direct people to them, not away from them.

Well, that is exactly what Yahushua did when He read from Isaiah.

The people of Nazareth had already heard what He was doing before He arrived. He was directing them to the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah, and letting them know He was fulfilling the prophecy.

He was placing the focus on Himself. And He was reading promises directly given to the House of Yisrael through Hosea. Remember those promises the “he will heal us” and “He will bind us up?”

This was not at all what the people of Nazareth were expecting.

He was declaring Himself to be the Anointed One – the Messiah

They could not accept this. Here is their response as recorded in a typical translation.

“And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

The text could easily be translated that they witnessed against Him.

In other words, they marveled at all these grand words spoken by Joseph, the builder’s son.

Do you see the question in there? They were in disbelief. Who does this guy think that He is? We know Him. He’s just Joseph’s kid.

They weren’t giving Him a compliment. They were appalled at His apparent audacity to apply these verses to Himself.

That is why Yahushua responded as follows: “And He said to them, Doubtless you will quote to Me this proverb, Physician, heal yourself’ What we have heard you did at Capernaum (KefarNahum), do here in your hometown as well.” Luke 4:23

He sensed the sarcasm and disbelief. They were going to say, ok big guy, if you truly are this One, show us what You’ve got.

Now, it is no coincidence that Yahushua specifically mentioned Kefar Nahum. He had already been there healing, and it was actually His “headquarters” in the Galilee.

Kefar Nahum literally means: “Town of Nahum.”

Again, recall that Nahum the prophet provided comfort to the House of Yahudah after the exile of the House of Yisrael by the Assyrians.

The House of Yahudah had just barely escaped the same fate. Many of their cities, like Lachish had been destroyed, and they became a vassal state of the Assyrians.

Again, the name Nahum means “comforter.” Nahum’s message regarding the fall of Assyria came as a comfort to the Yahudim who lived in fear of the Assyrians.

Remember that Simeon was awaiting the comforter of Yisrael. Yahushua was literally the “Nahum” (comforter) of Yisrael.

The condition of the Yahudim during the time of Nahum was similar to the condition when Yahushua arrived, only now Yahushua came as their King.

Their days were numbered, even when Nahum was providing comfort. Likewise, Yahushua was providing comfort to those who would receive the good news. At the same time, He pronouncing judgment, while headquartered in the Village of Comfort – Kefar Nahum.

So, all of this detail is critical to fully understand what Yahushua was saying and doing, but most Christians never learned it in Sunday School.

Now, consider the next words of Yahushua.

“24 And he said, Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Yisrael in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Yisrael in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” Luke 4:24-27

They were already annoyed at Yahushua and again, that was not the message they wanted to hear.

What on earth was He doing using these foreigners as examples of faith?

A Phoenician woman? An Assyrian general, who was a leper? These are His pillars of faith?

These are the exact people they wanted to replace, and see judged. They hated these people.

The people in Nazareth thought they were going to see all of the good things described in prophecy, and kick out the Nations who had moved in from Tyre, Sidon, and Damascus.

They thought that they were going to replace all these foreigners, and see the destruction of the Nations.

Remember, they were an occupied people, and they wanted their freedom and independence. They sought revolution and retribution. That is why many zealots were located in the Galilee villages, such as Gamla.

An interesting parallel actually exists with how the “Palestinians” presently view the occupying Jews.

I include the word Palestinian in quotes, because it is actually a label created by Rome when they renamed the Land after the enemies of Yisrael – the Philistines. It was a slap in the face to name the Covenant Land Palestine, after the enemies of Yisrael

It is clear error, since the Philistines were not even native Canaanites. They were not originally present in the Land when Abram was originally shown the Land. (see Genesis 15:18-21) They were a sea people who came from the west later on.

Currently, there are Arabs with ancient connections to the land who believe they are entitled to live there, because of their heritage.

They are being occupied by a powerful military force that is continually raiding, arresting and killing the “terrorists” among them seeking liberty and freedom.

The irony is profound, and in a real sense, history is repeating itself.

Remember that the Northern territories were allotted to the Tribes of the House of Yisrael who are currently still in exile, but scheduled to return.

The Jews are claiming the title of the firstborn, by naming their state Israel. The name of the Father goes to the firstborn, and the name Yisrael belongs to the “firstborn bull” – Joseph. That is why the Northern Tribes were called the House of Yisrael.

Remember how David ruled over the House of Yahudah for seven years before the House of Yisrael joined the Kingdom, and anointed (mashiached) Him as their King? He reigned a total of 40 years. (2 Samuel 5:1-5)

Yahushua came as the King of the Yahudim, and it is time for the House of Yisrael to submit to the King. Only Yahushua will unite the divided Kingdom.

Well, the people in Nazareth wanted to hear a revolutionary message that led to the destruction of the Gentiles, the ouster of the Romans, and a complete restoration of the Land to the Yahudim – without the return of the House of Yisrael.

Currently we see Zionist Jews claiming all of the Covenant Land without being in the Covenant renewed by Yahushua. They simply have no legal or Scriptural right to lay claim to the title, or the Land.

If you told them that, I suspect you would get the same treatment that Yahushua got at Nazareth.

And what was their response according to the text of Luke? They wanted to kill Him.

“28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away. 31 And he went down to Capernaum (Kefar Nahum), a city of Galilee.” Luke 4:28-31

They were Yahudim occupying the land allotted to the House of Yisrael, and they wanted to be considered to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy. They wanted to be the recipients of all the benefits that belonged to Joseph. They wanted to steal his birthright, and Yahushua was getting in the way.

Even though they claimed to know Him, they tried to throw Him off a cliff! Imagine the hate and the fury.

It sounds like how ten brothers once treated their brother Joseph.

Does this all sound familiar?

Yahushua had destroyed their narrative. He diminished their mission, and burst their bubble. They despised His message. They hated Him, and wanted to kill Him.

Again. Sound familiar? Is history repeating itself?

Yahushua ended up leaving and returning to Kefar Nahum.

When considering the references to Kefar Nahum in the text, it is another Hebrew technique of focusing the message on the foreigners as that message is bracketed by Kefar Nahum in verses 23 and 31.

So, Yahushua went to the village of the prophet who declared judgment on the Assyrians, and He did the same thing to the Yahudim.

Remember His words?

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” Luke 10:13

Do you see the significance of this statement?

In other words, “you forced out the Nations, and now you reject Me. If they had stayed, they would have accepted Me as the Messiah.”

So, the overwhelming message from the birth of Yahushua to the beginning of His ministry and beyond is a message for the Nations.

We can definitely glean that from a proper reading of Luke.

How many Christians have glossed over these passages with no clue regarding the depth of the message that the text contains? That is because they have been taught a certain narrative, like the people in Nazareth. The narrative then shapes their expectations.

They think that the Torah is old and for the Jews, as well as the Land. They have been taught to hate their birthright, like Esau. They are quick to sell their right to the Land, and privileges of the firstborn for a tasty morsel.

The moral of the story is to be careful about your expectations. Truly get to know Yahushua and what He taught. Understand where and how you fit into His Plan, and if you claim to follow Him, then follow Him.

If you have been taught that the Land and the Torah are only for the Jews, then you have been lied to. You have an enemy that is trying to deceive you, and cause you to lose your inheritance. The enemy is a thief.

If you think Yahushua is returning to rapture you so you can live in heaven, again, you have been lied to. He is coming to claim His sheep, and place them to graze in His Land.

You may think Yahushua is returning at a certain time, and in a certain manner, but He may have other plans in mind. Yahushua shocked people before, He will likely do it again. He warned that only five out of ten virgins will be ready when He returns. Why? Because they are wise. (see Matthew 25)

Hopefully, this exercise in examining a small portion of Luke revealed to you how much depth there is to be found in the Scriptures.

Many of us spent our lives in Church reading them, without really understanding them. I dare say, there are many Christians who claim to know the Messiah, but they haven’t a clue why He came, what He accomplished, and what He is returning to fulfill.

They are caught up in a religious fairytale that cannot stand the test of truth. Sadly, they will be the “many” who think they know the Messiah, but He will declare that He does not know them. Why? Because they are lawless. (see Matthew 7:21-23)

That is why I felt compelled to speak out in the last message concerning the so-called revival happening at Asbury University.

Gay seminary students and LGBTQ worship leaders are not the conduit for a Scriptural revival. They are the reason for the impending judgment. Inclusion is only great, when people repent, turn to YHWH, and follow His Torah.

Just like the inhabitants of the Nazareth Synagogue who heard Yahushua, the Christians at the Asbury Chapel are in for a big surprise if they think that they can conduct a lawless revival.

When it is all over, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth for sure.

Therefore, as people run to and fro seeking an experience, I recommend that you keep the Commandments of Elohim, and hold fast to the testimony of Yahushua – not the lawless Jesus Christ promoted by Christianity.

We are currently in the time described to Daniel when “Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

So be wise. That will ensure that you do not fall under the judgment that Yahushua is preparing to render upon the Nations while He gathers His own.

“11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of Elohim. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of Elohim the Almighty.” Revelation 19:11-15

Berakhot

Todd

www.shemayisrael.net

Shema Yisrael (Hear O Yisrael) are the words that Yahushua spoke when asked what was the First Command.

“The first of all the Commandments is:
Hear, O Yisrael,
YHWH our Elohim, YHWH is one.”
Mark 12:29

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Matthew 11:15