Death, Resurrection, Repentance, and Remission of Sins - In the "O.T."

Luke 24:45-49 -

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."






These words of Yeshua were spoken by Him to His disciples when He finally made an appearance to them all at once. Previously, He had been seen by a few of the woman that had followed Him, including His Mother, as well as some of His disciples. Now He is showing Himself to the group as a whole, as He is preparing to depart from their sight into the heavens, which, as Peter put it in Acts 3 "...must receive [Him] until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

What is intriguing is how He rebuked them, in a sense, for not believing that He should have died and rose again from the grave, because, as He said, these things were spoken of by Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. In other words, the picture was painted in the scriptures, so why were they so unbelieving when reports of His resurrection came in?

It is also interesting to note that "Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms" are what make up what is today referred to by Jews as the "Tenakh" (an acronym for "Torah", "Nevi'im", and "Kethuvim" - ie, the Law [Moses], the Prophets, and the Writings [Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, etc.]).

Many Christians will point out this verse and share while witnessing that Yeshua's death, burial, and resurrection are described in the (what they call) the Old Testament, and will often point to Isaiah 53, and Psalm 22 as the main texts to speak of these things. And in this, they are correct. Furthermore, modern Judaism rejects these passages as speaking of the Messiah (probably because Christianity points to them as being fulfilled by 'Jesus', whom Judaism for the most part rejects as being the Messiah), but the ancients definitely point to these passages as speaking of the Messiah (cf. the Targums, the Midrash Rabbah, the Dead Sea scrolls, et al, for example). In fact, the Talmud states that "All the prophets prophesied not but of the days of the Messiah" - (Sanhedrin 99a). If "all the prophets" spoke of "nothing" but of the "days of Messiah", then that would include Isaiah, who was a prophet, and of whom Is. 53 was written, and it would include David, who made many prophetic utterances in the Psalms that he wrote.

While Isaiah 53, and Psalm 22 certainly have been pointed to by both Christians, and more anciently, Jews as speaking of the Messiah, Yeshua said that Moses also spoke of "these things." Furthermore, Yeshua said that not only was His death and resurrection spoken of by Moses and the prophets, and the writings, but that the message of repentance, and the remission of sins were also spoken of by Moses and the prophets, and the writings. But that's not all. Look at Luke 24:49 - apparently there was/is a "promise of [His] Father, that, in the context of verses 45-49, are also spoken of in the Tenakh! And what was/is that promise? It is the promise of the outpouring of His Spirit upon His people!

Now, here is the million dollar question: Where, in Moses (the Torah, or, "Law") specifically, but also in the prophets and the writings is it spoken of that the Messiah would die, then resurrect; that repentance and remission of sins would be preached unto the Gentiles (Nations), and that the Father would pour out His Spirit upon His people? (BTW, if you are wondering why I am saying that the "promise of [His] Father" is the pouring out of His Spirit, it is because Yeshua told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the promise was given. The book of Acts, which was written by Luke as well, picks up where he left off in His gospel narration - and in Acts chapter two, the disciples were waiting in Jerusalem, specifically in the Temple, at the festival of Shavuot, or "Pentacost", when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them in power. Peter then told the crowds that what they were witnessing was a fulfillment of that promise).

I have made the study and understanding of these things a big priority in my life, and have learned many wonderful things that I never learned, saw, nor understood before. I hope to provoke you to seek out these things as well. The purpose of this blog in the beginning was to provoke God's people to "prove ('test') all things", and to "hold fast that which is good." It is to sound a wake up call to His people, and to the world to WAKE UP, open up their (our) eyes, and repent (return to the LORD).

Study the word of God, for there are many wonderful truths within it, truths which we have not known. Isaiah 53, and Psalm 22 are not the ONLY places where Yeshua is "spoken" of. And there are MANY, things spoken about concerning the place of the Gentiles within God's work with and among Israel. If you are  Gentile who believes in the Messiah of Israel, you may want to search and see what Moses, the Prophets, and the Writings have to say about you!

Be blessed in Yeshua the Messiah.

Don Ross and Andy McKee

Not an extremely spiritual post this time - I hope to have a REAL post soon (been very, very busy these last 6 months) - but I thought I would share a couple of YouTubes that I enjoy very much.


 

Victoria Jackson: "There's A Communist Living in the White House!!"

Victoria's video can be seen here.

Tribute To My Dad

I wanted to take a few moments to offer a small tribute to my Dad.

My Dad was a crew chief on a helicopter in the Vietnam war. He fought for his country, and whether the war was "right" or not, he did his part because he felt that it was the right thing for him to do. When many others were protesting, or running and hiding in school, or in another country, he went straight to the recruiters office so that he could serve his country.

I am proud of my Dad.

In 1979, my Dad became a follower of Jesus. I was 6 years old. Before that, we had no religious upbringing at all. We were a secular family. But through a series of people witnessing to him, and situations, he came to put his trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Over the next 9-12 months, my Mom came to believe along with him, and so our family came to know the Lord. And since then, many of our extended family have become believers in Jesus - all beginning with my Dad. He led his immediate, and then extended family to the Lord, and many of us have obtained eternal life because of it.

I am Thankful for my Dad.

Through the years my Dad has faced many obstacles (too many to enumerate now), and has been loyal to my Mom, my brother, myself, my two sisters, all of his grandchildren, his extended family and friends through it all. He has always been there for us, and has been an example of loyalty, honor, respect, leadership, devotion, and self sacrifice. he has shown himself to be the kind of man that I would like to be.

I love my Dad.

Happy Fathers day Dad.

May you have many more days before you, and may they be blessed and honored.

Love, 
.j.

How This World Is Going Mad (Or, The Lopsided Position Of The World Against Israel)

I found this video very interesting, and I am blessed to see this young man showing such bravery and boldness. May God grant to His people flint-like faces (see Is.50:7) in the face of a growing world enemy.

Great Article By Shmuley Boteach

I thought this article on WND was very good...and unfortunately, so true.

As Becometh Saints

So, my wife and I made a commitment 2 or 3 years ago that I want to share, not only just for sharing sake, but also because I believe it is biblical and good for ANYONE who seeks to follow Yeshua (Jesus). We got to talking one day about movies and entertainment, and began asking ourselves why it was that we would not let our children watch certain movies because of language, sexual content, etc., but allow ourselves to watch such movies. We had been growing increasingly uncomfortable with movies that had the language, etc., and felt a bit hypocritical watching movies that contained these elements while not allowing our kids to watch them because of those very elements! After all, what was the reason for not allowing them to watch movies that had cussing, excessive violence, etc.? Well, just like anyone I suppose, it was and is because it is inappropriate material for children. But here's the question we asked ourselves - why is it not appropriate for them, but o.k. for us? Why should supposed "adult" material actually be appropriate for...adults? Where on earth did we get the idea that foul language, sexual content, etc. was "adult"? To be honest, these were the very behaviors I had picked up during jr. high and high school, and had to turn from when I came to the LORD. Rather than "cussing" being an "adult" activity, it is quite juvenile. Sexual activity outside of marriage between one man and one woman (you have to be specific nowadays!) is not only inappropriate, it is plainly sinful. Let me ask the question - is pornography wrong (especially for a follower of Yeshua)? Why would a sexual encounter in a movie, while maybe not as explicitly shown, not be wrong? Actually, the bible is not silent concerning this issue. There is no supposed "Christian liberty" concerning the matter. Paul tells us plainly the following:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things."

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."

"I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...."
(Phil. 4:8; Eph. 5:3,4; Psalm 101: 2,3a respectively).

There is absolutely no justification for any believer/follower of Yeshua to put in front of their face "entertainment" that contains so-called "adult" material. The supposed "adult" material that is so pervasive in today's culture is for the world - NOT for people who seek to follow Yeshua (Jesus)! In fact, the above quotes are from the KJV (obviously), but check out Eph. 5:3,4 in the ISV - "Do not let sexual sin, impurity of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints. Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving." Here I'd like to share a quote from Andrew Murray's "Abide in Christ":

"In him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not."--1 JOHN 3:5,6.
"YE KNOW," the apostle had said, "that He was manifested to take away our sin," and had thus indicated salvation from sin as the great object for which the Son was made man. The connection shows clearly that the taking away has reference not only to the atonement and freedom from guilt, but to deliverance from the power of sin, so that the believer no longer does it. It is Christ's personal holiness that constitutes His power to effect this purpose. He admits sinners into life union with Himself; the result is, that their life becomes like His. "In Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not." As long as he abides, and as far as he abides, the believer does not sin. Our holiness of life has its roots in the personal holiness of Jesus. "If the root be holy, so also are the branches." (Emphasis mine).

What we call "adult" material is not "adult" at all - it is completely juvenile, immature, and wholly inappropriate. We are supposed to be maturing in the LORD. Let me assure you, if it is inappropriate for your children to watch because of what has already been mentioned, it is inappropriate for YOU. In fact, Yeshua even said the following:

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matt. 18:3

Children are innocent and pure regarding filthy language, sexual immorality, etc. It is when they are exposed to these things that they become defiled. We are not only to protect them from such filth as much as is in our control (because you can't control the world, but you CAN control your own household), but are ourselves to "become like children" - not in immaturity, or in knowledge and understanding, but in purity and innocence.

This is a clarion call (or even better, a shofar blast!) to all who name themselves followers of the God of the bible...the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob... the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua Meshiach (Jesus Christ), that we put away ALL filthiness from our face, and prepare to meet our Bridegroom...after all, He is returning for a pure and spotless bride!

In closing I want to say that there ARE certain things to be watched that may be inappropriate for little children, such as a holocaust documentary, etc., that are certainly appropriate for adults/young adults - but it is inappropriate for obvious reasons. I'm not talking about such things - hopefully that is apparent.

Saint...believer/follower of Yeshua (Jesus)...Christian - please seriously consider what I've shared. It is time that believers quit acting like the world, and begin molding their lives after the Savior that they claim to follow, who happens to be Lord and Savior!

Hoshiana Adonai!
Maranatha Yeshua!

.j.