This is a quick overview of the amazing Tabernacle of Moses that reads like a gospel tract and chronicles the steps a person must take from initial salvation be becoming a glorified child of Elohim. Where are you in the process?
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And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)
Thy way, O Elohim, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a El as our Elohim? (Psalm 77:13)
It is the heart of Elohim—to dwell with his people that he has made in his image. He wanted to dwell with Adam and Eve in the garden until their sin cut them off from fellowship with him. The tabernacle contain the means by which sinful humans could have their sins atoned and come back into a right relationship with their holy Creator, so that he might again dwell with them. Of course, everything in the Tabernacle of Moses pointed forward to Yeshua the Messiah through whose atoning death repentant and believing humans could come into relationship with Elohim that he might once again dwell with them. Those who have made this spiritual transaction are now the spiritual temple or dwelling place of Elohim as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:16.
When teaching our little children and the things of life, do we hand them the multi-volumed set of Encyclopedia Britannicas? Of course not. They wouldn’t get past page one. We give simple story books with big print and a plethora of pictures that help them to understand what we are trying teach them. YHVH Elohim, our Father in heaven, did the same thing when teaching his children of Israel—and us too—about his plan of salvation. Instead of a storybook, he had them build the Tabernacle of Moses, which reads like simple gospel tract.
Here is another way to look at the Infinite (Elohim) trying to communicate with the finite (humans): If you were the Creator of the universe, what means would you use to communicate with those that you had created through love in your likeness and image? In a remote way, it’s like a human standing over an anthill trying to communicate with the ants. How do you do it? Similarly, how does an all powerful, Spirit Being, loving Father in heaven relate to his mortal children who are but mere specks of dust without vaporizing them with his raw power? The difficulty is compounded when fearful humans don’t want to hear the voice of Elohim, which is what happened when YHVH Elohim’s voice thundered from Mount Sinai. The children of Israel begged him not to talk to them, lest they die. They asked the Almighty One to speak to them instead through Moses (Exod 20:19).
When man sinned at the tree of knowledge, he was cut off from a spiritual relationship with their holy and sinless Creator. The Garden of Eden pictured of this halcyon state between YHVH and man. This relationship ruined, YHVH expelled the first humans from Eden, and direct communications between man and his Maker were hampered if not largely cut off. However, Elohim had a plan to restore the loving relationship he had with man before the rebellion. But if men refuse to hear you when you speak, what are you do?
For certain, the Almighty doesn’t lack for ways to communicate with men. Man is without excuse when it comes to hearing Elohim, for even the heaven’s declare the glory of the Creator and the plans he has for mankind. The visible things of this creation shout loudly about the spiritual mysteries heaven desires to reveal to its earthly subjects. Furthermore, from time to time over the millennia, Elohim has chosen to speak directly to some select servants through dreams, visions, signs, wonders, angels, and even once through a donkey! But how does he speak to a whole nation, if that nation is plugging its ears and refusing to hear its Master’s voice?
Enter into the picture the Tabernacle of Moses or mishkan was constructed circa 1450 b.c. at the foot of Mount Sinai. It took about a year to build. It was the first job assignment that YHVH gave to the children of Israel after their Exodus from Egypt. The tabernacle was literally a three-dimensional gospel message tract. It is the visual demonstration of the whole salvation message of the Bible in a building—the blueprint of the plan of redemption of wayward, sinful man. It was a functioning masterpiece of artwork demonstrating the Father’s love for his people, and of his desire to commune and to communicate with Israel—his treasured possession, those he had hand picked and called out from the 70 nations of the world. Not only did the tabernacle involve the sense of sight, but the other four senses as well: sound, smell, touch, and taste. It also engaged and even challenged the heart, emotions, mind and spirit of man to focus on his need to be spiritually reconciled to his Creator. The Tabernacle of Moses was a vehicle for the Creator of the universe to communicate with man using a panoply of communication devices all of which pointed to the coming Messiah, the Redeemer of mankind who would die for the sins of the world to restore man into a loving relationship with his ever-loving, gracious, and longsuffering Father in heaven.
This is the story of the tabernacle, which, in every way, resembles a theatrical play, even a pageant, containing costumed actors each performing his carefully choreographed role on cue. Even a child can comprehend the message of this play, yet it contains mysteries and truths so deep that only in eternity itself will they be revealed to those who have been initiated into higher spiritual levels through the tabernacle’s spiritual paradigms of which its rites and ceremonies were mere prophetic shadows of things to come. To understand it, is to understand the message of the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Let’s now enter into the world of the Tabernacle of Moses. Welcome! (Please note, over the next several parshiot, we will be discussing the tabernacle in great detail. Later, when we get into Leviticus, we will explore the sacrificial system as well as the other tabernacle rites and ceremonies, and we will learn how they all pointed to Yeshua and how it relates to us.)
Why Study the Tabernacle (or Temple)?
Elohim commanded his people to study it. In Ezekiel 43:10–11, YHVH tells Ezekiel to explain to his people the layout of the temple “that they may be ashamed of their iniquities [Torahlessness]” and presumably repent or return to a spiritual relationship with him.
Elohim commanded his people to build the tabernacle (and latter the temples, see Exod 25:8; 29:43; 1 Chron 17:11–15); therefore, it must be important, and we should study it to understand its significance. After all, one-half of the Torah and one-third of the 613 Torah commandments deal with the temple, so it behooves us to understand it’s spiritual significance.
Elohim’s presence and name resided in the tabernacle (as well as in Solomon’s later temple, Deut 12:5–6), and it’s where he chose to abide with man on the earth (Exod 25:8). YHVH now lives in the temple of the human heart and spirit through his Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:21–22). The tabernacle can teach us much about ourselves and how we can be a temple in which YHVH wants to dwell. This because the tabernacle is a picture of the saint in relationship to Yeshua.
Both the tabernacle and first and second temples in Jerusalem were the spiritual centers for the nation of Israel. Elohim’s manifest presence was found within the Tabernacle of Moses and Solomon’s Temple, and this phenomenon powerfully unified the 12 tribes of Israel making them feel as though they were one nation under YHVH’s divine protection and guidance (Exod 40:34–38). The tabernacle and later the temple became the focal point for all worship for the entire nation (Ps 5:7). For example, it was the place where YHVH chose to place his name and where all Israelites were to gather three times each year at YHVH’s appointed times or feasts (Deut 12:5, 11, 21; 14:23, 24; 16:2, 6,11; 26:2). Today, YHVH’s faithful saints still gather during his feasts where he has chosen to place his name to renew their commitments to him through worship, praise, fellowship and learning about YHVH’s ways.
The tabernacle (and the temple) was a monument to Elohim’s sovereignty. It was the place where he dwelt and where men come to commune with the Sovereign King and Creator (Exod 25:8; Pss 26:8; 27:4; 65:4; 92:13–15). When we study this pattern, it can help us in our own spiritual relationship with YHVH.
The tabernacle was the place where atonement for sin was made through the sacrifices that were offered there. The tabernacle shows us the outline or blueprint of YHVH’s plan of salvation (Ps 77:13) and the steps that each us must take not only to enter into a relationship with our Creator but even to go higher in our spiritual walk with him.
The Benefits of Studying About the Tabernacle?
Studying the tabernacle teaches us how to properly approach a holy Elohim through turning from or repenting of sin (Ezek 14:6).
It reveals YHVH’s plan of redemption (Ps 77:13; Heb 9:1–26).
It teaches us about the priesthood of Messiah (Heb 7:26–28).
It helps us to understand the kingdom of Elohim, which is an essential element of the gospel message (Mark 1:15). Yeshua will rule the earth during the Millennium from his temple in Jerusalem (Zech 14:4, 8–9, 11; Rev 20:6; Matt 6:9–10; Ezek 44:23 cp. 2 Cor 6:17).
The tabernacle teaches us how to order our lives. Even as the morning and evening sacrifices were conducted in an orderly manner following certain protocols, this teaches us how to order our daily lives around our devotions to Elohim. The biblical feasts (the weekly and annual sabbaths) also revolved around the tabernacle, even as our lives should revolve around these feasts that help lead us into the presence of and relationship with Elohim as represented by the tabernacle.
It helps us to recognize and avoid idolatry and all manner of abominable and worldly practices because it teaches us the importance of holiness when approaching a holy Elohim.
It teaches us to be conscious about dwelling (living our lives as if we were) in the very presence or courtyard or throne room of Elohim.
Everything in the tabernacle pointed to Yeshua’s atoning death on the cross for our sins, and his work as our Great Heavenly High Priest Advocate, who is presently at the right hand of the Father in heaven acting on our behalf. The tabernacle reveals to us the gospel message in an active and pictorial way. All these things are for our learning and admonition (1 Cor 10:11; Rom 15:4).
Major Themes of the Tabernacle of Moses
The tabernacle reveals the process of going from the profane or polluted to the kadosh or set-apart, from darkness to light, and from disobedience to obedience.
It shows man the need for his progressive separation from the world and spiritual refinement leading to purity and perfection.
It reveals the process of growing in progressive intimacy and fellowship with our Father in heaven.
It demonstrates the steps of the biblical wedding ceremony; the marriage of YHVH to his people.
It presents the seven steps of spiritual growth and reconciliation to the Father as epitomized by the seven annual appointed times or festivals (moedim).
The tabernacle pictures two spiritual processes going on simultaneously inside the heart man. One process is from the viewpoint of a man, from the outside of the tabernacle looking in. The other process is from the viewpoint of Elohim inside of the holy of holies looking out. From the outside of the tabernacle looking in, from man’s perspective, as he enters the tabernacle, it’s about going from a physical and outward state of cleanliness and holiness to an inward and spiritual of cleanliness and holiness as one approaches the holy of holies representing the Presence of YHVH Elohim. From Elohim’s perspective from the inside of the tabernacle looking outward, it’s about cleansing the man from the inside out starting with the spirit of man moving to his physical body. Indeed, when one becomes spiritually regenerated, it’s the inside of the man, or his spirit, that is first regenerated and activated. After that, the soul (the mind, will and emotions) of a man is progressively regenerated throughout his lifetime. Finally, at the resurrection of the dead, a man’s body is regenerated and glorified receiving immortality.
The Hebrew Names For the Tabernacle of Moses
The several names the Bible uses for the Tabernacle of Moses reveal something about Elohim’s purpose and mission for the tabernacle.
Mishkan means “tabernacle, dwelling or habitation.” mishkan is from the root word shakan means “to dwell, abide, settle down, reside, tabernacle.”The word shechinah derives from shakan and refers to the manifest light or presence of YHVH among his people (Exod 25:8–9).
Ohel (as in tent of the congregation/meeting) is means “a nomad’s tent, dwelling, home, habitation” (Exod 29:42).
Miqdash means “sacred place, sanctuary, holy place”and is from the primitive root qadash meaning “to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed or set apart, be separate or holy” (Exod 25:8).
Kodeshor sanctuary because it was set-apart for a set-apart (kadosh) Elohim (Exod 30:13).
Ohel haeduth or the tabernacle/tent of the testimony or witness since it contained the ark of the covenant housing the Torah-law given to Moses, which was an abiding witness of Israel’s covenant with YHVH (Num 9:15).
Mishkan haEduth or Tabernacle of the Testimony (Num 10:11).
Examples of YHVH Tabernacling With His People
From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, Elohim has wanted to “hang out” with man. Elohim’s desire to dwell or tabernacle with man is a theme that runs from Genesis to Revelation. We see this idea repeated in the Testimony of Yeshua (the New Testament).
The children of Israel have just left Egypt and are now trekking through the wilderness. Within a couple of months, he gives them their first assignment. In Exodus 25, YHVH tells them to build a tabernacle. Why? He says to Moses, “And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” (Exod 25:8).
John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The word dwelt (skenoo, Strong’s G4637) means “tent or tabernacle.”
Luke 2:7, The baby Yeshua was laid in a “manger.” This was probably a sukkah or tabernacle.
Revelation 21:1–3, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from Elohim, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and He will tabernacle with them, and they shall be His people. Elohim Himself will be with them and be their Elohim.’” The word tabernacle in verse three is skenoo in the Greek, the same word used in John 1:14.
The talithe/talit or prayer shawl worn by Jewish men is a physical emblem of YHVH’s people tabernacling with him. The word tal-ithe means “little tent.” Each Hebrew man has his own little tabernacle, tent or prayer closet (Matt 6:6) to pull over his head whenever he wants to tabernacle or commune with his Elohim. Moreover when a talit is spread out with one’s arms it resembles a bird with wings. This represents YHVH’s “wings” forming a protective shield or brooding over his people. Such a place becomes a place of refuge (Ps 91:1,4). The Spirit of Elohim brooded over the waters of the earth at creation (Gen 1:2). Yeshua spoke of his desire for Jerusalem as a mother hen spreads out its wings and gathers together its young (Matt 23:37). In ancient Mideast culture, a man would cast his outer garment over his wife-to-be as an act of claiming her for marriage. In Ezekiel 16:8, YHVH spread is “wings” (Heb. kanaph meaning “edge, extremity, wings, bird’s feathered wings,”) over his bride, Israel, to cover her nakedness. The Jewish wedding canopy or chuppah is also a picture of this.
The Steps of Redemption Within the Tabernacle
Contained in Tabernacle of Moses are seven (the biblical number signifying perfection of completion) and eight (the biblical number signifying new beginnings) progressive steps that reveal the Creator’s plan of redemption or salvation for mankind from the first step of initial salvation to becoming a glorified resurrected, immortal and forever child of Elohim.
First Step of Eight: Each of us is born in a state of separation from his Creator because all humans were cut off from Elohim due to man’s original sin. Before being reconciled to YHVH, each of us is lost and wandering about in our own personal wilderness of sin. Along the way, we suddenly come upon a beautiful site. We see the good news or gospel message, the light of truth, the message of the cross, which is symbolized by the multi-colored door and the luminescent walls of the Tabernacle of Moses in the bleak, desolate and monochromatic desert wilderness. As one takes his first steps to become separated or set-apart from the confusion, darkness, chaos, emptiness, lostness and death of the surrounding wilderness of this world, one first encounters the altar of the red heifer located outside the tabernacle (in later years on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Mishnah Parah 1:1ff). There the red heifer was slaughtered and burned and its ashes were used as a sin offering to bring about purification for uncleanness (Num 19:1ff). Yeshua was likewise crucified outside of the camp of Israel and the gates of Jerusalem (Heb 13:10–13). This altar represents the work of Yeshua at the cross. One cannot enter the tabernacle until one has been redeemed and purified by the blood of Yeshua. Even the Israelites killed the Passover lamb outside their homes on the afternoon of the fourteenth of the month of Abib The blood was then smeared on the doors of their homes. Once they entered the blood-smeared doors and were inside their homes they were safe from the death angel who simply passed over them. Likewise, when we enter through the gates of the tabernacle (which are crimson in color, as well as blue, white and purple—colors which point to the four Gospels and the four aspects of Yeshua’s mission as Redeemer) we do so saved and purified. This is the Passover (Pesach), which is the first of YHVH’s seven annual appointed times (moedim).
Second Step of Eight/First Step of Seven: Upon entering the tabernacle one immediately comes to the altar of sacrifice. After the lamb was sacrificed on the afternoon of Passover, that evening (the beginning of the fifteenth day of the first month, which was also the first day and a high Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread/Chag HaMatzot) the Israelites ate the Passover lamb. At the altar of sacrifice the Levites would eat those animals sacrificed there. This pictures the fact that the saved believer must continue to “eat the flesh” and “drink the blood” of Yeshua to stay in communion with him (John 6:35–58), and that when one sins after one is saved they must continue in a state of repentance and overcoming through the blood of the Lamb (1 John 1:7–9). On that evening, one not only ate lamb, but unleavened bread after having put all leavened bread out of one’s home. This pictures the believer walking forward spiritually putting sin out of one’s life. To the degree one eliminates sin from one’s life is the degree one has communion with our Father in heaven. Therefore, the altar of sacrifice in the tabernacle is a picture of the Passover meal and the first high Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Third Step of Eight/Second Step of Seven: At the bronze laver one ritually washed in preparation for entering into service in the sanctuary. This represents being baptized for the remission of sins, being washed in the water of the Word of Elohim and receiving the Set-Apart Spirit of Elohim. This corresponds with the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea and being baptized unto Moses who was a type of Yeshua (1 Cor 10:2). This occurred during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and most likely on the last high Sabbath of that week-long festival.
Fourth Step of Eight/Third Step of Seven: The next step takes one to the menorah where the light of the Spirit of Elohim shines in the hearts and minds of men. Here man becomes fruitful ground (the fruit of the Spirit) and becomes empowered to reach a lost world (by the gifts of the Spirit). Once separated, redeemed, washed and transformed by the Word and Spirit one is to become an earthly light (in heavenly realms) shining into the dark world. Humans are the lesser light (moon) reflecting the greater light of the Yeshua, the Sun of Righteousness (Mal 4:2). This occurred for the first-century believers on the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot)
Fifth Step of Eight/Fourth Step of Seven: Yeshua’s people prepare themselves to meet him at his second coming. At this time occurs the awakening and reunion/regathering of the twelve tribes of Israel around Yeshua, the Bread of Life. This end time event is represented in the tabernacle by the table of show bread with the twelve loaves of unleavened bread. This is all pictured prophetically by the Day of Trumpets (or Awakening Blast).
Sixth Step of Eight/Fifth Step of Seven: At this step the focus is on intimacy and intercession, purity of heart, oneness and relationship with the Father through prayer, praise and worship. This speaks of thefinal redemption (jubilee) where YHVH’s people will be regathered to worship him in total freedom without the distractions of the world, flesh and the devil (who have been judged). The altar of incense and Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) are pictures of this.
Seventh Step of Eight/Sixth Step of Seven: This step speaks of total peace (shalom) and Sabbath rest during the Millennium between YHVH and his beloved saints, the bride of Yeshua. It is a time of feasting and rejoicing; a time of Torah, spiritual bread and fruitfulness. The ark of the covenant and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) picture this step.
Eighth Step of Eight (Eternity Begins)/Seventh Step of Seven (Perfection or Completion Arrived At): This step pictures being totally set-apart to YHVH for eternity. At this point the saints experience the ultimate deliverance from darkness and being bathed in the divine and eternal light of New Jerusalem: the Sun of Righteousness who is the Lamb of YHVH in whom there is total light and no shadows. The shekinah glory above the ark of the covenant speaks to this glorious time of which the seventh feast, The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret) is a prophetic shadow-picture. Seven appointed times and seven steps in the mishkan, but eight steps in all picturing perfection and completion and new beginning in the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem.
This video continues the discussion of the amazing parallels between YHVH’s “marriage” to Israel at Mount Sinai and Yeshua’s marriage to those saints who qualify to be his bride. These two marriages relate to each other in a most curious way and are ingeniously connected legally. This message will give you a fuller, broader and deeper understanding for of Yeshua had to die on the cross.There is so much more to the glorious gospel message than merely John 3:16! You will come away with a deeper love for your Lord and Savior, as well as a realization of your spiritual connectedness to your Israelite ancestors and your Torah roots as a grafted in Israelite and child of Abraham!
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Biblical covenants. A boring subject? Not at all! Rather, it is a key, fundamental aspect of the reconciliation process between God/YHVH Elohim and man, as well as the salvation path YHVH has laid out in the Bible starting with Abraham and ending with Yeshua the Messiah. An understanding of covenantal relationship will gain you a fuller comprehension of the character of the YHVH Elohim, his integrity and unconditional love for people plus a deeper love for him and his word including Yeshua, the Word of Elohim who was made flesh.
YHVH dwells in a high place (heaven), which is often metaphorically represented as a mountain in the Scriptures. It’s high because it’s higher than man and this earth. Mount Sinai was where YHVH spoke to the Israelites from. Moses had to ascend the mountain to come into YHVH’s Presence. The temple in Jerusalem was YHVH’s abiding place among his people. One always wentup to Jerusalem to meet with Elohim at this appointed times. When Yeshua returns, the righteous, newly resurrected saints will go up to meet him — the king. In the Millennium, all nations will go up to Jerusalem to meet YHVH on his feast days.
In Psalms chapters 15 and 24, David asks the question: Who may ascend into the hill of YHVH and abide in the holy place of YHVH’s tabernacle?
YHVH, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear YHVH; he who swears to his own hurt and does not change; he who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. (Ps 15:1–4)
Who may ascend into the hill of YHVH? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from YHVH, and righteousness from the Elohim of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah. Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? YHVH strong and mighty, YHVH mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? YHVH of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah (Ps 24:3–10)
What keeps us from the presence of YHVH? It is obvious from this question that not everyone has the right to go up into YHVH’s presence. YHVH as the Almighty Holy King of the universe has established the criteria for who may or may not come up to meet him. Only those people who meet his condition will he allow into his high and most holy presence. Only those who have been imprisoned and blinded by their own pride think that they can waltz into the King’s presence anytime and in any way. This is impudent and presumptive self-delusion. The fact is that YHVH sets the rules and standards, not men. Only those who have died to their own pride and have humbly submitted themselves to do the will of Elohim will he allow into his presence.
Do we really want to do the will of YHVH? Or are we listening to the lie of the serpent who tempted the first man to give in to the lust of his flesh and eyes and the pride of life when he questioned the word of Elohim and said, “Hath God [really] said?” That is to say, you do not really have to obey YHVH. You can pick and choose for yourself what you want to do or not do with regard to his commandments.
The older generation of carnal man Israelites couldn’t enter the Promised Land because of their stiff necks and hard hearts of rebellion and wilfulness. When it suited them, they obeyed YHVH. When it didn’t, the did not. Like our ancient forefathers who died in the wilderness, we need to have the hard and fallow ground of our unrepentant and prideful hearts needs tilled up (Jer 4:3; Hos 10:12). Our hearts need to be circumcised. The filth of this world that has wrapped itself around us needs to be cut off. We need to be cut to the heart and repent of for disobeying our Creator and Father in heaven (Acts 2:37). We need to put off our lukewarm, carnal Laodicean ways (Rev 3:15–20).
We must ask ourselves an important question: Is Yeshua really the Lord or Master of my life, and do I really obey him, or only when it doesn’t get in the way of the things I would rather do?
YHVH-Yeshua is coming back for a bride spotless and loyal bride who has not defiled herself by fornicating with the world and its ways. A bride who will follow the Lamb of Elohim—her Heavenly Bridegroom wherever he goes (Rev 14:4). What does it really mean to follow the Lamb wherever he goes?
Yeshua demands that he be first in the life of his disciples—his betrothed bride. What did Yeshua mean when he said, Lose your life (John 12:25), deny yourself to the exclusion of all others, pick you cross and follow me (Matt 16:24)? This involves a serious commitment and is much more than a mere casual acquaintance.
There is a group of saints in the last days who will be walking righteously with Yeshua. They are the 144,000 king-priests of righteousness, who are not defiled or spiritually polluted by this world (Rev 14:4). They have YHVH Elohim’s seal of approval and ownership stamped on their foreheads (Rev 7:2–4). They keep the commandments of YHVH and have the testimony or faith of Yeshua (Rev 12:17; 14:12). This is the real bride of Yeshua! He is not coming back to marry a phony, hypocritical cold-hearted, lukewarm bride who is only halfheartedly committed to following him. YHVH will allow the former, not the latter into his presence.
The message of the cross of Jesus/Yeshua is a radical, life-changing one. It is a path that is counter-intuitive and often opposite to how the world does things. It’s not about going along (with the world) to get along, or about being popular with men, but rather aligning oneself with the values and ways of heaven. It is NOT about churches, denominations, rituals or men’s traditions, but something much higher! It’s not about a religion, but a relationship with the Creator of the universe. The way of the cross will transport one into a spiritual dimension that will take one past the impenetrable brick wall called death and into a life of immortality in the kingdom of heaven. This video reveals this hidden and often misunderstood path of how to pick up your cross and follow Yeshua into the blessed dimension of the divine.
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In Christianity, the symbol of the cross of Jesus Christ or Yeshua the Messiah is everywhere: on church steeples, in churches, on gravestones, hanging from the review mirror of cars, tattooed onto people’s bodies, hanging around the necks of millions of Christians worldwide, behind church pulpits and in countless other places. Moreover, the cross is mentioned from pulpits the world over again and again. But one message concerning the cross is not popular and hardly ever mentioned: it is “the way of the cross.” What is the way of the cross?
The way of the cross is not a popular message. In fact, it might even turn a lot of potential Christians off to the message of the gospel. For example, a popular Christian evangelistic tract starts out with the following words: “Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” While this is certainly true, it is not the whole story about the Christian walk. Yeshua never made such a statement to his disciples, for, in a sense, to do so would have constituted a form of false advertising. A bait and switch tactic. Following Yeshua is not easy; rather, it is a rigorous against many adversaries and is full of difficulties. No. Yeshua’s message to his disciples upon calling and then commissioning them was slightly, no radically different, than what contemporary Christianity typically promotes to new converts. By contrast, Yeshua declared,
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! (Matt 10:16–25)
Yeshua was a realist who was not known for sugarcoating the hard facts of the truth, and as if to make following him even less palatable, we then went on to say,
Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW’; and ‘A MAN’S ENEMIES WILL BE THOSE OF HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matt 10:34–39)
The way of the cross is the way of Yeshua, the way of suffering, death, sorrow, persecution, rejection, grief and tribulation. It is a path that is necessary to walk if one is going to follow him, how to be his true disciple and to receive unimaginable rewards in the life to come. The way of the cross, like so many other aspects of Yeshua teachings was radical and life-changing. In fact, it often involves doing the opposite of what most humans want to do. Heaven’s way of doing things is almost always contrary to man’s way. In the kingdom of Elohim, for example, the way down is the way up. Thus, to embrace the cross is to walk in the footsteps of Yeshua the Messiah. In fact, it is the duty and destiny of his disciples to learn (this does not come automatically or naturally!) to enjoy the ride downward in anticipation of glorious future trek upward into the presence of our Father in heaven. What does this really mean? Yeshua set us the example to follow.
Let this mind be in you which was also in the Messiah Jesus, who, being in the form of Elohim, did not consider it robbery to be equal with Elohim, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore Elohim also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord, to the glory of Elohim the Father. (Phil 2:5–8)
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Yeshua, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. (Heb 12:1–4)
The Way of the Cross Brings Heaven and Earth Together
The cross was a unique way of death and emblematic of what followers of Yeshua must go through in order to be reconciled to YHVH Elohim through the death of Yeshua on the cross. The cross as a means of death is highly metaphorical and symbolic of much. It suspended between heaven and earth like a bridge for man to walk on to reach Elohim in heaven. The vertical of heaven and horizontal of earth are brought together in the cross’ literal configuration, for Yeshua the Messiah as the central figure on the cross was the nexus or connecting point between the earth and heaven.
