Inspiring Life Lessons from Abraham

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Genesis 12:4, So Abram departed.(cp. Gen 15:6, And he believed in YHVH and he accounted it to him for righteousness.) Abraham showed evidence of a circumcised heart in his belief in and willing obedience to YHVH long before he was circumcised physically. Heart circumcision precedes the physical act. The latter, like ritual of baptism for the remission of sin, is merely an outward expression of a preexisting inner reality.

Genesis 12:7, 8 (also 13:4, 18; 22:9 cp. 26:25; 33:20; 35:1, 3, 7), There he built an altar to YHVH. Altar is the Hebrew word mizbe-ach meaning “a place to slaughter for sacrifice.” Note that nearly wherever Abraham went in the Promised Land, he built a place to worship YHVH through sacrifice. Today, we make sacrifice to YHVH through our praise and worship (Ps 69:30–31; Jer 33:11; Heb 13:15,16) and with our lips by prayer (Hos 14:2). All that we do should be a living sacrifice to YHVH (Rom 12:1). The redeemed of the most high are now to YHVH a spiritual house and a set-apart and royal priesthood called to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Elohim through the blood of Yeshua (1 Pet 2:5,9).

Do we follow the example of our father Abraham and seek first the kingdom of Elohim and his righteousness (Matt 6:33) in all that we do wherever we go by building an “altar” — a place of worship?

Genesis 12:7, (also 13:4), Called on the name of YHVH. Call is the Hebrew word qara meaning “to call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim, to summon, to invite, call for.” (See also Gen 4:26). The psalmist declares that YHVH is near to those who call (qara) upon him in truth (Ps 145:18), and Isaiah says that YHVH will answer the call (qara) of the righteous. The day is coming when YHVH will restore to his people a pure language so that they will be able to call (qara)upon his name of YHVH and serve him with one consent (Zeph 3:9). At that time, we will know for certain the proper pronunciation of YHVH!

Genesis 12:8, Bethel…Hai. Abraham pitched his tent somewhere between these two cities whose meaning is, respectively, “house of El” and “a heap of ruins.” Figuratively and spiritually, that’s where most of us find our lives—between the blessing and the curse, between the perfect and blessed will of Elohim as a result of our obedience to his will, and a ruinous place because of our disobedience to his will. For example, when Abraham left Canaan—the place Elohim told him to move to—and went down to Egypt (Gen 12:10), the results were ruinous—he almost lost his wife to the king of Egypt. Hai represents the place we end up spiritually as a result of being tempted by our flesh to disobey YHVH—the results of sin and disobedience.

Genesis 12:10, Down to Egypt. Abraham left the Canaan, representing YHVH’s perfect will for Abraham, and went down (not up) to Egypt, albeit to escape famine. Instead of trusting Elohim to provide for him in Canaan, he Abraham compromised and relied on his own flesh and went down to Egypt to seek food, which almost resulted in him losing his wife to the king of Egypt, and then to his being deported from Egypt. When we leave the perfect will of Elohim for our lives and trust in our own mind, it results in our “going downhill” spiritually.

Genesis 13:1, 3, And Abram went up out of Egypt … even to Bethel. The Jewish sages note the significance of this passage in that one always speaks of “going up” or “making aliyah” (i.e. ascending) to the land of Israel and Jerusalem. Going up from what to what spiritually speaking? Here the country Abram is leaving represents what spiritually? Where does he end up? What does the name Beth-el mean? Doesn’t this speak of the spiritual journey each of us is on as we leave the spiritual servitude, bondage and slavery of the world, flesh and the devil seeking to “dwell in the house of YHVH forever” as David states in Psalm 23:6?

Genesis 13:5–13, Abraham versus Lot. The account of Abram and Lot is very revealing concerning each individual’s character. One was greedy and selfish; the other was a peacemaker even to his own detriment esteeming others better than himself (or “in honor preferring one another,” Rom 12:10). Abram lived by the kingdom principles of give and it shall be given to you; whoever is greatest let him be the servant; and die to self in order to live. What were the end results of this approach in Abram’s life? Where did Lot’s orientation eventually get him? Loss or gain? Discuss and reflect on the motives and actions of your own life in this regard.


 

As Stars of Heaven and the Sands of the Sea? Really??!!

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Genesis 12:2, I will bless you.YHVH promised to bless Abram by making him into a great nation and making his descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven (Gen 15:5).

Presently there are only 12 to 15 million Jews alive worldwide. There are currently over 100 times more Muslims alive than Jews. Many of them trace their lineage back to Abraham through Ishmael or Esau. Did YHVH fail to fulfill his promise to Abraham through Isaac and is his word not true?

If his promise were true, then where are the numerous descendants YHVH promised to Abraham?

Check out Romans 4:16; 9:8, 11; Galatians 3:7, 9, 14, 28–29; 6:16 and Ephesians 2:11–19 for the rather surprising, yet revealing answer to this question.

 

Psalm 19—From sunlight to sonlight to Sonlight

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Overview of Psalm 19

This psalm contains three sections that shows a wonderful and logical progression from the greater (Elohim) to the lesser (man), from the macro downward to the micro. At first appearance, these three sections may seem unrelated, by they each section flows logically to the next revealing some deep mysterious truths about YHVH Elohim’s plan of redemption for humans.

This psalm contains three sections that shows a wonderful and logical progression from the greater (Elohim) to the lesser (man), from the macro downward to the micro. At first appearance, these three sections may seem unrelated, but upon second glance, each section actually flows logically to the next revealing some deep mysterious truths about YHVH Elohim’s plan of redemption for humans.

Section one (vv. 1–6) describes the creation of Elohim, which points to the glory of Elohim, the Creator. It concludes by describing the sun, which is the physical light of the world, which is like a bridegroom in his full glory emerging from his private chambers about to marry his bride. Moreover, the physical universe is governed by physical laws, which keep it functioning in an orderly manner.

Section two (vv. 7–11) describes the glorious attributes of the Torah-law of Elohim, which reveals the character of the Creator, and it shows man what his response should be to the Almighty upon viewing the glories of his creation. Man is to worship the Creator, not the creation. When followed, the Torah helps to keep man’s life structured in a way that brings order, blessing and causes his life to function smoothly, even as the universe is structured and ordered by Elohim’s and functions smoothly because of his physical laws. A Torah lifestyle is also how the saint of Elohim is a spiritual light to the world (Deut 4:6).

Moreover, as the sun’s light pierces the physical darkness of the world, the light of the Torah brings the spiritual light of Elohim into the world along with many benefits for a blessed life.

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Are you a lot thankful for your lot in life?

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Psalm 16:5–6, Lot…lines.The English word lot means “a portion that is assigned to someone” and may refer to the idea of randomly drawing lots as part of a decision making process. Likely, our English word lot as in a piece of land, or a land lot, derives from these concepts. 

In ancient Israel, the tribal land allotments were determined by the casting of lots once the children of Israel came into the Promised Land (Josh 13:6; 14:2). Part of this ancient process of surveying land involved measuring parcels of land with a cord (Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, pp. 245–246, by Fred H. Wight; also Ps 78:55; Amos 7:17). When lots were cast for land allotments, pebbles were placed in a bag with marks on each stone to represent each parcel of property. Pebbles were drawn, and each man received his lot. Each individual soon discovered whether his portion of land was desirable or not. 

David used the analogy of lots as an illustration of Elohim’s goodness to him when he makes the praise declaration in verse 6 that “the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places” (ibid.). No doubt, David is referring to the spiritual inheritance of the righteous, for he proclaims that YHVH is his portion and his inheritance (v. 5).

 

Anticipated Dates for YHVH’s 2020 Moedim (Biblical Feasts)

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My mathematical and brainiac wife has just looked at all the data from various sources and put together a chart with the anticipated dates for the 2020 biblical feasts or appointed times (moedim). These dates for the spring feasts will, of course, be finalized when we spot both the new moon of the first month of the new biblical year (in the early spring) and the abib barely is found in the land of Israel at the same time. The dates for the fall feasts will be finalized when we sight the moon for the first day of the seventh month. Until then, this is our best projection. Hopefully, this info will help you in your planning, so that you can celebrate YHVH’s feasts when and how he has instructed us. Blessings!

Here is the link to the chart: https://www.hoshanarabbah.org/pdfs/moedim-dates-2020.pdf.

 

Blog Scripture Readings for 11-3 Through 11-9-19

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Parashat Lekh L’kha — Genesis 12:1 – 17:27
Haftarah — Isaiah 40:27 – 41:16
Prophets — Joshua 15:1 – 21:45
Writings — Psalms 18:25 – 25:22
Testimony — Matthew 12:1 – 15:39

Our new annual Scripture Reading Schedule for 2019-2020 with daily readings is available to download and print. If you are still working through 2018-2019’s Scripture Reading Schedule, the link will still be available on the right sidebar under “Helpful Links”. If you are using a mobile device or tablet, the link may be below so you’ll need to scroll down instead.

Most of this week’s blog discussion points will be on these passages. If you have general comments or questions on the weekly Scripture readings not addressed in a blog post, here’s a place for you to post those. Just use the “leave a reply” link or the “share your thoughts” box below.

The full “Read Through The Scriptures In A Year” schedule, broken down by each day, can be found on the right sidebar under “Helpful Links.” There are 4 sections of scripture to read each day: one each from the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings, and from the Testimony of Yeshua. Each week, the Torah and haftarah readings will follow the traditional one-year reading cycle.

Weekly Blog Scripture Readings for 11/3/19 through 11/9/19.

 

The Hymn of a Ponderosa Pine

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A year ago while in the high desert of Central Oregon during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), I wrote a hymn about a giant ponderosa pine tree, while sitting on the banks of the Deschutes Rivers. As I gazed at and pondered it, I saw it singing a silent praise hymn to the Creator, the Almighty Yehovah Elohim. You can find this psalm below.

This year, I found myself at another river celebrating Sukkot with my wife, this time in southern Central Oregon being amazed by another giant, majestic and ancient ponderosa pine tree. This time, I made a pen and ink drawing of this 500-year-old behemoth.

Here are my poem and my pen and ink drawing showcased together..

Here are a couple of pictures of the actual tree.

The inspiration of this poem and its birth occurred while sitting next to the Deschutes River in La Pine, Oregon, during Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) in 2018, while gazing admiringly at the mighty, towering ponderosa pine trees (Pinus ponderosa) that stand as sentinels gracing its banks. At the same time, the words of the First Psalm were floating around in the author’s mind.

La Pinus1 ponderosa2 at De Falls3 River waters4;

A weighty5 giant pondering6 heavenly matters. 

Rejecting your former blackjack7 past,

Basking now in heaven’s light at last.

Arms and trunks are tanned a bright orange hue8,

With muscular limbs upraised in praise to You9—

To the Messiah, the radiant Sun of Righteousness10!

O piney tree by the rivers of water,

With crown aimed high—you’re a leafy psalter11.

The still small breath12 of heaven’s heart,

Strums happily your needley harp,

To all who’re attuned in full amaze—

And hear the Spirit’s psalm of praise.

La Pinus ponderosa by De Falls River’s edge—

Precariously planted on the sloping ledge?

Gravity inexorably can’t make you slip,

As you mock the current’s undercutting grip13.

Against the storms you’re resolute, 

Exempt from its slavish tribute.

The desert’s torrid breath can’t make you wilt14.

It underestimates how well you’re built.

For deeply rooted are your hairy feet,

As they sate their thirst from the summer’s heat14.

Anchored firmly against the gale.

From brutal breezes that do assail.

Resting on the solid Rock15,

Heat and wind they can’t you shock16.

To the bank of Truth17 you tenaciously cling,

Imbibing the Spiritual life14 the waters bring.

As Heaven’s wind18 fills your leafy sail,

You clap your hands19 as me you regale.

O Pinus preacher at the River Deschutes,

You cry aloud from roots to shoots.

A riveting sermon loud and clear

To open ears both far and near.

Quietly praising the King above,

Silent shouting of heaven’s love!

Puzzle letters from your massive girth20,

A visible testament fall to the earth.

Of heaven’s radiance they joyously glow,

Trampled by naive hikers there below.

But when combined these letters spell,

The truth of heavens evangel21.

This tree’s a wellspring of worshipful praise,

In every tongue with limbs upraised!

La Pine’s1 ponderosas who grace your river blue,

There is much for me to learn from you.

Your arms point upwards in heaven’s praise,

Past you to Him, my eyes I’ll raise22!

This is my heartfelt prayer to You:

With Your Spirit and Truth23 my heart imbue.

From Your tree of life24 I’ll always feed

Producing an abundance of living seed.

May I be too a tree of life,

That my heart-would25 with your words be rife.

Amein.

Footnotes—The Poem Explained

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