Ephesians 5:13-17 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore he says, “Awake, sleeping ones! And arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
For those who have been following us, we have been ‘re-deployed’ to the United States at this pivotal moment in history. For those who know me personally, my heart is for revival and for preparing the Bride of Messiah to meet her Creator.
We are now at a “Ninevah” moment in history … a great divide focused on the issue of freedom. Will true and lasting repentance preserve our freedom in the West to preach the Gospel unhindered in the years ahead? Or will darkness and tyranny overtake us forcing the battle for revival to continue in a context of governmental opposition or even captivity?
I cannot pretend to answer this critical question. (The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know, and how much less I can predict); only that my deep conviction and ultimate security lies in the unshakable confidence that God loves me and holds me firmly in His powerful hands… And that by His grace I will walk in the works He has prepared for me, and that my food is to do his will and to finish the work He has given me.
With prophecies all around, a great need for discernment, and a growing atmosphere that seems utterly out of control, we are desperately in need of a sure compass. And thank God, “True North” has never changed. The cross of Yeshua the Messiah points as certainly as ever in the direction of Eternal hope. Are you afraid of losing control? Don’t give in to it. You can maintain poise and equanimity by choosing to submit yourself to the will of God, and by trusting Him unreservedly. If another awakening IS in God’s plans, you will participate in it, individually, by STANDING at the CROSSroad, where Yeshua’s triumph over sin was purchased and demonstrated in bodily resurrection. May a TRUE Christ-centered move of God penetrate this growing darkness!
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]Being hated without cause is an aspect of Messianic prophecy that applies to both Mashiach ben Yosef and Mashiach ben David. Just as Joseph was hated by his brothers, and David was hated by Saul without cause, is it any wonder that Yeshua (Jesus) was hated by the world without cause…
Another interesting correlation we draw from Mashiach Ben Joseph is how Joseph was the object of his father’s (Jacob) love, just as Yeshua (Jesus) was loved of our Heavenly Father. This preference Jacob had for Joseph was unequivocal, and it was also pretty controversial among his brothers.
Continuing this study of Mashiach Ben Yosef (Messiah “Son of Joseph”), I want to focus on another aspect of the rabbis’ understanding; that Mashiach ben Yosef will come first, and prepare the world for the Kingdom of the Lord.
Another aspect of Mashiach ben Yosef, is that the world would resist his authority.
When Joseph told his family of his dreams, they were outraged at the suggestion that their younger brother would reign over them. They simply had no idea that God would make Joseph exactly the kind of ruler they needed.
When Joseph became ruler over Egypt, his name was changed, and his identity was altered so that he no longer appeared or lived as a shepherd son of Israel from the land of Canaan, but as an Egyptian Prime Minister. The transformation was so thorough that when his ten brothers arrived in Egypt he was totally unrecognizable to them. This true story beautifully illustrates Mashiach ben Yosef (Yeshua/Jesus at His first coming), and contains a prophetic picture pointing to Yeshua and His Jewish people living today as we approach the Second Coming.
Joseph, the son of Jacob grew up caring for flocks, a shepherd boy,(Genesis 37:2). While we might have a romantic view of an easy pastoral life among sheep and goats, the main responsibility of a shepherd was to protect the flock against hungry predators (wolves, lions, etc.) looking for an easy meal, actually quite a dangerous job. The shepherd loved his sheep; and Joseph was a good shepherd.
The creation of the world was completed by God in 6 days. He rested on the 7th day and sanctified it, the Sabbath, Shabbat. When Yeshua died for the sins of the world, his followers hurried to take Him down from the cross so they would not violate the commanded time to rest. [Luke 23:54-56] So the Messiah completed His work of redemption just before entering into Shabbat. As He died, He said, “It is finished!” [John 19:30] Finishing His work and entering the grave opened the way for humanity to enter His rest, the rest He entered after creating the world.