Examining the Beautiful Symphony of YHWH’s Feast Days

Examining the Beautiful Symphony of YHWH’s Feast Days

The term ‘crescendo’ is well-known among musicians, signifying the way music intensifies by building upon preceding notes to reach a peak of intensity. Crescendo can also be evidenced in a person’s life. Legendary leadership expert Stephen R. Covey explains1 how this works. 

When a piece of music reaches a crescendo, it does not just get louder. The sense of growing, intensifying, and expanding in a composition or performance results from an expressive mix of rhythm, harmony, and melody…Living your Life in Crescendo means continually growing in contribution, learning, and influence. The mindset that ‘your most important work is always ahead of you’ is an optimistic, forward-thinking mentality that teaches you can always contribute regardless of what’s happened to you or what stage you are in.

The Creator’s appointed times are more than mere religious rituals; their meaning and significance grow and intensify over time. These feast days act as signposts, guiding us through the journey of personal sanctification toward the ultimate goal of becoming a community of fully redeemed individuals who inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

As the master composer and conductor of a believer’s life journey, YHWH orchestrates our experiences to reach a crescendo of purpose and fulfillment. A beautiful illustration of this can be found in the way His appointed times and feast days are ordered. 

The Overture of the Weekly Sabbath

The development process of each believer begins with small steps. As a musical overture is an introduction to something more substantial, so is the mandate to take a weekly rest day – the Sabbath.

For six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath; a day of rest and a holy gathering dedicated to YHWH. You shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath to YHWH wherever you live. Leviticus 23:3

An example of Yah’s creation rest, the seventh day is set apart as the sign of the covenant between Eloah (God) and his people. As such it teaches us the foundational principles of worship and reverence. It is also symbolic of how Yeshua provides rest for our souls. 

Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Shavuot

Situated between the overture and the coda of a musical piece are the exposition and development sections. In the context of our music composition metaphor, Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Shavuot qualify. These three annual observances focus squarely on the individual’s spiritual growth.  

During Passover observances, we learn to trust in Yeshua who redeems us from sin. The Feast of Unleavened Bread highlights the practice and necessity of removing sin from our own lives. Our attention then shifts to Shavuot, which focuses on Yah’s covenant. Our commitment to covenant fidelity entails faithfully upholding the terms of this eternal covenant, emphasizing our duties to Yah and the promises He has given us. (Leviticus 23:4-22)

The Day of Trumpets 

The Day of Trumpets marks the next big event on Yah’s appointed times calendar. In Leviticus, Moses informed the children of Yisrael that the first day of the seventh month – Day of Trumpets2 – was to be a Sabbath day of rest, a set-apart convocation, and a memorial of trumpets. It was meant to be a time of reflection and preparation for the upcoming Day of Atonement.

The Hebrew word for trumpet is teruah which generally means a loud noise or shout, often associated with the blast of a shofar3. Throughout Hebrew history, the blowing of trumpets has held significant religious, communal, and military importance in ancient Yisrael.

Man blowing ram's horn on Day of Trumpets

Trumpets were blown to call the people to repentance or signal the start of a new year. (Leviticus 23:24-25) Their blasts facilitated community gatherings for festivals and special events or directed the movement of the camp in the wilderness. (Numbers 10:1-10, 2 Samuel 6:12-15) Trumpets served as battle signals, conveying orders and rallying troops. (Joshua 6:4-20, Numbers 10:9) They were also blown to announce and celebrate the anointing and ascension of a new king. (1 Kings 1:39, 2 Kings 9:13)

One day in the future the blowing of the seventh trumpet will cause a prophetic syncopation4 to occur – one that evokes jubilation and joy for the righteous, but shock and horror for the unrepentant.

Up until now, the day of mercy has existed; and He has been merciful and patient toward all who dwell on the earth. But when the time comes, then the power, the punishment, and the judgment; which Yahuah Tseva’oth has prepared for those who submit to the judgment of righteousness, for those who reject that judgment, and for those who take His name in vain. That day has been prepared as a covenant for the elect and as an inquisition for sinners. 1 Enoch (Chanok) 59:4-6

The seventh trumpet blast will:

  1. Announce the return of Yeshua to establish the Kingdom of Eloah on earth
  2. Set in motion the seven last plagues of judgment
  3. Signal the resurrection and redemption of saints in Sheol
  4. Bring New Jerusalem down to occupy the land promised to Shem/Yisrael

As we prepare for the Autumn Feast days we can’t help but imagine the second most pivotal moment in human history – the first being Yeshua’s first coming. At Yeshua’s second coming the elect will be taken up to New Jerusalem (above) while chaos unfolds on the earth. 

Do you think this is the city5 of which I said, “I have engraved you on the palms of My hands”? This building6 now constructed in your midst is not the one revealed to Me, the one prepared from the time I decided to create Paradise and showed it to Adam before he sinned. When he transgressed the commandment, it was taken away from him, along with Paradise. After these things, I showed it to My servant Abraham at night among the portions of the sacrifices. I also showed it to Moses on Mount Sinai when I revealed to him the design of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings. And now, behold, it is preserved with Me, just like Paradise. Therefore, go and do as I command you. 2 Baruch 4:2-7

This ‘last trump’ will also mark the beginning of the third ‘woe.’ The Greek word for woe is ouai and can be defined as a deep and inconsolable grief, misery, or calamity.

Tattered Bible that survives the apocalypse.
The Word of our Elohim stands forever (Isaiah 40:8)

During this time angels are tasked with separating the wheat from the chaff. The winepress of Yah’s wrath will destroy many. This unimaginable woe is felt by YHWH as well as those who will experience the brunt of these cataclysmic judgments described by the Apostle. 

The Most High wishes for everyone to be saved, yet humanity’s stubbornness and sinful nature often resist the truth of His word. Nevertheless, the righteous will be safeguarded, much like the children of Israel in Goshen during the judgments on Egypt. 

Come, my people, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself for a little while until the fury has passed. For behold the Lord7 is coming out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her blood and will no longer cover her slain. Isaiah 26:20-21 

When the Apostle John uses the expression ‘the Day of YHWH’, does he mean a literal 24-hour time period or is he referring to an elongated period of time – maybe weeks or even months – when end-time events play out to a prescribed conclusion? 

It seems probable that all of the events leading up to and during this awful time in human history will take longer than a day to be realized. After all, the judgments against Egypt prior to the Exodus took months to complete. (Exodus 7-15)

Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles & The Addition

As we near the coda of this end time composition, the remaining Fall Feast days come to the forefront. The Day of Atonement, coming ten days after Trumpets marks a time of somber reflection. 

The Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot is all about family. We will finally see our Father and our King face-to-face and behold their glory. Our roles as kings and priests will focus on teaching righteousness to those who survived the great tribulation and were spared in the sheep and goats judgment. 

The eight-day Addition at the end of Sukkot will be a time of never-ending joy and righteousness. We will dwell in eternal bliss, clothed in our new bodies, never to sin again. Shouts of HalleluYah will take on a whole new meaning.

The Great Pivot

The Feast of Trumpets is a significant turning point, marking a shift in focus. It encourages reflection on the Spring feast observances of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Shavuot, where Yah ministered to believers individually. As Autumn unfolds after Trumpets, His attention transitions to larger groups, highlighting a communal dynamic.

This concluding chapter or coda in Yah’s magnificent composition of love and redemption serves as a testament to the Creator’s patience and mercy toward us, His children.


Footnotes

1 Covey, Stephen R., and Cynthia Covey Haller. Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work is Always Ahead, Simon & Schuster, 2022.

2 Leviticus 23:24

3 A ram’s-horn trumpet used by ancient Hebrews. On the Hebrew calendar during Moses’ day, the civil year and the ecclesiastical year began at different times. The civil year started with the Feast of Trumpets, (or Yom Teruah) in autumn, marking the beginning of the agricultural and fiscal year. The ecclesiastical year, on the other hand, began in spring with the month of Abib, marked by Passover, and was primarily concerned with religious festivals and observances.

4 In music, syncopation refers to the use of various rhythms played simultaneously to create an off-beat effect in a piece. Essentially, syncopation involves disrupting the regular flow of rhythm by placing stresses or accents in unexpected places.

5 Jerusalem (earthly)

6 The Temple in Jerusalem

7 In many Bible translations, “LORD” (in all capital letters) typically represents the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (יהוה), the personal name of God in Hebrew. It emphasizes His covenant relationship with Israel. “Lord” (with only the first letter capitalized) usually refers to a title of respect or authority, often used for Yeshua (ישוע).

Forget the Mark of the Beast: Aim for the Mark of Yah

Forget the Mark of the Beast: Aim for the Mark of Yah

Predictions about the last days often evoke fears surrounding the mark of the beast. However, we encourage you to shift your focus to something far more important: receiving the mark of YHWH.  Yes, the faithful are marked by the Most High, bearing the promise of eternal life. The enemy’s mark carries the threat of the second death. Before we unpack this, let’s lay a solid foundation.

When Men’s Hearts Fail 

People are frightened – even many believers in the Messiah. When you scroll through the comments section of most news websites, sentiments like the one below have become all too common of late:

societal decline

Luke’s gospel tells us that men’s hearts will fail because of fear of what’s coming. They sense that these calamities have a spiritual connection.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Luke 21:25-26

Even though we are bombarded daily with news of worldwide civil unrest, skyrocketing national debt, political chaos, racial division, and impending economic collapse, as Yeshua’s disciples we are told to remain steadfast.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.

Luke 21: 26-27

For those of us who have diligently studied the Bible from cover to cover to discover its marvelous truths, the future – while sometimes frightening – is also filled with hope. This is made possible only by the grace the Almighty has given us through His son, Yeshua.

Recently, journalist Tucker Carlson made this observation:

“I just can’t believe that in the end, when it really gets intense – as it is now – that it’s Christians – it’s people who actually believe the Bible, – who are the only ones with wisdom, who understand what’s really going on. They’re not shocked at all, and they’re not panicked either. They get it.”

Yes, we get it. People of faith understand how all this will play out. According to the book of Revelation, there will be an ever-encroaching spiritual darkness and pressures placed on Torah followers to conform. Some of us may even live long enough to see the unveiling of the two witnesses and the unmasking of the ‘man of sin’ who will put the ‘D’ in draconian lawlessness. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful because we already know how this unfolds.

I shall not leave you orphans – I am coming to you. Yet a little while and the world no longer sees me, but you shall see me, because I live, and you shall live.

John 14:18-19

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

But before we get ‘there’, we have to go ‘through’ some hard things. Unfortunately, the doctrine of the rapture has led millions to believe that the church will be removed before the worst events occur. Quite the contrary.

First of all, judgment will begin with Yah’s house — His people. The days of cultural Christianity1 are over.

It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message! If good people barely make it, what’s in store for the bad? So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.

1 Peter 4:17-19 The Message Bible

Secondly, many sincere believers in Yeshua have been taught that they will be whisked away in the rapture before the Great Tribulation. The rapture doctrine2 was a fanciful theory first put forth by John Nelson Darby in the 19th century. Yeshua never taught this doctrine. Instead, he warned us to gird our loins and be ready to be deceived, mocked, and persecuted for our faith.

Rapture or First Resurrection depiction

The damage this doctrine inflicts on the spiritually uninformed is tragic on several levels: it feeds a false sense of security, misrepresents a major aspect of the Gospel of the Kingdom, and may sow seeds of anger against Yah and His Son when stuff hits the fan and believers are still here.

The often quoted passages in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 do not refer to a pre-trib rapture. It describes the first resurrection of the righteous, either still alive or residing in Sheol (the grave). The coming of the Son of Man doesn’t happen until the end of the tribulation. Members of the ekklesia (assembly, called out ones) who are still alive, will be tested through hardship. (1 Peter 1)

Throughout our lives, our faith is tested by various trials. The Most High allows challenges such as poverty, persecution, sickness, and satanic malevolent forces to attack us to shape our character and strengthen our resolve. He intends for these experiences to yield positive outcomes, ultimately demonstrating that these trials were purposefully designed for our growth. (Ephesians 6:12)

Those who expect to escape persecution in these last days must ask themselves, ‘Why would this generation be any different from previous generations of faithful saints who were beaten, sawn asunder, forced to hide in caves and wander about in sheep and goat skins?’ (Hebrews 11:36-40)

Weighed. Measured. Numbered.

There is a provocative prophetic passage in 2 Esdras3 concerning the end times. The angel Uriel, speaking to the seer Esdras in a vision, asserts that there is a predetermined number of righteous men and women who must be born before the end of this age can (or will) come.

For he has weighed the age in the balance, and with measure has measured the times, and by number has numbered the seasons: neither will he move nor stir things, till the measure appointed be fulfilled.4

2 Esdras/IV Ezra 4:36,37

In addition to weighing the age, measuring the times, and numbering the seasons, Yah is putting believers to the test to determine how we stack up in accordance with His word. Job was well aware of this:

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity.

Job 31:5-6 KJV

Scales are used to weigh a thing to properly ascertain its value, as is the case of gold or silver. In the Scriptures, when scales are referenced about a person, they usually symbolize an assessment of that individual’s character or actions. In this sense, a balance or scale is emblematic of justice – as in ‘weighing’ actions.

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for Yahuah is an El of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 KJV

19th-century theologian Albert Barnes also observed:

The balance thus used to denote judgment in this life became also the emblem of judgment in the future state, when the conduct of men will be accurately estimated, and justice dealt out to them according to the strict rules of equity.

When you examine the paintings and papyri of ancient Egypt, and Daniel’s writings concerning Belshazzar, the nexus between scales and judgment is unmistakable. The handwriting was literally on the wall for Babylon’s prideful king that fateful night in 539 BC. The words etched on the banquet hall wall foretold impending judgment.

handwriting on wall

This is the explanation of the matter: “Mene—God has numbered your kingdom and brought an end to it. Tekel: you have been weighed on scales and you have been found wanting. Peres—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Daniel 5:26-28 KJV

In determining our ‘righteousness’, the standards of measurement Yah uses can be found in the commandments included in the Torah. To be found worthy of Kingdom citizenship, our behavior in this life has to be weighed and measured against Torah standards.

When we place our faith in the promises made to us in the Scriptures and choose to walk in Yeshua’s ways5, we reveal our true character and the quality of our commitment to the Gospel.  Therefore, we are numbered or counted worthy of Kingdom citizenship.

Righteous Rules to Live By

Most church-goers have a knee-jerk reaction to the word ‘law’ when spoken in a religious context. They will either claim that “we are no longer under the law” or say “the law is for the Jews” or “Jesus did away with the law.” They may also argue that Christ was the “end of the law,” citing Romans 10:4

Christ being the end or goal of the law does not mean his righteousness was imputed or transferred to my (sin debt) account. This teaching absolves the believer of his or her responsibility of obedience to the law – and sin is the transgression of the law. This is why Yeshua would end conversations with “go and sin no more.”

(See also: John 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 2 Peter 2:14)

Torah is defined as “pertaining to the law, laws, legal, just, legitimate, equitable.” However, its root is yarah (#H3384) which means “to shoot like an arrow or to teach.” These definitions work beautifully together when you understand that since our aim is to become like Yeshua (our goal), then the Torah or law is the means by which we can hit the bullseye of that target. Or come close to hitting it. When we fail, we have been given the privilege of confession of sin before our High Priest, Yeshua.

Torah study

Again, where there is no law then there is no transgression. Sin is the transgression of the law. So when we are taught to despise Yah’s Torah, we place ourselves in spiritual (legal) jeopardy.

We have a choice: we can allow ourselves to be mentally tormented by the “what ifs” connected to the next election or economic collapse, or we can focus on the promises made to those who walk in covenant obedience.

The Bible contains numerous if/then promises from Yah and Yeshua, indicating that if Yah’s people act in a specific manner, then Yah will respond with a corresponding action. In other words, the ‘then’ statements are promises that God’s covenant people will see fulfilled for being obedient. The promised blessings for obedience can be found in Deuteronomy 28, Exodus 23:20-23, and Leviticus 26:1-12.

    On the Day of Yah, when chaos erupts on earth, there will be no spiritual ambiguity. During the end-time harvest, angels will distinguish between the wheat and the chaff at the sound of the seventh trumpet. The wheat symbolizes believers who will be taken to the New Jerusalem, while the chaff represents unbelievers destined for destruction (Luke 3:16). Angels will not inquire about your religious affiliation—Jew, Gentile, Presbyterian, or Baptist. Instead, your faithfulness and conduct as a believer in Yeshua will serve as the definitive test. (Matthew 13:37-43)

    Contrasting the Two Marks

    The Mark of the Beast

    Once the the beast (aka anti-messiah), is revealed and takes over worldwide governance, his false prophet will issue an ultimatum: receive the beast’s mark or suffer the consequences.6

    And the second beast causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is a call for wisdom. Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: and that number is 666.

    Revelation 13:16-18 NLT

    These verses tell us:

    1. Every strata of society will be presented with a choice to take or refuse the mark.
    2. The beast’s mark will be on the right hand or forehead.
    3. Without this mark, you will not be able to buy or sell.

    The Greek word for mark is xaragma which translates as ‘an engraving (etching); (figuratively) a mark providing undeniable identification, like a symbol giving irrefutable connection between the parties.’ Accepting this mark equates to an act of worship, involving a choice influenced by fear—a tactic of the adversary. This mark will reveal both genuine Covenant keepers and those who have fallen away. It could be related to programmable mRNA nanotechnology, digital interface tattoos, quantum dot tattoos, the payment system tied to universal basic income or vaccine passports. The true nature of the mark is unknown at this time.

    The Mark of YHWH

    Contrast the beast’s mark with YHWH’s mark which signifies our love for Him and voluntary obedience to His commandments. Instead of oppressive servitude, Yah’s comes with the promise of provision and eternal life from the Father.

    Aleph Tav Mark of Yah

    The typical strategy of the enemy is to distort and twist the truth of Yah’s word. He did it in Eden and he is doing it now. It is not surprising that the ultimate counterfeiter, Satan, chose the right hand or forehead as locations for his mark on the human body. Our hands symbolize our actions, while our foreheads7 represent the part of the brain where we meditate and reflect on Yah’s word continually. Throughout the Scriptures, references to the hand and head serve as Yah’s way of marking His people.

    Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

    Deuteronomy 11:18 

    Hear, O Israel: Yahuah our Elohim, Yahuah is One. And you shall love Yahuah your elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

    Deuteronomy 6:4-8 

    It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of Yahuah is to be on your lips. Exodus 13:9 

    Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living El. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our Elohim on their foreheads.8

    Revelation 7:2-3 

    They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.

    Revelation 22:4

    Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. .

    Exodus 11:18

    Fear Not

    It has been said that the opposite of fear is knowledge and understanding. Even the secular world understands this. An article9 published on Psychology Today online suggested this antidote to succumbing to fear:

    When something frightens you, a willingness to question things before accepting them or jumping to conclusions, is the beginning of how you overcome fear. Courage and confidence, bravery and derring-do, come later. They come after research, examination, and analysis.

    Interestingly enough, this advice is also scriptural. 

    The reverence  of Yahuah is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Qadosh One is understanding. For by Me your days become many, and years of life are added to you.

    Proverbs 9:10-11

    We acquire knowledge of the Holy One through the study of the Scriptures. As people of faith we must, in this late hour, take responsibility for our spiritual growth and development. Instead of blindly following the teachings of YouTube apologists or pastors, we must investigate all claims. We must spend time in prayer and study. (Acts 17:10-12)

    Instead of freaking out about what the world is involved in, use this precious time to mine the Scriptures for the wisdom to navigate these uncertain waters. Trust the Ruach HaKodesh to guide you to the truth.

    Instead of concentrating on what the beast’s mark might look like, focus on receiving the Mark of Yahuah. Center your attention on what pleases Yah, and He will mark and seal your soul for eternity. Be bold in claiming every promise given to the covenant people in the Scriptures, as they apply to you.. 

    And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

    Luke 12:4

    Every blessing promised to Yisrael (biblical Israel) applies to all grafted-in believers who place their faith in Yeshua, our High Priest. Both the First Covenant (Old Testament) and the Renewed Covenant (New Testament) affirm that Yah’s people, Yisrael, are a people of faith. Those who believe in Yah and strive to follow His guidance are regarded as members of His family because they have been grafted into the Vine. (John 15)

    We must be fearless and resolute now, before the pressure is ratcheted up.  No matter how the enemy threatens us, we must pray for courage to resist taking his mark –- even if it means death. The mark we seek comes from above.

    Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4

    The ultimate outcome of history is in Yah’s hands. To inherit all things, we must be overcomers, and that journey begins with repentance. By surrendering unconditionally to the Most High and believing in Yeshua as the path to eternal life, we gain the strength to withstand any challenges from the enemy in these last days. As Daniel 2:21 reminds us, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Delve into the scriptures, pray for wisdom, and firmly believe that only the Most High can secure your future.


    FOOTNOTES

    1 Cultural Christianity is a term used to describe people who identify as Christian but don’t practice the faith or have a personal relationship with Jesus. Cultural Christians may value religious culture and identify with certain aspects of Christianity, such as Jesus’ good works, but may reject the spiritual aspects required to be a biblically defined disciple. For example, cultural Christians may believe they are ‘saved’ by attending church, being baptized, or being a good person, but they do not follow Yeshua’s teachings concerning obeying the commandments – the Torah.

    2 John Nelson Darby, a dispensationalist theologian, is credited with developing the rapture doctrine in the early 19th century. Darby’s work was influenced by his analysis of Bible translations in 1833. The doctrine became popular with Christians who were interested in the end times, especially after it was included in study Bibles like the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909 and in books like Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth in 1970.

    3 2 Esdras is an apocalyptic book in some English versions of the Bible. Tradition ascribes it to Ezra, a scribe and priest of the fifth century BC, whom the book identifies with the sixth-century figure Shealtiel.

    4 “The times and periods of the course of the world’s history have been predetermined by God. The numbers of the years have been exactly fixed. This was a fundamental postulate of the apocalyptists, who devoted much of their energy to calculations, based upon a close study of prophecy, as to the exact period when history should reach its consummation. One scheme especially favored dividing history into a world-week of seven millenniums, corresponding to the week of Creation. Here, however, as in the case of the number of the righteous (elect) no definite number is mentioned.” R.H. Charles commentary on IV Ezra.

    5 Prophets, apostles, angels, and Yeshua have all functioned at one time or another as agents or ambassadors of the Most High in order to advance the Father’s Kingdom agenda. Yeshua did not concoct ‘new’ commandments. He taught obedience to the commandments his Father had already given -– the eternal Torah.

    6 For a detailed study of the mark of the beast, read Appendix III in The Gospel Worth Dying For: A Fresh Look at the Gospel of the Kingdom, pages 239-244

    7 This seal is probably not visible; instead, it signifies that individuals derive their identity through their relationship with Yahuah and Yeshua.

    8 The frontal lobes are involved in motor function, problem-solving, spontaneity, memory, language, initiation, judgment, impulse control, and social and sexual behavior. Source: Centre for Neuro Skills, https://neuroskills.com/brian-injury/frongtal-lobes/

    9 “What’s the Opposite of Fear”, Robert Evans Wilson Jr., posted February 11, 2022

    The Enemy Is At The Gates

    The Enemy Is At The Gates

    Most believers are familiar with this passage, which serves as a reminder to avoid living the lifestyle of a drunkard. However, this verse alludes to more than a simple warning against being a drunkard. More importantly, this passage reminds us that the devil is always actively seeking to destroy a believer who is engaged in any sinful practice. This repeated warning can be seen throughout the entire Bible, where kings fall due to their sinful choices and where believers in Yahusha (Jesus) fall away. This passage from the Apostle Peter instructs believers to be watchful, reminding us to stay vigilant. It emphasizes the importance of being on guard, like disciplined disciples and vigilant soldiers protecting a kingdom’s gate.

    You Must Remain Situationally Alert

    When believers lower their guard, they allow sin to enter their lives and can easily become entangled in the fallen ways of the world instead of staying aligned with the righteous ways of Elohim Yahuah. It is essential to consider the spiritual aspects related to these verses:

    Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I shall give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your beings. For My yoke is gentle, and My burden is light.

    Matthew 11:28-30 TS2009

    Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.

    2 Corinthians 6:14-18

    In Deuteronomy 7:3-4, Yahuah warns the children of Israel against the wicked idolatrous practices of the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites:

    Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, because they will turn your sons away from Me to worship other gods. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.

    3 John 1:11 states, “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.” Ephesians chapter 5 describes how light cannot be mingled or yoked with darkness, instructing believers not to be partners with the wicked who are on a path of destruction but rather to walk as children of the light being partners with the righteous.

    Beware of Enemy Combatants

    Many other verses in the Bible emphasize the importance of believers not getting involved with sinful or wicked people or activities, which is a consistent message throughout.1 The point is, that as children of God, we should separate ourselves from those who do not follow Yahuah’s laws and hate evil, just as He does.

    The Apostle Paul agrees. In his letter to the Romans, he describes love this way:

    Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good.

    Romans 12:9 Amplified Bible

    As disciples and imitators of Yahusha who desire to follow God’s laws, we must pause and reflect on our lifestyles, relationships, careers, and devotion to Yahuah’s Torah. We are instructed to be imitators of God (Eloah) and Messiah Yahusha, who always obeyed the laws of his heavenly Father.

    Ephesians chapter 5 begins with a list of sinful behaviors to avoid and advises against partnering with those who lead an evil lifestyle. When we consider the broad scope of biblical history, we can clearly observe the spiritual cause and effect that arises when believers align themselves with either Yahuah’s ways or the ways of the world.

    During the reigns of righteous leaders like Moses, Joshua, David, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah, Israel flourished under Yahuah’s protection. However, in other biblical periods, both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah strayed from righteousness, engaging in idolatry and worshiping false gods and demons. These sinful decisions resulted in plagues, war, death, and slavery. They ultimately led to the destruction of both kingdoms, where all of the Hebrew tribes were dispersed among the nations as a form of punishment by God.

    When the children of Israel yoked themselves with the world’s sinful lifestyle, they no longer retained the hedge of protection provided by Yahuah. They opened the door for evil spiritual powers and principalities to dominate their lives, separating them from their heavenly Father, Yahuah.

    When we choose to rebel against Yahuah’s ways and remove his light yoke, we become yoked with Satan, the evil one. This choice leads us down the broad path of destruction. Truly, we have no one to blame but ourselves as Yahuah gave us free will. 

    Spiritual Warfare

    Every day, believers must make the Joshua 24:15 decision to choose whom they will serve — good or evil, God or Satan. There is no middle ground or grey area, which scripture describes as lukewarm. Revelation 3:15-16 graphically illustrates God’s disgust with those who are lukewarm. We must not kid ourselves or fall prey to false teachings. Many false Christian teachers preach the lie of the tolerance and acceptance of evil. 1 John 2:15-16 makes it clear: if you love the world or the things of the world, the Father is not in you.

    Honor the Father’s Rules of Engagement

    When the yoke of the world is chosen, it is a dangerous path. And, as Romans 1:24 points out, God will turn the rebellious over to the sinful desires of their own heart. Likewise, as Jeremiah 17:9-10 warns, the heart is deceitful above all things. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 4:3 warns of the very problem we see today as it pertains to this subject, where it reads:

    “For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new.”

    Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

    From a spiritual perspective, one can see many pieces of evidence that lead to idolatry. Paul also cautions against this in 1 Corinthians 10:20, highlighting how engaging in idolatrous practices aligns us with demons. This points to the root of the problem, whereby mankind rejects Yahusha’s easy yoke and light burden.

    In today’s world, we witness the persistent efforts of rebellious individuals who reject God’s ways, the Torah, the Gospel, and the laws of liberty. They confidently assert their own understanding as superior. Believers who are perceptive can observe how these individuals, within the “Woke Cultural and Progressive Movement,” subject themselves to numerous layers of human rules and regulations. Ironically, this self-imposed burden further enslaves them under the weight of others’ expectations. By choosing this path, they distance themselves from true freedom and the liberating principles found in the Torah and the Gospel of the Kingdom message.

    Consider that when the world imposes laws that starkly contrast biblical morality, it is not simply that they disagree with “religion’s laws” but that such laws have a stark spiritual contrast as well. 1 Timothy 4:1 describes it as follows:

    Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.

    HCSB

    Make no mistake; we are living in the times of 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Peter 3:3-4, and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 where it is written:

    But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

    English Standard Version (ESV)

    Believers must diligently follow the instructions of Luke 21:36, which reads:

    But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

    ESV
    Open Bible

    As we continue to see the world devolve into a perpetual state of wickedness and rebellion against God, now more than ever, we must hold fast to God’s ways, observe the Torah, and work hard to be self-disciplined at all times. We must be imitators of Yahusha Messiah and endure until the end. In Matthew 24:37-39, Yahusha draws a comparison between the end times and the era of Noah. Genesis chapter 6 illustrates the extreme wickedness of humanity during Noah’s time, with their continuous focus on evil thoughts.

    The Enemy Is Always At the Gate

    We can expect the same to happen again as the end times grow closer. We can already see the passage of numerous laws protecting wickedness and essentially criminalizing the laws of God. It would be no surprise to many believers if wicked leaders eventually declared the entire Bible a hate crime, banning it as we see across the world in many communist countries.

    Our only real protection comes from the Father Yahuah, which is only available to believers who walk in righteousness and follow God’s laws and not man’s laws, not yoked with evil but yoked to Messiah. We must remember that scripture teaches us that we are not of this world but sojourners in it. We belong to another kingdom, the kingdom of Yahuah the Father.

    However, we as believers do not fear wicked men, but we have a respectful fear of Yah and faith in the promises written in His word.

    Be encouraged and be courageous in these turbulent times. Remember that it is written, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (1 John 4:4 NLT). It is also written that “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7).

    Brothers and sisters, the enemy is at the gates of our spiritual and physical temples. We are always in a state of spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness. Be encouraged brothers and sisters and always remember that Elohim Yahuah’s protection exists in both the physical and spiritual realm and we are only to fear Father Yahuah, keep his commands, trust in him, keep our faith in Messiah Yahusha, and find refuge in His promises. I will close with this passage of encouragement from the Apostle James (James 1:12):

    Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

    Blessing and Shalom.

    FOOTNOTES

    1 Proverbs 8:13, Psalm 97:10, Amos 5:15, Psalm 119:104, and Psalm 119:128.