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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Moses shows us why Yeshua is a greater priest than Aaron (Exodus 38–40; 1Peter 2; John 5; 1Corinthians 15)

Moses prefigured the role of Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah through their similar leadership styles and tasks given by God. This study of Torah reading פְקוּדֵי Pekudei (“accounts,” Exodus 38:21–40:38) examines how both were chosen directly by God, had authority over the priesthood, delegated work while overseeing God’s house, and turned the house over to God once completed, demonstrating their shared purpose in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. Studying Moses helps Christians better understand Yeshua.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Through the Tabernacle door: How Messiah opens access to God’s presence (Exodus 38; Romans 7; Hebrews 8)

What can all the meticulous Bible detail on the architecture and interior design of Israel’s Tabernacle teach us about Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus)? In this study of Torah reading וַיַּקְהֵל Vayaqhel (“and he assembled,” Ex. 35:1–38:20), we’ll focus on the door of that Dwelling Place of God. As the living Tabernacle (Jn. 1:14), Yeshua is the way for native-born (Jew) and foreign-born (Gentile) believers to move from where we all started as “other” from God toward the Presence to see His glory.

Yeshua is the perfect high priest who offers the true sacrifice, the goal toward Whom the essential patterns of the Tabernacle/Temple direct us (Hebrews 7-8). Without Yeshua’s atoning work, memorialized annually on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), there is no other means of salvation — to have access to God (Heb. 10:26-27). The Torah, as “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4; Dt. 8:3), reveals the reality of life apart from the Creator and that there is a Way back — Yeshua.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

God’s dwelling place among us: Garden of Eden to Tabernacle to Messiah (Exodus 27–30; Ezekiel 43; Hebrews 13)

Why is there so much ink in the Torah devoted to the design of Israel’s Tabernacle? As we see in this study of Torah reading תְּצַוֶּה Tetzaveh (“you shall command,” Exodus 27:20–30:10) and parallel passages on Ezekiel’s temple and Hebrews 13, the emphasis is God’s dwelling among His people, who are to be a lifeline for humanity.  The architecture, offerings and rituals of the Tabernacle (and later temples) are essential, enduring blueprints for the atoning work of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) and believers’ personal transformation through God’s Spirit to be continual “living sacrifices” (Rom. 12:1–2) in how they behave.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Got enough faith to be free?: Lessons from ancient Israel’s and the apostles’ sea crossings (Exodus 14–15; Matthew 8; John 6–7)

Ancient Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea while being pursued by the army of then-superpower Mitzraim (Egypt), recorded in Torah reading בְּשַׁלַּח Beshalach (“when he sent” or “after he had let go,” Exodus 13:17–17:16), is a key example of God’s supremacy over worldly powers. This study explores a parallel between Heaven’s mastery over that sea and the mastery of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) over the tempestuous waters of the Sea of Galilee. We investigate how ancient Israel and Yeshua’s apostles were prepared for trusting in God when all seems hopeless, and how this spiritual discipline trains us for the massive and mundane struggles we face today.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Chanukah Discussions

‘I and the Father are one’: Was Yeshua’s shocking Chanukah proclamation blasphemy? (John 10:22–39)

The declaration from Yeshua (Jesus) that “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) was in line with messianic expectation. While there are directives in the Torah, Prophets and Writings about blasphemy, those Scriptures also contain details for the calling card of Messiah. This Bible study suggests that these clues should have inspired introspection among Yeshua’s critics who knew the Scriptures — who were “elohim” of Israel (John 10:34-35). And the leaders’ judgment could have been informed by the timing (Festival of Dedication, aka Chanukah or Hannukah) and location (Temple) of Yeshua’s alleged blasphemy.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Lost tribes and messianic restoration: Jeremiah’s message of hope to Rachel (Genesis 24; Matthew 2; Jeremiah 31)

This study on the Torah reading חַיֵּי שָׂרָה Chayei Sarah (“Sarah’s life,” Gen. 23:1–25:18) explores biblical principles of respect, property ownership and the hope of resurrection. It centers around the stories of Abraham and David, emphasizing their sorrow and the significance of their real estate transactions in the history of the people of Israel, finding resting places for Sarah and the presence of Heaven.

Chayei Sarah also has important connections to prophecies to the events surrounding the birth of Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ), exploring messianic themes and emphasizing the continuity of these prophecies in early Jewish writings.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Is destruction of the wicked an example of ‘God so loved the world’? (Genesis 18–22; John 3)

The Torah reading וַיֵּרָא Vayera (“he appeared,” Genesis 18–22) grabs readers’ attention with its gripping account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the scandalous consequences of Lot’s choices. This seems at odds with “God so loved the world” (John 3:16).

This study explores the importance of trust (faith), the power of prayer and God’s mercy balanced with justice. We’ll see that God’s desire is to save humanity from divine judgment that must come to bring to an end the forces dragging humanity toward death. Mercy indeed triumphs over judgment for those who learn to trust their Creator. That’s how “light” (righteousness) overcomes “darkness” (wickedness).