Tag: Tisha b’Av – Ninth of Av

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Torah readings

Readings: Tisha b’Av (9th of Av)

A dramatic historical painting by John Martin, dated 1850, depicting the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The scene shows a massive stone temple with columns collapsing amid clouds of dust and smoke, as explosions tear through the structure. Crowds of people, rendered in silhouette, stand in the foreground and on surrounding hills, witnessing the devastation. The warm, golden tones and dynamic composition convey the chaos and tragedy of the event.

Tisha B’Av mourns the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other Jewish tragedies, observed with fasting and prayer. For believers in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah and the “Word (of God) made flesh,” He brings to fullness the pattern of the Temple’s role as a pattern of Heaven. Believers are “temples of the Holy Spirit” and “living stones,” forming a spiritual house. Prophetic hopes of Temple restoration and Ezekiel’s ark-less temple point to Yeshua, culminating in the New Jerusalem, where God and the Lamb are the temple.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Mourning to rejoicing: Healing broken families, healing a broken world (Genesis 42–43; Isaiah 1, 50–52; Jeremiah 8; Deuteronomy 4; Revelation 21)

A glowing lamb stands atop a radiant, golden scroll unfurled across a shimmering river. The lamb and scroll emit luminous white and gold light that radiates outward in bold, textured strokes, contrasting with the dark, famine-toned background of deep blues and earthy browns. The scroll appears to blend into the river below, symbolizing a transition from suffering to eternal life. The image evokes themes from Revelation and the Gospel of John, portraying Yeshua as the Lamb and living Mishkan. Text on the left says, "Mourning to rejoicing, and on the right, "Healing broken families, healing a broken world." Smaller text below says, "Genesis 42-43; Isaiah 1, 50-52; Jeremiah 8; Deuteronomy 4; Revelation 21."

In this study, we trace God’s redemptive plan through Joseph’s story, revealing how Yeshua (Jesus) fulfills the pattern of salvation. From Joseph’s grain provision during severe famine to the Lamb’s Book of Life on the Day of the LORD, we see God’s consistent desire to dwell among His people. The journey from brokenness to restoration demonstrates how submission, trust and repentance transform lives. As we anticipate the New Jerusalem, we’re reminded that God’s ultimate goal is intimate connection — writing His law on our hearts and bringing us into complete shalom.