Posts Tagged ‘faith’

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, PART 1

April 21, 2026

EVER BE ALERT 

For many Americans, the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” may seem insignificant or abstract. However, for those living in countries ruled by a single, absolute leader—such as North Korea—the concept carries much greater weight. In such places, obedience to the ruler often determines survival itself; disobedience can mean severe punishment or even death. 

In kingdoms, the king is the central figure, wielding absolute authority. His commands are not questioned—they are obeyed without hesitation. Whatever the king decrees becomes law, and those who fail to comply face consequences. The king’s power is total: if he declares war, war ensues; if he desires someone’s daughter for marriage, it happens. Life in a kingdom revolves around the unchallenged authority of its ruler. 

The Israelites were familiar with this structure. Under Roman rule, the emperor exercised the same kind of power as a king. If the people obeyed the laws, life proceeded smoothly; but disobedience resulted in punishment and hardship. 

Israelite leaders anticipated that the coming Messiah would arrive as an absolute ruler—a king who would overthrow the Roman authorities. They expected the Messiah to establish a physical reign of God, where Israel would dominate other nations with the Messiah as their king. In their minds, the Messiah’s arrival would mean the replacement of one military kingdom with another.  

Yet, for Jesus, the concept of the Kingdom took on a much different meaning. As He explained to Nicodemus, what rules your life is critical. “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom” (John 3:3). Jesus taught Nicodemus that either the Kingdom of God—or kingdom of this world– resides in the heart of every man. 

This is what makes Jesus words in the Sermon on the Mount so powerful. He was seeking a heart committed to God’s direction. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn., blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the pure heart. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is in Heaven.” (Matthew chapter 5).  

It is not your prestige, not your wealth, not your job that is important. Rather, it is your heart. It is your heart’s attitude that makes Him say, “I am well pleased, good and faithful servant.” 

Tags:, , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

What if…..part 5

April 3, 2026

We call it Good Friday. Then we realize it is only Good because of the horrendous torment,suffering, and agony Jesus allowed himself to experience for us. I urge you to read this account of the horrid suffering Jesus underwent.

Chapter 41 

Malchus, continued 

Caiphas might be the cause of Yeshua’s crucifixion, but he refused to attend. I had once heard Caiphas say that only once had he attended a crucifixion. The dismemberment of the body by the beating even before being placed on the cross had sickened him. He told me that he could still remember the vile odor when he had thrown up all the contents from his stomach. The gross mixture of puke still gave him shivers when he thought about that incident. As his primary lackey, I needed to be his representative at the beating and crucifixion.  

I found a bench inside the praetorium at Pilate’s castle to witness the scourging. This open courtyard would allow any blood, vomit, pee, or defecation by the bowels to be easily cleaned up. The Roman guards chosen to scourge the body were experts at bringing the human’s body to the point of death without ending life. Pain, agony, every fiber of the body screaming in torment was their goal. 

In this early morning hour, a rugged experienced punisher would handle the whip from the left side of the body, but a new trainee would whip from the right side.  

Stripped naked, Yeshua offered no complaint. Instead, He had a look of complete surrender. When they were ready to begin the beating, Yeshua looked my way. Was I right? Was he mouthing the words, “I forgive you?” It was an unsettling moment that made me want to abandon my post.  

With Yeshua’s hands tied to the whipping post. The experienced punisher carefully chose his cat-of- nine tails whip. Interestingly, besides the balls of metal and sharp-edged rock, it had numerous sheep bones interspersed. The new trainee gathered his whip and took his position. 

With the first crack of the punishers whip, my body jumped out of shock. In my time of witnessing this torture, I always experienced the jolt of the first crack. The sound of the whip digging into the skin plus the sharp cries of agony from the punished always made sleeping later difficult. I was not the one suffering, but never-the-less I internally sensed the agony. 

As soon as the expert pulled his whip with rocks, stones, and bones from Yeshua’s body, the trainee followed through from the other side. Although it still dug into the body, the expert was irate. “You fool,” he yelled at the trainee. “Crack that whip into him. Dig deep or someone else will finish for you.” 

For excruciating minutes the pattern followed. After five or six whips by the trainee, the expert told him, “Begin aiming for the areas already lacerated. I want to see exposed muscles or else.” 

By now other guards are regularly dumping water on the floor to drain the blood and pieces of flesh that were carved out of the body. After a few more cords into the body, vulgarities filled the courtyard. Yeshua had emptied his bowels. The contents of the Passover meal lay at Yeshua’s feet. I had to leave. This was more than I could handle. 

I only came back inside when I heard the centurion’s words, “Stop. That is enough. We don’t want him to die here. He is ready for a brief time on the cross before death.” 

 As the guards prepared for Yeshua’s walk to Golgotha, Pilate’s aide delivered the placard to hang from the cross, announcing the reason for the crucifixion. The sign read, “Yeshua, the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.” Riotous laughter filled the guards. One of the guards bowed down low in mockery, “Hail oh King.” Someone else grabbed a scarlet robe and another a crown of thorns. Dressed as an honored king, the derision of Yeshua continued. The guards were having fun. 

Then the walk to Golgotha, “place of the skull” began. The cross for the execution was already in place, having been used before. Yeshua carried the crossbeam, weighing at least seventy-five pounds. As they started up the hill to his execution spot. I saw the extreme effort Yeshua was exerting to walk with the extra weight. We had gone only a few yards when Yeshua stumbled, was helped up and continued. Again, he stumbled. The third time, the centurion overseeing the guards grumbled at how slowly the attachment was moving. “Grab someone to carry the crossbeam,” He ordered.  

Within minutes an able-bodied man, named Simon, was ordered to carry it. “Good, now we can get this over with,” replied the centurion. 

As we walked, a crowd gathered out of curiosity. Some were verbally tormenting him, while some grief-stricken Israelites trailed behind. When reaching Golgotha, Yeshua was laid on the ground and bound to the crossbeam. Spikes were driven through his wrist and into the crossbeam. Using ropes, the crossbeam was lifted into place and nailed to the base. Finally, the feet were nailed to the cross. The sign announcing his crime was affixed. Within three hours after daybreak, the true agony of the cross began. 

The two criminals crucified beside him, begged for more wine mixed with gall to deaden the pain, but Yeshua refused the drink. 

As a reward for carrying out the crucifixion, Yeshua’s garments were divided among the soldiers, with a valuable inner garment being the main prize.  

As he hung there, people came and went from the site. Some paused for a few minutes, while others stayed for longer voicing sick mockery. Some even yelled at Yeshua, “Look at you now. You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross.” Many of the religious leaders seemed to take even greater delight in the tirade. “He saved others, but he can’t save himself.” 

As I watched him hang there, Yeshua was scanning the crowd. Then his eyes homed in on a haggard looking man and the tear-filled woman standing next to him. Recognizing them, Yeshua cracked out a request for the Israelite to care for this woman. “Maybe, Yeshua’s mother?” I wondered. 

For an estimated three hours, Yeshua hung on the cross. Suddenly darkness fell across the whole land. The effect was total fear! Eclipses had happened in the past causing panic, but this was different. Previously they ended in a few minutes and at least there was some light. This darkness did not cease and seeing others near me was difficult. The darkness lasted for longer than I thought possible.  

Then I heard him call out with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?”  Shortly thereafter, Yeshua quietly whispered, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” His head slumped down. His legs relaxed making it impossible for him to breathe, and I knew death had overcome his mortal body. It is finished.  

As Yeshua said his last words, it was as though all of nature was revolting against the loss. An earthquake hit. Before my very eyes, leading to the Temple mount itself, the earth opened a huge fissure. The shock of the last moments reverberated in me. Never had I witnessed anything as unsettling. My thoughts were exactly those of the centurion overseeing the event, “Certainly this man was innocent.”  

Yet my observation was not done. While the Jewish leaders asked that his legs be broken to confirm death, there was no need. It was clear that he had succumbed. For certainty, a sword was drawn by the centurion overseeing the event. He pierced deeply into the criminal’s side until blood and water drained out. Death was then certain. “Wow,” I thought, “He died with a broken heart.” 

The events of the last eighteen hours left me shaken. I had come to oversee the death of a criminal. Instead, my entire being began questioning what I witnessed. I had no choice but to disappear before being consumed with guilt over my part in this brutality.  

Matthew 27:27-56    Mark 15:16-47    Luke 23:26-49    John 19:16-37 

Tags:, , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

What If…part 2

April 1, 2026

What if the Apostle Peter was recreating the events of the Passover supper in today’s vernacular? What might he wish for today’s society to remember? Maybe it would sound like chapter 38 from the book, Yeshua..Redeemer…Savior…Friend. Enjoy

Chapter 38 

Peter 

   Being an apostle of Yeshua was not easy. For example, I was happily married, and travel often took me away from family for long stretches of time. Despite some rocky moments early on, my wife and I resolved the issue. My wife’s support was critical to my walk with Yeshua. As the saying goes, “A happy wife, a happy life.” 

As my wife witnessed Yeshua’s miraculous healings and heard his teachings, she developed her own faith. Having a loving partner that shared my thoughts, hopes, and dreams was a blessing. Her choosing to travel with us for Passover was one of those moments. I had shared with her my dread of the future. Yeshua’s talk of death overwhelmed my spirit. I knew she would be interceding for me as this year’s celebration occurred.  

 As Passover approached, my wife and I reflected on its meaning. For the past 1400 years, the Hebrew people celebrated their freedom from Egyptian slavery. The event was named Passover because Yahweh passed over the homes of the Hebrew slaves when the firstborn of the Egyptian people were killed. It was both a solemn reminder of Yahweh’s faithfulness and a celebration of our freedom. While it should have been a joyous time, I was filled with sorrow. I knew this was our last celebration with Yeshua. Yet I believed freedom from spiritual slavery would follow. 

When I inquired about my wife attending the meal, Yeshua said. “No.” Tonight was just for him and us twelve. Reluctantly, my wife made plans to join other family members. I promised to remember all the details and share them with her. 

For Hebrews, a new day began at sunset and ended at the next sunset. That meant time was seen a little differently from common conceptions. For example, the sixth hour was in the middle of the night and the twelfth hour around daybreak. 

I awoke early in the morning on the day before Passover and joined others to break the fast. After a simple meal and devotional time, Yeshua asked John and I to “Go and prepare the Passover meal so that we can eat it together.”   

When I asked where should we go? Yeshua replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The teacher asks, ‘Where is the guest room that I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” 

Just as Yeshua had said, it happened. After seeing the room, John and I went about our first duty–inspection of the room for any leaven or yeast. When the Israelites were redeemed from slavery in Egypt, they hastily left, and bread did not have time to rise from the addition of yeast. Inspection of the room for leaven served as a reminder of that sudden departure. 

In the intervening hours before Passover officially arrived, John and I gathered the necessary items for the supper: unleavened bread, wine, and the bitter herbs. After taking them back to the room, John and I joined Yeshua and the others at the Temple. 

The Temple area was a madhouse. It had not taken long for the Court of the Gentiles to be reassembled after Yeshua’s earlier wrecking. The profits from Passover were a major source of income for the Jewish council and its members. Nothing would stop the leaders from lining their pockets. 

In the Court of Gentiles, it was business as usual. Some families brought their own lamb from home and were having it inspected for any blemishes. For many of these, their lamb was rejected. Irate tirades echoed beyond the courtyard, knowing a lamb still needed to be bought. Others were exchanging coin for the Jewish shekel, the only accepted payment.  

We bypassed both and joined one of the lines to purchase our unblemished, perfect lamb. As the sun set on Nisan 13, and Nisan 14 began, our lamb was sacrificed and carried back home to be prepared. 

The host family did not interfere with our Passover meal but did the necessary cooking and helped with serving. I was humbled to see the loving way our needs were met without infringing on our evening together. When the lamb was thoroughly cooked, the last supper began. 

As we gathered and took our places, John, as expected, took the seat to the right of Yeshua, but I was surprised when Yeshua asked Judas of Iscariot to sit to his left. I was a little perturbed as I thought I deserved that special seat but reluctantly reclined across from John. 

The Passover meal was always a solemn occasion, particularly tonight. Sorrow filled me when Yeshua stated, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” 

 There was a stillness that encompassed that room as everyone realized Yeshua was serious! I had not forgotten his comments about death, but there had always been hope for a different outcome. I wanted to shout, “No, it can’t happen,” but the words refused to come out. 

The ritual passed down for generations began. Yeshua took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves, for I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”  

While I contemplated Yeshua’s words, the meal continued. We ate the bitter herbs, a reminder of our people’s suffering in slavery, had a second cup of wine, and waited for the serving of bread. Yeshua took the bread, gave thanks for it, and served it. He humbly stated, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  

After supper, he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people, an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” 

Bewilderment filled me. Unanswered questions came to my mind. Why was the history of our enslavement and freedom not mentioned as in every other seder? Then I understood: this was the beginning of a new era. The old covenant was ending; a new one was taking its place. I could sense the barrier between us and Yahweh being lifted. As a husband lifted the veil of his wife at their wedding ceremony, we were celebrating a new relationship, a marriage, to Yahweh. I could not wait to share my revelation with my wife. A new freedom to serve Yahweh was ahead! 

 Two difficult moments followed. The first was Yeshua’s words, “But there at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.” His words of torment tore our group apart and that led to the boasting by each of us of our own importance and our love for Yeshua. 

Yeshua called for each of us to relax. Then he asked a servant to bring a large bowl containing clean water. Yeshua took off his outer cloak, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed each of our feet. I tried to protest, but it did no good. 

When done, Yeshua explained, “You call me your teacher and lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your lord and teacher washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set an example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you.” In humility, I accepted his lesson. In the Kingdom of God, no one had the right to lord it over another. 

After Judas left to accomplish his final task, Yeshua gave us important thoughts to burn into our memory. “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It is not like the peace that the world can give. So do not worry or be afraid. You have already heard me say that I am going and that I will also come back to you. If you really love me, you should be glad that I am going back to the Father because he is greater than I am. I am telling you this before I leave so that when it does happen, you will have faith in me. I cannot speak with you much longer because the ruler of this world is coming, but he has no power over me.”  

Then words of comfort for my spirit.” Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust Yahweh and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s house. If it were not so, would I not have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me wherever I am.” 

 Finally, Yeshua said what strengthened my will. “If you love me, obey my commandments and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit who leads you into all truth. I am the true grapevine, and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so that they will produce even more. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” 

As Yeshua’s words settled into my spirit, I would need time to review all Yeshua said. It was not until later that week before the full significance of our night together was clear.  

My resolve to be Yeshua’s servant was tested in the next twenty-four hours. Later, only my wife could offer me comfort for my terrible decisions. My actions would dishonor my savior. Would it be possible to be forgiven? 

Matthew 26:14-30    Mark 14:10-26    Luke 22:3-30    John 13:1-35    John 14:1-51:17 

Tags:, , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

A COMMON FOLK BIBLE

March 2, 2026

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMON FOLK BIBLE 

You are on Jeopardy and the topic is “Famous Individuals of Christianity.” You should be able to answer question one on Jesus’s mother or even the $400 question—Jesus’s most beloved disciple (John). Most could even guess at questions about Martin Luther (Justification by faith alone) or John Wycliffe (translated the scriptures into English) but the stumper would be the $1000 question about Ptolemy. Though not a Christian, nor a Jewish convert, Ptolemy’s role in Biblical history cannot be overlooked. 

PREPARTION 

The Persian empire ruled until conquered by Alexander the Great. During his thirteen years of rule, religious freedom continued to be given to the dispersed Jewish communities. Having an even bigger impact on the world was Alexander the Great’s demand that the Greek culture, often called Hellenism, be promoted in his conquered territory. This was a change that affected the entire world and continued well after Alexander’s death. 

After his death, the empire was divided into four territories. Alexander’s general, Ptolemy was awarded control of northern Africa and portions of the Middle East, including Palestine. Despite regional wars, Ptolemy remained in power over his given territory for the next forty years. (source: (historicaleve.com) During the next three hundred years, the influence of the Greek culture grew. Hellenism embraced all aspects of life: art, philosophy, science, architecture, and intellectual development.  

IMPACT OF HELLENISM ON THE JEWISH RACE 

Like the rest of the Middle East, Palestine also was impacted by Hellenism.  Positively, many trade routes were established and Israel’s place as a connection between the east and west developed.  At the same time, the polytheistic beliefs of the Greek empire were counter to the monotheism of the Hebrew nation.  

To counteract the forces of Hellenism, the Jewish religious leaders developed a rigid religious belief system. Attention to the law, observing traditional customs, and an emphasis on the Hebrew educational system remained essential elements of Hebrew life. (source: livestransforming.com) These practices, along with the insistence of using the Hebrew language in religious circles, were important in keeping the dispersed Israelites, along with the homeland, monotheistic until the time of Christ.  

Judaism also continued to flourish outside of Palestine. The openness of Ptolemy for intellectual and religious freedom allowed the city of Alexandria, Egypt to become an enclave for Jewish adherents. The Jewish population of Alexandria were given their own section of the city to live in so that their beliefs and customs could be practiced without influence from outsiders. The one break from a strict Hebrew lifestyle was the acceptance of the Greek language which had become the universal language of all business activities. Since the Greek language was the language used by everyday Judahites, they longed for the books of the Pentateuch and Prophets to be translated into Greek. 

. 

FIRST ATTEMPTS 

Today, the super-rich buys 12,000 square foot homes or competes to have the biggest yacht. The Ptolemy rulers saw life differently. While a fabulous palace was important, they valued intellectual pursuits as well. Ptolemy, the first was known as a great patron of learning, and the library in Alexandria was a centerpiece of his work.  His successors Ptolemy II and Ptolemy III continued to spend huge sums of money sending advisors throughout the world to secure rare books and valuable art.  

The first attempts to put the Hebrew Old Testament into the Greek language were done by hundreds of slaves who wrote into the Greek language what was orally dictated to them. Unfortunately, this led to errors in translation because the slave used their own judgement of what a particular phrase meant. This, though, did produce a Greek version of the Old Testament that was sold cheaply and became known as the “People’s Bible.”   

If one wanted to buy a scholarly copy of the Pentateuch (first five books of the Old Testament) or the books of the Prophets in the Hebrew language, the purchase was expensive. The copy could only be done by Jewish scholars who painstakingly copied the Word of God into another set of writings. If even a small error was made, the entire copy was destroyed. The painstaking process began again. 

PTOLEMY’S SUCCESS 

A spiritual life-changing event was to occur in Alexandria, Egypt. All because of the generosity of Ptolemy’s reign. 

Demetrious Phalereus became the chief advisor for the library. He wanted a true copy of the Hebrew Books of Moses translated into the Greek language. Phalereus sent Eleazar the High-Priest at Jerusalem a huge financial gift to select seventy-two translators of the highest regard to work on a proper translation. Each translator received an authentic manuscript and were sent to the island of Pharos, (an island in the Nile River), spending seventy-two days individually translating the Hebrew manuscript into the Greek language. After comparisons and evaluation, the Jewish Sanhedrin at Alexandria—the Jewish ruling body of that area–formally approved the acceptance of the Greek version of the Pentateuch. It was given the title, Septuagint. (source: The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah) The translation of the books of the Prophets and Jewish History followed. The Greek translation was widely accepted and used at the time of Christ.  

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY 

In the early 1600’s, English scholars used both the Greek Bible and the Hebrew Bible to develop the King James Bible, the only authorized English version for over 300 years.  

God’s wisdom is infinite and His planning impeccable. Throughout history, God’s desire was that world accept Him as their God. He chose the Jewish people from the beginning to be His ambassadors. A Christian’s goal today is the same—be a worthy ambassador. 

Tags:, , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bible | Leave a Comment »

From Tragedy to Redemption the Israelites and the Messiah

February 27, 2026

Chapter 1   The Beginning 

   

One will never know why Yahweh—God—chose Abraham, then his son Isaac, then his grandson Jacob, and then his great-grandson Joseph as the bearers of Yahweh’s promises. If Yahweh was looking for a sinless individual, He missed the mark. From the start, sin followed. (Read the book of Genesis.) It is a perplexing question how Yahweh could trust a sinful race of people to revitalize the world. Yet He thankfully did.  

Skip ahead four hundred years, and the sin filled lives of his chosen people continued. Moses and then Joshua tried to lead the Israelite people but idol worship and listening to foreigners—particularly women—led to Yahweh’s displeasure and rebuke time after time. Throughout the time of the prophets and then the kings, there were moments of complete trust in following Yahweh, but sin eventually led to more wickedness. Any attempts at spiritual change were short lived. 

 Eventually, the sins of the nation led to their annihilation. First the Assyrians conquered the northern part of Israel. Because of Assyrian cruelty, the history of these captives was lost. (Lost tribes of Israel.) 

 Less than one hundred fifty years later, the Babylonian empire conquered Judah, the southern part of Israel. (Biblical books of Judges through 2nd Chronicles.) The Babylonian rulers, however, treated the Jewish people favorably, and the Israelite population quickly grew. While in captivity, lessons were learned, and for some, a desire for a spiritual change occurred. 

Restoring Their Jewish Heritage 

Then the promises spoken by Yahweh years earlier for a fresh restart came about after the Persian nation overthrew the Babylonians. The Persian King Cyrus issued a decree that allowed the Hebrew people to return to their former land of Israel. “Cyrus allowed Zerubbabel (also known as Sheshbazzar), a descendant of David, to lead the first group of Jews, numbering 42,360, back to Judah somewhere between 538 and 520 BC.” (source: Hebrewnations.com).   

For those who chose to move back to Israel, life was difficult. The small Jewish community was heavily influenced by their non-Israelites neighbors, and the people fell away from following the Sabbath and began to intermarry. Their identity to God was once again fading.  

Yet Yahweh did not give up. Seventy-five years after the first group had returned, Ezra was allowed by the Persian King Artaxerxes to travel with a second group back to Palestine (Israel). Shortly thereafter, Nehemiah also returned. While Ezra led in a spiritual renewal of the people, Nehemiah was instrumental in rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. Between the two, a strong Jewish culture was being rebuilt. 

Millions of other Jewish adherents chose not to make the change. While living in Persia, most Israelites had settled into a comfortable life under their rulers. The Hebrew people had become well accepted in the community and were actively involved in trades and commerce. Moving back to Palestine, was not worth the risk.  

Even more important, the Jewish adherents enjoyed great freedom to travel. They formed their own separate communities in other areas of the known world, and those areas quickly grew. Recorded records show that around the time of Christ over 1 million Jews lived in Alexandria (Egypt). Large populations of Jewish exiles were also found in Rome, Samaria, Ethiopia, Cyrene (now part of Libya), Antioch (Syria), the Italian peninsula, and Turkey. The Greek geographer Strabo said, “You could not go anywhere in the civilized world without encountering a Jew.” (Source: Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah).  

While their homeland was comprised of less than a million residents at the time of Christ, millions of Jewish followers lived in other parts of the world. In each of these Jewish communities, there was a common bond that held the Jewish society together: a common creed, a common way of life, a common center of worship, and a common hope for the future. The Jewish population, wherever they settled, observed laws related to food, followed Sabbath rules, and celebrated the Jewish holy holidays. Through it all, though, was their love for Jerusalem, and the hope of eventually returning to their homeland under the rule of the Messiah. 

The Messianic hope though only came about because of that small group that chose to reestablish the nation of Israel. These courageous followers made many sacrifices. Homes needed to be rebuilt, fortifications against enemies established, and it was necessary to relearn how to plant, grow, and harvest crops. 

 Although change was not easy, those in Palestine persisted. It was into this world that our Messiah would be born, live, and die—all for our benefit. 

All believers should be grateful for these Hebrew change agents. Because of them, the coming of the Messiah was one step closer.  

Tags:, , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bible, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »