This issue of YAHSHUA'S WITNESS MAGAZINE
 was published for MARCH-APRIL 2007 

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Inside this issue:

  OUR COVER: This issue is what would be called our Spring Festival issue. The Spring Festival has to do with Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It was during this time that Yahshua was slain in order to become our Passover Lamb. Yahshua was greatly afflicted. Much more so than is or can be depicted by any artist. When Yahshua appeared to the disciples, He did say for them to behold his hands and his side in order to no longer disbelieve. One of our articles of this issue focus on Yahshua as The Afflicted Messiah. Therefore, we have chosen the cover picture showing a hand with a nail imprint in remembrance.

For comments or inquiries please write to YEA, P. O. Box 31, Atlanta, TX 75551. 

Babylon the Great is called the mother of harlots and is also a great mystery, “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Yahshua: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration,” Rev. 17:1-6.

  I have seen and heard several allusions to the possibility of America being this Babylonian harlot. I hope that I can effectively identify this harlot in the very limited space that I have left here. Other articles will be coming forth later.

  How can we identify this harlot? The simplest answer is with the Scriptures. There are three major spiritual harlots spoken of in Scripture. They are 1. Tyre (Jeremiah 23); 2. Samaria (Jeremiah 3:6); 3. Jerusalem and Judah.

  Isaiah prophesied, “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah...Hear the word of Yahweh, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our Elohim, ye people of Gomorrah...How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers,” 1:1, 10, 21.

  Jeremiah was inspired to cry out, “Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem...Thus saith Yahweh, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?...The priests said not, Where is Yahweh? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit...Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith Yahweh...And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken Yahweh thy Elohim, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Sovereign Yahweh of hosts...How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways... A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith Yahweh,” 2:1, 5, 8, 11-12, 18-19, 23-24, 28-29.

  Who are the principal peoples that preserve and handle the law or Torah in today’s world? Isn’t it Judah? Yet doesn’t it say that ‘they that handle the law (Torah) knew Me not?’ If you will search out the book of Jeremiah further, especially chapter 3, you will find that even though the northern kingdom of Israel played the harlot, Judah was even more treacherous than Israel.

  The prophet Ezekiel also has some interesting things to say about Judah and Jerusalem. He says that her sisters were Samaria and Sodom (Ez. 16). Ezekiel proclaims that Judah and Jerusalem has committed whoredoms with Egypt, Assyria and Babylon. Furthermore, she is given the CUP of her sister Samaria.

  Zechariah speaks of a woman of wickedness who is placed in an ephah with a lid of lead. She is taken to the land of Shinar. This author has identified that woman as Judah. While Israel was given a bill of divorcement and became not Yahweh’s people, the fact of the matter that Judah is still recognized as Yahweh’s people in today’s world. But her fornication with the kings, kingdoms and peoples of the earth make her the great harlot who is riding upon the beasts of the earth.

  This author understands the repercussions that he will receive for making these pronouncements, but the truth is the truth. Notice that the harlot is drunken with the blood of the saints. Who agreed to put Yahshua to death? Wasn’t it the Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians, etc.? Who began the persecution of the saints? Wasn’t it the priests and Pharisees? Wasn’t Saul a Pharisee and didn’t he cause great havoc in and among Yahshua’s believers until he was struck down on the way to Damascus? Didn’t his own people seek to take his life upon his conversion?

  There is so much more to this than meets the eye. The book of Revelation identifies Jerusalem as Egypt and Sodom (Rev. 11). Judah and Jerusalem are certainly associated with Egypt and Sodom in the major prophets. There are so many, many other things to consider both ancient and present. We will be addressing this further, but suffice it to say that Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Harlots has now been identified.  JH

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TAKE THE

PART I

As Passover approaches, any Passover of any year, Yahweh’s people should review the admonition of the Apostle Paul examining the self before taking the most important symbols of the Savior’s body and blood.

By Jerry Healan

Paul writes, “Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the assembly, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Sovereign's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the Assembly of Yahweh, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.  For I have received of the Sovereign that which also I delivered unto you, That the Sovereign Yahshua the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Sovereign's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Sovereign, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Sovereign. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Sovereign's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Sovereign, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come,” 1 Cor. 11:17-34.

  Do we understand the depth of the words that Paul has written here? Before we take the most important emblems of Yahshua’s body and blood, we are to examine ourselves carefully before we partake of these symbols. If we fail to properly examine and judge ourselves, then we will be found guilty of the Sovereign’s body and blood. We are not only to examine and judge ourselves, but we are also to carefully discern Yahshua’s body. Therefore this article/message will be divided into two parts, the first will deal with how we are to examine ourselves and the second will be discerning the Sovereign’s body.

 PART I – EXAMINING THE SELF

   Again Paul writes, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to Yahweh for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of Yahweh, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of Yahweh's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of Yahweh,” Ro. 10:1-3.

  Is it possible that we in the body of the Messiah can fall into the same trap, the same error that Yahweh’s people Israel fell into? They exhibited a love for Yahweh. They wanted to walk according to righteousness in order to please Yahweh, but they were ignorant as to what Yahweh’s righteousness really was. Do we fully understand what Yahweh’s righteousness is?

  Isaiah was inspired to write, “Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, as when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!  When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O Elohim, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities,” Isa. 64:1-7.

  Thus, we see the problem with Israel. They went about seeking to establish their own righteousness, but all of those righteousnesses that they were seeking to walk in were only as filthy rags to Yahweh. How can this be? I hope to answer this question in this treatise.

  Moses understood many wondrous things that most men, the Israelites and even modern day believers do not understand. Moses cried out, “A Prayer of Moses the man of Elohim. Yahweh, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art Elohim. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? Even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O Yahweh, how long? And let it repent thee concerning thy servants,” Psa. 90:1-13.

  Such is the story of man. We are born into this world. Our days, in reality, are very few. We commit iniquities and even secret sins, which we can usually hide from man, but will never be hidden from Yahweh. Our life is like grass. We flourish in the morning and in the evening we dry up and die. But Yahweh will call us forth to judgment and we will have to answer for our iniquities and secret sins.

 THE HEART OF MAN

   The Apostle Paul wrote of two Adams. Of the first Adam he wrote, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come,” Ro. 5:12-14.

Notice that Paul says that the first Adam was a “figure” of him that was to come. The word “figure” is translated from the Greek word “tupos” from whence we also get our English word “type.” The first Adam was a type of the second Adam.

  Paul writes concerning these two Adams, “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Sovereign from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly,” 1 Cor. 15:47-48.

  We receive an inheritance from each of these Adams. From the first Adam we receive the inheritance of sin, corruption and death. From the second Adam we receive the inheritance of righteousness, incorruption, immortality and life.

  We are born into this world through the first Adam and his inheritance. Here is what Jeremiah is inspired to write concerning the heart of Judah, Israel and frankly, all men, “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars; Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills. O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders. And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever. Thus saith Yahweh; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from Yahweh. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in Yahweh, and whose hope Yahweh is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Yahweh search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings,” Jer. 17:1-10.

  Do you get that? This is the heart that you and I are born with. It is the heart of Adam, the first man and the father of all humankind! The natural heart of man, the heart we are born with is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? The only way that we can completely understand the heart of man, our own heart, is to allow Yahweh’s word to tell us!

  Jeremiah also writes, “And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath Yahweh pronounced all this great evil against us? Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we have committed against Yahweh our Elohim? Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith Yahweh, and have walked after other elohim, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; and ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me: therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other elohim day and night; where I will not shew you favour,” Jer. 16:10-13.

  Yahweh knows every man’s heart. If we will allow Him, He will truly reveal our own hearts to us. Here is what He said about the heart of man before the flood, “And El saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually,” Gen. 6:5.

  Because of this great wickedness and the violence that was being caused because of the evil imagination of man’s heart, Yahweh decided to destroy man and all life on the land portion of the earth, but as we know, He did have mercy upon Noah and His family.

  The question is, after the great catastrophic flood that destroyed every living thing on the earth except the men and animals that were on the ark, did man’s heart change? “And Noah builded an altar unto Yahweh; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And Yahweh smelled a sweet savour; and Yahweh said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done,” Gen. 8:20-21.

EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH

   Notice that! Even though all men and animals suffered the destruction of the flood because of their evil and wicked imaginations and the violence that was produced from it, man’s heart didn’t change. Noah and his sons saw the great evil, the great violence, the great destruction, but after the flood, his descendants went forth continuing to follow the evil imaginations of their hearts. Israel did the same thing! Even though they saw the great destructive miracles that Yahweh poured out on the Egyptians, and they themselves were in rigorous slavery, they kept trying to go back to Egypt, and eventually many of them did.

  The term “evil from his youth” is translated from the Hebrew root word “na’ar” which is defined as “from the age of infancy to adolescence” in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

When King David’s sin was exposed to him concerning Bathsheba and her husband’s murder, he proclaimed, “Have mercy upon me, O Elohim, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me,” Psa. 51:1-5.

  David understood that he was conceived in sin! How? Through his/our forefather Adam.

  I know that it is difficult for us to look upon a seemingly innocent little baby and impute any sin to that child. To us, the child is innocent for it has never committed any sin. But if we believe the Scriptures, we will come to understand that a law of sin is our inheritance from Adam and that as sure as we are born, we will sin, just as we can also believe that as sure as we are born, we will also eventually grow old and die.

  Look at what Yahweh says about all of His people Israel, “Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name Yahweh, and make mention of the Elohim of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the Elohim of Israel; Yahweh of hosts is his name. I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;  I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them. Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb,” Isa. 48:1-8.

  David was the King of Israel. He confessed that he was conceived in sin. Israel was Yahweh’s people, yet Yahweh declared that they were called a transgressor from the womb. If Yahweh’s people were such, then we can certainly deduct that the rest of the peoples of the earth, the non-Hebrews or Gentiles were the same, can we not?

  Yahweh declares concerning men, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no Elohim. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. Elohim looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek Elohim. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge?” Psa. 53:1-3.

  Furthermore, both Prov. 14:12 and 16:25 state, “There is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

  Again, it is stated, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool, but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered,” Prov. 28:26.

  King Solomon declared, “All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead,” Eccl. 9:2-3.

  Yes, how true! The natural heart of man, the heart that we inherit from Adam is far, far more corrupt than we can know.

NEW TESTAMENT OBSERVATIONS

   When dealing with the people of His day, Yahshua had to make many corrections to the traditions that the people were holding onto. Take, for instance, the account in Mat. 15:1-20, “Then came to Yahshua scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of Elohim by your tradition? For Elohim commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of Elohim of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Yahshua said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”

  While it is true that the subject is eating with unwashed hands, the fact of the matter is that it is not what goes into the mouth, whether it is dirt that is on unwashed hands, or even some unclean food (eaten by mistake, of course), that will defile a person. If we mistakenly eat something that is unclean, the body will eventually eliminate that which is unclean, but the gist of the message is what is on the heart of man. Yahshua told us what truly defiles. It is evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blaspehmies, etc. Those are the things that truly defile us. It would be better to have a physical diet of unclean foods than to allow the self to succumb to the evil thoughts and lusts of the heart. I know that some will point a finger of accusation at me and proclaim that Jerry Healan is now teaching that we may eat unclean foods, but that is not what I said. Some people have their hearts set only on the physical things and cannot understand the things of the Spirit. This physical, fleshly, carnal body that we are dwelling in cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. We must learn to focus on the things of the Spirit, the things of a circumcised heart.

  Yahshua explains this concept in the same way in the book of Mark, “And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man,” 7:17-23.

  James was moved to write, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which Yahweh hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of Yahweh: for Yahweh cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren,” Jas. 1:12-16.

  Every man is tempted by the lust that is in his own flesh. Sin is conceived when this lust begins in the flesh putting ideas, thoughts and desires in the mind. When we allow ourselves to dwell on those lustful things then we eventually finding ourselves committing the lustful act. When the act is completed, we have sinned and that sin brings forth death.  

THE BATTLE OF THE CONVERTED

   When we are called of Yahweh and are led to repent of our sins entering the waters of baptism for the remission of those sins, Yahweh will grant us an earnest of His Spirit. We are conceived of the Spirit and become the sons of Elohim, the children of Yahweh, but we must still live in this physical, fleshly body which is filled with the lusts of the flesh. The Apostle Paul completely understood this. Paul had been a self-righteous Pharisee. The Pharisees trusted in themselves that they were righteous and therefore were able to gain entrance to the very throne room of Yahweh, the holiest place. But Paul was eventually called by Yahweh because He had a job for him to do. This calling was completely against the things that Paul had gained through the doctrines, beliefs and walk of the Pharisees. Paul was led to understand and see things that he had never seen before. His writings of these things still cause many of the self-righteous hypocrites to profess that Paul fell away from the truth. That’s because they don’t understand his writings.

  Here is what Paul discovered, “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of the Messiah; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto Elohim. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.  But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Yahweh forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? Yahweh forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of Elohim after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank Yahweh through Yahshua the Messiah our Sovereign. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of Yahweh; but with the flesh the law of sin,” Ro. 7:4-25.

  Do you get that? Here is Paul writing many years after his calling and conversion still admitting that he was having problems in the flesh. He reveals that there is a law of sin in the flesh. This law of sin in the flesh causes a war to go on in the mind of a truly converted person. He even admitted that he was still serving the law of sin with the flesh, but with the mind he was serving the law of Yahweh. Where did this law of sin come from? Our forefather Adam ingested it into the flesh when he ate of the forbidden fruit. This law of sin is our inheritance from him.

  Paul also wrote of this struggle in the book of Galatians, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would, 5:16-17.

  Going back to Romans chapter 8, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in the Messiah Yahshua, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in the Messiah Yahshua hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Yahweh sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against Yahweh: for it is not subject to the law of Yahweh, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please Yahweh. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Yahweh dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of the Messiah, he is none of his. And if the Messiah be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” vv. 1-10.

  Truly, the Scriptures reveal our nature. While we know that the carnal mind is enmity against Yahweh and that it is very wicked indeed, do we understand the lesson of the flesh and the power that it also has over the mind? Those who have the Spirit of Yahweh have a great battle on their hands because the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. In too, too many cases we still succumb to the flesh and must call upon our Sovereign to have mercy on us and to forgive us through Yahshua the Messiah. But we must examine ourselves before we take the most important symbols which represent the body and blood of the Messiah. We must understand Who He is and who we are. We must understand the weakness of the flesh and we must understand ourselves in the light of the Scriptures. If we will examine and judge ourselves, we will not be judged. But if we fail to properly examine ourselves and take of the bread and cup unworthily, then we will be guilty of the body and blood of the Messiah. We must never approach nor take the Passover lightly. It is a most solemn occasion.

 UNDERSTANDING YAHWEH’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

   Now, let’s see if we can understand Yahweh’s righteousness and the error of Israel who went about to establish their own righteousness. Paul wrote, “For they (Israel) being ignorant of Yahweh’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of Yahweh,” 1 Cor. 10:3.

  When Yahweh delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt, He brought them to the Wilderness of Sin unto Mount Hor in order to make a covenant with them. Moses went up into the mount and Yahweh called to Him saying, “Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel,” Ex. 19:3-6.

  Moses took this message back to the elders of the people who replied, “All that Yahweh hath spoken we will do,” v. 8. Furthermore, after Yahweh descended upon the mount declaring His statutes, ordinances and judgments the people confirmed twice more that they would do Yahweh’s words and be obedient (Ex. 24:3, 7).

  As we know, Moses went up into the mount to Yahweh and while there for a period of 40 days and 40 nights, the people fell away to idolatry (Ex. 32). Paul says that one of the works of the flesh is idolatry (Gal. 5:20). Thus, the people quickly forgot their promise and fell away to the worship of the golden calf.

  The people had promised to be faithful and obedient to the words of Yahweh but simply didn’t have the power of the Spirit to resist. Thus, they were trusting in their own power to fulfill the commandments of Yahweh, but the law of sin in the flesh was at enmity against those commandments. They quickly fell away. They quickly ran to the ways of unrighteousness rather than continue in the righteousness of the law.

  Yahshua declared, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise…. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me,” Jn. 5:19, 30. “Then said Yahshua unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things,” Jn. 8:28. “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works,” Jn. 14:10.

  It is clear that the Heavenly Father was dwelling in Yahshua and that Yahshua admitted that He could do nothing of Himself. He declared this four times for emphasis. The Father and the Son work in concert with one another. What one does, the other does also. They cannot be separated.

  Yahshua also declared to His disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing,” Jn. 15:1-5.

  Without Yahshua we can do nothing! We can try, as Israel did, to keep the commandments, statutes, ordinances, and judgments, but as Israel failed, so will we! Paul writes, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of the Messiah; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Yahshua the Messiah, unto the glory and praise of Yahweh,” Phil. 1:9-11.

  The fruits of our righteousness are by, and through Yahshua the Messiah. This is the only acceptable way to please Yahweh. Our own righteousnesses are as filthy rags to Him otherwise. If we are seeking to observe the way of righteousness under our own strength and power, then we are only as righteous as the Pharisees and Yahshua said that our righteousness must exceed theirs!

  Again, Paul declares, “I can do all things through the Messiah which strengthens me,” Phil. 4:13.

  Thus Paul could also declare, “For the Messiah is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth,” Ro. 10:4. The Greek word for end is “telos” which is defined as, from a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid).

  Thus, we can understand that Yahshua is the end of the law, the conclusion or termination of an act or state. What is that act or state? The promise that Israel would obey Yahweh and be obedient under their own strength and power. That part of the covenant no longer exists. It is now only obtainable through Yahshua living in us through the Holy Spirit. It is now the point aimed at through Him.

  Yes, it is true that Yahshua did no sin. But He said that He could do nothing without the Father. We are to follow Yahshua’s example and do no sin, but we must live the way of righteousness through His power. We must give Him the credit as He also gave credit to the Father. We must not take it to ourselves!

  It is our prayer that this examination will cause you to be able to partake of the Passover properly so that Yahshua may be lifted up. May Yahweh bless you to see these things.

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THE SERVICE OF HUMILITY

One of the services associated with the Passover is that of footwashing. Much symbolism is behind this act as in all other acts performed during that night. This article will hopefully prepare us for that service and the rest of the Passover service as well.

By Jerry Healan

Yahshua did an amazing and surprising thing during the last night with His disciples before He suffered.

“Now before the feast of the Passover, when Yahshua knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in th world, He loved them unto the end. And supper being served, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him; Yahshua knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from Elohim, and went to Elohim; He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. After that He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciple’s feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded,” Jn. 13:1-5.

  Why did Yahshua perform this service for His disciples? What was the motive behind it? Yahshua’s own answer is given in verses 12-17, “So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, He said unto them, ‘Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Teacher (Rabbi) and Master (Adonai): and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Master and Teacher, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his master; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.’”

THE LOWEST SERVANT

  Yahshua had just performed a service for the disciples that was the duty of the lowest servant of the households of that era. It was a service that was despised by all others. To be the lowest servant was to be looked upon with disdain from all others. The lowest servant was subject to everyone else. They had no power, the least rights and privileges. They were worked the hardest and longest and were given the most menial and degrading of tasks.

  Notice Peter’s reaction when Yahshua came to wash his feet, “Master, dost Thou wash my feet?’ Yahshua answered and said unto him, ‘What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.’ Peter saith unto Him, ‘Thou shalt never wash my feet,’” Jn. 13:6-8. Peter’s reaction reveals that he was both highly shocked and displeased that His own Teacher and Master was stooping so low as to wash his feet. He would never have submitted to such if Yahshua had not told him, “If I wash you not, thou hast no part with Me,” verse 8.

  There are several reasons behind Yahshua’s act that we must explore if we are going to learn from it and allow the same act to be magnified in our minds as we follow the example that He set for us.

HUMILITY

   The first reason for this act was to reveal the humility that Yahshua had and that we also must have if we are to serve in any capacity at all. Consider Yahshua’s initial act to begin with which was described by the apostle Paul, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in the Messiah Yahshua: Who, being in the form of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be equal with Elohim: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the tree,” Phil. 2:5-8.

  A better rendering of verses 6 and 7 would be, “Who, being in the form of Elohim, thought it not a thing to be clung to, to be equal with Elohim, but emptied Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man.”

  Yahshua was Elohim before His human birth. John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. The same was in the beginning with Elohim. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made....And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth,” Jn. 1:1-3, 14.

  This scripture is enhanced by another writing of John, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Yahshua Messiah,” 1 Jn. 1:1-3.

  John 1:1-3, 14 and 1 Jn. 1:1-3 go hand in hand with each other explaining the real sacrifice and humility that Yahshua had, for He was equal to Elohim. He existed as Elohim before His human birth. He was in the beginning and the Father made all things through Him.

  In one place the Jews sought to stone Yahshua because He made Himself equal with Elohim, “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that Elohim was His Father, making Himself equal with Elohim,” Jn. 5:18. In another place it is written, “Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Yahshua answered them, ‘Many good works have I shewed you from My Father; for which of those works do ye stone Me?’ The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself Elohim,’” Jn. 10:31-33.

  Yes, Yahshua was Elohim. He was willing to empty Himself of the power and glory that He had, become a man and suffer an ignominious death for our sakes. That is a greater humility, a greater sacrifice, a greater love than any of us can ever experience for we are all men, coming from below, but Yahshua was Elohim, coming from above.

  He was not only willing to empty Himself of the power, riches, glory and honor that He had as Elohim, but upon finding Himself in the form and likeness of a man, He humbled Himself and willingly emptied Himself of the human life for the sake of, and on behalf of those of us who were sinners from birth and were born with the death penalty already on us. His blood, His life was poured out for us from the tree of shame. He hated the shame and degradation that He had to bear for our sakes (Heb. 12:2), but did it willingly for the Father’s sake, plan and purposes, and our sake also. That’s real humility!

WHO’S THE GREATEST?

  Another reason Yahshua instituted the ceremony of footwashing is that His disciples had disputed among themselves as to who was the greatest, “And He came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, ‘What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?’ But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest, and He sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, ‘If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.’ And He took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when He had taken him in His arms, He said unto them, ‘Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My name, receiveth Me: and whosoever shall receive Me, receiveth not Me, but Him That sent Me,’” Mk. 9:33-37.

  Notice that the child had to be somewhat small for Him to take it up in His arms. Small children, especially babes in arms, are literally helpless. They cannot feed themselves, clothe themselves, walk, talk, clean themselves, etc. They are totally dependant on others for their own well-being. We must all realize that we are in the same situation when it comes to Elohim. Without Him we are absolutely nothing. It is His benevolence, His creation, His laws that function to our good. It is all very humbling when things are put in the proper perspective. We must continually look to Him for all our care and guidance, for our help in all things.

  In another place two of Yahshua’s disciples caused a stir among the others when they asked Yahshua for special favors, “And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, ‘Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.’ And He said unto them, ‘What would ye that I should do for you?’ They said unto Him, ‘Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory.’ But Yahshua said unto them, ‘Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ And they said unto Him, ‘We can.’ And Yahshua said unto them, ‘Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: but to sit on My right hand and on My left hand is not Mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.’ And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Yahshua called them to Him, and saith unto them, ‘Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many,’” Mk. 10:35-45.

  Yahshua had a problem on His hands. Each of His disciples were seeking to be the greatest, the chief, the head, the leader over the others. He had to correct them many times in His ministry. As long as He was with them, He could keep the situation in hand, but He also prepared them for His departure by instituting a service which would remind them of their status among themselves, that of being servant and bond-slave to others.

  It is simply too easy for any of us to begin to exalt ourselves, seeking to be the prominent one among others. We can all exhibit the attitude that the disciples had in their day.

ELDERS, MINISTERS, AND BISHOPS

  This should serve as a warning to any who desire to become an elder or minister. There is nothing wrong with a person desiring the office of elder, minister or bishop, as the apostle Paul writes, “This is a true saying, ‘If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work,” 1 Tim. 3:1. The qualifications listed in verses 2-5, reveal one who exercises humility.

  Paul also encourages, “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity,” 1 Tim. 5:1-2. He continues in verse 17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” And also, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear,” verse 19.

  Elders, ministers and bishops are for the overseeing of Yahshua’s flock. They are to teach, lead, encourage and rule the flock, but not as the rulers of this world. They are for the purpose of serving Yahweh, Yahshua, the flock and others in this world yet to be called. They are not to be as the Pharisees, as Yahshua charged, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do (some use this verse to say that Yahshua gave authority over the assembly to the Pharisees, but such is simply not the case. A future article will be published on the Pharisees, which will explain what is meant here); but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for One is your Master, even Messiah; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for One is your Father, Which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for One is your Master, even Messiah. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted,” Mt. 23:1-12.

  Yahshua set the example Himself. He never sought the chief places, nor the uppermost rooms (places) at the feasts, etc. He humbled Himself and became servant to all. He was a leader by example. He emptied and abased Himself. He did not exalt Himself. The leaders of the assembly must follow the same example of leadership. In too many cases the example of the world’s leaders is followed rather than the humble, submissive, servant attitude that Yahshua exemplified.

  Too many leaders trust in themselves and come to a point of thinking that they can do no wrong, but all leaders must consider that their position of authority relegates them to a place that will be more readily scrutinized and much more harshly judged upon Yahshua’s return. Other leaders seem to consider themselves above the law, and above reproach, but consider the offering for the office of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.

  Aaron and the successive High Priests were commanded to offer a young bullock for a sin offering (Lev. 16:3). This young bullock was to be offered before the goat of the sin offering for the sins of the people (v. 5). The bullock was for Aaron and his house (v.6). It was their atonement.

  A bullock was considered to be the offering of highest estimation that could be offered. They were worth much more than a sheep, goat, dove, pigeon, or meal (grain). This was because the office of High Priest was the highest office that one could hold among the children of Israel. The priest’s lips were to keep knowledge and to teach the law out of his mouth (Mal. 2:7). Therefore, sin in a High Priest, was the greatest sin committed and required the highest offering. Such is the case with the leaders of the assembly in this day and age.

  Elders, ministers and bishops should hold their office with great care, for to sin or practice wrongly in those positions is greater wrong and will bring the greater judgment and condemnation. Any who serve in these capacities should take great care to do so in humility, and in the admonition, and example of Yahshua.

  The footwashing ceremony certainly applies to these men, and should remind them of the attitude of deep humility and servitude.

THE ATTITUDE OF LOVE

  Another reason for the footwashing ceremony is for the purpose of expressing the attitude of love. This is the very first purpose that John gives for Yahshua’s action, “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Yahshua knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end,” Jn. 13:1.

  Paul writes that the most excellent way and the greatest of all things is love (1 Cor. 12:31, 13:13).

  Yahshua told the disciples, after He had washed their feet, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another,” Jn. 13:34-35.

  Yahshua showed the love and patience that He had with His disciples, for many times He had to rebuke them even calling Peter, Satan. He groaned within Himself for the attitudes and actions that they exhibited many times, but He continued on showing the kindness,  patience and example that a true leader should exhibit.

  Paul was inspired to write that love, “...suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never fails...,” 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

  The disciples who were seeking to be placed on Yahshua’s right and left hand were seeking to vaunt themselves above the others. The others were provoked, because they wanted the same places for themselves. Yahshua rebuked and abased them. Had the disciples not had a greater love and admiration for Him, then they would certainly have forsaken Him and gone back into their own ways and habits.

  It seems that few people can handle rebuke in the proper manner of humility in this day and age. Everyone seems to wear their feelings on their shirt sleeves and when error is pointed out, they either have to strike back, driving many away from them, or they seek to separate themselves from them.

LOVE FOR ENEMIES

  Yahshua told His disciples, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour,’ and ‘hate thine enemy.’ But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father Which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect as your Father Which is in heaven is perfect,” Mt. 5:43-48.

  If the world applied these verses, would there ever be war anymore? If the churches and assemblies applied these words, would there be separations and splits?

  The book of Luke also addresses the issue, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye land to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, ans shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to your again,” Lk. 6:27-38.

  How many of us are truly able to apply these words in our lives today? We live in a world in which iniquity abounds and the love of many has waxed cold (Mt. 24:12). We all feel that we work hard for our possessions and what is ours, is ours, and no one else should be able to take them away from us. It is interesting that the words “wax cold” come from the Greek word “psucho” and mean; to breathe (voluntarily but gently); (by impl. of reduction of temperature by evaporation) to chill (fig.).

  We are supposed to be zealous for Yahweh and His ways. In that sense we should be breathing hard for His righteousness, but in too many cases people are breathing hard for the physical things that they lust for today and only pay the remotest attention to that which belongs to Yahweh. In other words, there is no zealous, hard driving, hard working attitude of sacrifice that Yahweh’s people once had.

  We must remember what Paul wrote, “For when we were without strength, in due time Messiah died for the unrighteous. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But Yahweh commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us. Much more then, being not justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to Yahweh by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life,” Ro. 5:6-10.

  We were without strength. We were yet sinners. We were enemies of Yahweh and His Beloved Son. Yet He set the example of loving His enemies. If we are to be His children, then we must do likewise. How many of us can really humble ourselves to apply this type of love? That is a purpose for the footwashing ceremony, to remind us of that type of love. Should we not seek to wash the feet of those whom we like the least, so that we can begin applying these principles?

  Yahshua even set the example of washing the feet of the very one who betrayed Him, for He said, “He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.’ For He knew Who should betray Him; therefore said He, ‘Ye are not all clean,’” Jn. 13:10-11.

THE ATTITUDE

  Truly the footwashing service is an exercise that reminds us of the attitude of humility every year. But we must not wait for the footwashing service in order to exhibit that attitude. We must have the attitude of proper love and humility with us all of the time.

  We must ask several questions of ourselves. Could we go out into the world and wash the feet of someone who has exhibited hatred toward us? Suppose someone has cheated us out of something that belonged to us, or has stolen from us. What of other offences or atrocities committed against ourselves? Suppose someone has brought a great deal of pain, grief, and suffering upon us, could we wash that person’s feet?

  What about some of us who have been forcibly put out of our former affiliation (-s)? Could we humble ourselves to wash the feet of those who forced us out? What about those who disagree vehemently with us, to the point of putting labels or names on us that are not exemplary in the least? What about others who have separated themselves from us? Are we able to humble ourselves and become their servants? These are questions that we must ask as we approach that time. These are attitudes that we must have now, even before that time comes.

YAHSHUA’S EXAMPLE

  Yahshua said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you,” Jn. 13:15. Peter said, “For even hereunto were ye called; because Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps:..,” 1 Pet. 2:21.

  Yahshua’s example is a very tall order. Are we willing and able to empty ourselves of everything we have in our possession so that others can prosper and do well? Are we full of  zeal for Yahweh’s way of righteousness and the message of the good news of His coming kingdom? We must examine ourselves, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Yahshua Messiah is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates,” 2 Cor. 13:5.

  We must earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3). Can any of us openly declare that we have lived up to the example of Yahshua, or to that of the early New Testament assembly?

  As we approach this year’s Passover, which includes the footwashing ceremony  let us examine ourselves thoroughly, questioningly. Let us measure ourselves with the example of the Scriptures themselves. I don’t think that there are many of us who could loudly proclaim that we are readily fulfilling the example of humility in our lives.

  Paul also writes, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup,” 1 Cor. 11:28. Yes, and let us examine ourselves to consider whether we have the proper humility to wash one another’s feet. Let’s let the act of footwashing carry out its designed purpose of esteeming others better than ourselves, of humbling ourselves and making ourselves the lowest servants of others so that we may be the children of our wondrous Father in heaven.

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COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS

  I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to finally find you and your ministry. Thank you so much for the Newsletter, Magazines and Bible Correspondence course you recently sent me. I’ve literally spent hours upon hours of spiritually studying this one packet and look forward with anticipation to the next one.

  I was first introduced to the Holy Name in the year 2000 by a friend who belonged to “The House of Yahweh” in Abilene, Texas. I was pleased that I was chosen worthy to come out of this world of confusion and become one of His elected children. But I fell away and became wrapped up with this world’s fast paced drive for money and material things.

  His truth is still inside me though and I’ve just been shown again by YHWH through you that I need to make an about face and start living for Him instead of for myself. I’m so glad YHWH allows “u” turns in life, and I’m glad you’re there in Atlanta, Texas to help people like me to get back on track.

  Thanks again for everything you do for us out here. May YHWH bless you and shine His face upon you and extend your ministry all over this world. I’ve been so moved by your ministry that I’m coming to Atlanta, Texas just as soon as I can to celebrate the Sabbath and become baptized in His Holy Name so I can spread the truth to others as a member of Y.E.A. Can’t wait to meet you. See you soon.

DB/CA

  I thank our heavenly Father for you all and for His guiding me to your teachings. You all have been instrumental in opening my eyes of understanding and I am grateful.

SR/TX

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