DECEPTIONS OF THE PRIESTLY BLESSING

 THE PRIESTLY BLESSING

 OR THE  HAND OF SORCERY ? 

More than two decades ago, I was introduced to the Aaronic Priestly Blessing as a staple of the Messianic-Jewish Movement.  The blessing is taken from the Book of Numbers 6:22-27.  God commanded Moses and the Levites--As Part of the Nazarite Vow-- to bless the Nation of Israel with this blessing.  My indoctrination into the "Movement" included this blessing, which at the time, seemed quite plausible to share with the Bride of Messiah.  And, in all honesty, there is nothing wrong with speaking a blessing over the people.  Here is the flaw that has evolved from a 4,000 year-old blessing imparted exclusively to the Nazarites for the Nation of Israel.

The latest fad blowing through the Body of Messiah is "the Priestly Blessing."  As with other fads of the past, e.g. Prayer of Jabez;  WWJD (What Would Jesus Do); the Purpose Driven Life; Your Best Life Now, etc., the Priestly Blessing is one more money-making gimmick proffered by many modern day evangelists, TV gurus, and Messianic Masters of the Universe!  This formatted Blessing promises a fabulous outcome of prosperity, health, wealth, and longevity.  Wow--sounds like the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!  

This Priestly Blessing is often imparted under the Birkhat Kohanim  -- the hand sign (depicted above) which allegedly signifies the Hebrew letter "Shin" - the Name of God.  There is, however, no legitimate Biblical foundation for this hand formation.  It was instituted by the Priests of the Kabbalah, the Jewish Book of Mystics--specifically, the Shefa Tal.  This is sorcery! (Click to view History of Hand Sign)

Fast Forward to the New Covenant which governs the Bride of Messiah ...

• But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. ~ Matthew 6:7-8

The Priestly Blessing spoken verbatim from the Torah is a repetitious blessing.  Similarly, the traditional "Lord's Prayer" (Matthew 6:9-13) is also a repetitious prayer.  Yeshua taught this as a template for prayer--not to be said in vain repetition!  

The Priestly Blessing likewise is to be used as a template, a model for blessing.  The true Priestly Blessing is the one that emits from the Spirit within you. It may follow the pattern, but it will be an original.  Under the New Covenant, blessings are written on your heart and in your mind.  You are now the Kingdom Priest.  You possess the wisdom and inspiration of the Ruach ha Kodesh, to pronounce a unique priestly blessing that is transformative.  Let HIM bring forth the perfect blessing for each unique situation.  For it is in this, you will see the manifold wisdom, power and true blessing of God.

THE GATEKEEPER PROTECTED THE FLOCK FROM INTRUDERS

The Biblical model of worship looked very different from today's Greek model of spectator Churches.  The Hebraic model was small, 8-12 members who gathered in homes.  They were called Kehilats and enabled the five-fold ministry* to emerge as the dancing hand of the Holy Spirit anointed the exact person that God chose 

The role of "Pastor" was that of a shepherd.  He comforted the hurting members; visited the sick and infirmed; spent time in fellowshiping one-on-one with the shut-ins and elderly.  The Pastor never brought a prepared sermon according to the principles of Hermeneutics!  Worship was not led with a rock band of performers and entertainers.  Rather, individuals who were inspired with a psalm, hymn or spiritual song led in worship.*

A very important member of each Kehilat was the "Gatekeeper." (שׁוֹעֵר Shoer) The role of the Gatekeeper was to ensure that only the close-knit, known members of the Kehilat could enter the home sanctuary.  This protected the gathering of believers from spiritual as well as physical intruders ...

• “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The Gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out."    ~ John 10:1-6

The Greek model of worship adopted by the western world originated during the 4th Century with the institution of the Basilicas under the leadership of Emperor Constantine.  This is the venue that consists of one person speaking for all, standing in the Bema (Pulpit), usually lofted above the arena of spectators.  Today's model has evolved to include musical performances, entertainment, Worship Cafes with food, drink, socializing, book stores and merchandise, etc. This Westernized form of worship also includes wide open doors and let all who wants to enter, do so.  Such a far cry from the Hebraic model of gathering together for worship as outlined in the Bible.  The sanctuary was for Believers with knitted hearts--not a venue for evangelization and altar calls. "For what fellowship has light with darkness?" **

In the New Testament (Brit Hadashah), there are at least 10 Kehilats (קְהִלָּה assemblies (Kehilats)--all located in the homes of the Believers ...

• Priscilla and Aquila - Romans 16:3-5
• Philemon - Philemon 2
• Nymphas - Colossians 4:15
• Chloe - 1st Corinthians 1:11
• Ephesus - Elders teaching house-to-house - Acts 20:17,20,28
• Stephanos - 1st Corinthians 1:16
• Aristobulus - Romans 16:10
• Narcissus - Romans 16:11
• Cenchrea (Phoebe's house) - Romans 16:1
• Lydia's House at Thyatira - acts 16:15

Why such small gatherings?  Because the Hebraic model of worship was intended to encourage intimacy and a safe haven for every member to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit (Ruach ha Kodesh).  Imagine any member of the Kehilat stepping forth with a "psalm, a hymn or spiritual song" *** in a contemporary mega-multi assembly?  The members were known by the others.  You didn't bring strangers or unbelievers into the sacred space reserved for the Bride to worship the Bridegroom. 

God is calling a return to his House of Worship as He designed in the original model.  Perhaps we should consider that call and just maybe, the headlines will not be gruesome accounts of church tragedies.

*    Ephesians 4:12-13
**  2nd Corinthians 6;14
*** Ephesians 5:19
           

    


                       

WELCOME TO THE "DAY OF THE DEAD!"

“When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord." ~ (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)

Today is the sub-cultural celebration of "All Souls Day," practiced primarily by Latino communities, a day which they call the "Day of the Dead."  Some scholars say it originated with the Aztec tribes and the worship of the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the "Lady of the Dead." 

The observance of the Day of the Dead has quietly infiltrated the American culture because, in my opinion, of decades of unbridled mass immigration from countries which have observed this demonic religious holiday for centuries. I say this because it was virtually unknown in America 50 years ago.  The observance of Day of the Dead influences and even mirrors the rise of the popularity of the "Walking Dead"; the explosive trend of Skull jewelry and symbols; Halloween becoming as big a holiday as Christmas once was.  But is this a good thing? Take a listen to the origins and meaning of this dark day of necromancy:

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"

~ 2nd Corinthians 6:14

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES IS UPON US ....

SUKKOT! - Hebrew for the Tabernacles. Sundown, October 15, 2016 - Historically, it was a time of remembrance for the children of Israel to commemorate the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, living in flimsy tent-like dwellings.  So, what does this have to do with New Covenant Believers in 2016?  Sukkot is the rehearsal for the Bridal Wedding Reception at the end of the age and an appointed season for spreading the Good News!

The Feast of Tabernacles has many symbols and moving parts.  There are eight days to this Feast, and one of the most prophetic and timely facets to this event is the "Water Pouring Ceremony," which occurs on the 8th day, the final day of the Festival.  

In the Gospel of John 7:37-39, our Messiah Yeshua fulfills the prophecy of the Water Pouring Ceremony at the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) and at the very moment the high priest was conducting the actual event.  Yeshua is our High Priest and the only One who could fulfill the prophecy:

"On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who thirsts come to Me and drink.  Whoever believes in Me, as the Torah has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'  By this He meant that the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive.  Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given, since Yeshua Jesus had not yet been glorified."

My video teaching of the Sukkot Water Pouring Ceremony - 2013

PRESIDENTIAL SCANDALS -- THEY ALL HAD THEM!

Before you pass judgment on Republican Presidential Nominee, Donald Trump, for his salacious remarks made in a private conversation 11 years ago, I challenge you to engage your common sense regarding presidential qualifications.  

Are we seriously horrified by Trump's remarks when 80 million American women (Christians included!) can't get enough of the pornographic details of 50 Shades of Grey!  And who do you think is to blame for this movie even coming to the big screen in the first  place? 

NOTE:  In the 1950's, this type of movie was condemned by the community and completely boycotted!  

America's most notable Presidents were not Christian. Our founding fathers were mostly Deists and Freemasons.  Bill Clinton's scandals are well-known, and JFK was an habitual womanizer, engaging in morally reprehensible behavior.  And yet, they are hailed as among our great presidents.  

Jimmy Carter touted his Born Again status to win the Evangelical vote in 1976.  He then proceeded to be interviewed by Playboy Magazine and admit that he lusted after women in his heart!  

Ronald Reagan (like Trump) was initially Pro-Choice and later changed to Pro-Life. He was divorced; he neglected to pay his taxes while Governor of California; and he consulted with mediums and astrologers.  So did George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and FDR!  Imagine what other skeletons we'd uncover had there been smart phones, videocams and social media! And yet all were great leaders in their day and are highly regarded by the Christian community. 

Knowing Jesus is a requirement for Heaven--not a requirement to be a successful leader or a good president.  Jesus told us His Kingdom is not of this world, so shouldn't we stop trying to contradict Him and expect the American President to be God-like?

"My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. 
But now my kingdom is from another place." ~ John 18:36

RETURN and REPENT--DON'T REHEARSE TRAGEDY!

Today is September 11th, the 15th anniversary of the collapse of the twin towers and other dramatic attacks upon the Republic.  I dread this day--not because of the vivid memories attached to the event, but because of the despondency that will prevail across America at the end of the "Day of Remembrance."  So, what's the goal of "remembering" and rehearsing horrific tragedies like 9-11, Pearl Harbor or the Jewish Holocaust?  So that we'll never forget?  So, we won't allow it to happen again?  History has shown us that no matter how grand our intentions to eliminate evil, these horrors and tragedies will occur again because "The heart of man is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" ~ Jeremiah 17:9 Without the redeeming power of the Cross, these tragedies will continue.

Is it to honor the dead and their memories that we devote each anniversary to rehearsing the day? Who remembers? Not the fallen! "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten." ~ Ecclesiastes 9:5

So what should be our response to 9-11? The fallen will always be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. This is true with any tragedy, no matter how great or small. However, our Kingdom Preppers' Guide provides God's response with which we should engage in times of trouble to avoid an invitation to depression, despondency, sorrow and regret. The entire script that Paul wrote to the Philippians is rich with such guidance in times of tragedy:

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and pressing forward to what is ahead ..." ~ Philippians 3:13

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:6

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, think about these things, and the God of peace will be with you." ~ Philippians 4:6-8

This is the season of Teshuvah--the time of repentance. Tragedies occur to bring us to repentance, not remembrance. Only the redemptive power of what Yeshua Messiah wrought for us can reconcile and bring meaning to these devastating events.

"When you see these things begin to happen, Look Up!

Lift up your head, for your Redemption draws near." ~ Luke 21:28

JEZEBEL IS RULING OUR POLITICS

I realize my Blog today may incite the ire of women who do not share a Biblical view of their vital roles in society.  However, common sense observation reveals that woman's "desire to rule" is slowly but surely destroying American and Family values.  The Virtuous Woman must hold herself to a higher standard than "political correctness!"  I do not say that women are incapable of leadership, nor should they be relegated to a penniless, barefoot and pregnant existence.  Our qualifications, ability, talent, and education are, however, irrelevant when it comes to influential positions over men and which affect the soul of a nation.  Some call it the Curse of Eve; others call it the Spirit of Jezebel. (Genesis 3:16 and 1st Kings 16:31)

The headline news has become nauseatingly repetitive, depressing and scandalous at best.  And I've observed an ever-growing phenomenon in the political theater that lends credence to the warning God put forth that women are to be spiritually submitted to men.  But unfortunately, the evils of political feminism have produced fewer godly men in leadership that deserve our godly submission.  This goes double for out-of-order Female Pastors!   Too many men in leadership today are void of any moral compass or the guts to stand up and do the right thing!  But what precipitated this demise?  What came first--the female chicken or her egg?

The feminist movement has cycled all the way from the Garden of Eden right to the top of more Government Leadership positions than ever before!  And the fruit of this rebellion is in large part responsible for the sorry state of affairs our country faces today.  Consider the scandals, the corruption, the lies upon lies we are having to endure from a nation once dedicated to virtuous practices and the Rule of Law, but is now reduced to Politically Correct Feminism:

One of the leading Presidential Candidates, a female, is ensconced in a sea of corruption and lies which many say borders on treason.  This female candidate's closest aides, also both female, are caught up in the scandalous whirlwind of alleged corruption and intrigue.  During the Benghazi incident, in which four Americans were murdered--including Ambassador Stevens--this same female candidate was then Secretary of State and was by virtue of her position, theoretically responsible for the tragic episode.  In an attempt to cover up the scandal, another female was dispatched to convey a fabrication--a fake video as the cause of this uprising.  All of this was proven to be a lie.

The female Attorney General of the United States has reportedly ignored ongoing corruption and suspicious behavior of this same female presidential candidate--in spite of overwhelming evidence to suggest continuing nefarious activity.  She then displayed extremely poor judgment in participating in clandestine meetings with a campaign insider, creating a serious conflict of interest in this alleged activity.

Baltimore City Attorney, a female, created a national brouhaha when she rushed to judgment against six city police officers, rather than following the Rule of Law.  This reckless behavior cost the taxpayers untold millions of dollars; and as a result, all charges were thrown out of court and this woman faces possible disbarment.  In conjunction with this incident, the female Mayor of Baltimore is caught in the investigation of the Police Dept scandal which uncovered outrageous activities and to which the Police Chief answers to this female.

The International President of the SEIU--the Government Employees Union is a female who won re-election and must be held responsible for the corruption within the organization.  The buck stops with its leaders!   "Numerous SEIU local officers have been convicted of or pled guilty to crimes conducted in office, including stealing their mostly lower-wage employees’ dues money. Others have allegedly stolen or misused money but did not face charges." 

FOX News has employed so many female news staff members, each with strong political opinions that it created a daily program called "Outnumbered." This venue consists of four of the various Fox females (they rotate) debating one lone male who is seated in the middle of all that estrogen and who regularly is verbally bullied and shut down by the "Women."  Apparently, this gets "ratings."  But it's merely a reflection of a culture which has embraced the rule of women over the men--men that feminism has successful emasculated over the past 4 decades!

On a global scale, there are at least 24 World Leaders who are female!  The leader of Germany has allowed terrorists into her country as well as tens of thousands of unvetted refugees from known terrorist countries.  While 1200 German women were raped on the street by illegal immigrants, this female continued to keep her borders open.

"In the Beginning," God set the order for the family, for the society and for the Church because Eve--and all of her female children--were and are deceived!  That's the spiritual line drawn in the sand.  Women are, by their nature, driven to rule over men; AND by their nature, they are easily "deceived," and no amount of political correctness will change it! (Genesis 3:16)