The Leaven of the Pharisees / September 2003

As we approach the end of the ages for this old world, each day we look out to the horizon wondering if our wait for His return will be short or stretched out further. We are all hoping that the Lord will not delay His coming, but we know that He is longsuffering, not wishing any to perish. We take consolation in seeing more come to faith each day.

I don't believe the Lord has just left us hanging in these days of waiting. I don't think that we should get discouraged when our hope is stretched a little further. Instead, I think our waiting should be active and focused on doing the Lord's work. You all know the proverb. A watched pot never boils (even though the heat is definitely on and water boils at 220 degrees). It is better to be busy with other things and then suddenly discover that it is boiling. But what should we be focusing on to stay busy until He returns? It certainly is not the world or worldly things.

Some answer the question of how to wait for the Lord this way. The Lord's work includes our relationships with others. This includes everything from caring for loved ones, to teaching, growing, and reaching out to others to help bring them into the kingdom. While I agree with this general answer, the Lord actually gave us a very precise and specific answer to be followed just before He returns. His answer is found in the seven letters to the churches of Revelation 1-3.

Much has been written and said about these letters and messages. They contain both affirmations of good deeds and corrections that are needed before the Messiah returns. The corrections also contain warnings sometimes specifying consequences which will occur during the Great Tribulation if they are not corrected.

This article cannot address every point made by Yeshua in those letters, but I do want to address one particular point Yeshua makes mention of twice in the seven letters. Let's address that emphasis immediately. Any instruction given directly to us by the Messiah is serious to begin with. Instructions given to us to prepare for His return are even more serious. But, instructions given repeatedly are the highest priority within a prioritized message. So, what did Yeshua say that was doubly important?

It is found in messages to the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia. Let's review both messages in their entirety and then compare them.

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”

Revelation 2:8-11

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie— behold, I will make them to come and bow down at your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:7-13

Did you see the repeated warning? It concerns the behavior of Jewish believers. These two messages give warning of something that Jewish believers are saying and doing among the brethren today. The Messiah definitely wants it corrected. Allow me to repeat the exact phrases.

and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Rev 2:9

Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie— behold, I will make them to come and bow down at your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Rev 3:9

Personally, I am alarmed by these words from the Messiah. I am a Jewish believer. I want to know and understand what the Messiah is saying here. I want to make sure that I am not doing what He says must be corrected.

What is Yeshua talking about when He says certain believers are asserting that they are Jews, when in fact they are not? What is meant when He says that these Jewish believers are members of the synagogue of Satan? Finally, why does He say the Jewish believers will be corrected by Him, by being humbled before other brethren?

Before we answer those questions directly, we need to go back to the days of Yeshua, when He found Himself in opposition with Jewish believers. In His day Jewish believers of God, the religious leadership, were in the positions of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes. You may remember that the Jewish religious leadership from Jerusalem took issue with Yeshua several times. These issues didn't end with Yeshua's death. The same conflicts carried over into the ministries of James, John, Peter, and Paul. Not only are these conflicts dated back to His own disciples, but they are now present with us today. To understand Yeshua's correction to Smyrna and Philadelphia, we need to understand what Yeshua said about the Jews. We need to understand Yeshua's warning to us about – the leaven of the Pharisees.

Yeshua dramatically contrasted His own teaching with that of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Leaven, as you already know, is the agent in bread dough which causes it to rise and be puffed up. Yeshua's teaching was illustrated by the miracles of the feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand. He used simple bread and the feeding of people to show how His teaching of God was different from that of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Pharisees and Sadducees were the original Jewish religious leaders. Pharisees controlled and emphasized synagogue activity. Sadducees controlled and emphasized Temple activity. Scribes copied the Torah scrolls. Rabbinical Judaism originates from this past leadership. Some Messianic Jewish Rabbis of today, although professing Yeshua as the Messiah, also hold to Rabbinical (Pharisaic) thinking. They are puffed up and appear to be greater than they really are. This is how the past has made it to our day, the last days, and the reason for Yeshua's warning to us. It is about the leaven of the Pharisees.

Actually, the leaven of the Pharisees covers a lot more than a misunderstanding about teaching Torah. I stated earlier that Yeshua compared His teaching with the leaven of the Pharisees to the bread in the feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand. Let's review those two events.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

But Yeshua said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” And ordering the multitudes to recline on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes, and they all ate, and were satisfied. And they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. And there were about five thousand men who ate, aside from women and children.

Matthew 14:16-21

Why five loaves and two fish? Why did He order them to sit on the grass? Why did they end up with twelve baskets? Before we answer, look at the very issue happening.

Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Yeshua from Jerusalem, saying, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

Matthew 15:1-2

So the Pharisees proceed to correct Yeshua for feeding His disciples and others. They are disagreeing with what He is doing and saying. Next, there is another controversy with a Gentile woman and the subject of bread comes up again.

And Yeshua went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman came out from that region, and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.” Then Yeshua answered and said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.

Matthew 15:21-28

These are not random stories and events. The subject of bread and how it is received is in every conversation. There is a teaching thread that continues throughout these events and conversations. Next, Yeshua will combine His ministry to the Gentiles with the feeding of the multitudes.

And departing from there, Yeshua went along by the Sea of Galilee, and having gone up to the mountain, He was sitting there. And great multitudes came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, dumb, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them, so that the multitude marveled as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:29-31

The Feeding of the Four Thousand

And Yeshua called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the multitude, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not wish to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in a desolate place to satisfy such a great multitude?” And Yeshua said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And He directed the multitude to sit down on the ground; and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples in turn, to the multitudes. And they all ate, and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 15:32-38

Why did Yeshua ask about the number of loaves? What is the difference between seven loaves and five? Why did He again direct the people to sit on the ground. Why did this feeding result in seven baskets and not twelve? If He had more loaves to begin with and He fed less people, why didn't He end up with more than twelve baskets?

With those questions lingering in your mind, listen to what Yeshua says to his disciples next.

And the disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. And Yeshua said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” And they began to discuss among themselves, saying, “It is because we took no bread.” But Yeshua, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you took up? How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Matthew 16:5-12

Wait, hold everything! I am sure that you have heard there was controversy with the Pharisees. I am sure that you also have heard about the miracles of the loaves. But did you know they were about the same subject? Yeshua said that the two miracle feedings were a comparison between His teaching and the teaching of the Pharisees. He said that His teaching was the five loaves and two fish for five thousand resulting in twelves baskets leftover. He said the teaching of the Pharisees was seven loaves and few fish for four thousand with seven baskets leftover. Wow! There is much more here than most have ever considered. Let's review the detail in those miracles again and see what He was really trying to teach us.

Feeding five thousand was done with five loaves and two fish. The result was twelve baskets. When He fed the four thousand, He used seven loaves and a “few fish.” The result was seven baskets. What does the five loaves mean? Ans: The five books of Torah. What does the seven loaves mean? Ans: The seven laws of Noah that the Pharisees teach to Gentiles. Just in case you don't know what that is, let me summarize quickly. Judaism teaches that Gentiles are to keep seven commandments called the laws of Noah or Natural laws. They are: (1) the establishment of courts of justice, (2) blasphemy, (3) idolatry, (4) incest, (5) bloodshed, (6) robbery, and (7) eating the flesh of a living animal.

What is the meaning of the two fish as compared with the “few fish?” Ans: Jacob spoke a blessing upon Ephraim that he would grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; and may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Genesis 48:16

Actually, the translators changed the words to what they thought was a more accurate meaning. The actual Hebrew expression is that Ephraim would multiply as fish in the sea (not a multitude in the earth). Therefore, Jacob pictures his descendants as fish. It is not a leap of logic to then see the next division of the house of Jacob. The two fish are the two houses of Judah and Israel. So, what are the “few fish” then? Ans: They are exactly that - a few fish; it is not the multiplied blessing of Jacob.

Why did He command both groups to sit on the grass or ground? Ans: Sitting is the Hebrew idiom meaning to “sit and learn” Torah, to be subject to a teacher. People sitting on the grass and hearing the word of God originates from the prophet Isaiah.

Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:5-8

What are the twelve baskets? Ans: The whole house of Israel with the twelve tribes. What are the seven baskets? Ans: Something less than the whole house of Israel.

Yeshua said that the difference in the feeding of the multitudes illustrates the difference in His teaching from that of the “leaven” of the Pharisees.

“Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you took up? How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

The Pharisees add to what Moses taught. As a result, it diminishes the results. Moses warned against this himself.

You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

Deuteronomy 4:2

A huge misconception has been passed down through the centuries concerning these teachers. Simply said, it has been assumed that the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes all taught what the Torah said and that Yeshua took issue with them and the Torah. This is completely false. The truth is that the Jewish leadership taught Torah, but mixed it with their teaching. They leavened it. The tradition of the elders and the rulings by the Pharisees were in opposition with Moses. As a result, they diminished the teaching of Moses. Yeshua came teaching Moses and this was the real conflict between Him and the religious Jewish leaders. The Messiah referred to their additional teaching as “leaven.” This is what Yeshua was warning us about.

The Leaven of the Pharisees

The Pharisees of yesterday, the Rabbis of Judaism, and some Messianic Rabbis of today teach that the seven laws of Noah are the only teaching for the Gentiles. They don't believe that the whole Torah (the five books of Moses - the fives loaves of Yeshua) should be taught to Gentile believers of the God of Israel. They advocate the same teaching that the Pharisees taught. They offer the seven loaves with the leaven of the Pharisees – the seven laws of Noah. The resulting seven baskets make them something less than the twelves baskets of Israel. Therefore, they are saying that Gentile believers of the God of Israel are something less than the whole house of Israel.

Moses said that there was one law, one teaching for the children of Israel and for the alien and sojourner who is with them. There is one Torah for the children of promise (the true descendants of Abraham). But the Pharisees taught differently than Moses and Yeshua. Yeshua illustrated that His teaching was the full Torah, that it was for both Houses of Israel (the two fish), and that it would result in the whole House of Israel (twelve baskets) being taught. The teaching of the Pharisees with their “leaven” is directed at only a few fish and results in less than the whole House of Israel (seven baskets).

The leaven of the Pharisees isn't limited to an erroneous teaching of the Torah. It includes a number of different mistakes and misunderstandings. The leaven of the Pharisees does not understand what being “born again” is all about. Even more so, they don't understand that it is part of the teaching of Torah. The leaven of the Pharisees is opposed to Gentiles coming to faith and receiving the same blessings as the children of Israel. The leaven of the Pharisees over emphasizes physical circumcision and ignores the circumcision of the heart. The leaven of the Pharisees promotes false statements against other brethren with rumors, conjecture, bearing false witness, and sowing discord among brethren (all of which God hates).

How does the leaven of the Pharisees misunderstand being “born again?”

When Nicodemus came to Yeshua by night in John 3, he was perplexed to understand Yeshua's teaching that he must be born again. Yeshua questioned Nicodemus on how it was possible that he was a Torah teacher and did not know this.

Yeshua answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not understand these things?”

John 3:10

Pharisees and Rabbis teach that man has a good and evil inclination. They say everyone was made in the image of God. Moses says that Adam was made in the image of God, sinned and brought death on all of us. Moses says that since Adam, men are made in the image of Adam.

This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created. When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth.

Genesis 5:1-3

Therefore, all of us are like Seth, according to the image of Adam. That is our problem. We need to be born again in the image of God. This happens when God breathes in us His Spirit and we become a “living being,” a “new creature.”

Today, many Messianic Rabbis think that being a physical descendant is the key element of Messianic Judaism. They have gone so far as to publish and attempt to indoctrinate everyone by formally defining Messianic Judaism. They ignore the relevance of being born of God. They fail to understand that God purposed in our father Abraham to be a blessing to all the families of the earth. They fundamentally do not understand there is a remnant of Israel based strictly on faith (believing the promises of God) and a heart turned toward God. Being a physical descendant and being physically circumcised is not the driving distinction of God's plan for redemption! Faith and circumcision is of the heart!

How does the leaven of the Pharisees oppose Gentiles coming to faith?

There is no question that the God of Israel did not want Israel to intermingle and intermarry with Gentiles. Why? Because Israel would then mix their worship with idols. This was proven many times over. Then is God totally against Gentiles? Of course not! He wants Gentiles to come to faith in Him as well. This why Israel was commissioned to be a light unto the Gentiles!

The Pharisees taught total separation from Gentiles unless they were willing to become Jews. Yeshua described it this way.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel about on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

Matthew 23:15

Judaizing is definitely not to be done in our New Covenant faith. We are not to be making Jews out of Gentiles. Messianic Jews today don't Judaize; they just treat Gentile believers as second class citizens. They fear that too many Gentiles will come into their assemblies. They fear that they will be “diluted” and others won't be able to recognize the “real Jews.”

Within the Messianic Movement, there is a teaching of the two houses of Israel. Some teach (and I am one of them) that some of those coming “from among the Gentiles” (Rom 9:24) may in fact be the sons of Israel from the northern kingdom (the House of Israel). They are not Jews, but they are the sons of Israel; they are the remnant of Israel. I teach Torah to the sons of Israel and to Gentiles that join in the worship of the God of Israel. Some Messianic Rabbis are opposed to those coming “from the among the Gentiles”. In fact, they are very opposed and even curse them with the expression, “Ephraimites.” Not only is this the leaven of the Pharisees in a modern context, but they have turned the blessing of Jacob for our sons (“May you be as Ephraim and Manassas”) into a curse. This shows how far from the truth they really are. By the way, this is basic teaching of Torah.

I will bless them that bless you and curse them that curse you. – God to Abraham and his descendants.

Cursing the sons of Israel (the remnant of Israel) will invoke God's promise to Abraham. Jews who curse Ephraim bring a curse on themselves.

How does the leaven of the Pharisees over emphasize circumcision?

When Pharisees started becoming New Covenant believers, they immediately made an issue of the Gentiles not being circumcised. In fact, this was the controversy for the council in Jerusalem involving the Pharisees (believers), Paul and his Gentiles companions, Peter, and James. They argued that the Gentiles had to be circumcised to be saved.

And some men came down from Judea [Pharisees who believed] and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

Acts 15:1

This issue was clearly judged in opposition to the Pharisaic leaven. But this didn't stop them from pushing their agenda. The Apostle Paul had to address the subject of circumcision numerous times. He circumcised Timothy, born of a Jewish mother, to prove that he did keep Torah. It is clear that Paul, who was a Torah scholar, trained as a Pharisee, addressed the true teaching of Moses. He knew the difference about obeying from the heart. He knew the difference from outward and inward things.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.

I Corinthians 7:19

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

Romans 2:28-29

Today, some Messianic Rabbis want to assert their physical circumcision (outward things) as a way to be separate from Gentiles or those coming “from among the Gentiles” (Ephraimites). It is another example of the leaven of the Pharisees. They are so puffed up with themselves that they simply do not understand the teaching of Torah from Yeshua or the New Testament Apostles.

How does the leaven of the Pharisees promote discord among brethren?

The Pharisees are into authority. They are into power. They are into position and title, having authority and exercising power over others. Paul understood that was their true intent. Therefore, he warned many of us accordingly. It is the same issue today. Some Messianic leaders, particularly in larger organizations, are into power, position and prestige. They lack the anointing – the authority of the Messiah.

In Paul's day, the Jews who opposed him actually started false rumors against him. Whereas the council of Jerusalem said that Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised, the Torah remained in effect for the sons of Israel. So what did the Pharisaic Jews say? They accused Paul of teaching that Jews should not circumcise their sons. This was completely false.

and they have been told about you, that you [Paul] are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.

Acts 21:21

This is a typical tactic of Pharisees – to stir up other brethren by saying the opposite of the truth.

Today, some Messianic Rabbis (seasoned with the leaven of the Pharisees) say that the two house teaching of Israel is really “replacement theology.” Replacement theology says that Israel and the Jewish people are no longer the chosen people, the promises of God are no longer applicable to them, and that the church has “replaced” them. Two house teachers absolutely do not teach replacement theology. But like the Pharisees against Paul, this charge stirs up all kinds of hate and discontent among many brethren.

Certain Messinaic Jewish organizations have even gone further. Music Ministries, such as Paul Wilbur and Jonathan Settel, have been systematically harassed, threatened with boycott, and financially threatened by the leadership of those organizations if they attend or lead music at two-house venues. They have even gone so far as to demand written statements from Mr. Wilbur and Mr. Settel pledging not to associate with any teachers of the restoration of the two houses of Israel. In our last issue of Yavoh, we released a public statement jointly prepared by Eddie Chumney and myself. It was followed by a letter from Dan Juster. Dan Juster was verbally attacked by the leadership of those organizations for even meeting with us. I can assure you that Mr. Juster does not agree theologically with us, but that doesn't matter. They attacked him for even discussing, as brethren, our differences of understanding.
You may think that this activity is inappropriate, but it is part and parcile with national organizations and ministries. Let me illustrate. The Catholic church has serious theological differences with Baptists. However, their differences do not enable or qualify them to interupt, disturb, or prohibit Baptist meetings and churches. This is called freedom of religion. Further, this activity is called tortuous interference. It is illegal. If the Catholics join the Lutherns and both interfere with the Baptists, then you add the charge of conspiracy and racketeering. No Messianic organization, from a congregation to an international ministry, has the right to block any other ministry such as an independent music ministry from going wherever they believe God wants them to go. Joining forces with another messianic organization compounds the offense. It is not about a theological differences anymore; it is behavioral. Actually, it is a despicable example of the leaven of the Pharisees and is exactly what Yeshua was warning us about in Rev 2:9 and 3:9. So, let's specifically examine why Yeshua said what He did about this issue.

Why did He say they were Jews but not really?

The word Jew comes from the shortened name Judah and the land called Judea. In the New Testament times, a Jew was someone from Jerusalem, and it specifically referred to the leadership of the people from Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the seat of authority and the center for all teaching. However, the true meaning of Judah and those from Jerusalem was supposed to mean “praise” and those who “praise God.” Instead of them “praising God” for the feeding of the people, they were critical of not following their prescribed way of washing when handling bread (the tradition of the elders). Today, the assertion of Jewish identity is at the forefront of controversies in the Messianic Movement. The leadership of some Messianic Jewish organizations are so concerned about asserting their Jewishness that they have crossed over to behavior despicable to all Jews. Every Jew is taught that it is not what you say with your mouth; it is what you do. The Messiah said it best. They say they are Jews – their behavior says they are not.

Why did He refer to their membership in the synagogue of Satan?

The synagogue of Satan is about the behavior of Satan before God. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He is always finding fault, even with good things. He is always sowing contention and discord. Today, just as Yeshua warned, we have Messianic Jewish believers who spend their energies accusing other brethren, they are constantly being contentious and sowing discord among many brethren. They dispute the teaching of Moses and the Prophets (Yeshua's teaching) to those coming “from among the Gentiles.” They don't want the Gentiles to receive what the Messiah has for Israel. They don't want to be on equal ground with Gentile believers. They are erecting a “middle wall of partition” in the temple that Yeshua built (within the hearts of people). They have proven that their assemblies (synagogues) are the council of criminals, the way of sinners, and the seat of scoffers.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! Psalms 1:1

Before we despair with all the mistakes and harm being done in the Messianic Movement, be assured that the Messiah knows about this problem and He Himself has said that He will take action.

behold, I will make them to come and bow down at your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Revelation 3:9b

I am not sure how this will happen, but it will soon happen. I am confident I will see Messianic leaders abandon the policies of anti-Ephraim and anti-Gentile. Yeshua will purge the leaven of the Pharisees and humble them. By the way, Yeshua was quoting from Isaiah 49:23. It also says:

And you will know that I am the Lord; those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.

The Proper Place for Gentiles in our New Covenant Faith

I recently heard some Messianic Jewish leaders say that believing Jews and Gentiles are “separate, but equal.” I chuckled. In our generation, this was the official position of our nation with regard to segregation of other races such as blacks in schools. The U.S. Supreme Court and the people of this nation now define that policy as racist and wrong. It is no different when a Messianic Jew says the same thing about Gentile believers. Messianic Jews who advocate “separate, but equal” in the New Covenant faith are practicing racism. They are bigots. The Bible does not teach that. The so called “distinctiveness” of the Jewish people asserted by Messianic Jewish leaders is completely off base. Yes, there is a distinctiveness that God wants for all His people. We are to be distinctive in our faith and to be separate from all the false gods of this world. God's call for distinctiveness is not a justification for cultural or community separation. It is error to teach such a thing. Some Messianic leaders are so leavened that they fail to see the results of their ministries. They should count the baskets of their labor.

The Apostle Paul said that there was one tree (the olive tree of Israel) and there were two types of branches (Romans 11). The natural branches were physical descendants. The wild branches grafted in were the Gentiles (from the nations). He further said that they were there because they believed in the same promise of God (the Messiah). Not believing in the promise resulted in removal from the tree. Messianic Jews are some of the natural branches along with the rest of the sons of Israel who believe in the promise of God. The Apostle Paul warned that one branch can not boast against another. If the erring Messianic Jews continue to assert that the other natural branches or wild branches are not to be part of them fully, then they will find themselves separated from the tree. The God of Israel has already done this before with our ancestors. Their understanding is leavened and the Messiah has clearly stated His position with regard to their teaching.

All of us are looking for the coming of the Messiah and hoping for the kingdom of God. We are looking for that first festival in the kingdom – the feast of Booths or Tabernacles. It is also called the feast of Ingathering. All of us will be there, Messianic Jews, the sons of Israel, and those companions from among the nations who have turned toward the God of Israel. In the Messiah's kingdom, the Torah will not be done away with. In fact, the Messiah Himself will be the Torah teacher. The Torah is to be taught to all and the Messiah will teach it in the kingdom. The prophets describe it this way.

And it will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy— everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem. Isaiah 4:3

And many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:3 Micah 4:3

Did you notice that many peoples will be coming? The same Messianic leaders who oppose teaching Torah to the Gentile believers sing the words of this prophecy in a song. It is too bad that they don't understand the words themselves.

I am trusting and praying that we will all come into the unity of the faith soon. I am seeking to correct what Yeshua said must be done before He returns. If you're in a congregation that teaches the leaven of the Pharisees, I remind you of something the Messiah also said. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” It is time to remove this leaven from the Messianic Movement.

YAVOH - He is Coming is a monthly newsletter published as an outreach ministry of Lion and Lamb Ministries.
The ministry is a non-profit organization with an end time prophetic message in a Messianic Jewish context.
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Editor - Monte Judah
Electronic Editor - Ephraim Judah

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