Musing – What are the “Signs of the End of the Age”?

 Hebraic Musing – What are the “Signs of the End of the Age”?

All four Gospel writers devoted a significant portion of their messages to sharing Jesus’ warnings about what to expect in the “End Times”.  Here are some thoughts and/or applications that came to mind as I read those sections of their Gospels.  Jesus’ words are in red italics and selected from Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 (NIV).  My thoughts and reflections are in black.  Starting in Matthew:

“…his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things? … “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Mt.24:1-2   And a flaming arrow lit the curtain!  And it happened 70 years later, just as Jesus predicted it would!

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8   Have you read the news recently?  Are these forebodings starting to sound familiar?!?!

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,” vs.9-10  Persecution of the faithful has already begun and it’s getting more blatant and obvious.  The “Church” and the number of real “Christians” in the Western world is shrinking.  “Hate” is the new attitude being promoted in our society.  We are no longer being told to “Love” and respect each other!  Are we all created equal?  Then, what is EquityDiversityInclusion about???  And vs.11-12 warns us “and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”   Is wickedness or lawlessness increasing?  How many false religions and teachings are prospering now-a-days?  Mark warned us.  “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,' and will deceive many.  When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Mark 13:5-8   Have you read the news recently?

Jesus encourages us to “stand firm”.  “…but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Mark 13:9   When are we to stand firm?  “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.” v.9   Are you ready to witness to the world when it may result in your persecution?

Jesus tells us how to handle the challenge in v.11 and even provides an advocate!  “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”   Whose words are they?

How are we to handle the prevailing “Hate” attitudes in today’s society?  “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child.  Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.  All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” v12-13   Doesn’t that sound like today’s messages based on “Hate” instead focus on “Love”.  Notice the important “but” instruction!  Stand firm.

In Matthew 23:42 Jesus raises the question of the Day and Hour; and He starts His warnings.  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”  And then Jesus tell us what to do in v.44. “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  What are we to do in the meantime – Be a “faithful and wise servant.”  Jesus answers in v.46.  “It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”

Points to Ponder

What will He find you doing when He returns?

Is the “world” teaching us to “Hate” others?  But the Bible tells us to “love one another”!?!?

What does the world need us to be doing in the meantime?

♫  Are you ready? Are you ready?  Are you ready for the judgment day?  ♫

Stand firm.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                             April 23, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Did Ezekiel Prophesy about our Current World Events?

 Hebraic Musing – Did Ezekiel Prophesy about our Current World Events?

Ezekiel chapters 33-39 prophesies many things sounding like current news events and trends.  Chapter 33 starts with the Watchman’s duty to blow the trumpet to warn the people; and if he does not, then the Watchman will be accountable for the blood.  Are you and I today’s watchmen?  Are we supposed to take Ezek.33:7 as both an assignment and a warning to each of us?  “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” NIV

The LORD spoke to Ezekiel in 34:2 about the shepherds who do not do their job.  “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?’”  Could He be speaking about Pastors and leaders in the church?  Or is the LORD also speaking to you and I?  Jesus said something very similar? “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” Matt.23:13 NIV   Are the leaders more interested in the “Church” or in the people?

The LORD tells Ezekiel “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.” v.11  Then ~2500 years ago God revealed His plan for His people. “I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.” v.13   In 1948 the Jews were back in their own land.

This leads to a Messianic prediction.  “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.  I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.” Ezek.34:23-24   And Prince David was in Jesus’s lineage!

Chapter 35:3-7 deals with Edom, or the West Bank, which is still a continuing challenge to the Israelites.  Then Ezekiel prophesied that the LORD would take possession of the Mountains of Israel, and the Arabs.  “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because they ravaged and hounded you from every side so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations and the object of people's malicious talk and slander, therefore, …: This is what the Sovereign LORD says to the mountains and hills,… and the deserted towns that have been plundered and ridiculed by the rest of the nations around you— … In my burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom (West Bank), for with glee and with malice in their hearts they made my land their own possession so that they might plunder its pastureland.'  Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say … ‘I speak in my jealous wrath because you have suffered the scorn of the nations.’”  The LORD’s answer is in v.7 – “Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I swear with uplifted hand that the nations around you will also suffer scorn.” Ezek.36:3-7

Then in many ways, the LORD promises to show Himself holy before their eyes.  “For I will take you out of the nations(1); I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land (2).  I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean (3); I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols (4).  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you (5); I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh (6). And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws (7). You will live in the land I gave your forefathers (8); you will be my people, and I will be your God (9).”  Ezek.36:24-28 NIV   How many promises did The LORD make to His People?  To us?

Ezekiel 36:35-36 describes today’s rebuilt Israel.  “They will say, ‘This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.’  Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'”  And now we know that He has done it; Israel has been rebuilt!  And there’s more to come!

The LORD promises to bring the Dry Bones back to life in 37:14. “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.”

In Ezek.38:3 the LORD makes references Russia and Turkey when He says “I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.”  And in vs.5-6 He tells Persia, Egypt, Black Sea area and Armenia to beware. “After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety. You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.” Ezek.38:8-9.   Does that sound like WWII?   And through chapter 39 he prophesies against Cog & Tubal (Russia and Turkey).

Points to Ponder

Why did Ezekiel record the LORD saying 14 times in Chapters 33-39 “I am the LORD”?

How do the statements in these seven chapters compare with current world events?

Did you notice that these predictions by Ezekiel did not make sense for 2500 years?!?!

Do all nine promises to the Jews also apply to us Christians today?

How can we serve the LORD in the time we have remaining?

“Then they will know that I am the LORD”  Said 23x in Ezekiel!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                             April 16, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Is Jesus Training us for Ordination as His Disciples?

 Hebraic Musing – Is Jesus Training us for Ordination as His Disciples?

Are the “Beatitudes” in Matthew 5 the start of the training and ordination of Jesus’ Apostles and Disciples?  “His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them…” Matthew 5:1-2 NIV   How might you and I use these “Beatitudes” for our growth as His disciple?  I’m assuming you recognize yourself as His disciple?!?!

A note in my Bible says – “Jesus was setting a high standard that can only be achieved by Faith in Jesus Christ.”  Let’s look at the opening verses of the Beatitudes with which “He began to teach them”; and some related notes accumulated in my Bible over time:

5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  That’s a ‘grabber’ line to get attention!  Does that mean the rich cannot get to heaven?!?!

5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  There is comfort in the grieving process for those who sit “Sheva” (Jewish custom – seven days of intensive mourning following the death of a relative.).

5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”  The “Meek” or “Weak” are the most teachable!

5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Are we to be seeking righteousness daily?  What does it mean to “hunger and thirst” for it?  Is it a continuous need? 

5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  And Jesus references this a little later as part of the “Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6:12. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”  And Luke 11:4 says it also.  “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.”
Does that make forgiveness conditional?

5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  What is Jesus calling us to do?  What’s required to see God?  What does it take to have the “pure heart”?  Jesus told us the greatest commandment.  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37.

5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”  Our men’s fellowship in my California church (Calvary Lighthouse Mission) was called “Peacemakers.”  We need to learn how to deal with the world’s conflicts peacefully.  Do you want to be called a “son of God”?

5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Our Brothers and Sisters around the world are suffering for their faith far more than we’ve experienced (yet).  They have an awesome reward coming!  Jesus continued with much more to say about those being persecuted.

5:13 “You are the salt of the earth.”  And the attributes of SALT can be described in the four uses for salt:
    1 - Preservative;  2 - Flavoring;  3 - Purification/cleansing;  4 - Medium of exchange(in Biblical times)  
    Could that be the outline for a sermon about what it means for us to be the “salt of the earth”?  

BTW – The red letters of Jesus’ teachings go beyond Matthew 5, they go all the way through chapters 6 & 7.  Is Jesus enrolling us in a Masters or a Doctorate degree?  (>:    

As you listen to His teachings in these three chapters, think about applications to our lives?  How might they help each of us to grow? And to be a blessing to others?

Points to Ponder

Are we Jesus’ Disciples?  Do we still need more training?

Does this make you want to reread Matthew 5 (and 6-7)?

If you are being ordained by Jesus as a Disciple, what are Disciples expected to do?
Answer – Make more Disciples!   “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17  “Fishers of men” Mt.4:19

How are Jesus’ instructions to His Disciples in opposition to today’s societal values?

And my favorite note in my Bible is…
“The light that shines the farthest, shines brightest close to home.”

“And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke14:27

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      April 9, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Is “April Fools Day” in the Bible?

 Hebraic Musing – Is “April Fools Day” in the Bible?

April 1^st is the day dedicated to the Foolish people of the world.  The Bible talks a lot about that day.  In fact, the Bible mentions “fool” 79 times, and “foolish” 49 times, and “fools” 41 times! 

Who is a “fool”?  Answer - Someone who refuses to listen to wisdom or to learn from discipline.

Psalm 14 should be read on April 1^st because it starts with “The fool says in his heart, there is no God”.  Here’s the whole Psalm 14 (NIV) to be studied on April 1^st:

v1 “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”  That’s mistake #1, to claim “There is no God.”  What is God’s reaction?

v2 “The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”   The LORD is looking for the seekers amongst all the “sons of men.”

v3 “All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”  Remember that “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” according to Romans 3:23 NIV    Remember that saying – “Misery loves company”?

v4 “Will evildoers never learn— those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD?”   Those evildoers are not concerned about what they do to “Others”.  Do they love their neighbor?

v5 “There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.”  Evildoers are not living a life of peace; whereas the Righteous have the peace of knowing they are pleasing Almighty God!

v6 “You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.”  The harm evildoers do to the “poor” (believers who don’t think like they do) may cause the poor to seek the LORD!

v7 “Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!  When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!”   The LORD has provided a heavenly home for His people and “Salvation” is provided for them.

The way of a fool is also mentioned in Proverbs 12:15&16.  “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.   A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” NIV

Points to Ponder

How big is the difference between a wise man and a fool?

Who must make the choice?   How often?

Why does the Bible have to counsel the “fool” 79 + 49 + 41 times?

Please don’t be an April Fool. 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      Monday, April 1, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Does the Lord speak to us like He did to Jeremiah?

 

Hebraic Musing – Does the Lord speak to us like He did to Jeremiah?

 I just finished reading the book of Jeremiah and realized he heard a word from the LORD well over 60 times in his 52-chapter book.  And then I also noted that the Holy Spirit ministered and guided His people about 100 times in the New Testament.  I wonder how often the Holy Spirit speaks to each of us each day?  Or each hour?  

Does the Holy Spirit have that much to say to each of us every day?  Let’s call on Him and find out!

♫ “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.” ♫   This song from Proverbs 18:3 is a reminder to us to call on the LORD.  Does the LORD really want us to “bug” him about everything?  In fact, it seems the good LORD is asking us to “bug” Him.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV

What might happen if we Christians heard from the Lord and shared what we learned with the world around us?  And to do so with Holy Spirit boldness!?!?  We believers were called to speak the Word boldly in Acts 4:31 “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”  We are told that the early church explained the word of God and told of their testimonies so boldly that the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, spread to the whole known world within 200 years!   And that was before internet, planes, autos, phones, etc.!!!

Are we to boldly proclaim the Gospel?  We enjoy singing… ♫ Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere.  Go tell it on the mountain, Jesus Christ is born. ♫   And, didn’t we learn to ‘Share’ good gifts in kindergarten?  And what’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received?  Does it need to be shared?

What might happen if we listen to the Holy Spirit?  Here’s one example of many.  “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’  So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.  The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”  Acts 8:26-29 NIV   What happened when Philip listened to the Holy Spirit?  As a result of obedience, in v.35… “Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”  And a baptism followed!  And the Gospel spread to Ethiopia!!!  PTL!

Have you ever followed the Holy Spirit’s prompting to speak to someone and the encounter resulted in their salvation?  ♫ It is joy unspeakable and full of glory; O the half has never yet been told! ♫ 

Points to Ponder

How often is the Holy Spirit speaking to us?

How often are we listening?

Why did God give us two ears and only one mouth?

Does the Holy Spirit prompt us to speak to people about their salvation?
or…
When might the Holy Spirit prompt you to speak to someone about their salvation?

Go tell it to your neighbor (on the mountain)… that Jesus Christ is born.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 26, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”

“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Musing – How can we expect God to Bless America?

 Hebraic Musing – How can we expect God to Bless America?

In Isaiah’s and Jeremiah’s prophetic messages to Israel and Judah, they are calling out the ways Israel (North) and then Judah (South) are turning their backs and/or spurning God’s promises to these “Chosen” Jewish nations.  But God also promises to restore them as His Chosen Peoples.  

God described the many ways Judah was turning to worship of other gods so He had Jeremiah proclaim these to Judah.  “You have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah; and the altars you have set up to burn incense to that shameful god Baal are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.” Jeremiah 14:13  And that is why the LORD then orders His prophet, Jeremiah – “Do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their distress.”  Jeremiah 11:14 NIV  This pattern of identifying behavior contrary to God’s Word and condemning their future is repeated throughout the prophetic messages from Isaiah and Jeremiah.

One of the many examples of the LORD’s view is two chapters earlier in Jeremiah 9:13-14.  “The LORD said, ‘It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their fathers taught them.’”  Key Question – In how many times and ways is America’s culture, behaviors, and rules “forsaking God’s law”?  Could what the LORD said to Ezekiel also be said to America today?  “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.” Ezekiel 12:2 NIV

Us older Americans still remember how God blessed America right from our nation’s founding.  We grew up proudly singing ♫ “God bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her And guide her Through the night with a light from above”. ♫   We acknowledge that God blessed us by singing ♫ “America! America! God shed his grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!” ♫  We recognized the many blessings Almighty God provided when He founded our nation.  How often can we proudly sing “I’m Proud to be an American”?

Today we find America’s culture does not want to sing our National Anthem because it implies that God is the one who blessed us with our freedom.  ♫ “O! say does that star-spangled Banner yet wave, ⁠O'er the Land of the free and the home of the brave.” ♫   Why, in heaven’s name, are we hearing that the National Anthem is not to be sung at events?  Does somebody not like us recognizing that our historical foundation, uniqueness, freedoms, and blessings are from Almighty God?  Has our background of “Religious freedom” become a tool against our foundation of “Christianity”?

Do you see any reason why God should Bless America in the future?  The Bible refers to God’s Chosen People for restoration and He clearly means the Jews and Israel; BUT I do not find America mentioned.  And when I hear of the sacrifices and commitment of other people around the world accepting Christ at great costs, I get the impression Americans, and America as a nation, are turning their backs on Almighty God.

The America that I knew growing up has changed and maybe that’s why I can see the change more clearly.  The younger generation doesn’t feel the change.  Are they like the proverbial frog staying in water while it’s being heated to boiling?  How can we help fellow “Christians” to stand strong to the end?

Points to Ponder

What is America doing with the blessings granted to us by our founders?

How many gods are Americans being encouraged to follow?  or…
In how many ways is America going astray, defying Almighty God?    or…
How many Scriptural sins does our culture now deem to be okay, acceptable, forgivable, etc.?

When the going gets tough, what will happen to those who are “Christians” in name only?
What should we be doing about it?

Is America identified as His “Chosen” people, or even mentioned in the Bible? 

Dare to be a Daniel

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 19, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – It’s Harvest Time; Is the Church Asleep?

 Hebraic Musing – It’s Harvest Time; Is the Church Asleep?

I wondered as I just read Proverbs 10:5.   “He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” Proverb 10:5 NIV   More wonderings…
 - Is the Church of Jesus Christ awake or sleeping? 
 - Is this a season in which we should be Harvesting? 
 - Is Harvest time coming to an end?
 - What did Jesus mean by “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”? Mark 16:15

Is the Church asleep?  Are the congregations asleep?  In the first couple hundred years after Jesus, the gospel was proclaimed and spread over all the known world!  And that was done before trains, planes, phones, autos, roads, broadcasting media!  The early church preached from quotes from the Old Testament, but primarily by sharing their personal testimonies.

A little later, in Proverbs 11:30b we find “and he who wins souls is wise.”  So, I wonder if today’s churches are “wise” if their emphasis is on feeding the poor, becoming Bible scholars, doing community services, and other “good” and friendly and neighborly things. 

During my exposures to foreign countries and missions work, I am always impressed with the dedication by the workers to the role of spreading the Gospel, even while encountering resistance; and we often hear that the resistance they face is rather personal – loss of life, comfort, family, homes, etc. 

On the other hand, when we in America take a risk by preaching the Gospel, we might run the risk of offending or losing a friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc.  Worst case, we might lose our job!  Hmmm – But let’s recognize that eventually that person will die and then… what good will our friendship with him/her be when they are suffering in Hell?  Is our short-term friendship more important than their future of eternity in Hell?

My prayers of thanksgiving and my personal testimony frequently recognizes the people in my life who went out of their way to preach Jesus to me.  How do I thank them?  I want to “pass it on”.  
♫ It only takes a spark to get a fire going, And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love. Once you’ve experienced it, You spread the love to everyone. You want to pass it on. ♫

And I like to thank the Lord for my salvation by singing… ♫ Thank you Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you Lord, for making me whole; Thank you Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free. ♫   

As early as kindergarten we are taught that “Sharing” is the way to show love to our neighbor.  What’s the best thing we can share to really show love to our neighbor?

Thank you for listening to my heart-felt concern for the long-term effect of our soft American Christianity.

Points to Ponder

What is the key role or purpose of the Church?  Of us Christians?

Where are our best and easiest opportunities to Harvest?

To evangelize, do we need to spend $2,000 for an airplane ticket to a foreign land?
Who is your “neighbor”?

What’s the most unselfish thing you can do for anyone?

Go love your “neighbor”, whoever that might be!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 12, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing - How were Hebrew children able to memorize Scripture?

 Hebraic Musing - How were Hebrew children able to memorize Scripture?

Psalm 34 is entitled “Taste and See That the LORD Is Good”.  Hebrew children were fed honey so they would enjoy reading Scripture.  David wrote this Psalm when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away.   It is also one of the “acrostic” Psalms, each verse starts with or references a letter in the Hebrew alphabet.  For each verse, here’s the Hebrew letter & name; its symbolic meaning; and the verse in ESV italicized.

Praise God!  He Saved Me

v.1 a Aleph - Bull or strong leader; I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

v.2 B Bet – Family or house; My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

v.3 G Gimel – Pride or walk; Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

v.4 D Dalet – Door, pathway; I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

v.5 h Hei – Window, breath of God; Those who look to him are radiant,

v.5b w Vav – Hook, peg; and their faces shall never be ashamed.

v.6 Z Zayin – Weapon; This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

God Delivers those Who Fear Him

v.7 j Chet – Fence, wall; The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

v.8 f Tet – Good/Evil; Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

v.9 y Yod – Hand of God; Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

v.10 K Kaf – Open hand; The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Learn the Fear of the Lord

v.11 l Lamed – Prod, teach; Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

v.12 m Mem – Water, living truth; What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

What is the Fear of the Lord?

v.13 n Nun – Seed, life; Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

v.14 s Samech – Thorn, support, protect; Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

God Delivers the Righteous

v.15 u Ayin – Eye, see & know; The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

v.16 p Pe – Mouth, speak; The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

v.17 x Tsadi – Hook, righteousness; When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

v.18 q Qof – Last, Holiness; The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

No Condemnation in Him

v.19 r Resh – Head, highest; Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

v.20 c Shin – Teeth, peace; He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

v.21 t Tav – Cross, covenant; Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

v.22 p Pe - Mouth, speak; The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Points to Ponder

Were you able to find that the Hebraic symbolism reflected in each verse?

It’s no wonder the Hebrew children memorized whole Psalms!  (Acrostics & Honey!)

Want to learn more Hebrew?    I can email three more acrostic analyses to you, if interested.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 5, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”  

Musing – Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

 Hebraic Musing – Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?  “He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.  The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:6–7 NIV   The gospel of John tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded.  Was that important?  Absolutely!  Is it really significant?  Yes!

I have learned that the Bible is very well written and that every word or point is there for a reason. John documented an observation when he outran Peter and looked into the tomb.  Upon first reading John’s account, I initially thought of this as evidence that Jesus could not have somehow survived and struggled to get out of the tomb in which case, He would not have spent time and energy to neatly fold the cloth.

Tradition - When you finish a meal at a restaurant, you typically scrunch up the napkin and leave it casually on the table; that’s an Eastern custom since biblical times.  When you really enjoyed the meal, it is customary to neatly fold the napkin and place it on the table to say, “I enjoyed the meal,” and therefore, “I will return.”

Recently we heard a similar explanation, more to do with the origin of the custom of the folded napkin and understanding the Eastern tradition of that day.  The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant. Every Jewish boy knew this tradition.  When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.  The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight until the master had finished eating.  The servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished.

If the master finished eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his mouth and fingers, clean his beard, and wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.  The servant would then know to clear the table.  In those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”

But if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, “I'm coming back.” 

All three explanations preach.

Point to Ponder

Does this make you want to read your Bible more slowly?

Even seemingly insignificant mentions in the Bible are there for a reason.

Simchat! (Enjoy!)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      February 27, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Note – Edited version of Hebraic Insight #60 published October 10, 2010
            A book of the first 100 Hebraic Insights is available from Amazon – Search “Hebraic Insights Yosef”

Musing – Can Learning Biblical Hebrew be Fun?

 Hebraic Musing – Can Learning Biblical Hebrew be Fun?

We all know what WWJD means.  Yeshua studied and knew Hebrew.  Actually, you already know more Hebrew than you realize!

Hallelujah  Hallel = praise; Jah = short name for God

Adonai       Lord

Messiah      Christ (Greek) or “the Anointed One”

Jehovah     God (the highest and most revered name of God)

Elohim       Names of God—a lesson of its own

Sabbath     Seventh day of the week, commanded to rest with Him

Abba          Affectionate title for “father”, more like “daddy”

Amein        Amen

Shalom       Peace (traditional Israeli greeting)

Here’s some frequently used words to help your ear for Hebrew:

·      Barukh      Blessed, as in Barukh atah Adonai

·      Melech       King

·      Eloheynu   Elohim, Our God

·      Olam          Forever or everything

And now you understand “Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Ha-Olam” which is the start of many prayers in Hebrew.  In English: “Blessed are You, Lord, Our God, King of the Universe.”

Let’s work in reverse. Let’s learn just three more words and see if you can recite a powerful prayer that set the Israelites apart from the nations surrounding them; and it is traditionally in the mezuzah on your doorpost!

·         Sh’ma or Shema        Hear; actively listen, believe, and do

·         Y’srael                        Israel

·         Echad                         One; not only the number one, but unity of oneness

The most favorite prayer of the Jews is the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (NIV & NKJV).  This is typically recited at least three times a day.  Identifying Jewish children in orphanages after World War II was easy.  They simply recited “Sh’ma Y’srael, Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad.”  The children who remembered their mother’s prayers would cry.  They were thus identified as Jewish.  Now we can recite and appreciate the Shema prayer in Hebrew.

Here are a few more words you have probably heard before:

·      Bar or Bat      Son or daughter.

·      Mitzvah          Deed, act of devotion, covenant as in bar mitzvah (son of covenant), mitzvot (plural).

·      Bethlehem      House of Bread; Beth, house; Lechem, bread; birthplace of the Bread of Life.

·      Tzedakah       Righteousness; the name of the offering for the needy, or less fortunate.

·      Siddur             Prayer book.

·      Talmidim        Students; what you have just become.

·      Shelach         Send, or send to you

·      Chaver            Friend.

Point to Ponder

You are just beginning to uncover the treasures in Hebrew language!

Chaver Shelach, (Your friend,)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      February 20, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Notes – This is an edited version of Hebraic Insight #91 published October 13, 2010
             A book of the first 100 Hebraic Insights is available from Amazon – Search “Hebraic Insights Yosef”