Musing - Is Artificial Intelligence the Mark of the Beast?

 Hebraic Musing - Is Artificial Intelligence the Mark of the Beast?

Artificial intelligence is intelligence displayed by machines, in contrast with the natural intelligence displayed by humans and other animals.  Is it possible that AI marks perhaps the end-times “Beast” revealed in Revelation?  "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast ... He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed." Revelation 13:14-15 NKJV

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?  It is intelligence displayed by machines, in contrast with the natural intelligence displayed by humans and other animals.  Today, most of us regularly talk to Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant or even the artificial intelligence embedded in our cars, refrigerator, or our home.  AI talks back and responds directly to us about whatever it was that we wanted to know from it or to do for us.  Without even realizing it, human daily interaction with AI has become very common, and is continuing to grow more so.  In fact, some scientists and futurists are planning to name AI (artificial intelligence) "Singularity" when it is no longer just the product of man, but has complete control over itself.

Is AI the "Image of the Beast"?   The Greek words mean that the fully deceived men on the earth at that time will be called upon by the False Prophet to construct a likeness of the Antichrist.   This means that the Image of the Beast is not the same as the Beast himself (Antichrist) but is a constructed thing that has "come to life."

The description of the Image having "breath," in Rev.13:15 gives us the impression that it is some kind of self-operating machine, a computer-operated cybernetic robot, programmed so that it can speak and act like it's alive and command the worship of the world.  Artificial intelligence and robotics are advancing so rapidly that this prophecy is no longer futuristic.  I wonder how far fetched this would have sounded in Apostle John’s Day.

Robots are increasingly replacing human functions by automating manual tasks.  Killer robots, digital doctors, and driverless cars are just a few examples of how far technology has gone in taking over our lives and replacing human effort.  Science is racing towards giving life to an "image" already.  Robots today can not only speak and respond to questions but have a "personality" and they understand concepts like sarcasm and humor.  Researchers at the University of Washington have developed artificial intelligence software so powerful that it can put words in the mouth of just about anybody.  Who is in control?

A recent, new religion known as "Way Of The Future", worships a 'godhead' based on AI!  Their stated focus is on "the realization, acceptance, and worship of a Godhead based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) developed through computer hardware and software."  It includes funding research to help create the divine AI itself.  So apparently this is already happening!  Think about the ramifications of this! 

Entire fields of science are now racing towards achieving Singularity (The merging of man's biological thinking and existence with technology to the point there is no distinction between human and machine), scientists are planning it for the future, here's a few examples of recent news headlines:
  - Former Google and Uber engineer is developing an AI 'god'.
  - Why humans will happily follow a ROBOT messiah: to 'worship supreme understanding'.
  - Religion That Worships Artificial Intelligence Wants Machines To Be In Charge Of The Planet.
  - “Inside The First Church Of Artificial Intelligence” & “The Rise of AI: Give Me That New Time Religion”

The world's next great religion could have a ROBOT God because humans are pre-programmed to worship things more intelligent than themselves, according to some experts.

The concept of the Internet was known in scientific circles for many years before it reached the public.  Today the Internet and all the technology surrounding it is used every day by huge numbers of the public.  The same concept holds true with Singularity, that is now taking place.  Humans are already being blended with machines, unaware of by the public.  They make AI look beneficial these days, for example, who can question an artificial eye for the blind, or a microchip implanted into the brain to help a quadriplegic?  However, in the end, the blending of human biology with mechanical technology could very likely be used for evil.

Is this far-fetched?  Time will tell, for now we can only speculate.  Is it possible many of the technologies that Revelation speaks of regarding the Antichrist could become technological deceptions such as the image that speaks in Revelation 13:15?

Revelation 13:16-17 tells us what happens to those who do not worship the beast (or AI).  “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” 

Points to Ponder
Is Artificial Intelligence an oxymoron?

How are we to distinguish between AI and a real person in the End Times?

Might the blending of human biology with mechanical technology be used for evil?

Why does our Bible tell us at least six times “Do not be deceived”?

♫ Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; … He holds the future,… ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           June 3, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Inspired by Kurt Johnson’s message.
    and excerpted from www.christianevidence.net/2023/01/chatgpt-ai-and-image-of-beast.html

Musing – What’s the difference between Greek and Hebrew thinking?

 Hebraic Musing – What’s the difference between Greek and Hebrew thinking?

We attempt to read the Hebrew Bible which has been translated into English from a Greek mindset.  It is no wonder that we have problems understanding the Hebrew concepts it is trying to convey.  Basically, Greek culture upholds the virtues of logic, philosophy, science, perfect beauty, athletic achievement, and taming nature.  The descendants of Abraham, the Hebrews, communicated like Hebrews and didn’t discuss the meaning of life but lived it.  Thus, the Bible contains Hebrew poetry, Hebrew imagery, Hebrew cultural perspectives, and Hebrew expressions, much of which is lost to us who read English Bible versions translated by Greek thinkers.

As we read the Bible we rarely find detailed descriptions; instead, we have just enough information to understand the action or message given, without extra descriptive material. The Bible presents a dynamic Hebrew world of action.

Hebrew and Greek have two completely opposite world views, which we can see with the Greek focus on religion, culture, government, reasoning, and logic.  In the Bible we find dreams and visions in the language of Hebrews where everything is in motion,  rich and energetic.  Hebrew nouns refer to the action of a person, place or thing.  Hebrew is vigorous, passionate, and explosive.  It is verb-oriented, always active and moving.

In the Hebrew, a lie may or may not be a lie; for instance, midwives in Egypt.  A false statement is not a lie if it agrees with God’s truth.  A lie in Hebrew is disagreeing with God’s truth or not fulfilling a destiny or purpose.

The Hebrew language is unique with many expressions to explain abstract ideas in hard, concrete terms. Here are a few “Hebraisms” of the Bible:  Smoke in the nostrils - anger, Ps. 18:18; A face set like flint - determination, Is. 50:17; Gird up your loins - get ready, Jer. 1:17; Bury a hand in a dish - lazy, Prov. 26:15; Stiff necked - stubborn, Acts 7:51; Lift up the eyes - look, Gen. 22:4; Hard hearted - compassionless, 1 Sam. 6:6. 

The popular “Shema” prayer in Deut. 6:4-9 starts with “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. …”.  Everything in Hebrew is expressing action; the word “Hear” implies an ongoing obedience, not just listen once.  When the Lord told Abraham, “Walk before Me and be blameless,” He wanted Abraham to reveal the Creator’s “Halakhah”, or “way of walking.”  “Shema” in Hebrew context means to listen and pay full attention as if your life depended on it, and once you paid attention and heard what is said, begin immediately to incorporate what has been said into your life.  And the result of hearing is to “Love” (a verb) the LORD.  After we hear, we are to love; both are verbs!

The Western/Greek viewpoint has a snapshot mentality; man is expected to look at the moment, and whatever appears before his eyes or catches the attention of his ears at that specific moment; it takes a “snapshot” and considers it to be reality.  Whereas Hebraic thought is different; more like a full-length movie of your life – even from the moment of your conception to your death.  This Greek “snapshot” is why (a) The English word “listen” means only “pay attention"; (b) The English word ‘hear’ means only to recognize words; (c) The English word ‘hear’ only means to do what you are told.

Hebrew culture does not admire architecture, sculpture, paintings or physical ability.  Hebrew culture does not find beauty in perfection, but in the act of transformation.  Hebrew focuses on seeing what a person does.  The Hebrew Bible authors wrote from an Hebrew culture, so the Scriptures cannot be properly understood outside of their perspective.   Modern Christian teaching filters Scripture through Greek or Hellenistic glasses.

There are differing views on God!  In the Hebrew Culture, there is only one God, one source, one measuring stick, creating a foundation for moral behavior and thus there is a clear right or wrong.  Greek culture, has many gods so a clear right and wrong becomes unclear.  Today’s Greek thinking calls it “relativism”!

Interesting differences:
  - There is a difference between function and appearance; example of a pencil – Hebrew thought would say “I write words with it.”  Greek thought would say “it is yellow and about 8 inches long”.
  - In keeping time:  In Greek – “Midnight to Midnight” and weekdays are named after Pagan Gods. 
  - In Hebrew – a day is “Sunset to Sunset” (Genesis 1:5) and weekdays are “first day”,  “second day”, “third day”, … , “sixth day”, “The Sabbath”.

Even Paul understood there was a difference between Jews and Greeks.  “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? … Jews (Hebrews) demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:20-24 NIV

In summary, here’s some clear Distinctions:
  - The Hebrew is concerned with practice; the Greek with knowledge.
  - Right conduct is the ultimate concern of the Hebrew; Right thinking that of the Greek.
  - Duty and strictness of conscience are the paramount things in life for the Hebrew.
  - Greeks describe objects in relation to their appearance; Hebrews describe objects by their function.

Points to Ponder
Is “Love” a noun (Greek) or a verb (Hebrew)?

Why do the Jews recite the Shema at least three times a day?

“It’s all Greek to me” – Old saying, but unfortunately it’s all too true!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           May 27, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Notes – Inspired by Johanna Hocker’s message.  More detailed 11 pages of source data available on request.

Musings – Have you ever asked “What’s Next”?

 Hebraic Musings – Have you ever asked “What’s Next”?

In this season of High School & College Graduations, many are wondering and asking, “What’s Next”?  And the same question is asked by each of us as we go through our various major changes in life situations – marriage, job changes, health issues, retirement, etc.  

By now we should have already experienced enough of these to realize that our trouble(s) today will become our testimony(s) tomorrow.

God wants you to get your hopes up!  He has promised to hold you up. “Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.” Psalm 119:116-117 NIV

Know that Father God loves you and is looking out for your best interests. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NIV  Who is holding our future?

What did Jesus say to us about your “What’s Next”?  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

There is a lot we do know but remember that there is still a lot we don’t yet know!  More important - Who are we following?  Or, where are we going?  Rest assured that God knows your “What’s Next”!  PTL 

We should have “Hope” – An indication of certainty and it means a strong and confident expectation.  That is why the Psalmist advised us.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:2-22 NIV  

Jesus wants you to get your hopes up!  Can you trust Him?  Don’t let your prayers expire, keep your hopes up!  True “hope” overcomes loneliness, because true “hope” is belief in God’s promises. 

Be hopeful!

Points to Ponder

Is God a big part of your “What’s Next”?

In the past, have you’ve ever wondered “What’s Next”?    How did it turn out?

Might we start a witnessing session by asking “What’s Next in your life”?

Please let me know if you are not sure of your “What’s Next”?

Is God a big part of your “What’s Next”?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          May 20, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Doug Blevin’s broadcast - “The Cowboy Way” May 2025

Musing – Why do Men Hate Going to Church?

 Hebraic Musing – Why do Men Hate Going to Church?*

“Church is boring.” “It’s irrelevant.” “It’s full of hypocrites.”  I’ll bet you’ve heard men say that.  Have you ever walked into a church and silently asked yourself – Where are all the men?  Yet the presence of enthusiastic men is one of the best predictors of church health, growth, giving, and expansion.  Women comprise more than 60% of the adults in a typical worship service in America.  Even though the “Leader” is typically a man, most of the congregation are women who are more likely to volunteer and be involved in church activities.  The men pray less, share their faith less, and read the Bible less, and participate less!  Might this be because the men perceive the church’s presentation of the Gospel to be for a “relational” and “nurturing” congregation.  Could the church’s warm and fuzzy presentation make the more “goal-driven” and “competitive” men uncomfortable?  Are churches doing a better job of attracting the women?   How might that be?

Music:  Men don’t want unfamiliar, hard to sing songs in a higher pitch and/or slow, soft tones.  Men relate to songs from the Bible like ‘Thy Word is a lamp…’ or ‘I will call upon the Lord…’ or ‘As the deer pants for the water, so my soul…’.   Men especially like upbeat marching songs with gusto - ‘A Mighty Fortress’, ‘Rise Up O Men of God’, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’, ‘There is Power in the Blood’, ‘Standing on the promises’, etc.  

Décor:  The typical church is decorated by the women and thus we typically see indoor colors – Whites, Pastels and Blue tones.  In contrast, Men are outdoorsmen and prefer earth tones!  Décor in a local church was intentionally done in earth tones; in fact, they meet on Sunday in a Gymnasium with basketball hoops and game striping on the floors and the theme is brown earth tones!  They praise God from a basketball court!  BTW, this gymnasium also serves the school that meets in the building (and pays a share of the building costs!)

Men and Women have differing needs:  The book “Love and Respect” by Emerson Eggerichs explains how Women are seekers of Love, whereas Men are seekers of Respect.  Meanwhile, the consistent theme of ministry and songs and preachings stresses the Love of God.  The wife wants love, but that’s not what the husband really wants; he wants Respect!  Why does the Bible have to remind us twice of what does not come naturally?  “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 NIV   God has to remind us again in Colossians 3:19 “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”  BTW - Titus 2 also has messages about the differing needs of men and women.

Contrasts and differences:  Women are fascinated by the things of men; and thus we now find women playing in more and more contact sports.  But men are repelled by the things of women.  Solution – Find opportunities for Men to Gather Without Women Around.  Does the “Nurturing” tendency of Women lead to Liberal views in economics and social welfare, tolerance and rights, civility, gay rights, etc.?  While Women are caring prayer warriors; Men are more “Do it yourself” types.

Men and Relationships:  Relationships scare a man to death, but they are his deepest need.  Meanwhile, the themes of church messages are about relationships based on love, which appeal to the Women!  Men don’t usually use the word “relationships” about other men.  Women bond by talking face-to-face, whereas men bond when working side by side.  Since men fellowship by working together, let’s do ministry shoulder to shoulder; let’s do Athletic events, Men’s sport events, Hunting, Shooting, etc.  

Messages, sermons, etc.:  When writing liturgy and prayers and sermons, let’s think “How would a guy like a bricklayer, a farmer, a mechanic, or a line worker hear this?”  Ideally, can the message be delivered in three 8-10 minute-mini-messages, allowing time to process?  Forty minutes is a long time for a man to sit still!

Mentoring/discipling of Men and their Faith:  Christian faith is more caught than taught.  Christian faith passes from man to man among male mentors, male friends, and (ideally) fathers.  Jesus personally discipled twelve men; Paul always took Barnabas, Silas, or Timothy along on his journeys; Moses mentored Joshua; Elijah mentored Elisha; Older Men mentor younger men!  Sunday school tip – Separate genders and use men or boy-friendly curriculum and object lessons.

How did Jesus work with Men?  He gathered a handful of common men and welded them into a team; AND He changed the world with them.  How was Jesus able to take a dozen scrubs and turn them into stars?  He called a finite number of men into his inner circle AND He took personal responsibility for their growth.  He became thoroughly involved in their lives for a period of time.  Their development was his top priority.  He saw these men as his earthly legacy.  Then, once they were ready, He sent them out to do as he did.  In other words, Jesus served as a spiritual father to the Twelve.  Should this also be the role of the men in our church fellowships?   

Points to Ponder
Who are you mentoring or discipling?   Who’s discipling you?

How can your church be more respectful, attractive and appealing to the needs of men?

God told Joshua five times to be “Strong and Courageous”?  What’s God telling you?

♫ Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus,   Going on before.. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           May 13, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Inspired by “Why Men Hate Going to Church” by David Morrow

Musing – What did both Joseph and Yeshua have in common?

 Hebraic Musing – What did both Joseph and Yeshua have in common?

The hatred of those closest to both Joseph and Yeshua caused them to want to kill both Joseph and Yeshua!  We read in the Old Testament about the jealousy and hatred that Joseph’s brothers had for him.  “Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him.” Genesis 37:18 NKJV   And Luke writes about Yeshua.  As Passover approached “…the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him.” Luke 22:1-2

In Genesis 37:26-28, Judah saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming and suggested to his brothers “Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.  Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver.” Genesis 37:27-28   Joseph was sold as a slave for 20 pieces of silver.  And according to Matthew 26:15, Judas was given 30 pieces of silver to betray Yeshua.

Remember Joseph’s “coat of many colors”?  The brothers dipped Joseph’s beautiful coat in goat’s blood to convince their father that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.  After being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph ended up in prison.  Similarly, Yeshua was constantly contending with the Pharisees who falsely accused him.

Joseph was able to interpret the dreams of the baker and the butler, one was hanged, the other restored.  When Yeshua was on the cross heard he had “the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”  One man said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to that man, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43   One left, the other saved.

After Joseph was wrongly accused and thrown in prison, he was raised to become 2nd in command of all of Egypt.  Both Joseph and Yeshua became rulers, as it says in Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.”  Joseph was ruler over all the land of Egypt and kept everyone fed during the famine.  Joseph got all the trappings of authority and power, with linen, and gold, and riding in the second chariot. Both Yeshua and Joseph became rulers. 

Joseph was exalted to positions of authority four times in his life: 
  1. When he was given the long garment of many colors, of the first born.
  2. He was placed in authority over Potiphar’s house. 
  3. He was in charge of all the prisoners. 
  4. As Governor and Prime Minister over all Egypt. 
After Yeshua’s resurrection He said “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth..” Matthew 28:18

BTW, Joseph’s name in Hebrew means “May he add” or “God will increase”!

Points to Ponder

Was the NT being taught, even in the OT?

Both Jesus and Joseph are seen as saviors,
Joseph saved his family from famine. Jesus saves humanity from sin.

Joseph is one of the few Biblical men in the Bible who is never said to have sinned, similar to Jesus!

♫   What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see.  When I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace.  When He takes me by the hand,  And leads me to the Promised Land. What a day, glorious day that will be.  ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          May 6, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by & copied from “Joseph and Yeshua” by Johanna Hocker April 15, 2025

Musing – Why can we trust the Canon of Scripture?

 Hebraic Musing – Why can we trust the Canon of Scripture?

Canon is “a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.”  The Bible is the Rule, the Measure, the Standard.  Here’s why we can rely on the Bible.  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

Scripture did not come from man!  “…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-22   All Scripture has come to us from the Holy Spirit.  Jeremiah heard the Word directly from the LORD.  “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’… Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: ’Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.’” Jeremiah 1:4-9 NKJV

Does Scripture speak with Authority?   From Jesus!  “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Mathew 5:17-18    Joshua was given authority and a promise.  “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Joshua 1:7-9   Wow! This is a “prosperity message”!

Scripture is our source of sound Doctrine.   We are told to avoid false doctrine(s).  “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer.” 1 Timothy 1:3   And then 1 Timothy 6:3-4 tells us why.  “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,…”  And 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns us – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers. and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”  Is Timothy’s prophetic statement coming true even today?!?!

How important is the right doctrine?  “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.  He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”  2 John 9-11

Scripture is Apostolic, it comes from chosen apostles.  “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,” Ephesians 2:19-20

The Old Testament is called the TaNaK (Hebraic abbreviation for Torah, Prophets, Writings.) and Jesus affirmed the TaNaK.  “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:1-2    Consider the number of times Jesus and NT writers referenced the O.T.   The N.T. books abided by these rules: (a) Apostolic authors; (b) Agreed with Canon of truth; (c) Universal Acceptance; (d) Self-authenticating Divine Nature.  Have you ever read a book like the Bible with over 40 authors and yet has no contradictions?!?!

Points to Ponder
Might God’s promises to Joshua also apply to us today? 
“Being “Strong and Courageous”   leads to    “Prosperity & Success”!

Is Scripture (the Bible) a gift to you from the Holy Spirit?

♫ Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           April 29, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired from SS lesson from Corey Corrick, March 9, 2025

Musing – Are you ready?

 Hebraic Musing – Are you ready?

We traditionally think of the word martyr as someone who gave their life for a cause they believe in.  Does the Bible define all true Christians as Martyrs?  Consider this quote: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV   How many martyrs does the Bible describe?

Abel was the first martyr we find in the Bible, one of the sons of Adam and Eve.  Abel did right, but his brother, Cain, did not agree and killed Abel out of jealousy!  Abel trusted God.  Are there those who do not like us because of our trust in God?  Are we friends only because we think alike?

Zechariah, Jesus tells us that Zechariah (the prophet) was killed between the temple and the altar as he was ministering.  Jesus warned us!  “I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.” Luke 11:49-51.  Zechariah was killed by stoning.  He was killed by those who wanted to re-create God into their own image.  Sound familiar?

John the Baptist was the first New Testament martyr that we know of.  He was killed by Herod who had imprisoned John because of John’s disapproval of the king’s divorce for the purpose of marrying his sister-in-law.  John had spoken up in Matthew 14:4. “Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”  John paid the price for speaking the truth!

Stephen boldly preached the Gospel.  He clearly called out those who put Jesus on the cross.  This did not make the religious leaders happy.  What truth did John speak that offended them?  “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.” Acts 7:51

James was one of two brothers who, along with Peter, made up the inner circle of disciples.  James and John were the sons of a fisherman named Zebedee.  James was killed by King Herod Agrippa.  “Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. … because he saw that it pleased the Jews,” Acts 12:2  He was killed by the sword because the king was starting to persecute the church.  Is the church being persecuted today?

Two Witnesses that God says will be killed during the time of the tribulation.  They will preach the truth of God for 1,260 days during which time they will be unharmed.  Then they will be killed by the beast in Rev. 11:7-8 as they lay in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days.  People will look on them, dance, and rejoice that they are rid of the convicting preaching of these witnesses.  After that time they will have a bodily resurrection and ascend into heaven at the command of God.  Does the world reject your preaching?

Host of Martyrs in Heaven were martyred for the cause of Christ.  We are not to seek martyrdom, but we face it with faith in God and trust in His grace if that becomes our fate.  During the tribulation time many will be martyred for Christ.  In Revelation 6:9-11 the martyrs inquire of God when their lives will be avenged. God gave them a white robe and they are told to wait for those who are martyred for Christ for they will be given responsibilities to reign alongside Jesus during the millennial kingdom.  See Rev 20:4

Martyrdom Today.  Many around the world are being persecuted for the cause of Christ.  We might be teased by schoolmates because you go to church on Sunday!  Just because your boss won’t let you off for a religious holiday does not mean you are suffering martyrdom.  That’s nothing compared to what is happening in many places in the world.  Think about the Christians who are killed in their churches around the world simply because they choose to worship the Christ of the Bible.  Real persecution is happening today.  Pray for those who choose to take a stand for the cause of Christ and suffer because of it.

Key Question –How should our commitment to the work of the kingdom be like Paul’s?  “For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13

Points to Ponder

How much faith do we really have?

In how many ways might we be martyred, or lose some of life’s freedoms?

Are we willing to witness our faith in Jesus at risk of offending someone
who might slight us, unfriend us, hurt us, or kill us?

Finally – Christian, what are you afraid of?

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

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 22, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by “Martyrs In The Bible: 8 That Gave Their Life For Christ” by David Peach

Insight - Three days in the grave?

 Hebraic Insight - Three days in the grave?

Ever wondered how Jesus was crucified on Friday, resurrected on Sunday and in the ground for 3 days? 

That year was unique in that Passover, 15^th of Nissan, started on our Wednesday evening, continuing through daytime Thursday.  Like-wise in AD 31 when Jesus was crucified, Passover also started Wednesday evening.  This helps explain what Matthew tells us in 12:40  “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (NIV)    This provides an explanation that makes more sense if we take into account the timing of G-d’s Feast Days (unfortunately the world refers to them as ‘Jewish Feast Days’ or ‘Jewish Holy Days’).

First, remember that G-d’s and Jewish days start at sunset (3 stars visible in the sky) and end at sunset the next day.  Not Midnight to midnight as we are accustomed.

Second, there is more than one Sabbath to consider.  In addition to weekly Sabbaths on Saturday, the Jewish calendar has seven Annual Sabbaths, also called "High Days", which can fall on any day of the week.

Third, Passover in the year 31AD started on our so-called Wednesday evening.

So, now let’s try to count the days G-d’s way and better understand the daily calendar of Holy Week?

Once we recognize that Passover occurred on Wednesday, and we recognize then the Passover Seder (Meal) would have been on Tuesday evening.   (Some figure that as Rabbi’s and members of the Priestly family, they may have had to celebrate their Passover Seder on the prior evening, Tuesday evening, so they could minister/work, sacrificing lambs on the Passover Sabbath.)  This meant Tuesday night, the start of Wednesday for the ‘Last Supper’.  Here is how an Hebraic Scholar friend of mine explained it.

Joe, it is easy for me to let my knowledge of Passover A.D. 31 being on Wed. April 25 that I forget that Seder night would have been Tuesday night, as the Passover day would begin the evening before.  Yeshua was crucified Wed. April 25, 31 A.D. and gave up His spirit at 3 PM  just as the Temple Passover lamb gave up his breath as well.  Yeshua was taken to the tomb that evening.  He was in the grave from Wednesday night until Thursday night - one day.  He was in the tomb Thursday night until Friday night - two days.  On Saturday night, after the third day, He rose in His once cold body.   Scripture tells us that the ladies came to the tomb very early in the morning, in fact before it was daylight and found the tomb empty.  Yeshua rose from the dead hours before the Ishtar sunrise service.  He rose from the dead on Yom HaBikkurim (The Day of Firstfruits), on the Havdalah or Motza'ei-Shabbat (departure of the Sabbath - cf.1st Cor 16 and Acts 20:7 CJB).  This is why for four centuries Christians, Jewish or otherwise came together on Shabbat in the local synagogue and particularly for the Havdalah afterwards (before Constantine shut all that down).

This timing also explains why Joseph of Arimathea was anxious to bury Jesus before the Passover Sabbath began at sunset.

And some Hebraic Midrash claims that Jesus was able to see through the western gate of the temple and see the Passover lambs being slain while He was on the cross.  (True or not, it is an interesting picture)

Additional opinions, if and as interested:

Proponents of the Wednesday crucifixion argue that this special Sabbath was the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commenced on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan and was preceded with a Passover meal on the 14th of Nissan. If Jesus was crucified in 30 A.D. or 31 A.D., the 14th of Nissan would have fallen on a Wednesday, with the next day being an Annual Sabbath.  All of this fits perfectly within the Scriptural timeline. If true, Jesus would have been crucified the day before a Sabbath, as recounted in the Bible, and His ultimate sacrifice would have occurred on a day typically reserved for the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb.

Other pieces of the puzzle add weight to the Wednesday crucifixion theory.  Modern versions of Matthew 28:1 record the resurrection as occurring "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week." But the Greek text reads "After the Sabbaths" (plural), meaning two Sabbaths had passed between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus - the annual Sabbath and the weekly Sabbath.

Points to Ponder

Is when Jesus died important? 
Or that He died for us sacrificially for our sins?

In any case, have a Happy Resurrection Day!

“And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” Mark 15:39

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd               April 15, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – First published May 15, 2009 as Insight #19 in Hebraic Insights – 95 Messages Exploring the Hebrew Roots of our Faith, by Yosef.  Available from Amazon.

Musing - Holy Week, or Mark’s Wartime Gospel

Hebraic Musing - Holy Week, or Mark’s Wartime Gospel

Holy week starts next Sunday, called Palm Sunday.  During Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Passover and Resurrection Day, Mark’s gospel documents Jesus’ activities with military precision.  Mark’s gospel is a wartime gospel revealing the times, the culture, and most important, the political and spiritual condition of Jerusalem and the temple practices.  Jesus’s symbolic actions and parables are generally interpreted individually, but taken as a whole, Jesus’ actions and words proclaim how the already present kingdom of God is pitted against the kingdom of Rome.  The Jewish high priests were in collaboration with the Roman domination of Jewish Israel.  For a clear example of Rome’s dominion, Rome changed the high priests many times, whereas God appoints each great high priest for a lifetime.  The Roman appointments were corruptly acquired, and the people knew it!  Consider these events (in CJB) in light of the corruption:

·         Mark 11:1—(Palm) Sunday: “When they were approaching Jerusalem …” Jesus enters on a donkey with the people cheering him wildly.  Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate was entering in a regal procession in order to be present and quell any uprising that may occur during this major Jewish feast of Passover.  Palm Sunday starts with a declaration of war by God’s kingdom against Rome’s dominion by mocking the governor with Jesus’s parade.  The friction between righteous people and Rome’s priestly appointees was already building.

·         Mark 11:12—Monday: “On the following day…”  Jesus says to a fig tree, “may no one ever eat fruit from you again.”  Thus He cursed the symbol of Israel and Jerusalem by pointing out the lack of fruit.  Why?  The high priesthood was controlled by Rome; the sacrificial system was corrupted; the temple was built by Rome; and God was no longer in charge.  Then He symbolically desecrates the temple by turning over the ‘money changers’ tables.  He calls the Temple a “den of robbers.”  A den is what robbers call home and where they hide out and feel safe.  The authorities were using the temple as a hiding place for their misappropriation of authority.  In Mark 11:19, He and His entourage have to get out of Jerusalem.

·         Mark 11:20—Tuesday: “In the morning …”  The fig tree has withered.  Jesus talks to His disciples of “throwing a mountain into the sea”.  Could this be reference to Mount Zion, Jerusalem, which needs to be moved through serious prayer?  The corrupt leaders challenge His authority, and He in turn rightly challenges theirs for good, godly reason.  In Mark 12:1–12, He indicts the temple leadership with a parable of the wicked tenants.  (Read it in that light.)  It’s frequently preached as a foretelling of the beloved Son’s coming; but that message misses Jesus’s indictment of the tenants, stewards, and authorities in the temple who were greedily using their positions for their own aggrandizement.  In Mark 12:13–17, the ruling party tries to trap Him on the issue of paying taxes.  He responds , “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”.  The people were forgetting to distinguish between, or choose sides between, God and Caesar.  Then in Mark 12:18, He starts to attack the Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection.  (That is why they are “sad, you see.” [pun])  In chapter 13, He says, “Not one stone will be left on another” which is prophetically forty years before Jerusalem was utterly destroyed.  Then he discourses on the end of the age.

·         Mark 14:1—Wednesday: “It was two days before Passover…”, the priests and scribes were out to get Him.

·         Mark 14:12—Thursday: :On the first day of Unleavened Bread when they slaughtered the lamb for Pesach…” over their seder (feast meal), He says His good-byes, shares the cup, prays, and gets arrested by the corrupt Sanhedrin, members of the leadership body.

·         Mark 15:1—Friday, 6 a.m.: “As soon as it was morning…” some of the Sanhedrin “reached a decision …”.

·         Mark 15:25—Friday, 9 a.m.: “It was the third hour when they crucified him”. The worst possible curse for an Israelite is to be nailed and hung naked on a stake.

·         Mark15:33—Friday, noon: “At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.”  I wonder what the corrupt leaders were thinking then.

·         Mark 15:34—Friday, 3 p.m.: “At the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice …”   In v.38, the curtain of the temple was rent from top to bottom.  Was that Father God tearing His garment in mourning for His Son?

·         Mark15:42—Friday, 6 p.m.: “It was Preparation day, the day before a Sabbath…”  And Joseph of Arimathea, one of the righteous leaders who had become a disciple, claimed Jesus’s body and to bury Him before sundown, which began the Sabbath.

·         Mark16:1–2–Sunday, “early”: “When the Sabbath was over … very early in the morning they were on their way to the tomb…”   A good Jew would not walk that far or go to a tomb on the Sabbath.

I hope and pray that we will all read Mark’s gospel during Holy Week, with fresh perspective, and be inspired to identify the dominions that we are called to protest in today’s world.   

The dates used in this Insight are the ones traditionally understood.  Next week’s Musing, “Three Days in the Grave?”, will spell out an alternative and more logical dating which differs from tradition.

Points to Ponder

Is He the same yesterday, today, and forever?

What dominions are we called to protest in today’s world?

“…your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey,…” Zechariah 9:9

BTW - Next Sunday will be Palm Sunday!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   April 8, 2025
Author:  Biblical Marriage”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Note - This ‘Musing’ is reprinted from Insight #64 in “Hebraic Insights – 95 Messages Exploring the Hebrew Roots of our Faith” by Yosef.  Available from Amazon.

Musing - Could you be Deceived?

 Hebraic Musing - Could you be Deceived?

(an April Fools Day message)

The word ‘deceived’ and its variants appear about 70 times in our bibles.  Jesus himself expressed concern and frequently warned us not to be deceived.  Matthew 24 contains the ‘Olivet Discourse” in which Jesus is dealing with eschatology and one of His final and desperate messages to his beloved disciples.  

Note Yeshua’s expressions of concern re ‘deception’ in Matthew 24:3-26 NIV   As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"  Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. . . .  8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.  Then you will be handed over to be persecuted . . .  10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. . . .  15 So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' . . . .   23 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it.  For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect — if that were possible.  See, I have told you ahead of time.  So if anyone tells you, 'There he is…..’ do not believe it…  

And here are three more familiar examples of deceptions:

·      “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.  Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction…”  Galatians 6:6-8 NIV

·      “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived…” 1 Cor.6:9

·      Lest you think deception is New Testament only, consider a very early event for mankind.  “Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’  The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’" Genesis 3:13

The bible is the Manufacturer’s Operating Manual.  Any other source of information could lead to deception.  Other sources, while valuable, should not be allowed to take precedence over the Holy Scripture itself.  For example, a minister recently told me of a lady that thanked him for studying the bible and sharing an insightful teaching because that way she did not have to read the Bible herself.  What do you suppose went through the minister’s mind?

Personally, I try not to read more than one book by any one author and/or avoid focusing on one preacher, evangelist, televangelist or commentary for fear of picking up and mentally rehearsing an error that any one man might introduce.  After my salvation experience, I became an avid reader of Christian books.  After one year, the Lord spoke to me and asked “Are you going to read books about me, or are you going to read my book?”  For the next five years I read nothing but the bible.

Points to Ponder

Who are the Saints that Satan wants to ‘deceive’?

Are you satisfied with the amount of time you are in God’s own word,
instead of digesting someone else’s interpretation?

In what ways are we being deceived today?
Where do you get your news and entertainment?

Don’t be an “April Fool”.

“Don't be deceived, my dear brothers” James 1:16                                                                          

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                 April 1, 2025    (April Fools Day!)             
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Originally published August 11, 2010 as an Hebraic Insight