Monday, July 28, 2025

Musing – Does God want us to “Get along” with the World?

 Hebraic Musing – Does God want us to “Get along” with the World?

I don’t think so.  What does James 4:4 call us to do?  And what’s the warning?  You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” NIV   What does the world want us to do?  A – Get along, don’t offend, be nice, keep friends, be sweet, don’t talk about religion, be agreeable, don’t disagree, etc.

God is in conflict with the fallen world system; and He is opposed to the fallen and idolatrous desires of the world.  We are in conflict with God when we make friends with the world’s ways.  God calls it adultery.  He wants to be our lover; we are not to be lovers of the fallen world system.  God is jealous for our affections!

The source of the relational conflict is due to a failure to please God as described in verses vs.2&3, before 4:4: “You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.  When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”  Ouch, I took some of that personally!

Do we find ourselves trying to be friends of the world system in rebellion against God?  What did Jesus say about serving two masters?  No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 NIV   And we will be convicted of compromise by the Holy Spirit living in us.

Corinth was a very worldly city, prospering at the juncture of major trade routes.  Paul needed to confront their “worldliness”!  Thiers was a divided culture rife with spiritual differences; therefore, the Corinthians didn’t see the need for unity or even the benefit of unity.  They struggled with breaking from worldly ideology (Prosperity, wickedness, temple prostitutes, pagan culture, etc.)   Thus they were unwilling to separate from their cultural ideology(s).  They are asking “if we’re free in Christ, how free are we?”  Just like immature, self-centered and selfish Christians of today, they are always concerned with how much freedom they have.  Paul says “You’re asking the wrong question.”  If you are worried about your freedom, you are on the road to disaster!  Peter said “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16

We serve a jealous God.  They made him jealous with their foreign gods and angered him with their detestable idols.” Deut.32:16;  and if we create and worship idols, “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,” Exod.20:5 (just two of many examples of God’s jealousy!)  Many Christians are counting on God’s grace, BUT grace is never received by the proud.  Grace requires humility.  God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6b

James provides us with the remedy to this challenge we all face.  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:7-10  To humble oneself, practice self-reflection, acknowledge your limitations, and cultivate empathy towards others.

Points to Ponder

I was taught to “get along” in this world by not discussing religion or politics. 
Later I realized, “What else is important?”

What’s the most lovable thing you can do for your unsaved neighbor?

Do Christians need to be ready to separate themselves from culture and worldliness?
Might we need to “go against the grain” sometimes?

To humble oneself –
practice self-reflection, acknowledge your limitations, cultivate empathy towards others.

  Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord  And he will lift you up;. 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          July 15, 2025   (Musing 1 of 2)         
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings

Note – Inspired by Jason Buss’ message “Against the Grain” - Imanuel Baptist on July 20, 2025

Monday, July 21, 2025

Musing – What did Jesus send out His Disciples to do?

 Hebraic Musing – What did Jesus send out His Disciples to do?

If we are one of Jesus’ disciples, then what has He told us to do in Luke 9:1-6?  “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,” (And what were they to do with that power and authority?)  “he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”  (How were they to prepare?)  Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.  Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.  If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.”  (And what did His disciples do?)  “…they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.” NIV   The disciples obeyed Jesus and enjoyed a very effective ministry!

Later, at the Last Supper Jesus reminded His disciples of that experience by asking “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’  they answered.  (Then Jesus challenged His disciples.)  “He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.  It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”  Luke 22:35-38 (NIV)  Apparently, we are expected to become a discipler like Jesus (who gave his life for being a discipler)!

Acts 1:8 describes another similar encounter.  When Jesus came back but before His ascension to heaven, he spoke to His disciples.  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”   Has the power of the Holy Spirit also been given to each of us?  Was Jesus’ message to His twelve Apostles (Disciples) for them only, or was it also intended for us disciples as well in the 21st century?

We may find it difficult to “go out” and bear witness these days for fear of losing a friend, but we don’t have to be confrontative, we can just start a conversation.  The biggest limitation to witnessing is that we might be too focused on our worries!  A worrying person can not be an effective witness about Jesus Christ.  If we have faith, we need to let it shine and demonstrate it.  Would you rather see them in Heaven, instead of Hell?  Speak up!

To quote Johanna Hocker’s personal application:   “We are called to bear fruit. There are a variety of fruits and there are a variety of gifts.  In writing this, I have been convicted that in my contacts with people one to one, I have little fruit to show for it, but, I do get positive feedback on my writings, and from my friends. We can’t be too hard on ourselves because we don’t have a certain gift, use the gifts you have, and ask for Yehovah to bless your contact with others and you will be bearing fruit!

What’s the definition of a Disciple?  A - A person who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of another.

In Matthew, what were Jesus’ final words to His disciples?  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  Matt.28:19-20   Was Jesus also speaking to you and me?

Question: Was Jesus telling us to make believers?  Or did He tell us to “go and make Disciples?

Points to Ponder

Are you a Disciple of Jesus Christ?

How might Jesus’ instructions to His Disciples also apply to us?

Has the Holy Spirit also given us the power to heal and testify?

Q – What is the most important healing people need?   A – Salvation!

  Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born. 

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

Monday, July 14, 2025

Musing – Do the Appointed Feasts match Human Gestation?

 Hebraic Musing – Do the Appointed Feasts match Human Gestation?

It is amazing the way Human Gestation lines up with the Appointed Times specified in Leviticus 23!  And it gives us a beautiful glimpse into another aspect of our God's ingenuity and omniscience.

·      Egg appears on the 14th day of the first month, Passover.  These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD's Passover.” Lev. 23:4-5 NKJV   In the celebration of Passover, during the Seder meal, it is customary for Jews to use an egg on the Passover table symbolizing new life.

·      The egg must be fertilized within 24 hours.  Lev.23:6 “And on the fifteenth day (Next Day!) of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; ….”  

·      Within 2-6 days the egg will attach itself to the wall of the womb and begin to grow. First fruits is observed anywhere from 2-6 days after Passover. Leviticus 23:9-14.  And Exodus 28:19 “The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.”

·      Embryo has recognizable body parts at 50 days!  On Shavuot the embryo takes on form of a human. That’s Pentecost!  Leviticus 23:15-22 describes the Feast of Weeks in detail.  Here’s vs.16-17 “Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD.  You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD.

·      After 7 months, the 1st day, hearing is developed, and we celebrate Yom Teruah, day of shouting and the Feast of Trumpets.  Leviticus 23:23-24 “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.’”

·      On the 10th day of the 7th month, the blood hemoglobin changes from that of the mother to a self-sustaining baby; that’s Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement when blood of a sacrificed animal is taken into Holy of Holies.  Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering (Bloody) made by fire to the LORD.  And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God.” Leviticus 23:27-28   We all needed Atonement as soon as we were self-sustaining!?!?  

·      On the 15th day of the 7th month, lungs become fully developed, capable of self sustaining, making it possible for the baby to survive outside the womb.  The Feast of Tabernacles, a seven-day celebration of a truly joyous feast is described in Leviticus 23:33-43.  Here’s vs.41-43. “You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month.  You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”  (BTW – In October 2014, Irene and I celebrated the joyous 8-day Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, truly a joyous occasion!)

·      Birth would be on the 10th day of the 9th month.  And eight days later the son is circumcised.  BTW - Circumcision would happen to be on Hanukkah, exactly 9 months and 10 days after Passover.

Points to Ponder

Does this point to “Intelligent Design”?

Did Almighty God have to consult the medical professionals to figure this out?

Do we serve an Omniscient God?

What do you think? 

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Revelation. 22:13

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          July 15, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings
Note – Inspired by Zola Levitt, Johanna Hocker and numerous other sources.

On Jun 30, 2025, at 4:55 PM, Johanna Hocker <behockers@bevcomm.net> wrote:

It is amazing that Human Gestation lines up with the appointed times of Leviticus 23!

·      Egg appears 14th day of first month, Passover.  Lev. 23:5 “

·      Must be fertilized within 24 hours, Unleavened Bread.  Lev.23:6 “

·      Within 2-6 days the egg will attach itself to the wall of the womb and begins to grow. First fruits is observed anywhere from 2-6 days after Passover. Lev. 23:9-14 “

·      Embryo with recognizable body parts at 50 days! Shavuot, embryo takes on form of a human. That’s Pentecost!  Leviticus 23:15-22 describes the Feast of Weeks.

·      7 months, 1st day, hearing is developed, Yom Teruah, day of shouting and trumpets.  Lev. 23:23-25 “

·      10th day of 7th month, hemoglobin of the blood changes from that of the mother to a self sustaining baby, Yom Kippur, Day of atonement when blood taken into holy of Holies

·      15th day of 7th month, lungs become fully developed, capable of self sustaining, Sukkot, breath of Holy Spirit,

·      Birth on the 10th day of 9th month, 8 days later son is circumcised, on Hanukkah, 9 months and 10 days after Passover.

Gestation and Biblical Feasts―What's the Connection?

The relationship between the human gestation period and the Jewish Feasts of the Lord. Yes, there really is a connection, and it gives us a beautiful glimpse into another aspect of our God's ingenuity and omniscience.

Please know this is not your average “birds and the bees” talk, but rather a completely new perspective about “the making of a baby.” This topic addresses the relationship between the human gestation period and the Jewish Feasts of the Lord!

I’ll begin with the gestation calendar for pregnancy and will show how it parallels the Jewish feast calendar as part of an apparent and intentional plan.

  • The egg appears on the 14th day of the first month. While a woman's body prepares for ovulation during her menstrual cycle, the egg needed to help create the child appears. What also happens on the 14th day of the first month of the Jewish calendar is what we know as Passover (Numbers 28:16)! In the celebration of the Passover, during the Seder meal, it is customary for Jews to use an egg on the Passover table as a symbol for new life.

Boom! That right there (as we say in the south) was enough to hook me and get me excited to read further about the correlations between these times of celebration. (It also made me crave cheesy eggs with bacon because I'm 33 weeks pregnant and am in a serious love affair with breakfast food right now.)

  • The newly appeared egg MUST be fertilized within 24 hours, or it will pass on. This would fall on the 15th day of the first month and marks the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6)!

Both leavened and unleavened bread were typical in the ancient Near East. Unleavened bread would be made hastily when serving a meal to an unexpected guest due to the speed at which it was prepared. However, the most common use of unleavened bread would, of course, be used for the celebration itself. This feast commemorates the Jewish people fleeing from Egypt. The Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies anxiety and readiness for an awaited new journey and new life promised to us by God.

  • Within two to six days, the fertilized egg travels down the tube toward the uterus before it becomes implanted. This reflects the Festival of First Fruits, the spring planting festival which also does not fall on a specific date but occurs and is observed two to six days after Passover!    Exodus 28:19 ““The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.”
  • At 50 days, our little one is developing slowly. Now, we can recognize the new life of having hands, feet, eyes, and legs―fully embracing its beautiful and recognizable form―a  “complete” anatomy, if you will. Most secular doctors would say that this is when the child can be first recognized as “ taking on human form.” This time period marks Pentecost, 50 days after Passover, the day that the Israelites confirmed their covenant as the people of God. It marks the day God gave His Law (Torah) to His people on Mount Sinai. The Jewish people recognizing God’s law was the recognition of the beginning of them as His chosen people.
  • Next is what I would consider to be the COOLEST time during a pregnancy. The baby's hearing fully develops at the beginning of the seventh month. It can recognize and become familiar with her parents’ voices and other distinguished sounds (maybe a trumpet, for instance (; ). The Feast of Trumpets occurs at this time!   Numbers 29:1 ‘And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. For you it is a day of blowing the trumpets.”
  • In the second week of the seventh month of the baby's development, oxygen is carried throughout the body by the iron-containing protein, “hemoglobin, " found in red blood cells. The baby’s hemoglobin begins changing to become more like that of adult hemoglobin. This change better adapts the baby to live in the outside world, breathing air rather than living in the womb. This time period correlates to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During this time, each believer would present a sacrifice with blood that was acceptable and mature to atone for their sins.
  • On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the lungs fully develop, making it possible for the baby to survive outside the womb. This incredible development corresponds to the date of the Feasts of Tabernacles. This time celebrates a joyous feast remembering the days that God lived with the Jews in the wilderness. During this time, God’s people lived in temporary booths and worshiped in a portable tabernacle. (Just as the womb is a temporary accommodation for the child) The “Tabernacle” is the House of the Spirit. “Spirit” and “breath” come from the same word, whether in Old Testament Hebrew (ruach) or New Testament Greek (pneuma).
  • The average gestation period is 280 days. From Passover to Hanukkah is 280 days; this festival symbolizes victory and a new birth of Israel.   Author Bio:  Alyssa Glander  October 13th, 2023

Monday, July 7, 2025

Musing – What are the Psalms (Songs) of Ascent?

 

Hebraic Musing – What are the Psalms (Songs) of Ascent?

The Psalms of Ascent, also known as the Songs of Ascent, are a group of 15 Psalms in the Bible, numbers 120-134.  They were traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for the great pilgrimage feasts.  These psalms are a collection of poetic prayers and hymns that express a variety of emotions, from gratitude and praise to lament and supplication. 

On my second visit to Israel, we toured the country and finally headed to Jerusalem.  As the bus climbed the uphill road, we read (sang) these “Psalms of Ascent” on the speaker in the bus.  An unforgettable experience!

What are the Psalms of Ascent?  A distinct group within the Book of Psalms, identified by the phrase "Song of Ascent" (“Shir Hama'a loth” in Hebrew) at the beginning of each psalm.  They were sung by Pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for major religious festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.  The term "Ascents" refers to the physical journey uphill to Jerusalem, as well as the spiritual ascent toward God. 

These Psalms of Ascent explore themes of hope, trust, reliance on God, and the beauty of unity.  Enjoy!

Psalm 120:  A psalm of lament, expressing the need for deliverance from hardship. 

Psalm 121:  A psalm of confidence, focusing on God's protection and guidance 

Psalm 122:  A psalm of joy, expressing the desire to go to the house of the Lord. 

Psalm 123:  A psalm of supplication, pleading for God's mercy. 

Psalm 124:  A psalm of deliverance, thanking God for protection from enemies. 

Psalm 125:  A psalm of hope, emphasizing God's protection of those who trust Him. 

Psalm 126:  A psalm of joy, expressing the hope of restoration. 

Psalm 127:  A psalm of dependence, recognizing God's provision and blessings. 

Psalm 128:  A psalm of blessing, praising God for His faithfulness. 

Psalm 129:  A psalm of deliverance, remembering the Lord's protection. 

Psalm 130:  A psalm of penitence, seeking God's forgiveness and mercy. 

Psalm 131:  A psalm of quietness, trusting in God's care and guidance. 

Psalm 132:  A psalm of promise, acknowledging God's faithfulness to His people. 

Psalm 133:  A psalm of unity, praising God for His blessings of harmony. 

Psalm 134:  A psalm of praise, encouraging believers to bless the Lord. 

What did reading or singing these Psalms of Ascent accomplish?

·      These Psalms/Songs were especially significant because they were a vital part of the Pilgrimage Experience, offering comfort, encouragement, and spiritual guidance.

·      They remind us that our lives are also a Spiritual Journey of faith, and that God's presence is with us throughout our journey.

·      They also offer us a reminder message of Hope, Trust, and Reliance on God, even in difficult times.

Points to Ponder

What might we accomplish by reading these Psalms?

Might we want to highlight the key words in each Psalm in our Bible?

Why will I never forget the experience of ascending to Jerusalem?

I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? 
      My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth
.”  Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           July 8, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings