ISSUE: #2

MEM

Message

The Fear of YHVH

Often we find the words, "Fear of the LORD" (YHVH) in the Bible. Many will comment that this means respect or reverence. I would like to suggest it also means a healthy fear.

When the children of Israel stood at the foot of Mount Sinai and Yahweh came down to the Mount it was a fearsome sight. The people were so afraid they only wanted Moses to speak to them for fear they would die.

Then Moses uttered a very profound statement in Exodus 20:20 (NAS). Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." (Emphasis added)

When we learn to trust the loving Eternal One and obey Him we do not need to be afraid. Keep in mind the consequences if one walks contrary to His instruction. (Romans 6:23)

A healthy fear is to realize how good we have it abiding in His love so that we do not want to do anything to lose that association.

Proverb

The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; ... Proverbs 1:3(NJB)

Bible Quiz

A - What is living and active?

B - Yahweh told Elijah (how many people) ____ had not bowed down to Baal?

C - Who was the wife of Boaz?

D - Who said, "Yahweh gave and Yahweh has taken away; may the name of Yahweh be praised"?

(See bottom for answers)

Messianic Gathering

On February 22, 2003 the first West Michigan Gathering of several small Messianic groups took place. Of over 100 participants (over half were children) there were in excess of ten communities represented! Praise YHWH!

The goal of the gatherings is to meet every couple of months to praise YHWH and to minister to each other. At the first Gathering we joined together in worshipping Him through song, Hebraic dance, prayer, and a time of food and fellowship.

Some highlights included two praise and worship teams. This was a great blessing to witness the musicians and the dancers working together in one accord, just as the Tabernacle of David of old and the Tabernacle of David in the future. During fellowship time, lessons were provided for those interested in some basics of Hebraic Dance.

Our goal is to work with YHWH in fulfillment of Psalm 133:1, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together in unity. The Gatherings are open to all who desire to bless the Father and His children.

Hebraic Lesson

A Biblical symbol of some significance is the Shofar, Hebrew for ‘ram’s horn’. It is mentioned several times in scripture. The first use of Shofar is in Exodus 19:14-20, used by God Himself. It was used in Israel to turn the people from their everyday thoughts to the Creator, to prayer, to worship, to war or to announce the coming of the King. In scripture it was God’s way of directing the activities of His people. The sound or tune would indicate the purpose of the sounding. These were given by the instruction of Yahweh. In Joel 2:15 we read, "Blow the Trumpet in Zion", trumpet here is the Shofar. Will you hear the sound of the trumpet when Yeshua returns?

There are a couple of different lengths the Shofar comes in, the short semi-circle of the actual ram’s horn and the long twisted horn of the African antelope. (called the Yemenite Shofar)

Book Spotlight

Understanding the Jewish roots of our faith, is a golden key that unlocks the treasures of Holy Scripture and enriches our Christian lives.

Living Emblems – Ancient Symbols of Faith, is a book written by John D. Garr, Ph.D. Golden Key Books, Living Emblems Series. Restoration Foundation P.O. Box 421218 Atlanta, Georgia 30342, U.S.A.

This book reviews many of the biblical emblems that represent Judaism and the Jewish people. Some of this can have application to our lives today. Use this book to increase your understanding about Judaism, not as a, ‘thus says the LORD’ statement.

Some call this type of study, looking into our Hebraic roots.

Remember Yeshua (Jesus) was of the tribe of Judah, and is therefore a Jew after the flesh.

Many Jews are now accepting Yeshua as their savior. They are called Messianic, as they have realized Messiah has two appearances, one past, one future.

Saying

"Eat fish and spit out the bones."

We encourage all the children of God to trust in Yeshua (Jesus) and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in all righteousness. This requires fervent prayer, scripture study, and meditation. The body of Messiah is made up of many members with different gifts coming from various backgrounds. Therefore we need one another. When we listen to what others say, we must exercise great caution and be able to "Eat fish and spit out the bones".

Humor

Only in America can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.

Quiz Answers

A – The word of God (Hebrews 4:12)

B – 7,000 (I Kings 18:18)

C – Ruth (Ruth 4:13)

D – Job (Job 1:21)