ISSUE: #3

MEM

Message

Keeping our eyes on the Cloud

I read a commentary about how we have in the past 150 years been trained to ignore the guidance of God. How simple it must have been for those who watched the Cloud over the tabernacle in the wilderness to know when to move and when to stay. (Exodus 40: 36-37)

I contend it was not so simple. These Israelites were being trained, they were being made ready, and they were sensitive to the direction of YHVH. Being prepared was essential. They did not choose to go their own way, they did not leave before or stay after the Cloud, and they were orderly. This was a giant training period for their taking the promised land. Despite all the shortcomings of this people they had prepared themselves to follow the leading of the Cloud and their leaders, of trusting YHVH, and when they entered the promised land they were successful. ‘Not by power, not by might, but by my Spirit,’ says YHVH of host. (Zechariah 4:6)

The question is not, Does God still divinely guide us? The question is are we prepared to see His guidance and ready to follow it? Learn Who was in that Cloud, learn why all those instructions were given, what purpose they served. Be prepared, learn to trust in and keep your eyes on the Cloud by day and the Fire by night, Jesus (Yeshua).

Proverb

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Quiz

When one is justified, he has what with God? (Romans 5:1)

What were the dimensions of the ark of the covenant? (Exodus 25:10)

Which of Jacob’s wives was the mother of Ruben? (Genesis 29:32)

Who said to Balaam, "I said I would reward you handsomely, But the LORD has kept you from being rewarded"? (Numbers 24:10-11)

Readers Comments

A reader wrote wanting to know why we use YHVH?

In some places it can be YHWH, these are the English letters for the Hebrew letters (Yod, Heh, Vav, Heh) which is the name of God. In the Hebrew text there are no vowels, hence the reader supplies them. The most common accepted pronunciation is Yahweh or Yahveh. When the Hebrew scriptures were translated into English they substituted the name LORD for the YHVH. We will continue to use YHVH or Yahweh in place of the LORD in Old Testament references, as the personal God of Israel.

Click here for more information on the Names of God

Hebraic Lesson

The Biblical month is based upon the lunar (moon) month. The lunar month is approximately 30 days long and begins with the first sighting of a new moon. Twelve months of 30 days comes to 360 days, which is short of the solar year by some five days. Some Biblical years have 13 months to correct this issue. How is it determined when the year will have 13 months and when is the first month?

The Biblical year begins with the first new moon after the barley in Israel reaches the stage in its ripeness called Abib.

It is important to have the barley ready for harvest in the first month because the Passover is celebrated on the 14^th of the first month. Mature barley is offered as a wave sheaf offering of first fruits (Leviticus 23:5-6;10-11) on the day after the first weekly Sabbath, after Passover, during the seven days of unleavened bread. (Exodus 23:15; 34:18)

Saying

I don’t know what your destiny will be, but this I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve. (Albert Schweitzer)

Wherever people are is a good place to serve. (Editor)

Did You Know?

Masada, a mountaintop fortress in the Judean desert, was renovated by Herod the Great between 37 and 31 bc. In ad 66 a Jewish sect known as the Zealots seized the fortress. Roman soldiers were sent to remove the Zealot rebels.

After a long siege by 15,000 Roman soldiers who were on the verge of taking Masada from 1000 Jewish defenders. To avoid capture almost all of the Zealots killed themselves. The use of the word "zealot", to refer to an extremist, comes from the doomed defenders of Masada.

Humor

If you get bored try throwing a ripe tomato into a fan.

Or remove the top of a half-full blender under high speed.

Newspaper ads:

Three year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.

Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Illiterate? Write today for free help.

Quiz Answers

1. Peace
2. 2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, 1.5 cubits high (cubit approx. 18 inches)
3. Leah
4. Balak

Children's Story

Part 1

Watch the Cloud (Numbers 9:15-23)

Father Jeremiah had been up late walking through the camp by the light of the fire from over the tabernacle, he was musing on the day’s events before going to bed. Just as the first rays of morning light were beginning to fill the camp there was a lot of commotion. Jeremiah (exalted of God) was the first to the tent door, peering out he could see the cloud lifting off the tabernacle.

"Hurry," as he awakened his family, "we must get ready to move out today." Benjamin (who’s name meant son of my right hand), was twelve years old, and old enough to handle the sheep. "Go to the Valley of the Eagles, when you reach the sheepfold call out our sheep. Lead them by the way of narrow path to the top of the Oak Ridge. Wait there until our tribe passes then join us as we follow the cloud to our next destination."

"Sarah you are to take the shovel and chamber pot to the desolate field and bury the contents. Then go down to were the water flows from the camp and wash the vessel. Hurry back and gather up the water pots, go to the stream that flows from the Rock and fill them. After that you can help me load and secure everything for our journey." Sarah (princess) 14 and a half was quite capable of handling these chores.

Elisabeth (oath of God), who had just turned six, was sent with her mother Tama, to gather the manna for the day. "You will have to work fast before the sun gets too hot and the manna melts away. The rest of us will not be able to help today, as we need to get ready to depart."

Joseph (he adds), was 17, the oldest. He was to share in more of the manly duties. "Go to the herd in the open field by the dense Forrest. Round up the two oxen and our donkey. On the way back, stop by the tribe of Ruben, go to the tent of your Uncle Josiah. Give him this leather belt we have made him and pick up the yoke he has repaired. Be sure to inquire of the welfare of your Aunt Rebecca, your mother’s sister. If they need assistance offer to help speed them on their way, as their tribe must leave before us. Yoke the oxen together and hustle back for it will be mid day by the time you return. We must be ready to leave whenever the cloud moves."

The Cartwright had just returned the wheel for their cart the day before. Jeremiah had to put it on before loading that morning. Then the tent had to taken down and all the articles packed. "We should be ready when the sun is high in the heavens," said father Jeremiah.

"Gather round as we praise YHVH. ‘Oh great God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, blessed be your name. You have chosen us out of all the peoples and made us your own, not because of our might or wisdom but for the glory of your name, and your promises to our forefathers. Great and mighty works you have done for us. Now as your people set out this day bless our efforts as we follow your leading. Blessed be your name.’"