People love to blame the puppet masters of this world for how they think, behave, and even respond. But is there another option in life? I believe the King of the Universe wants to cut the strings of the puppets so they can assemble for their kingly and royal priesthood purpose! Are you ready to accept His calling to assemble?
King Solomon assembled the “House of Yah” with the best intentions and in splendid outcome. The best was given. The best were employed. The best was erected. But did it stay this way? We are told that Solomon “loved foreign women that served other gods.” Hence, Solomon allowed himself to be controlled by a puppet master. In doing so, his heart stopped giving total devotion to the Living God, the One who frees us from bondage. (I Kings 11:1-7, & Ex. 20)
Naturally, we should then ask, “If this happened to Solomon, could it happen to us as we are called to “assemble?”
VaYachel means “And He Assembled.” In the first verse of Exodus 35, Moses assembles all the Sons of Israel to remind them of keeping the Sabbath holy and to bring a contribution to the Sanctuary with a willing heart.
21 “And everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service. . .”
What can we learn from this? From my perspective, I am seeing a picture of how to stay assembled before the Lord. Like Solomon, we can have great intentions, but due to sin in our lives, we can become easily distracted with other lovers. Though if I turn my eyes towards Yahweh, allowing my heart to be stirred, I will contribute to the assembly.
In Revelation 11, we see the world being confronted by two witnesses. They are described as two olive trees and two lampstands. What does this mean?
The Hebraic meaning for olive tree is “zayit” meaning peace and prosperity while linking this understanding to an anointing of kings and priests, specifically to the Messiah or Anointed One.
In Zechariah 4, two witnesses can refer to both king and priest. In Matthew chapter one and Luke one, the genealogy of Yeshua is outlined as both a priesthood and kingly authority. And in Revelation, God’s people are referred to as a kingdom and a priesthood. (Rev. 5:9-10, 20:6)
When it comes to the Biblical reference of a lampstand, we see a Menorah in the wilderness Tabernacle emphasizing the spiritual illumination of YHWH within a community of believers. Likewise, in the Book of Revelation, we also read about seven lampstands which shine within seven churches.
What then is the purpose of these two witnesses? We can clearly read within the text, that they will stop rain from coming down, they will give judgment, and they will prophesy for a certain number of days. But according to the symbolism of olive tree and lampstand, we might wonder if there is another type of work going on behind their actions. Does their picture draw us towards a spiritual revelation to assemble as a righteous kingdom and priesthood?
Whether you read from the Torah, prophets, or the New Testament we are called to assemble before YHWH. The promise of the assembly is to enter into a Kingly and Priestly relationship with the Creator. What a magnificent opportunity for us. What a gift! Is it any wonder YHWH wants us to come before Him with a willing heart.
I don’t know about you, but I would rather serve a master who allows me to walk without strings. I prefer to worship a God who gives me a choice. Who would want a mandatory marriage? Therefore, I want to encourage you to keep your eyes, your mind, and your heart on the love of the Messiah. Do not be distracted with the “foreign wives” and “puppet masters” of this world. Assemble with purposeful action and seek His Ways daily. Come and be assembled before Him and the “things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace.”
Be Blessed,
Rollyn