Have you ever been made uncomfortable, to the point of making a serious change? Most people continue in life doing the same things they have always done, until something drastic comes along such as death, divorce, getting fired from your job, war, or a major illness or injury. It’s at these times, that change is made. Some choose for the worse and others choose for the better.
Right now, a world war seems to be knocking at our door. Biblical scholars are watching events and are discussing the possibility of Gog and Magog due to the cascading effects of nations threatening Israel.
We all know of the terrible events that unfolded in Israel on Oct.7. The horrific scenes and animal-like brutality inflicted upon the Jews by Hamas terrorists have been etched into our minds. Though on the same day did you know two 6.3 magnitude earthquakes struck within 30 minutes of each other near Herat, Afghanistan, a city located east of the Iranian border? There was also a 6.3-magnitude on October 11 and a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on October 15. Almost 1,400 people are reported to have been killed in the first two major earthquakes.
Only seven other earthquakes with a magnitude of six or larger have occurred within 250 km of this vicinity since 1920. Why now? Why on the same date? Why four? Why the territory of Iran? Is this a sign from Yah telling us to expect more from this picture of war?
Other events that are causing concern:
- On October 18 of this year, China and Russia made an alliance regarding the Middle East. Taiwan is being threatened. And of course, we have Ukraine.
- Unrest is unfolding around the world from people who are showing anger and rage towards Israel due to a lack of knowledge or from purposeful intent. Will this be the cause for nations to come against Israel?
- America’s leadership is the weakest it has ever been, which is inviting bad actors to move forward. Will they?
Is this making you uncomfortable? Hopefully so, in that, YHWH wants our attention. He desires for us to make a holy change in our hearts and minds. In the book of Revelation, there is a surprising verse given. It seems out of place in a book that is all about “bowls of wrath” and last-day judgments. It read like this;
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
Our study this week is about Abraham and is called Lech l’cha or “Get Yourself Out!” In this portion, we find Abraham getting out of a city filled with idolatry. We also find Abraham getting out or away from toxic relationships. Though even after Abraham separates himself from his nephew, he rescues him from invading kings, saving not only Lot but Lot’s family and all of his belongings.
“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, numbering 318, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. Then he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, defeated them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the other people.” Genesis 14:14-16
I have found it disheartening to hear people state how the war in the Middle East is a “tit for tat” conflict and that Israel has no right to defend their borders and their people and that they should stand down from their efforts to end the reign of Hamas חֲמַס (violence without law, Genesis 6:11-13)
But yet, in the study of Abraham, we see a man willing to get himself out and rescue his family.
Another example is found in the story of Joseph and his willingness to embrace those who sought his harm. Like Joseph, we have brothers who are scattered. Many of these brothers and sisters are in Jerusalem and yes, some are in other territories taken captive by kings who follow no moral code and fail to worship The Almighty.
Is now a time to step back and show no support to those who are taken? Do we choose not to rescue? Joseph the one who looked like an Egyptian and who received Jacob’s blessing, wept for his brothers. He tested his brothers. And finally, He reinstated his brothers.
It’s at the end of Abraham’s story and his “war on the kings” that we find the real reason for support. It’s the concept of bringing everyone’s attention to the priest of the “Most High.” The idea of only 318 men defeating thousands was miraculous, but was bestowed upon him in that his efforts to stand up for what was right; were a blessing. Abraham trusted YHWH. He believed the weight of the chore put upon him could be overcome through Yah’s strength.
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
And blessed be God Most High, who has handed over your enemies to you.”
Genesis 14:19-20
I’m thinking that we too, must trust Yahweh in times like these. It is He who gives and takes away. It is He who calls to Him whom He seeks to call. It is He who writes prophecies and fulfills them. Are we ready to allow YHWH to do what He does best?
As believers in Yeshua, we have the opportunity to make the nations jealous of Messiah so that hearts can be turned and ears can hear. Will this be done if we don’t trust Yah? Many of our Jewish friends have not accepted the Messiah, but I believe that Yah will once again do the work.
Isaiah 40:1-5:
“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.
“Speak kindly to Jerusalem;
And call out to her, that her warfare has ended,
That her guilt has been removed,
That she has received of the Lord’s hand
Double for all her sins.”
The voice of one calling out,
“Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness;
Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Let every valley be lifted,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the uneven ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;
then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 41: 8-11:
“But you, Israel, My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
Descendant of Abraham My friend,
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth
And called from its remotest parts,
And said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored;
Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.
In my opinion, the signs and times that are coming upon us are for the world to see the mighty hand of YHWH. It is to draw people to Him. Are you ready to be a part of serious change?
The quote of Yeshua “standing at the door to knock,” comes from the message to the Laodicean church—those who are neither cold nor hot. It is a body of people who are wealthy and need nothing, who have moved to a position of apathy. But due to their spiritually blind condition, YHWH tells them He will spit them out of His mouth unless they repent and become zealous.
I find it fascinating that John’s vision moves immediately from this warning to the last day of the church to the opening of the seven seals. May we repent and move to a state of zealousness rather than a casual response to what is currently happening. Yeshua Himself warns us:
“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28
May you be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn