I’m sure many of you have heard or seen the following statement: “We only follow the Bible!”
It is probably the most commonly given proclamation by any church, fellowship, small home group, or individual. Why does this happen? What is the missing link, that causes believers in The Word to disagree on who has the appropriate truth? In this week’s double-portion study of Mattot/Massei, I believe we can start to find an answer.
As the Book of Numbers comes to a close, we read about the last days of Moses. His sister and brother have died. He gives up his position and blesses a new leader by the name of Joshua. And to drive the point home, YHVH speaks to Moses and tells him to prepare to go up to the mountain to die. With all of this, you might think that Moses would just stop and feel the grief. But no, during his last days of living, Moses proceeds to accomplish tasks that would last for many generations. He does his greatest work by setting up a nation.
At a ripe old age, Moses takes up the mantle of revenge on the Midianites and destroys them. He clarifies the offerings of sacrifice through the Feast Days to illuminate the works of the Messiah. He establishes the laws of inheritance for families and tribes. He divides up Canaan and defines the borders. He fosters agreements between Rueben, Gad, and Manasseh so they will protect the borders of the land. He lays down instructions on how to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan. He develops and outlines practices for cities of refuge and the priesthood. And he even writes out the historical timeline for Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Whatever happened to retirement?
When reading about these accomplishments, I am struck with an amazing fact. Moses wrote the words of YHVH’s instructions, defining them not as some sort of denomination or belief system set up by men, but as a system that displayed, clarity, justice, strength, and hope.
It’s interesting to note, that these building blocks for a nation did not apply to just one tribe. But they applied to the entire nation of Israel—which included the adopted sons of Israel, Manasseh, and Ephraim. “The Land” being given was for Yah’s people–those who cling to the promise and testimony of the Messiah and keep His Commands.
“Here is the patience of the saints, they that keep the commandments of YHWH, and the testimony of Yeshua.” Rev. 14:12
Another fascinating fact that has long been overlooked is the idea the words written by Moses are inherently Jewish; that somehow the commands written to a budding nation were for only a particular group of people. But as clearly seen in the study of Mattot/Massei there is no Jewish nation going into Canaan. Instead, the people entering the land are those who believe YHVH will fight their battles. They are a people who believe in faith, equal justice, taking care of family, building relations, cherishing commands from Yah, and worshipping the King of the Universe. They are a people taken out of bondage (sin) who hold onto the promise of The Messiah and the promise of resting in His land.
We don’t know all the reasons why YHVH chose this land. But it is a promised land, where the Messiah was sacrificed and where He will return. (Zechariah 14:8-21) It is a special piece of property for those who worship the King and who dare to follow His commands.
“Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of armies, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of armies, there will be no rain on them.” Zechariah 14:16
A nation dedicated to YHVH will be devoted to driving out anything that is not of Yahweh. If this is not done, we are told that the customs of Canaan will be like a “prick in our eyes. . . troubling us.” And, that YHVH will destroy us just as He destroys Canaan. (Numbers 33:55-56)
So here is the question. Do you belong to a nation or a denomination?
When we review denominations, we can see good and bad. As organized groups, they can achieve many positive things for the benefit of a society. But within their quest for goodness, they can at times add their own laws outside of Yah’s laws. And this is where we can have problems. Not that the laws are necessarily evil, but that the laws or customs put the eyes of the masses towards a “religion” and not on the nation established by Yahweh.
The nation of YHWH is bigger than any religion or denomination. Let’s turn our eyes toward His will, His commands, and His promises. Any religion that does not accept the testimony of Yeshua or keep Yah’s commands are not part of Yahweh’s Nation, therefore we should steer clear of their influence. Seek the inspiration of Yeshua the Messiah and we will find Truth, for He is the cornerstone on which a nation is built.
Be blessed,
Rollyn