Ten Commandments - Visiting Neveh Shalom

A while back I mentioned that my husband and I took sort of a spontaneous vacation and showed you a few pictures from the Seattle portion of our trip. After spending a few days in Washington we drove down the coast to end up at my sister's near Portland, Oregon.

Something I do before we travel is to search for faith related things in the area we will be in and that's how I came across Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland. One photo of their massive ten commandments online and I knew this was a place I wanted to see! 

Yes, this was truly massive! The pine tress in front of it are full size for reference. The trees that appear taller on the right are actually on a large hill. Seeing this was really meaningful for me and I can't help but wish for the day when seeing things that declare YHWH's truth isn't such a rarity.

Neveh Shalom has a really nice setup. They sit a ways back from the road to begin with, and you can see the ten commandments when you pull in. But then drive up the hill on the right side and they have a beautiful courtyard area before their main entrance.

So many beautiful details!

It was great to see, "have these words be on  your gates," right in front of my eyes!

Symbols for the twelve tribes inside above the staircase.

I really enjoyed seeing this beautiful congregation in person and would recommend a detour if you are ever in the Portland area. How cute would a family picture be in front of the ten commandments wall?

Keeping the Torah Printable

Who has heard this verse before, "It makes no difference if a man is circumcised or not"? Usually the speaker goes on to explain that it doesn't matter at all if we follow YHWH's instructions. We are 'free' to do whatever we want, without any consequence is the line. But the very next sentence of the same verse says, "Keeping the Torah of YHWH is everything."

Sure, granted that translation is from the Restoration Scriptures and not something more mainstream. But even the NLT reads, "The important thing is to keep God's commandments." Keeping his instructions is important.

To understand the seeming contradiction in this text (circumcision is something YHWH commanded) we can read the verse this way, "It doesn't matter if you're circumcised or not - you still need to be obedient to YHWH." Many of us have treated our heritage as an exemption from keeping YHWH's commandments, thinking the instructions of Scripture are only for a different people group. And there was contention over this in ancient Israel as well. The use of the words 'circumcised' and 'uncircumcised' alludes to the two houses of Israel - Judah being the circumcised and Ephraim being uncircumcised. There was much confusion over how these distinct groups should behave and Paul is clarifying that here.

He is saying:
Even if you're circumcised and following the Torah, you need the Messiah.

Even if you have the Messiah, you need to follow the Torah.

The message here is that it's not enough to be circumcised out of family tradition or to celebrate Passover and then not wholeheartedly follow YHWH. We should honor the commandments because we love YHWH and want to serve Yahusha. We aren't to treat Torah observance like a free pass to get to Heaven. The point is love the Messiah and live in the way he instructed.

I made this printable because I want to be reminded of how important my obedience is to YHWH. While he knows my heart, he doesn't just ask of me that I love him or mean well. He wants each of us to truly follow him and walk in his ways. I hope this will remind you of that truth as well.

Click here to download. This printable is free for your personal use.

What Were the Sins of Jeroboam in the Bible? (After Israel Was Divided)

Reading through Kings so many of their lives contain what appears to be a footnote and it goes like this, "But nevertheless he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin." This summation is at the end of almost every King of Israel's story. "He did some good stuff, but he walked like Jeroboam." No matter how many things they did for YHWH, military victories, and accomplishments of their reign, if they lived like Jeroboam that's the defining theme of their lives in Scripture.

If you aren't familiar with him, Jeroboam was the first king of the Northern House of Israel, which first gets mentioned in 1 Kings 11 after the ten tribes of Israel split away from the tribe of Judah. While Israel refers collectively to all twelve tribes from Genesis up through the reigns of Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, after the split under Solomon's son Rehoboam, the term 'Israel' refers to the ten northern tribes.

What did Jeroboam do that made his name one of the biggest insults in Scripture? Generation after generation YHWH traced the blame for Israel's sins to this man. You might be surprised by how innocuous his offensives seem in our culture.

Jeroboam:
-made two golden calves
-set up temples in high places
-decided himself who could be a priest
-moved the feast dates

I certainly don't want to downplay how he transgressed against YHWH, but those things seem fairly low-key don't they? He is not described as a murderer or war hungry. He did not make it illegal to worship YHWH in his kingdom. In fact, 1 Kings 12:28 tells us that he was trying to make worship of YHWH more convenient for his people as, "it is too much for you to go to Jerusalem."

(You can read about Jeroboam in 1 Kings 11:26 - 12)

So Jeroboam: did the same thing as Aaron by creating golden calves; set up a house of worship according to what he felt like doing; used his own standards for who would work in this ministry; moved the date of a Biblical festival. Do these things sound eerily familiar? A leader has decided that the things YHWH has asked are too difficult for the people, so he announces his alternative ideas, as if they were commandments. That can be seen in every pastor that teaches YHWH's instructions are too hard and every rabbi that says a chicken is an appropriate Yom Kippur sacrificial substitute. They are going to do what they see is best, while ignoring the word of YHWH.

It's interesting that 1 Kings 12:32 describes Jeroboam's feast "like the feast that is in Judah." He did not create a new feast to worship a false god or himself. He simply decided to move the feasts of the seventh month (Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot) to the eighth month of the year. This seemingly unimportant adjustment is hugely offensive to YHWH. Rescheduling something that YHWH instructed caused Israel to sin for generations. In light of that, it is extremely important for Christians to evaluate the holidays that they keep. In many ways how Easter is celebrated in churches is very similar to Passover. It's like the feast that happens in Scripture, but traditions are valued more than the word of YHWH. Christmas is somewhat like the festival of Sukkot, except it's not YHWH's idea. Do we want to have something in common with a man who caused all of Israel to walk in sin?

In the first golden calf story in Exodus 32 Israel did not mean to turn away from YHWH. They simply decided for themselves rather than following YHWH's instructions how they would worship. In verse five it says that all the golden calf business was meant to be "a festival to YHWH." Like Jeroboam, their plan wasn't to jump ship entirely and worship a false god. They just wanted to decide how they would serve the Living God. But YHWH has not left that up to us.

Jeroboam did not stop at offending YHWH with his disobedience. He made the culture of Israel one where it was easy to sin. He created a lifestyle of defying what YHWH said, while having it be close enough that people could think they were on the right track. Probably all of us were born into circumstances like that, where the decisions of those before us caused us to sin. A culture of celebrating Easter instead of Passover. Of worship on Sunday instead of Shabbat. Church potlucks serving ham. We were made to sin by those who came before us. We were born into traditions we never realized we should question. Like Israel's kings who had their walk after Jeroboam, YHWH wants us to turn away from that.

The story of Jehu is striking. Israel's 11th king lead a military coup against a corrupt ruler, put to death the infamously wicked Jezebel, killed all the relatives of perhaps Israel's most evil king Ahab, staged a coercive operation to destroy the temple of Baal and it's worshippers, and tore down graven images of Baal. YHWH was pleased with his actions and even said that Jehu "did well in executing that which is righteous in my eyes." But then, just one sentence later, in 2 Kings 10:31, it says, "But Jehu took no heed to have his walk in the Torah of YHWH Elohim of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, who made Israel to sin."

That sentence speaks a strong truth of YHWH that we often forget: he's not that interested in our resumes. Tales of grandeur are not what he's after. You can fight amazing battles, and accomplish the bravest of feats, and still hear, "Nevertheless, he didn't turn away from simple sins. He walked like a man who wasn't even willing to attend a party when I wanted." That sentence of not departing from Jeroboam's ways is used something like 17 times in Kings because YHWH wants us to see that no matter what he wants us to live according to his instructions. This is the point Samuel made to King Saul when he said, "Obedience is better than sacrifice." To depart from the sin of Jeroboam's walk we need to follow YHWH's paths.

Related posts:
The Two Houses: Israel and Judah in Scripture
Understanding the Other 88% of the Bible
Understanding the Golden Calf

Sukkah Inspiration

This year pushed Sukkos style to the next level! So many gorgeous sukkahs showed up in my inbox this year and I wanted to share a few. Thanks to everyone that sent their photos to me, it's an absolute joy to see YHWH's festivals being celebrated worldwide. I would be thrilled to celebrate Sukkot in any of these!

From @coralmesahomeschool

From @taliacarbis of The Climbing Tree

From @taliacarbis of The Climbing Tree

From @shiveringstarsfarm

From @elysamary

From @chalkontheboard

From @shasse714

From @shasse714

From @meycarbo

#sukkahgoals for sure!

For more inspiration check out last year's favorite sukkahs or my sukkah.

Things the Messiah Said During Sukkot

Did you know the Messiah had a lot to say during the Biblical holiday of Sukkot or Tabernacles? I believe this holiday is significant to the Messiah because at this time we remember that he dwelled with us and will once again come to live amongst us. 

If we study Scripture we can see that the Messiah did keep the feasts, including Sukkot. He would have spent time in a temporary dwelling, he went to the Temple to celebrate with others, and he taught there. We have this special glimpse into his life, because everything he did was within the context of obedience to Scripture. There is added depth to the words of the Messiah when we realize where and when those statements were made. Think of what Sukkot looks like; the temporary dwellings, the four species, and imagine Yahusha in the midst of that speaking these words.

Things the Messiah Said During Sukkot:

"If anyone thirsts, let them come to me and drink." -John 7:37
This is a beautiful verse with added meaning: if you wanted to come to the Messiah then and there you would have to come to the feast of Sukkot. And by coming to Sukkot he would refresh and revive you.

"Go up to the festival." -John 7:8
Here is an example of Yahusha verbally encouraging people to keep the feasts of YHWH. When he told his brothers to go up to keep Sukkot, it was not an abstract or simple idea. First of all, it's over 60 miles from the Galilee area to Jerusalem. And Sukkot is also an eight day festival. In essence he was telling them to take their time, money, and resources to honor YHWH. He didn't throw in, "if you want to," or "if it's convenient." The savior told them to celebrate Tabernacles.

"He that believes in me as the Scriptures have said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." -John 7:38
When Yahusha said this the only Scripture that existed is what we now call the Old Testament. He wants us to see that these writings - Genesis, Malachi, Chronicles, everything - are about him. They talk about him, they prophesy of him, they point to him. That includes the feasts. Why would we forgo a commandment of YHWH that points to the Messiah?

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." - John 7:24
Usually only the first three words of this verse are quoted. The Messiah expects his followers to use discernment when evaluating circumstances and relationships. He expects us to look at an action and be able to tell if it is something that lines up with Scripture or not. As with traffic laws, it is not my responsibility to toll out penalties for violating the rules. But still I can see that running a stop sign is a breach of the law. In the same way, if my friend is driving I won't give them a ticket for speeding but I can suggest they slow down. Yahusha expects us to use righteous discernment in our lives.

"Are you angry that I made a man entirely well on the Sabbath?" -John 7:23
The Messiah asked this question in response to accusations that he was demonically possessed. This is similar to popular responses to those who are seeking to live righteously by keeping YHWH's feasts and such. "You're crazy! You've been deceived into thinking observing the commandments is important." In John 5 he healed a man at another festival of YHWH (which was probably also Sukkot), on Shabbat. This was not a violation of the Torah, but an offensive to rules made up by men. Going against status quo is nearly always upsetting to others.

"The world hates me because I bear witness that its works are wicked." -John 7:7
If you're a Tabernacles celebrator you might feel a little bit out of place at this time of year. What do the neighbors think of the sukkah? Stores are decorated for Halloween. Your coworkers don't quite get the importance of this week for you. Choosing to keep the Biblical holidays points out to others that the typical holidays are not okay.

"My teaching is from the one who sent me." -John 7:16
Here he pointed out that he is teaching is consistent with what YHWH had already commanded throughout Scripture. This is significant because it tells us that Yahusha's instructions line up with YHWH. YHWH wants Sukkot honored, so does the Messiah.

Scripture points to the Messiah's birth being during Sukkot as well. Math can be done to figure out when John the Baptist's father served in the Temple, shortly afterwards Elizabeth was pregnant with John. We know that John was six months older than Yahusha, so the family likely had a Passover baby and a Sukkot baby that year. We also see that the Savior was literally born in a sukkah and that the wording of the angel's announcement to the shepherds was very Sukkot-centric.

Scripture also tell us that during Sukkot The Messiah:

-Went to the temple for Sukkot. -John 7:2

-Taught. -John 7:14

-Sent people to celebrate Sukkot. -John 7:8

-Went to the festival. -John 7:10

"The one who says he lives in him ought to walk as he did." -1 John 2:6

Stargazing Sukkot Party

This little get together is the perfect low-maintenance way to get together with friends to celebrate the feast of Sukkot. Grab some blankets and head outside to gaze upon the stars and to remember the promises of YHWH. That's all you need. Decorations, snacks, and pillows are all optional and can be whatever is doable or desirable to you.

So this banner is just paper letters and yarn. It's lightweight and easy to put up and you can make any verse or a chag sameach or happy Sukkot into a banner.

I used a trunk, some suitcases, and a crate for table space. You could go without or take a coffee table outside or use a picnic table.

These cupcake toppers though.

These are the best kosher marshmallows I have found! They are vegan and kosher, available at Trader Joe's.

He knows the stars by name. -Psalm 147:4

Four Species Lemonade.

So this is a globe...of the moon. Strangely fascinating.

Star charts can offer some education into what you're looking at. The Gospel in the Stars is a neat read to learn of constellations representing Biblical stories and prophecies.

This party idea would also work well for Yom Teruah, and I think something like this could be a good introduction for friends and families that don't celebrate YHWH's feasts.

Chocolate einkorn cupcakes. I don't really like frosting, so there isn't any.

Have a beautiful Sukkot!

Honoring Yom Kippur as a Believer in Messiah

What does it look like for a believer in Yahusha to honor Yom Kippur in the 21st century? This is not really a day we've seen much of. And what we have seen is mostly from those who do not serve the Messiah. Is it appropriate to swing a chicken over my head, hoping it will take the punishment for my sins? Since Yahusha has taken our guilt, shouldn't this day honor and reflect that? Shouldn't this day be filled with the hope that is found in the Messiah?

I'm sharing with you what Yom Kippur has been like for me in years past. Not so that you can copy it exactly, but so that you have a starting point for what your day can look like. It doesn't have to be solemn or miserable. There are many more possibilities: a congregational get together, corporate prayer, a family celebration, a trip to the lake, worship time, reflection, and children's crafts would all be great options to incorporate in your day. I know some of you choose to fast all day while others do not so I'm not going to get into that debate. If you're not fasting have a festive meal. If you are wait until sundown to enjoy special foods.

The evening before - We have a late dinner. If you're fasting I would recommend doing this as close to sundown as possible. There's no reason to start the fast hungry. Eat a filling meal and drink plenty of water but don't stuff yourself. There's no reason to have an uncomfortable set apart day either. Before a fast I like to eat lots of vegetables and some sort of starch like rice, lentils, or potatoes. Fiber helps you to feel fuller longer, while sugar makes you hungry and thirsty a bit sooner. Dinner is a nice, relaxed atmosphere of good food and conversation. Lighting candles makes it feel a bit more festive and special.

The evening of Yom Kippur - Once it is dark after dinner and Yom Kippur has officially begun (Vayikra 23:32 specifies that this set apart time is evening to evening), we have Bible study and usually end up focusing on a certain word or topic. Last year it was anah (the word translated as afflict in Vayikra 23:27), but there are a lot of good study subjects for Yom Kippur. Azazel, atonement, covering, and the Melchizedek priesthood of Yahusha would all be good to delve into.

In the morning - We like to sleep in. This is a day of rest after all. Once I am up and around I head outside for some personal prayer time. I can't think of a place in Scripture where fasting isn't partnered together with prayer so please don't miss this important part of Yom Kippur! There's a huge list of topics to cover from family and relationships to health and finances. I pray for better understanding of Scripture, persecuted believers, restoration of the lost tribes, and anything else that comes to mind.

Early afternoon - If we don't have a congregational gathering to attend we head to a park or lake in the afternoon. Getting out of the house helps make this day a bit more special, and being in a beautiful spot of creation is peaceful and inspirational. Also, if you're fasting it's easier to do that when you're not right next to your kitchen. We enjoy a short walk and then find a spot to read the book of Hebrews. This book is significant to read during this time because Yom Kippur is traditionally a time when the Levitical priesthood is emphasized. A correct understanding of Hebrews brings so much clarity to the priesthood of Messiah and his followers. More on that here.

We pray together and walk a bit more before leaving. Since sacrificial offerings used to be a large part of Yom Kippur, we talk about what our offering can be to YHWH for this day - finances to special projects, time donated, ways we can further his Kingdom with what he has given us.

Early evening - This could seem a little silly but once we are back at home I like to watch the Hanna Barbera Jonah video. Jonah is a book that traditionally is read during Yom Kippur and this is a fun take on that. If there's time left before dinner we might do more Scripture reading or just talk.

Dinner - We like to have a special meal with family and sometimes friends. We prepare something simple and delicious ahead of time, maybe soup and a sandwich spread. Others like to break the fast with 'break-fast', and serve up frittata, fresh fruit, and yogurt. A white table setting or white clothing can be used to symbolize being washed white as snow from our sins.

So that's what Yom Kippur has been like for me. I'm planning that this year will be the most joyous yet! How about you? What is Yom Kippur like at your house?

Related posts:
The Meaning of Yom Kippur (Day of Covering)
Yom Kippur Bible Verses
Prayer and Fasting on Yom Kippur