Keeping Integrity Under Trial

During the darkest of days, integrity should not be exchanged in favor of some short-term and ungodly relief, but be retained through fear of YAH. 

”And יהוה said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Iyoḇ, that there is none like him on the earth, a perfect and straight man, one who fears Elohim and turns aside from evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”“

‭‭Iyoḇ (Job)‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭TS2009‬‬

When reading Job chapter 2, it reveals to us the awareness YAH has on situations we are in and how we cleave to our integrity during critical moments. Without doubt, YAH will not forsake any man who honors Him in Truth (Psalm 119:142).

In James 5:11, it is written:

”See, we call those blessed who endure. You have heard of the endurance of Iyoḇ and saw the purpose of יהוה, that He is very sympathetic and compassionate.“

‭‭Ya‛aqoḇ (James)‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭TS2009‬‬

This verse gives us encouragement to persevere in the midst of trials and temptation.

”And his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse Elohim and die!” 

But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Indeed, should we accept only good from Elohim, and not accept evil?” In all this Iyoḇ did not sin with his lips.“

‭‭Iyoḇ (Job)‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭TS2009‬‬

Because of his faithfulness, YAH blessed Job with even more than he had before his faith had been tested.

The story of Job shows us - past and present - how to endure through suffering and still honor YAH.

As you go through your own valleys and climb your own mountains, maintain your worship life with YAH through prayer, praise, and reading His Holy Word. YAH will strengthen you and carry you through the most difficult times of your life. Know that He is the lifter of your head. HalleluYAH!

The Righteous are Bold as A Lion

The Righteous are Bold as a Lion.

Picture a lion – stalking unafraid through the savannah, majestic and courageous, strong and commanding. Other animals flee when she approaches and cower at her mighty roar, for they know she is fierce and powerful, sovereign among animals.

“The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1

In the book of Proverbs, this is the image we are given to represent the righteous. Often, it is the wicked who are thought of as strong and dominant while the righteous are considered “good,” kind, and merciful.

How so?

One way to show what makes us bold, courageous, and unafraid is proclaiming the gospel.

“And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20

So how are the righteous as bold as a lion?

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Messiah shall be magnified in my body, it be by life, or by death.” Philippians 1:20

Messiah יהושע is our example as how we ought to live and proclaim the Good News He brought.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with יהושע.” Acts 4:13

Apostle Paul said that one of the effects that the gospel has on the life of the righteous is fearlessness.

“Lead a life worthy of the gospel so that when I come, I may find that you stand firm, unafraid, of any of your opponents.” Philippians 1:27

Righteousness is walking in obedience to יהוה’s will. It is those who embrace His commands, who turn from fleshly desires and strive to live by Messiah יהושע’s true teachings and walk as He did.

-Shalom.

A Lesson in Reverence and Obedience

In the story of Uzzah, we read that the Ark of the Covenant was returned from the Philistines and it was eventually brought to the house of Abinadab, which was on a hill, and his eldest son, Eleazar, was set apart to care for the Ark (1 Sam 7.1). 

We learn later that Abinadab had two other sons named, Uzzah and Ahio (2 Sam 6.3). The Scriptures are silent about where Abinadab and Eleazar were, perhaps they had passed away, but it was up to his remaining two sons to bring the Ark to David. They drew the cart along with oxen, with Ahio leading the oxen (2 Sam 6.4). When they reached the threshing floor of Nachon, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark because the oxen nearly upset it (the road was rough) and he touched the Ark, killing him instantly (2 Sam 6.7).

The lesson is clear: If they had followed and “kept” the Torah (the tavnit; pattern; blueprint), this would have never happened. But they may have possibly followed what the Philistines did and Uzzah died. David finally realized what they did wrong and corrected it, following what YHWH said to do, by doing certain things at certain places at certain times by certain people.

In 1 Sam 15.22 it says, “And Samuel said, ‘Has Yahweh as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to heed than the fat of rams.'” 

Sadly, this is the problem today with people who think that they can keep the biblical festivals and to ignore what YHWH has said about them. Israel still refuses to listen to YHWH and keeps certain festivals, like Passover, while ignoring the fact that there is no Temple, holy vessels, or functioning priesthood. But Israel hasn’t followed Moses for over two thousand years.

The Book of Deuteronomy will refer to the Temple as the place that YHWH will select to establish His name. When the Torah refers to the Temple as the place where YHWH’s Name will be established, it is a telling statement of the Temple’s purpose: the Temple is a house for YHWH’s Name and symbolizes a public declaration of YHWH’s sovereignty.

That is why Isaiah writes in Isa 33.20, “Look upon Zion (Jerusalem), the city of our appointed feasts.” 

The festivals can only be kept in Jerusalem and the Temple.

Shalom.

[Excerpts from White Feather Ministries]