Shalom All,   Welcome to this week’s Torah / Bible Portion study.  “See (רְאֵה Re’eh),” says Moses to the people of Israel, “I place before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of YHWH your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of YHWH your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” (Deuteronomy 11:26–28). 

Last week in study section called “Eikev”, Moses promised the Israelites that if they were obedient to the commands of the Torah (Yahweh’s righteous living instructions), they would prosper in the Promised Land.  This week, as the children of Israel stand poised to cross over into the Jordan, God sets before the people two separate and distinct directions:  a way of blessing if they choose to obey God’s commandments and a way of cursing if they choose to walk in disobedience to those laws.  These are universal and eternal commands, so apply today.  These two directions, the blessing and the curse, are to be proclaimed on two mountain tops in the Land:  Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.  “Now it shall be, when Yahweh your God has brought you into the land which you go to possess, that you shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal”  (Deuteronomy 11:29). 

Today, Nablus rests between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, the mountains on which the Israelites were commanded to pronounce the blessings and curses upon entering the Promised Land.  This is also the location of Biblical Shechem, the place where Abram built an altar to Yahweh (Genesis 12:6–8). 

After the giving of Gods instructions and His keeping of His covenant made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to bring their descendants into a promised land, almost the whole bible after is the record of how they kept or broke His commandments.  The punishments, inclusive of exile, scattering and death of those that disobeyed.  It was an extremely serious matter that led Daniel to fast and pray for forgiveness of his sins and that of the nation.  Do you really think God would excuse those of today breaking the same instructions?  It makes no sense if that is your belief.  Deu 11:32  And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day. 

Each one of us has been given this same choice to follow Him or not; in fact, the entire direction of our lives depends on which path we choose, the path of the blessing or of the curse.  Yahshua (thought to be Jesus by many) the Messiah also told us of two paths, the narrow path that leads to life and the broad path that leads to destruction. Sadly, it seems that few choose the narrow path.  Most walk that broad path of destruction.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  (Matthew 7:13–14).  “find” generally means one is looking for.  Yet here we read of those looking few find.  Why?  Because they get deceived into following traditions of men?  Human pride, love of sin, and opposition from spiritual forces of darkness keep many walking the broad path of destruction, preventing them from entering into a life of blessing through obedience to God.  As well, too many new Believers think that coming to faith in Yahshua and living a life of obedience to God are supposed to make all the problems and trials of life disappear.  Yahshua did not promise this.  In fact, He assured us that in this life we will have trouble.  He Himself was persecuted, as were His followers.  Despite that, we need not be discouraged.  We can be of good cheer, joyful in the Lord, for He has overcome the world. 

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33). 

Choosing to obey God’s commandments in times of trouble is not always easy, especially when the whole world seems to be going in a different direction.  Going against the current can take a great deal of exertion and determination,  whether for spawning salmon or for people desiring to live a righteous life.  It takes effort to swim against the current. 

Even simply making the choice to obey God can be excruciatingly painful.  Yahshua experienced this in the Garden of Gethsemane when facing the choice to submit to God even to the point of death on the tree.  

It was here, in the dark valley of decision that the battle was won, when Yeshua said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."  (Luke 22:42). 

This decision was so agonizing for Yahshua that He seemed to sweat drops of blood:  “Being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”  (Luke 22:44).  

We may not actually sweat drops of blood, but we may come to a crossroad in our lives where we must also decide whether to obey God’s will or to choose our own way — and the cost may seem beyond our ability to bear.  But God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us in every circumstance.  Choosing to obey God will lead to blessing; however, we may not receive our full reward until Heaven.  For that reason, we must always live with an eternal perspective, not allowing the trials of life to weaken our faith. 

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”  (James 1:12). 

Why does Yahshua, who is the Gate to salvation, tell us that the path of blessing is difficult? Because each day, we have to make hard choices between what our carnal nature desires and what is in alignment with the Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit).  To obey God requires that we crucify the desires of our flesh.

“I have been crucified with Messiah.  It is no longer I who live, but Messiah who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  (Galatians 2:20). 

The Steps on the Path of Blessing. 

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”  (Deuteronomy 14:2).  This study section emphasizes that the path of blessing includes not following false gods or false prophets.  All elements of pagan worship must be purged from our lifestyle so that we may be the holy people that God has called us to be.  The narrow way described in Re’eh includes God’s commandments regarding the consumption of clean and unclean animals:  “You shall not eat any detestable thing.” (Deuteronomy 14:3).   

Although many Christians consider these dietary commands abolished, Yahshua did not support this kind of thinking.  He made this astounding statement:  “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill….  Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.  But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5:17–19). 

Invest in Heaven.

The path of blessing also includes giving tithes to the Levites, who were dependent on the people for their livelihood (not riches as many pastors today): “You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you.”  (Deuteronomy 14:27) . 

As well, generosity toward the poor is also important.  God said we are to open our hand and our heart to give to the poor in our land: 

“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.”  (Deuteronomy 15:7–8).   

Prosperity and financial blessing are not simply the result of working hard.  Neither is it owed to us because we are Believers.  It is dependent upon exercising the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping (but as I said above, not as the prosperity pastors teach in giving to them.  God will bless us as we sow generous seeds in giving to the poor and to God’s faithful servants for their livelihood not luxuries. 

“You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.”  (Deuteronomy 15:10).

A wise businessman invests his money in things that will turn a profit and bring him a good return in this world. How much more so should we invest in the kingdom and the world to come.  In God’s earthly world there are humans for Him and those against.  Both groups have the poor.  We have discussed in meetings to which poor God would like us to give.  My view, is that the blessing He gives us is to be used for the promotion of Him and not those against Him or who would not come to Him through our generosity to them.  How are we to know? The discussion is too long for here; but the following on giving is in relation to God’s benefit.  The words He spoke was through Moses and His prophets and were for the congregation who had separated themselves or He had separated to Him. 

The Torah commands us to give generously to the poor. "You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:11).  Yahshua taught frequently about giving to the poor and encouraged His followers to do so lavishly. Believers should be distinguished as the most generous people on earth.

When we give to the poor, we should do so with a glad heart. The Torah says, "Your heart shall not be grieved when you give to [the poor man]," (Deuteronomy 15:10). That is why Paul says, "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).   Some rabbis taught, "The poor man does more for the giver than the giver does for the poor man." Why? Because, as Deuteronomy 15:10 says, if you give generously to the poor, "the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings" (Deuteronomy 15:10). The person who gives to the poor man seems to be doing the poor man a favour; but he is actually receiving the gift of God's blessing from the poor man.  A person who refuses to give to the poor of God forgets that he himself depends on the generosity of God. If we refuse to be generous when we see others in need, why should God help us when we are in need?  Yahshua refers to giving to the poor as storing up treasure in heaven. Money spent on charity should be regarded as an investment.  A wise investor does not hesitate to put his money into a venture that will guarantee a good return. 

In Jewish terminology, charity and righteousness are almost synonymous. The Hebrew word tzedakah (צדקה) literally means “righteousness,” but people use it idiomatically as a synonym for charity and alms.  When we give charity, we should do so without fanfare or accolades. Yahshua tells us that when we give, we are not to announce it with trumpets, which is to say, we are not to make a show out of it. He says our giving should be in secret. Reb Yannai once saw somebody giving a zuz to a poor man in the market place. He said, “It were better not to have given him anything rather than to have given him and shamed him.” According to a Jewish saying  “It is permitted to deceive a poor man who out of pride refuses to accept charity, and to allow him to think that it is a loan you are giving him.” Our giving should be in secret, but of course, it is better to give in whatever manner we can than not to give at all. 

Twinkling of an Eye.

When Israel left Egypt, they left in haste.  The Torah explains the ritual of eating unleavened bread at Passover as a result of the abrupt departure from Egypt. Their bread dough did not have time to rise before they baked it.  When the appointed time for redemption comes, the Almighty does not hold matters back for even “the twinkling (blinking) of an eye.”  It happens instantaneously.   Sincere repentance brings God’s redemption “as in the twinkling of an eye”.  How long does it take to repent?  It takes only the twinkling of an eye, the same amount of time it took for Israel to leave Egypt once the time appointed for redemption arrived. Just as Israel went from bondage to freedom in the blink of an eye, repentance and faith in Messiah transfers us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light instantaneously.   Faith includes repentance. When a person confesses their sin, calls on Yahshua and trusts in Him for the forgiveness of sins, they are immediately forgiven and set free from bondage to the adversary. In the blink of an eye, they become a free person of that sin.  Likewise, in the time to come, the great messianic redemption will also happen instantaneously, in the blink of an eye: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52).

A blessed Life.

God has not left humanity groping in blindness. He has shone a great light to those in the darkness. He has set before us both blessing and curse.  The Torah (Yahweh God’s instructions) can be the source of great spiritual and material blessing, but it can also impart the heavy curse of condemnation. Moses told the children of Israel that the commandments of Torah would prove to be either a blessing or a curse to them depending on whether or not they obeyed them. 

Moses told the Israelites to conduct a covenant ceremony after entering the land of Canaan. They were to hold the ceremony at Shechem, the place where Abraham first received the promise of inheriting the land. Half the tribes would pronounce the curses for violating the Torah from atop one mountain while the other half pronounced the blessings for keeping the Torah from atop the opposite mountain. This ceremony is elaborated on in Deuteronomy 27. The purpose of the ceremony was to remind everyone that although disobedience begets curses, obedience brings God's blessing.  This ceremony is a reminder for us too. It reminds us that we can obtain God's blessing in our lives if we will commit ourselves to faithfully observe His commandments. 

Who would not want to enjoy the abundant life of goodness that God's blessing bestows? Clement of Rome, one of the disciples of Simon Peter, advised the believers in Corinth to consider how they might lay hold of God's blessing. His letter to the Corinthians is not a part of the Bible, but it provides and important glimpse of the first-century believers. Clement told them, "Let us unroll the things which have taken place from the beginning" (1 Clement 31:1). What does he mean when he says "unroll the things"? He was referring to the scroll of the Torah. In the days of Clement, books were not bound. They were rolled in scrolls. In the synagogue, the Torah is still read from a scroll, just as it was in Clement's day. Clement encourages us to look intently into the Torah's words, understand them well and meditate upon them frequently:  You understand, beloved, you understand the Sacred Scriptures very well, and you have looked intently into the oracles of God. Bring these things to your remembrance. (1 Clement 53:1).

God has not left humanity adrift like a ship at sea without a rudder. He has spoken from heaven through His servant Moses, through His holy prophets and through His Son, Yahshua. Those words are recorded in the Bible. The Bible is more than just an ancient piece of literature; it is a living force, charged with the Spirit of God. The Torah / Bible is a compass for finding one's way through life. It is a road map for the soul.  There is great blessing waiting to be bestowed upon us if we will keep the commandments of God. It can and will change our lives to the extent that we conform ourselves to its wisdom. It is God's own message to you and to all of us. 

Staying on the Path of Blessing During Trials:  Sadly, human pride, love of sin, and opposition from spiritual forces of darkness keep many walking the broad path of destruction, preventing them from entering into a life of blessing through obedience to God.  As well, too many new Believers think that coming to faith in Yahshua and living a life of obedience to God are supposed to make all the problems and trials of life disappear.  Yahshua did not promise this.  In fact, He assured us that in this life we will have trouble.  He Himself was persecuted, as were His followers.

Despite that, we need not be discouraged.  We can be of good cheer, joyful in Yahshua, for He has overcome the world.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us"  (Romans 8:37). 

Choosing to obey God’s commandments in times of trouble is not always easy; especially when the whole world seems to be going in a different direction.  Going against the current can take a great deal of exertion and determination, whether for spawning salmon or for people desiring to live a righteous life.  It takes effort to swim against the current.  Even simply making the choice to obey God can be excruciatingly painful.  Yahshua experienced this in the Garden of Gethsemane when facing the choice to submit to God even to the point of death on the tree.

It was here, in the dark valley of decision that the battle was won, when Yahshua said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). 

This decision was so agonizing for Yahshua that He seemed to sweat drops of blood:  “Being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”  (Luke 22:44). 

We may not actually sweat drops of blood, but we may come to a crossroads in our lives where we must also decide whether to obey God’s will or to choose our own way and the cost may seem beyond our ability to bear.  But God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us in every circumstance (2Cor 12:9).  Choosing to obey God will lead to blessing; however, we may not receive our full reward until Heaven.  For that reason, we must always live with an eternal perspective, not allowing the trials of life to weaken our faith.  “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). 

The Steps on the Path of Blessing:  “For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth”  (Deuteronomy 14:2).

This study section emphasizes that the path of blessing includes not following false gods or false prophets.  All elements of pagan worship must be purged from our lifestyle so that we may be the holy people that God has called us to be.  Even ones that appear innocent, are of tradition or enjoyable.  It is not how you see it; but God. Deu 12:8  Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.  See Deut 12:3 where all traces of the pagan ways were to be wiped out so the danger of them recurring would not happen.  Sadly, many remain to today mixed with YHWH’s ways.  The narrow way described in Re’eh includes God’s commandments regarding the consumption of clean and unclean animals:  “You shall not eat any detestable thing” (Deuteronomy 14:3). 

Although many Christians consider these dietary commands abolished, Yahshua did not support this kind of thinking.  He made this astounding statement:

“Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfil ...  Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.  But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17–19).  Hence not every place that offers sacrifice to God or keeps a service may be recognised or acceptable by Him i.e. if they do not obey His commandments Deu 12:13  Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest: “Deu 12:14  But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.  Deu 12:30  Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Deu 12:31  Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: Deu 12:32  What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it”.  God has prescribed the belief, theology and worship system down to the type of music and instruments.  Has your church or you added or taken away from Genesis – Deuteronomy?  The promised messiah was from those books so the faith in Him is also therein! 

Without going into chapter 13, it basically says even if a prophet (pastor, visionary, etc) tells you to do something not found in the Torah (YHWH’s own words found in Exodus to Deut) you are not to obey regardless of any miracles they may apparently do.  Deu 13:3  Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deu 13:4  Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. Deu 13:5  And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away …to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. Mat_22:16  …Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth,  Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: Act 18:25  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; … Act 24:14  But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:”  God’s given lifestyle was not called Judaism nor Christianity; but “the way” followed by the sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5).  As I said last week with other scriptural example, not even the apparent valuable things of pagan god’s system does Yahweh want us to have Deu 13:16  And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again. Deu 13:17  And there shall cleave none of the cursed thing to thine hand: … 

The path of blessing also includes giving tithes to the Levites, who were dependent on the people for their livelihood.  They were of a particular tribe, represented God, did not work except in serving Him or have any other income. “You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you” (Deut 14:27).

As well, generosity toward the poor is also important.  God said we are to open our hand and our heart to give to the poor in our land, “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which Yahweh your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs”  (Deuteronomy 15:7–8). 

Prosperity and financial blessing are not simply the result of working hard.  It is also not owed to us because we are Believers.  It is dependent upon exercising the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping.  As we give, it will be given back to us (Luke 6:38).  God will bless us as we sow generous seeds in giving to the poor and to God’s faithful servants.  “You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand”  (Deuteronomy 15:10). 

YHWH’s Presence of Earth.

When King Solomon dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem, he petitioned God that He might place His Name upon the Temple. He asked God to hear from heaven and answer anyone who prayed toward that place.  YHWH consented to the request: “I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually” (1 Kings 9:3). 

Moses describes Jerusalem as “the place which the LORD your God will choose” (Deuteronomy 12:5). It is the place of God’s Name.  The Temple Mount in Jerusalem remains the chosen place of God’s presence even though the holy house upon it no longer remains.  God’s Name remains there.  His eyes and His heart remain in that place perpetually. This explains why we still revere the Temple Mount and pray in the direction of Jerusalem.

The Torah offers an invitation to God’s house in Jerusalem. Anyone seeking God in prayer or desiring to draw near to His presence was invited to visit Him there: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the people” (Isaiah 56:7). The LORD invited Israel to bring their sacrifices and gifts to Him there, to bring their tithes and offerings, and to rejoice before Him in that place. Imagine a common man receiving an invitation from a great king. “Come to my palace and spend time with me. Bring your family and eat at my banquet table.” How privileged such a man would feel. Would he not hurry to that place?  There also you and your households shall eat before the LORD your God, and rejoice in all your undertakings in which the LORD your God has blessed you (Deuteronomy 12:7).  And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates (Deuteronomy 12:12). 

The Messiah offers a similar invitation. He invites us into the Father’s house, saying, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).  He invites us into YHWH’s house, not just as invited guests, but as family members.  Those who accept the invitation will sit at the table in the kingdom with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all Israel.  The Word of YHWH tabernacles within our Master YAHshua and the Spirit rests upon Him without measure, making Him the living temple of God.  Much as God chose Jerusalem as His habitation from among all the tribes, He chose Yahshua of Nazareth to be the sanctuary of His Dwelling Presence: “In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).  God’s Name remains on Zion forever.  Likewise with the Messiah, “God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). 

Choosing the Path to Eternal Life:  "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).  One of the most important choices each one of us must make is whether or not to receive Yahshua the Messiah as the atonement for all of our sins and through Him receive eternal life.  The atonement was His purpose of coming.  To be the better sacrifice than that of Leviticus 16 and return repented sinners back to God.  When Yahshua returns, He will come on the clouds and every eye will see (יראו  from the same root as the imperative “see” or “behold” Re’eh) Him. 

“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him.  So it is to be” (Revelation 1:7). 

This New Covenant Scripture about the Second Coming of the Messiah is founded on several Messianic prophecies in which the Hebrew prophets also foresee Yahshua coming with the clouds:  “A prophecy against Egypt: See, God [YHVH] rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt.  The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear” (Isaiah 19:1).  "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence” (Daniel 7:13). 

The book of Isaiah (Yahweh saves or is saviour) contains more prophecies about the Messiah than any other Old Testament book.  It includes the plan of salvation.  Many may disagree who the bible is about.  Many even think the group of people it is about changed from being the descendants of Jacob (Israel) to a different New Testament group that had pagan ancestry!  I am reluctant to go into that topic; but I will quote some scriptures that may open your thinking. Exo 3:10  Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.  Isa 52:4  For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.  Isa 53:8  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken (speaking of the Messiah to come).  Isa 54:7  For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. Isa 54:8  In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. Isa 54:17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (speaking of Israel, though many like to quote / claim this promise without keeping YHWH’s commandments).  Isa 55:5  Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 

Isa 56:1  Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.  Isa 56:2  Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Isa 56:3  Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. Isa 56:4  For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Isa 56:5  Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Isa 56:6  Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of my covenant; “ Remember the covenant was IF you do and keep my commandments I YHWH will…

Isa 66:22  For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. Isa 66:23  And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

Isa 66:24  And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. 

Mat 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Mat 7:16  Ye shall know them by their fruits. ..  Mat 7:17  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Good fruit are obedient servants to God’s commandments and evil fruit are of their father the devil; disobedient people. 

MATTHEW: Mat 7:18  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (A preacher of disobedience to God’s laws stating they have been done away, cannot bring forth good obedient fruit).  Mat 7:20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Here is the proof, the doers not the hearers are good fruit)

Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mat 7:24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Mat 7:25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Mat 7:26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 

One day, we will all see the Son of man coming on the clouds with great power and glory!  Until that day comes, may we choose to faithfully and diligently walk on the path of blessing, keeping His commandments.  "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28). 

"Hear the word of Yahweh, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands:  'He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over His flock like a shepherd" (Jeremiah 31:10). 

Shabbat Shalom.