3.9.25
Good morning!
A theme that is woven (pun intended) throughout Scripture are garments. From the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:21) to the garments of the High Priest and his sons (Gen. 28:1-43) to putting on the Lord Jesus Christ/Yeshua the Messiah (Rom. 13:14), which is part of the Bride making herself ready (Rev. 19:7,8) Scripture makes a woven tapestry of truth to guide us for daily living, so we are not found naked in that coming day (Rev. 3:18; 16:15; Isa. 47:3; Jer. 13:6; Nah. 3:5; etc.).
In yesterday's morning zoom call, we addressed the garments of the Priesthood, linked them to the Bride and explained how to obtain those garments and keep them clean. Does this interest you? Did you know, according to Yeshua's own words that your entrance into the wedding supper of the Lamb depends on you having your garment (Matt. 22:1-13)? Get your notepad, Bible, open heart and one hour of interrupted time...this study is for you :-)
The traditional feast of Purim, connected to Unleavened Bread and the day of Atonement/Yom HaKippurim, is upon us. What a prophetic celebration and fun it is to celebrate with friends rejoicing in a story of 'reversals'...Masking, unmasking, dressing, undressing, and everything's turning around.
We are in a maelstrom of current that's trying to dismantle manhood. We are being pulled in so many different directions by these malignant forces. Sometimes, in the midst of the turbulent chaos we feel His presence is hidden. However, if we are able to take a look at our circumstances with a helicopter view everything comes into better focus. It's almost like a parody of someone's doubt. We have this perpetual war against the spirit of Amalek, found in Haman (may his memory be blotted out), that is relentless against our families and our own mental health (Deut. 25:17-19; Ex. 17:7-14).
We are constantly fighting this war of doubt. Speaking personally, it sure creates feelings of being alone in this journey, especially if one tries to find substitutes in life for making life more fulfilling. Purim is a revelation of how to obtain lasting joy in the midst of a society that is devouring itself for the sake of the elite. It's the synonym of joy. What is the secret to this joy? Though God's presence appears to be hidden, too much in this crazy world, His involvement with this world is so constant, even in the mundane.
Purim is the manifestation of miracles in daily events. Yes, there is the big overt miracles like deliverance from Egypt at Passover (Ex. 12), the crossing of the sea (Ex. 14), the manna from heaven (Ex. 16), the water from a Rock (Ex. 17), raising from the dead, giving sight to the blind, giving legs to the lame, etc., but Purim is about the everyday, 'gotcha when you least expected it' miracles, but glad they showed up! Everything is hidden in a disguise-of-life masqueraded before us. Life isn't really as it seems, but it's what lies behind the scenes that can't be seen that is truly real!
Children of all ages love to masquerade on this holiday. Dressing like Esther, Mordecai, High Priest, policeman, superman, robots, and just about anything that your imagination can dream up! What's it all about? It's the life of make believe. It's the life that the majority of us live from day to day, but wish we didn't have to. We're constantly living with masks on. Living out characters we are not, for fear that we won't be received as we are. On Purim you can wear a mask and be anyone you want to be. Your truth is manifest in your costume.
Our current social media is the greatest mask provider in the history of the world; it hides people in plain sight...and not always in a good way. It reveals, yet conceals how great, or how terrible they are. This masquerading world that we live in provides a platform for people to say just about anything that they think they can get away with. Ask some of our politicians and the elite. As the day of Messiah's return gets closer and the ultimate salvation of His people nears, we are going to be put into positions where our masks are going to have to be removed.
With the our modern Esther story, we have 'Haman's', 'Ahasuerus', Vashtis', 'Mordecai's' and Yahweh's always looking for those individuals who recognize that it's "for such a time as this that you came to the Kingdom"...Esther (Est. 4:14; Eze. 22:30).
In the ancient story, Haman also known as Memucan/there is a blemish here, was the least of all the advisors, but the first to open his mouth. He was the prototype of the self promoting narcissist. He is the one who suggests that Queen Vashti, the real royalty, but evil queen, be put away (Est. 1:12-19). Just make an EXECUTIVE ORDER! You don't have to consult your council, just make the decree and once you've made it, the order can't be reversed. you don't even need to consult with the courts. There's no time to waste! Cut through the red tape.
The nobles, recognizing their position within Ahasuerus' cabinet, complied with the usual political, money motivated YES MEN at the helm! With all this money being lavished on them, the PR, the bells and whistles, who wouldn't say yes? That's right Mordecai wouldn't! As a result of his willingness to bow to only One, he was marginalized, demonized, treated as a conspirator, and would have been a person who espoused fake news. He didn't bow down or honor those who didn't deserve honor. As a part of the exiled Sanhedrin, a great torah scholar; a righteous person, he refused to align with the other religious leaders that politically sided with the media of the day.
Ahaseurus put on an amazing pyro-technic show for 180 days that was accompanied with redistribution of wealth to the masses at the banquet and plenty of fake news and alcohol to numb the senses to what they were swallowing. This king knew how to spread the wealth that belonged to another; specifically the wealth of the Temple. With his generosity came the promise that the Persian government would take care of every one of their needs. In fact, feel free to eat all you want. There's plenty more where that came from. You can even take home the gold dishes, because in this land of opulence we don't wash the fine china.
The Persian empire was the earliest manifestation of canceled culture. They dehumanized individuals and an entire race with false accusations and irreversible laws. Political power and manipulation was the motto for life in this administration.
Does any of this sound familiar? It's hard not to think about what's trending today with the authoritarian, socialistic, communistic intimidation that's rising. And though we don't have the Persian Empire today, it's hard not to recognize the trends and the Haman mindset percolating in our society...makes you wonder why we would ally with Iran, and then bomb them...what confusing days we live in! BTW, the people from Iran want the freedom we have in America. They used to have it. But now they don't. They are under an authoritarian Muslim rule. Freedoms are gone and they don't dare complain about it...Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm around the world (i.e. China, Kenya)...our media refuses to uncover the truth...sounds like we are heading back to the days of Haman and the Persian Empire...and though the current administration is taking us rapidly out of the Biden era, it's important to be on your 'A' game.
A fun fact to consider; Haman appears 54 times in the book of Esther. It's interesting to note that when God speaks of utterly destroying Haman (Ex. 17:14) and the world that is so corrupt (Gen. 6:7), the numeric value/gematria for these words is '54'. Coincidence? Chance? Well it is the time of Pur/lots to be cast (Prov. 18:18).
In spite of all the political and narcissistic manipulation coming from the government, God had a plan to overthrow these descendants of Amalek (Deut. 25:17-19). And He was going to use an undercover beauty queen by the name of Hadassah/myrtle. Hadassah's Jewish name was changed to Esther/hidden. Esther's beauty was like the pagan god Ishtar, the fertility god of Easter, desired by many, but she gained favor, because she was more than external beauty, she was wise (Est. 2:15-17; 5:2; 7:3). Even Esther got in on the masquerade hiding her identity until the God appointed time (Est. 4:14)...ahh the tables are about to turn.
It was a time of tremendous upheaval. It was a time of distress for many. And it wasn't until Haman made his decree, on the day before Passover, that the people of God got serious...I see the tables turning and Passover and Unleavened Bread is just a month away!
During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Esther instituted a fast for the nation to participate in. She had a major decision to make and news flash to give to the king. Through fasting the people were able to refocus their attention on what was really happening within the kingdom. It gave them focused time to cry out to the Lord. The people were starting to recognize that every moment is an opportunity for closeness with God; even when He doesn't appear to be near! The worst circumstances can be reversed. Everything that's going on, even at the most mundane level is orchestrated by God and it's a manifestation of his great love for us.
It's true! God's name is not mentioned in the entire megillah of Esther, but His presence in the daily affairs of life are clearly visible. May we experience the true joy of His hidden presence like Mr. and Mrs. Flat do...ask me about them and I'll tell you :-)
Ahasuerus, was an upstart king. The real royalty was Vashti. 70 years had passed since the Babylonian Captivity. Ahasuerus was celebrating in a mock feast, using the temple's riches to show his great power over the 127 provinces. He realized that if the temple would be rebuilt that God's unity would be spread throughout the world and that would be the doom of his kingdom. There are forces that want to be in charge, claiming power for themselves. He held this incredible banquet to celebrate his power and influence over the acquiescing people. It was a mockery of the Temple. He was wearing the garments of the high priest, serving the dishes out of the plundered vessels of the Holy Temple. He would take out different vessels every day. The Jews of Shushan were at the party. They sat there and watched the degradation of the God of Israel. Only one didn't go, Mordecai.
This was all about a struggle to rebuild the temple to wake the Jews up out of their complacency. It was this lack of enthusiasm to rebuild the temple that brought about the entire story of Esther. During the celebration Vashti is ordered to appear, wearing her crown and nothing else. She was banished for her insubordination. A search for a new queen began throughout the land. Every woman collected had a chance to excite the king. If he was not pleased with her, she was put into his harem. Esther/hidden, as in Deuteronomy 31:18, where God will hide His face/ aster, aster, a double covering. She's a double orphan raised by mordecai. She is told by Mordecai to hide her identity. The king is smitten with her after a four year search.
Haman is a descendent of King Agag, who King Saul spared (1 Sam. 15). He had mercy on the king. Haman is his descendent. He became chief advisor. Ahasuerus is a paranoid leader seeking power, Haman could be considered the most nuclear narcissist in history. He orders everyone to bow down to himself, but Mordecai refuses. Haman was infuriated. He wanted to destroy Mordecai and the people. He casts lots to destroy the Jews, knowing full well that only a king can make that decree. The 13th of Adar (Mar. 13, 2025) was the date to exterminate the Jews.
Mordecai instructs Esther to approach the king. She's not sure she can do that. I have to wait for him to make an invitation and extend the golden scepter. It's for such a time as this that Esther had to reveal what she had been hiding or be forgotten. Hatach/Daniel relayed the message for all the jews to fast for three days during Passover. Ahaseurus, extends the scepter. Agrees to come to her wine party and offers her up to 50% of the kingdom. Ask me anything, just don't ask me to rebuild the temple. They come to the party. There must be more. Come to another party tomorrow.
Esther was aware of who these two party guests were. She was playing them against one another. The subterfuge is amazing. Haman is inflated like an umpa lumpa and Ahaseurus is scratching his chin wondering what's really going on here? After the first dinner, Haman sees Mordecai and declares openly to his family his hatred for Mordecai. He prepares a gallow and goes to see the king.
The tables turn. The king has insomnia. His attendant reads the chronicles of the king and happened to turn to the post of how Mordecai's actions had spared the king's life. What a random event? Did mordecai ever get rewarded? At the same moment Haman comes in to see about hanging mordecai. Bloated with his conceit. Yet, before he could say anything, Ahasuerusgives what has become a famous speech. Haman, thinking that this speech is all about himself. Reflecting on the moment, he thinks, 'who deserves to be rewarded more than me'? Haman gives his famous answer, do all those things right now and do it to Mordecai the Jew.
At the second party, Esther reveals that her life is endangered. The king is enraged. Goes into the garden. When he comes back he sees Haman in a compromised position with Esther and touts, 'you also want to conquer the queen'? Harbonah, suddenly appears, and reports about the 50 cubit gallow/etz in the garden that was intended to hang Mordecai. The tables turn...Mordecai is set free and Haman is hung. Haman's removed, but the decree to kill the Jews is still intact. Ugh. What will happen to complete the turn around?
I guess you'll have to read Esther chapter 8 :-) Oh my! What a pre battle celebration that turned the enemy (Est. 8:15-17)...hint, hint, on living victoriously today.
Ironically, history repeats itself (Eccl. 1:8,9)...I wonder who will be the Esther(s) and Mordecai(s) for the next chapter of Amalek's appearance that's coming soon to the stage of life in your neighborhood (Ex. 17:8-16; Deut. 25:17-19)??
Passover's coming!
Happy 1st day of the week!
In yesterday's morning zoom call, we addressed the garments of the Priesthood, linked them to the Bride and explained how to obtain those garments and keep them clean. Does this interest you? Did you know, according to Yeshua's own words that your entrance into the wedding supper of the Lamb depends on you having your garment (Matt. 22:1-13)? Get your notepad, Bible, open heart and one hour of interrupted time...this study is for you :-)
The traditional feast of Purim, connected to Unleavened Bread and the day of Atonement/Yom HaKippurim, is upon us. What a prophetic celebration and fun it is to celebrate with friends rejoicing in a story of 'reversals'...Masking, unmasking, dressing, undressing, and everything's turning around.
We are in a maelstrom of current that's trying to dismantle manhood. We are being pulled in so many different directions by these malignant forces. Sometimes, in the midst of the turbulent chaos we feel His presence is hidden. However, if we are able to take a look at our circumstances with a helicopter view everything comes into better focus. It's almost like a parody of someone's doubt. We have this perpetual war against the spirit of Amalek, found in Haman (may his memory be blotted out), that is relentless against our families and our own mental health (Deut. 25:17-19; Ex. 17:7-14).
We are constantly fighting this war of doubt. Speaking personally, it sure creates feelings of being alone in this journey, especially if one tries to find substitutes in life for making life more fulfilling. Purim is a revelation of how to obtain lasting joy in the midst of a society that is devouring itself for the sake of the elite. It's the synonym of joy. What is the secret to this joy? Though God's presence appears to be hidden, too much in this crazy world, His involvement with this world is so constant, even in the mundane.
Purim is the manifestation of miracles in daily events. Yes, there is the big overt miracles like deliverance from Egypt at Passover (Ex. 12), the crossing of the sea (Ex. 14), the manna from heaven (Ex. 16), the water from a Rock (Ex. 17), raising from the dead, giving sight to the blind, giving legs to the lame, etc., but Purim is about the everyday, 'gotcha when you least expected it' miracles, but glad they showed up! Everything is hidden in a disguise-of-life masqueraded before us. Life isn't really as it seems, but it's what lies behind the scenes that can't be seen that is truly real!
Children of all ages love to masquerade on this holiday. Dressing like Esther, Mordecai, High Priest, policeman, superman, robots, and just about anything that your imagination can dream up! What's it all about? It's the life of make believe. It's the life that the majority of us live from day to day, but wish we didn't have to. We're constantly living with masks on. Living out characters we are not, for fear that we won't be received as we are. On Purim you can wear a mask and be anyone you want to be. Your truth is manifest in your costume.
Our current social media is the greatest mask provider in the history of the world; it hides people in plain sight...and not always in a good way. It reveals, yet conceals how great, or how terrible they are. This masquerading world that we live in provides a platform for people to say just about anything that they think they can get away with. Ask some of our politicians and the elite. As the day of Messiah's return gets closer and the ultimate salvation of His people nears, we are going to be put into positions where our masks are going to have to be removed.
With the our modern Esther story, we have 'Haman's', 'Ahasuerus', Vashtis', 'Mordecai's' and Yahweh's always looking for those individuals who recognize that it's "for such a time as this that you came to the Kingdom"...Esther (Est. 4:14; Eze. 22:30).
In the ancient story, Haman also known as Memucan/there is a blemish here, was the least of all the advisors, but the first to open his mouth. He was the prototype of the self promoting narcissist. He is the one who suggests that Queen Vashti, the real royalty, but evil queen, be put away (Est. 1:12-19). Just make an EXECUTIVE ORDER! You don't have to consult your council, just make the decree and once you've made it, the order can't be reversed. you don't even need to consult with the courts. There's no time to waste! Cut through the red tape.
The nobles, recognizing their position within Ahasuerus' cabinet, complied with the usual political, money motivated YES MEN at the helm! With all this money being lavished on them, the PR, the bells and whistles, who wouldn't say yes? That's right Mordecai wouldn't! As a result of his willingness to bow to only One, he was marginalized, demonized, treated as a conspirator, and would have been a person who espoused fake news. He didn't bow down or honor those who didn't deserve honor. As a part of the exiled Sanhedrin, a great torah scholar; a righteous person, he refused to align with the other religious leaders that politically sided with the media of the day.
Ahaseurus put on an amazing pyro-technic show for 180 days that was accompanied with redistribution of wealth to the masses at the banquet and plenty of fake news and alcohol to numb the senses to what they were swallowing. This king knew how to spread the wealth that belonged to another; specifically the wealth of the Temple. With his generosity came the promise that the Persian government would take care of every one of their needs. In fact, feel free to eat all you want. There's plenty more where that came from. You can even take home the gold dishes, because in this land of opulence we don't wash the fine china.
The Persian empire was the earliest manifestation of canceled culture. They dehumanized individuals and an entire race with false accusations and irreversible laws. Political power and manipulation was the motto for life in this administration.
Does any of this sound familiar? It's hard not to think about what's trending today with the authoritarian, socialistic, communistic intimidation that's rising. And though we don't have the Persian Empire today, it's hard not to recognize the trends and the Haman mindset percolating in our society...makes you wonder why we would ally with Iran, and then bomb them...what confusing days we live in! BTW, the people from Iran want the freedom we have in America. They used to have it. But now they don't. They are under an authoritarian Muslim rule. Freedoms are gone and they don't dare complain about it...Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm around the world (i.e. China, Kenya)...our media refuses to uncover the truth...sounds like we are heading back to the days of Haman and the Persian Empire...and though the current administration is taking us rapidly out of the Biden era, it's important to be on your 'A' game.
A fun fact to consider; Haman appears 54 times in the book of Esther. It's interesting to note that when God speaks of utterly destroying Haman (Ex. 17:14) and the world that is so corrupt (Gen. 6:7), the numeric value/gematria for these words is '54'. Coincidence? Chance? Well it is the time of Pur/lots to be cast (Prov. 18:18).
In spite of all the political and narcissistic manipulation coming from the government, God had a plan to overthrow these descendants of Amalek (Deut. 25:17-19). And He was going to use an undercover beauty queen by the name of Hadassah/myrtle. Hadassah's Jewish name was changed to Esther/hidden. Esther's beauty was like the pagan god Ishtar, the fertility god of Easter, desired by many, but she gained favor, because she was more than external beauty, she was wise (Est. 2:15-17; 5:2; 7:3). Even Esther got in on the masquerade hiding her identity until the God appointed time (Est. 4:14)...ahh the tables are about to turn.
It was a time of tremendous upheaval. It was a time of distress for many. And it wasn't until Haman made his decree, on the day before Passover, that the people of God got serious...I see the tables turning and Passover and Unleavened Bread is just a month away!
During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Esther instituted a fast for the nation to participate in. She had a major decision to make and news flash to give to the king. Through fasting the people were able to refocus their attention on what was really happening within the kingdom. It gave them focused time to cry out to the Lord. The people were starting to recognize that every moment is an opportunity for closeness with God; even when He doesn't appear to be near! The worst circumstances can be reversed. Everything that's going on, even at the most mundane level is orchestrated by God and it's a manifestation of his great love for us.
It's true! God's name is not mentioned in the entire megillah of Esther, but His presence in the daily affairs of life are clearly visible. May we experience the true joy of His hidden presence like Mr. and Mrs. Flat do...ask me about them and I'll tell you :-)
Ahasuerus, was an upstart king. The real royalty was Vashti. 70 years had passed since the Babylonian Captivity. Ahasuerus was celebrating in a mock feast, using the temple's riches to show his great power over the 127 provinces. He realized that if the temple would be rebuilt that God's unity would be spread throughout the world and that would be the doom of his kingdom. There are forces that want to be in charge, claiming power for themselves. He held this incredible banquet to celebrate his power and influence over the acquiescing people. It was a mockery of the Temple. He was wearing the garments of the high priest, serving the dishes out of the plundered vessels of the Holy Temple. He would take out different vessels every day. The Jews of Shushan were at the party. They sat there and watched the degradation of the God of Israel. Only one didn't go, Mordecai.
This was all about a struggle to rebuild the temple to wake the Jews up out of their complacency. It was this lack of enthusiasm to rebuild the temple that brought about the entire story of Esther. During the celebration Vashti is ordered to appear, wearing her crown and nothing else. She was banished for her insubordination. A search for a new queen began throughout the land. Every woman collected had a chance to excite the king. If he was not pleased with her, she was put into his harem. Esther/hidden, as in Deuteronomy 31:18, where God will hide His face/ aster, aster, a double covering. She's a double orphan raised by mordecai. She is told by Mordecai to hide her identity. The king is smitten with her after a four year search.
Haman is a descendent of King Agag, who King Saul spared (1 Sam. 15). He had mercy on the king. Haman is his descendent. He became chief advisor. Ahasuerus is a paranoid leader seeking power, Haman could be considered the most nuclear narcissist in history. He orders everyone to bow down to himself, but Mordecai refuses. Haman was infuriated. He wanted to destroy Mordecai and the people. He casts lots to destroy the Jews, knowing full well that only a king can make that decree. The 13th of Adar (Mar. 13, 2025) was the date to exterminate the Jews.
Mordecai instructs Esther to approach the king. She's not sure she can do that. I have to wait for him to make an invitation and extend the golden scepter. It's for such a time as this that Esther had to reveal what she had been hiding or be forgotten. Hatach/Daniel relayed the message for all the jews to fast for three days during Passover. Ahaseurus, extends the scepter. Agrees to come to her wine party and offers her up to 50% of the kingdom. Ask me anything, just don't ask me to rebuild the temple. They come to the party. There must be more. Come to another party tomorrow.
Esther was aware of who these two party guests were. She was playing them against one another. The subterfuge is amazing. Haman is inflated like an umpa lumpa and Ahaseurus is scratching his chin wondering what's really going on here? After the first dinner, Haman sees Mordecai and declares openly to his family his hatred for Mordecai. He prepares a gallow and goes to see the king.
The tables turn. The king has insomnia. His attendant reads the chronicles of the king and happened to turn to the post of how Mordecai's actions had spared the king's life. What a random event? Did mordecai ever get rewarded? At the same moment Haman comes in to see about hanging mordecai. Bloated with his conceit. Yet, before he could say anything, Ahasuerusgives what has become a famous speech. Haman, thinking that this speech is all about himself. Reflecting on the moment, he thinks, 'who deserves to be rewarded more than me'? Haman gives his famous answer, do all those things right now and do it to Mordecai the Jew.
At the second party, Esther reveals that her life is endangered. The king is enraged. Goes into the garden. When he comes back he sees Haman in a compromised position with Esther and touts, 'you also want to conquer the queen'? Harbonah, suddenly appears, and reports about the 50 cubit gallow/etz in the garden that was intended to hang Mordecai. The tables turn...Mordecai is set free and Haman is hung. Haman's removed, but the decree to kill the Jews is still intact. Ugh. What will happen to complete the turn around?
I guess you'll have to read Esther chapter 8 :-) Oh my! What a pre battle celebration that turned the enemy (Est. 8:15-17)...hint, hint, on living victoriously today.
Ironically, history repeats itself (Eccl. 1:8,9)...I wonder who will be the Esther(s) and Mordecai(s) for the next chapter of Amalek's appearance that's coming soon to the stage of life in your neighborhood (Ex. 17:8-16; Deut. 25:17-19)??
Passover's coming!
Happy 1st day of the week!
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