6.4.26 – True and Counterfeit

Sometimes we limit ourselves by the way we examine the Scriptures. When we look at the Instructions (Torah), there is a tendency to turn it into a chronological history book, an all-encompassing science text, a theological manual of complete instructions, and a book of restrictive "dos and don'ts" that limit our freedom of expression and became obsolete after Yeshua's crucifixion.

Personally, I think Yahweh's Instruction book is a never-ending guidebook. For example, as we move forward in counting toward the firstfruits of the wine, many have a tendency to think that Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, etc., were all introduced in Leviticus 23 for the first time, or in Exodus 12 in story form, or because they are mentioned as "feasts of the Jews" a couple of times in the Gospels, that they are limited in their scope. And because they are defined in Leviticus (Vayikra) 23, we tend to stay away from them because that information is only for certain people and that stuff is no longer applicable.

Just as the seven-branched lampstand (menorah) is not Jewish, neither are the biblical holidays (Moedim). Ironically, hidden right in the middle of the word Moedim is the word ed, linked to eternity. On the fourth day of the creation story, Genesis 1:14, we see that God (Elohim) put the greater light, lesser light, and the stars in the skies for signs (prophetic direction), seasons (Moedim), days (seven), and years (prophetic timetables) for all the nations to follow.

The Moedim and Feasts (chagim) belong to the Lord (Yahweh) (Lev. 23:2)! They were initiated and established from day four—the central branch of the lampstand (menorah), also known as the Servant (shamash) branch of the Lamp. The heart of the Menorah.

As a kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:5–9; Ex. 19:4–8), while obediently counting to fifty, we should make sure the Lamp of our lives is fueled twice daily with a fresh supply of oil (Ex. 30:7–8). The Apostle Paul gives us some insight on how to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18–19) by allowing the Word of Christ (Mashiach) to dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16–17). King David informed us that it is the difference maker for the godly man who meditates upon His Law (Torah) day and night (Ps. 1:1–3). By tending to the Lamp, as Aaron did (Num. 8:1–4), we will find that His Light will search us, cleanse us, inspire us, and provoke us to good deeds (Prov. 20:27).

With everything real, there is always a counterfeit (2 Cor. 11:14)! The enemy wants to extinguish the seven Spirits of Messiah in your life and encourage you to ignite the "wicked lamp" (Job 21:17; Prov. 21:4; Prov. 6:16–18). The enemy wants this to be the source of our light! And this lamp will entice with the power of a flood (Rev. 12:15–17). Wrath and anger are likened to a flood (Prov. 27:4). They are deep waters (Ps. 69:1–4). They are floods of people alarming you (Ps. 18:4–5).

Fortunately, we have the earth on our side, and the very source of our existence is there to swallow it up (Rev. 12:15) for those who keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Yeshua (Rev. 12:17)! In Noah's day, the earth's flood of wickedness was purged with a flood (Gen. 6:5–7). In a coming day, Yahweh will fight with holy fire (2 Pet. 3:10).

The wicked lampstand gets its source of fire from hell (James 3)! It is a self-centered and exclusive lamp that is fueled by its servant (shamash) branch—the wicked imagination of the heart—rather than allowing the heart to be governed by the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) (Isa. 11:1–2).

How are you doing against the floodwaters? Which lamp are you fueling?

As Holissa Alewine points out in her Creation Gospel Workbook #1, the wicked lamp rebels against the holy lamp:

  • Pride and arrogant eyes rebel against wisdom (chokmah)

  • Lying tongue rebels against understanding (binah)

  • Hands that shed innocent blood rebel against counsel (etzah)

  • Heart that devises wicked imaginations rebels against the governing Spirit (Ruach)

  • Feet that run rapidly to evil rebel against His power (gevurah)

  • A false witness rebels against knowledge (da'at)

  • Division among brethren rebels against the fear of the Lord (yirat Yahweh)

I think we should keep the correct Lamp burning!

Happy fifth day of the week—the branch of the menorah representing gevurah (power). Be strong in the Lord! 

Shalom,
Alan

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