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Refusing the Warning Equals No Escape

Ivrim [Hebrews] 12:25 
See that you do not refuse Him that speaks.  For if they did not escape when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall we not escape who turn away from Him that warns from heaven;

The writer of Ivrim (Hebrews) is teaching us that we are not to refuse Him who came down from heaven and spoke to mankind, as YHWH did when He warned all of Israel through Moshe at Mount Sinai.  However, Israel did not heed the former warning, and the writer to the Hebrew followers of Yeshua is warning them that they had better listen to Yeshua, because it will actually be worse for those who do not listen to Him, than it was for those who did not listen to Moshe.

Devarim [Deuteronomy] 30:17-18
17 “But if your heart turn away, and you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
18 I declare to you this day, that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land, where you pass over the Yarden to go in to possess it.”

This is but one of the many admonitions to Israel, that if she does not listen and obey YHWH and shema (that is, to hear and obey) His Voice, then she will not be able to stay in the land He has promised to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’aqov.

Yirmeyah [Jeremiah] 11:10-11 
10 “They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear My words; and they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My covenant which I made with their fathers.
11 Therefore thus says YHWH, ‘Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and they shall cry to Me, but I will not hearken to them.’”

In the above passage, one finds a play on words.  In verse 11, YHWH states that, since His people did not shema His Voice, the result will be that when He disciplines them with plagues and they cry out to Him, He will not “shema” them.  The eternal principle will be in play, they will have reaped what they have sown.  Israel sowed not listening to and obeying His Voice; therefore, when they cry out to Him to rescue them from their difficulties, He will not listen to or obey them.

If one truly desires to be a part of His people, he needs to understand that he is bound to YHWH by a covenant made by Avraham, Yitzchaq, and Ya’aqov.  If one refuses to abide by that covenant, then he cannot live in His land; and most likely, YHWH will not recognize him as a member of His people. 

Mishle [Proverbs] 8:33 
Hear instruction, and be wise,
And refuse it not.

If one is going to show himself to be wise, then he needs to heed the instructions that YHWH gives to those who have ears to hear, that is, each and every one of His commandments.  There can be no picking and choosing of commandments.  One cannot have it his way.  If one does not obey all of His commandments, then YHWH has already said quite clearly, what the consequences of not obeying His Voice and obeying His Torah shall be.

Matithyah [Matthew] 17:5 
While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a Voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; you listen to him.”

Since Yeshua was the prophet to come who was like Moshe, the people of YHWH are to listen to His Voice.  If one does not, then the penalty for not listening to His Voice is the death sentence.  However, this is no ordinary death sentence; this penalty has eternal consequences.

Notice this passage from the Psalmist.

Tehillim [Psalm] 22:22 
I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly will I praise You.

Psalm 22 is a messianic psalm.  In this verse, Mashiach is saying that He will declare YHWH’s name to all those who accept Him as Mashiach; and because they trust Him as Mashiach, He calls them brethren.

As Mashiach spoke to His people when He came to earth, He continues to speak to them through His Spirit who abides with them and in them.  As He speaks, one needs to listen to what He says, and act in full accordance to what He says to him.  If one does not, then those same words become a warning, which, if one continues to ignore them, will bring chastisement, and possibly even death, i.e., death if one does not repent in an expeditious manner.

A Coming Shaking

Ivrim [Hebrews] 12:26 
whose Voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heavens.”

When YHWH came down on Mount Sinai, the earth shook because of His presence.

Shemot [Exodus] 19:18 
And Mount Sinai, the whole of it, smoked, because YHWH descended upon it in fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount trembled greatly.

When the people witnessed this phenomenon, this caused them to fear greatly.  However, there is a shaking coming that is going to be much greater in nature and scope than just the earth shaking, for YHWH will shake the heavens also.

Kepha Bet [2nd Peter] 3:10 
But the day of YHWH will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

In writing about that day, Shaul teaches that it will be a day in which the very elements will melt with great heat. 

Tessaloniqim Aleph [1st Thessalonians] 5:4 
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief;
5 for you are all sons of light, and sons of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness;
6 so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.

There are several places in Scripture that speak of this day coming as a thief, or a thief in the night.  The talmid of Yeshua needs to understand that this day will in no way surprise him.  He will not be caught off guard.  Why is this true?  It is true because, as a talmid of Yeshua, the Spirit of Mashiach abides in him, and since it is Yeshua who is the one returning, then it would be pretty hard to surprise Himself, would it not?  Therefore, if one is watching and praying and walking according to His Spirit, and listening to His Voice and obeying Him, then he will not be surprised; His word tells us so!  In fact, one so filled with His Spirit cannot be surprised.

Will You be Shaken?

Ivrim [Hebrews] 12:27 
And this word, “Yet once more”, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain.

The above verse teaches the exact reason why one needs to be filled with the Spirit of YHWH.  His Spirit is eternal.  If a person is not filled with His Spirit, then what hope of not being removed is there?  None!  It is absolutely imperative that one is filled with His Spirit, and walking according to His Spirit.  This is perhaps the most important thing a follower of Yeshua can do; that is, to be filled with His Spirit.  It is quite literally a life and death matter.  If you have not yet been filled with His Spirit or you have doubts, then you should ask to be filled with His Spirit today.  Why wait?  It is available today, right now!  This present study does not have the space to outline this process.  However, since this has already been examined in another study, please see that study Have You Received The Power – part 2 at www.onetorahforall.com  on the teachings page.

One of the significant things that happens in order to preserve His people when this shaking takes place and the elements melt with a fervent heat, is the changing of one’s body. 

Qorintiym Aleph [1st Corinthians] 15:50-53
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Elohim; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

This passage reveals exactly why it is that the true followers of Mashiach Yeshua shall be changed.  It is because, when He changes His people and they receive their eternal bodies, they are ready for the heavens and the earth to be shaken and the elements to melt with fire.  If a person does not go through this change and receive his immortal body, then he has no way of surviving this shaking and fervent heat.

Please notice in the above passage concerning this coming changing, that it will be at the sounding of the last trumpet.  The fact that this happens at the “last” trumpet is important as it relates to Kingdom events.  There are seven specific trumpets sounded during the tribulation period.  In addition, according to the prophets, Israel will be celebrating the seven annual feasts of YHWH during the Millennium.  This includes the feast of Yom Teruah, the Day of Sounding.  This is when the shofar is sounded many times during that day.  This feast is celebrated each and every year during the Millennium.

Therefore, it would seem that, since the trumpet mentioned in the above passage is the last trumpet, no other trumpet can be sounded after that one is sounded.  This seems to indicate to us that this last trumpet would be at the end of the Millennium.  This indicates that the changing of one’s body and receiving new bodies will occur right before the new heavens and the new earth come about as a result of the melting with a fervent heat.

This does not necessarily mean Yeshua also comes at the same time as the changing.  He may come nearer the beginning of the Millennium.  Regardless, whenever He returns, it will be exactly when YHWH needs for Him to return, and it will be in full accordance with Scriptural prophecy.

Pleasing to Elohim

Ivrim [Hebrews] 12:28 
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to Elohim with reverence and awe;

This is a common theme in Scripture, to offer our service to Elohim in order to be pleasing to Him.  Let us consider a few other passages of Scripture.  One such passage is a companion passage to the Scripture we quoted from Kepha Bet above.

Kepha Bet [2nd Peter] 3:11-14
11 Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all righteous living and commandment keeping to Elohim,
12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of the Elohim, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, give diligence that you may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in His sight.

The knowledge that the earth is going to undergo this shaking and melting in the future should propel each person into righteous living and being pleasing to Elohim.

Romiym [Romans] 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, set-apart, acceptable to Elohim, which is your spiritual service.
2 And be not fashioned according to this world; but you be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of the Elohim.

Yeshua Himself even taught this very same principle.

Matithyah [Matthew] 16:25-26
25 “For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?  Or, what shall a man give in exchange for his life?”

There is nothing in this world that is worth giving up one’s eternal well-being!  When one gives up his own life and lives for Him, then he actually finds his life and is able to live it to its fullest in Him.  Outside of Him, one is only a slave to sin and death.  In Him, one has life and that in abundance.

An All-consuming Fire

Ivrim [Hebrews] 12:29 
for our Elohim is a consuming fire.

This truth is taken directly from the Torah!

Devarim [Deuteronomy] 4:24 
“For YHWH your Elohim is a devouring fire, a jealous Elohim.”

All of Israel was witness to this truth as well.

Shemot [Exodus] 24:17 
And the appearance of the glory of YHWH was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

If a person will not give himself completely to YHWH, then YHWH will consume Him in His jealousy at some point.  Let us examine some times in which YHWH consumed some of those who claimed to be His people, but whose lives did not match up with their words.

B’midbar [Numbers] 11:1 
And the people were as grumblers, speaking evil in the ears of YHWH; and when YHWH heard it, His anger was kindled; and the fire of YHWH burnt among them, and devoured in the uttermost part of the camp.
2 And the people cried to Moshe; and Moshe prayed to YHWH, and the fire abated.
3 And the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of YHWH burnt among them.

At one point, the people began complaining about their circumstances.  The result of this was that many were consumed by fire directly from YHWH.  Why is complaining so grievous to YHWH?  He has promised to supply all the needs of His people.  When a person or group of people complains, they are saying in effect, that they know better than He does.  In effect, complaining is declaring to YHWH that His provisions are inadequate.  Complaining is saying to YHWH, “You need to make them better, or else we will continue to complain until You do.”  The short of it is, that complaining is manipulative as well as being an act of idolatry, because it elevates one above YHWH our Elohim. 

Satan tried elevating himself above YHWH and look what it got him.  Surely, no one reading this thinks that he can fare any better than Satan. 

B’midbar [Numbers] 16:35 
And fire came forth from YHWH, and devoured the two hundred and fifty men that offered the incense.

This incident was in the rebellion of Korach and those who unwisely chose to stand with him.  Scripture teaches that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and it is a command from Torah that the sin of witchcraft be punishable by death.  This is exactly what YHWH did.  He carried out the death penalty towards all those who deserved it.

Tehillim [Psalm] 97:3 
A fire goes before Him,
And burns up His adversaries round about.

All those who raise themselves up against YHWH can expect to be consumed by Him!

Devarim [Deuteronomy] 9:3 
“Know therefore this day, that YHWH your Elohim is He who goes over before you as a devouring fire; He will destroy them, and He will bring them down before you; so shall you drive them out, and make them to perish quickly, as YHWH has spoken to you.”

YHWH has promised His people Israel, that He, personally, will make sure that all His enemies who presently live in His land will be consumed before them as they enter the land.  It was true back then.  It will be true when all Israel goes home again!

Yeshayah [Isaiah] 66:15-16 
15 “For, behold, YHWH will come with fire, and His chariots shall be like the whirlwind; to render His anger with fierceness, and His rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire will YHWH execute judgment, and by His sword, upon all flesh; and the slain of YHWH shall be many.”

Even the prophets of old foretold this coming event, in which YHWH will consume all His enemies as He brings His people back to His land.

Here is the truth of this matter.  Each person has a choice to make.  One can make a poor choice in which he will be consumed by the fire of YHWH as His enemy.  On the other hand, one can choose to submit to His refining fire and removing all the impurities from him, making him ready for eternity.

Malaki [Malachi] 3:1-3
1 “Behold, I send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me; and the Adon, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, He comes, says YHWH Tzava’ot.
2 But who can abide the day of His coming?  And who shall stand when He appears?  For He is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap;
3 and He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer to YHWH offerings in righteousness.”

YHWH will purify His people, beginning with His priesthood.  All those things that are not pleasing to Him will be removed from each and every person who willingly submits to His purifying power.  This began nearly two thousand years ago with the death and resurrection of Mashiach Yeshua.

Ma’aseh [Acts] 2:3 
And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

 Kepha speaks to the significance of this when this same thing happened to Qorneliyus (Cornelius) and his household, when they were also filled with His Spirit.

Ma’aseh [Acts] 15:9 
and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

In speaking of this incident, Kepha focused upon only one aspect of this infilling of the Spirit.  When Qorneliyus and his household were filled with the Set-apart Spirit, Kepha says that their hearts were cleansed by faith.  Kepha could have said a lot of things about this incident.  Nevertheless, he focused upon this foundational truth of being filled with His Spirit, that of heart cleansing at the moment of being filled with His Spirit.

Once again, in this short study, we are confronted with the question of being filled with His Spirit.  Please seek His face diligently and be filled with His Spirit today if you have not already been filled.  If you have been filled, then seek a renewal of that infilling for it never hurts to be anointed with fresh oil!

ABBA YHWH, please fill us with Your Spirit afresh and anew in the name of Yeshua our Mashiach.  Amein.

Shabbat Shalom
Zerubbabel ben Emunah
www.onetorahforall.com
zerubbabel@onetorahforall.com

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