Dear Mishpacha (family),
I love how every month I address this monthly newsletter to the family. We say that we are a part of the family of God but do we fully understand what that means personally? What does the family of God look like? As we go back in time, we discover that the first family of God consisted of the Godhead and angels. We know that Lucifer; an angel, rebelled against God and took one third of the angels with him (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:4). Lucifer wanted to be like God and wanted his own glory (Isaiah 14:12-17). When God decided to make man in His own image and to replace Lucifer along with other fallen angels, this angered Lucifer to no end. The Apostle Paul even states that we will judge angels (I Corinthians 6:3). There is no redemption for Satan or the fallen angels; only for humans. All mankind have free will to choose eternal life through God’s only begotten son Yeshua (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10).
After the tower of Babel God created the nations and through Abraham, God created the nation of Israel who God married at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19). I could go in greater detail but I just want to keep it simple for all to understand. In Galatians 3:29 the Apostle Paul said in his letter, “and if ye be Christ’s, then are Ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Don’t forget that even the wild olive branches (Gentiles) are grafted into the olive tree because of the natural branches’ (Jews’) unbelief (Romans 11:17-18). With all the confusion concerning personal identity, redefining marriage, and great division in the world, God is still putting His family together. I believe The Lord is building His family by writing the torah on the minds and hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). I strongly believe that the torah is vital in demonstrating what a child of God looks like when they follow The Father’s teaching and instruction. The family of God is not about religion or denominations but a relationship between God and His children. Within our own biological family, we have all witnessed strife, division, jealousy, unforgiveness, grudges, etc. But we have hope because our God is compassionate. He is in charge and desires a family to share in His kingdom to rule and reign with Him forever.
We will be learning more about the priesthood in the near future. There are references that we are His kings and priests (Revelation 1:6, 5:10). Remember in the parable of the good Samaritan that it was the priests and then a Levite that passed by the wounded man not helping him (Luke 10:30-37). We should all act like God’s priests and help those in need that come into our lives.
What an opportunity we all have at Beit Tehila to truly be God’s children and to do His will on the earth. As we draw closer to the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost) may we also draw closer with the Holy Spirit who is our comforter and meditate upon the Word of God that is written on our minds and hearts!
~Shalom Pastor Nick
