05/13/2005 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

For many of us, tonight begins what is often called a "double Sabbath".

After the weekly Sabbath begins the day of Pentecost which is commanded by Yahweh to be observed 50 days after the weekly sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

The events of these days are significant in that the Pentecost (also known as Shavuot or Feast of Weeks) traditionally marks the time when the Ten Commandments were given in Exodus 20.

It also marks the time when the Holy Spirit was given in Acts 2. Both were awesome times of restoration and proclaiming Yahweh's word.

Tonight I would like for us to examine what Yahweh desires of us in regards to restoration and how we respond to His word and His Spirit being placed in us.

King Saul was at one time such a man. He was anointed and had the Spirit of Yahweh upon him.

Let's begin with a reading from the Torah/law:

Exodus 17:9 - And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of Elohim in mine hand.

Exodus 17:10 - So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

Exodus 17:11 - And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Exodus 17:12 - But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

Exodus 17:13 - And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Exodus 17:14 - And YAHWEH said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

So in the Torah we find that Yahweh declared this prophecy to obliterate Amalek..

Over 400 years later, Yahweh chose a certain man to perform it: namely Saul

1Samuel 15:1 - Samuel also said unto Saul, YAHWEH sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of YAHWEH.

1Samuel 15:2 - Thus saith YAHWEH of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

1Samuel 15:3 - Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

1Samuel 15:4 - And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.

1Samuel 15:5 - And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.

1Samuel 15:6 - And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.

1Samuel 15:7 - And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

1Samuel 15:8 - And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

1Samuel 15:9 - But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

1Samuel 15:10 - Then came the word of YAHWEH unto Samuel, saying,

1Samuel 15:11 - It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto YAHWEH all night.

1Samuel 15:12 - And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.

"He set him up a place" probably meaning Saul set up a memorial to himself

1Samuel 15:13 - And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of YAHWEH: I have performed the commandment of YAHWEH.

1Samuel 15:14 - And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

In Saul's words we find an error that exists to this day

People say they obey Yahweh..

...yet they do not, for they obey in their own way. :(

And while so many will labor for the glory of men in what they do, few will labor to give glory to Yahweh

We need to beware of these traps

So Samuel responded to Saul's statement:

1Samuel 15:15 - And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto YAHWEH thy Elohim; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

He blamed the people by saying "THEY brought them" and "the PEOPLE spared the best of the sheep"

But then when he spoke of the part he did fulfill..he says "WE" have utterly destroyed them

This is not unlike Adam trying to blame Eve ("This woman that you gave me..."), or Aaron blaming the people ("You know them people...")

The people saw that the spoil from the Amalekites was good.

So they chose their own way of handling it

Saul apparently tried to take the credit for destroying the Amalekites, but when the people desired something different than Yahweh's commandments... Saul compromised obedience

We learn here that partial obedience is disobedience

Saul was trying to justify his disobedience by setting forth his own standard of righteousness, rather than one commanded or given by Yahweh

Brethren, this is a grave error... one that is common among men today

For instance, Yahweh gave the Sabbath day. He said that He sanctified the 7th day of the week.

Men choose another day of the week and then say "I have kept the Sabbath"

But the Sabbath isn't on Sunday.. and never was

But Sunday is what the people want. So even though many pastors know the real Sabbath is on the seventh day, they will have "church" on the first day of the week

But Yahweh does not want leaders to compromise obedience to please the people

1Samuel 15:16 - Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what YAHWEH hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

1Samuel 15:17 - And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and YAHWEH anointed thee king over Israel?

Notice that Yahweh told Saul that he used to be little in his own sight.

We need to remain humble, no matter where Yahweh takes us

Yahweh gets the glory, no matter what our accomplishments.. for it is He who gave us life and any abilities we have

1Samuel 15:18 - And YAHWEH sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

1Samuel 15:19 - Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of YAHWEH, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of YAHWEH?

1Samuel 15:20 - And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of YAHWEH, and have gone the way which YAHWEH sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

When a sacrifice is made to Yahweh, the meat is eaten by the priests and also by the people. Thus, the people sought the best of the 'food' as a reward for their victory

Thus it is today where people seek rewards in the temporal form, things that will perish with them. "Prosperity doctrines" are becoming more prevalent

People are studying the prayer of Jabez.

And seeking to heap up riches in this age.

But they should be studying the prayers of Ninevah, and heaping up rewards in the age to come!

1Samuel 15:20 - And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of YAHWEH, and have gone the way which YAHWEH sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

1Samuel 15:21 - But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto YAHWEH thy Elohim in Gilgal.

Ahh.. but the "people"!

So here he is giving the same excuse that Aaron gave with the golden calf...casting off the disobedience upon others....

But Yahweh set up Saul to lead the people

And to Saul the commandment was given

In this example we know that Saul did not utterly destroy them as Yahweh had told him... but he spared the king and their spoil which Yahweh told him to destroy.

1Samuel 15:3 - Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Perhaps it seemed right to Saul to let the people keep the spoil.. as long as he didn't keep any.

But the proverb says..

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Saul had to have known of the prophecy...Yahweh even reminded him about what Amalek did against Israel.

but.. blaming the people..

1Samuel 15:21 - But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto YAHWEH thy Elohim in Gilgal.

1Samuel 15:22 - And Samuel said, Hath YAHWEH as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of YAHWEH? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

This I wonder..

Will this be the excuse of merchant preachers on judgment day who "peddle the word of Yahweh" (2Cor 2:17) while teaching the people that they need not obey fully? "The people did it"

In the modern houses of worship, there are many sacrifices of praise

But to obey is better than to sacrifice.

One can sacrifice all day long, but Yahweh cannot endure it if disobedience is taught

Brethren, our attitude toward obedience to Yahweh is very important.

This is something that David understood when he sinned with Bathsheba and Uriah

In David's psalm of repentance, he wrote:

Psalms 51:16 - For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

Psalms 51:17 - The sacrifices of Elohim are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O Elohim, thou wilt not despise.

Even then, works did not make up for sin. A man had his only hope in the mercy of Yahweh

It is false to teach that in the "Old Testament" everything was about "works" and in the "New Testament" we have grace now

Who can say that David, a man who murdered and committed adultery, didn't have grace?

But you see, David's repentance was different than Saul's.. as we shall see

1Samuel 15:22 - And Samuel said, Hath YAHWEH as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of YAHWEH? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

1Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of YAHWEH, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

This is a remarkable statement by Samuel. Not only did he classify Saul's actions as Rebellion, but he made Saul's Rebellion equal with witchcraft and his stubbornness as idolatry!!

Our attitude toward the Word of Yahweh is so important!

According to Yahweh, Saul's actions were rebellious and Saul was stubborn. His stubborness made him choose his own way that 'seemed right' rather than giving Yahweh the honor and obeying His voice.

1Samuel 15:24 - And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of YAHWEH, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

He "feared the people" because he loved himself and the praise of men more than the praise of Yahweh. This is made very clear later on in this chapter

This is characteristic of leaders that Yahweh historically has rejected

For instance, this was also a characteristic of the Scribes and Pharisees:

John 12:42 - Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

John 12:43 - For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of YAHWEH.

Matthew 23:5 - But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Seeking to be a man-pleaser is a common thing that prevents someone from believing and accepting new light given to them

For instance, those in mainstream leadership...even if they know the truth are too afraid to teach it because they 'fear the people'

If they taught the truth, they would end up preaching themselves right out of a job!

I have in my email box a reply some years ago from a leader of a mainstream church in response to my study on the necessity of keeping the Sabbath

It says:

"You had better be careful about talk of shutting down ALL businesses on the Sabbath. Don't you realize how many of our supporters are businessmen???? Do you think they will continue to come the church and to contribute the way they do now if we even SUGGEST that they must give up ONE/SEVENTH of THEIR INCOME?" Rev. R D.

Nevermind the truth... sadly many of them are too concerned with feeding themselves. They care not for the sheep because they are hirelings

But at least this man was honest. Many others hide it their heart under a cloud of excuses

Therefore they 'obey their voice (the people') rather than the voice of Yahweh, perhaps (like Saul) thinking that the people are responsible.

Woe to all who walk in this way, for such witchcraft and idolatry lead Yahweh's people astray in this age in the same way the false prophets led Israel and Judah astray

We need to beware of such things, and know that those who are practicing these things are to be avoided

Ezekiel 34:2 - Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Master YAHWEH unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Ezekiel 34:3 - Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.

Ezekiel 34:4 - The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

Therefore Yahushua warned us:

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

Just as it is today, Saul had allowed the people to do a different way of worship than what Yahweh commanded.

Because he loved the praise of men more than the praise of Yahweh

Like Saul, they thought they could sacrifice (worship) by doing it the opposite way Yahweh told them to.

Today many have chosen their own way of worship such as choosing their own day to keep holy (1st day instead of the real 7th day holy day), Pagan rooted holi-days in favor of Yahweh's Holy days, Counterfeit names rather than the true names, etc etc

Now I say these things because it needs to be said, not because I believe I'm better than anyone else for having come into the knowledge of these truths!

It is by the grace of Yahweh that we all know the things we do know, and I believe there is much more for us to know and live and walk in!

But we all must learn from these examples and beware of the snares

Now we will learn more about the heart of Saul. His pride prevented him from obeying the voice of Yahweh and so finally he repents..

or does he?

1Samuel 15:24 - And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of YAHWEH, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

1Samuel 15:25 - Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship YAHWEH.

1Samuel 15:26 - And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of YAHWEH, and YAHWEH hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.

1Samuel 15:27 - And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.

1Samuel 15:28 - And Samuel said unto him, YAHWEH hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

1Samuel 15:29 - And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

1Samuel 15:30 - Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship YAHWEH thy Elohim.

In Saul's words we see the likely intent of his repentance. He says "I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people."

It certainly doesn't look like true repentance from the heart. Rather, it appears that even his repentance is rooted in a desire for to be honored by the people. If Samuel refused to go with him, he would have had some explaining to do and humbling of himself to do

This is a lesson given for our learning:

1Corinthians 10:7 - Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

1Corinthians 10:8 - Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

1Corinthians 10:9 - Neither let us tempt the Messiah, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

1Corinthians 10:10 - Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

1Corinthians 10:11 - Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1Corinthians 10:12 - Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

In sharing those words I share them in fear knowing the trap that is there

We need to beware also of the fear of man. It should not even be a consideration when seeking the truth in Yahweh's word. We should not be thinking in our minds "What would so and so think?" when pondering obedience to Yahweh

And we should never never attempt (like Saul did) to conceal selfishness and self love under the cloak of religious zeal and gratitude!

This was the mistake of so many, and the mistake of this age also.

In sadness, I see that the system of churchianity breeds complacency and confidence in man.

Every week, people go to their church "services" where people basically pay and trust false shepherds to read and interpret the scriptures for them

The shepherds tell them what they want to hear.. that they are going to heaven and that in spite of their sins "Ye will not surely die"

In so doing, multitudes follow after them.. and pay them well

For some reason, they believe that the success of their ministry is based on the number of people in attendance rather than the number of people walking and living a live that reflects true repentance!

But they have been led astray and because of this, they lead others astray with them. As Yahushua said:

Luke 6:39 - And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Therefore, the ones of this age must be warned!

Indeed brethren, we must go and warn the people of this serious mistake, It has caused lawlessness/Torahlessness to abound (Mat 24:12)!

So what do we do? Go out and grab people by the neck?

Our desire to share the truth should be rooted in love for our fellow man

Too often, it is in a desire to win an argument :(

Brethren, knowledge puffs up.. but love edifies

So with what attitude do we admonish and share any wisdom that Yahweh has granted?

In reference to the Thessolonians, Paul said:

1Thessalonians 2:5 - For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; YAHWEH is witness:

1Thessalonians 2:6 - Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of the Messiah.

1Thessalonians 2:7 - But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

To them was given gentleness and selflessness, even though the people of Thessolonica had no reputation for being lovers of His word

How do I know this? In Acts it is written:

Acts 17:10 - And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Yahushua was meek and lowly also, though He taught others to repent:

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:30 - For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Let's learn from His meekness and lowliness when we share the word with others.

Yet also remember his boldness and fearlessness to the false teachers of his day. We need to speak the truth about them, just as He did.

It may fall on deaf ears, as did the messages of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and even Yahushua the Messiah, but we are commanded to deliver those who are drawn toward the way of death:

Proverbs 24:11 - If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

Proverbs 24:12 - If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

Among those who are zealous for sharing the truth, there are some who I believe are sharing it unscripturally.

For anyone can threaten, anyone can intimidate. Anyone can boast and anyone can condemn

Anyone can judge and anyone can discourage. But I ask, who will deliver them who are walking in the way of destruction?

Who will reach out and be Yahweh's hand extended...to hold someone's hand in love and gently, (1Thes 2:7 and 1Tim 3:3, 2Tim 2:24) patiently (1Thes 5:14, 2Thes 3:5) guide them into the way of life?

Who will gently, meekly share the words of wisdom so that they will hear and recognize the Shepherd's voice of meekness and lowliness in them?

James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct [that] his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:14 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

James 3:15 - This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 3:16 - For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 - Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Theatening, intimidating, boasting, condemning, pre-judging, discouraging are the lazy and impatient way of witnessing.

We are told to preach the word with longsuffering:

2Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

This takes laboring and patience and praying and weeping and hoping and knowing and seeking diligently the mind of Yahweh through it all.

Yes, we must labor

Lest we be found like the wicked and lazy servant:

Matthew 25:25 - And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

Matthew 25:26 - His master answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Matthew 25:27 - Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

If you have been given a talent of gold, hide it not!!

Either make use of it or give it to someone who will!

Matthew 25:28 - Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Matthew 25:30 - And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

It is time brethren, for time is short. It is time to cry out, "RESTORE!!"

For Yahushua didn't come to take away the torah, He came to magnify it!

Isaiah 42:21 - YAHWEH is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.

Isaiah 42:22 - But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

It is time to deliver those drawn toward the ways of death, who are hidden in the prison houses (churches, houses and synagogues) that are plundered by the shepherds who feed themselves!

Matthew 24:45 - Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Matthew 24:46 - Blessed is that servant, whom his master when he cometh shall find so doing.

Matthew 24:47 - Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

To those with families, you have a great work to do in your children

To mothers who may think you have no work of Yahweh.. look to the children you have borne and know that you have a work ahead of you!

Guide those children in the ways of righteousness and you have a blessing that can reach unto generation after generation!

Brethren, it is time to do the work of Yahweh.

Luke 10:2 - Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Master of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

In the Pentecost of Acts 2, the Spirit was given and a great work was done and foundation was laid by the apostles. That day started the spread of the Good News to all the nations

This Pentecost, let's consider the responsibility we also have to share our faith.

Yahweh wants to pour out His Spirit of truth on so many more

We are His hands on the earth

We must be willing vessels that will pour out as He pours into us

We must be living examples of Yahushua the Messiah.. every day. Not just to those in the world, but also to our children and our families

Therefore, let's be laborers!

O Yahweh send forth the labourers!

O Yahweh make me a laborer!

O Yahweh do a work in us!

Psalms 119:126 - It is time for thee, YAHWEH, to work: for they have made void thy law.

It is time to find and walk in the way of truth.

It is time to restore what man has made void

It is high time that Yahweh's Torah be proclaimed as the standard for all men to live by

It is time..for the time is near!

Even at the doors.

May Yahweh bless you and may He have mercy on us all!