06/15/2007 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

In recent years I have observed that Yahweh seems to be calling more and more into many of the truths that are shared on this web site. As the truth is made known in this "information age", many are compelled to make a decision.

Will we seek Yahweh or let the traditions of men be our guide?

We know that only a few will hear, for that is what Yahushua said would happen.

More and more, fellowship with people of our faith is getting easier to find and the ability to "speak often to one another" (Mal 3) has been enhanced with the internet.

As we come into contact with one another, it is very important to remember that while we have all been called into one truth, we all have different backgrounds and ways in which Yahweh has led us.

So as we come together and study, worship and in some cases dwell together, we must remember the admonitions in scripture to be longsuffering and patient with one another.

We also must be longsuffering with those who are not of our understanding, for we know that Yahweh has certainly been longsuffering with each one of us. And He still is longsuffering as we learn and grow.

Some of us have come into the faith but are struggling in our home life. Husbands and wives are at odds, and families lack Yahushua's order and love in the home

What happens is people become hurt, bitter and angry at one another within their own family. And the same tendencies appear also in relationships with others, even brethren.

An important, foundational understanding of the causes is something to be aware of.

Most of the time, anger arises because someone feels "hurt"

The anger seems most justified when someone has hurt us, but what are the scriptural principles that we should consider when it comes to this?

Let's examine the book of 1Peter where this is discussed in detail:

1Peter 2:18 - Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

During the times of slavery, a slave was called to be submissive to the good and harsh owners

Sometimes, a slave owner would chastise his slave. Consider what Peter said to do in this situation:

1Peter 2:19 - For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward YAHWEH one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

1Peter 2:20 - For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before YAHWEH.

What is our calling?

1Peter 2:21 - For to this you were called, because the Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

1Peter 2:22 - "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth";

Yahushua left us an example. A worldview. A principle and new way of looking at things

When we are wronged and hurt, what is our response to be?

Even if we were a slave and beaten wrongly and mistreated, we are called to follow Yahushua's example and take it patiently.

1Peter 2:23 - who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

We should never engage in 'evil for evil' or 'reviling for reviling'

1Peter 2:24 - who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

1Peter 2:25 - For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

What caused us to return to the Shepherd?

If anyone were to not deserve such evil treatment, it was He

But He took it all in patient, loving silence

Sometimes we think we need to take matters into our own hands when all we have to do is cease from anger, bless instead of curse, and take it all in patient, loving silence

Continuing in 1peter:

1Peter 3:1 - Wives, likewise, [be] submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

Note the word "Likewise" here

A wife is called to be obedient to her husband even if she must suffer like Yahushua did

Husbands are not perfect and will make mistakes sometimes. Wrong decisions will be made, and the entire family will suffer for it.

It is a truth and unescapable fact that when someone in authority makes a wrong decision. All who are under their authority will suffer

Adam sinned, and we, his children, suffer for it to this day.

When Adam sinned, it brought suffering to animals and all who are in the earth. Death was brought into the world.

So it is when a husband, and indeed, parents make wrong decisions. Everyone suffers.

What should our reaction be then? To rebel against authority?

To the contrary, Kepha says to be submissive

1Peter 3:2 - when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

1Peter 3:1 - Wives, likewise, [be] submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

1Peter 3:2 - when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

A husband can be won to righteousness by a chaste, humble, quiet attitude.

"without a word!"

1Peter 3:3 - Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--

1Peter 3:4 - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of YAHWEH.

1Peter 3:5 - For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in YAHWEH also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

Remember Sarah and Abraham?

1Peter 3:6 - as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him master, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

Sarah obeyed Abraham and she ended up in a foreign king's harem. But she trusted in Yahweh and was delivered.

1Peter 3:7 - Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the favor of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Note that 1pet 3:7 says "likewise"

We have a pattern, a Master whom we call our example, our Shepherd and our Guide

The one trademark that separated Him is a willingness to lay down His life for all

We are all called to take suffering in the same way Yahushua took it. When we "put on Yahushua the Messiah", we take on His attributes. He did not lash out in anger or engage in 'evil for evil'

Husbands should love their wives. The marriage is to be a picture of Yahushua and the Assembly. The husband representing Yahushua and the wife representing the assembly.

How important it is for a husband to lead in the area of being willing to suffer as Yahushua did!

He is walking in the role of Messiah toward the Assembly.

When a wife wrongs her husband, rather than the husband lashing out in anger, he should take it in patient, loving silence... just as Yahushua did

Doing so will set the example in his house of having a heart that's willing to suffer.

This is not to say that we can never tell one another about how they have wronged us, or that a husband should not lead his wife to righteousness, but it should be done in gentleness and with a heart willing to bear the hurt as Yahushua suffered for us.

There are times when saying nothing will speak volumes. When a person hurts us and we do not hurt them in return, it brings attention to their sin. A wrong was committed but no wrong was returned. That alone is often enough to bring conviction to the one doing the wrong.

Yahushua came and suffered for us even though our lives were full of sin and wrongdoing. Was it not Yahweh's love and our realization that we owe Him so much that compelled us to repent and love Him in return?

As an assembly, we are called to have a willingness to suffer as Yahushua did if we would happen to wrong one another. As an assembly, we must have the mind of Yahushua, to lay down our lives daily for one another.

1Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1Peter 3:9 - not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

1Peter 3:10 - For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

1Peter 3:11 - Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

As brethren, when someone wrongs us in the assembly, let's follow Yahushua's example and say within ourselves, "I willingly do for others what Yahushua did for me"

1Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of YAHWEH are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of YAHWEH is against those who do evil."

1Peter 3:13 - And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

1Peter 3:14 - But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."

I encourage everyone to read the rest of the Kepha's letter, for the lessons here are so important for us as believers today.

We are called to be "longsuffering"

The word "Longsuffering" is actually a translation of two Hebrew words, "Arek appayim".

According to Brown-Driver-Briggs:

0750 a' 'arek {aw-rake'} Meaning: 1) long (pinions) 2) patient, slow to anger

Here is the second word...

0639 a; 'aph {af} Meaning: 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger

Note the picturesque nature of the Hebrew language. The same word for nostril is also translated "anger"

So the term "Longsuffering" actually comes from two words. The first word carries a basic meaning of "Long, slow". The second word means "Anger, wrath".

Thus, a fuller meaning may be "Slow to anger"

In the KJV, this phrase is translated "Slow to anger" in Psalm 103:8 and Nehemiah 9:17. Other translations have "patient" or "slow to anger" in each place where "Arek apayim" is used.

Yahweh is very slow to anger and willing to forgive when wronged.

Shortly after giving the 10 commandments, the children of Israel worshiped the golden calf...a clear violation of what He had just commanded.

But in their transgression, Yahweh declared something about Himself that is so very important for us to emulate:

Exodus 34:1 - And YAHWEH said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.

Exodus 34:2 - And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.

Exodus 34:3 - And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.

Exodus 34:4 - And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as YAHWEH had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

Exodus 34:5 - And YAHWEH descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of YAHWEH.

Notice here that He is about to proclaim His Name

Exodus 34:6 - And YAHWEH passed by before him, and proclaimed, YAHWEH, YAHWEH-El, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Exodus 34:7 - Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

Yahweh's name is associated with mercy and forgiveness of sin.

Yahweh's longsuffering/slow to anger is a part of who He is. It is a distinct part of His character.

Some think that Yahweh wasn't longsuffering and merciful in the "Old Testament", but this is far from the truth!

For in spite of repeated demonstrations of rebellion by the children of Israel, Yahweh still forgave again and again. It was not until the children of Israel started to stone Moshe & appoint a captain to bring them back to Egypt, that He decided to not take that generation into the land.

When Yahweh threatened to destroy them all, Moshe interceded for Israel and claimed the promise and character of Yahweh in his intercession. Let's examine this...

Numbers 14:1 - And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

Numbers 14:2 - And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would Elohim that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would Elohim we had died in this wilderness!

Numbers 14:3 - And wherefore hath YAHWEH brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

Numbers 14:4 - And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

Numbers 14:5 - Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

Numbers 14:6 - And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Numbers 14:7 - And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

Numbers 14:8 - If YAHWEH delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

Numbers 14:9 - Only rebel not ye against YAHWEH, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and YAHWEH is with us: fear them not.

Numbers 14:10 - But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of YAHWEH appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Notice that they were going to stone them!

Numbers 14:11 - And YAHWEH said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Numbers 14:12 - I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

Numbers 14:13 - And Moses said unto YAHWEH, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;)

Numbers 14:14 - And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou YAHWEH art among this people, that thou YAHWEH art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.

Numbers 14:15 - Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,

Numbers 14:16 - Because YAHWEH was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

Numbers 14:17 - And now, I beseech thee, let the power of YAHWEH be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,

Numbers 14:18 - YAHWEH is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

Notice that Moshe appeals to the power of Yahweh, which is what would be needed to forgive. Notice also that Moshe brought Yahweh's words into remembrance ... His Name

We, as a people who call on Yahweh's name, ought to carry within us the characteristics of it.

Numbers 14:19 - Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

Numbers 14:20 - And YAHWEH said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

Numbers 14:21 - But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of YAHWEH.

Numbers 14:22 - Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Numbers 14:23 - Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

Numbers 14:24 - But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

So it was by Yahweh's longsuffering that the children of Israel were not totally consumed.

It was not until the children of Israel were determined to kill their leaders and return to Egypt that He finally forbade them from entering the land. Moshe was a remarkable intercessor and a man of great longsuffering.

So even in the Torah itself, there are wonderful examples of Yahweh's mercy and longsuffering.

Let no man tell you otherwise

Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

The weightier matters of the law are: Judgement, MERCY and faith. These we ought to do, without leaving other less weighty things undone.

Psalms 86:14 - O Elohim, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.

Psalms 86:15 - But thou, O YAHWEH, art an El full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalms 86:16 - O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

How many men have sought out the mercy of Yahweh!

In David's prayer, He also declared the longsuffering of Yahweh. In this instance we see it contrasted with the violence, pride, hatred and evil of men.

Jeremiah delighted in Yahweh's word and called upon the longsuffering of Yahweh in his time of persecution:

Jeremiah 15:15 - O YAHWEH, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

Jeremiah 15:16 - Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O YAHWEH Elohim of hosts.

He declared that it was for Yahweh's sake that he was rebuked. Sometimes we will also be rebuked wrongly for doing the things that Yahweh desires of us.

I'm sure many of us have also been rebuked for keeping Yahweh's commandments and proclaiming His truths.

But other times, we are rightly rebuked.. we should be swift to hear if so

Proverbs 17:10 - A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

When giving rebuke and reproof, we should do so in a spirit of gentleness

Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

And we should be careful not to condemn our brethren as we reprove

Romans 2:1 - Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Romans 2:2 - But we are sure that the judgment of YAHWEH is according to truth against them which commit such things.

Romans 2:3 - And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of YAHWEH?

Yahushua said in the same manner that we judge, we shall be judged

Romans 2:4 - Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of YAHWEH leadeth thee to repentance?

The goodness of Yahweh should lead us to repentance. If we have not repented, we are "Despising" Yahweh's longsuffering

Romans 2:5 - But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of YAHWEH;

So if we fail to respond to Yahweh's longsuffering with repentance, we treasure up wrath, not rewards and blessings

When we see our brother commiting a certain sin, for some reason there is sometimes a greater temptation to come down hard on them for doing it if we are also guilty of it. Yahushua noted this:

Matthew 7:1 - Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:2 - For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Matthew 7:3 - And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:4 - Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:5 - Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Sometimes strife among brethren and within families is nothing more than a picture of 2 people knocking each other over with the beams in their eyes

And I have seen many times where a person was coming down very hard on others for committing a certain transgression, only to see this same person fall into the same transgression later on.

It's almost as if Yahweh is saying, "So he's that evil, huh? Let's see how you do in the same situation!"

Therefore, fall not into this snare. We should fear Yahweh, walk in meekness and remember the need for longsuffering

We should be longsuffering, for Yahweh is longsuffering

If we are longsuffering, we are less likely to be tempted and tested by the same matters.

If we see our brother in any manner of sin, we should remember the longsuffering Yahweh has with us and know also that Yahweh is longsuffering with them. Therefore, we also should be longsuffering with them.

2Timothy 4:1 - I charge thee therefore before YAHWEH, and the Master Yahushua ha Mashiach, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

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

So if we do rebuke, reprove and exhort, it should be with longsuffering. Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:23 - gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

It is a fruit of Yahweh's Spirit to have longsuffering, for Yahweh is longsuffering. With His Spirit in us, we are also longsuffering. We have a heart willing to suffer, so we are not quick to anger.

Our longsuffering is evidence of His Spirit in us. If we are not longsuffering, the works of the flesh manifest themselves. So hatred, strife and arguments are often present where longsuffering is lacking.

Now I'm not saying that being slow to anger/longsuffering is easy.

In fact:

Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

We find the same Hebrew phrase which is often translated "Longsuffering" (Arek appayim) used here in this proverb. If we are longsuffering, we are better than the mighty.

The Hebrew word for "Mighty" in this verse is used to describe the giants of Genesis 10, the mighty men of Joshua's army, David's mighty men and David himself. What a comparison this is!

Proverbs 24:5 - A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

Proverbs 24:6 - For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.

Having longsuffering toward others requires a lot of strength & wisdom. Strength & wisdom that Yahweh can give. If we can rule our spirit, it is better than one that takes a city. But if not:

Proverbs 25:28 - He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

In ancient times, an unwalled city was not a good place of protection from the enemy. The enemy could easily come in and have his way with with the inhabitants.

So it is with a man who has no self-control. The enemy comes in and creates various circumstances, wreaking havoc almost at will.

Perhaps there is no place that will test a person's longsuffering more than in their own home. For many can appear righteous on the outside, but who can be found righteous within the walls of their own home?

Because it is a place hidden from the eyes of men, and because our longsuffering is tested the most with those we are close to.. this is an often trouble spot in bearing this fruit of the Spirit.

But when we start to get tested in this area and the enemy wages his war, it need not be so with us. We have a wonderful example in Yahushua, and we have a Strong Tower

Proverbs 18:10 - The name of YAHWEH is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

We can commit all things to Yahweh who judges righteously.

1Peter 2:21 - For to this you were called, because the Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

1Peter 2:22 - "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth";

1Peter 2:23 - who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

May the power of Yahweh be great in us, even as it was in Yahushua.

Ephesians 4:1 - I, therefore, the prisoner of Yahushua, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Ephesians 4:2 - with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 4:3 - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Having a lowliness and meekness with longsuffering and bearing with one another in love all contributes to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Shalom/Peace

It's all a part of walking worthy of our calling. Not many will speak up on these matters. People are more interested in doctrine

But here is a doctrine for you:

We must seek and walk in righteousness!

This walk is more than just head knowledge, my brethren. It is a way of life, every minute of every day.

Knowledge of righteousness isn't going to cut it. We need to walk the Yahushua walk.

When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he said:

Colossians 1:9 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Master unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of Elohim;

Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Colossians 1:12 - Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

When we increase in knowledge, let's also increase in longsuffering toward those who lack it.. or who struggle with what they have been given

Having longsuffering is a characteristic of Yahweh's Elect. If we seek to be among the elect, then longsuffering (being slow to anger) is a part of that

Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Therefore, in our translation to another kingdom, let's seek to do what Yahushua did by willingly suffering wrongfully, committing all things to Yahweh.. so that we might ultimately be where He is.

Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of YAHWEH, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as the Messiah forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:14 - And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:15 - And let the peace of Elohim rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of the Messiah dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with favor in your hearts to the Master.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Master Yahushua, giving thanks to YAHWEH the Father by him.

This is the Spirit filled life, my brethren

Many of us remember our former lives and how much a sinner we were. When we think of these things, we wonder why Yahweh would ever want to choose someone as worthless as we are?

Let's see...

1Timothy 1:15 - This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that the Messiah Yahushua came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Paul speaks here, declaring himself the chief of sinners

For he stood by the garments of Stephen, the first martyr for Yahushua, and he sought to kill and persecute more

So why was Paul chosen to go to the Gentiles?

1Timothy 1:16 - Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Yahushua the Messiah might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

The Gentiles were people with a lot of sin in their life. Paul's experience was a testimony to Yahweh's awesome longsuffering and mercy. Paul's life and convesion was a demonstration that Yahweh can save even the chief of sinners. If Paul could be cleansed of all sin, than the Gentiles also

So it is with us.

Yahweh saves some of the worst sinners, which demonstrates His great longsuffering.. giving hope to others who see the great work Yahweh does in us. For this, we give Him the praise and glory.

1Timothy 1:17 - Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise Elohim, be honour and glory for ever and ever.

HalleluYah for the longsuffering of Yahweh! Truly, He declares His character/His Name by His great longsuffering toward us.

Yahushua had great longsuffering with others when He said "Father, forgive them".

His wisdom made Him strong in this area. He understood... "They know not what they do"

Let's remember His example well.

Before we get proud in our knowledge, we should always remember that if it were not for the longsuffering of Yahweh toward us, we would be nothing and know nothing at all.

Whenever we get angry at others for some wrong they are doing, we should well remember the longsuffering that Yahweh has demonstrated toward us.. which brings us salvation!

2Peter 3:15 - and consider that the longsuffering of our Master is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,

The longsuffering of our Master IS SALVATION!

Should we not see His example and be longsuffering toward one another? It becomes so much easier to have longsuffering and mercy when we think about the kind of longsuffering and mercy we have AND will continue to need from Yahweh.

Everyone in this room, I would like you to think of the person with whom you have the greatest difficulty extending mercy & longsuffering to.

Now think of your own life, and consider what mercy & longsuffering you are going to need from Yahweh on the day of judgment.

Does it not get easier when we think about our own helpless state without the great mercy & longsuffering of Yahweh!? Does not His example compel us to be likewise merciful and longsuffering?

May our example, of Yahushua living in us, compel others to do the same as well.

Yes, it is true that some will take advantage of the longsuffering of Yahweh and the longsuffering of others.

Isaiah 26:10 - Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of YAHWEH.

If they take advantage, so be it! We just meekly show Yahushua's attitude and example. Yahweh will sort it out in the end.

But let us not be like those who receive Yahweh's favor/grace, but not learn righteousness. Let's fear Yahweh and depart from evil.

For some may teach that since Yahweh has longsuffering, we don't need to be concerned about our sins. In fact, some say that if we are 'too concerned' then we are being a legalist.

But we must seek and walk in righteousness. We must seek His ways continually and make every effort to walk before Him blamelessly. It is with this kind of attitude that we can expect to receive His mercy & longsuffering

Does not a Father have mercy on his children who are desirous to do his will?

But to children who take advantage of his mercy and continue to ignore his will, or don't care.. a Father will rightly punish

So it is with our Heavenly Father. Let's be among those who receive Yahweh's mercies.. and seek His will for our lives

And let's be among those who remember how longsuffering Yahweh was with us when we were not saved. For we are blessed to have been called into His marvelous light!

Let's allow that light should shine through us, to others

James 1:19 - So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

James 1:20 - for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of YAHWEH.

James 1:21 - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:22 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:23 - For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

James 1:24 - for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

James 1:25 - But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Let's be among the blessed, and walk the Yahushua walk. Willingly bearing the wrongs of others. It will do wonders for our attitude!

There is no need to be angry. The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of Yahweh

Let's be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath as we seek Yahweh, being hearers and doers of His word as He reveals our imperfections.

May we never forget the pit from which He pulled us out of... and our continual need for His mercy.

Let's not only seek His ways in regards to keeping the Sabbath and other ignored parts of the Torah, let's live like Yahushua did, living a life of willingly suffering! For the day may come when Yahweh brings us to a place where we will have to lay down our very lives, even as Yahushua did.

For when we have endured the persecutions, rejections and insults of men, and have shared the longsuffering of Yahweh with others, the ultimate height of our suffering is reached when we lay down our flesh as Yahushua did and commit ourselves completely to Yahweh.

But we know where He is.

He is in us!

He desires to live out His life in you, just as He did while on the earth.

2Corinthians 4:8 - being afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;

2Corinthians 4:9 - persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

2Corinthians 4:10 - always carrying about in the body the dying of Yahushua, that the life of Yahushua also may be manifested in our body.

May it be so among us

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