06/27/2008 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

Tonight I would like to share a study that will touch on the home life but also on our walk with Yahweh overall.

We will examine a portion of Isaiah chapter 1 in its historical context and through this learn some interesting parallels to the way things are in this day and age.

Isaiah 1:1 - The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

When we study the prophetic books in scripture, it is important that we seek to examine and understand the historical context in which they were speaking.

Isaiah was a prophet of Israel during an important time. Notice that Isaiah was a prophet during the reigns of "Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah", all kings of Judah.

We can learn important characteristics about each king by comparing the books of Kings and Chronicles. In these, we see spiritual evaluations of each king.

Uzziah is the first king on this list and so would correspond to the first chapter of Isaiah.

Let's look at his life in 2Chronicles:

2Chronicles 26:1 - Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

2Chronicles 26:2 - He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

2Chronicles 26:3 - Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.

2Chronicles 26:4 - And he did that which was right in the sight of YAHWEH, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

We see that Uzziah is considered a righteous king; one that did that which was right in Yahweh's sight.

However, Uzziah did do a foolish thing later in life when he tried to burn incense unto Yahweh instead of the sons of Aaron:

2Chronicles 26:16 - But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against YAHWEH his Elohim, and went into the temple of YAHWEH to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Uzziah's father Amaziah was also considered to be a king that did right in Yahweh's sight, but Amaziah turned away from following Yahweh later in life. We also learn a little something about the people of Judah during this time:

2Chronicles 25:27 - Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following YAHWEH they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

2Chronicles 25:28 - And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

2Chronicles 26:1 - Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

This adds some curiousness to the context to Isaiah's prophecies. It appears that it was possibly the will of the people to serve Yahweh.

Notice that they conspired to destroy Amaziah when he turned away from Yahweh and set up his 16 year old son Uzziah to be king in his place.

We also will see that later in this study, the sabbath and feasts were being observed at this time.

Uzziah is called "Azariah" in the book of Kings. In it, we learn a little more about the king's spiritual walk:

2Kings 15:2 - Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem.

2Kings 15:3 - And he did that which was right in the sight of YAHWEH, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;

2Kings 15:4 - Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.

So we see that Uzziah/Azariah did not remove the high places where the people sacrificed and burnt incense.

While these high places may have been places dedicated to Yahweh ( see 2 Chr. 32:12; 33:17), this was in opposition to the command of Yahweh:

Deuteronomy 12:2 - Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their elohim, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

Deuteronomy 12:3 - And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their elohim, and destroy the names of them out of that place.

Deuteronomy 12:4 - Ye shall not do so unto YAHWEH your Elohim.

Deuteronomy 12:5 - But unto the place which YAHWEH your Elohim shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

So Yahweh's will was for one place to make offerings, and for the high places to be destroyed. He did not want the mixing of the way the heathen worship their elohim, with His worship, as we have discussed in previous studies.

Uzziah's pride and lack of reverence is also revealed when we see his decision to make an incense offering in the temple, whereas the Torah only permitted the high priests to do so. For this reason, he became a leper and died a leper.

2Chronicles 26:16 - But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against YAHWEH his Elohim, and went into the temple of YAHWEH to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

2Chronicles 26:17 - And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of YAHWEH, that were valiant men:

2Chronicles 26:18 - And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto YAHWEH, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from YAHWEH Elohim.

2Chronicles 26:19 - Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of YAHWEH, from beside the incense altar.

2Chronicles 26:20 - And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because YAHWEH had smitten him.

So now we have a better understanding of what Uzziah and the people of Yahweh were like. This is very important to understand so that we can see what is happening while Isaiah is a prophet, and uttering his prophecies.

Interestingly, with the exception of this event, Uzziah was considered to be a fairly righteous King.

And the 2 other Kings that lived during Isaiah's prophecies (Jotham and Hezekiah) were considered to be righteous kings according to the scriptures.

In spite of this, Yahweh prophesied many warnings and rebukes through the mouth of Isaiah.

And so this leads to an important question for us..

If there were an Isaiah among us, what kinds of things would be spoken and written about us?

Are we sure that we are more righteous than they?

Would Yahweh speak of leaders who compromise and people who outwardly seem righteous, but secretly walk corruptly?

Would there be scriptures about a lukewarm attitude and warnings about ignoring those who are troubled and oppressed?

While many studies can be written about how mainstream Christianity is in error, it is very important for us to always look at OURSELVES when we examine scripture!

It is a very common error for someone to grab ahold of a new truth, and spend all their time defending that truth and very little time focusing on other areas where their lives need correction.

Let's continue in Isaiah 1:

Isaiah 1:2 - Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for YAHWEH hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isaiah 1:3 - The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Isaiah 1:4 - Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken YAHWEH, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

In verse 3 we have an interesting lesson. In the same way an ox is fed, and an ass or donkey is fed in his master's crib, Yahweh nourishes us and feeds us with spiritual food (His word). We learn who our owner is by who feeds us.

These people were well nourished (see verse 2), and were even keeping the sabbath and feasts (as we will see) but they failed to really consider His words. How important it is to consider His words for ourselves!

Isaiah 1:4 - Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken YAHWEH, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

The people who are loaded down/laden with sin are among those Yahushua spoke to when He said:

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.

Yahushua's burden is one of righteousness, salvation and freedom - unlike the burden of sin which is heavy.

Continuing in Isaiah 1:

Isaiah 1:5 - Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Isaiah 1:6 - From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Isaiah 1:7 - Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

Yahushua also spoke of a people who were in a similar condition, but didn't know it:

Revelation 3:14 - "And to the angel of the assembly of the Laodiceans write, `These things says the Amein, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of YAHWEH:

Revelation 3:15 - "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Revelation 3:16 - "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

This assembly of believers (Laodiceans) lived in a very wealthy city. And because those living there were very wealthy, it is easy to see why they were just sitting back and being lukewarm.

They weren't really denying Yahweh but just not seeking Him and with their hearts set on fire for righteousness. I would imagine they felt that they had all their needs met. Could this be similar to the condition of the people in Isaiah's day?

Was Isaiah speaking to a "Laodicean" type of people?

Let's read more about what King Uzziah did and find out:

2Chronicles 26:6 - And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

2Chronicles 26:7 - And Elohim helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Mehunims.

2Chronicles 26:8 - And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.

2Chronicles 26:9 - Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.

2Chronicles 26:10 - Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

2Chronicles 26:11 - Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.

2Chronicles 26:12 - The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.

2Chronicles 26:13 - And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.

2Chronicles 26:14 - And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.

2Chronicles 26:15 - And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

We see that Uzziah had defeated many opposing countries and the people of the land had relative rest from their enemies.

Could the people have been a little too confident in these victories and became lukewarm like Laodicea? We see that Yahweh was ready to separate them from His presence just as Yahushua was ready to spit the Laodicean assembly out of His mouth:

Isaiah 1:7 - Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

Isaiah 1:8 - And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.

Isaiah 1:9 - Except YAHWEH of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Why does the above description say that Judah was desolate? The situation Judah was in under Uzziah/Azariah was one of peace. In fact, Judah enjoys relative peace from all enemies until the third king listed in Isaiah 1:1, Ahaz.

It seems likely that it is a vision of what Yahweh plans to do to them in the future.

Other examples of this are in Isaiah 53 where it speaks of the Messiah and how "WAS despised and rejected of men" (53:3) even though the Messiah had not yet come. It could also be that Isaiah is referring to another time period after the exile.

Either way, we know that Yahweh can speak of future things as if they have already taken place because when Yahweh says they will happen, THEY WILL HAPPEN!

Yahweh was ready to separate them from his presence, just like Yahushua was ready to spew the Laodiceans out of His mouth unless they repented.

Let's look at the potential scenarios here and see anything if there is anything we might also be able to glean

There are some striking similarities

Whether or not we realize it, we in this nation are very wealthy.

And the same is true in other developed nations

Many poor in other 3rd world countries would consider OUR poor to be "WEALTHY."

Our POOR could also be considered WEALTHY to a person living in the first century

It is very easy to forget Yahweh when things are going well. It was easy for Israel to forget, it was easy for the Laodiceans to forget, and it is easy for the people of this generation to forget also!

In the Torah, we are warned not to forget:

Deuteronomy 8:11 - Beware that thou forget not YAHWEH thy Elohim, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

Deuteronomy 8:12 - Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;

Deuteronomy 8:13 - And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

Deuteronomy 8:14 - Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget YAHWEH thy Elohim, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

We ALL need to heed this warning! Yahweh knows how the sinful nature is. If we don't remember Yahweh, to keep His commandments in times of wealth, we will spiritually become "wounded, bruised, sick, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked!"

Therefore, we need to seek to among the remnant that Yahweh speaks of in Isaiah 1:

Isaiah 1:9 - Except YAHWEH of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Isaiah 1:10 - Hear the word of YAHWEH, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our Elohim, ye people of Gomorrah.

Sodom and Gomorrah, what a fitting title for this society, yes?

Homosexuality is quickly taking over and the homosexuals want to force you to accept their wickedness.

But, that wasn't the only sin of Sodom

Ezekiel 16:49 - Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Pride, fulness of bread and an abundance of idleness.

The world's cure for idle time is to fill it with various entertainments and sinful activities.

Do we see a connection? First, there is wealth. Then there is the forgetting of Yahweh's ways because of the idleness and fullness of bread.

Isaiah isn't just speaking about people who are idolaters, homosexuals and blatant sinners who have no desire to serve Yahweh, he is also speaking of a well fed, prideful, lukewarm, idle, and (as we shall see when we study later in this chapter), even sabbath keeping, feast keeping people who appear before Him and make prayers to Him!

Therefore, let us be diligent to not fall under the same condition. These things are written for our admonition and example:

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.

1Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but YAHWEH is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

We are living in a spiritually dangerous world, brethren. If we were all struggling to survive, more people might be focused on seeking Yahweh and His provision.

But during this time of plenty, we need to focus on overcoming all temptation and being diligent in pursuing righteousness---proclaiming Yahweh's ways so that we might without spot and blameless when Yahushua appears:

2Peter 3:13 - Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2Peter 3:14 - Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

As many of us live, surrounded by a "sodom and gomorrah like" society, much of it can be vexing to our soul:

2Peter 2:6 - and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live wickedly;

2Peter 2:67 -

2Peter 2:7 - and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked

2Peter 2:8 - (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)--

2Peter 2:9 - then YAHWEH knows how to deliver the righteous out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,

Yahweh knows how to deliver us from these oppressive and vexing things surrounding us.

We are in great danger of picking up Sodom's traits if we are not on guard. Let's be on guard, yes?

The "labor to be rich" then "eat, drink and be merry" mindset of society should not be something we allow to affect us.

Proverbs 23:4 - Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Proverbs 23:5 - Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

We should spend our time as Yahushua did, serving others!

For that will reserve for us eternal riches that rust will not destroy.

In this next verse, we see that Yahweh is not pleased with the offerings of Judah:

Isaiah 1:10 - Hear the word of YAHWEH, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our Elohim, ye people of Gomorrah.

Isaiah 1:11 - To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith YAHWEH: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Yahweh didn't delight in their sacrifices. Why not? Didn't He command them to offer sacrifices?

Yes, but let's remember what Samuel spoke to Saul:

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.

So obedience is better than any sacrifice one could give. They were missing this point.

When David sinned against Yahweh, he knew this well:

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.

So first, we must have the right attitude of repentance regarding our sin, then He will accept our offerings before Him.

Apparently, this was not the case with Judah during this period of time:

Isaiah 1:11 - To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith YAHWEH: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Isaiah 1:12 - When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?

Isaiah 1:13 - Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

The New KJV makes verse 13 more clear:

(NKJ) Isaiah 1:13 - Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies -- I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.

Never forget this.. that Yahweh cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. For a person to continually live in sin, then think they can appear before Yahweh in worship and offerings...they are wasting their time.

Yahweh cannot endure it

Therefore Yahweh says:

Isaiah 11:14 - But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

Isaiah 1:14 - Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.

Notice in this verse that Yahweh calls the feasts "Your new moons" and "Your appointed feasts"

Some have used this verse to say that Judah was observing pagan feasts and new moons. It's possible that they could have been, but I would be wary of relying on this point alone to prove it. For Yahweh also calls the true feasts "Your feasts" in the Torah:

Numbers 15:3 - And will make an offering by fire unto YAHWEH, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto YAHWEH, of the herd, or of the flock:

Numbers 29:39 - These things ye shall do unto YAHWEH in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

So whether He says "Your feasts" or "My feasts", I don't see where this proves anything one way or another. They can be called our feasts because He gave them to us to keep.

But the important lesson I want us to see is that just because someone keeps the Sabbaths and feasts, it doesn't mean Yahweh is pleased with them. And it doesn't mean that they are definitely His people.

Even if a person devotes their life to making many prayers, it does not mean that Yahweh is pleased with them.

Don't get me wrong. Yes, these are important matters. But if our lives are sinful and we are not interested in turning from our sins, then Yahweh says He actually "hates" them and is "weary of bearing them".

And He will not hear our prayers:

Isaiah 1:15 - And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

This is like the proverb:

Proverbs 28:9 - He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

So it is in this generation. There are many houses of "worship", offerings of praise and offerings of prayer. These things are being offered up in abundance.

Christians bookstores are filled with "Worship music"

But for one who turns his ear away from hearing the Torah, what good is it? Even a prayer is an abomination!

We see this happening today, sadly. Is it also happening in some way in our own lives?

Are we quick to hear correction from a fellow believer? Or are we quick to defend ourselves and scoff?

Are we willing to hear the Torah through the mouth of others, or do we turn our ear away?

Do we spend very little time every day reading the scriptures and meditating on His word, and most of our time reading/listening to other things and meditating on the words of men?

Let's hear Yahweh's correction to Israel:

Isaiah 1:15 - And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Isaiah 1:16 - Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

What evil are they doing that Yahweh is so concerned about? Notice that He said their hands are full of blood.

Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

When I used to read these verses about the fatherless and the widow, I rarely stopped to think for a moment that it could be referring to anything in my life.

For the most part, the people in our generation desire to see to it that the fatherless and the widow are cared for. And things are set up in society so that they often are cared for.

If they are not, then we are in big trouble.

If they are, then could it still possibly apply to us?

Some time ago, when doing study on how Yahweh desires our home life to be, I spent some time meditating on the reasons why Yahweh cares so much for the fatherless and the widow.

He seems to speak quite a lot about it, and their needs seem to be a high priority for Him

It seems that it was because the home was without a father/husband. Without that, their physical needs were not being met. Without a man to provide for their food, shelter and clothing, they would become very poor.

But then I thought, "What about the spiritual needs of the fatherless and the widow"?

We see in scripture that the role of a Father and husband in a family is not only one of physical providing, but also one of spiritual leadership and guidance

In fact, the spiritual needs are just as important, if not far more important.

The lack of spiritual leadership and guidance causes many problems in the home. Children are not taught Yahweh's ways and the wives also suffer from a lack of spiritual leadership.

And, because of the immorality of society, men are tempted to commit adulteries, fornications and get distracted by entertainments, sports, internet, television and a whole host of other distractions/stumblingblocks.

So, in light of the above verse, perhaps our hands aren't full of blood, perhaps our own children aren't fatherless and our wives a widow. But is it so, spiritually?

Are our children on the road to destruction?

If so, is their blood on our hands, spiritually?

Have we truly taught them Yahweh's ways the way that you should?

If they are young, it may not show up right away. But according to the Torah/Law of Yahweh, parents are held responsible for teaching and training their children in the ways of righteousness.

Are our children spiritually fatherless?

How much time is spent with our children in the scriptures and in spiritual instruction? Do we fail to "talk of them" often as scripture commands?

Deuteronomy 6:5 - And thou shalt love YAHWEH thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 6:6 - And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 6:7 - And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Are our wives spiritual widows? How much time do we spend in the Word with our wives, patiently guiding them in the way that Yahweh leads?

A new term has been coined in the internet age. It's called "Internet widows"

Wives are practically non-existent in the minds and hearts of husbands who spend all their time on the internet and very little time with their families. There have been times in my life where I have been guilty of this.

Scripture says, where your treasure is, your heart is also. I would add.. where your time is.. your heart is also!

May Yahweh convict the Fathers and Husbands to awake out of complacency and rise up to fulfill the calling of a true man of Yahweh!

Considering all the scriptures where Yahweh is angry because the needs of the fatherless and widow are neglected, woe to the fathers who neglect the spiritual needs of their own wife and children!

Are not the spiritual needs more important?

If a person dies physically due to a lack of sustenance, they may live again in the resurrection.

But if one dies spiritually due to a lack of spiritual sustenance, they have walked a road of spiritual destruction.

So which is more important?

The lack of leadership in a home (along with the pressures of "Women's lib") often tempts a wife to want to "take over"

Of course she should never usurp his role in this.

Nor should she demand that he do it, for in doing so.. she is the one that is leading him to lead.

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.

Sometimes, she will get so busy trying to "play Holy Spirit" and is a stumbling block to her husband being able to hear Yahweh's Spirit over her own vocal cords.

According to scripture, she is called to commit everything to Yahweh Elohim who can truly convict a husband by His Spirit.

So if there are any Fathers and Husbands who are failing in these areas, I call on everyone to be brought to repentance.

For all the Sabbaths, calling of assemblies, feast days can be a burden to Him because He cannot endure the neglect. He cannot endure such iniquity and the sacred meetings!

For if (as seen in Isaiah 1:13-17) Yahweh cannot endure the offerings, Feast Days and Sabbaths of those who are neglecting the physical needs of what used to be another man's wife and children (fatherless and widow), how much more so if we neglect the spiritual needs of our OWN wives and children?!

Again, it isn't just the physical providing that Yahweh is concerned about. Spiritual leadership is very important.. in fact it is much more important! A lack of physical provision can lead to physical death.. but a lack of spiritual provision that Yahweh commands us to give can lead our families into the eternal damnation!

In this age where Fathers are forsaking their responsibilities and women are taking over... surely these things can very much apply to us, a nation very much like Sodom and Gomorrah. A people much like Laodicea... Plenty of idle time for entertainment, fullness of bread, neglecting the fatherless & widow, sins reaching to heaven

But there is hope..

Isaiah 1:18 - Come now, and let us reason together, saith YAHWEH: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:19 - If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Years ago, I thought I was doing an acceptable job of raising my children for Yahweh and spiritually leading my wife.

Little did I know how far I was falling short!

I had to make some major changes, including finding a way to work at home to support my family.. so that I could be HOME to "Talk of them" all throughout the day. I still need to do better. All of us fathers need to work toward continuous improvement in this area.

If you haven't already, please read the studies at http://www.eliyah.com/family/ and see many of the scriptures which helped our family tremendously. The law of Yahweh is full of admonitions in this area.

Yahweh wants our homes to be a light

And if we aren't going the right way, He wants to help us make the changes we need!

Yahweh, in His great mercy, leaves a way for repentance.

Yahweh can cleanse and purify the sins of His people.

For as strong and convicting as Yahweh's words often are, we also find His promises for forgiveness to be strong toward those who are willing to change their ways.

May Yahweh bring men and women to repentance!

For if we aren't willing...

Isaiah 1:19 - If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Isaiah 1:20 - But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of YAHWEH hath spoken it.

Without a willingness to accept His word on these things, we are in danger of losing our own spiritual livelihood.

It is all about the choice one makes

So let's seek purity in our walk..

A faith that is without hypocrisy in our own homes...

A faith that is on fire for Yahweh and not lukewarm....

To be a remnant...

A remnant that flees from idleness and focusing on wordly possessions...

A remnant of Fathers that provide for the needs of their family...

And a remnant of wives and children who have a ready ear and willing heart to receive Yahweh's leading and guidance through the head of the home

It's going to take more than keeping a feast, my brethren

We need to be meek, humble, diligent disciples of Yahushua, both inside and outside the home.. praying for Yahweh's mercy - that we might not be spewed out of His mouth and barred from the Promised land, but instead be prepared and ready to reign with Yahushua in the kingdom to come.

Let's overcome!

Revelation 2:7 - "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the garden of YAHWEH." '

Revelation 3:5 - "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Revelation 3:21 - "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Revelation 3:12 - "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My Elohim, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My Elohim and the name of the city of My Elohim, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My Elohim. And I will write on him My new name.

For if we will forsake the foolish things of this world and cleave to the eternal things, we can do it!

I hope to be there with you all.. forever.

I long for the true and complete unity between us and Yahweh, between family members of His household, and between all brothers and sisters throughout the world

Let's work toward that now, everyone individually seeking to be unified with Yahweh...

For when we are in unity with Him, our unity with one another will be there.

Psalms 133:1 - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psalms 133:2 - It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

Psalms 133:3 - As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there YAHWEH commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

May Yahweh unify our families and our hearts with Him, that the blessing which He commanded might be ours... "even life forevermore."

And that, my brethren, in the midst of this world's confusion, is all that really matters.

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