Messiah in Life

Echoes from our past can sometimes cause us to stumble, or fall into a snare set by the enemy. Yet, we can learn to walk in the newness of life in Messiah by faith, trusting in our new identity. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider an episode involving a woman, men of authority, stones, and mysterious writing. How do the stones of judgment connect to a white stone promised in Revelation...

Shalom friends, as I have been under the weather this week I decided to look back into the archive and find a message to share. This message on the Torah portion of Shemot/Names is from 2012. In this message we consider the calling, refusal, but ultimately the preparation of Moses for his calling. How does this translate for today? How do we, or how have we disbelieved our calling in Messiah? Fina...

In this episode of Messiah in Life, we look to the example of a faithful mother to help us understand the enduring faithfulness of our Father in Heaven. "How much more?" Messiah asks, let us consider just one example that helps us to understand just how much the Father loves us!  References: Matthew 7:7-12; 2 Samuel 21:1-14. 

Sometimes we do not recognize when we have returned to old habits of interpersonal response that are contrary to the life of messianic faith. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we look at an exchange between Messiah and Peter to help us "leave our nets" and freely "follow Him." If you are a minister wrestling with worldly measures of success, or a disciple of Messiah strugglin...

There is a fascinating exchange that happens between a father and Messiah Yeshua/Jesus regarding the man's son. This exchange speaks to the issue of doubt that comes to light during stressful moments in our lives. How do we keep doubt from hardening our hearts, and actually becoming a springboard to deeper love for and devotion to our Messiah? Give a listen.  References: Mark 9:17-27; Matthew...

What lesson to we find in a swaddled Child? One laid in a manger, in a temporary dwelling, in the city of David. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we look closely at the imagery of the Nativity, Hanukkah, and strangely enough, the feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles). What enduring message can we take away from this season? Give a listen.  References: Luke 2:4-7; Psalm 22:1-8; Psalm 27:4-6; John 1:14;...

The incarnation and birth of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus often gets caught up in commercialization or theological debate, rather than drawing us into the prophetic promise of His birth. In this episode, we unpack prophetic writing, and textual translation and witnesses to bring forth the hope expressed simply: "for unto us a Child is born; for unto us a Son is given." What do we make of this vu...

There are times in the life of a flock when they stay relatively still, not moving very far if at all. How do we understand these seasons in the life of faith? What is going on when it seems that we are not receiving any direction from the Lord? Give a listen! References: John 10:1-3; Psalm 37:23-24, 31. 

What does the Bible say about friendship? In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider the meaning and the development of friendship. What it depends on, and where it leads us. The heart of our friendship is in Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. What does He say about friendship, and how do His words inform us for friendship in this age? Give a listen.  References: John 15:1-19; 1 John 1:3, 7; 4:18; Proverb...

Often, as we read the Gospels, we miss some of the language that indicates a deeper cultural significance that we sometimes consider. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we examine the healing of two women and its meaning in our lives today. Why did Yeshua/Jesus says to both women, "Go in peace"? Could there be something we are missing? Give a listen. References:  Luke 7:36-50; Luke 8:43...

A blind beggar sits outside Jericho. He hears about Yeshua, Jesus approaching. He calls out. He is rebuffed by those around him. But then Jesus calls him to come. What does the healing of Bartimaeus teach us about ourselves? What does it reveal about Messiah Yeshua, Jesus? Give a listen.  References: Mark 10:46-52; Joshua 6:26; Psalm 34:6; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 13:13-14. 

The well known parable of the Prodigal Son is a drama very relatable to most people. The story includes not one, but two dysfunctional sons. The dysfunction of one son is obvious, but what of the other? There are important lessons, not only from the son who left home, but also from the son who stayed home. This parable speaks to more than we often consider. Give a listen.  References: Luke 15:11-3...

In this episode of Messiah in Life we take a close look at the final feast of in-gathering, the feast of Sukkot, or Tabernacles. What can we learn from this festival? How does it reveal to us the marriage feast of the Lamb, and hope for the nations?  References: Leviticus 23:33-44; Numbers 29; Micah 4:1-7; Revelation 7:9. 

On the last day of his life, Moses stands and blesses the children of Israel in much the same way that Jacob blessed his sons generations earlier. In this last portion of the Torah cycle, we find an ending without an ending. What is the Lord revealing to us as we consider these final verses of the Torah, and how does this revelation connected to the messianic mission? Give a listen! References: De...

As we approach the high holiday season, we face a great deal of uncertainty in the world. From economic stress, to wars and rumors of wars. Moses, as he approaches the end of his life sings a song. He does so to mend the past in order to secure the future. What do we learn from these beautiful words of Moses? How do we find comfort from them in these difficult times? Give a listen. References: Deu...

The opening of this double portion makes a bold statement about the community of faith, acknowledging not only the prominent members of the community, but also the least. Why is this important? Give a listen. The heart of this week's podcast focuses on the one the Lord used to write the Torah: Moses. Why is Moses so important, not only in Judaism, but also Christianity? Not only do his words...

Why do we remember moments of cultural or national significance? What of moments and miracles of eternal significance? In this week's Torah portion, the Lord commands Israel to do something unusual when they cross over the Jordan. To what end? Are monuments of remembrance really that important? When Israel crosses a parted body of water for the second time, they realize just how important it...

Called to be a blessing. Abraham would not only be blessed of the Lord, but he would be a blessing to the nations. In Messiah, Jew and Gentile alike, as seed of Abraham, will also be a blessing. Yet, we cannot move or alter the safeguards set in place by the Lord. There is an ethical and spiritual lesson that we learn from two seemingly unrelated commands found in the Torah. How do these commands...

Judges were to judge righteously, officers were to quickly and rightly execute their judgment. Likewise, the prophet of the Lord was to speak righteously, leading the people of God along the way correctly. When His people turned to the right or to the left, the prophet was to redirect them for return. The office of prophet was not an ancient adaption of a "psychic," but one who spoke the...

The imagery of this portion reminds us of the Shepherding Lord leading His flock to their promised pasture. What does the Psalm 23 teach us about the relationship between Shepherd and sheep, pleasant pastures and overshadowed valleys, spiritual drought and refreshing? This song of David has some deep insight into our nature as sheep, and members of the redeemed household of the Lord. Give a listen...

In this portion, Moses reminds Israel of their miraculous provision from heaven, but then stresses, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." This is a statement of not only provision, but also mission. How does this reminder inform us spiritually and supernaturally? Give a listen! References: Deuteronomy 7:12-13; 8:1-4; Matthew 4:4; 6:25; 6...

Moses continues to speak to the next generations, warning against idolatry, and the continued influence of the "broad way." He recounts the Ten Commandments, and the days leading to their revelation. He then speaks the central statement of biblical faith, the Sh'ma. We take a slightly different turn in this episode, as we consider the underlying text, even the letters themselves to...

The Book of Deuteronomy opens with the first discourse of Moses. In these opening chapters, Moses reminds the children of Israel where they have come from, their failures, victories, and then encourages them for the days ahead. How does this opening discourse speak to us today? There may be countless starts in the heavens, but they are all set and named by the Lord, Who also redeemed, set and name...

We find a double portion this week as we conclude the Book of Numbers. After an overview of the content in these portions, we look closely at a fear of Moses concerning the tribes of Reuben and Gad, a fear that manifests after the tribes are settled in the Promised Land. How is a potential civil war avoided? Who stands up and displays the maturity to hear the voice of the opposition? Finally, we d...

Torah portion Pinchas opens with the unfolding of the tragic plan of Balaam. Then, in an instant, one who had no position or authority stands and executes judgment upon a shameful act. In this portion we consider two leader, one who was given a leadership position that he was not entitled to, the second was prepared for leadership over many years, yet, he still had to be set in leadership before t...