Thus far we have taken a look at Hebraic prayer from a variety of perspectives. We've looked at Hebraic Ritual Prayer and we've looked at Hebraic Personal/Dynamic Prayer. We've viewed these perspectives in light of their potential context within the Tanakh as well as the B'rit Chadasha … And it is certainly being contended by this commentator, using the Sacred Texts within a Hebraic perspective as evidence, that long after Messiah Yeshua's ascension to the Heavens … that the traditional Hebraic Prayer framework not only remained in place for the disciples but that they operated within this framework in Spirit and mental cognizance knowing that Yeshua had changed everything … while amazingly leaving the framework perfectly intact!
Now … as we continue to ponder the potential implications for us two thousand years later, it must be admitted that modern believers are indeed faced with some serious obstacles such as but not limited to:
1) In 66 CE the Jewish population rebelled against the Roman Empire. Four years later, in 70 CE, Roman legions under Titus retook and subsequently destroyed much of Jerusalem and decimated completely the Second Temple. The Arch of Titus, located in Rome and built to commemorate Titus's victory in Judea, depicts a Roman victory procession with soldiers carrying spoils from the Temple, including the Menorah; which were used to fund the construction of the Colosseum. The sects of Judaism that had their base in the Temple dwindled in importance, including the priesthood and the Sadducees. Although Jews continued to inhabit the destroyed city, Emperor Hadrian established a new city called Aelia Capitolina. At the end of the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE, many of the Jewish communities were massacred and Jews were banned from living inside Jerusalem. A pagan Roman temple was set up on the former site of Herod's Temple.
2) Beginning in the middle of the Second Century CE, the movement to separate the Messianic faith from its Jewish heritage and traditions was led by the likes of Marcion, Bishop of Sinope. Although branded a heretic and removed from the community of believers Marcion's anti-Judaic movement ultimately never died out and was successful … culminating in a complete split from the orthodox faith under Emperor Constantine in 325 CE … as witnessed by his Epistle to church leaders contained within Theodoret’s Ecclesiastical History 1.9:
The Epistle of the Emperor Constantine, concerning the matters transacted at the Council (Nicaea), addressed to those Bishops who were not present: “It was, in the first place, declared improper to follow the custom of the Jews in the celebration of this holy festival (Passover), because, their hands having been stained with crime, the minds of these wretched men are necessarily blinded. . . . Let us, then, have nothing in common with the Jews, who are our adversaries. . . . Avoiding all contact with that evil way. . . . who, after having compassed the death of the Lord, being out of their minds, are guided not by sound reason, but by an unrestrained passion, wherever their innate madness carries them. . . . A people so utterly depraved. . . . Therefore, this irregularity must be corrected, in order that we may no more have any thing in common with those parricides and the murderers of our Lord. . . . No single point in common with the perjury of the Jews.
On July 25, 325 Ce, in conclusion, the fathers of the council celebrated the emperor’s twentieth anniversary. In his valedictory address, Constantine again informed his hearers how averse he was to dogmatic controversy; he wanted the Church to live in harmony and peace. In a circular letter, he announced the accomplished unity of practice by the whole Church in the date of the celebration of Christian Passover (now called Easter) … the festival aligned with the pagan Spring Equinox Fertility Festival).
3) Our Messiah made numerous revelations regarding the Temple in Jerusalem that would point to a time when apparently traditional Biblical Jewish would cease to exist:
Matthew: (24:1-2) And Yeshua went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Yeshua said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.
John (2:18-22) Then answered the Jews and said unto him, what sign will you show unto us, seeing that thou does these things? Yeshua answered and said unto them, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spoke of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Yeshua had said.
Luke (20:14-18) But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, this is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, ELOHIM forbid. And he beheld them, and said, what is this then that is written, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Matthew (27:50-51) Yeshua, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the Spirit. 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent
Sadly we know via the historical record that the Gentile church, removed from its Hebraic roots and Jewish traditions, viewed the destruction of the Temple as G_D's ultimate judgment upon the Jewish people leading them to conclude in error that a new "spiritual Israel" had been created. A new Israel that did not recognize the Everlasting Covenant and usurped the role of the "chosen people" from Israel itself.
In so doing not only was a total injustice perpetrated upon the Jewish people but worse yet the foundational elements of Biblical faith and living were abrogated as new philosophical theology spawned within the body of purported believers. A theology that changed the eternal and sacred appointed times of G_D … a theology that snubbed its proverbial nose at the Sacred Law … at G_D's Torah … a theology that removed the Jewishness from Messiah himself!
And … if we for a moment can stand fast in the truth of the historical record … wondering what things would be like if the Gentile church had not absconded the faith … we are still left with the cold hard fact that upon destruction of the Temple the notion of a Biblical Jewish lifestyle would not … could not be achievable!
Or could it? Hmmm!
Hebrews: (2:16-18) For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to ELOHIM, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
Hebrews (5:5-10) So also Mashiach glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. As he says also in another place, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of ELOHIM an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
1 Peter (2:1-10) Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of ELOHIM, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to ELOHIM by Yeshua Mashiach. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of ELOHIM: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1 Corinthians (3:14-17) If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of ELOHIM, and that the Spirit of ELOHIM dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of ELOHIM, him shall ELOHIM destroy; for the temple of ELOHIM is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Corinthians (9:12-14) Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Mashiach. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
2 Corinthians (6:14-18) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Mashiach with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of ELOHIM with idols? For ye are the temple of the living ELOHIM; as ELOHIM hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their ELOHIM, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
Revelation: (5:6-10) And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of ELOHIM sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to ELOHIM by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our ELOHIM kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Revelation (8:1-6) And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before ELOHIM; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before ELOHIM out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
Romans (8:24-27) For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of ELOHIM.
Colossians (3:15-17) And let the peace of ELOHIM rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Mashiach dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing soul melodies in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to ELOHIM and the Father by him.
Commentary:
So dear reader … what do we think?
It would certainly appear that the inspired Apostles have a pretty firm grasp upon what Yeshua had revealed to them. It would certainly appear that they were quite cognizant of the fact that the Temple would in fact be destroyed. It would certainly appear that they were in tune with the "Spiritual House" which Yeshua indicated would be built!
So now understanding that the community of believers were in fact provided revelation and instruction pertaining to Jewish life without the Temple … let us explore these passages and see if we can get a firm understanding of what is really going on!
Initially we see where Yeshua is revealed to be our great Heavenly and eternal Kohen HaGadol (High Priest) … the great intercessor … Israel's direct point of contact with ELOHIM. And let us also recall that Sha'ul's letter to the Hebrews reveals this truth within the context of how the Earthly Temple Priesthood and Sacrificial System is, like the original Tent of Meeting and Ark of the Covenant, but a pattern and shadow of the true Heavenly Mishkan Temple, High Priest and Ministry!
Next we see in 1 Peter, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians respectively the inspired writers in true Hebraic fashion paint a visual picture for the believer wherein:
Yeshua, as prophesied long ago has become the stone which the builders (the Jewish religious leaders) of the Temple rejected … but being approved by G_D has become the very headstone upon which the new spiritual Temple will be built.
And true Israel, the chosen people of G_D … the elect in Messiah … the national and royal Priesthood according to the terms of the Everlasting Covenant, are the lively stones that comprise the Spiritual Temple being built up by Messiah … and this Priesthood offers up the spiritual sacrifices to G_D through the orchestration of the eternal High Priest Yeshua.
Although Peter paints us this picture of the new Temple, we see revealed by Sha'ul how G_D is working this through Messiah and how this is much more than a purely allegorical picture. Sha'ul reveals that we ourselves … in Messiah … have become the Temple … the dwelling place of G_D … housing G_D's very Spirit … the Holy Spirit! And true to form Sha'ul in the letters to Corinth ties this relationship right back to the Sacred Law and the Holy Service while directly connecting them to the Gospel itself!
It should be intuitively obvious that Sha'ul, in revealing that the Temple remain free of defilement … that our spiritual sacrifices remain untainted, is instructing us that we must walk in accordance to the Gospel! In connecting the ethereal concept of not defiling the Temple directly with the very tangible "walking in the Gospel", Sha'ul in typical Hebraic fashion is undoubtedly leading us once again back to the Torah which has as one purpose the goal of separation and sanctification!
But the revelation for our edification and benefit does not end quite yet. As Messiah reveals to us through John in the Revelation … we see how our prayers, offerings and sacrifices ascend to the very throne of ELOHIM!
Once again we should be taken directly back to the Holy Service … to the burnt offering … to the Olah (that which goes up) and recognize that our very prayers … our very walk … the righteous works/fruits of our hands is what ascends to the throne!
But in true Hebraic fashion Sha'ul still once gain makes it clear to us that we are not dealing with some form of "mental/cognitive" operation. Sha'ul in the letter to the Romans reveals how it is the work of the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit within us that produces these ascending prayers … ascending offerings … ascending works!
It is hoped that Sha'ul's delivery of this mystery, described in terms of groaning and unutterable supplication by the Spirit, has us recall the earlier discourse regarding the Psalmists and their inspired emotive, physical and spiritual outpourings.
And still further yet Sha'ul in the letter to the Colossians reveals to us yet again this extremely active and vibrant indwelling of the Holy Spirit. An indwelling that not only transforms the believer from rebellion to obedience … from non-covenantal to covenantal … from unholy to holy, but … instills within the believer the very heart of Messiah Yeshua resulting in true spiritual rebirth … resulting in genuine love for ELOHIM and for the brethren that is active, vibrant, real … living!
It would appear dear reader that our review of prayer in a Hebraic fashion has led us towards the ultimate objective of G_D's great plan for humanity. That objective being the very construction of the Olam HaBah (the world to come) in, through, by, with and for Messiah Yeshua!
Ephesians (2:18-22) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of ELOHIM; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yeshua Mashiach himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are built together for an habitation of ELOHIM through the Spirit.
Revelation (3:10-12) Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my ELOHIM, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my ELOHIM, and the name of the city of my ELOHIM, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my ELOHIM: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation (21:9-22:5) And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from ELOHIM, Having the glory of ELOHIM: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. … And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of ELOHIM and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of ELOHIM and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord ELOHIM giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Ultimately beloved children of G_D there can be no true understanding of what G_D has in store for us … there is simply no means in which the mind or the flesh of humanity can comprehend the awesome mystery and glory of ELOHIM. Yet … in Spirit we should be able to discern a union … discern what being echad with ELOHIM through Messiah Yeshua promises us in the way of unfathomable riches, blessings, holiness and perfection (shalom).
The Sacred Texts reveal to us a portrait of something completely majestic and new … but planned from the beginning of creation by ELOHIM.
The Sacred Texts reveal to us an imparting of G_D, for G_D and by G_D … a spiritual imparting through Messiah Yeshua which enables, perhaps imperfectly in our humanity, the redeemed of G_D to emotionally, physically and spiritually experience G_D in human form as did our beloved Messiah!
Additionally it would appear that the Sacred Texts reveal to us that this same divine expression of living resonates throughout all creation and ascends back to the very throne of ELOHIM wherein all impurities are burnt away leaving for G_D only that which has been imparted from him to us!
Still further it would appear that the Sacred Texts reveal to us that ELOHIM in aggregating all things in Messiah Yeshua is in essence taking back all of the creation … removing all defilement … perfecting all that is holy and gifting all of this to the Son through whom the creation has been restored.
Consequently the salvation of G_D … Yeshua … results in his spiritual progenies becoming all things in Messiah. The progenies become Yeshua's: children, bride, priests, servants, temple and yea even the very city of light itself wherein ELOHIM continues as the source of all things!
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