“When we read Israel’s history, there were only two, Joshua and Caleb, of the original multitudes, along with the children of those who died in the wilderness, who made it victoriously to the Promised Land””
With many signs, wonders, and judgments upon Egypt and all their idolatrous gods, the children of Israel were delivered from bondage. The Holy One of Israel’s provision of the Passover lamb’s blood spared them from death and His righteous indignation displayed through many disastrous plagues. (Exodus 12:7,23, Leviticus 23:5). The Almighty and Moses miraculously led them through the parting of the Red Sea, through the wilderness, in route to the Promised Land. There were over a million Israelites that were miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage. However, when we read Israel’s history, there were only two, Joshua and Caleb, of the original multitudes, along with the children of those who died in the wilderness, who made it victoriously to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:30). The others lost faith, they allowed fear and cravings for other things to turn their hearts away from their Almighty God Who had delivered them from bondage.
Paul, the Jewish apostle to the Gentiles, highlights Israel’s example in her wilderness journey as warnings, urging us not to make the same mistakes and reap similar devastating consequences and judgments. He wrote, “I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers [referring to the children of Israel] were all under the cloud [the Almighty’s glorious presence] and all passed through the [Red] sea; … and all ate the same spiritual food [manna pointing to Yahshua “the living bread that came down from heaven” John 6:51]; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Messiah. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness. Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play [they corrupted themselves and quickly turned aside from the way Yahveh commanded them (Exodus 32:7-8)].” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try Yahveh the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents [Numbers 21:6]. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1Corinthians 10:1-12). Apostle Peter adds to this warning, “it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17)
Our spiritual walk, like the wilderness journey, is filled with many difficulties and unique challenges. Yahshua (Jesus) said, “In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” for the righteous remnant everywhere are enduring trials in their pilgrimage towards the Promised Land (1 Peter 4:12). Sadly, so many believers are not taught and are unprepared to make it victoriously to the goal of the Promised Land, the Kingdom of Heaven.
“The lack of the knowledge of the full council of the Word of God has kept multitudes deceived by a distorted gospel message””
The lack of the knowledge of the full council of the Word of God has kept multitudes deceived by a distorted gospel message. Yahveh says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Paul warned that after his departure many savage wolves would come in to distort the gospel (Acts 20:29). He also said, “if one comes and preaches another Yahshua (Jesus) whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit … or a different gospel … you bear this beautifully” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Paul saw this apostasy coming even in his day and at the end of the age it has become increasingly pervasive and a grievous defamation to our holy God and Savior. It is not the uncompromised word of God conveying the true Yahshua (Jesus) and His pure gospel message.
The Messiah has this to say to the hypocritical religious then and now, 'this people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me [because they are not walking in the truth]. 'But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men'" (Matthew 15:8-9). Grievously, there is so much deception being taught that most people do not even know the words of our Savior that instruct us on “the narrow path” of biblical righteousness. Listen carefully to His directions, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
“Yahshua (Jesus) in essence is saying to us, “My people are those who do not seek the treasures and joys of this world, because I AM their “great reward” and in that they have life””
Most do not understand much less obey our Savior’s words, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross [crucifixion stake] and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24) Yahshua (Jesus) in essence is saying to us, “My people are those who do not seek the treasures and joys of this world, because I AM their “great reward” and in that they have life” (Genesis 15:1). The majority of people are denying the Spirit in order to indulge the flesh, which is 100% opposite of what the Messiah and His disciples taught. This is absolutely a counterfeit gospel created and perpetuated through man by Satan the Deceiver. Apostle Paul warned, we are not to be unaware of Satan’s schemes so that he does have an advantage over us through deception. Paul further emphasizes this point by saying, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness [one of the many warnings against preachers and teachers who are imposters- counterfeits]” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
“Our Savior gave important instruction regarding the fact that “counting the cost” was a prerequisite “to fight the good fight of faith” and victoriously follow Him to the end into His Kingdom””
The New Testament apostles and the prophets of old warned the people that uncompromised truth would no longer be taught or received by the masses. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:3). “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another” (Galatians 5:17). “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Only a wholehearted righteous remnant will continually “count the cost” to be faithful holy disciples. Our Savior gave important instruction regarding the fact that “counting the cost” was a prerequisite “to fight the good fight of faith” and victoriously follow Him to the end into His Kingdom (read Luke 14:28, 1 Timothy 6:12).
Yahshua (Jesus) was a suffering Servant. Apostle John said, “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:6). We too, are called to be suffering servants and we are to “rejoice in Yahveh always” regardless of the trials and hardships (Philippians 4:4). Yahshua (Jesus) and the apostle’s writings make it clear, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). We are perfected into the image of our Savior through trials, it is written, “For to you it has been granted for Messiah’s (Christ's) sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter””
The many diverse trials and hardships that true disciples experience are used by our God and Savior to strengthen us in our faith, to be found victorious and faithful to the end of our pilgrimage journey to the Promised Land — His Kingdom where only the righteous enter. The faithful redeemed remnant will persevere and endure because they have “godliness with contentment” (1Timothy 6:6). They took warning and learned from the example of the Israelites so that they would not repeat the same errors and fall in the wilderness, never making it to the Promised Land. So many “take lightly such a great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3) and will consequently end up like Israel in the wilderness filled with faithless discontent, selfish cravings, and continual complaints in the sight of the Holy God Who in mercy had delivered them from bondage to bring them to the Promised Land. Woe to us if we repeat this similar scenario! Apostle Paul’s words are a loud warning that we must learn from their example, lest we too, fall under our God and Savior’s displeasure and judgment in our spiritual walks and never make it to the eternal Promised Land. We must all take to heart the warnings of Yahshua (Jesus), “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “Many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” but “He who endures [faithfully doing the will of God] to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 7:21, Luke 13:24, Matthew 24:13). Don’t pridefully think you are standing firm but humbly continue to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
““The flesh profits nothing” it is a detriment and it will ultimately be the downfall of many because “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God”
The glory cloud led Israel, which was Yahshua (Jesus). The righteous redeemed remnant are led by Yahshua’s indwelling Spirit in our pilgrimage out of this world headed for the Kingdom of Heaven. We must understand and accept that suffering and hardship is the preparation that Yahveh “works together for good” (Romans 8:28). It prepares us to be holy and acceptable in His sight because “holiness befits our King” and His righteous Kingdom (see Psalm 93:5). Anyone who walks as Yahshua (Jesus) walked will come to know Him more intimately through His sufferings. In referring to Apostle Paul, our Savior said, “I will show him [Paul] how much he must suffer for My name's sake” (Acts 9:16). Through the apostle’s many sufferings he learned something very vital that he teaches as a safeguard against the flesh’s response to these trials. Paul exhorts the true followers of Yahshua (Jesus), “Rejoice in Yahveh God always and again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). This mandate to rejoice is not to be taken lightly. It is written, “the joy of Yahveh is our strength” and is a safeguard for our faith (Nehemiah 8:10). No other joy can strengthen our spirit in order to make it victoriously as spiritual pilgrims to the Heavenly Kingdom. The distractions and preoccupations of what the flesh craves only strengthen the flesh that must be crucified and not indulged. Paul said, “the flesh profits nothing” it is a detriment and it will ultimately be the downfall of many because “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (John 6:63, 1 Corinthians 15:50).
The “joy of Yahveh is our strength” and He leads us from “strength to strength” so that we will endure victoriously to the end over trials and tribulations in our pilgrimage journey (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 84:7). Those who endure, through faith and perseverance, will be part of the joyful redeemed remnant of which it is written, “…The ransomed of Yahveh (the Lord) will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (Isaiah 51:11). "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new … I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost … He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children” (Revelation 21:3-7).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have spoken to me regarding the condition of my faith and spiritual walk. You see my heart and know the many ways I am preoccupied, discontent, and overcome with many selfish cravings. I confess that I forget You so much of the time because You have not been enough for me. Please forgive me, I have lived with my sights and desires for the “here and now” on earth rather than the “hereafter” with You in the Kingdom of Heaven. I have neglected to keep my faith in You and sought worldly and temporary passing joys, that have robbed me of the true joy of loving, seeking, and obeying You. Your word says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain”. That is what I am prayerfully seeking.
Yahshua (Jesus), I truly need Your grace and the power of Your Spirit to help me focus my desires on seeking and doing Your perfect will. Please help me to take all of my treasures out of this temporal world and put them where they belong in the Kingdom of Heaven. Your Spirit is convicting me, I know that I have been on the broad path, please help me to keep my eyes fixed on You as You lead me on the narrow path that leads to eternal life. I have been so consumed with the things of this world, the everyday preoccupations, distractions, and enticements that continually grab my attention. I have made You an after thought rather than the foremost focus of my life. I have not wanted to endure sufferings and trials that are part of following You on the narrow path. I have failed You, I have not obeyed Your clear instruction that says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). I have denied Your Word to indulge my flesh and I am unworthy to be called Your disciple. I humbly repent, please wash me with Your sacrificial blood.
Yahshua (Jesus) please deliver me and help me to reject all the things that so easily pull me away from You. I have fallen from my first love and You are not receiving the full attention, affection, and glory that is Your due. I am truly sorry for being double minded, hypocritical, and superficial in my relationship with You. Rarely do I rejoice in Your sacrificial death to redeem my soul. Forgive me for having joy in so many cheap thrills and not always rejoicing in You. I ask You to forgive and purify me with Your cleansing blood that I be holy and pleasing in Your sight. Help me to die to all the distractions and counterfeit joys that I might have the true joy that comes from humble obedience to wholeheartedly seeking and doing Your will according to Your Word. Help me to never look back and fall into self-indulgence, covetousness, discontent, and complaining. Thank You for the immeasurable utmost price. You paid to redeem me so that I could be part of Your faithful righteous remnant that truly love, serve, and “worship You in spirit and in truth”, now and forever. I pray this with all my heart in the name of Yahshua (Jesus). Amen.
