Rabbi Linda/ Bethel Temple Fellowship
Shalom,
We recently celebrated Passover where we still celebrate the death and resurrection of Yeshua. We are now counting the Omer. The Torah commands us to count the Omer for yourself 7 weeks equaling 49 days. The 50th day is Shavuot.
Counting of the Omer leads to the feast of Pentecost (Shavuot). Yeshua walked the earth showing Himself to many after His resurrection during the counting of the Omer. Yeshua appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who believed Yeshua’s words. Mary spread the gospel of Yeshua’s resurrection, but many refused to believe her.
Those she told were Yeshua’s disciples, who loved Him, walked with Him, and were taught by Him. They refused to believe Yeshua was alive! Yeshua walked the earth encouraging His people. He healed, delivered, and strengthened their faith.
Yeshua appeared to Peter who denied Yeshua and He healed Peter from condemnation and unworthiness. Thomas, Yeshua’s disciple, refused to believe the Messiah was alive. Yeshua delivered Thomas from doubt.
Yeshua appeared to the 11 disciples and scolded them for their unbelief and hardness of heart.
These were Yeshua’s disciples who loved Him, but refused to believe Yeshua rose from the dead. Yeshua, in His mercy, touched each one of them as He does with us. Many say they love Yeshua, and are followers of Him, but refuse to believe he can heal. Many refuse to believe he can do miracles, and refuse to let go of condemnation and unworthiness.
When Yeshua ascended into heaven He said:
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth, It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7
Yeshua sent His spirit, the Holy Spirit, to comfort us. Yeshua’s blood continues to save, deliver, heal us, and much more.
When Yeshua ascended into heaven, He said wait for the fullness of the Holy Spirit. it’s for everyone and His spirit is here. If we believe in the gospel, that Yeshua rose from the dead and is alive, we will receive salvation and everything Yeshua came to do for you.
I have traveled to Israel several times, and each time I went to the tomb of Yeshua, it was empty. H has risen, the tomb is empty! He is alive!.
Recently, a tornado destroyed our home while we were in it. The only safe area was the room we were in. That is a miracle of God protecting us, and we are thankful to be alive. So I can testify He is alive and with us.
Disasters of any kind are hard things to go through. However, we are overcomers at the same time, and they seem to bring people together in caring and helping each other. Many who didn’t even know me were there to give a helping hand.
From Historical Jefferson’s history, I understand the Jews of Jefferson and the Gentiles have always come together in brotherly love building Jefferson together helping and supporting each other. This is true, whether back in the1800s, or in 2022.
I believe the tornado destruction was just another reminder to the community of brothers Jews and Gentiles. That is that all people help each other, overlooking prejudices and disagreements and still being able to love one another.
Together in unity we can encourage and help humanity.
We all have witnessed in our life, and through history, the enemy has tried to destroy brotherly love and harmony. Thank God our community has defeated the enemy through the storm’s of disasters.
We don’t have a home synagogue in Jefferson, but we will continue to congregate with our brethren worshiping God and being part of Jefferson’s community. Jefferson and the Jews historical heritage is brotherly love.
I am a true witness of the love of our risen Savior Yeshua!
Hebrew word for today. Community – Qahel –Assembly, congregation, company