5-2-2017 El Shaddai -of the Tabernacle

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.

They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way;
even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35

I’m walking a dusty path, talking with my traveling companions as we go, discussing the wonders we’ve already seen on this pristine day. Though I’m engaged in the moment, my mind is far ahead of me. I’m distracted by what I know is to be―not by what is or has been. I find myself wanting to somehow prepare in a more appropriate way, but I don’t know what more to do―I’ve been preparing for this moment for years.

We are aiming for a building that sits at the pinnacle of a small rise, there-in to watch a movie which we are told should provide an historical and scriptural perspective of this place. But even that seems a distraction. It’s what lies beyond the building that calls to me as I crest the hill.

There it is, Lord, Your tabernacle area: Now only an archeological site of carefully excavated stone, outlining a perfect description in our time, as to the spiritual interaction, observances and rituals of times ancient. What intrigues me most is the placement; not perched on the highest mountain as most religious temples, this structure is centered in a bowl, surrounded by great hills.

Our friend, Luke, who has navigated us here, explains that the Israelites oriented this site so that all the tribes could gather, worshiping together with the ability to see and best hear the proceedings. I confess that the landscape in my mind’s eye had the crowds camped out on flat plains, but this makes so much more sense. It is the same arrangement as with the temple in Jerusalem where Mount Moriah is surrounded by high places looking down into the sacrificial area to allow for the visual impact.

Lord, you encouraged me to the Land for many reasons, but I find my heart beating faster as I place myself mentally into the significance of my immediate surroundings. YHWH, You planned a 40-year journey to bring Your people to this spot. Here they offered and sang and cried and responded to You. And here You loved, guided, corrected and prepared them toward an everlasting relationship which would eventually even allow for someone like me to commune with You.

We watch the movie, a dramatic interpretation depicting the struggle of Samuel’s mother Hannah, but I find myself struggling and anxious. For what? What am I wanting from this event? We exit the theater and descend the slope into the actual tabernacle area. As I negotiate the stony path, I become even more excited, but why, Lord? You are no more in this place than you are in my heart. Yet there is something spiritually electric that I can’t explain about Shiloh. Why am I here, why did You inspire the Israelites to congregate here for over 350 years?

I’ve been so inwardly focused that I haven’t been paying attention to my surroundings. Somehow I have arrived at the actual tabernacle foundation and am now standing where, thousands of years ago, the Holy of Holies would have been. At that time, standing in this place would have provoked an instant end to my existence. And I find that standing is no longer an appropriate position. On my knees I give thanks for the invitation, through you, Lord Jesus, to dwell together, intimately celebrating life; not fearing death. Do I really appreciate the power and significance in that?

This is what I came for, to experience what had happened here, appreciating what is happening here now, so that I can look forward to what will happen here soon-coming. I could be any place and You would love me no less; all the other events of this trip to the Land are inspiring, but this place is the source of that inspiration. I have always been drawn to origins and antiquity, to the primitive which is anything but primitive. Here is where You taught us all how to worship.

Now I’m prepared; seeking Your will, Father God and I know…yadah…Your presence. It is in the bones of this place. It is in the heart of this frail clay vessel whom You have led to this encounter. Fill me with Your purpose, as an offering to Your desire.

Regaining my feet, I return along the dusty path, talking with my traveling companions as we go, discussing the wonders that have just overwhelmed us on this pristine day. I’m tempted to turn back and, one more time, tabernacle with You where Samuel and David encountered You. But Your instructions are clear. “Go out.”

I’m no longer distracted by what I know is to be, for what is to be is where You want me focused. What is to be is every moment I can serve and praise and proclaim. There is nothing more to do―except what You have already given me to do. That is the way it was, that is the way it is, that is the way of my ongoing journey―that is Your way.

Thanks be to El Shaddai for offering His way, that we may tabernacle with Him.

Mark C.

3-17-17 The Wonder in the Moment

   "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and    you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison      and you came to me.'

   Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or        thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and          clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

   And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my   

   brothers, you did it to me.'"           
                                                                                                       Matthew 25:35-40

Lord, I ask Your indulgence while a great image tickles my memory. A beautiful day unfolds as we loiter near the Jaffa Gate. My wife and I are not pressed with any hard schedule at the moment and so stand together watching the crowds intersecting by the gate opening into Christ Church. Across the street―the middle-ages structure popularly called David’s Tower. I’m particularly enjoying the visual cross-section of humanity flowing past―Your diverse hand is so evident in the appearance and behavior of those who walk life with us, Lord.

Speaking of, I notice a weathered Arabic man approaching. His pants and shirt are worn, but neat, and he sports the traditional keffiyeh headdress of the Bedouin. A broad smile boasting a mostly complete set of yellowed and worn teeth further creases his deeply scored face. He’s seen a few miles, I think to myself as he nears. The man greets us, not atypical in this market area, and produces a map.

Master, I confess to suddenly becoming cynical. He wants to sell us the map, or lead us to his shop, I warn myself. He must read my wariness for he now directs his comments toward my bride.

“You are so very beautiful, may I give you this map for a moment of conversation?”

My wife accepts and I’m left to observe as he asks her where we are from and why we have journeyed to Jerusalem. My sweet wife is ever gracious and describes our love of the land. To my surprise, the elderly gentleman now turns to me and exclaims, “Your wife is very lovely. I will give you 100 camels, 2 donkeys and a goat for her.”

I recognize immediately the great compliment he has bestowed to both of us. He has literally offered a king’s ransom, which I’m reasonably certain he does not possess. It is simply a charming gesture and I have no immediate place where I could stable such treasures, so I give him a way out as is the custom. “Thank you so much, but I have to tell you, my wife is the jewel of my eye and I can’t possibly part with her.”

There; the compliment and the gratitude are fairly placed and I’m ready now to pay him for his gift of the map…except he is not done. “I have no such gem,” he responds. “So I offer you my eyes which are my jewels, in addition to the 100 camels, 2 donkeys, and a goat. Also, I will give you all of the Holy Land.

Well now, I must admit Lord, I would be tempted, but for a simple fact that I happen to know. He does not possess the Holy Land, You do. Still, he has flattered my wife and engaged us with a wonderful example of local tradition. I’m ready to buy the map for a sum above its actual value. As I begin to reach for my wallet, our new-found friend thanks us for our time and moves down the street. Amazing―he was a genuine ambassador to this place and I feel a bit the lesser. I really should have prayed with him―I wonder how he might have received that gesture?

Too late…or is it? Jesus, I know little of that man’s beliefs or faith, but I do know You. Forgive me if I did not immediately hear Your suggestion for communion. He is also one of Your loved ones, if not Your claimed ones―he deserved the invitation and I was stingy in my response. Please protect him…and us, on our separate journeys. I pray that what tiny bit of hospitality we offered in return for his, magnifies You and You alone. I pray that somehow, our reception of his kindness reflected Your light to him.

I haven’t gained any camels, donkeys, goats or property. You remain the jewel of my heart, I still am blessed with the jewel of my eye―my beautiful bride with which you have gifted me, and I have enjoyed a moment of gracious amusement offered by a fellow traveler. I’m wealthy beyond measure.

Some days are meant for just this―to receive and appreciate Your wonder of Lovingkindness in the moment.

Amen,

Mark C.

2-15-2017 Epiphanies of the Moment

Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." 

And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  Exodus 33:13-14

Lord Jesus,

We’ve been back from our trip to Your amazing land for over three months and I’m still trying to absorb all You revealed to us. It’s daunting, to say the least; there were so many spiritual and physical experiences. Finding a way to honor You with our processed perceptions; to share the depth of Your outpouring with others…It’s just going to take time.  Help me to present this in a way which glorifies 

Your purpose and inspires others to learn more.

Our second trip to Israel was so different from the first. You allowed us to take in so much of the country on our first encounter, but there was such limited exposure to the people who lived and worked there. This time however and the organic experiences of interacting with those who dwell in the land were striking.

Epiphany # 1: Spirit, You equipped us and provided Scriptural encouragement. Lord, You showed us, Your ambassadors how our walk influenced the nation as suggested in Romans 11:11. But You also taught us how service flows both ways. We were sincerely blessed by the people we encountered and they taught us more than we could have imagined about true existence in Israel; how the world attempts to manipulate and delegitimize the country’s people (Jew and Palestinian alike!) and how other countries have invalidly claim the land a political object to conquer.

Epiphany # 2: Lord, You opened our eyes to common misconceptions and helped dismiss our preconceived assumptions that Israeli Jews are just like American Jews. We discovered an evangelical segment and attitude of Israeli Jews who piqued our curiosity greatly. Our shared dialogue was inspiring and open.

Epiphany # 3: Father, it appears the misconceptions go both ways. The Evangelical Jews we encountered perceive most American Christians to be highly uninformed on Old Testament and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. OK YHWH, maybe there is validity to the point. Regardless, they seemed surprised and encouraged about our knowledge and understanding. Thank You for shared wisdom.

Epiphany # 4. Master, You introduced us to the growing number of Jewish Ministries such as the Center for Jewish -Christian Understanding and Cooperation, and Yad Vashem – the Holocast Awareness Museum, desiring active study, discussion and interaction with Christian groups.  This is a very recent development of engagement and we are excited about the possibilities of shared ministry in Your name.

Epiphany # 5. Father, You have stirred the pot, involving more Multi-national Christians than American Christians to seek dialogue and relationship with Israel (Brazil, South Korea, Netherlands, Africa to name a few). We have learned this through our great friends at the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem who host a Feast of Tabernacles celebration during the Fall Festivals. We were amused to learn of the Jewish population’s amazement that Christians want to share their holy feasts. Lord I suspect You are smiling at the irony.

Epiphany #6. The blessing of Aliyah: Jews from all over the world are invited through the rite of Aliyah to claim and live in the land You God, promised to them. The increase of these “Sojourners” from other nations is reshaping the culture, politics and spiritual nature of Israel. We learned that Russian Jews since 1980s have found true fellowship and now Chinese Jews (amazing!) are flooding to the land. What a true melting pot isYour tabernacle.

Epiphany #7. The struggle of Aliyah: There is a contradictory attitude toward Messianics–  Jews who have claimed You Yeshua...Jesus, as their Lord and Savior. Although by all other cultural and ecumenical standards, they have in no way renounced their heritage, they are denied what every other Jew (even those forsaking You as God!) are granted by the administrative and religious authorities of Israel. Lord, we pray for these who are courageous enough to proclaim You, and we will walk with them in their effort to be legitimately recognized.

Epiphany #8.  Master, You are teaching us the sad reality that a large number ofAmerican Christians do not study or realize the significance of Living Prophecy. They do not full grasp the purpose of Your command to Bless Israel and what it means to our future.

We have come to realize that it’s difficult to perceive Biblical Prophecy unfolding when living in the prophecy’s time. It’s like standing on the pages in the middle of a giant book and trying to comprehend the book’s beginning and its ending

We need insight from the book’s readers of the past and the vision of Your Spirit to help us through.          

Epiphany #9. Holy Spirit, You have given us understanding that Spiritual warfare isn’t a news story of one historical moment. It’s a long term strategy―many battle-plans of two opposing forces throughout history toward the  determination of eternity. The two sides wrestle today in a continuation of past events and perspective. Here are questions that You have raised in my heart based on this revealing:

Why does Islam hate Israel so much? Nineveh of 6000 BC has become modern day Mosel in Iraq. Mohamad professed one of the Pillars of Islam to declare that possession of any land by Islamic conquerors also own the land and the people of that land for all time. In our modern age, the restoration of conquered land to the rightful inhabitants has not and cannot change spiritual warfare. There will be, until the end of the age, forces that will not recognize You and Your purpose, so they attack with their alternative purpose.

YHWH, all of these epiphanies are profound for me. They paint a picture of the reality we live in. It is not a new reality, as some would like to think. I hear others suggest that in the modern era, humanity has improved, that we don’t need You as much, if at all.

You know better. I’ve had my eyes and ears opened to Your most ancient of wisdom – we cannot improve ourselves; there is only One who has done that and I honor His rule: Your rule, Lord Jesus. I pray for the eyes of the world to recognize Your design. To become alert to the extraordinary restoration of Israel since 1948, the successful defense of deceitful attacks in1967, 1980 and the propaganda wars of this very moment cannot be attributed to our meager efforts.

There is only one possibility to explain the reclamations of vineyards, the restoration of fertility to the land, and the returning of faithful people to the Israel. It is Your doing and to Your glory that these things have happened.

Yours is the prophecy that has perfectly unfolded. Thank You for not giving up on us and for your Long Suffering while struggle between our will and Yours.

Shalom,

Mark C.

1-7-2017 Grafting Midrash

          Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, 

I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, 

and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, 

what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?      Romans 11:13-15

Lord, you have placed us in a waiting line, a line for a great event, a tour of the tunnels beneath the foundation of the Temple Mount. I’m anxious to enter in and absorb the incredible history of this place, but You first have some instruction to give me right here and now.

As seems to happen a lot to me, a conversation has begun with one of the Archeological Assistants who steward the project. Assistant is an inadequate word for these scholars; for that matter Archeology is not the limit of their learning. This man in particular, is on fire for the Hebraic intricacies of Scripture and shares my passion for prophecy.

I have thrown out a bit of my limited (kitsat) Hebrew as we talk and he says he appreciates my effort. I compliment him on his wonderful English skills. He has metaphorically walked my way, much more than I have walked his...but we are both walking. Then he says something that sends the discussion in the direction You prefer.

“If you American Christians would study the Hebrew roots of the Old Testament, you would be amazed at how it will change your perspective.”

Master, I almost laughed, but held back. I didn’t want to sound arrogant in my reply – this man doesn’t know me very well…nor does he know the study and intensive interest I and my family share in pursuing exactly what he just suggested. Perhaps in this metaphorical instance, I have walked his way more than he has walked mine? I decide to test that with a question.

“That’s a good point, perhaps you could help me better understand the words in Isaiah 53.”

I seem to have drawn his attention in a new way by these words. I can tell by the expression on his face that he is surprised by my reference. He knows it and I can see him trying to think through a response. He offers that the Jews see that passage tells about the nation of Israel being the suffering servant. You and I, Lord Jesus have a different opinion I believe.

The debate I might have just sparked could go on for many hours, but we don’t have that time. I can tell that this man has a true heart to seek You, Lord and our short time of friendship seems genuine. I offer an olive branch to him.

“I’d really like to midrash (System of in-depth study and dialogue of the Scriptures) with you about this by email.”

The look he gives me now is even more quizzical than his reaction to my first statement. His next words explain his expression. “You just used that word as a verb.”

Yes I had, Lord. I confess it. I know it’s a noun, but I’ve been taught that the Hebrew language is all verb-based. Study and discussion to me are actions, not institutions. Speaking of action, I’m praying now that I’ve not offended my new friend somehow. The smile that appears on his face tells me we are still on solid ground together, but his next words shock me.

“Can I use that?”

Use what? I think to myself. The word? Its transliteration into a verb? I’m a bit confused – after all, it’s his language, it’s his word! “Sure you can,” I offer back to him – why not? I ask myself…and You.

We briefly discuss the fascinating concept of Jewish evangelism, but then it's time for me and our group to move on. I hand this great man my card and encourage him to contact me. I truly hope and pray it will happen, Lord. I believe we both can learn from one another. I believe You have put purpose in our meeting, whether to continue midrash or just to graft our roots a little closer together, that we can hear Your will as one: That You, Lord will become more Spiritually and Scripturally revealed to both of us and to all of us.

Let Midrash begin, to Your Glory!

Mark C.

12-23-2016 The Season of Kahn

 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to m

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."  Matthew 28:18-20

כָּאן Kahn – adj. Around you, coming soon, nearby.    

I’m gazing out the window of a friend’s apartment which offers a spectacular view of what I consider my favorite spot on this planet. It’s a place where mountain springs gather into a shallow, but significant lake, enabling aquatic creatures and shoreline vegetation to flourish. Dramatic cliffs and lush rolling hills aren’t far off, framing the vista as a statement to Your perfect artistry, YHWH.

But its physical beauty, (nothing to be ignored, Lord!) is equaled by the history of Kinneret, once called the Sea of Galilee. Because of these factors combined, the place has captured my heart. This is where the hearts of your people, Creator, were shaped significantly, perhaps even more so than in Jerusalem, some would argue. This place was…and is special to You. So much so that You orchestrated something else to take place on these shores.

            As I consider the portent to which I refer, my friend also comes to the window. She has been kind enough to help me understand a few basic Hebrew words and so I ask, “The word for here is poh, correct? I’m asking because poh is where I want to be and stay…forever.

            “It depends,” she replies. If you mean right here, yes. But the word for nearby or surrounding is kahn.”

            I looked it up later, Lord, and kahn is also the word for lodging, like an inn where multiple people might gather. That’s what this place means to me. It’s our Kahn―a place you, Jesus, bring me to with others, to teach and pour into us, your wisdom.  But this word kahn is itself a tricky bit of teaching. Apparently, it has a double meaning. It suggests that not only is something nearby, it may be something “coming soon”. Coming soon? Whatever might that mean at this time of year, Master? Could it suggest an advent of some sort―a heralding of things yet to happen?

When I listen to people speak of Christmas, I hear them detail of the arrival of a child who offered us a glimpse of perfect innocence and hope for a better future. But many times, I don’t hear spoken the continuation of that moment; when the child grows to manhood and one day chooses this kahn as his home from which to identify and teach his disciples. Here he healed and here he spent three amazing years that would change the lives of twelve others, as well as the rest of the world. Here he…you, Lord Jesus, prepared yourself and your students, for a sacrificial moment unlike anything before and anything later to come after. Here in Kinneret, you gathered others in preparation for a kahn, where your followers will dwell with you forever: a moment that may be very nearby, a horizon event unlike any other, coming soon.

So maybe Christmas isn’t at all about something that has happened…yet. Maybe it’s a season all about practicing for a horizon event that we only think we comprehend. Maybe from now on, when I imagine Christmas, I’ll include in my mind’s eye something beyond decorated trees, wonderful music and lights adorning buildings. I’ll even look beyond my immediate family and friends (whom I love and cherish so much!), to see a larger kahn. It will be a place fed by a beautiful running stream that overflows into a lake which supplies great blessing to those who choose to dwell on its shores. It will be (and in my heart, already is) a place where you, my Redeemer and my Lord, invite all who accept you as their Savior King, to rest in your presence. It will be (and already in your heart is) your Kingdom kahn.

Merry Christmas. May each of you discover the shalom of His Kingdom kahn.

11-24-2016 Hopeful Ones of the Unmentionable,

"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”                              

Matthew 5:11-12.

Lord, I’m not sure the best way to address my observations on the subject of Aliyah. It’s an issue I can only perceive through a dim mirror because I’m not Jewish and I don’t qualify for the amazing offer. But I certainly recognize the turmoil associated with friends who do seek citizenship in the land of Israel and for some strange reason, You have put it on my heart to champion their cause. I will not disobey.

The thorny problem has to do with those of clear Hebrew descent, whose Mother comes from clearly defined Jewish stuff, but who have come to know You, Yeshua, as Messiah – these whom the world refers to as Messianics.  Here’s where things get tricky. Regardless of their beliefs, such Jews with strong heritage are not permitted Aliyah. This confuses me because, as my research into the matter suggests that spiritual orientation is only “loosely” involved in the administrative decision by the governmental powers that be, to grant citizenship.

I know I’m a pathetic outsider looking in, but I have seen other Jews granted Aliyah who have little to no spiritual connection what-so-ever. Secular Judaism seems to be OK in the eyes of those separating the lambs from the goats and biological heritage suffices to allow some, permanent sanctuary. Yet someone with fierce conviction of relationship with You Father God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the same God who loved these Aliyah seekers so much that he gave his only begotten son to die for their sins, those particular Jews are Persona Non-grata.

Why? Some would call it a “technicality”, others see it as irrefutable law. Long ago, soon after your death and resurrection, Yeshua, a chief rabbi was presented with a dilemma. He perceived that a Jewish zealot, who fought fiercely against the Romans, was the true Messiah. There were other issues convoluting his consideration, You God, know and understand them better than I. The bottom line is that whatever was his perception, whatever was the condition of his heart, the Rabbi made a decision that caused a satanic rift that injures all of us to this day. He decreed that, because there could only be one Messiah, Jews who believed their Spiritual Conqueror and Redeemer to be Yeshua could not also be counted as Jews.

The actions of one have condemned into future history the wellbeing and unity of Your people. I’d laugh at the irony, but it doesn’t seem very funny in retrospect: First, the zealous Messianic crusader and his champion Rabbi are both long buried in historical obscurity. The decision made, set Judaism and Christianity as enemies of one another instead of close kin who seek a common Kingdom.

Now the government of Israel and the Rabbinical powers debate this Aliyahistic conundrum seldom even considering that it was the very insistence of believing in Messiah that causes them now to separate out those who actually do recognize their Savior.

But one group, even more so, was injured in the quarrel. Jews, devout Jews, Jews who can trace back to the Exodus their heritage and who love You as much, possibly more than other Jews; have been denied the rights of Judaism. These Yeshua believers could, by one action, restore their Judaism. All they have to do is renounce the son of God. They do not and will not and so our modern day society and those who lord it over them, and us, have propelled our world back to the days of the Inquisition.

It must make You weep, it certainly does me. Lord, you teach me to forgive those who strike my cheek. I can only imagine your conversation with the Rabbi for what he set in motion. It is one more evidence that mankind continues to crucify you and ourselves. I beg on the Rabbi’s behalf, on my behalf, on the behalf of all, your forgiveness, for we know not what we do.

And You offer hope! On our trip to the Land, we have met many of the Aliyah seekers who also call themselves Followers of Yeshua, we have experienced their love and their persistence in trying to bring fresh eyes to a problem. They also desire reconciliation and they forgive those who have turned Your design, Most High, into a meaningless political dance.

The Hopeful Ones are courageous indeed, one righteous women stating to me, “Some of us aren’t hiding, I’m not hiding.” When she said this, images of Cory Tinboom and Ann Frank came to mind. What a twisted reality where some must hide from the very community in which they wish to participate.

There are other Hopeful Ones who seek the nuance of the situation. They hope that the question of their belief in you Yeshua never comes up in their quest for Alyiah. They monitor carefully their time on social media and their daily associations. I have been shown examples of those who attended an event, or associated with a Messianic group for a brief period. We even pray right this moment for a young person (how sad, I don’t even want to hint at their sex because of prying eyes that might glance casually this direction), who have Messianic family members. Even though they are not Messianic themselves and have demonstrated a sincere desire to embrace You as their Judaistic Creator, their biological association with such, quote-unquote, nefarious characters, makes them permanently suspect.

Perhaps the above mentioned approach is saddest of all, for it makes you, Yeshua, Unmentionable, going against the very heart of your calling to teach all nations, even the nation of Israel.

Maybe I’ve gone on too long about the dilemma, Lord. I look to The Spirit to wrestle within the hearts of all those, on all sides of the struggle of Aliyah. All I will do is what you have always taught me to do: End with a question that will cause me (and I pray others) to seek deeper relationship with you…

—If we are all, Jew, Messianic, Arab and Gentile—Believers seeking Messiah. Would it not benefit us to seek him together, with one Heart, one Mind and in one Land?

Thankful in the Lord,

Mark C.

11-21-2016 Mishpacha

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the mishpacha of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

I suspect that anyone who has made an eventful trip, attended or served during a stirring event or visited an inspiring location has had the thought run through their mind, “How did the time go by so quickly? I want this moment to go on for a much longer time.”

Forgive me Savior, at the risk of drawing in too close, I suspect even you longed for more “physical” time with your earthly disciples and family, even knowing that by your ultimate actions, there will be eternal spiritual time to commune.

I’m in that wrestling moment now. We’re preparing to fly back to the States and, just as with last time I visited Your Land, Father, I feel more like I’m leaving home rather than going home. Just as with last time the length of our stay here has passed much too quickly. Yet this time, I’m feeling not only like I’m leaving behind my roots, but also significant people. People who have woven themselves into my heart in a way that can’t be separated.

My traveling companions are certainly a portion of that weaving, but there are more. People in Jerusalem who shared the depths of their historical knowledge, people in the Shamron who walked with us on the very paths of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who brought us to the very heights where those God Seekers and we experienced a very special touch from Your Spiritual finger.

We encountered others who have suffered in Your name and those who are sacrificing / offering their livelihoods at this moment to serve You and Your people. We even connected with beautiful ones who don’t even realize (yet) that they are Yours and You are their loving God.

I have only one word that seems to encompass this community that pervaded our hearts as we “Lived Israel”. The word is not even one I can claim as my own (you know, Jesus how I love to invent phrases). It’s a word passed on by a friend and it speaks to tight association, either by bloodline or through shared significant experiences.

The word in Hebrew is Mishpacha – Family.

You instruct us in Your word Father about the importance of honoring Family. You offer blessings to all families throughout the world who honor Your family, and curses to those who would curse your chosen ones.

Which brings me to my point, Lord. I am leaving family here, brand new members of our family I didn’t even know before arriving. I’m leaving them not by choice, but by necessity. I should be sad, but I’m not. I’ll miss them. Many of them I’ll converse with by email and many I hope to see again soon.

What is important is that I carry their stories with me and share them with my family a world away. You have shown me that part of my purpose, according to you, is to connect my family roots, not by way of the worldwide web but by interlacing our commonality via Your Spiritual web. I want to be obedient to your call to restore what is in danger of being lost in this modern era. I will follow your calling on me to bring attention to your people, their common desire of joining hands to honor You, to serve You and one another in time of need, in time of worship and in time of fellowship – the true components of Godly Mishpacha.

Wow, I realize, Father, that my Mishpacha is growing because You are blessing me as I bless those I meet in Jerusalem, all of Samaria and to the ends of the Earth. I hope the ends of the Earth are ready to hear about their amazing Mishpacha of Israel. I pray they are ready to respond to the calls for unity, understanding and concern, and to serve those of their Mishpacha who are in dire need.

But whether they are ready to hear it or not. You, Lord have spoken and so, I will shout your message to my…OUR Mishpacha and beyond.

Mark C.