New Moon Meeting: July 2008, 3:15 EST
The Good Shepherd

 

Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Passage
3. Application and Conclusion

Introduction

 

Zahakiel: Bro. Luke, please provide our opening prayer.

 

Qinael: Our most holy and gracious Father,

 

Thank you for this time you have set aside as special, for your children to come before you. Thank you for the time of cleansing and growth that you have provided us in the New Moon day. We ask that your Spirit be poured out upon those here assembled, that all may come to a greater understanding of your Word and of your ways.

 

In the name of Yahshua we pray, amen.

 

Zahakiel: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Barb: Amen.

Rita: Amen.

Daphna: Amen.

Ye: Amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Guerline: Amen.

 

Zahakiel: In a recent study, entitled, “Changing Times (Part 3),” we spoke, albeit briefly, about the concept of the Watchman that appears in the Scriptures, particularly the Book of Isaiah.  To quote the relevant portions of that study, which was on Unity being one of the doctrinal pillars of the CSDA Church:

 

There is a passage in Ezekiel that is hated (in principle) by those who are willing to tolerate others, but not willing to come into true unity.  We read it thus, “And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of Yahweh came unto me, saying, ‘Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.’” (Ezek 3:16, 17) It then goes on to describe the watchman as speaking against the transgressions of the ungodly, and warning the righteous who make missteps to return to the path from which they were beginning to stray.

 

Now, what is so hateful about that verse?  It is this: Yahweh has appointed individuals as “Watchmen” over Israel.

 

These were men who warned against dangers, who were able to see ahead, and who were able to understand when things were coming up that were unexpected. [However in the meetings pastor Chick and I attended in December of 2007 hosted by a collection of Church of God congregations], it was strongly stated, and repeatedly, that their group had no use for individuals who considered themselves to be Watchmen.  Indeed, the “Watchman mentality” was consistently identified as one of the “problems” with the original Church of God collective that led to its fragmentation.  Based upon what I know of the Bible and human nature, I am forced to come to another conclusion; we read, “for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1Cor 3:3)

 

Zahakiel: The principles underlying this concept of the Watchman are spelled out explicitly in Chapter 33 of that book, including the well-known verses regarding the need for giving a firm and accurate testimony against sin: “When I say unto the wicked, ‘O wicked man, thou shalt surely die,’ if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” (Ezek 33:8, 9)

 

In today’s study, which is called “The Good Shepherd,” we are going to look at the same basic idea, of Yahweh appointing His people as “Watchmen,” but using a slightly different symbol.  We are going to be basing our study on Ezekiel 34, the very next chapter.

 

The Passage

 

Zahakiel: Let us read, then, from Ezekiel 34, and with commentary:

 

“And the word of Yahweh came unto me, saying, ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, “Thus saith Adonai Yahweh unto the shepherds” Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed, but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.”   And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill; yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.’” (Ezek 34:1-6)

 

Say when you have read this.

 

Rita: When.

Annetta: Ok.

Daphna: Done.

Naraiel: Finished.

Barb: Done

Qinael: Finished.

Ye: Done.

Happy Rock: Ok.

Guerline: Done.

 

Zahakiel: In many of our studies we talk about “Corporate accountability,” showing from such passages as Isaiah 9:16, the examples of Korah, Dathan and Abiram and many others that the people who are under the spiritual “headship” of one or a few individuals become responsible for the decisions that they make.  This is not limited to the Old Testament either, for we read in passages like Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; else were your children unclean, but now are they holy.” (1Cor 7:14)

 

Here we see another application, that the pastors are doubly responsible for their errors, because not only are they responsible for the transgressions they commit, but they are also accountable for those they lead other people (by their teachings or example) to commit.  We read an interesting passage in Revelation 18 about Babylon Fallen, “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” (Rev 18:4-6)

 

We know, of course, that Yahweh is just.  Why, then, would the voice from Heaven say that one ought to be paid back “double” for the related works?  The reason is because Babylon Fallen has led the world into iniquity, and an iniquity that leads to the Second Death for the sons of Adam, those created in the image of Elohim.  There is a “corporate accountability” that includes the leaders who initiated the transgressions.

 

Does everyone see that, and how it relates to the passage from Ezekiel 34 we have read so far?

 

Qinael: Yes.

Ye: Yes

Naraiel: Yes.

Happy Rock: Ok.

Annetta: Ok

Guerline: Yes.

Daphna: Ok.

 

Zahakiel: In the Ezekiel 34 passage we read, “they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.”  What does this mean – the sheep have become pray for the “beasts of the field” – in a spiritual context?

 

Rita: Wrong doctrines, falsehoods and worldly policy verses principles.

 

Naraiel: Enslaved to doctrines of devils?

 

Qinael: It sounds like it is applied to either demons, like the “roaring lion” passage, or possibly false churches – ones united with the state, due to the “beast” concept in prophecy.

 

Daphna: When you have no shepherd and you are scattered abroad, then you are prey for all teachers with false doctrines.

 

Happy Rock: If the people do not have a true leader then they are open to receive false message.

 

Zahakiel: Yes, those answers are all what I had in mind.

 

To verify it we may read, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Mat 7:15)  Again, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1Pet 5:8)

 

We see, then, that if the flock is deceived, or destroyed, Yahweh holds the shepherds responsible for not feeding the sheep.  This does not mean, of course, that pastors are to force their people to do anything… in fact, practically any application of force is contrary to the character of Yah.  There are some groups, the leaders of which say, “You cannot read material from other churches,” or “You cannot associate with these people,” and think that by doing this they are feeding and protecting the flock.  Of course, there are times when even the Scriptures will say, “with such an one [do not even] eat,” (1Cor 5:11) however this is for people who were once a part of the community and were expelled.  They were unrepentant and openly rebellious, and for such ones it is seldom of profit to be in their company.

 

But what of those of other faiths who may be sincere, only deceived?  If we tell our people, “Do not listen to them, do not hear what they have to say,” we are not being evangelists, but indoctrinators in the worst sense of that word.  We are not trying to gather a people who will listen to us and no others… we are gathering a people who listen to Yahweh and do what He instructs.  We are not to spoon-feed the flock, but feed the flock… we lead them to the pastures and let them eat.  We give them good doctrine, so that they will have no taste for the bad ones.  We give them sound counsel, and they will be able to discern between that which is holy and that which is common.  This is how a pastor is a proper shepherd to his flock.  All we ask is that if our members are going to become educated in the beliefs of other people and groups, that they be educated on what they claim to believe first.

 

Are there any questions or comments about this part?

 

Rita: None.

Happy Rock: None.

Naraiel: No.

Annetta: None.

Qinael: No.

Ye: None.

Peterson: No.

 

Zahakiel: Now, there is a point to be made here: Ezekiel’s visions in chapters 33 and 34 show him two aspects of the same principle, the Watchman and the Shepherd.  Think about those two roles, and see if you can come up with the difference as described in those passages.  Let me know if you have any ideas.

 

Qinael: The watchman voices warnings about errors and dangers; the shepherd builds them up in the truth.

 

Happy Rock: They are both the same.

 

Zahakiel: Well, both those answers, though they seem to be opposite, are actually both true.

 

Abraham: They are overlapping in their duties.

 

Happy Rock: In duties.

 

Zahakiel: The difference is mainly in approach, and the difference, approach-wise is in the message that is given.  The watchman warns of danger, and these warnings may be directed toward either the people of Yahweh or the world.  The shepherd, on the other hand, is more of a guiding, nourishing role, and is primarily directed toward the flock of the Almighty.

 

Let us read the next passage to see how the idea is applied:

 

“Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh, ‘As I live,’ saith Adonai Yahweh, ‘surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh.’  Thus saith Adonai Yahweh; ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.’” (Ezek 34:7-10)

 

There are some individuals, even some groups, that are so focused on pointing fingers at the “flaws” in other peoples’ beliefs that they take not the time to feed the people under their care with the Word of Life.  Such flocks become abandoned, scattered, and Yahweh holds those who were above them responsible for this also.  Both roles must be present in a healthy spiritual organization.

 

Because there are few proper shepherds in spiritual Israel today, what do we see?  We see a Laodicean condition in Christendom where there is no victory over sin, there is no true vision of the Godhead, there is no respect for the Law of Liberty, or understanding of Yahshua’s ministry in the heavenly tabernacle.  I went to a study some years ago with a group of Bible students, and they were watching a video of some famous preacher about a topic that I can’t recall at the moment.  What I do remember, however, is that the preacher used the name “Yahweh” to emphasize the difference between the God of the Bible and those of the heathen nations during Old Testament times.  When the study was over, one of the individuals – and not a novice in the group – said, “What did he say? What is ‘Yahweh?’”

 

Zahakiel: I was amazed; here we have a people to whom Yahshua can say literally, “I never knew you.”  Here are people whose spiritual education has been so poor, so lacking, that they do not even know the name of the God whom they claim to worship!

 

If one attempts to be a Watchman without being also a Shepherd, he will fail at both.  Or if there is no Watchman present, there will be no one to warn of coming danger.  But we must see how the roles work together; even if a lone watchman should see danger coming and voice a warning, the castle he is trying to alert will be empty, for the souls will have long since died of starvation, wandered off, or been devoured by the beasts that roam the land.

 

But we have a promise, a precious promise given to those who would be Shepherds:

 

“For thus saith Adonai Yahweh, ‘Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

 

“‘I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down,’ saith Adonai Yahweh. ‘I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.’” (Ezek 34:11-16)

 

Say when you’ve read that section.

 

Rita: Done.

Barb: Done.

Naraiel: Done.

Annetta: Done.

Qinael: Finished.

Daphna: Finished.

Abraham: Done.

Guerline: Done.

Happy Rock: Done.

 

Daphna: Regarding: “I will seek that which was lost...”, what is the difference between those who are lost, those who are driven away, and those needing to be bound up? And those who are sick?

 

Zahakiel: Well, the difference is really how they ended up outside the flock. Those who were lost are those who were deceived by temptation or a false teacher. Those who were driven away were perhaps run off by unsanctified individuals already in the Church (and there are examples of this in places like 3 John). Those who need to be bound up are the ones who have not yet decided on a perfect unity, so the work with them is “unfinished.” Those who are sick are probably similar to those who were driven away or lost.

 

But in a practical sense, they are all outside and need to be brought in.

 

Naraiel: If we are his body that means we are also His hands and His tools to finished the work.

 

Zahakiel: Yes, and that’s a part of what is coming up ahead.

 

We do speak often about the fact that in the last days Yahweh will “take the reins” Himself, will take the work into His own hands.  We see confirmation of this in Ezekiel’s vision.  The sheep are scattered, the fields unprofitable, the land is filled with wild beats.  In plain terms, the churches are broken, the doctrines corrupt, and there are false prophets, independent ministries and self-sent messengers everywhere.  And into the middle of this dreary scene Yahweh interjects His own will, His own glory, and He says, “I will take it upon myself to do the work that those whom I appointed as shepherds did not do.”

 

We may read of a fulfillment, a great fulfillment, of that promise.  The Savior Yahshua says, “I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.  I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, 14, 15)

 

But what does this mean, then?  Does it mean that Yahweh will wave His hands and people will begin to see the truth and join the CSDA Church? Does it mean that Yahshua will return before the close of human testing, and teach again upon the Mount of Olives?  No… Yahweh works, and Yahshua works, but the work they are doing now is through the Spirit: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth,” Yahshua says. “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” (John 16:7)

 

And how do Yahweh and Yahshua work through the Spirit?  We read, “‘Turn, O backsliding children,’ saith Yahweh, ‘for I am married unto you, and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.’” (Jer 3:14, 15)  Now remember, Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied at roughly the same time, both during the Babylonian invasion and into the time of exile.  Jeremiah’s words are of a future time from Ezekiel’s standpoint, so while Ezekiel says to the people, “Yahweh will do the work Himself,” Jeremiah is saying, “Yahweh will appoint shepherds after His own heart to do the work.”  This is not a contradiction, not in the least.  These words speak of a time when a nation of kings and priests shall arise, and Yahweh will “dwell within them,” and do His work in them.  We read of the Christian, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13)

 

Zahakiel: This work within us refers not only to the sanctified life, cleansing away impurities, but also the outward work of preaching the Gospel.  We may confirm this further with the words of Peter, as he speaks to those who labor in the ministry: “Feed the flock of Elohim which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over Elohim’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1Pet 5:2-4)

 

Peter tells them, explicitly, to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah, to be pastors after Elohim’s own heart, and to do the work committed to them.  He tells them to fulfill the prophecy of Ezekiel, to feed the flock that they should not starve, or go seeking sustenance in other folds.  He tells them that they are indeed shepherds, but shepherds under a “Chief Shepherd,” just as they are priests under a “High Priest.”

 

Paul, in agreement with this, says, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are Elohim’s husbandry, ye are Elohim’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yahshua the Messiah.” (1Cor 3:9-11)

 

We are all laborers, but some are placed in the Church as “master builders,” whose responsibilities include “laying the foundation,” or revealing the very core of our faith, which is Yahshua, as the quote concludes by pointing out.

 

Ye: Praise Yah.

 

Zahakiel: It is Christ that is the foundation of our faith, and He has set pastors, shepherds and master builders to aid in the care of the flock and the edifying of the Church.  Just as with the faith vs. works issue, we see that it is indeed by faith, it is indeed by Christ, but we also labor as members of His Body, as Naraiel said.  Our response to that faith, to the presence of Yahshua, is to become faithful, diligent laborers.

 

Thus, to be a shepherd is a type of Christ, and the work of this involves providing for the people who follow Him.

 

Are there any questions on this?

 

Rita: No.

Naraiel: No.

Happy Rock: No.

Barb: No.

Annetta: No.

Qinael: No.

Abraham: No.

Daphna: No.

 

Zahakiel: But now, as we speak of feeding the flock, and what Yahweh promises to do through those after His own heart, we find at the end of that last quote from Ezekiel the statement, “but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.”  Here we see something of a new element introduced into this shepherd’s work, and let us continue to read and see how this idea is developed.

 

“‘And as for you, O my flock,’ thus saith Adonai Yahweh, ‘behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? And to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.

 

“‘Therefore thus saith Adonai Yahweh unto them, ‘Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad, therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.” (Ezek 34:17-22)

 

Say when you have read this.

 

Rita: Done.

Annetta: Ok.

Barb: Done.

Abraham: Done.

Naraiel: Done.

Peterson: Done.

Happy Rock: Done.

Daphna: Done.

 

Zahakiel: Yahweh promises to go searching for His flock, but notice that there is also a judgment involved in this process.  He does not say He will bring back all of His flock, but He will judge “between cattle and cattle,” and restore only those that are “lean.”  The fat cattle represent those who claimed to be working with the Messiah, but in truth were only interested in feeding themselves.  It is because of them, and not some natural disaster, that there is famine in the land – “not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of Yahweh.” (Amos 8:11)

 

It is for this reason that the righteous are represented by the “lean” cattle, for these are they who were oppressed and persecuted by those who were out to guard only their selfish interests, and as Yahshua said, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.” (Luke 5:31)

 

Those that think they are whole, that make the world their confidence, and make themselves fat at the expense of others, ought not to expect the only healing that matters – that of the soul entire through a life of sanctification and then finally the Seal of Yahweh.

 

Zahakiel: In another place Yahshua spoke of these “fat cattle,” in a parable: “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, ‘My lord delayeth his coming,’  and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mat 24:48-51)

 

None who are here are unaware of the recent developments with the lawsuit pending against the CSDA Church by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.  On behalf of their every baptized and covenanted member (so they have worded their suit against us) they have used the United States Government, the Lamb-like Beast of the Book of Revelation, to smite their fellowservants, and to attempt to deny them the ability to worship according to the dictates of their own awakened consciences.  And now, with the judge’s decision that these individuals “own” the name that Yahweh has given to ALL His faithful followers, we await only further smiting, and to be a part of a more clear revelation of the difference between the patient, longsuffering spirit of Christ in His people, and the fierce and Satanic spirit of force that once infected the Papacy and now infects an apostate, formerly Protestant, church.

 

This is the reason why, when Yahshua returns, He finds His cattle “lean.”  They are few in number, low in resources, despised by the world, and with little left on this planet to tie their affections to earthly things.

 

As we continue with the passage from Ezekiel, we read more about the Chief Shepherd that Peter talks about: “And I will set up one shepherd over them, and He shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I Yahweh will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I Yahweh have spoken it. And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.” (Ezek 34:23-25)

 

Zahakiel: Now this is an interesting few verses.  Have you ever wondered why the Israelites, when they understood Yahshua to be the Messiah, called Him “Son of David?”  This is the reason why.  The Messiah was to be the Anointed, just as David was anointed, and the Leader of the nation, just as David was the leader. He was to be set among the people as a “Prince” and reign in Yahweh’s place over the Inheritance of Abraham.  And yet, even though the prophecy says that David himself would be the one, the people well knew that David had died long before.

 

Now some knew of the resurrection, of course, and believed that David would return in person to rule.  But Peter, in Acts, explains to them, “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Yahshua hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:29-32)

 

Peter here is speaking of another version of the prophecy, for in the Psalms David wrote, “thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption,” (Psa 16:10) and yet David himself died and his body saw corruption.  Since the literal David was dead, therefore, it could only be the case that another was to come in David’s place, just as John the Baptist came in Elijah’s place.  Such a one would be a “Son of David” in a spiritual sense, but Peter in Acts speaks of Him being a descendant of David in a more literal sense as well, and therefore a legitimate Inheritor of the Kingdom.

 

There are some who, misunderstanding the prophecies, and the way they are fulfilled, think that a literal David will rise again to guide the 144,000… even some calling themselves Adventists believe this.  This is because they do not understand the type of fulfillment described, for just as John was Elijah and David was the antitype of Christ, so Yahshua Himself is among His people, “in the person of His saints,” and will soon be with us in a far more visible sense.

 

It should not be cause for concern that it says Yahweh will appoint “one shepherd over them,” though some have used this to say, “What is the point of structure, and organization, if Yahshua is over all?”  The enormity of this error is seen in the New Testament books, which show clearly that the early Church, though under this One Shepherd, nevertheless appointed pastors, elders and other overseers of the flock.  In the quote above, we see Peter telling those who are pastors about the Chief Shepherd who would appear before them and welcome them in for a job well performed.

 

Zahakiel: It is true that there is One Shepherd over all of us, just as there is one Head on the Body, (Eph 5) nevertheless individuals within the Body also have functions that provide them with a level of responsibility for the Flock.

 

We continue, to see what takes place under the administration of this Good Shepherd, of which all the latter-day pastors are to be under-shepherds:

 

“And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” (Ezek 34:26)

 

What does this sound like?

 

Naraiel: The latter rain.

 

Zahakiel: Right.  The Latter Rain comes as a result of the Good Shepherd’s gathering in His people, and the next few verses tell us what this will look like.  In the sermon last Sabbath I spoke of a conversation I had in which a number of subjects were discussed, including the importance of baptism and Church membership in order to be a fully equipped minister of the Gospel. These are things the Word of Yah expresses in no uncertain terms, yet there is confusion about them.

 

Another thing about which there is confusion is this matter of the Latter Rain.  A lot of independent Adventist groups are taking quite a bit about the latter rain.  They believe that when it comes, with it will come a great outpouring of Yah’s power (this is true) that will cause them to cease from sin and suddenly, miraculously, be ready for His coming (this is false).  In another study we may go into the specifics of this matter, but for now I just want to outline the problem.

 

Some believe that there will be great signs and wonders when the latter rain falls, and this will give them victory over sin.  This is almost exactly the opposite of what Scripture says.  What the Bible teaches is that by the power of Christ who died for us on the Cross, we may overcome sin and self, and when this happens we receive the Latter Rain.  Remember, the apostles spend ten days in the upper room coming into perfect unity first, and then the former rain came down.  It is after this, there will be signs and wonders to confirm the faith.  But too many today are looking for a sign before doing anything, so for them, they expect it will be Signs and miracles, then the latter rain, and finally the victory.

 

What we teach is that we already have “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (2Pet 1:3) As a result, we believe that there is victory, then the latter rain, and finally signs and miracles.

 

Does everyone see that distinction?

 

Rita: Amen.

Peterson: Yes.

Naraiel: Yes.

Abraham: Yes.

Happy Rock: Yes.

Annetta: Yes.

Daphna: Yes.

Barb: Yes.

 

And of the time when the signs and miracles that occur upon the receipt of the latter rain are made manifest, Ezekiel tells us what we are to expect:

 

“And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.

 

“‘And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I Yahweh their Elohim am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people,’ saith Adonai Yahweh. ‘And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your Elohim, saith Adonai Yahweh.” (Ezek 34:27-31)

 

Rita: Done.

Peterson: Done.

Qinael: Finished.

Annetta: Done

Abraham: done

Barb: Finished

Daphna: I have.

Happy Rock: Yes.

Naraiel: It’s a beautiful parable.  Finished.

 

Zahakiel: Here, then, are the miracles we expect:

 

1) The yielding of fruit.  What fruit is this?

 

Rita: Love, joy, peace...

 

Naraiel: The fruit of the Holy Spirit.

 

Zahakiel: Right, the fruit of the spirit: individual sanctification.

 

2) The increase of the earth.  What is this?

 

Daphna: No more curse.

 

Rita: Spiritual and character growth of His children.

 

Abraham: Increase of his kingdom there shall be no end

 

Zahakiel: Right... Abraham has gotten to the essence of it. It is the harvest...successful evangelism, an increase of His Kingdom.

 

3) Dwelling safely.  What does this one mean?

 

Rita: No more fears.

 

Naraiel: Being within the ark!

 

Abraham: Yah will protect his children

 

Zahakiel: Yes, being within the Ark is one way to say it

 

Naraiel: In Yah’s covenant, that is.

 

Zahakiel: Those are all it; basically it is an end to sin and suffering, and being taken into the New Creation.

 

Abraham: Amen

 

Zahakiel: Are there any questions about this part before we summarize and close?

 

Barb: None.

Rita: No. It is all wonderful.

Daphna: No.

Naraiel: No.

Peterson: No.

Abraham: No.

Happy Rock: No.

Qinael: No.

Annetta: No.

 

Application and Conclusion

 

Zahakiel: This study, showing the meaning of Ezekiel 34, is mostly addressed to those who would be congregational leaders of the Churches.  Hopefully it reveals the great responsibility that they hold for feeding and protecting the flock; not by force, fear or compulsion are they to lead, but by example, and by providing the people of Elohim with what they need, so that they should not be deceived by false prophets and unholy doctrines.

 

In application, however, the principles of this study are to be applied to every individual in Yah’s family.  Everyone is responsible for someone else, whether it is their family, their friends, their coworkers, their relatives.  The spiritual “headship” may not be so pronounced in many of these relationships, nevertheless the basic idea applies here: if we, by our transgressions lead another also to transgress, we are doubly responsible for the outcome, and doubly worthy of stripes when the judgment is meted out.

 

In The Highway of Holiness, we saw that everyone has a “sphere of influence.”  This is what was said: “…evangelism begins with the “self,” and proceeds logically outward, like ripples in a pond, until the world is filled with the knowledge of Yahweh.” [The Highway of Holiness Vol. 2, p. 79]  There is one’s own self to be sanctified, and then the home circle, and then friends, followed by neighbors, and finally the world.  Everyone may “shepherd” someone into the Kingdom of Yahweh, under the care and authority of the Good Shepherd, Yahshua the Messiah.

 

Are there any last questions or comments before we close?

 

Rita: None.

Naraiel: No.

Daphna: No.

Annetta: None.

Barb: No.

Abraham: No.

Happy Rock: No.

 

Zahakiel: Then I will ask Brother Abraham to close our meeting with a prayer.

 

Abraham: Dear Father in Heaven,

 

In Yahshua’s name we come to you. We thank you for this teaching that directs us in our responsibilities and duties.  Thank you, thank you, for the Holy Spirit that leads and directs us in doing so.

 

We commit everyone here to your care and protection in the days ahead. In Yahshua’s merciful name, Amen.

 

Barb: Amen.

Zahakiel: Amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Rita: Amen.

Annetta: Amen.

Qinael: Amen.

Daphna: Amen.