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Thursday, 15 October 2020
What is behold?

Question of the day: Malachi 3:1b "Suddenly He will come to His Temple - the Lord whom you seek - and the Messenger of the covenant - the One whom you desire - behold, He is coming, says Adonai-Tzva'ot." What is "behold?"

Answer: Ha ha! You were expecting a message on tithing and the "windows of heaven" will be opened to pour out your blessing. There are plenty of television evangelists preaching that message. I would like to say though, that we should all be faithful in giving. I would also say that the tithe is not the same as the offering. The tithe is 10%. In Hebrew we ask the question "Netto O Bruto?" (meaning "net or gross") You choose, would you like a minimum blessing or a great big one? One last thought on tithing. The tithe goes to the community where you are a part. Other ministries can receive offerings, but the 10% tithe belongs to God in the community where you are connected.

Back to "What is behold?" In Hebrew, Pitim Yavo (behold, or suddenly, He will come). The Hebrew word Pitom means suddenly, without warning and without cause, like by surprise.

Better than that is "Who" will appear suddenly? "HaAdon" (the Lord), Whom you are seeking. Jewish people have been waiting for the Messiah. The good news is that He has already come. More good news, He's alive and coming again. Malachi 3:7b "Return to Me (repent), and I will return to you, says Adonai-Tzva'ot."

Many in Israel missed the day of their visitation. But you don't have to be one of them. The morning after an all night vigil in the Temple on Shavuot 3,000 Jewish men encountered another "suddenly." They experienced the reality of the resurrected Lord and His Holy Spirit when they asked ... Acts 2:37 "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the emissaries, 'Fellow brethren, what shall we do?'"

Peter gave them the same answer that applies to those asking the question today ... Acts 2:38 "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let each of you be immersed in the name of Messiah Yeshua for the removal of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach ha-Kodesh.'"

Yes, but ... that was then and this is now. Does the Scripture address our situation? Read this: Acts 2:39 "For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away--as many as Adonai our God calls to Himself." Let's end with the real question of the day. "Is God calling you to Himself today? It's time to say yes.

Posted By Rabbi Michael Weiner, 10:13am Comment Comments: 0