TK Torah Keepers

The Apostle Shaul warned his young spiritual son, Timothy, against those who would use the word of YHWH for their personal gain rather than genuinely serving and building the body of Messiah.  Shaul also warned about those who identify and confuse their wealth as a sign of godliness.

 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Yeshua Messiah, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; ⁴ He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, ⁵ Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:3-7 KJV)

 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ⁷ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. (2 Timothy 3:1-7, 9 KJV)

Even in the days of Shaul there were many who realized that “religion” sells. In the days of Shaul and Timothy, the Roman Empire ruled the world. For the genuine believer (i.e., those who keep the Torah and believe in Yeshua as the Messiah) life was very difficult and even dangerous.  Believers were surrounded by the pagan world with all of its licentiousness, perversity, and ungodliness. Believers were persecuted, oppressed, and often poor.  The world of the ancient believer was filled with all manner of gods, demigods, shrines, temples, priests, priestesses, and religious ideologies.  There were many who honestly hungered and thirsted for righteousness, hope and truth.  In their desperation these humbly, honest, hungry souls were vulnerable to those who would prey upon them for personal gain and self-promotion.  The “form of godliness” is easy to imitate, market, sell, and promote to the unsuspecting and vulnerable souls who hunger and thirst for truth and hope.   

 Things have not changed much in modern times.  Even in our day and age there are believers who genuinely hunger and thirst for righteousness truth and hope.  Given the social, political, and financial, violence, injustice, and ugliness that pervades our culture today life as a believer can be challenging and even dangerous.  Various philosophies, ideologies, theologies, and toxic religious systems all vie one with another for adherents, disciples, and donors. We are once again surrounded by gods, priests, priestesses, shrines, temples, cathedrals, synagogues and mosques.  Given the dire social, political and financial situation of many believers they once again hunger and thirst for justice, righteousness, and hope.  It is upon these hungering souls that the less godly prey.  Unfortunately, Shaul’s warnings to Timothy are still very appropriate for us today.  There are still self-promoting false teachers and false prophets that put on the “form of godliness” because they know that religion sells.  These charlatans know that if people are desperate enough and hungry enough they will swallow anything.  Solomon declared,

 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. (Proverbs 27:7 KJV)

 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. (Proverbs 20:17 KJV)     

 It is difficult to watch as the ungodly and wicked seem to prosper and become wealthy in our world. It is difficult not to envy the success, power, fame, wealth, comfort, and extravagant life of the wicked. These master-salesmen and women are able to sell the Torah and the Gospel with great personal success and very little sacrifice.  The desperate soul, hungering for truth and hope, often sell all that they have to eat of the sweet bread of deceit only to find that they have been sold a mouth full of gravel!

 Let me state clearly, that I say all of this as one who makes his living, and supports his family by the teaching the word of YHWH.  I make no apologies for this.  Like every other believer who supports his family, I work for a living.  My work just happens to be teaching and ministering the word.

 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. (Deuteronomy 25:4 KJV)

 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? ⁸ Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? ⁹ For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? ¹⁰ Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. ¹¹ If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (1 Corinthians 9:7-11 KJV)

 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5:18 KJV)

 That people make their living from the ministry of the word is not a contradiction of the word.  However, the calling of the ministry of the word must be clear.  The ministry of the word is not a ministry of self-promotion, or self-profiting, or self-serving.  The ministry of the word is the ministry of the sower who sows seed in the hope of an abundant harvest for the sake of the kingdom.  The minister of the word promotes and advances the kingdom of YHWH, and magnifies the name of YHWH, and edifies the body of Messiah.  For the genuine teacher, pastor or evangelist the primary focus is upon building the kingdom, glorifying YHWH, and edifying the body of Messiah, the financial rewards, however great or small, are just the natural fruit of their labor.  For the charlatan, talk of the kingdom of YHWH, the name of YHWH, and the body of Messiah are merely the means by which they promote themselves and make their wealth.  For the genuine teacher and prophet the object of their labor is other than themselves.  For the charlatan the object of their labor is themselves.

 Unfortunately, it is often the charlatan that knows the world and how to manipulate things to accomplish their self-centered agenda.  It truly is as Yeshua our Master taught;

 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (Luke 16:8 KJV)

 Though the worldly, wicked, and ungodly, do prosper in this world we are warned repeatedly not to covet or envy their wealth and achievements. 

 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of YHWH all the day long. (Proverbs 23:17 KJV)

 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. (Proverbs 3:31 KJV)

 The Psalmist reveals why this is so.

 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. ³ For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ⁴ For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. ⁵ They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. ⁶ Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. ⁷ Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. ⁸ They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. ⁹ They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. ¹⁰ Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. ¹¹ And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? ¹² Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. ¹³ Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. ¹⁴ For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. ¹⁵ If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. ¹⁶ When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; ¹⁷ Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. ¹⁸ Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. ¹⁹ How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. ²⁰ As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. ²¹ Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. ²² So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. ²³ Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. ²⁴ Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:2-24 KJV)

 While worldly wealth may bring with it certain worldly benefits and comforts, of what value are they if they separate us from the Father? Of what value is gold, silver, and copper if in the end the Sovereign Creator of the universe despises you?  What joy and pleasure could be endured knowing that in the end it will cost you everything?  Yeshua our Master asked;

 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 KJV)

 We may likewise recall Yeshua teaching about those who call “Lord, Lord”.

 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV)

 Surely Yeshua is speaking of those who use his name to promote themselves and gather their wealth at the cost of the kingdom and the body of Messiah. 

 We would do well to heed the loving wisdom of our Heavenly Father as revealed in the scriptures.

 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. (Psalm 37:16 KJV)

 Better is little with the fear of YHWH than great treasure and trouble therewith. (Proverbs 15:16 KJV)

 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. (Proverbs 16:8 KJV)

 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:19 KJV)

 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. (Proverbs 19:1 KJV)

 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. (Proverbs 19:22 KJV)

 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. (Proverbs 28:6 KJV)

 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. (Proverbs 25:7 KJV)

 While I will most ardently confess, that I enjoy knowing that I have the provisions to put a roof over my families head, clothes on our backs, food on the table, and means to not only survive but enjoy life, and especially to be generous with others, all of these would quickly become a curse to me, if they separated me from the Creator.  No amount of fame, power, or wealth can replace and rival the security, peace, and joy to be found in a relationship with the Father, as made possible by the Messiah Yeshua.  There is no greater honor to be found, than being associated with the great and exalted name of YHWH.  There is no greater love or life to be found anywhere in creation that could rival that which emanates from the Father.  Let the world and worldly have their silver and gold, fame and fortune, I desire only intimacy with YHWH.

The law of YHWH is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of YHWH is sure, making wise the simple. ⁸ The statutes of YHWH are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of YHWH is pure, enlightening the eyes. ⁹ The fear of YHWH is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of YHWH are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:7-10 KJV)

 Every time I pray this psalm I find myself wondering if my Christian brethren have ever prayed or read these words.  My Christian brethren contend that they believe the bible to be the true word of God. Many of my brethren adamantly proclaim that the bible is the divinely inspired, ineffable and infallible word of God.  These same brethren are also those who boldly declare that they believe and teach the whole bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21.  And yet, when they discover that I am keeping and teaching the Torah, they tell me that I am under a curse, that I am in bondage, that I have denied “Jesus” and that I have rejected salvation.  I am genuinely at a loss to understand the logic of such thinking.  Let us look again at the description of the Torah as given above.

 The TORAH of YHWH is PERFECT

• The TESTIMONY of YHWH is SURE
• The STATUTES of YHWH are RIGHT
• The COMMANDMENTS of YHWH are PURE
• The FEAR of YHWH is CLEAN
• The JUDGMENTS of YHWH are TRUE and RIGHTEOUS

 The first thing that we should note from this description is that the Torah, Testimony, Statutes, Commandments, Judgments and even the Fear of YHWH, are all from YHWH.  These are not the laws of the Jews, nor the laws of Moses, nor of any other man.  These instructions, testimonies, statues, commandments, and judgments are the words of YHWH the Sovereign Creator and Ruler of the Universe.  Therefore we must acknowledge their validity and authenticity. We must likewise acknowledge that the Torah, testimony, statutes, commandments, and judgments are the “doctrine of devils” being taught by “seducing spirits” as some would contend from a misreading and application of the Apostle Shaul’s letter to Timothy.

 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1 KJV)  

 YHWH is not a “seducing spirit” nor do I believe his teachings to be “doctrine of devils.” The “Spirit that speaketh expressly” in this verse is the Spirit of YHWH who is concerned about those who being led away from “the faith” as it is taught through his Torah, testimony, statutes, commandments and judgments!

 The second thing we should note is that this positive description of the Torah, Testimonies, Statues, Commandments and Judgments of YHWH appears in the scriptures—the inspired word of YHWH. In other words, this positive description is YHWH’S description and assessment of his own word.  The psaltery is the Creator’s prayer book given to his people to aid them in their worship and devotion.  The Book of Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs of worship, inspired by the Spirit of the Holy One in the hearts of his loving and faithful servants.  Therefore we must declare the description of the word of YHWH to be as true as the word itself. If YHWH has declared his word to be perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true and righteous, who are we to judge his word otherwise? 

 Third let us carefully note the very attributes ascribed to the word of YHWH.

•  Perfect (tamiym) which means complete, lacking nothing, whole.
• Sure (aman) which means faithful, dependable, true, certain.
• Right (yashar) which means they are correct or accurate.
• Pure (bar) which means pure, without defilement, sincere.
• Clean (tahor) which means it is acceptable, useful, and consistent with being the image of YHWH.
• True (emet) which means it is indeed the truth and therefore sound and dependable.
• Righteous (tzadak) which means correct, right, and just.

 What offense to YHWH could possibly be found in any of these attributes? What curse would YHWH bestow upon those guilty of embodying these attributes in their lives? Only the enemies of YHWH and lovers of darkness would take offense at or feel cursed by the embodiment of these attributes. By giving our lives to embodying the Torah, Testimony, Statute, Commandments, and Judgments of YHWH we manifest these same attributes in our own lives and beings.    

 Finally, let us note that not only are the Torah, Testimonies, Statutes, Commandments, and Judgments, perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and righteous, but they are also of considerable benefit to those who would embrace them.

 The Torah of YHWH is given for the converting of the soul

• The Testimony of YHWH is for making wise the simple
• The Statutes of YHWH rejoice the heart
• The Commandment of YHWH enlightens the eyes
• The Fear of YHWH endures for ever—this implies that those who fear YHWH will likewise endure forever

 We may note that the last one is are described differently.

 The Judgments of YHWH—because they are true and just are to be desired more than gold, and should be seen as sweeter than honey.

 These last two descriptions are describing a genuine believer’s attitude toward the Torah, Testimony, Statutes, Commandments and Judgments of YHWH.

 Let us note that nowhere does it say that we are “saved” by keeping the Torah, Testimony, Statutes, and Commandments of YHWH.  Rather that we will be converted, made wise, enlightened, and have our hearts uplifted.  How can keeping the Torah, Testimony, Statutes, Commandments, and Judgments of YHWH be a curse?  How can the Fear of YHWH be bondage?  How is it possible that Yeshua the Messiah could have kept Torah, Testimony, Statutes, Commandments, and Judgments of YHWH perfectly, be declared “pleasing” in the sight of YHWH, and then teach his disciples to live contrary to all that he taught by his words and especially by his life!   

 The truth of the matter is the Church is wrong in its view of the Torah!  Those who teach and believe that the Torah, Testimony, Statutes, Commandments and Judgments of YHWH are “done away with” or are no longer applicable to a believer’s life, or that they are a curse and bondage to those who live them, do not understand the Word of YHWH. While they contend on the one hand that the word of YHWH is true, inspired, ineffable, inerrant, or infallible, they contradict their own confession by teaching that the word of YHWH is a curse and bondage to those who embrace and live it. If one truly believed the scriptures to be the word of YHWH then they could not teach that the Torah has been done away with.  Those who call the Word of YHWH a “curse,” and describe a life of obedience to the Word of YHWH as “oppression and bondage,” have not truly understood the Torah.  Only those who seek “license” from the word of YHWH would understand the Torah as a curse.  Only those who desire to save their fleshly, carnal, self-centered life from the pains and ravishes of the cross of submission and obedience to the Word of YHWH would dare to call the Torah a curse.  The Torah is only a curse to those who seek to avoid it. According to the scriptures the word of YHWH is a light. Only the wicked seeks to live in darkness.

 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. ²¹ But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:19-21 KJV)   

 Yeshua is the word become flesh.

 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 KJV)

 As such he was the light of the world.

 Then spake Yeshua again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12 KJV)

 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:5 KJV)

 We should note that Yeshua embodied the word perfectly, doing all things perfectly pleasing in the eyes of the Father.

 Think not that I am come to destroy the Torah, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17 KJV)

 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (John 8:29 KJV)

 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. (Matthew 12:18 KJV)

 Our Master, Yeshua, called us to likewise be a light by submitting our lives in obedience to the word of YHWH. 

 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14 KJV)

 To follow Messiah, in a life of complete submission and obedience to the Word of YHWH five things are necessary:  1) The Spirit; 2) The love of YHWH; 3) the Cross; 5) Grace of YHWH; 5) Faith.       

 The SPIRIT:  It is the Spirit of the Holy One that convicts us of sin and draws us toward the source of forgiveness and life.  On our own we will constantly seek freedom (license) from YHWH.  Our flesh will dominate our spirit and lead us to self indulgence and death.  The evidence of this is clearly seen in numerous unhealthy and self-destructive behaviors that we all indulge in, in spite of knowing their destructive effects upon our health, lives and families (such as smoking, over spending, over working, over eating, drugs, alcohol, promiscuous sex, excess). When convicted of our immorality, mortality, sinfulness, and rebellion (usually because we are facing some crises or threat to our life, ego or property) we desire to find the source of healing, help, forgiveness and life.  This is the work of the Spirit which leads us to YHWH through the Messiah and begins the process or creating a new and pure heart within us.  It is the Spirit that begins the process of writing the Torah upon our hearts and inward parts so that we desire to do the word and will of YHWH not seek freedom from it.

 The LOVE of YHWH: Once touched by the overwhelming love of the Father toward us, our hearts are stirred with incredible gratitude toward the one who rescued us, adopted us, blessed us, forgave us, healed us, and loves us.  This is the sole motivation for obedience.  Only obedience motivated by love is acceptable to YHWH—everything else is legalism or manipulation.  Those who attempt to keep the Torah to be saved, gain earthly or spiritual rewards, or to escape the pains of hell, are not pleasing to YHWH; such are motivated only by self-love not the love of YHWH. Those who keep the Torah to gain heaven or escape hell are no different than those who seek license from the Torah. Both positions are an offense to YHWH. To genuinely keep the Torah one must love YHWH above all else including, and especially, the self.

 The CROSS: It is the flesh, with its appetites, instincts, and desires that motivates the flesh’s relentless pursuit of pleasure, satisfaction, and indulgence and causes one to rebel against the notion of living for someone else, or serving others, or giving instead of receiving.  Recognizing that it was “self” that created all of the problems, those moved by the Spirit of the Holy One and touched by the love of YHWH, want considerably less of “self” and more of YHWH!  The only way for this to happen is for one to take the flesh to the cross. Only when a vessel is empty can it be filled.  Only when we have been emptied of “self” can we be filled with the Spirit.  There are many would be believers in the world today claiming to be filled with the Spirit of YHWH—when in fact, they are full only with themselves!  Until the believer takes the flesh/self to the cross there is simply no room for the Spirit of the Holy One.  The emptier we are of self the greater the potential for the filling of the Spirit.  The more we are full of ourselves the less of the Spirit of the Holy One is evident in our lives.    

 GRACE:  Here, we need to be clear not to confuse “grace” with “mercy”.  It is unfortunate that the church has confused the definitions of these two words.  Mercy is undeserved favor.  Grace, on the other hand, is a special gift or endowment.  With this gift of grace we would not, in our own flesh, have the power to overcome our flesh/self and wrestle it to the cross.  The only way that we will take our “self” to the cross is with and by the grace that the Father gives us to do so.  The self is a powerful force.  We will not overcome the self with self.  Rather the self is overcome only by the gift of grace that YHWH bestows upon those the Spirit has stirred and his love has touched.

 FAITH: finally we must have faith.  Here we must understand the difference between faith and belief.  I am a big man (still around 300 pounds).  If I see an old wooden ladder leaning against the side of a building, I evaluate it and must determine whether I believe that this old wooden ladder can support my weight.  After examining the ladder “I believe” it will safely hold my weight—this is belief.  Faith, however, is when I take the first steps on the ladder and actually commit the safety of my life to what I believe.  To keep the Torah in a manner pleasing, acceptable and useful to YHWH requires that I be filled with the Spirit, stirred to love, and take my flesh to the cross.  I will only dare to place my life upon the “old wooden” cross if I believe that YHWH will not leave me hanging there permanently. Faith is the first actual steps of taking the flesh to the cross.  We should note that the crucified were left hanging on the cross until they were dead.  Many victims hung on the cross for days.  Yeshua, however, died quickly.  This was so because Yeshua had faith.  He was completely committed to letting go of self.

 And when Yeshua had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46 KJV)   

 Yeshua had faith that death of self was not the end of life but its beginning.  So too, like our Master, we must have the faith to commit ourselves to death in complete confidence that when the old self is dead, life begins.

 Let us be clear, that we do not come off the cross to live the same old self-loving, self-serving, self-satisfying life that we lived before.  We die to live for YHWH.  The old self that constantly sought license and freedom from the word of YHWH, now, filled with the Spirit, touched by the love of YHWH, equipped by grace and filled with faith, lives to keep the word of YHWH out of gratitude for all that YHWH has done.  Our obedience to the Torah, Testimony, Statutes, Commandments and Judgments of YHWH is a revelation and living confession of the Spirit of YHWH in our lives stirring us to gratitude, obedience, and love.  Never should keeping the word of YHWH be considered bondage or a curse.  Only the flesh which lacks the spirit, grace, faith and love of YHWH would refuse the cross and consider the Torah a curse.

Integrity and honesty, though little exhibited in our world today, are still essential virtues within the body of the Messiah and among the children of Israel.  Plain, truthful, and honest speaking and dealing were once prized even in the literature, poetry, and popular culture surrounding the people of God. In Williams Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet we hear Juliet speaking of her forbidden admirer, who bears the name of her family’s sworn foe,

“What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”

Gertrude Stein expressed a similar thought in her poem “Sacred Emily,”

“Rose is a rose is a rose

Loveliness extreme

Extra gaiters,

Loveliness extreme

Sweet ice-cream

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In his “Apothegmata” Plutarch wrote

“ten skafen skafen legontas” (Greek for; “Call a trough a trough”)

Erasmus later wrote,

“Ta suka suka ten skafen de skafen onomason” (Greek for; “Calling a fig a fig and a trough a trough”)

It is said that Erasmus understood the Greek word “skafen” to be a “shovel”. It is from this misunderstanding that we have received the popular expression,

“Call a spade a spade.”

People generally appreciate “straight shooting” leaders who are faithful in speaking the truth. This is especially true when it comes to the Word of YHWH.  King Solomon in his wisdom taught that it was necessary to call things what they are. 

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to YHWH. (Proverbs 17:15 KJV)

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: ²⁵ But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. (Proverbs 24:24-25 KJV)

As the children of Israel, we are called to be the image of YHWH.  We have been called to be holy as YHWH is holy.

For I am YHWH that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:45 KJV)

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:16 KJV)   

YHWH commanded Aaron to place his name upon the children of Israel.

And they shall put my name (YHWH) upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. (Numbers 6:27 KJV)

Since we are associated with, and the bearers of, the name and image of YHWH in the world, we must learn to embody his nature and character.  Truth and honesty are clearly essential aspects of YHWH’S character.  It is for this reason that YHWH condemns the lying tongue.

These six things doth YHWH hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: ¹⁷ A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸ An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, ¹⁹ A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19 KJV)

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. (Proverbs 12:19 KJV)

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. (Proverbs 21:6 KJV)

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (Proverbs 26:28 KJV)

YHWH is truth.  The Word of YHWH is truth.  YHWH desires us to be about the truth.

Because I will publish the name of YHWH: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. ⁴ He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:3-4 KJV)

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. (Psalm 31:5 KJV)

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. (Psalm 43:3 KJV)

Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. (Psalm 119:142 KJV)

Thou art near, YHWH; and all thy commandments are truth. (Psalm 119:151 KJV)

Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: (Psalm 146:6 KJV)

The Father genuinely desires us to seek and possess the truth.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6 KJV)

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23 KJV)

Because of our calling we must “call a spade a spade, a rose a rose, a fig a fig, and a trough a trough.”  The priests and leaders of Israel were soundly condemned for failing to be honest with the distinctions of YHWH.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! ²¹ Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21 KJV)

The gravity of this situation is spelled out for us in the words of the following proverb,

The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. (Proverbs 27:7 KJV)

Those who have spent a life time studying the word of YHWH and have been blessed with knowledge, insight, wisdom, understanding and spiritual maturity have built their house upon the rock and little will cause them to stumble or fall.  A little discernment will go a long way in sorting out the truth. However, in this current move of the Spirit there are many souls who have been mislead by denominational dogmas, toxic religious systems, and false prophets.  Now, these poor liberated souls who inherited lies from their fathers are without a sound foundation upon which to build their faith.  These poor souls are  hungry and vulnerable to deception and falsehoods. The newly awakened believer or convert often lacks the ability or knowledge to discern truth from deceit and fall prey to the sweet sounding words of false teachers.  It is this lack of discernment that leaves them vulnerable to the false prophets, false Messiahs, and false shepherds who seek to fleece them.  Therefore it is of utmost importance that we speak the truth and call things what they are. YHWH is a God of distinctions, who separated the light from the dark.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:4 KJV)

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 KJV)    

This must then be true even within the body of Messiah, which is to be the image of YHWH.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ¹⁵ And what concord hath Messiah with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ¹⁶ And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ¹⁷ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith YHWH, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:14-17 KJV)

We must be clear that light is light, dark is dark, tahor is tahor, tamei is tamei, sin is sin, righteousness is righteousness, lies are lies, truth is truth, a rose is a rose and a spade is a spade. We must not excuse that which is clearly contrary to the nature of YHWH even when it is found in a brother or sister, a teacher or leader or even in ourselves!  We cannot try to justify the wicked. We should not call a liar honest, nor should we call the wicked righteous.  Such behavior just creates confusion in the body and leads to further deception and distortion of the image of YHWH.  We should therefore, call a spade a spade and speak honestly with our brethren.

With this said, however, we must also recognize that the greatest attribute of YHWH is that of love.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ⁸ He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8 KJV)

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16 KJV)

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20 KJV)

Since we, as the children of Israel and disciples of Yeshua, are called to be the bearers of the name and image of YHWH, love should be a central attribute of our lives and character.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35 KJV) 

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (1 Peter 1:22 KJV)     

Therefore, while we are called to speak the truth to one another, we are to do so only in a spirit of genuine love.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Messiah: (Ephesians 4:14-15 KJV)

We should remember that we are all part of the same body.  We need one another. We are dependent upon each other.  The object is not to bash and beat our brothers into submission when they are in error.  Our calling is to speak the truth to them in love, encouraging them, reasoning with them, and edifying them, so that they will repent and be restored to their proper calling and place in the body of Messiah.

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:20 KJV)

While speaking the truth to our brother or sister in love, we are not to publically expose them, humiliate them, or shame them.

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. (Proverbs 10:12 KJV)

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (Proverbs 17:9 KJV)

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 KJV)

Here we must understand the gentle balancing act.  We must not publically expose our brother, while at the same time we must call a sin sin! We do not justify the falsehood or error in order to protect the sinner. 

Our first priority must be the image of YHWH.  We must remember that we are the image of YHWH in all that we do. Since his name is upon us, everything we do reflects upon YHWH. We must protect the image and name of YHWH always.  Therefore, we may confront our brother privately and not make the error of his way public, but we do not change YHWH’S designations or judgments to do so.  We must not allow the vulnerable who are hungering for truth to become a victim of deceit.  If our brother or sister does not repent, then it may be necessary, unfortunately, to make his wickedness known among the brethren, in order to protect the vulnerable and hungry brethren as well as the image of YHWH.  Our Master, Yeshua, gave us a pattern to follow in such matters.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ¹⁷ And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the body of believers: but if he neglect to hear the body of believers, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18:15-17 KJV)

The public exposing of another’s faults is never undertaken alone.  Everything must be done by witnesses, in good order, and only as a last resort to protect the body.  If the errant member of the body is recognized locally or nationally as an elder of the body especial caution must be exercised due to the potentially negative impact on the body of Messiah and on the elder’s ministry and reputation.   

We must also exercise great caution in our discernment of another’s failings, that we neither rejoice in their fall, nor fall into pride and self-righteousness ourselves. 

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: ¹⁸ Lest YHWH see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. (Proverbs 24:17-18 KJV)

We should recall that that ALL of us have been deemed guilty of sin in the eyes of YHWH. None of us can stand on our own merit before the Sovereign One.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. ⁷ And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. ⁸ But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isaiah 64:6-8 KJV)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV)

Therefore, when we deal with our fallen, errant brethren, let us remember that we are dealing with members of the body of Messiah, and show them the same love, compassion, and respect that we would show our Master, and would hope to have shown to us in our time of weakness.  Since we have all, at one time or another, been shown the mercy of YHWH upon our own sins and wickedness, let us be the image of YHWH to our fallen brethren.  Our actions must never be motivated by revenge, personal justice, or hope of personal gain.  As members of the body of Messiah, our ministry must always be one of reconciliation.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Yeshua Messiah, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (2 Corinthians 5:18 KJV)