When Yeshua spoke of stone(s) to Shim'on Kepha, a Hebrew perspective on Matthew 16:18

"When Yeshua came to the area of Kisrin shel Pilippos (Caesarea Philippi), He asked His disciples, saying: " What do sons of men say about me? Who is the son of man?"
They said, " some say he is Yochanan the  Immerser, and some say Elyahu; some others say Yirmeyah or one of the prophets."
He said to them: "But as for you, what do you say about me? Who am I?"

Shim'on Petros answered and said: "you are the Maschiach, the Son of the Living God!"

He answered and said to him: " O your gladness, Shim'on bar Yonah! For flesh and blood didn't reveal this to you, but my Father who is in Heaven."

And I also say to you that you are Petros ("even -av -ben") and upon this rock ( "even-av-ben") I will build my community and the gates of the She'ol will not overpower it."

Matthew 16:13-18 Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels

I added the word "even-av-ben" to the Delitzsch Hebrew Gospel version in order to develop a more Hebrew perspective of this well known, yet so much misinterpreted, mistranslated and distorted Gospel episode. The trouble when ( even Hebrew, literate persons who are very much Scripture savvy) are referring to the Gospels, people are always bringing up Greek expressions, like Alpha and Omega instead of Aleph and Tav...You may ask, why is it so important to seek for Hebrew words when the Gospel texts that we have are written in Greek language?
It is much more important than you may actually think. Speaking of the Aleph and Tav is a clear reference to Torah, it links Moschiach with Torah-Alpha and Omega doesn't.
But I digress...back to the very core of the subject!


Estrangement from the Jewish communities, mistranslations, distortions, what happened to Yeshua's words in Matthew 16: 13-18?


Centuries of estrangements from the Jewish communities, mistranslations, distortions of all kind have brought distance between the contemporary Gospel reader and the words that emanated from our rabbi Yeshua's mouth in the 1st century.

When Yeshua stated:

"And I also say to you that you are Petros ("even -av -ben") and upon this rock ( "even-av-ben") I will build my community and the gates of the She'ol will not overpower it."

What did our Messiah actually MEAN?



First of all one must realize that there are words that have been translated and constitute true anachronisms in Yeshua's mouth, yet they are accepted in the world of Christianity as if Yeshua actually pronounced them.
The word " church" in Yeshua's mouth while speaking to His disciples DOESN'T MAKE SENSE AT ALL! 

"Church" has been added by the catholic sect to increase their authority. Shim'on "Peter" has been wrongly presented as the chief of the newborn catholic sect.
However, rabbi Yeshua was simply speaking of the center of the Jewish community, the Beth Haknesset, the synagogue, the assembly of men united by the same faith in Hashem.

I defy anybody to prove that Yeshua wanted to build up something called "Christianity". This has never ever been His intent!

But, most importantly, let us focus on the word " Petros" or " Kepha" according to the version you are holding in your hands right now.  This name is also overlooked, because a great majority don't bother why Yeshua actually RENAMED His disciple Shim'on bar Yonah after he made his confession of faith to his rabbi...

Well, if we consider that Yeshua is a Hebrew speaking person, who loves and teaches Torah, it appears merely as an evidence that Yeshua loved making wordplays in Hebrew and to point at a very strong Jewish symbolism. I enlightened our Messiah's wordplays with the word "even", "stone" in particular, in an article entitled "The case in favor of Hebrew language".

It is precisely the word (אֶבֶן ), stone, that comes back into play here. My point is that there are actually great chances Yeshua may have used (אֶבֶן) to give His disciple Shim'on his brand new name. Why? Because the word "Even" or stone does not just refer to a stone. There is a broader meaning behind the word in Hebrew, starting with the astute combination of "Av", Father and "Ben", son.
It points at the Oneness between Father and Son, as depicted in John 10:30 ( and not as referred to in the false doctrine of trinity). Hashem is ONE, not three.

The letter Aleph carries the magnificence of the Creator and the following letter Beth contains the house, the assembly, the Beth ha knesset, the synagogue.
Interestingly the Nun Sofit, the final Nun is the letter of the Servant and it is very rich in multiple meanings. By becoming the "Even",  the unity between Father and Son is reflected in Shim'on. But the noun , which is also the letter of the "fish" symbolizes an increase.

Yeshua's disciple will become a prosperous "fisher of men".

It is very important to always be conscious of WHO Yeshua IS.
Yeshua is a Jewish rabbi teaching Torah in the 1st Century. The words and symbolism He uses in His sentences are intimately linked with Israel and Jewish culture. Whoever pretends the contrary is just delusional.

Shim'on bar Yonah ( aka "Peter')'s  confession

"You are the Maschiach, the Son of the Living God!"

Shim'on managed to see that Yeshua was the Maschiach. His comprehension wasn't based on Scriptures study, it wasn't some vague intellectual assumption. The revelation came from the Spirit. This is a point most people tend to forget. Reciting Scriptures by heart and endless studies will not reveal you the truth. The Spirit will. The Spirit of Hashem is the true eye opener.
Also remember that Yeshua said in John 6:44: "no one can come to me, unless the Father who sent me draws him".
It is not given to anybody to recognize Yeshua as the true Messiah, but to the chosen ones.

Calling him "even", "stone" was ackowledging Shim'on's connection between Father and Son ( Av-Ben) and empowering him as a disciple.

And, finally, there is MORE behind the stone (even-av-ben) than you may actually think!

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone ( rosh pina)

אֶבֶן, מָאֲסוּ הַבּוֹנִים--    הָיְתָה, לְרֹאשׁ פִּנָּה
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22)

During the time of His first Coming, Yeshua ben Yosef has known rejection. But He has become our rosh pina, our cornerstone. Our Moschiach will come back in glory soon.

He is also our " even ezer", our stone of rescue.

High praise to Yeshua our Messiah!


Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

Yeshua our Messiah expired and the curtain of the Temple was torn: a day that changed mankind's history

"But Yeshua cried out again with a loud voice, and His spirit departed.
Then the curtain was torn from top to bottom in two pieces.
The earth quaked and the rocks were split." Matthew 27:50-51 Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels

This is a very Jewish representation of Yeshua hanging on a tree 

source:http://thouforsaken.blogspot.fr/

Torah reference: Deuteronomy 21:23

"In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord. The house that King Solomon built for the Lord was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high." 1 Kings 6:1-2

"Forty years before the Temple was destroyed (i.e 40 years before 70 AD, the gates of the Hekel (Temple) opened themselves, until rabbi Yochanan bae Zakkai rebuked them ( the gates), saying: "Hekel, Hekel, why are you alarming us? We know that you are destined to be destroyed." 

Talmud, Sancino version, Yoma 39b

The very dramatic moment during which our Messiah expired induced a true revolution in mankind history. Because most of us focus more on Resurrection ( which makes sense), a few details about the tragic moment of Yeshua's death may be overlooked. The Gospels report that, in the very moment Yeshua's spirit departed, the Temple's curtain was torn from top to bottom into two pieces.

How does this event affect us?

If one is not really familiar with Torah, it becomes quite hard to understand the importance of the Parochet haheichal (פרֹכת ההיכל), the veil of the Temple, which is the part that is hiding and gives access to the Holy of the holies- a very special place that only the Kohen Gadol ( the high priest) authorized to cross on the Day of Yom Kippur during the ceremony of atonement for the sins.

The rituals to follow where very precise as they are explained in Leviticus, Chapter 16, Vayikra.
The following website will also allow you to reflect upon a deeper meaning of the same Torah chapter.

Not following the precise instructions given by Hashem could cost one's life. This is precisely how two of Aaron's sons died because of their unauthorized offering:

" And Hashem spoke to Moshe after the two sons of Aharon, who brought an unauthorized offering before Hashem and they died.  Hashem said to Moshe: "Speak to your brother Aharon, and let him not enter the inner sanctuary that is beyond the concealing the ark, so that he won't die, since I appear over the ark in a cloud."

A great majority of people don't realize that our Lord is so holy that the vision of His Shekinah ( cloud of glory) can kill you straight away.

Things dramatically changed when Yeshua became our Kohen Gadol ( High Priest)

Only a thorough reading and understanding of the Book of Leviticus, chapter 16 will open the readers' eyes to Hashem's majestic holiness. This is the very reason why accessing the Holy of the holies was forbidden for almost any living being.

I am referring again to the Orach Chayim blog where the following quote can be found, so you will come to a deeper awareness of Hashem's holy dwelling place:

"The Torah teaches that the Holy of the holies is such an awesome place that even an angel has no permission to go there. Only through the merits of Sacrifice may the Kohen Gadol enter."

Yeshua's Sacrifice ended the animal sacrifice. By fulfilling His painful mission for the atonement of the sins of ALL, Yeshua OPENED the Holy of the holies to us. He granted us direct access via His awesome and holy person and literally became our Kohen Gadol before our Father. 
Therefore, anybody who calls upon the Name of Yeshua earnestly and asks for forgiveness of sins will be granted access. 

Yeshua, the greatest of all, became the last of all, so we may ALL be saved-given the condition that we repent of our sins and that we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

Let our hearts dwell in gratefulness for our Moschiach King who loves us endlessly!




Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

A Revelation from the Gospel of Mark ( from "Heart of a Savior")

A revelation from the Gospel of Mark

Yeshua ben Yosef has been veiled to many eyes.

Yeshua ben David will be contemplated by every eye.

« He is coming in the clouds, and every eye will see Him, and so will those who pierced Him... » Revelation 1:7

« After they went out from the synagogue, they came to the house of Shim'on and Andrei with Yaakov and Yochanan. The mother in law of Shim'on was lying down, gripped by a fever and they quickly spoke to Him about her.He approached (« Vayigash » in the Hebrew text) and grasped her hand and raised her up. The fever suddenly subsided, and she served them.In the evening, about sunset, they brought Him all those who were sick and gripped with demons. The whole town was gathered together at the entrance of the house. He healed many who were sick with various illnesses and drove out many demons, but did not permit the demons to speak, for they knew Him. » Mark 1:29-34, Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels

Studying the Gospels into context will truly reveal the reader some unexpected details. The holy language will unveil parallels with Torah one would not have thought about before. A throughout reading of Mark, Chapter 1, verses 29 to 34, from a very Hebrew perspective, will teach you about several singular details :

• the Hebrew text in the Delitzsch Gospels contains « Vayigash » ( and He approached...). You may not be aware of it, but « Vayigash » is also the name of the parasha that depicts Yosef's reunion with his brothers in Egypt. It also starts with « Vayigash eilav Yehudah... », «  and Yehudah approached him ( Yosef) ». In this portion of Torah, Yosef reveals his true ID to his brothers. This detail foreshadows Yeshua our Messiah's Second Coming as Yeshua ben David, and should not be overlooked.
• Then the attentive eye will probably also notice that Yeshua performed some healings and drove out demons, but forbid demons to speak. Yeshua's true ID was temporarily locked before the fulfillment of His mission before Hashem.

When Yeshua ben David will return in glory, every eye will see Him.

It doesn't mean, though, that every eye will be pleased at His sight. But everyone will look at Him.

Not everybody is going to accept His true ID as « King of the Jews », « Messiah of Israel » and « King of the Nations ».

Very few expect a tallit-wearing, shofar-blowing rabbi. But Yeshua departed as a Jew and He will return as a Jew, regardless if you like the idea or not.

The wicked and the antisemites will be dismissed. Only the righteous will be fearless at the glorious sight of our Messiah.

As for the ones complaining about Yeshua's return being delayed should be grateful about our Father in Heaven's patience. If Moschiach King hasn't been sent yet, it is because He still grants people time for repentance and for all of us who have been saved to adjust our ways in righteousness.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

Isaiah 53, beyond missionary and counter-missionary disputes is ALL about Yeshua

My Jewish friends, whether they are orthodox or messianic do agree on one point: we are very close to Messianic times. Whether they consider that Moschiach King will come or return, they are expecting Him.
My Gentile friends who follow Yeshua also agree that our Messiah is closer than ever.

Note that many people, regardless of their spiritual sensivity, think that the Coming of our Messiah is very narrow.

Therefore, I'd like to exhort each and everyone to read the text of Isaiah 53, that is also known as the Servant's fourth song in the Book of Isaiah, with very much honesty, putting aside any dispute about evangelism.

I am a follower of Yeshua. Having experienced our Lord in a powerful manner, having seen our Messiah before my very eyes, I strongly believe in Him. However, I'd like to point out that my main goal is to give testimony. It is all up to you to accept or reject my testimony. I am not here to convert you or to force you into any belief, simply because I believe that this is contrary to the Spirit of Hashem.

I am just asking you, who maybe stumbled upon my blog, to examine the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 53, to read my analysis and reflect upon it, then decide for yourself what you want to believe-or not.

Just be honest with yourself.

Is it true that Isaiah, Chapter 53, is not linked with Torah in any way?

This is the point of view of some orthodox rabbis. I beg to differ. Here is WHY.

When speaking of Isaiah 53, it is actually hard for a person who grew up into orthodox Judaism to see how this chapter links Torah and Moschiach King.
When people think of Yeshua's  punishment, they are likely to picture a cross. Actually, there are great chances Yeshua was hanged on a tree.

Deuteronomy, Chapter 21, verses 22 and 23 clearly expose the treatment of a man who deserved capital punishment (Yeshua didn't deserve it as He was completely innocent; yet He was condemned to endure Capital punishment by the Sanhedrin).

"And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on a tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God." Deuteronomy 21:22-23

The following pdf resource seems to confirm Yeshua's hanging on a tree.

In correlation with Deuteronomy chapter 21, Isaiah 53:5 affirms:

"But he was pierced for OUR transgressions;
he was crushed for OUR iniquities: 
UPON HIM was the chastisement that brought US peace,
and by HIS wounds WE are HEALED."

Isaiah 53, verse 5

source for the image of Isaiah 53 scroll:
http://scrolls4all.org/scrolls/

Who could this verse possibly speak of, but Yeshua ben Yosef, the Suffering Messiah?
Please note that the Hebrew text uses the personal pronoun "hu" (הוּא) in the third person, repeatedly throughout the whole Chapter. In no way the" Suffering Servant" here is meant to be Israel and for several reasons that will be developed in this article.

The Suffering servant cannot be Israel for the following reasons:

1. as mentioned above, the use of the personal pronoun (הוּא), hu, in the third person in the Hebrew text clearly points a person, not at a nation. Otherwise, the prophet would use "they"in his sentences, which is not the case. 
2. How could Israel die for Israel's sins, when we perfectly know Israel is not sinless?
3. Like the Passover lamb mentioned in Exodus 12:4-6 ( here is another very clear, unmistakable link with Torah), the Suffering Servant, the One carrying mankind's sins has to be without blemish. Our Messiah's Sacrifice only makes sense in correlation with the Jewish feast of Pessach  (Easter is the pagan celebration of goddess Ishtar in disguise. I will not expand on the subject, though, as this is not the main focus of the present article)
4. Israel, Suffering Servant, defined as "man of pains?" (אִישׁ מַכְאֹבוֹת). Be honest, this just doesn't make sense! A man of pains is an individual, not a collective allegory.

Regarding point 3 and knowing that the only person that is without blemish is the Messiah, for He is sinless.

Of course, it is allowed to set some parallels between our Messiah's Suffering and Israel's Suffering, especially when we think of the way prisoners of concentration camps were humiliated and tortured before being annihilated in the gas chambers. The nazis deprived them of their humanity before killing them, and this is exactly how Yeshua was treated prior Crucifixion. A Treblinka survivor, whose testimony I watched a few months ago, speaks of the terrible treatment people underwent before being sent to death.


On a site note, I'd also like to do away with some misconceptions in many people's minds. Because the Book of Isaiah doesn't describe the the Suffering Messiah in a flattering light, a lot of people come to the conclusion that " Yeshua, while walking the earth in the 1st Century, was a very ugly person." This is not what the text actually states!
It describes, the abused, mistreated, oppressed Messiah. Have you ever seen a person suffering to such a great extent have a handsome face? Suffering and harmful treatment such as punching in the eyes, slapping, flogging and scourging, wearing the helmet of thorns and all the moral suffering literally disfigured our Messiah, to the point that "he did not look human anymore" as Isaiah 52 and Psalm 22, verse 6 confirm it.


Both Messianic dimensions of Moschiach ben Yosef and Moshiach ben David are present in Talmud and other Jewish sources

I stumbled across a very interesting study entitled " The Suffering Messiah ben Yosef".
From this rich resource, you will understand that the oral rabbinic sources always taught about a Suffering Messiah in correlation with the Book of Zechariah in particular. The Coming of a Messiah ben David in glory is also something rabbinic sources make mention of.
A major difficulty often arises because many Jews fail to understand that Moschiach ben Yosef and Moschiach ben David are the same person.

Another point to consider is that orthodox Judaism often refuses to recognize the divine nature of the Messiah.
It is precisely the bold affirmation of His divinity by quoting the Book of Daniel, Chapter 7:13-14 that got Yeshua sentenced to death by the Sanhedrin.

The Orthodox Jewish Bible version of the verses mentioned above leaves zero doubt about the deity of Moschiach King, though.

"I was beholding in the visions of the night, and , hinei, one like bar Enosh ( Ben Adam i.e Moschiach) came with the clouds of Shomayim ( Heaven) and came to the Atik Yomin (Ancient of the Days, i.e Hashem) and before Him He was brought.And there was given Him (Moschiach) dominion and honor and sovereignty to all people, goyim tongues shouls they serve reverence as deity Him (Moschiach)/His dominion is an everlasting Kingdom which shall not pass and His (Messianic Kingdom) which shall not be destroyed." Daniel 7: 13-14

Interestingly, the Book of Zechariah points at Messiah ben Yosef ( Zechariah 9:9) and at Messiah ben David ( Zechariah 12;10).

Zechariah 12:10 clearly explains what will happen when Messiah ben David returns in Glory. This verse is a confirmation of the story told in Isaiah 53!


"And I will pour upon your Bais ( House) of David and upon the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, the Ruach (Spirit) of Chen (grace) and Tachanunim ( supplications for grace) and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced ( dakar in Hebrew= pierce through)-ref: Yeshayah Isaiah 53:5 (Targum Hashivim); Tehilim ( Psalms) 22:17) and they shall mourn for Him ( Moschiach) as one mourns for his yachid ( only son) and they shall grieve in bitterness for his bechor (first born)." Zechariah 12:10 Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB)

Now set aside all doctrinal debate. Examine what the Scriptures are telling you. Ask Hashem to enlighten you...and when the very truth will become obvious to your eyes: it is never too late to accept Yeshua the Messiah of Israel as your Lord and Savior. You are FREE now to decide.


        
Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

Bailing rabbi Yeshua out to His people

The following article entitled " Bailing rabbi Yeshua out to His people" is the fruit of a reflection on Yeshua's halachic approach of Torah. I published it on Linkedin. Please check it out, thank you:)

What parashat Vayigash is teaching us about the Second Coming of our Messiah ( Messianic perspective)

"And I will pour upon your Bais ( House) of David and upon the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, the Ruach (Spirit) of Chen (grace) and Tachanunim ( supplications for grace) and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced ( dakar in Hebrew= pierce through)-ref: Yeshayah Isaiah 53:5 (Targum Hashivim); Tehilim ( Psalms) 22:17) and they shall mourn for Him ( Moschiach) as one mourns for his yachid ( only son) and they shall grieve in bitterness for his bechor (first born)." Zechariah 12:10 Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB)

And Yehudah came forward towards him... 

"Vayigash elav Yehudah...", this is how the Parasha starts...Yehudah steps forward in order to offer himself as a ransom in order to liberate his brother Benyamin, for the sake of his aged father.

Soon Yosef will not be able to contain himself and will reveal his identity to his brothers. Yosef sobbed so loud in front of his brothers that the Egyptians were able to hear it.

The "long lost brother" invited at a kosher table

Can you imagine a reunion between Yeshua and His folks? Can you picture the emotions, the cries of pain and joy? So will it be, when Israel will find its long lost brother...

The story of Yosef and his brothers is a story of envy and jealousy. Most of his brothers disliked Yosef for three main reasons:

1. Yosef ( along with Benyamin) was Jacob's favored wife's son. (Genesis 37:3)
2. Yosef had powerful dreams from the Spirit of Hashem that clearly indicated that he would rise in power above his brothers.
3. Yosef was reporting Jacob about his brothers' bad behavior: "These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father." (Genesis 37:2)
   

Two betrayers, same name, similar motives

Although I had read the story of Yosef and his brothers many times, some obvious parallel with Yeshua's story didn't come to my mind until Yeshua said to me two days ago: "Yosef and I were both sold out by a man named Yehudah."

Both, Yeshua and Yosef were sold out of jealousy by a person named Yehudah.
While Yeshua even had people on his side within the Sanhedrin, like Nicodemus and Yosef of Arimathea, Reuben, Lea's firstborn, had in mind to save his youngest brother's life and to bring him back to his father. However, Hashem's plan was different in both cases.

While we may consider that Yosef had to suffer greatly in his personal life, Hashem had in mind to save Israel from the upcoming famine.
Hashem always has a broader vision than men's very selfish sight.
It was also His plan to sacrifice Yeshua for mankind's Salvation. For this to happen, Yeshua had to die a very painful death, seemingly cursed and abandoned from God and men, on the " tree of Salvation". 
For the nations to be saved, Israel's sight had to be temporarily veiled.

"Then one of the twelve, whose name was Yehudah Ish-Kriyot, went to the leading priests. He said! "What will ou give me to hand Him over to you?
They counted out thirty pieces of silver for him and from that moment on, he sought an opportunity to betray Him." Matthew 26:14-16

A Jewish interpretation of Yosef's tears

According to a Talmudic interpretation, Yosef, who fell on Benyamin's neck and wept, foresaw prophetically the destruction of the 2 Temples. 

Our Messiah Yeshua too predicted the destruction of the Temple:

" As He went out of from the Temple, one of His disciples said to Him: "Rabbi, look how beautiful these stones and buildings are! Yeshua answered him and said: " Do you see these great buildings. Not one stone will remain on another that will not be torn down." Mark 13:1-2 Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels

Our Lord also wept over Yerushalayim's destiny, because He knew what His folks would endure for not recognizing the time of their visitation:

" When He drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying:
If only you yourself knew, while it was still your day, the way of Shalom. But now it is hidden from your eyes. For look, days are coming when your enemies will pile up siege mound around you and encircle you and assail you from all sides. They will tear down the ground you and your children within you. Not one stone will remain on another stone, because you did not know the time of your punishment." Luke 19: 41-44 Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels

The link provided above will unveil details about Rachi's interpretation.
While some people prompted to mock and discard this view about the biblical episode of Genesis 45, it really makes sense in regards to Yeshua's Second Coming and also offers some interesting parallels with the haftara that is usually associated with the parasha Vayigash, i.e, Ezekiel 37:15-28. 

"Again a message came to me from the Lord: "Son of man, take a piece of wood and carve on it these words: "This represents Judah and its allied tribes.'Then take another piece and carve these words on it: 'This represents Ephraim and the northern tribes of Israel. Now hold them together in your hand as if they were one piece of wood.When your people ask you what your actions mean, say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take Ephraim and the northern tribes and join them to Judah. I will make them one piece of wood in my hand'."Then hold out the pieces you have inscribed, so people can see them. And give them the message from the Sovereign Lord: I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will bring them home where they have been scattered. I will unify them into one nation on the mountains of Israel. One king will rule them all; no longer will they be divided into two nations or two kingdoms. They will never again pollute themselves with their idols and vile images and rebellion, for I will save them from their sinful apostasy. I will ckeanse them. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.""My servant David will be their king, and they will have only one shepherd. They will obey my regulations and be careful to keep my decrees. The will live in the land I gave my servant Jacob, the land where their ancestors lives. They and their children and their grandchildren after them will live there forever.And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and increase their numbersn and I will put my Temple among them forever. I will make ly home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And when my Temple is among them forever, the nations will know that I am the Lord, who makes Israel holy."

           Ezekiel 37: 15-28

Is it important to consider that the text of Ezekiel 37 is linked with Yosef's reunion with his brothers? Does this prophetic text carry a broader,  Messianic vision?
I'll answer "yes" to both questions and here is why:

• Going through the Hebrew text will allow you to notice a very recurrent word אחד , Echad

Echad is associated with several symbols " ets echad", a unique tree, melech echad, a unique king, roe echad, a unique shepherd.

Echad points at the Unicity of Hashem. 

The tree is a symbol for man and Torah. One Torah will rule for all.

One king will rule. In end times, Moschiach King Yeshua will reign over the nation of Israel.

Roe Echad, unique Shepherd he will be. 

Let's have a look at our times. While Israel is being hated by a great majority of nations all over the world, Hashem already started gathering many Jews for their return to Israel. Many persons have made their alyah. This is made possible because the times of our Messiah's return are getting closer and closer. 

The Berith Shalom and the Berith Olam ( alliance of peace and everlasting alliance) will be made possible by the Return of Moschiach King. When Yeshua will reign, peace will be implemented in the Holy Land.

I have no idea if the word "mikdash" has to be interpreted in the physical term ( as a Third Temple) , but I know that when Yeshua returns, the Spirit will dwell among us all abundantly.

David will reign through Moschiach ben David, and Gentiles will be reunited with Jewish people in One New Man, for the glory of Adonai. Everybody will worship Hashem in truth by then.

• Facing the " long lost brother"

To many Jews and Israelis, Yeshua may look like Yosef in his Egyptian clothes. 

Many Jews envision Him as a Gentile, for many reasons.

Many Jews also consider Him as cursed, because they don't envision that He took this curse that was upon us all to redeem each and everyone.

Now imagine when the time will be ripe and Yeshua will stand before His Jewish brothers, stating: " ani Yeshua" ("אני ישׁוּע")

Like Yosef's brothers, they will realize that some of them mistreated Him when He first came to live among them- and that the religious establishment wanted Him dead. 

Terror will probably strike their minds when they will realize that Yeshua is the Messiah King that have been waiting for so long, who came and is coming back!

They will mourn and supplicate Yeshua.

Yeshua will then give them all a glance of loving kindness and save ALL Israel.

Then He will reign over His truthful servants, the ones He grafted in and the people of Israel.

Evil shall be destroyed forever and one love will dwell among us through the Spirit of Hashem. 

Come soon, Lord Yeshua!

Amen.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

The historical reality of our Messiah is undeniable

In response to many disinformed people, either atheists, orthodox Jews or any other persons from different walks of life who think that "Yeshua is a myth", my intent is to provide you with sufficient historical, archeological and other various sources that will convince you that Yeshua ben Yosef our Messiah actually walked the earth-more specifically the land of Israel- in the first century.
I have no doubt about the reality of Yeshua, Messiah of Israel, because I experienced His presence powerfully in my life and I am here to testify that Yeshua is ALIVE. Also I am convinced that anyone, regardless of their background, who earnestly asks Hashem to show them who Yeshua is, will receive an answer and be shown the way of Salvation-given the condition that they are willing to repent of their sins.
However, I want you to examine the numerous sources that confirm Yeshua's very existence in the 1st Century...just for you all to understand that Yeshua our Jewish Messiah is not the fabrication of some Roman or Greek man or any other mythical figure. Yeshua was born as a real Jewish person, in the first Century. With the parting from the original Jewish teachings of the first Messianic believers, Christianity has distorted Yeshua's image to the point that many Jewish persons think that Yeshua is a "goy". But our Messiah has always been rooted into Torah, He prayed the prayers of Israel, went to the synagogue and obeyed the mitzvoth. All His teachings are Torah-based.

"Keeper of the Flame" by Linda Harris-Lorio

1.Extra biblical sources

 painting after the face of the Shroud

• Historians' reports and other sources

-physical descriptions of Yeshua from apocryphal sources

• Publius Lentulus' letter to the Roman Senate ( credit to www.thenazareneway.com). Lentulus lived around 27 AD.

"There appeared in these our days a man of the Jewish Nation, of great virtue, named Yeshua [Jesus], who is yet living among us, and of the Gentiles is accepted for a Prophet of truth, but His own disciples call Him the Son of God-He raiseth the dead and cureth all manner of diseases. A man of stature somewhat tall, and comely, with very reverent countenance, such as the beholders may love and fear, his hair of (the color of) the chestnut, full ripe, plain to His earn whence downwards it is more orient and curling and wavering about His shoulders. In the midst of His hair is a seam or partition of His hair, after the manner of the Nazarenes. His forehead plain and very delicate: His face without spot or wrinkle, beautified with a lovely red; His nose and His mouth so formed as nothing can be reprehended, His beard thickish, in color like His hair, not very long, but forked; His look innocent and mature;; His eyes grey, quick and clear-In reproving hypocrisy He is terrible; in admonishing, courteous and fair spoken; pleasant in conversation, mixed with gravity. I cannot remember that I have seen Him laugh, but many have seen Him weep. In proportion, most excellent. His hands and His arms are delicate to behold. In speaking, very temperate, modest, and wise. A man for His singular beauty, surpassing the beauty of children of men."

• Another source offers a contemporary description ( Massilian's description of Yeshua).

To be honest, the use of words, the very Caucasian features of His face and the "nose of a Jew" appear as highly suspicious and unreliable to me. It might be some further adjunction made by people who had some interest in spreading the image of a blonde Messiah. Not that blonde Israelis don't exist, but blonde Israelis would have Middle Eastern physical features. The "nose of a Jew" sounds a little bit antisemitic to me. However, I might be wrong. I am not here to argue, just to share a personal point of view.

• Pontius Pilate's letter to Tiberius Caesar ( source:www.thenazareneway.com)

TO TIBERIUS CAESAR:
A young man appeared in Galilee preaching with humble unction, a new law in the Name of the God that had sent Him. At first I was apprehensive that His design was to stir up the people against the Romans, but my fears were soon dispelled. Jesus of Nazareth spoke rather as a friend of the Romans than of the Jews. One day I observed in the midst of a group of people a young man who was leaning against a tree, calmly addressing the multitude. I was told it was Jesus. This I could easily have suspected so great was the difference between Him and those who were listening to Him. His golden colored hair and beard gave to his appearance a celestial aspect. He appeared to be about 30 years of age. Never have I seen a sweeter or more serene countenance. What a contrast between Him and His bearers with their black beards and tawny complexions! Unwilling to interrupt Him by my presence, I continued my walk but signified to my secretary to join the group and listen. Later, my secretary reported that never had he seen in the works of all the philosophers anything that compared to the teachings of Jesus. He told me that Jesus was neither seditious nor rebellious, so we extended to Him our protection. He was at liberty to act, to speak, to assemble and to address the people. This unlimited freedom provoked the Jews -- not the poor but the rich and powerful.
Later, I wrote to Jesus requesting an interview with Him at the Praetorium. He came. When the Nazarene made His appearance I was having my morning walk and as I faced Him my feet seemed fastened with an iron hand to the marble pavement and I trembled in every limb as a guilty culprit, though he was calm. For some time I stood admiring this extraordinary Man. There was nothing in Him that was repelling, nor in His character, yet I felt awed in His presence. I told Him that there was a magnetic simplicity about Him and His personality that elevated Him far above the philosophers and teachers of His day.
Now, Noble Sovereign, these are the facts concerning Jesus of Nazareth and I have taken the time to write you in detail concerning these matters. I say that such a man who could convert water into wine, change death into life, disease into health; calm the stormy seas, is not guilty of any criminal offense and as others have said, we must agree -- truly this is the Son of God.
Your most obedient servant,
Pontius Pilate

 Authentic or not? I have no idea, to be very honest with you all.

Does it matter how Yeshua our Lord looked like back in the 1st Century? Should be argue about it?

I've been granted the immense grace to see Yeshua before me 5 times during a very short time frame. What He lets me see from Him looks closer to the portrait of the Shroud posted above. All I can say is that He looked very Middle-Eastern to me. 

But my answer would clearly be NO. It is a waste of time to argue about our Lord's physical appearance, because what really matters is His kindness and His wisdom and to be able to apply His words in our daily life. It is also worthless to base some of your assumptions on the description of the Book of Revelation- that corresponds to a description of a vision in glory- to prove that Yeshua walked the earth with white hair. Do not waste your time on that. 

Make sure that you are SAVED!

This being said, I think that it is good that descriptions of Yeshua are available. Of course, available doesn't always mean reliable. However, it confirms that some people may have seen Him, even from afar and attempted to make a description of Him.

(Here is another picture that is very close to the traits Yeshua let me see of Him when He visited me, even His glance corresponds to the eyes I have seen and the tone of His skin was like that...but He smiled to me two times, during the two first visitations.)

- what historians of the 1st Century reported about Yeshua

• Josephus is one of the most reliable sources we do possess. Moreover, one cannot accuse him to have had some special sympathy towards Yeshua, as a Jewish person, from the sect of the Pharisees. Josephus speaks of Yeshua's crucifixion in Testimonium Flavianum.

Interestingly, we also learn from Josephus that Yeshua's brother Yaa'kov ( "James" in English) was stoned to death.

"About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man.  For he was one who performed surprising deeds and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. And when, upon the accusation of the principal men among us, Pilate had condemned him to a cross, those who had  first come to love him did not cease.  He appeared to them spending a third day restored to life, for the prophets of God had foretold these things and a thousand other marvels about him.  And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared."

          Testimonium Flavianum, 18.3.3

Before some people rise up to start controversy about these writings being an adjunction that goes back to the fourth century, they ought to know that new connections between Testimonium Flavianum and the Gospel of Luke resurfaced that imply that a ( probably lost ) common source between the two writings must have existed.

Curious to know more? Also check the following resource.

The fact that the texts may have been modified at the source, does not matter in regards to this precise point: our aim is to prove that Josephus actually wrote about our Messiah. If he mentioned Yeshua as a person, it means that Yeshua actually walked the earth and that His crucifixion is a fact- no matter what your view of Yeshua is, whether you consider Him to be the Savior of the world or a simple man. Facts are facts. Yeshua's trial before Pilate and the punishment that followed are historical facts.

About Josephus, somebody made the following comment on a public forum ( source:http://www.city-data.com/forum/religion-spirituality/1514922-jesus-history-confirmed-1st-century-non.html)


"FYI: A historian does not have to live close to the time something happens; he simply needs access to accurate documentation of events that occurred. Flavius Josephus the JEWISH PHARISEE and ROMAN EMPEROR ADVISOR was in an excellent position to access the records of Jesus' execution."


The public comment above makes sense to me!

• The historian Cornelius Tacitus who lived between 55 and 120 AD, who was rather hostile to Yeshua and His followers, confirmed Yeshua's crucifixion and the existence of His followers in his writings.

• Pliny the Younger ( 61-120 AD) makes mention of Yeshua as the " god of the Christians".

2. Archeological findings confirm the very existence of our Messiah Yeshua: what Dead Sea Scrolls discoveries are revealing to mankind

The discovery of a shepherd in 1947 of very ancient Hebrew documents unveiled writings mentioning the Suffering Messiah ( who is also depicted in Isaiah 53). Please check Ron Cantor's article. As a matter of fact, the character of Yeshua ben Yosef is part of Jewish beliefs, especially in the 1st Century.

Also check the following resource that will challenge any skeptical person about new discoveries regarding Yeshua. 

3.Yeshua in the Baylonian Talmud

• "Toldot Yeshu" have scandalized a lot of people. These writings, that emerged during Middle Ages, are merely a reaction in regards of the numerous persectutions against Jewish people coming from Catholic church. These writings, that do not depict our Messiah in a very flattering manner have been and are still a pretext for antisemitism in our contemporary world.

Contrary to a common opinion, this is NOT Judaism's official position towards Yeshua our Messiah.
Also, I've met quite a few orthodox Jews who do not necessarily dismiss the idea of Yeshua being the Messiah of Israel.
A lot of Jews have a problem with the distorted image Christianity is presenting of Yeshua, which is understandable. The problem does not lie in the person of Yeshua Himself, but merely in His pagan representation, His identity theft ( calling Him with a greek name, dismissing the teachings of Torah in Christian theology...).


4. Gospel narratives and writing style match with Tanach writings

Disinformed people have often told me that the Gospels were merely " fabricated Greek or Roman documents" and that "Yeshua is a pagan character". However, these arguments are brought forward mostly by people who did not even have the honesty to examine the Gospels and read them.
How can you formulate such a strong, biased judgment without even taking the time to look at the documents you are slating?

You are calling Yeshua "greek". Have you taken the time to look at His words? Probably not. Otherwise you would probably know that He is a rabbi speaking of Torah and whose words even refer to complex rabbinic laws! Yeshua is plain Jewish, whether you like it or not.

The Bible is a very unique document. If you read only translations of it, then you missed some very subtle parts of the Book, for instance, the poetry and the numerous wordplays that it contains. The following article, that refers to the Book of Genesis, Sefer Bereshit, underlines a few examples of subtle wordplays.
The Book of Jeremiah, for instance, connects the almond tree with being watchful. You will only be able to get the full meaning of it by studying Hebrew. Here is a detailed article about the theme mentioned above.

A great majority wrongly thinks that Yeshua was some uneducated peasant from Galilee. No, Yeshua is a rabbi teaching Torah and explaining clearly to His disciples how to apply it properly; this is the purpose of His coming along with Salvation of mankind!

As a matter of fact, Yeshua was very familiar with those wordplays. I showed some precise examples in my article entiled "The case in favor of Hebrew language".
Another literary genre that Yeshua uses a lot are parables. Parables are typical of Jewish culture.

Arguments that "Yeshua is a fabrication from Greek people or from the Roman Empire" are INVALID.



The fulfilling of the prophecies

An other important point to underline are the fulfilling of the biblical prophecies by Yeshua our Messiah. You will find a lot of accurate information on the Jewish Voice website.

Bible codes

Finally, the Bible codes discovered by Yaakov Ramsel reveal the truth about Yeshua our Messiah! Listen to Yaakov Ramsel in the following video.

3.The Shroud of Turin, powerful testimony of Resurrection to mankind

No, the Shroud of Turin does not belong to catholic church. It belongs to mankind. It is meant to be the powerful testimony of Resurrection to mankind.
It contains very precise informations about Yeshua's Suffering, the vegetation that grew in Jerusalem in the 1st Century, our Lord's physical features ( height, type of face, body strength...). It also carries evidence of the Resurrection.

My friend David Hines has a particularly very accurate and well documented You Tube Channel. His videos about the Shroud are the fruit of very intense research. By watching David's videos, you will learn a lot about the formation of the Shroud image.

Please check Barrie Schwortz' testimony regarding the Shroud of Turin. Barrie Schwortz is an orthodox Jew, who had no special interest in defending the Shroud's authenticity. Here are some obvious, proven facts he points at. No matter how skeptical you might be, I'd strongly advise you to check this video anyway.

Now drop all your bias against Yeshua and examine how many true facts speak in favor of Yeshua walking the earth in the 1st Century.
I also encourage you to step a little bit further and ask Hashem earnestly to reveal you WHO Yeshua is. May the Spirit of Hashem help you in your quest! 
Amen.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling