#witnessing — Public Fediverse posts

The Rainbow Warrior Affair
#Nuclear #Power, State #Secrecy, and the Slow Machinery of #Truth

On the night of July 10, 1985, the #harbor of #Auckland, New Zealand, looked calm. The water reflected the city lights. Crew members aboard the #Greenpeace ship #Rainbow Warrior were asleep after a long day of preparations. Nothing suggested that a Western #democracy was about to launch a covert #military #operation against a civilian vessel.

Then the #explosions came.

Within minutes, the #ship sank into the dark harbor water. One man died: photographer Fernando #Pereira. What initially looked like #sabotage soon evolved into one of the most revealing #intelligence #scandals of the Cold #War.

The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior was not only an #attack on a ship. It was an attack on visibility itself. Greenpeace wanted to bring cameras, journalists, and public attention to French nuclear testing in the #Pacific. #France wanted silence.

The #conflict between those two goals shaped everything that followed.

The Nuclear #Logic of the Cold War
To understand act of #terrorism, one must first understand the political #psychology of nuclear powers during the Cold War.

After the United States used atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, nuclear weapons became symbols of strategic prestige and geopolitical survival. Possessing the bomb meant entering an exclusive club of global influence. France joined that club in 1960 under President Charles de Gaulle.

For French political elites, nuclear independence was not merely military policy. It became part of national identity. France viewed its nuclear deterrent — the force de frappe — as proof that the country remained a sovereign world power independent from both #Washington and #Moscow.

But nuclear #weapons require testing.

France first conducted tests in colonial #Algeria. After Algerian independence in 1962, Paris moved its testing program to French #Polynesia, especially the #Mururoa and #Fangataufa #atolls in the Pacific #Ocean.

To #Paris, these remote islands seemed strategically ideal.

To environmental activists, they became symbols of colonial #arrogance and ecological #violence.

Greenpeace emerged directly from this historical moment. Founded in #Vancouver in 1971, the #organization pioneered a new form of political #activism: media-centered confrontation. Instead of fighting states militarily, Greenpeace used images, ships, and public spectacle. Activists understood that modern #politics increasingly depended on #television and emotional #symbolism.

In this sense, the Rainbow Warrior was more than a ship. It was a floating camera and cameras threaten secrecy.

Why France Saw Greenpeace as a Strategic #Threat
By 1985, Greenpeace planned to protest French nuclear testing directly at Mururoa Atoll. The Rainbow Warrior was expected to transport activists and assist Pacific #island communities opposing the tests.

French intelligence services feared international humiliation.

This fear is important. Governments rarely conduct covert operations because they are physically weak. They do so because they fear symbolic weakness. Nuclear powers depend heavily on credibility, prestige, and deterrence. In the logic of Cold War #geopolitics, allowing activists to disrupt military testing risked projecting vulnerability.

The French external intelligence service, the #DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure), therefore received orders to neutralize the ship.

The operation was given the #codename Opération Satanique.

The name itself reveals the strange theatricality often surrounding covert operations. Intelligence agencies frequently cloak violence in bureaucratic language, technical terminology, or symbolic code names. Such language creates psychological distance between planners and consequences.

It transforms people into “targets.” Ships into “objectives.” Deaths into “collateral effects.”

The Architecture of a Covert Operation
The attack on the Rainbow Warrior was sophisticated but not flawless.

French agents entered New Zealand under false identities. Combat divers secretly attached limpet mines to the hull of the ship while undercover operatives monitored the harbor area. Another agent, Christine #Cabon, infiltrated Greenpeace itself months before the bombing. Posing as a volunteer, she gathered internal information and transmitted it to Paris.

The operation reveals four classic mechanisms of covert state power:

1. #Infiltration
Intelligence agencies often penetrate organizations by exploiting openness and trust. Greenpeace depended heavily on volunteers. That #vulnerability allowed Cabon to enter the group with relative ease.

The strategy resembles modern #cyberwarfare. Instead of hacking computers, intelligence services inserted a human being into the system.

2. Plausible Deniability
Operations are designed so political leaders can deny direct involvement. Orders are often transmitted orally. Written evidence remains minimal.

This structure creates distance between decision-makers and operational violence.

In public, leaders appear uninvolved. In private, command chains remain understood.

3. Controlled Narratives
After the bombing, French officials denied responsibility. #Defense Minister Charles #Hernu publicly insisted that no French service had carried out the attack.

The first official investigations minimized state involvement.

Such reactions are common after intelligence scandals. Governments initially attempt to control information flow long enough to stabilize political damage. Historians repeatedly encounter this pattern across different countries and eras.

4. Sacrificial Containment
When #evidence becomes overwhelming, lower-ranking officials are often sacrificed to protect higher political #authority.

In the Rainbow Warrior #affair, DGSE chief Pierre #Lacoste and Defense Minister Hernu lost their positions. President François #Mitterrand, however, remained politically untouched and won reelection in 1988.

The structure resembles a firewall in computer systems: expendable layers absorb damage before it reaches the center.

The #Mistake That #Broke the #Operation
Despite careful planning, the operation failed because of an almost banal #error.

Witnesses observed suspicious activity near a rented van and noted its license plate number. This small #observation enabled New Zealand investigators to identify two French operatives: Alain #Mafart and Dominique #Prieur.

Their arrest transformed the bombing from #rumor into #international #crisis.

New Zealand reacted with unusual determination. Prime Minister David Lange rejected French attempts to frame the affair as a regrettable misunderstanding. He insisted that state #terrorism had occurred on New Zealand soil.

His response mattered historically because it challenged a powerful Western ally publicly and directly. Small states rarely confront nuclear powers successfully. New Zealand did.

The Long Silence Around François Mitterrand
The central mystery persisted for years:

Did #President François Mitterrand personally #authorize the operation?

For a long time, the answer remained hidden behind silence.

Mitterrand refused detailed public discussion of the affair. This #silence itself became politically effective. Modern #media systems often reward emotional immediacy. But silence can outlast outrage. News cycles move on. Public attention fragments.

Mitterrand understood this dynamic well. He remained silent until his death.

Only years later did former DGSE director Pierre Lacoste reveal critical details in his memoir Un Amiral au Secret. Lacoste stated that he had received presidential approval for the operation during a meeting with Mitterrand in May 1985.

This delayed revelation illustrates a central challenge in intelligence history:

Truth often emerges only after institutions lose control over memory.

Retired officials write memoirs. Classified archives slowly open. Participants age. Political loyalties weaken.

#History is frequently reconstructed backward, fragment by fragment, like archaeologists rebuilding a shattered statue from scattered pieces.

Fernando Pereira and the Politics of #Witnessing
At the #moral center of the story stands Fernando Pereira.

His #death transformed the operation from sabotage into #tragedy.

Pereira returned below deck to recover his photographic equipment after the first explosion. In doing so, he demonstrated a principle central to both journalism and activism: evidence matters.

Without documentation, suffering becomes abstract. Without images, distant violence remains politically invisible.

This explains why authoritarian systems and covert operations so often target journalists, photographers, and witnesses. Cameras challenge monopoly over #narrative.

The Rainbow Warrior affair therefore was never simply about one ship. It was about who controls #reality in the public #imagination.

Greenpeace sought exposure. The French state sought containment.

One side used cameras. The other used #explosives.

Why the Affair Still Matters
The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior remains historically significant because it exposed uncomfortable truths about democratic governments and covert violence.

The affair demonstrated that even liberal democracies can authorize illegal operations when strategic interests feel threatened. It revealed how intelligence agencies rely on secrecy, infiltration, deniability, and narrative management. It also showed how difficult accountability becomes once national #security enters political discourse.

Most importantly, the case demonstrated that truth emerges slowly.

Not in dramatic cinematic revelations. Not through a single leaked document. But through decades of persistence by investigators, journalists, historians, witnesses, and former participants.

The Rainbow Warrior sank in #Auckland Harbor in 1985. But the deeper story surfaced much later.

#conspiracy #press #journalism #terror #military #crime #justice #democracy #fail #guilty

The Rainbow Warrior Affair
#Nuclear #Power, State #Secrecy, and the Slow Machinery of #Truth

On the night of July 10, 1985, the #harbor of #Auckland, New Zealand, looked calm. The water reflected the city lights. Crew members aboard the #Greenpeace ship #Rainbow Warrior were asleep after a long day of preparations. Nothing suggested that a Western #democracy was about to launch a covert #military #operation against a civilian vessel.

Then the #explosions came.

Within minutes, the #ship sank into the dark harbor water. One man died: photographer Fernando #Pereira. What initially looked like #sabotage soon evolved into one of the most revealing #intelligence #scandals of the Cold #War.

The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior was not only an #attack on a ship. It was an attack on visibility itself. Greenpeace wanted to bring cameras, journalists, and public attention to French nuclear testing in the #Pacific. #France wanted silence.

The #conflict between those two goals shaped everything that followed.

The Nuclear #Logic of the Cold War
To understand act of #terrorism, one must first understand the political #psychology of nuclear powers during the Cold War.

After the United States used atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, nuclear weapons became symbols of strategic prestige and geopolitical survival. Possessing the bomb meant entering an exclusive club of global influence. France joined that club in 1960 under President Charles de Gaulle.

For French political elites, nuclear independence was not merely military policy. It became part of national identity. France viewed its nuclear deterrent — the force de frappe — as proof that the country remained a sovereign world power independent from both #Washington and #Moscow.

But nuclear #weapons require testing.

France first conducted tests in colonial #Algeria. After Algerian independence in 1962, Paris moved its testing program to French #Polynesia, especially the #Mururoa and #Fangataufa #atolls in the Pacific #Ocean.

To #Paris, these remote islands seemed strategically ideal.

To environmental activists, they became symbols of colonial #arrogance and ecological #violence.

Greenpeace emerged directly from this historical moment. Founded in #Vancouver in 1971, the #organization pioneered a new form of political #activism: media-centered confrontation. Instead of fighting states militarily, Greenpeace used images, ships, and public spectacle. Activists understood that modern #politics increasingly depended on #television and emotional #symbolism.

In this sense, the Rainbow Warrior was more than a ship. It was a floating camera and cameras threaten secrecy.

Why France Saw Greenpeace as a Strategic #Threat
By 1985, Greenpeace planned to protest French nuclear testing directly at Mururoa Atoll. The Rainbow Warrior was expected to transport activists and assist Pacific #island communities opposing the tests.

French intelligence services feared international humiliation.

This fear is important. Governments rarely conduct covert operations because they are physically weak. They do so because they fear symbolic weakness. Nuclear powers depend heavily on credibility, prestige, and deterrence. In the logic of Cold War #geopolitics, allowing activists to disrupt military testing risked projecting vulnerability.

The French external intelligence service, the #DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure), therefore received orders to neutralize the ship.

The operation was given the #codename Opération Satanique.

The name itself reveals the strange theatricality often surrounding covert operations. Intelligence agencies frequently cloak violence in bureaucratic language, technical terminology, or symbolic code names. Such language creates psychological distance between planners and consequences.

It transforms people into “targets.” Ships into “objectives.” Deaths into “collateral effects.”

The Architecture of a Covert Operation
The attack on the Rainbow Warrior was sophisticated but not flawless.

French agents entered New Zealand under false identities. Combat divers secretly attached limpet mines to the hull of the ship while undercover operatives monitored the harbor area. Another agent, Christine #Cabon, infiltrated Greenpeace itself months before the bombing. Posing as a volunteer, she gathered internal information and transmitted it to Paris.

The operation reveals four classic mechanisms of covert state power:

1. #Infiltration
Intelligence agencies often penetrate organizations by exploiting openness and trust. Greenpeace depended heavily on volunteers. That #vulnerability allowed Cabon to enter the group with relative ease.

The strategy resembles modern #cyberwarfare. Instead of hacking computers, intelligence services inserted a human being into the system.

2. Plausible Deniability
Operations are designed so political leaders can deny direct involvement. Orders are often transmitted orally. Written evidence remains minimal.

This structure creates distance between decision-makers and operational violence.

In public, leaders appear uninvolved. In private, command chains remain understood.

3. Controlled Narratives
After the bombing, French officials denied responsibility. #Defense Minister Charles #Hernu publicly insisted that no French service had carried out the attack.

The first official investigations minimized state involvement.

Such reactions are common after intelligence scandals. Governments initially attempt to control information flow long enough to stabilize political damage. Historians repeatedly encounter this pattern across different countries and eras.

4. Sacrificial Containment
When #evidence becomes overwhelming, lower-ranking officials are often sacrificed to protect higher political #authority.

In the Rainbow Warrior #affair, DGSE chief Pierre #Lacoste and Defense Minister Hernu lost their positions. President François #Mitterrand, however, remained politically untouched and won reelection in 1988.

The structure resembles a firewall in computer systems: expendable layers absorb damage before it reaches the center.

The #Mistake That #Broke the #Operation
Despite careful planning, the operation failed because of an almost banal #error.

Witnesses observed suspicious activity near a rented van and noted its license plate number. This small #observation enabled New Zealand investigators to identify two French operatives: Alain #Mafart and Dominique #Prieur.

Their arrest transformed the bombing from #rumor into #international #crisis.

New Zealand reacted with unusual determination. Prime Minister David Lange rejected French attempts to frame the affair as a regrettable misunderstanding. He insisted that state #terrorism had occurred on New Zealand soil.

His response mattered historically because it challenged a powerful Western ally publicly and directly. Small states rarely confront nuclear powers successfully. New Zealand did.

The Long Silence Around François Mitterrand
The central mystery persisted for years:

Did #President François Mitterrand personally #authorize the operation?

For a long time, the answer remained hidden behind silence.

Mitterrand refused detailed public discussion of the affair. This #silence itself became politically effective. Modern #media systems often reward emotional immediacy. But silence can outlast outrage. News cycles move on. Public attention fragments.

Mitterrand understood this dynamic well. He remained silent until his death.

Only years later did former DGSE director Pierre Lacoste reveal critical details in his memoir Un Amiral au Secret. Lacoste stated that he had received presidential approval for the operation during a meeting with Mitterrand in May 1985.

This delayed revelation illustrates a central challenge in intelligence history:

Truth often emerges only after institutions lose control over memory.

Retired officials write memoirs. Classified archives slowly open. Participants age. Political loyalties weaken.

#History is frequently reconstructed backward, fragment by fragment, like archaeologists rebuilding a shattered statue from scattered pieces.

Fernando Pereira and the Politics of #Witnessing
At the #moral center of the story stands Fernando Pereira.

His #death transformed the operation from sabotage into #tragedy.

Pereira returned below deck to recover his photographic equipment after the first explosion. In doing so, he demonstrated a principle central to both journalism and activism: evidence matters.

Without documentation, suffering becomes abstract. Without images, distant violence remains politically invisible.

This explains why authoritarian systems and covert operations so often target journalists, photographers, and witnesses. Cameras challenge monopoly over #narrative.

The Rainbow Warrior affair therefore was never simply about one ship. It was about who controls #reality in the public #imagination.

Greenpeace sought exposure. The French state sought containment.

One side used cameras. The other used #explosives.

Why the Affair Still Matters
The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior remains historically significant because it exposed uncomfortable truths about democratic governments and covert violence.

The affair demonstrated that even liberal democracies can authorize illegal operations when strategic interests feel threatened. It revealed how intelligence agencies rely on secrecy, infiltration, deniability, and narrative management. It also showed how difficult accountability becomes once national #security enters political discourse.

Most importantly, the case demonstrated that truth emerges slowly.

Not in dramatic cinematic revelations. Not through a single leaked document. But through decades of persistence by investigators, journalists, historians, witnesses, and former participants.

The Rainbow Warrior sank in #Auckland Harbor in 1985. But the deeper story surfaced much later.

#conspiracy #press #journalism #terror #military #crime #justice #democracy #fail #guilty

The Rainbow Warrior Affair
#Nuclear #Power, State #Secrecy, and the Slow Machinery of #Truth

On the night of July 10, 1985, the #harbor of #Auckland, New Zealand, looked calm. The water reflected the city lights. Crew members aboard the #Greenpeace ship #Rainbow Warrior were asleep after a long day of preparations. Nothing suggested that a Western #democracy was about to launch a covert #military #operation against a civilian vessel.

Then the #explosions came.

Within minutes, the #ship sank into the dark harbor water. One man died: photographer Fernando #Pereira. What initially looked like #sabotage soon evolved into one of the most revealing #intelligence #scandals of the Cold #War.

The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior was not only an #attack on a ship. It was an attack on visibility itself. Greenpeace wanted to bring cameras, journalists, and public attention to French nuclear testing in the #Pacific. #France wanted silence.

The #conflict between those two goals shaped everything that followed.

The Nuclear #Logic of the Cold War
To understand act of #terrorism, one must first understand the political #psychology of nuclear powers during the Cold War.

After the United States used atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, nuclear weapons became symbols of strategic prestige and geopolitical survival. Possessing the bomb meant entering an exclusive club of global influence. France joined that club in 1960 under President Charles de Gaulle.

For French political elites, nuclear independence was not merely military policy. It became part of national identity. France viewed its nuclear deterrent — the force de frappe — as proof that the country remained a sovereign world power independent from both #Washington and #Moscow.

But nuclear #weapons require testing.

France first conducted tests in colonial #Algeria. After Algerian independence in 1962, Paris moved its testing program to French #Polynesia, especially the #Mururoa and #Fangataufa #atolls in the Pacific #Ocean.

To #Paris, these remote islands seemed strategically ideal.

To environmental activists, they became symbols of colonial #arrogance and ecological #violence.

Greenpeace emerged directly from this historical moment. Founded in #Vancouver in 1971, the #organization pioneered a new form of political #activism: media-centered confrontation. Instead of fighting states militarily, Greenpeace used images, ships, and public spectacle. Activists understood that modern #politics increasingly depended on #television and emotional #symbolism.

In this sense, the Rainbow Warrior was more than a ship. It was a floating camera and cameras threaten secrecy.

Why France Saw Greenpeace as a Strategic #Threat
By 1985, Greenpeace planned to protest French nuclear testing directly at Mururoa Atoll. The Rainbow Warrior was expected to transport activists and assist Pacific #island communities opposing the tests.

French intelligence services feared international humiliation.

This fear is important. Governments rarely conduct covert operations because they are physically weak. They do so because they fear symbolic weakness. Nuclear powers depend heavily on credibility, prestige, and deterrence. In the logic of Cold War #geopolitics, allowing activists to disrupt military testing risked projecting vulnerability.

The French external intelligence service, the #DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure), therefore received orders to neutralize the ship.

The operation was given the #codename Opération Satanique.

The name itself reveals the strange theatricality often surrounding covert operations. Intelligence agencies frequently cloak violence in bureaucratic language, technical terminology, or symbolic code names. Such language creates psychological distance between planners and consequences.

It transforms people into “targets.” Ships into “objectives.” Deaths into “collateral effects.”

The Architecture of a Covert Operation
The attack on the Rainbow Warrior was sophisticated but not flawless.

French agents entered New Zealand under false identities. Combat divers secretly attached limpet mines to the hull of the ship while undercover operatives monitored the harbor area. Another agent, Christine #Cabon, infiltrated Greenpeace itself months before the bombing. Posing as a volunteer, she gathered internal information and transmitted it to Paris.

The operation reveals four classic mechanisms of covert state power:

1. #Infiltration
Intelligence agencies often penetrate organizations by exploiting openness and trust. Greenpeace depended heavily on volunteers. That #vulnerability allowed Cabon to enter the group with relative ease.

The strategy resembles modern #cyberwarfare. Instead of hacking computers, intelligence services inserted a human being into the system.

2. Plausible Deniability
Operations are designed so political leaders can deny direct involvement. Orders are often transmitted orally. Written evidence remains minimal.

This structure creates distance between decision-makers and operational violence.

In public, leaders appear uninvolved. In private, command chains remain understood.

3. Controlled Narratives
After the bombing, French officials denied responsibility. #Defense Minister Charles #Hernu publicly insisted that no French service had carried out the attack.

The first official investigations minimized state involvement.

Such reactions are common after intelligence scandals. Governments initially attempt to control information flow long enough to stabilize political damage. Historians repeatedly encounter this pattern across different countries and eras.

4. Sacrificial Containment
When #evidence becomes overwhelming, lower-ranking officials are often sacrificed to protect higher political #authority.

In the Rainbow Warrior #affair, DGSE chief Pierre #Lacoste and Defense Minister Hernu lost their positions. President François #Mitterrand, however, remained politically untouched and won reelection in 1988.

The structure resembles a firewall in computer systems: expendable layers absorb damage before it reaches the center.

The #Mistake That #Broke the #Operation
Despite careful planning, the operation failed because of an almost banal #error.

Witnesses observed suspicious activity near a rented van and noted its license plate number. This small #observation enabled New Zealand investigators to identify two French operatives: Alain #Mafart and Dominique #Prieur.

Their arrest transformed the bombing from #rumor into #international #crisis.

New Zealand reacted with unusual determination. Prime Minister David Lange rejected French attempts to frame the affair as a regrettable misunderstanding. He insisted that state #terrorism had occurred on New Zealand soil.

His response mattered historically because it challenged a powerful Western ally publicly and directly. Small states rarely confront nuclear powers successfully. New Zealand did.

The Long Silence Around François Mitterrand
The central mystery persisted for years:

Did #President François Mitterrand personally #authorize the operation?

For a long time, the answer remained hidden behind silence.

Mitterrand refused detailed public discussion of the affair. This #silence itself became politically effective. Modern #media systems often reward emotional immediacy. But silence can outlast outrage. News cycles move on. Public attention fragments.

Mitterrand understood this dynamic well. He remained silent until his death.

Only years later did former DGSE director Pierre Lacoste reveal critical details in his memoir Un Amiral au Secret. Lacoste stated that he had received presidential approval for the operation during a meeting with Mitterrand in May 1985.

This delayed revelation illustrates a central challenge in intelligence history:

Truth often emerges only after institutions lose control over memory.

Retired officials write memoirs. Classified archives slowly open. Participants age. Political loyalties weaken.

#History is frequently reconstructed backward, fragment by fragment, like archaeologists rebuilding a shattered statue from scattered pieces.

Fernando Pereira and the Politics of #Witnessing
At the #moral center of the story stands Fernando Pereira.

His #death transformed the operation from sabotage into #tragedy.

Pereira returned below deck to recover his photographic equipment after the first explosion. In doing so, he demonstrated a principle central to both journalism and activism: evidence matters.

Without documentation, suffering becomes abstract. Without images, distant violence remains politically invisible.

This explains why authoritarian systems and covert operations so often target journalists, photographers, and witnesses. Cameras challenge monopoly over #narrative.

The Rainbow Warrior affair therefore was never simply about one ship. It was about who controls #reality in the public #imagination.

Greenpeace sought exposure. The French state sought containment.

One side used cameras. The other used #explosives.

Why the Affair Still Matters
The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior remains historically significant because it exposed uncomfortable truths about democratic governments and covert violence.

The affair demonstrated that even liberal democracies can authorize illegal operations when strategic interests feel threatened. It revealed how intelligence agencies rely on secrecy, infiltration, deniability, and narrative management. It also showed how difficult accountability becomes once national #security enters political discourse.

Most importantly, the case demonstrated that truth emerges slowly.

Not in dramatic cinematic revelations. Not through a single leaked document. But through decades of persistence by investigators, journalists, historians, witnesses, and former participants.

The Rainbow Warrior sank in #Auckland Harbor in 1985. But the deeper story surfaced much later.

#conspiracy #press #journalism #terror #military #crime #justice #democracy #fail #guilty

https://www.europesays.com/africa/123516/ Nigerian Cleric to Trump: Irans New Leaders Are Ballistic and Hypersonic #and #are #Ayatollah #Ballistic #bases #Cleric #donald #he #Hypersonic #Hypersonics #Ibrahim #in #Iran #is #Islam #Islamic #Israeli #leader #Leaders #military #mocked #Movement #new #Nigeria #Nigerian #of #President #region #s #Sheikh #skies #stating #targeting #the #Times #to #Trump #US #witnessing #Zakzaky

What a time to be #alive, #witnessing the #enshittification of many #nations.

Share the Sabbath everywhere you go! Check out our new SabbathRest™ clothing, as well as numerous print and digital resources. Click below to learn more.

https://zurl.co/6gX4p

#pathwaytoparadise #bible #sabbath #sabbathrest #witnessing

"[O]fficial silence is another form of appropriation. It prevents public witnessing. It forges a secret history, an act of political resistance through keeping alive the memory of things denied.

The totalitarian state rules by collective forgetting, by denying the collective experience of suffering, and thus creates a culture of terror."

Arthur Kleinman and Joan Kleinman, “The Appeal of Experience; The Dismay of Images" (1998): 17.

#suffering #representations #forgetting #witnessing #trauma

"[O]fficial silence is another form of appropriation. It prevents public witnessing. It forges a secret history, an act of political resistance through keeping alive the memory of things denied.

The totalitarian state rules by collective forgetting, by denying the collective experience of suffering, and thus creates a culture of terror."

Arthur Kleinman and Joan Kleinman, “The Appeal of Experience; The Dismay of Images" (1998): 17.

#suffering #representations #forgetting #witnessing #trauma

"[O]fficial silence is another form of appropriation. It prevents public witnessing. It forges a secret history, an act of political resistance through keeping alive the memory of things denied.

The totalitarian state rules by collective forgetting, by denying the collective experience of suffering, and thus creates a culture of terror."

Arthur Kleinman and Joan Kleinman, “The Appeal of Experience; The Dismay of Images" (1998): 17.

#suffering #representations #forgetting #witnessing #trauma

"[O]fficial silence is another form of appropriation. It prevents public witnessing. It forges a secret history, an act of political resistance through keeping alive the memory of things denied.

The totalitarian state rules by collective forgetting, by denying the collective experience of suffering, and thus creates a culture of terror."

Arthur Kleinman and Joan Kleinman, “The Appeal of Experience; The Dismay of Images" (1998): 17.

#suffering #representations #forgetting #witnessing #trauma

"[O]fficial silence is another form of appropriation. It prevents public witnessing. It forges a secret history, an act of political resistance through keeping alive the memory of things denied.

The totalitarian state rules by collective forgetting, by denying the collective experience of suffering, and thus creates a culture of terror."

Arthur Kleinman and Joan Kleinman, “The Appeal of Experience; The Dismay of Images" (1998): 17.

#suffering #representations #forgetting #witnessing #trauma

#Witnessing The #Inevitable #Death of The #Andean Tropical #Glaciers : Medium

2024 Will Be the First Year to Exceed the 1.5-Degree-Celsius #Warming #Threshold : Sci Am

#NASA-Funded Study Examines #Tidal Effects on #Planet and #Moon #Interiors : NASA

Check our latest #KnowledgeLinks

https://knowledgezone.co.in/resources/bookmarks

"The first live-streamed genocide in history"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPE6vbKix6A

Pairs hauntingly with https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/oct/05/israel-gaza-october-7-memorials

War crimes apologists will be blocked

#Israel #Gaza #MediaStudies #Witnessing #CollectiveMemory

"The first live-streamed genocide in history"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPE6vbKix6A

Pairs hauntingly with https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/oct/05/israel-gaza-october-7-memorials

War crimes apologists will be blocked

#Israel #Gaza #MediaStudies #Witnessing #CollectiveMemory

"The first live-streamed genocide in history"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPE6vbKix6A

Pairs hauntingly with https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/oct/05/israel-gaza-october-7-memorials

War crimes apologists will be blocked

#Israel #Gaza #MediaStudies #Witnessing #CollectiveMemory

"The first live-streamed genocide in history"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPE6vbKix6A

Pairs hauntingly with https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/oct/05/israel-gaza-october-7-memorials

War crimes apologists will be blocked

#Israel #Gaza #MediaStudies #Witnessing #CollectiveMemory

"The first live-streamed genocide in history"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPE6vbKix6A

Pairs hauntingly with https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/oct/05/israel-gaza-october-7-memorials

War crimes apologists will be blocked

#Israel #Gaza #MediaStudies #Witnessing #CollectiveMemory

OnlineFirst - "Feeling climate injustice: Affective climate violence, greenhouse gaslighting and the whiteness of climate anxiety" by Blanche Verlie:

#anxiety #anger #emotion #feminism #politics #whiteness #witnessing

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25148486241252734

@pvonhellermannn
The article pointed below may help.

Vashti published: "Sarah Aziza, through a stirring mix of personal reflection and philosophical reckoning, disabuses the Western witness of its self-gratifying power, instead – amid Israel’s openly broadcast yet unimpeded march towards genocide in Gaza – unmasking the impotence, deceit and hollowness that witnessing currently entails. More than a collective indictment or last-gasp scream of defiance into the void, Aziza’s own testimony guides the reader towards a form of witness no longer elevated in angelic, uncompromised distance, but instead manifest in the embodied, intimate, ego-displacing position of “sacrifice, mourning and resisting.”"

https://jewishcurrents.org/the-work-of-the-witness

#Aziza #JewishCurrents #socialMedia #shaheed #impotence #legibility #witness #witnessing #PalestiniansLivesMatter #mourning #grievability #news #israelGaza #GazaWar #warOnGaza #bias #information #coverage #violence #stateViolence #war #Gaza #israelPalestine #IDF

Per #BBCScotland another sadder than sin story re protests in the #UK

“Ms Mumford said this is the biggest I've seen for a long time in #Edinburgh.

"It is growing as people are realising that we are #witnessing absolute horrific #warcrimes, the #bombingofrefugees, the bombing of #hospitals, the bombing of refugee #camps and #children.

"That is one of the most #powerfulthings about this #protest, the amount of children here talking about how #everychild should have a #right to life." 1

Per #BBCScotland another sadder than sin story re protests in the #UK

“Ms Mumford said this is the biggest I've seen for a long time in #Edinburgh.

"It is growing as people are realising that we are #witnessing absolute horrific #warcrimes, the #bombingofrefugees, the bombing of #hospitals, the bombing of refugee #camps and #children.

"That is one of the most #powerfulthings about this #protest, the amount of children here talking about how #everychild should have a #right to life." 1

Per #BBCScotland another sadder than sin story re protests in the #UK

“Ms Mumford said this is the biggest I've seen for a long time in #Edinburgh.

"It is growing as people are realising that we are #witnessing absolute horrific #warcrimes, the #bombingofrefugees, the bombing of #hospitals, the bombing of refugee #camps and #children.

"That is one of the most #powerfulthings about this #protest, the amount of children here talking about how #everychild should have a #right to life." 1

Per #BBCScotland another sadder than sin story re protests in the #UK

“Ms Mumford said this is the biggest I've seen for a long time in #Edinburgh.

"It is growing as people are realising that we are #witnessing absolute horrific #warcrimes, the #bombingofrefugees, the bombing of #hospitals, the bombing of refugee #camps and #children.

"That is one of the most #powerfulthings about this #protest, the amount of children here talking about how #everychild should have a #right to life." 1

Per #BBCScotland another sadder than sin story re protests in the #UK

“Ms Mumford said this is the biggest I've seen for a long time in #Edinburgh.

"It is growing as people are realising that we are #witnessing absolute horrific #warcrimes, the #bombingofrefugees, the bombing of #hospitals, the bombing of refugee #camps and #children.

"That is one of the most #powerfulthings about this #protest, the amount of children here talking about how #everychild should have a #right to life." 1

Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Trying to Overturn the Election, Despite Us All Witnessing Him Trying to Overturn the Election

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/08/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-trying-to-overturn-the-election

#VanityFair #DonaldTrump #ElectionOverturn #NotGuiltyPlea #Witnessing #News #Politics #News

Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Trying to Overturn the Election, Despite Us All Witnessing Him Trying to Overturn the Election

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/08/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-trying-to-overturn-the-election

#VanityFair #DonaldTrump #ElectionOverturn #NotGuiltyPlea #Witnessing #News #Politics #News

Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Trying to Overturn the Election, Despite Us All Witnessing Him Trying to Overturn the Election

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/08/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-trying-to-overturn-the-election

#VanityFair #DonaldTrump #ElectionOverturn #NotGuiltyPlea #Witnessing #News #Politics #News

Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Trying to Overturn the Election, Despite Us All Witnessing Him Trying to Overturn the Election

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/08/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-trying-to-overturn-the-election

#VanityFair #DonaldTrump #ElectionOverturn #NotGuiltyPlea #Witnessing #News #Politics #News

Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Trying to Overturn the Election, Despite Us All Witnessing Him Trying to Overturn the Election

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/08/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-trying-to-overturn-the-election

#VanityFair #DonaldTrump #ElectionOverturn #NotGuiltyPlea #Witnessing #News #Politics #News

@MarkIngs

Cults and Culture Talk
Moved to the 13th…

http://www.mottodistribution.com/site/?p=55001

Will live stream here: https://instagram.com/kult_epigenetic?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

#UAP #architecture #Book #launch #critique, #design, #politics, #Theory #writing
#AlexHead #anti-rhizome #art, #Bitcoin #BND #Berlin #Cults #Culture #CulturalEpigenetics #Epigenetics #GoldStandard #Libertarianism #Memory #MentalHealth #ornament #publishing #Ricochet #SocialMedia #urbansim #whitesupremacy #Witnessing #thephenomenon #LjåForlag

Heute ist #InternationalerMuseumstag!
Unsere Empfehlung dazu aus dem #Heftarchiv: #WerkstattGeschichte 62/2013 "museum und zeitzeugenschaft"; im Thementeil (hg. von Inge Marszolek & Stefan Mörchen) gibt es Beiträge von Steffi de Jong (#Holocaust-Museen), Annett Schulze (#RobbenIsland), @jolafkleist (#Migration #Australien) & von den Hg. (#Zeitzeugen)
▶️ https://werkstattgeschichte.de/alle_ausgaben/museum-und-zeitzeugenschaft

@histodons @historikerinnen @museum
#Museum #Witnessing #Erinnerungskultur #MemorialMuseums #histodons #Museumstag

Heute ist #InternationalerMuseumstag!
Unsere Empfehlung dazu aus dem #Heftarchiv: #WerkstattGeschichte 62/2013 "museum und zeitzeugenschaft"; im Thementeil (hg. von Inge Marszolek & Stefan Mörchen) gibt es Beiträge von Steffi de Jong (#Holocaust-Museen), Annett Schulze (#RobbenIsland), @jolafkleist (#Migration #Australien) & von den Hg. (#Zeitzeugen)
▶️ https://werkstattgeschichte.de/alle_ausgaben/museum-und-zeitzeugenschaft

@histodons @historikerinnen @museum
#Museum #Witnessing #Erinnerungskultur #MemorialMuseums #histodons #Museumstag

Heute ist #InternationalerMuseumstag!
Unsere Empfehlung dazu aus dem #Heftarchiv: #WerkstattGeschichte 62/2013 "museum und zeitzeugenschaft"; im Thementeil (hg. von Inge Marszolek & Stefan Mörchen) gibt es Beiträge von Steffi de Jong (#Holocaust-Museen), Annett Schulze (#RobbenIsland), @jolafkleist (#Migration #Australien) & von den Hg. (#Zeitzeugen)
▶️ https://werkstattgeschichte.de/alle_ausgaben/museum-und-zeitzeugenschaft

@histodons @historikerinnen @museum
#Museum #Witnessing #Erinnerungskultur #MemorialMuseums #histodons #Museumstag

Heute ist #InternationalerMuseumstag!
Unsere Empfehlung dazu aus dem #Heftarchiv: #WerkstattGeschichte 62/2013 "museum und zeitzeugenschaft"; im Thementeil (hg. von Inge Marszolek & Stefan Mörchen) gibt es Beiträge von Steffi de Jong (#Holocaust-Museen), Annett Schulze (#RobbenIsland), @jolafkleist (#Migration #Australien) & von den Hg. (#Zeitzeugen)
▶️ https://werkstattgeschichte.de/alle_ausgaben/museum-und-zeitzeugenschaft

@histodons @historikerinnen @museum
#Museum #Witnessing #Erinnerungskultur #MemorialMuseums #histodons #Museumstag

Heute ist #InternationalerMuseumstag!
Unsere Empfehlung dazu aus dem #Heftarchiv: #WerkstattGeschichte 62/2013 "museum und zeitzeugenschaft"; im Thementeil (hg. von Inge Marszolek & Stefan Mörchen) gibt es Beiträge von Steffi de Jong (#Holocaust-Museen), Annett Schulze (#RobbenIsland), @jolafkleist (#Migration #Australien) & von den Hg. (#Zeitzeugen)
▶️ https://werkstattgeschichte.de/alle_ausgaben/museum-und-zeitzeugenschaft

@histodons @historikerinnen @museum
#Museum #Witnessing #Erinnerungskultur #MemorialMuseums #histodons #Museumstag

#GameofThrones’ #Hodor #witnessed #Belfast #gay #club #shooting: ‘It was a #safespace

#KristianNairn, who played Hodor in #HBO’s hit #show #GameofThrones, has spoken about #witnessing the #murder of a #policeman in a #NorthernIreland #gay #nightclub in 1997.

#Women #Transgender #LGBTQIA #UK #NorthernIreland #Hate #Bigotry #Violence #Homophobia

https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/03/game-of-thrones-kristian-nairn-belfast-gay-shooting/

#GameofThrones’ #Hodor #witnessed #Belfast #gay #club #shooting: ‘It was a #safespace

#KristianNairn, who played Hodor in #HBO’s hit #show #GameofThrones, has spoken about #witnessing the #murder of a #policeman in a #NorthernIreland #gay #nightclub in 1997.

#Women #Transgender #LGBTQIA #UK #NorthernIreland #Hate #Bigotry #Violence #Homophobia

https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/03/game-of-thrones-kristian-nairn-belfast-gay-shooting/

#GameofThrones’ #Hodor #witnessed #Belfast #gay #club #shooting: ‘It was a #safespace

#KristianNairn, who played Hodor in #HBO’s hit #show #GameofThrones, has spoken about #witnessing the #murder of a #policeman in a #NorthernIreland #gay #nightclub in 1997.

#Women #Transgender #LGBTQIA #UK #NorthernIreland #Hate #Bigotry #Violence #Homophobia

https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/03/game-of-thrones-kristian-nairn-belfast-gay-shooting/

#GameofThrones’ #Hodor #witnessed #Belfast #gay #club #shooting: ‘It was a #safespace

#KristianNairn, who played Hodor in #HBO’s hit #show #GameofThrones, has spoken about #witnessing the #murder of a #policeman in a #NorthernIreland #gay #nightclub in 1997.

#Women #Transgender #LGBTQIA #UK #NorthernIreland #Hate #Bigotry #Violence #Homophobia

https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/03/game-of-thrones-kristian-nairn-belfast-gay-shooting/

#GameofThrones’ #Hodor #witnessed #Belfast #gay #club #shooting: ‘It was a #safespace

#KristianNairn, who played Hodor in #HBO’s hit #show #GameofThrones, has spoken about #witnessing the #murder of a #policeman in a #NorthernIreland #gay #nightclub in 1997.

#Women #Transgender #LGBTQIA #UK #NorthernIreland #Hate #Bigotry #Violence #Homophobia

https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/03/game-of-thrones-kristian-nairn-belfast-gay-shooting/

"#proofmode Verified #Witnessing
Turn your #photos and #videos into #secure signed visual #evidence "

https://guardianproject.info/apps/org.witness.proofmode/

One of the most reliable ways to experience #awe, Dr. Keltner found, was in the simple act of #witnessing the #goodness of others.
When we see others doing small gestures, like walking an older person across the street, we start feeling better and are also more likely to perform good deeds.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/well/live/awe-wonder-dacher-keltner.html

Today’s thought “Death by being taken captive” (May 15)

Today’s thought

“Death by being taken captive”

(May 15)

In the previous posting we looked at a “death” and spoke about Saul of Tarsus seeing the stoning of apostle Stephen.

At the beginning of this contemporary time table, we find several people who were willing to face death by stoning, like Stephen, or in the arena or at the stake, by hanging or burning, after being humiliated in front of many. The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies.

For Christians there is the archetypal martyr Jesus Christ, who was killed for the words he said and for the position he was taking in. That Nazarene Jewish teacher was not willing to give in to human philosophy and preferred only to keep the the words of his heavenly Father, the Only One True God. He also did not mind to give his body for the sins of many. He had to suffer greatly because of his religious but also political beliefs, preaching understanding between all people, but also preaching a kingdom that would be governing all over the world. He became admired and respected by billions of people who came to share those beliefs.

Several people found the sayings of that curious man, who could deliver miracles, very interesting, and thought it worth following him. But as soon that it seemed they had to do certain things, “doing works” and could not participate any more in folk traditions,  they choose to go back to their old way of living, enjoying life like it was.

Also the convert Saul saw that many, who first wanted to follow the teaching of Christ Jesus, felt attracted by very tempting doctrines of certain preachers. This did not prevent Paul from warning them. He wrote in his letter to the Colossians

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach; (Kehillah in Colossae 2:8 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Today we still see a lot of people who are taken captive by philosophic arguments and empty deceit according to human tradition.
When Jesus was alive, he too wondered why so many kept going against the command of God because of their tradition. All those people who were showing off how much they loved God, and how much they could give to the synagogue, were “undressed” by the words of Christ who showed others the importance of those who honour God in small things and sometimes unseen or at the site (out of the way). He watched all those play-actors and remembered them of the prophet Isaiah who had the right words for them in his prophecy, declaring their worship which they offered to be in vain, because they taught, as law, mere human precepts.

3 But Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, in reply to them, said, Why [do] also you transgress the mitzvat Hashem for the sake of your own masoros?

4 For Hashem has said, KABED ES AVICHA VES IMMECHA (honor your father and your mother, Shemot 20:12; Devarim 5:16), and MKALEL AVIV VIMMO MOT YUMAT (the one cursing his father and mother to die he must die, Shemot 21:17; Vayikra 20:9).

5 But you say, Whoever says to his abba or his em, whatever support you might have had from me, [it is] a gift [i.e., korban, dedicated to G-d].

6 By no means does [anyone who says this] honor his abba or em. And you nullify the Dvar Hashem on account of your masoros.

7 You tzevuim, well did Yeshayah give a dvar hanevuah concerning you, saying,

8 YAAN KI NIGASH HAAM HAZEH BEFIV UVISHFATAV KI-BDUNI VLIBO RICHAK MIMENI VATEHI YIRATAM OTI MITZVAT ANASHIM MELUMADAH (This people with their lips honor me, but their heart is far away from me,

9 and in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the mitzvot of [mere] men, Yeshayah 29:13.) (Mattityahu 15:3-9 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In Roman times many statues where made of gods and people loved kneeling down in front of statues. In later years many Christians also started doing such things, bowing down in front of statues, paintings and burning incense or candles in front of these graven images or on graves. They, like many today, have forgotten that creating things to observe and keep do not make us more righteous – indeed they have the opposite effect – they can make us self-righteous.

Lots of people seem to forget the many verses in the Bible  which emphasise how we should be careful how to honour people and to whom we only may offer worship. The infallible Word of God is very clear on that, that there may only be worshipped One God of gods.

Not man’s words should be cherished, but the Words of God. Man has even to set those Words on their hearts and they should not be a futile thing for us, because we should know that the words of man perish, but God’s Word always shall stay alive and shall be the giver of life.

Man should know that the Word of God is like a rock. It is also perfect and in all its ways right.  It is given by some One of Whom we may be sure that He is really true and faithful, good and honest.

4 He is the Tzur, His po’al is tamim; for all His ways are mishpat; El Emunah and without avel (iniquity), tzaddik and yashar is He. (Devarim 32:4 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

7 Remember the yemot olam, consider shenot dor v’dor: ask Avicha, and he will show thee; thy zekenim, and they will tell thee. (Devarim 32:7 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

We have the Book of books which tells us about the days of the past. We should think about what happened so long ago. If we do not know it we should ask our ancestors or our spiritual leaders, so that they will tell.

Today we face the many countries, because there had come division between the haughty ones who wanted to build a tower high in the sky to defy God. But from all those people God choose one particular nation as His People, the Nation of God.

8 When HaElyon divided to the Goyim their nachalah, when He separated the Bnei Adam, He set the gevulot (borders) of the people according to the number of the Bnei Yisroel.

9 For Hashem’s chelek is His people; Ya’akov is the chevel (allotment) of His nachalah.

10 He found him in an eretz midbar, and in a barren and howling wilderness; He encircled him, He granted him discernment, He preserved him as the pupil of His eye. (Devarim 32:8-10 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

But though they knew they where the chosen ones, they more than once angered God.

18 Of the Tzur that fathered thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten El that formed thee.

19 And when Hashem saw it, He spurned them, because of the provoking of His banim, and of His banot.

20 And He said, I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, banim in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is lo El (not G-d), they have provoked Me to anger with their vanities; and I will move them to jealousy with those which are lo Am (a nonpeople); I will provoke them to anger with a goy naval (foolish, senseless nation) [Ro 10:19].

22 For an eish is kindled in Mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest Sheol, and shall devour Eretz and her increase, and set on fire the foundations of harim.

23 I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend Mine khitzim (arrows) upon them.

24 They shall be burned with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction; I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the venom of serpents of the aphar (dust).

25 The cherev without, and terror within, shall destroy both the bochur and the betulah, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.

26 I said, I will dash them in pieces, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men;

27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misinterpret, and lest they should say, Our hand is triumphant, and Hashem hath not done all this.

28 For they are a goy (nation) void of sense, neither is there any seichel in them.

29 O that they were wise, that they had seichel, that they would consider their acharit (latter end, future)!

  (Devarim 32:18-29 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Those living in the 21st century should recognise how those Chosen Ones suffered more than once and how even certain people tried to destroy them totally, not taking into account that God always would be with them. Even a Holocaust made them not perish from the earth. Death may have come over them but lots of them kept going strong and after many wars always found the way back to the Most High Elohim.

But the patience of God came to a point where the goyim also where called to become part of those God was willing to accept in His Kingdom. Though each of those non-Jews shall have to decide themselves if they want to be part of that Kingdom and step over the “death of this world”.

For the period where God shall make an end to the power of the adversary of God, Jehovah God has given the world His only begotten son, Jeshua (Jesus Christ) the authority to judge the living and the dead. People will have to know that when they die it is too late to make a choice. Before that time they shall have to have made up their mind. When in their lifetime they kept preferring to love all those saints, martyrs, and many gods, the Only One True God shall in a certain way laugh at them, seeing that their power shall be gone and that they are all helpless.

36 For Hashem shall judge His people, and relent for His avadim, when He seeth that their power is gone, and there is none left, slave or free.

37 And He shall say, Where are their elohim, their tzur in whom they trusted,

38 Which did eat the fat of their zevakhim (sacrifices), and drank the yayin of their nesakhim (drink offerings)? Let them rise up and help you, and be your shelter. (Devarim 32:36-38 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Yes we may not forget that there is only One Who Is The Supreme Being or I Am that Is, The One and Only One God! When taken by death, for many, it shall be too late, to see at last, that there is no other God! Then, when Jesus returns and shall come to judge them, they shall realise that it is Jehovah Who put people to death and Who let people live.

39 See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no elohim besides Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand.

40 For I lift up My hand to Shomayim, and say, Chai Anochi L’Olam (I live forever).

41 If I sharpen My glittering cherev, and Mine hand take hold on mishpat; I will render nakam (vengeance) to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.

42 I will make Mine khitzim (arrows) drunk with dahm, and My cherev shall devour basar; and that with the dahm of the slain and of the captives, from the head of leaders of the foe.

(Devarim 32:39-42 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In our life we encounter many who try to make us afraid, want to hurt us or even threaten us with the worst. They should know that no one can save another person from the Power of God!

When we look at the past we can see that all the promises God made became a reality, except the few ones which still have to happen. But we may be sure also these things will happen!

26 For when we intentionally commit chet b’yad ramah [“wilful sin with a high hand of defiance” Bamidbar 15:30] after having received the full da’as of HaEmes, there remains no longer a korban for chattoteinu, (Yehudim in Moshiach 10:26 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Therefore we should be very alert not to fall in the trap of the adversary of God, who every day tries to catch a lover of God, as an easy pray.

It may be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but when falling in the hands of the worldly people, there shall be no place in His Kingdom.When reading the bible regularly one should come to understand that we should know the importance of God’s Word and the sent one from Him, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

When having received Christ Jesus, we should walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. So let yourself be careful that no man comes to spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Always be aware of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

2 For I want you to have da’as of how great a ma’avak (struggle) I have for you and the ones in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen me panim el panim (directly, in person),

2 That their levavot may be given chozek (strength), having been made an aguda of ahavah and all osher (wealth) of the full assurance of binah, resulting in the da’as of the raz of Hashem, namely Moshiach,

3 In whom is nistar (hidden) all the otzarot (treasures) of chochmah and da’as. [YESHAYAH 11:2; YIRMEYAH 23:5]

4 This I say so that no one may delude you with the sleight of hand of the ba’al melitzot (rhetorician).

5 For, though absent in basar, but present with you in the Ruach Hakodesh, with lev same’ach (glad heart) I am seeing your order and the firmness of your [Orthodox Jewish] emunah in Moshiach.

6 Therefore, as you became mekabel Moshiach and received Moshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua, so let your halichah be in Him,

7 Having been rooted and built up in Moshiach and being firmly founded in the emunah as you were given Messianic [orthodox] lernen [study], abounding in hodayah.

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach;

9 Because in Moshiach kol melo Elohim (all the plentitude of G-d) finds its bodily maon laShechinah (dwelling place for the Shechinah).

10 And you have been granted melo (plentitude) in Moshiach, who is the Rosh of all rule and authority.

11 In Moshiach also you were circumcised with a Bris Milah not made with human hands, a Bris Milah of the surgically removing of the body of the basar (old fallen and unregenerate nature) in the Bris Milah of Moshiach,

12 Having been buried in the Ohel of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach’s tevilah with him, with whom also you were made to stand up spiritually in the Techiyah together through your emunah and bitachon in the ma’aseh of Hashem who made Moshiach stand up from the Mesim. (Kehillah in Colossae 2:1-12 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

+

Preceding articles

Today’s thought “Ability to see that God is not dead” (May 12)

Today’s thought “Ability to circumcise your heart” (May 13)

Death

Why are you persecuting me?

May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way

++

Additional reading

1. Hello America and atheists
2. Solipsism
3. Blaming their circumstances for what they are
4. Truth never plays false roles of any kind, which is why people are so surprised when meeting it
5. The inspiring divine spark
6. Knowing where to go to
7. Eternity depends upon this short time on earth
8. Act as if everything you think, say and do determines your entire life
9. Foundation to go the distance
10. Not trying to make the heathen live like Jews #2
11. Preferring to be a Christian
12. Aim High: Examples of Godly Characters to follow
13. I Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late !
14. Not making yourselves abominable
15. Not following the tradition of man
16. Leaders in disguise

+++

Further reading

1. There Is No Dark, You Are Missing Out The Light!
2. When everything goes wrong…
3. Something Missing in Your Life?
4. Acts 7 – The Martyr
5. What happened to the 12 disciples of Jesus ? How did they die and where?
6. The Living Martyr
7. Faithful to the End
8. Memorial of St. Athanasius
9. Martyrdom and the French Revolution
10. 15 Martyr Saints Who Teach Us How to Carry The Cross With Jesus
11. My Lost Paradise…
12. Come and join us
13. Redeeming The Colosseum
14. The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
15. Deceit Fills Hearts That Are Plotting Evil
16. SOAP Journal – 15 May 2017 (Deuteronomy 13:6-9)
17. The Power of Truth
18. Pope Francis’ teachings on how to conquer hatred
19. Pope Francis: Russian Needs to Defend Christians
20. Will Christianity Perish in Its Birthplace?
21. Beware of Motivational Preachers
22. I’m not Brave
23. Living for God
24. Why Don’t We Care About the Slaughter of Christians?
25. And God Said, “Okay. My List Is Full. No More…”
26. Mornings at the Mission: The Patient Compassion of God
27. Choose Milk as the Lord is Gracious
28. Where To Draw The Line?
29. A day of reckoning

+++

Related articles

• The Only Requirement…
• Good Friday: Cleric urges Christians to emulate Christ’s life of sacrifice
• Turn the Other Cheek? Peace!
• For Getting to know Jesus
• Jewish and Christian traditions of elders
• Saul, Paul, Jackman and film

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Today’s thought “Death by being taken captive” (May 15)

Today’s thought

“Death by being taken captive”

(May 15)

In the previous posting we looked at a “death” and spoke about Saul of Tarsus seeing the stoning of apostle Stephen.

At the beginning of this contemporary time table, we find several people who were willing to face death by stoning, like Stephen, or in the arena or at the stake, by hanging or burning, after being humiliated in front of many. The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies.

For Christians there is the archetypal martyr Jesus Christ, who was killed for the words he said and for the position he was taking in. That Nazarene Jewish teacher was not willing to give in to human philosophy and preferred only to keep the the words of his heavenly Father, the Only One True God. He also did not mind to give his body for the sins of many. He had to suffer greatly because of his religious but also political beliefs, preaching understanding between all people, but also preaching a kingdom that would be governing all over the world. He became admired and respected by billions of people who came to share those beliefs.

Several people found the sayings of that curious man, who could deliver miracles, very interesting, and thought it worth following him. But as soon that it seemed they had to do certain things, “doing works” and could not participate any more in folk traditions,  they choose to go back to their old way of living, enjoying life like it was.

Also the convert Saul saw that many, who first wanted to follow the teaching of Christ Jesus, felt attracted by very tempting doctrines of certain preachers. This did not prevent Paul from warning them. He wrote in his letter to the Colossians

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach; (Kehillah in Colossae 2:8 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Today we still see a lot of people who are taken captive by philosophic arguments and empty deceit according to human tradition.
When Jesus was alive, he too wondered why so many kept going against the command of God because of their tradition. All those people who were showing off how much they loved God, and how much they could give to the synagogue, were “undressed” by the words of Christ who showed others the importance of those who honour God in small things and sometimes unseen or at the site (out of the way). He watched all those play-actors and remembered them of the prophet Isaiah who had the right words for them in his prophecy, declaring their worship which they offered to be in vain, because they taught, as law, mere human precepts.

3 But Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, in reply to them, said, Why [do] also you transgress the mitzvat Hashem for the sake of your own masoros?

4 For Hashem has said, KABED ES AVICHA VES IMMECHA (honor your father and your mother, Shemot 20:12; Devarim 5:16), and MKALEL AVIV VIMMO MOT YUMAT (the one cursing his father and mother to die he must die, Shemot 21:17; Vayikra 20:9).

5 But you say, Whoever says to his abba or his em, whatever support you might have had from me, [it is] a gift [i.e., korban, dedicated to G-d].

6 By no means does [anyone who says this] honor his abba or em. And you nullify the Dvar Hashem on account of your masoros.

7 You tzevuim, well did Yeshayah give a dvar hanevuah concerning you, saying,

8 YAAN KI NIGASH HAAM HAZEH BEFIV UVISHFATAV KI-BDUNI VLIBO RICHAK MIMENI VATEHI YIRATAM OTI MITZVAT ANASHIM MELUMADAH (This people with their lips honor me, but their heart is far away from me,

9 and in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the mitzvot of [mere] men, Yeshayah 29:13.) (Mattityahu 15:3-9 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In Roman times many statues where made of gods and people loved kneeling down in front of statues. In later years many Christians also started doing such things, bowing down in front of statues, paintings and burning incense or candles in front of these graven images or on graves. They, like many today, have forgotten that creating things to observe and keep do not make us more righteous – indeed they have the opposite effect – they can make us self-righteous.

Lots of people seem to forget the many verses in the Bible  which emphasise how we should be careful how to honour people and to whom we only may offer worship. The infallible Word of God is very clear on that, that there may only be worshipped One God of gods.

Not man’s words should be cherished, but the Words of God. Man has even to set those Words on their hearts and they should not be a futile thing for us, because we should know that the words of man perish, but God’s Word always shall stay alive and shall be the giver of life.

Man should know that the Word of God is like a rock. It is also perfect and in all its ways right.  It is given by some One of Whom we may be sure that He is really true and faithful, good and honest.

4 He is the Tzur, His po’al is tamim; for all His ways are mishpat; El Emunah and without avel (iniquity), tzaddik and yashar is He. (Devarim 32:4 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

7 Remember the yemot olam, consider shenot dor v’dor: ask Avicha, and he will show thee; thy zekenim, and they will tell thee. (Devarim 32:7 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

We have the Book of books which tells us about the days of the past. We should think about what happened so long ago. If we do not know it we should ask our ancestors or our spiritual leaders, so that they will tell.

Today we face the many countries, because there had come division between the haughty ones who wanted to build a tower high in the sky to defy God. But from all those people God choose one particular nation as His People, the Nation of God.

8 When HaElyon divided to the Goyim their nachalah, when He separated the Bnei Adam, He set the gevulot (borders) of the people according to the number of the Bnei Yisroel.

9 For Hashem’s chelek is His people; Ya’akov is the chevel (allotment) of His nachalah.

10 He found him in an eretz midbar, and in a barren and howling wilderness; He encircled him, He granted him discernment, He preserved him as the pupil of His eye. (Devarim 32:8-10 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

But though they knew they where the chosen ones, they more than once angered God.

18 Of the Tzur that fathered thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten El that formed thee.

19 And when Hashem saw it, He spurned them, because of the provoking of His banim, and of His banot.

20 And He said, I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, banim in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is lo El (not G-d), they have provoked Me to anger with their vanities; and I will move them to jealousy with those which are lo Am (a nonpeople); I will provoke them to anger with a goy naval (foolish, senseless nation) [Ro 10:19].

22 For an eish is kindled in Mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest Sheol, and shall devour Eretz and her increase, and set on fire the foundations of harim.

23 I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend Mine khitzim (arrows) upon them.

24 They shall be burned with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction; I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the venom of serpents of the aphar (dust).

25 The cherev without, and terror within, shall destroy both the bochur and the betulah, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.

26 I said, I will dash them in pieces, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men;

27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misinterpret, and lest they should say, Our hand is triumphant, and Hashem hath not done all this.

28 For they are a goy (nation) void of sense, neither is there any seichel in them.

29 O that they were wise, that they had seichel, that they would consider their acharit (latter end, future)!

  (Devarim 32:18-29 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Those living in the 21st century should recognise how those Chosen Ones suffered more than once and how even certain people tried to destroy them totally, not taking into account that God always would be with them. Even a Holocaust made them not perish from the earth. Death may have come over them but lots of them kept going strong and after many wars always found the way back to the Most High Elohim.

But the patience of God came to a point where the goyim also where called to become part of those God was willing to accept in His Kingdom. Though each of those non-Jews shall have to decide themselves if they want to be part of that Kingdom and step over the “death of this world”.

For the period where God shall make an end to the power of the adversary of God, Jehovah God has given the world His only begotten son, Jeshua (Jesus Christ) the authority to judge the living and the dead. People will have to know that when they die it is too late to make a choice. Before that time they shall have to have made up their mind. When in their lifetime they kept preferring to love all those saints, martyrs, and many gods, the Only One True God shall in a certain way laugh at them, seeing that their power shall be gone and that they are all helpless.

36 For Hashem shall judge His people, and relent for His avadim, when He seeth that their power is gone, and there is none left, slave or free.

37 And He shall say, Where are their elohim, their tzur in whom they trusted,

38 Which did eat the fat of their zevakhim (sacrifices), and drank the yayin of their nesakhim (drink offerings)? Let them rise up and help you, and be your shelter. (Devarim 32:36-38 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Yes we may not forget that there is only One Who Is The Supreme Being or I Am that Is, The One and Only One God! When taken by death, for many, it shall be too late, to see at last, that there is no other God! Then, when Jesus returns and shall come to judge them, they shall realise that it is Jehovah Who put people to death and Who let people live.

39 See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no elohim besides Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand.

40 For I lift up My hand to Shomayim, and say, Chai Anochi L’Olam (I live forever).

41 If I sharpen My glittering cherev, and Mine hand take hold on mishpat; I will render nakam (vengeance) to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.

42 I will make Mine khitzim (arrows) drunk with dahm, and My cherev shall devour basar; and that with the dahm of the slain and of the captives, from the head of leaders of the foe.

(Devarim 32:39-42 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In our life we encounter many who try to make us afraid, want to hurt us or even threaten us with the worst. They should know that no one can save another person from the Power of God!

When we look at the past we can see that all the promises God made became a reality, except the few ones which still have to happen. But we may be sure also these things will happen!

26 For when we intentionally commit chet b’yad ramah [“wilful sin with a high hand of defiance” Bamidbar 15:30] after having received the full da’as of HaEmes, there remains no longer a korban for chattoteinu, (Yehudim in Moshiach 10:26 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Therefore we should be very alert not to fall in the trap of the adversary of God, who every day tries to catch a lover of God, as an easy pray.

It may be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but when falling in the hands of the worldly people, there shall be no place in His Kingdom.When reading the bible regularly one should come to understand that we should know the importance of God’s Word and the sent one from Him, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

When having received Christ Jesus, we should walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. So let yourself be careful that no man comes to spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Always be aware of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

2 For I want you to have da’as of how great a ma’avak (struggle) I have for you and the ones in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen me panim el panim (directly, in person),

2 That their levavot may be given chozek (strength), having been made an aguda of ahavah and all osher (wealth) of the full assurance of binah, resulting in the da’as of the raz of Hashem, namely Moshiach,

3 In whom is nistar (hidden) all the otzarot (treasures) of chochmah and da’as. [YESHAYAH 11:2; YIRMEYAH 23:5]

4 This I say so that no one may delude you with the sleight of hand of the ba’al melitzot (rhetorician).

5 For, though absent in basar, but present with you in the Ruach Hakodesh, with lev same’ach (glad heart) I am seeing your order and the firmness of your [Orthodox Jewish] emunah in Moshiach.

6 Therefore, as you became mekabel Moshiach and received Moshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua, so let your halichah be in Him,

7 Having been rooted and built up in Moshiach and being firmly founded in the emunah as you were given Messianic [orthodox] lernen [study], abounding in hodayah.

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach;

9 Because in Moshiach kol melo Elohim (all the plentitude of G-d) finds its bodily maon laShechinah (dwelling place for the Shechinah).

10 And you have been granted melo (plentitude) in Moshiach, who is the Rosh of all rule and authority.

11 In Moshiach also you were circumcised with a Bris Milah not made with human hands, a Bris Milah of the surgically removing of the body of the basar (old fallen and unregenerate nature) in the Bris Milah of Moshiach,

12 Having been buried in the Ohel of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach’s tevilah with him, with whom also you were made to stand up spiritually in the Techiyah together through your emunah and bitachon in the ma’aseh of Hashem who made Moshiach stand up from the Mesim. (Kehillah in Colossae 2:1-12 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

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Preceding articles

Today’s thought “Ability to see that God is not dead” (May 12)

Today’s thought “Ability to circumcise your heart” (May 13)

Death

Why are you persecuting me?

May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way

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Additional reading

1. Hello America and atheists
2. Solipsism
3. Blaming their circumstances for what they are
4. Truth never plays false roles of any kind, which is why people are so surprised when meeting it
5. The inspiring divine spark
6. Knowing where to go to
7. Eternity depends upon this short time on earth
8. Act as if everything you think, say and do determines your entire life
9. Foundation to go the distance
10. Not trying to make the heathen live like Jews #2
11. Preferring to be a Christian
12. Aim High: Examples of Godly Characters to follow
13. I Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late !
14. Not making yourselves abominable
15. Not following the tradition of man
16. Leaders in disguise

+++

Further reading

1. There Is No Dark, You Are Missing Out The Light!
2. When everything goes wrong…
3. Something Missing in Your Life?
4. Acts 7 – The Martyr
5. What happened to the 12 disciples of Jesus ? How did they die and where?
6. The Living Martyr
7. Faithful to the End
8. Memorial of St. Athanasius
9. Martyrdom and the French Revolution
10. 15 Martyr Saints Who Teach Us How to Carry The Cross With Jesus
11. My Lost Paradise…
12. Come and join us
13. Redeeming The Colosseum
14. The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
15. Deceit Fills Hearts That Are Plotting Evil
16. SOAP Journal – 15 May 2017 (Deuteronomy 13:6-9)
17. The Power of Truth
18. Pope Francis’ teachings on how to conquer hatred
19. Pope Francis: Russian Needs to Defend Christians
20. Will Christianity Perish in Its Birthplace?
21. Beware of Motivational Preachers
22. I’m not Brave
23. Living for God
24. Why Don’t We Care About the Slaughter of Christians?
25. And God Said, “Okay. My List Is Full. No More…”
26. Mornings at the Mission: The Patient Compassion of God
27. Choose Milk as the Lord is Gracious
28. Where To Draw The Line?
29. A day of reckoning

+++

Related articles

• The Only Requirement…
• Good Friday: Cleric urges Christians to emulate Christ’s life of sacrifice
• Turn the Other Cheek? Peace!
• For Getting to know Jesus
• Jewish and Christian traditions of elders
• Saul, Paul, Jackman and film

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Today’s thought “Death by being taken captive” (May 15)

Today’s thought

“Death by being taken captive”

(May 15)

In the previous posting we looked at a “death” and spoke about Saul of Tarsus seeing the stoning of apostle Stephen.

At the beginning of this contemporary time table, we find several people who were willing to face death by stoning, like Stephen, or in the arena or at the stake, by hanging or burning, after being humiliated in front of many. The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies.

For Christians there is the archetypal martyr Jesus Christ, who was killed for the words he said and for the position he was taking in. That Nazarene Jewish teacher was not willing to give in to human philosophy and preferred only to keep the the words of his heavenly Father, the Only One True God. He also did not mind to give his body for the sins of many. He had to suffer greatly because of his religious but also political beliefs, preaching understanding between all people, but also preaching a kingdom that would be governing all over the world. He became admired and respected by billions of people who came to share those beliefs.

Several people found the sayings of that curious man, who could deliver miracles, very interesting, and thought it worth following him. But as soon that it seemed they had to do certain things, “doing works” and could not participate any more in folk traditions,  they choose to go back to their old way of living, enjoying life like it was.

Also the convert Saul saw that many, who first wanted to follow the teaching of Christ Jesus, felt attracted by very tempting doctrines of certain preachers. This did not prevent Paul from warning them. He wrote in his letter to the Colossians

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach; (Kehillah in Colossae 2:8 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Today we still see a lot of people who are taken captive by philosophic arguments and empty deceit according to human tradition.
When Jesus was alive, he too wondered why so many kept going against the command of God because of their tradition. All those people who were showing off how much they loved God, and how much they could give to the synagogue, were “undressed” by the words of Christ who showed others the importance of those who honour God in small things and sometimes unseen or at the site (out of the way). He watched all those play-actors and remembered them of the prophet Isaiah who had the right words for them in his prophecy, declaring their worship which they offered to be in vain, because they taught, as law, mere human precepts.

3 But Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, in reply to them, said, Why [do] also you transgress the mitzvat Hashem for the sake of your own masoros?

4 For Hashem has said, KABED ES AVICHA VES IMMECHA (honor your father and your mother, Shemot 20:12; Devarim 5:16), and MKALEL AVIV VIMMO MOT YUMAT (the one cursing his father and mother to die he must die, Shemot 21:17; Vayikra 20:9).

5 But you say, Whoever says to his abba or his em, whatever support you might have had from me, [it is] a gift [i.e., korban, dedicated to G-d].

6 By no means does [anyone who says this] honor his abba or em. And you nullify the Dvar Hashem on account of your masoros.

7 You tzevuim, well did Yeshayah give a dvar hanevuah concerning you, saying,

8 YAAN KI NIGASH HAAM HAZEH BEFIV UVISHFATAV KI-BDUNI VLIBO RICHAK MIMENI VATEHI YIRATAM OTI MITZVAT ANASHIM MELUMADAH (This people with their lips honor me, but their heart is far away from me,

9 and in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the mitzvot of [mere] men, Yeshayah 29:13.) (Mattityahu 15:3-9 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In Roman times many statues where made of gods and people loved kneeling down in front of statues. In later years many Christians also started doing such things, bowing down in front of statues, paintings and burning incense or candles in front of these graven images or on graves. They, like many today, have forgotten that creating things to observe and keep do not make us more righteous – indeed they have the opposite effect – they can make us self-righteous.

Lots of people seem to forget the many verses in the Bible  which emphasise how we should be careful how to honour people and to whom we only may offer worship. The infallible Word of God is very clear on that, that there may only be worshipped One God of gods.

Not man’s words should be cherished, but the Words of God. Man has even to set those Words on their hearts and they should not be a futile thing for us, because we should know that the words of man perish, but God’s Word always shall stay alive and shall be the giver of life.

Man should know that the Word of God is like a rock. It is also perfect and in all its ways right.  It is given by some One of Whom we may be sure that He is really true and faithful, good and honest.

4 He is the Tzur, His po’al is tamim; for all His ways are mishpat; El Emunah and without avel (iniquity), tzaddik and yashar is He. (Devarim 32:4 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

7 Remember the yemot olam, consider shenot dor v’dor: ask Avicha, and he will show thee; thy zekenim, and they will tell thee. (Devarim 32:7 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

We have the Book of books which tells us about the days of the past. We should think about what happened so long ago. If we do not know it we should ask our ancestors or our spiritual leaders, so that they will tell.

Today we face the many countries, because there had come division between the haughty ones who wanted to build a tower high in the sky to defy God. But from all those people God choose one particular nation as His People, the Nation of God.

8 When HaElyon divided to the Goyim their nachalah, when He separated the Bnei Adam, He set the gevulot (borders) of the people according to the number of the Bnei Yisroel.

9 For Hashem’s chelek is His people; Ya’akov is the chevel (allotment) of His nachalah.

10 He found him in an eretz midbar, and in a barren and howling wilderness; He encircled him, He granted him discernment, He preserved him as the pupil of His eye. (Devarim 32:8-10 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

But though they knew they where the chosen ones, they more than once angered God.

18 Of the Tzur that fathered thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten El that formed thee.

19 And when Hashem saw it, He spurned them, because of the provoking of His banim, and of His banot.

20 And He said, I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, banim in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is lo El (not G-d), they have provoked Me to anger with their vanities; and I will move them to jealousy with those which are lo Am (a nonpeople); I will provoke them to anger with a goy naval (foolish, senseless nation) [Ro 10:19].

22 For an eish is kindled in Mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest Sheol, and shall devour Eretz and her increase, and set on fire the foundations of harim.

23 I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend Mine khitzim (arrows) upon them.

24 They shall be burned with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction; I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the venom of serpents of the aphar (dust).

25 The cherev without, and terror within, shall destroy both the bochur and the betulah, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.

26 I said, I will dash them in pieces, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men;

27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misinterpret, and lest they should say, Our hand is triumphant, and Hashem hath not done all this.

28 For they are a goy (nation) void of sense, neither is there any seichel in them.

29 O that they were wise, that they had seichel, that they would consider their acharit (latter end, future)!

  (Devarim 32:18-29 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Those living in the 21st century should recognise how those Chosen Ones suffered more than once and how even certain people tried to destroy them totally, not taking into account that God always would be with them. Even a Holocaust made them not perish from the earth. Death may have come over them but lots of them kept going strong and after many wars always found the way back to the Most High Elohim.

But the patience of God came to a point where the goyim also where called to become part of those God was willing to accept in His Kingdom. Though each of those non-Jews shall have to decide themselves if they want to be part of that Kingdom and step over the “death of this world”.

For the period where God shall make an end to the power of the adversary of God, Jehovah God has given the world His only begotten son, Jeshua (Jesus Christ) the authority to judge the living and the dead. People will have to know that when they die it is too late to make a choice. Before that time they shall have to have made up their mind. When in their lifetime they kept preferring to love all those saints, martyrs, and many gods, the Only One True God shall in a certain way laugh at them, seeing that their power shall be gone and that they are all helpless.

36 For Hashem shall judge His people, and relent for His avadim, when He seeth that their power is gone, and there is none left, slave or free.

37 And He shall say, Where are their elohim, their tzur in whom they trusted,

38 Which did eat the fat of their zevakhim (sacrifices), and drank the yayin of their nesakhim (drink offerings)? Let them rise up and help you, and be your shelter. (Devarim 32:36-38 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Yes we may not forget that there is only One Who Is The Supreme Being or I Am that Is, The One and Only One God! When taken by death, for many, it shall be too late, to see at last, that there is no other God! Then, when Jesus returns and shall come to judge them, they shall realise that it is Jehovah Who put people to death and Who let people live.

39 See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no elohim besides Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand.

40 For I lift up My hand to Shomayim, and say, Chai Anochi L’Olam (I live forever).

41 If I sharpen My glittering cherev, and Mine hand take hold on mishpat; I will render nakam (vengeance) to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.

42 I will make Mine khitzim (arrows) drunk with dahm, and My cherev shall devour basar; and that with the dahm of the slain and of the captives, from the head of leaders of the foe.

(Devarim 32:39-42 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In our life we encounter many who try to make us afraid, want to hurt us or even threaten us with the worst. They should know that no one can save another person from the Power of God!

When we look at the past we can see that all the promises God made became a reality, except the few ones which still have to happen. But we may be sure also these things will happen!

26 For when we intentionally commit chet b’yad ramah [“wilful sin with a high hand of defiance” Bamidbar 15:30] after having received the full da’as of HaEmes, there remains no longer a korban for chattoteinu, (Yehudim in Moshiach 10:26 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Therefore we should be very alert not to fall in the trap of the adversary of God, who every day tries to catch a lover of God, as an easy pray.

It may be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but when falling in the hands of the worldly people, there shall be no place in His Kingdom.When reading the bible regularly one should come to understand that we should know the importance of God’s Word and the sent one from Him, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

When having received Christ Jesus, we should walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. So let yourself be careful that no man comes to spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Always be aware of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

2 For I want you to have da’as of how great a ma’avak (struggle) I have for you and the ones in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen me panim el panim (directly, in person),

2 That their levavot may be given chozek (strength), having been made an aguda of ahavah and all osher (wealth) of the full assurance of binah, resulting in the da’as of the raz of Hashem, namely Moshiach,

3 In whom is nistar (hidden) all the otzarot (treasures) of chochmah and da’as. [YESHAYAH 11:2; YIRMEYAH 23:5]

4 This I say so that no one may delude you with the sleight of hand of the ba’al melitzot (rhetorician).

5 For, though absent in basar, but present with you in the Ruach Hakodesh, with lev same’ach (glad heart) I am seeing your order and the firmness of your [Orthodox Jewish] emunah in Moshiach.

6 Therefore, as you became mekabel Moshiach and received Moshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua, so let your halichah be in Him,

7 Having been rooted and built up in Moshiach and being firmly founded in the emunah as you were given Messianic [orthodox] lernen [study], abounding in hodayah.

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach;

9 Because in Moshiach kol melo Elohim (all the plentitude of G-d) finds its bodily maon laShechinah (dwelling place for the Shechinah).

10 And you have been granted melo (plentitude) in Moshiach, who is the Rosh of all rule and authority.

11 In Moshiach also you were circumcised with a Bris Milah not made with human hands, a Bris Milah of the surgically removing of the body of the basar (old fallen and unregenerate nature) in the Bris Milah of Moshiach,

12 Having been buried in the Ohel of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach’s tevilah with him, with whom also you were made to stand up spiritually in the Techiyah together through your emunah and bitachon in the ma’aseh of Hashem who made Moshiach stand up from the Mesim. (Kehillah in Colossae 2:1-12 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

+

Preceding articles

Today’s thought “Ability to see that God is not dead” (May 12)

Today’s thought “Ability to circumcise your heart” (May 13)

Death

Why are you persecuting me?

May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way

++

Additional reading

1. Hello America and atheists
2. Solipsism
3. Blaming their circumstances for what they are
4. Truth never plays false roles of any kind, which is why people are so surprised when meeting it
5. The inspiring divine spark
6. Knowing where to go to
7. Eternity depends upon this short time on earth
8. Act as if everything you think, say and do determines your entire life
9. Foundation to go the distance
10. Not trying to make the heathen live like Jews #2
11. Preferring to be a Christian
12. Aim High: Examples of Godly Characters to follow
13. I Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late !
14. Not making yourselves abominable
15. Not following the tradition of man
16. Leaders in disguise

+++

Further reading

1. There Is No Dark, You Are Missing Out The Light!
2. When everything goes wrong…
3. Something Missing in Your Life?
4. Acts 7 – The Martyr
5. What happened to the 12 disciples of Jesus ? How did they die and where?
6. The Living Martyr
7. Faithful to the End
8. Memorial of St. Athanasius
9. Martyrdom and the French Revolution
10. 15 Martyr Saints Who Teach Us How to Carry The Cross With Jesus
11. My Lost Paradise…
12. Come and join us
13. Redeeming The Colosseum
14. The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
15. Deceit Fills Hearts That Are Plotting Evil
16. SOAP Journal – 15 May 2017 (Deuteronomy 13:6-9)
17. The Power of Truth
18. Pope Francis’ teachings on how to conquer hatred
19. Pope Francis: Russian Needs to Defend Christians
20. Will Christianity Perish in Its Birthplace?
21. Beware of Motivational Preachers
22. I’m not Brave
23. Living for God
24. Why Don’t We Care About the Slaughter of Christians?
25. And God Said, “Okay. My List Is Full. No More…”
26. Mornings at the Mission: The Patient Compassion of God
27. Choose Milk as the Lord is Gracious
28. Where To Draw The Line?
29. A day of reckoning

+++

Related articles

• The Only Requirement…
• Good Friday: Cleric urges Christians to emulate Christ’s life of sacrifice
• Turn the Other Cheek? Peace!
• For Getting to know Jesus
• Jewish and Christian traditions of elders
• Saul, Paul, Jackman and film

Rate this:

#AdheringToWordOfGod #AdversaryOfGod #ApostlePaul #ArchetypalMartyr #BearingWitness #ChosenPeople #ChristianWorship #Christians #Death #DeathAtTheStake #DeathByStoning #Deceit #FollowingWordOfGod #GoyimNationGentilesNonJewish_ #GravenImages #Holocaust #HumanDoctrines #HumanTraditions #IAmThatIAm #IkkarimBasicPrinciples_ #JewishPeople #KabbalahOralTradition_ #LoveForWordOfGod #Martyr #Martyrs #NationOfGod #PatienceOfGod #PeopleOfGod #Philosophy #ReturnOfChrist #SaulOfTarsus #TeachingOfWordOfGod #toStudyWordOfGod #TrueGod #WayOfLiving #Witnessing #WordOfGod #Worship #WorshipGodTheFather

Today’s thought “Death by being taken captive” (May 15)

Today’s thought

“Death by being taken captive”

(May 15)

In the previous posting we looked at a “death” and spoke about Saul of Tarsus seeing the stoning of apostle Stephen.

At the beginning of this contemporary time table, we find several people who were willing to face death by stoning, like Stephen, or in the arena or at the stake, by hanging or burning, after being humiliated in front of many. The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies.

For Christians there is the archetypal martyr Jesus Christ, who was killed for the words he said and for the position he was taking in. That Nazarene Jewish teacher was not willing to give in to human philosophy and preferred only to keep the the words of his heavenly Father, the Only One True God. He also did not mind to give his body for the sins of many. He had to suffer greatly because of his religious but also political beliefs, preaching understanding between all people, but also preaching a kingdom that would be governing all over the world. He became admired and respected by billions of people who came to share those beliefs.

Several people found the sayings of that curious man, who could deliver miracles, very interesting, and thought it worth following him. But as soon that it seemed they had to do certain things, “doing works” and could not participate any more in folk traditions,  they choose to go back to their old way of living, enjoying life like it was.

Also the convert Saul saw that many, who first wanted to follow the teaching of Christ Jesus, felt attracted by very tempting doctrines of certain preachers. This did not prevent Paul from warning them. He wrote in his letter to the Colossians

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach; (Kehillah in Colossae 2:8 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Today we still see a lot of people who are taken captive by philosophic arguments and empty deceit according to human tradition.
When Jesus was alive, he too wondered why so many kept going against the command of God because of their tradition. All those people who were showing off how much they loved God, and how much they could give to the synagogue, were “undressed” by the words of Christ who showed others the importance of those who honour God in small things and sometimes unseen or at the site (out of the way). He watched all those play-actors and remembered them of the prophet Isaiah who had the right words for them in his prophecy, declaring their worship which they offered to be in vain, because they taught, as law, mere human precepts.

3 But Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, in reply to them, said, Why [do] also you transgress the mitzvat Hashem for the sake of your own masoros?

4 For Hashem has said, KABED ES AVICHA VES IMMECHA (honor your father and your mother, Shemot 20:12; Devarim 5:16), and MKALEL AVIV VIMMO MOT YUMAT (the one cursing his father and mother to die he must die, Shemot 21:17; Vayikra 20:9).

5 But you say, Whoever says to his abba or his em, whatever support you might have had from me, [it is] a gift [i.e., korban, dedicated to G-d].

6 By no means does [anyone who says this] honor his abba or em. And you nullify the Dvar Hashem on account of your masoros.

7 You tzevuim, well did Yeshayah give a dvar hanevuah concerning you, saying,

8 YAAN KI NIGASH HAAM HAZEH BEFIV UVISHFATAV KI-BDUNI VLIBO RICHAK MIMENI VATEHI YIRATAM OTI MITZVAT ANASHIM MELUMADAH (This people with their lips honor me, but their heart is far away from me,

9 and in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the mitzvot of [mere] men, Yeshayah 29:13.) (Mattityahu 15:3-9 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In Roman times many statues where made of gods and people loved kneeling down in front of statues. In later years many Christians also started doing such things, bowing down in front of statues, paintings and burning incense or candles in front of these graven images or on graves. They, like many today, have forgotten that creating things to observe and keep do not make us more righteous – indeed they have the opposite effect – they can make us self-righteous.

Lots of people seem to forget the many verses in the Bible  which emphasise how we should be careful how to honour people and to whom we only may offer worship. The infallible Word of God is very clear on that, that there may only be worshipped One God of gods.

Not man’s words should be cherished, but the Words of God. Man has even to set those Words on their hearts and they should not be a futile thing for us, because we should know that the words of man perish, but God’s Word always shall stay alive and shall be the giver of life.

Man should know that the Word of God is like a rock. It is also perfect and in all its ways right.  It is given by some One of Whom we may be sure that He is really true and faithful, good and honest.

4 He is the Tzur, His po’al is tamim; for all His ways are mishpat; El Emunah and without avel (iniquity), tzaddik and yashar is He. (Devarim 32:4 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

7 Remember the yemot olam, consider shenot dor v’dor: ask Avicha, and he will show thee; thy zekenim, and they will tell thee. (Devarim 32:7 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

We have the Book of books which tells us about the days of the past. We should think about what happened so long ago. If we do not know it we should ask our ancestors or our spiritual leaders, so that they will tell.

Today we face the many countries, because there had come division between the haughty ones who wanted to build a tower high in the sky to defy God. But from all those people God choose one particular nation as His People, the Nation of God.

8 When HaElyon divided to the Goyim their nachalah, when He separated the Bnei Adam, He set the gevulot (borders) of the people according to the number of the Bnei Yisroel.

9 For Hashem’s chelek is His people; Ya’akov is the chevel (allotment) of His nachalah.

10 He found him in an eretz midbar, and in a barren and howling wilderness; He encircled him, He granted him discernment, He preserved him as the pupil of His eye. (Devarim 32:8-10 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

But though they knew they where the chosen ones, they more than once angered God.

18 Of the Tzur that fathered thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten El that formed thee.

19 And when Hashem saw it, He spurned them, because of the provoking of His banim, and of His banot.

20 And He said, I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, banim in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is lo El (not G-d), they have provoked Me to anger with their vanities; and I will move them to jealousy with those which are lo Am (a nonpeople); I will provoke them to anger with a goy naval (foolish, senseless nation) [Ro 10:19].

22 For an eish is kindled in Mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest Sheol, and shall devour Eretz and her increase, and set on fire the foundations of harim.

23 I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend Mine khitzim (arrows) upon them.

24 They shall be burned with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction; I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the venom of serpents of the aphar (dust).

25 The cherev without, and terror within, shall destroy both the bochur and the betulah, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.

26 I said, I will dash them in pieces, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men;

27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misinterpret, and lest they should say, Our hand is triumphant, and Hashem hath not done all this.

28 For they are a goy (nation) void of sense, neither is there any seichel in them.

29 O that they were wise, that they had seichel, that they would consider their acharit (latter end, future)!

  (Devarim 32:18-29 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Those living in the 21st century should recognise how those Chosen Ones suffered more than once and how even certain people tried to destroy them totally, not taking into account that God always would be with them. Even a Holocaust made them not perish from the earth. Death may have come over them but lots of them kept going strong and after many wars always found the way back to the Most High Elohim.

But the patience of God came to a point where the goyim also where called to become part of those God was willing to accept in His Kingdom. Though each of those non-Jews shall have to decide themselves if they want to be part of that Kingdom and step over the “death of this world”.

For the period where God shall make an end to the power of the adversary of God, Jehovah God has given the world His only begotten son, Jeshua (Jesus Christ) the authority to judge the living and the dead. People will have to know that when they die it is too late to make a choice. Before that time they shall have to have made up their mind. When in their lifetime they kept preferring to love all those saints, martyrs, and many gods, the Only One True God shall in a certain way laugh at them, seeing that their power shall be gone and that they are all helpless.

36 For Hashem shall judge His people, and relent for His avadim, when He seeth that their power is gone, and there is none left, slave or free.

37 And He shall say, Where are their elohim, their tzur in whom they trusted,

38 Which did eat the fat of their zevakhim (sacrifices), and drank the yayin of their nesakhim (drink offerings)? Let them rise up and help you, and be your shelter. (Devarim 32:36-38 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Yes we may not forget that there is only One Who Is The Supreme Being or I Am that Is, The One and Only One God! When taken by death, for many, it shall be too late, to see at last, that there is no other God! Then, when Jesus returns and shall come to judge them, they shall realise that it is Jehovah Who put people to death and Who let people live.

39 See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no elohim besides Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand.

40 For I lift up My hand to Shomayim, and say, Chai Anochi L’Olam (I live forever).

41 If I sharpen My glittering cherev, and Mine hand take hold on mishpat; I will render nakam (vengeance) to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.

42 I will make Mine khitzim (arrows) drunk with dahm, and My cherev shall devour basar; and that with the dahm of the slain and of the captives, from the head of leaders of the foe.

(Devarim 32:39-42 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In our life we encounter many who try to make us afraid, want to hurt us or even threaten us with the worst. They should know that no one can save another person from the Power of God!

When we look at the past we can see that all the promises God made became a reality, except the few ones which still have to happen. But we may be sure also these things will happen!

26 For when we intentionally commit chet b’yad ramah [“wilful sin with a high hand of defiance” Bamidbar 15:30] after having received the full da’as of HaEmes, there remains no longer a korban for chattoteinu, (Yehudim in Moshiach 10:26 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Therefore we should be very alert not to fall in the trap of the adversary of God, who every day tries to catch a lover of God, as an easy pray.

It may be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but when falling in the hands of the worldly people, there shall be no place in His Kingdom.When reading the bible regularly one should come to understand that we should know the importance of God’s Word and the sent one from Him, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

When having received Christ Jesus, we should walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. So let yourself be careful that no man comes to spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Always be aware of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

2 For I want you to have da’as of how great a ma’avak (struggle) I have for you and the ones in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen me panim el panim (directly, in person),

2 That their levavot may be given chozek (strength), having been made an aguda of ahavah and all osher (wealth) of the full assurance of binah, resulting in the da’as of the raz of Hashem, namely Moshiach,

3 In whom is nistar (hidden) all the otzarot (treasures) of chochmah and da’as. [YESHAYAH 11:2; YIRMEYAH 23:5]

4 This I say so that no one may delude you with the sleight of hand of the ba’al melitzot (rhetorician).

5 For, though absent in basar, but present with you in the Ruach Hakodesh, with lev same’ach (glad heart) I am seeing your order and the firmness of your [Orthodox Jewish] emunah in Moshiach.

6 Therefore, as you became mekabel Moshiach and received Moshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua, so let your halichah be in Him,

7 Having been rooted and built up in Moshiach and being firmly founded in the emunah as you were given Messianic [orthodox] lernen [study], abounding in hodayah.

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach;

9 Because in Moshiach kol melo Elohim (all the plentitude of G-d) finds its bodily maon laShechinah (dwelling place for the Shechinah).

10 And you have been granted melo (plentitude) in Moshiach, who is the Rosh of all rule and authority.

11 In Moshiach also you were circumcised with a Bris Milah not made with human hands, a Bris Milah of the surgically removing of the body of the basar (old fallen and unregenerate nature) in the Bris Milah of Moshiach,

12 Having been buried in the Ohel of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach’s tevilah with him, with whom also you were made to stand up spiritually in the Techiyah together through your emunah and bitachon in the ma’aseh of Hashem who made Moshiach stand up from the Mesim. (Kehillah in Colossae 2:1-12 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

+

Preceding articles

Today’s thought “Ability to see that God is not dead” (May 12)

Today’s thought “Ability to circumcise your heart” (May 13)

Death

Why are you persecuting me?

May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way

++

Additional reading

1. Hello America and atheists
2. Solipsism
3. Blaming their circumstances for what they are
4. Truth never plays false roles of any kind, which is why people are so surprised when meeting it
5. The inspiring divine spark
6. Knowing where to go to
7. Eternity depends upon this short time on earth
8. Act as if everything you think, say and do determines your entire life
9. Foundation to go the distance
10. Not trying to make the heathen live like Jews #2
11. Preferring to be a Christian
12. Aim High: Examples of Godly Characters to follow
13. I Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late !
14. Not making yourselves abominable
15. Not following the tradition of man
16. Leaders in disguise

+++

Further reading

1. There Is No Dark, You Are Missing Out The Light!
2. When everything goes wrong…
3. Something Missing in Your Life?
4. Acts 7 – The Martyr
5. What happened to the 12 disciples of Jesus ? How did they die and where?
6. The Living Martyr
7. Faithful to the End
8. Memorial of St. Athanasius
9. Martyrdom and the French Revolution
10. 15 Martyr Saints Who Teach Us How to Carry The Cross With Jesus
11. My Lost Paradise…
12. Come and join us
13. Redeeming The Colosseum
14. The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
15. Deceit Fills Hearts That Are Plotting Evil
16. SOAP Journal – 15 May 2017 (Deuteronomy 13:6-9)
17. The Power of Truth
18. Pope Francis’ teachings on how to conquer hatred
19. Pope Francis: Russian Needs to Defend Christians
20. Will Christianity Perish in Its Birthplace?
21. Beware of Motivational Preachers
22. I’m not Brave
23. Living for God
24. Why Don’t We Care About the Slaughter of Christians?
25. And God Said, “Okay. My List Is Full. No More…”
26. Mornings at the Mission: The Patient Compassion of God
27. Choose Milk as the Lord is Gracious
28. Where To Draw The Line?
29. A day of reckoning

+++

Related articles

• The Only Requirement…
• Good Friday: Cleric urges Christians to emulate Christ’s life of sacrifice
• Turn the Other Cheek? Peace!
• For Getting to know Jesus
• Jewish and Christian traditions of elders
• Saul, Paul, Jackman and film

Rate this:

#AdheringToWordOfGod #AdversaryOfGod #ApostlePaul #ArchetypalMartyr #BearingWitness #ChosenPeople #ChristianWorship #Christians #Death #DeathAtTheStake #DeathByStoning #Deceit #FollowingWordOfGod #GoyimNationGentilesNonJewish_ #GravenImages #Holocaust #HumanDoctrines #HumanTraditions #IAmThatIAm #IkkarimBasicPrinciples_ #JewishPeople #KabbalahOralTradition_ #LoveForWordOfGod #Martyr #Martyrs #NationOfGod #PatienceOfGod #PeopleOfGod #Philosophy #ReturnOfChrist #SaulOfTarsus #TeachingOfWordOfGod #toStudyWordOfGod #TrueGod #WayOfLiving #Witnessing #WordOfGod #Worship #WorshipGodTheFather

Today’s thought “Death by being taken captive” (May 15)

Today’s thought

“Death by being taken captive”

(May 15)

In the previous posting we looked at a “death” and spoke about Saul of Tarsus seeing the stoning of apostle Stephen.

At the beginning of this contemporary time table, we find several people who were willing to face death by stoning, like Stephen, or in the arena or at the stake, by hanging or burning, after being humiliated in front of many. The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies.

For Christians there is the archetypal martyr Jesus Christ, who was killed for the words he said and for the position he was taking in. That Nazarene Jewish teacher was not willing to give in to human philosophy and preferred only to keep the the words of his heavenly Father, the Only One True God. He also did not mind to give his body for the sins of many. He had to suffer greatly because of his religious but also political beliefs, preaching understanding between all people, but also preaching a kingdom that would be governing all over the world. He became admired and respected by billions of people who came to share those beliefs.

Several people found the sayings of that curious man, who could deliver miracles, very interesting, and thought it worth following him. But as soon that it seemed they had to do certain things, “doing works” and could not participate any more in folk traditions,  they choose to go back to their old way of living, enjoying life like it was.

Also the convert Saul saw that many, who first wanted to follow the teaching of Christ Jesus, felt attracted by very tempting doctrines of certain preachers. This did not prevent Paul from warning them. He wrote in his letter to the Colossians

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach; (Kehillah in Colossae 2:8 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Today we still see a lot of people who are taken captive by philosophic arguments and empty deceit according to human tradition.
When Jesus was alive, he too wondered why so many kept going against the command of God because of their tradition. All those people who were showing off how much they loved God, and how much they could give to the synagogue, were “undressed” by the words of Christ who showed others the importance of those who honour God in small things and sometimes unseen or at the site (out of the way). He watched all those play-actors and remembered them of the prophet Isaiah who had the right words for them in his prophecy, declaring their worship which they offered to be in vain, because they taught, as law, mere human precepts.

3 But Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, in reply to them, said, Why [do] also you transgress the mitzvat Hashem for the sake of your own masoros?

4 For Hashem has said, KABED ES AVICHA VES IMMECHA (honor your father and your mother, Shemot 20:12; Devarim 5:16), and MKALEL AVIV VIMMO MOT YUMAT (the one cursing his father and mother to die he must die, Shemot 21:17; Vayikra 20:9).

5 But you say, Whoever says to his abba or his em, whatever support you might have had from me, [it is] a gift [i.e., korban, dedicated to G-d].

6 By no means does [anyone who says this] honor his abba or em. And you nullify the Dvar Hashem on account of your masoros.

7 You tzevuim, well did Yeshayah give a dvar hanevuah concerning you, saying,

8 YAAN KI NIGASH HAAM HAZEH BEFIV UVISHFATAV KI-BDUNI VLIBO RICHAK MIMENI VATEHI YIRATAM OTI MITZVAT ANASHIM MELUMADAH (This people with their lips honor me, but their heart is far away from me,

9 and in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the mitzvot of [mere] men, Yeshayah 29:13.) (Mattityahu 15:3-9 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In Roman times many statues where made of gods and people loved kneeling down in front of statues. In later years many Christians also started doing such things, bowing down in front of statues, paintings and burning incense or candles in front of these graven images or on graves. They, like many today, have forgotten that creating things to observe and keep do not make us more righteous – indeed they have the opposite effect – they can make us self-righteous.

Lots of people seem to forget the many verses in the Bible  which emphasise how we should be careful how to honour people and to whom we only may offer worship. The infallible Word of God is very clear on that, that there may only be worshipped One God of gods.

Not man’s words should be cherished, but the Words of God. Man has even to set those Words on their hearts and they should not be a futile thing for us, because we should know that the words of man perish, but God’s Word always shall stay alive and shall be the giver of life.

Man should know that the Word of God is like a rock. It is also perfect and in all its ways right.  It is given by some One of Whom we may be sure that He is really true and faithful, good and honest.

4 He is the Tzur, His po’al is tamim; for all His ways are mishpat; El Emunah and without avel (iniquity), tzaddik and yashar is He. (Devarim 32:4 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

7 Remember the yemot olam, consider shenot dor v’dor: ask Avicha, and he will show thee; thy zekenim, and they will tell thee. (Devarim 32:7 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

We have the Book of books which tells us about the days of the past. We should think about what happened so long ago. If we do not know it we should ask our ancestors or our spiritual leaders, so that they will tell.

Today we face the many countries, because there had come division between the haughty ones who wanted to build a tower high in the sky to defy God. But from all those people God choose one particular nation as His People, the Nation of God.

8 When HaElyon divided to the Goyim their nachalah, when He separated the Bnei Adam, He set the gevulot (borders) of the people according to the number of the Bnei Yisroel.

9 For Hashem’s chelek is His people; Ya’akov is the chevel (allotment) of His nachalah.

10 He found him in an eretz midbar, and in a barren and howling wilderness; He encircled him, He granted him discernment, He preserved him as the pupil of His eye. (Devarim 32:8-10 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

But though they knew they where the chosen ones, they more than once angered God.

18 Of the Tzur that fathered thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten El that formed thee.

19 And when Hashem saw it, He spurned them, because of the provoking of His banim, and of His banot.

20 And He said, I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, banim in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is lo El (not G-d), they have provoked Me to anger with their vanities; and I will move them to jealousy with those which are lo Am (a nonpeople); I will provoke them to anger with a goy naval (foolish, senseless nation) [Ro 10:19].

22 For an eish is kindled in Mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest Sheol, and shall devour Eretz and her increase, and set on fire the foundations of harim.

23 I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend Mine khitzim (arrows) upon them.

24 They shall be burned with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction; I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the venom of serpents of the aphar (dust).

25 The cherev without, and terror within, shall destroy both the bochur and the betulah, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.

26 I said, I will dash them in pieces, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men;

27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misinterpret, and lest they should say, Our hand is triumphant, and Hashem hath not done all this.

28 For they are a goy (nation) void of sense, neither is there any seichel in them.

29 O that they were wise, that they had seichel, that they would consider their acharit (latter end, future)!

  (Devarim 32:18-29 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Those living in the 21st century should recognise how those Chosen Ones suffered more than once and how even certain people tried to destroy them totally, not taking into account that God always would be with them. Even a Holocaust made them not perish from the earth. Death may have come over them but lots of them kept going strong and after many wars always found the way back to the Most High Elohim.

But the patience of God came to a point where the goyim also where called to become part of those God was willing to accept in His Kingdom. Though each of those non-Jews shall have to decide themselves if they want to be part of that Kingdom and step over the “death of this world”.

For the period where God shall make an end to the power of the adversary of God, Jehovah God has given the world His only begotten son, Jeshua (Jesus Christ) the authority to judge the living and the dead. People will have to know that when they die it is too late to make a choice. Before that time they shall have to have made up their mind. When in their lifetime they kept preferring to love all those saints, martyrs, and many gods, the Only One True God shall in a certain way laugh at them, seeing that their power shall be gone and that they are all helpless.

36 For Hashem shall judge His people, and relent for His avadim, when He seeth that their power is gone, and there is none left, slave or free.

37 And He shall say, Where are their elohim, their tzur in whom they trusted,

38 Which did eat the fat of their zevakhim (sacrifices), and drank the yayin of their nesakhim (drink offerings)? Let them rise up and help you, and be your shelter. (Devarim 32:36-38 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Yes we may not forget that there is only One Who Is The Supreme Being or I Am that Is, The One and Only One God! When taken by death, for many, it shall be too late, to see at last, that there is no other God! Then, when Jesus returns and shall come to judge them, they shall realise that it is Jehovah Who put people to death and Who let people live.

39 See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no elohim besides Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand.

40 For I lift up My hand to Shomayim, and say, Chai Anochi L’Olam (I live forever).

41 If I sharpen My glittering cherev, and Mine hand take hold on mishpat; I will render nakam (vengeance) to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.

42 I will make Mine khitzim (arrows) drunk with dahm, and My cherev shall devour basar; and that with the dahm of the slain and of the captives, from the head of leaders of the foe.

(Devarim 32:39-42 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

In our life we encounter many who try to make us afraid, want to hurt us or even threaten us with the worst. They should know that no one can save another person from the Power of God!

When we look at the past we can see that all the promises God made became a reality, except the few ones which still have to happen. But we may be sure also these things will happen!

26 For when we intentionally commit chet b’yad ramah [“wilful sin with a high hand of defiance” Bamidbar 15:30] after having received the full da’as of HaEmes, there remains no longer a korban for chattoteinu, (Yehudim in Moshiach 10:26 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Therefore we should be very alert not to fall in the trap of the adversary of God, who every day tries to catch a lover of God, as an easy pray.

It may be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but when falling in the hands of the worldly people, there shall be no place in His Kingdom.When reading the bible regularly one should come to understand that we should know the importance of God’s Word and the sent one from Him, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

When having received Christ Jesus, we should walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. So let yourself be careful that no man comes to spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Always be aware of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

2 For I want you to have da’as of how great a ma’avak (struggle) I have for you and the ones in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen me panim el panim (directly, in person),

2 That their levavot may be given chozek (strength), having been made an aguda of ahavah and all osher (wealth) of the full assurance of binah, resulting in the da’as of the raz of Hashem, namely Moshiach,

3 In whom is nistar (hidden) all the otzarot (treasures) of chochmah and da’as. [YESHAYAH 11:2; YIRMEYAH 23:5]

4 This I say so that no one may delude you with the sleight of hand of the ba’al melitzot (rhetorician).

5 For, though absent in basar, but present with you in the Ruach Hakodesh, with lev same’ach (glad heart) I am seeing your order and the firmness of your [Orthodox Jewish] emunah in Moshiach.

6 Therefore, as you became mekabel Moshiach and received Moshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua, so let your halichah be in Him,

7 Having been rooted and built up in Moshiach and being firmly founded in the emunah as you were given Messianic [orthodox] lernen [study], abounding in hodayah.

8 Beware lest there be anyone of you taken captive through philosophical tevunah (wisdom) and empty deceit according to the kabbalah (oral tradition) of mere Bnei Adam, according to the ikkarim (basic principles) of the Olam Hazeh and not according to Moshiach;

9 Because in Moshiach kol melo Elohim (all the plentitude of G-d) finds its bodily maon laShechinah (dwelling place for the Shechinah).

10 And you have been granted melo (plentitude) in Moshiach, who is the Rosh of all rule and authority.

11 In Moshiach also you were circumcised with a Bris Milah not made with human hands, a Bris Milah of the surgically removing of the body of the basar (old fallen and unregenerate nature) in the Bris Milah of Moshiach,

12 Having been buried in the Ohel of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach’s tevilah with him, with whom also you were made to stand up spiritually in the Techiyah together through your emunah and bitachon in the ma’aseh of Hashem who made Moshiach stand up from the Mesim. (Kehillah in Colossae 2:1-12 Orthodox Jewish Bible)

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Preceding articles

Today’s thought “Ability to see that God is not dead” (May 12)

Today’s thought “Ability to circumcise your heart” (May 13)

Death

Why are you persecuting me?

May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way

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Additional reading

1. Hello America and atheists
2. Solipsism
3. Blaming their circumstances for what they are
4. Truth never plays false roles of any kind, which is why people are so surprised when meeting it
5. The inspiring divine spark
6. Knowing where to go to
7. Eternity depends upon this short time on earth
8. Act as if everything you think, say and do determines your entire life
9. Foundation to go the distance
10. Not trying to make the heathen live like Jews #2
11. Preferring to be a Christian
12. Aim High: Examples of Godly Characters to follow
13. I Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late !
14. Not making yourselves abominable
15. Not following the tradition of man
16. Leaders in disguise

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Further reading

1. There Is No Dark, You Are Missing Out The Light!
2. When everything goes wrong…
3. Something Missing in Your Life?
4. Acts 7 – The Martyr
5. What happened to the 12 disciples of Jesus ? How did they die and where?
6. The Living Martyr
7. Faithful to the End
8. Memorial of St. Athanasius
9. Martyrdom and the French Revolution
10. 15 Martyr Saints Who Teach Us How to Carry The Cross With Jesus
11. My Lost Paradise…
12. Come and join us
13. Redeeming The Colosseum
14. The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
15. Deceit Fills Hearts That Are Plotting Evil
16. SOAP Journal – 15 May 2017 (Deuteronomy 13:6-9)
17. The Power of Truth
18. Pope Francis’ teachings on how to conquer hatred
19. Pope Francis: Russian Needs to Defend Christians
20. Will Christianity Perish in Its Birthplace?
21. Beware of Motivational Preachers
22. I’m not Brave
23. Living for God
24. Why Don’t We Care About the Slaughter of Christians?
25. And God Said, “Okay. My List Is Full. No More…”
26. Mornings at the Mission: The Patient Compassion of God
27. Choose Milk as the Lord is Gracious
28. Where To Draw The Line?
29. A day of reckoning

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• Saul, Paul, Jackman and film

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