Tsiyon Messianic Community

  Hi Friends!

Let me start by saying that all believers in Messiah, regardless of ancestry, are grafted into the commonwealth of Israel, making all of them Israelites in the unity of all believers. All of you are our brethren and we welcome you with open arms!

Further, we invite all believers to participate on an equal basis in this ministry. That said, we also need to say that our special focus is toward the scattered Remnant of Israel.  In maintaining this special focus we are not being exclusivistic. It is normal for YHWH to raise up ministers with a focus toward specific people groups. For example Kefa/Peter toward the circumcision and Saul/Paul toward the uncircumcision. Each had a different focus of ministry while also being ministers of the entire Body of Messiah. In like manner to this, we are called with a focus of ministry toward the scattered Remnant of Israel while ministering to the entire Body of Messiah.  The purpose of this post is to explain exactly what we mean by "the scattered Remnant of Israel" in these days.

Our particular calling is to minister to the scattered outcasts of the remnant of the tribes of Israel whom Yah has foretold that He will re-gather to the land of Israel in these final days. Being scattered, these are not yet an identifiable group. However, the Spirit is speaking to these individuals from every corner of the globe awakening them to this call. The prophets spoke of these things. For example, Isaiah wrote: "It will happen in that day that the nations will seek the root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the peoples; and his resting place will be glorious. It will happen in that day that YHWH will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. The envy also of Ephraim will depart, and those who persecute Judah will be cut off. Ephraim won’t envy Judah, and Judah won’t persecute Ephraim. .. There will be a highway for the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, like there was for Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt."  Isa 11:10-16

These verses speak of two groups we are talking about. First, we are told "that the nations will seek the root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the peoples."  This is undoubtedly speaking of believers from all the nations who have put their trust in Messiah. This is all true believers everywhere - the global Body of Messiah.

The passage then goes on to speak of a new thing Yah would do, saying; "It will happen in that day that YHWH will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria ...and will assemble the outcasts of Israel ... from the four corners of the globe." As you probably know, as a result of their disobedience to the Covenant, the northern ten Tribes of Israel were deported from the land of Israel by Assyria and from there were scattered throughout the countries of the world, being assimilated into those countries. The same thing happened to many individuals from the kingdom of Judah as well due to persecution and other things, although a core of Judah maintained a cohesive identity. The point is, there are many who are of the physical seed of all the tribes of Israel scattered, largely as misfits and outcasts, throughout the nations. Through the prophets Yah says He will regather those outcasts to bring them back AS A GROUP to the land of Israel in the final days. Those days are now in process.

These verses regarding the regathering of Israel to their land are not completely fulfilled by the Jews returning to Israel, though that is part of God's plan. We are unmistakeably told that a remnant of both Ephraim and Judah would be regathered to the Land together. This has not yet happened but will happen in these final days. This regathering to the Land does not apply to all believers in Messiah. Not all are called to be part of this group that will return to the Land before the coming of Messiah. That does not make any better or worse or make one group believers and the others not. This is simply a matter of Yah fulfilling His Word to the forefathers as He stated through the prophets.

Jeremiah also spoke of these things, as did all the prophets. Through Jeremiah YHWH says; Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, you backsliding Israel,’ says YHWH; ‘I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful,’ says YHWH. ‘I will not keep anger forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against YHWH your God, and have scattered your ways to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice,’ says YHWH.” “Return, backsliding children,” says YHWH; “for I am a husband to you. I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Tsiyon. I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jer 3:12-15

Here YHWH speaks of the time when the word would be proclaimed "toward the north" - that is toward the direction from which Israel was deported and then scattered. The Word would be to repent of breaking the Covenant and return to Tsiyon! Again, this would not be all believers, but rather "one of a city, and two of a family" as God regathers the scattered remnant of Israel. YHWH also says that He would raise up shepherds to feed the scattered remnant "knowledge and understanding." I am one of those shepherds and that is the primary purpose of this ministry to which I am called.

The goal that lies before us is this: "In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I gave for an inheritance to your fathers." Jer 3:18

I hope this will better explain the focus of this ministry and where we are headed in days to come.

Blessings in Messiah,

Eliyahu ben David
www.tsiyon.org

The unasked question get no answers................

My dear Brother,

I know that you are trying to be as clear as possible here, but I have to confess.  I'm still VERY VERY confused.  I've listened to the message "Is the church Israel" and I've read this message and pondered this information over and over again.  I think I get it and then the next sentence comes and I'm lost again. 

We have Israel - the physical nation prophesied to be reborn and prophesy fullfilled in 1967 (if I've got my date right here).  Israel is a nation made up of all sorts of people following all sorts of religious beliefs.  It's easy to see I'm not an Israeli.

We have the 12 tribes of Israel led into the wilderness and merged with a mixed multitude that I understand had no ancestry to any of the descendents of Abraham.   I have no reason to believe that I have a physical connection here as if there are Jewish people in my ancestry, they've been obscured very well.

This leads to the nation of Israel that lived in the land until they were driven out and scattered across the face of the earth.  I understand that many of these people lost all connection to Israel and even forgot who they were as YAH's people.  I think this leads us to the "scattered remnant" and these are the people you feel called to minister to if I understand you correctly.

Also, we have the olive tree with natural branches and grafted in branches.  This is where I think I fit into this picture as a grafted-in branch.  So, your opening lines are "all believers in Messiah, regardless of ancestry, are grafted into the commonwealth of Israel, making all of them Israelites".  You also say "these are not yet an identifiable group".   

I guess the bottom line here is I don't understand where I fit in and this gets really confusing when I'm reading prophecy and I can't see what's natural Israel, spiritual Israel or the remnant of Israel. 

I'm not a beginner (meaning these aren't new ideas for me) in this message as this was the focus of much of the teachings and many of the books I bought and read on my trip to Israel last year and Im really struggling to understand this.
 
I will continue to pray and seek the LORD on this and I appreciate your patience with my confusion.  It must be much easier to walk in all this when you know that you were born Jewish and have Jewish roots.   

In Y'shua's Name and for HIS sake,

SueJean

Shalom SueJean,

I understand your confusion about Israel and your relationship to it. I think as you progress through the messages this will get sorted out for you. To get you pointed in the right direction though, I will share a few points here. I'm aware that you already know some of what I'm going to say, but I want this post to be coherent for whomever might read it.

One reason people get confused about Israel is because Israel has so many definitions. Let's make a list of the obvious ones:

1. Israel: New name of the Patriarch Yaakov/Jacob, Abraham's grandson.

2. Israel: Jacob's household including his twelve sons.

3. Israel: The nation composed of all of Jacob/Israel's descendants from all Twelve Tribes and naturalized aliens joined to them.

4. Israel: The Land of Israel promised by YHWH to Abraham.

5. Israel: The Northern Kingdom of Ten Tribes before their deportation by Assyria. (Southern Kingdom was called Judah).

6. Israel: The Faithful Remnant of the Nation of Israel keeping the Covenant and carrying forward the divine mandate.

7. Israel: The Israel Of God, The New Covenant Assembly of Messianic believers otherwise the same as #6 above.

8. Israel:  The Country of Israel, the modern democratic entity including and representing the citizens of the country.

This is not even an exhaustive list and we have listed 8 principle definitions of Israel already! This leads to a lot of confusion as definitions get blurred. For example, people often say "Nation" of Israel when they are actually refering to the "Country" of Israel. This leads to the misconception that the two terms are interchangable. However, that isn't so. The primary definition of a nation, Biblically speaking (Gen 10) is all the descendants of a common ancestor, in this case Jacob/Israel. This definition is not tied to geography or political affiliation. It is based on lineage regardless of where members of the nation may be residing in the world. The "country" of Israel, by contrast, is in a fixed location and is characterized by its government. Therefore the "Nation" of Israel and the "Country" of Israel are two very different things, though somewhat related. Confusing the terms (which we all do) leads to confusion in a wide range of areas, including understanding of Scripture, especially prophecy.

Now we come to the question: where do you personally, as a Messianic believer, fit into Israel?

First, realize that all genuine believers in Messiah, regardless of lineage, are part of the Commonwealth of Israel which includes the covenants, promises, rights, and endowments commonly held by all persons in the Israel of God. The naturalized alien and the natural citizen are equally of Israel. The circumcised, Hebrew-speaking Jewish believer is not one stitch more an Israelite than is the alien who has entered into Israel by virtue of faith in Israel's Messiah! By faith you are now an heir - a son or daughter of the Kingdom of Israel! [could be Israel #9 on our list!].  See  Eph. 2:11-22, Gal 6:16, Lev.24:22

Now let's talk about the Remnant of Israel under Messiah. This term is used by Paul of the Israelites according to the flesh who put faith in Messiah. This was the core of early Messianic believers descended from Israel according to the flesh around whom the entire Israel of God was formed. Revelation speaks of a similar Remnant of Israel in the End Times who are also taken out of the actual Tribes of Israel and around whom the larger multitude of believers are to be gathered.   [Eph 11:1-6, Rev. 7, Acts 15]

The prophets had a lot to say about the Remnant of Israel in the End Times. The Scriptures tell us that the Northern Ten Tribe Kingdom of Israel was deported from the Land by the Assyrians and from there were eventually dispersed throughout the world, mostly losing their sense of Israelite identity, assimilating into the cultures they were dispersed into. Something similar also happened to the Judeans as a result of the Roman wars in the 1st and 2nd century CE. While a core of identifiable Jews has remained through the centuries since then, there have also been many assimilated into other cultures as happened with those of the Ten Tribes.  The result of all of this in our day is that actual descendants of all 12 tribes of the nation of Israel are scattered throughout all the nations of the earth - with most of them not even knowing who they are! All of these scattered Israelites separated from their Land are Israel in exile.

All of these survivors of the scattered nation of Israel can be called the remnant of Israel in the sense that they are what remains of the nation. This is sometimes how the term "remnant of Israel" is used in Scripture.  However, the more relevant meaning of "Remnant of Israel" for our purposes is those believing descendants of scattered Israel who are called of God to rise up in the legacy of Israel to rebuild the Israel of God in the final days. These ones are presently being awakened by the Spirit to their Israelite identity in this generation to be gathered together as an identifiable group which will eventually return to the Land of Israel in another great Exodus - this time, out of all the nations of the world. We are still relatively early in the awakening process so that many who are of this Remnant of Israel may not yet rationally know it. However, within their own spirit they have an inner knowing of this fact about themselves so that they find themselves drawn to all things Hebrew. In time all of them will know who they are according to tribal affiliation and they will join together as one unified nation functioning according to the Scriptural tribal/kingdom government of Israel. When this happens the multitude of true believers now held captive by "Babylon" will "get out of her" Roman-centric religion and will return to the Remnant of Israel as the center of the reconstituted Israel of God  -  as the one, true Kingdom of Israel on planet earth. This will be during the "Great Tribulation." We are not there yet. Right now we are a people in transition - and transitions are always hard.
 
So are you part of the specific Remnant of Israel called to form the end time remnant of the Second Exodus? God knows. My advice would be to keep learning and seeking. In His time He will answer that question for you. Until then you need not feel alienated since, as a believer in Messiah, you ARE a citizen of the Commonwealth of Israel! Here at Tsiyon we are all "on the road" together!

I hope that helps to bring whatever clarity is possible at this point. As you continue on through the messages you will find much of this taught in greater detail. Hang in there - its a process.

Blessings in Messiah,

Eliyahu ben David
www.tsiyon.org   



 

  Thanks Brother!

That actually does help a lot to bring some clarity for me.  I've been "chewing" on this for the last couple of days myself and like you, I started to create a list that defined all the uses of "Israel".  I appreciate your list cause it's much more complete than mine and it helps me to know that I'm not completely lost out here in the "wilderness" of my own thinking. 

I appreciate you taking the time to address this and YES! I will continue on with the messages.  I still have lots to learn. 

In Y'shua's Name and for HIS sake,

SueJean

Shalom v shalom all!

Wow, all these happening while I was away for three weeks!
Very clear explanations, and thank you for the excellent patience shown here, dear brother Eliyahu! This topic would seem confusing to many, but not anymore after all the explanations here. Baruch HaShem Yeshua for such a good teacher. HalleluYah!

Welcome to Tsiyon Community, SueJean, and a few others! We are learning lots here, like who the Tzaddek are and what it means, who Yosev the father of Yeshua is; what son of David means, to name a few topics. 

The remnant would be the called-out, set-apart, sanctified, tried, purified, transformed, glorified overcomers in Yeshua  Adonai! And they will be the ones who shall rise up to meet Yeshua Adonai in the air when HE returns the 2nd time! They would be made up of Jews and grafted-in Gentiles, when there would be no more Jews nor Gentiles/goyim, slave nor free, male nor female! They would have glorified bodies, clothed in YHVH's glory, majesty, honour, beauty, and splendor!!
What motivation to be purified and to overcome! Flesh is pride and vanity, benefits nothing.

But desiring to be Sons of YHVH (yod-hay-vav-hay in Hebrew), the One who was, Who is, and Who is to come= in Hebrew, YHVH=I AM, forever present and eternal! SO beautiful!!

B'Yeshua HaMashiach's love,
Ester.

"My Beloved is mine, and I am His, His banner over me is LOVE"!
Glorious LOVE!!

Shalom dearest sister Jayna!

As SueJean wrote, it is good to seek for answers, especially from a right source. 

Eliyahu is specific in his explanations here. I was just as 'blur' concerning 1. Nation of Yisrael,  2. Country of Yisrael.

What Eliyahu said here :-

" The result of all of this in our day is that actual descendants of all 12 tribes of the nation of Israel are scattered throughout all the nations of the earth - with most of them not even knowing who they are! All of these scattered Israelites separated from their Land are Israel in exile.";
is what we can relate freely with; what most folks are still ignorant of is that there are Indian and Chinese Jews who have never been to Yisrael, are keeping the feasts, and traditions of Jews, and attend synagogues!

We also see the various 'tribes' from Russia, Ethiopia, and Africa, different from Middle-eastern Jews, in skin colour!

Somewhere in the Forum Eliyahu has shared about the missing Tribe of Dan, from the 144,000 sealed in Rev 7; 12X12000=144,000, but there is one tribe missing. Could this be filled with the Gentile believers that make up the Commonwealth of Yisrael? Number 12 is symbolic of the Government of Elohim Yahweh.

Another portion: -
 " However, within their own spirit they have an inner knowing of this fact about themselves so that they find themselves drawn to all things Hebrew."
This is so exciting to me! I was drawn or called to Hebraic roots in the  early 80s, when a little girl, a daughter of a Korean pastor, gave me a worship cassette with proper name of Yeshuah, and Jewish music; one of the songs is -"Let us Exalt His Name forever"!!

The main focus should be on our spiritual growth to be The Bride (in Hebrew kala, also means "it is finished."!); our ultimate vision, to be spotless and without wrinkle as the New Yerusalem coming down from heaven adorned for her Husband! Rev 22.

He that thirst for the living water of life will be freely given to him, and he that overcomes shall inherit the Kingdom, and Yahweh shall be His Elohim, and he shall be His son! Amein!!

Hugs and love b'Messiah Yahshuah,
Ester.

Shalom dearest sister, Jayna,

Found it!  Yes, Ester is the Persian name adopted by Hadassa, when she was taken into the palace (set-apart, from her household, namely her uncle Mordechai).
Ester was the guise to hide her Jewish identity from the Persian king, who was searching for a queen!
Book of Ester (spelt in Hebrew), has become a very special book to me, not simply the namesake, but the exciting hidden truths in it. 

So, Ester symbolically, means the hidden one, or one whom YAHWEH is hiding.
She is 'beautiful, favourable (ratsah-root word of Tirvah, feminine word describing a delight, a pleasure, a delight), a dove, undefiled, the choice one, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, terrible as an army with a standard-a warrior; until the time of revealing who she truly is/will be/meant to be! Song of Songs 6:4, 9 & 10.
The King's chosen one and His beloved Bride!

Can we see the pieces coming together?!!

Before being brought to the Persian king Ahasuerus with all his wealth and splendour,  Ester has to be taught the protocols of the kingdom, went through 12 months (this would be another revelation to you, Jayna!  ) of purification -- six with the oil of myrrh, six with sweet odours!!

And, Ester was the chosen one!

Hadassa is her true Jewish name meaning "myrtle" a tree abundantly found in the Mediteranean regions; has small gorgeous white flowers with leaves that can be used fresh or dried, giving an aromatic, refreshing scent like myrrh, like eucalypt. Taste is very intense, strongly bitter!
Name has been changed to 'basil'; makes a great firewood, transmitting a spicy aromatic taste to any grilled meat. Yum!! Leaves can be sprinkled over glowing coal. Dried berry fruits have been tried as substitute for black pepper! Yum!!

The name Ester chosen by her Uncle Mordechai is prophetic!

Hadassa has depth of meaning-aromatic, spicy (I love spicy dishes), bitter, intense (black pepper), I may have a name change, though most of my close friends, especially Messianics, already address me as Hadassa! Yeay!! 

"Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away." Shir haShirim/Song of Songs 2: 10

Wow, look at this! You've gotten me carried away!
Love and hugs to you in Yahshuah our Beloved,
Ester.

If you are interested in the topic o f the Remnant of Israel--then you are going to want to hear what Eliyahu has to say in the series of programs on the 144,000 of Revelation.   You can find the first program here:  http://tsiyon.org/sunrise_messenger_144000/   and several more following after this one.

Shalom,
Dawn