Explore every episode of the podcast Messiah in Life

The Lord revealed His desire to abide with His people through the fabrication of a humble tent. This tent would be woven together by those whose hearts moved them, and in whom the Spirit would abide. From a distance this tent did not look like much, but when you were drawn in one could behold the glory of the One who dwelled with the children of Israel. In this episode we study the design and meaning of the Menorah, the curtains and coverings. Give a listen!

References: Exodus 25:8; 31-40; John 8:12; Isaiah 11:1-2; Leviticus 24:1-4; Matthew 25:1-13; Exodus 25:9; 26:1-14; 31-37; 27:9-19; Exodus 26:1-14; 29:31; Isaiah 53:2.

In this episode of Messiah in Life we look closely at the foundation of the Tabernacle, the Holy Ark, as well as the Table of Shewbread. In both of these elements we find types that direct us to Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. What does the Ark and the Table teach of about Yeshua, about those in Yeshua, and sharing in His remembrance. Give a listen!

References: Exodus 25:8, 10-22, 23-30; Romans 12:1; 15:16; Ephesians 2:22; 5:26; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Deuteronomy 10:2; 31:25-26; Leviticus 16:15; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 1:20; John 11:25; Luke 1:25; 1 Peter 1:19, 2:22; Leviticus 24:5-9; Numbers 7:14; John 6:29; 1 Corinthians 10:17; Exodus 34:23; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; Luke 1:5-23; John 8:12; Babylonian Talmud, Menachot 29a; Jn. 3:16; 1:1-4, 14: 6:33, 35, 48, 51. 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6.

We do not always recognize it, but the language of the Tabernacle permeates our language of faith. How can we understand the purpose, meaning, and typological importance of a rather nondescript tent in the wilderness some 3500 years ago? Why did the Lord command a dwelling place? How did the people respond? What do these questions teach us about faith in Messiah? Give a listen. 

References: Exodus 25:1-9; Romans 12:1; 15:16; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 2:22; Psalm 77:13; Romans 10:9-10; Exodus 24:7. 

The 11th commandment?! Well, not exactly. How can we sum up the Ten Commandments? Is there a practical way of viewing and applying them in life today? In this episode of Messiah in Life we take a lesson from one of my teachers and look at it through a biblical lens in messianic faith. Give a listen!

References: Luke 10:25-37; Leviticus 19:16, 18, 34; John 15:13. 

The tenth commandment specifically addresses the interior life of humanity. Who or what are we dwelling on? What does that thought produce in us and through us? What sanctity does this command of the Lord guard? Give a listen.

References: Exodus 20:17; Leviticus 19:17-18; Exodus 25:1-2; James 1:13-15; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Proverbs 18:22; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Timothy 3:1; Romans 7:7-12; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Timothy 3:2-4; Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:11. 

The Passover Table stimulates questions for both children and adults. From the simple, "why are we doing this?" To the famous, "when do we eat?” The Seder night is truly a night different from all other nights. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider a small view of the Passover that leads us to understand the opening invitation: "Whoever is hungry, let him and eat!" Give a listen!

References: Exodus 12 and 13. 

How do we sanctify the truth in order to safeguard justice? Is there something more to the ninth commandment than meets the eye? Let us consider the heart and application of this commandment in this episode! 

References: Exodus 20:16; Exodus 23:1-3; Deuteronomy 16:19-20; Deuteronomy 19:15-19; John 14:6; 1 John 1:9-10. 

Does the 8th commandment only speak to theft? The impact of experiencing robbery or theft can last for years. Could this be why the penalty for stealing was so severe? In this episode of Messiah in Life we consider the 8th commandment in light of messianic faith, and draw from a number of sources to unpack the broad and specific meaning of this commandment. 

References: Exodus 20:15; 21:16; 22:1-15; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Psalm 24:1; Philippians 4:19; Psalm 50:10; Matthew 6:19-21. 

Is there a connection between the 6th commandment and the 7th commandment? Or the 5th and the 7th? Why is adultery wrong? Why does the Lord dedicate a command against it? There is, at its heart, a deep connection between marital fidelity and religious fidelity, as the married life is to be a mirror, even an image of the relationship between God and man. Perhaps this is why this sin is spoken against so strongly, and how it forces us to address the inner idols we create in our hearts. Give a listen. 

References: Exodus 20:14; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6; Proverbs 6:32; Matthew 5:27-28; James 1:14-16. 

Two little words in Hebrew can and have been greatly misunderstood. How do we understand this, the sixth commandment? Is it a prohibition about killing or murder? Is there any spiritual or interior meaning to this command that will help restrain an attitude that could lead to violent action against the human other? Give a listen. 

References: Exodus 20:13; Genesis 9:5-6; Matthew 5:21-25. 

Perhaps not as controversial as the fourth commandment, for many it certainly creates more emotional angst. How should we understand this command? Is it absolute? Are there exceptions to the rule? What is the heart of this commandment, and what does it teach us?

References: Exodus 20:12; Matthew 19:19; Ephesians 6:1; Matthew 21:28-30; Ephesians 6:1-3; Matthew 5:17-20. 

In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider the fourth commandment, that of rest. What is the Lord teaching us by rest? Is "shabbat" the proper day of worship? Did the early apostles rebel against this? But most importantly, what do we learn as the redeemed of the Lord from this commandment? Give a listen.

References: Exodus 20:8-11. 

Nestled between a command against idolatry and a command for rest, is a command about the name of the Living God. What is the meaning and purpose of this commandment? Does it have application in our lives today? How does this command motivate our actions, our words and our deeds as we share the Gospel of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus? Give a listen.

Reference: Exodus 20:7. 

In this second episode in our study of the Ten Commandments, we consider the command concerning idolatry. We tend to think of idolatry in one dimension, when we are called to consider the danger of idolatry in every dimension of our lives. Far from being a boring discussion of this subject, we look at the danger of idolatry from a number of different angles in messianic faith. Give a listen. 

For your prayerful consideration, please consider helping this amazing ministry meet some urgent needs, Hearts That Hear: www.heartsthathear.org 

Reference: Exodus 20:3-6

Are the Ten Commandments simply words written on hardened stone speaking to hardened hearts? What is the enduring purpose of this revelation from Sinai? In this new series we will look closely at the heart of these ten words and their voice in today's world directing us to Messiah, while we walk obediently with Him. Give a listen!

References: Exodus 19:17-20:2. 

What happened when the "I Am" spoke on the night of His arrest? The apostle John includes details that we can easily overlook if we read too quickly. Is there a purpose to those details? What does the Lord want us to learn about Him, and our relationship to Him as the I Am? Give a listen.

References: John 18:1-12; Luke 22:42; John 10:4; Ephesians 6:13. 

Echoes from our past can sometimes cause us to stumble, or fall into a snare set by the enemy. Yet, we can learn to walk in the newness of life in Messiah by faith, trusting in our new identity. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider an episode involving a woman, men of authority, stones, and mysterious writing. How do the stones of judgment connect to a white stone promised in Revelation? Give a listen! 

References: John 8:1-11; Jeremiah 17:13; Revelation 2:17. 

Shalom friends, as I have been under the weather this week I decided to look back into the archive and find a message to share. This message on the Torah portion of Shemot/Names is from 2012. In this message we consider the calling, refusal, but ultimately the preparation of Moses for his calling. How does this translate for today? How do we, or how have we disbelieved our calling in Messiah? Finally, how do we walk in this new life that He has graced us with? *Not the best audio, sorry. 

References: Exodus 1:1; 3:1-10; 4:1, 6-8, 10; Luke 17:12-19.  

In this episode of Messiah in Life, we look to the example of a faithful mother to help us understand the enduring faithfulness of our Father in Heaven. "How much more?" Messiah asks, let us consider just one example that helps us to understand just how much the Father loves us! 

References: Matthew 7:7-12; 2 Samuel 21:1-14. 

Sometimes we do not recognize when we have returned to old habits of interpersonal response that are contrary to the life of messianic faith. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we look at an exchange between Messiah and Peter to help us "leave our nets" and freely "follow Him." If you are a minister wrestling with worldly measures of success, or a disciple of Messiah struggling with your old man, give a listen, I believe you will be blessed. 

References: Ephesians 4:17-32; 1 Peter 2:1-5; John 21:18-23; Acts 3:1-6; 4:1, 7; 5:41. 

There is a fascinating exchange that happens between a father and Messiah Yeshua/Jesus regarding the man's son. This exchange speaks to the issue of doubt that comes to light during stressful moments in our lives. How do we keep doubt from hardening our hearts, and actually becoming a springboard to deeper love for and devotion to our Messiah? Give a listen. 

References: Mark 9:17-27; Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:4-6; Matthew 17:20. 

What lesson to we find in a swaddled Child? One laid in a manger, in a temporary dwelling, in the city of David. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we look closely at the imagery of the Nativity, Hanukkah, and strangely enough, the feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles). What enduring message can we take away from this season? Give a listen. 

References: Luke 2:4-7; Psalm 22:1-8; Psalm 27:4-6; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16.

The incarnation and birth of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus often gets caught up in commercialization or theological debate, rather than drawing us into the prophetic promise of His birth. In this episode, we unpack prophetic writing, and textual translation and witnesses to bring forth the hope expressed simply: "for unto us a Child is born; for unto us a Son is given." What do we make of this vulnerable Child born in a manger? Give a listen. 

References: Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7:14; 9:5; Genesis 46:3-4; Acts 20:28.  

There are times in the life of a flock when they stay relatively still, not moving very far if at all. How do we understand these seasons in the life of faith? What is going on when it seems that we are not receiving any direction from the Lord? Give a listen!

References: John 10:1-3; Psalm 37:23-24, 31. 

What does the Bible say about friendship? In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider the meaning and the development of friendship. What it depends on, and where it leads us. The heart of our friendship is in Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. What does He say about friendship, and how do His words inform us for friendship in this age? Give a listen. 

References: John 15:1-19; 1 John 1:3, 7; 4:18; Proverbs 27:6, 9, 17; 18:24; Matthew 11:19; 

Often, as we read the Gospels, we miss some of the language that indicates a deeper cultural significance that we sometimes consider. In this episode of Messiah in Life, we examine the healing of two women and its meaning in our lives today. Why did Yeshua/Jesus says to both women, "Go in peace"? Could there be something we are missing? Give a listen.

References: 

Luke 7:36-50; Luke 8:43-48; Ephesians 2:14. 

A blind beggar sits outside Jericho. He hears about Yeshua, Jesus approaching. He calls out. He is rebuffed by those around him. But then Jesus calls him to come. What does the healing of Bartimaeus teach us about ourselves? What does it reveal about Messiah Yeshua, Jesus? Give a listen. 

References: Mark 10:46-52; Joshua 6:26; Psalm 34:6; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 13:13-14. 

The well known parable of the Prodigal Son is a drama very relatable to most people. The story includes not one, but two dysfunctional sons. The dysfunction of one son is obvious, but what of the other? There are important lessons, not only from the son who left home, but also from the son who stayed home. This parable speaks to more than we often consider. Give a listen. 

References: Luke 15:11-32; Philippians 2:3-11.  

In this episode of Messiah in Life we take a close look at the final feast of in-gathering, the feast of Sukkot, or Tabernacles. What can we learn from this festival? How does it reveal to us the marriage feast of the Lamb, and hope for the nations? 

References: Leviticus 23:33-44; Numbers 29; Micah 4:1-7; Revelation 7:9. 

On the last day of his life, Moses stands and blesses the children of Israel in much the same way that Jacob blessed his sons generations earlier. In this last portion of the Torah cycle, we find an ending without an ending. What is the Lord revealing to us as we consider these final verses of the Torah, and how does this revelation connected to the messianic mission? Give a listen!

References: Deuteronomy 33:1; 33:27; Hebrews 11:13, 16, 26; Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:2-3. 

As we approach the high holiday season, we face a great deal of uncertainty in the world. From economic stress, to wars and rumors of wars. Moses, as he approaches the end of his life sings a song. He does so to mend the past in order to secure the future. What do we learn from these beautiful words of Moses? How do we find comfort from them in these difficult times? Give a listen.

References: Deuteronomy 32:1-52; Roman 8:28-29; 1 John 1:9; Philippians 3:13-14; Zechariah 1:3. 

The opening of this double portion makes a bold statement about the community of faith, acknowledging not only the prominent members of the community, but also the least. Why is this important? Give a listen. The heart of this week's podcast focuses on the one the Lord used to write the Torah: Moses. Why is Moses so important, not only in Judaism, but also Christianity? Not only do his words appear in the New Testament text, but Moses also stands face to face with Yeshua/Jesus. Give a listen, as we consider the man of God called Moses. 

References: Deuteronomy 29:9-15; Deuteronomy 31:1; 34:5; Deut. 34:10; Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 17:1-3.  

Why do we remember moments of cultural or national significance? What of moments and miracles of eternal significance? In this week's Torah portion, the Lord commands Israel to do something unusual when they cross over the Jordan. To what end? Are monuments of remembrance really that important? When Israel crosses a parted body of water for the second time, they realize just how important it is to keep these memories alive for the next generations. Give a listen!

References: Deuteronomy 27:1-8; Joshua 4:1-11. 

Called to be a blessing. Abraham would not only be blessed of the Lord, but he would be a blessing to the nations. In Messiah, Jew and Gentile alike, as seed of Abraham, will also be a blessing. Yet, we cannot move or alter the safeguards set in place by the Lord. There is an ethical and spiritual lesson that we learn from two seemingly unrelated commands found in the Torah. How do these commands work together, and finally, what do they teach us today? Give a listen. 

References: Deuteronomy 22:8; Genesis 12:2; Deuteronomy 19:14; Romans 13:8-14. 

Judges were to judge righteously, officers were to quickly and rightly execute their judgment. Likewise, the prophet of the Lord was to speak righteously, leading the people of God along the way correctly. When His people turned to the right or to the left, the prophet was to redirect them for return. The office of prophet was not an ancient adaption of a "psychic," but one who spoke the Word of God and to the nations for the purposes of consolation. Still, there is One, and only one, who would be like Moses. What do we learn from this promise of God in this week's  Torah portion? Give a listen. 

References: Deuteronomy 18:9-22; 16:18, 20; 18:18; Numbers 23:23; Luke 2:21-35; John 12:49-50. 

The imagery of this portion reminds us of the Shepherding Lord leading His flock to their promised pasture. What does the Psalm 23 teach us about the relationship between Shepherd and sheep, pleasant pastures and overshadowed valleys, spiritual drought and refreshing? This song of David has some deep insight into our nature as sheep, and members of the redeemed household of the Lord. Give a listen. 

References: Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17; Psalm 23:1-6. 

In this portion, Moses reminds Israel of their miraculous provision from heaven, but then stresses, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." This is a statement of not only provision, but also mission. How does this reminder inform us spiritually and supernaturally? Give a listen!

References: Deuteronomy 7:12-13; 8:1-4; Matthew 4:4; 6:25; 6:32-33; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 10:17-18; John 6:26-35; Acts 13:2-3; Philippians 4:10-19. 

Moses continues to speak to the next generations, warning against idolatry, and the continued influence of the "broad way." He recounts the Ten Commandments, and the days leading to their revelation. He then speaks the central statement of biblical faith, the Sh'ma. We take a slightly different turn in this episode, as we consider the underlying text, even the letters themselves to point us to Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. Give a listen. 

References: Deuteronomy 3:23; 6:1-9; Deuteronomy 5; Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 12:8; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:9; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Revelation 3:8, 20; James 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; John 4:22; Revelation 1:9-13, 4:1-3; John 14:6; 

The Book of Deuteronomy opens with the first discourse of Moses. In these opening chapters, Moses reminds the children of Israel where they have come from, their failures, victories, and then encourages them for the days ahead. How does this opening discourse speak to us today? There may be countless starts in the heavens, but they are all set and named by the Lord, Who also redeemed, set and named you. From Deuteronomy and Genesis, to the Psalms, to Isaiah and the Gospels, we follow the pattern of encouragement and direction from the Lord for us today. 

References: Deuteronomy 1:1; 6-14; Genesis 15:5-6; Hebrews 11:11-12; Psalm 147:1-6; Isaiah 40:26-31; Numbers 24:17; Matthew 2:2; Isaiah 43:1-2; 

We find a double portion this week as we conclude the Book of Numbers. After an overview of the content in these portions, we look closely at a fear of Moses concerning the tribes of Reuben and Gad, a fear that manifests after the tribes are settled in the Promised Land. How is a potential civil war avoided? Who stands up and displays the maturity to hear the voice of the opposition? Finally, we do we learn from this, and how can it be applied to life today? Give a listen! 

Torah portion Pinchas opens with the unfolding of the tragic plan of Balaam. Then, in an instant, one who had no position or authority stands and executes judgment upon a shameful act. In this portion we consider two leader, one who was given a leadership position that he was not entitled to, the second was prepared for leadership over many years, yet, he still had to be set in leadership before the eyes of the congregation in order to calm their fears. There is much to unpack in this episode, but in this unpacking, we discover where we fit in the Lord's plan for today. Give a listen!

References: Numbers 25:10 – 30:1; 27:15-17; 27:18-20; Matthew 1:21, 23; John 1:14, 17; Matthew 7:29; Numbers 27:18; 1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 6:2; Mark 6:34; Mark. 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9; Matthew 28:16-20; Matthew 17:1-4; John 5:45-47.

The scheme of Balak: how to destroy the children of Israel? Summon a prophet to curse them! Balaam was a prophet from the nations. The rabbis suggest the Balaam could have revealed the God of Israel to the nations, but he decided to use his prophetic gift for personal gain. What do we learn from Balak's view of Israel? How does this portion speak into our modern lives? We consider this, and much more in this episode of Messiah in Life! Give a listen!

Reference: Numbers 22:1; Matthew 7:1-2. 

The unusual and illogical command of the Red Heifer. Does does this command teach us about messianic faith? And why does so tragic events follow in the text? Is there a connection between the Red Heifer, the death of Miriam, the death of Aaron, and the judgment against Moses? As we will see, this strange command separates one from death into life, but at the expense of another. Give a listen. 

References: Numbers 19:1-2; 20:8-10; Psalm 106:32-33; 2 Cor. 5:21. 

The troubling episode of Korach's rebellion. What was his motivation? To depose Moses? To replace Aaron as high priest? In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider a few rabbinic thoughts, and then connect this rebellion to our own attitudes today. What is the heart of this lesson? Give a listen. 

References: Numbers 16:1-3, 10; 17:10; Psalms 42, 44–49, 84, 85, 87 and 88. Hebrews 13:20-21. 

What happened when the children of Israel stood at the boarder of the Promised Land? They listened to the voices of false witnesses, and by doing so, the exodus generation would slowly die one by one in the wilderness. This is a rather bleak description, but one that encapsulates a devastating moment. There are many parallels that can be made between that generation and our generation; but most importantly, when we behold the promises of God, to what will we listen? Will we enter the promise of milk and honey, or return to hopelessness?  

References: Numbers 14:1-9; 13:1-2; Proverbs 18:21; Exodus 3:8, 17; 13:5; 33:3; Deuteronomy 11:9; 26:9: 26:15; 27:3; 31:20; Jeremiah 11:5; 32:22; Ezekiel 20:6, 15; Romans 8:28; Psalm 34:8; 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Why is Aaron told to "kindle the lights" of the Menorah between the princely dedicatory offering and the dedication of the Levites? Is there a lesson that we can learn from this while we serve the Lord today? Certainly. Give a listen. 

References: Numbers 8:1-4; 9:5-13. 

What are some of the many ways the Lord "raises us" up in service to Him? The portion of Nasso, meaning count or lift up, identifies several ways that the Lord lifts us up in the life of faith. From being counted in a census, to being blessed by the High Priest, we are encouraged to consider all the ways the Lord lifts us up as He is doing the work of sanctification in our lives. Give a listen.

References: Numbers 4:21; 6:22-27; Luke 24:50-51. 

The Lord commands Aaron and Moses to count the children of Israel in the wilderness in a beautiful and profound way. What does this mean for us today? How does the opening of the book of Numbers minister to our life of faith in this era? There is an encouraging and meaningful message from this opening portion of Numbers, give a listen! 

References: Numbers 1:1-4; John 15:16; Hosea 2:14-16. 

In this last portion of the Book of Leviticus, we closely consider the blessing of rain. If it is the first of blessings listed for obedience, why does rain fall on the just and the unjust? Is there a lesson here for us in messianic faith to learn? Certainly, give a listen! 

References: Leviticus 26:3-13; Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 5:12; Romans 8:18. 

Before speaking of the Year of Release (Shemittah) and the Year of Jubilee, the Torah records that the Lord spoke these words to him upon Mt. Sinai, why? Is there a connection between the point of revelation and command, and their fulfillment? What can we learn from these two patterns of years in messianic faith? What is the heart of what the Lord is revealing? Give a listen. 

References: Leviticus 25:1-2; Deuteronomy 15:1-4; Leviticus 25:10, 12, 20- 23;  Romans 7:14b-15; John 8:36.