Is A Gift A Talent or Is A Talent A Gift??

mincha or minchah is

GIFT

in Hebrew

מתנה

the letters:

hey chet nun mem

Strong’s Hebrew: 4503.

מִנְחָה

minchah —

a gift, tribute …

gift, oblation, meat offering, present, sacrifice. 

From an unused root meaning to apportion,

i.e. Bestow; 

 gift – מַתָּנָה

Today in Hebrew, this is the most common word for a gift. It is exactly the same word that was used in both in the Old and the New Testaments.

The root of this word is

na•tan,

gave, gift

spelled with the letters:

noon, tav, and noon.

this is actually the name Nathan.

In Hebrew, a gift, can also mean

כִּשָּׁרוֹן 

kisharón. 

This refers to someone who is gifted, or has a special talent or ability.

In modern Hebrew, there are two different words for

gift:

מתנה. Matana

שי  Shai

Generally a gift would be

matana מתנה

in Hebrew however lesser used synonyms are:

shay שי and doron דורון

and are often used as names alongside

מתן to signify someone being a gift to the world or life.

In modern Hebrew the most common word would be

מַתָנָה  pronounced ma-ta-nah 

and also meaning:

present, offering, donation, largess, or a bribe, depending on the context and the intention you are using the word with.

There are at least a dozen other words in Hebrew with the same meaning of: a thing given willingly to someone, without payment or retribution or as a gratuity.

מתנה; MATANA 

is used if it refers to the thing you give people

e.g. on their birthday.

כישרון; KISHARON –

if it refers to a special talent.

Strong’s Hebrew: 3604. כַּכְּרִין

kikkar — a talent

kikkar: a talent

(a measure of weight or money)

noun כִּשָׁרוֹן. 

aptitude, competence, capability, gift, ability.

noun כִּשָׁרוֹנוֹת.

Matthew 25:14-30

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

This parable has more than one message within it and all have relevance to our life and times.

First it’s a warning, telling us to stay alert, because we do not know the day nor the hour of His return. Then He likens it to the situation described in the parable:

“Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. – Matthew 25:13 (NKJV)

So the foundation of the parable of the talents really begins with verse 13. That’s why this parable is one of preparedness – because eventually, Yeshua/Jesus is coming back and sooner than most realize or want Him to!

 In the Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus/Yeshua again used a story to encourage His followers to be ready for His return at all times.

“Be on the alert,”

He said,

“for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” Matthew 24:42.

In the parable, He describes a man who goes on a journey, entrusting his servants with his wealth and possessions in his absence.

The man traveling is Yeshua/Jesus and we are the servants.

From this understanding, let’s look at the various meanings people have pointed out.

First the talents referred to here are coins, money.

In the chart above we see that a talent or mina is worth a lot of money!

We often picture it as a few coins; as in the picture below:

This is an incorrect image and alters our visual understanding of what Yeshua /Jesus was trying to illustrate.

Just one talent could be valued at around

$400,000 in today’s U.S.dollars!

Or approx.. 300,000 UK pounds or Euros.

1 drachma = 1 days wages

1 mena = 100 drachma which = 100 days wages

60 minas = 1 talent which was = to about 19 years wages!!

So it would have been according to that which was given of

5, 2 and 1 talents.

5x 400,000 = 2,000,0000  

2x 400,000 = 800,000 and 1 = 400,000

This could not have been put in a little bag under a stone!

It also says how much the Lord values us and how much He values what He gives us. More than most people will see in a lifetime.

However it is not really talking about money.

More importantly, it is talking about:

stewardship,

responsibility,

obedience

and preparedness.

Looking at this parable, it really is one of self-examination; and a good one to meditate on during the season prior to Shavuot/Pentecost.

We often say of someone they are very talented or they have talent! This does not mean money it means they have an ability or are gifted in some area either musically, artistically, creatively, usually in regard to making something that others admire. Many times it is above what is considered the normal or average ability.

So we interchange the word

gift for talent

and don’t think of it as money or currency.

Here it may surprise us to discover that this parable may have nothing to do with natural gifts and abilities

but what rather relates to

THE GIFT of His Holy Spirit.

Mincha Ruach HaKo’desh

Here we must point out that the Hebrew reads

רוח הקודש

ruach hako’desh

the spirit of the holy one

also transliterated

ruacḥ ha-qodesh and 

literally spirit of holiness/holy spirit

YHWH – hwhy (Yahoveh)’s Spirit.

His Spirit of Holiness is Jesus/Yeshua

because He said in John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. John 14:18

His spirit of Holiness is not an it or a thing and it seems strange that we always seem to refer to Him as ‘the’? when it should be His Holy Sprit, or, Gods’/Fathers’ Holy Spirit or Yeshua/Jesus’Spirit of Holiness. We lessen the purity and reverence that is due to the essence of our Heavenly Fathers presence.

He is with us always even to the end of the age.

He is the same Spirit of Holiness that created the universe and hovered/ brooded over the face of the deep. We need a fresh and deeper revelation of the gift/mincha we have been given. His power has been given in a measure that will not harm or destroy us but will enable us to walk as Yeshua walked while on this earth.

Every power source needs a stable container, uncontaminated with certain parameters to maintain its correct operation and function. This is why we are to be cleansed, purified and prepared; the very essence of the OMER and a special reason they were to count the OMER that particular year. 50 days to Pentecost/Shavuot and the time of receiving the promise; His impartation and the promise of His being with us always. Literally living, residing, within us.

A portion of the kingdom of the heavens – the gift/mincha of eternal life; followed by the flowing out in physical manifestation of: preaching the good news of the kingdom of the heavens, healings and casting out unclean spirits raising the dead, performing miracles and working the works of Jesus/Yeshua.

It is the Father doing the works through us, just the same as through Jesus/ Yeshua. Heal the sick, the lame, give sight to the blind, cleanse the lepers set the captives free.

We know that Shavuot/Pentecost is the time of the

giving of His gift/mincha,

of His Spirit of Holiness.

It is important that we must never measure our spiritual capacity on the basis of our education or intellect; but rather our capacity in spiritual things is measured on the basis of the promises of God.

2 Cor. 1:20

All the promises of God in Him are yes and in Him Amen.

If we receive less than God wants for us to have, we are in danger of falsely accusing Him; just as the servant in the parable did because he did not know his master.

The giver of the gift.

Which in essence, still belonged to the master who received it back upon his return.

So that puts another angle on it also. Was the servant was saying:  You expect more of me than you equipped me or gave me the power to do. Your demands are too much on me my time and my life and I cant do what you want me to in what you have chosen for me??!

Here’s your talent back….

We need to remember that when it’s a question of our Fathers Spirit, we never say, I Cant; that is simply turning the responsibility on ourselves and we are to be dead to self. If we are still trying to figure out everything and organize our time and schedule our lives, we are not submitted to His spirit working in us. We are still in control and we must never allow the limitations of our own natural ability to enter into any given situation. If we received His Spirit of Holiness He expects the work of His Spirit to be exhibited in us just as He did with Jesus/Yeshua.

In the parable the servant justified himself and at the same time was condemning his lord /master on every point; as if to say, your demand on me is way out of proportion to what you gave me.

Have we been falsely accusing God? By daring to worry after what He has promised in Matt 6:33?   Worrying means exactly what was implied by the servant.

I know your intent to leave me alone and vulnerable.

We must be careful to remember that our lives will only reflect that which is from within and that our capacity and capability in spiritual matters is measured by, and based on the the promises of God who alone is able to fulfill them.

Do we believe that?

Our answer to that question will depend on whether or not we have received His Mincha/His Spirit of Holiness.

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift.

First He came in the flesh and now is present with us always.

 If we are still only come as far as asking God for things, we have never come to the point of understanding the least bit of what surrender really means; and we have instead become a Christian based on our own terms. Jer. 45:5.

As we continue to count through the days from the Omer lets surrender all, and prepare ourselves to receive afresh His Mincha the gift of His Spirit of Holiness; and re evaluate what the parable of the talents is saying to us. The lateness of the hour is evident and to whom much is given much is required and we have ALL been given the gift of the measure of faith.

Another view of The Parable of the Talents is, that Yeshua/Jesus uses it to help us understand our calling as Christians and our responsibility to use what God has given us to bring Him glory and honor! We can only do that when we invest our time, talents and treasure into His Kingdom and not one of our own making, based on us and making a life for ourselves!

We have the most valuable gift/mincha of all,

the Word of God and the

saving Gospel

of Jesus Christ/Yeshua haMashiach.

Reading the verses it’s also clearly a HEAVEN and HELL parable! The servants who used their talents entered into heaven,

“the joy of the Lord”.

The servant who didn’t use his talent was cast into hell.

Some say the only thing the talents could represent is – saving faith!

That view says that salvation, which is entering the Kingdom, is only by grace though faith. It is a gift from God. Everyone is given the opportunity to have faith.

It is up to us what we do with it.

Do we use it

or

do we bury it?

Are those who put their talents to work are simply those who have genuine faith? “Faith without corresponding actions is dead” i.e. not genuine.

These servants would seem to represent the Jewish “sinners” of Messiah’s day, and the humble poor, who were believing in the grace of God and receiving Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah.

Will they enter into the Kingdom?

Are they are the good and faithful servants simply because they have faith?

The lazy servant represents the self righteous religious people of His day and the prideful rich. This wicked servant buried his talent, hid his faith, because he didn’t believe in the goodness and grace of God. Instead he believed that God was a hard task master who demands we give to Him and also what we are not able to give. This is a mindset of law based thinking, which Yeshua/Jesus came to correct. This evil unbelieving servant represents those who trust in their works or their riches to save them, Pharisees’ rules and laws, those who ultimately reject Messiah and God’s grace.

The parable is given to contrast:

faith vs works,

grace vs law,

the gift of righteousness vs self righteousness

and humility vs pride.

The talents were given according to ability, 5, 2 and 1.

Remembering what a talent is = to in todays money.

It is all referring to that which God knew He had imparted into them and what they were able to do.

Its also about obedience.

Using our talents for the kingdom of the heavens, not for our own success fame and fortune. It’s a test of our allegiance and to whom we are in submitted. If we are truly dead to self then we have no goal, no personal agenda other than to serve our Father in His Kingdom; no vision other than the heavenly one.

We need to stop making excuses and go, make disciples!

Just as He told us to.

We are all too often working the wrong works.

Ultimately is wasn’t about the amount given or the ability to use it, it was about –

did they use it?

Did they use their faith or did they bury it?

Did they believe in the goodness of their master or did they believe wrongly about him?

Those who receive the grace of God by faith, will enter into the Kingdom and receive grace upon grace, those who reject His grace through unbelief will have everything taken away from them and will be cast into outer darkness.

Jesus/Yeshua uses a number of parables to communicate essential principles about His return.

We have seen that a talent in the first-century was a unit of currency and 1 talent represented a large sum of money. A lot of older translations used to use the word talent, so the parable came to be known as The Parable of the Talents. The value of the money entrusted to the servants isn’t that important. Obviously the master was extremely rich and was entrusting a tremendous amount to them.

In the beginning, we see the master making the disciples responsible for managing a portion of his estate. Even though the servants are given different sums to take care of, it all still belongs to the master. They’re merely administrators who will answer for how they invested the master’s belongings.

This fact reinforces the principle of stewardship.

As believers, we are all given resources according to our skills and abilities, but those resources ultimately belong to God. We will eventually answer for how we invest and reminding us that we really own nothing it is on loan to us from the Father.

When the master returns and hears the reports of the first two servants, he’s pleased.

His response is to invite them to share in his happiness.

This seems a strange suggestion…

why?

In place of only the wrath of God that people associate with His judgment, Jesus/Yeshua shows that upon His return, the faithful will be entering into His happiness and will experience His joy. He made a similar statement in

Luke 12:32. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

            The unfaithful servant who doesn’t give the master a return on his investment is thrown out where he will never experience the master’s happiness.

When the unfaithful servant returns the exact amount he received, the master is infuriated. Where is the return on the servant’s investment? To excuse himself, the servant reveals to the master that he was scared. Knowing the master to be a merciless boss, he was afraid to invest and lose the master’s money. This is the reason he just buried it in the yard.

The master responds in anger. Is he saying that if that servant were truly afraid of him, he would have responded differently, and would have done anything to have something to offer?

Too often we allow our misunderstood views about God to justify or excuse poor stewardship or disobedience.

As servants of Messiah/Christ, we are called to be productive. All of our health, money, time, and abilities have come from Him, and we are tasked with putting them to use to benefit the kingdom. A time is coming when the Master will return to settle accounts, and then it will be too late.

It’s not enough to say, I didn’t waste what you gave me, Lord. We want to demonstrate how we have used the gifts and abilities we have been given to benefit the kingdom. God desires that we be those who step out in faith, who share His commitment. That’s how we’ll enter into the happiness of the Master.

Consider what Yeshua/Jesus said in Matt. 25:14-15.

A man traveled to a far country, called his own servants, delivered his goods to them, and immediately went on a journey.

We must see the parallels….Yeshua/Jesus came to earth, called His disciples, entrusted them with the message of the gospel, and departed when He ascended back to heaven, and

Matthew 25;19 completes this picture.

After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (NKJV)

This verse is a reminder that not only did Messiah leave this earth, but one day He will come back and we will have to give account. This is one of the most important points.

The parable of the talents is a reminder that Jesus/Yeshua is coming back and we have some work to do. 

While we are still counting from Omer, below are some things to prayerfully consider.

One of the phrases we read this story is

to each according to his own ability;

leading to simple questions:

What is our role in the kingdom,

what has God given us to do?

and what is His expectation of us?

Remember, He began the parable by saying

the kingdom of heaven is like.

God has given each of us a responsibility, according to our abilities. So often we leave the work of preaching the gospel and making disciples to those who are called to do it. 

The reality is that calling is for all of us.

Some may have more responsibility if God has called them to do that in a full-time capacity, but we are all called to this purpose. These are the talents/goods God has delivered to each of us.

It does not matter if God has positioned us to do this full-time or not, it is critical to recognize what God has given each of us as individuals. The message of the gospel, which is the talents/goods/gifts are alive in us if we know Yeshua/Jesus as our Savior.

What has God given us?

The responsibility, applies to everyone,

and now that we are aware of it we are accountable, so we must ask ourselves,

what are we doing with it?

Looking at this in a very practical way; recall one had 5 talents, one had 2 talents, and one had 1 talent. We need to see that our mindset needs an adjustment and understand that in Gods eyes, everyone is in full-time ministry. The difference is what is the primary focus of our ministry.

It could be described as this:

Some people’s ministry is only focused on the gospel and disciples all the time (5 talents). Some people work full-time outside of a church or ministry setting and may volunteer to serve in church. For this person the majority of their ministry happens in their jobs and communities (2 talents or 1 talent). So being a teacher, business person, an accountant (or whatever your occupation) is really full-time ministry.

The difference is that the primary focus of an individuals ministry is not just preaching the gospel; but it is still ministry. In the course of working, we can shine His light and share the truth of the gospel when the opportunities arise.

The bottom line is we may not be able to do as much as someone with 5 talents, but we still can and should contribute with the talents God has given us.

To whom much given much is required.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48).

Again reminding us that we are not alone in the quest for doing good and that we have to be responsible in using His gifts.

One of the most important thing to remember from this parable of the talents, is the suddenness of the master’s return.

This takes us back to Matt. 25;19 

After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (NKJV)

There are two points of emphasis here:

First, the master (Yeshua/Jesus) will return one day,

and second,

we will have to give account.

The master didn’t announce his coming, he just came back after a long time!!

It will be the same with Yeshua/Jesus.

After a while, He will come back.

The question is,

are we ready for His return?

Another way of looking at it is—what would we want to be found doing when Messiah returns? Hopefully, the answer is to be taking what He has entrusted us with and sharing it with those around us. After all, this is the only way possible He can get a return on what He has entrusted you with.

Are we ready for His return?

Why is this a recurring theme in the posts? Because it is the message coming from His Spirit of Holiness at this hour, and the hour is very, very late……

When we read the whole story, there were two different responses given to the servants. Two of them heard well done and one heard you wicked, lazy servant. That is why it is so important to focus on what we do with the task/responsibility God has given us and not the amount of responsibility God has given us.

The point made in this situation is the servant with the smallest amount of responsibility was the one who was declared wicked and lazy. This confirms that it is not how much God has given us but what are we doing with it. In other words, there are no excuses.

This is a challenging word, but it is part of the calling and what Yeshua/Jesus has entrusted us to do. What God has given us is real and very valuable and we have a responsibility to share it, even if all we have is 1 talent. That can make a very big difference in the kingdom of God, and it can also make a difference in what God will say to us on that day.

What will Yesua/Jesus say to us on that day and

where do we go from here?

Each reader be encouraged to consider what God has entrusted and placed in us. Consider what He is asking us to do. Remember everyone is not going to be full-time (5 talents). Most of us will only have 2 talents or 1 talent.

Whatever God has asked us to do, we are to work at it with all our might, being the best we can be and doing all we can for the kingdom of God. 

Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength. Ecc. 9:10

Gifts can be talents placed within us, given by our Father to use for and in furthering His Kingdom; talents are also gifts/goods that we are entrusted with, to put to His use and increase their volume; so we can present them to Him upon His return and show that we have been good stewards.

Paul makes it clear that faithfulness in that calling was not an option; it was a requirement.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Let a man so consider us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

1Peter 4:10

There’s a purpose why God has given us what we have right now. Let’s not waste what God has given us. Make sure we do our best to increase what God has given us. As good stewards, we have the responsibility to manage and handle our resources so we can earn an increase.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Cor. 15:58

Family, His truth is what we need in this hour and not having our ears tickled… like the people said in Isaiah 30:10

who tell the seers, “Don’t see!” and to the prophets, “Don’t prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.

Oh prophesy to us of pleasant things

…they did not want to hear the voice of their Lord through His prophets …He was calling them telling them to repent/teshuvah, to turn back to Him and His ways ..He is speaking the same today; and above all let us be found faithful doing that which we have been called to do.

Days are quickly coming when an unshakable faith in the Way the Truth and The Life is going to be critical. We must not be moved by what we see or hear, but stand fast in who and what we know.. He will strengthen our hearts…

 

The kingdom of the heavens is this parable, and it exists right this moment, each minute of the day we have a choice to use our gifts wisely; to go forward into growth and maturity, or retreat back to safety.

Just what is it we are supposed to do with these talents?

We are to serve with all our hearts and then we will experience the true joy of the Lord that always accompanies the blossoming and thriving of life/chaim. Let us us not fail to use our gifts/mincha by burying and hiding them….

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:6-9

Seek the Lord while He may be found don’t wait one more day…today is the day of salvation.

The greatest mincha was and is Himself – Jesus/Yeshua

John 3:16

God GAVE

and salvation is

His GIFT/mincha

to us.

“God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

Are you sure of your salvation? 

May His true Shalom/Peace

rest upon each one in Jesus/Yeshuas’ Name.

‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa Mish-pa-KHa

you are greatly loved and prayed for daily..

NOT SURE? YOU CAN BE..

please make certain you are secure in the knowledge that you are saved….

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past. I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.

Purim -Esther – Faithful Unto Death If Necessary

Being faithful means

to be true to one’s word or promises,

be steady in allegiance,

and be consistent with the truth.

A faithful person is loyal, reliable,

trustworthy, and believable.

From a Spiritual perspective, 

faithful means to literally be

full of faith.

אֵמֻן

 ‘faithfulness,’ ‘che•sed.’

is

the 7th fruit of

His Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh

e•mu•na’

appears 25 times in the Old Testament/TaNaK,

it is written 158 times in the New Testament/Brit Chadashah.

נאמנות

Today is the Hebrew/Jewish holiday of

Purim

פורים

Lots

it lasts 2 days,

starting at sunset last night.

Also called

mikra’ei kodesh

מִקְרָאֵי קדֶשׁ,

‘times in which holiness is proclaimed’.

Lev. 23:2;

the Spring season of

Appointed Times of the Lord/Moedim

are initiated this week with Purim.

Recorded in the Book of Esther is

the victory over Haman’s evil plot

in which he tried to destroy the Jews.

This plan was thwarted by Queen Esther

and continues to be celebrated even today. 

26 So they called these days Purim, after the name [a]Pur.

Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, 27 the Jews established and imposed it upon themselves and their descendants and all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants.

Esther 29:26-28

The remembrance of Purim is a precursor to the 7 that follow on the Hebrew Calendar.

Purim commemorates the selfless action of woman chosen for a specific time and purpose.

Purim is always 30 days before Passover/Pesach.

Giving those that follow this calendar

a heads-up,

a marker,

for those with eyes to see

and ears to hear,

of what is about to begin!

Esther was required to spend 12 months

in careful detailed preparation for one purpose…

and that was to be found

acceptable in the Kings sight.

All this?

Just to be found appealing to the King?

That required great humility and obedience,

a commitment

to a long and intense

process of purification –

in the same

way we are to make ourselves ready for

our King.

Mashiach Yeshua/Jesus.

There is work He does in us

and work we do ourselves.

He is coming for an ecclesia

without spot or wrinkle

that He will present to Himself!

in order to present the

church/ecclesia/called apart ones,

to himself in all its beauty–

pure and faultless,

without spot or wrinkle

or any other imperfection.

Ephesians 5:27

He that findeth his life shall lose it:

and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 10:39

His words to us are:

to love not our lives unto death;

and not to try and save them ourselves;

but to

look unto Him

the author and finisher

of our

faith-fullness.

Hebrews 12:2

Many aspects of this story are included in:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/double-take-and-casting-lots/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/who-was-hadassah/

Mystery of a Pur, a Secret Name and a Miracle. 

 

https://www.minimannamoments.com/if-i-perish-i-perish-remembering-purim.

More at:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/what-has-a-flower-got-to-do-with-a-servant-heart-salvation-and-a-bridegroom/

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-servant-heart-of-hadassah-and-yeshua/

Happy Purim!

Shalom, shalom, mishpachah!

You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.

Fear not,

simply rest in Him

and be comforted,

God is WORKING!

All things are in His hands and

nothing happens that He has not allowed

in His plans and purposes;

both those that did commendable things

like Mordecai and Esther

and those that did evil as did Haman and his family.

Stay alert, prepared and be ready!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the posts and for all your kind and encouraging comments.

The connection to FB is not working at this time, hopefully it will be restored soon.  

Please continue to share with others, like and subscribe for notifications of new postings.  It all helps to freely spread the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth and reaches others with the blessing of His Truths that always point us to Our Heavenly Father, Through Jesus/Yeshua by the power of His Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh.

Share His comfort

to those going through times

of testing and trouble…

be an encourager of hearts

and tell them

GOD IS WORKING

behind the scenes! 

As always, a very warm welcome to each and every subscriber/follower/visitor, both old and new; and remember that the post is best viewed on the Homepage site in full color!

Please don’t leave this page

without the knowing in your heart

you are totally His.

You are greatly loved

and

precious in His sight.

Its all about Life and Relationship, not Religion.

NOT SURE? YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures of Faithfulness – The Quality and Seal of a True Talmidim

Faithful Disciples

aman talmidim

   אֵמֻן   תלמידם 

Faithfulness

the seal/trademark/quality/characteristic/hallmark

of a talmidim

can we say amen to that?

Remember Hebrew reads from right to left.

This characteristic is one of the most important traits that a follower of Jesus/Yeshua can have. Sadly, it was one of the things that the children of Israel constantly failed at because they kept turning away from The Lord to other gods/idols and because of the marriage covenant made at Sinai, their lifestyle became the same as a spouse committing adultery, breaking vows and being unfaithful.

Shavuot/Pentecost is the Appointed Time of Remembering that wonderful promise of the Father as He made the children of Israel His Bride, betrothing Himself to them and the giving of Torah.

For more of  Shavuot /Pentecost click links below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/2-x-3000-a-marriage-made-in-heaven/ 

https://www.minimannamoments.com/50-days-later-an-earthly-and-spiritual-harvest-pentecost-shavuot/

When people assign the attribute of faithfulness to others it is a positive and encouraging one.

In Prov. 22:1 we are told that to be known as a person of integrity is worth more than silver or gold.

A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches; And favor is better than silver and gold. AMPC

“They [the words of God] are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold” (Psalm 19:10).

As we are to seek a good name instead of riches, so we are also to seek loving favor over riches. There is no better way to garner loving favor than to have a good name and people will love and gravitate towards us for having integrity and being faithful.

Scripture firmly establishes the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

1Thess. 5:24. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

 1 Corinthians 1:9. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

Psalms 119:90  Your faithfulness endures to all generations;  you have established the earth, and it stands fast. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Chronicles 34:12 faithful workers.

It is interesting to note God does not use this term liberally in the scriptures or say people are faithful too often, it is reserved for only a few. Because of this we must understand it is very highly valued in His eyes and as such, is no doubt the reason why He was so upset with the children of Israel/His people when they kept going astray and being unfaithful to Him.

To be proclaimed a faithful servant by the King of the Universe Melekh HaOlam, is almost beyond words let alone our understanding;

so much so, that we need to take more than a quick glance at the statement.

Numbers 12:7
My servant Moses is not so, who is FAITHFUL in all mine house.

Moses is one of the few and of course Jesus/Yeshua, who He is both pleased with and Yeshua/Jesus is also called a prophet like unto Moses.

Deuteronomy 18:15
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

There is a principle applied to the interpretation of the Scriptures that is called the Law of First Mention.

This term means the literal first mention of a word, theme, teaching, topic or doctrine, will then always connect it to the mind of the Lord in any future mention of the same theme, topic or word.

In Scripture, where there is the first mention of a word, it takes on special significance as it discloses God’s initial and primary intended meaning/focus of that theme and therefore it needs to be considered as a primary/1st witness whenever the word occurs elsewhere in the text.

Here there is another first mention concerning one who is to come. It is called a type or a shadow, of which there are many in the old testament scriptures.

Paul echoed this prophetic statement confirming its fulfillment in Hebrews 3:1-5:

 

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

 And also in

Acts 3:22
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

As we read again the first mention of the Hebrew word Faithful we know that over the millennia meanings of words change and also take on other attributes. To find out what Yahweh (or Yehoveh/ YHWH/ YHVH), means we can look at some of the earliest recorded script available, pictographs, to see if maybe there are details hidden in the pictures and meanings for the letters of the word. 

The first point to aid in understanding this hidden meaning is to recall that Moses was a shadow/type of the coming Messiah as recorded in the prophetic text of

Deuteronomy 18:15
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

When we follow these scripture verses, like the bread crumbs of His manna, (provision to eat and stay alive and thrive), through the scriptures, we will always find they lead us to the Messiah,

THE Bread of Life.

Messiah who said He was the Bread which came down from Heaven the Bread of Life/Chaim. Just as in the wilderness, for Moses and the Israelites, the manna came down from heaven (provision to eat and stay alive and thrive),

Jesus the Messiah/Yeshua Ha-Mashiach is hidden right in front of our eyes in the concepts of the pictographs for the three letters Aleph, Mem and Noon that make up the Hebrew word which is translated as FAITHFUL in both English and Hebrew.

AMN

אֵמֻן  noun [masculine] trusting, faithfulness

faithful, truth 

Alef Mem Nun

From ‘aman; established, i.e. (figuratively) trusty; also (abstractly) trustworthiness — faith(-ful), truth. 

see HEBREW ‘aman

  1. aman

aman: to confirm, support

: אָמַן
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: aman
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-man’)
Definition: to confirm, support

אֵמוּן

emun: faithfulness

Transliteration: emun
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-moon’)

Strongs 529

Some DEFINITIONS:

The Word ‘Faith’ In Hebrew:

emuwn – trustworthiness; faithful.

emuwnah- honesty; truth; faithfulness; firmness; official obligation.

The first time this word is used in the text is found in Exodus 17:12: “But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side.

In the New Testament the adjective “faithful” is a derivative of the Greek noun meaning “faith.” Here we get the translation “faithful” as a natural derivative of faith. Once again the fundamental meaning is that the one so described is trustworthy and loyal. The root idea is that one has fidelity toward another person or toward God.

The Hebrew root word for faithful includes the idea of confirmation or proof. God always proves to be reliable when it comes to His relationship with us. The Bible verse in which this name of God appears links the name to God’s covenant reliability.

The meaning is trusty or reliable. The only two other occasions it appears in the Hebrew it is rendered faith or truth. A noun derived from ‘âman that occurs three times rendered faithful is ‘ĕmûnâh (H530).

The Hebrew word for faith is אמונה (emunah – Strong’s #530) and is an action oriented word meaning “support”. This is important because the Western concept of faith places the action on the one you have faith in, such as “faith in God”. But, the Hebrew word אמונה places the action on the one who “supports God”.

FAITHFUL – אֵמֻן – AMN

The Pictographs

We know from previous posts that the letters and their pictures have several meanings and we are told in

Prov 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

אֵמֻן

Alef/Aleph – Mem – Nun/Noon

Various meanings of Alef/Aleph

Strong Leader – Leading – Strength – Aloof – Separate
Gentle – Head of the Family – First – The Beginning
God the Father – OX and

based on past word studies, we’re already aware that we are dealing with the ideal meaning of the letter. Because the context of the verse is about Faithfulness it is fairly clear that God the Father is the ideal picture of Faithfulness.

 

Mem

Various Meanings of Mem

Liquid- Waters – like a Tsunami Chaotic and Destructive Seas & Massive Ocean Waves

coming down like Rain as Life giving Water

a brook or stream of refreshing Waters  

Waters which make Deserts bloom

The Living Water as the Word of God that brings Life

Removing some of the possible meanings, which seem obvious from the context of the scripture that they do not refer to a Tsunami, Flood Waters nor Chaos or Confusion.

The reference sounds like it’s about Moses but recall that Moses is just a shadow of the individual really being alluded to.

 

NUN/NOON

seed – life – continuity.

Taking a fresh look in John 6:26 where there is an account recorded in Jesus/Yeshua’s ministry, it’s one we all know well; the feeding of 5000 with 2 loaves and 5 fish!

Note the pictograph!

And then read what He said the very next day to that very same group of people.

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

The Messianic significance of Manna doesn’t need any clarification.

Then immediately after miraculously feeding 5000 men, (women and children numbers not included!) the same unbelieving Jews that had partaken of the miraculous feast, surrounded Messiah in order to ask Him this ..

What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

Showing they had no comprehension whatsoever. They did not understand that Jesus/Yeshua was speaking of spiritual matters and it was an invitation to all who heard to enter into a relationship with Him that would result in eternal life. Sadly all they were looking for was unlimited free-meals. 

This is when Jesus/Yeshua makes the connection between the true Manna that comes from heaven and Himself.

John 6:35-36

 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

Why did He use the word manna to refer to himself?

the meaning of the Hebrew word Manna, 

 Usually we hear it said that manna translates as “WHAT IS IT?”

We spell or write it as Manna. 

The Hebrew letters used are MN – Mem and Nun once again the meanings are the fish, seed, life and water.

Pictorial Meaning of Manna

Mem

The Living Word of God
That comes down from Heaven
Like the rain

Exodus 16: 13b -14

And in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

Noon

LIFE

Jesus/Yeshua The Living Word of God
That comes down from Heaven
Like the rain…

to reverse the curse of sin and death

and bring Eternal Life!

John 6:32b
I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

There seems to be a the direct connection between Manna, the bread that came down from heaven, and the last two letters in the Hebrew word Faithful because the last two letters in the word Faithful are the two letters Mem Noon, the word for Manna.

Looking carefully at the words He said to them

recorded in John 6:32 and add in the hebrew letters alef mem nun

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my

Father

giveth you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven

and giveth life  unto the world.

Here is the meaning to the hidden puzzle we are meant to find when we read the first mention of Faithful.

John 6:35
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

The Manna that first descended from Heaven to earth was given a name with specific letters that would eventually open the door/dalet of understanding, revealing/apocalypse of a mystery. 

The One who came from Heaven has many names and He IS The true Manna.  Messiah, the Anointed One, Emmanuel, The Sinless, Spotless Lamb of God, also called Faithful and True in

Revelation 19:11a
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True,

Another fact that cannot be ignored is in Revelation 3:14
Messiah’s Name is also AMEN

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the AMEN, the FAITHFUL and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

the Hebrew word Amen is also spelled

AMN – Alef mem Nun

Recall this first use of the Hebrew word Faithful had the shadow of another One who was even more faithful than Moses in view. The One to come

in Deuteronomy 18:15 Moses says prophetically that God is going to raise up another prophet who is greater than himself who the children of Israel should listen to:

Deuteronomy 18:15
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

Shadow is revealed by Apostle Paul to be Yeshua Ha-Maschiach

Then in Hebrews 3:1-5. Paul tells us who that Prophet is none other than Jesus the Christ /Yeshua Ha-Mashiach.

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

In John 6:32 He reveals what the word faithful truly means and we can insert the Hebrew letters here too.

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my

Father  

giveth you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from

heaven

and giveth life  unto the world.

So the sum of this is He is the one that the Heavenly Father sent down from Heaven to give us eternal life. Jesus/Yeshua is that Manna sent from the Father. Jesus/Yeshua is the bread of life and Jesus/Yeshua is revealing He is literally faithful, not simply an attribute He IS Faithful. This is possible because the word FAITHFUL is used only one time in the entire Scripture as a personal pronoun. 

And because of the principle regarding the order of first mention spoken of earlier, which applies in all languages including the Hebrew, Greek, and English language, that means all other times the word is mentioned as a noun or adjective, the first mention supersedes them. Here is why we need to study to show ourselves approved unto the Lord… its only by digging for the pearls and treasures that we will find those truths that make us say WOW! (Worthy Of Worship!) and when His light shines on a verse making it even more precious we see with clear vision there is always more to the Word of God.

By comparison to our faithful Heavenly Father who sent His faithful Son to accomplish the salvation and deliverance of fallen, sinful man, everyone else pales in comparison. and all who are loyal, trustworthy and keep their words of promise cannot be compared to Him.

Final thoughts for a different perspective on AMEN AMN

How is amen connected to faithful?

Its what we usually say at the end of a prayer. There are several opinions on its meaning.. some say its so be it as an affirmation and agreement to what has been voiced in the preceding prayer.

We have also heard and maybe thought it has no specific meaning or is an acrostic abbreviation. We are all learning and no one person knows everything so we add another pearl of knowledge and understanding as line upon line precept upon precept.

Ahmein pronounced in hebrew

Amazingly AMEN is found 28 times in the Old Testament

Psalm 89:52
Blessed be YHVH for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

Hebrew word AMEN is found in the Greek and English translations of the New Testament 51 times.

1 Peter 5:11
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Now we must ask ourselves, what are we declaring every time we say AMEN at the end of a prayer to our Heavenly Father? We are in truth, proclaiming the fulfillment of the very first prophecy ever given to humanity and we are declaring that our Heavenly Father is faithful to keep His promise of a Redeemer; that which was given to Eve after the Fall and eviction from the Garden of Eden/GanEden. This is celebrated every time we say AMEN because Jesus/Yeshua has fulfilled that promise.

For more on Eden/pictographs click link below:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/back-to-the-future-past/

Every time your spirit prompts you to say AMEN after receiving the words of life into your heart, we are proclaiming that our Faithful Heavenly Father sent His precious and only begotten Son from heaven to the earth in order to accomplish OUR Salvation.

Amen is the testimony that you have eternal life because

Yeshua became FAITHFUL.

The one name FAITHFUL and TRUE is only one sent from Heaven. He alone was given the power and authority to save humanity from the curse of sin and death and by the Faithful Spirit of Our Father, He freely gave the gift of Faith that guarantees eternal life, even though not one is deserving of such a gift.

Next time we read the word FAITHFUL it will take on a whole new meaning.

So what are we really saying?

the Hebrew word for AMEN is exactly the same word as the Hebrew word FAITHFUL; Aleph Mem Noon!

The word faithful in Hebrew pretty much means the same thing it does today. It describes someone who always does the right thing even when no one else is looking. This person will always be truthful and true. They’re filled with integrity and will hold up their end of the deal no matter the sacrifice.

The Lord is absolutely truthful and faithful.

It is derived from the Hebrew root having the basic meaning “to trust (a person),” or “to believe (a statement).”

This is the same root that gives us the word “amen.”

The derived meaning is that the one so described is trustworthy, dependable, trusting, or loyal. Moses was faithful in all God’s household (Numbers 12:7).

As well as being the Manna from Heaven

His Name is also Faithful

and Amen

Revelation 19:11a
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True.

Revelation 3:14
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

No surprise then that Yeshua/Jesus asks the question

When the Son of Man returns will He find faith on the earth?

He was speaking of Faithfulness in all its fullness!

If we are true disciples we will remain faithful to the last. These are the disciples who have not compromised nor wandered off the straight and narrow path but with perseverance patience and long suffering stay in the WAY.

Faithful is He who called you.

This is the ideal expression of Our Heavenly Father and of the Son

Who also vows I will not leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews amp

Lets make sure we are in a position to hear those cherished words well done thou good and faithful servant/disciple enter thou into the joy of the Lord

because

and

Faithfulness – AMN – is without doubt the seal/trademark/quality/characteristic/hallmark of a Talmidim/Disciple who follows their Master;

can we say amen AMN to that?

Most assuredly we can!

Amen and Amn!

Faithful to the end.

Shalom, Shalom mishpachah/family

and cheverim/friends!

You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.

משפחה 

Mish-pa-KH

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the posts. If they have been a blessing and if you haven’t already, please sign up for free email notification, like, share and subscribe, it all helps to freely spread the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth and reaches others with His Truths.

Please Do Not leave this page without the surety in your heart that you know the faithfulness of Messiah in your life as the days draw ever closer to the end of the age..

NOT CERTAIN?

YOU CAN BE..

Make sure Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

Its all about Life and Relationship, NOT Religion.

You are greatly loved and very precious in His sight.

He longs to give you the Shalom He paid the ultimate price for..

SIMPLY SAY THE FOLLOWING MEANING IT FROM YOUR HEART..don’t delay one more minute, SAY IT RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.