To: Hebraic-Foundations@yahoogroups.com
From: "Pastor Buddy Martin" <Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org>
Date sent: Mon, 13 May 2002 11:13:26 -0500
Subject: Re: [HF] Re: Bible Study HF063 - What Jesus Taught About Himself

Colleen, (Hebraics et al.)

In regard to how the Jews viewed Messiah, perhaps I can share a bit
more. Sometimes in reading the apostolic writings we don't get the full
impact of what was being said unless we have some of the Jewish
background. Here is an example from the Scriptures that I hope will
help you and your husband in your studies. It has to do with the word
Light. (I can share other examples if you care to pursue this line of
thought. Feel free to ask questions or make observations.):

Example #1: The ancients believed that when God said, "Let there be
light," the light that appeared on the first day was a very special
supernatural light. Not only was extremely brilliant, but that this light
enabled one to see from one end of the universe to the other. Beyond
that, this light made things that were invisible to become visible.

The ancients described this light as being filled with mental powers,
such as wisdom and knowledge. But because sin proved man to be
unworthy, God set the light aside for the righteous people in the world
to come. The Jews usually associated this light with the Messiah.

With that background in view consider these Scriptures:

"In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in
the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There came a
man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to
testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was
not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true
Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in
the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not
know Him." (John 1:4-10)

When a person receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the
Light of the Lord fills the heart and soul. As for seeing (perceiving)
things invisible, God's people are enabled to perceive things that are
invisible to the natural eye, but are made known to them. Paul said,
"...while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the
things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if the aearthly
tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Keeping that 'first' light of Genesis in mind, listen again to Jesus; "I am the
Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have
the Light of life." (John 8:12)

The ancients placed great value upon this Light that related to
Messiah. They taught that when Messiah came, He would give His
people the ability to read even the spaces between the words of the
Torah.

Now hear Paul; "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror
the glory* of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from
glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." (2Co3:18)

(When the Jews spoke of 'glory' they had in mind the hakovod or the
Light that shown from above the mercy seat.)

When Paul spoke of our being transformed from glory to glory, did he
associate it with the Light of Genesis? Listen again to 2Co4:6,7, "For
God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has
shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of
God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not
from ourselves..."

Now, if you were a Jewish reader, you would instantly connect what
was said about Jesus, and what Paul says here with the Light of
Genesis.

But the acients also believed that the Light could be drawn from by
God's people even before Messiah came, although it could only be
fully realized in Messiah's kingdom. You hear this in the Older
testament writings. Listen:

"Light is sown like seed for the righteous and gladness for the upright
in heart." (Psalm 97:11)

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines
brighter and brighter until the full day." (Prov4:18)

"For with You is the fountain of life (a term for Messiah); in Your light
we see light." (Psalm 36:9)

"O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring
me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling places." (Psalm 43:3)

"How blessed are those who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk
in the LIGHT of Your countenance." (Psalm 89:15)

I recommend that you do a search on the word Light, keeping what I
have shared in mind, and you'll find precious truths flowing forth from
the Scriptures.

Be blessed,

Buddy
Lawrence E. (Buddy) Martin, HF Host
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org

"See to it that no one comes short of the grace
of God; that no root of bitterness springing up
causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." (Heb12:15)