His yoke is easy and His burden is light

Here is an old Jewish tale that illustrates Jesus’ Hebraic teaching that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. 

“The true purpose of religious limitations [laws/commandments] on worldliness is only to release the soul for its free flight into the spiritual realms of holy joy.  Adam and Eve’s mistake was in failing to realize that by obeying G-d’s command, by restricting their physical pleasure and avoiding eating from just one tree among the many permissible, they would open themselves up to more intense and fulfilling spiritual pleasure and would enjoy the eternal bliss and delight of the Garden of Eden.”  

A STORY:

Rabbi Yaakov Kranz, the Maggid of Dubnow, the most famous Jewish preacher of the eighteenth century, told the following parable. 

A jewelry merchant and a tool seller, traveling separately on business, checked into the same hotel in a certain town at the same time.  The jewelry merchant had with him his small suitcase, containing his diamonds, pearls, and other jewels; the other merchant had a big, heavy trunk containing hammers, saws and all kinds of work tools. 

The jewelry merchant asked a porter to take his suitcase up to his room.  The porter came down soon afterward and presented himself for a tip, and the merchant gave him something.  But instead of leaving, the porter coughed and shrugged and made it clear that he was not satisfied with the tip.  He mumbled that the suitcase was “so heavy” and so difficult to “drag up the stairs.” 

The surprised merchant said to him, “If you’re talking about a heavy suitcase and how hard it was to drag up the stairs, you’ve made a mistake! That was not my suitcase! My suitcase is very light! You took the wrong suitcase!” [JToMJ by Buxbaum pg 14-15]

Jesus teaches a similar principle that following Him is not burdensome but joyful.  He doesn’t teach that the laws & commandments are done away with because they are for our benefit (Matthew 5:17-20).  If we find the rules and regulations of following Jesus “burdensome” then we are carrying the wrong suitcase!  When truly entering into the order and structure of His Kingdom, we have the ability to experience “more intense and fulfilling spiritual pleasure” as the joy of the L-rd becomes our strength.      

Our December Letter

Prayer Updates

I updated the 'Prayer' page, but I'll list the updates here as well. We're blessed to have so many people standing with us and appreciate your repeated inquiries for our specific prayer needs. How are you all doing? We'd love to pray specifics for you. E-mail us at leah@remember-jerusalem.org

We have been praying for the funds and so far we've received about half the support we need -- for the first year. We have received donations through monthly donors and one-time gifts and trust the L-rd will continue to speak to people about partnering with us. We would love to stay in Jerusalem for at least three years. We will be leaving Kansas City mid-February, right after Cassidy's 5th birthday, to start our work in Israel. Two and a half months to go!

-We want the L-rd to put us in the right home and ask for His strategic placement and timing when looking for a place. Tom is going in January for 10 days and will look at several places throughout the city. We hope to have enough space for visitors from the States!

-Cassidy will be leaving her preschool here and we're hoping that by next Fall we will have a great school for her to attend. Cassidy loves being in the classroom and learning, so finding a great school (whether it's public, private or home-schooling) is very important to us. This will also enable Leah to connect with and reach out to moms. In the meantime we need prayer for Cassidy's continued studies at home as well as opportunities to meet other little kids, and their parents.

Teaching on the Farm

For the last two weeks Tom has taught a group of servant-hearted followers of Jesus at a place called Harvest Home. Their ministry is to bring restoration and healing to women and children specifically. Through their tight-knit community they provide a safe place for this healing to happen and we are thankful for their ministry. It's an honor to be partnered with people that live out what it means to be the hands of G-d, and this community does so much work to bring new life and hope to many who were hopeless.

I went out with him this last Tuesday and recorded his message on covenant. He spent over two hours teaching and I think the people would have sat through more, but everyone has their limits. He will return to the Farm next week to teach on the New Covenant and to tackle any new questions as they journey through this teaching.

I plan on breaking this teaching into segments and then posting it here for all of you who would love to get a first-hand experience of Tom's teaching. Since finishing his thesis on Covenant he has uncovered more information and we know our time in Israel will only add to his understanding.

Blessings to you all for your constant support and encouragement. Only 3 more months and we'll be moving to Jerusalem!

Ordination

Last Sunday evening our local congregation, Kingdom Living, and our international covering, Tikkun International, laid hands on us and blessed us by ordaining us into ministry. The wisdom, love and power of the people involved Sunday night is almost unspeakable. Throughout the last 5 years we've journeyed closely with Paul Blake and Eric Simon and others to better understand the importance of Israel, and how G-d desires us to function within His Body of followers. One of Kingdom Living's board members and the man who ordained Paul, Hal Linhardt was there to lay hands on us as well. Additionally, Tikkun America leader and prophet John Glueck laid hands on us and blessed us into the ministry. During the ordination, we could feel the tangible presence of G-d and were filled with encouragement and support from others within the Body of Messiah.

Eric, Hal, John and Paul, with Tom and me

We see how G-d is moving us to Jerusalem, by giving us confirming words, providing a buyer for our home during a difficult market, bringing along men with wisdom concerning the finances (thank you Dad and Brenton!), and providing the finances themselves. Ordination was one more step of commitment that brought along encouragement. They ordained Tom as a teacher, and it's been made apparent that this is what he should be doing as he prepares to give two more teachings this week to groups hungry to connect with the importance of Israel. The L-rd used study to bring hope to Tom in the last two years and he is bearing fruit from that time. His education at UHL will further his own understanding of the Scriptures and will allow him to impart more to others.

It's hard to grasp how much there is to study and learn, yet as Tom gains clarity on one issue he sees another topic to dive into. We're blessed by the partnership of so many and thank you for giving of your time, energy, words and finances. Your partnership with the L-rd and with us makes this all possible. If you have questions or are curious about Tom's studies, please contact us. We can meet with you or send you his thesis, which seems like only the tip of the iceberg now that a few months have passed since he finished it. We are blessed that the L-rd is infinite and that He desires us to know Him. We pray He draws each of you closer to Himself as you journey with us.

B'resheet

In the beginning G-d...

And so begins another cycle of reading through the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. Every week Jews read and study a prescribed section of the Torah and come together to discuss it on Sabbath, as well as throughout the week. While we as gentile followers of Jesus are still fairly new to this we can tell you that every year we find ourselves reading something new, or have new questions or different light bulbs go on as we continue to study. The L-rd speaks through His word, even if you think you already know what it says.

This year is the first year that we have Gospel portions to go along with the Torah portion. Knowing the words of our Rabbi Yeshua effects how we live and respond to one another. We can't study it enough. If we read the Book from beginning to end then we see the connections G-d laid out to show us how infinite and amazing He is.

For instance: We all know that Genesis 1:1 says, In the beginning G-d. And then John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the Word. This reminds me of Deuteronomy 30:14 (which we read not too long ago):...the word is very close to you -- in your mouth, even in your heart; therefore you can do it! Then because there is continuity in scripture (as Tom loves to point out) we turn to Revelation 19:13 and read: He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which He is called is, "THE WORD OF G-D".

There are many things that can be said about these passages, and perhaps Tom will make an appearance commenting on these things, but for me it's the simplicity of Scripture. In the beginning, G-d. In the meantime, G-d. In the future, G-d. Who was and is and is to come.

As you study Genesis 1 what stands out to you? Perhaps it's the first time you've really read it, or maybe it's just been a long time. Doesn't matter, it's still there for you to pick up and read. We'd love for you to join in, so we've posted the portions for each week on the left sidebar. You might not make it through every week, but I'm sure the L-rd will bless whatever time you give Him. May His Word bring refreshment to you as we enter these chilly times of Autumn and Winter.

At the beginning of David Stern's translation (The Complete Jewish Bible) is this blessing:

Praised are You, ADONAI our G-d, King of the universe,

Who gives the Torah of truth and the Good News of salvation to His people Israel

and to all the peoples through His Son Yeshua the Messiah, our L-rd.

Amen.

Continual Confirmation

From Leah:
I spend most days thinking about what it's going to be like for us in Israel. I am not a city girl; I like my yard, my large kitchen, my car. And in a few months all of that will change. Through the last 10 months the L-rd has continued to redirect my heart. Every time Tom suggests something about Israel (for starters going there) I take it to the L-rd and ask Him to help me. You see, I trust my husband. He is wise and loving, he cares very deeply for me and wants to change the world. But while he jumps, I stand on the ground and ask, Do I have to? But even though I move slower than him, I do move.

So when we found out about Tom getting into the Doctoral program the question came up about selling the house. I did not want to sell. Keeping it meant coming home, but for Tom it meant stress and uncertainty. As I was telling a good friend about the situation, and our opposing viewpoints, he said something that I couldn't escape. "Well, I guess that means the decision hasn't been made and you both need to keep praying about it." I thought that meant Tom would eventually see my way and decide to keep the house. But then I prayed and realized we should sell. And though at times it seems like I'm constantly laying down my own way the L-rd encourages me, and the Holy Spirit tweaks my heart so I'm excited about the next step. And He makes a way so it's not as overwhelming. Which means that we already have a prospective buyer, but can use any prayers that things will go smoothly.

A few weeks ago an acquaintance shared something very powerful with us. She did not know our plans for moving to Jerusalem. She said that while she was praying for us she felt like we were supposed to move to Israel and minister hope to the secular Jews there. The L-rd even gave her Isaiah 61:1-3. She kept this to herself because directional words require much prayer, confirmation and good timing. She told us about this only after she heard us talking about our move with some other people. After she shared Tom showed her his belt buckle, the one I had made for him, with the scripture reference of Isaiah 61 on it. This is the passage the L-rd gave Tom years ago as part of his calling to teach.

Everything she spoke resonated with us -- our move to Israel, the Isaiah passage for Tom, and for me personally the desire to communicate hope to secular Jews in the Land. I hold tightly to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. This is the hope of our calling.

I am grateful the L-rd works in my life and my heart and that He speaks to me personally. But when someone hears from the L-rd on my behalf it is also powerful. Having continual confirmation helps us to move forward when things seem overwhelming or uncertain. And it reminds us that He is in control and will speak when we wait and listen.

We are grateful for all of your prayers and time spent in intercession; it changes our lives. And yours, we hope.