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A look at Isaiah 55 and John 18 (Can God be too far away?)

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ISAIAH 55:6-56:8


“Seek YHVH while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” But we ask ourselves, is there a time when he can NOT be found? Or when he is NOT near? One answer would be “at the time of death” if a person has not reconciled himself or herself with God through Yeshua, if a person dies lost and in the state of sin, then, YHVH will NOT be able to be found, and HE will be forever FAR AWAY. This is not and never has been his perfect will for mankind. Yet man has a choice, if he chooses to reject the purest love of God, then, what else can God do, but to separate such a "man" from his holy presence for all eternity!

A second answer would be this. When we are living in a state of sin, or out of fellowship because of sin in our lives, it will seem that God is far from us. In reality, HE is as near as prayer and repentance. He can be “found” again. It isn’t that HE is away from us, rather WE are away from HIM.

“Let him return unto YHVH” (vs 7) The word for “return” is “Shoov” or “Teshuvah” which is what the High Holy days are all about. The sinner should forsake his evil ways and “return” to Adonai. Just like the prodigal son returned to his father, we should return to OUR heavenly father. Remember that the prodigal son WAS A MEMBER OF HIS FATHER’S FAMILY! He was not an outsider. That should tell us something.

During these days of "Awe" culminating with Yom Kippur on the 16th of this month, it is important to ask ourselves, "where Am I?" in our own relationship with Adonai. "Am I as close as I can be?" "Is there unconfessed sin in my life? " if there is, then, it is time for confession and returning to our first love, the One who loved us first. Remember that the most sacred name of God (YHVH) reveals the covenant He made with us; "Behold the hand, behold the nail" or "The hands and the nails revealed" what more could He do? He did it ALL.

56:1 “Thus saith YHVH, keep judgment and do justice, for my YESHUAH is near to come and my righteousness to be revealed. Interesting verse, the Hebrew “Mishpat (judgment) is keeping his commandments and understanding discernment in what we do. The word “justice” in Hebrew in this verse is translated as “Tzedakah” which is also giving charity. “Righteousness” is translated as “Kadosh” which is also “Holiness” so, the prophet foresees the coming of Yeshua as YHVH’s “righteousness” to be revealed to all mankind.

He has already come and will come again. Are you ready for his second coming?

JOHN 18:1-19:42



“After Yeshua had said all this…” but what is “all this?” He had just prayed for his disciples, his followers if you read all of chapter 17, it shows how Yeshua prayed for all those who came to trust in him, he prayed for their protection against HaSatan, he also states; “those who WILL trust in me because of THEIR word that they may all be ONE (Echad), He is talking about you and me, we are all ONE in the body of Messiah.

I think that “Y’hudah Ish Kariot” (Judas Iscariot) missed the greatest opportunity to be one of Yeshua’s disciples. Yes, he was “With” Yeshua but was not “part” of Yeshua. He was just along for the ride, didn’t learn very much (it seems).

When the soldiers and temple guards said, “we are looking for Yeshua” and Yeshua answered the word of God says that they “all fell backward”. Some believe that Yeshua answered with the infallible name of YHVH.

Yet in the Hebrew New Testament, the words that Yeshua said were; “Yeshua Ani” (I am Yeshua), it does not mention the infallible name, yet even the name “Yeshua” has power in itself. In the paleo-Hebrew, the letters in the name "Yeshua" are "Yod" "Sheen" "Vav" "Ayin" One way we can look at this name is: "The hands of the all-consuming fire received the nails, and sees all things" He sees the past, present, and the future, and sees who will come to Him and who will reject him.

Even though they came and took him roughly, and Kefa took matters into his own hands by cutting off Malchus’ ear, even then, Yeshua rebuked his own disciple and healed Malchus! Even at that time, he showed love and mercy.

The world accuses the Jews of “killing Jesus!” when the truth of the matter is that no one took his life, he offered it up willingly as part of the Father’s perfect plan of redemption. It was just a handful of religious zealots who captured him, and the Romans hammered in the nails, yet it was really our sins that caused his death, his death for our life, life eternal.
 
The world accuses the Jews of “killing Jesus!” when the truth of the matter is that no one took his life, he offered it up willingly as part of the Father’s perfect plan of redemption. It was just a handful of religious zealots who captured him, and the Romans hammered in the nails, yet it was really our sins that caused his death, his death for our life, life eternal.

Tracing back who is responsible for Christ's death, we can say yes, it was due to our sins. And we can say yes, Christ gave his life and no one took it from Him. And we can say yes, it was the Fathers responsibility as it was His plan of redemption.

But, make no mistake, the Jews, Israel, killed Christ.

(Acts 2:22-23) "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you...Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:"

(Acts 2:36) "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

After Israel rejected Christ they turned Him over to be killed by the Romans. As Pilate tried to have Christ set free the Jews refused crying out for Barabbas. (Matt. 27:20-22)

When Pilate washed his hands of innocent blood, saying Christ's blood was not on his hands, the Jews responded, "Then answered all the people, and said His blood be on us, and on our children." (Matt. 27:25)

And so it has been and continues to be. 70 AD was an immediate result. Jerusalem and the temple destroyed. The many holocaust's the Jews have suffered down through the centuries are the continual result. And there remains one final holocaust for the Jews. The tribulation, the time of Jacobs trouble.

In the end, all the nation of Israel will be saved. (Rom. 11:26) But only after they acknowledge that yes, they rejected Him, their Messiah. They had Him killed.

Quantrill
 
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ISAIAH 55:6-56:8


“Seek YHVH while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” But we ask ourselves, is there a time when he can NOT be found? Or when he is NOT near? One answer would be “at the time of death” if a person has not reconciled himself or herself with God through Yeshua, if a person dies lost and in the state of sin, then, YHVH will NOT be able to be found, and HE will be forever FAR AWAY. This is not and never has been his perfect will for mankind. Yet man has a choice, if he chooses to reject the purest love of God, then, what else can God do, but to separate such a "man" from his holy presence for all eternity!

A second answer would be this. When we are living in a state of sin, or out of fellowship because of sin in our lives, it will seem that God is far from us. In reality, HE is as near as prayer and repentance. He can be “found” again. It isn’t that HE is away from us, rather WE are away from HIM.

“Let him return unto YHVH” (vs 7) The word for “return” is “Shoov” or “Teshuvah” which is what the High Holy days are all about. The sinner should forsake his evil ways and “return” to Adonai. Just like the prodigal son returned to his father, we should return to OUR heavenly father. Remember that the prodigal son WAS A MEMBER OF HIS FATHER’S FAMILY! He was not an outsider. That should tell us something.

During these days of "Awe" culminating with Yom Kippur on the 16th of this month, it is important to ask ourselves, "where Am I?" in our own relationship with Adonai. "Am I as close as I can be?" "Is there unconfessed sin in my life? " if there is, then, it is time for confession and returning to our first love, the One who loved us first. Remember that the most sacred name of God (YHVH) reveals the covenant He made with us; "Behold the hand, behold the nail" or "The hands and the nails revealed" what more could He do? He did it ALL.

56:1 “Thus saith YHVH, keep judgment and do justice, for my YESHUAH is near to come and my righteousness to be revealed. Interesting verse, the Hebrew “Mishpat (judgment) is keeping his commandments and understanding discernment in what we do. The word “justice” in Hebrew in this verse is translated as “Tzedakah” which is also giving charity. “Righteousness” is translated as “Kadosh” which is also “Holiness” so, the prophet foresees the coming of Yeshua as YHVH’s “righteousness” to be revealed to all mankind.

He has already come and will come again. Are you ready for his second coming?

JOHN 18:1-19:42



“After Yeshua had said all this…” but what is “all this?” He had just prayed for his disciples, his followers if you read all of chapter 17, it shows how Yeshua prayed for all those who came to trust in him, he prayed for their protection against HaSatan, he also states; “those who WILL trust in me because of THEIR word that they may all be ONE (Echad), He is talking about you and me, we are all ONE in the body of Messiah.

I think that “Y’hudah Ish Kariot” (Judas Iscariot) missed the greatest opportunity to be one of Yeshua’s disciples. Yes, he was “With” Yeshua but was not “part” of Yeshua. He was just along for the ride, didn’t learn very much (it seems).

When the soldiers and temple guards said, “we are looking for Yeshua” and Yeshua answered the word of God says that they “all fell backward”. Some believe that Yeshua answered with the infallible name of YHVH.

Yet in the Hebrew New Testament, the words that Yeshua said were; “Yeshua Ani” (I am Yeshua), it does not mention the infallible name, yet even the name “Yeshua” has power in itself. In the paleo-Hebrew, the letters in the name "Yeshua" are "Yod" "Sheen" "Vav" "Ayin" One way we can look at this name is: "The hands of the all-consuming fire received the nails, and sees all things" He sees the past, present, and the future, and sees who will come to Him and who will reject him.

Even though they came and took him roughly, and Kefa took matters into his own hands by cutting off Malchus’ ear, even then, Yeshua rebuked his own disciple and healed Malchus! Even at that time, he showed love and mercy.

The world accuses the Jews of “killing Jesus!” when the truth of the matter is that no one took his life, he offered it up willingly as part of the Father’s perfect plan of redemption. It was just a handful of religious zealots who captured him, and the Romans hammered in the nails, yet it was really our sins that caused his death, his death for our life, life eternal.
Jesus rose up and ascended up to heaven. Is heaven in the sky? God wants look up to him whenever we need Him. The Bible says They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. Psalms 34:5

When we look up to Him we will find him
 
It isn’t that HE is away from us, rather WE are away from HIM.
Very meaningful post and thank you for sharing this with us.

I picked out this one sentence as IMO it is the key to the whole topic.

God sits patiently just waiting for all to come to Him as you said, He is only a prayer away. God will not force His grace upon us as we just need to take His free gift as we turn back to Him. But, the time of His great patience will come to an end soon and the door of salvation will be closed forever when every eye will see Christ coming in the clouds as He receives His Bride.

2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
 
But, make no mistake, the Jews, Israel, killed Christ.
actually not - there was a small number - the religious leaders - who in no way represent all of israel - that would be like saying americans killed all the people who died because of what biden did - there is no way biden represents all of america - people in power always misuse their power to do what they want - not what the people want - John 11:45-4848 John 11:47-48

remember almost all the first believers for approximately the first many years after the crucifixion were jews - then paul went to the gentiles -
 
actually not - there was a small number - the religious leaders - who in no way represent all of israel - that would be like saying americans killed all the people who died because of what biden did - there is no way biden represents all of america - people in power always misuse their power to do what they want - not what the people want - John 11:45-4848 John 11:47-48

remember almost all the first believers for approximately the first many years after the crucifixion were jews - then paul went to the gentiles -

Actually yes. The 'small number' was those who believed. Israel rejected her Messiah.

(Acts 2:22-23) (Acts 2:36) (Matt. 27:25) As given already.

So? The first believers don't represent the nation of Israel.

Take it up with God. Why would God turn to the Gentiles? Answer: Because Israel rejected God...as she always has.

I find it amazing...the Jews rejected and killed Christ. Yet they don't want to be guilty of Christ's death.

Quantrill
 
Actually yes. The 'small number' was those who believed. Israel rejected her Messiah.

(Acts 2:22-23) (Acts 2:36) (Matt. 27:25) As given already.

So? The first believers don't represent the nation of Israel.

Take it up with God. Why would God turn to the Gentiles? Answer: Because Israel rejected God...as she always has.

I find it amazing...the Jews rejected and killed Christ. Yet they don't want to be guilty of Christ's death.

Quantrill
probably because they didn't - only specific people did

i'm not taking the blame for what you did - that is just wisdom and common sense
 
Actually yes. The 'small number' was those who believed. Israel rejected her Messiah.

(Acts 2:22-23) (Acts 2:36) (Matt. 27:25) As given already.

So? The first believers don't represent the nation of Israel.
how many people do you think fit in the praetorium before pilate? all of israel?

all of israel stood at the foot of a mountain sinai - there is no way they fit in the praetorium - so all the men before pilate was for sure a small number as per what they themselves said about most jews going in a different direction than those few in power - John 11:47-48 - this proves they were concerned about what most and or all jews were doing
 
probably because they didn't - only specific people did

i'm not taking the blame for what you did - that is just wisdom and common sense
Scripture says differently. (Acts 2:22-23) (Acts 2:36) (Matt. 27:25) See again post #(2)

Believing the Scriptures is 'wisdom' and 'common sense'.

He didn't - Luke 21:24 - Romans 11:25-27

Of course He did. (Luke 21:24) is no proof that God has not turned to the Gentiles. In fact, it is just the opposite. The times of the Gentiles are the result of the continual rebellion of the Jews against God.

The same is true with (Rom. 11:25-27). This is no proof that God has not turned to the Gentiles. Just the opposite. Israel is blind at this time. God turned to the Gentiles. Salvation is found in the Gentiles, in the Church, at this time.

One takes the blame when they grow up into maturity and their shoulders can bear the responsibility. Israel will get there one day. But the Jews are not there yet.

There will come a time during the Tribulation period when all Israel will come to their senses. The blinders will be removed. And they will say, 'we are guilty of killing our Messiah'. That was Him back there.

Just like Joseph's brothers confessed concerning their guilt. (Gen. 42:21) "And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul,...therefore is this distress come upon us.

Just like Judah confessed their guilt in what they did to Joseph. (Gen. 44:16) "And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants...."

It will take another holocuast, the Tribulation, to force Israel to their senses. But it will happen.

Quantrill
 
how many people do you think fit in the praetorium before pilate? all of israel?

all of israel stood at the foot of a mountain sinai - there is no way they fit in the praetorium - so all the men before pilate was for sure a small number as per what they themselves said about most jews going in a different direction than those few in power - John 11:47-48 - this proves they were concerned about what most and or all jews were doing

Take it up with God. Not me. (Acts 2:22-23) (Acts 2:36) (Matt. 27:25) See post #(2).

Quantrill
 
Take it up with God. Not me. (Acts 2:22-23) (Acts 2:36) (Matt. 27:25) See post #(2).

Quantrill
well if you truly believe all jews killed Jesus and you are a totally innocent person when it comes to what crusaders and other christians did that was wrong then it seems like you misunderstand God and hold double standards

here is what Jesus said about those who crucified him - Luke 23:34 - so no matter who you think is guilty i guess God answered Jesus' prayer and forgave them all - forgive means it is not written on their account - their account is clean - if you continue to blame people that God has forgiven you will have to take that up with God - and quickly for your own sake - because Jesus made it plain if you do not forgive others of their sins God will not forgive your sins - Matthew 6:15

that's the thing about double standards - they always come back to bite

bye
 
In all reality if you think about it, no one could killed Jesus as He laid His own life down and God raised Him again on the third day so others can have eternal life through Him.

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
 
well if you truly believe all jews killed Jesus and you are a totally innocent person when it comes to what crusaders and other christians did that was wrong then it seems like you misunderstand God and hold double standards

here is what Jesus said about those who crucified him - Luke 23:34 - so no matter who you think is guilty i guess God answered Jesus' prayer and forgave them all - forgive means it is not written on their account - their account is clean - if you continue to blame people that God has forgiven you will have to take that up with God - and quickly for your own sake - because Jesus made it plain if you do not forgive others of their sins God will not forgive your sins - Matthew 6:15

that's the thing about double standards - they always come back to bite

bye

I truly believe what (Acts 2:22-23) (Acts 2:36) and (Matt. 27:25) says. The nation of Israel, the Jews, rejected and killed Jesus Christ.

No, God did not forgive Israel for rejecting and killing His Son. That die was already cast. (Matt. 12:31)

The forgiveness at the Cross only pertained to those who were actually present at that time. It withheld God's hand at destroying the whole lot of them.

Israel's account is not clean. It is not me that blames them. It is God.

Forgiving others sins against me is not the question. Israel's status with God is.

No double standards. Again, take it up with God. Which you did not.

Quantrill
 
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