I was checking out all that WordPress has to offer and I came across this picture. I really liked it for several reasons.
1. It has trees in it. Since my blog is entitled “Notzerim Reaching Out” and Jesus (Yeshua’s) early disciples were called “notzerim” or “branchses”. I thought this picture was appropriate.
2. I really liked the bridge. Often times I think that the ministry G-d gave me to bring the Torah to the Church is in a sense a chance to build a bridge from our past that we have long since lost. It will give us a chance to see us restore our lives of faith to what God had originally intended for the redeemed community.
3. I liked the fog in the distance. Since the dawn of time people have been telling us they know exactly how the future is going to work out. The Master will return on THIS date or THAT date. He will do exactly this and that and if you don’t beleive me then you are not a true believer. Often times I have seen those dates come and go and with it people’s faith since Yeshua did not do what people said he would do. The truth is that none of us can truley know the future. That priviledge belongs only to the all knowing, all seeing G-d. We have more than enough work do to in the here and now – preparing ourselves and others for his return without drawing people farther and farther away from his word with unkept promises of his return. He will return some day…but he said that none of us can know the day. Maybe it is time to trust him on that!?
4. I also liked the water. It is a reminder of the mikvah and the command to immerse all people in the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
So, with all that symbolism I chose this as my new picture. During this season of repentance it is a time to think anew, so a new picture is in order.
Bill,
Good to see you actively blogging again! I like the new design too.
Paula
Hello!
My name is Anders Branderud, I am 23 years and I am from Sweden. I have practised Orthodox Judaism through Netzarim in Ra’anana in Israel (led by the Orthodox Jew Paqid Yirmeyahu ha-Tzadiq), who are followers of Ribi Yehoshua – the Messiah – since 2007-05. Before that I was a devoted Christian for 6 years.
You write: ” (Yeshua’s) early disciples were called “notzerim” or “branchses””
Notzrim – doesn’t mean branch.
Ribi Yehoshuas followers were called Netzarim – “basal sucker offshoot(s), especially from the root or trunk of an olive tree—like little sentries standing at the foot of the mother tree; derives from the prophecy in Yәsha•yâh′ u 11.1 and 60.21.”
See the glossaries at the first site in our website.
Who was the historical Jesus?
If you want to know how to follow the historical Jesus you should study what Historical Scholars in leading universities says. The Creator of this universe is intelligent and facts and historical evidence in this universe cannot possibly contradict Him.
The research of world-recognized authorities in this area implies that Ribi Yehoshua was a Pharisee (a Torah-practising Jewish group). That Ribi Yehoshua was a Pharisee implies that you need to practise his Torah-teachings if want to follow him. You do that by practising Torah (including oral Torah; )!
Mishpat – is judgement by a Beit Din (jewish Court) in an unbroken chain since Moshe. Torah command you to follow it.
To quote the first century Ribi Yehoshua: “Happy are they to be who hunger and thirst after tzedaqah [justness according to Torah; that is practising the מצות in תורה (Torah)], for they shall be filled of it.” [The Netzarim Reconstruction of Hebrew Matityahu 5:3].
All the best,
From Anders Branderud
Anders:
Thank you very much for your note. I am afraid that I am not able to disagree with you about the spelling “Notzerim” vs. “Netzerim”. I am not fluent enough in Hebrew to agree or disagree. I simply learned the spelling from my teachers who do know Hebrew. Could it be a variation? I am not sure. BUt, I thank you for your comments.
When dealing with Hebrew there are indeed varied spellings that do come into play for what ever reason. Even in your comments I saw varied spellings that in names and titles that I have never seen before. Could it be culture? language? I am not sure, but suffice it to say we at least know what we are talking about. My apologies for my ignorance.
In regards to your other comments I am in agreement.
Thank you for your post.