“For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God… Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times [“appointed time, season”],
with knowledge of what Israel should do…”
(1 Chronicles 12:22, 32/NASU)
While listening to a preacher on the internet, the Lord gave me a revelation regarding the order in which He will gather His people at the end of this age. Obedience or disobedience to the Lord’s instructions in these final moments before His return will be the determining factor.
While this man was discussing the fulfillment of the final appointed feasts in the fall given to Israel, the Lord suddenly opened the eyes of my heart to see and understand the truth of whether or not there will be what some refer to as a pre-tribulation deliverance (i.e. what many call “the rapture”), and if so, who among His children it will happen to.
I also saw who among Christians will be left out on the first deliverance because of their rebellion in not preparing their hearts for His return (i.e. wise virgin vs foolish virgin; Matthew 25). They will be given one more merciful opportunity, along with all the unbelievers, during a horrific time period known as the tribulation, before the final judgment of the Lord’s wrath is poured out on earth. Many, even in this time of extreme danger on earth, will still not repent of their sin and will be destroyed (Jeremiah 15:7; Revelation 9:20-21, 16:9-11).
In His message to the church in Thyatira, Jesus warned them saying;
“I know your deeds [2041- “works”], and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds [2041- “works”] of late are greater than at first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation [2347- “a pressing, pressing together, pressure”], unless they repent of her deeds [2041- “works”]. And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds [2041- “works”].”
(Revelation 2:19-23/NASU)
The deceived in the church who tolerate the false prophets and walk in their ways/deeds/works, rather than the Lord’s, will find themselves in the great pressure (i.e. tribulation) that their spiritual leaders told them they would never be a part of. As the Lord spoke to my wife a few years ago, instead of repenting, many in the church will curse God and die when it doesn’t happen the way they thought, or at least hoped it would. Their false sense of security found within the doctrine of demons that every Christian will be raptured before God’s wrath, even if walking in open rebellion, will result in their being unprepared and unprotected from the wrath of God. Because of their false presumption, they believed that they would enter in no matter what, not taking seriously the warning of the Lord to prepare themselves for His return by repenting where necessary. They see no real need to search their hearts. They’re Christians who, because of rebellion along the way, began the race but did not finish, or bring to completion their faith in Christ (James 2:22). As Paul wrote, they did not run according to the rules (i.e. God’s commands) and were disqualified;
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? [See below for more on who the “one” is that will receive the prize.] Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline [5299- “bruise, subdue, to keep down, keep in subjection”] my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified [96- “not standing the test, not approved, rejected, reprobate, worthless (literally or morally)”; see the Bible studies Reprobate, Worthless Men, and Outer Darkness].”
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27/NASU)
Yes, per the inspired word of God, a Christian, due to a lack of self-control and discipline, can be disqualified after turning to Christ (Hebrews 10:26-31). The Lord is extremely patient with us, not willing that any should perish, but He does have a line of the “full measure” of sin that we dare not cross (Rev. 18:5).
This understanding came to me as the preacher was discussing the significance of the month of Elul in the Jewish civil calendar. It is the month right before the three fall feasts in the "appointed time" of harvest which have yet to be fulfilled in the harvest of souls on the earth (the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles).
The first four feasts that take place in the Spring (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost) were all fulfilled on the very day, and moment even of their being celebrated by the Jews through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why then would the final three in the Fall, during the time of harvest, not also be fulfilled on the very day(s)? Knowing the “timeliness” of God, I believe they will.
Preparing Your Heart
As I said, the Jewish month of Elul (Sept. 4, 2024 [Elul 1]), known as “the month of mercy,” precedes the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah (“Beginning/head of the year”, the religious New Year; God called it Yom Teruah, the “Feast of Trumpets” which means “day of shouting/blasting; day of the trumpet blast”; Oct. 3, 2024 [Tishri 1]), and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement; Oct. 12, 2024 [Tishri 10]). The article “Elul: Preparing Your Heart for the Fall Feasts” gave the following insights for this “appointed time” of the Lord;
“These holidays [Rosh Hashanah and Day of Atonement] are about repentance and right standing with the Holy God of Israel, and one doesn’t enter such a season lightly. Engaging well with the Lord on these matters requires preparation… Jewish tradition holds that on Rosh Hashanah, God pronounces a judgment on each Jewish person for the coming year and, ten days later, on Yom Kippur, He seals that judgment.
[Also, according to Jewish tradition, it is said that during this season of repentance when God is more disposed than ever to look with favor upon you, if an unfavorable judgment is declared over you on Trumpets, that during the next ten days before Atonement it can be changed, if the person repents.]
Elul is a month of intentional time reflecting on our lives with the Lord. As the days progress, our focus intensifies as we pray and ask God to reveal where we have fallen short of His laws and desires for our lives. We humble ourselves before Him in repentance, seek forgiveness and make amends with others as needed.
The Jewish tradition of repentance is called teshuvah, which means “returning.” Teshuvah includes three aspects: confession, regret and a commitment not to repeat the sin.
Along with taking stock of one’s life before the Lord, Elul traditions include blowing the shofar every morning (except on Shabbats) during the month. The shofar serves as a call to awaken the soul to repentance. Special prayers of repentance, called selichot [selee-cote], are recited during Elul. Another custom is to read Psalm 27 twice each day of the month and through the last day of the Feast of Sukkot [Tabernacles], following Yom Kippur [Atonement]… The time preceding the High Holidays is a perfect time to dedicate extra focus to assessing our lives before the Lord.”
In an article entitled “Elul And Selichot” by Hebrew For Christians (hebrew4christians.com) the following insights were given;
“The month of Elul is… a time each year to prepare for the Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, by getting our spiritual house in order… Although it is a somber time of soul-searching, Elul reminds us of the high calling we have to examine ourselves [see the Bible study Examine Yourselves] and prepare ourselves as the spotless and blameless Bride of the Mashiach (2 Peter 3:14)… The theme of the Jewish High Holidays is teshuva, a word often translated as ‘repentance,’ though it’s more accurately understood as turning back (shuv) to God… This act of turning has the power to redirect a person’s destiny. It effects the whole life of the soul.”
As this revelation came to me, I wondered why, in all my years of studying, I had never heard of the significance of the month of Elul. One of the reasons is that it’s never mentioned in the Bible as being of any great significance. In fact, it is mentioned only one time in all the Scriptures; “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.” (Nehemiah 6:15) I strongly believe it’s a Jewish tradition that the Lord is using to speak to His people at this “appointed time.” By definition, a tradition is “a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.” In this case, the significance is overwhelming.
I also believe that another reason for our not knowing this is that, as the Lord’s body, it wasn’t time for us to know certain details regarding the end of this age. If our faithful brothers and sisters in the past had known what to do in order to cross over, they would have done it, before the appointed season/time of the Lord.
This revelation will reveal the heart of all His children that think they have the full truth already in their doctrines. It will reveal who walks humbly with their God, admitting they didn’t quite have it right, as well as those who will not accept His word of truth and will then have to go through great trouble (i.e. tribulation) on earth in order to be, if possible, humbled and saved.
If our allegiance/identity is with a denomination, meaning their doctrinal statements of identification, and the Lord desires to correct you, then you will not listen and change. But if you identify with Christ alone, then you will repent and follow whatever He says in truth.
Elul Traditions
Some traditions of Elul include:
As on Rosh Hashanah (the feast of Trumpets), there is a daily shofar blast after morning services every weekday that are intended to rouse you from complacency and move you to repentance.
It’s also customary to recite Psalm 27 twice a day. It is said that all three of the fall holidays are referenced in this Psalm.
Selichot [slee-coat’; “forgiveness”] services are held which are intended “to guide us toward an examination of our lives and to undergo teshuvah [repentance].” In colloquial Hebrew, the word selichah means “forgiveness.” They run until Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), a length of 40 days. There are Selichot prayers as well.
The 40 Days Of Favor
In Jewish tradition, the “Season of Teshuva” (“turning back [shuv] to God”) lasts for 40 days, from the first day of Elul to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) on Tishri 10. These forty days are known as the “Days of Favor.” Some of the Jewish teachings during Elul point to the idea that it is “a time of divine closeness, a period where connection to God comes easier than at other times of the year” (“What is Elul?” My Jewish Learning).
In an article entitled “Elul and Selichot, The Season of Teshuvah,” the following statement is made;
“According to Jewish tradition… the month of Elul represents the time that Moses spent on Sinai preparing the second set of tablets after the idolatrous incident of the golden calf. Moses ascended on Rosh Chodesh Elul (“Head of the month of Elul”) and then descended 40 days later on the 10th of Tishri, the end of Yom Kippur, when the repentance of the people was complete [italics mine; remember this statement for later in this study]. The month of Elul therefore represents the time of national sin and forgiveness obtained by means of teshuva before the Lord.”
The 40 Days of Favor, then, represent the appointed time/season of the Lord when the repentance of His people is brought to completion right before His return with His judgment being declared (Feast of Trumpets), and its being carried out (Day of Atonement). The number 40 is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, most often referring to a time period of testing or trial.
As I searched out more on this incredible revelation that I was receiving from the Lord, I was led to an article from gotquestions.org called “What is the favor of God and how can I get it?” In it they gave a definition for favor that witnessed within me as truth. They said;
“The best definition of the word ‘favor’ is ‘demonstrated delight.’ The favor of God can be described as ‘tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord’… We usually favor people who also favor us. In the same way, God shows favor to the ones who delight in, connect with, and give honor to Him.”
Isaiah 66:2 says, “…But to this one I will look, to him who is humble [6041- “poor, afflicted, humble, wretched”] and contrite [5223- “stricken, smitten, maimed; fig. dejected”] of spirit, and who trembles [2730- “fearful, reverential”] at My word.” The Hebrew for “look” is nabat (naw-bat'). It’s defined as “to look, behold; to regard with pleasure, favor, or care; to pay attention to.” This is a conditional statement from the Lord describing the one whom He will look upon with favor.
In Luke, chapter one, we are told of John the Baptist and his parents, Zacharias and Elizabeth who were “both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord” (Luke 1:6/NASU) Even though their walk with God was blameless, they were without child.
As Zacharias was performing his priestly service before God, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. While in there, an angel appeared to him, saying that his petition had been heard and that his wife would give birth to a son whom they were to name John. He would be the forerunner before Christ and be used to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).
Afterwards Elizabeth became pregnant and kept herself in seclusion for five months. It’s interesting that through half of her pregnancy which would be 20 of the 40 weeks (remember the 40 Days of Favor) she remained hidden from others. Her noticeably altered physical state would definitely be “tangible evidence” of God’s approval of this couple.
Elizabeth joyfully declared, “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace [“reproach, taunt, shame”] among men.” (Luke 1:25/NASU) The KJV says, “…wherein He looked on me…” The Greek for “looked” is defined as, “to regard (favorably or otherwise).” It is because of His favor toward those of His children whose walk is upright before Him that their shame among mankind, and the taunts of our enemy, will soon be done away with at the end of this age. (Compare this with the pregnant woman in Revelation 12.)
After many years of the children of Israel being held in bondage by their enemies, Daniel read in the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11). So he turned to the Lord and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:2-3), confessing the sin of Israel against Him and asking for His mercy.
The Lord moved Daniel to read this Scripture so that he could see, be given understanding, and then seek Him. He was a trusted servant that the Lord knew would do what was necessary when given the truth. As he prayed, the angel Gabriel came to him and revealed Israel’s future and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, along with the timing of the coming of the Messiah and the end of the age when the antichrist would arise, only to be destroyed (Daniel 9:24-27). I believe that this type of thing has happened throughout history when the Lord desires to reveal to His servants the hidden truth regarding the time, or season they are in. This is one of those times.
In one portion of his prayer of intercession he said;
“Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention [“to wisely understand, to consider, to look at, to act wisely”] to Your truth. The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything He does; yet we have not obeyed Him.”
(Daniel 9:13-14/NIV; see this passage below for more insight.)
As Christians, we must make the connection between our sin and the situation we now find ourselves in. In this season (i.e. appointed time) of God’s favor, each of us must seek Him while He can be found lest we find ourselves unprotected during a most dreadful time, the likes of which our nation and the world has ever seen (i.e. a foolish virgin). We are already well on our way towards it which is why, through the current pressure, the way of escape is being revealed. Without trouble we would never look for deliverance. It is the patience of God that grants His people time to repent before He acts swiftly and thoroughly (Romans 2:4), delivering His faithful servants and destroying the wicked.
The Bible tells of others who had God look with favor on them; Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30), Noah (Genesis 6:8), Abraham (Genesis 18:3), Lot (Genesis 19:19), Joseph (Genesis 39:4, 21), the children of Israel in Egypt (Exodus 3:21), Moses (Exodus 33:12-17), Queen Esther (Esther 2:15, 17; 7:3; 8:5), Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26), David (2 Samuel 15:25), Daniel (Daniel 1:9), and any other righteous man/woman (Psalm 5:2).
The Appointed Time/Season Of Favor
Daniel 7:21-22 – See the note below.
21 "I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering [3202- “to be able (can, could), to prevail”] them [see the definition for “overpower” in Judges 16:5 in the Bible study Samson And The Binding Of God’s Anointed for the reason why the saints were overpowered]
22 until the Ancient of Days came and judgment [1780- “judgment, justice, a legal suit”] was passed [3052- “to give, provide”] in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time [2166- “a set time, appointed time, (festival) seasons”] arrived when the saints took possession [2631- “be strong, overcome, take possession of”] of the kingdom [4437- “royalty, reign, kingship, dominion”; see the Bible study The Dominion Mandate].
NASU
Daniel 7:21-22
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
KJV
Daniel 7:21-22
21 "I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them,
22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
NKJV
Within these two verses I see confirmation of what I have seen in my spirit. In this chapter Daniel describes his vision of four great beasts. The fourth one was “dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large teeth” with ten horns (Daniel 7:7). While contemplating what he was seeing, another horn, “a little one,” came up among the others followed by three of the first ones being “pulled out by the roots.” The little horn had the eyes of a man and was uttering great boasts (Daniel 7:8).
As Daniel kept looking at the scene before him, he saw one “like a Son of Man” (i.e. Jesus) coming before the “Ancient of Days” (i.e. the Father). He was given dominion, glory and a kingdom which will not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14). In Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, He let them know that He was, with all authority, King of all kings and Lord of all lords;
“All authority [“power” in KJV; interpreted “right” in John 1:12] has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20/NASU)
Daniel saw a time when the little horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them (seen in type in the ten Days of Awe. The Hebrew word for “overpowering” means “to be able (can, could), to prevail.” So according to the Hebrew, overpowering Christians is associated with being able to prevail over them. We can, or could be, then, overpowered for some reason. I believe it is the result of rebellion against the Lord.
Daniel also spoke of the appointed time of the Lord when His judgment was passed in favor of the saints. The word “favor” is not in the original language, just that judgment was given to/provided for the saints at “a set time, appointed time, (festival) seasons” and we took possession of the kingdom which means “royalty, reign, kingship, dominion.” It is the appointed time of the judgment of God (represented by the Day of Atonement) when we will take full dominion of the earth back from our enemy, the devil.
Daniel 7:25-27
25 'He will speak out [the little horn] against the Most High and wear down [1080] the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they [“the saints”; v.21] will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time [see Rev. 12:6, 14; 13:5].
26 'But the court will sit for judgment [i.e. the Day of Atonement], and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever.
27 'Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.' [the “appointed time” (festival seasons) of the Lord in Daniel 7:22 above]
NASU
OT:1080 bela' (Aramaic) (bel-aw')
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
corresponding to OT:1086 (but used only in a mental sense); to afflict:
KJV - wear out.
(Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Lexicon)
(Pael) to wear away, to wear out; to harass constantly (figurative) [See Mark 6:48, and the Bible study Contrary Winds.]
Zechariah 11:1-17 – In this passage the Lord takes two staffs called Favor and Union and cuts them to pieces (Matthew 24:51). He also refers to the flock doomed to slaughter, and the afflicted of the flock. The definition of “afflicted” – [6041] “poor, weak, humble, wretched (see Romans 7:24 and Rev. 3:17 for two different types of wretched – Paul recognizes his wretched state, Laodiceans do not; Isaiah 66:2).”
Isaiah 54:11-17
11 "O afflicted [6041] one, storm-tossed [see Mark 6:48 and the Bible study Contrary Winds], and not comforted, Behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and your foundations I will lay in sapphires.
12 "Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies, and your gates of crystal, And your entire wall of precious stones. [Nehemiah 6:15 – “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.” (NASU); Interestingly, the only verse in the Bible with Elul tells when the wall of Jerusalem was brought to completion. See Daniel 9:24-25 which speaks of the 70 weeks, the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, “even in times of distress.”]
13 "All your sons will be taught of the Lord; and the well-being of your sons will be great.
14 "In righteousness you will be established; you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and from terror, for it will not come near you.
15 "If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you.
16 "Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and brings out a weapon for its work; And I have created the destroyer to ruin.
17 "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord.
NASU
Daniel 9:13-14 – See the note below.
13 "As it is written in the law of Moses, all this calamity [7451- “evil, distress, misery”] has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our iniquity [5771- “perversity (a perversion of life and of truth), depravity, guilt of iniquity; i.e. (moral) evil”] and giving attention [7919- “to consider, to wisely understand, to look at or upon”] to Your truth.
14 "Therefore the Lord has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the Lord our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice.
NASU
Within verse 13 we see the order of the Lord for receiving His favor necessary for pardon and forgiveness of our, the church’s sin that has brought about our present calamity. In this chapter, Daniel sees through Jeremiah the prophet that the 70 years for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem had been completed. At that point he began to turn his attention to the Lord, seeking Him by “prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (Daniel 9:2-3).
In his recorded prayer, Daniel speaks of the curse from the law of Moses that was upon them for their rebellion against Him (see Leviticus 26:14-45, Deuteronomy 28:15-68). They did not seek the favor of the Lord by turning from their sin and consider, or look upon His truth to gain understanding. The majority of the church in America has done the same thing. We have not sought the Lord’s truth with a repentant heart to understand why the present, ever-increasing calamity is occurring within our nation.
The Favorable Year (Time/Season) Of The Lord
Luke 4:14-21 – See the note below.
14 And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district.
15 And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.
16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.
17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
18 "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
19 TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE [1184] YEAR [1763] OF THE LORD."
20 And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
NASU
NT:1184 dektos (dek-tos')
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:1209; approved; (figuratively) propitious:
KJV - accepted (-table).
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
accepted, acceptable (Luke 4:24; Phil. 4:18)
denotes that most blessed time when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.
(Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
dektos [NT:1184] - denotes "a person or thing who has been regarded favorably," Luke 4:19,24; Acts 10:35; 2 Cor 6:2 (in this verse No. 3 is used in the second place); Phil 4:18.
(Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
eniautos [NT:1763] - originally “a cycle of time,” is used (a) of a particular time marked by an event, e. g., Luke 4:19; John 11:49, 51; 18:13; Gal. 4:10; Rev. 9:15; (b) to mark a space of time, Acts 11:26; 18:11; James 4:13; 5:17; (c) of that which takes place every year, Hebrews 9:7; with kata [cf. (d) above], Hebrews 9:25; 10:1, 3.
Immediately after His baptism by John, Jesus was led into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil for 40 days (Luke 4:2). After the time of testing and proving was complete, He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. It was at this time, after the testing and proving, that His public ministry began. We need to remember that Jesus is the pattern Son. While on earth, He revealed, through His life, the way for us to follow.
Man places others into the public ministry when they have not yet been proven, but have passed their exams in a seminary. It’s not the paper on the wall, or the title given by man that qualifies them to lead, but the testing of the Holy Spirit who then, afterwards, places His trustworthy child in the position of His choosing, without a need for the approval of man.
After His time of testing, Jesus came to His home town first, to the synagogue, on the Sabbath. They handed Him the scroll from Isaiah where He then read the following from Isaiah 61:1-2;
“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
It’s crucial to notice the point where Jesus stopped reading at in the second verse. The rest of the sentence He ended with says; “and the day of vengeance of our God.” Ever since Jesus walked the earth it has been “the favorable year [“a cycle of time”] of the Lord,” the time of His favor toward mankind. This is what is being revealed, in type, through Elul, the “month of mercy.” It will soon be the appointed time, though, when the day of His vengeance will be revealed, represented by the Day of Atonement.
Isaiah 61:1-2 – See the note below.
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted [6035- “poor, humble, weak and afflicted, needy, meek”]; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty [1865- “freedom, a flowing, free run”] to captives and freedom [6495- “opening (of a dungeon), opening (of the eyes), wide”] to prisoners [631- “to bind, imprison, tie”];
2 To proclaim the favorable [7522- “a pleasure, delight, a favor, goodwill, acceptance”] year [8141- “a year, a division of time”] of the Lord and the day of vengeance [5359- “revenge”] of our God…
NASU
This is the passage that Jesus quoted from in His hometown, in the synagogue, in Luke 4:18 above, right after coming out of His 40-day period of testing in the wilderness. He declared, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” As we draw near to the end of this age, the rest of the prophecy draws near when the Lord’s favor will give way to His day of vengeance.
The Morning And Evening Sacrifice
There is something else revealed through these verses that I need to emphasize before moving on. The instructions of the Lord required the daily presentation of a male lamb, both morning and evening, known as the continual “whole burnt offering” (Exodus 29:38-42). Within this sacrifice is a type and shadow that is being revealed at this “appointed time/season” of the Lord that we are now in. The following insights are from the Bible study The Morning And Evening Sacrifice;
Within the requirements of God for the burnt offering, there was to be a daily sacrifice of a male lamb every morning and evening. There is a spiritual parallel with the two goats that were offered as a sin offering on the Day of Atonement that were to be taken from the “congregation [“a gathering, assembly”] of the sons of Israel.” (Leviticus 16:5)
The “Morning Sacrifice” – Christ, the Head.
• Betrayed and crucified by the religious leaders 2000 years ago.
• Jesus was killed by His own “brothers.” (John 1:11)
• The Head died on a literal cross.
• He is the sacrificial goat, chosen by lot, on the Day of Atonement as a sin offering (Lev. 16:5-22).
The “Evening Sacrifice” – Christ the Body.
• Once again, Christ, in His Body, is being betrayed and crucified by the religious leaders.
• The faithful servants are being crucified, spiritually, by their brothers (Joseph is the O.T. type).
• His Body is being nailed to a spiritual cross.
• They are the other goat offered on the Day of Atonement, the living “scapegoat” (the Azazel; “goat of removal”) led by “a man who stands in readiness [“timely, ready”]” into the wilderness. They are “presented alive before the Lord” (Lev. 16:10); a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
They are driven into the wilderness, bearing the reproach of Christ.
Psalm 69:6-10 – In this psalm of David, he cries out to the Lord regarding the reproaches of those who reproach Him.
6 May those who wait for You not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts; May those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel,
7 Because for Your sake I have borne reproach [2781- “reproach, scorn, taunt, disgrace, shame”]; Dishonor has covered my face.
8 I have become estranged from my brothers and an alien to my mother's sons.
9 For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the reproaches [2781] of those who reproach [2778- “to say sharp things, to taunt, to blaspheme”] You have fallen on me.
10 When I wept in my soul with fasting, it became my reproach [2781].
NASU
Per Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, one of the definitions of the Hebrew interpreted as “reproach” [OT:2781] is “…the disgrace found in a person or a nation became the occasion for taunting the oppressed. The disgraced received abuse by the words spoken against them and by the rumors which were spread about them.” My wife and I understand this very well. This has happened to us by some who were very close to us. The hand of Judas feeds at the table of the Lord today.
Bearing Christ’ reproach:
Hebrews 11:24-26
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
26 considering the reproach [3680- “a reproach, defamation, contumely (“rudeness or reproach compounded of haughtiness and contempt”)”] of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.
NASU
Hebrews 13:11-14
11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp.
12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach [3680].
14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.
NASU
Romans 15:1-3
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES [3680] OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED [3679- “to defame, i.e. rail at, chide, taunt”] YOU FELL ON ME." [Psalm 69:9]
NASU
“We cannot atone for their sin; the Head alone could do that; but as members of His Body we can share His suffering and his rejection, and in that way transmit its efficacy to others. We can suffer for the Truth, and in our sufferings the Truth will shine forth. We can enter into the pangs of Gethsemane, in this evening hour of Christ’s betrayal, and in so doing share His cross for the sake of the brethren [see 1 John 3:16]. For just as Christ the Head was betrayed some two thousand years ago, so once again Christ the Body is being betrayed today… If we, as God’s people, are going to be prepared to share His betrayal, stand true to Him even unto death, and follow Him “without the camp” [Hebrews 13:13], then we shall share His death. The Head died on a literal cross; the Body is being nailed to a spiritual cross.”
(“The Feast Of Tabernacles” by George Warnock; p.78)
“Every imaginable device of ecclesiastical tyranny has been used against the Church, to make her completely helpless and useless and powerless so far as functioning as a Body is concerned. Every conceivable form of sin, carnality, division, schism, and sectarianism has been foisted upon God’s people, largely by men in the pulpit who have been proclaiming a lie for the truth. As truly as Christ was betrayed by the religious leaders of His day, so truly is His Body being betrayed and crucified today.”
(Warnock; p.79)
It is now the end of this “day,” the appointed time of the end of this age when the evening sacrifice of Christ’ body is being called upon to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to Him, one that is pleasing and acceptable in His sight (see the Bible studies Acceptable Sacrifice, and Well Pleased). Since Jesus is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, He, in His faithful servants among His body, will fulfill the requirements of the law before the Father, the Ancient of Days. This will cause a decree to come forth in their favor from the court of heaven (Daniel 7:13-28), granting that “the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.” (Daniel 7:27/NASU)”
Isaiah 49:8-10 – See the note below.
8 Thus says the Lord, "In a favorable [7522- “a pleasure, delight, a favor, goodwill, acceptance”] time [6256- see def. in note] I have answered [630- “to respond to, to answer, to reply”] You, and in a day of salvation [3444- “deliverance, aid, victory, welfare”] I have helped [5826- “to surround, i.e. protect or aid; to help, assist”] You; And I will keep [5341- “to guard, to watch over, to preserve”] You and give You for a covenant of the people, to restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages;
9 Saying to those who are bound, 'Go forth,' to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves.' Along the roads they will feed, and their pasture will be on all bare heights.
10 "They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; For He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water.
NASU
The Lord declares through Isaiah that it’s in a “favorable time” (i.e. revealed in type within the 40 Days of Favor) that He answers His people. To answer someone means that they have spoken something to you. I see this as someone that has humbled themselves, or been humbled through difficult circumstances, and is crying out to the Lord, “looking for” an answer (see the Bible study Simeon And The Consolation Of Israel).
He also declares that “in a day of salvation,” He will help us. The Hebrew for “helped” is defined as “to surround, i.e. protect or aid; to help, assist.” As the end of this age draws near, it’s very encouraging to know that when the time for our salvation, of our being victoriously delivered has come, that He will help us. We will not be left alone to do something that is impossible in our own strength, but will be surrounded and assisted by the Deliverer.
The Hebrew for “time” is `eth (ayth). It’s defined as “time; period of time; appointed time; proper time; season.” According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, “basically this noun connotes ‘time’ conceived as an opportunity or season.” From this we can see that a favorable time before the Lord is an appointed time (i.e. feast) or season of opportunity when, as the Jewish tradition holds, He will be favorably disposed to answer those who come to Him in humility. It is during this time that He will deliver His people, helping them along the way. Thank -you Lord!
As in Esther, wise men still understand the times (Esther 1:13). There was a time when day after day men were coming to David until there was a great army, “like the army of God.” Among them were the sons of Issachar, “men who understood the times [“appointed times, seasons”], with knowledge of what Israel should do.” (1 Chronicles 12:32/NASU) In this time when the end of the day/season of the Lord’s favor is coming to an end, and will soon give way to the day of His vengeance, there are those in the body of Christ, the Israel of God made up of Jew and Gentile believers (Galatians 6:16), who also have been given understanding of what God’s people should do.
Psalm 69:13 – In this psalm, David is crying out to the Lord about his enemies. He points out the connection between the acceptable time of His favor, and the answering of his prayer with His “saving truth.”
13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, at an acceptable [7522- see def. above] time [6256- see def. in note above]; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness [2617- “steadfast love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, devotion”], answer me with Your saving [3468- “deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, welfare”] truth [571- “stability, firmness, faithfulness, sureness, reliability”].
NASU
Psalm 69:13 – The same passage in the NIV.
13 But I pray to you, O Lord, in the time [6256] of your favor [7522]; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.
NIV
(continued in part 2...)
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