Chapter 9:     Questions Answered

    As she left with the Monroe's, Rachel asked pointedly: "Harold,  please review the skipped 2,000 year period -- and why did you say Israel's  `clock' was stopped for that time?"

     Sam also stretched the question to indicate, " why God would do so?"

     Harold noted that this was a vital area to  discuss, but he said "I'm not sure you dear people are ready to discuss it -- although I think the recent events are certainly tempering you to this subject."

     "Harold, does this impact us because of our differences? " Rachel asked.  "You believe Messiah has already been here some 2,000 years ago, and you believe He will return soon, while we deny it, and look for Him for the first time?" 

     "Yes, Rachel that kind of sums up the  dilemma -- but there are reasons -- God has a plan, a sometimes very difficult and tough to understand plan."

     Sadie sensed Harold's reticence to continue, -- she ventured, "-- we understand that there must be some difficult things for you to discuss with us -- we are Jewish, and I suspect this fact and related problems are restricting you. Right?  Well, I for one want you to be completely open and candid with me!"

     "Thanks,  Sadie, -- I think you dear people know that you have found a very strong place in our hearts and lives in just these few short days.  Phoebe and I both have a real love for each of you -----------  yes", Harold continued (after clearing his throat -- he was obviously deeply touched) "these are difficult areas to fully understand -- and perhaps even more difficult to explain."

     "Remember that you referred to that  quotation: to `study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be  ashamed -- rightly dividing the word  of truth' ".  

     "Sadie, Rachel, -- Sam, - it doesn't always come easily -- and it is easy to go off on a tangent -- if you are not very careful.  You must ask God to teach you -- to guide you.  It is never wrong to ask the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to verify anything -- I mean anything in life -- large or small."

     Rachel asked pointedly, "Harold, tell us how you see it, please -- we love you guys too,  we know you will be truthful and also tell us in love."

     "Please", Sam stressed, "-- we must know how this really fits -- how we as Jews should act or react -- please give us your insight."

     "Well, -- ah, -- ok, but we, Phoebe and I, want to be sure that nothing we say will do anything but increase our love for each other and, as far as that's concerned, for Israel and all her very special ones. Ok? -- agreed?"

       Receiving their nods of approval, -- Harold (after looking carefully at Phoebe for a few seconds, she nodding her approval with a concerned `bite' of her lower lip) said: "I'll be glad to review the scriptural history (really His-Story) with you."

     Harold noted, "actually, I'll be the most blessed, because somehow God always opens new  and wonderful truths (yet old) to us every time we go seriously to His Word."

     "Where to start?", Harold commented aloud, "-- well, you know that the Prophet Ezekiel and the Prophet Daniel lived about 2500 years ago --- using the Gregorian calendar notation we'd say they lived 550 BC. 

    They were actually in the last quarter or so of that important period for Israel."

     "Going back to the beginning", Harold said, "from Genesis, the first book of the Bible (also the first book which Moses wrote under God's direction -- you have this as the first book of the Pentateuch) we see God's `signature' in promises for the salvation of mankind. This particularly became important after Adam and Eve failed the first test for all of mankind.  Man was separated from God -- could not be restored to God directly."

     Harold paused a second or two, "-- you know, he said, it might be good right here to  ask ourselves a question or two: -- what is God's plan for man? -- what could man provide that angels could not?

     -- why did God allow the angels to rebel? -- for Lucifer to become prideful -- for 1/3 of the angels to follow  him in rebellion to God?"

     "It is important", continued Harold, "for us to see this from God's perspective -- after all, it is His Story!"

     Rachel prompted, "- yes, that must be very important -- not to mention fulfilling."

     "God `snapped the cord' on the angels -- Lucifer was thrown out of heaven (from God's domain) unto the earth.  God renamed Lucifer, Satan.  The fallen angels were thrown out of heaven (probably into outer darkness in chains -- `orbits' awaiting final judgment)."

     Harold took a deep breath, "you know", he said, "this represents more than God just venting His wrath -- He is establishing a `polarization of Powers' -- Satan as the negative or bad influence -- God  Himself as the positive, good  influence."

     "With this situation established", Harold continued, "God then created man.  Man is given free will, the ability to select key issues -- he will  be tested. Actually, ever since Adam, every person that came into the world has been tested against this matrix of power -- good and evil.  God providing the positive (good) forces  and Satan the negative (evil) forces."

     "Quite a plan, right Sam?"

    "Whew, I guess", said Sam, "-- it starts to put things in order though."

     Rachel, being anxious, broke in, " - please Mr. Monroe, please tell us the rest."

     "All right, Rachel, --"

     "We", Harold said, "already noted that Adam and Eve failed their test -- Satan  succeeded in beguiling them.  He won the first battle, but God will win the war!"

     "Man from Adam and Eve until Abraham, lived as individuals before God. God tested them under various regimens -- some call these various stages: innocence, human government, flood, etc.  These passed the test only when they believed God and did what He asked them to do -- but not many passed."

     "The rest of the story", said Harold, "you should tell me! -- but just so we are on common ground I'll tell it as I  understand it and you give me your insight's) as desired. Ok? "  They all nodded `yes'.

     "With Abraham", Harold continued, "-- God first adopted a family -- actually, because Abraham believed God and separated from his idol worshiping family as God asked, God promised he would be the father of many nations.  That has come true in Isaac as well as in Ishmael, for Abraham was the father of both."

      "Isaac, you know", reminded Harold, "had Esau and Jacob -- Jacob was a rascal and tricked Esau out of his birthright, so Jacob  became the heir apparent to Isaac. As a result of a special encounter Jacob had with God's representative -- Jacob was honored by being renamed Israel! -- again receiving the promise which God had given previously to his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham."

     "Well sir", -- Harold continued after just a moment to catch his breath, "Jacob loved Rachel and in the process of getting her he was tricked into taking the older sister Leah also. -- The plot thickens", Harold said, "-- and in God's wisdom He allowed only Leah to bear children at first -- six actually (including Judah). Rachel gave Jacob her handmaiden to have children for her -- a quaint surrogate type custom of that day.  She had  two, then as Leah became barren, she gave Jacob her handmaiden -- good for two, then Rachel had two (Joseph and Benjamin). These twelve children of Jacob are at least the titular heads of the twelve tribes of Israel.  God used this `competitive' situation and four women (not the normal one wife situation that God normally insists on)  to establish this very important leadership `team'."

     "I sometimes wonder", Harold continued, "if God didn't allow this just to be sure that the `genetic purity' thing didn't out weigh His main fellowship rationale -- `faith' (obedience to God's Power manifested to you)."

     "Well now, sweetheart", Harold turned  to Phoebe, "why don't you carry the story for awhile."

     Phoebe was a little taken by surprise, but after a brief thought, said, "Ok!"

     "As you know", Phoebe said, "-- Israel went through a number of situations on the way to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- actually, including capture and servitude in Egypt, etc."

      "Moses of the tribe of Levi was selected by God to lead Israel out of Egypt", Phoebe continued, "-- you know the story, -- involving the true  Passover and it's great symbolic message commemorating God's salvation as He protected them from the death angel.  You recall that the death angel struck the first born of any home that did not have the blood of the Passover Lamb on the door posts and lintel."

      "I hope you realize", said Phoebe, "that we are probably going to see Israel as a nation celebrating the Passover soon --  sacrificially!! -- a first after almost 2000 years without it!!"

     Phoebe continued, "-- Moses was also used as the instrument of God to bring the Law to Israel -- the ten commandments (not ten options!!)."

      "The form of Israel's worship became structured, -- they wanted to be like other nations who had kings; God, after using Judges to maintain order, gave them their king. King Saul was impressive in a non‑impressive way, -- David, as God's man, was later anointed King of Judah by Samuel the Prophet.  We have just seen a reenactment of that great event in the Knesset just yesterday -- the Prophet Samuel again anointed David King -- this time of all Israel (not just Judah as before). I hadn't really realized that before, Harold, until just now -- King of all of Israel!!"

     Phoebe further noted: "King David uniquely spoke of the coming Messiah -- the Just One -- The King of Kings!"

     "The law provided a reference for man to gauge himself with -- an excellent mirror to clearly appraise man of his limitations. But, nobody was ever able to fully keep the law -- and Satan was always quick and eager to keep man off balance.  Actually he helps man to fail to keep the law."

     "You know, of course", Phoebe interjected, "the law is too perfect, -- no mere man can fully keep it.  It's a great mirror for us, it makes it clear that indeed, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

     "In God's grace -- wanting to find those that would truly love Him -- He fulfilled His prophesies concerning Messiah -- He came to earth in human form (an ignominious reduction from His past glory) -- to live, die, be resurrected (the first fruit) --- and later to come again."

     "Unfortunately for Israel, fortunate for we gentiles, the leaders of Israel did not recognize  their Messiah coming as a servant -- although the scriptures clearly note this (perhaps this is easier for us to see now  because we are all great `Monday morning quarterbacks', are we not! They expected Him to come in POWER AND GREAT GLORY!! -- and that He will do, but not until His return -- yes, not until then."

     "In effect", Phoebe continued, "-- He came for the rest of the world -- for Harold and me, etc. -- allowing Israel to have a `rest' in the rear pew so to speak."

     "Harold", Phoebe looked at her husband, "I think you should complete the story."

     "Ok, honey, -- well, -- ostensibly for rejecting the Messiah, and even pressuring for his crucifixion, Israel as a nation and people  was slipped into neutral gear. Mind you, this was/is all part of God's great plan for sorting out the `stout hearted' -- those that really love Him."

     "This process", Harold points out, "was/is tough on Jews. They are really treated rough -- `hit about the head and shoulders' so to speak -- killed by the millions -- indeed extreme. But, the process brought salvation to those of us gentiles that otherwise had no hope. No Hope!! None.  But, as God has opened that door to us, many have received His provision. -- many others have not!"

     "Interestingly, the Word of God even tells us that He (God) will also use the gentiles through jealousy to touch and restore Israel."

     "You know", Harold mused, "-- we really need to look at God's plan in broad brush -- see if we can get His perspective on an overview basis.  We really need to know where we are and perhaps where He is taking us."

    "Let's highlight the milestone of this plan -- it will help to see it.  Running as we are, `Monday morning quarterbacks' -- here is how it looks:

     Remember -- the first 2,000 years of man, God dealt with individuals;  Adam and Eve, Job, Noah, etc (from Adam to Abraham);    -- the second 2,000 years of man,  God   dealt  with the  nation of Israel (Abraham to Messiah);

            -- the third  2,000 years of man,  God has again   dealt  with individuals, based on  each one accepting His provision through  the Messiah.

            -- the seven-year testing of Israel (Daniel's 70th week of years) -- is probably a part of the last 2,000 years of man.  It is a special favor to the whole house of Israel, a process to prepare those of true Israel (those in the faith) to be the Bride of Messiah. A truly mysterious affiliation -- but within the bounds of God's desire to establish mutually responsive love relationships."

      "Let's backup for a bit", Harold suggested, "-- while Israel's clock was stopped (this  has lasted about 2,000 years), Messiah has drawn individuals to Himself by faith, -- bringing those of the true faith in Him, into His `Body' (yet another mystery)."

     "We now see", ventured Harold, "how gracious and complete our God is -- bringing 6,000 years of `searching' on His part to an end. An amazing story, yes --- but ours is one amazing God!!!"

     Rachel couldn't contain herself any longer, she had to interject her "-- AWESOME!!"

      "That is certainly true too, Rachel", Harold noted.  "All that we are seeing here today so far verifies God's love for both Israel and the Church.  First the Messiah will gather the Church to Himself to mystically bring the Church into a `physical/spiritual union' with Himself -- He as the Head, the Church as His Body.  Next the Messiah will mystically join Himself with Israel as His Bride."

     We understand from the Prophet Daniel that the gathering of the Church will be just after the center of the 70th Week of Daniel takes place, actually about 45 days after the Abomination of Desolation takes place.  It is really exciting, for this could happen in about 6.7 years from now, if all continues as we have been experiencing the fulfillments of prophesies these last few days.-- it is close at hand at any rate."

     "Israel must wait", Harold explained, "an added 3-1/2 years for her `Coronation' with her King, her Messiah -- but what a day that will be for all that are 'in the faith' -- those that are of true Israel -- the true Bride of Christ".

     "Mr. Monroe", Sadie exclaimed, "-- is it really that firmly structured -- is there some room for differences or variations?"

     "You are very perceptive", Sadie, "and it does all sound rather pat --, but", Harold volunteered, "there are indeed a number of areas of question -- and we must be very open and available to accommodate God's immense creative variations."

     "What Phoebe and I have just told you", said Harold, "is an overview which represents our `best shot' right now -- we are sure that with God's dynamic creativity we will see some significant improvements. We must confess that the glass is still a bit dark that we are looking through -- but it seems to be `defogging' very fast.  In His time it will be perfectly clear. Certainly we are seeing much clearer now than we (mankind) did a  thousand or even 100 or even ten years ago, -- right?"

      "That is certainly true", said Sam, "from my standpoint -- I was in  complete darkness on most of this until just the last few days!"

     Rachel mused almost inaudibly, "-- oh what a plan our great God has brought about, has allowed us to start to see and experience `with Him'."

     Sadie was so filled with joy over these matters that she just moved quickly between Harold and Phoebe giving them both a loving  squeeze and `peck' on their cheeks. "Oh", Sadie said, "sorry for such a display on my part!"

     "Not at all, Sadie", Phoebe said, giving her a close squeeze in return, "both Harold and I loved that demonstration of your love for us. We praise our Lord that He has not only broken down communications barriers between us but has also built up a wonderful Love bond -- this is His Agape love that transcends any or all of mans' problems, if we are open to His leading."

     Rachel propelled herself into this small `circle' and Sadie reached out to make room for Sam also. 

     "Mr. Monroe", Rachel ventured almost hesitantly for her, "-- can Jews such as we , she pointed to Sam, Sadie and herself, really know the Messiah -- like you and Phoebe  seem to?  You once said something about `completed' Jews!?"

     "Dear Rachel, bless your sweet and sensitive heart", Harold almost  whispered, "that is what life is all about -- to find and know Him.  That is His purpose, that is His plan.  Phoebe and I praise the Lord He has brought us all together and you to this great understanding." 

     "Yes", Harold continued, "-- anyone that believes that Jesus came to die for their SIN, accepts Him as their only Savior with no reservations (a heartfelt transaction with God) is made a child of God by God. They become a member of His family.  Very special are those that are Jewish -- they have special blessings -- they are twice blessed, completed as a Jew and firmly planted in Him."

     "I believe Jesus died for me", Rachel said, "and I want to claim Him as my personal Savior.  Can I do that?"

     "Oh wow", said normally reserved Harold, with Phoebe following suite almost immediately, "-- this is wonderful, Rachel, all that is needed is for you to tell God that you know you have fallen short of His mark -- have sinned in many ways -- and that you ask the Lord Jesus Christ to cleanse you and to come into your heart.  He will do it. As verification of this to you, He will leave His Holy Spirit there for your assurance, instruction and help."

     "That  is certainly my desire", said Rachel. "Would you help me?"

     Phoebe put her arm around Rachel, bowed her head and very simply asked, "Father God, meet this dear girls heartfelt cry. Rachel, simply pray for His forgiveness."

     Rachel, with head bowed, tears of joy trickling down her face, told the Lord, "I admit my sins, and I need to be reconciled to you Father -- please come into my innermost being, make me  a completed  person in You -- a completed Jew."

     At that point, Rachel experience God's forgiveness of her sins and the reconciliation that she had longed for -- between God and herself.

     Rachel said, "Oh thank you Lord", for she felt His forgiveness of her sins as if a great mill stone was taken from her back.  Her  reconciliation with her God came as a flood of love for  everyone, as His Holy Spirit indwelt her and shared His great Agape Love.

     Sam and Sadie said, " -- we don’t feel ready just yet to make such a commitment, but we are genuinely glad for Rachel".

     Harold and Phoebe assured them that in God's time they too would desire that above anything else in life.  Harold said, this is really the only `bottom line' that matters in life.

     Sam answered, "I really know that to be true, Mr. Monroe, and I want it more than anything".  "Me too", said Sadie!

     "If that is really true", said Rachel, "then why don't you ask Him now?  It is glorious to know that your sins are forgiven and that He is in your life."

     Harold and Phoebe both were taken aback at Rachel's boldness and sureness -- praising God that indeed He had done a complete job on her!

     Sam and Sadie both bowed their heads and together asked that God forgive their sins, reconcile them to Himself by the Lord Jesus Christ --, Sam interjected, "our Messiah!!" Tears had welled in their eyes as their sins were forgiven, obvious relief as that great burden left them -- but as God's Holy Spirit came in to complete the reconciliation act, both just hugged and burst into tears of joy.  They had held back for so long, desiring to really know. Didn't feel it could happen.  But now it has!!

       Rachel  embraced them both together, as did Harold and Phoebe. There were real tears of joy from all in the `circle' -- this part of the `group' had experienced God moving in their lives in a very special way. Their common bond in the Messiah was no longer strained, it was rather the drive for their new found unity. Each had placed their trust completely in their Messiah..

     "Wow oh Wow" -- squealed Rachel -- "Wow of Wow !!!"  Continuing to hug every one in the `group'.

     Both Harold and Phoebe were now so moved by this desired but totally unexpected turn of events --

     Sam and Sadie were still riding high on their new found love for their Messiah -- He was now not just an object of study or speculation -- He was indeed a part of each of their lives.

     With this new found love came an  insatiable appetite to know more about Him -- to find those areas that they had `missed'.  It was added joy for Harold and Phoebe to lead them into God's Word, showing where they could find the information the easiest and grow in this new found friend.

     Time had sped by, it was now approaching 5:15 p.m.  "-- boy time sure flies by when you praise the Lord", Harold noted!! "We must be going."

    "By the way", Phoebe added, "let's all pray that we will each be just exactly where Our Lord wants us to be over these next few days."

     Rachel wouldn't let them go until they had set a time to get together again -- they all agreed to meet in the morning for breakfast at the Little Jerusalem Restaurant, 7 am.

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