1) The Vision of Hope & the Name of God

The letters to the 7 congregations in Revelation were to those congregations listed, yet in a general way, the 7 are applicable to all congregations, for all time. Only one congregation was not warned to repent. Before them was set an open door!

To the angel of the congregation in Philadelphia (Brotherly love) write;

These things says he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them.. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast... Him that overcomeswill I make a pillar in the temple of my God,..and I will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. 3:7-12)

Not denying the name of Y'shua and his Father goes hand in hand with doing what God wants. Not denying the name, will result in obtaining Y'shua's new name.

The name 'Yahweh Elohim' expresses the purpose of gathering a people for the name of He who will be Mighty Ones, or in other words, He who will be United that the Glory may fill the earth. One aspect of the name is the entering into that hope: of going through the open door, the narrow gate that leads to salvation. Yahweh Elohim did shut the door on those who he made a covenant with, but who didn't listen.

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:15-19)

The door is left open to the faithful, but we must chose to go in

The chosen, people, the peculiar people to which we were grafted in, had a choice.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life. (Deut. 30:19)

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. (1Cor 10:5-7)

In a teaching song of Asaph, the children of Israel learnt,

For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. (Psa 78:37-38)

And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. (Psa 78:54)

But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. (Psa 78:68)

So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. (Psa 78:72)

2) Why it seemed hard to enter the Land: Aliyah

As it is written, 'I have set before you an open door'.

Research by an Israeli published in 2007 showed that a few in Britain, knowing the prophecy about to be fulfilled, funded Laurence Oliphant's work in Israel 1882-8 settling European Jews in Palestine, amounting to nearly £1000 pounds plus clothing.

In 1880's £1000 was ~ 20 families yearly wage. In 1881 annual income was 40 - 120 pounds (skilled manufacturing 80, teacher 120). Weekly wage of labourer 13s/7pence

In today's terms £1000 is about a million dollars. Overall it was not much, as the majority of people who had some expectation did nothing. But the article says

“much of their aid came before the Baron’s {Rothschild} organization was operating fully, and so acted as a kind of bridge, enabling the settlers of Rosh Pinna and Zichron Yaakov to hold on during that crucial time.”

It saved the settlers from hunger, and strengthened the needy to stay and farm the desolate land. This was the beginning of the first Aliyah, the first wave of Jews returning. Laurence Oliphant and all those he stirred up saw that Jews would return to the Promised Land, while it was impossible.

Even in 1882 Oliphant struggled negotiating with Russian and Ottoman authority as it seemed all things were against the settlement. Yet history now shows this was the beginning of faith being made sight. Why was it so hard for Jews to enter? That generation knew the scriptures far better than today's generation, where many christains don't even read their Bible through. The return of the Jews was sure. Yahweh had declared,

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: (Jeremiah 32:37)

Why was it so hard for them to enter?

Didn't Yahweh say he would bring them?

If it was hard in 1882, it got more difficult. A few had written & preached that Britain and Commonwealth would likely aid the establishment of a Jewish homeland, from the tiem fo Mede and Isaac Newton which it indeed did, when it proclaimed in the Balfour declaration in 1917, which then became written into international law in 1920 when Britain obtained the mandate over Palestine. But when Jews had nowhere to go during persecution and attempted annilation in Europe, Britain actively restricted immigration.

So if Yahweh put Balfour, like Esther in power, then why was it so hard for Jews to enter the land when he clearly wanted them there? What does it tell us about our entrance to the kingdom?

Most would have heard of the ship Exodus. Due to the British restriction, the Jews formed Aliyah Bet, parallel illegal immigration. The Exodus in 1947 tried to run the British blockade with over 4,000 Jews on board. They were turned back and ended up back in Germany. Why did they try to run the blockade in over crowed leaky ships in often poor weather? Jews in large numbers now really wanted with all their desire to go to the Holy Land. From the 2007 article by the Israeli Amit on Oliphant.

In 1882 Oliphant understood, “not to be deterred {by Jews being discouraged from Aliyah) wrote: The movement of the Jews to Palestine is a movement that doubtlessly deserves our sympathy. The yearning for the Holy Land is only quenched in Jews by the temptations of material prosperity.”

Material prosperity! Does that quench our desire to enter the open door, to take the narrow path? With avenues to material prosperity cut off, they learned to chose hope. they were taught to desire it, as something that had to be worked for. From a Jewish source,

The Jews saw Palestine as the only land in which they could renew their lives. This was the result of years of suffering and despair, where Palestine remained their only hope. http://www.palyam.org/English/Hahapala/mainpage

From an personal account of an American Jew who illegally immigrated via France and ended up at Cyrus, there is an eyewitness of this hope which he calls 'high morale',

The voyage of the Lanegev was long and arduous, plagued by storms, and at times perilous. It was typical of the voyages of dozens of ships of the Hagana that sailed the Mediterranean during that period. They were usually old ships, overloaded, terribly crowded, and lacking in adequate sanitary facilities. But two things characterized all of them: the high morale of the passengers, who, despite the utter lack of physical comfort, knew that they were at last going home; http://www.palyam.org/Hahapala/Teur_haflagot/Lanegev_kaufman1

See how the names of the ships running the blockade changed.

Aliyah Bet ships and their dates of voyage

Name	Passengers	Arrival Date
Hagana (Heb. Miltary force)	2,670	July 1946
Wedgewood	1,250	July 1946
Chaim Arlosoroff	1,398	February 1947
Ben Hecht	599	March 1947
Hatikva (Heb. Hope)	1,422	May 1947
Exodus	4,493	July 1947
Geula (Heb. Redemption)	1,385	October 1947
Jewish State	2,664	October 1947
Ingathering of Exiles	7,557	December 1947
Independence	7,612	December 1947

*new name as Aliyah Bet ship

The Exodus was made famous by a book and movie. In the fiction here was another ship running the blockade which was called 'Door of Hope'. It may be that someone knew their scriptures

Then,

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor (Troubled) for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. (Hosea 2:15)

The famous ship named 'Exodus' reminds us it was 'as in the day she came up out if the land of Egypt'.

The valley of trouble was given for a door of hope. It is part of a pattern. A pattern for all Yahweh's people.

3) Hosea 2 & The door of Hope

Hosea's wife, who he was told to marry because she was a whore, had left him. Hosea says to his kids, 'go plead with her' – tell her all the good things she seeks, fine food and clothes, will be turned to a way of thorns. Then she will come back to the open door. The personal experience was mirrored in the nation.

Notice the names. There were 3 children all named by Yahweh. The first name spoke of the end of the Jezreel, the house of Jehu the centre of the kingdom of Israel. The second Lo-ruhamah 'not pitied' as ' for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. The third child is called Loammi

'for ye are not my people, and I will not be yours.' (Hosea 1:9)

The word 'God' is not in the Hebrew. Literally he says 'I will not 'be-come to exist/come to pass' for you', which is related to Yahweh 'He will be/exist'. For more on Names

But notice in Hosea Chapter 2 the children are called 'Ammi' and 'Ruhamah' - “my people are pitied” This is a chapter speaking of the open door of mercy given to Israel.

Israel was keeping sabbaths and the solemn feasts v2:11, but they were also serving Baal. The abundance of food, and the silver and gold were a blessing from Yahweh, but were given to Baal, or in translated into English a god called “Lord”, a god of human making.

I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD. (Hos 2:13)

Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. (Hos 2:14)

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi (husband); and shalt call me no more Baali (Lord). For I will take away the names of Baal out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. (Hosea 2:15-17)

Here we have a key point– they were calling Yahweh 'Baal' or Lord, or using practices of Baal to worship the true God. Those practices in verse 13 featured love of adornment and pandering to human loves (which is the lusts).

Our God seeks to be called 'Husband' by his people. This is wonderful. Let us think on how close a relationship he desires..

He said He wasn't happy with that label 'Lord' given to human authority (especially not the imported word for lord 'Baal'). Why do so many call Yahweh, 'Lord'? Is it because it is written in a translation? Is it because Jews won't pronounce the name? Baal has been taken away but Jews use 'Adonai', Hebrew for Lord for the memorial name given to Moses. Do we make their sensibility, ours?

Why don't they use the Name given in memorial? Does it go back to the time of Jeremiah?

Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, “The Lord GOD liveth.” Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: (Jer 44:26-27)

How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. (Jeremiah 23:26-27)

When coming out of Egypt, Israel were given The Name. Moses asked 'who shall I say sent me?' Of that generation, only Joshua and Caleb entered the land. As that generation passed away Israel were taught in the wilderness to hope to enter the good land flowing with milk and honey, promised to their fathers. They had to desire it before they could enter into it. This was an example for us.

Hosea was told that before Israel would acquire vineyard in a return to the Land, they would be pleaded with in the wilderness.

The children of Jacob, as Israel, were to become the nation that were in an exile of affliction 400 years in Egypt.

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; (Gen 15:13)

Israel, for not appreciating the gifts of Yahweh, went into exile with the Assyrian captivity, and Judah followed with the exile to Babylon.

They were taught to hope, and to seek the land promised to their fathers. Judah partially returned under Ezra and Nehemiah. From there it was 490 years to Messiah as Daniel said.

Then while some repented, the nation's leaders said “we have no king but Ceasar” and so it was that the Romans forced Judeans, or Jews as they became known, into an exile to a wilderness of affliction that lasted longer than Israel was a nation. In that exile they learned to say “Next year Jerusalem” and they said it every year. Now why? Events did establish Deuteronomy 28

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life: In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see. And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you. (Deuteronomy 28:65-68)

4) The affliction of the Servants

In what way are the Jewish people a witness to us, as the people of the living God?

Because there were not just one people of affliction. There were two. And both were given 1260 years of affliction. Revelation is clear.

When the way and truth became corrupted by 'greviuos wolves', as the Apostles foresaw, the true servants were afflicted.

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

(Revelation 12:5-6)

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev 12:14-17)

Do we consider that what we do today is remarkable in history? Do we meet in peace? For well over 1000 years of recent history there was nowhere the true servants were not in affliction. For most the habitable world was allowed to be dominated by the political power of false worship. It was spoken of.

He shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Daniel 7:25)

Why was this? Why wasn't it all made easy? What had Yahweh Elohim learned about his people when they had prosperity? What happened when they were living in the Promised land? Did they then desire it? Did they hope for it? Or did they have their consolation then?

Like most of the christians of world, we do not have to hide our copy of the Bible, we are not likely to have to flee if we preach, except in a few places. We expect that none will have to give their life, as for example Stephen and Paul did.

There is another famous exile. While oppressing the true servants, the Papacy gained power over all of Spain and exiled Jews and seized their property in 1492.

On the day the expulsion was announced Columbus sailed with some Jews and with some hope to explore and establish settlement in the new world. Funding from two wealthy converted court Jews to Columbus persuaded Queen Isabella, and the rest which was given by Queen Isabella, was sourced from confiscated Jewish property. It appears the very first European settler of the new world was Jewish. There followed many settlers to the new world who were escaping the inquisition. A bit over 100 years later they left from England famously for freedom of worship. Again it was a loss of prosperity and exile to a kind of wilderness. The turkey obtained its name from Hebrew for 'peacock', thanks to Columbus. And there came to be even Jewish Pirates of the Caribean.

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. (Eze 11:16)

But Isaiah 49 is addressed to the Isles or coasts and the people from afar. To us.

Listen, O isles, unto me;!!!

and hearken, ye people, from far;

The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

And he has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

And said unto me, “Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”

Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God. And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. (Isaiah 49:1-5)

Are we striving to enter the straight gate? Or are we in the promised land? We might consider the events of the valley of Achor. It was a door of hope. It was where the sin of covetousness for Babylonish garments, gold and silver was confessed and removed from Israel. Then and only then could they possess the land. We must confess all our labour for material things is vanity.

There will be a memorial in the future in the kingdom, for the valley of trouble, for Achor,

Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all. And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me. (Isa 65:8-10)

Today the Papacy targets through overt and covert diplomacy. It has moved the nations to be enemies of the people being prepared by Yahweh. In these last days we witness again people who are reviled. We see those Jews who most seek the words of the prophets, being condemned for seeking to live on the mountains of Israel, Judea and Samaria, especially in Benjamin region.

It is written that,

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. (Eze 34:13-15)

And with great clearness with the exact circumstances as predicted,

prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession: Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:

Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, .. Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey. Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, ... Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame. But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come. For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown: And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded: (Eze 36:1-10)

The nations have made it hard for Jews to build on the mountains. Jews might build in many places, but they are specifically condemned and restricted from builing on eth moutains. When they seek to obey God and defy the 'laws' of men the houses they build are demolished. The more they try to restrict Jews from settling on the mountains, the more Jews seem to multiply there. The more the international community leaders pressure Jews to stop building, the more the Jews seek to build (this artcile is to hand but is one of many “John Kerry's position that the US deems Jewish building in Judea and Samaria as "illegitimate.” . http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/173790#.UoPwYyekOTx)

We see once again the pattern of the scriptures, of a time of trouble as a door of hope. Do we consider these people as a work in progress? Do we see the pattern of redemption? Does it not indicate that our redemption must be close?

Of the 7 congregations sent letters only Philadelphia was specifically given respite from trial and temptation, as they kept the word of patience. It is mentioned they loved the name.

Laodicea had an increase in goods and no specific trial. They were wealthy. But the individuals who loved in truth, and are loved are rebuked and chastened, as Israel was.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:19-20)

Once the Bridegroom comes, and those found with oil to enter, the door is opened and the marriage supper is made. This promise is similar to the one given to the apostles.

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:28-30)

But do we call him 'Lord, Lord', or do we know him by name, knowing the full meaning of that Hebrew name given by his Father, Y'shua, meaning 'Yah shall save'. If we know this in practice doing his words then we can know him as a friend.

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:14-15)

At that supper he explains why there would be 1260 years of affliction to the servants of Yahweh,

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. (John 15:18-21)

If we are true sons we will go through trial to enter. If we do not feel that we are rebuked and chastened as sons, as Israel was and is, it is perhaps because do we do not consider deeply enough what has been made known unto us: what Yahweh does and what Y'shua heard and told us.

This is so that we might also have fellowship with those who went through great tribulation, and who will enter the door of hope, the same door we wish to enter. If we don't desire to enter above every possession, we won't enter.

and we won't be given Y'shua new name,

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after Yahweh, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith Yahweh, who does all these things.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:14-18)

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