Many people ask whether Yeshua celebrated the feast of Chanukah, which in English is called the feast of "Dedication". Yes, He did indeed. John 10:22 says: "It was the feast of Chanukah at Jerusalem, it was winter, and Yeshua was walking in the Temple in the portico of Solomon".
It was at that time that His disciples urged Him to reveal to them whether or not He was in fact the Messiah. In responding to them, one thing Yeshua said that really stands out for me is : "My sheep hear my voice". The Hebrew word for "hear" is "shomea". The word "shomea" also means "obey". This makes sense, because hearing and obeying are really the same thing. If your heart belongs to this world, then you can NOT hear the Lord, and therefore you will not obey His voice. What happens is that you get bogged down in what the bible calls "this present darkness". On the other hand, if your heart is sold out to Yeshua, then you can hear and obey the voice of the Lord, for you will know what God is saying and what He is doing. A heart that loves God is walking in His perfect will, because He has put the Holy Spirit into your heart, to lead you as a Shepherd leads His sheep.

This world is a kingdom of darkness. It does not honor God. It prohibits God. This is why there is no scripture today in schools and courthouses and public buildings. This present darkness is always there, pulling us away from God. We are always being tempted to live according to the standards of this world, and become conformed to its image. But God has a higher calling for us who belong to Yeshua. This is why Yeshua said when He was brought unto Pilate: "My Kingdom is not of this world". Our God knows the temptations we face, for He too lived as a man, and therefore was tempted. He was at all times perfect, and without sin, but having been tempted, He understands our struggles. We only need to ask, and God will forgive and help us to overcome. He is merciful, kind, and always willing to receive us back. Many of us have no idea what great treasure Yeshua has in store for us, if only we will commit our lives to Him. Many of us don't even know we are living in darkness. When the light of Messiah comes, then you know for sure. He has a way of waking you up. Oftentimes this happens at seasons of renewal, during festivals, and new years. If you are ready to make a greater commitment to Yeshua for 2012, then the door will open to you. If you would just knock. He will answer.

God is doing a new thing in the earth. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah : "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before me, saith the LORD". Is. 66:23. The whole world is destined to worship the Lord Yeshua weekly on Shabbat. For now, you can worship Yeshua on Shabbat with us at Temple New Jerusalem any week. Why not make it every week? God is restoring Israel as a testimony in the earth. You are invited! God wants to restore you too! I hope you will come this week.

Reminder - This week, I am going to be continuing the current teaching series: "Chosen People: The Importance of Israel". We look forward to see you this week at Friday night Shabbat service and Chanukah celebration. Shalom.
In Yeshua's name,

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, He will prosper those who love her". Ps. 122:6

RABBI MICHAEL STEPAKOFF
TEMPLE NEW JERUSALEM
1190 E Lake Rd S
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-9106