BE ON THE WATCH

SHEPHERD OVER THE SHEEP

BE A SHEPHERD AND NOT A WOLF

When I was five, I began wondering about life and death. It seems kind of weird that a child would contemplate such a thing, but you must understand the circumstances surrounding my situation and why I was beginning to question my existence. When I was able to read there was two publications that my aunt assigned to us that we had to study, the Encyclopedia Britannica and the Bible. My brother and I were raised by my grandparents and before I began preschool, we were enrolled in Sunday school at 7th Avenue Baptist church in Oakland, CA. My grandmother C.B Turner was an usher and helped build the church with Pastor Johnson and her good friend Mrs Simpson. From the gate, my brother and I were causing trouble with a capital T. We were known as the Turner boys and not in a good affectionate way but in a way for two misbehaving adolescents creating havoc. My grandmother affectionately known as mommy Johnny that my sister Keia called her after our grandfather Papa Johnny, was the world to us. She taught us moral skills and about building a strong faith in Jesus so we wouldn't go to hell. It was instilled in us from papa Johhny to be strong men and not display weakness to anyone and to cherish our Iviry lineage. Growing up in West Oakland in close proximity of the Acorn Housing Projects, we were warned to stay inside the gate around our house and don't mix with individuals with questionable characters. At the time, I was envious of the other kids that were playing freely at the park across the street until a traumatic incident happened and My son, meddle not with many matters: for if you meddle much, you shall not be innocent; and if you follow after, you shall not obtain, neither shall you escape by fleeing. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 11:10. My brother and I moved to Berkeley, CA with dad and aunt and from day one we missed our grandparent's home and parental guidance. My aunt moved out and it quickly became a time of trials and tribulations. We quickly realized, there is one that labors, and takes pains, and makes haste, and is so much the more behind. Again, there is another that is slow, and has need of help, wanting ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of YAHUAH looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 11:11-12. Through elementary and Jr high school we had to basically fend for ourselves and learned that YAHUAH blesses the child that has their own, but throughout our turbulent adolescent and teenage years, our grandparents papa and mommy Johnny taught us life skills, work ethics and always seek YAH that is able to strengthen individuals through prayer And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw from him is peace over all. Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of YAHUAH. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 11:10-14 

A LAMB AMONG THE FLOCK

It felt really strange that every Sunday it was mandatory that we attended church, either healthy or sick and I was still having doubts about the power of Jesus. I was being taught that Jesus was the head shepherd, and every Christian was part of his flock but why was there so much complaining about people treated so badly. This was very confusing and at the same time liberating because the Hebrew nation was experiencing the same oppression and mistreatment as melanite people in America. In times of antiquity, our ancestors were guided by High Priests and Judges but today there is an influx of pastors, preachers, priests and spiritual advisors assigned to guide the flock to repentance and redemption but are they truly worthy based on standards of the Torah and CEPHER? Being a shepherd is not an easy task and though you might appear in public as a Holy roller or born-again Christian, YAHUAH has the last word upon who is worthy and who is not. Who is truly spotless from sin and guilt while fulfilling your assignment as a representative of YAHUSHA HA’MASHIACH? Examine the lead within your congregation and ask yourself, are they truly providing me spiritual nourishment to replenish my Ruach (Holy Spirit)? We will examine Shepherds of antiquity starting with Moshe. Bemidbar (Numbers) 27:12-17 And Yahuah said unto Mosheh: Get you up into this Mount Avariym and see the land which I have given unto the children of Yashar'el. And when you have seen it, you also shall be gathered unto your people, as Aharon your brother was gathered. For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Tsin, in the strife of the assembly, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meriyvah in Qadesh in the wilderness of Tsin. And Mosheh spoke unto El-Yahuah, saying: Let Yahuah, the Elohai of the ruachoth of all flesh, set a man over the assembly, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the assembly of Yahuah be not as sheep which have no shepherd. Who is worthy to fill the void? My grandparents trained us to avoid circumstances that leads to moral dilemmas via Sunday school and scriptural instructions but as adults, a majority of individuals left the church and fell into the mixed crowd of the nations and their idolatries. The prison system every year houses men and women baptized as children but now charged as adults within the penal system. As children we stayed under the protection of papa and mama Johnny that instructed us to be exemplary in our conduct. The Torah instructs individuals to repent and the Cepher inspires a Talmidiym to enlist five moral qualities: within their lifestyle that can Shepherd the flock through turbulent times. As children, I had parental guidance to protect me while under their care, but it was that mystery to find out what the carnal mind was desiring that drove me to a path of rebellion. I total admit that I should have been more transparent with the urges constantly tucking at me to go left or right during my teenage years but out of fear of disappointing papa and mama Johnny I kept silent. This is my burden to bear and my truth to confess since I didn't speak to the shepherd about the changes happening that could alter my faith. This is therapy for me to jettison memories of the past so I can begin the process of redemption.

SHEEP IN THE WILDERNESS

WOLVES PREYING ON SHEEP

The admission of my shortcomings is another opportunity to assist individuals seeking guidance and inspiration from shepherds who are called to protect the sheep and provide converts with spiritual nourishment that can feed their hearts and minds when in doubt. Care for their moral and theocratic tutoring inside and outside the assembly before guilt and depression take hold of them. Be a watchmen against the predators and traps written as warnings for both men and women in the Torah. Instruct a Talmidiym on the paths to salvation and the humility of sacrificing carnal desires for the well-being of the covenants established for the Yashar'el nation. The comfort that prayer provides when building an intimate relationship with both Yahuah and Yahusha Ha'Mashiach that empowers strength and courage in times of tribulations and triumphs. As a child I wavered in my purpose on the journey called life because my goals for success were not clearly outlined for me, but through my failures I Pray the next generation can restore the perpetual covenants abandoned because of our exile and spiritual illiteracy. Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 50:4-7 In those days, and in that time, says Yahuah, the children of Yashar'el shall come, they and the children of Yahudah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek Yahuah Elohayhem. They shall ask the way to Tsiyon with their faces thitherward, saying: Come, and let us join ourselves to El-Yahuah in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place. All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said: We offend not, because they have sinned against Yahuah, the habitation of justice, even Yahuah, the hope of their fathers. I began this discussion with my childhood since the revelations of the past played a significant role in my teenage and adult life. This is looking at the truth of where I steered of course without the edification of a shepherd to guide me back into the fold. Throughout the Torah and Cepher, shepherds are frequently reiterated as Talmidiym called upon to watch over the assembly of Yahusha Ha'Mashiach. Similar to shepherds that protect the sheep from predators lurking in the wilderness, these shepherds lead the flock to pastures that are free of danger so they can feed and nourish themselves without harm. The shepherds had to be fully aware of the paths the sheep were to travel and be ready to provide insight and direction if a sheep goes astray. The duties of a shepherd meant courage replaced fear since the spiritual lives of the flock was in their hands.

SHEPHERDS TRAINED BY YAHUSHA

The duties of a Talmidiym is likened to a shepherd since their assignment is not to be taken lightly and requires vigilance and be watchful for traps and snares on the path established by YAHUAH enemies and foes. A shepherd is never to diminish the spiritual and moral needs of the flock by putting their carnal desires and ambitions before the protection of the sheep. This happens quite often when a shepherd is distracted with the snares of financial gain, egotistical behavior, fleshly desires and laziness. A shepherd must remain attentive to the needs of the sheep while ensuring comfort to the flock both young and elderly. Throughout the Torah and Cepher, books chronicle both men and women putting themselves in harms way for the Yashar'el nation. Yahusha clearly stated that the duties and mindset of a shepherd and Talmidiym is not for everyone but those ready to give their all to the faith. During his generation, their were a multitude of prophets and spiritual advisors misleading the flock but he made it quite clear that he came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. How many times have we witnessed a family member bickering with other family members because of their faith? Individuals are born with freewill because of the disobedience of A'dam, Chuah and Lucifer and we are now facing strife within the family circle because of that disobedience. Individuals have abandoned the moral and theocratic instructions of the Torah and Cepher because a family member have slighted them or a family member have advised them to seek other idolatries reasoning that is harmful to their spiritual well-being. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach warned of such Individuals that allow the love of father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. We only have a short time upon earth after adulthood to redeem ourselves and come back into the fold through repentance but a majority do not heed the signs but continue on a journey of debauchery and disillusionment. We see the writings upon the wall but choose to look the other way because repentance requires alterations to our lifestyle, behavior and beliefs. Yahusha informed his Talmidiym that he that takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me. We witnessed how the Apostles were still questioning the parables and instructions given to them and the Talmidiym even though they were in the presence of the great shepherd daily. Yahusha informed them personally and our generation through the writings of prophets, scribes and converts that He that finds his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it, so death and ridicule is always present in the life of a shepherd and Talmidiym.A good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep, demonstrating a deep love and commitment to their well-being. This means prioritizing the needs of the flock above his own. Yechezq'el (Ezekiel) 33:3-13. If when he sees the sword come upon the land, he blow the shofar, and warn the people; Then whosoever hears the sound of the shofar, and takes not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard את the sound of the shofar and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that takes warning shall deliver his soul. Then whosoever hears the sound of the shofar, and takes not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard את the sound of the shofar and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that takes warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman sees the sword come, and blow not the shofar, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. So you, O son of A'dam, I have set you a watchman unto the house of Yashar'el; therefore you shall hear the word at my mouth and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die; if you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at your hand. Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. Therefore, O son of A'dam, speak unto the house of Yashar'el; Thus ye speak, saying: If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? Say unto them, As I live, says Adonai Yahuah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Yashar'el? Therefore, son of A'dam, say unto the children of your people: The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turns from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sins. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trusts to his own righteousness, and commits iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he has committed, he shall die for it. 

EVOLUTION OF THE LAMB

FROM LAMB TO SHEEP TO SHEPHERDS

We cannot reverse time and change our previous mishaps and indiscretions, but we can alter our current lifestyle and get back on a course that is beneficial to our spiritual and moral awakening. Everyone has their own agenda because of free will as did men and women of antiquity. In my opinion, we can fare a great deal better than our ancestors because we have a spiritual and moral road map to salvation that they did not have access to. I Pray every morning and when I begin a new assignment to stay ten toes down and do not steer off course when the storms come. I know that corruption continues to knock at my door because of the assignment I perceive that was given to me. I must constantly stay on the watch and attend the Shabbat meetings weekly or conduct theocratic tutoring for myself and family when I'm away from the assembly. This often is difficult but never burdensome because of the love I have for my father YAHUAH and the mindset I have established through prayer. For the rest of my time upon earth, I have dedicated my journey to the restoration of the covenants given to the Yashar'el nation and building righteous memories that will sustain me in the hereafter while I wait for judgment as the book of Chazon (Revelations) says will befall all mankind. We welcome all individuals to study the TORAH and Cepher with us every Shabbat at The Gospel of YAHUAH  ASSEMBLY 2697 Parker Avenue Oakland, Ca 94605 at 10am. Let us all become worthy shepherds over the flock of YAHUAH and YAHUSHA HA'MASHIACH. And the Word of Yahuah came unto me, saying: Son of A'dam, prophesy against the shepherds of Yashar'el, prophesy, and say unto them: Thus says Adonai Yahuah unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Yashar'el that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became food for all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the Word of Yahuah; As I live, says Adonai Yahuah, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the Word of Yahuah; Thus says Adonai Yahuah; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be food for them. For thus says Adonai Yahuah; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 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 Yashar'el 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 Yashar'el shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Yashar'el. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, says Adonai Yahuah. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. Yechezq'el (Ezekiel) 34:1-16