Who Was Jesus - Really

[Traveler]

The Festival of the Water Libation by Rabbi Chaim Richman The Temple Institute, Jerusalem

**During the Festival of Sukkot, a special ceremony took place every day in the Holy Temple, known as the Festival of the Water Libation. Each morning of the festival, during the daily sacrifice, water was poured onto the altar in a special joyous service. At the foothills of Mount Moriah, down below in the City of David, flows a natural spring called Shiloach. This spring is ancient, and as it is located literally in the shadow of the Holy Temple, it has always had spiritual significance for Israel. It is the original source of Jerusalem's water. Every day of the festival, the priests descended down to the Shiloach, accompanied by all the congregation assembled in the Temple. There, they filled a golden flask with 3 lug (about 1/2 liter) of the pure water. Ascending back up, carrying the flask with song and elation with that singular feeling that comes only from fulfilling the Holy One's will, the gathering entered back into the Temple through the Water Gate, one of the gates on the southern side of the court (it received its name on account of this event-Mishna Shekalim 6, 3). As they entered the gate, their steps were greeted by the sound of trumpets and shofar-blasts, in fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah's words (12:3) "With joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation."

Once in the Temple, the priest who had the honor of performing this service now carries the golden flask up the altar ramp. At the top, he turns to his left. Since the ramp is located at the south side of the altar, this means that the Cohen now faces the southwest corner; it is here that the libations were poured. Here at this corner, two silver cups were fixed on the top of the altar, sitting next to each other. The one further east received the wine libations which are poured out every day at the time of the daily Tamid sacrifice; the other was designated for this service, which took place exclusively on Sukkot.

"With joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3). Based on this verse, the drawing of water from the Shiloach spring and its libation upon the altar of G-d was accompanied by great rejoicing and celebration in the Holy Temple. In fact, this joy was so immense, and the celebrations so uplifting, that the sages of Israel emphatically stated: "Whoever has never seen the celebrations of the Festival of the Water Libation-has never experienced true joy in his life" (ibid. 5, 1). But what was the cause of such great happiness, to the extent that this statement was recorded for all posterity? Indeed, what could be so moving about the simple act of gathering up some water, and pouring it onto the altar? True, there is always a feeling of joy when an individual has the opportunity to fulfill the will of G-d. And true, too, that this observance has always been associated as an propitious harbinger for the coming season's rainfall. But there is still more significance to this great rejoicing "Closeness to G-d is Good"

The answer can be found in the words of King David, expressing one of the purest of human emotions: "But as for me-only closeness to G-d is good" (Psalms 73:28). Man, being a most limited and finite creature relates to everything by comparison. When we consider something to be "good" or "bad" it is solely on the basis of experience; if something is thought to be good, it can only be in relation to something else which we have previously encountered and know to be good. But David said that all pursuits, endeavors and aspirations are but folly for him, for the only thing in which he had any interest, that which uplifted him and motivated him, was the ultimate goodness to which nothing can be compared only closeness to G-d. This is the true aspiration of the Jew who wishes to live his life in connection to G-d, guided by His commandments and determined to sanctify himself through them. And it is in the Holy Temple that this pursuit reaches its resounding crescendo, for there, unlike any other spot on earth, G-d beckons to man to come forward and recognize that the universe has direction, life has meaning and ultimately, that not only does man seek to know his Creator, but the Creator seeks man as well. Thus at the celebrations in the Temple, the famed sage Hillel enigmatically recited: "My feet lead me to a place that I love to go. And the Holy One, blessed be He, says 'If you come to My house, I will come to your house. And if you do not come to My house, I will not come to yours'-for the verse states (Ex. 20:21)

'In all places where I will cause My name to be mentioned, I will come to you and bless you'." The Epitome of True Happiness is Spiritual Fulfillment This realization of connection to G-d, and a life led for Divine purpose, is the true secret to happiness. This is King David's message in these words. Sukkot, itself "the time of our joy," is the season for great rejoicing-and its climax is at the water libation. This is the holiday of true faith in "the shadow of the Divine Presence." When the heart is freed and opened to this experience, the true happiness of spiritual fulfillment actually leads to prophetic enlightenment.

The sages teach that prophecy itself can only come about through joy. A prophet can never receive enlightenment unless he is in a state of joy, for the Divine presence itself only rests on one who is joyful. Thus with regard to the prophet Elisha, the verse states (II Kings 3:15) "And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the L-rd came upon him." Drawing Down the Spirit of Prophecy Herein lies the true secret of the "festival of the water libation," states the Jerusalem Talmud: the great joy was in the receiving of prophetic inspiration. For the Hebrew word for the "drawing" of the water, sho'eva, also indicates drawing in a different direction-the drawing down of prophetic enlightenment. Thus "whoever has never seen the celebrations of the Festival of the Water Libation, has never experienced true joy in his life"-for it was here that prophets like Jonah the son of Amitai received their prophecy. The Jerusalem Talmud relates that Jonah was not expecting any revelation, but merely arrived at the festival of the water libation along with all the other holiday pilgrims. He was so overcome with joy that he received Divine inspiration and in turn, there can be no greater joy than this. Thus, on the holiday which is predisposed to joy, we find the epitome of true celebration taking place in the hallowed courtyards of the L-rd. There, His people experienced such spiritual happiness that it resulted in no less than the highest brush with the Divine possible for a human being to attain: the prophetic experience. All this came about by the fulfillment of the will of G-d in His presence. **

Imagine if you will, a poor man, young, barley of age to legally speak in public, with no real education, unknown to the clergy and foreign to the over 1800 year old religious establishment (see Matt 1:17) that officially celebrated all that was known from all the known scriptures. This young upstart form a backwater area of Galilee, known for its rebels, rift-raft and general lack of civilization, at the most joyous, wonderful and sacred moment of the celebration at the end of Sukkot, the Water Libation, when the water was to be pored out, suddenly calls out to all at the temple, in a booming voice. (Follow with me beginning at John 7:Verse 37)

37 ¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

45 ¶ Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

A few important points. The words of Jesus caused a great division of the people who up til then were more or less members of a single 2000 year old traditional religion. He was opposed overwhelmingly by the religious establishment and clergy. Those that followed him were accused of not knowing the scriptures and teaching contrary to the scriptures (the law) by the most acclaimed experts of the Jewish religion.

If Jesus were to post incognito among us, I am sure that some would quote scriptures and say his teaching are blasphemous and not “Biblical”, just as when he walked the first time among man,. As before they most likely would prove, or think they proved their point from the scriptures. How could anyone know who he really was if he was not announced with the trump of angles. If he were here today how can we recognize him? How well do you really know him? Look carefully my friends and ask yourself this question, has his spirit stirred among us in our day and it did anciently? If it has, could the forces of darkness that calls itself religious allow it to be unopposed? Would not the forces of darkness claim to be light and denounce the light as darkness? Would today be different? I do not think so!

The Traveler

[Traveler]

Perhaps my post was too long -- I wondered what some think of Jesus. We tend to suger coat ideas and concepts. I have never seen a painting of Jesus - outside of the cross that depect him as he may looked walking the dusty desert. We critize the Jews for not recognizing Jesus because he did not come with all his power and glory but my question is - how would we recognize him without his power and glory?

The Traveler

[Dr T]

Hi Traveler,

Even those that saw his power refused Him.

[Ray]

We critize the Jews for not recognizing Jesus because he did not come with all his power and glory but my question is - how would we recognize him without his power and glory?

I can hear what you are saying, Traveler, and you're making some very good points, but I think He always has His power and glory because HE ALWAYS IS WHO HE IS... and we can feel His power and glory when we truly "see" Him or "hear" His words... and if we LOVE who He is we'll feel joy. :)

And btw, those who don't or can't see Him or hear Him don't really want to know WHO He is. They only want to do what He can with all of His power and glory... and to do that we need to know HIM.

[Guest ApostleKnight]

I enjoyed the Jewish backdrop, Traveler. Reminds me of the Messiah series by McConkie. Great reading.

how would we recognize him without his power and glory?

The witness of the Spirit. Even before the giving of the Holy Ghost to his apostles after his resurrection, Christ's divinity was revealed to Peter by the Spirit ("flesh and blood hath not revealed this to thee, but my Father which is in heaven"). Sure Peter saw Jesus perform miracles, but even Pharaoh's magicians reproduced Moses's miracles to some degree. Miracles don't convert. They confirm what has been revealed.

[Ray]

I can now see more of what you know now, ApostleKnight. I hope we become one with our Lord. :)

And btw, the voice of the Spirit can't be heard by some of us because some of us do not know our true Lord.

... "He came into His own and His own received Him not" is a reference to one coming of our Lord.

[Guest ApostleKnight]

I can now see more of what you know now, ApostleKnight. I hope we become one with our Lord. :)

Sounds good to me.

[Traveler]

One thing that has always bothered me is that the Dead Sea Scrolls were left by a group that was looking for the Messiah to come (they were within 5 years of the date). Yet there is no indication among any of the scrolls that they identified Jesus as the Messiah. There is in the New Testament several individuals (including some apostles) that may have had connection with the Dead Sea Scrolls society but there is no conclusive evidence.

So here is my wonderment. Why is it that those that studied the scriptures carefully as a group did not recognize Jesus and only those that were more dependent on the spirit, convinced. Why was there so much disagreement between scripture experts (believers in the written word) and those that follow the spirit as their primary source of such things?

The Traveler

[Dr T]

Interesting question Traveler. Would you argue that "following the Spirit" is the #1 priority?

THanks

[Traveler]

Interesting question Traveler. Would you argue that "following the Spirit" is the #1 priority?

THanks

I tend to think that but to argue the point is another problem. It could be that becoming convinced of a thing and then making everything fit that paradigm has flaws over seeking and considering new stuff - which also needs to be a most important consideration. I tend to look towards the journey as the important notion rather than focussing on the destination. One thing Gandhi taught is that to put forward a truth, one must be the example and Gandhi was a student of Jesus that taught the same thing.

Perhaps you have seen me post in the past that no one should ever criticize that which they cannot improve. Both Gandhi and Jesus did everything they taught. Perhaps the problem is in those that read things in scripture and then think it applies to someone else.

The Traveler

[boyando]

Beautiful thoughts, All.

Thanks Traveler for something to think about, in the middle of the week. - Allmosthumble

[Ray]

It could be that becoming convinced of a thing and then making everything fit that paradigm has flaws over seeking and considering new stuff - which also needs to be a most important consideration.

I think when God has inspired us to become convinced of a thing we can totally rely on that conviction, but it takes experience to know the difference between knowing when God has inspired us to become convinced of a thing and when we are relying on one of our own ideas, or an idea of someone else or other people (including Satan and his minions) to become convinced that we know what is true and good and Who we can then rely upon.

And btw, I also think it helps to know the details of a thing we are considering, before we become convinced in that thing, and the details always come line upon line and precept upon precept.

And yes, we are all on a journey. We are now here to put our faith (or convictions) to a test...

... and I hope we will all become like Jesus - REALLY. :)

[Dr T]

Hello Ray,

Please know that I am not dismissing your last comment/claim. Your point is actually very profound and is raising very important questions for me.

I think when God has inspired us to become convinced of a thing we can totally rely on that conviction, but it takes experience to know the difference between knowing when God has inspired us to become convinced of a thing and when we are relying on one of our own ideas, or an idea of someone else or other people (including Satan and his minions) to become convinced that we know what is true and good and Who we can then rely upon.

And btw, I also think it helps to know the details of a thing we are considering, before we become convinced in that thing, and the details always come line upon line and precept upon precept.

I quoted it all because the whole concept is important. First off, you are saying that God inspires people to become convinced of things that are "true and good" and this conviction is dependable. You also follow that by saying it is based upon precept upon precept. Sir, please explain to me from your personal experience "how you know this is true." Ray, how do you know it is from God and not Satan? How do you know that it is not just a worldview that you have been steeped in for years? Again, Sir, I am not trying to knock you or dismiss what you feel is true. You are claiming truth and I am interested in how you verify that assertion.

Thank you

Dr. T

[Ray]

Heh, this is good, because it seems you are now getting what I have been trying to tell you all along. :)

The way I truly know any “thing” I know is true is by receiving an assurance from God, and once you truly know any “thing” you know is true, you will know you have received God’s assurance.

And that’s about the best I can do at explaining that precept to you now. You need God to assure you of the truth.

And btw, try to realize the fact that I believed many things before I had actually received an assurance from God concerning what I now know and then believed to be true, having been instructed in “religion” by my Dad and Granddad who were preachers, as well as many others who believe they really know what is true.

For example:

I was once taught to believe that the “Church of Christ” is the best church of Christ of all others on Earth, because that church follows the New Testament pattern, and by accepting the teachings that are taught by that church I was taught I was accepting God and His word.

And most of my life after being taught that idea, and accepting it because it came from my parents, I was so busy trying to learn how that church interprets the New Testament that I didn’t think to ask God if what that church teaches is really the truth.

Until one day when I met a missionary in this Church, who taught me to ask God to learn the truth of my beliefs, or in any idea I had or may have, instead of simply trying to accept what I was taught, even when taught by other people I knew and trusted. And after thinking about my ideas, and my reasons for believing, I then saw what I didn’t see before about how I was led by the precepts of men instead of being led by only God and His assurances.

Or in other words, at that point in my life I began to carefully consider all of my ideas, one by one, to find the reasons that I believed in those ideas, and by then asking God if there was any truth in those ideas, one by one, and receiving His assurances of the truth, I then began to grow in my knowledge of the truth until I now know many things that are true.

And then just as now I hear other ideas and I can see other reasons for believing, but I know what I know because I know God has assured me of the truth in all ideas I have considered.

But that DOESN”T mean that I didn’t learn any truth from the ideas I was taught by the “Church of Christ”. It simply means that I didn’t know many of those ideas were really true, even though I still chose to believe in them anyway… like when I then believed that Jesus is the Christ, until I knew with an assurance from God.

And btw, no matter what I say or how I say what I say to you now to try to help explain what I’m thinking, you can only know the truth in any idea I am sharing by receiving God’s assurance of that truth.

So stop asking me, Doc, or any of the rest of us “humans”. You can know what is true from God. :)

[Dr T]

Thanks Ray. I'll have to take this inquiry into another thread. Sorry for interfering with this thread.