Worthy Brief - 12/14/2017
Friend,trim your lamps!
Matthew 25:1-13 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
This parable in Matthew 25 is a warning to the entire body -- be ready with your oil! Each of these virgins was anticipating the Lord's return; none were atheists, or non-believers. They were all virgins who claimed to be awaiting the Bridegroom's arrival. But notice carefully that only half of them were truly ready.
In the ancient Temple era the Aaronic priests were in charge of lighting the lamp of God and keeping it burning. Their main responsibilities included trimming the wicks, refilling the lamp constantly with fresh oil, and making sure it never burned out.
A clear parallel can be drawn between the Aaronic priesthood and the New Covenant priesthood of Melchizedek and Yeshua (Jesus). Both are responsible to keep the lamps burning!
Friend, are you feeling burned out this Chanukah season? Then trim your wick by getting rid of the useless things in your life and diving deeper into His Word. Are you feeling spiritually drained? Then wait on the Lord and ask Him for a fresh anointing. Bearing the light of God is the responsibility of all true believers; you are the bearer of that light; so be reignited today and keep your lamps burning bright for Him. Let's be wise virgins, anxiously awaiting His return!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Orlando, Florida
Editor's Note: Worthy Ministries was just established as a non-profit corporation. To reflect these changes, we've completely revamped our online donation site, changed our mailing address, and have reorganized the means of how we handle sending out tax-deductible receipts. We're closing out our year in a few weeks, and we'd like to start 2018 on the right foot! Would you consider giving a year-end gift?
Editor's Note: We have our schedule online. Be sure to check it out and see where you can meet us on the road! There are still a few holes we are hoping to fill along the way. If you would like to us minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or host a Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyemail.com for more information.
Muslim leaders call on world to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital
Muslim leaders on Wednesday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and called on the world to respond by recognizing East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza in response to rockets
The Israeli Air Force struck three Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday-Thursday, in retaliation for a volley of rockets fired at Israel from the Hamas-controlled enclave.
Soldiers clash with hundreds of rioters in Ramallah
Undercover Border Police officers dressed as Palestinians arrested three rioters during a violent standoff outside Ramallah on Tuesday, according to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
Poll: 90% of Palestinians oppose Trump's Jerusalem declaration
The Palestinians overwhelmingly oppose U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and have little faith in the U.S. or its Arab allies, according to a poll released Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Republicans strike deal on tax package
Republican negotiators on Wednesday said they’ve managed to strike a deal on a $1.4 trillion tax-cut package and that they’ll be prepared to send it to President Trump’s desk next week.
Ohio passes law barring abortion over Down syndrome diagnosis
Women in Ohio would be prohibited from receiving abortions because of a fetal Down syndrome diagnosis under a bill that passed the state senate on Wednesday and is heading to Republican Governor John Kasich’s desk.
80% of 101 Illegals Arrested in NJ ICE Operation Are Convicted Felons
A five-day sweep in New Jersey last week nabbed 101 illegal aliens, 80% of whom are convicted felons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Tuesday.
US military to send cyber soldiers to the battlefield
The US Army will soon send teams of cyber warriors to the battlefield, officials said Wednesday, as the military increasingly looks to take the offensive against enemy computer networks.