“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near…” Isaiah 55:6
When and Where Can The LORD Be Found?
GOD can be found in the Month of Elul!
I’ve spent the last month on the blog teaching about prayer so that we can begin using it for the month of Elul.
Congratulations! Today begins the Month of Elul, the last Month of the Year on the Hebrew Calendar…
Many of my students who have been with me longer are very familiar with my constant reminder…,”The Calendar of GOD was Designed with Dates of Destiny in Mind for You!”
This is what I was taught by a Master Torah Scholar, and the more I remembered it, practiced it, and proclaimed it, the more I found out just how true this statement actually is!
So the question remains….When and Where Can The LORD Be Found?
The LORD is found in His moedim.
Bear in mind that this message will take some time to walk through. As we delve into a another section of the Book of Genesis once more, we will see once more that we have read over the actual meaning of the verse for a very long time.
In order to finally understand the Seasons of GOD, we have to proceed step by step beginning with a clarification of terms.
Language is Everything!
moed in Hebrew means Divine Appointment!
moed (H4150) an appointed time, place, or meeting. The first appearance of the word ‘moed’ in scripture is found in Genesis 1:14. (moedim is the plural form of moed).
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
The lights in the Heavens serve many purposes. One, to divide day from night. Second, to provide signs and thirdly, to help us to distinguish between seasons.
The concordance refers to moed as ‘an appointment’, a fixed time associated with the festivals (feasts) of the LORD. A meeting place, appointed beforehand. It doesn’t use the word ‘divine’ appointment.
That’s completely alright. The ‘appointment’ is scheduled by GOD from the beginning of time. The moed, is designated as a meeting place for GOD and His people. This alone qualifies as the divine element.
The moed, is not merely a literal connotation. The moed contains spiritual components, ordained in the supernatural seasons of GOD.
We have the ability (the choice or opportunity) to operate in chronos moments of time, continuing to miss out on every divine appointment on the calendar, or we can operate under kairos moments of time, and keep our divine appointments with GOD.
Always Ask Yourself, Does This Mean What I Think It Means?
The ancient Greeks had 2 different words they used to express time, kairos and chronos. Kairos referred to critical or opportune moments in time, while chronos referred to sequential or chronological moments of time.
As many of you have come to realize In studying with me, I am constantly pointing out that that our understanding of scripture is framed from a ‘western’ perspective, by virtue of our present day culture and times.
Case in point: When we read Gen 1:14 and hear the word ‘seasons’, (in which we find the first appearance of ‘moed’ in scripture) in general, we automatically think and process this in terms of ‘winter, spring, summer and fall’.
A superficial reading of the verse results in ‘seasons’ being a reasonable assumption.
When we discuss ‘time’ we do much the same thing. Our concept of time is based exclusively from a ‘western’ perspective. Again, understandably anyone can easily read this and make an automatic assumption that we completely know and understand exactly, what is being stated in the verse.
As you can see, we would be wrong to make that assumption.
We are studying a sacred text, not a secular text or literary composition. For these reasons, we must be constantly vigilant. The scripture may be talking apples, while we are thinking oranges.
Always keep in mind, that we are reading an Ancient Hebrew/Greek manuscript with a 21st century English understanding of the definition of the words used in scripture. We must always ask ourselves, “Does this word mean, what I think it means?”
Our Knowledge of The LORD’s meaning of ‘moed‘ is available to us By Many Infallible Proofs:
There are 4 other Hebrew words that are translated into the English language as “seasons” and they all are distinctive in usage and meaning.
zem-awn (2166), yowm (3117), maw-lakh (4414), eth [ayth] (6256)
We are using one English word (seasons), to express 5 different levels of meaning from 5 different Hebrew words.
That being the case, we have to ask another question. “What are the differences between them?” Our investigation will lead us to discover patterns revealed in how the words are used in context to the verses in which they appear.
moed (seasons) appears 223 times in scripture. The pattern reveals that each appearance of ‘moed’ corresponds to an appointed time or meeting place with GOD.
Whether He is speaking of a set time for revelation, or an appointed time set aside to meet with His People, or a time to sow, or a time to reap, GOD selects the specific word from the Hebrew to ensure that there is no confusion.
The only confusion that arises, is when we don’t look up the meaning and make the assumption that we understand what is being said, based on our literal interpretation or understanding.
The Concept of Time in Hebrew
If we ever hope to understand the Seasons of GOD, the Feast Days, The Sabbath, The High Holy Days, etc and why they are so important to GOD… We must also endeavor to understand ‘time’ from a Hebrew/Greek Perspective.
On the surface, this may sound like a lot of work, a lot of concepts to juggle. But I assure you it is worth it!
This entire discussion is going to lead us toward obtaining a greater appreciation of the LORD’s Feast Days and Sabbaths which we must have in order to experience the beauty and blessings of the moedim.
Time from a Hebrew perspective is quite different than how time is represented from a Greek perspective or Western perspective.
We will be training our ears to hear the distinctions as we continue to study the month of Elul.
Remember, All of Scripture is Profitable…
I realize that many people reading this come from backgrounds that have taught us that we are no longer obligated to observe the Biblical Feast enumerated in the “Old Testament”.
I especially hope, if that applies to you, that you will hear me out. You can pick up and leave off exactly as you came before reading this teaching, so all you lose is perhaps an hour of your time and some time in thought.
However, if you carefully weigh the evidence presented in this discourse, you just might walk away with some new information that will open up an entirely new realm of spiritual possibilities.
Building Relationship
Oftentimes, when in a classroom setting, I introduce this teaching by asking the question, “Have you ever met someone from another place, another state, another country and was so intrigued by them, that you wanted to know more about them?”
When presented with such an opportunity to get to know another person, especially someone you are attracted to, you ask so many questions. “Where did you go to school?, Where did you grow up?, How many siblings do you have?, How old are they?, What are your favorite foods?, favorite places, best experiences?, likes and dislikes? etc, etc.
The list goes on and on. Some of us have stayed up all night, talking on the phone or in person, just getting to know each other. It’s a lot of fun!
Eventually, you find yourself going places and doing things that you may have never considered before. Things that are out of the ordinary for you. Perhaps something simple as spending the day at a museum, or going to an opera, or a play or a sporting event. Simply, doing something so out of the ordinary for you, and having a great time, learning a great deal.
You do all of this because you want to get to know the person. So, you take a look inside their world. Later, perhaps, you fall in love with them.
Soon, you are changing your calendar around to be with them. You do things that are not so important to you, but are very important to them.
For instance, you probably would have been just fine, not attending the family barbecue or family reunion, but theirs was important to them, so you accompanied them there.
You may not have even attended your own family reunion when invited. But, this is not about you, so you go, because it’s important to them.
What is important for the other person, becomes important for your relationship.
This is exactly what it is like building a relationship with the LORD.
We can’t say we love Him (GOD), and be completely disinterested in His heritage, His culture, His times, etc.
If He say’s its important to Him, it should be important to us!
To give your lover an excuse like, “I was told that is not required or necessary” is a destiny destroyer in the natural, just as it is a destiny destroyer in the spirit.
If GOD is the Lover of our soul, then I suggest that we put aside our ‘learned’ traditions and beliefs, especially where they differ with what He taught about observing His High Holy Days as an “Everlasting Memorial throughout Your Generations, Forever”.
Also, consider this…If you can turn your calendar around and make a few changes to please an earthly lover... How Much More will you do, could you do, or should you do, for the Lover of Your Soul?
If the moedim is important enough to GOD to schedule time throughout all eternity to spend with you, it should be important enough to us to be available, right?
How Do I Love You? Let Me Count The Ways…
The most loving relationships are adorned, not by what you have to do (are obligated to do), but by what you want to do, to show your love and appreciation for the other person.
Being legalistic in our earthly relationships, never works. How on Earth or Heaven, can we expect that legalism to work in our spiritual relationships.
If your spouse loves to dance and you love them, I recommend dancing.
That being said, All Relationships are Spiritual. When our personal relationships are damaging, that is what they damage most (our spirit).
When our personal relationships are fruitful, what is elevated the most is our spirit!
Working On Our Spiritual Relationship with GOD…
If we had just one beautiful way we have to draw closer to GOD, It would be wise to celebrate His Presence through His ordained Feast Days and Sabbaths!
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Eccl 7:12
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. Eccl 7:19
Wisdom is to Love, acknowledge and experience His moedim! At the very least, I encourage you to become as interested in His interest, as you would be with any other person here on earth.
The sabbaths were made for man… He ordained them for you, out of love.
He has been consistently clear, all throughout scripture of the significance, importance, protection and love provided in His moedim.
Love what GOD loves.
STEP ONE: KNOWING CHRONOS FROM KAIROS
Operating under CHRONOS MOMENTS of Time
This is how we operate day in and day out. Light in the Day, Darkness in the Night; Night from day, day after day, night after night. Chronos is tantamount to operating under the sun.
Think of chronos as day by day cycles of time. Our typical standard clock and calendar. These are the mundane mechanations of time.
Our days and years become mundane when they are devoid of the pursuits of Heaven. Without GOD in our days, the profane (secular) consumes our time.
In this manner, chronos can be considered the monotonous use of our time. Especially when we spend our time in unprofitable ways…going through the motions, no plan, no goals, disengaged or disconnected spiritually or emotionally.
Spiritually disengaging or “going through the motions” is equivalent to binding yourself in a chronos mindset.
Chronos moments are linear. Although cycles are an inherent characteristic in calendars, living day to day without GOD, causes mankind to operate on a lower level, with a futile mindset.
Time is an infinite line and an unending march in time. Operating in chronos time, is like watching time go by, with no spiritual goals, no spiritual progress.
GOD has effectively been locked out or blocked out of our lives, by our own choices and devices.
Ecclesiastes 1:
- 3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
- 4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
- 5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
- 6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
- 7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
- 9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
- 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
In our Chronos mindset, we treat time as a spendable, recurring, yet limited resource, to squander or value at our discretion. In many ways, time becomes a tangible entity or dimension, that we treat as a living thing that we have access to at will.
Operating under KAIROS MOMENTS of Time…
The LORD GOD of Heaven is the GOD who was and is and will be, everything that we need in our lives.
If we believe that this is true, then we have to operate knowing, that our speech, our actions, behaviors, prayers, everything we do, affects what was, is and will be.
Shifting out of chronos and into kairos requires that our mindset elevate to a level that recognizes and accepts, that everything is connected.
Prayer is a Product of Kairos Moments of Time…
Your actions, Your Words, Your Life, everything about you matters and so does everyone else!
Our words, our actions, our prayers affect past, present and future events. For many of us, that is an incredible statement and claim to make. Yet, GOD said it anyway…
“That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.” (Ecclesiastes 3:15)
An ALREADY BEEN DONE Kind of Prayer
Eccl 3:15 is not your traditional healing verse of scripture. I know.
Consider Eccl 3:15 from the perspective of time and space. On the literal surface, my claim that our prayers affect the past, seems impossible. But before dismissing this outright, ask yourself if you believe in the healing power of prayer?
If so, then prayer must reach into a past that has already manifested sickness and/or disease. In the present, the candidate is unhealthy because of what has already transpired, correct?
In order to address, an already been done kind-of-situation, you need an already been done kind-of prayer!
This level of prayer can not be achieved if we are “slaves to a chronological timeline”, praying from a position held “under the sun”.
We need our prayers to be prayed under the Heavens (kairos side of the street), from a position in the moedim.
Those that are hearing me clearly, will come to know a spiritual place when they see trouble heading toward them from a far off, will not panic or cry aloud, or dive into desparate prayer.
They will simply look and see where they are on the calendar of GOD and find their peace.
You see, when you know where you are on the calendar of GOD, you start to say things like, “OK, this is the best season for this kind of attack! Praise GOD!”
When the enemy draws lots to schedule the best date to plot your demise, be encouraged! Your Divine Reversal in at Hand!
There is a WHOLE NEW LEVEL of Confidence, Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding Coming Your Way, once you purpose in your heart to place yourself squarely on the Calendar of Heaven!
Ecclesiastes
- 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
- 3:1 To every thing there is a season (zeman), and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
- 8:1 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
- 8:2 I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
- 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
- 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
- 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
The critical or opportune moments of time expresssed in Greek as ‘kairos’ is the best word choice in the Greek that correlates to an understanding of zeman in Hebrew, which is an appointed time, the set time, a time of divine alignment.
A ‘zeman/kairos moment’ is understood as the most suitable time for an action to take place, i.e. the right time or right timing.
It is important for us as Christians to be aware of the set times of GOD ( zemanim) as well as our ordained appointments, i.e. appointed times (moedim).
When GOD speaks of signs and seasons in Genesis 1:14, He is talking about something completely different than what ‘normally or naturally’ pops into our mind.
The natural mind thinks of, ” winter, spring, summer and fall”, when we hear the word ‘seasons‘. No argument with that at all, the natural mind is trained to hear and process the word ‘seasons’ in this way.
So it follows that, ‘literally’, that is exactly what we hear when someone says, ‘seasons’.
However, scripture is not trying to teach us things we already have knowledge of in the natural. The purpose of scripture is to teach us ‘spiritual’ concepts.
It is no coincidence that when GOD first speaks of ‘seasons‘ in the scripture (Gen 1:14) He is not speaking of creating ‘winter, spring, summer or fall’. He is speaking of creating, ordaining, appointed times on His Spiritual Calendar to meet with His People, Us!
The lights in the Heavens separating day from night, are also there to separate signs and seasons from days and night, and days and years.
Days and Night, and Days and Years are Chronos Moments. Signs and Seasons are Kairos.
Our Thoughts Are Not His Thoughts
The word in Hebrew that is interpreted as ‘seasons’ in Genesis 1:14 is MOED, which actually indicates an APPOINTED TIME. This is above and beyond the seasons of ‘winter, spring, summer and fall’.
In the cycles of days and years, night and day, days and years, we will naturally experience seasons like winter, spring, summer and fall. That’s a given.
Scripture was never talking about these types of seasons in Genes 1:14. If GOD wanted to discuss seasons, i.e., winter spring, summer and fall, He actually has a word for that.
HOW CAN YOU KNOW THIS FOR SURE?
A quick look at the etymology of the word ‘seasons‘ can be found via etymology.com
- c. 1300, “a period of the year,” with reference to weather or work, also “proper time, suitable occasion,” from Old French seison, also saison “season, date; right moment, appropriate time” (Modern French saison) “a sowing, planting,” from Latin sationem (nominative satio) “a sowing, planting,” noun of action from past participle stem of serere “to sow” (from PIE root *sē- “to sow”). (click on the link highlighted above under ‘seasons’ to find more information).
At the time the word ‘seasons’ was first in use in the early 1300’s it was used to indicate a ‘set time’, a proper or opportune time or suitable occasion. The association with ‘a date’ or ‘right moment’ leads me to believe that at some point in our early history we understood and connected the word ‘seasons’ to its original first use in scripture, a Date of Destiny with GOD. Some connection to GOD was retained in the earliest forms of our language. Later, as you can see its use must have become more heavily associated with agriculture.
In June this year, I wrote a piece entitled, ‘Adam was not in Agriculture’ to dispel the myth that Adam was created by GOD to tend a literal garden.
Well, just as Adam was created to tend to the Spiritual Garden of GOD, the moedim (seasons), were given as guideposts to keep us oriented toward the most opportune moments ordained by GOD that remind us where and when to connect to His Presence.
Our best source of information that ensures us that GOD was speaking of spiritual seasons and not literal seasons is attested by the fact that there are many other words in the Hebrew language that communicate the concept of ‘seasons’.
In Part 1, I showed you 4 other words that are translated in scripture (at various times) as ‘seasons’. Without the benefit of a concordance, anyone can make the mistake of “reading them” with the same understanding.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: Hebrew is a Meticulous Language. Levels of Meaning Exist in Scripture.
Open your concordance to ‘seasons’ and you will see for yourself. Access an online Concordance of the Bible and you will see multiple Hebrew Words transalted as ‘seasons’.
Let’s read the verse again, inserting words that clarify what a MOED is, so that we can actually get to the heart of the matter.
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for my witnesses (my pledge or oaths to my people), and for my appointed times, and for days, and years:
Signs in the heavens stand as testimony, bearing witness to GOD’s Word. Seasons are reminders of His Appointed Times with His People.
This Posts is Connected to The Series on Prayer:
All Photos including, Cover Photo by: Rev. S. Madison
Copyright 2019, Rev. S. Madison, torahisteaching.blog All Rights Reserved.
NEW Disclosure Added: I am of the belief that any and all teachings on scripture, especially those on prayer should receive prayer before passing them along to others. For this reason, I encourage everyone who reviews these teachings to saturate each one in prayer before sharing, distributing or reproducing them in any fashion.
Anything that we hope to learn and accomplish through the Word of GOD must be born out of a spirit of prayer. Prayer is the root of all our spiritual training. Study without prayer is futile. Without prayer, we learn nothing and we accomplish nothing.
Take this teaching into prayer. Saturate it with prayer and ask GOD for understanding.
If anything that I have taught you in this message is true and of GOD, and something that He wants you to benefit from immediately….May He always send you an undeniable confirming word, speedily in these days.
GOD Bless You,
Congratulations to the 2019 Graduating Class of Masters of Hebraic Based Biblical Studies!
Students/Subscribers have permission to print and share this information provided you do not use any of the teachings for profit or monetary gain of any kind. Please do not alter the material in any way. These conditions are subject to the additional term of giving full credit to torahisteaching.blog or Rev. S. Madison. Just send me an email to advise of your use of this material: torahbythesea@gmail.com Thank You.
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