|
Sermon in Capharsalama
CHAPTER 33
Yeshua & Miriam return to
Capharsalama with Yeshua's disciples. At the request of Gimiel,
Yeshua gives a sermon to which over two hundred people attend.
As it takes place during the time of the mid-day meal, some
people bring some food, but most do not so Yeshua asks those who
have food to please give it to his disciples so they can
distribute it to everyone present. The amount they gather only fills
four small baskets, but after Yeshua blesses the food, there is
a never-ending supply coming out of the baskets and there is
enough to abundantly feed everyone in the crowd. Yeshua
speaks about "obeying the Law" and the "fear of God" verses the
"love of God," as well as which laws are the creations of man in
the name of God and which are actually of God.
1 And it
came to pass that early in the morning, after they had broken
their evening fast and communed with the Earth through the
Contemplative Movements, Miriam and Yeshua, accompanied by his
disciples, began the journey to return to the Community of Light
at the delta of Gennesaret.
2 But
Martha remained behind to spend more time with her parents, and
made plans to bring all of their children in a fortnight, in
company with Lazarus when he made his monthly trip to Tiberias
to meet with the manager of the family fish business on the
lake.
3 And it
came to pass that Yeshua and his followers came upon the town of
Capharsalama on the road from the south, and seeing it in the
distance Yeshua bade everyone to stop their journey for a moment
that he could explain the events that had occurred on the north
road of the town when he and Miriam had journeyed through there
once before.
4 While
he was speaking to his disciples a citizen of Capharsalama
passed them on the road as he was returning to town, and having
been one of the men who had previously confronted Yeshua, he
recognized him immediately, and without a greeting hurried into
town to alert the citizens that Yeshua had returned.
5 Seeing
the startled recognition on the man's face and his haste to
arrive at the town Cephas conjectured, “From the rudeness of
that fellow, who gave not even the slightest greeting, I'd say
the way is even now being prepared for a less than friendly
welcome.”
6 The
other disciples nodded in assent, but Yeshua merely smiled
knowing the true intent of the citizen of Capharsalama.
7 Nor
did they have to wait long to discover that intent, for within
minutes a group of at least three dozen men issued forth from
the town and came down the road toward them with obvious intent.
8 “We
are outnumbered and virtually weaponless,” Amram said. Looking
to Yeshua he asked, “How shall we protect ourselves if they
attack us?”
9 But
Yeshua was as calm as a summer morning and said unto him, “Fear
not, they mean us no harm.”
10
Despite his words, the disciples were tensed for a
confrontation. But even as Yeshua had said, when the men were
near one of them opened his arms to embrace Yeshua who returned
his welcome, saying, “It is good to see you again, Gimiel. I
can see from your countenance that the light of Elohim has grown
in your heart since we last met.”
11 And
Gimiel answered, “So it has good Rabbi. And also among many of
the others that have come out to greet you.”
12
Yeshua smiled his great smile that seemed to brighten even the
sun, and said unto him, “It gladdens my heart to know that the
few seeds I planted when last I was here have taken root and
grown.''
13 Then
looking at the faces of the men of Capharsalama, he inquired,
“But where is Ephres? I would have hoped to see him again as
well.”
14
Gimiel looked down at the dirt for a moment and said, “I know
not where he has gone good Yeshua. Many of us followed your
admonition and welcomed him, or at least did not malign him.
But many others who did not hear you speak in person still
treated him with distain and continued to threaten his life. He
did not remain but a few days in Capharsalama after you left,
and I know not what became of him.”
15 “And
your kind-hearted Rabbi?” Yeshua inquired.
16 “He
remains still in Capharsalama,” answered Gimiel, “But I doubt he
will show his face while you are in town, as you embarrassed him
greatly when you were last here, showing by your teachings,
words and wit, upon who the light of Elohim truly dwelt.”
17 And
it came to pass that Yeshua and the disciples mingled and spoke
with the men from Capharsalama for some time, standing on the
road outside of town. They introduced themselves one to another
and told of their families and their experiences with Yeshua.
18 And
Gimiel came to Yeshua and asked, “Would you bless us with a
sermon while you are here? For we may never again have you
among us.”
19 “Of
course Gimiel,” Yeshua answered. “Let us pass through the town
and you can gather those who would desire to hear my words. On
the small hill north of town I will speak at the midday.”
20 And
it came to pass that upon the midday Yeshua and his disciples
sat atop the small hill and a crowd of over two hundred men,
women and children came to hear him speak. And the men sat to
one side and the women and children to another, as was the way
of the people of Capharsalama.
21 Some
had brought food with them to eat their midday meal while
listening to his words, but most had not, and seeing this,
Yeshua asked that those who had brought food would bring it to
his disciples that they might share it and distribute it to
all.
22 And
those with food came up to the hill and gave unto the disciples
fish, bread, vegetables and cheese that they had brought, and it
filled four small baskets.
23
Looking at the small amount of food and the large number of
people, Yohannan commented to no one in particular, “There will
only be enough for each person to have maybe one or two bites.”
24 Then
Yeshua came and blessed the food, saying, “Our Father and Mother
in Heaven, we are grateful for this bounty and the good earth
which has borne it. We ask your blessings upon it, that it will
come forth in abundance and deliciousness, that all might be
filled and nourished.”
25 He
beckoned for the disciples to bring some large empty baskets and
taking a loaf of bread from one of the small baskets he began to
break it into large chunks and place them inside the larger
basket. Soon the larger basket was filled and he bade some of
the men from Capharsalama to distribute it to the people.
26
Likewise, using two hands, he scooped several of the small fish
from the smaller basket and placed them into the larger basket
and continued to do this until the larger basket was filled to a
weight that two men could carry and then bade some men from
Capharsalama to make sure each person had enough for their
satisfaction and to return for more if they were lacking.
27 In
like manner were the vegetables and cheese distributed. And the
disciples were astounded by the miracle they were witnessing of
the four small baskets which never diminished in the food they
held, even though the items from them filled several larger
baskets.
28 Even
among the people of Capharsalama, it became evident that there
was far more food remaining after they had all eaten their fill
than had been present before the first bite had been taken. And
seeing this, they spoke in quiet wonder to one another and gave
great attention to Yeshua as he began to speak.
29 And
Yeshua said unto them, “My brothers and sisters of Capharsalama,
when I was last here I heard much about the law, and what the
law as recorded in the scrolls of the prophets say about the
things you can and cannot do in your life. And these laws are
said to be from Elohim; therefore who can not obey them without
condemnation? And the penalty for disobedience, for even small
things is severe, and for greater things death awaits.
30
Knowing a sword hangs ever over your head lest you take too many
steps on the Sabbath, or eat or touch something that is unclean,
or (pointing to the crowd) sit men with women, does the fear of
the law and the punishments therein not weigh upon you and cause
you to act or not act from fear, rather than love of God?
31 I
speak now as I spoke before when I came upon your town. Because
I see you are very devout in keeping the law, I will speak more
upon it because of my love for you.
33 Only
man can craft a God that must be obeyed because of fear not
love. Only man can create a God who demands actions which are
contrary to common sense and God's own interest.
34 Every
person upon the Earth lives today because Elohim made alive
their first ancestors in the Garden of Eden. Just as your
children are a part of you, so every person who has ever walked
the Earth from the descendants of the garden has a spark of God
within them.
35 Every
man from every country is your brother, and every woman from
every country is your sister.
36 I say
unto you with words of soberness that every man and woman upon
the earth is a child of God.
37 Would
you kill your own children because they disobeyed you in some
slight thing or even in some great thing? How about your
neighbors children? How about the children of the Egyptians or
the Romans?
38 I
hope you would not. Do you think that a God that is real and
living, and not a contrived creation of men, would demand some of
the children upon the earth to kill others, or would give
favor to some over others, when all are children of Elohim?
39 Would
a God that created all people as equal sons and daughters
demand that some be sacrificed at the alter, slaughtered in war,
or given as plunder to be raped and enslaved?
40
Could you separate your children and say that, These will
find my favor, but these are to be raped, enslaved and killed by
those who have favor?
41 Do
you truly believe that a true and living God, creator of all
that is, father and mother of all the children of men, would
ever treat their children so blessed with love in creation to
such a despicable and ignominious end?
42 You
have heard it said that it is easier for heaven and earth to
pass away than for the smallest of the laws to pass away. But I
say unto you it is easier for a lamb to get into heaven than for
a man who obeys a law that is contrary to the very essence of
Elohim.
43
Elohim is love.
44
Elohim is inspiration.
45
Elohim is fair and just.
46
Elohim is compassionate and understanding.
47
Elohim loves virtue in whomever it is found, and gives no
preference to one child over another for any other reason.
48
Elohim cherishes the life of all things that have been created
and blesses the man who honors and protects life.
49 But
men who take life without necessity for food or in self-defense,
bring a curse upon themselves; not from Elohim, but from their
own soul, for their inner guilt cries out for the sin they have
done against God.
50
Consider how you would be if you were the perfect father or the
perfect mother to your children. As you would so be, even so is
Elohim many times more to each of you, the children of God.
51 Nor
would true laws of the true God demand the beauty of the body to
be hidden. What would be the point to create the most
magnificent work of art only to hide it forever under great
coverings of clothing?
52 If
the body is not hidden but seen, there is greater incentive to
honor it and honor the creator by keeping it fit and trim. But
if it is forever hidden under flowing and voluminous clothing,
with only the eyes and the feet to be seen, then it can be
allowed to get fat and sagging, for who will know or see it to
condemn the poor steward?
53 And
why do you think men and women lust for one another?
Is it evil as many would have you believe? Consider that
it is a desire Elohim instilled in every person. How
then can a gift of God be evil?
54 Is it
simply to insure the race of men perpetuates as others
proclaim? If that were so then you would cease to have desires
of that kind once you were beyond the age of fertility, for
there would be no need for such desires. But any of you who
have passed that age know of a certainty that the desire
remains.
55
Verily, I declare unto you that you desire one another and can
give physical pleasure to one another because that is a gift
from Elohim that you might always have a source of joy and
pleasure, even if you do not have a single coin, or a roof over
your head, or food to eat. And not just any joy or pleasure,
but one that fills you with a glow that lasts and a happiness
that does not diminish with the waning day.
56 But
in this joy, procreation does bear weight, for within the true
laws of Elohim, the Great Commandment says to multiply and fill
the Earth, and the Commandments of Sinai say to not fornicate or
commit adultery.
57
Therefore, it is only in righteousness that men and women may
quench the fires of their lust; only within the halo of a
marriage, given before witnesses, with commitment for life.
58
Elohim gave the commandments; Elohim gave the desire that stirs
the loins; and these two were given that they might be
fulfilled in each other; even as the man and woman are fulfilled
in one another.
59
Marriage then becomes the only resolution that honors God and
fulfills the desires that stir the loins.
60 And
it is for children that all of this is so; that they might be
born into homes of balance and light, and have the best chance
to grow into balance and light in their lives.
61 And
it is for the parents that they might
overcome their weaknesses and selfishness, and make their
weaknesses their strengths.
62 But
never forget this total pleasure has been given to you by Elohim
to enjoy, and enjoy often, for all of your life.
63
Remember, the time to procreate is but a few hours in your
lives. All the other days Elohim has given this great gift of
pleasure, and comfort, and love, that you might have joy and
fulfillment that is above the cares of the world.”
64
Bending his left arm and holding his chin with his hand, Yeshua
looked towards the heavens and asked aloud “Let us consider what
other laws of the prophets can be revealed as merely the
foolishness of men who would be kings over their brethren.
65
Certainly circumcision must fall into this pit. Consider that
if circumcision was necessary or important, the sons of men
would be born from the womb already circumcised.
66 Who
is man to cut up a child made in the image of God so that the
child is no longer in the image of God? Why would Elohim create
a child one way only to ask the child to be disfigured by men
once it was born?
67 They
say it is to distinguish the sons of Israel from the gentiles
and to show obedience to God, but I say unto you if that were
important, the sons of Israel would have been born circumcised.
68
Verily, Elohim would ask men to cut off their own finger to show
obedience before they would ask them to cut an innocent and
defenseless child.
69 In my condemnation of the law, know that I do not condemn
all of it for there are some parts that are reasonable and just,
but they are few and the unreasonable and unjust are many.
70 Therefore I will teach you some of the signs by which you
can judge a law of Elohim from a law of men in the scrolls of
the prophets.
71 If obedience to a law gives light unto your life and only
light, and causes the light within you to shine and to always
shine, then it is of Elohim and you should give it a place in
your heart and life.
72 Respect those laws which have eternal significance and
bring light to you. Cherish those laws and live them as your
life.
73 Listen not to the interpretations of men concerning the law
and the prophets, for many are the laws of man that have been
said to be the laws of God but have no value in the world to
come, or value in the world in which you now live.
74 Verily, if it is of God, it will have eternal significance
and will bring light into your life; and if it is of man it will
have no consideration or merit upon your entry into your glory
in heaven, and instead, will often be onerous and not of light.
75 The ways of Elohim are simple to live and easy to
understand, not convoluted and ritualistic like the ways of men
and the religions of men.
76 The laws of men have no meaning in the world to come, but
the laws of Elohim involve the purity of your heart and your
good works in this life, and those jewels of character have
great weight on the day of eternal judgment.
77 If a law is of man, it will give power to men to judge the
spiritual correctness of other men, and God has not given to
men to judge the spiritual worth of souls, or to take life, or
abase the spirit of the children of God upon the Earth.
78 Nevertheless, there are some things in the traditions and
the law of the prophets that are true and worthy, given for your
benefit and edification; and these are easy to recognize for
they have significance both in this world and the world to
come.
79 Verily, if that which is given or expected expands your
spirit, or is for your health or for the strength of your
family, or for building your good character, or for helping
your relationships to be deeper and more fulfilling, or to
increase your knowledge; and does not demean you or take away
your spirit, or constrain your finite time upon the Earth, or
hurt others; and keeps balance in your life and promotes harmony
and peace in your heart and among all men and women, then you
may know that it is good, and of God.
80 Then Yeshua stopped speaking and gathering his wife and his
disciples he bade the people of Capharsalama farewell, for he
desired still to travel far upon this day.
81 Gimiel came to him as he prepared to leave and said, “Good
Yeshua, once again my heart has been moved by the wisdom and
sense of your words. May I follow you and become one of your
disciples?”
82 And pointing to some of his friends he said, “Not just me,
but several of my friends would also be honored if we could walk
with you where ever you go and hear more of your divine wisdom.”
83 Yeshua grasped his right forearm in a way that Gimiel also
grasped his, and holding him thus he said unto him, “My friend,
you are welcome among us, and any that would come as well.
84 But already I have taken my brothers here (pointing to his
disciples) from their wives and families. If you would truly
help build the Kingdom of God, come with your wives and children
to the delta of Lake Gennesaret where you will find a community
of light, wherein dwells my family and the families of all of my
disciples, and where I most often reside.
85 We are in need of stout men and devout women and happy
children to build up this community of God. Will you accept
this important calling?”
86 Gimiel bowed his head, saying, “I cannot express the joy my
heart feels. Nothing has ever felt so right. I know this is
where I and my family should be.
87 And it came to pass that as Yeshua continued northward on
his journey home with Miriam and his disciples from the delta,
they were joined by Gimiel and his wife and children and three
of his friends and their wives and children.
88 And great was the joy in Capernaum and Bethsaida upon the
return of Yeshua and Miriam and the disciples to their wives
and children, and the joy upon meeting the people of
Capharsalama who had joined the Family of Light.
Send
This Page To a Friend
Go
to Vivus Table of Contents
Go to Next Chapter
 |
