Messianic Ministry

MESSIANIC PLANNERS PLANS

Proverbs 19:21 One can devise many plans in one's mind, but ADONAI' s plan will prevail.(CJB)

January 19, 2012 -- Purim is coming, The Book of Ester, time to stomp, cheer, whistle, boo! If you thought last year was the most fun you had in Church, wait 'til this year. Our schedule this year is Saturday March 10, 2012 @ 6pm. To sign up and help out or to donate candy and cookies see Corry or Paul from Jersey.

Now you can have your own mini-Purim play right at home! Whether it's a family Bible Study, family get together, or even a group of friends at a party you have an opportunity for fun and to teach about God's presence and protection even when He doesn't seem to be involved. Notice the direction following certain names: Haman -- "boo", stamp your feet, make noise, but drown out his name whenever its spoken, Mordecai, our hero and champion, he gets cheers and "yays" every time his name is said, for Esther, our heroine, we "ahh" every time the beautiful queen's name is mentioned! Try it! It will be an evening your children will be telling their grandchildren about.

PURIM SKIT

All Players:

(Male)

Narrator
Hatach
King Ahasuerus
Haman (Boo)
Mordechai (Yay!)
Bigthan
Teresh

(Female)

Esther (Ahhh!)
Vashti
Zeresh

Scene 1

Narrator: Now it came to pass in the days of King Ahasuerus, who reigned over a hundred provices from India to Ethiopia, that he ordered a feast for all his princes and servants in the provinces. He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, eve one hundred and fourscore days. (Aside) Whoa! That’s like 180 days of partying! They really did party hearty in those days! (Back to Narration) And when these days were finished , the king made a feast for all the people in Shushan, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace, where there were white, green and blue hangings , fastened with cords of fine linen and purple and many other luxurious arrangements including royal wine in abundance, according to the taste of the king. And the drinking and revelry was widespread according to each man’s pleasure. Also Vashti, the queen, made a feast for the women in the royal house belonging to King Ahasuerus. On the seventh day, when the heart of the King was merry with wine, he commanded Memuchan, Bigtha, and the seven chamberlains to bring Vashti into the King’s presence – for she was fair to look upon.

King Ahasuerus: (loud command) “Bring me Queen Vashti!”

Narrator: But queen Vashti refused to enter the king’s presence.

Queen Vashti: “I shall NOT go to the king!”

Narrator: The King proceeded to throw a temper tantrum.

King Ahasuerus: (Like a child’s temper tantrum the King stamps his feet and shakes his fists in the air crying.) “Waaaahhhh!”

Narrator: The King was very angry indeed!

King Ahasuerus: “I’m all grown up and a King, who is she to refuse me?”

Narrator: Memuchan answered the King.

Memuchan: “Vashti the Queen has not only offended Your Majesty, she has also insulted the princes and all husbands in all the provinces! The Queen has despised her husband’s will and all other women in the provinces will despise their husbands because of her example! Your majesty let a royal command go forth, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that Vashti shall no long come before the king; let the king give her royal estate to another that is better than she. When the King’s decree is published throughout the empire, all wives shall give honor to their husbands.”

Narrator: Memuchan’s words pleased the King and the princes.

Memuchan” Let the King appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young maidens in Shushan and let the maiden which pleases the King be Queen in place of Vashti.

All men: “Huzzah!”

Narrator: This greatly pleased the King; he therefore issued a proclamation in the land that all the beautiful maidens in the empire were to be brought before him.

Scene 2

Narrator: Now in Shushan there was a certain Jew named Mordecai who was carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity. His niece Hadassah had no father or mother and Mordechai had raised her since she was a little girl. She was as dear to Mordechai as if she were his own daughter. Mordechai made Hadassah promise that if she was taken with the other women, she would NOT reveal her Jewish identity to anyone. To everyone in the palace she would be known by the name of Esther. And it came to pass when the King’s decree was heard and when many maidens were gathered together in the palace, Esther was also taken into the King’s palace and she was under the care of Hegai the custodian of the women.

Now Esther pleased Hegai and in addition to her regular allowance of beauty items he gave her more. Hegai also placed her in the best apartment in the house of the women. Esther did not reveal to anyone that she was Jewish as Mordecai directed her.

Mordecai paced every day before the court of the women’s house to inquire of Esther and what should become of her.

Now the time came in which every maid, one by one, went before the King. When King Ahasuerus saw Esther he and all present were immediately struck by her beauty over all the other maidens. Esther was made Queen in place of Vashti.

From the time Esther was made Queen, her uncle Mordecai sat by the King’s Gate, seeking any news of his niece. Around this time, two of the King’s Chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, conspired to poison King Ahasuerus.

Bigthan: “Our King is a royal fool!”

Teresh: “I weary of serving him! The man can’t dress or feed himself!”

Bigthan: “All the nobles would starve to death at a feast if they had to feed themselves. We should poison all the princes as well as the King!”

Narrator: Mordecai got in touch with Queen Esther.

Mordecai: “The Chamberlains are planning to poison the King!”

Esther: “I will report this and you will be honored!”

Narrator: Esther warned Hegai of the plot, he had the would be assassins arrested and hanged for their treason.

Scene 3

Narrator: King Ahasuerus began to promote Haman and set him above all the princes in the Empire. And when Haman approached all in Shushan bowed and reverenced him because the King had so commanded concerning Haman. Only Mordecai the Jew refused to bow to Haman.

Haman: “Do you not bow before the King’s Prime Minister?”

Mordecai: “I bow only to the Lord High God of Israel!”

Narrator: This enraged Haman. He plotted to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire. Using his influence and false sincerity he persuaded the King that all the Jews were the King’s enemies, saying they were planning to overthrow him. So convinced by the “trusted” aide Haman, in the month of Nisan, King Ahasuerus joined Haman in casting lots (Purim) in order to determine the day that all the Jews would be killed.

In every province in the kingdom and to every people of every language, the fate of the Jewish people was sealed with the King’s ring. In every city including Shushan and in the King’s palace this murderous decree was proclaimed throughout the Empire of Persians and the Medes that on the 13^th day of the 12^th month of Adar every Jew both young and old was to be killed.

When Mordecai heard all that was done, he wept bitterly and tore his clothes, putting on sackcloth and ashes he went out into the midst of the city, even before the King’s Gate, with a loud and bitter cry.

Mordecai: “Ohhh, woe to us! Ohhh woe to us!”

Narrator: In every province, when the King’s decree was heard, there was great mourning among the Jews, they fasted, wept and wailed, many lay in sackcloth and ashes. Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came to her and revealed the decree to her.

The queen was exceedingly grieved and she sent new clothes to Mordecai to replace the sackcloth and ashes but he would not receive her gift. Upon this, Esther called for Hatach.

Esther: “Hatach, go to the King’s Gate and find out why this man Mordecai mourns and will not be comforted.”

Narrator: Hatach immediately went to the King’s Gate and following the sounds of the wailing finds Mordecai.

Mordecai: “Ohhh, woe to us! Ohhh woe to us!”

Hatach: “See here, what’s all this about? Have you seen an omen?”

Mordecai: “Haman wants to kill all the Jews!”

Hatach: “Haman is the King’s Prime Minister. It’s not to worry about! He must have a good reason. – Uh, does it count if my grandfather on my mother’s side was Jewish?”

Mordecai: “Please, tell Queen Esther why I am so sad! Let her know immediately.”

Narrator: So Hatach quickly returned to Queen Esther, gasping and panting for breath he asked:

Hatach: (gasping and panting for breath)” Is a person Jewish if his grandfather on his mother’s side is Jewish?”

Esther:” Mordecai asked you that?”

Hatach: “Oh, no – he said Haman is going to kill every Jew in the Empire. If you’ll excuse me, Your Grace, I need to talk to a Rabbi.”

Esther: “First go back to Mordecai and tell him according to the Law of the Persians and the Medes, no one, not even the Queen, may approach the King without first being summoned under penalty of death. Anyone who did so could only be spared if the king mercifully extended his scepter. The King will kill me without being called.”

Narrator: So Hatach returned to Mordecai telling him all of Esther’s words and adding:

Hatach: “She also wants you to tell me where I can find a Rabbi.”

Mordecai: “Tell the Queen: ‘Do not think that just because you are in the King’s Palace that your fate will be any different than all the other Jews. For it you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will come from some other place, but you and your father’s house will perish. But who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

Narrator: Hatach hurried back to Queen Esther, pausing only occasionally to inquire about the location of a local synagogue.

Scene 4

Narrator: Now it came to pass on the 3^rd day that Esther put on her royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the King’s house and the king sat upon his royal throne. When the King saw Queen Esther standing in the court, as she approached, the King held out the golden scepter showing mercy. Relieved, Esther drew near.

King Ahasuerus: “What is your request Queen Esther? It shall be given – even to half of the kingdom -- it shall be done!”

Esther: I would like you and Haman to come to dine at my house.

King Ahasuerus: “This is all very curious, but as you wish, it shall be done!”

Narrator: Haman became even more puffed up in pride; he alone would dine with King and Queen of the Persian Empire. The dinner was pleasant, a meal of delicacies, desserts and conversation. Finally King Ahasuerus asked again:

King Ahasuerus: What is your request, Queen Esther? It shall be given – even to half of the Empire! It shall be done!”

Esther: “For now, my only request is that you would come to another dinner tomorrow night and do bring Haman with you.”

Narrator: Now when Haman heard this his heart skipped a beat, he joyfully left the Queen’s house only to have his joy shattered when he saw Mordecai near the King’s Gate. Haman’s rage grew and Mordecai gazed through him as if Haman wasn’t there. When Haman returned home he summoned his family and friends together including his wife Zeresh.

Haman: “I am lavishing in the King’s favor. Queen Esther has invited me to dine with the King at the Queen’s house. The Queen has invited no one else but the King and me. Still, I’m troubled because all this means nothing to me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew at the King’s Gate!”

Zeresh: ” Let a gallows be made and let Mordecai be hanged upon it. Then, as you wish, go ahead and dine with King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther.”

Narrator: The thought of Mordecai hanging pleased Haman and thus, he directed the gallows to be made. Haman planned to hang Mordecai before he attended dinner at the queen’s house.

That night the King could not get to sleep, so he commanded that the book of records be read to him. In these scrolls it was found that Mordecai was the person who revealed the plot and saved the King from being assassinated, poisoned, by Bigthan and Teresh. The King sat up in his bed and exclaimed:

King Ahasuerus: He saved my life! Mordecai saved my life from those assassins! What honor, what dignity has been done to Mordecai for this?”

Memuchan: “Nothing has been done for him, my King.”

King Ahasuerus: “Who is in the court?”

Memuchan: “Haman has just entered the court.”

Narrator: Now Haman had just entered the court to plead a case having Mordecai hung on the new gallows.

King Ahasuerus: “Have Haman come forward.”

Narrator: When Haman came forward the King asked:

King Ahasuerus: “What shall be done for the man the King wishes to honor?”

Narrator: Now Haman, in his pride, assumed the King would want to honor no one more than Haman himself and he gave this answer to the King:

Haman: “If the King wishes to honor someone, he should bring out one of the King’s own royal robes as well as a horse the King himself has ridden – one with a royal emblem on its head. Let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the King’s most noble officials. Let him see that the man whom the King wishes to honor is dressed in the King’s robes and led through the city square on the King’s horse. Have the official shout as they go – ‘This is what the King does for the man he wishes to honor!’”

King Ahasuerus: “Excellent! Take the robes and my horse and do just as you have said to Mordecai the Jew who sits at the gate of my palace. Leave out nothing you have suggested!”

Haman was crestfallen as he went to fulfill the King’s command. He acquired the robes and the horse and finally Mordecai. As Haman proceeded to parade Mordecai through the streets he proclaimed:

Haman: “This is what shall be done for the man the King wishes to honor!”

Narrator: When they got back to the gate Haman threw down the horse’s reins and skulked off to Queen’s house. A smiling Mordecai sat down at the gate. Meanwhile, Queen Esther had supervised the dinner down to the minutest detail. When the King and Haman arrived, King Ahasuerus again asked:

King Ahasuerus: “Queen Esther, what would you want of me? You know I will give it to you even if you want half the kingdom!”

Esther: “Oh, King, someone is trying to kill me and my people!”

King Ahasuerus: “Who is he, and where is he, who would presume in his heart to do so?”

Narrator: Queen Esther pointed her finger and Haman and exclaimed:

Esther: “Him!”

Narrator: The King exited the banquet hall. Haman knew the King was in a rage. Haman fell on his knees before the Queen begging for his life. Queen Esther kept backing away and in a panic Haman wrapped his arms around her legs and the Queen fell over onto a couch. Just then, the King returned with two guards. Haman was ordered hung on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. A new law was prepared ordering the Jews to defend themselves from those who would attack them and so the Jews were saved.

King Ahasuerus placed Haman’s ring on Mordecai’s finger and he was set over the house of Haman.

MESSIANIC PLANNERS – WHAT WE BELIEVE

Salvation is only from acceptance and believing that Yeshua (Jesus) is our Lord and Savior through His Perfect Sacrifice on the cross. There is no other way of salvation.

The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) is the New Testament Concealed, the New Testament is the Hebrew Bible revealed.

That we are privileged to have Messianic Planners in Calvary Chapel Jurupa Valley, that we agree with and are subject to Calvary Chapel Distinctives and the Pastoral Staff of CCJV.

That Yeshua Mashiach (Jesus Messiah) was a Jew who kept and fulfilled the Law of Moses. He never started a “new” religion. He never rejected His people, the Jews. A Jew who comes to Yeshua is not “converted” but fulfilled – it’s not a sin to be a Jew.

That the Bible (Hebrew Bible and New Testament) is the inspired, living, Word of God, given to Jewish writers and contains a distinctive Jewish perspective that explains the actions of Yeshua and His Apostles. Without understanding the Jewish Perspective, you cannot understand the Jewishness of Yeshua, His Apostles and Scripture.

That the Hebrew Bible by itself is like a mystery novel missing the last chapter. There are unfulfilled prophecies, unexplained ceremonies, and unknown purposes.

That the New Testament by itself lacks a foundation for its authority and teachings. The Law Convicts, without the Law there is no rational need for a Savior.

That the use of names such as “Yeshua” (Jesus), “Ha Shem” (The Name), “Adonai” (Lord), Abba (Father), etc. and euphemisms such as “Hebrew Bible”, “Tanach” (Hebrew Bible), “Torah” (Law, the first 5 books of the Bible written by Moses), with definitions are intended to help gentile CCJV members understand their Jewish contacts, and open doors to respectful witness and also, to bring a sense of welcome and understanding to Jews who may come seeking information from CCJV.

That we assist CCJV in fulfilling Romans 1:16 “…to the Jew first…” by creating a welcoming, understanding and secure place to minister to Jews seeking to understand Yeshua through our honoring the Feast Days (Honored by Yeshua) and teaching from the Jewish Perspective regarding scripture.

That the rise of Messianic teaching is a move of God as the Messianic movement is growing and spreading around the world, especially in Israel. Messianic teaching is a tool to be used to bring Salvation to as many Jews as possible as the day of Rapture draws near.

That night is coming when no man can work.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:

George Washington and the Jews

His famous letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport.

By George Washington

This letter, written by George Washington in 1790, is a response to Moses Seixas, warden of the Touro Synagogue in Newport. In it, Washington addresses the tolerance and freedom of religion in the newly established nation:

Gentlemen.

While I receive, with much satisfaction, your Address replete with expressions of affection and esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to Newport, from all classes of Citizens.

The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet, from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good Government, to become a great and a happy people.

The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess a like liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration, and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.

G. Washington

George Washington (1732-1799) led the Continental Army to victory over the Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775?1783) and served as the first President of the United States of America (1789?1797).

Reprinted From Jewniverse MyJewishLearning.com

HEADLINES FROM ISRAEL

READ THE LATEST ISRAELI HEADLINES: ARUTZ SHEVA OR DEBKA FILE

KEEP UP WITH THE WORK OF BELIEVERS IN ISRAEL : CALVARY CHAPEL TEL AVIV

Proverbs 25:25 Like cold water to a person faint from thirst is good news from a distant land.(CJB)

Eph 6:13 So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing. 14 Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate,15 and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom.(CJB)

BUBBY'S KITCHEN

DISHES FOR G-D'S APPOINTED DAYS AND EVERYDAY

If you have a favorite Jewish dish you would like to share please include a brief description of when it's served (Feast day, special occasion or everyday) and forward it to: messianicplanners@att.net

NOTE: If you are cooking for other than your family, you might consider an extra modified dish for those unable to enjoy sugar or white flour.

Blessings Over Bread and Juice of the Grape

Hamotzi (Blessing over bread)

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

Phonetic Hebrew transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-alom ha-motzi lechem min ha-aretz.

Kiddush (Blessing over the juice of the grape)

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.

Phonetic Hebrew transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-alom bor-ay peri ha-gafen.

*FRITLACH - From the cookbook "the jewish princess & festivals" by Georgie Tarn & Tracey Fine available at Amazon*

Makes approximately 30

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
about 4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon clear honey
vegetable oil for frying
sugar for sprinkling

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Put all the ingredients, except the vegetable oil for frying and the sugar, into a mixer or food processor. Beat or blend until you have a soft dough.
Dust a chopping board with flour and knead the dough on it for about 1 minute.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Unwrap the dough and roll it out on a well-floured board until it is paper-thin.
Use a cookie cutter to cut it into rounds. Or, if you wish, cut it into crescents, or use your artistic flair to create other shapes.
Fry the shapes in the hot vegetable oil until pale golden brown on each side (this takes only a few seconds).
A golden moment, best served hot.

Its delicious