The 5th month of the Hebrew Covenant Calendar begins at sundown on Tuesday, July 14th, known as “AV.” The root meaning is translated “to will or to desire” but AV is literally translated as “father.” It is linked with the tribe of Simeon, whose name means “to hear and obey.” If you put all those Hebrew clues together, this month encourages us to hear and obey the will/desire of the Father.”

The summer months are tied to seeing, listening, and then obeying, which produces a unified family for the LORD. Last month the focus was on sight. This month it is on hearing. If Satan can get our vision and our hearing impaired from what God has shared, we get off track.

Last month, the significance of the story of the twelve spies who went out was that they SAW all the giants. 40 days later, they returned to the people of Israel who HEARD two reports (Numbers 13,14). 10 spies shared all the problems and obstacles they SAW. 2 shared the promise God had given them. On the 9^th of AV, the people decided to choose the negative report they HEARD and to not believe what God had shared about the Promised Land.

“So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!” (Numbers 14:1,2).

In their unbelief, the children of Israel proceeded to make bad decisions that led to severe consequences because of what they chose to HEAR. First, they complained and cried. Then they had the idea to dethrone Moses as their leader, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.” Finally, when hearing Joshua speaking the truth about God’s promise, they came up with the idea of stoning Joshua too. None of these actions were pleasing to God (Numbers 14:4-10).

If it was not for Moses and Aaron interceding for the children of Israel, ALL could have been wiped out because of God’s anger. Nevertheless, severe consequences came forth. None of them except Joshua and Caleb were able to go into the Promised Land, and all those spies who brought the wrong report died of a plague.

When God speaks, it is important we listen. Our disobedience can affect a whole community! However, our obedience can bring us (and others) into the “Promised Land.”

It is recorded in history that the 9^th of Av has continued to be a day of judgment. IN 587 BC, the armies of Babylon destroyed Solomon’s temple. In 70 AD, the Romans destroyed the 2^nd temple. In 1095 AD, the 1^st crusade was launched, killing thousands of Jews. In 1290 AD, the Jews were expelled from England. In 1306, the Jews were expelled from France. In 1492 AD, the Jews were expelled from Spain. In 2005, the Jews were removed from Gaza.

So as you can see, the 9^th of AV incidences are NO coincidence. Cyclically, the cycle of destruction commenced when the children of Israel responded to the spies report, “The enemy is too strong for us. We will die!” Through their unbelief, they put themselves in a destructive cycle that has perpetuated for generations.

In the New Testament, when the Jews rejected the good news about Jesus, they were “cut off” from Covenant and outside the covering of the Father. According to laws written in Leviticus 17 and Deuteronomy 29, the Jews refusal to accept the Christ as their redeemer left them subject to the debt of the law as well as the destructive cycle that has continued to plague them.

“I will give You (Jesus) as a covenant to the people (Is. 42:6).

Simeon is the tribe associated with this month. He was one of two tribes that his father Jacob cursed in his final prophetic blessing in Genesis 49. This was because Simeon and Levi decided to murder the men of Shechem for the rape of their sister Dinah. This vengeance was evil, and Jacob called them on it:

“Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; let not my honor be united to their assembly; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self will they hamstrung an ox; cursed be their anger for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” Gen. 49:5-7

Simeon was made to be a warrior and one called as a weapon of justice in the hand of God. But when Simeon’s hand ruled Simeon, as he did so in Shechem, his passion and temper produce a work of destruction against God rather than for God.   This can be true for all of us. We can think we are going to help God out by executing justice out of a “righteous anger.” But when we do that, our character is one that kills, steals, and destroys in the name of righteousness, and we appear to be sons of the enemy of God, much like the Pharisees who cried out for the crucifixion of Christ.

Av is a month that presents to us a choice to hear God’s word and have faith and believe in the promises of God. It is also a month that reminds us to keep our passions under His command by taking the time to HEAR what God has to say about matters at hand. We are not under the curse any longer.

Today, we are seeing and hearing a lot going on in this world. But what is God saying? AV is a month for listening prayer. God has a lot to tell us IF we stop and listen. Declaring God’s Word out loud when challenged also trains your ears to hear what God has promised rather than realities that don’t line up. Expect this month to hear His voice, and rejoice so the enemy HEARS your faith and flees! We can’t lose IF we walk in obedience to what the Father speaks!

The next Firstfruits begins at sundown on June 15th, celebrating the fourth month in the Hebrew calendar known as Tammuz.

Tammuz has been coined the month of “hidden sin” because of the repetitive failure of the children of Israel to trust the LORD.

It was during the month of Tammuz that the Israelites became impatient, waiting for Moses to come back with the Tablets of Covenant. In their discomfort and fear, they chose to make a golden calf to “fix things.” If it wasn’t for Moses interceding for the people, God would have “cut them off” of Covenant (Ex.32:1).

Another test that came in the month of Tammuz was when the twelve tribal leaders left to spy out the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb were the only “spies” who SAW the land through God’s promise and potential. While their “eyes” led them to share a faith-filled plan to advance, the others shared how big the problem and enemy was.

Unfortunately, the Israelites didn’t pass this test as well, and chose to adopt the report of fear, which caused the hand of God to send them into the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 13, 14).

On the flip side, in Chapter 10 of Joshua, a pivotal battle is recorded during the month of Tammuz against 5 Canaanite kings who teamed up to wipe out the Israelites after their wilderness experience.

Joshua’s men were outnumbered and out of solutions with their limited resources. Joshua could have SEEN this situation and lost hope. But Joshua leaned into God for help to see things from His stance instead. God then replied,

“Do not fear them (the forces of darkness that are coming together to rule the nations), for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you” (Josh. 10:8).

Joshua had courage to believe God at His word, and the Lord assisted with what Joshua couldn’t do on his own by sending hailstones from heaven, which caused many to die.

Hail symbolically represents the sweeping away of the “refuge of lies” that enslave humanity caught under the power of evil leaders (Ex.9:26; John 8:44). Hail then represents God’s truth removing the blinders by His mighty hand to set the captives free.

“I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies”(Is. 28:17).

“Hail (truth) mixed with fire (Gods judgment) is what is shaking the nations today. Expect truth to come to the surface this month.

Joshua’s story of courage continued on in this epic battle. Needing more assistance after the hail came, he was led to pray and ask God to make the sun stand still so they could finish defeating the Canaanite kings. God answered that prayer, and the sun stood still!

“…So the sun stood still and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel” (John 10:13,14).

When the wartime was over, Joshua had defeated 31 kings. Joshua’s maturity to believe God at His Word in the midst of opposition made him one of the greatest military leader’s of the Bible. This kind of supernatural partnership with God is what Christians needs to grab hold of and model today: do what God is directing, and expect God to bring the increase in what we can’t do on our own.

The month of Tammuz is also linked to the tribe of Reuben, whose name means, “SEE, a son!” As you can summate, sight is a major theme of this month. Now the question to answer is: What kind of son is the world SEEING through our words and actions? Do they see a Joshua? Or a Rueben?

Reuben became known in biblical history as the one who lusted after his father’s concubine and lost the firstborn inheritance. This is no different than believers choosing to follow the lusts of the flesh and losing their rewards (not salvation) of an “overcomer” spelled out in the letter to the Churches (Rev. 2&3).

Reuben did have moments of courage and moral strength, but it wasn’t consistent, which gave him the reputation of being “unstable.” Unlike Joshua, Reuben went back and forth between faith and fear. This is why Jacob prophesied over Reuben these latter day words:

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength. The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. UNSTABLE as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it…” (Gen. 49:3,4).

Reuben’s life reflects the internal war believers battle to mature to be known as “sons of God” that mirror the character of Joshua. Through our acceptance to humble ourselves through God’s sanctification process, we become stable and steadfast in faith.

In Ephesians 1:18-20, the Apostle Paul took this concern to prayer for the Church:

“….that our EYES of understanding would being enlightened; that we may know what is the hope of His calling for us all, the riches of His inheritance, and the exceedingly greatness of His mighty power which He worked in Christ.”

This month we are challenged to “WORK the WORD.” We cannot forget to read, speak, and believe God’s Word above our circumstances nor be moved by what we see across the headlines.

The “working” of the word will be the necessary ingredients for Christians to become the beacon of hope the world is in need of. Summer months are known for war, but we must war with the sword of the Spirit, believing the WORD of God, and not moved by what we see the enemy doing. Our character is being tested to subdue our flesh and not join the masses gripped with fear and anger. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).

The first chapter in the book of James sums us God’s WORD of instruction to us this month:

“If anyone of you lacks faith, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let that man not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Let’s all find joy through the heat of these summer months, believing God reigns over the nations and the schemes of the enemy, so we are a “Joshua company” in the hand of God, used to defeat the enemy.

On May 17th, the third Hebrew month kicks off known as “Sivan.” Sivan is linked to covenant, giving, glory, and alignment. This month is a month inherent “to do business with God” for His kingdom cause as we sync with His purpose.

Zebulun is the tribe associated with this month of Sivan, who was positioned on the east side of the tabernacle with the tribe of Judah and Issachar.  Judah brought to the trio the apostolic sound of praise, awakening, and an alarm to move out or go to battle. Issachar shared the wisdom and timing of God needed. And Zebulun brought forth the provision and the place to rest and store the abundance of blessings. Jacob prophesied over Zebulun:

“Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea;
He shall become a haven for ships,
And his border shall adjoin Sidon.” (Gen. 49:13)

Moses prophesied concerning the latter days that Zebulun and Issachar would work side by side together:  Zebulun was said to rejoice in going out, while Issachar would stay in his tents:  

“They shall call the peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand.” (Deut. 33:18).  

Issachar’s portion was to “intercede and pray” and “gather the hidden treasures of intel.” Zebulun found joy in taking the revelation and facilitating the distribution of resources using the intel from Issachar. 

Zebulun was also known to profit through maritime trade.  God blessed this tribe to fill “the storehouses.” This month, we are reminded to activate our faith to believe the LORD for the increase of spiritual and natural provision for the kingdom business at hand.

When Jesus began His ministry, He first went to the region of Zebulun, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 9, which said that the people who had been in darkness would see a great light.  HE was the Father’s PROVISION, and the kingdom business of sharing the heart of the Father began.

In the Old Testament, the month of Sivan coincides with the timing of the children of Israel arriving at Mt. Sinai. It was then God asked Moses to communicate His “marriage proposal”to the Israelites:

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel”. (Ex. 19:4-6).

The Israelites accepted the proposal, and God revealed Himself through thunder and lightning. Through the midst of a thick cloud of glory dwelling over Mt Sinai, the nation heard the voice of God respond to their desire to be in covenant with Him( Ex. 19).  The provision was… His presence!

This memorial day of God manifesting Himself at Mt. Sinai 50 days after the death plague passed over the Israelites would be embedded in one of the Feasts of the Lord known as the Feast of Pentecost.

Thousands of years later, an outpouring of God’s glory occurred in a similar pattern 50 days after Jesus became the “Passover lamb” on the Feast of Pentecost.

When Jesus returned after His resurrection, He visited the disciples for 40 days.  During that time, the Lord gave His disciples a personal invitation to become His apostles, and to wait in the Upper Room (A new Mt. Sinai) for His glory (Acts 2).  On the Feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came suddenly with an outpouring of glory, and the disciples began speaking in tongues of fire.  

Even as God came down as fire upon Mt. Sinai, the Holy Spirit came as a fire upon the disciples on the exact same day in His Hebrew Covenant Calendar: 50 days after Passover. The difference was that the fire was no longer external as in the days of Moses, but internal! This shows a difference now concerning the new “temple” that God would inhabit. 

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwell in you” (1 Cor. 3:16)? 

It is no coincidence that Zebulun means “habitation or dwelling.” Our hope ahead is a third outpouring, when God’s presence completely fills our temples and transforms our corruptible bodies into incorruptible bodies with the fullness of His glory (1 Cor. 15:53-55).

Sivan is the third month which is the number associated with completeness, and a oneness with ALEPH, our Father.  Jesus took three disciples with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed three times. During this time of great distress, He cried out to the Father, “Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will but what You will” (Mark 14:36).   

After the third time praying and surrendering all, Jesus was ready to die for our sins and trust the Father to use Him to create a way to redeem mankind. Jesus was placed on the cross on the third hour (9a.m.).  At 3p.m., He died.  There was three hours of darkness while He was suffering on the cross.

Three is a number closely associated with resurrection life as we know that it took three days and three nights before Jesus rose from the dead.  It was after His resurrection that the disciples were given the resources and ability to go “build His Stone Kingdom not made of hands” (Dan. 2:45). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit also gave the disciples comfort that the LORD was with them intimately, and opened up His storehouses of His powerful signs and wonders as they went forth.

God’s business is always centered on honoring His Covenant for a people He has chosen. His mercy covers our mistakes, and His grace is sufficient for our weaknesses. Pentecost is a time of receiving His outpouring of grace, mercy, and power so we can align with heaven and go do “business” for the Lord in establishing His Kingdom here on earth.  We cannot even comprehend the great outpouring that is directly ahead of us….IT WILL BE MAGNIFICENT!

This Friday evening, April 17th, we begin the second month of the Hebrew covenant calendar known as IYAR, which is translated “reflected light.” 

Cyclically, Iyar reveals a pattern of how God gave increase of His timing and strategy to align with His purpose.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Iyar was in the midst of the 50-day period of transition when the children of Israel left Egypt and began journeying to Mount Sinai.  Through their wilderness travels, God alone became their resource for healing, provision, and deliverance.  

In Exodus 15, God made Himself known as “Jehovah Rapha” the God who heals.  When the children of Israel lacked water, God cleansed the waters at Mara and made the bitter waters pure for drinking.  

Next, God came to them as “Jehovah Jireh,” the Lord who provides.  Crying out in hunger, God released “manna” or “bread from heaven” supernaturally which the Israelites found in the morning dew.   

And finally, unable to defend themselves against their attacker, God revealed Himself as “Jehovah Nissi,” their victorious defender who covers their back with His righteous hand (Ex. 15-17).

The exodus from Egypt was a significant transition in departing from the oppression of a “worldly system.” Pharaoh’s government had brainwashed the Hebrews into accepting systems of enslavement that became normal and “comfortable.” This is evident through the complaining and grumbling of the children of Israel after their deliverance. Nevertheless, God “shows up” during this transition and makes Himself known to prepare them for His glory.

Similarly, during the same 50-day calendar time period in the New Testament, Jesus “shows up” after He rose from the dead to help the disciples through their transition.  Throughout the month of Iyar, Jesus manifested Himself alive as their Healer, the “Bread of Life,” and Deliverer. Thomas the doubter and Simon Peter both experienced healing of their faith and a renewal of purpose ahead. The LORD nurtured those who would be chosen to birth the “Church Age” and gave them direction to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). 

Two thousand years later, we can expect a similar pattern once again as Jesus “reintroduces“ Himself during the shakings of heaven and earth. Pray for His miraculous healing, provision, and deliverance and instruction through the uncertainty.

The similarity between the children of Israel, the disciples waiting in the Upper Room, and the Overcomers of today waiting for the Millennium reign is that all experienced a revolution of transition, bringing forth a greater encounter of God’s glory.  At Mt. Sinai, the glory rested upon them  (Ex. 19:18;24:16-18). At Pentecost, a portion of the glory dwelt within the disciples through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). During the Millennium, believers will receive greater glory. (Rev.21:3).

The tribe of Issachar is associated with the month of Iyar. This tribe was gifted to know the timings of the Lord for the nation.  As one of the tribes who came alongside David when he was anointed as King, the Bible says in 1 Chron. 12:22-32 of Issachar, “and the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times to know what Israel must do.”  I believe there is an anointing this month to go deeper in our understanding of the times we are in and our faith in a Covenant Keeping God so we can go out into the world with greater authority and power.  

The Hebrew meaning of Issachar is “bringing reward.”  It comes from the root word “nasa” and means “to lift, to advance, arise, bring forth exalt or raise up.”  What better reward can we get than to humble ourselves and seek the Lord and get the treasures of seeing and experiencing the God of Covenant!

Issachar was the tribe nestled in between Judah and Zebulun on the east side of the Tabernacle.  These three tribes formed a branch to march out first when God instructed the tribes to move. Judah would be given the charge to praise and worship, but Issachar understood the timing with which they were to depart and go.  Zebulun then came alongside the two and had the ability to provide the supply or “business” of what needed to be done.

Issachar’s symbol was a humble donkey.  He gets this symbol through Jacob prophesying over his tribe:  “Issachar is a strong ass couching between two burdens.” (Gen. 49:14). A donkey carries the burden of a load from one place to another.  Issachar represents a strong but humble servant of God who fulfills the law of Christ spoken of in Gal. 6:2, “Bear each other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  

Issachar is rewarded from the Lord for serving His people, standing in the gap and carrying their burden whether it be through prayer or practical application.  Issachar is spoken of as carrying two burdens:  one for himself and one for a “brother in need.”  Rewards for intercession as well as carrying other’s burdens that the Holy Spirit is leading us to do is priceless and brings much joy.

God’s desire is to reveal His “mysteries” so that we are armed with His story, stand as His witness, share His truth, and obey His voice. The remnant is coming into their finest hour. The Issachar intel received this month will help bridge the gap between what God’s purpose is this year, and how to accomplish His goal.

In 2026, the divine intel (DI) must trump what we all have access to at our fingertips (AI) so we forge ahead in His victory. This will come through anointed intercession.. God has set the table with His oil to receive it this month.

Beginning with the Feast of Firstfruits, which is always on the first day of the week following Passover(this year falling on the day Easter is celebrated), God instructed the children of Israel to count 50 days (or 7 Sabbaths) to the time they were to celebrate the fourth Feast called the “Feast of Weeks;” or most commonly known as Pentecost.

“And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that your brought sheaf of the wave offering, seven Sabbaths shall be completed.   Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord” (Lev. 23:15,16).

These 50 days were a significant reminder of the timespan between leaving Egypt and coming to the base of Mt. Sinai (Ex. 15-19).  

“In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai”(Ex. 19:1).

Years later in the New Testament, this same 50 day Feast blueprint corresponded to the time frame when Jesus visited His disciples after He was raised from the dead:  

“Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight’ (Luke 24:30,31).

On the 50th day in the Old Testament, God revealed Himself by fire after speaking to the people His proposal of marriage to the Israelites:

“And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God and they stood at the foot of the mountain.  Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire. It’s smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly”(Ex. 19:17,18).

On the 50th day in the New Testament, the disciples were gathered together in the “upper room” when the Holy Spirit came upon them like fire:

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each other them” (Acts 2:2-4).

Within the 50 day blueprint, God chose to “court” the Hebrews in the Wilderness by revealing His love through His provision and protection, meeting their needs and kindling their faith in Him, even while they were complaining.

In the New Testament, Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples intimately after His resurrection, showing them His hands and feet; eating, sharing, and encouraging the disciples He loved.  

So how did God reveal Himself to the Hebrews in the 50-day wilderness journey to Mount Sinai that was reflective of Christ Himself, coming in the flesh to restore that bond of love?  

One of the first ways God revealed Himself is when He performed a miracle by turning bitter waters sweet:

“So Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree.  When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet” (Ex. 15:25).

In addition, God released water in the desert:

“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees, so they camped there by the waters” (Ex. 15:27).

Jesus would later reveal Himself in this pattern through the New Covenant.  Those who were thirsty for truth and believed in Him would receive His living water. Christians would then have the ability to use that life flow to reach out to others with God’s love.

“And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely”(Rev. 22:17).

After God provided water in the Wilderness, the Israelites soon complained about being hungry. God revealed Himself again through the supernatural unleavened manna:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.  And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in MY law or not.”

This bread that fell from the sky, known as “manna,” would be the tool God would use to introduce the Sabbath rest, prophesying of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, whom by His sacrifice, would provide rest for all creation in heaven and earth through reconciliation with the Father.

“Then Moses said, ‘Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field.  Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none” (Ex. 16:25,26).

Jesus would later declare that He was the Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5), and that He was our provision, telling us He was the “bread of life” for those who believed in Him:

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven.  If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever, and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world” (John 6:51).

The third time God revealed Himself intimately in the midst of the 50-day wilderness journey was when He provided protection and strength when the Amalekites were attacking the Israelites.

“Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.  And Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek.  Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand…….So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword” (Ex. 17:8,9,13).

Jesus would conquer Satan through His death and resurrection, taking dominion over the enemy permanently, and giving us the ability to have dominion over the enemy as well:

“And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His might power, which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion” (Eph. 1:19-21).

Jesus perfected the pattern “…which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ” (Col 2:17).

As we can see through the whole wilderness experience and the New Testament disciples, the people God chose lost heart and complained, even after experiencing God’s miracles.  And yet, God continued to choose them.   If we know Christ, He chose us as well, not because of our faithfulness, but because He loves us, flaws and all.  As we begin to recognize how Christ IS the substance of these Feast blueprints, our hearts are moved to set aside time to give thanks and to honor our Savior.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruits, and that your fruit” (John 15:16).

The Feasts are an essential testimony of our Hebrew heritage that begins in Exodus. When the children of Israel left Egypt and came to Mt. Sinai, God asked the “Israelites” to marry Him so that they would become His “special treasure” (Ex. 19).

“Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people for all the earth is Mine.  And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.  These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel” (Ex. 19:5,6).

After the children of Israel accepted God’s proposal, the “Groom” created a “certificate of marriage” for “His bride/nation” to abide with Him. The Tablets of Testimony were given through Moses as a sign of God’s love and His heart to be one with His people and a witness for the world to see the one true God.

“Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people.  And they said, “all that the Lord has said we will do and be obedient” (Ex. 24:7).

The “Feasts” were also a part of that “certificate” that provided a pattern God established to set aside life to honor those “wedding vows.”  This pattern would prove to not only benefit and bless God’s people but later in time, would serve as the sign and witness of Jesus, the restorer of this “marriage covenant.”

“For Christ, our Passover lamb has been sacrificed” (1Cor. 5:7).

When we honor the Feasts today, we honor the Father who sacrificed His Son for us.  And we step into our heritage. The Spring Feasts provide the blueprint (screenplay) on how Jesus would come to be our Savior and serve as our High Priest.

In Ex. 12, God established His Hebrew Covenant Calendar to start on the 1^st of Nisan.  He then gave Moses instructions to execute Passover on the 14^th of Nisan in which Israel was to slay the lambs and put the blood on the lintels and doorposts of their homes. (Ex. 12:6,7).  Passover was chosen to be the kick-off as the first Feast of the year.

On the 10^th day of Nisan, God instructed the children of Israel to select an unblemished male lamb.  This was the same day Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and the people cried out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest” (Matt. 21:9).

Passover was fulfilled by Jesus in the month of Nisan, according to the pattern described in Ex. 12 and Lev. 23. This is why 1 Corinthians 5:7 says, “Messiah has become our Passover.” John the Baptist also confirms this fulfillment when he points to Jesus and says, “Behold the Lamb of God”  (John 1:29.)

On the eve of the 14^th of Nisan, Jesus was with His disciples at the last Lord’s Supper.  It was here that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and broke bread (His body), and drank wine (His Blood) in remembrance of what He must suffer afterward as the Lamb was slain for our sins (Matt. 26:16).

On the morning of the 14^th of Nisan, Jesus was sentenced at 9am and crucified.  This was the same time the sacrificial lamb was bound according to the law (Mark 15:25).

At noon, three hours of darkness fell on the land supernaturally (Matt. 27:45). According to the law, no one was allowed to kill the sacrificial lamb in darkness. God prevented any lamb to be slain until Jesus cried out at 3:01, “It is finished.”  This is the same minute the eclipse is recorded to have happened, and afterward the Passover lambs were then slain.

The blood of the sacrificial lambs was put on the doorposts after the blood of Jesus was spilled out upon His death.  (John 19:34) Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus down and placed him in a tomb nearby before sundown since the Passover Dinner would commence that evening (John 19:38-42).

According to Ex.12, the “Passover” followed when they ate the lamb that was roasted by the fire with “unleavened bread.”  This they were to do as a memorial and an everlasting ordinance (Ex. 12:14).

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was to commence that evening and last seven days. (Lev. 23:6).  Because the Israelites left so quickly out of Egypt after the plague of the death of the “firstborn,” they left without any leaven in their bread (Ex. 12:39).  God made it easy for them to follow His instructions. Since leaven represents “sin” usually in the Bible, Jesus wiped out the penalty of “sin” through His sacrifice.

The soldiers were ordered to camp out at the tomb to make sure no one stole Jesus’ body.

Jesus rose before daybreak on Sunday morning.  When Mary and Mary arrived at the tomb, they found it open and the Roman Soldiers were not there guarding it.  They had already left to tell Pilate.  Mary ran to go tell others and met Peter and John who were also on their way to the tomb (John 20:2).

When they arrived at the tomb, they all discovered it empty.  Peter and John went home (John 20:10).  Mary was left alone in the garden.  When the sun arose, Mary encountered what she thought was a gardener.  When she recognized it was Jesus, she wanted to touch him.  But Jesus said to her, “ Touch Me not, for I am not yet ascended to My Father.”

The ascension Jesus was referring to was not the event that happened 40 days later where He rose from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:3-9). We know this because Jesus allowed the disciples to touch Him later (John 20:19,20). So Jesus must have ascended to the Father sometime AFTER He talked to Mary.  Why is this important?

Lev. 23:20 says of the Feast of the First Fruits, “The priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Lord…” In 1 Corinthians 25:20, the scripture says, “Now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the FIRSTFRUITS of those who have fallen asleep.”

In order for Jesus to fulfill the Firstfruits Feast, He had to present Himself to the Father at the same time the priest offered up the Firstfruits. Jesus was actually alive before the priest wave offering in the temple, but He could not present Himself as “legally” alive in heaven until the same time that the priest bore witness on earth.  It was the third hour that the priests offered up the firstfruits.  It was then Jesus went before the Father!

Between The Feast of Firstfruits and the Feast of Pentecost is 50 days in which is called Counting of Omer.  (Lev. 23:15-17) After these 50 days, the children of Israel were to offer a new grain (wheat) offering.  On Pentecost, farmers would bring the firstfruits of their spring harvest to the Lord.

 Pentecost would be the exact same time that the Law (marriage contract) was given to the children of Israel at Mt. Sinai and when God would manifest Himself as a witness to this union (Ex. 19). This would be the time when all the people heard the voice of God speaking in their own language out of the midst of the fire (Deut. 4:12).

In Acts 2, we read that on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down like tongues of fire upon the heads of the disciples who were waiting in the Upper Room. They became the new grain offering, the “firstfruits” of the indwelling of His glory presented to the Father since they had “accepted Jesus as Savior and Covenant restorer.” Now the Law was written on their hearts and they were one with the Father.

Christians today generally don’t celebrate these Feasts simply because they don’t understand their significance to Jesus.  Some have not fully grasped they entered into this Hebrew heritage and Covenant when they accepted Jesus as their Lord. But God wants to open up our eyes to our birthright and our inheritance in His marriage Covenant.  And as we abide in His blueprint (screenplay), we begin looking like the “Bride” set apart unto Him.

Get ready to celebrate the HEBREW NEW YEAR at sundown on March 19th. The first of the firstfruits is not a small matter… Time to put on praise to usher in God’s redemptive cycle and new beginnings!

God proclaimed to Moses in Ex. 12:2 that His Hebrew covenant calendar year was to begin with the month of Nisan:

“THIS month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.”

Nisan means “to take flight,” appropriately named since “THIS” was the month the children of Israel took flight from the captivity of Egypt and journeyed through the Red Sea to Mt. Sinai. The pattern of this month reveals a grace to move forward toward promise/goal/objective.

Nisan is associated with the tribe of Judah, whose name means “praise.” God called for “PRAISE” to go first into their “flight” from Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land (Num. 10). Judah led then and later was the first tribe to cross the Jordan in the Promised Land and receive land (Num. 14). This month is known for FIRSTS!

In Genesis 49:10, we read the prophetic destiny that Jacob spoke concerning the tribe of Judah in the latter days.  “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” 

Judah was destined to carry the Messianic ruler ship (scepter), which we can see documented in Matthew 1 that traces the lineage of Judah. Jesus was born out of this tribe when he came to earth to be our sacrificial Lamb FIRST, returning later to be the King of Kings. This month reminds us to start our day with a sacrifice of praise, and then, move out in the LORD’s authority as He leads.

The tribe of Judah was also responsible for making sure the “tablets of testimony” were safely passed down from generation to generation until Jesus came.  The “Torah (first 5 books of the bible) was canonized during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah during the 7th year of King Artaxerxes.  Ezra and Nehemiah were both a part of the House of Judah.

As the head of the tribe of Judah, Jesus was then responsible for multiplying God’s law. After His death and resurrection, He continued on with that responsibility by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to inscribe God’s law on the tablets of the hearts of believers. This gift has been tutoring Christians to walk in faith and obedience and helps us to multiply what God has written on our hearts.

Jacob’s son Judah had a notable flaw in his character that was difficult to overcome; the love of money.  In Genesis 37, we read the story of Jacob’s sons who became jealous of their brother Joseph because of their father’s love and favoritism toward him.  After conferring, the brothers decided to throw Joseph in a pit to die.  But Judah assessed the situation and said, “What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?” (Gen. 37:26).

Judah was wired to make a profit which isn’t inherently bad. But in this case, he suggested to sell Joseph, and made a bargain with the Midianite slave-traders to purchase his brother for twenty silver coins. As time went by, Judah became remorseful in profiting for selfish gain. Judah’s shame led him away from his family and down a path of bad choices and personal loss.

After a season of heartache, Judah came back to his family with a repentant heart. Not long afterwards, a famine crisis hit in the land, and Judah became instrumental in negotiating a deal to save his family. This deal was made at the expense of sacrificing his own life. Judah’s gift had gone through the “refiners fire,” and God used it to profit the whole family (Gen. 44:14-34).

Judas (Greek for Judah) Ischariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, had a similar weakness in his character.  The Bible reveals his greedy heart in John 12:5 when Judas cannot understand why Mary poured costly fragrant oil on Jesus instead of selling the oil and giving it to the poor.  The scriptures go on to say in verse 6, “This he (Judas) said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box, and he used to take what was put in it.”

It wasn’t too long until we read about Judas betraying Jesus by making a bargain with the religious leaders for 30 silver coins (Mark 14:10,11). The stronghold of greed was more powerful than family ties or intimate relationships once again. Judas, however, ends up taking his own life because of the guilt he bore in betraying Jesus.  

Jesus tells us how difficult the struggle is for those who have a gift to profit once they have accumulated wealth:

“Assuredly I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt. 19:23,24). 

Looking around the financial world today, many Jews are the world’s top financiers and control many of the banks, including the Federal Reserve. But has this banking system been set up to honor the LORD to advance His kingdom? Monies can benefit the advancement of the Kingdom of God, especially in helping visions “take flight.” But left to selfish gain, greed and corruption are the driving force, and rulers come under God’s judgment. For you and I, it is key to start the year checking our heart motives concerning aspiring wealth. When God is FIRST, provision follows in many streams. But when money is our first motive, we lose wealth of our intimacy with the Lord, our soul becomes troubled like Judah, and streams dry up.

Starting with Nisan, we enter into the “spring season” with the Lord and step into “FIRSTS.” This season has a cyclical pattern for new beginnings; new seeds to plant, new alliances, and new battle plans released for this season.  Kings go to war, praise leads the way, and the authority of Judah begin the foundation. Coming out of the “winter” rest and revelation season guides and directs the movement of the Hebrew year beginnings.  Expect new doors to open up and the prompting of God to move you forward in new directions.

Finally, and probably most importantly, this month we celebrate God’s plan of redemption, revealed through the Feasts of the LORD, and fulfilled on earth FIRST through Jesus when He became our Sacrificial Lamb (Lev. 23; Mark 14:12). Gathering with fellow believers on 4/1 honors the LORD’s sacrifice through the celebration of Passover.

Three days later after Passover, the Feast of Firstfruits is celebrated, which is known in our Christian culture as Resurrection Day, or Easter. This year, Feast of Firstfruits falls on the same day as Easter, so Christians will stumble into the timetable of God’s “Holy Day” to celebrate Jesus overcoming death and presenting Himself to the Father FIRST:

“But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him” (1 Cor. 15:23).

Let us all remember this month that PRAISE FIRST ushers “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” PRAISE HIM in the midst of the chaos! PRAISE HIM as you take flight! PRAISE HIM as you go into battle! PRAISE HIM because you have been CHOSEN to rule and reign in Him! PRAISE HIM for “FIRSTS!”  Your praise will spring you forward into the Hebrew New Year!

At sundown on February 17th, we enter into the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar known as ADAR. In Hebrew, the word Adar means “strength.” God’s desire is that His people finish the year strong IN HIM. This may require us all to put our “JOY ON” as we wrestle God to see Him face to face on matters of the heart.

It is interesting that this month is linked with the tribe of Naphtali. The name Naphtali in Hebrew means, “to struggle and wrestle forward.” Naphtali reminds us of all of the necessary wrestle, sometimes through our fiery trials, to move us forward in the direction toward the Lord and His purpose for us. It is through our wrestle our faith is tested and our core strength challenged to trust in God alone.

“… We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom. 5:3,4).

Naphtali’s mother was the concubine of Rachel. Rachel named him Naphtali because of her own struggles to give birth. “ With great wrestling’s I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” (Gen. 30:8).

Naphtali’s father, Jacob, also had an “all-star” wrestling match with the Lord as well, found in Genesis 34. During that time, Jacob was hard pressed on all sides. He was wrestling God to come through because his circumstances far outweighed his skill set and resources to get a breakthrough. Jacob was so used to “working the plan” to get results. He finally had no option but to turn to God for help.

God met him through an Angel, whom he wrestled with all night. During this encounter, Jacob was exercising his familiar muscle to work the plan and to do whatever he thought it took. If God hadn’t crippled his strength, Jacob would have kept going to his own hurt.

Jacob’s story reveals that God will sometimes use measures to physically impair us to intervene for our good because it puts a pause in us from heading down a destructive path. There was a fundamental part of Jacobs character that needed changing in order for him to fulfill his destiny. The fiery trial set up Jacob for the change.

Quite often, we are blinded to the very thing that can destroy our destiny. Jacob had learned, adopted and justified deception to obtain victory. This part of Jacob’s character was so familiar to him that he couldn’t see it wasn’t pleasing to God. Through the wrestle, this heart issue came to the surface.

When the revelation came to Jacob in the midst of the struggle, the Angel asked him what his name was. God was using this moment for repentance that led Him to the heart of God. Jacobs name meant deceiver, which needed to change. God then gave him a new name as a sign of the old nature now cut off to make way for the new.

The results of this wrestle changed history for himself, his family, and countless of multitudes that have now inherited God’s covenant promise. The veil came off of Jacob’s eyes, and he began to carry God’s covenant forward as a “prince under Gods headship,” which is why God gave him the the name Israel.

Jacob’s story reminds us that there comes a point in all of our lives that our greatest efforts, gifts and talents can only get us by so far. If we want to cross the finish line of our God given destiny, we all need to go through the wrestling of submission to let go of control while we cling to God alone. This wrestling produces a death in us to a life independent of God and builds in us a character that reflects His nature.

Before Jacob died, he prophesied over the tribe of Naphtali these words: “Naphtali is a deer let loose; he uses beautiful words.” The word “loose” comes from the Hebrew word shalach meaning, “to send away, cast away, to cast out, conduct, forsake, leave, let depart, push away.”

The expression, “let loose” has the implication of one who has escaped from the hunter. Deer are beautiful animals created to be free. Deers flee when they sense danger. We too are reminded to flee from enemy and to escape the bullet that kills our freedom found in Christ alone.

The banner symbol that identified the tribe of Naphtali was a deer. A significant fact is that deer have no gall bladder. The gall bladder is a membranous sac attached to the liver, in which excess bile is stored and concentrated. Bile is the bitter, yellow-brown or greenish fluid secreted by the liver. Bile produced and stored is like bitterness that is produced from an angry and jealous heart.

The beauty of Naphtali is that this tribe has the characteristic of one who has NO BITTERNESS! And because of that, “beautiful words come out of Naphtali’s mouth. “ God’s word instructs us:

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without no one will see the Lord; looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness, springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (Heb. 12:14,15).

Before heading into the New Year, take time to reflect on the issues that lie deep within the heart. We are commanded to “cast off” any bitterness, even bitterness toward ourselves, so we can enter into the joy of the Lord.

Moses also prophesies over the tribe of Naphtali in Deut. 33:23. “O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of blessing of the Lord, possess the west and the south.” Because Naphtali represents a pure heart, the favor of God is with this tribe to bless them. True intercessors, a characteristic of this tribe, are one’s with a pure heart, willing to lay their life down and stand in the gap for all, even the wicked.

Moses says to Naphtali to “possess the west and the south.” The west speaks of the land that lay to the west of Naphtali, which was the Mediterranean Sea. It was the gateway to new lands and new adventures. This is symbolic of “entering into the New Year through the gateway God opens to a new year of adventure with Him.”

The south speaks of the pleasant things, which lie at the foot of Naphtali. It was the southern coast of Naphtali that Jesus preached most of His life. That was the sea coast of Galilee, and the town of Capernaum. The Sermon on the Mount was preached in the land blessed for Naphtali, in which Jesus said, “Blessed are those….”

Adar is the twelfth month, and twelve is the number for “government.”  Jacob had twelve sons, and Jesus had twelve disciples. The first recorded words of Jesus in the New Testament were when He was 12 (Luke 2:42). 

Twelve symbolizes God’s power and authority as well as serving as a perfect governmental foundation.  New Jerusalem has 12 gates and Christ’s bride in Revelation 12 wears a crown of 12 stars.  The Lord has a remnant of 12×12, totaling 144,000 that are marked as His.  Jesus is coming back with “government on His shoulders” to rule and reign (Is. 9:7).  We are being prepared to understand God’s government in heaven and apply it on earth. 

Finally, I believe that this month of ADAR is key for the body of Christ to prepare a corporate launch. God has been preparing His army to go into a GLOBAL season with Him. It is a season of preparing for His return, and it will require separation unto Him, and a willingness in the heart to say, “Not my will but yours.”

God has “hidden” the remnant for a time. Our identity has been hidden. Our gifting has been hidden. Our regional, and national calling has been hidden. BUT, the wrestle is on, and the blessings are coming IF we shed the old and welcome the new thing God is leading us all in.

When it was God’s time, Esther’s true identity was revealed to the king. But that famous quote given to Esther when she was wrestling to step into that identity was, “For such a time as this.” It is for “such a time as this” we have all been called to understand His Covenant, His story, and His truth, and to walk accordingly in His plan.

At sundown on January 18th, we begin the celebration of the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar called “Shevat.” This month is associated with the tribe of Asher, the eighth son of Jacob. Asher’s name means “happy and blessed” and comes from the root word “ashar” which is translated: to be straight, right, forward, honest, and prosperous. Asher was known as a blessed tribe with land that produced many natural resources providing food and delicacies fit for a king.

Asher was known amongst the tribes to share their rich resources. In the Promised Land, Asher was located between Tyre and Carmel, which was some of the most fertile land in Canaan because it had low temperatures and much rainfall. Resources were a blessing, but Asher’s true happiness came from giving to others. With such an abundance of goods, Asher exported goods to supply to the other tribes and became known for its olive oil.

Jacob prophesied over Asher these words, “Bread from Asher shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties.” (Gen. 49:20) 

The Hebrew word for bread in this scripture is “lechem” and means “food you eat to obtain nourishment.”  In the natural, Asher was blessed with rich food fit for kings, but in the spirit, God is saying prophetically that the gift of Asher brings rich, strong meat (revelation) of God’s word.  Asher has a gift to pull out the treasures hidden in God’s Word.

 “Rich” can also be translated as “fat.”  The Hebrew word for fat is “shamen” and means “greasy, plenteous, oily and rich.”  Oil is typically symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The bread or “word” of Asher will not only be meaty, but richly anointed by the Holy Spirit! (The fruitful olive tree is actually the symbol for this tribe).

Moses further prophesies over Asher in Deut. 33:24 “Asher is most blessed of sons; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.  Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be.”

Asher “dips” or “plunges” his foot in oil is not a small prophetic word.  In order for Asher to fulfill his call, his foundation needs to be the “Word” and to spend time in the presence of “The Word” to share God’s revelation rich with His anointing to strengthen His people. 

Psalm 1:1-3 describes Asher: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he mediates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

Asher’s sandals being of iron and bronze describes the nature of his gifting.  Shoes of iron are God’s judgments, and the word God gives them to share can shake the world. Signs and wonders will follow!

The first miracle recorded in the gospels takes place in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus turned the water into wine. This land was the inheritance of Asher and the beginning of miraculous signs of provision. (John 2:1-11)  This land is also where Jesus revealed himself as the “bread of Life” which is symbolic of the gift Asher would share.

Matt 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Bread is symbolic of the word of God.“

 Anna, the prophetess from the New Testament, came from the tribe of Asher and was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Savior when He was born.  Her faithfulness and dedication to serve the Lord for 84 years made her “fat” with God’s revelation about the Savior.

“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and this woman was a widow of about 84 years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting’s and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to ALL those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38).

In the Bible, Asher is spoken of by Moses as the most blessed of the sons and favored by his brothers.  This tribe was blessed with numerous children and lived in peace with all the other tribes.

God wants to revive and awaken our spiritual “root” systems to be vibrant and alive in Him. His desire is for rivers of living water to flow and spring forth life in areas that appear dead. Expect an outpouring of His water and oil.

There is a CONVERGENCE of many streams of living water joining together for a greater cause in cities and the nation. Rich resources will be needed to navigate to be fruitful. So while the world is taken away by the fear and drama of the anti-christ agenda, the remnant will be thriving and alive with God’s providential help.

The key this month for the help is to REST and receive God’s anointed Word! And if you have the gift of Asher, God’s people need that “meaty” word bathed in His oil poured out upon them!

“It is more blessed to give than receive.” (Acts. 20:35)