2. For I testify to them that they have zeal to Elohim, but not according to knowledge.
3. For being ignorant of the righteousness of Elohim, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to the righteousness of Elohim.
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
A few months ago, a friend shared a head-scratching video with me asking for my thoughts on the topic. The video featured a charismatic preacher/pastor who irrationally claimed that men with facial hair or beards were prideful, not anointed, and not true believers. I found his statements and rant absurd, and honestly, it left me feeling quite puzzled and taken aback. It begs the question, if YAHWEH created us with facial hair, why would he condemn us to the Lake of Fire for having it? Nonetheless, what shocked me even more was the congregation’s cheering and enthusiastic support of the pastor’s interpretation of biblical Scripture, which he ironically didn’t even provide in the clip I saw.
Unfortunately, my knowledge of this preacher is limited; therefore, I cannot determine his true intentions from this one message. Consequently, that leaves a few options to categorize this preacher’s message. At best, he misunderstood and misinterpreted some Scriptures and would benefit from prayer and guidance from YAHWEH. YAHWEH can open our minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Alternatively, he may have genuine zeal to follow YAHWEH but have been misguided by the false doctrine he was taught, resulting in the prioritization of flawed false teachings over the word of YAHWEH. At worst, he is a false teacher working for the father of lies and needs stern rebuking. Since he is this passionate and wrong about beards, I am concerned about what else he is teaching and its accuracy.
Here Are the Biblical Facts Related to This Topic:
- Beards were common, well-maintained, and not to be worn like the pagans.
- Not having a beard was shameful for some.
- 2 Samuel 10:3-5 — Remain in Jericho until your beard grows
- Instances of Beards
- David (1 Samuel 21:13)
- Aaron (Psalm 133:2)
- Ezekiel (Ezekiel 5:1)
- Ezekiel finished this final act of defilement by shaving his head and beard, which was a pagan ritual for the dead (Ezekiel 27:31, Isaiah 22:12) which the Torah forbade (Deuteronomy 14:1). This whole process was extremely humiliating and disqualifying from serving Elohim Leviticus 21:5 Isaiah 7:20 (Study note from HRB)
- Ezra (Ezra 9:3)
- The Bible does not say that Beards will keep you from eternal life with YAHWEH.
Caught Up By Their Words
In today’s world, there is a growing fascination with charismatic speakers, including biblical teachers, preachers, and pastors. Christians have become unable and unwilling to accept the true meaning of Biblical Scripture because the personality of Mr. or Mrs. Charismatic mesmerizes them with falsehoods. So much so that if their pastor teaches falsehoods and you show them the truth in the Scripture, they would rather their pastor’s version over the word of YAHWEH.
This fascination is not limited to faith speakers, as the charisma of business tycoons, social media influencers, motivational speakers, and politicians also mesmerized people. Many of us have witnessed this phenomenon of people mindlessly following what politicians say, accepting their every word without question or investigation. Even when someone presents evidence that the politician is lying, they still exhibit blind loyalty. We’ve also witnessed similar responses from individuals when social media influencers or business tycoons like Elon Musk make unfounded claims without supporting evidence. People alter their lives as a result, and sometimes, even the stock market fluctuates due to these claims.
Listening to the Voice of Yahshua Instead of Man
Scriptures of Yahshua talking to the people.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
43 Why do you not know My speech? It is because you are not able to hear My Word.
44 You are of the Devil as father, and the lusts of your father you desire to do. That one was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own, because he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.
46 Who of you rebukes Me concerning sin? But if I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?
47 The one who is of Elohim hears the Words of Elohim; for this reason you do not hear, because you are not of Elohim.
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
Christianity emphasizes the significance of having and maintaining a personal relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH. However, numerous Christians fail to devote time to reading the love letters (Bible) YAHWEH gifted to humanity; some neglect to even talk to Him regularly through prayer. For these reasons, the voice of YAHWEH is unknown to them, and they are left relying on the words of these charismatic speakers.
Question?
How long do you expect a marriage or personal relationship to last if you neglect to understand your spouse’s wants, needs, and desires (studying and reading the Bible) and rarely talk to them (praying)?
Answer!
Not long, and I’m tempted to say that there is no marriage or personal relationship going on here! Maintaining a personal relationship, whether with a spouse or with Yahshua and YAHWEH, demands effort and regular communication. Neglecting your spouse’s wants, needs, and desires or failing to communicate regularly with them will lead to the dissolution of the relationship. The same applies to your relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH. If you do not take the time to read and study His Word, to understand His wants, needs, and desires for you, and if you do not engage in prayer and conversation with Him, then a personal relationship cannot exist. If you believe otherwise, you are mistaken.
Your relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH will be damaged and possibly end not because they didn’t want a personal relationship with you but because you were not interested in them. Instead, you were interested in charismatic preachers, pastors, and politicians and their words, rather than Yahshua and YAHWEH and their words. Remember, Yahweh said He would never leave us, but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t leave and walk away from him. (Deuteronomy 31:8, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:20, Genesis 28:15, Psalms 94:14)
Conclusion
It is extremely dangerous to become overly invested in the words and actions of individuals by getting caught up in their intoxicating theatrical performance and gold-dripped words rather than the actual word of YAHWEH. Listening to and accepting whatever these people say without checking it against scriptures, facts, or research is also dangerous. Evaluating information based on its source and evidence is essential, rather than blindly believing everything you hear. By having a personal relationship with Yahshua and YAHWEH, which includes reading and studying the Word and praying, we can know Him, His words, His voice, and His speech. This will enable us to reject charismatic individuals’ false teachings, doctrines, and lies. We will also be able to respectfully and intelligently share information with pastors, preachers, and fellow believers in hopes of shining a light on the truth.
Please review the “How Is Your Study Life” series for info about reading and studying the Bible. You are also welcome to order a copy of Journal Thy Journey: A Chronological Reading Plan for the Bible. This journal is a great companion for your Bible study. It will help you study the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and help you develop a consistent study habit.
By: David Edwards