Immigration & Globalization in the Bible (Part 3)

I have arrived at the conclusion through meditating on G-d's word that G-d's intent is for people to spread out on the earth and live everywhere on the earth. Based on the scriptures and my discussion of them in Immigration & Globalization in the Bible (Part 1), G-d wants globalisation and population explosion to take place. It is humanity that wants to stop and prevent people from occupying their borders, as well as people (who are lead by Satan's agents) who want to reduce population in fear that they are depleting the earth's resources or that humanity is becoming too much to govern and control.

While early humanity was carrying out's G-d's purpose for them, there was some extra-terrestrial immigration. A group described as 'the sons of God' were attracted to the women of earth. Like Eden, when Satan seduced Eve, these sons of G-d visited earth seduced and wooed humanity's females. Then there were intermarriages between these extraterrestrials and humanity. According to at least one very reliable source in the literature of the Apocrypha (the book of Enoch), those alien immigrants brought with them the magic arts, cosmetology, astrology, herbal medicine, technological know how and many of the things (and sins) that humanity now practices. Note well that: The book of Enoch is reliable because this same book is cited in the New Testament book of Jude verse 14-15 and also by a respected Ante-Nicene father of the early church, Iraeneus (Schaff p.481).

As a consequence, there were mutants born among the human race. Giants and men with incredible powers, abilities and capabilities occupied the earth, as cross-breeds between humans and fallen angels (the aliens) (Genesis 6:4).

On reading this, I believe that some of you are probably thinking that this is a wild interpretation closer to Hollywood. Unfortunately, Hollywood's motion picture ideas are not very far fetch from spiritual reality. In fact, though I don't have sufficient documentary proof, I believe that some of Hollywood's movie ideas are obtained by necromancy or by demons/fallen angels communicating with Hollywood movie directors, actors, script writers and other artists. That however may be an entirely new area of research that is outside of the scope of this reflection.


References:

Schaff, Philip. ANF01. The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus: Christian Classics. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 2002. Web. 4 June 2011. <http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.pdf>

Fatherly Reflection

I take a pause in my studies of immigration in order to write on the important topic of fatherhood. The weekend for me has been a time of reflection on my father, due to his birth day being in this month, as well as Father's day also approaching. Such meditation has been fruitful in conceiving revelation from the L-RD based on the verses in Proverbs chapter 4.

Solomon admits in the early verses of the chapter that he was taught by his father David (Proverbs 4:3-4), who taught him primarily to value and acquire wisdom (Proverbs 4:5,7). Solomon in turn valued this lesson so much that later when G-d appeared to him  and asked him what he desired for a gift (2 Chronicles 1:7; 1 Kings 3:5.htm), Solomon could only but remember his father's words and advice that wisdom was the principal acquisition (Proverbs 4:7) that would bring everything else . As such, Solomon made his request for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:10).

Solomon's story demonstrates how important it is that as fathers, we teach our children so that they will grow up knowing how to make wise choices (and the best choices) in life. It is a parent's duty (and especially a father) to teach his children from his own life experiences about the world that they live in and inhabit, and what makes for success in life.

Can you imagine David, who was a failed father of many children, made up for his entire bad parenting with Solomon his last child? After seeing what tragedies resulted from his bad choices and personal failures with his older children, David took parenting his last child gotten from adultery very seriously. David used where he had failed and had many regrets and his own foolish mistakes in the past that he wanted to make amends and correct to teach and guide his youngest child. Hence David advised  Solomon and gave him teachings that would make Solomon learn from his father's mistakes and experiences, and avoid those same mistakes and pitfalls in life.

All father's should, like David, give unto their children pearls of wisdom and instruction about how the world works and how best to survive in it. Our children must know what pitfalls to avoid and what will ruin them and prevent them from attaining their desires, happiness and goals from our own teaching and guidance that we must give them. It is when we do such an investment in our children, that they will make wise choices like Solomon, and become successful and respectable citizens of the earth.

Immigration & Globalization in the Bible (Part 2)

So the first ambassador and diplomat was G-d, and the first embassy was located in Eden. Human government had access to good diplomatic relations with heaven.

However, a certain deportee called 'Satan', used the medium of a serpent in Eden, to disrupt the diplomatic relationship between humanity and heaven. Through the serpent, the devil was able to seduce human government to break the first treaty ever established on earth. However, out of it G-d made a new policy for earth's extra-terrestrial relations in Gen 3:15:

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring Or seed and hers; he will crush Or strike your head, and you will strike his. (NIV)

Man who violated the conditions of their access to life and G-d in Eden was also deported. Adam and Eve found themselves denied entry to Eden and forced to immigrate to places where they would have to undertake agriculture for survival. Their visa to heaven was revoked; they lost their citizenship and permanent residence in Eden.

Adam was not only to have strained diplomatic relations with G-d, but also with the earth. Adam was used to picking fruit and nuts from trees, which were adequate to sustain him. Now he would have lack of access to orchards, and would have to create his own. Fortunately, he could till the soil for crops that did not take as long to grow and reproduce, such as ground provision and grain.

Now Cain, the first murderer, also had further strained diplomatic relations with both G-d and the earth. Unlike his dad, Cain had no work permit and could no longer utilise agriculture for his survival. His work permit on earth was revoked and he had to be a nomad in order to obtain food. Plus, he lost access to visits from G-d. However G-d did give him refugee status (Genesis 4:11-16).

Despite his lack of a work permit, Cain managed to build a city (Gen 4:17). So despite having to be a food gatherer and (possibly hunter), instead of a farmer, Cain was able to access food that he could possible store and have time to build a dwelling for himself and his family to settle down. Cain then became an artisan and skilled worker, and his generation followed. His great great grandson Lamech raised Jabal who became the father of tent makers skilled in livestock production (indicating that rather than hunting, they were able to domesticate a supply of animals, so they could have a constant supply of meat, hence remaining settled in one place) (Gen 4:19-20). Another offspring was Jubal, who raised musicians in his family, persons adept at discovering how to pleasantly arrange and organise sound and make instruments (Gen 4:21). This indicated that Jubal's descendants did have time for leisure and recreation, due to some constant supply of food and adequate food provision. How else would they have abandoned the rat race of gathering food and hunting if otherwise?

Finally, Lamech's son, Tubal-Cain, became a skilled artisan at making agricultural and construction tools. He was the first to be involved in the metal industry (Gen 4:22).

These great stories tell me that whatever restrictions are placed on one's working in another country, there are still ways and means to survive. No matter where you go and may be unable to find work, you can find something to do that can bring you an income. You need not rely on formal employment. You can always innovate and find something that humanity is not yet doing or producing and create a livelihood for yourself. Self-employment, innovation and entrepreneurship is also a path to being a successful immigrant. G-d bless you.

Immigration & Globalization in the Bible (Part 1)

It is amazing how much immigration takes place in the Bible. In fact, when reading the Bible, especially the part called the "Old Testament" one will realise that globalization is nothing new. Bible stories all talk about the issues of globalization and immigration.

As I prepare myself for my sojourn in Canada to study, these issues occupy my mind, and the only scriptures that seem relevant to me are those about immigration issues. What are the stories that can inspire me as I leave my home country to a foreign one? What spiritual lessons can I learn? Like the Jews, and as a spiritual Jew, can I draw inspiration from the immigrants of the past? What does the Holy Scriptures declare about the phenomena of globalisation and immigration?

This is hoped to be the first of a series of spiritual exploration of the topic. However, I will write/type as I have time, though my heart, spirit and mind will continuously reflect upon this theme in the Bible, until the L-RD fills me with sufficient stories from the scriptures to prepare me for my study experience in a foreign land among a multi-cultural people.

So let's begin in Genesis and proceed to Revelation. However, in this blog entry we will stop before at Adam. (My children are awake as early as I am, and as such I may not get enough time to write more, before they demand my attention).

So in the beginning G-d stated that his purpose for man was to immigrate and be global. Mankind's mission statement according to G-d was to 'be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth' and to form a global government over the earth's resources (Genesis 1:28). Clearly,  G-d purpose was for globalization and for the spread of humanity all over the earth. In another scripture verse in Isaiah 45:18, G-d declares that his purpose for man was to inhabit the earth and not leave it desolate. Hence people should not be clustered just in part, but must be everywhere on earth.

Another issue is that G-d has no intention for humanity to permanently live in heaven (if ever live in heaven). Numerous scriptures tell us about G-d's purpose and mission for humanity on earth. I will just bullet a few more below:

• Psalm 115:16 (New International Version)'The highest heavens belong to the LORD,but the earth he has given to mankind.'
• Matt. 6:10: - New International Version - 'your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven'.
• Ecclesiastes 1:4 (King James Version) - 'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'
• Psalm 104:5 - (King James Version) - "[Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever"
• Psalm. 37: 11: (KJV) "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

G-d himself established his embassy or high commission in a place call Eden, where he regularly met with the first government (human beings) of the earth. In Eden he revealed his diplomatic mission and was the first ambassador.

Another Passover message

Today, a friend asked: 'Can u tell me what is the significance of Passover?'

Coincidentally I was reflecting on and writing up what I had learned the even before, when I got this question from my friend. So I shared with him the message I just shared with you. 

My friend also asked: ' What can i do today to celebrate this event?'

And what does it really mean?

I answered stating that I thought he asked very good questions. His questions are what I myself need to ponder. I know what I am going to do personally, but is what I am doing really what G-d would want of me?

This evening I am going to celebrate a home passover with my little girls and wife. Most Jews in the diaspora will do that.

My friend asked:  What do u plan to do with ur family thats different?

So I state my agenda:

The recounting of the story of the Exodus, beginning from bondage in Egypt. Drinking (nonalcoholic) wine, eating Matzah (unleavened bread) and bitter herbs, lighting candles and explainig to my 3 year old what it must have been like to come out of Egypt. Then move on to the story of Jesus and his disciples at the night of his supper, recounting his last supper with the disciples and what he did for humanity and what was the significance of his death and why he had to die.

My friend replied stating that he found my plans interesting, but asked another question:

'Isn't that a message which we should share all year around?'

I replied, that G-d has a different focus for each season. For the Passover season, he wants us to reflect on Christ's death and resurrection. For the season of Pentecost, we focus on the Holy spirit and the birthday of the church, while during the fall festivals, he wants us to focus on the return of Christ and the second advent

Specifically, the Passover season is the spiritual beginning and renewal of the year. We are renewed spiritually for the rest of the year and in preparation for the outpouring of the spirit for the harvest, that prepare us for our work and contribution to the harvest and eventually the harvest itself.

I thank G-d for friends who like me are seeking the spiritual food in the season that G-d has made it available.

My friend, you have already started to celebrate Passover, at least spiritually. Seeking G-d and his meaning in this season is how G-d intends for us celebrate his feasts, his spiritual feasts. By seeking the spiritual food that he has for us in the season that he has prepared it. Just like how you look for mangoes in their season and other fruits in their season; so with the natural, so with the spiritual

It is G-d that created the lights of the sky to mark seasons and times (http://bible.cc/genesis/1-14.htm)

G-d binds his feasts to the seasons, communicating to us that his feasts will never be done away with. Even after the second advent, we will be invited to his commemorative feasts and celebrations (http://niv.scripturetext.com/isaiah/66-22.htm; http://bible.cc/zechariah/14-16.htm).

In the Bible, G-d says that his seasons will never end  (http://bible.cc/genesis/8-22.htm). 

G-d in the Bible also declares that there is nothing done under heaven that is not done within a season or within time (http://bible.cc/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm)

The meaning of Passover

United Congregation of Israelites

5:30 PM Pesach Services

April 18, 2011

I attended, and caught the last part of the services, where I heard the message on the meaning of Pesach/Passover. What I am doing here is a basic summary, as I arrived at the synagogue drained of all intellectual alertness, and was afraid to take out a pen and write down the ideas said. Instead, I sought to follow the intellectual message with my mind and record new ideas that resonated with me. 

The meaning reflected on in this particular service was on the significance of freedom, and the contribution of Jewry towards human liberation. Freedom, the rabbi said, is not just physical, but also spiritual. Persons do not know they are enslaved spiritually, until they are set free. The Jews experience of bondage in Egypt represents spiritual bondage from which we must become free, in order to make our contribution to the world and to usher in a "new world order" (the rabbi's words, not mine).

Jewish freedom led to the world's monotheism, as prior to Jewish freedom, the world did not know G-d. Jewish liberation from bondage in Egypt therefore lead to the world's awakening to who G-d was and established (or I would say re-established) monotheism as the standard of world religions. 

Jewish freedom will eventually lead the reign of peace throughout the earth. When the Mashiach/Messiah returns, he will lead the Jews again to freedom and establish a 'New World Order' based on the reign of peace.

As I reflect on the rabbi's message, I could summarise this thought through these words: 

Jews were set free from a world superpower in order to get the world to recognise the one who holds supreme power. 

He answers me before I call

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24 KJV)


I am so loving G-d now. He answers my prayers right on time. Sometimes, I just identify the unmet need and have not yet translated it into a petition, and that unmet need is satisfied. 


Today is such a case in point. When I considered the cost of the Canadian study permit processing fee and the state of my finances for the month, I was beginning to really wonder about the situation. Since the end of March, I was concerned about the family's expenditure knowing fully well that as of this year, we have never finished the month without spending more than our income. Money during this year has always been finished before pay-day, to the point where I have to be using credit card to fill the gap and purchase the necessities. 


Well, today, as I saw that I had remaining in the bank versus what I needed for the Canadian visa processing fee, I really began to contemplate that I could not pay for the visa processing fee until pay-day. I even posted a comment on this regard on Facebook.


Then, later that day, got an email to sign for some money owed to me. Money  owed would certainly be enough to cover the visa amount. Though I have not yet received the cheque, my faith, confidence and hope is now strengthened. I know G-d is watching over me and working things out in my favour, especially as it relates to meeting those unmet needs that I verbally (or in writing) express.



"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31 King James Bible).