Food for the people of yhwh – the worship

Everything we do has its roots in history. Often deeply entrenched, these things become an integral part of our lives. Becoming what we call traditions. It’s hard to break ties with traditions, “my great-grandfather did it, my grandfather and father did it, I’m doing it, and my children will do it as well” …

There is nothing wrong with good traditions. However, are all traditions good? Where do they originate from? Who decided that things should be done a certain way?  Are the things that we are used to doing, a violation of the Holy and Perfect Law of the Most High? If we are not regularly asking ourselves these questions, then they are already entrenched in our lives. If when we consider our traditions and we begin to justify ourselves, we are under its control. For example, where did the food that we set on our tables originate from? Do we still love the food our ancestors ate, or have we introduced these delicacies into our diet, having seen them on the tables in strange homes, cities and lands? Or did we choose them simply because we like the taste?

The ancient people who knew YHWH Elohim, including Noah, had significantly more knowledge about nutrition and understood the importance of its origin. Food is and was not just a meal, but a sacrament. For example:

• Eating at the same table is an intimate act of communication. Those of us who have had to share a meal with people with whom we have a tense relationship understand what it is like.
• The process of eating should provide the highest level of joy.
• During communion, we connect with the body of the Messiah by partaking of the bread and the wine (grape juice). Bread is associated with the Word, and wine with the blood.
• The Levites at the temple were supposed to eat what was sacrificed.
• A tithe is a form of worship offered to Him. For instance, the second tithe was brought to the Temple in the form of a large feast, which was eaten joyfully. If it were too far to carry the food, people would sell it and use that money to buy the food once they arrived in Jerusalem.
• All first-born animals were dedicated to YHWH and had to be eaten. Even first-born calves could not be used for other needs such as plowing. They must be eaten as the highest level of glorification of YHWH: “For the first-born that He gave to you.”
• For YHWH’s feasts, food is the essential part of the celebration. It could even be said to be the central precept (commandment) for the festivity.
• Sin came into the world through food. For example, Adam and Eve tasted the fruit, and Esau sold his birthright for the bowl of food.
• Fasting (abstaining from food), in general, is a powerful spiritual weapon. Consider the temptation in the desert for 40 days at the Yeshua fast.
• A man (husband) tasted his wife’s faithfulness by means of “bitter water,” which the Priest gave the woman to drink so that her “abdomen swells, and thigh wastes away.” (Num. Chapter 5). The same test awaits sinners at the end of the world when YHWH gives them bitter water (Rev.8:11) and condemns the harlot of Babylon.
• Yeshua spoke of the Holy Spirit as a river flowing from the womb.
• Paul spoke these words:

  “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner – not even to eat with such a person.” 1Cor.5:11

It is with utmost importance for the Most High that we consider what we put on our tables, into our mouths and whom we share it with. It was precisely for this reason that YHWH created “clean” animals that people could consume. It is essential to understand that from the moment of Creation; YHWH invented an eternal and unchanging law “each thing shall produce after its own kind,” which nobody could change, even Christian theological teaching. Here is this Law and principle:

Then Elohim said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And Elohim saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day. Gen. 1:11-13

According to this Law, a man produces a man, a beet produces a beet, and a turtle produces a turtle. A clean animal produces a clean animal, and an unclean animal produces an unclean animal:

“Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one!” Job 14:4

We, the world, and the universe live according to this Law. This Law shatters the theory of evolution invented by Satan. The influence of someone else could partly cause some unusual changes. However, these are already called mutations and are not the norm. YHWH provided and determined everything for the well-being of man. He took care not only of salvation but also of life on earth. We are allowed to eat clean animals because they taste good and are clean for the human body. All unclean animals have unique qualities and fulfill a critical function on earth. They clean the forest, filter water, regulate the population of animals, etc. They are not food for people since they are unsuitable for consumption.

Unfortunately, today, various theories teach that ‘Jesus Christ’ turned all unclean animals into clean ones, thus promoting the spiritual “theory of evolution.” However, YHWH, while creating animals, defined their functions from the very beginning. His Creation was perfect and did not require corrections or improvements. Here is a list of the most familiar scriptures that are used contrary to the Word of YHWH. Below, we put them into context to better understand the text:

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. Tit.1:15               

To understand this text, it is essential to examine what was written in the previous verse:

… not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. Tit. 1:14

This is not about the commandments regarding food from YHWH’s Torah. In fact, any kind of food, including clean animals that were coming from pagan tables or countries, was considered by Jews as unclean. This human fiction doesn’t have any similarity with the Law of food, which defines animal species as clean and suitable for eating regardless of where they are stored or sold.

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to criticize his opinions. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for YHWH has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for YHWH is able to make him stand. Rom.14:1

Obviously, we are not talking about YHWH ‘s Law but about the opinion of the “weak in faith.” Moreover, their opinion is that it is better to eat vegetables or anything (suitable for eating). In any case, it is entirely unacceptable, under any circumstances, to humiliate or condemn such a person. If they do something not according to the Word of YHWH, then we are to teach them in love and meekness, adhering to the true Word, consistent with the teaching.

Col.2:16 Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath.

As mentioned above, it is completely unacceptable to condemn anyone but to teach, guide in love and truth. However, let’s look at the context: “Col. 2:8 Be careful, brethren, that no one captivate you with philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ.” It is obvious that the Word of YHWH is not a philosophy or empty deceit or the elements of the world or a human tradition. Paul was speaking to people who were influenced by Judaic religious teachings (Talmudism). They condemned how exactly certain Feasts should be celebrated (the religious order aka ‘Seder’), and many other rules regarding food: for example, mixing milk and meat, separate dishes, the ritual washing of hands, etc.

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to YHWH; and he who does not observe the day, to YHWH he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to YHWH, for he gives YHWH thanks; and he who does not eat, to YHWH he does not eat, and gives YHWH Elohim thanks. Rom.14:5

When “acting according to the convinced of your mind,” one is not to act against the commandments of YHWH, but to be within the framework of His Law. This also applies to days of observance. For instance, a person can determine the day of fasting at his own discretion, and thus “not eat for the YHWH.” However, this person should not demand others to fast in the same way since this is his personal opinion. In any case, these verses are not talking about food but rather about fasting.

But food does not commend us to YHWH; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. 1 Cor.8:8

Once more, this chapter does not talk about food that is unfit for eating. This is about food sacrificed to idols:  

Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. 1 Cor.8:1

Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is YHWH ‘s, and all its fullness.” If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is YHWH ‘s, and all its fullness. “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of YHWH Elohim. 1 Cor.10:25

This was another example where we are not talking about food commandments but about food sacrificed to idols, which, according to the Jews, could be secretly sold by the pagans in the market. That’s why Jews did not go to such places to buy food since this food was considered unclean.  In any case, Paul’s words that “Everything that is sold at the market could be eaten without any research” cannot repeal the Creator’s commandments about clean and unclean food which were given to man at Creation. Since Paul was born with the distinction between clean and unclean food, there was no need for him to explain what was sold in the marketplace. Paul’s words teach us not to pay attention to the Jewish teaching and the added rules, but instead to boldly buy everything that YHWH has assigned for people to eat in His Word.  Paul says it doesn’t matter unless you are told that the food you are buying has been sacrificed to idols. Everything offered to you at the market or someone’s home from the food suitable for eating can be safely eaten while thanking YHWH and feeling free from religious prejudices.

Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands? He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honours Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ “For laying aside the commandment of YHWH, you hold the tradition of men – the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of YHWH, that you may keep your tradition. […]

14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. Mark 7:1-15

Starting at verse 1, it is clear from the context that the text is not talking about clean and unclean animals. It is talking about the ritual of the washing of hands, a religious teaching, which prohibits touching food without performing the ritual “netilat yadam” washing of hands from a special bowl. Even in this case, Yeshua does not call us to sit down at the table and eat with dirty hands. The phrase “nothing entering a person from the outside can desecrate a person” denounces religious teaching that tries to remain pure through traditions and human precepts while violating commandments from the Torah itself.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which YHWH created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of YHWH is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the Word of YHWH and prayer. 1 Tim. 4:1-5

It is essential to mention that this is about the “teaching of the demons,” not YHWH ‘s commandments! Every Creation made for human consumption is good and illuminated by His Word and our Prayer. YHWH Elohim identified and sanctified usable food by His Word and commandment from the Torah, and our prayer thanks and praises YHWH for it.

The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, YHWH! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, 15 “What YHWH has cleansed you must not call unclean or common.” Act.10:9 

This is perhaps the most cited Scripture among people who, based on verse 15, believe that YHWH cleaned everything, including food. It is interesting to note that Peter, up to this point, had never thought of eating anything unclean. It would be very strange if Yeshua taught him the opposite. Based on this whole story, it becomes clear that we are not talking about YHWH ‘s commandments regarding food, and therefore, this vision was not a call to start eating reptiles or any four-legged animal like cats, rats and bats. However, unfortunately, today, the leaders of various religious institutions lead many people to precisely this conclusion. However let’s see what conclusion Pavel himself came to:

«Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But YHWH has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean» Act.10:28.

This is about the gentiles whom the Jews considered unclean and tried to avoid any kind of contact with them (see also Acts.11:1-3; Lk.15:2; Mt.9:11). The fact is that Peter, despite his courage in testifying about Yeshua, was influenced by these Pharisaical teachings and Paul also accused him of this:

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. Gal.2:11

YHWH Elohim showed Peter this vision so that Peter could conclude that it is not necessary to listen to religious fiction and avoid gentiles but to accept and communicate with different people and tell them the truth, despite their origins.

In conclusion, I would like to give an excellent example from Scripture about the Queen of Sheba’s impression. She saw with her own eyes all of the best in the kingdom of Israel in its golden era when the people listened to the commandments of YHWH and lived in peace and blessing:

And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of YHWH, there was no more spirit in her. Then she said to the king: “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. However, I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes, and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be YHWH your Elohim, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because YHWH has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.” 1 Kings 10:4

According to His Word, this is our wisdom to act according to the commandments and live in blessing. From the other side of the spectrum, YHWH Elohim also condemns to anger all those who pervert the truth and act according to their own discretion or under the influence of theological teachings, thereby determining what is right and righteousness in his eyes (self-righteousness).