Be Fruitful and Multiply!

0:00 I would like to invite rabbi's Shawn up so we can pray for him as he delivers the message this morning. father we thank you for the privilege and the honor and the responsibility it is. to Proclaim your word and Truth Father I pray that you would use Rabbi Sean as a vessel of Honor. Open up his lips that his mouth. May declare Your Glory. Open up our ears that me that we may receive all that you would have us for today. father use him mightily and let

0:46 us be obedient to your word as it comes forth in the mighty name of your son Yeshua how much I mean Thank you Marcus. I'll be in Luke 19. this morning if You want to prepare your your Bible or device ahead of time? about 20 to go I was sitting at a table. of a seminary in Springfield, Missouri My wife and I had moved across the country from Long Island in order to attend school.

1:33 As I was studying a man with glowing white hair approached me. He introduced himself and asked me about my background. I would learn that my childhood Hebrew teacher on Long Island was one of his students. I would learn that he had lived in the same town as my grandparents. He also began to share with me the Judaism and Christianity were not nearly as polarized as I had assumed. He encouraged me to sign up for his class called Israel and the church. His name was Dr. Ray Gannon. I took every class I could with Dr. Gannon. I also studied Hebrew as much as I could and

2:20 took a class called the Jewish backgrounds of the New Testament. It was enlightening and edifying. It forced me to face my own discomfort with Messianic Judaism. As I had been taught as a child to stay as far away from this strange Faith as possible. By the time that I traveled to Israel. God was rearranging my beliefs and forcing me to come to grips with my identity as a Messianic Jew. It just so happened that Dr. Gannon was starting a local Messianic Jewish fellowship at this time called Suresh Davide. I'm still getting a bit of feedback here if you

3:06 can't hear it. We would meet on Friday nights. He asked if I could be the worship leader, so I scurried to obtain Messianic Jewish music. I began to write along these lines as well. By the time that I was finished with my degree Val and I were feeling called to start a similar work in Southern, California. incidentally this would bring me into direct conflict with my grandfather. An orthodox Rabbi who is living in Los Angeles. When he heard about my plans, he told me that I was carrying on the work of Hitler and should no longer consider myself his grandson. My aunt Dodie also lived in that area.

3:53 his youngest daughter and rather than shunning me. She allowed me to stay in her home while we made scouting trips to Southern, California. A few months after we arrived she encouraged me to take Val and the kids to my grandparents apartment where we were reconciled. My grandfather passed in 2015 and I continued to enjoy a pleasant relationship with my grandmother. I wanted to pursue further education in California as was accepted as a student at Fuller Seminary. I was enjoying my coursework as we began our ministry in Southern, California. When Dr. Gannon heard that I was at Fuller he was not pleased. He called me and urged me to consider an invitation

4:40 to be part of a brand new Messianic Jewish studies program at the king's University, which at the time was in Van Nuys, California. It was closer to home for me. It would save me quite a bit of money as well, which I appreciated. Furthermore instead of learning a Christian perspective and doing Jewish learning on the side. I can engage Messianic Jewish instruction as we did the work of building a Messianic Jewish community. I was again persuaded by Dr. Gannon. In retrospect, I am grateful. It was a wonderful opportunity. Dr. Gannon was partnered with Jack Hayford. Who led the king Seminary?

5:26 As well as a man named Jonathan Bernice. Has anyone heard of this man? Jonathan Bernice a few hands. I would come to know Jonathan who led a Ministry called Jewish voice in Phoenix. They would host Gatherings for Messianic leaders from all over the world. Jonathan is the epitome of a gracious host. He facilitated times and opportunities for so many Kingdom relationships. There were hundreds of leaders and Jonathan cared for all of them. He even took interest in our little fledgling Ministry in Southern California and was eager to help us in the work. It is through these meetings that I was eventually introduced to the waldmans and came to Dallas with

6:14 my family nine years ago after serving in California for five years. When I read Luke chapter 19 verses 11 through 27. I can't help but think of Jonathan Bernice. He has used his talents resources and abilities to build the kingdom of God upon the Earth over many decades. Many of you have also been affected by Jonathan and the ministry of Jewish voice. You may or may not be aware of it. Jonathan has laid himself down like a bridge throughout, Messianic Judaism. Through his caring relationships throughout our Movement. We are globally connected. He has a unique ability to bring people and entities together

7:02 for Kingdom purposes. He is not someone who seeks his own Glory. Rather he has labored quite successfully to bring Yeshua to his people over the past four decades. He serves us as an example of what happens when a person strategically uses their gifts abilities and resources to serve the Lord's purposes over the course of a lifetime. Jonathan is now breaking new ground for Ministry in Los Angeles while continuing to lead Jewish voice in Phoenix. I would be remiss not to acknowledge this humble servant of Yeshua as he has made such an impact Among Us and around the world in order

7:48 to make Yeshua known. He has used everything that the Lord has given him in order to build the kingdom of God. upon the Earth the title of my message today is be fruitful and multiply. It comes from Luke 19 verses 11 through 27. I will ask three questions as we study this text. First what has the Lord entrusted you with? Second what have you done with it? And lastly, are you building up or tearing down his kingdom? Yeshua has given you resources for a purpose and will return to see how you have used them.

8:35 My notes can be found on the YouVersion Bible app and I will be reading from the Tree of Life version. Luke 19 verses 11 through 14 Read as follows. As they were listening to this. Yeshua went on to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they suppose that the kingdom of God was about to appear at once. Therefore he said a certain nobleman went to a Faraway land to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. And calling 10 of his own slaves. He gave them 10 Minas and said to them do business until I come back but his citizens detested him and they sent a

9:22 delegation after him saying we don't want this fellow to Reign Over Us. What has the Lord entrusted you with? Our passage begins with the words as they were listening to this. Perhaps you're wondering as who was listening to what? Just prior to these verses. Yeshua was traveling through Jericho and met Zacchaeus a wealthy man. Who was a chief tax collector. He was widely regarded as a sinner. Yet he welcomed Yeshua into his home and made it clear that he gave half of his possessions to the poor and generously compensated anyone that

10:08 he had wronged. Yeshua calls a chaos a son of Abraham and the Very type of person that he came for in light of this episode Yeshua shared his Parable with the crowds and disciples. It also makes clear that the people supposed that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately. This was not the case. Over 2,000 years has passed since this event and we continue to await the full revelation of the Kingdom. We also have to be strategic and think long-term in regard to how we invest Our Time treasure and talents upon this

10:54 Earth. as a disclaimer the term slave that is used throughout this passage could also be translated as servant. In seeking to best understand this passage. We must attempt to take off our 21st century North American lenses and instead put on first century Israelite lenses. moving along In the parable. Yeshua describes a nobleman Who has establishing a kingdom in a Faraway land? In Luke's account the master gives 10 servants, Amina. With the instruction to do business until he returns.

11:39 While it is difficult to know what the precise value of Amina would be in terms of the current US dollar in, Texas. My calculation put the amount at roughly 16,500. This is not meant to be a precise figure. However, I want to give you the sense that this is a sizable amount of money. It is not enough money to be set up for life. It's not enough money to make one rich. In our economy, it is hardly enough to purchase a good used vehicle. Yet it's enough money that if it were invested wisely over time. Could become a great Fortune. Likewise the gifts that God gives to

12:26 us as his followers are much like them enough. We have to apply them strategically over time in order to see them grow. If you have the aspiration to be one thing or another or the desire to do something special for the Lord. I encourage you to find others who are already doing something like that. And finding out how they did it. You will likely find that they started with a certain level of giftedness, but work strategically and continually to make that gift into something greater. They also likely experience setbacks that threaten the Enterprise along the way but continued to fight through adversity.

13:13 Generally speaking. A person will attain what they continually strive after. Say that one more time. Generally speaking a person will attain what they continually strive after. If you have a vision some level of giftedness and the willingness to keep plotting after your goal. You can see that Vision come to pass. If God has given you a particular gift for his purposes and you use it strategically and are willing to put in the time. I have great confidence in what the Lord will do through you. If you are not sure what gifts the Lord has given you. Consider what things have been successful in your

13:59 life. Consider even the small things. Maybe especially the small things. We can Overlook small things. However, if we are willing to nurture these small things they often grow into great things over time. If you are still unsure ask those who know you best what you are good at. You might be surprised by their answers. We might latch on to the notion that we are really good at something. But when we examine it further, it may not be true. for instance Have you ever looked at yourself in a three-way mirror? It can be terrifying to see yourself from different angles that you are not accustomed to.

14:48 Have you ever been disappointed by seeing yourself in a photograph? Have you ever watched a video of your of yourself doing something that you suppose you are good at? Being honest and objective about our gifts and abilities will help us from being delusional or self deceived. It will also help us not to become crushed. When others criticize us because we've already criticized ourselves to some degree. No matter how gifted you are. There will be times of discouragement where you have to decide if you will continue. I've heard it said that it is amazing how little can be accomplished in a year and how much can be accomplished in 10?

15:34 If you've ever calculated compound interest you will know that at some point in a long-term Vision exponential multiplication begins to happen. Yet most are not willing to endure to that point. Why is that? Well, it's not easy. Yeshua makes clear in this Parable that the citizens did not like the master and they likely detested also his servants who are doing his business. The master was calling his servants to be fruitful, even though they would be faced with continual opposition. The ones who expected to face opposition and found ways to overcome it would be successful.

16:20 Those who shrunk in the face of opposition would not succeed in the Master's business. So I encourage you to consider what the Lord has given you in terms of time. talent and treasure how are you using it? perhaps the Lord has given you an abundance of some for granted the Lord why he has given it to you. Can it be useful for building his kingdom upon the Earth until he returns? Let's look at verses 15 through 21. When he returned after receiving the kingdom he called for those slaves to whom he had given the money.

17:06 He wanted to know how much business they had done. Now the first appeared saying master your one Minah has made 10. The master said to him well done good slave because you were faithful with so little take charge over 10 cities. Also, the second slave came saying you're Minah Master made five. Then he also said to this one you are likewise over five cities. But another came. The third slave or servant? Saying Master here is your Minah. I was keeping it safe in a handkerchief. For I was afraid of you because you are a strict man. You take what you did not make and reap

17:53 what you did not sow. What have you done with the resources? The Lord has given you? In this Parable is that the master will return. Yeshua knew that his disciples expected everything to happen right away. Yeshua understands the timeline He knows that we expect immediate results. He also knows that we grow doubtful concerning whether he will return or when he will return. Have you ever done something? You knew was wrong?

18:41 Yeah, no. After doing something that you knew was wrong. Have you ever thought that God was okay with it because you didn't immediately get struck by lightning. A few of you have had that thought, right? Yeshua's words are confounding because we must wait until the master returns to know his assessment of what we have done with his resources doesn't happen right away. He will judge the ways that we have used our time talent and treasure. with this said even today we can still have an indication of where we stand with the master. In the parable the master told the ten

19:26 servants to do his business. The ones who listened had varying degrees of success. In fact, the first servant mentioned was twice as successful as the second servant mentioned. Yet the master was pleased with both of them. The only ones who faced punishment in the parable. Were the ones who rejected the Masters instruction? or opposed him altogether so according to that rough calculation I used earlier. equating the Mina with 16,500 US dollars in modern

20:12 currency the first servant multiplied it by 10 making 165,000. We do not now. We do not know how much time had elapsed. For him to increase his money tenfold. If we were to assume. That the master returned after 10 years. Let's say the first servant had earned a 26% interest rate on the Master's money. That is quite impressive. if he continued for another 10 years with some inflation factored in he would make over 1.6 million dollars at that same rate. You see the way the exponential growth and compound interest takes off.

20:59 You can. Understand with more time he would be even more successful. Exponentially more successful. He was faithful with the little that. He was given and the master knew that he could be trusted with a lot more. the second servant mentioned multiplied the money five times notice that the master did not rebuke the second servant for not being as successful as the first the second servant was also deemed faithful by the master. I imagine if the second servant had been comparing himself with the first servant.

21:47 He could have come to the conclusion that he was only half the man. He could have seen himself as a failure because he compared himself with that first servant. Who had twice as much? Yet the master did not View the second servant in this way. The master saw his success and gave him an area of responsibility that he knew the servant could handle. He set him up for further success and I believe that his growth would also be exponential if he had more time to do the very thing he was already doing. Have you ever struggled with jealousy?

22:32 Hands, okay. Social media is notorious for giving us snapshots of people's lives. more often than not people are eager to post about their victories and reluctant to post about their losses. For those who struggle with self-worth? Social media can be a continual announcement that you do not measure up. When I was in seminary, my peers were all gifted in various ways. They were seeking to use their gifts for the Lord's purposes. Some were great Scholars. some were great musicians some were great evangelists were writers.

23:19 I had to realize that there was a difference between the things I was good at and the things that I wanted to be good at. As many years have now passed since those days. I can see that those who Embrace their own calling and nurtured it have done incredible things. I can also see examples of those who I thought had great potential. Who may have fallen along the Wayside? I had one friend in particular. He was not exemplary in any area. specifically he was fairly smart. Fairly funny and just a good guy. He was certainly not the most popular or the most prolific.

24:06 yet I knew that he was going to go far and he has the thing that I saw in him back then was good character. He studied more than most. He didn't think he knew everything. In fact, he was quite the opposite. He saw himself as having a lot to learn and he was continually curious asking questions and open to New Perspectives. He challenged me to take harder classes with him that might threaten my precious GPA. He wasn't flashy. But he kindly and consistently did good and quiet ways. I can tell you that after many years. He is seeing

24:53 his goals come to pass and is a highly effective servant of the Lord. I was not surprised to see the results of consistency commitment and character over time. So don't compare yourself to others. If you want to compare yourself if you must compare yourself. Compare yourself with Yeshua. Realize that you fall short and every way just like the rest of us. And then until the seed dies it cannot bear fruit. When we allow the Lord to break our pride. And become simply his slave or servant. We can begin to experience the Abundant Life that he offers to each of us.

25:40 Now as we can see from the third servant. It is possible to displease the Lord. The Beatles saying I don't care too much for money. Money Can't Buy Me Love You know the man who sang those lyrics is presently worth 1.2 billion. For what it's worth. That was a hit. Yeshua clearly thought that money was important. And he talked about money quite a bit. Yet. The money merely served as a way to test what was in our hearts. the way that we use money that we truly value and believe.

26:25 where our treasure is our heart is also the third servant is not being punished for his lack of business skill. There is something far deeper going on. The third servant sees himself above the master. He does not follow the Masters instruction. He does not trust the master. Rather he judges the master. He believes that the master is strict. cruel He does not think that the master is worthy of receiving any reward. For what he has given.

27:12 the proverb says as a man thinks in his heart. So he is. in other words We are each driven by our own philosophy. Our philosophy however, may or may not align with reality. It may or may not align with the ways of the master. What is ironic about this passage? Is that the third servant thinks the master is cruel. And his own unfortunate philosophy has come to pass. He experiences the judgment and harshness of the master. Yet he fails to realize that the cruelness exists within his own heart.

28:01 If you've ever spoken to someone with a victim mentality. They feel as if everyone is against them. Unfortunately that belief causes them to behave in ways. Cause other people to dislike them further validating their philosophy that everyone is against them. If you look for evil in this world, you'll find it very easily. If you look for goodness, you'll find that too. It's a little bit harder, but you'll find it too. We choose our perspective about the Lord. And the world around us our philosophy our worldview. our attitudes and beliefs affect the way that we experience life.

28:47 The way that you view the Lord will affect what you do with the gifts that he has given you. If you see the Lord as gracious and compassionate. You will serve the Lord with gladness and use your gifts and abilities to bring him glory. However See the Lord as a cruel Taskmaster. You will serve him begrudgingly if you even serve him at all. The third servant did not serve at all. instead He sought to judge the master. The master would have had more profit. if he had never given anything to the third servant he could have at least earned interest over time.

29:35 by tucking away the money for safekeeping the third servant displayed his lack of trust and harsh Judgment of the master. So How does this apply to us today? the gifts for his purposes This is a question that only you and the Lord can answer. But it's not a mystery. Rather it's a private question. Something I can't answer for you and you can't answer for anyone else. Is there something that the Lord has asked you to do? But you haven't done it.

30:21 You probably have a pretty good excuse. Maybe you've got 10. Yet. If you're honest with yourself. You know that the lord gave you everything that you needed to accomplish the task and you simply said no. Who do you relate with in the story? Perhaps there are some areas of life. Where we have been abundantly faithful and have seen increase. Maybe there are some other areas where we've been fairly faithful. And I've seen a decent return on our efforts. Yet if we're honest. Aren't there some areas of life where we have squandered our potential because of fear

31:08 and sinfulness within our own hearts. Luke 19 verses 22 through 27 read as follows He said to him by the words of your own mouth. I will judge you you Wicked slave. You knew that I am strict taking what I did not make and reaping what I did not sow. Then why didn't you put my money in the bank so that when I came back I could have collected it with interest. then to the bystandards he said Take them enough from him and give it to the one who has 10 minutes. But they said to him sir. He has 10 minus. I tell you to everyone who has more shall

31:56 be given. But from the one who doesn't have even what he does have shall be taken away. But those hostile to me who didn't want me to Reign Over them bring them here and execute them before me. Are you building up or tearing down his kingdom? The third servant judged the master harshly. In return the master judge that servant according to his own philosophy. It could have been worse. The servant could have spent the money instead of giving it back to the master. The master could have executed the servant but he

32:43 didn't. the Master's spons was not to take back them enough for himself. But rather to give it to the servant. Who could do the most with it? If you understand the goals of the master in this parable. His Judgment of the third servant. Is not harsh. but proper why would the master continue to give him more when he has not? the original instructions of the master What surprised me? Is that it appears that the master would have been somewhat pleased? Had this has a third servant simply put the money in the bank and allowed it to earn interest

33:30 over time. You get that impression from what he says it would have gone better for him if he simply put it in the bank. And did nothing else. Instead he hid it away and the money probably depreciated over time as it does when we hide it in a handkerchief. One could falsely get the impression from this parable. that the Lord dislikes poor people This is simply not true. Remember in this very same chapter Zacchaeus claims to give half of his possessions to the poor. And what is Yeshua do he speaks highly of him? He doesn't rebuke him. Yeshua was clearly compassionate to those who were hurting and afflicted.

34:17 Yet he resisted the proud. You had hoped that if the sir if this third servant had a chance to do everything again. Which he didn't? He would have followed the instructions of the master. It seems like If he had applied himself in trust even a little bit of trust. even if he didn't make as much of an increase as the other servants who made fivefold and tenfold even if he just made two-fold. He probably would have pleased the master. Maybe just with a little bit of interest on top. to quote one of my favorite movies The saddest thing in life is wasted Talent.

35:06 the master took the from The Ungrateful servant and gave it to his most profitable servant. When this happens the others complain because the first servant already has 10 Minas. It is no coincidence that Luke links this Parable with the story of Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector. He was rich. He was judged harshly by Society. Yet Zacchaeus received Yeshua with gladness. And brought and Yeshua in return brought salvation to his home. If you realize that you have hidden

35:54 away some of the treasure that God has given you to use. I've got good news for you. It's not too late. Until your time on Earth is done where the master returns. You have it in your power to do what is right. Even if you feel that you have squandered the gifts of God. That he's given you and a fail to serve him accordingly. You have an opportunity to do what the third servant didn't do. You can reevaluate your choices that you have made and correct your course before the master returns. Or before you face him. If you can hear his voice today is

36:40 the day of salvation. Should you choose it? I must be honest and say that verse 27 is difficult. I'll read it again in case you forgotten exactly what it says. But those hostile to me who didn't want me to Reign Over them bring them here and execute them before me. Said anyone's memory verse in here. Do you have it on a in a locket? He says this. And they didn't have microphones at the time, but that was quite a mic drop. In the parable. The master had his opponents executed before him.

37:30 What does this say about Yeshua? Wasn't Yeshua this passive lamb led to the slaughter? Wasn't he this gentle Shepherd? Yeshua is mashiach Ben Yosef. The one who suffered at the hands of his brothers and would be revealed to them in the end. However He is also mashiach Ben David. The Messiah who will return as king. He is the son of man who has been given dominion over all things. He is good and his loving kindness is forever. however If you choose to battle against the most high.

38:18 el el Leon you should know that you are going to war with the all-knowing and all-powerful one. And that's a choice that you can make. Not a good one. Not a choice. even in the Torah Moses tells us that there is a path that leads to life and a path that leads to death. We must choose. Not just once we must choose every day. God's message is consistent throughout scripture. God will appear as harsh to those who oppose him. And his Mercy will never cease.

39:04 Toward those who hear his voice and follow his ways. It is up to us to know before whom we stand. God is the righteous judge. in conclusion Yeshua has given you resources for a purpose. And will return to judge how you have used them. I challenge you this week to face the following questions. What has the Lord entrusted you with? two what have you done with it? And lastly? Are you building up or tearing down his kingdom? Be fruitful and multiply shabbat shalom. yivereca, duniyush

39:53 mere Ha. Yeah eradunai panavaleka He who neck? You saw the night par? Novelleha. There are similar shal oo you saw tonight. in the name of our Messiah amen