Covenantal Community

This blog has been moth-balled for a while but I've shaken out the dust and will now periodically post updates, photos or pass comment on something that takes my interest.  You know how I love to wax lyrical on occasion.

It's been a very busy few months with people coming and going and the preparation and celebration of Yehovah's feasts.  We always have a plethora of projects and jobs that we have on our to-do list but Hebron ticks along nicely now.  However, being content with the now and the not yet is easier for me, or maybe I'm just a bit older and busier.

Over the years Hebron's purpose hasn't really changed all that much; we are still very much focused on the community that is being developed and to a lesser extent, the ability for Hebron to be self-sufficient.  Having said that our flock is now to a size where the property can happily sustain it and they are healthy and well-bred.  The vege garden could always do with some extra time and lovin' but the basic infrastructure is there and has the ability to produce ... as the chooks can attest to! (I hope they enjoyed the greens that I was looking forward to...)

The arrival of the first of this season's lambs reminded me to keep a better calendar!  This little ram lamb was left behind and needed some help reuniting with Mum.  He is a fine example of a meat-master.  We have two white Dorper rams to go over our Damara ewes and we're anticipating a good drop this season.  We may switch over to a pure Dorper flock but after spending the last 7 years breeding these ewes the benefits of a strong Damara in our variable country have been proven.

We bought another young alpaca from Jolyon and Kerry Porter and he has teamed up with Don Pedro beautifully.  He's a fine looking animal and if he develops as well as his new mate he will be a great asset during lambing.  He needs a name so put your thinking caps on and we'll choose one next Hebron weekend.  It has been suggested that he be called after one of the dark prophets due to his colouring, although to my way of thinking the judgements of Yehovah may have been dark and troubling but it was His mercy and kindness that was calling for repentance and teshuva.  Maybe we should call him Teshuva?

Community is such an oft-touted word that at times it loses its importance and meaning.  Online community, school community, religious community, neighbourhood community - we've heard them all.  But as John was sharing at Shabbat, this in no way describes Yehovah's community.  When we are immersed into His name we enter His kingdom, His covenant, His community.  Is this community with Him and me alone?  Is His kingdom a singular one for me alone? Do I get my own postcode?

I make light of it but this Christian way of thinking, that it's about my relationship with the Messiah, limits our understanding and application of torah, and the ability of Yehovah to work in our lives and fellowship.  I distinctly remember an incident about 15 years ago when I was driving and thinking about the way that we as a fellowship, and myself personally, was being led along this journey.  I was struck by the thought that perhaps I was loved by those in our fellowship.  Now this might seem obvious or trite, but in fact that thought or revelation blind-sided me and I had to pull over because of the tears.

I always say I was born a Christian.  I was privileged to see faithfulness, hear prayers and experience the goodness of God all through my life.   I knew what it was to be a servant to Yehovah and people.  I knew what it was to sacrifice.  I knew what it was to experience a deep desire to know Him and worship Him from my early childhood.  What I didn't know or even begin to appreciate was my place within fellowship and my impact on those I fellowship with.

Sure, I can facilitate worship, I can give my blood, sweat and tears and to a degree I understand that this is appreciated.  However, what I had a glimpse of in that moment in my car shook me.  Maybe I was loved.  Maybe I was missed when I couldn't be with them.  Just maybe my mere presence and being was enough, not the gifts, talents or anything else I might bring with me.

Marking out our new entrance

Yes, I get hurt and offended at times.  Yes, sometimes I'm the one to cause hurt and offense.  Sometimes my beliefs and values are challenged.  Sometimes the process of adjustment is irksome and my pride rises up.  However, the scripture is very clear that it is by this very process that we are refined, fitted-in like living stones, equipped and matured.  His kingdom and His covenant is a relational one.  When our Father leads us to a like-minded fellowship and in our heart we sense His hand of guidance, then the covenant I have with Him I also have with my brothers and sisters in Messiah.  So you're stuck with me; I'm not going anywhere.

Prov 3:  My son, do not forget my teaching,
         But let your heart keep my commandments;

For length of days and years of life
         And peace they will add to you.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
         Bind them around your neck,
         Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute
         In the sight of God and man. 

 Hebron has facilitated much of this process over the years.  This property provides an opportunity to not only come together to celebrate His moedim but also provide refuge and succor.  By His Spirit may this continue amongst us, in us and through us, bringing honour to His name and delight to His heart.