The Hebron Herald

In Australia it's summer time.  In South Australia it's particularly dry and there is a real possibility of below average rainfall for the autumn season as well.  This is not unusual for our part of the country.  It's part of the natural cycles and here at Hebron we take the necessary preparations.  The dams are drying up but we have plenty of rainwater in the tanks and a bore that draws up water from 60 metres below, so for a short dry spell we are well prepared. We have enough dry feed in the paddocks and bales of hay for the flock of sheep to get us through this dry season.  I'm actually grateful for this dry spell this month because it means that the evil caltrop has not germinated, saving me from a lot of work.  Caltrop (think the most evil version of a three-corner jack!) needs higher temperatures and good spring rains to germinate - usually in early December.  Caltrop and I will continue our battle if we get rain before the summer ends though! B...

  With the autumn feasts upon us I was reflecting on Sukkot last year and how the year since has been full of YHVH's blessings and encouragements.   The HTTN community purchased the property nearly 19 years ago and we have worked hard to develop it.  There is still much to be done so that it can facilitate the purposes that YHVH wants for it but He has proven Himself faithful to His word over the years.  Not a minute too late, not a minute too soon.   We are looking forward to celebrating Yom Teruah next week and then Sukkot a few weeks later.  Hebron will once again be filled with the sound of shofars, singing and laughter.  Yes, there have been times of weeping and even then He proves Himself merciful and faithful. Hallelu Yah!  

In a few weeks we will begin the next phase of the moed with Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.  As with every year, we are eagerly anticipating this time with YHVH and the community in the Adelaide Hills.   One thing we say every year is that we long for the day when the wider Messianic community come together at Sukkot to celebrate with praise, feasting and fellowship.  It would seem that the Messianic community is relatively young and scattered in Australia and in the early days we would at times wonder if there was anyone else responding to the call to come out of the Christian church system and return to the ancient paths.  And of course there were and are. It's always so exciting when we meet another person or family who are on the same path and we can rejoice together.  We all have different stories, backgrounds and experiences but the common and binding truth is that YHVH is love and that love is expressed not only in His redemption but in the fullness o...

Hebron comes alive during Sukkot.   It comes into its own during this moed (appointed time/festival) in particular.  We come together for fellowship, for obedience, for worship and joy. Not everyone is always able to make it to Hebron, but for those who were able, we enjoyed the sukkah - albeit weather dependent. The sukkah (tabernacle) is the central theme of Sukkot and when we obediently observe Sukkot (feast of tabernacles) we are putting our hope in the coming of Yeshua the King, who will raise up the fallen sukkah of David. We don't only look behind us in observing Passover and Shavuot (pentecost), we moreso look forward to the end of this age.  Yeshua is our tikvah (hope) and our reward.  This is the wisdom and joy that YHVH has set into creation itself.  Christmas and Easter do not, and can never, fully testify of the kingdom of YHVH.  The torah and cyclic nature of the moedim (appointed times/festivals) is the perfect map of His redemptive plan...

2020 has brought us reminders that man is not in control of  time, circumstance or creation.  YHVH is humanity's Abba Father, whether they recognise Him or not, and the Word that He has given us is living and a light to guide, encourage and draw us back to Himself.   This is why we don't fear or worry when fires, floods or disease sweep across our world.  Concerned and cautious, yes, but fearful and anxious, no.  He is our Rock and the people He has placed us with as family and community is a source of encouragement and sustenance.   The government is currently restricting gatherings due to the COVID-19 concerns so we are prevented from gathering at Shekem or Hebron at the moment.  Much can be said about that but probably for another time.   There has been quite a bit happening at Hebron so I have resurrected the Hebron Herald to keep you up to date.  The gates are always open and the homestead always available so if y...