From My Heart to Yours

By Chris Josephson

This issue of Bible Light on the News marks its 10th anniversary. Terry Distin helped me begin publishing it in 1993. The challenge at that time was the signing of the Oslo Accord. It wrenched our hearts to see the mountain Jewish communities put at such risk. The mountains are the heart of the land, and the very spot where the promises were given to the fathers – Abraham and later to Jacob. (Genesis 13:14-17; 28:12-19.) Also it was at the beginning of the Ephraim Mountain range, near Bethel, where Elmer and I spent our longest sojourn in the Land (Ramallah).

More light has been shed upon this issue since that day the world was shaken by the handshake on the White House lawn. And as light from the Word of God begins to shine brighter and brighter toward that perfect day (Proverbs 4:18), we have been given more pathways to illuminate – that is, more avenues have opened, such as the Almond Orchard at Ma’ale Michmas.

Our new Bible Light emblem depicts the Tenach Scroll – the Hebrew Scriptures. The importance of what is known among Christians as “the Old Testament” cannot be over-emphasized. For it is the “Old” (a misnomer) Testament that throws light on the Brit Chadasha (New Testament) – and not vice versa. For example, how did Jesus meet temptation? “It is written,” Where? The Hebrew Scriptures were the only ones in that day and also the only Bible the apostles used. We cannot understand what Jesus or His talmadim (disciples) are talking about if we have no knowledge of the Tenach.

For this purpose we are encouraging Midrashim sessions (Bible studies where all interact with each other). (See the gate fold on the middle page spread.)

The picture cover of this issue depicts when light began, as far as this world is concerned. Yeshua (Jesus) said, “I am the light of the World.” What did He mean?

Unforgettable Experience

I’ve not forgotten an experience I had in Carlsbad Caverns some years ago. I was single and with relatives who’d already been through and didn’t want to go again – so I went alone. There were others in the party, but I didn’t know anyone. Deep into the cave they turned out the lights so we could “feel” the darkness. With no hand to clasp, I felt ENTIRELY alone. “What ifs” began to plague me with fear. What if the lights don’t come back on? What if all the others helped only their companions and no one even knew, or cared, about me? What if I tried to get out and fell into a pit? What a relief it was when LIGHT came back.

Evil forces today are forging darkness. Their fruit is fear and confusion. The outcome is a culture of death!

By contrast, the Life-giving Word and Spirit of God bring LIGHT. And the fruit is: “LOVE, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance,” – and there’s no restraining quota put on these (Gal. 5:22,23). Note that LOVE is Number One and implements all the others.

This is what the Redeemer meant by “Light”. If we are following Him, how is it that we stumble so in darkness?

He also said, “If the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matt. 6:23). What makes the light become darkness? How can it be? Only by turning away from light can our day turn to night. Isn’t it stupid to do that? His call is, “Come, let us reason together. . .though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:18). In other words, ‘Come to the light’ which exposes the dark areas of your life, and there is forgiveness, cleansing and empowerment to see how to walk!!

A new day is now dawning. A fresh and glorious Light is shining in the world. Are you with it? Or are you turning to other ways of darkness, marked by self and greed?

Are we equal to the challenge? Will we embrace the Light or fall back into the comfort zone of man’s traditions and ceremonies? Are we too lazy to think? To search out the Light from the Scriptures for ourselves?

What is the result? Lightening accompanies rain on a thirsty land. Drink your fill, then you can bear fruit to help the thirst of others.

Jeremiah 10:13, “When He utters His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightning with rain, and brings forth the wind out of his treasures.”   -

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