PAGAN SYMBOLS

 

The Stolen Images of YAH

 

 

In the book of Exodus, the great prophet and emancipator Moshe (Moses) recorded for all time, the words and events that led to the giving of the Great 'Decalogue' - the Ten Commandments. This fundamental set of Divine Laws, written in stone by the finger of YHWH, obviously represents the foundation and wellspring of all legitimate moral and civil law.

 

Given the awesome authority expressed in the giving of these Laws, we as the faithful remnant rightfully and soberly seek to keep them all...

 

The first three Laws of the Ten have to do with our relationship to YAH, and are together the chief cornerstone of all law, including the other seven. And yet somehow, the second of these three Laws, "You shall not make unto you any graven image...", has been taken by most of us to be a forbidding, not of serving other 'gods', but of the graven [carved or man-made] images themselves.

 

Behold Yisrael - the same Father who commanded "You shall not make unto you any graven image..." also commanded the making of certain graven images to illustrate divine truth before His people [the Ark, the bronze laver, the table of showbread, etc.].

 

My brothers and sisters, is there some sort of a contradiction here? YAH forbid!

 

The Third Commandment goes on to say, "...You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I YHWH your Elohim ['the LORD your God'] am a jealous 'God'... " Abba's point here is not to demonize the use of images or symbols, but to warn us of the dangers of worshipping or revering an inanimate object or symbol, rather than the living Creator of the universe.

 

After all, how can something with no life impart life? Obviously, it cannot.

 

The tabernacle of Moshe (Moses) itself was filled with items made after the likeness of things that are in heaven above. If man-made images or symbols of any kind are evil in and of themselves, then the very Ark of the Covenant for example - a symbol designed by YAH Himself - is itself a graven image we must avoid! Sélah.

 

The truth is, this monumental misreading of the Third Commandment has ironically and inadvertently led to the very sin the original Commandment forbids: placing Satan - another 'god' - before YAH! How so?

 

To begin with, every object, symbol or image ever made was created by YHWH Elohim. To be sure, Ha Shatan (Satan) is the father of lies. But he is the creator of nothing else. Let me say that again. Satan is the creator of NOTHING else! Everything he puts forth - including so-called satanic or pagan symbols - is nothing more than a counterfeit of something in YAH's original creation. He is a thief who has simply stolen, among so many other things, the images of YAH, and sought to twist them into something of his own...

 

For example, the goat's head used by satanists is derived from the scapegoat sin offering of the Levitical Priesthood. YAH Himself created the goat, and instituted the scapegoat ritual. Should we then no longer recognize the legitimacy of the scapegoat as a picture of vicarious atonement because Satan's minions use a goat's head in their rituals? In my judgment, the answer is self evident - no.

 

Another example of the co-opting of YAH's symbols is the American Medical Association's use of the serpent and staff 'symbol' YHWH commanded Moshe to fashion for the healing of our fathers.

 

The American pharmaceutical industry is clearly driven by greed and not public health. It has thus conjured up drugs that create the illusion of well-being. But in reality, through chronic addictions and crippling side-effects, these 'medicines' have literally destroyed the lives of countless men, women and children the world over...

 

In the book of the Revelation, it is written, "...for by your sorceries were all nations deceived." (Rev. 18:23). The word translated 'sorceries' in this verse is the Greek word 'pharmakeia' from which comes the English word 'pharmacy' - which is just as accurately translated 'magic' or 'witchcraft.' Shall we therefore denounce the symbol established by YHWH to bring healing to our fathers in the wilderness because the wicked dare to use it also? Again, YAH forbid!

 

The star or shield [of David] used in ancient Yisrael, and the fish symbol and 'Messianic seal' found on first century artifacts of Messianic Hebrew Israelites [see photo above], have caused much dissention and debate among the remnant. But how can geometric figures or the image of a fish be inherently sinful - unless ones own conscience is offended? In such cases it is sinful - but for that individual.

 

Let's say for the sake of argument if you will, that the 'Star of David' is an ancient symbol used by pagans or satanists. In my judgment, we not only have the right and the divine obligation to strip our enemies of the abuse of this inherently harmless symbol, but a duty not to impose our own personal sense of conscience and faith concerning such symbols upon our brothers and sisters for whom Christ died...

 

Finally brethren, the ultimate stolen satanic or pagan symbol is no doubt the "image of the beast" spoken of in the Revelation. And yet even this, the most diabolical image of all time, is "the image of a man" - YHWH's crowning creation. Seláh.

 

Hear O Israel - it is written, to the pure, all things are pure - and this includes the whole of YAH's creation [except of course, that which is actually evil]. The truth is, there is no such thing as an inherently evil symbol. Symbols derive their meaning, good or evil, from what they represent in the hearts of those that perceive them. Whether it's a geometric form, a plant form, an animal form, or a human form, ultimately it ALL belongs to YAH and His children.

 

Beloved, we must no longer unwittingly glorify Satan by standing idly by in agreement with him, that the symbols and images he has stolen from us are his!

 

Once, and for all time, we must establish and reaffirm that the devil is a thief. And as incentives to serve him, he has nothing but stolen goods to offer. Let us seize ALL that Ha Shatan has stolen from us - including the symbols and images he co-opts and misuses to deceive! O HalleluYAH!!!

 

Thunderous praises be unto YAH our Father, and His blessed Son, Y'shua our Savior  forevermore! - YBY

May the Grace of YAH be with us all. Ahmein.