The Messianic Torah Observer

This episode of the Messianic Torah Observer, hosted by Rod Thomas, explores the Torah portion Miketz (Genesis 41:1–44:17), focusing on the life of Joseph (Yosef) and drawing prophetic parallels to Yeshua (Jesus). The teaching highlights how both figures exemplify essential Kingdom character traits—humility, faith, wisdom, the Spirit of Yehovah, and forgiveness. The discussion begins with a summary of Joseph's rise from prison to becoming second-in-command in Egypt, his interactions with his brothers during the famine, and the tests he sets for them. The episode then delves into the spiritual significance of these events, emphasizing how Joseph's journey mirrors the ministry and character of Yeshua. Key themes include: Humility: Both Joseph and Yeshua endured humbling circumstances before being exalted, modeling the Kingdom principle that exaltation comes through humility. Faith: Their unwavering trust in Yehovah enabled them to endure trials and fulfill their divine purposes. Wisdom: Joseph's God-given wisdom saved nations, while Yeshua embodied divine wisdom, teaching and guiding others. The Spirit of Yehovah: Both were recognized as being filled with the Spirit, empowering their ministries. Forgiveness: Joseph forgave his brothers, and Yeshua taught and demonstrated forgiveness, making it a central Kingdom imperative. The episode concludes with a call for listeners to emulate these traits, seek God's wisdom, and pursue spiritual growth, assuring that Yehovah equips and empowers those who earnestly seek Him.  

Explore the origins, meaning, and spiritual relevance of Hanukkah from a Messianic Torah Observer perspective. This episode dives into the biblical foundation of the Feast of Dedication, its connection to the altar, and whether modern believers should celebrate Hanukkah. Discover how tradition, history, and renewed covenant come together in this insightful discussion.

This a Messianic Torah reflection on Genesis 37:1-36, focusing on the life and story of Yosef (Joseph), son of Ya'achov (Jacob), and its prophetic and spiritual significance. It explores the patriarchal sojourning in the promised land, the familial dynamics, and the parallels between Yosef's experiences and the life and ministry of Yahoshua Messiah (Jesus). Patriarchal Sojourners in the Promised Land Ya'achov settles in the land of Canaan, the land promised by Yehovah, continuing the pattern of the patriarchs sojourning in the promised land without fully possessing it, as noted in Hebrews 11:8-10. Ya'achov returns to Hebron, the home of his father Yitschaq, who never left this place . The Story of Yosef as the Story of Ya'achov The narrative shifts from Ya'achov to his son Yosef, whose story is central to the continuation of the covenant promises. Yosef is portrayed as a vessel chosen by Yehovah to preserve Yisra'el, despite rejection and persecution by his brothers. His life is seen as a prophetic shadow of Yahoshua Messiah . Family Dynamics and Yosef's Role Yosef, at 17 years old, is shepherding his brothers' flocks and assumed to be the "Son of the Covenant." His favored status by Ya'achov and his unique character set him apart. The Hebrew term for "tended" implies Yosef shepherded his brothers, especially those of Bilhah and Zilpah's sons. Reuben, the eldest, though complicit in Yosef's near enslavement, intervenes to save his life, unknowingly cooperating with Yah's plan . Ya'achov's Love and the Birthright Question Ya'achov's love for Yosef, his son of old age and Rachel's firstborn, causes jealousy among the brothers. Yosef receives a special garment, the "ketonet passim," often interpreted as a long-sleeved or multi-colored tunic symbolizing his favored status and possibly his appointment as clan leader, replacing Reuben due to his transgression . Brothers' Hatred and Rejection of Yosef The brothers' hatred stems from Ya'achov's love for Yosef and Yosef's role as a family tattler. Their rejection of Yosef reflects a rejection of their father and Yehovah. This familial rejection parallels how Yeshua was rejected by Judah for being beloved by His Father . Yosef's Prophetic Dreams and Their Impact Yosef shares two prophetic dreams symbolizing his future authority over his brothers. The first involves sheaves of grain bowing to his sheaf, and the second depicts the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him, representing his family. These dreams intensify the brothers' hatred, though Ya'achov ponders their meaning carefully. These dreams foreshadow Yosef's exaltation in Egypt and reflect a common ancient Near Eastern motif of paired dreams . Preparation for Yosef's Trials and Glorification Yosef's journey toward exaltation involves trials and refining, much like the future glorification of Yeshua Messiah, who foretold the hardships His disciples would endure. Yosef's obedience to his father's mission parallels Yeshua's obedience to His Heavenly Father's will . Yosef's Mission to Find His Brothers Ya'achov sends Yosef to check on his brothers pasturing in Shechem, a dangerous area with a troubled family history. Yosef's persistence in seeking his brothers despite challenges parallels Yeshua's mission to seek and save the lost. A mysterious man redirects Yosef to Dothan, possibly an angelic figure, highlighting divine guidance in fulfilling Yah's plan . The Brothers' Conspiracy and Reuben's Intervention The brothers plot to kill Yosef but Reuben intervenes, forbidding bloodshed and planning to rescue Yosef later. Reuben's actions reflect a complex family dynamic and his attempt to restore his firstborn responsibilities despite past failings . Yosef's Humiliation and Sale into Slavery Upon meeting Yosef, the brothers strip him of his special robe, symbolically removing his dignity, mirroring how Yeshua was stripped before crucifixion. They cast Yosef into a cistern and later sell him to Ishmaelite merchants for twenty pieces of silver. This act, intended to destroy Yosef, ultimately fulfills Yah's plan for salvation . The Brothers' Deception and Ya'achov's Grief The brothers deceive Ya'achov by presenting Yosef's bloodied robe, claiming he was killed by a wild animal. Ya'achov mourns deeply, rending his clothes and refusing to be comforted, expressing his profound loss and grief . Yosef's Journey in Egypt Yosef is sold to Potiphar, an Egyptian official, marking the beginning of his rise in Egypt and the unfolding of Yah's providential plan . Spiritual Reflections on Dreams and Prophecy The document reflects on the significance of dreams as divine communication in Hebrew tradition, noting that prophets often received messages through dreams. Yosef is seen as a prophet whose dreams reveal Yah's Will. The symbolism in Yosef's dreams connects to broader prophetic imagery, including the woman clothed with the sun in Revelation 12, representing Yisra'el . Messianic Parallels Between Yosef and Yeshua The narrative draws extensive parallels between Yosef and Yeshua Messiah: Both are beloved sons of their fathers. Both are appointed to shepherd Yisra'el. Both face rejection and hatred from their brethren. Both suffer humiliation and are ultimately exalted. Both serve as instruments of salvation for Yisra'el and the nations. Both experiences demonstrate how divine plans prevail despite human evil . The teaching concludes by emphasizing that Torah readings like this one serve as shadows of greater spiritual realities to come and encourages readers to find further Messianic insights within the text .

This installment of TMTO reports on a 2025 mission trip to Kenya by the Qumran Family Foundation (QFF), focusing on supporting widows and orphans through literacy and empowerment programs. It details the ministry's work, challenges faced, accomplishments, and future plans. ·       Ministry focus on Kenyan widows and orphans: QFF aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing literacy education and business/job skills to widows and supporting orphans lacking basic subsistence and educational opportunities. Kenyan widows face social isolation, abuse, and financial struggles, compounded by cultural restrictions and lack of government support. ·       Biblical foundation for the mission: The ministry is grounded in Torah commandments to care for widows and orphans, citing multiple scriptural references emphasizing justice, provision, and honor toward these groups. ·       Trip logistics and locations: The mission trip was planned starting December 2024, with travel from August 24 to November 20, 2025. Activities took place in Nairobi, Migori, Kehancha, and Kisii. ·       Organizational milestones: QFF became a registered non-profit/NGO in Kenya with an official tax identification (KRA PIN) in August 2025, enabling legal operations. ·       Educational achievements: Forty-one widows graduated from the basic literacy course with a formal ceremony in September 2025. A new widows' school was opened in Kisii with 16-20 students, and the Kehancha school relocated to begin Phase 2 classes teaching business and job skills to graduates. ·       Ministry outreach and baptisms: The team delivered the Gospel to Kuria Family Care Messianic Assembly, supporting 25 fatherless children, and baptized eight individuals including the pastor in November 2025. ·       Staffing and facilities: QFF opened an office in Migori Town in November 2025, employing four teachers, an office manager, and an operations assistant to support ongoing programs. ·       Challenges faced: The ministry encountered political unrest, widespread corruption, and the strong presence of Islam in Kenya, alongside spiritual opposition, requiring reliance on faith and careful verification in operations. ·       Future needs and plans: QFF seeks funding for teachers, classrooms in Kisumu and Migori, a vehicle, support for Kuria Care orphans and widows, and ongoing operational costs. Planned 2026 goals include expanding literacy classes, graduating new classes, and continuing mission trips. Donations and support are encouraged via qumranfamilyfoundation.org.

This Kenyan Missionary Trip 2025 Update will hopefully inform you about our two-month's work here in Kenya. Since we've been here, much work has been completed on behalf some of the widows of Kehancha and Kisii, all of which I detail in this update for you. Nevertheless, there remains so much more to do in the remaining 3-1/2 months we're here. We invite you to take a listen and hopefully you will be led to support this ministry to help lift the souls of some of Kenya's most disenfranchised and discarded individuals: the widows. Torah instructs us to not neglect either the widow or the orphan. Thus, it is our job as Messianics/Nazarene Israelites to do our best to tend to them and help them overcome their plight. qumranfamilyfoundation.org Shalom.