You’ve heard the saying: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer .
As Hebrews tuning back to Yah, we often rub shoulders with nothing but enemies surrounding us. That led me to ponder one Sabbath morning, how did Yeshua himself, while here on earth, deal with that age-old problem in his era? As we read in the Messianic Writings, Yeshua’s own neighbors were not very “neighborly” to him when he visited the town where he grew up to preach the Good News.53And when Yeshua had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57And they took offense at him. But Yeshua said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
—Matthew 13:53 – 58
Clearly, we see how he handled that as an adult. He was able to go where he pleased, and since there was no hospitality there, he physically removed himself from that surrounding, which led me to think of another verse mentioned in Mathew 10.23“When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next….”
—Matthew 10:23
In this modern day, with such easy access to multiple forms of transportation, you can relocate way easier than back then, and at a fraction of the cost and time. You can be in another state or even another country within a day! Now, say you’ve physically removed yourself from that surrounding, but lo and behold, as soon as you settle down again, the spirit reveals that an enemy has been with you all the while. Now, how could that be, right under your nose, an enemy has been lurking in your household! Believe it or not, Yeshua dealt with that same situation while he was here on earth. As readers of the Good Book, we know that one of Yeshua’s twelve emissaries chose to betray him.70Yeshua answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”
—John 6:70
Judas was in Yeshua’s midst, hearing all his talk of the Kingdom, of prophecies being fulfilled, seeing all his miracles, even knowing his daily itinerary. He was also the treasurer, which means he held the money sack. Judas was a key member of “The Twelve,” in other words. Yet, despite knowing and seeing and even speaking to Yeshua, he chose to betray him, therefore he became Yeshua’s Enemy Number 1. Now Yeshua was fully aware of this, yet he kept Judas close; so close that they ate from the same bowl during the annual Passover meal.23He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
—Matthew 26:23 – 25
But when the enemy is of your own household, you cannot abandon them or “kick them to the curb,” as some would say. You must abide until Yah removes them from your presence, or changes them from within, in order that they may become your ally. It should not change your obedience to Yah or your desire to serve him, for he will give you strength and wisdom to continue your daily spiritual walk, even though your enemy is moving freely among you, and may even be regarded as someone of importance in your life. You must remember that, according to Scripture, these enemies cannot hinder Yah’s plans. Therefore, their presence is inconsequential. However, Yah is a creator with purpose and he is the ultimate Kingdom Prepper. He has his reasons for that household enemy being among you. But when the time comes, just as Yeshua said to Judas in John 13, we should be able to say to our enemy:27“What you are going to do, do quickly.”
—John 13:27
We should have this same attitude, to allow the enemy to leave our presence of their own accord, as well as our homes, and our lives, according to Yah’s will. Now, keeping your enemy close, as Yeshua did, will not be easy for some, particularly when that enemy despises the Scriptures, is blatantly disobedient in their contempt, and seeks to hinder and snuff out your light. But even in that, Yeshua instructed us as follows:44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
—Matthew 5:44
And yes, it does mean that, even though they are your enemy, you should give them your cheek, just like Yeshua did with Judas. Therefore, we should not curse them, think ill thoughts toward them, or do them harm. For only Yah knows who is counted in front of his throne. And even though someone might be an enemy now, beginning with a repentant heart, one can eventually become a friend. And, as we too might have to suffer the consequences of our enemy’s actions against us, let us be as Yeshua was in proclaiming:34“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”
—Luke 23:34.
Treating enemies in our midst in this way will only lighten our burdens as we fulfill what is written in the Scriptures. Also, our actions may even plant a seed in their heart and convict them of their wrongdoing.21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22for you will heap burning coals on his head, and Yah will reward you.
—Proverbs 25:21 – 22
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TESTIMONIALS
I loved this article as it speaks to me personally. Thank you for sharing your edifying insights based on the scriptures, they have built me up today. Shabbat Shalom!
—Ron Ya'acob
This resonates with me deeply! My father, who is not in the truth, has been a kind of spiritual enemy for me for a while. I’ve been trying to teach him about Yahushua and Yahuah, but he hasn’t shown an ear to hear yet. Even though it is frustrating, I know I need to continue to show him love and demonstrate patience, knowing that Yah’s will shall be done. Shalom!
—Rho J.
Thank you. It is so important to suffer long and wait on Yah. I always stayed away from my enemies. However, if there is no way around it, then Yah is using them to bring on a blessing in my life! He deliberately positions enemies around me so they can witness the goodness of Yah. As I eat from the table he has prepared before me in their presence, they will know that they have failed. Thank you so much. Praise Yah!
—Asonta B.
I found this lesson great for pointing out how our King was surrounded by enemies as we are today, but we should still perform our duties serving Yahuah. A major point mentioned for me is understanding why in my household I shouldn't leave, because Yah will remove [the enemy] when he see fit. For even in my household [the enemy] serves a purpose as Judas served our King being among him. Beautiful lessons my sister. It really gives me knowledge and strength to carry on and enjoy this path even during this hard time. If I just keep my focus. Achoti, todan rabah. Shalom.
—Eddie H.
As I am reading this article it has enlightened me, because I am dealing with this very issue at this very moment. Pray for me and my family please. Shalom.
—Tomika H.
