Meat in Due Season

As Stewards, we are called to serve Meat in due season. But what is this 'meat?' And what is the 'due season' in which this meat is to be given? Let's find out:

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat<5160> in due season<2540>?   (Matthew 24:45)

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat<4620> in due season<2540>?   (Luke 12:42)

Within the above passages, there are abundant clues that give us remarkable prophetic insight, to tell us what this meat is, and what the due season is. We will look at these and several other passages in detail, so that we might have wisdom to give the proper food to the Master's household!

Let us look at Scripture, where the first mention of the phrase "meat in due season" is found. These passages tell us exactly what this meat is, both in a general sense, and in detail. In general, this meat can be seen in the following verses:

These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat<0400> in due season<06256>.   (Psalms 104:27)

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat<0400> in due season<06256>.   (Psalms 145:15)

In the above passages, we see immediately that this meat in due season is something that ultimately comes from our Heavenly Father, even though it is distributed by His stewards.  We can home in on another passage, that shows us some detail of the meat that brings nourishment:

"...nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine..."   (1 Timothy 4:6b)

So we see that it is Yahuweh who gives us our meat as we feed upon His Word, and then walk in obedience. We see in the above passage in 1Timothy, that our nourishment comes from "the words of Faith and of good teaching" – from His Word – the Holy Scriptures. If we are to be nourished from His Word, and thereby grow strong, we must first receive "good teaching," and then walk in "obedience to His Word, just as if it were True" (this is the Biblical definition of "Faith"). This the meat that Yahuweh's people need. This is the general description of what the Stewards are to feed the Master's household. With that in mind, let us now look at some details of what this 'meat' consists of.

There is a beautiful description in Proverbs 31, where many activities of the Bride can be seen as a parable. In this example of the Bride, we see that one of these activities of the Bride is seen as serving meat to her household and a portion to her maidens:

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat<02964> to her household, and a portion<02706> to her maidens<05291>.   (Proverbs 31:15)

In the above passage, the Hebrew word for 'meat' is Strong's number <02964>, occurring 23 times. This word comes from <02963>, occurring 25 times, and means "ravening" or "prey." The number "25" alerts us to the idea that this word is related to the Bride characteristic of "5," as seen in 5 x 5.

This word <02963> and its definition of "ravening" brings us directly to the covenant promise of Benjamin, who is one prophetic picture of the Bride. One of Benjamin's blessings (Gen 49:27) is that he shall ravin <02963> just as a wolf does, on the prey (Lit. "things of eternity"). We can not go much into Benjamin at this time. We can only say that the Bride characteristic of ravening can be seen in the life of the wolf. She will gorge herself with food, and will carry the partly-digested (prepared) food  back to her household where she will regurgitate, and "divide the spoil," or distribute the portions to her young cubs at night.

This activity perfectly describes the Bride, and the feeding of her household!

So we see the meat distributed to her household is nourishing meat indeed, for it is what the Bride has been feeding upon – the Word of Yahuweh, the words of Faith, and all the teachings that build up and prepare the Bride. From this example, we can see one detail of what this meat is. It is simply the revealing of the Bride's characteristics in Scripture, as examples for the household to follow.

But if the household is given meat, what is to be given to the maidens? Let's look at this. 

In the above passage in Proverbs, the 'portion given to her maidens' tells us much also. The word for 'portion' is the Hebrew word 'choq'<02706>, which occurs 127 times. The Hebrew word actually means "statute, ordinance, or commandments," and comes from the word <02710> meaning to "engrave or inscribe."

Thus the word translated here as 'portion' implies a foundational issue – of inscribing Yahuweh's Laws and Commandments on the heart. The Bride gives the maidens the 'portion' of the pure Word of Yahuweh – the teaching of His Laws ("Torah"), and His Commandments, Ordinances, and Precepts. For these are a part of the New Covenant provisions to be given to them, as summarised in Jeremiah 31:31-33! The hope is, that after these maidens are brought into the "bond(age)" of the Covenant (Eze 20:37), they will desire to become a part of the Bride Company.

But why are the foundational issues – of inscribing of Yahuweh's Law and Commandments on the heart – given to these maidens as their portion? Notice in the Proverbs passage, the Hebrew word for 'maiden' is <05291>, which comes from <05288>, meaning "young, youthful, a babe." The corresponding attribute in the New Testament writings (1Cor 3:1) is the word 'carnal,' which tells us that these 'maidens' are carnal 'Believers' who previously have not been subject to the Law ("Torah") of Yahuweh (Rom 8:7), perhaps due to faulty teaching. Thus the maidens' portion consisted of the teaching of His Laws ("Torah"), and His Commandments, Ordinances, and Precepts, as the foundational first principles of the Oracles of Yahuweh.

As an incentive to the maidens to become a part of the Bride Company, Yahuweh reveals the maidens in Scripture, in relation to the Bride. Notice the following passage:

She (the Bride) shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins<01330> [virgins; maidens] her companions that follow<0310> her [come after; afterwards] [from <0309> "tarry; delay; hesitate; remain behind"] shall be brought unto thee.   (Psalms 45:14)

This verse, along with the meanings of the Hebrew words, reveals a sad characteristic of the 'maidens.' The maidens are among those who do come to the King's palace, but only afterwards, following behind the Bride. These maidens are, from the word definitions, those who delayed, hesitated, or remained behind. We have previously seen in other articles that the Bride-Candidates who are left behind are those who, for one reason or another, were not walking in obedience to the Law ("Torah") when the Bridegroom came. As a result, the maidens forfeited their position as part of the Bride-Company.

So we see that the 'portion' given to the Maidens is the New Covenant understanding of walking in the Statutes, Ordinances, and Commandments of Yahuweh, that Yahushua desires to engrave or inscribe on the heart, as one of the New Covenant provisions (Jer 31:31-33).

Let us now look at the 'meat' and the 'portion' as one of the defining New Covenant issues that Yahushua desires to inscribe on the heart.

There is one description of the 'meat' we must point out, as seen in the following passages:

He hath given meat<02964> unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.   (Psalms 111:5)

For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.   (John 6:55)

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This (Passover bread) is my body which is given for you: this do (Passover) in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after (Passover) supper, saying, This (Passover) cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.   (Luke 22:19-20)

Here we see in the Psalms passage that the 'meat' is related to Yahuweh's Covenant. We then see in the John and Luke passages, that Yahuweh's Covenant has been Renewed for His People, and has been sealed by His Blood. This is a very important Covenant issue. Let's see what takes place when we participate in the Passover meal.

According to Yahuweh's Covenant, Blood of the sacrifice is to be sprinkled on two places – on the Mercy Seat (Lev 16:14-15), and on the people (Exodus 24:8). Today, this Blood of the Covenant is to be sprinkled upon us, His people, as we participate in His Passover – when we eat the Passover Bread, and drink the Passover cup. Yahushua tells us this is "meat indeed" and "drink indeed" (John 6:55).

Under the New ("Renewed") Covenant, the Blood of Yahushua Messiah is sprinkled on His people, in a way that meets both requirements – for we are "the people" and we also have "the mercy seat" of the Ark of the Covenant within us – where the Tables of His Word reside – for His Torah is being written on the Tables of our heart. This is the place where Yahuweh now resides, by His Holy Spirit, because Yahushua's Blood has initially cleansed us from within, when we were 'Born-Again.'

Only in this way, by drinking that which represents the 'Blood' of the Covenant – can His Blood be sprinkled on our inward parts. Only in this way, by participating in the Blood and Body of the Passover Lamb, can we continue to have Life in us (John 6:53). Surely everyone who has been Born-Again has Yahushua living within, and therefore Yahushua Himself becomes our Life. But the Body and Blood of the Passover Lamb is a spiritual nourishment ("meat indeed" and "drink indeed") that is necessary for our continued growth, and for our obedience, and for the required testimony that "Yahushua-in-you" desires to become. 

The combined passages tell us that the 'meat' includes the teachings regarding the Renewed Covenant, and the ability He provides by His Grace, to participate and to walk in His Covenant.

Last of all, let us look to see who the 'meat' is to be given to. We saw previously that the 'portion' was to be given to the Maidens. Let us now look again at the above Psalms passage to note what Scripture tells us about the recipients of the meat:

He hath given meat unto them that fear him...   (Psalms 111:5)

Here we notice that meat is to be given to those who FEAR Yahuweh. We do not want to waste our efforts trying to feed those who would forsake and scorn Yah's Word, so it will help us to understand the characteristics of those to whom meat is to be given – those who Fear Yahuweh. Let's look further:

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!   (Deuteronomy 5:29)

That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.   (Deuteronomy 6:2)

Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.   (Deuteronomy 8:6)

Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.   (Psalms 112:1)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.   (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.   (Acts 9:31)

So we see that those who FEAR Yahuweh are those who keep His statutes, and delight in, and keep, His commandments! The main characteristic of the Fear of Yahuweh is the keeping of His Commandments, by His Grace, by His ability He gives us from within, as he dwells within us. Let us notice why the Fear of Yahuweh is very important:

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:   But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.   (Acts 10:34-35)

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.   Acts 13:26

"...his salvation is nigh them that fear him...."   (Psalms 85:9a)

So we see that Salvation is for those who FEAR Yahuweh! The Fear of Yahuweh is a fundamental Bible principle! For those who acquire this most essential quality, Yahuweh gladly gives of His "meat," that those who FEAR Him may be nourished, growing up in Him, and "increase with the increase of Yahuweh" (Colossians 2:19).  

We will now see what Scripture reveals about the 'due season' for feeding the meat.

What is the Due Season?

Just as important as feeding the right meal, so is the timing of the feeding. In the above passages, we have seen that the phrase 'due season' seen in Matthew and Luke is the Greek word <2540>, meaning "time, season, opportunity; the opportune or right time." So we see that there is an appropriate or proper time for each "course" of the meat that is to be fed to the household. But let's look a little further.

The phrase 'due season' seen in the Psalms passages is the Hebrew word <06256>, meaning "time or season;" but this word comes from the Hebrew word <05703>, meaning "everlasting; evermore, eternally, perpetually; forever." This word, however, comes from the Hebrew word <05710>, meaning "deck; adorn; pass on, advance."

Combining these meanings, we see that the 'due season' is both a description of proper timing, as well as a the result of its application. We thus may say that the 'due season' is the proper timing that will provide the "decking or adorning of the Bride with the eternal qualities of the Word, that will allow her to advance, and to pass on into the eternal Kingdom, as a Bride appropriate for her King." 

Let's look at one additional meaning.

The Seasons Seen in the Festivals

There is another level of truth to be seen in the Due Season. In the early days of Israel, there were few Torah scrolls except in the temples. Only the wealthy and the kings could afford to own these Torah Scrolls, since they required much time and resources to produce. Most households did not have the scrolls, yet all the people were required to learn the Word of Yahuweh, and to walk in it. How did they do this, since they had no Torah scrolls, and no Bibles?

All the males were required to go up three times each year to worship Yahuweh during the days of Yahuweh's moedim, His seasonal Festivals, where they would hear the Torah being taught. After each Festival was over, the men would then return to their families, and teach them all that they had learned. In this way, whole families would learn the Word of Yahuweh, even though they had no Bibles or Torah scrolls in their homes. It was in this way that they learned to walk in His ways.

The 'due season' for Israel is seen to be the short time during the Feast Days the men had available to hear the Scriptures read to them, and to learn of Yahuweh's ways. Thus the due season is seen in Yahuweh's moedim, or appointed times, the short times Yahuweh gives to His people in order to learn His ways, by their participation in Yahuweh's Festivals.

We too have a 'due season' or short time in which to learn. Let us likewise keep Yahuweh's Feasts, His seasonal Festivals, and practice all Yahuweh's truths, that we too might learn to walk in Yahuweh's ways! 

Now let us look for further agreement of Scripture in the definitions we have found thus far. We will look briefly at the hidden number patterns placed within Scripture, numbers that serve to authenticate both the message, and the Author of the message.

What do the Numbers Tell Us?

In this short section, we will look at a few of the prophetic numbers found in the above passages of Scripture, that authenticate the message of what we have discovered thus far in the words and definitions. For those not inclined to the prophetic numbers hidden in Scripture, you may skip to the next heading.

In both of the Psalms passages, the word meat is the Hebrew word for food, 'okel,' Strong's number <0400>, occurring 44 times; which word stems from the Hebrew word <0398>, which occurs 810 times. The prophetic meanings of these numbers in Scripture is this:

The number "44" speaks of a set-apart ("holy") life and walk. The number "810" speaks of the "8" and "10" together, which refers us to the foundation stones of "8 and 10 cubits" (1ki 7:10). These stones speak of the Foundations of the Faith, in doctrinal principles (Heb 6:1-2, revealing the basics of "Torah") and the Foundations of Wisdom; and of the Commandments of Yahuweh and the Testimony of Yahushua that allow one to "overcome," and to enter the New Jerusalem (Rev 14:12, 22:14); and of the "doing" of the Words of Yahushua (Matt 7:24; Luke 6:48). We might say that the "810" results in the "44." The result is a Holy (set-apart = "44") life and walk.

This 'meat' is the teaching of the Foundation principles, including the Words of "Torah" given by Yahushua to Moses; and the Wisdom Principles of being a "do-er" of the Word, and of the set-apart qualities of the Bride.

In the Matthew 24:45 passage, the Greek word <5160> occurs 16 times, and stems from the word <5142> which occurs 8 times. The prophetic meanings of these numbers in Scripture is this:

The number "8" speaks of Yahushua, the Bridegroom. The number "16" speaks of Betrothal and the Marriage Covenant. We might say that the "8" results in the "16." That is, Yahushua (the "8" - as we allow Him to live in us) results in our participation of the Marriage Covenant (the "16").

This 'meat' is the teaching of  Yahushua Messiah-in-You: Who is Yahushua, the Bridegroom; and the Renewed Covenant: Marriage Covenant issues.

In the Luke 12:42 passage, the Greek word <4620> occurs only 1 time, and stems from the word <4621> which occurs 14 times, which in turn stems from the word <3358> occurring 13 times. The prophetic meanings of these numbers in Scripture is this:

The number "14" speaks of Salvation. The number "13" speaks of Love, and of preparation of Love, and perfecting of Love. The number "1" speaks of unity, and of uniqueness or singleness of quality or number. We might say from these that Salvation ("14") and Preparation/Perfecting of Love ("13") results in the Dove (So 6:9), the undefiled who is but one; who is the Only one of her mother, and the choice one of her that bare her (the "1").

This 'meat' is the teaching of the essentials of Salvation, of both aspects – of coming out by the Blood, and entering in by obedience to Torah; the Preparation of the Bride, and the perfecting of Love in the Bride; and The Only One of Her Mother: the Scriptural Characteristics of the Bride.

In each of the passages we have seen, the hidden, prophetic numbers within the Scriptures attest to the meaning of the words within the message. Let us now summarise what we have seen.

From the above prophetic views of Scripture, we see that the menu items of 'meat in due season,' to be fed to the Master's little Flock, are as follows:

1)  The 'meat' of Foundational teachings: The Words of "Torah" given by Yahushua to Moses; and the Foundational teachings of the Renewed Covenant, as seen in Heb 6:1-2; the set-apart life and walk;
2)  The 'meat' of Who Yahushua, the Bridegroom, really is;
3)  The 'meat' of The Renewed Covenant: Marriage Covenant issues;
4)  The 'meat' of Messiah-in-you;
5)  The 'meat' of The Essentials of Salvation, of both coming out by the Blood, and entering in by obedience;
6)  The 'meat' of Preparation of the Bride: the perfecting of Love;
7)  The 'meat' of Characteristics of the Bride.

Truly the Bride-Company is now gorging herself on the 'meat,' and is feeding her household, the 'meat in due season!'

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