from the desk of

The Bread of Haste Ministry  (BHM)

​​

September 20, 2026

​

Journey Members,

The Bread of Haste Ministry (BHM) 

​

Dear Journey Members,

​​

We chose “rebellion” for this Journey Message.   In Biblical and Modern Hebrew, several root words express rebellion, revolt, or defiance.  The primary noun forms are mered (מֶרֶד) meaning an overt revolt, meri (מֶרִי) implying stubborn bitterness or disobedience, and pesha' (פֶּשַׁע) denoting willful transgression or breach of trust. 

 

מֶרֶד denotes overt rebellion or revolt against rightful authority.  It embodies a willful breach of “Covenant Fidelity”, a theme that reverberates throughout Scripture as a grave moral failure and a perilous communal contagion.

​

How Scripture defines rebellion

​

Scripture defines rebellion as refusing to LISTEN and OBEY GOD, rejecting HIS covenant instruction (TORAH), and hardening the heart in stubborn self-will.   It first showed up in the garden and even now shows up as idolatry, unbelief, and insubordination against the authorities and order GOD established, and brings discipline and judgement.  

​

Core idea (The heart of the problem)

​

To reject GOD’S voice and HIS ways.  The prophet Samuel told King Saul, “Rebellions like divination, and stubbornness is like inquiry and idolatry (1st Samuel 15:22-23.).  The contrast is obedience from the heart versus performing traditional religious acts while disobeying GOD’S word.  

​

Key Hebrew Terms for Rebellion

​

• Verb: Marad (מָרַד) / Noun: Mered (מֶרֶד)

  • Means to revolt or rebel actively against an authority.

  • Used in contexts like a nation or vassal king throwing off an occupying foreign power, or a direct political/spiritual revolt. 

• Meri (מֶרִי / Root: Mara מָרָה)

  • Stems from a root meaning "to be bitter".

  • Focuses on a stubborn, contentious attitude, often translated as “disobedience or a rebellious house/spirit”.

• Pesha' (פֶּשַׁע)

  • Translates to crime, transgression, or willful revolt.

  • Represents a deliberate breaking of a covenant, contract, or relationship with a superior authority.

• Sarar (סָרַר)

  • A semi-synonym that highlights a stubborn, turning-away attitude or a "stubborn and rebellious son”, In Hebrew: ben sorer u-moreh.

​

New Testament Lens:

​

• Sin is “lawlessness”, that is TORAHlessness (1 John 3:4).  Rabbi YESHUA warns of those who do mighty works yet practice lawlessness;  HE rejects rebellion regardless of religious tradition (Matthew 7:21-23).

• Rebellion, therefore, is not merely doing bad things; it is turning from GOD’S instruction (HIS TORAH), it is “directly” resisting HIS voice, and exalting ourselves, our will, over HIS sovereignty, HIS authority, HIS Commandments and HIS will.  Rebellion is a personal affront to GOD!

​

How Scripture Reveals Rebellion

​

• Creation Story.  On the 6th day, GOD created Adam (Man) and Hava (Eve, Woman).  GOD gave Adam (Man) authority over all creation and a “Soul-mate/Help-mate” (created from Adam’s living soul).  Together, they were to be a blessing to creation and fill the earth with the likeness of GOD.  GOD gave Adam and Hava “the first” of what would be revealed millennia/generations later to Moses and HIS bride “Israel (mixed-multitude) at the mountain of GOD, what would become the Commandments of GOD.

• GOD blessed them, walked, talked, communed “directly” with them in the splendor of the garden HE created for them.  All creation was subjugated to them.  He commanded that they not touch nor eat of the fruit of the tree in the midst of the garden (The tree of the knowledge of good and of evil) and warned them that “the day they eat of the fruit of the tree in the midst of the garden…they will…surely…die”!  Disobedience was the “choice”, sin is introduced, rebellion is conceived.​

• The wilderness Generation.  Israel (mixed-multitude) at the mountain of GOD, when Moses went up to receive the commandments of GOD, “chose” to commit idolatry in the very presence of GOD, thus breaking marriage vows (the blood covenant).   They “chose” disobedience, they “chose” sin, they “chose” rebellion.  Israel hardened their hearts, tested GOD, and “refused” to enter the land that GOD “promised” them because of unbelief (Psalm 95:8-11; Hebrews 3:7-19).  Unbelief and disobedience are two characteristics of rebellion.​

• Korah’s Rebellion.  Challenging the authority of GOD set through Moses and Aaron brought swift judgment (Numbers 16; Jude verse 11).  Rebellion against GOD’S appointed order is treated as direct rebellion against GOD Himself.

• King Saul’s partial obedience.  Was seen as full disobedience in the eyes of GOD:  keeping what GOD said to destroy was rebellion “regardless” of the excuses/reasoning and justification provided (1 Samuel 15:19-23).  “Selective” obedience is disobedience and creates a rebellious heart.  

​

Prophetic Indictments

​

• Children I have reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me (Isaiah 1:2-5, 19-20).  The Prophets warn and portray rebellion as “covenant” betrayal in idolatry, injustice, and refusal to heed correction (Ezekiel 2:3-7; Nehemiah 9:16-19, 26-30). 

• The consistent pattern is that rebellion is relational-against GOD’S Kingship, seen in disobeying HIS commands and resisting HIS authority.  

 

The seriousness of rebellion

​

• Idolatry at heart: The Prophet Samuel equates rebellion with divination and stubbornness with idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).  To defy GOD’S instruction (HIS TORAH) enthrones “self” and false powers.  

• It breaks “covenant faithfulness”:  TORAH frames life with GOD as a covenant of love-faithfulness.  Rebellion violates that bond (Deuteronomy 31:27-29).

• It hardens the heart:   Rebellion desensitizes conscience, making repentance more difficult (Psalm 95:8; Hebrews 3:12-15).  

• It invites judgements and wrath:  From wilderness wandering, death and exile, rebellion brings consequences (Deuteronomy 28; 2 Kings 17;7-18).  “An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger “will” be sent against him” (Proverbs 17:11)

​

Because rebellion strikes at “GOD’S authority”, Scripture treats it “NOT” as a minor lapse but as “direct” treason against GOD”!

​

How Scripture Heals rebellion

​

• A call to repent (Teshuva in Hebrew):   Turn back to GOD, listen, and obey GOD’S commandments and HIS Prophets warnings, return…that your sins may be wiped out (Isaiah 1:16-20; Ezekiel 18:30-32).  Repentance is practical confession, forsaking sin, and walking in GOD’S ways (Proverbs 28:13).  

• New heart and Spirit:   GOD “promises” to circumcise hearts and put HIS Holy Spirit within us so that we can walk in HIS statutes (Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Ezekiel 36:26-27).  

• Obedience and faith in RABBI YESHUA:   RABBI YESHUA obeyed HIS Father perfectly, even to death (Philippians 2:8).  In HIM we receive forgiveness and are empowered to “establish” the law through faith-filled obedience (Romans 3:31; Hebrews 8:10).  

• Restoration through fear and disciplines:   Loving discipline and fearing GOD turns us from rebellion to life (Proverbs 3:11-12); Hebrews 12:5-11).  “The fear of GOD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10).  GOD’S discipline is a mercy that calls us back to “covenant faithfulness”. 

​

Scripture confronts rebellion with truth, consequences, and an open door to return-promising renewal of heart to walk in GOD’S ways.

​

Rebellion, Authority, and Discernment

​

• Honor “rightful” authority.   Parents, elders and civil leaders have real, though bounded, authority (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy17:8-13; Romans 13:1-7).  Habitual disobedience is the hallmark of a  rebellious spirit (Titus 1:10). 

• Limits of human authority.  When human commands/traditions contradict GOD’S instruction (TORAH), “We are commanded to obey GOD rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  Faithful witness is not rebellion; it is “covenant” loyalty.  Daniel in ancient Babylon “honored” the King but refused defilement (Daniel 1; Daniel 6). 

• Assembly order and correction.   Scripture calls the church (ekklesia) to pursue peaceable order and to correct divisive, insubordinate behaviors after patient warning (1 Corinthians 14:40; Titus 3:10-11).  The goal is restoration, not humiliation.  

​

Rebellion is not merely refusing every human demand; it is refusing GOD’S  Instruction (TORAH).  As the Prophet’s warned and as our RABBI YESHUA and HIS Disciples/Apostles taught.  True faith “honors” GOD FIRST”, and respects human authority within “GOD'S boundaries”.  

​

How TORAH Frames Rebellion. “Rebellious son” (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) and presumptuous defiance of priestly/judicial rulings (Deuteronomy 17:12) show how seriously GOD regards persistent, destructive rebellion within a covenant people/nation.  These were civil/judicial measures for Israel as a theocratic nation with functioning “Levitical court.  Today, without that national structure, we learn the principle GOD abhors stubborn, ruinous rebellion and we pursue restoration through teaching, correction, and, where necessary, assembly discipline, always aiming for repentance and life (Galatians 6:1).  This guards us from trivializing rebellion while steering us toward redemptive behavior.  

​

Summary

Biblically, rebellion is rejecting GOD’S voice and covenant way manifested in stubbornness, unbelief, idolatry, disobedience, and insubordination.  It is serious because it “directly challenges GOD’S authority” and fractures covenant life, bringing HIS judgement and wrath.  Yet GOD calls us to repent, promises a new heart and Spirit, and restores us through our RABBI YESHUA so we can walk in covenant faithfulness.  Guard your heart, to listen to GOD’S word, and let “HIS" Holy Spirit write HIS TORAH within us.   In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17), RABBI YESHUA explicitly stated that HE did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them, emphasizing that the TORAH retains its “permanent validity TODAY”!  As the Apostle Matthew continues:

​

"17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:17-19)”.

​

Rebellion - Our Journey Message

​

Rebellion.  What we learned…“WORDS MATTER”.  Regardless of the actions and intent of the evil one (known by many ancient and biblical names).  Adam and Hava “chose” disobedience, they “chose” sin, they “chose” rebellion!!  Religious tradition today often refer to the events in the creation narrative as “the fall”  however, the word “fall” implies an accidental occurrence, a mistake, misstep, slip-up, stumble, backsliding or lapse of judgement of some type.  This was “KNOW” accidental occurrence” this was a “choice” to disobey, a “choice” to rebel against GOD.  WE use words to soften and justify sin and rebellion,  GOD…DOES…NOT!  There is a behavior, attitude, presence and walk associated with sin and Rebellion.  Covenant behavior is TORAH observant behavior.  The evil one has KNOW power over us unless we “willfully chose” to give it to him.

​

During our coffee and conversation on Shabbat.  Wife asked if I thought “sin and rebellion” are the same in the eyes of GOD?  She then reminded me of a conversation she had with a friend.  The friend  identifies as a “highly religious person”.   The conversation centered around GOD’S dietary commandments…BLUF (Bottom-Line-Upfront)…as the discussion continued, Wife revealed our observance of GOD’S dietary commandments.  The friend then revealed that they were about to embark on a weekend getaway which included a feast of “unclean” cuisine, according to biblical standards.  The friend also acknowledged that they were fully aware of GOD’S dietary commandments and why HE commanded them; however, the friend’s response “I know it’s wrong but I’m going to do it anyway”!!!  Disappointingly, this seems to be the behavior of most folks we encounter today including “us” in our previous walk in religion/tradition.  That way of thinking didn’t feel right then and now we fully understand why!  We didn’t have a relationship with GOD then, our relationship was with religion, tradition and the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7-8; Colossians 2:22; Isaiah 29:13).

​

Presumptuous sin is defined as a deliberate, intentional, and premeditated transgression committed with “full knowledge” that it goes against GOD’S law.  Rather than an accident or a mistake made in ignorance, it is a “high-handed act of pride and defiance” where a person chooses to disobey and relies presumptuously on receiving mercy later.

 

Key Characteristics of Presumptuous Sin

​

• Deliberate Choice:  Done with clear awareness and a suppressed conscience instead of through accidental oversight.

• Arrogance and Pride:  Rooted in an insolent attitude that oversteps moral boundaries or assumes divine approval for personal desires.

• Understanding of/and Abuse of Grace:  Involves sinning with the expectation that GOD will forgive the act without true, humble repentance. 

​

In our religious walk, we were never taught the biblical definition of sin, nor whom we sin against, neither were we taught that sin and rebellion are the same.  As the scriptures clearly reveal “we sin against GOD” therefore, we “rebel against GOD”.  We were taught that the TORAH/TANAKH or Hebrew Bible which “include” the Commandments of GOD, had been done away with and we were no longer “required” to walk in obedience to GOD’S Commandments and, that “grace” covered our “repeated” sinful behavior, our rebellion.  “Nailed to the cross” is what we were taught to believe…no need to worry about keeping “GOD’S Commandments, anymore, “JESUS” did it all for us.

   

How We Walk It Out As Husband and Wife

​

• Understand What Rebellion (Sin) is.  Rebellion is sin, sin is lawlessness, lawlessness is TORAHlessness.  TORAH is defined as GOD’S Instruction, Teaching and Direction.  Sin is defined as breaking GOD’S law, living against HIS standard of holiness, or missing the mark of His perfection (1 John 3:4).

• Understand “WHO” you are rebelling (sinning) against.  Sin/rebellion is a “DIRECT affront to GOD” and HIS authority as GOD.  King David said in Psalm 51 verse 4…”against you and you only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest”.

• Seek HIS Voice Daily.  Receive and STUDY scripture as GOD’S living word; soften your heart “today” (Psalm 95:7-8; Hebrews 3;7).  

• Humble Yourself (1 Peter 5:6).  Pride fuels rebellion. Choose lowliness and teachability (James 4:6-10). 

• Align “Behavior” with “Covenantal” Faith.   Partial obedience is “rebellion.”  Ask, “Where are we making excuses  regarding what GOD has clearly spoken (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

• Seek Wise Counsel and Accountability.  Covenant faithful acquaintances help us spot blind-spots (Proverbs 11:14). 

• Make Concrete Change.  Confess make restitution where fitting, and change behaviors that keep you in defiance/rebellion (Luke 19:8-9).

• Keep RABBI YESHUA “Central”.   HE is the faithful SON who OBEYED, and in HIM we are empowered to walk in “covenant” faithfulness (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6).

 

We now Iive our lives as a TORAH observant family who “OBEY” the Commandments of GOD as best as we can.  We understand that not all commandments can be observed to the letter as many of the TORAH requirements (functional temple and Levitical Priesthood), no longer exist today.  We are not JEWS and do not follow the religious requirements/traditions of Judaism, neither do we follow the religious dogma, requirements/traditions of what was born of “Rome”.  We follow the example set by our RABBI YESHUA and what was practiced during the first century church.  What we now know as the “New Testament”…didn’t exist for another four centuries.  We now test “every" ideology, theology, religious fad, scripture, teaching, religious conversation, denominational theology and personal theology against the “TORAH”.  GOD gave Israel (Mix-Multitude), the TORAH.  The TORAH is the “strength” of Hebrew Bible (TANAKH) and the New Testament.  If “GOD” didn’t command Israel to do it…WE DON’T DO IT, and that is called “FREEDOM” from religious bondage.  GOD removed the “YOKE” of man-made religion/tradition.  The testimony of Luke reminds us:  

​

“15 And HE said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but GOD knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is an “abomination" in the sight of GOD”. (Luke 16:15).

​

By the time this message is posted, we will have observed both Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Hakkippurim (Day of Atonement), Leviticus Chapter 23, Holy observances “GOD” Commanded Israel (mixed-multitude), to observe!.

​

“15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but GOD knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of GOD”. (Luke 16:15).

​

This is our walk, “our journey message” and as always, we invite you to join us on our “Journey of Faith”.  SHALOM

​

“STUDY”