DNA Testing for Ephraim
and His Companions
by Angus and Batya Wootten |
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We want to continue to share with you some exciting news about possible DNA testing for Ephraim, but we first want to make our intent clear.
Sojourners and Israel
To begin, we absolutely do not assume that everyone who believes in the Messiah has to be a biological descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Israel always includes those who choose to "sojourn" with her. When we believe in the Messiah of Israel, we are full members of His commonwealth (Eph 2:11-22). When the Father restores "both the houses of Israel" (Isa 8:13-14), when He makes the two sticks of Judah and Joseph/Ephraim, one stick in His hand, that restoration includes their companions. The command to Ezekiel was, "'Son of man, take for yourself one stick and write on it,' "For Judah and for the sons of Israel, his companions;" then take another stick and write on it, "For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and all the house of Israel, his companions"'" (see Eze 37:16-27).
Our God does not make a distinction between native and sojourner. When a Believer clings to Him, they have a share in the inheritance that he promises. He said we must always have one set of rules for both sojourner and native, and that former aliens are forbidden to think that he will separate them from His people (Num 15:15-16; Isa 56:3,6-8). The Promised Land is given to all of the faithful people of His inheritance. He said, "'You shall divide it by lot for an inheritance among yourselves and among the aliens who stay in your midst, who bring forth sons in your midst. And they shall be to you as the native-born among the sons of Israel; they shall be allotted an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And in the tribe with which the alien stays, there you shall give him his inheritance,' declares the Lord GOD" (Eze 47:22-23).
We think DNA testing is just one more of the many ways that we can do that. And, Drs. Alex and Georgina Perdomo have written a follow up to their first article "Genetic Memory Part I." Their upcoming article, "Genetic Memory Part II," explains one way in which people can participate in DNA testing (their article will be posted separately).
Our primary desire has always been to awaken Ephraim and encourage him to be a proper brother to beloved Judah. We say this because we know that DNA testing has played a part in Judah's return and we believe that a similar testing will play a play a part in Israel's full restoration. However, as we entertain this new idea, we must remember that the Accuser of the Brethren would like nothing better than to get us off course. Our Messiah wants to bring us to His River of Life, but at the same time, Satan is pouring out of his mouth a River of Death - with the specific intent of sweeping away believing Israel: "The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood" (Rev 12:15).
Words come out of the mouth and Satan is now sending forth a flood of them. We are in a life and death war of words. Satan used lying words to get us thrown out of Gan Eden (The Garden) and he is now using half-truths in order to keep the elect from the glories of a restored Israel living in a New Jerusalem (Mat 24:24). Thus, we want to try to briefly make a few points about the why of DNA testing for Ephraim and his companions.
Butterflies and Believers
Zechariah's Patrol recently published an article titled "Genetic Memory Part I" written by Drs. Alex and Georgina Perdomo. In it, they explained that Monarch butterflies have something scientists call "Genetic Memory" - which memory leads later generations to follow a path that could not have been physically known to them. Their point of comparison is that, after many generations of Ephraim's ten northern tribes being scattered throughout the world, something similar might be happening to their heirs. They point out that a generation is coming, even now is, in which "stored memories" are being awakened. Such memories are stored in the genes of the cells of the brain and can be "asleep" for generations, and then suddenly be turned on. Such is the case with the Monarch butterfly, and the same may well be true of Believers...
Even so, many of us have surely experienced an unexplainable "awakening." Thousands of people have told us that they feel like they have been "born-again, again." However, since being born-again is the unrivaled high point of my life (Batya), this statement often bothered me. Yet, I knew that something was happening in the spirit realm and that it was happening by the power of The Spirit Most Holy, the Ruach haKodesh. I was put at ease when a friend, Daniel Botkin, wrote an article in his Gates of Eden Magazine. He pointed out that being born from above is likened to crossing over the Red Sea, and that, there was a second crossing over in Scripture - when the Israelites crossed over the Jordan and entered into the Promised Land.
The Jordan is surely a lesser river, but it was nonetheless important in Israel's saga. The idea of "crossing over" is important to us too. When Israel experienced this second crossing over, they formed a twelve-tribed alliance and were empowered to take God's Land. And in our return, we too are moving toward an alliance of empowered brothers.
We who were once scattered and lost among the nations, hidden from the view of man, yet not lost to our Father, are seeking to return home. The prodigal is repenting of his season with the pigs. He now wants to be a "Hebrew," one who "crosses over," as did father Abraham. The question is, to what and how do we return? We ask this because, as Believers in the Messiah who are returning to the ancient paths of our fathers, we are walking where men have not walked before. So, we need to be very careful about possibly misunderstanding the reason why Ephraim might want to take this particular test.
Our Primary Reason
The "wild olive branch" is a metaphor that Paul used to describe scattered Ephraim - who is supposed to walk in a way that provokes Judah to jealousy. Ephraim must walk a walk and not just talk a talk. He must walk in the eternal truths of Torah and in the power of the Ruach HaKodesh - even as did our Messiah. Israel will not be restored apart from the Ruach's power, and Ephraim brings the Ruach with him in his return. That is our primary call and we must not forget it (1 Sam 2:9; Eze 37:9; Zec 4:6).
By our actions, Judah needs to see that we who claim to be the heirs of Joseph's stick are being a true brother to him in time of need. Many innately know this truth and thus, many in Judah feel they have seen something in the people they call "Christian Zionists." And, they are curious about them. Many of Judah understand (on various levels) something about scattered Ephraim. But, they tend to believe that he needs to become Jewish. We instead suggest that together, they need to become a reunited and restored Israel.
Due to interest in what they have seen in these people, a Jewish organization called Family Tree DNA has agreed to examine the DNA of these lovers of Israel, to see if they match (on some level) the 165,000 Jewish people who have taken the test.
These are exciting, beginning steps. And, our friends, the Perdomos, without any financial recompense whatsoever, will be working with Family Tree DNA to study these particular test results. (Please note that we, Zachariah's Patrol, Key of David Publishing, and Angus and Batya, provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the ultimate reliability of these data results or interpretations thereof. However, we are optimistic as to its outcome.) This news is exciting because the Perdomo's understand about Ephraim's return and want to help identify Israel's other tribes. If, along the way, some find that they are of Judah (and some will), that is wonderful, but, we still need to find Ephraim - in order to have Judah reconsider who we are as Believers who love Israel.
Non-Jews the world over already are taking this test and we believe that their numbers will only increase. We also believe that, through this medium we will find Israel's other tribes. This is indeed awe-inspiring news. It is like seeing a light at the end of a tunnel for many of us. But then again...
Once, when I was bemoaning the "crazies" who seemed to have grabbed hold of the truth about both of Israel's house and then distorted it, a friend spoke these enlightening words to me: "Batya, light draws bugs."
We need to beware the bugs.
We must not dare think that finding out that we are biological Israelites will "improve our lot." Being a physical heir of Jacob will not buy us one second in eternity nor one ounce of righteousness. That comes through faith in our Redeemer, Messiah Yeshua (Psa 49:10-15).
In suggesting this test, we are not implying that all Believers are biological descendants of the Patriarchs - or that they need to be. Sarah (and the other Matriarchs) did not descend from Abraham. We would not even have a chosen nation of Israel without Sarah. Israel has always included those whom the Father chose to gather with them. Both Israel and Judah have "companions." We must include these "others" because the Father Himself includes them, and He loves them just as much as He loves Judah and the rest of Israel.
The primary reason for taking this test is to have Judah realize that an unknown number of us actually are "physical brothers" - and we do this in hopes that it might help Judah to realize that the Father wants to bring all of His children together at this time.
Through this test, many have thus far found that they are of Judah, because, over the centuries many of Judah "hid" in the Church to escape persecution (such was the case with my husband's maternal grandmother). And now, for the first time ever, we may be able to similarly "find Ephraim." Our hope is that this understanding might help encourage them to arise and be a brother to Judah, a mighty man, even as Scripture says he will be.
Am Yisrael Chai!
(The People of Israel Live!)
For the Patrol
Angus and Batya
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Your thoughts and comments.
This is a team effort, so we would like to hear your thoughts and comments. To share them, go to ZechariahsPatrol.com. Click on the title of the report you would like to comment on, then go to the end of the report. There, you can post your comments and review comments made by others. And if your comments contain questions we will answer them. |
At Key of David Publishing words are very important to us. So it is that we are pleased to present to you a new publication. It is a light, and yet most satisfying fare. It is economically priced so you can feed it to the masses. It is pleasing to the eye and pleasant to the palate.
It is our newest book, Who Is Israel? Redeemed Israel - A Primer.
This powerful and concise 96 page book readily defines our Israelite faith. It lifts up the Messiah and points us toward the restoration of the whole House of Israel. Those who proof-read the manuscript have said that this is Batya's best work ever! It is an easy read that gets the essentials of our faith across in a short time. It includes charts and graphics, plus chapters that can be used as an outline for Bible Studies. Most importantly, this encouraging little book points the way toward the glory that lies ahead for those of Redeemed Israel. You will surely be blessed and inspired as you read this informative little book - so be sure to order additional copies for friends and loved ones! We believe you will want to give a copy of it to everyone you know!
For more information about this exciting new book see: Who Are You and Where Are You Going? A Call to Action from Key of David Publishing.
Who Is Israel? Redeemed Israel - A Primer, is being printed and is scheduled to be shipped the week of January 10, 2011.
Who Is Israel? Redeemed Israel - A Primer will be available as a 96 page paperback book, and in the near future as an audio book on CD, it will be down loadable to Iphones and similar devices, and as an electronic book that can be read on Ipads and similar devices, plus we are making a PowerPoint video teaching that is based on the book. To pre-order books go to Key of David Marketplace.
To download the Table of Contents, Foreword, Introduction and the First Chapter at no cost go to Book Sample Chapters.
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| I Am YHVH We encourage you to listen to a new song, written by Batya and recorded by our friend, Will Spires. The song is titled "I AM YHVH" and it is truly inspiring. You might want to listen to it before you pray. The song is about the Father's heart cry for His chosen people: Judah and Ephraim. You can hear it as you enter the Zachariah's Patrol website or Key of David Marketplace, and it can be downloaded for free at Key of David Marketplace. Several people have asked for the song on a CD so they can play it in their cars. So we have made available at Key of David Marketplace. a CD that has seven renditions of the song for $4 (to cover shipping and handling costs).
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Upcoming Events
The Messianic Israel Alliance Southwest Regional Conference will be held in Henderson, Nevada, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 28-30, 2011.
For more information go to Upcoming Events |
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Contact Information
Key of David Publishing's Books are available at the Messianic Israel Alliance Marketplace (Phone 800-829-8777). They also are available at Key of David Publishing Marketplace, where Bookstores, Ministries, and Way Stations are eligible for a quantity discount.
Websites to visit:
Messianic Israel Alliance The MIA will help you to understand the Hope of Messianic Israel plus Messianic Israel Inclusion Theology. The MIA gives you the options of being an Ally, Friend or a Partner in restoring the Kingdom to Israel.
Bnai' Ephraim International This is the premier online presence that advocates for this generation's sons and daughters of Ephraim.
Zechariah's Patrol Reports This exciting site offers an abundance of prophetic insights that will help you see how events on earth and in our own lives are viewed from Heaven's Throne Room.
To support Key of David and Zachariah Patrol Reports go to Key of David Marketplace. Or to the Messianic Israel Alliance. Or send snail mail to Key of David, PO Box 700217, Saint Cloud, FL 34770. Or call us at 407-344-7700.
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DNA testing is done for many different reasons. A DNA test is done to get vital facts about a crime, to prove the innocence and guilt of someone or trace family ancestry.
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