cudgel
Definition: (noun) A short heavy stick.
Synonyms: bastinado, club
Usage: She woke up with her head hurting as though it had been hit
with a cudgel.
Although Torah obediance is voluntary now, the scriptures foretell of a time when Yah will wield authority with a rod, or cudgel, strictly enforcing Torah obedience throughout the world.
In Psalm 2 we read of the Son ruling with a rod of authority.
We read in Isaiah of YahShua rebuking many kings and rulers.
We read in the final chapter of Zechariah how everyone will be forced to come up to Yerushalyim to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and if they fail, they will receive no water. YahShua will use a cudgel of discipline on all people who refuse obedience.
YahShua is not returning as a Lamb to the slaughter, but as a Lamb of Wrath, and He will take up His authority from Yerushalyim, in which He will rule and reign with power and majesty, beating the rebellious with the cudgel of His Mouth, enforcing at least outward obedience to the Torah across the wide world.
Will you voluntarily keep Torah, preparing yourself for this great time on earth? Or will you be a sinner, forced to keep the Torah under a Messiah whose wrath you have incurred? Either way, should you somehow survive the Great Tribulation, you WILL keep Torah -- either happily or under threat of discipline.
Since the Torah is going to be fully established during this time, it behooves us to obey Torah now, to prepare ourselves for this awesome time. Paul instructs us to judge ourselves that we should not be judged.
Just this morning, in fact, I had to judge myself. I had made a vow to YHVH not to get on any sort of chat program as it wastes time. However, a couple days ago, I got on chat to find an employee and Yah gave me an employee. However, last night, I got on chat again, intending to merely talk with my employee, but wound up chatting with another person as well. I realized that I had better cut off my time on chat lest I find myself breaking a vow. I judged myself that I might not be judged.
This is the repentant attitude we should all walk in that we can remain in the blessings of YHVH.
Let us keep Torah, and avoid the cudgel of Messiah!
