Drafted Into a Cosmic War-Defining Spiritual Warfare in a Time of Global Darkness-Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series
Release Date: 02/07/2026
The Messianic Torah Observer
Episode Overview We are living in a time of global upheaval, moral inversion, and spiritual confusion. Scripture warned us that such days would come—but it also prepared us for them. In Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series, we lay the foundation by answering a critical question: What is spiritual warfare—from a biblical, Messianic, Torah‑rooted perspective? This episode introduces the reality of an unseen cosmic conflict between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness, a war that has been raging since the dawn of creation and one in which every believer is...
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
The Suffering Warrior: Unveiling Judah’s Mashiyach ben Yosef and the Messianic Mystery Overview In this post, Rod explores Judah’s conception of Mashiyach ben Yosef (Messiah son of Joseph), tracing its development through biblical, Rabbinic, and apocalyptic literature, and connecting it to Messianic faith in Yeshua. The study highlights the “suffering warrior” motif, the precursor role to Mashiyach ben David, and the eschatological implications for Israel and the world. Key Themes & Scriptural Foundations Mashiyach ben Yosef as Precursor: Mashiyach ben Yosef is depicted as a...
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
In this installment, Rod Thomas explores the Jewish concepts of the Messiah, focusing on the three-messiah framework: Mashiyach Nagid, Mashiyach ben Yosef, and Mashiyach ben David. The discussion delves into Daniel’s prophecy, Jewish tradition, and the identity of Yeshua (Jesus) as understood in Messianic faith. The episode also examines why mainstream Judaism rejects Yeshua as Messiah and how these messianic expectations shape both Jewish and Messianic perspectives. Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction and Context Greetings and setting: Recorded on the 3rd Day of the 11th biblical month,...
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
In a world gripped by ideological absolutism and spiritual conflict, this installment of TMTO exposes how entrenched regimes—from Iran to Venezuela to Western Radical Leftist aggression and beyond—are toppled not by protests, but by the power of prayer and fasting. We will discuss the Messianic perspective on spiritual warfare, the dangers of unchecked authority, and how we Messianics/Notzrim can wield heavenly authority to confront the systems of darkness. “Venezuela-Minnesota-Iran-The Extreme Radical Left Weighing Heavy on my Mind.”
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
Welcome, beloved saints of the Most High! I’m Rod Thomas, and I’m honored to bring you another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. On this unusually warm Preparation Day here in DFW, I invite you to join me as we tackle a provocative question: Have we truly finished the Great Commission—and could this be the very thing that triggers the End Times? In this episode, I share my personal reflections and biblical analysis after reading a recent BlazeTV article featuring global missions leader Douglas Cobb. Cobb claims that within the next decade, every people group on earth will...
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
Title: Runway to the Royal Priesthood—How Hebrews Builds the Case for Yeshua as Our Melchizedekian High Priest Episode Description: Are you ready to discover the deeper meaning behind Yeshua’s role as our Melchizedekian High Priest? In this powerful episode, Rod Thomas guides you through the Book of Hebrews, revealing how its author builds a compelling case for Yeshua’s unique priesthood and what it means for Messianic believers today. What You’ll Learn: Why the Melchizedekian priesthood is central to the true faith once delivered How Hebrews connects Yeshua’s ministry to...
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
Show Notes Title: Israel’s Inextricable Link to Our Salvation—Reflections on Torah Reading Vayigash Host: Rod Thomas, Messianic Torah Observer Date: Preparation Day, Friday, December 26, 2025 Episode Overview In this installment of TMTO, Rod explores the prophetic significance of Torah Reading Vayigash (Genesis 44:18–47:27), focusing on the powerful themes of repentance, revelation, restoration and salvation. Discover how Joseph’s story serves as a shadow picture of Yeshua Messiah’s mission, the unity and redemption of Israel’s tribes, and the ultimate salvation promised to...
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
This episode of the Messianic Torah Observer, hosted by Rod Thomas, explores the Torah portion Miketz (Genesis 41:1–44:17), focusing on the life of Joseph (Yosef) and drawing prophetic parallels to Yeshua (Jesus). The teaching highlights how both figures exemplify essential Kingdom character traits—humility, faith, wisdom, the Spirit of Yehovah, and forgiveness. The discussion begins with a summary of Joseph’s rise from prison to becoming second-in-command in Egypt, his interactions with his brothers during the famine, and the tests he sets for them. The episode then delves into the...
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
Explore the origins, meaning, and spiritual relevance of Hanukkah from a Messianic Torah Observer perspective. This episode dives into the biblical foundation of the Feast of Dedication, its connection to the altar, and whether modern believers should celebrate Hanukkah. Discover how tradition, history, and renewed covenant come together in this insightful discussion.
info_outlineThe Messianic Torah Observer
This a Messianic Torah reflection on Genesis 37:1-36, focusing on the life and story of Yosef (Joseph), son of Ya’achov (Jacob), and its prophetic and spiritual significance. It explores the patriarchal sojourning in the promised land, the familial dynamics, and the parallels between Yosef’s experiences and the life and ministry of Yahoshua Messiah (Jesus). Patriarchal Sojourners in the Promised Land Ya’achov settles in the land of Canaan, the land promised by Yehovah, continuing the pattern of the patriarchs sojourning in the promised land without fully possessing it, as noted in...
info_outlineEpisode Overview
What is spiritual warfare—from a biblical, Messianic, Torah‑rooted perspective?
🔍 What This Episode Covers
1️⃣ Why Spiritual Warfare Matters Now
- Global instability, deception, lawlessness, and moral reversal
- Wars, rumors of wars, and “birth pangs” foretold by Messiah
- The increasing pressure on faith, families, and covenant identityKey Scriptures:Matthew 24:3–8; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14
2️⃣ Defining Spiritual Warfare Biblically
- Why the phrase “spiritual warfare” does not appear in Scripture—yet the reality permeates it
- Warfare as a multi‑layered conflict in the unseen realm
- The difference between the visible, temporal world and the invisible, eternal realmKey Scriptures:2 Corinthians 4:18; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 3:21
3️⃣ The Unseen Realm and the Real Enemy
- Why our struggle is not against flesh and blood
- Thrones, dominions, rulers, and powers created by Elohim—some now in rebellion
- How worldly systems, temptation, deception, and hasatan himself work togetherKey Scriptures:Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
4️⃣ Spiritual Warfare Throughout the Tanakh and Apostolic Writings
- Genesis 3:15 – The Protoevangelium: hostility between the seed of the woman and the serpent
- Exodus 14:14 – YHWH fights for His people
- Deuteronomy 20:3–4 – Fearlessness because YHWH goes with us
- 1 Samuel 17:45–47 – David vs. Goliath: the battle belongs to YHWH
- 2 Kings 6:16–17 – Elisha and the unseen angelic host
- Daniel 10:12–13, 20 – Warfare in the heavens affects events on earth
- Psalm 91 – Protection, refuge, and angelic guardianship
- Zechariah 4:6 – Victory by YHWH’s Spirit, not human strength
5️⃣ Weapons and Principles of Spiritual Warfare
- Authority given to the people of YHWH
- Torah (the Word of Elohim) as a primary weapon
- Prayer, fasting, unity, praise, obedience, and righteousness
- Assurance: no weapon formed against YHWH’s people will ultimately prevailKey Scriptures:Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 12:21; Ephesians 6:10–20
6️⃣ Why This Series Exists
- Clarity instead of confusion
- Identity instead of deception
- Preparation instead of passivity
📖 Scripture References Cited in This Episode
- Genesis 3:15
- Exodus 14:14
- Deuteronomy 20:3–4
- Job 32:8
- Psalm 44:5
- Psalm 91
- Psalm 144:1–2
- Ecclesiastes 3:21; 12:13–14
- Isaiah 5:20; 41:10–13; 54:17
- Zechariah 4:6
- Daniel 10:12–13, 20
- Matthew 4:1–11; 5:14; 24:3–8
- Luke 17:20–24; 18:3–8
- John 9:4; 10:10
- Romans 12:21; 13:12
- 2 Corinthians 4:18; 10:3–5
- Ephesians 6:10–20
- Colossians 1:16
- Hebrews 4:12
- 1 Peter 5:8
- 2 Timothy 2:3; 3:1–5
📚 Extra‑Biblical Sources Referenced
- Jonathan Welton, How to See Heaven: Accessing Divine Secrets, Destiny Image, 2013
- Judith Allen Shelly et al., Called to Care: A Christian Vision for Nursing, IVP Academic, 2021
🔜 What’s Coming Next
- Part 2: Messianic vs. Denominational views of spiritual warfare
- Part 3: Laying the groundwork for Ephesians
- Part 4 and beyond: A verse‑by‑verse exposition of Ephesians 6:10–20 – The Whole Armor of Elohim