Part II: Secrets of Scribal Culture

SECRET #2: COLLABORATION & HONOR

In our society today, collaboration is a business construct.

In the Bible, it has always been a family construct. In light of our conversation about guilds in antiquity, this makes sense - especially since the goal was for the common good, not individual effort.

As we move forward, you will also learn that within scribal collaborative efforts there was this honorific system of eldership in which "the leaders and teachers" were respected for their wisdom, worship of God, mastery in the craft and dedication to the profession. This may come as surprise for those who believe in separating ministry from business, but guilds in ancient Israel balanced both.

The scribal calling in antiquity was not only about copying scripture as is commonly known and understood, but it was also about mastering writing, reciting scripture from memory and being driven by its preservation and historical legacy. The collaboration was so significant, that those those within the profession divided labor and established laws that firmly set their guild in order. It's important to note that guilds were generally overseen by one Master Teacher who oversaw multiple divisions of the guild with trusted leaders in charge.

It's the exact same concept as having and organization and establishing different locations across a state or nation. All were structured and ordered under the same Master Teacher, and focused exclusively on collaboration. This is how sophisticated these guilds would become. It would also explain to us today why scribes were able to be such a critical part of the society of the faith, and obtain tremendous influence and power over more thousands of years. Who could imagine their THEIR WORK THROUGH COLLABORATION would be the sole reason why we have access to the Bible, and extensive extra biblical writings today.

It's also important to note that scribal work predates the Bible. It is a fair assumption that the overall heritage of scribes was influenced other cultures. In other words, God kept the good heritage of the people he choose to build the Nation of Israel with and guided them in consecrating their skill for service in the Kingdom.

As far as our calling is concerned, we begin with Moses. However, these guilds as we have discussed them were already established in a historical context -- for the ARTS & for SCRIBAL effort. They were the foundation of civilizations, socialization and commerce. How do we know? Well, artifacts uncovered over the century carried inscriptions that indicated organized learning, student-teacher relationships, and varying models for apprenticeships.

And while we won't discuss this in detail right now, tuition WAS CHARGED for a scribal education. This particular piece, if studied with accuracy over time, has the potential to cause MANY BELIEVERS WHO ARE ARTISTS AND SCRIBES to break out of their poverty mind sets concerning finances and artistic ability in the Kingdom.

The concept of earning money was not, however, selfish. It was about supporting the guild, the profession and those who worked in the profession. It was an effort to provide a much needed service among a very limited literate society to advance progress. Unfortunately, there is equal evidence of people getting off course - like many of us do today - by creating elitism among aristocrat-types and charging fees that ordinary people could not dream of affording.

However, within healthy community -- the family unit so-to-speak of the guild was preserved and the pure legacy of the master teachers was upheld, honored... as they honored God.

Listen, a lot more could be spoken of here in this section. The idea is not to overload you with history -- but to cause us to reflect upon JUST HOW MUCH WE NEED TO EDUCATE PROPHETIC SCRIBES WHO ARE IN THE KINGDOM.

Most people chase the prophetic scribal gift! What they need, however, is an understanding of the purpose of the gift WITHIN COMMUNITY as a part of the Kingdom - not just for their individual benefit. To build a Scribal Nation is not building people up IN THE GIFT AND CALLING alone. It is also a call to root them in their LOVE FOR GOD & RESPONSIBILITY in aligning for a corporate, collaborative work in whatever capacity they are sent.

It is understanding that:

Everyone cannot be the chief or the ruler OR run solo on everything in scribal ministry. Some one must be committed to supporting the vision and preserving the legacy of others. The message and the life of the leader who released it must be told as is the tradition of scribal ministry. Both walk hand-in-hand and testify to spirit, water and the blood. The prophecy of Isaiah is of greater significance once we understand who Isaiah was in the eyes of God. Never forget that as you go forth in your ministry. We do not boast in ourselves, but PLEASE KNOW... that in scripture the VESSEL is connected to the message.

Moses is connected to the message: Let my people go.
Abraham is connected to the message: Have faith in God.
Esther is connected to the message: If I perish, I perish.
David is connected to the message: A man after God's own heart.
Paul is connected to the message: You are justified by Faith

If you think you can disconnect yourself or someone else from the message, then we miss the ENTIRE PURPOSE OF FAMILY in the eyes of God. Lineage and legacy STILL MATTERS!

You see, ALL SCRIBES DEDICATED TO THE WORK OF THE KINGDOM carried this burden within them to preserve the message of the Kingdom and its history in the people. It wasn't just "their particular guild" that they were concerned about. It was understanding that ALL THE GUILDS ARE CONNECTED. They captured this from a KINGDOM perspective of responsibility. The scriptures PROVE all that I have shared with you here.

What we have in this generation is a lineage of selfish people who "feel as if" they want to SHINE brighter than anyone else. So, they do not share the news of the teacher. They only share their perspective and ignore what they have learned. We have to get back to understanding WHY the witness of our lives is significant to the Word.

Everyone is responsible for partnering with others. We are designed to work in partnership - not solo.

God has a corporate FAMILY mindset - not just a corporate mindset. We must understand this truth as prophetic scribes. If not, we will see people devaluing the contributions of others and constantly competing. His intention is to restore a FAMILY unto himself, not just a people. His commandment to love him and to love others as we love self IS a familial relational pattern. As a wife and mom, I absolutely LOVE my family as myself -- to the point of sacrifice. That truth... is a hard one for the soul.... especially in a world moved by individuality, self-preservation and greed.

This isn't an easy discussion. But I tell you, you will see a theme of collaboration and honor through every aspect of this course. It is my prayer, that we will hear God over the spirit of this age and our own mind. I pray that we will grow deep roots in HIM.... and bend into a fresh understanding of what is required of us in this corporate journey of awakening the Lord's Scribal Nation.

Assignment: Discuss at least one point from this teaching that stands out to you today, and build upon with what the Lord is revealing to your heart inside the CITY OF LETTERS. Do not submit this assignment anywhere else. It needs to be posted in the community area. Only use scripture in your earnest response. No outside videos, teachings, etc. from other voices. When you post, post text responses only.