Last Sabbath, I spoke on the need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in understanding Biblical Truth, over the desire to follow a custom or tradition in order to gain Biblical piety. But this can be hard, in that, customs are easy to follow, while a heart change takes thought. Many have asked, “If I can’t even hear the Holy Spirit speak, how can I gain His influence?
The double Torah portion of Tazria-Metzora actually gives light on why we may have this trouble. Tazria is the definition of “she conceives.” While Metzora is “cleansing of the leper.” The picture of these word combinations demonstrate that we are born into sin, and yes, we need to be cleansed from sin.
The Torah itself is very specific on how to stop sinning. It tells us, to end the practice of speaking evil against others, to cease eating that which is unholy, to separate ourselves from sin, to be inspected, and to bring a sacrifice to lay on the altar. But does all this change a heart? It could. Practice does lead to change. Though in the area of spiritual growth, we need something even greater to overcome our natural nature. We know this to be true, in that the Pharisees were righteous in what they kept, but failed to see their own arrogance.
When a person is in a sinful state, the need for spiritual change is not visible to them. They do “what is right in their own eyes” and cannot subject themselves to inspection, instruction, or even a contrite spirit. Their inward being is out of touch with the Creator which causes them to have an inability to hear.
So how do we get beyond ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit? It starts with accepting Messiah. In Matthew chapter 8, we see that Yehsua heals a leper as well as a paralyzed servant that works for a centurion. Both of these cases are notable in that these ailments were symbols of sin. Not to mention the fact, that Yeshua reached out to assist a person who was not a Jew.
17 This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled: “He Himself took our illnesses and carried away our diseases.”
Yeshua reaches out to all who seek Him. In the gospel writings, we consistently see a Messiah who is willing to heal on top of preaching good sermon.
40 And a man with leprosy came to Jesus, imploring Him and kneeling down, and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and *said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
In Matthew chapter nine, we again notice even more pictures of His purposes. He calls a tax collector and eats with him. He defines true fasting to disciples. He raises the dead for someone who is a synagogue official. He causes the blind to see, and once again casts out demons by traveling out to those in need.
It’s interesting, that we “at times” criticize the tax man instead of praying for him or we condemn spiritual leaders in synagogues. But yet, Yeshua responds to them through healing and raising the dead.
“Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Now go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mat. 9: 10-13
It’s necessary for us to understand that yes, we can be Tazria. But, if we acknowledge our sinful state, repent, and ask for a new spirit, we can be filled and changed. Notice Yeshua moves his disciples to action after they witness His power. For they too were once empty. . . void of Spirit, but they have now changed. Consequently, Yeshua directs them to draw on the Spirit by becoming harvesters.
36 Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.38 Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matt 9:36-38
What happens when we pray and seek healing for others? We end up staying in the Spirit, in that it is the Spirt who keeps on directing our life. So rather than sitting around constantly looking for the Spirit, listen and act accordingly. In doing so, I believe we will start witnessing the Spirit.
Does this start at a basic level? I believe so. Another concept found in this week’s Torah is the life-affirming benefits of positive speech over negative words. This cannot be overemphasized. Kind words offer encouragement, understanding and appreciation. They are signs of Holy Spirit fruit! If you are still part of a gossip chain, repent now. You can’t harvest with a sinful mouth.
Making It Relevant
- REPENT FROM YOUR PAST & CALL ON THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR A HEART CHANGE!
- Recall examples of how hurtful speech has impacted your life or the lives of others. Resolve to prevent it in the future.
- Designate one hour a day during which you consciously refrain from speaking and listening to gossip or other negative speech.
- While striving to practice kind, positive speech, you may sometimes falter. If that happens, don’t be discouraged. Think positively and press the reset button.
- Now, start to listen and make notes. I believe you will begin to hear the Holy Spirit.
Be Blessed this Shabbat!
Rollyn