This beginning phrase describing VaYigash, makes me want to know who “he” is. What about you?
For those who are students of the Torah, they would recognize this title as belonging to an action done by Judah. But, a New Testament student of Scripture might assume that it is Yeshua, simply by the nature of the phrase. Is it possible that both might be right? Can the stories of the Torah lead each student to salvation?
Frankly, many want nothing to do with Torah. They want to define God as who they want Him to be.
There is a Promise...
Are you longing for a rest? If you have been fortunate enough to ever go on a vacation, I’m sure you would agree it’s on the 3rd day you finally feel “rested” enough to enjoy the break; and on the 7th day, you’re to the point of staying. Have you ever considered how these time frames for rest are almost Biblical in nature?
Joseph went on “a vacation” of sort due to the ill will of his brothers. His vacation experience was visiting a pit, serving as a slave and going to prison.
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is these that bear witness of Me, and you are unwilling to come to Me that you may have life.”
John 5:39-40
These are the words of Yeshua as he confronted the “learned” scholars of the Torah. Imagine being one of the informed ones. How would you have received this message? Would you have listened or turned away with skepticism?
Today, many refuse to dig profoundly into the Word, due to generational religious beliefs or personal opinions. Like the Pharisees, some may know Torah and the Prophets, but do they consider the purpose of the Scriptures? Do they seek to know or find Messiah? Or, do they seek to prove personal belief structures?
As our present world comes to an end, we are told that there will be a tribulation period called “Jacob’s trouble.” In Jeremiah 30, we can read about Jacob’s distress. But starting at verse 10, we are told that YHWH will save Jacob from a distant land. And in Jeremiah 30:22, Hosea 6:1-2 and Zechariah 12:10, we learn that the purpose of Jacob’s trouble is to bring the heart of Israel back to YHWH.
This last weekend, I was privileged to sing for a household who were celebrating the life of their family patriarch; a man who was husband, father, and grandfather. Besides the large crowd of spectators, the family generations had extended to over 50 people. It was amazing to witness the similarities in physical looks, characteristics, and mannerisms in this family. They were living generational examples for me as I started to relate my visiting experience to this week’s study, “Toldot”.
Ok, I admit it. My faith is being shaken. Where is Yahweh anyway? We have prayed for healing, for our nation, for circumstances to change, for blessings, and yes, for people to come to their senses. Will He ever appear? Will He show Himself when we cry out to Him?
What event in your life caused you to trust? Typically, we remember events that cause us to distrust. For many, the concept of trust is a difficult path to take for various reasons. And since misery often loves company, we tend to spew our negative story rather than remember the positive one.
Events in our lives can chip away at the idea of trust or even belief. Maybe someone promised something and it didn’t come true.
Yahweh looked and found that mankind had become corrupt and exceedingly violent. Amid the chaos, a certain righteous man was found—a man that would build a boat to rescue mankind. Would this man help restore peace on earth? According to the prophecy of names found in man’s first 10 generations, it would seem so. It would also seem to point to an even bigger promise meant for the end of days.
Are you ready to begin a new Torah cycle? Are you excited to have YHWH point out new revelations to you? I know I am. The other day, I saw something I had never recognized before. I couldn’t believe it. I have studied the Torah religiously for the last 22 years and found myself hesitant to do it again. My motivation had grown stagnant. “What should I be reminded of or better yet, what new thing could I possibly find?”
Many of us are taking the time to consider our relationship with YHWH during the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur (Atonement). Admittedly, it can be hard to reflect and swallow the truth of our actions over the past year in physical and spiritual deeds. It gets even harder to address our thoughts.
Imagine you are Israel of old, preparing to go into the promised land. Your leader, Moses—the guy you knew since birth—the father figure who explained YHWH’s laws to you—the pastor who directed your spiritual life–the leader who made sure physical needs were met, and the general who led you to many victories is not going with you. Would your faith be shaken?
What an acknowledgment. Israel comes before the King of Kings to stand in His presence to accept the call to be a “righteous nation.” As a body, Israel humbled itself as a nation and as individuals. “Standing before” means to be humble or bow down, which in our terms, means to accept.
Are You Ready to Enter In?
Have you ever reached the end of your rope? Maybe you too have wanted to tell someone, but have bottled it up until you just can’t hold it in any longer. You aren’t alone. There are many who are ready to enter a new life. Israel was at this point years ago and they “cried out to YHWH.”
Husband of Restoration? Or Death?
Being kind to your enemy seems to be a problem these days. Typically, when we go to battle with someone, we don’t think about long-term effects. Considering a relationship with our enemy seems even more peculiar. Often, we are anxious to destroy or plunder our enemy, so we never have to deal with them again. But yet, in this week’s study of Ki Tetse, we get to see a different kind of picture.
One of the most favorite verses to quote, from either a secular or Biblical position, is found in the Messiah’s “Sermon on the Mount.” I believe it has become a favorite for some because it gives a free pass to those who want to ignore poor decisions and not come under judgment. Maybe you too have fired back toward someone with this all-time favorite verse. It goes like this:
“Do not judge lest you be judged yourself.” Matthew 7:1
The study of Re’eh means to see or behold. So, what are we to see, and what are we to behold? Deuteronomy 11 tells us that we will receive blessings by following YHWH and cursing if we follow any other god. This makes sense in that YHWH is life-giving. He is spirit, and Spirit gives life (Jn.4:24).
So how do we “see” or “behold” a Spirit God that is immortal and invisible (I Tim. 1:17)?
YHWH told Israel that He would send “The Hornet” against their enemies. (Duet. 7:20) He made this promise to assure Israel that there would be nothing to fear when taking “The Land.” Hornets, of course, pack a pretty big sting. So, is Yah actually referring to a hornet that may inflect actual pain against Israel’s enemies, or is He referring to something or someone else?
What happens when things don’t go according to your plans? Will Yahweh still allow you to see?
This week’s Torah selection begins with, “I pleaded with the Lord at the time, . . . Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan”.
You might have heard a saying that goes like, “God does answer prayers. it’s either yes, no, or wait.” But is this always the case? This week’s Torah study is called Devarim, or Words, Matters. So, do the Sages believe words matter, or do they believe in words and matters? In either case, our prayers deal with both.
When coaching for sporting events, I have witnessed the zealousness of parents. Their passion for their child to win would many times overlook the rules of the game or a call made by a referee. To be “right” in their physical world, these parents would step on others. It was embarrassing.
The story of King Balak highlights the concept of seeking the services of a “prophet for hire.” But if we look closer, there is an example of how YHWH warns an unbeliever to turn from foolish ways and become wise. In Numbers, chapters 23-24, Yah uses four attempts to turn Balak away from his ridiculous desires to destroy Israel. Does Balak listen? And how does this story apply to us?
Giants, kings of the past, and the “Book of YHWH’s Battles,” what possible relevance do they have on us today?
We often gloss through the books of Torah and the Writings and are met with names and events that we can’t even recognize, let alone pronounce. Consequently, we give them little credit. But in the study of Chukat, I believe there is a gem to be recognized. It deals with accepting or rejecting light—the light or truth of YHWH as found in Numbers 20-21.
Are the kings of this earth a reflection of ourselves? Are “we the people” the ones being held accountable for current world events?
We read in Daniel 2:21:
“And it is He (YHWH) who changes the times and the epochs, He removes kings and establishes kings.”
If this is true, then is there any reason to hope for something better? Is it possible to ever change political or social realities?
Have you ever been afraid to move forward in life? Maybe some obstacles seemed too big, and you decided to play it safe. It’s more common than you think.
Moses led Israel out of Egypt with the sole promise of entering a promised land. But when finally confronted, Israel got scared.
What would you do if a dust throwing, coat tearing, violent crowd accused you falsely . . . calling for your death? Would you remain strong?
How do we remain strong in YHWH? I believe our strength is found in knowing our identity.
Have you ever given thought to the “numbers” of Israel? Is it possible that we might have been viewing their numbers from a perspective that might be misunderstood? After reviewing some research, I’m starting to think so.
Are you tired of being sick and tired? Are you tired of fear and anxiety? There is an answer. It is found in the laws of YHWH.
Some might think that the God of Torah or Law is a vengeful God who is constantly condemning His people. Whereas, Yeshua (Jesus) is the “nice guy.” But if this is true, then you might have to make some adjustments. Because, “In the beginning was the Word (Yeshua) and the Word was with YHWH (God). Jn. 1:1
The study of Beckukotai gives a list of blessings for those who follow Yah’s laws and cursing’s for those who break these laws.
The book of Revelation begins with, “The Revelation of the Messiah” (Rev. 1:1). Shortly after, we read a heavenly exhortation regarding seven golden lampstands that represent seven churches. The messages written are directed to angels that represent these churches who are responsible to the Messiah, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands. Did you know that this concept is first revealed in the Books of Torah?