Have you noticed a decline or an inability for people to listen to an argument contrary to their own opinion? Whether it’s schools, churches, governments, or families there is a noticeable spirit of rebellion growing against authority. Most recently, at the 2026 State of the Union, we had half of a political party not show up in defiance to a President. A first in our history.
Why is this type of disrespect happening? I would like to suggest a new era, where people put themselves above all others while shutting their ears. Is there some sort of root cause at the bottom of this cultural spectacle?
Throughout Torah, we can read about the personal strains within the anointed priesthood of Aaron. Those struggles included being swayed by Israel to build a golden calf and losing his two sons due to their disrespect towards YHWH. Like us, his battles were real. In his example, we can see that no matter how close we are to being a royal priesthood in Messiah, our need to compromise can affect our anointing.
The prophet Ezekiel was given words from Yahweh to address this reality. Those words made a clear distinction between those who stay true to the priesthood anointing and those who do not. Which raises the question, “Is there an anointed priesthood, and if so, what do they look like?”
Are You Able to Accept Love?
This week I was drawn to Exodus 20, where we are reminded to serve the fullest picture of Yahweh our Elohim. What is that fullest picture you may ask? I believe it is stated in the beginning and ending of the first four commands. A message of descriptive hope and love that explains the commands found between them.
Please meditate on the following verses (Exodus 20:1-7) every day leading up to this Sabbath. Let His Name begin to resonate with you, then measure your outlook.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of moving to a new home is the epitome of stress. The Employee Relocation Council has estimated that 60% of Americans rate moving as the #1 stressor in their life; more stressful than divorce, having a baby, or starting a new job. Studies have also shown that the idea of moving is a main cause for spouses or children to stay put in abusive relationships.
So why does moving hit us so hard? And, what does moving have to do with this week’s study?