So we think we have it bad when we speak out. But maybe we should consider the lockdowns, political injustice, and torture by the Roman Empire during the time of Yeshua. If we can’t proclaim the gospel now, do you think you would have proclaimed it back then?
Shoftim is the name of our Torah portion this week. It means “judges.”
Our readings in Deuteronomy 16-21 include topics like; administration of justice, commands for kings, portions to Levites, true prophets, cities of refuge, landmarks, rules for warfare, murder cases, and how to take care of captive women. These topics address righteous justice within a nation where order is needed. Our modern world has lost the ability to judge according to the laws of Moses as given by Yahweh.
. Corruption is rampant, while leaders seek what is right in their own eyes. Greed, power, and control rule our courts and government, causing many of us try to scramble toward what we thought was normal. And when we don’t find it, anger soon engulfs us.
We cry out, “It’s not fair—it’s all wrong!”
John the Baptist recognized the corruption of the Roman Empire and he understood his role in proclaiming a different kingdom. He said:
“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord.” The very next day, John states, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
The message of John is critical for us to understand our world. “Make straight” addresses our current need for Yeshua to take our crooked ways and straighten them if we but cry out. Secondly, John points to the Lamb—the perfect sacrifice that we must accept into our lives to be cleansed.
As we near the end of world events and prophecy prepares us for Yeshua’s coming as king, we need to apply these first two steps: Recognize our sin and partake in the Lamb. Upon doing this, we have the opportunity to go about Yah’s work proclaiming The Coming King to a lost world.
“And whatever you ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14
At first glance this text seems like a credit card to be used for personal benefit, often quoted by prosperity ministries. But is this the intent? Consider the stipulation, “that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” This seems to imply that our request is for a Kingdom not of this earth. So, if we are followers of Yeshua, our requested proclamation should glorify the Father recognizing His mighty hand to interject.
Here is the good news! This world is going through birth pangs. We should expect to feel pain during these birth pangs just like a woman goes through pain before the glory of delivery. Through His justice, Yahweh will deliver His people out of this world and into a new world. So why are we concerned about the pain we know we will go through? Is it necessary to be born again?
Yeshua knew His disciples would be hated by this world. But He states:
“I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. . . because I live, you shall live also. On that day you shall know that I am in My father, and you in Me and I in you.” John 14:18-19
In Isaiah 51, we are told that Yahweh will judge this world. Therefore, He tells us to listen, look, seek, pay attention, awake, and put on strength. This can only be done if we become followers of Yeshua. As we read further on into Isaiah 61, we find that there are proclamations of liberty and freedom as well as a direction to the year of the Lord and a day of vengeance. Many believe that this text refers to us proclaiming the need to follow Messiah and to bring the captives out of darkness.
The point is this. Rather than being afraid or upset about the current world, why not consider WHY we are here in the world?
I, I Myself, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of mortal man,
And of a son of man who is made like grass, That you have forgotten the LORD your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth,
That you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, As he makes ready to destroy? And where is the rage of the oppressor? Isaiah 51:12-13
Awake, awake, Clothe yourself in your strength, Zion; Clothe yourself with your beautiful garments Isaiah 52:1
Are we here to live where we want to live? To build what we want to build? Drive what we want to drive? Or are we here to proclaim the good news? Are we here to be silenced by an evil world or are we here to shine a light into darkness?
The righteous man Lot, while in Sodom, was silenced by his world. His soul was tormented according to the book of Peter. But I wonder if he would have been less “tortured” if he would have spoken of His God. Remember, Yahweh would have saved Sodom, if but ten were righteous. Lot could have been more vocal to bring others to the kingdom. I don’t know. But it’s something to consider.
The stated rules for the kings of Israel, was for them to put away the riches and cares of the world. They were to steer clear of chariots and horses for amazing warfare use. They were to stay clear of many women (a representation of nations and philosophies) to keep their nation focused on their mission. They were to open the Torah to read, study and to “judge fairly.” They were to be concerned about the Kingdom of Yah.
So if we are to be kings in Yahweh’s Kingdom, why are we so worried? His Kingdom is about to show itself. Are you ready?
Be Blessed,
Rollyn