I heard a person recently state that the various rules found in Torah were silly, outdated, and even
vindictive. But are they? How do they compare with man’s way of thinking?
This week’s Torah section is called Ki Tetse, which means “When you go out,” an interesting description, though wonderfully important, in that many of us struggle in learning how to behave when “going out” into the world.
In Yahweh’s wisdom, He recognized our “hardened heart” (Matt. 19:8) and gave Torah (Laws) to Moses so that we could deal with one another and live a life of peace. I was personally reminded of God’s heartfelt intention for us when I read the following:
“For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the Lord of Hosts and your Redeemer to the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth.” Is. 54:5
“See I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and diversity; in that I command you today to love the Lord your God to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments that you may live . . .”
The word ‘Torah’ is the Hebrew word for teaching or direction for life. The “laws” were given to His people for their benefit and spiritual wellbeing. Of course, within this particular study, there are many laws given to the people for a variety of reasons. Here are just two areas that I found interesting in the book of Deuteronomy:
Personal responsibility commands:
Don’t blame someone else for your own sin–24:1
Clean up after yourself so your stink doesn’t affect others–23:13
Seek God’s prosperity over the world’s–23:6
Be careful on what comes out of your mouth, especially a vow–23:21-23
Build a home railing on your roof so visitors don’t fall off–22:8
Commands to support your family:
Don’t fight your husband’s battles–25:11
Don’t bring embarrassment or shame to your family by rebelliousness, prostitution, or false claims– 21:18 & 22:17, 18 & 23:17,18
Accept your own gender, not someone else’s gender–22:5
I wonder what this world would look like if we remotely considered the ideals of personal responsibility and support for one’s family reputation?
This is why I love the commands of Yahweh. They literally give a directive towards our wellbeing. His laws are simple to understand and they provide us with true identity. They enhance our life.
Consider some of man’s laws. Do they give us life or do they take away life?
In 1942, the case of Wickard vs. Filburn was brought before the Supreme Court. It was decided that Mr. Filburn grew too much of his own wheat. Since the President at the time (FDR) was trying to put a cap on the price of wheat, Mr. Filburn was told that he had to discard the excessive wheat that he had grown. Wow! Did this case bring life to Mr. Filburn?
Torah law would have let Mr. Filburn provide for his own family, his neighbors and even the poor. Think about what could have happened if President Roosevelt would have asked Mr. Filburn to follow the Biblical command of leaving wheat in the field for the poor rather than discarding the wheat. (Duet. 24:19) Instead, Federal commerce was a higher priority.
Man’s law took away the rights of an individual.
Recently, the laws of Oregon have adopted the right of parents to be taken away. Parents will not have choice in student curriculum. Starting in Kindergarten, students are shown books that deal with sexuality and immoral behavior. How does this measure up to Torah? Does this conflict with “raise up a child in the way he should go and honor your mother and father?”
Man’s law seeks to destroy the family. Some people tell me they won’t vote. I say this, “if you don’t vote you agree with modern day morality, for morality is what sets policy and policy sets up law in the foreign land.” If we currently have a voice why do we shut our voices?
Yahweh created us with a mind that seeks out guidelines that are well thought out or discussed, not edicts that bind people in fear and confusion. Man’s law lacks compassion for life itself. It seeks to satisfy the few, while ignoring the needs of families, children, business, activity, and the breath of life itself. It’s void of Biblical principles.
So, what is our opportunity right now? Because we are currently living in a world of chaos, we have the opportunity to start sharing life by giving good news directives from the teachings of Yahweh. People are starting to look for something better than laws based on man’s greed or bias. Yes, we are called to share the ultimate story of Yeshua dying for our sins, but do we ever consider sharing the Laws of His Word over the laws of men? Our Creator provides answers for the created. He provides a model by which we can live so we can experience a fruitful life. Let’s share the laws of life!
Be Blessed,
Rollyn