Shemini - Reading #7

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Haftarah: 2 Sam. 6:1-7:17

Apostolic Writing: Matthew 3:11-17

Reading #7 - Leviticus 11:33–47

My Thoughts:

More instructions about clean and unclean. In verse 45 we read, “...make a distinction between the unclean and the clean.” This is important to Hashem. He has instructed us on what animals to eat. Think about it. He created all the animals and He knows which is best for us. Why do we not trust this and choose to eat that which He calls unclean? We really need to examine our hearts. If we really want to follow and obey Hashem then we have to trust in Him and His commands. Examine your life and make sure you are doing this, and so will I!

Challenge:

Verse 45 reads, “You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” It is Hashem’s heart for us that we strive to be holy. He created us in His image and He wants us to be like Him. That makes a lot of sense if you think about how you love Hashem and want to walk like He does. It calls for holiness. We don’t hear a lot about that in today’s world, instead we hear about everything we should do to make ourselves happy. If we aren’t happy then we get rid of things – like marriages, homes, family. Hashem calls us to be more like Him. And the only way we are going to know what that looks like is to study His special instructions to us – the Torah. I encourage you to keep reading the daily Torah. Do it as a devotion. Start your day with the Torah reading. I promise it will change your life, and you will be super blessed.

Reading #7 - Leviticus 11:33–47

11:33 Every earthen vessel into which any of them falls and all that is in it shall be unclean. You shall break it. 34 All food which may be eaten which is soaked in water shall be unclean. All drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean. 35 Everything whereupon part of their carcass falls shall be unclean; whether oven, or range for pots, it shall be broken in pieces. They are unclean, and shall be unclean to you. 36 Nevertheless a spring or a cistern in which water is gathered shall be clean, but that which touches their carcass shall be unclean. 37 If part of their carcass falls on any sowing seed which is to be sown, it is clean. 38 But if water is put on the seed, and part of their carcass falls on it, it is unclean to you.

39 “‘If any animal of which you may eat dies, he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 40 He who eats of its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. He also who carries its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

41 “‘Every creeping thing that creeps on the earth is an abomination. It shall not be eaten. 42 Whatever goes on its belly, and whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet, even all creeping things that creep on the earth, them you shall not eat; for they are an abomination. 43 You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps. You shall not make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be defiled by them. 44 For I am Hashem your Elohim. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that moves on the earth. 45 For I am Hashem who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

46 “‘This is the law of the animal, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 47 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.’”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verse 12 we read,  “King David was told, ‘Hashem has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of Elohim’s ark.’” Kind of curious when just before this, Uzzah is struck dead for trying to catch the ark as it is falling. Both people seem to be wanting to help Hashem with the ark. But, I think, here is the point of it all. Uzzah disobeys Hashem by touching the ark. Obed - Edom takes courage and care to bring the ark into their property/home. Maybe Uzzah wanted to “save” the ark from falling on the ground. But, really he just needed to TRUST that Hashem would take care of this and OBEY Hashem by not touching the ark. That’s a hard place to be in. Where you think that in disobedience to Hashem, you are doing the right thing. This is why it is so important to be close to Hashem and know His heart. In this particular instance – He wanted obedience – and He would take care of the rest. Let’s remember this and apply it to our lives!

Challenge:

David celebrates the ark coming into his tent. Imagine how exciting and wonderful that would be! We can not begin to understand the implications of this. But, then his wife, Michal is upset about this display of praise and worship. For her thoughts and words, Hashem removes the gift of childbearing from her. We can learn from this. Hashem wants “true worshipers” and if they look a little different then us – we better beware not to criticize them! Everyone has their own “way” of worship, but the important thing is that – they are worshiping! Hashem loves to be worshiped! Make sure you are giving the praises due to Him – today!

2 Samuel 6:1-7:17

6 David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 David arose, and went with all the people who were with him, from Baale Judah, to bring up from there Elohim’s ark, which is called by the Name, even the name of Hashem of Armies who sits above the cherubim. 3 They set Elohim’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house that was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 4 They brought it out of Abinadab’s house, which was in the hill, with Elohim’s ark; and Ahio went before the ark. 5 David and all the house of Israel played before Hashem with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with castanets, and with cymbals. 6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached for Elohim’s ark, and took hold of it; for the cattle stumbled. 7 Hashem’s anger burned against Uzzah; and Elohim struck him there for his error; and he died there by Elohim’s ark. 8 David was displeased, because Hashem had broken out against Uzzah; and he called that place Perez Uzzah, to this day. 9 David was afraid of Hashem that day; and he said, “How could Hashem’s ark come to me?” 10 So David would not move Hashem’s ark to be with him in David’s city; but David carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house. 11 Hashem’s ark remained in Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house three months; and Hashem blessed Obed-Edom and all his house. 12 King David was told, “Hashem has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of Elohim’s ark.”

So David went and brought up Elohim’s ark from the house of Obed-Edom into David’s city with joy. 13 When those who bore Hashem’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. 14 David danced before Hashem with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up Hashem’s ark with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

16 As Hashem’s ark came into David’s city, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out through the window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before Hashem; and she despised him in her heart. 17 They brought in Hashem’s ark, and set it in its place, in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Hashem. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Hashem of Armies. 19 He gave to all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a portion of bread, dates, and raisins. So all the people departed, each to his own house. 20 Then David returned to bless his household. Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious the king of Israel was today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”

21 David said to Michal, “It was before Hashem, who chose me above your father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Hashem, over Israel. Therefore I will celebrate before Hashem. 22 I will be yet more vile than this, and will be worthless in my own sight. But the maids of whom you have spoken will honor me.”

23 Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

7 When the king lived in his house, and Hashem had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but Hashem’s ark dwells within curtains.”

3 Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart; for Hashem is with you.”

4 That same night, Hashem’s word came to Nathan, saying, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Hashem says, “Should you build me a house for me to dwell in? 6 For I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought the children of Israel up out of Egypt, even to this day, but have moved around in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7 In all places in which I have walked with all the children of Israel, did I say a word to any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’”’ 8 Now therefore tell my servant David this, ‘Hashem of Armies says, “I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people, over Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you. I will make you a great name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. 10 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more. The children of wickedness will not afflict them any more, as at the first, 11 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Hashem tells you that Hashem will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled, and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up your offspring after you, who will proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; 15 but My loving kindness will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.”’” 17 Nathan spoke to David all these words, and according to all this vision.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

John baptized people to repentance, and Yeshua does so for the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). We know that we can not be in the presence of the Holy Spirit unless we have repentance and Yeshua taught that also. I sometimes wonder if because Yeshua knew the Temple would be destroyed soon, and gone for centuries, that is why He emphasized striving for the presence of Hashem (through His Ruach HaKodesh). That we could at least have some form of His presence in our lives until the Olam Haba (or if the Temple would arrive in our lifetime!). It seems like Hashem wants to be with us as much as we want to be with Him!

Challenge:

In verse 17 we read, “Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” Can you imagine a voice from Hashem coming from the sky? Announcing that Mashiach is here and that He is very happy about that? Maybe that’s how it will be when the Mashiach returns. Hashem will announce His arrival from heaven! And all the world will see Him (somehow) descend upon the Mt. of Olives - where it will split in two (Zechariah 14:4). What a wonderful day that will be. We will all bow down and worship the King and the glory of Hashem will fill the earth! I challenge you to think about this and to get ready.

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 3:11-17

11 “I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Ruach HaKodesh. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather His wheat into the barn, but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire.”

13 Then Yeshua came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John would have hindered Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and You come to me?”

15 But Yeshua, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.

16 Yeshua, when He was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to Him. He saw the Spirit of Elohim descending as a dove, and coming on Him. 17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Tzav - Reading #7

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Haftarah: Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 9:10-17

Reading #7 - Leviticus 8:30–36

My Thoughts:

In verse 35 we read that the sons of Aaron are to stay at the door of the Tabernacle for seven days, obey what Hashem has commanded or they will die. We know that Torah is eternal life. And for those who believe Yeshua is the Mashiach -- He is the Word. So, here it is clear. If you want to come into the presence of Hashem, you must follow His commands and instructions. To not do so will cause death to you. Isn’t that true now? If we follow Hashem and His Commandments they will bring us life. They show us how to worship, praise, follow, repent, forgive, atone, live, love Him and love others. If we don’t do all that we spiritually die. I believe that is why the world is so dark and sad. They don’t know Hashem and His Messiah. They don’t have “life”. It’s time we who believe, begin to be a “light” to the world -- reflecting the Torah and Hashem’s love for us.

Challenge:

Today I encourage you to review if you are following Hashem’s commandments? Are you honoring the Sabbath? Are you eating clean foods? Are you loving your neighbor more than yourself? Are you loving Hashem with your whole heart, soul and strength? Give yourself a spiritual check up today. And change where you need to change. Follow Him and He will give you LIFE.

Reading #7 - Leviticus 8:30–36

8:30 Moses took some of the anointing oil, and some of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, and on his sons, and on his sons’ garments with him, and sanctified Aaron, his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.

31 Moses said to Aaron and to his sons, “Boil the meat at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and there eat it and the bread that is in the basket of consecration, as I commanded, saying, ‘Aaron and his sons shall eat it.’ 32 What remains of the meat and of the bread you shall burn with fire. 33 You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your consecration are fulfilled: for he shall consecrate you seven days. 34 What has been done today, so Hashem has commanded to do, to make atonement for you. 35 You shall stay at the door of the Tent of Meeting day and night seven days, and keep Hashem’s command, that you don’t die: for so I am commanded.” 36 Aaron and his sons did all the things which Hashem commanded by Moses.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Verse 23 says to “listen to My voice and I will be your Elohim.” Pretty simple, right? But do we listen to Him? Do you feel a gentle “nudging” during your day to do something or not to do something? Do you follow that “nudge”? Chances are that Hashem is encouraging you. Listen to Him. Do what He says, or don’t do what He is telling you NOT to do! If we do this, He has promised to be our Elohim. Isn’t that so worth it!?

Challenge:

In verse 9:23 we are specifically told not to “glory” or have pride in the wisdom, might or riches we have. Everything we have comes from Hashem. He owns it all. He just “lends” things and people temporarily while we are on the earth. Don’t think for a minute that the things you possess or the children you have born, are from your “own doing”. It is all from Hashem. Remember that today, and give glory to Him for all He has done and given you. Eagerly awaiting the day He sends His Mashiach to the Temple in Jerusalem. Where we will be able to bow down and give worship to the Holy One -- Hashem!

Haftarah: Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23

7:21 Hashem of Armies, the Elohim of Israel says: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat meat. 22 For I didn’t speak to your fathers or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices; 23 but this thing I commanded them, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and I will be your Elohim, and you shall be my people. Walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ 24 But they didn’t listen or turn their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. 25 Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them. 26 Yet they didn’t listen to me or incline their ear, but made their neck stiff. They did worse than their fathers.

27 “You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you. 28 You shall tell them, ‘This is the nation that has not listened to Hashem their Elohim’s voice, nor received instruction. Truth has perished, and is cut off from their mouth.’ 29 Cut off your hair, and throw it away, and take up a lamentation on the bare heights; for Hashem has rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath.

30 “For the children of Judah have done that which is evil in my sight,” says Hashem. “They have set their abominations in the house which is called by My name, to defile it. 31 They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I didn’t command, nor did it come into my mind. 32 Therefore behold, the days come”, says Hashem, “that it will no more be called ‘Topheth’ or ‘The valley of the son of Hinnom’, but ‘The valley of Slaughter’; for they will bury in Topheth until there is no place to bury. 33 The dead bodies of this people will be food for the birds of the sky, and for the animals of the earth. No one will frighten them away. 34 Then I will cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride; for the land will become a waste.”

8 “At that time,” says Hashem, “they will bring the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of his princes, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves. 2 They will spread them before the sun, the moon, and all the army of the sky, which they have loved, which they have served, after which they have walked, which they have sought, and which they have worshiped. They will not be gathered or be buried. They will be like dung on the surface of the earth. 3 Death will be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, that remain in all the places where I have driven them,” says Hashem of Armies.

Jeremiah 9:22-23

9:22 Speak, “Hashem says,

“‘The dead bodies of men will fall as dung on the open field,

    and as the handful after the harvester.

    No one will gather them.’”

23 Hashem says,

“Don’t let the wise man glory in his wisdom.

    Don’t let the mighty man glory in his might.

    Don’t let the rich man glory in his riches.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

In verse 13 we are reminded by Yeshua that Hashem “Desires mercy, not sacrifice.” Does that mean we are not to follow His Law. Absolutely not! It means we are to live a life of righteousness and mercy. We are to be merciful to those around us that we love and to those we do not know. We are to help others when we are presented with the need to do so. Yes, sacrifice is important. But, if we are making offerings to Hashem, but ignoring those around us who need help -- then our offerings are useless. That is what He desires, for us to be merciful and giving. Then to present our clean offerings to Him. Think about it.

Challenge:

What does it mean in verses 16 and 17 when Yeshua is talking about new wine and old wineskins? I believe it simply means this. When you repent, worship and seek forgiveness you are washed, new, born again. You can come “clean” before Hashem like a “new wineskin”. When this happens you are ready to be “filled” with fresh wine, new wine. If you don’t come clean before Hashem and expect to be “filled” spiritually with new wine, you will not be able to accept it -- you will “burst”. Make sure today that you are coming prepared and clean before Hashem to be filled daily with His Holy Spirit, the “new wine”. Do not try to come before Him in “dirty” clothing, it will not work. You will not be able to come into His presence. Remember, sins separates us from Hashem.

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 9:10-17

9:10 As He sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Yeshua and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 When Yeshua heard it, He said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 13 But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

14 Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”

15 Yeshua said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made. 17 Neither do people put new wine into old wine skins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wine skins, and both are preserved.”

Vayikra - Reading #7

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

Apostolic Scriptures: Matthew 5:23-30

Reading #7 -  Leviticus 5:11–26

My Thoughts:

The offerings are not only for those who can afford it, but for those who cannot (verse 11). What a compassionate Elohim we serve that he cares equally for the poor. We see that over and over in Torah. If He cares for the poor then so should we. If you are not already supporting people in your community that need help, then I suggest you begin to do so today. There are always food banks, local overnight shelters and places that need volunteers and financial help. Let us not overlook those who need us.

Challenge:

Can we sin without knowing it? Absolutely! In verse 17 we are told of an offering that takes care of this. Even the sins we are unaware of Hashem forgives. Today I challenge you to take an inventory of your life. Sit and reflect on your daily routine and people who are in your life. Examine the things you do and say. If nothing is obvious that you have sinned, still take a moment to go before Hashem and ask for His forgiveness for the sins in your life that you are unaware of. Seek His forgiveness and repent. It may change your life today!

Reading #7 -  Leviticus 5:11–26

5:11 “‘But if he can’t afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for that in which he has sinned, one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, and he shall not put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering. 12 He shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it as the memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, on the offerings of Hashem made by fire. It is a sin offering. 13 The priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned in any of these things, and he will be forgiven; and the rest shall be the priest’s, as the meal offering.’”

14 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 15 “If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly regarding Hashem’s holy things, then he shall bring his trespass offering to Hashem: a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering. 16 He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong regarding the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.

17 “If anyone sins, doing any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, though he didn’t know it, he is still guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. 18 He shall bring a ram without defect from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing in which he sinned and didn’t know it, and he will be forgiven. 19 It is a trespass offering. He is certainly guilty before Hashem.”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verses 21 and 22 we see that Hashem has not forgotten His people and He has forgotten their transgressions and redeemed them! Hallelujah! What an awesome and incredible Elohim we serve! After centuries and multitudes of people looking after other gods, He is so willing to forgive and redeem. And that is what is happening right now. He knows we have been dispersed among the nations. We have been “mixed” in with the gentiles that do not know Him. Yet, if we go to Him and repent, and seek His face, and follow His Commandments He will forgive us and set us free! It’s true. Read Isaiah’s reading and be blessed today!

Challenge:

Once again I challenge you to look around for the false “gods” that you serve. Whether it be money, job, relationships, material things, boats, cars, houses -- reconsider following with a pure heart -- the one true Elohim. Examine your life today. Look around at what is so important to you. And discover what is really important. Whom do you serve?

Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

43:21 The people which I formed for Myself,

    that they might declare My praise.

22 Yet you have not called on Me, Jacob;

    but you have been weary of Me, Israel.

23 You have not brought Me any of your sheep for burnt offerings,

    neither have you honored Me with your sacrifices.

I have not burdened you with offerings,

    nor wearied you with frankincense.

24 You have bought Me no sweet cane with money,

    nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices,

but you have burdened Me with your sins.

    You have wearied Me with your iniquities.

25 I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;

    and I will not remember your sins.

26 Put Me in remembrance.

    Let us plead together.

Declare your case,

    that you may be justified.

27 Your first father sinned,

    and your teachers have transgressed against Me.

28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary;

    and I will make Jacob a curse,

    and Israel an insult.”

44 Yet listen now, Jacob My servant,

    and Israel, whom I have chosen.

2 This is what Hashem who made you,

    and formed you from the womb,

    who will help you says:

“Don’t be afraid, Jacob my servant;

    and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,

    and streams on the dry ground.

I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,

    and My blessing on your offspring:

4 and they will spring up among the grass,

    as willows by the watercourses.

5 One will say, ‘I am Hashem’s;’

    and another will be called by the name of Jacob;

    and another will write with his hand ‘to Hashem,’

    and honor the name of Israel.”

6 This is what Hashem, the King of Israel,

    and his Redeemer, Hashem of Armies, says:

“I am the first, and I am the last;

    and besides Me there is no Elohim.

7 Who is like Me?

    Who will call,

    and will declare it,

    and set it in order for Me,

    since I established the ancient people?

Let them declare the things that are coming,

    and that will happen.

8 Don’t fear,

    neither be afraid.

Haven’t I declared it to you long ago,

    and shown it?

You are My witnesses.

    Is there an Elohim besides Me?

Indeed, there is not.

    I don’t know any other Rock.”

9 Everyone who makes a carved image is vain.

    The things that they delight in will not profit.

    Their own witnesses don’t see, nor know, that they may be disappointed.

10 Who has fashioned a god,

    or molds an image that is profitable for nothing?

11 Behold, all his fellows will be disappointed;

    and the workmen are mere men.

Let them all be gathered together.

    Let them stand up.

    They will fear.

    They will be put to shame together.

12 The blacksmith takes an ax,

    works in the coals,

    fashions it with hammers,

    and works it with his strong arm.

He is hungry,

    and his strength fails;

he drinks no water,

    and is faint.

13 The carpenter stretches out a line.

    He marks it out with a pencil.

    He shapes it with planes.

    He marks it out with compasses,

    and shapes it like the figure of a man,

    with the beauty of a man,

    to reside in a house.

14 He cuts down cedars for himself,

    and takes the cypress and the oak,

    and strengthens for himself one among the trees of the forest.

He plants a cypress tree,

    and the rain nourishes it.

15 Then it will be for a man to burn;

    and he takes some of it, and warms himself.

    Yes, he burns it, and bakes bread.

Yes, he makes a god, and worships it;

    he makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.

16 He burns part of it in the fire.

    With part of it, he eats meat.

    He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.

Yes, he warms himself,

    and says, “Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire.”

17 The rest of it he makes into a god,

    even his engraved image.

He bows down to it and worships,

    and prays to it, and says, “Deliver me; for you are my god!”

18 They don’t know, neither do they consider:

    for he has shut their eyes, that they can’t see;

    and their hearts, that they can’t understand.

19 No one thinks,

    neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say,

    “I have burned part of it in the fire.

    Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals.

    I have roasted meat and eaten it.

    Shall I make the rest of it into an abomination?

    Shall I bow down to a tree trunk?”

20 He feeds on ashes.

    A deceived heart has turned him aside;

    and he can’t deliver his soul,

    nor say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?”

21 Remember these things, Jacob and Israel;

    for you are My servant.

    I have formed you.

    You are My servant.

    Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.

22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions,

    and, as a cloud, your sins.

    Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.

23 Sing, you heavens, for Hashem has done it!

    Shout, you lower parts of the earth!

    Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees,

    for Hashem has redeemed Jacob,

    and will glorify Himself in Israel.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

In verse 23 Yeshua is teaching about not forgiving others and not dealing with it. In fact, He stresses that forgiveness is so important that He will not accept our gifts at the altar -- until we make things right! How else will there be shalom peace in this world if it doesn’t start with you (me)? We must strive to make things right with others and be an example to the world. If we expect Hashem to forgive us, how much more must we forgive others? Do it today! Do not wait!

Challenge:

Sin is so serious that Yeshua says it would be better to “pluck out” our eye than to sin. Whether you agree or not, every sin you commit has a serious effect on others and thus affects the world! Whatever is causing you to sin -- get rid of it! You will be convicted as you read this, so you will know what it is. Take care of it now, do not delay. We must prepare for the Kingdom to come. We must get ready!

Apostolic Scriptures: Matthew 5:23-30

5:23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

Pekudei - Reading #7

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21

Apostolic Reading: Luke 16:1-13

Reading #7 -  Exodus 40:28–38

My Thoughts:

The Tabernacle is up and ready to serve. And the first thing that happens is Hashem’s glory FILLS the Tent of the Meeting. The place where He meets with the High Priest. All I can imagine is that there was a peaceful, powerful, overwhelming soft light of His presence. It was so amazingly strong that Moses could not enter. And it didn’t end. It continued to “hover” over the Tabernacle day and night. At night it manifested as a cloud of fire. He wanted to journey with His people to the Promised Land, and this is how He did it. I believe His presence still goes with us today, just in a different way. Maybe sometimes it is a particular sign of Him, or a feeling – but I know His Spirit travels with us – all the time. 

Challenge:

Here is the big “take away” from today’s Parashat. When the cloud gets up and moves - you move! You don’t wait to see if He really meant it and maybe He will come back. Or you don’t take your time to decide if you want to follow Him now or wait until later. You go. He goes, you go. And that is what I am talking about for TODAY. If He is asking you to do something – simply follow His lead. Don’t hesitate, you will regret it forever. I remember one of our trips to Israel and we were in Jerusalem. It was raining and I had an umbrella but an older gentleman passed me by and was getting soaked because he did not have one. I felt like Hashem said to me, “Give him your umbrella”. I don’t know if I was scared, or didn’t really believe Hashem told me to do this. But, I hesitated and soon the man was way down the street. I have regretted that decision for years. Who knows, maybe that act of kindness would have changed his life. Or maybe he was having a really hard day and just needed to know someone cared. I missed my chance. I repented and have tried to faithfully listen to Hashem ever since. Follow the “cloud” of Hashem, and when He moves, you move.

Reading #7 - Exodus 40:28-38

28 He put up the screen of the door to the tabernacle. 29 He set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, as Hashem commanded Moses. 30 He set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water therein, with which to wash. 31 Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and their feet there. 32 When they went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came near to the altar, they washed, as Hashem commanded Moses. 33 He raised up the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and Hashem’s glory filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses wasn’t able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Hashem’s glory filled the tabernacle. 36 When the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys; 37 but if the cloud wasn’t taken up, then they didn’t travel until the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of Hashem was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Amazingly, centuries later the Tent of Meeting is brought to Jerusalem where Solomon has built a “house” Temple for Hashem. They bring in all the items and in verse 10 we read, “It came to pass, when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled Hashem’s house.” Just like when Moses completed the Tabernacle and the cloud filled the holy of holies! It makes you think that Hashem must be so pleased and happy when He can dwell with His people in His house! We must keep praying that the Temple is rebuilt for Hashem so He can come back and fill His house with His glory. Imagine that!

Challenge:

David wanted to build a house for Hashem, but Hashem instructs him that He wants his son, Solomon, to build His house. Was David disappointed, or did He respect Hashem’s decision? Or was he just so amazed and excited that Hashem would even speak to him – and then tell him He wanted a house. Hashem chooses David to be King over Israel, and then after him, Solomon rules. The point being sometimes we don’t always get what we want. David wanted to build the house but could not. I’m sure Moses wanted to go into the Holy of Holies, but could not. Can you think of something you wanted that you never got? Maybe Hashem just wants to appreciate and care for what you have. Maybe He just wants you to be happy about knowing Him and His Torah! What do you think?

Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21

51 Thus all the work that king Solomon did in Hashem’s house was finished. Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of Hashem’s house.

8 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, with all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ households of the children of Israel, to king Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Hashem’s covenant out of David’s city, which is Zion. 2 All the men of Israel assembled themselves to king Solomon at the feast, in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3 All the elders of Israel came, and the priests picked up the ark. 4 They brought up Hashem’s ark, the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent. The priests and the Levites brought these up. 5 King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle, that could not be counted or numbered for multitude. 6 The priests brought in the ark of Hashem’s covenant to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under the cherubim’s wings. 7 For the cherubim spread their wings out over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above. 8 The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place before the inner sanctuary; but they were not seen outside. They are there to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets which Moses put there at Horeb, when Hashem made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 It came to pass, when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled Hashem’s house, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for Hashem’s glory filled Hashem’s house. 12 Then Solomon said, “Hashem has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. 13 I have surely built you a house of habitation, a place for you to dwell in forever.”

14 The king turned his face around, and blessed all the assembly of Israel; and all the assembly of Israel stood. 15 He said, “Blessed is Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, who spoke with His mouth to David your father, and has with His hand fulfilled it, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that My name might be there; but I chose David to be over My people Israel.’

17 “Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Hashem, the Elohim of Israel. 18 But Hashem said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you shall not build the house; but your son who shall come out of your body, he shall build the house for My name.’ 20 Hashem has established His word that He spoke; for I have risen up in the place of David my father, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as Hashem promised, and have built the house for the name of Hashem, the Elohim of Israel. 21 There I have set a place for the ark, in which is Hahsem’s covenant, which He made with our fathers, when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

This is a tough parable to understand. I did some research on it and so might you. The best I can say is that the manager apparently was not doing a good job. Looks like he was going to lose it so it tries to make some instant friends by diminishing their debt. Maybe the manager doesn’t know this, but the debtors begin to pay their debts. The manager did get a little “creative” about retrieving some money. Was that what he was commended for? I have no idea. But one could discern that Yeshua wants us to be “shrewd” with the gifts (money) that we have, or maybe even our talents. This has to do with getting reading for the world to come. How do you interpret this story? Talk about it with someone you know – it will make a good discussion.

Challenge:

Verse 10 says if you are faithful in little things you will be faithful in bigger ones. Is that true about you? Do you respect and take care of small things in your life? For example, your child asks you to play with him/her and you are too tired and make some excuse. Or do you take time and play with him/her – even though you would rather rest? In other words, you put your child above yourself. You become faithful in being a good parent with something small. This qualifies you to believe you will also be faithful when it comes to a larger challenge. Ponder on this for a minute and make sure you take heed to those small things today.

Apostolic Reading: Luke 16:1-13

16 He also said to his disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a manager. An accusation was made to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 He called him, and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’

3 “The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don’t have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, they may receive me into their houses.’ 5 Calling each one of his lord’s debtors to him, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my lord?’ 6 He said, ‘A hundred batos of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘How much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred cors of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’

8 “His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light. 9 I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents. 10 He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 If you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve Elohim and Mammon.”