Beha'alotcha - Reading #7

Beha’alotcha  בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting

Torah: Numbers 8:1-12:16

Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7

Apostolic Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:14-21

Reading #7 - Numbers 11:30-12:16

My Thoughts:

Another challenge about authority. Miriam and Aaron are coming to Moses and basically asking him why they can’t be in charge too. They insist they hear from Hashem just as strong as Moses does. Hashem does not like this criticism and punishes Miriam in a public way. Here we learn that if you are going to debate what Hashem says, you could be in serious trouble. It’s important that we all respect those in spiritual authority. Unless they are directly contradicting Hashem’s Word, it is good to support them and trust that they are hearing from Hashem. In other words, be careful who you challenge. 

Challenge:

Moses is humble. Even when his sister condemns him, he goes to Hashem and begs for Him to heal her. He loves her and forgives her and intercedes that Hashem will spare her. And He does. Are you ready to defend someone after they have hurt your feelings? Next time someone close to you offends you, I challenge you NOT to get angry but to understand. Give them a chance, pray for them and forgive them. They will learn and so will you.

Reading #7 — Numbers 11:30–12:16

30 :1 Moses went into the camp, he and the elders of Israel. 31 A wind from Hashem went out and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, about a day’s journey on this side, and a day’s journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the earth. 32 The people rose up all that day, and all of that night, and all the next day, and gathered the quails. He who gathered least gathered ten homers; and they spread them all out for themselves around the camp. 33 While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, Hashem’s anger burned against the people, and Hashem struck the people with a very great plague. 34 The name of that place was called Kibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who lusted.

35 From Kibroth Hattaavah the people traveled to Hazeroth; and they stayed at Hazeroth.

12:1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 They said, “Has Hashem indeed spoken only with Moses? Hasn’t He spoken also with us?” And Hashem heard it.

3 Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men who were on the surface of the earth. 4 Hashem spoke suddenly to Moses, to Aaron, and to Miriam, “You three come out to the Tent of Meeting!”

The three of them came out. 5 Hashem came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. 6 He said, “Now hear my words. If there is a prophet among you, I, Hashem, will make myself known to him in a vision. I will speak with him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so. He is faithful in all my house. 8 With him, I will speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in riddles; and he shall see Hashem’s form. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?” 9 Hashem’s anger burned against them; and he departed.

10 The cloud departed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

11 Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, please don’t count this sin against us, in which we have done foolishly, and in which we have sinned. 12 Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.”

13 Moses cried to Hashem, saying, “Heal her, Elohim, I beg you!”

14 Hashem said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, shouldn’t she be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.”

15 Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven days, and the people didn’t travel until Miriam was brought in again. 16 Afterward the people traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

A story about Joshua, angels, demons and Hashem.  One of my favorite Scriptures for overcoming an enemy is in verse 6:1  “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says Hashem of Armies.” In other words, we can’t really depend on ourselves and the things we do, but by Hashem’s Spirit are we able to do things. Think of it. Walking in the Spirit with His power is much better than trying to do things in our own power. Don’t you agree? Think about how you can start transforming from what you do to what He shows you to do! You will see some amazing miraculous things!

Challenge:

Joshua’s angel helps him to be rid of his “filthy garments” or the “sin” in his life. He assists him to find repentance and the way to cleanliness. We know that that can only come from obedience to Torah. It comes from loving Hashem and loving others. And this is daily maintenance and work. Every time we “sin” or disobey Hashem and His Torah we must teshuvah - repent and return. This must be earnest and we must put strong effort into this. If we are to walk in “clean” clothing we must be loving Hashem with our whole heart, soul and strength -- and resisting temptation to fall. Let’s try doing that today and be sure to ask Hashem for His help to do this. 

Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7

3 He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Hashem’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. 2 Hashem said to Satan, “Hashem rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Hashem who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”

3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel. 4 He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”

5 I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.”

So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and Hashem’s angel was standing by. 6 Hashem’s angel protested to Joshua, saying, 7 “Hashem of Armies says: ‘If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by. 8 Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are men who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring out my servant, the Branch. 9 For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,’ says Hashem of Armies, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 10 In that day,’ says Hashem of Armies, ‘you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’”

4;1 The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?”

I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lamp stand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are on the top of it; 3 and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.”

4 I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”

5 Then the angel who talked with me answered me, “Don’t you know what these are?”

I said, “No, my lord.”

6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is Hashem’s word to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says Hashem of Armies. 7 Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and he will bring out the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace, to it!’”

Apostolic Scripture Reading

My Thoughts:

Today we read about the huge story of the “loaves and fishes”. He starts out with very few, asks Hashem to bless the food, and it multiplies. How wonderful and amazing is that? All the people get fed and everyone is content. This helps them to hear His message. Hungry people can get grumpy, right? But, Yeshua takes care of this -- He feeds them abundantly. Just like in Torah when  Hashem feeds the people with manna and quail. He always takes care of us, sometimes in unusual ways!

Challenge:

Giving thanks. The miracle of multiplying the food does not happen until Yeshua gives thanks. How often do you do that? Do you ask Hashem for something and then give Him thanks. I am asking Him for something huge this week, and I am going to start just giving Him thanks. I thank Him and praise Him that I know Him and that whatever He chooses to do, I will love Him through it. If you have something you are asking for, start praising Him! Bless you!

Apostolic Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:14-21

14:14 Yeshua went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 When evening had come, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.”

16 But Yeshua said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”

18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.

Nasso - Reading #7

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Torah Reading: Numbers 4:21-7:89

Haftarah: Judges 13:2-5

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 1:11-20

Reading #7 - Numbers 7:72–89

My Thoughts:

In verse 89 we read that Moses heard “His voice” speaking to him above the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies.  How magnificent this must have been! Hashem is pleased with His special gifts from His special people. The offerings and sacrifices of obedience have been met. All is well. If even just for a short time. Isn’t that the way it is with us too? All can be super good and right - for a short time. But, that’s when we have to show our love and trust even during the hard times. It’s during those times we grow really close to Hashem, because we are having to depend on Him. If you are going through a good time -- give your shouts of praise to Hashem. If you are going through a challenging time -- thank Him for staying by your side and assuring you that it will all work out! Amen!

Challenge:

Who could enter the Holy of Holies during this time? Just Moses and the High Priest Aaron. And I believe Aaron could only enter on Yom Kippur -- the Day of Atonement. Time with Hashem is a special time. Time to be appreciated and to look forward to. My challenge to you today is to think about the “time” you spend with Hashem. Is it special? Do you plan it? Do you try to spend time with Him every day? I tend to talk to Him throughout the day. I like to think He is with me through everything I do. In the morning I do my Bible Torah study and I always feel like He is giving me revelation and direction through His Holy Scripture. I try to pray for His Land and His people (Israel) every day. Make sure you are giving special time to be with the Father (and Yeshua if you believe). He is the whole reason for our existence. I pray we never forget that.

Reading #7 - Numbers 7:72–89

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, prince of the children of Asher, 73 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

74 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

75 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

76 one male goat for a sin offering;

77 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, 79 gave his offering:

one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

80 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;

81 one young bull,

one ram,

one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

82 one male goat for a sin offering;

83 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

84 This was the dedication offering of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles; 85 each silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; 86 the twelve golden ladles, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the ladles weighed one hundred twenty shekels; 87 all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs a year old twelve, and their meal offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering; 88 and all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings: twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty male lambs a year old. This was the dedication offering of the altar, after it was anointed.

89 When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Hashem, he heard His voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and He spoke to him.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In this week’s Torah Portion, Hashem describes to us the “Nazarite vow”. And here in Judges we read about Samson and how even before he is conceived an angel tells his mother that Samson will be a Nazarite. And he will be set apart to defend Israel. Sometimes Hashem does call us to tasks and sets us apart. I think the next time He does this with me I will try and follow the Nazarite instructions. It makes sense. A clear mind from alcohol, especially over time, really helps you to have a clearer focus. This might be something we all think about.

Challenge:

I don’t know if any of you have ever had an “angel” from Hashem come to you. I know that there have been times in my life when it seems like an “angel” came and helped me through a particular situation. Our family has a story about when our two adopted sons first came to us from Korea. Before we met them on the plane, we had arrived at Chicago O’hara Airport. We had gotten lost at the airport and it was getting close to their arrival. Out of nowhere appeared a woman, dressed in a suit, and asked us if we needed help. She walked with us for a while and then showed us clearly where to go. We thanked her and started walking. We turned around and she had disappeared! There were a few other times too, where we feel we may have had a little “visitation”. The challenge today is to think of times when unusual things happened. Did it involve an angel? Maybe a special “messenger” from Hashem has visited us. And that is a wonder and an honor don’t you think?

Haftarah: Judges 13:2-5

2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and childless. 3 Hashem’s angel appeared to the woman, and said to her, “See now, you are barren and childless; but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don’t eat any unclean thing; 5 for, behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come on his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to Elohim from the womb. He shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”

Apostolic Scripture Reading

My Thoughts:

This is the story of Gabriel, an angel appearing to the father of John “the Baptizer”. He tells the father that John will be a Nazarite, just like Samson that we read about in Judges today. His son, John, will be “set apart” do a wonderful task. He will teach the people to return to Hashem, and prepare the way for the Mashiach Yeshua. To do this, John has to be clean and thoughtful, regarding the things of Hashem. When Hashem picks people to do special things for Him, He wants them to be serious about their calling. He wants them to be spiritual and not worldly. 

Challenge:

I was thinking this may be one of the few times an angel is named (Gabriel). Isn’t it interesting to think that Hashem has named all of His celestial beings? There is a Psalm that says He has an angel to protect us (Psalm 91:11 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”). Isn’t that amazing? My challenge for you today is to think about the angel that Hashem has given you to protect you. Does he have a name? Wouldn’t that be so wonderful if we knew the name of our special protector? Let’s take a minute to thank Hashem for the angel He has given us! Amen!

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 1:11-20

11 An angel of Hashem appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of Hashem, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to Hashem their Elohim. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for Hashem.”

18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of Elohim. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Bamidbar - Reading #7

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 4:1-17

Reading #7 - Numbers 4:1–20

My Thoughts:

This reading is about “coverings”. When they get ready to move on and have to pack up the Tabernacle, Hashem has instructed them to use coverings over the holy items. He does not want the sons of Kohath touching anything holy. He wants everything to remain holy. He is a caring and merciful Elohim. He wants things taken care of properly with order. I think we forget how holy and special the Tabernacle and all the items contained are -- and of course the Holy of Holies. The presence of Hashem is so wonderful and glorious that much care must be given in the how and way this will occur. We have no idea how incredible the presence of Hashem is. We weren’t there. But, Hashem gives special instructions -- in case we forget. And when the Temple returns, and the glory of Adonai fills the Temple -- we must be ready for special procedures and careful preparation.

Challenge:

When you think of “coverings”, you may think of the Kippah -- the hat that Jewish men wear. It is done to honor Elohim. And to not be like “gentiles”. I had heard that it is a covering that covers you from the presence of angels above. Whatever the reason, it is a symbol of being “covered” in order to maintain Elohim’s holiness, just like the articles of the Tabernacle. Today, think about your own life. What kind of “coverings” do you have that protect you? We use umbrellas in the rain, blankets at night, and hats in the sun (and sports games). But, what do we do spiritually? Do we cover ourselves with purity, righteousness, peace and love? This type of spiritual covering could certainly maintain holiness with Hashem in our lives. Anger, hate, lying, cheating -- any sin, will keep us “uncovered” and “naked”, not preparing us to be in the presence or holiness of Hashem. Try to prepare yourself for the holiness of Hashem. “Cover” yourself with holy things, not evil. All so you can enjoy His presence!

Reading #7 - Numbers 4:1–20

4:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, 3 from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.

4 “This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting, regarding the most holy things. 5 When the camp moves forward, Aaron shall go in with his sons; and they shall take down the veil of the screen, cover the ark of the Testimony with it, 6 put a covering of sealskin on it, spread a blue cloth over it, and put in its poles.

7 “On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the cups with which to pour out; and the continual bread shall be on it. 8 They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

9 “They shall take a blue cloth and cover the lamp stand of the light, its lamps, its snuffers, its snuff dishes, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it. 10 They shall put it and all its vessels within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it on the frame.

11 “On the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

12 “They shall take all the vessels of ministry with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.

13 “They shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth on it. 14 They shall put on it all its vessels with which they minister about it, the fire pans, the meat hooks, the shovels, and the basins—all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of sealskin, and put in its poles.

15 “When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. The sons of Kohath shall carry these things belonging to the Tent of Meeting.

16 “The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the requirements of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings.”

17 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 18 “Don’t cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; 19 but do this to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint everyone to his service and to his burden; 20 but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Wonderful last verse in 18 “In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field, and with the birds of the sky, and with the creeping things of the ground. I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land, and will make them lie down safely.” After all that mankind will do to Hashem, ignore Him, forget Him, disobey Him -- He will restore us. He has an unconditional love for us that exceeds anything we know on this planet. Imagine if we treated others like He treats us. There would be no war, no fighting, no starvation, abuse, etc. Because no matter what we do, He still loves us and will redeem us. Love Adonai with your whole heart, soul and strength. And try to do good.

Challenge:

In verse 13 we read that they “forgot Him”. They went after other gods, did their own thing, disobeyed and literally forgot about Adonai. We can read this and think, “How could they do this?”. And yet we do it too! Every time we disobey Torah we are “forgetting” Hashem! We are forgetting His unconditional love and forgiveness. His faithfulness to us every day. I notice the closer I try to get to Hashem, the more severe the littlest disobedience appears to become. I can hardly stand it anymore when I disobey. My challenge to you today is to think about how you “forget” Hashem in your life. Correct what you find and do it immediately. Disobedience separates us from Hashem. But, gratefully He will always bring us back.

Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22

2:1 “Say to your brothers, ‘My people!’

    and to your sisters, ‘My loved one!’

2 Contend with your mother!

    Contend, for she is not my wife,

    neither am I her husband;

and let her put away her prostitution from her face,

    and her adulteries from between her breasts;

3 Lest I strip her naked,

    and make her bare as in the day that she was born,

and make her like a wilderness,

    and set her like a dry land,

    and kill her with thirst.

4 Indeed, on her children I will have no mercy;

    for they are children of unfaithfulness;

5 For their mother has played the prostitute.

    She who conceived them has done shamefully;

for she said, ‘I will go after my lovers,

    who give me my bread and my water,

    my wool and my flax,

    my oil and my drink.’

6 Therefore behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns,

    and I will build a wall against her,

    that she can’t find her way.

7 She will follow after her lovers,

    but she won’t overtake them;

and she will seek them,

    but won’t find them.

Then she will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband;

    for then it was better with me than now.’

8 For she didn’t know that I gave her the grain, the new wine, and the oil,

    and multiplied to her silver and gold, which they used for Baal.

9 Therefore I will take back my grain in its time,

    and my new wine in its season,

    and will pluck away my wool and my flax which should have covered her nakedness.

10 Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers,

    and no one will deliver her out of my hand.

11 I will also cause all her celebrations to cease:

    her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths, and all her solemn assemblies.

12 I will lay waste her vines and her fig trees,

    about which she has said, ‘These are my wages that my lovers have given me;

    and I will make them a forest,’

    and the animals of the field shall eat them.

13 I will visit on her the days of the Baals,

    to which she burned incense,

when she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels,

    and went after her lovers,

    and forgot Me,” says Hashem.

14 “Therefore behold, I will allure her,

    and bring her into the wilderness,

    and speak tenderly to her.

15 I will give her vineyards from there,

    and the valley of Achor for a door of hope;

and she will respond there,

    as in the days of her youth,

    and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

16 It will be in that day,” says Hashem,

    “that you will call me ‘my husband,’

    and no longer call me ‘my master.’

17 For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth,

    and they will no longer be mentioned by name.

18 In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field,

    and with the birds of the sky,

    and with the creeping things of the ground.

I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land,

    and will make them lie down safely.

19 I will betroth you to me forever.

    Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion.

20 I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness;

    and you shall know Hashem..

21 It will happen in that day, I will respond,” says Hashem,

    “I will respond to the heavens,

    and they will respond to the earth;

22 and the earth will respond to the grain, and the new wine, and the oil;

    and they will respond to Jezreel.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

All three times that Yeshua is tempted He uses Scripture to refute the enemy. I suggest that we would do the same. Whenever I feel like I am under “attack” and things are going poorly I may pray, “Greater is He in me – than He who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.  It helps me to remember that Hashem will always be with me and that He is far greater than any pesky demon. Right? Also, the power of the spoken word of Adonai makes a powerful weapon. We know His word is holy and right – it gives life and protects. Use it.

Challenge:

In verse 17 we read, “...repent the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” I believe this is exactly why Hashem sent Yeshua, His emanation to the world. To have everyone repent and turn back towards Hashem. People were straying from Hashem and His Truth. They were following false idols and disobeying His anointed Torah instructions. Yeshua knew the Temple was going to be destroyed, the people persecuted and sent away. He came to usher in the Messianic Age – an age of peace and His presence. But, people did not believe Him, killed Him and punishment came. Here is the great news – He (the Mashiach) is coming back. And this time He will usher in the Messianic Age and the Olam Haba. My challenge is to you for conviction. To be convicted of your sins and to repent. To teshuvah and make retribution for what you have done. I believe the sooner we do this, the sooner He will come back. Let’s start today. Make things right with Hashem and your neighbor. Do not delay! Amen!

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 4:1-17

4:1 Then Yeshua was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 When He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was hungry afterward. 3 The tempter came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of G-d, command that these stones become bread.”

4 But He answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of Adonai's mouth.’

5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city. He set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If you are the Son of G-d, throw yourself down, for it is written,

‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and,

‘On their hands they will bear you up,

    so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”

7 Yeshua said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Hashem your Elohim.’” 

8 Again, the devil took Him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 He said to Him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”

10 Then Yeshua said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship Hashem your Elohim, and you shall serve Him only.’” 

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served Him.

12 Now when Yeshua heard that John was delivered up, He withdrew into Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, He came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

    toward the sea, beyond the Jordan,

    Galilee of the Gentiles,

16 the people who sat in darkness saw a great light;

    to those who sat in the region and shadow of death,

    to them light has dawned.”

17 From that time, Yeshua began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Behar/Bechukotai - Reading #7

BEHAR/BECHUKOTAI

Leviticus 25:1-27:34

Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14

Apostolic Writing: Luke 4:14-22; Matthew 16:20-28

Reading #7 -  Leviticus 27:16-34

My Thoughts:

I am assuming that the tenth of the crops and animals that are dedicated to Hashem in this passage are actually given to the Tabernacle for the priests to manage. I do not understand all the details of this, except that Hashem asks His people to do this. And if you think of it -- it makes sense. We have crops, animals, blessings, only because Hashem has given to us. So, to give back to “Him” or to the service for Him, is appropriate and actually an honor. It reminds us that everything is His. He owns “all the cattle on the hill”. 

Challenge:

We may not have instructions here for how to give a tithe of the things we own when there is currently not a Temple, but we can figure out a way to honor these commands in our life. We can “tithe” to people and organizations that serve Hashem and His Torah to the best they are able. That’s my challenge for you today. Are you giving “back” to Hashem at least 10% of what He has “loaned” to you in this life? There are many wonderful organizations in Israel that support aging Holocaust victims, the poor, the Temple, small businesses in the areas where Jews are not highly populated and of course the wonderful ministries in our own country that help people who are not fortunate. Pray and seek out how you can financially help someone else or a ministry that serves Hashem. You will be blessed in return and you will be obeying His Torah.

Reading #7 -  Leviticus 27:16-34

27:16 “‘If a man dedicates to Hashem part of the field of his possession, then your valuation shall be according to the seed for it. The sowing of a homer of barley shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver. 17 If he dedicates his field from the Year of Jubilee, according to your valuation it shall stand. 18 But if he dedicates his field after the Jubilee, then the priest shall reckon to him the money according to the years that remain to the Year of Jubilee; and an abatement shall be made from your valuation. 19 If he who dedicated the field will indeed redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall remain his. 20 If he will not redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more; 21 but the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee, shall be holy to Hashem, as a devoted field. It shall be owned by the priests.

22 “‘If he dedicates a field to Hashem which he has bought, which is not of the field of his possession, 23 then the priest shall reckon to him the worth of your valuation up to the Year of Jubilee; and he shall give your valuation on that day, as a holy thing to Hashem. 24 In the Year of Jubilee the field shall return to him from whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land belongs. 25 All your valuations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel.

26 “‘However the firstborn among animals, which belongs to Hashem as a firstborn, no man may dedicate, whether an ox or a sheep. It is Hashem’s. 27 If it is an unclean animal, then he shall buy it back according to your valuation, and shall add to it the fifth part of it; or if it isn’t redeemed, then it shall be sold according to your valuation.

28 “‘Notwithstanding, no devoted thing that a man devotes to Hashem of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed. Everything that is permanently devoted is most holy to Hashem.

29 “‘No one devoted to destruction, who shall be devoted from among men, shall be ransomed. He shall surely be put to death.

30 “‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Hashem’s. It is holy to Hashem. 31 If a man redeems anything of his tithe, he shall add a fifth part to it. 32 All the tithe of the herds or the flocks, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy to Hashem. 33 He shall not examine whether it is good or bad, neither shall he exchange it. If he exchanges it at all, then both it and that for which it is exchanged shall be holy. It shall not be redeemed.’”

34 These are the commandments which Hashem commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verse 17:6 we read that man is cursed who follows man not Elohim. In 17:7 we read that the man who follows Hashem is blessed. Simple isn’t it? If we follow Hashem we will be happy and fulfilled, if we do not -- then we will find life hard and barren. What do you choose? To follow or not to follow? I choose Hashem!

Challenge:

Verse 16:19 ways Hashem is a “refuge” in the day of affliction. That means when things are really going wrong you can run to Him and He will comfort and shelter you. But, only if you are following Him. Obeying His Torah, loving and serving Him. It’s like you can feel whether He is there for you or not. If you sin, it seems He leaves the room. If you do things to please Him -- it seems like He is ever present. My challenge to you today is if you are going through a difficult time, to look for Adonai. Try to trust in your heart, that He is there for you. That He does have a plan, it’s just that His time is different then our time. Try to be patient. And start praising Him for things you have asked Him to do. I am confident He will hear you. And also try your hardest to follow Torah to the best of your ability. He will reward you!

Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14

16:19 Hashem, my strength, and my stronghold,

    and my refuge in the day of affliction,

the nations will come to you from the ends of the earth,

    and will say,

“Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies,

    vanity and things in which there is no profit.

20 Should a man make to himself gods

    which yet are no gods?”

21 “Therefore behold, I will cause them to know,

    this once I will cause them to know My hand and My might.

    Then they will know that My name is Hashem.”

17 “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron,

    and with the point of a diamond.

It is engraved on the tablet of their heart,

    and on the horns of your altars.

2 Even their children remember their altars

    and their Asherah poles by the green trees on the high hills.

3 My mountain in the field,

    I will give your substance and all your treasures for a plunder,

    and your high places, because of sin, throughout all your borders.

4 You, even of yourself, will discontinue from your heritage that I gave you.

    I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you don’t know,

    for you have kindled a fire in my anger which will burn forever.”

5 Hashem says:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man,

    relies on strength of flesh,

    and whose heart departs from Hashem.

6 For he will be like a bush in the desert,

    and will not see when good comes,

but will inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,

    an uninhabited salt land.

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in Hashem,

    and whose confidence is in Hashem.

8 For he will be as a tree planted by the waters,

    who spreads out its roots by the river,

and will not fear when heat comes,

    but its leaf will be green,

and will not be concerned in the year of drought.

    It won’t cease from yielding fruit.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things

    and it is exceedingly corrupt.

    Who can know it?

10 “I, Hashem, search the mind.

    I try the heart,

even to give every man according to his ways,

    according to the fruit of his doings.”

11 As the partridge that sits on eggs which she has not laid,

    so is he who gets riches, and not by right.

In the middle of his days, they will leave him.

    At his end, he will be a fool.

12 A glorious throne, set on high from the beginning,

    is the place of our sanctuary.

13 Hashem, the hope of Israel,

    all who forsake you will be disappointed.

Those who depart from me will be written in the earth,

    because they have forsaken Hashem,

    the spring of living waters.

14 Heal me, O Hashem, and I will be healed.

    Save me, and I will be saved;

    for you are my praise.

Apostolic Writing

My Thoughts:

Yeshua is prophesied in Isaiah 61. He fulfills this prophecy, even in detail. He has been sent to “preach the good news to the poor.” We were taught this meant the “good news” was His death and resurrection. Yes it is wonderful He was resurrected and ascended into heaven. But, I believe His “good news” was that of the Torah. He taught the “heart” of Torah, how Hashem loves us so much He gave us guidelines how to live and serve Him. And how we must return to Hashem, so that He will return to us. (Malachi 3:7) That was the good news! That by following Torah we have life!

Challenge:

In Matthew 16:24 we are told that if we are to follow Yeshua and the Torah we are to “deny” ourselves. Why is that? Because when you have to follow rules, sometimes you must give up things that you would rather do! So, you deny yourself and obey Hashem. My challenge for you today is to review your life (once again) and see if you are “denying” yourself of fleshly desires and mental wishes. If you are not having to deny yourself of anything then chances are you are not really following some instruction in Torah. Or it could mean that maybe you have progressed far in your spiritual walk and have already “given up” your fleshly desires. You have already denied yourself so many times, that following Torah and Yeshua come naturally. Check out your life. If something is getting in the way of following Yeshua and Torah, then give it up today!

Apostolic Writing: Luke 4:14-22; Matthew 16:20-28

Luke 4:14 

Yeshua returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding area. 15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

18 “The Spirit of Hashem is on Me,

    because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted,

    to proclaim release to the captives,

    recovering of sight to the blind,

    to deliver those who are crushed,

19     and to proclaim the acceptable year of Hashem.” (Isaiah 61:1-2)

20 He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

22 All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth, and they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Matthew 16:20 

Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that He was Yeshua the Mashiach.

21 From that time, Yeshua began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from you, L-rd! This will never be done to You.”

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of Elohim, but on the things of men.”

24 Then Yeshua said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will render to everyone according to His deeds. 28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.”