Showing posts with label Reading #7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading #7. Show all posts

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Ha'Azinu - Reading #7

Ha'Azinu הַאֲזִינוּ - Listen!

Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51

Apostolic Writing: John 6:26-35


Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 32:44–52


My Thoughts:


Here is the end of Moses' journey with Hashem to the Promised Land. It is so very sad that after all of Moses’ dedication and work that he can not enter the land. But it is a stark remembrance to all of us, that sin is powerful and has strong repercussions. Yes, we know Hashem forgave Moses, but He did not forget. He passed a judgment at the time of Moses sin (at the water of Meribah) and He held to that judgment. It makes me think that there is a consequence to disobedience. We can repent and teshuvah, but we still must suffer the effects of what we have done. This reminder to us today should keep us in check. Let us think carefully before disobeying the Father. Amen. 


Challenge:


Today we are reminded also that Torah is life! In verse 47 we read, “...it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long…”. As we have studied Torah each day throughout this past year we have been “filled” with Hashem’s Word. What a blessing it is to have eaten it every day. Now soon we will go back to the beginning of Torah and start all over again. It will be a new year with new revelation and more miracles in our lives. We will be reminded every day of Hashem’s promises and His requirements of how to live our lives! My challenge to you today is to start over again after Sukkot in the new Torah cycle. Read, study, pray, worship and live His Word every day! It will give you abundant life and liberty! Amen!


Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 32:44–52


32:44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. 45 And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”


48 That very day the Lord spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.”


Haftarah


My Thoughts:


Here is a beautiful testimony from David about Hashem’s deliverance, love and faithfulness. In verse 36 we read, “You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.” Hashem gave David a special anointing. He protected in fierce ways and yet was gentle in displaying His love for him. This is just what we can look forward to today in Hashem. Again His faithfulness and protection requires us to be righteous and faithful to Him. We must be obedient to His Laws and Commandments. Make today a new day and resolve that you will do this. That you will serve Hashem with your whole heart, soul and strength. Amen!


Challenge;


If you are in trouble, sick or need Hashem’s help -- here is wonderful Scripture to read -- especially verse 7, “In my distress I called upon Hashem; to my Elohim I called. From His Temple He heard my voice, and my cry came to His ears.” I believe when we call out to Hashem with all of our heart, that He does hear us. Sometimes it may not seem so because it doesn’t appear that our prayers are being answered. But from my experience, I can testify He always does hear you. He just may have a different way of hearing your prayer. Sometimes we pray for healing for someone and they die. We think He didn’t hear our prayer. But He did. That person we prayed for has ultimate wonderful healing in Paradise with Him! That person is in the best part of eternity! My challenge to you is to ask for more faith from Hashem. Faith that He does hear us and that we have evidence of that. Amen.


Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51


22:1 And David spoke to Hashem the words of this song on the day when Hashem delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,


“Hashem is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

3     my Elohim my Rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation,

    my stronghold and my refuge,

    my Savior; You save me from violence.

4 I call upon Hashem, who is worthy to be praised,

    and I am saved from my enemies.


5 “For the waves of death encompassed me,

    the torrents of destruction assailed me;

6 the cords of Sheol entangled me;

    the snares of death confronted me.


7 “In my distress I called upon Hashem;

    to my Elohim I called.

From His Temple He heard my voice,

    and my cry came to His ears.


8 “Then the earth reeled and rocked;

    the foundations of the heavens trembled

    and quaked, because He was angry.

9 Smoke went up from His nostrils,

    and devouring fire from His mouth;

    glowing coals flamed forth from Him.

10 He bowed the heavens and came down;

    thick darkness was under His feet.

11 He rode on a cherub and flew;

    He was seen on the wings of the wind.

12 He made darkness around him His canopy,

    thick clouds, a gathering of water.

13 Out of the brightness before Him

    coals of fire flamed forth.

14 Hashem thundered from heaven,

    and the Most High uttered His voice.

15 And He sent out arrows and scattered them;

    lightning, and routed them.

16 Then the channels of the sea were seen;

    the foundations of the world were laid bare,

at the rebuke of Hashem,

    at the blast of the breath of His nostrils.


17 “He sent from on high, He took me;

    He drew me out of many waters.

18 He rescued me from my strong enemy,

    from those who hated me,

    for they were too mighty for me.

19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

    but Hashem was my support.

20 He brought me out into a broad place;

    He rescued me, because He delighted in me.


21 “Hashem dealt with me according to my righteousness;

    according to the cleanness of my hands He rewarded me.

22 For I have kept the ways of Hashem

    and have not wickedly departed from my Elohim.

23 For all His rules were before me,

    and from His statutes I did not turn aside.

24 I was blameless before Him,

    and I kept myself from guilt.

25 And Hashem has rewarded me according to my righteousness,

    according to my cleanness in His sight.


26 “With the merciful you show Yourself merciful;

    with the blameless man You show Yourself blameless;

27 with the purified You deal purely,

    and with the crooked You make Yourself seem tortuous.

28 You save a humble people,

    but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

29 For you are my lamp, Hashem,

    and my Elohim lightens my darkness.

30 For by You I can run against a troop,

    and by my Elohim I can leap over a wall.

31 This Elohim—His way is perfect;

    the word of Hashem proves true;

    He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.


32 “For who is Elohim, but Hashem?

    And who is a rock, except our Elohim?

33 This Elohim is my strong refuge

    and has made my way blameless.

34 He made my feet like the feet of a deer

    and set me secure on the heights.

35 He trains my hands for war,

    so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

36 You have given me the shield of Your salvation,

    and your gentleness made me great.

37 You gave a wide place for my steps under me,

    and my feet did not slip;

38 I pursued my enemies and destroyed them,

    and did not turn back until they were consumed.

39 I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise;

    they fell under my feet.

40 For You equipped me with strength for the battle;

    you made those who rise against me sink under me.

41 You made my enemies turn their backs to me,

    those who hated me, and I destroyed them.

42 They looked, but there was none to save;

    they cried to Hashem, but He did not answer them.

43 I beat them fine as the dust of the earth;

    I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.


44 “You delivered me from strife with my people;

    You kept me as the head of the nations;

    people whom I had not known served me.

45 Foreigners came cringing to me;

    as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me.

46 Foreigners lost heart

    and came trembling out of their fortresses.


47 “Hashem lives, and blessed be my Rock,

    and exalted be my Elohim, the Rock of my salvation,

48 the Elohim who gave me vengeance

    and brought down peoples under me,

49 who brought me out from my enemies;

    You exalted me above those who rose against me;

    You delivered me from men of violence.


50 “For this I will praise you, O Hashem, among the nations,

    and sing praises to Your name.

51 Great salvation He brings to His king,

    and shows steadfast love to His anointed,

    to David and his offspring forever.”


Apostolic Writing


My Thoughts:


In verse 29 Yeshua tells His disciples to believe in Him who Hashem has sent. I believe that to “believe in Him” means to "believe Him". We are to trust in who He is and what He represents. He is an emanation of Hashem -- His representation to us. And when He came His teaching was to bring people back to Hashem through obedience in Torah. That is what He said. To believe in Him is to believe in Hashem and His Torah. He always “pointed” everyone to Hashem, to the Father. It is no coincidence that shortly after Yeshua was killed that the Temple came down. Maybe Yeshua was Hashem’s last chance for people to come back to Him. His people had strayed and followed other gods. Yeshua came to bring them back to Truth. He was not accepted. He was killed. The Temple was destroyed and the people were exiled. Someday the Mashiach will return and all will be well. But until that day, we must follow Hashem and His Torah with all of our being. Amen.


Challenge:


How beautiful is verse 35, “Yeshua said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.” I believe what He is saying is that the “bread” is Torah. If we study (eat) the Torah (bread) we will never be hungry. If we follow Hashem and Torah we will never be thirsty because we will be filled up. Isn’t that a wonderful analogy? The challenge today is that you partake in the “daily bread” of Torah. Make sure you are eating and consuming the Word of Hashem every day. Get filled up with HIM and your life will be the best. Amen.


Apostolic Writing: John 6:26-35


6:26 Yeshua answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him Elohim the Father has set His seal.” 28 Then they said to Him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of Elohim?” 29 Yeshua answered them, “This is the work of Elohim, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Yeshua then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of Elohim is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to Him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”


35 Yeshua said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.”


Saturday, September 28, 2024

Nitzavim-Vayelech - Reading #7

Nitzavim-Vayelech
Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30
Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10-63:9
Apostolic Scripture: Luke 24:1-43

Reading #7: Deuteronomy 31:20-30

My Thoughts:

Moses seems anxious about how the Israelites will fare after his death. In verse 29 he says, “For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves…”. How sad is this? After 40 years of substantial miracles and witnesses of Hashem’s power and glory, the chosen people are still disobeying Him. What is it about humankind that just can’t seem to get it together? How could they have looked upon the pillar of the cloud in the day and the pillar of fire at night? Wouldn’t that miracle alone (His presence) be enough in your life to want to stay on your knees day and night? Why are we so weak? Even today, look at the world. It is crazy. Right is wrong and wrong is right. We are so upside down. Those of us who profess to know Hashem and love Him -- still disobey Him and sin. The beauty of it all is teshuvah.  We must repent and turn around. When we turn around we don’t look back. We must become “lights” for Hashem for the rest of the world. So that He wants to send the Mashiach. Right?

Challenge:

The book of the Law in verse 25 reminds them (us) about how to live. It is a witness. That’s why they carry it in the ark. It needs to be with them at all times. Just like now. We need the Torah by our side every day. It needs to be in plain view where we can study it and learn from it. That is the advantage of doing the daily reading schedule. It is always in your life -- every day. And that is my challenge to you today. Make a promise to yourself that as the new Torah cycle begins (after Sukkot) that you will immerse yourself. Pick a time every day to study and if you happen to miss a study, make it up. Get yourself a journal to record your thoughts. Let the Torah speak to you in powerful ways each day. Remember it is life!

Deuteronomy 31:20-30

20 For when I have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break My covenant. 21 It will happen, when many evils and troubles have come on them, that this song will testify before them as a witness; for it will not be forgotten out of the mouths of their descendants; for I know their ways and what they are doing today, before I have brought them into the land which I promised them.”

22 So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the children of Israel.

23 He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them. I will be with you.”

24 When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, 25 Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of Hashem’s covenant, saying, 26 “Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of Hashem your Elohim’s covenant, that it may be there for a witness against you. 27 For I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious against Hashem. How much more after my death? 28 Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them. 29 For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn away from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days, because you will do that which is evil in Hashem’s sight, to provoke Him to anger through the work of your hands.”

30 Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished.

Haftarah - Isaiah 61:10-63:9

My Thoughts:

I was thinking about verse 63:7 and about how good He has been to me, “ to all that Hashem has given to us.” Sometimes as we study His Scriptures we get caught up on history, or poetry, or the people of the Bible and we tend to forget all He has done for us! For me! When I look back on my life and see all the amazing and wonderful things Hashem has done - I am amazed and grateful. Thank you Hashem for all you do for us, and Your loving kindness. Trust in Him today for all that is going on in your life. He is loving you and being kind. Amen.

Challenge:

First verse in this Haftarah is “rejoice in Hashem”.  So, what does that look like to you? Are you experiencing joy today because of who He is in your life? Are you rejoicing about Him through your prayers of thanksgiving? Are you so happy and full of joy that others see that in you? I challenge you today to reflect on our life. Make sure you are displaying His love in all you do and say. If not, make it a point to improve and be better. We are to be “lights” to the nations!

Haftarah - Isaiah 61:10-63:9

10 I will greatly rejoice in Hashem!
    My soul will be joyful in my Elohim,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation.
    He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
    as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth produces its bud,
    and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring up,
    so Hashem Adonai will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

62 For Zion’s sake I will not hold my peace,
    and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
    and her salvation like a burning lamp.
2 The nations will see your righteousness,
    and all kings your glory.
You will be called by a new name,
    which Hashem’s mouth will name.
3 You will also be a crown of beauty in Hashem’s hand,
    and a royal diadem in your Elohim’s hand.
4 You will not be called Forsaken any more,
    nor will your land be called Desolate any more;
but you will be called Hephzibah,
    and your land Beulah;
for Hashem delights in you,
    and your land will be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
    so your sons will marry you.
As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
    so your Elohim will rejoice over you.

6 I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem.
    They will never be silent day nor night.
You who call on Hashem, take no rest,
7     and give him no rest, until He establishes,
    and until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

8 Hashem has sworn by His right hand,
    and by the arm of His strength,
“Surely I will no more give your grain to be food for your enemies,
    and foreigners will not drink your new wine, for which you have labored,
9 but those who have harvested it will eat it, and praise Hashem.
    Those who have gathered it will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.”

10 Go through, go through the gates!
    Prepare the way of the people!
Build up, build up the highway!
    Gather out the stones!
    Lift up a banner for the peoples.
11 Behold, Hashem has proclaimed to the end of the earth,
    “Say to the daughter of Zion,
    ‘Behold, your salvation comes!
Behold, His reward is with him,
    and His recompense before him!’”
12 They will call them “The Holy People,
    Hashem’s Redeemed”.
You will be called “Sought Out,
    A City Not Forsaken”.

63 Who is this who comes from Edom,
    with dyed garments from Bozrah?
Who is this who is glorious in his clothing,
    marching in the greatness of his strength?
“It is I who speak in righteousness,
    mighty to save.”
2 Why is your clothing red,
    and your garments like him who treads in the wine vat?

3 “I have trodden the wine press alone.
    Of the peoples, no one was with me.
Yes, I trod them in my anger
    and trampled them in my wrath.
Their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments,
    and I have stained all my clothing.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
    and the year of my redeemed has come.
5 I looked, and there was no one to help;
    and I wondered that there was no one to uphold.
Therefore my own arm brought salvation to me.
    My own wrath upheld me.
6 I trod down the peoples in my anger
    and made them drunk in my wrath.
    I poured their lifeblood out on the earth.”

7 I will tell of the loving kindnesses of Hashem
    and the praises of Hashem,
    according to all that Hashem has given to us,
and the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
    which he has given to them according to his mercies,
    and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
8 For He said, “Surely, they are My people,
    children who will not deal falsely;”
    so He became their Savior.
9 In all their affliction He was afflicted,
    and the angel of His presence saved them.
In His love and in His pity he redeemed them.
    He bore them,
    and carried them all the days of old.


Apostolic Writing: Luke 24:1-43

My Thoughts:

A curious story, indeed - how Yeshua was resurrected from the dead and meets up with some disciples on the road to Emmaus. What is so cool is that he reflects on the Scriptures pertaining to the Messiah. Their hearts are “burning” and when they break bread their eyes are opened. Then he “vanishes”. I have often thought that people “missed” the truth about Yeshua because they weren’t familiar with the Word of Elohim. And could we miss when he comes again - because we don’t study the Word and prepare. Something to think about.

Challenge:

In verse 32 we read, ““Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?”  My challenge to you is to really reflect on this verse. Does your heart “burn” when you read the Bible? Should it? You (and I) should be so filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer and worship that when we read Scripture that should literally touch our hearts with His power and revelation! We should be burning with “truth” in our whole being. If this isn’t happening to you - you may want to ask why? Get closer to Hashem today. Study His word everyday - including the daily Torah Portion. Guaranteed the “light” in your life will begin to “burn” brighter.

Apostolic Writing: Luke 24:1-43

24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They entered in, and didn’t find the L-rd Yeshua’s body. 4 While they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. 5 Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth.

They said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again?”

8 They remembered his words, 9 returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles. 11 These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.

13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 While they talked and questioned together, Yeshua Himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”

18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”

19 He said to them, “What things?”

They said to Him, “The things concerning Yeshua, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before Elohim and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

25 He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 They came near to the village where they were going, and He acted like He would go further.

29 They urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”

He went in to stay with them. 30 When he had sat down at the table with them, He took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, He gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, then He vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while He spoke to us along the way, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36 As they said these things, Yeshua Himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See My hands and My feet, that it is truly Me. Touch Me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, He said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

42 They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them.

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Ki Tavo - Reading #7

Ki Tavo כִּי-תָבוֹא - When You Enter In

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8

Isaiah 60:1-22

Matthew 4:13-24


Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 29:1–8


My Thoughts:


In verse 6 we read that the Hebrew people had not eaten bread nor drank wine for 40 years. I did a little research on this, and it seems like the “manna” or “bread” from heaven was not leavened bread. It may have been a seeded type of wafer. But, think of this -- no bread or wine for 40 years. And then celebrating bread and wine at every meal has been a tradition ever since. He takes away and He gives you back. He does this to show that He is Elohim. And the really cool part is HE IS THE BREAD AND THE WINE. He is everything we need to live. Thank you Hashem!


Challenge:


In verse 5 we read, “I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not grown old on you, and your sandals have not grown old on your feet.” Isn’t that amazing. Hashem provided everything! Food, water, clothing and sandals. And they never wore out. I have a son-in-law that has saved his clothing from 25 years ago. The amazing thing is that it hasn’t worn out. But, in all fairness -- neither has he worn them every day, like the Hebrew people did. Imagine wearing shoes for forty years and they never, ever wear out! It truly is a miracle. My challenge today is that you think about how Hashem has always provided for you. You have never been for want -- right? Thank Him and praise Him. He is the giver of everything, He is the giver of life. Amen.


Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 29:1–8


29:1 These are the words of the covenant which Hashem commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, in addition to the covenant which He made with them in Horeb. 2 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them:


Your eyes have seen all that Hashem did in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land; 3 the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. 4 But Hashem has not given you a heart to know, eyes to see, and ears to hear, to this day. 5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not grown old on you, and your sandals have not grown old on your feet. 6 You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine or strong drink, that you may know that I am Hashem your Elohim. 7 When you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, and we struck them. 8 We took their land, and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of the Manassites.


Haftarah


My Thoughts:


In verse 19 we read, “The sun will be no more your light by day; nor will the brightness of the moon give light to you, but Hashem will be your everlasting light, and your Elohim will be your glory.” This is such an incredible prophecy. In the Olam Haba, the world to come, we will actually not need the sun or the moon --the glory of Hashem, His shekinah glory will fill the earth. His Light will fill the world and it will be wonderful. We have no idea how to imagine what this would be like. I believe to be in the presence of His glory will bring us prostrate. We will not be able to stand, just lay flat. We only see in part right now, but then we will see in full. And it will be totally amazing. Thank you Hashem!


Challenge:


In verse 5 we read how people will feel when they are “brought” back to Israel -- to the Land. Verse 5 reads, “Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you. The wealth of the nations will come to you.” We will “reflect” HIs glorious light in our lives, in those days. We will be blessed with wealth from the nations. But, as I am reading this today, I think, “why can’t we reflect His light today?” And we should. We are to be a “light” to the nations. My challenge is to start being that “light” today. Let us prepare for His Light to go forth throughout the world. Let us start “shining” His light through all we do and say. Maybe we can begin to “light the way” for Hashem to come. Amen?


Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22


60:1  “Arise, shine; for your light has come,

    and Hashem’s glory has risen on you.

2 For, behold, darkness will cover the earth,

    and thick darkness the peoples;

but Hashem will arise on you,

    and His glory shall be seen on you.

3 Nations will come to your light,

    and kings to the brightness of your rising.


4 “Lift up your eyes all around, and see:

    they all gather themselves together.

    They come to you.

Your sons will come from far away,

    and your daughters will be carried in arms.

5 Then you shall see and be radiant,

    and your heart will thrill and be enlarged;

because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you.

    The wealth of the nations will come to you.

6 A multitude of camels will cover you,

    the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah.

All from Sheba will come.

    They will bring gold and frankincense,

    and will proclaim the praises of Hashem.

7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you.

    The rams of Nebaioth will serve you.

They will be accepted as offerings on my altar;

    and I will beautify my glorious house.


8 “Who are these who fly as a cloud,

    and as the doves to their windows?

9 Surely the islands will wait for me,

    and the ships of Tarshish first,

to bring your sons from far away,

    their silver and their gold with them,

for the name of Hashem your Elohim,

    and for the Holy One of Israel,

    because He has glorified you.


10 “Foreigners will build up your walls,

    and their kings will serve you:

for in my wrath I struck you,

    but in my favor I have had mercy on you.

11 Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive.

12 For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted.


13 “The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress tree, the pine, and the box tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of My feet glorious.

14 The sons of those who afflicted you will come bowing to you;

    and all those who despised you will bow themselves down at the soles of your feet.

They will call you Hashem’s City,

    the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.


15 “Whereas you have been forsaken and hated,

    so that no one passed through you,

I will make you an eternal excellency,

    a joy of many generations.

16 You will also drink the milk of the nations,

    and will nurse from royal breasts.

Then you will know that I, Hashem, am your Savior,

    your Redeemer,

    the Mighty One of Jacob.

17 For bronze I will bring gold;

    for iron I will bring silver;

    for wood, bronze,

    and for stones, iron.

I will also make peace your governor,

    and righteousness your ruler.

18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land,

    nor desolation or destruction within your borders;

but you will call your walls Salvation,

    and your gates Praise.

19 The sun will be no more your light by day;

    nor will the brightness of the moon give light to you,

but Hashem will be your everlasting light,

    and your Elohim will be your glory.

20 Your sun will not go down any more,

    nor will your moon withdraw itself;

for Hashem will be your everlasting light,

    and the days of your mourning will end.

21 Then your people will all be righteous.

    They will inherit the land forever,

    the branch of my planting,

    the work of my hands,

    that I may be glorified.

22 The little one will become a thousand,

    and the small one a strong nation.

    I, Hashem, will do this quickly in its time.”


Apostolic Writing


My Thoughts:


What did Yeshua mean when He said, “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Verse 11) Did He mean that He was bringing in the Kingdom? Was He? All that has been taught says He came to be crucified and when He was the Kingdom was “delayed”. My thought is that He did come to bring the Kingdom of Heaven. He taught Torah and His objective was to bring people back to Hashem. He knew if people did not quickly turn their hearts to Hashem, that the Temple was coming down, and the people would be dispersed. Could it be that if they would have not crucified Him -- the Temple would have stayed and He would have ushered in the Kingdom of Heaven. Something to think about.


Challenge:


In verse 23 we read, “Yeshua went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.” Yeshua was a Jewish Rabbi. He taught in the synagogues. He taught Torah and repentance. He taught about the Kingdom of Heaven. And we killed Him. The only begotten Son of Hashem. But, here is the real good news. The Mashiach will return to Jerusalem to the Temple, where He will rule and reign forever. Alongside the glory of Hashem will fill the earth. These are wonderful things to look forward to. Your challenge today -- study the words of Yeshua and try to reflect His teachings. All His teachings are about the heart of Torah, the heart of Hashem. If you follow Him and follow His teachings your life will be full, and you will have real hope for the Olam Haba (the world to come). Amen. 


Apostolic Writing: Matthew 4:13-24


4:13 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.” Isaiah 9:1-2


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


18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men.”


20 They immediately left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them. 22 They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed Him.


23 Yeshua went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24 The report about Him went out into all Syria. They brought to Him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.