Korach - Reading #7

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Haftarah: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22

Apostolic Writing: John 19:1-17

Reading #7 - Numbers 18:21–32

My Thoughts:

In verse 26 we read about the “tithe of the tithes”. If you think about this it’s really pretty wonderful. Even the priests are to tithe. And if all they have is what the people give them, then they are tithing off of the tithe! We are all to “give back” to Hashem. And sometimes this happens in unusual ways. You may tithe to an organization to help support Israel or the building of the Temple. You may buy groceries for a neighbor in need, or help out a relative. Whatever it is, remember it is all Hashem’s. Really everything we have is Hashem’s! 

Challenge:

The priests are to wave the “best part” of their offerings. So, think about it. Hashem does look at things in degrees of goodness. If there is “best” then there is “worst”. Let’s look at our own lives. Do we have a “best” and a “worst” of how we act and live? I have a simple challenge for you today. Review your life. Make sure you are doing your best. We are only here on the planet for a short time, let us not misuse our talents and our time. Make it your goal to give Hashem your best in all you do -- in worship, prayer, giving and loving. It is required of us. And it will bring us closer to Hashem -- which is our ultimate goal.

Reading #7 -  Numbers 18:21–32

21 “To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting. 22 Henceforth the children of Israel shall not come near the Tent of Meeting, lest they bear sin, and die. 23 But the Levites shall do the service of the Tent of Meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. Among the children of Israel, they shall have no inheritance. 24 For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to Hashem, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’”

25 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Moreover you shall speak to the Levites, and tell them, ‘When you take of the children of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall offer up a wave offering of it for Hashem, a tithe of the tithe. 27 Your wave offering shall be credited to you, as though it were the grain of the threshing floor, and as the fullness of the wine press. 28 Thus you also shall offer a wave offering to Hashem of all your tithes, which you receive of the children of Israel; and of it you shall give Hashem’s wave offering to Aaron the priest. 29 Out of all your gifts, you shall offer every wave offering to Hashem, of all its best parts, even the holy part of it.’

30 “Therefore you shall tell them, ‘When you heave its best from it, then it shall be credited to the Levites as the increase of the threshing floor, and as the increase of the wine press. 31 You may eat it anywhere, you and your households, for it is your reward in return for your service in the Tent of Meeting. 32 You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it its best. You shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that you not die.’”

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts:

In verse 12:12 Samuel reminds the people that “Elohim was your king”. Yet they desire an earthly king. It is easy for us to read this and pass judgment on the Israelites -- right? How could they demand a “king” when Hashem was king over all? They already had the best and greatest king of all! How could the Elohim of the universes not be enough? It seems like we could never understand their request. But just think for a minute. Don’t we do the same thing? Don’t we not accept Hashem as final authority in our lives at times? Think of when you make a decision to do something wrong, something you know is against His commands. Aren’t you saying to Him, “You are not king over my life. I can do what I want.” Or we place other “kings” over Him -- like money, government and relationships. Take a moment to review how you view Hashem. Is He the ultimate King over your life? If not follow Him as so, today.

Challenge:

This story of the Chosen people wanting an earthly king just reminds me of how we always want “more”. What Hashem gives us is just not enough. Just as Hashem was the most wonderful King over HIs people, they wanted more. They wanted what their neighbors had. They had kings that told them what to do and they could see them. Our King takes faith to believe that He is telling us what to do and that we can see Him spiritually. For some that is not enough. Think of the times in your life when you called out to Elohim, “Where are you?” and you just had to have faith that He was there. Try to pray and ask Elohim for more faith today. Faith that He is King, He hears you and that you know He loves you. Even when in times you are not able to “feel” like He is. Don’t go on feelings. Go on facts. He does love you and He does listen to you. And He is there for you. And He is King of your life!

Haftarah: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22

11:14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come! Let’s go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.” 15 All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before Hashem in Gilgal. There they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before Hashem; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

12:1 Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. 2 Now, behold, the king walks before you. I am old and gray-headed. Behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth to this day. 3 Here I am. Witness against me before Hashem and before His anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Of whose hand have I taken a bribe to make me blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.”

4 They said, “You have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither have you taken anything from anyone’s hand.”

5 He said to them, “Hashem is witness against you, and His anointed is witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.”

They said, “He is witness.” 6 Samuel said to the people, “It is Hashem who appointed Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 7 Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before Hashem concerning all the righteous acts of Hashem, which He did to you and to your fathers.

8 “When Jacob had come into Egypt, and your fathers cried to Hashem, then Hashem sent Moses and Aaron, who brought your fathers out of Egypt, and made them to dwell in this place. 9 But they forgot Hashem their Elohim; and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab; and they fought against them. 10 They cried to Hashem, and said, ‘We have sinned, because we have forsaken Hashem and have served the Baals and the Ashtaroth; but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve You.’ 11 Hashem sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you lived in safety.

12 “When you saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when Hashem your Elohim was your king. 13 Now therefore see the king whom you have chosen and whom you have asked for. Behold, Hashem has set a king over you. 14 If you will fear Hashem, and serve Him, and listen to His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of Hashem, then both you and also the king who reigns over you are followers of Hashem your Elohim. 15 But if you will not listen to Hashem’s voice, but rebel against the commandment of Hashem, then Hashem’s hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.

16 “Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Hashem will do before your eyes. 17 Isn’t it wheat harvest today? I will call to Hashem, that He may send thunder and rain; and you will know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in Hashem’s sight, in asking for a king.”

18 So Samuel called to Hashem, and Hashem sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people greatly feared Hashem and Samuel.

19 All the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to Hashem your Elohim, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king.”

20 Samuel said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. You have indeed done all this evil; yet don’t turn away from following Hashem serve Hashem with all your heart. 21 Don’t turn away to go after vain things which can’t profit or deliver, for they are vain. 22 For Hashem will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased Hashem to make you a people for Himself.

Apostolic Writings

My Thoughts:

The people are rebelling against Yeshua, just like the people rebelled against Moses. However, in this story Yeshua is murdered on a stake. The people “win”. Only as we know they really lost. They lost the King that Hashem had sent to change the world. The whole charge against Yeshua was that He was trying to be King. They knew the Romans would oppose this and it was a threat to their existence. They had forgotten that when Yeshua was King, He would take care of everything. They had lost faith and trust. And they eventually lost their King. The good news is that the Mashiach will return and rule as King forever. He will reign from HIs throne in the Temple in Jerusalem and every knee will bow.  Let us not be like the Israelites in this week’s portion and challenge who Hashem has put in authority over us. Let us remember Yeshua as our King.

Challenge:

I have given you this challenge before. Look at your life and who Hashem has placed earthly authority over you. Do you respect him/her or do you complain and plot against them? Instead of spending your time in unhappiness over who is your authority -- pray for them. I did this once for an awful coworker of mine. She wasn’t in authority over me, but I had to work with her several times a week. After I prayed for her for a while, the most amazing thing happened. She changed. Right before my eyes! Instead of being wicked and mean, she turned kind and generous. She was healed from whatever caused her not to be who Elohim called her to be. ANd she was a pleasure to work with. Pray for those in authority over you. It just may change the world -- and certainly your life!

Apostolic Writings:John 19:1-17

19 So Pilate then took Yeshua, and flogged him. 2 The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment. 3 They kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they kept slapping him.

4 Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”

5 Yeshua therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, “Behold, the man!”

6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify!”

Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of Elohim.”

8 When therefore Pilate heard this saying, he was more afraid. 9 He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Yeshua, “Where are you from?” But Yeshua gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t You speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release You and have power to crucify You?”

11 Yeshua answered, “You would have no power at all against Me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”

12 At this, Pilate was seeking to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t Caesar’s friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!”

13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Yeshua out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement”, but in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.” 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”

15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify Him!”

Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”

The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

16 So then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Yeshua and led Him away. 17 He went out, bearing His cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull”, which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha”.

Shelach - Reading #7

Shelach שְׁלַח-לְךָ - Send For Yourself

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24

Apostolic Scripture Readings: Matthew 10:1-14

Reading #7 - Numbers 15:27–41 

My Thoughts:

In verse 30 we read about sinning with a “high hand”. I looked this up and apparently it means with pride, arrogance and sometimes with violence. To me this means that the sin that is being acted upon is done so with deliberate malice. It would be like going up to someone you are disturbed about and thinking “I don’t care what Hashem thinks, I'm going to kill him/her!” Where you deliberately defy what Hashem has taught you and commit the act of sin. Wow. Do we ever need to be careful? Because I can think of times, Hashem forgive me please, where I deliberately sinned. I knew I was disobeying Hashem, but did it anyway. This hurts Hashem and hurts (affects) those around us. And this must stop. If you keep the Torah close to your heart, and fresh in your mind every day -- it will definitely help you not to sin. We must do this. The cost is too high. Sin causes separation from Hashem and death. It’s just not worth it. Is it?

Challenge:

In verses 37-41 we learn about the tzitzit. This is a blue string hung on the four corners of your garment. When you look at the tzitzit you are reminded to follow Torah. Some will say this is only for men. But, as a woman I wear one tzitzit on my belt line. It has four blue strings. I don’t wear a four cornered prayer shawl or shirt, so this is how I decided to do it. I challenge you today to study the wearing of tzitzit, and figure out how you are going to fulfill this commandment. Be brave and stand up for the Torah. It is a visual reminder, every day, that you are to follow Torah and not sin. It is really a beautiful commandment.

Reading #7 - Numbers 15:27–41

15:27 “‘If a person sins unwittingly, then he shall offer a female goat a year old for a sin offering. 28 The priest shall make atonement for the soul who errs when he sins unwittingly before Hashem. He shall make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven. 29 You shall have one law for him who does anything unwittingly, for him who is native-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them.

30 “‘But the soul who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, blasphemes Hashem. That soul shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he has despised Hashem’s word, and has broken His commandment, that soul shall be utterly cut off. His iniquity shall be on him.’”

32 While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 34 They put him in custody, because it had not been declared what should be done to him.

35 Hashem said to Moses, “The man shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him with stones outside of the camp.” 36 All the congregation brought him outside of the camp, and stoned him to death with stones, as Hashem commanded Moses.

37 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 38 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue. 39 It shall be to you for a fringe, that you may see it, and remember all Hashem’s commandments, and do them; and that you don’t follow your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to play the prostitute; 40 so that you may remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your Elohim. 41 I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim: I am Hashem your Elohim.”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

This Torah portion has to do a lot with sending out people to do special things for Hashem. Moses sent out the 12 spies, and in this Haftarah reading, Joshua sends out 2 spies to view the land. It is a great story because these two men meet with a dedicated servant, are hidden from the enemy and blessed with a good report. When Hashem sends us out to do special things are we careful to bring back a good report? This means that we have accomplished what He has asked us to do, and that we are blessed to carry out His will. We need to be careful that we do not go out to do something He has asked us -- and complain. Do Hashem’s work with a joyful heart. You will be super blessed in return.

Challenge:

What about Rahab in this story? She risked her life to save the two men from Moses. She saw that they were followers of the one true Elohim, and did all she could to protect them. Let’s look at our lives today. Are we willing to protect and go the extra mile for those who serve Hashem? Or would we risk our lives to save the life of someone else? I am reminded of the people during the Holocaust who helped and risked their lives to hide out Jewish people and children. If that were happening today, would you risk your life and your family’s life to hide someone? It is something to consider ahead of time. What are you willing to do to help your brother or sister in Hashem?

Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24

2 Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, including Jericho.” They went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and slept there.

2 The king of Jericho was told, “Behold, men of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land.”

3 Jericho’s king sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for they have come to spy out all the land.”

4 The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I didn’t know where they came from. 5 About the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, the men went out. Where the men went, I don’t know. Pursue them quickly. You may catch up with them.” 6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and hidden them under the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. 7 The men pursued them along the way to the fords of the Jordan River. As soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate. 8 Before they had lain down, she came up to them on the roof. 9 She said to the men, “I know that Hashem has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how Hashem dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 11 As soon as we had heard it, our hearts melted, and there wasn’t any more spirit in any man, because of you: for Hashem your Elohim, He is Elohim in heaven above, and on earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, please swear to me by Hashem, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true sign; 13 and that you will save alive my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death.”

14 The men said to her, “Our life for yours, if you don’t talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Hashem gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.”

15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was on the side of the wall, and she lived on the wall. 16 She said to them, “Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers find you. Hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward, you may go your way.”

17 The men said to her, “We will be guiltless of this your oath which you’ve made us to swear. 18 Behold, when we come into the land, tie this line of scarlet thread in the window which you used to let us down. Gather to yourself into the house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household. 19 It shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood will be on his head, and we will be guiltless. Whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand is on him. 20 But if you talk about this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless of your oath which you’ve made us to swear.”

21 She said, “Let it be as you have said.” She sent them away, and they departed. Then she tied the scarlet line in the window.

22 They went and came to the mountain, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers sought them all along the way, but didn’t find them. 23 Then the two men returned, descended from the mountain, crossed the river, and came to Joshua the son of Nun. They told him all that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, “Truly Hashem has delivered all the land into our hands. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us.”

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

Yeshua is giving a special command to His disciples to go to the “lost sheep of Israel” (verse 6). Why was this? I have often speculated that Yeshua came during a time when the people of Hashem were straying away from Him. The Temple had been corrupted by the Romans, and the people were under severe oppression. Maybe the Torah was not being taught from the heart and people were not understanding the true meaning of its purpose and plan. But, for whatever reason, the people were “lost”. And Adonai cared so much for His people that He sent a messenger, the Mashiach, to deliver the Truth to them. To restore and redeem their lives back to Him. What a heavy request this was for His disciples. I am sure they did their best to obey His directions.

Challenge:

Verse 13 is very interesting, “If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.” Have you ever gone over to a friend's house and tried to talk about Torah and Hashem? You brought your peace and truth into their home and were rejected? This verse clearly tells us to shake it off, and your peace will return to you. The important thing is that you tried. And you must keep trying. It is so important to be Hashem’s light and a witness to His Torah, His truth. Now you know if you are turned away, that you don’t have to lose your peace over it. Stand strong and love others more than yourself. That is my challenge for you today. Amen!

Apostolic Scripture Readings: Matthew 10:1-14

10:1 He called to Himself His twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; 3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5 Yeshua sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans. 6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. 9 Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts. 10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. 11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on. 12 As you enter into the household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.

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.”