Zion's Voice

Torah Portion for  1st May - 7th May

Torah portion             Leviticus 16 : 1  to  18 : 30

Haftarah portion     1 Samuel 20 : 18 - 42

“After the death”

Know before whom you stand

After the two week ‘break’ in the regular Torah reading schedule, for Pesach, we return to Leviticus. When we left the regular schedule we were informed about God’s instructions to the Levites in dealing with contagious diseases and the like. The practises seemed to be to ensure both ritual and physical cleanliness, ensuring both spiritual and physical well-being.

In our ‘reflection’ on the “Sh’mini” parashah a few weeks ago, we learned about the wrath of God, manifest the untimely death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons. We might have thought that would be the end of the matter. But it was not. It was as though God had ruminated on this event and had decided to make sure that Aaron didn’t make a similar error. Read what He said to Moses.

“…… the LORD said to Moses: "Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”

Nabad and Abihu had been presumptuous. They over-stepped the mark. We might even say that they had been over familiar with God! They had lacked respect. They did things THEIR way.

There is a good lesson for us here. The Psalmist (Psalm 111:10), I presume King Solomon, told us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” didn’t he?  That fear (“yarah” in Hebrew) has the meaning of “utter reverence”, and not “being frightened of”. However, if we were to witness the power of God manifested in the manner it was shown towards Nadab and Abihu we might feel differently. There is no place for ‘familiarity’ in our relationship with Almighty God.

Many synagogues have a special cabinet, which they call “The Ark”, in which the Torah Scrolls are kept. Often, that cabinet has these Hebrew words inscribed upon them. “Da lifnei mi atta omed”  It translates as:-     “Know before whom you stand”

They are words which I have pasted in the front cover of my Bible.

The words “What a friend we have in Jesus” are accurate, and we sing those words with joy, but we need to remember He is our ‘friend’, He is our redeemer, NOT our “mate”. Know before whom you stand.

Our parashah continues with explicit instructions for Aaron regarding the times when he could enter the Holy Place in the Tabernacle, and also the precise way in which he should prepare himself, including the way he must dress, to meet with our Holy God. Nothing is left to chance. God is saying “this is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

In the event, God instructed Moses to tell Aaron that his entry into that Holy Place was to be just ONCE each year. That time is specified as a most solemn occasion to be remembered in perpetuity by the Israelites. Today, in Israel, it is the time when EVERYONE, religious and secular, observe a solemn time of introspection. For the ten days (known as days of awe) leading up to this special day, Jews put things right with each other. Then YOM KIPPUR, the day that Aaron was told to enter the Holy Place to make atonement for himself and the people, is a day of fasting and prayer. It is not just a story in a book. It is a day of encounter with Almighty God.

And yet what I observe is that we Christians appear to think that our way is better. I wrote last week that I considered the Christian’s separation from its Hebrew roots to be one of Satan’s greatest victories over mankind. We have been robbed of the mo’edim” “of the Lord. We are the poorer for it.

In Matthew 13 we read many parables about the “Kingdom of Heaven”. A cursory knowledge of Hebrew thought tells us that this is actually the “Kingdom of God”. That Kingdom is with us, even though the King is still to appear in Jerusalem, the capital of His Kingdom on Earth, to reign for 1000 years. Our responsibility as citizens of that Kingdom is to honour the King, in loyal obedience to His authority.

We also know that at that time we will all be part of the “One New Man”, Jew and Gentile together in harmony, worshipping the King. Hallelujah. In the meantime, as we await His appearance, we could engage ourselves in ‘practice’. But that involves obedience and compliance with His commandments!!   Know before whom you stand.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for  24th April - 30th April

Torah portion                Exodus 13 : 17  - 15 : 26

Haftarah portion        Numbers  28 : 16 – 25

“Passover”

Abundant life

We come to the last day of the celebration and remembrance of “Pesach”.

The parashah narrative begins with the statement of fact that the Pharoah had finally agreed to “let the people go”. It continues with the story of the journey of escape from Egypt, and the drowning of the pursuing Egyptian army, and it ends with the provision of “sweet water” to drink out of the bitter waters of Marah. A fascinating story.

These events are well known. Even non-Christian sceptics are familiar with the story, so we do not need to re-visit the detail. But we need to find the lessons for ourselves as the story unfolds.

Last week we focussed on the prophetic significance of the whole season of the three Pesach festivals. This week we learn of the detail of the way the event unfolded for them in practical terms. In fact, as we arrive at the very end of the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” in our study this week, we see the hand of Almighty God, and a picture of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach in this parashah.

We could look at the provision of food, which rained down from Heaven each night, sufficient to satisfy each family for the whole day ahead. And that which was not eaten that day rotted before the next day! It was to be gathered and eaten FRESH each day (Miraculously, the same food lasted TWO days when the weekly Shabbat came around).

The Apostle John, in Chapter 6 from verse 32, records the words of Yeshua when He described Himself as “the Bread of Life”. He goes further by relating the “bread from Heaven” in Moses time with Himself.

“Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

It is not going too far to equate the Israelites need for a daily gathering of that bread, with our need today for a ‘daily gathering’ of the bread which Yeshua is. He taught us to pray ‘give us this day our daily bread’. I believe that this phrase has both a literal and a spiritual meaning. We need to gather our ‘bread’ DAILY, just as those Israelites did in our parashah.

We could look at the provision of water. Moses was told to strike the rock, out of which poured an abundance of clean fresh, life-giving water. Our beloved Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Corinth used a most interesting description of this water.

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food,  and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ”    1 Corinthians 10 : 1- 4.

Paul is suggesting here that the miracle of the provision of water from the Rock extended to that Rock actually following them around!! The plain sense of this is that it was Yeshua Himself, there with the Israelites on their journeying’s in the wilderness who sustained them with life giving water. On another occasion, when Yeshau was attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, at the time of the water libation Ceremony in the Temple He said:-

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."”  John 7 : 37,38

So then, as the “mo’ed” of Pesach concludes for another year, we remind ourselves that the Passover Seder which starts the celebration of this season always ends with the participants saying “Next Year in Jerusalem”. An anticipatory statement about the coming of Messiah. So we who are believers in Yeshau, can see the way in which this “appointed time” of Pesach not only speaks of Yeshau perfectly fulfilling His role as the ‘Lamb that was slain’, but also throughout the whole parashah we have reminders of His role in our lives as the sustainer of our life

For the believer, without Him there is no hope of life. With Him we have abundant life …. IF we choose to access it.  Praise be to Him.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for  17th April - 23rd April

Torah portion      Exodus 12 : 21 - 51 

Numbers 28 : 16-25                                                                                                      

Haftarah portion     Joshua  5 : 2  to  6 : 1

“Passover”

Chag Sameach

The regular sequence of Torah readings is interrupted this week because of the “mo’ed” of Pesach.

Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 have the commandments about annual observances of the “mo’edim”. (The Hebrew word for “appointed times”, which in turn is usually translated into English as “feasts”). These are times when God specified He would meet with His chosen ones.

Today, they are most often referred to as “Jewish Feasts”. That correctly describes the fact that they are observances remembered by Jews. But it is an incorrect understanding of the Scriptures.

When God gave these instructions to Moses, He carefully worded these ‘appointed times’ (mo’edim) as MY ‘mo’edim’. They may be characterized as times when God says, in effect, “I will be there to meet with you on these specific occasions”. Those who choose not to attend miss an opportunity of blessing through meeting with Him at His invitation.

This festival, known as “Pesach” (Passover), embraces THREE festivals in a period of eight days. The first of these remembers the actual day in history (the 14th day of the first month, Nisan) when the Israelites experienced the ‘salvation’ of the firstborn in their families by placing the blood of the Pesach Lamb on the doorposts and lintels of their houses in Egypt. The Lord ‘passed over’ their houses when He saw the blood.

It also is the exact Hebrew calendar date of the crucifixion of Yeshua. The Christian celebration of Easter (replacing Passover) was formalized at the Council of Nicea in the days of the Emperor Constantine of Rome. It signalled the official separation of the “church” from its Hebrew roots. (In my view one of Satan’s major victories over mankind).

The second remembrance is known as the “Feast of Unleavened Bread” which occurs on the very next day, Nisan 15. (It is a High Sabbath), and it lasts seven days, and begins and ends with a special Sabbath,  Note that there are always three Sabbaths during this Pesach festival.  The “High Sabbath” which marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, (and the Sabbath which marks the end of the festival, PLUS the normal weekly Sabbath). It is this “High Sabbath” which is the Sabbath mentioned in John 19:31 before which the Jews were anxious to confine Yeshua’s body to the grave. Then the ‘normal’ weekly Sabbath occurred immediately prior to the resurrection of Yeshua. This confirms the statement of Yeshua in Luke 11:29 (as well as in Matthew and Mark) when asked for a sign. Read it. The complete lack of understanding of this fact has caused conventional church teaching to major on an incorrect “Good Friday” crucifixion story !

Unleavened Bread is eaten during the whole eight day period of the Pesach remembrance. To Jews it is a remembrance of the fact that they ate unleavened bread,(as commanded in Exodus 12:18) as they fled from Egypt on the night of Passover. Leaven is a symbol of SIN, so to believers, the Unleavened Bread also represents the sinless body of the Messiah which was buried in the grave for three days and three nights.

The third festival in this Pesach season is the “Feast of Firstfruits”. It occurs on the day AFTER the weekly Sabbath in Pesach week. (Always a SUNDAY). It signified the beginning of the Barley Harvest and was celebrated by a priest waving an ‘omer’ (a measure) of Barley in the temple in Yeshua’s day. But it was also the day on which Yeshua was resurrected from the grave. Believers refer to it as Resurrection Sunday. (but in association with Easter rather than Passover!) It signifies that Yeshua became the “Firstfruits from the dead”.  (see 1 Corinthians15:23).

We should be grateful that churches worldwide (all varieties) remember the death and resurrection of Yeshua.  And that they do so sincerely. But more and more, many people are realizing that our roots are inextricably founded in Judaism and the Lord’s “mo’edim” (appointed times). Those that do then focus more on Passover than Easter.

In addition to your own church fellowship, this year, take the trouble to find a fellowship of believers who celebrate Passover, (I assure you the dates will not clash with Easter!) and join them in that celebration. You will be enlightened, blessed and immeasurably enriched as you do.

Chag Sameach   (Happy Holiday)

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for  10th April - 16th April

Torah portion            Leviticus 14 : 1  to  15 : 33

Haftarah portion     Malachi 3 : 4 – 24

"The leper”

A light to our path

Following the healing of the leper, described in Matthew 8, Yeshua told him to follow Moses’ instructions. Our parashah this week begins with those instructions, which included making an offering to the Lord for the restoration of fellowship following the healing.

The leprous condition is equated to sin. It is a sign of “uncleanness”. It has to be dealt with. No half measures, complete eradication. And until that point, the leprous person had to be segregated from fellowship, outside the camp. Restoration of fellowship involved blood sacrifice (as well as some other ritual practices). We might argue that the terms seem harsh, or even incomprehensible to us. But God is God. He specified the conditions then, and He specifies the conditions today!

It is analogous to our situation as sinners before the Lord. Our sin separates us from fellowship with Almighty God. We cannot assume that fellowship on our terms, much as we might try. He has provided the means. Our part is to follow God’s way, which also involves the blood sacrifice.

In practical terms, as we read through the parashah this week, these instructions make a lot of sense in that they are designed to contain the natural spread of disease and “uncleanness”. The whole parashah deals with the “uncleanness” of body and property. I find myself reluctant to over spiritualize this passage, but it is important to find the practical lesson for us today.

The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy (2 Timothy 3 :16,17) said:-

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

With the passage of time, and the enormous change in both lifestyle and living standards, these instructions seem archaic. However, we know that they are there, in part, that we might understand the nature and character of Almighty God.

Our God is a caring God. He is EL SHADDAI (Almighty God). He is YHWH-RAPHE (God who heals). It is not His wish that any should go astray. His instructions are given for our benefit and delight. Remember the words of King David in Psalm 119 : 104–108 :-

“Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your  word. Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and  teach me Your judgments”.

David accepted that during his life, he would, and did, encounter affliction. We are no different. What makes the real difference is how we deal with that affliction. Most of us have encountered people who seem to have endured incredible affliction. We marvel at the peace and tranquillity of spirit which they portray. Almost invariably we find that they are people who have a close walk with God.

A few weeks ago, I speculated that Leviticus would be the place where "New Year resolutions” terminated!! Those who set out to read the Scriptures from Genesis to “Maps” in one year meet a hurdle in Leviticus. It is a difficult book to read without getting ‘bogged down’ in detail. It does not flow easily in the modern context, and we need to constantly remind ourselves that it is an ‘instruction manual’ for the Priesthood. (the Levites).

BUT it IS still the Word of God. It IS there for our instruction in righteousness. I commend you to persevere. There are blessings abundant for those who "endure to the end”.

May I respectfully request of those who regularly read these 'reflections' to please share with us any insight God might illuminate to you as you study this passage. We will all be the wiser for the sharing!!

God’s word is a light to our path

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for  3rd April - 9th April

Torah portion             Leviticus 12 : 1  to  13 : 59

Haftarah portion     Ezekiel 45 : 16 – 46 : 18

“Has conceived”

It’s about your body!

The parashah this week makes for quite easy reading, but is rather more difficult to relate to modern day living in Australia! But there are lessons for us.

We remind ourselves that the instructions in the book of Leviticus were given for the benefit of the priests. Those instructions had significant relevance to the interpersonal relationships between the Levitical Priesthood and the people amongst whom they ministered. When a new baby was born, it would have been a member of the Levitical priesthood who would officiate at the “brit milah” (circumcision).

Circumcision was a covenant sign which was instituted in Abraham’s day, some hundreds of years earlier. Perhaps this provides our first lesson from this parashah. The commandments of the Lord are everlasting, even if the people forget them or simply neglect to practise them. Just ponder the differences in lifestyle which had occurred in the 500 or so years since Abraham was given this instruction. The Israelites had endured over 400 years (that’s several generations of people) of slavery in Egypt. During that time, of which we have little description except for its latter days, it is possible that the covenant observances had fallen away. They were now being led through a desert land, where, in effect, God had them all to Himself, so that He could now begin, again, to teach them to live as He purposed they should live. To train them in the ways of righteously living together as “His special treasure”.

It might have been tempting for them to say “O that was an instruction for a different people years ago, it doesn’t apply to us” But in His love, mercy and grace towards them, He began the task of instructing them again. Can anyone else (other than me!) remember this verse of that beautiful hymn we used to sing years ago?

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Apart from the “brit milah”, the rest of the portion focuses on the relationship between the Levitical Priesthood and the people in respect to contagious and discharging infections. The detail is quite remarkable. It provided an authority amongst them for determining who should be isolated from the community and for how long. It also would have given them a sense of respect for the Priests amongst them.

In illustration of this, look at Matthew 8:4. A man with leprosy asked Yeshua to “make me clean”. We may assume that this poor man had followed the procedure we have just read about in our parashah. Then Yeshua healed him, made him clean again, but that was not enough. He then instructed the man to strictly ‘observe the commandment of Moses’. Read it. We sometimes lose sight of the fact that Yeshua (as well as ALL His disciples, including the Apostle Paul) was completely Torah observant all His life on Earth, and did not rescind any commandment. In fact, we read in Matthew 5:19 that anyone who teaches otherwise will be called “least in the Kingdom of Heaven”. Heavy stuff eh!

Our parashah continues to the end of Chapter 13 instructing the Levitical Priests how to deal with infections (which are given the general term of ‘leprosy’) which are observed on fabrics and skins. It is not very inspiring reading, except that it again illustrates God’s amazing love and care for those who are His. On this point we may learn another lesson from this parashah. Because we know that we worship Almighty God, who does not change, we may be sure that He has exactly the same concerns for our welfare as He did for these Israelites of old.

When Yeshua commissioned His disciples to go and spread the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 10, He assured them, amongst other things, that “the very hairs of your head are numbered”. An amazing statement of love and concern for those who are his.

But we cannot leave this parashah without stating the obvious. God has for all time made provision for those who willingly join Him in fellowship. That applied to the Torah of Moses and the means of ‘drawing near’ which was the characteristic of the sacrificial system. It applies to those who ‘draw near’ today by willingly accepting the salvation offered by the atoning death and resurrection of Yeshua.

In BOTH instances, there was, and is, MORE involved. It is not JUST an assent with the mind, it is an action which changes a lifestyle. The Apostle Paul has put it much better than I ever could.                          

Read Romans 12:1,2      

It’s about your body!                                

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for 27th March - 2nd April
 

Torah portion             Leviticus 9 : 1  to  11 : 47

Haftarah portion     Ezekiel 36 : 16 – 38

“Eighth”

A reflection of the future!

For the past two weeks we have learned about the sacrifices, their purpose, and the manner of their presentation before the Lord. Our parashah last week concluded with the consecration of Aaron and his sons for their Priestly duties. That included consuming their portion of the various sacrifices which had been made in the consecration process. For a period of seven days, they were required to remain inside the Tabernacle.

Our parashah this week starts on the “eighth” day. The day the Priestly consecration was complete.

Moses instructs Aaron to make a series of sacrifices, for both himself and for the people, in the precise order we discussed last week. Moses tells him that when that is done “The Glory of the Lord will appear to you”.

In effect, deal with the sin first (the sin offering or trespass offering). Commit yourselves completely to God (the burnt offering or grain offering). Establish fellowship or communion between the Lord, the Priest and the people (peace offering). Then be amazed at the “Shekina” of the Lord. On that particular occasion, the “shekinah” of the Lord appeared to all the congregation in the form of fire. Fire which consumed the burnt offering which was on the altar. Fire which assured the people that their sacrifice was acceptable to Almighty God. Fire which caused them to fall on their faces in worship.

Can you see, as I see, a future event which is foretold by this parashah before us today?

In Revelation 19 : 4 we read of the time when Babylon (the kingdom of the great harlot of Scripture, Satan) is finally defeated. Salvation, made possible by sacrifice of the “Lamb of God”, is proclaimed. The sacrificial death and resurrection of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach is complete and accepted. The ‘four and twenty elders’ fall down before the Throne of God in worship saying “Amen! Allelujah!” and Yeshua, our sacrifice, appears.

“His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns.

 He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called

The Word of God.”

Behold the “shekinah” of God.  Hallalujah, what a saviour!.

Leviticus Chapter 10 then relates a story about two of Aaron’s four sons. Nadab and Abihu, who, seemingly, took matters into their own hands. We are not told anything of their motive, but whatever it was displeased God. The Bible students amongst us may care to research this matter !!

My speculation is that in the midst of the exultation of the people at seeing the “shekinah” of God, they took it upon themselves, as high profile Priests, to try to share the “shekinah” of God by attempting to deflect some of that adulation to themselves.

Five times in the Torah alone (the five books of Moses), God is described as “a jealous God”. He will not share His glory with anyone. Satan was cast out of fellowship with God because he sought equality with God. In Matthew 7:21, we read of some people who are destined to be very disappointed when ‘the books are opened’. Dare we speculate that they will be those who seek to share in the “shekinah” of God? There are some high profile ‘Priests’  today, very wealthy people, who, in my view, seek to share the “shekinah” of God by the way they present themselves. Perhaps they should read this “reflection”!!!

Our parashah ends with a dissertation on “kosher” foods. What an unpopular topic that is!! There will be MANY who sincerely believe that this particular set of commandments is obsolete. Those same people will sincerely have reasons of their own for believing what they believe, and I have mine.

Sufficient to say, these commandments are in the Book. God does NOT have to explain Himself. He has His own reasons for including them, and if you are at all exercised by this, then just ask Him to show you.

As always there is so much more teaching available every week. This is just “my personal reflection” on a small part of it. Why not share yours with a friend?   Or even Zion’s Voice.     It could be a reflection of the future!

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for 20th March - 26th March

Torah portion              Leviticus 6 : 8  to  8 : 36

Haftarah portion     Jeremiah 7:21 to 8:3 and 9:22,23

“Command”

Why the sacrifices?

Last week we dealt with the general purposes and types of offering which Moses was commanded to declare to the people. In this parashah, Moses is given specific instruction regarding the precise way each of these offerings was to be made, and what was to happen to them.

With the exception of the Burnt Offerings, which (apart from the skin) was to be totally consumed in the fire on the altar, the other offerings would be used, in part, as food for the Priests who officiate at that offering, as follows:-

1. Burnt Offering            God’s portion, the whole animal. Priests portion, the skin (to be sold)

2. Grain Offering           Priests own offering, all for God. Others offering,  God’s portion, a memorial amount (handful). Priests portion, the remainder (which had to be consumed within the court of the Tabernacle).

3. Peace Offering            God’s portion, the fatty portions. Priests portion, Breast (which was given to the High Priest for a wave offering), Right foreleg, given to the officiating priest (as a Heave offering). Remainder was for the Offeror (which was to be eaten the same day).

4. Sin Offering                 God’s portion, the fatty portions. If the offering was for the High Priest and the congregation of Israel, all that remained was to be burnt outside the camp. If the offering was for others, the Priests were to eat it within the court of the Tabernacle.

5. Trespass Offering      God’s portion, the fatty portions. Priests portion, the remainder which was to be eaten within the court of the tabernacle.

God’s instructions were precise. No-one was left to guess what to do next. We should all take careful note of this. When God gives us an instruction, we do not have the option of making changes to suit our mood or our circumstances.

When God sent Yeshua to dwell amongst us, Yeshua verified that He did not come to do His own will, but that of the Father who sent Him. There was no variation option available to Him. Do you think that we have an option which was not even afforded to the ONLY Son of God?

Now it is true, that we no longer have a requirement to offer animal sacrifices. In fact Gentiles were never asked to offer animal sacrifices. It is wonderfully true that Yeshua Himself became the acceptable sacrifice, (the sinless Lamb of God without blemish), for sin for any who put their trust in Him. It is the will of God that NONE should perish, so to that extent Yeshua’s atoning death was for everyone, but we know that many today are dismissive of that sacrifice, even contemptuous. God has specified Himself how those who reject His love offering will end.

In our parashah today, we may conclude that amongst the Israelites there would also have been two groups of people. Those who accepted God’s instructions regarding sacrifice, and those who said “well that’s not the way I see it!!” God has afforded all of us that option. But for those who accept the provision that He has made, both then and now, He specifies HOW it has to be. And that is GOD”s WAY.

When more than one kind of offering was presented (as in Numbers 6: 16,17), the procedure was usually as follows :-

First, the sin offering, then the burnt offering or grain offering, then the peace offering, in that order. This sequence furnishes part of the spiritual significance of the sacrificial system.

First sin had to be dealt with (the sin offering or trespass offering). Second the worshipper committed himself completely to God (the burnt offering or grain offering). Third, the fellowship or communion between the Lord, the Priest and the Worshipper (peace offering) was established. To put it another way, there were sacrifices for expiation (sin offerings or trespass offerings), consecration (burnt offerings and grain offerings), and communion (peace offerings).

It is easy to dismiss these portions of Scripture from Leviticus as being obsolete, which in detail, since the destruction of the Temple, they are. But the principles of renewal and reconciliation of relationship with a Holy God remain. In Yeshua, He has provided all the sacrifice we need for our fellowship with Him. But the principle of how we get to that point remains.

Our sin has to be dealt with. That begins with our acknowledgement that we are sinners and we need to repent. Our commitment to serve God in God’s way is what is called consecration to Him. Our reconciliation is complete when we willingly decide to obey His commandments.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for 13th March - 19th March
 

Torah portion           Leviticus 1 : 1  to  6 : 7

Haftarah portion     Isaiah 43 : 21 – 44:23

“And He called”

Draw near to God

Leviticus is the place where ‘new year resolutions’ founder!!!

Many people who set out at the beginning of a year to read the Bible ‘cover to cover’ do pretty well up to this point, then it gets a bit ‘heavy going’.

I understand that Jewish Yeshiva students actually begin their Torah studies at this point. This is because Leviticus is foundational to their training as Rabbinic students. Not only the written Torah, but they also have Mishnah and Gemara, which additionally cover the “Oral Torah” contained in volumes of rabbinic Judgements and Interpretations, together called the Talmud, to master. It is these latter documents, codified during the 1st century C.E. to about 6th century C.E which comprise the written form of the Pharisaic teachings which were prevalent during Yeshua’s days on earth. These are teachings which Yeshua branded “the traditions of men”, and which He had much to say about. It is also these very teachings which have caused the church so much misunderstanding of Torah itself, and which the Apostle Paul wrote against in his letters to the Asian churches, notably Galations.

My Bible has this introduction to Leviticus, which is in absolute contrast to “the traditions of men” which is mentioned above:-

Leviticus is God’s guidebook for His newly redeemed people, showing them how to worship, serve, and obey a Holy God. Fellowship with God through sacrifice and obedience show the awesome Holiness of the God of Israel. Indeed “be ye Holy, for I the Lord your God am Holy” (Lev 19:2). Leviticus focuses on the worship and walk of the Nation of God.”

The main purpose of Leviticus is to give instruction to the Levites (the Priests), in the same way that Deuteronomy has instructions for the laity. Neither book relates to the journeying of the Israelites, and so are not sequential in timing with those travels. We may therefor assume that these instructions were communicated to Moses over a period of time. But we are not expressly told this.

What we do know is that there are FIVE different “offerings” specified in this book. Each of them had a particular purpose. THREE of those were to be voluntarily presented, and TWO were mandatory for dealing with particular offences.

1. Burnt Offering         A voluntary act of worship. Atonement for unintentional sin. An expression of devotion. A commitment and complete                                           surrender to God.
2. Grain Offering         A voluntary act of worship. Recognition of God’s goodness and provision. Devotion to God alone.
3. Peace Offering        A voluntary act of worship. Thanksgiving and fellowship (it included a communal meal).
4. Sin Offering            A mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin. Confession of sin. Forgiveness of sin. Cleansing from defilement.
5. Trespass Offering  A mandatory atonement for unintentional sin which also required restitution. Cleansing from defilement. Make restitution.                                    Pay a 20% fine.

It is most significant that in each case, the major consequence of the presentation of these offerings is that the offeror “draws near to God”. It is in this “drawing near” that one receives the blessing of forgiveness and fellowship renewal.

In Scripture, whenever the “Peace Offering” is mentioned, it is almost invariably referred to as “the sacrifice of the peace offering”. As I ponder this thought, with the knowledge that the system of sacrificial “drawing near” is not now possible in its original form since the Temple was destroyed, I offer this thought for your consideration.

Jeremiah introduced us another ‘sacrifice’ (Jeremiah 33:11). Read the whole chapter to get the context. The writer to the Hebrews, in his letter to the Jews worshipping in the many synagogues in the diaspora picked up on Jeremiah’s ‘sacrifice’. It is another voluntary sacrifice which can only be made out of a willing heart. It is an important ‘sacrifice’ to make.

“…..let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”  Hebrews 13:15

How can praising God be a ‘sacrifice’? Well, for me, it became a ‘sacrifice’ when after some years of resistance, I raised my hands in worship in an anti-charismatic church I once attended !! It was the realization that my worship was to the Lord, not to those around me. Astoundingly, I found that in that moment I Drew near to God, in fact, very near.

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for 6th March - 12th March

Torah portion           Exodus 38 : 21  to  40 : 38

Haftarah portion     1 Kings 7 : 51 – 8:21

“Accounts”

What a blessing!

Last week we were introduced to Bezalel, the gifted artisan chosen by God to make the articles and use the materials which were used in the construction of the Mishkan. This week’s parashah opens with Bezalel giving an account of the materials he used to complete the work.

It is quite an exhaustive list of account. The detail included is impressive. Nothing was omitted. Every gift willingly donated by the people was accounted for. It provided clear transparency. To put this into modern vernacular, it confirmed that of those handling the finances, “no-one had their snout in the trough”!! 

Too often, today, we are appraised of situations where those appointed to take care of what is effectively the public purse, exhibit little or nothing  in the way of open scrutiny. Misuse of public funds, regrettably, is all too commonplace. We are left wondering if what we do find out about is merely the ‘tip of the iceberg’. Our parashah this week provides a wonderful example of righteous living. Torah living, no less.

Not only had the work been completed, but we have a most interesting comment from Moses (Exodus 39:43). The work was exactly as the Lord had prescribed, so to that extent, everything was ‘perfect’. Then the words “And Moses blessed them”. We are not told what form this blessing took. But we can be sure that they would have been delighted with the ‘blessing” Moses gave them. It indicates that Moses had faithfully communicated the words of the Lord to them. They had clearly understood what was required. They diligently followed his instructions.

God Himself must have approved too, because Exodus 40 opens with an instruction to set up the Mishkan on the first day of the first month. That was to be just two weeks short of the first anniversary of their departure from Egypt, and just in time for the celebration of their first “mo’ed’, a remembrance of Passover. Try to get a glimpse of the joyful expectation with which that event would be celebrated. YHWH Elohim in their midst. Their corporate activity, aided by their willing contributions, had produced this impressive structure, where the very presence of God was manifest before their eyes. What a blessing !

PLEASE, read slowly the account of this process in Exodus 40 : 16-33. Catch a glimpse of their excitement Each item being placed in position, the structure erected, the articles of worship placed in position, one by one all their efforts over the past several months taking shape, and the final screen placed in front of the court gate.

Immediately, they stand back and watch as the cloud covers the Mishkan, and suddenly the glory of the Lord filled the place. It must have been awesome. That means that they would stand in awe, wonder, amazement, joy, fear, expectation .. and every other emotion imaginable.That, dear friends, was the glory of the Lord dwelling amongst men. What a blessing !

That Mishkan, and later the Temple, served as the dwelling place of God amongst His people for the next 1,500 years. Then God, in love, mercy and grace, sent Yeshua. The very presence of God, not as a building, but a Person. A Person who experienced every human experience and emotion that we feel. Yet sinless and perfect before men and before His Heavenly Father.

Should we not feel the same about the presence of God, in Yeshua, as those Israelites felt as they stood in awe before that Mishkan as the Shekina of God filled the place. He is the same God. He has not changed. He will not change. Be blessed by that fact.

It is possible to read this account of the Mishkan as an historical event, which it was, but there are many lessons there for us to learn about our God and His dealings with those people whom He is seeking to draw to Himself. The blessing of gifts with which He blessed them as they left Egypt. His invitation to them to willingly contribute, (not grudgingly or of necessity) out of that with which He has blessed them. His desire to provide means by which He lives amongst them.

The Mishkan was a place where atonement was made for the transgressions of the people. Yeshua is the person God provided so that atonement is made for the transgressions of those who trust Him.

What a blessing!          

Shabbat Shalom

RS

Torah Portion for 28th February - 5th March

Torah portion           Exodus 35 : 1  to  38 : 20

Haftarah portion     1 Kings 7 : 40 – 50

​“And he assembled”

​Willing and obedient

How clear is this? Moses called all the congregation of the people together and told them to keep the Sabbath. (Check it out at Exodus 20 where the “Ten Words” which God gave to Moses on the mountain are recorded. The FOURTH of those ‘words’ is "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”).

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about the meaning of the word “Holy”. We discovered that it means separate, different, special, set apart. We have been taught in our Christian churches that ‘one day is as good as another’, and that is correct. We are free to worship God any and every day we choose. But that does not alter the fact that in His wisdom, love and grace towards us, and for His own reasons, God chose the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath Day. It is one of God’s “mo’edim” (appointed times), described in Leviticus 23 as days when God would meet with His people. The other seven times are called “feasts” in our Bibles.  Passover, Unleavened Bread, First fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and ending with Tabernacles.

I recently came across a Derek Prince teaching letter. In part, under a heading “Embracing God’s Commands” he wrote :

     “What’s your attitude towards God’s commands? Do you fear them? Do you resent them? Do you try to get away from them? That’s a foolish attitude.

     Remember, God gave His commands to us not to create problems for us but to solve them, not to harm us but to help us. God’s love is in His commands. They are given to save us from ourselves, to save us from evil, to show us the way out of our difficulties and our problems.

     ….  You see, when we love God’s commands and obey them; automatically they reveal to us what is wrong. They show us how to distinguish between good and evil, between what is beneficial and what is harmful. And when we are walking in the light of God’s commands, they keep us from everything harmful, from everything hurtful, from every wrong path.”

Derek seemed to have a way of telling like it is .. not like the way we wish it were !!

Three weeks ago, in our parashah “Terumah”, we discovered how the Lord blessed these Israelites with significant wealth. In Exodus 25, God told Moses to solicit “willing donations” from the people for the purpose of constructing the Mishkan. Now God tells Moses to start collecting the materials. A promise to give is one thing, handing it over is ‘where the rubber hits the road’.

Exodus 35:10 informs us that Bezalel, of the tribe of Judah, had been filled with Spirit of God and given gifts (skills) necessary to turn the ‘willing donations’ of the people into the accomplishment of the task of designing the furniture and shaping the elements which were needed to finish the work. He was also provided with skilled assistants.

As I reflect on this parashah, I see how very important it is for each one, from Bezalel the designer, to Mrs. ??? who handed over her only pair of gold earrings to be willing and obedient to the call of God. You don’t need me to apply the modern metaphor for this. We all, as believers in Yeshua, have been gifted with abilities and responsibilities to play our part, (however small and insignificant we may think our part to be) in conjunction with our Holy God, to bring about His purposes. The key is willingness added to obedience. We may need reminding that in God’s Kingdom no-one is “giftless” !!. We all have something to bring, but, regrettably, we are not all ‘willing’.

There is one more fascinating fact provided in Exodus 36: 3 – 7. The “willingness’ of these Israelites, to bring their gifts for the work seems to have been boundless. “And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.” What a lesson that provides for those of us who are willing to learn !

The remainder of our parashah provides intricate detail of the various elements of the Mishkan. It is indicative of the way God instructs His people. If we return for reference to the quotation from Derek Prince earlier in this ‘reflection’, we will see that in His love, mercy and grace, God has given us clear instruction about how we should order our lives. All that is required of us is to be “willing and obedient”.

Shabbat Shalom

RS